Emma tossed her coat over the back of the chair near the door as soon as she entered the apartment. It was a habit of Ruby's that she'd quickly fallen back into after a couple of days of Emma living with her – and honestly, it had come as a relief to Emma, who had been stressing out over Ruby's near-compulsive need to pick up every bit of clutter. Slowly, she'd started to slip back into habits that were more befitting of a working adult, and Emma had been able to relax a little more each time, realizing that she didn't need to keep things spotless to keep her relationship with Ruby from getting strained.

Ruby poked her head over the couch. "Hey, Emma. How was work?"

Emma shrugged, not really wanting to bring up her encounter. She'd dealt with enough needling from the girls at the shop, and she wasn't really wanting to trigger the onslaught from Ruby as well. They meant well, really – but it was embarrassing, and honestly, Emma didn't really want to linger on the idea of something that she couldn't have.

Because even if Regina was flirting with her – which, okay, after today seemed pretty likely – she probably didn't want anything serious, and Regina was the type of woman to take over Emma's thoughts completely.

She already occupied enough space in Emma's mind, and nothing had even happened between the two of them. If they shared so much as a kiss…and then Regina pulled away from her? Emma shook her head, trying to clear it. She didn't want to think about that.

"Not bad. You off tonight?" Emma eyed the other woman. She was lounging against the arm of the sofa, a raggedy tank top and a pair of thick sweatpants a stark contrast to her daytime wear.

Ruby confirmed as much with a nod. "Tuesday nights aren't exactly busy." She held up a slice of pizza, gesturing to the coffee table. "I ordered pepperoni. Wanna join me?"

Emma smiled. "Sure. I'm just gonna change." Really, one of these days, one of them was going to have to start cooking more often.

Emma threw on her comfiest set of pajamas, thinking to herself that she deserved a bit of relaxation tonight. She soon settled onto the couch beside Ruby, who tucked up her feet to make room without complaint, and busied herself with eating pizza and scrolling through her phone. Ruby had some movie on the tv — some old, B horror film, from the looks of it — and Emma let the dialogue and dramatic violins become background noise.

It wasn't until late that night that Emma realized what Regina had been doing when she'd held her phone for a few moments extra. She wouldn't have noticed, probably, if she hadn't been closing out her open apps.

She never opened the contacts app. She really didn't need to – almost everyone she talked to had an open text message on her phone. But there it was, hovering in her open apps – she tapped it and it opened to a contact that she definitely hadn't entered herself.

She would've remembered.

Holy shit.

Emma sat straight up with the realization, earning a questioning glance from Ruby. They'd settled into a movie marathon, Emma sinking into the cushions with her feet propped up on the table, and she hadn't moved in hours.

"What's wrong?" Ruby asked, brow furrowed.

Emma blinked, eyes flickering up to meet Ruby's and then back down to the screen. "…Regina's number is in my phone."

"…What?"

"Regina's number is in my phone," Emma repeated, eyes wide. That wasn't — she hadn't —

No, because Regina had.

She must've. Emma remembered the extra several moments she'd taken when she'd paid for the flowers, the way she'd tapped a few keys on the screen. Emma had assumed she'd been leaving a tip, but…clearly not.

Oh, fuck.

Under business, it simply read call me.

…Oh, fuck.

Ruby sat up too, at that, leaning over to get a look at Emma's screen. Emma tilted it towards her, and Ruby's eyes lit up.

"Wait, you mean the business hottie from your first day? That Regina? Em, this totally means she's into you. When the hell did you get her number? You didn't tell me!"

"I…" Emma shook her head. "She must've put it in my phone when she paid for the flowers today."

Ruby pouted. "You didn't even tell me you saw her!"

Emma at least had the decency to send her an apologetic glance. "Sorry, Ruby. I was just…tired. The girls at work spent all day teasing me about it and I kind of wanted to put her out of my mind for a while."

Ruby softened at that. "Why the hell would you want to do that, Emma? She likes you. Aren't you, I don't know, excited? Unless…are you not into her? You seemed pretty far gone for her like, a couple days ago."

"No, no, I am." Emma sighed. "It's just…she was flirting with me today, too. And I don't know. She's just so…commanding. I've only seen her three times and each time she's been wearing some designer suit. I mean, look at me." She gestured to herself, baggy t-shirt and flannel pajama pants, all neatly topped off with a light layer of pizza crumbs.

"Emma, I hate to break it to you, but I'm sure she wears pajamas, too." The words were teasing, but she said them with a kind smile, and it grew when Emma laughed, too.

"You know what I mean, Ruby." It wasn't just the way that she dressed – though, that was part of it, too. She thought back to what had become her standard work outfit: dirty blue jeans that were already starting to get holes in the knees from kneeling on the concrete floor of the shop, and her scuffed up boots that were leaning by the door. She'd at least taken to wearing nice shirts – not nearly Regina nice, but pretty blouses that allowed her to at least pretend that she'd put some effort in. There was dirt beneath her fingernails, and she was fully aware of the fact that she smelled like fertilizer and chlorophyll. Regina, on the other hand, carried with her a regal presence everywhere she went. Emma found herself stunned by the other woman's presence every time she saw her, with her perfectly styled hair and manicured nails – not that Emma had spent that much time staring at her hands. Right. "I'm…not like that. I'm just…me."

Ruby just scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, you're Emma, and you're hot. You know you're hot, right? I'd fuck you myself if I wasn't worried it'd mess up the whole roommate dynamic." She shook her head. "Tried that once before, it was such a disaster." Her eyes flashed, and she plucked Emma's phone right out of her lap, ignoring Emma's indignant hey! as she did so. She held it out, screen facing Emma. "Passcode," She demanded.

"Why?" Emma asked, suspicion lacing her words. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to text her for you since you won't do it yourself, you dumbass. What, you think you aren't worthy? That's the dumbest shit I've ever heard, and I'm going to prove it to you when she responds right away. She's probably been watching her phone all day."

"Uh-uh, no." Emma snatched the phone back, tucking it safely inside her bra, where she was certain – well, somewhat certain – that Ruby wouldn't reach.

"Why the hell not? I'm not going to say anything weird. Just, something like, hey, it's Emma!"

"Because I don't want to seem desperate," Emma sighed. "I'm going to give it like, a day or two. Also, it's midnight."

Ruby rolled her eyes and sat back against the armrest with only a little bit of dramatic flair. "Alright, fair enough. But you have to tell me what happens when you finally do." They sat in silence for a moment while Ruby nursed her beer. "So, when do I get to meet her? Or at least see a picture?"

Emma scoffed, but she couldn't help the little smile that was pulling at her lips. Having friends that actually cared about her love life was nice, even if they did insist on being absolutely insufferable about it. She hadn't had that in Boston. "Let's wait until we can actually establish that this is going anywhere first."

"Fair enough." Ruby smirked at her over the rim of her mug. "But I want to be the first to know when you two hook up."

"You have my word." Emma shook her head. "Oh, that reminds me. Aurora wanted me to tell you we're invited to drinks and dinner at her place tomorrow."

"Oh, cool." Emma eyed her for a moment, contemplating, and she added, "What?"

Emma shrugged. "Nothing. I think she wants to introduce you to Belle. You two would be good for each other."

"Hmm." Ruby rested her chin in her hand as she considered. "I met her once, at the shop. She's cute, in a bookish kind of way. Yeah, okay. That could be fun. I'll wear something cute."

Emma eyed her. "And you won't say anything to them about Regina's number?" Ruby pouted, and Emma added, "Seriously. They'll never let it go."

"Alright, fine. I promise."

Emma held out her hand towards Ruby, one pinky stuck out, and Ruby hooked her own into it.

"Pinky promise," She corrected herself, and Emma smiled.

"Thank you."

Ruby softened again, and after a moment, she added, "You know, Emma, she'd be lucky to have you. If it really turns out that she doesn't see that – which I doubt it will – she's an idiot."

Emma returned that soft little smile, the rock that had permanently settled in her chest for years lightening just a little. "Thanks, Ruby."

The end of the next workday rolled around pretty quickly. They were steady, just busy enough to keep Emma busy, but slow enough that she could still get things done.

The little bell at the door chimed and Emma looked up as a woman entered, prepared to go and help her, but Aurora called out a greeting almost immediately.

"Hi, Kathryn!" The words were accompanied by a bright smile, and she cleared away a little bit of the clutter on the desk in preparation.

A regular, then, Emma reasoned. She was normally the one to take clients at the desk nowadays, but Aurora was already behind it, and she seemed to know this woman, anyway. Emma resumed her sweeping of fallen leaves and shriveled petals.

"Hi, Rory!" The blonde replied with a smile, before pressing her phone back to her ear. "No, I'm at the florist. Yes — I'll be home in 30 minutes, Fredrick. Just change the damn diaper. You can make it a half hour on your own." She hung up the phone with an eye roll. "Men." She glanced up, making eye contact with Emma. "Don't ever marry one, they're far more trouble than they're worth."

"I'm a lesbian," Emma blurted out, regretting it immediately as the customer's eyes widened a bit. "...So that's not a problem," She added lamely. She heard a snicker come from behind the counter, and she shot a glare Belle's way, who did absolutely nothing to hide the fact that the laughter had come from her.

The woman – Kathryn – replied by way of nod, an amused smile on her face. "Good for you, honestly." With that she strode up to the counter, offering Aurora a nod. "We're going to be having a fundraiser here in a couple of weeks. Think you could swing us a couple of short-notice arrangements for the event?"

Aurora's eyes sparkled. "You know I love a challenge. For the two of you, anything." She flipped open the binder she used to track large orders and pulled out a fresh page. "How many are you looking to do?"

"Six large arrangements and two dozen small for the dining tables, please." Aurora raised a brow, and Kathryn continued, "I know, I know. Can you make it happen?"

Aurora smiled, shaking her head. "I did say anything for you, didn't I? I'll figure something out. Any specific requests?"

"Nope. You know my girl, she trusts you. Complete creative freedom, she just wants something that will go with the color scheme. It's going to the local hospital, so we're thinking green for the main event."

"That'll be easy, since, you know. Leaves." Aurora commented, and a little laugh escaped Kathryn. "Any particular shades? Accent color?"

"Dark green. And, white and blue are probably safest. Maybe pink."

Aurora nodded, scribbling down in her book. "Alright. I'll have to see if I can get my hands on some alstroemeria. Maybe some lily of the valley?"

"Sounds beautiful."

Aurora grinned, flipping the paperwork and pushing it towards Kathryn so that she could sign. "Perfect. Are you handling the deposit?"

Kathryn flashed a card. "Got card privileges just for the occasion."

Aurora laughed as she processed the payment. "Will we see the two of you tonight?"

Kathryn nodded at that. "We'll be there. Both of us. I'm going to steal her phone for the evening, if I have to."

They finished up the transaction, and just as Kathryn was leaving, she turned back and made eye contact with Emma.

"You know, I didn't catch your name."

"Emma," She answered, and Kathryn's eyes flashed. She gave a little nod, and Emma had the feeling there was more to it than she was letting on.

"Nice to meet you, Emma. I'm Kathryn. I'll be seeing you."

With that she left the shop, and Emma directed a questioning look at Aurora and Belle.

Belle just shrugged nonchalantly, and Aurora replied in a noncommittal voice, "Oh, she's just being friendly. She'll be at dinner tonight. I think you'll like her."

Emma just hummed in response. It would be nice to make another friend in town, and Kathryn did seem like the kind of person Emma would get along with. Shrugging, Emma put it out of her mind and went back to her evening tasks.

Aurora reminded her about dinner – for probably the fourth time that day – as they closed up the shop and Emma strolled over to her bug. She waved to indicate that she'd heard, and then pulled off to run a few errands before heading home. By the time she made it back to the apartment, Ruby was already dressed and ready, flitting around the kitchen much as she had the day Emma had moved in. Her long dark hair had been neatly straightened, and she was wearing a bright red dress that was probably more fitting for a cocktail party than a casual dinner with friends.

"Wow," Was all Emma said, and Ruby grinned at her. "I, uh, didn't know this was a fancy clothes kind of event."

Ruby shook her head as she put a hoop earring in. "It's not, don't worry. I just felt like it."

Emma raised a brow. "And it has nothing to do with the prospect of getting a date tonight?"

Ruby flashed her a grin. "Maybe." She clasped the other earring and then took a step back, holding her arms out and doing a little twirl so Emma could see the whole of her outfit. "I look good, though, right?"

Emma gave her a reassuring smile. "Very," She replied, and it was the truth. "Are we driving together?"

"That's what I figured, if it's okay with you?"

"Of course. I need a shower, though – give me like 20 and I'll be ready."

"Yep. Oh, wear something red! We can match!" Ruby called after her. Emma rolled her eyes to herself, a fond smile appearing on her lips.

Why the hell not?

She showered and blew her hair dry in record time, not wanting to be late to the first social event she'd been invited to since coming to town. When she finally made it to her wardrobe, she pulled out a pair of dark jeans and a flowy red blouse with sheer sleeves. She slipped on one of her nicer pairs of boots, and then she was ready. She swept her keys off of their spot on her dresser and returned to the kitchen, where Ruby was beginning to pace.

"Ready?" She asked, eyes dropping over Emma's outfit in an appraisal. "Oh, you look hot."

Emma laughed. "Thanks. You too."

"I know," Ruby replied with a wink, and Emma shook her head, brushing past her to the bug.

Aurora's place was a hell of a lot bigger than Emma had been expecting.

The house was tucked into the edge of the woods, not so far as to be inconvenient but enough to be out of the way. It was two stories, and the yard was a sprawling shrine to Aurora's love of florals.

"Oh, damn," Emma breathed as they pulled up.

"Yeah, their place is nice as hell, isn't it?" Ruby glanced over at Emma's gaping, and added, "Probably don't bring it up, though. Aurora inherited this place from her parents. They both passed when she was young." Ruby popped her door open. "I mean, you can tell her it's nice, of course. I just mean, maybe don't be like, wow, you're rich!"

"Got it," Emma replied as she too got out of the car, still stuck on the sheer size of it. A small part of herself – the orphan part – resonated with the rest of what Ruby had said, though, and some of her easy connection with Aurora made sense now.

"Anyways, no more sad stuff," Ruby said as Emma shut her door and locked the bug. She started up the walkway towards the front door without waiting for Emma, adding, "Party time!"

It was Mulan who opened the door when they rang the bell. She had a beer in hand and an easy smile on her face, one that transformed into raised brows as she took in Ruby's outfit.

"Damn, Lucas. Trying to get laid tonight?"

Ruby winked at her. "I have it on good authority that there's a pretty, single brunette here tonight."

"Three, actually," Mulan replied with a pointed glance as she waved them inside.

"Three?" Emma asked, handing over the bottle of wine that she'd brought. Ruby had poked fun at her for it, telling her that they'd think it was too formal. She'd stopped when Emma's eyes had dropped to her four-inch heels.

Mulan took the bottle and thanked her. "Aurora loves a good red. C'mon, everyone's in the kitchen."

"Who's everyone?" Emma asked as Mulan led them through the entryway. Three single brunettes. Emma ticked them off in her head. If Ruby and Belle made two, then who was the third? And why the hell had Mulan looked at her like that when she'd said it?

A dark, rich laugh filtered through the hall as if to answer her.

…No. It couldn't be. Right? They wouldn't –

Emma's heart skipped a beat as she realized she didn't know how close Aurora and Regina actually were.

Her suspicions were confirmed when they entered the kitchen. There, leaning against the island with a glass of wine in her hand, was Regina.

She looked up as soon as they entered, meeting Emma's eyes with a small flush on her cheeks that was probably just from the alcohol.

Right?

"Ruby and Emma are here," Mulan announced, and a chorus of greetings sounded through the group. Aurora strode over to give them both a hug and thank them for coming. She introduced them to the others – Ruby to Kathryn and Regina, and both of them to a sweet couple named Mary Margaret and David. After that she left them to mingle, pulling more wine glasses out of the cabinet and handing one each to Ruby and Emma.

"Hi, Emma. Long time no see."

Emma looked up to find Kathryn regarding her, a slightly embarrassed looking Regina next to her. She sipped at her wine for a moment, eyes trailing over Emma's body.

Emma offered her a lopsided smile, their earlier encounter fresh in her mind. "Hi, Kathryn."

"You were right, Regina." A mischievous smile graced her lips as she studied Emma, and then she made eye contact with Regina. "When you called her the blonde with the biceps."

"The – what?" Emma stared, slack jawed, as Katherine grinned. Regina stood beside her, a look much like Emma's on her own face, but with wide, panicked eyes.

"Kat–" She hissed, and Kathryn shrugged.

Something clicked in Emma's memory, then: she even told my aunt Kat about you. She called you the blonde with –

Kat. Kathryn. Her interest in Emma at the shop –

Well. That explained that.

"Your words, not mine." She shot Regina a wink.

Regina's eyes finally flickered over to meet Emma's. There was a distinct blush on her cheeks now, one that couldn't simply be written off to alcohol. "I'm…well." She took a deep sip from her wine and then shook her head, letting out a breathy, embarrassed laugh. "You know what, I'm not even going to try and deny it. You have nice arms, Miss Swan."

Ruby looked like she was going to burst into giggles right then and there.

Emma smiled sheepishly, suddenly grateful that Ruby had talked her into wearing red – the sheer sleeves did wonders for her muscle definition. "...Thank you." It was all she could think to say. Regina busied herself with fixing a playful glare at her friend.

After that Emma was sucked into the group's conversation. At one point Ruby caught her eye, not so subtly pointing at Regina and mouthing oh my god! Emma rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help her smile, because…well, yeah. Regina was fucking stunning. She'd worn a dark green blouse to the party, and the color was nothing short of gorgeous against her tan skin and dark eyes.

And then Mulan announced that dinner was served, and everyone filtered into the dining room. That was – everyone except Regina, who was still standing by the kitchen island. Emma steeled herself with a deep breath. This was the perfect opportunity. She wasn't going to squander it. With one last glance over at the group – ensuring they were far enough not to overhear, because anything Emma said would surely become more firepower for Aurora and Ruby – she made her way over to Regina.

"We look like Christmas together," Emma commented, and a laugh bubbled from Regina's throat, low and sultry and loose from the wine. It set Emma's heart racing.

"Why?" She asked with a grin, eyes dropping to Emma's red shirt, and that bright, wide smile sent butterflies through Emma's chest. "Is it because this conversation is a gift, or do you want to unwrap me?"

Emma blinked, a little bewildered and unable to help the surprised grin that spread across her lips.

Regina chuckled, a little embarrassment making it through to her words as she added, "I'm sorry, that was…a lot. You'll have to forgive me, Rory's managed to get two of these into me already." She gestured to her wine glass.

Emma sipped at her own, looking away to attempt to hide the heat in her cheeks. "No, it's okay, it's…" She trailed off into a flustered laugh. "I was talking about our shirts. Because, you know, you're wearing green."

"I know, Emma." She leaned forward against the countertop, eyes fixed on the dining room ahead. "I hope I haven't just scared you off entirely?"

"Not a chance. It'll take more than that to get rid of me." Emma joined her, leaning her back against it instead with her body angled towards Regina. "You put your number in my phone," She said after a moment, and Regina's gaze finally flickered to meet her own.

"You found that, huh?" She asked, a sheepish smile on her lips. "I was wondering. I believe I left explicit instructions, didn't I?"

"Kinda figured that less than a day might seem desperate."

Regina peered at her. "You're ruining a perfectly good lesbian stereotype, you know."

"Who says I'm a lesbian?" Emma smiled even as she said it. She could practically feel Regina roll her eyes.

"You did, earlier today."

It was Emma's turn to look sheepish. "Kathryn told you about that, did she?"

Regina gave a low laugh. "The moment she returned to the office. Practically broke down my door to announce it."

"Well, that's embarrassing." Emma smiled, her eyes dropping to her mostly full glass as she did so.

"It was cute, the way she told it." Regina replied, and Emma glanced back up to meet her eyes. Regina was smiling at her, and they were decidedly closer than they had been to start with.

When had that happened?

Their arms were brushing on the countertop now. A thrill shot through Emma's chest at the realization .

"Come on, you two. You can flirt in there with the rest of the party."

They jumped apart. Mulan was standing in the doorway, regarding them with amusement. She waved them over, fixing Emma in particular with a sharp look.

"Just don't tell Rory that I interrupted you two. I worked hard on dinner, though, and damn it, you two are going to eat."

"Sorry," Emma muttered sheepishly, stepping away from Regina reluctantly and making her way to the dining room. Regina did the same, only she nudged Mulan as they walked past, an affectionate smile on her face.

They'd been left neighboring seats at the table, at least, sandwiched between Ruby and Kathryn respectively. The proximity made Emma's heart race.

Dinner was delicious. Emma wouldn't have pegged Mulan for a cook, but apparently she was, and a fantastic one at that. Aurora kept them all in wine – Emma didn't drink much more than her first glass, wanting to remain clear-headed lest she embarrass herself in front of Regina. She was known to be…affectionate when she was drunk, and that was the last thing she needed right now.

The rest of them, on the other hand…well.

Ruby and Belle both were tipsy by the end of the night. They appeared to have hit it off, though, and when Ruby pulled Emma aside to whisper that they were calling an uber and not to wait up, she squeezed her upper arm and told her to have fun.

Good for them, she thought.

"Ohh, I'm toast. I'm going to have to call Frederick. He's going to be pissed," Kathryn practically sang the words. She pulled out her phone and it immediately slipped from her fingers, landing at her feet with a thud. Regina burst into actual giggles as she bent down to retrieve it for her friend.

"Me too," She murmured.

"You can come with us." Kathryn eyed Regina. "You'd have to sit in the back, though. With the car seat."

Regina frowned at the notion, and Emma…she shouldn't, but. She was sober. She could drive.

"I can give you a ride," She offered.

Regina's eyes snapped to her immediately. Kathryn gave a little "ooooh", and Emma heard Ruby snicker in the background. But none of that mattered, because Regina was regarding her with shining eyes, with flushed cheeks and a smile on her lips, and oh, Emma was farther gone for this woman than she'd thought.

"Okay," Regina replied, still staring at Emma with those wide brown eyes. "I'd like that. Thank you."

Emma nodded. "Alright, then. Cool."

She said her goodbyes, Aurora shooting her a knowing look as they made their way out to the bug.

Regina laughed as soon as Emma unlocked the car and the lights flashed.

"You drive a beetle?" She asked, striding up to it and peering at the front of it. She looked back up at Emma, disappointed. "You don't have the eyelashes."

"No, I don't." Emma laughed, amused at this new side of Regina. Emma didn't know what she was expecting, hadn't really given much thought to what the other woman would be like drunk – but goofy hadn't been it. "They're not really my style."

Regina pouted. "I think they're funny."

"I'll get some just for you," Emma replied, and Regina brightened immediately.

"You will?"

"I will," She confirmed, opening the passenger side door for the other woman and ushering her inside.

"Good," Regina replied, and plopped down inside. "Thank you," She murmured, as Emma closed the door behind her. When she circled around and entered the driver's side, Regina added, "I don't usually drink, you know."

Emma laughed. "I can tell." Regina had had – what, three glasses of wine? Maybe four? "It's okay, just relax. And – here, put your address into the gps." She handed over her phone to the other woman, who took it and began typing.

"You know, you never texted me," Regina commented as she handed the device back. "That means you have my number but I don't have yours. That's not fair."

"I'll fix that tonight, I promise." Emma checked the gps. Mifflin street – that wasn't actually too far from her own place, albeit it was in a much nicer area. Such was the nature of small towns, she supposed.

"Good," Was all Regina said. Emma gave a soft laugh, and they drove off in silence.

When they pulled into the driveway Emma cut the engine. Regina peered out the window for a couple moments, and Emma asked, "Do you want me to walk me to your door?"

Regina turned to her, wordless. Instead she shifted closer, leaning forward to cup her hand around Emma's jaw.

"You're really beautiful, you know that?" She whispered, and Emma swallowed.

"Regina…what are you…?" Her words were cut off as the other woman leaned forward and kissed her. It was slow, lazy, languid – and it was wrong to let it go on, Emma thought, because Regina was drunk, but oh, was it nice. Emma tried to tamp down her disappointment as she resolved to break the kiss –

But then Regina pulled back abruptly, fingers flying up to her lips as she blinked, wide-eyed as if she could hardly believe what she'd done.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…" She swallowed visibly.

"It's okay," Emma whispered, unsure how to react. She just sat there, stunned that it had actually happened, terrified that Regina would regret it, until their eyes met again. "It's okay," She repeated, and Regina's eyes softened.

"Goodnight, Emma," She whispered, and ducked out of the bug without giving Emma a chance to reply. She hurried up the driveway to her door, and Emma watched helplessly as she disappeared from view.

"Right," Emma breathed to herself, turning the key and pulling away from Regina's home.

It wasn't until she was home, tucked into her bed with her face scrubbed free of makeup and her pajamas on, that she pulled out her phone. Her thumb hovered over Regina's number for several seconds before she finally tapped the new message button and typed out her reply.

Goodnight, Regina.