Author's Notes:

Special Thanks to my illustrator and contributing author ale_nena who makes beautiful cover art and helped me write sections of this chapter.

Setting: Misthaven non-magical modern AU. The society and political system will be based on a combination of modern countries, with a probable bias toward the American system as I am an American. However, all characters are fictional and resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidence.

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Regina shut down her computer and began shrugging on her coat. Picking up her briefcase, she walked out of her office.

"I'm heading out," she informed Lily, "Goodnight."

Her assistant looked at her. She knew the other woman was suspicious, but she wasn't in the mood to discuss it. Finally, she simply said, "See you tomorrow."

Regina turned and nodded to Lot, who followed her to the elevator and then down to the parking garage.

She let out a breath, trying not to think that it felt weird having Lot walking a respectful distance behind her rather than buy her side, exchanging furtive little touches when no one was looking.

She shook her head. No! She wasn't going to dwell on him! It wasn't even as if he were her assigned security everyday. He didn't want to be with her, so she wasn't going to wallow in missing him!

As she got settled into the car, her phone started buzzing in her purse.

Digging it out, she sighed when she saw that her mother was calling, "Hello?"

"Regina, where are you now?" Cora asked.

"I'm just on my way home," she answered, "I'm leaving the foundation right now."

Things had been tense since her outburst after the argument with Robin, and she'd been trying to be at her best so that they didn't get worse.

"Excellent!" Cora answered, "Is your father leaving too?"

"No, I don't think so, he had a late meeting," Regina told her.

"Oh...well I'm afraid I do as well."

"That's alright," she frowned, "We can simply have dinner a little later tonight."

"Actually we can't," Cora informed her, "We have company coming over."

"What?" Regina asked, "Who?"

"The Spencers."

Regina's face instantly fell, "Tonight? The Spencers are coming over tonight?"

"That's what I just said."

She sighed in exasperation, "And you're just telling me now? Do Mrs. Fa and Mrs. Lucas know?"

"Well of course they do! And I believe I mentioned it at breakfast the other day," Cora argued.

"No, Mother, you didn't!"

"Don't argue with me!" Cora said indignantly, "Now if I didn't mention it to you, I'm sorry, but you knew that we were planning to have them over!"

"Yeah well, if this had been planned, why the late meeting?" Regina asked.

"Well obviously I didn't plan that! It's an emergency conference call from the Federal District and it's starting in 10 minutes, so I don't have time to argue!"

Regina rolled her eyes, "Okay what do you want me to do?"

"I'd like for you to entertain Albert and James until your father or I get home."

She sighed at the obviou set up but finally said, "Fine, when are they getting there?"

"Around 7," Cora told her.

"Okay," she said tiredly, "I'll host until you get home."

"Thank you," her mother said, "Now I have to go, my meeting is starting."

"Uh huh," Regina answered as Cora hung up.

Letting out a huff, she tossed her phone back into her purse.

The light ahead turned green, and Lot turned the car into the on ramp to the highway. His eyes firmly forward.

Lot was ex-military, consummately professional, and had always been a stoic personality. She shouldn't have been surprised by the fact that he didn't even glance her way, but she'd gotten used to how things had been with Robin since they started sleeping together.

Actually, even before they started sleeping together, he have asked..pried. However, he did it because he could tell she was stressed, and it had been nice having someone to vent to. Someone who cared when life started to get to her.

She settled back into the seat ruefully for the rest of the ride to the estate.

Lot dropped her at the front door with a nod, and pulled away as soon as she reached the door. One inside she set her briefcase down and took off her coat which she dumped onto a side table. She'd have to take it up to her room when her mother got home, but, since she'd been roped into playing hostess, she didn't have time at the moment.

Checking her watch, she made her way through to the inner kitchen. There Mrs. Fa was working diligently.

"Hi, Mrs. Fa," she greeted.

The old woman looked up from the bowl she was stirring, "Hello, Dear."

"Mother's going to be a little late, so I just came in to see how things were going for dinner tonight...we're having guests."

"Oh yes," Mrs. Fa nodded, "We should be ready to serve around 7:30."

Regina checked her watch...7:02.

"Thank you," she answered, turning out of the kitchen. Her phone buzzed before she got very far, though, "Hello?"

"Miss Mills, it's Drake."

"Hi...everything okay?"

"There's a James Spencer at the gate. He says he was invited for dinner?" Drake inquired.

"Yes," Regina nodded in the affirmative, "Go ahead and let him in, Drake."

"Yes, Ma'am," Drake answered as he hung up.

Sliding her phone into her pocket, Regina ruefully made her way back to the foyer. It looked like her mother was going to get her wish after all.

She took her sweet time getting back to the front door, so by the time she got there Ruby was already showing the man inside.

She vaguely remembered James Spencer from when she was a child. His father sent him off to boarding school at a very young age, and, although they came from the same circles, up until suspiciously recently, their families didn't attend many of the same events or clubs.

The man at the door was a tall, clean-cut, strawberry blond. He was dressed in the sort of expensive suit she'd expect an investment banker, and the son of billionaire Albert Spencer, to wear. However, his demeanor seemed pleasant enough as he thanked Ruby for taking his coat and asked if parking in the circular drive outside was alright.

He drove instead of having a driver. It was terribly hypocritical of her, but she couldn't help but respect him a little at hearing that.

Ruby took his keys, explaining they'd have someone take it down to the garage and then bring it back up later.

As she hurried away, Regina stepped up, trying to be pleasant as she greeted him, "Hello. James, I presume?"

"Yes," he nodded, stepping forward to shake her hand, "James Spencer."

"Regina Mills," she returned the handshake.

"A pleasure to meet you."

"You as well," she said, glancing behind him, "Is your father with you?"

James quirked a smile, "No, he didn't drive with me. Unfortunately he had an emergency at work so he'll be a little late."

"I see," the hardness in her voice seeping through in spite of herself as she muttered under her breath, "There seems to be an epidemic of that."

James chuckled, "You too, huh?"

She glanced up at him, "What's that?"

"I hope I'm not out of line for saying this, but I think we both know this was a set up," he said.

She stared at him, chuckling in surprise, "So...I take it your father hasn't exactly been subtle either?"

"Well," Jame shrugged, following Regina further into the foyer to where their best set of couches were laid out, "If you consider suddenly having a publicist and at least 10 interviews with lifestyle magazines unsubtle…"

She laughed, taking a seat on the couch, "Well, you never know, perhaps you simply are the most eligible bachelor in Misthaven?"

James smiled, sitting down next to her, "Maybe...but from what I hear I have to be for a few more years to catch up with you!"

She rolled her eyes, "Don't remind me!"

He chuckled.

As they fell into silence, Regina changed the subject, "So are you liking working at your father's company?"

"It's going pretty well," he answered, "Obviously we haven't gotten the reports yet, but I think we had a strong first quarter. What about you? I understand you're going into politics?"

Regina frowned.

Noticing, James asked, "What? Is something wrong?"

"I assume that's what your father told you?" she asked.

"Yes," he said cautiously.

She smirked, shaking her head, "Well, no doubt that's what my mother told him."

James looked at her questioningly.

"My mother would like me to be more involved in politics," she finally explained, "but, in fact, I work at the Mills Foundation only."

"Oh," he said, "I'm sorry."

She waved away the apology, "Don't worry about it."

Regina heard footsteps approaching. Turning her seat, she was relieved to see Mrs. Lucas walking through the foyer.

"Mrs. Lucas," she caught her attention, "Any word from my mother or father?"

"Oh, ah...no, I'm afraid not," Mrs. Lucas answered.

She sighed, but turned back to James politely.

"Don't worry about it," he said reassuringly, "I've been texting my dad, but he hasn't been answering."

She shrugged, "Well, if he really is in a meeting, he might have turned his phone off."

"Yeah," James acknowledged.

She tugged at the pleats on her trousers, "Well, our chef said dinner would be ready at 7:30 but it looks like we may have to wait a while, so can I offer you a drink? My father has a mini bar in his office."

"Thank you," he said motioning for her to lead the way.

"What would you like?" she asked as she walked over to Henry's bar.

"Ah...you wouldn't happen to have a gin and tonic?" She was surprised by the request and it must have shown on her face because he continued to explain, "I know, it's kind of old fashioned…"

"No, no!" she shook her head, "I like those, actually. They're a classic."

He smiled, pleased with her approval.

Regina opened the cabinet to get a bottle on tonic water and some ice from the mini fridge. After adding gin, she picked up two packets of crystalized lime, "I hope you don't mind crystalized limes? We might have fresh in the kitchen…"

"It's alright," he answered, not looking totally pleased, but apparently not willing to make a big stink over limes.

She mixed up two drinks and carried one over to James.

"Thank you," he said, clicking his glass against hers, "Cheers."

They both sipped their drinks.

"So the Mills Foundation?" he asked, moving over to the couch in her father's office, "I suppose I should try to impress you and pretend I know what you do, but I'm afraid I don't."

"Well I appreciate the honesty, at least," she chuckled, "Mainly we're about philanthropy, but we also support research, mainly projects with the aim of improving public health, and we also have some grants for the arts."

"Wow. Impressive."

"Yeah," she said, "I guess it depends on who you ask."

He nodded, "Yes, it is different than what most people I know are doing. It is admirable, though, that you're doing something different rather than just what's expected. I can't say the same for myself. I guess I went more the 'join em' than 'beat em' route. Family can cast a long shadow in our world..."

"It definitely can!," she smirked, "And anyway, my big societal rebellion is working at a foundation with my name on it and living in my family's home...I don't know that I'm really that impressive."

He looked at her, "Oh, I don't know if I'd say that."

She glanced over at him, shifting uncomfortably as she took a sip of her gin and tonic.

They made small talk for a little while longer. Regina checked her watch, finding it was now 7:45.

Seeing her action, James checked his as well.

"Listen," he said as he set his drink down on the table, "I think, at this point, it's probably safe to assume our parents have no intention of showing up to this dinner, so I should probably go."

"Well...yes, I think you're right, but you don't have to go right away you don't want. I can have Mrs. Fa serve dinner."

She wasn't sure why she made the offer other than maybe feeling bad sending him off with nothing.

He smiled, "That's very nice of you, but I think I'd rather not give my father the satisfaction."

"Ah," she nodded, fully understanding the sentiment.

"It really was nice meeting you, though," he said offering his hand.

She shook it, leading him out to the foyer. Taking her phone out of her pocket, she texted Mrs. Lucas and Drake to have James' car brought around.

"Well," she said as they waited for a response, "Best of luck to you settling back in Misthaven."

"Thank you, I appreciate that," James answered, "And good luck to you with your foundation...and everything else."

Regina laughed, catching his meaning, "You too."

Her phone buzzed. Checking it she said, "Security is bringing up your car, and Ruby should be by with your coat in a minute."

"Thanks," he said, voice pensive.

She raised her eyebrows, "Everything alright?"

"Yeah, fine," he nodded, shifting on his feet, "Actually...this may be out of line, but would you like to have dinner for real some time?"

"Oh...um…" she wasn't sure what to say. At that moment, Ruby walked into the foyer with James' coat.

Accepting it from her, James saw her hesitation.

"Listen, no pressure," he told her, digging a business card out of his coat pocket, "But, if you change your mind…"

Regina accepted the card, but didn't say anything else.

Luckily, however, she didn't have to. A few moments later, Drake opened the front door, ready to escort James to his car.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

"And here's the proposals from marketing on public donation efforts," Lily said handing over a folder.

"Thanks, Lily," Regina accepted it.

The other woman hesitated, standing beside her desk, "So...everything okay?"

Regina looked up at her, "Yes, why wouldn't it be?"

She shrugged, "You've been acting a little weird lately. Anything you want to talk about?"

"Weird?" Regina asked.

Lily sighed, glancing over her shoulder and leaning over to whisper, "Look, is this about me catching you and your bodyguard in my apartment?"

Regina stiffened.

"I'm not going to say anything, if that's what you're worried about!"

She looked up at the other woman. She and Lily had known each other since they were children, and she was the closest thing to a friend that Regina still had other than…that train of thought took her to somewhere she didn't like.

As much as it would have been nice to confide in the other woman, she also didn't want to. She didn't want to say what happened. The truth was too...confusing...embarrassing...all of the above?

She swallowed, meeting Lily's eyes, and simply said, "Thanks."

Sensing that Regina wasn't going to let the conversation go any further, Lily simply nodded and went back to her desk, shutting Regina's office door behind her.

Regina sighed, looking down at the folder from the marketing department. She remembered the many conversations and friendly debates she'd had with Robin on this subject. She couldn't deny that he'd been a big part of inspiring her to push for this new campaign to increase small coin donations.

Sitting back in her chair, she pinched the bridge of her nose. It seemed like everything reminded her of Robin! When had he worked his way into so many areas of her life?

Her desk phone ringing brought her out of her musings, "Regina Mills."

"Hey," Lily said, "I have a James Spencer calling for you?"

Glancing over, she met Lily's eyes through the window. The other woman shrugged.

Finally Regina said, "...alright, put him through."

There was a click on the line as Lily transferred the call.

"Hello...Regina?"

"James?" she asked.

"Yes, how are you?"

"I'm alright," she answered, "And yourself?"

"I'm very well," he said smoothly.

"What can I do for you?"

"Well…" he said, voice hesitating for the first time in their conversation, "...I know I said no pressure, but patience has never been my virtue…"

She paused, waiting for him to go on.

"I really enjoyed talking to you the other night," he said, "And I'd like to get to know you better."

Regina sat quietly, her mind racing. It hadn't even been two weeks since she broke up with Robin, and since then they barely spoke. However, she couldn't help but recall why and how they broke up. That she'd given him her heart and he threw it back in her face.

She sucked in a deep breath, trying to control her anger, and asked, "What did you have in mind?"

"Well, I'd said dinner but if that's too much we could do something else. My father mentioned that your mother invited him to join your country club. He and I were planning to go this weekend. Maybe we could meet for lunch?"

She chuckled, "Do we want to give things away to our parents that quickly?"

He laughed, "Good point...well what about if we went into the city? A lot's changed since last time I was in Unity City. If you don't mind showing me around…"

She bit her lip. There was still a small part of her that hesitated, but pushed it down, "Sure, why not? This weekend?"

"Great," James said, "I look forward to it!"

"Me too," Regina answered, trying to ignore the uncomfortable feeling in her stomach.

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

When she set out for the city that weekend, she wasn't sure if she was relieved or disappointed to find that Miguel was her assigned security.

She quickly shook of the thought, though, determined not to start thinking of Robin again.

Miguel played music as he drove them into town, but was otherwise quiet. After getting off the highway, he bypassed the Mills Foundation headquarters and drove them to Reunion Park in the middle of the city.

After finding them a parking space, they walked together into the park. James was waiting for her there in an open area.

He smiled when he caught sight of her, "Hello."

"Hi," she said as she stepped over to him.

"You look nice today."

"Thank you," she answered, glancing over at Miguel, "I explained my situation to you right? With security?"

"Ah, yes."

"Miguel," the guard acknowledged the other man, "Just pretend I'm not here."

"Okay," James nodded. He clearly found the situation a little odd, but didn't say anything, "Well...I figured this was a good place to meet, but I know it's a little cold."

"It is," she acknowledged, "However, there are a lot of museums nearby. We could start with one of those?"

"Sure," he agreed, "Lead the way."

James walked by her side out of the park, "Well the closest are the Historical Society or the Art Institute."

He hummed thoughtfully, "...I think I'm supposed to pick the Art Institute."

She looked at him, "But?"

He sighed ad admitted, "I'm kind of uncultured when it comes to art."

"Well I suppose we can work our way up to that," she said, turning toward the Historical Society. They climbed the steps to the white columned building. The inside was mostly empty, but pleasantly heated and full of the sweet, welcoming smell of old paper.

"Hello," the receptionist greeted, "Welcome to the Misthaven Historical Society."

"Hello," Regina said politely.

"Are you visitors?" she asked.

"Yes," she said.

"Okay, we have a special exhibit at the moment. Pre-unification Artifacts."

James looked over at her, "What do you think?"

"Sounds interesting."

He took out his wallet, "How much?"

"We ask a donation of 10 gold coins per person," she said.

James gave her a 20 note, glanced back at Miguel, and, with an affirmative nod from the other man, added another 10.

Getting their tickets, the three were directed to a wing of the building.

They presented them to an usher at the entrance and were given headsets to listen to a guided tour of he exhibit. The presenter's voice was a little dull, but some of the exhibits were quite interesting. They had a few relecks of the old Northern Kingdom and Tierras, including a genuine example of one of the precursors to Misthaven's flag.

As they moved on to an exhibit of ancient armor, she found herself staring into a full suit of it.

"Regina?" James drew her attention.

Jumping, she asked, "Yes?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she nodded, walking along. The rest of the exhibit was mildly interesting, but nothing that really caught her attention.

When they got to the end, they handed their headsets over and headed back outside.

"Well," James said, "That was interesting."

She laughed, "You really think so?"

"Yes!" he insisted, "I'll admit it's not what I'd chose to do left to my own devices, but it was interesting. Always good to try new things and all that…"

Regina smiled, "Okay, well, it's good of you to be opened minded."

They walked along for a few blocks until James stopped in front of a coffee shop, "So will you let me buy you a coffee to thank you?"

"You paid for the tickets at the museum," she pointed out, "I feel like it's my turn to pick up the tab."

"Well, then I'll just have to insist," he said, opening the door to the coffee shop and guiding her inside with a hand on the small of her back.

She thought to argue but decided against it. James bought them two lattes and claimed a table for them in one of the corners.

Miguel took spot on one of the walls, obviously trying to maintain a respectful distance.

"So," she tried to make conversation as he sipped his coffee, "How are you liking being back in Misthaven?"

James shrugged, "Well it's been an adjustment. Coming back home after being an expatriate is an...interesting experience. However, I am glad to be starting at the company. It's a chance to really make my mark. Contribute to something that's really mine, you know?"

She nodded, "I can see that. You miss Arendelle, though?"

"A little," he admitted, "It's an amazing place. You've been right?"

"Oh yes, a few times."

"Did you get out of the city? Do any skiing?"

"Not in Arendelle," she shook her head, "I have mostly stuck to the capital."

"Oh it's amazing!" James said, "That is one thing I'll definitely miss about it. Being able to travel from the city to go skiing on the weekends."

"Well," she laughed, "There's mountains here too."

"Yeah," he nodded, "But there's nothing like the skiing in Arendelle. You have to go sometime."

"Oh really?" she challenged, "What's so wonderful about it?"

"I don't know," he shrugged, "Everything. The culture...the scenery...the outposts...the snowbunnies."

Lowering her coffee cup, she looked at him, "That's a big draw for you, huh?"

He shrugged, "Guilty."

She laughed.

Reaching over he put his hand over hers on the table, "I'm sure you'd look amazing in a snowsuit."

Looking down, she awkwardly extracted her hand from his and put it in her lap.

His brow furrowed, "Sorry, did I-"

"No um…" she started, glancing over her shoulder at Miguel, "...do you mind if we walk some more?"

"Sure."

Gathering up their coffees and coats, she and James walked a long for a while. Long enough to put some distance between them and Miguel. At least enough so that he could see but not hear them.

"Listen I'm sorry about that back there," she told him, "It's just...I sort of just got out of a relationship."

"Oh," he answered, "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"I hadn't told my parents," she admitted.

"Ah," he said understandingly.

"Yeah."

They walked quietly for a little while longer until he finally said, "Okay, well, I'll just be blunt. I'd like to continue to get to know you, Regina. I've enjoyed your company."

"I've enjoyed yours too, James," she said, "I'm just not sure if I'm ready to…"

"I get it," he told her, "And, hey, if you want to take it slow...I can do that. I know our parents put a lot of pressure on this, but it doesn't mean that we have to. We're just hanging out, right?"

She studied him but finally nodded, "Okay, sure...I can handle that."

He smiled, making a motion to suggest that they continue walking. She agreed, stepping into stride beside him and slipping her arm into his.

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Robin took a bite of egg on toast and washed it down with a sip of coffee. He was Henry Mills assigned security that day, so he was trying to eat quickly before picking up his car.

"Hey, did you see The Mirror?" Kronk's voice boomed from the end of the table, "Ms. Mills is in it!"

Looking up from her meal Ruby asked, "What?"

"Yeah with some guy," he said.

"What are you girls gossiping about?" Razoul demanded unpleasantly.

"Shut up and eat your eggs!" Ruby told him, "What guy?"

"I don't know," Kronk said, "Some rich guy…erm..."

"James Spencer," Miguel chimed in as he sat down next to them, "Yeah I was with them last weekend on their first date."

"Really?" Ruby asked, "So it isn't just tabloid rumor? He was here for dinner last week but he left before they even ate."

"Oh no!" Miguel laughed, "It was definitely a date! Coffee, long walks, holding hands…Gods' what other reason is there a man lets a woman drag him to a museum?"

Ruby glared at his stereotyping, but also bit her lip thoughtfully, "Wow, I had no idea. Mrs. Mills should be happy!"

"Why's that?" Kronk asked face screwing up in confusion.

"Well you know how she is," Ruby laughed, "Her daughter dating a billionaire's son? She'll be thrilled!"

Kronk rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "You know I don't think I've seen her date anyone."

"Yeah," the housekeeper agreed sadly, "She hasn't in a while. Good for her! It's about time she found someone worthy of her."

Not wanting to hear anymore, Robin stood from the table, set his plate in the discard bin, and stormed from the break room.

He clenched his fists by his side as he went to his room to pick up his wallet and cellphone.

Regina was dating already?

He knew that he had told her that maybe she should go out with James Spencer, but, at the time, she'd seemed very earnest when she said she had no interest in the man.

However, it was less than two weekends out from that and she was visiting museums and having coffee with him?

So much for no interest!

* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *

Getting off the elevator, Regina made her way around to the dining room.

When she got there, both her parents stared as if they'd been expecting her.

"Good morning," she said feeling a little awkward.

As she moved over to serve herself breakfast, Cora rose from her seat and walked over to her.

"Mother?" she asked.

"You've been hiding things from me," Cora said in a hard voice.

Staring at her mother's face, Regina's heart leapt into her throat. Had she found out about her and Robin? How?

Clearing her throat, Regina asked softly, "What?"

Smiling, Cora walked back to her place at the table and picked up the newspaper she'd set down. It was then that Regina saw it wasn't actually a newspaper, but a copy of the tabloid The Mirror.

She wasn't sure why at first, but then caught sight of the top corner. In it was a small picture of herself and James Spencer walking side-by-side, and a caption "Regina Mills Hits the Town with Billionaire's Son"

A cold feeling settled into her stomach at it.

"I must say, you had me fooled," Cora said, sounding genuinely impressed, "Why did you keep this from me, though? I suppose because it'd mean having to admit I was right?"

"Cora, I don't think it was that," Henry said gently.

She rolled her eyes at the interruption, so Regina took the opportunity to move to her seat and sink down in it.

"Well, no matter, though," her mother went on, also sitting back down at the table, "I'm glad you finally came to your senses! This is wonderful, Regina! Really wonderful!"

Licking her lips, Regina took a sip of her coffee and said, "Mother we went only went out one time, and...I don't even know if this is anything yet."

"Oh nonsense!" Cora protested, "Yes, of course, officially you don't. You don't want to push too quickly and scare him off. You know how men are!"

She tried to ignore the pained feeling that came with her mother's words.

"However, you don't have to pretend with me!" Cora went on, "Now...when are you seeing him again?"

"I don't know," she said, "We haven't made any plans."

"And why not?" she demanded, "You can't just wait around! What about the country club?"

"Cora, maybe we should slow down…" Henry said hesitantly.

"No," she objected, "It's perfect. Besides, we need to make things up to James and Albert for the dinner that got cancelled the other night."

Regina wanted to make a snarky comment about the dubious last minute meetings that kept her and Albert Spencer from showing up that night, but decided it wasn't worth the effort. Instead she took a bite of eggs and chewed them unenthusiastically.

"I'm meeting with my publisher on Friday evening, but we could do lunch on Saturday," Cora mused to herself.

Rolling her eyes, Regina shoved another bite of her breakfast into her mouth and took a sip of coffee before pushing away from the table, "Well, I have to be going. Daddy, I'll see you at the office."

Henry dabbed his lips with a napkin and waved to her retreating form.

When she got outside, Lot was already waiting for her. She hurried down the steps and slid inside as he opened the door for her.

She managed to sit quietly until they arrived at the Foundation. She went up to her office quietly, making sure Lot was a safe distance away before saying to Lily, "Hey, can you get me James Spencer on the phone?"

Lily looked up at her but nodded wordlessly.

"Thanks," Regina called as she shut her office door behind her and took off her coat. Tossing it over a chair, she sat down at her desk.

When her phone rang, she picked it up.

"I have James Spencer," Lily told her, followed by a click as she connected the call.

"Hello?" James asked on the other end of the call, "Regina?"

"Hi James."

"Hi, what's going on? Everything okay?"

"Not really," she sighed, "Apparently we ended up in The Mirror."

"Oh yes," he said, "My dad called me about it this morning."

She groaned, "Okay, well, I just called to warn you. My mother was also very hyped up. She started talking about our families getting together, but, don't worry, I shut that down."

"Umm…" he hesitated.

"What?"

"My father said we already confirmed lunch at the club with you guys this Saturday," James told her.

"What? Argh, I don't believe this!"

He chuckled, "Hey, it's alright."

She rubbed her forehead, "Okay, well, I'll speak to her tonight, try to talk her out of this."

"Well...what if we just went?" he asked.

"What?"

"I know this wasn't what we planned, but it was inevitable," James said, "And having dinner with our parents isn't really going to change anything."

"Really?" she replied skeptically, "I don't think my mother will see it that way."

"I know," he answered, "However, if it makes them happy, it can only make our lives easier, and if they're happy, they'll give us more room to do what we want."

"Okay…" she paused, what he said made a certain amount of sense, "...so you think we should just go?"

"Why not?"

She couldn't think of a great reason why not, even if she really would have liked one.

"Okay, sure, Saturday it is."

"Great," he answered, "Hey, I've been meaning to ask you. What's your cell phone number? It'd be easier if we could text rather than having to go through our office phones."

"Right, yeah, of course," she agreed and read off her number.

"Excellent. I'll see you Saturday."

"Bye," she said quietly.

After replacing the handset, she rested her elbows on the table and started at her office wall thoughtfully.

Her musings were interrupted by her phone buzzing.

"So you'll have my number too, :-)"

She studied the message, but went ahead and added the number to her contacts list as 'James.'