Chapter 12
Emma opened her eyes to the irritating banging sound. Lifting her head up from the sofa arm, she realized she had a crick in her neck. She heard more banging and this time she knew the sound was coming from her office door.
Peeling herself off the white leather upholstery was fun, it felt like her flesh slowly torn off, "WHAT?!"
The club closed at 2 AM, but she had trouble falling asleep. She's been having the same dream ever since that night at the warehouse. Whenever sleep claimed her, she dreamt of killing Albert Blackwell.
"Open the damn door Em!" She heard her brother say.
As she rose, she grabbed the shirt she discarded at some point during the night from the coffee table and slipped it on. Glancing up at the annoyingly loud ticking coming from the clock on the wall, she rolled her eyes and sighed, it was six in the morning! She opened the door, "What the hell is so important?"
August stepped in and looked around, "Father left late last night and he's on a flight home. He should be arriving around 2:30 this afternoon."
Emma rolled her eyes again, "And this couldn't wait until later?"
Her brother took in her appearance. The messy hair, almost nonexistent clothing and the bags under her eyes, "You look like shit."
"Well, thank you. You sure know how to make a lady feel good." She said sarcastically as she walked to the opposite side of the couch to get some pants out of her suitcase.
Her brother's voice sounded surprised, "You've been staying here?"
"You suggested checking out of the expensive hotel that I can no longer afford, so I did." She said, digging through the suitcase.
"Why didn't you just come to my place? Or you could've found a cheaper motel somewhere." She glanced back at August who had a look of disgust on his face as he let his eyes roam around the space.
"Have you ever work in a club, much less ran one?" She asked, locating a pair of running pants.
"No." He answered as he strolled over to the glass wall and peered out over the empty dance floor.
"Well, there is no way I am working until after 3 in the morning just to wait for a cab to drive me all the way across town to a cheap motel. It's easier to just stay here, and I am not staying with you. I have enough eyes on me as it is. Besides, there's a private shower here." She explained, pointing to the far left wall where an almost hidden door stood.
August slid his hands into his pockets as he turned towards his sister, "Father isn't going to appreciate you looking like warmed over after birth when you pick him up."
"Wow. Warmed over after birth? Really?" She laughed as she pulled the pants up into position. His words sank in, "Whoa! Wait. What do you mean when I pick him up?"
"Father insisted that it'd be you who meets him at the airport. He said something about needing to discuss some things." August said walking over to the mini bar.
Emma rubbed her hand over her face, "I have plans later this evening."
"Cancel them. You know how he gets when he doesn't get his way." He said, bending down to look under the cabinet.
"Not going to happen." She said, running her fingers through her tangled hair, "If you're looking for the bourbon don't bother, I threw it all out last night."
Closing the cabinet, August stood to shut the doors on the front of the small faux wooden trolley and peered over at his sister, "Why would you throw away perfectly good bourbon? And what plans do you have that are more important than making father happy?"
"I've officially made this a 'no alcohol' office. After a long phone conversation with a friend, I figured it was better to remove the temptation." She answered as she nudged her brother out of the way to retrieve a bottle of water from the small refrigerator on the bottom of the mini bar. "As far as Father, I have a life outside of this club, you know?" She offered a bottle to her brother.
August sighed accepting the water, "Well, no alcohol in here is good for you, I guess." He looked at the sweating bottle and then back at her, "You shouldn't have a life right now. I mean with the agreement and all." He started to open the bottle but stopped whipping his head in the direction of his sister, "Emma, please tell me it does not involves a certain lawyer's son or his wife."
The blonde took a long drink of the ice cold water, pausing briefly to avoid a brain freeze, "So what if it does? I told you I'm friends with the kid."
Her brother leaned back slightly to get a better view of his little sister's face and shook his head, "You're not getting it. You need to stay away from Locksley's family. Not just because you're supposed to be celibate, but because things will not work out in your favor. At all. Emma? Are you listening to me?"
Emma was rummaging around in some papers on the desk and looked up, "I hear you, okay. I'm not scared of fuckin' Robin Locksley."
"Goddamn it, Emma. Why do you have to be so damned stubborn?" August sat his unopened water bottle back down on the minibar and marched toward the blonde, "Find another one."
"What exactly are we talking about here?" She asked clenching her jaw.
"You know what I'm talking about. Find another girl. This one isn't worth it." He said over-enunciating his words.
Emma's jaw muscle flexed, "First of all, you don't know what she's worth and second, I'm not doing anything. I don't see what the big deal is."
Her brother stared at her, "I know you. And the next time you want me to believe you, you might try defending her second."
Emma didn't want to listen to this. He didn't know her. He was referring to the person she was in New York, not who she is trying to be. In her own defense, alcohol was always involved in each and every one of those paparazzi shots. Not that she was innocent, but she was definitely a different person with booze in her system.
"I just came by to pass on the message about father's flight. Don't be late, and for the love of God don't breathe a word to him about spending time with Regina or Henry Locksley." He turned to leave but quickly spun back, "Come to think of it, did you take care of the situation that happened here at the club? I mean with Locksley and the friend?"
Emma gave a tight-lipped smile, but managed a nod, "Yeah. It's been handled."
August locks eyes with his sister and gave his own fake smile, "Good." He strolled out of her office.
This could not be how Emma's day was going to go. Why in hell would her father request her to meet him at the airport? Suddenly she remembered as she hurried to the door and yelled down the stairs, "Hey, I don't have a car. How am I supposed to pick anyone up?"
"Oh yeah." Her brother said digging into his pocket and pulling out a set of keys, "I got you this." He tossed the key up the stairs and Emma barely caught them.
Her brother didn't explain, he just continued walking out of the club. She looked down at the key ring in her hand. The emblem on the large microchipped key was BMW. She smiled, but then let it fall. She wanted to trust her brother more than anything, but she had learned long ago, things in her family came with stipulations. She just wondered what August's were.
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Henry cleaned his room and ensured that his bed was made exactly the way his mother liked it. He had even helped do other chores around the house, such as sweeping floors and wiping counters. The boy couldn't contain his excitement about having Emma coming over for dinner.
His mother had let him set up his Xbox in the living room. He made sure both of his controllers were on the charged and ready to go when his friend arrived. He repeated the word friend in his head and smiled. He didn't have any friends. Most of the kids at school called him a nerd and a freak. Normally he pretended that it didn't bother him so his mother wouldn't get upset, but now that he had Emma, he didn't care about those guys.
"Honey, you do realize you have several hours before she gets here, right?" His mother called from the living room archway.
Henry tried to control his grin, but it was impossible, "Yeah, I know. I just want to make sure I don't forget anything."
His mother smiled lightly. He knew she was nervous about Emma coming too, but she was trying not to let it show. Henry had walked passed her bedroom several times throughout the day and the dress she had laid out to wear seemed to change colors all by itself. At first, he thought he was losing his mind, but as he passed by for the hundredth time, he saw his mother laid another dress in its place only to sigh loudly.
It was taking everything the nine-year-old had not to text the blonde. He just wished it was six already. He heard the front door open.
"Henry? Regina?" Dr. Mills' voice called.
"Grandpa!" He shouted out with a little more enthusiastically than his mother would have liked, but today was the best day ever.
He ran towards the entryway and into his grandfather's arms.
"Oh, hey there." The old man said with a grunt and a chuckle.
"Emma's coming over!" He exclaimed with his grin.
Dr. Mills lowered the boy back to the floor, "So I heard."
Regina strolled up kissing her father on the cheek, "Hi daddy. You're early."
"Yeah, I know. My three o'clock canceled. I decided to reschedule the last three so I could spend more time with my family." He said reaching out and tickling Henry's side at the same time causing him to squeal.
His mother turned to go back towards the kitchen, calling over her shoulder, "Kathryn said she wouldn't be here until after five. She went back to work today so…"
"That's wonderful news." Dr. Mills said kneeling down to his grandson's level and watching until Regina was out of sight. He whispered, "How's your mom doing?"
Henry may have been nine, but he knew what the old man was getting at, "Terrible. She's changed what she wants to wear like a million times, she keeps biting her lip and zoning out. You are going to have to keep an eye on her when she is cooking, because, at this rate, she's going to burn it."
His grandfather laughed full heartedly, "Will do." He winked at his grandson, "I will try and keep her calm until our ugly duckling arrives."
Henry's grin grew wider as he watched his grandfather make his way to the kitchen. It was time for things to change around here, and he knew just the person who could do it.
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Emma paced back and forth in front of gate C. The plane was already an hour and a half late and the blonde was finding her patience level growing shorter by the minute. She kept telling herself that as soon as she got her father into the car, she only needed to drive him back to his penthouse and then she would be rid of him. He could discuss whatever it was with her as they drove.
Her day had already been going badly. Thanks to her brother, she had been up since six, while only having a couple of hours sleep. She left her phone at the club because she was so worried about making it to the airport on time. Now she was worried she wouldn't make it to the dinner on time.
The overhead intercom came on, "Flight 162 is arriving from London at gate C."
Emma sighed, "Finally." She glanced up at a digital world clock on the way next to the flights and departure stats. It was ten past four. Yep, she would just dump him and she could still make it on time for dinner.
A herd of people started down the gangplank that emptied into the concourse. She scanned the crowd for her father, but she couldn't see him. Normally he would have been the first passenger out the door. Finally, she spotted his head, but by the time she could see his face, she barely recognized him. He was smiling at someone beside him. The crowds parted, revealing a tall and slender redhead.
"Emma." The man acknowledged as he walked up to the blonde.
"Father." She replied, nodding her head slightly.
The woman had stopped beside Emma's father, so she could only assume she wasn't some random passenger he had met on the plane.
"Emma, this is Zelena Ozman. Zelena, this is my daughter Emma." The blonde found herself mildly confused at her father's friendly demeanor.
"It is very nice to meet you, Emma." The redhead said stepping closer with a flirty look in her eye. Emma offered her hand, but the other woman leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
"Y-you too." She stuttered shooting a concerned look to her father, but he seemed oblivious. She wasn't expecting to be kissed by a stranger.
Emma glanced around, "Where is Locksley?"
The smile her father was wearing remained, "He's hanging back for a couple of days to tie up some loose ends with the new deal."
The blonde nodded in understanding, "Alright, well let's get your bags and go, shall we?"
"My driver will be meeting us at the club." He said.
The blonde raised an eyebrow, "The club?"
"Yes. We have a few things to discuss before I head back to the penthouse." He said, offering his arm to the redhead.
She followed a few paces behind and noticed when they walked past the baggage claim, "What about your luggage?" She asked pointing towards the baggage sign.
"My driver will pick them up." He said as he laughed at something the other woman had said.
If his driver was picking up his bags, then why the hell couldn't the driver pick up her father and his new fling? She rolled her eyes. She knew it was what an adolescent might do behind their parent's back, but she didn't care. The man always had a way of making her feel like a child when she was in his presence, so why not act like one?
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Regina looked up at the old grandfather clock that stood in the corner of her formal dining room. It was 6:30 and she had hungry people. She couldn't wait on the Nolan any longer. She wouldn't admit it, but she found herself disappointed.
"Henry! Come down. We can't wait any longer." Regina called up as she walked into the entryway. She frowned when she noticed her son sitting on the bottom stop with his head low. It was like Deja vu all over again.
Before the brunette woman could walk over to him, the phone in his hand dinged. She watched as he read the message and just like that his frown was gone. Regina shook her head. She couldn't deal with another disappointment in her or her son's life.
"She's almost here!" The boy exclaimed as he ran towards the door.
"Stop right there mister. You need to go back upstairs and wash up for dinner. You can see her when she gets in." Regina said, pointing towards the stairs.
Henry's grin faded as he slowly turned back, dropping his shoulders. She waited until he was halfway up the staircase before she went to wait for the notorious Nolan on the front porch.
The air was chilly but felt good on her flushed cheeks. She had worried herself into a frenzy to make this dinner perfect. The emotional rollercoaster shifted her worry to disappointment, now settling on anger. She kept telling herself she was upset for Henry, but deep down it was for her as well.
A yellow BMW pulled into the driveway. She thought the color was a little absurd for a fancy car like that, but then again this was Emma Nolan. She observed the blonde nearly tripping over herself to get out of the driver's seat. After closing the door she jogged around to the passenger side and reached inside through the open window grabbing something from the seat.
The blonde hurried towards the porch watching the ground as she trotted. She raised her head just in time to avoid colliding with Regina.
Regina was standing with her arms crossed over her chest, "This is why I didn't want to tell him about tonight." She snapped.
"Look, I'm really sorry I'm late. I had to pick up my father…" She started, but the brunette interrupted.
"I should have known David Nolan would be the cause." Regina didn't miss the confused look on the other woman's face as she continued, "Miss Nolan If you can't make it on time, I suggest you not agree to come."
"But, I told Henry I was running late. My father's plane was late and then he requested a meeting and…" Emma tried to explain again.
"I don't care what the excuse is. After a while, they all sound the same. I have a nine-year-old boy who was crushed when he thought you weren't coming. Who do you think has to console him and make excuses for you? Me. That's who. I have witnessed more disappointment and heartache from a nine-year-old than I care to admit. A child shouldn't have to go through that." Regina ranted as quietly as she could.
"Do you want to me to leave?" Emma asked.
"What? No. Henry knows you're here. I just want you to tell me that David Nolan is not going to be a problem when you plan things with my son."
"No, he's not. I'm really sorry Regina. It won't happen again." Emma said with a pleading look in her eye.
Regina's anger was starting to subside until she saw the pink lipstick swack on the side of the younger woman's cheek. Surely, this woman had not put her through this for some floozy. She leaned in closer, "And pink is not your shade, Miss Nolan."
The expression the younger woman was holding was one of puzzlement. Regina reached up and brushed her fingertips across the place on her cheek transferring it to her own skin. She moved it to where the other woman could see. Her eyes bulged as she brought her hand to her cheek, scrubbing the mark vigorously.
"It's not what it looks like. My father had this woman with him…" before she could finish explaining the front door was yanked open, "EMMA! You made it." Henry screamed running passed his mother and wrapping his arms around the younger woman's waist.
Regina pressed her lips together as she stepped back giving the boy room. This woman's full of excuses. Although she was interested in hearing this one, maybe she would tell her the story later.
"You need to come to see my Mine Craft game," Henry said pulling Emma by the elbow.
"After dinner young man," Regina said.
"Okay." He grumbled, but his smile was still strong. Henry continued pulling the blonde, "You can sit next to me."
Regina remained rooted in her spot, listening to her son's excitement. As Emma was led inside, the blonde held out a bottle of wine, "I brought wine, I hope this is okay."
The brunette took the bottle of Chianti. This happened to be her favorite wine to have with lasagna. She was impressed, "No, this is an excellent wine, thank you."
The blonde smiled shyly, "I brought a gift for Henry. I hope you don't mind." She raised a small gift bag up.
"As long as it isn't sweets or something inappropriate for a nine-year-old, it's fine," Regina said, trying desperately to hold onto her anger. It was difficult when she could see how happy her son was when he was in the younger woman's presence, "But he doesn't get it until after dinner."
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The lasagna was amazing. Emma had two helpings and now she was stuffed. She hadn't missed the fact that the brunette was treating her coldly nor the awkwardness she felt sitting at the table. The awkward silence was almost unbearable. Luckily Henry helped eased the tension a little as he told his grandfather and Aunt Kathryn about their trip to the zoo.
Later, Emma found herself sitting on the living room floor with Henry and an Xbox controller in her hands, trying to understand the game.
Henry instructed, "Okay, now you have to cut down the trees to get wood."
The blonde felt like she was playing old school Nintendo. The game was very pixelated and boxy. Everything looked the same to her, "What do I use to cut down the trees?"
"Your fists, for now. Once you get enough building material you can make tools and things." Henry explained.
"That sounds painful." She said repeatedly pressing the button as she stood in the boxy grove of trees.
The boy laughed, "It's just a game, it doesn't really hurt you." He pointed to the left side of the screen, "Be careful, there's a bear over there."
Emma moved the joystick of the control causing her screen to turn, "I don't see a bear, I see a cow…I think."
Henry giggled, "That's not a cow, that's a bear."
Emma laughed, "That doesn't look like a bear." With the point of view, she was in, all of the spinnings around was making her nauseous.
"Here, let me show you how to build a shelter." The boy said reaching for the controller.
She was more than happy to give it up. She hadn't played many video games since she was a kid and she only played at the arcade a few blocks from their building. Her father didn't believe that children should have such things at home. They weren't allowed to watch TV either, but her mom would secretly take her to the movies when her father was away on trips.
Once he had the controller, the boy went to work with her character. He was quickly engrossed in the screen before him.
"Would you like some wine, Emma?" Kathryn asked from the archway.
"Umm, no thank you." The younger woman smile politely.
"What about a cup of coffee?" She asked.
Emma started to decline, but then thought better of it, "Sure, I'll have a cup." She had been late so the least she could do was hang around a while, even if she was back to square one with the queen of the house.
The younger blonde lifted herself to the couch. She continued watching the TV screen. Occasionally Henry would provide commentary as he did something in the game, such as placing blocks on top of each other as he built the structure.
Emma let her eyes roam around the living room. The white trim and warm color of the walls gave the room an inviting vibe. The couch she was sitting on was large and comfy. She wondered why they never had couches like this when she was growing up. A crocheted throw was draped over the back and Emma found herself wondering if this was where the brunette would sit to unwind. An image of Regina curled up with bare feet and the throw lying across her lap as she read a book popped into her mind. She couldn't help the slight pull at the corners of her lips.
Kathryn and Dr. Mills entered the room. Dr. Mills carried two steaming cups of coffee as the older blonde carried a glass of wine.
The old man handed one cup to Emma, "Thanks." She said.
Emma, scooted down on the sofa, making room for Kathryn to sit as Dr. Mills eased into an armchair catty-cornered from the sofa ensuring he didn't spill the hot liquid, "So, Mr. Nolan is back from his trip?"
Emma took a moment to answer. She had been expecting Regina to appear, but she didn't, "Unfortunately."
Dr. Mills hummed to himself as he sipped his coffee. Kathryn sat her glass down on the coffee table, "That's why you were late?"
Emma took a small sip from her cup before setting her own cup on the table, "Yeah, his plane was late. He insisted on having a meeting with me and his new toy." The younger woman said as she rolled her eyes. "I'm not yet sure if they are seeing each other or what's going on with that. I thought he would tell me at the meeting, but instead, he went on and on about flow charts and inventory. Plus she's a redhead, so she's not really his type."
Dr. Mills chuckled, "No, that's not his type."
Kathryn looked confused for a second, "And what is his type?"
"Blonde, ditzy and large busted," Regina answered flatly from the archway.
Emma turned to peer at the brunette. She could tell by the way she avoided eye contact with the younger woman, she was still angry.
"Oh, so your mother was a blonde?" Kathryn asked.
Emma wasn't comfortable with discussing her mother, but she didn't want to seem rude by changing the subject, "No. My mother had very dark hair." She picked up her coffee and took a sip, silently praying someone would change the subject.
Small brown eyes were on her as she noticed the topic had gained the attention of the nine-year-old. He looked confused, "Then why did your dad marry your mom if he doesn't like dark hair?"
"Because he's a…" She let her words stall before she said something inappropriate in front of the kid, "It was a modern-day arranged marriage."
The boy moved closer, crawling up to the edge of the coffee table, "What is an arranged marriage?"
Emma chewed the inside of her cheek as she realized everyone was waiting for her to continue, "Well, it's where two people from different families are chosen to marry each other. My mother's father had an agreement with my father's father that their children would marry to unite the two families." Emma explained glancing around and seeing the interest in the older blonde's eyes.
"They still do that," Kathryn asked in shock?
Emma could see the small amount of pity that flashed across Regina's face, but once she noticed the younger blonde's gaze, the irritation returned.
"Apparently," was her only response.
Henry furrowed his brows, "So your mom and dad had to get married because their parents said so. Did they love each other?"
Emma laughed lightly at the boy's expression, "The marriage was for the family's reputation and financial gain, not for love."
The boy crossed his arms, "I thought you only get married if you love someone."
"Well…" She didn't know how else to explain the situation. She made eye contact with Regina and shrugged.
"Most of the time, you're right. People get married because they love each other like your grandpa and grandma did." Regina said smiling softly towards her father, "But sometimes people marry for other reasons."
Emma took another sip of her coffee when Henry asked, "So you married dad because you got knocked up?"
The coffee went down the wrong hole causing her to choke violently. Kathryn quickly patted the younger woman on the back as Dr. Mills muffled a laugh.
"Something like that, yes," Regina said with a blush invading her cheeks.
Once Emma could breathe without choking, she looked down in embarrassment for her reaction, "Sorry, the wrong pipe."
"Henry, honey. I think it's about time for bed." Regina said.
"Awe man." The boy whined, "But I don't have school tomorrow, can't I stay up longer?"
"No. School starts back next week and you need to get back into a routine. I'm sure you will see Miss Nolan again soon." The brunette said from behind the chair her father was sitting in.
There it was again. Regina had returned to calling her Miss Nolan. The way the words fell from her mouth, sounded as though they tasted bad. Emma sighed inwardly, the sinking feeling in her stomach had returned and she fought to keep the frown from her features.
"Wait!" Henry exclaimed. "I haven't opened Emma's present." Without warning, he took off running to collect his gift bag from the entryway table.
Emma could feel Regina's eyes on her, but she didn't want to look up. She felt silly giving the kid a gift, but she remembered what it was like being a little kid and how excited she would get when people got her presents.
Henry trotted back in with the gift in his hands. He dropped down to his knees by the coffee table and opened the bag. Emma felt a bit anxious. She hoped she had picked the right thing.
A huge grin swept across the boy's face, "It's a monkey, like the one at the zoo." As he lifted the stuffed toy from the package, he found a piece of paper in the bottom. Sitting the plush animal on the table he looked over the paper, "It says I adopted a monkey named, "Mo." He looked puzzled.
Emma cleared her throat as all eyes were on her and the room had fallen silent, "It's a sponsorship where we help pay for the food and veterinarian care for Mo. You remember Mo, right?"
The little boy nodded his head as she continued, "Well, now we have special passes to go and see Mo whenever we want, and we can actually go inside the enclosure and help feed other monkeys too."
"Wow." He said, still looking over the paper, "It says there are three passes. Who is the extra pass for?"
Emma blushed, "I thought we could invite your mom to come with us." She stole a quick glance at the brunette who was looking opened mouthed at her son.
"Look, mom, isn't that cool?" He asked, his face resembling a Cheshire cat.
Regina closed her mouth quickly, regaining her composure, "Yes, sweetheart, that's wonderful. What do you say?"
Henry hopped up hurrying around the table to where the younger blonde sat and threw his arms around her neck, "Thank you."
She laughed as she grunted slightly from the grip the boy had on her, "You're welcome."
"Alright mister, it's time for bed. Tell everyone goodnight and go get ready for bed." Regina said.
The boy sighed moving away from Emma, "Good night Em." He mumbled making the blonde laugh again.
"Goodnight kid." She said ruffling his hair.
She watched as the boy made his rounds, first to Kathryn and then to his grandfather. He grabbed Mo from the coffee table and walked past his mother and through the archway.
Regina called after him, "I'll be up shortly to tuck you in. Make sure you brush your teeth, young man!" Her voice grew louder as he disappeared around the corner.
"Yes, ma'am!" He yelled back.
Dr. Mills stood, "Well, I think it's about time I head out. I have a busy day tomorrow."
Emma felt a slight panic as the doctor walked over to Regina. She was realizing that she would soon be alone and she wasn't sure if she also should leave.
"I'll see you tomorrow, honey." Dr. Mill's said kissing his daughter on the forehead.
Regina looked a little perplexed, "You don't want dessert? I made homemade apple pie, Your favorite."
"Bring some to me at the clinic." He smiled, pointing to the younger blonde, "I'm sure our Swan here would love a piece."
Emma was caught off guard by the change of her nickname.
The man leaned down giving Kathryn a similar kiss on her head and then Emma, "I'll see you later ladies."
Without the kid in the room, Emma didn't know how to act. She found herself wishing she was leaving with the doctor, but instead she stiffly sat in her spot.
After the front door closed, Regina stood silent for a moment and then turned to the other two women, "I'm going to go and make sure Henry is in bed. Kathryn, you can serve the pie if you would like. I'll be back." Emma watched her as she walked away. She found that the brunette's blue wrap dress fit the woman's body very well.
Feeling someone's stare, she looked up at the older blonde who stared back with curiosity and a smile, "Why don't you go out onto the porch and I'll grab some pie. Would you like some more coffee?"
"No thanks. The pie is fine." As the older blonde went to retrieve the dessert, Emma headed to the porch. Part of her wanted to jump into her car and avoid all of this awkward tension, but the other part of her wanted to see Regina again. It was pathetic, she thought to herself.
Opening the front door, she stepped out onto the large wrap around porch. The air had cooled a few degrees since she arrived. She casually walked over to the porch swing and sat down. She had always seen places like this on television. The suburban neighborhood where kids shot hoops in the driveways and neighbors borrowed sugar from each other. She could imagine Henry going across the street for a sleepover or other kids coming here to camp out in the backyard. She smiled to herself.
Emma grew up only about thirty minutes away from here, but she didn't get to experience any of those things. Their high rise penthouse was bare of children. Most of the tenants were career-driven people who thought children were a waste of time, or in some cases, disgusting germ-carrying mongrels. The kids she did see around had better things to do than to play with her.
Kathryn stepped out carrying three small plates. Emma was impressed watching the older blonde expertly juggled them. She passed a plate to the younger blonde and sat another on the porch railing. Holding the third, she passed the blonde a fork, "You should really feel lucky."
Emma glanced up, "About what?"
"Regina doesn't make her apple pie for just anyone." She answered, cutting into the flaky crust with her fork.
"I thought she made it for Dr. Mills." The younger blonde said before taking her first bite.
Kathryn laughed, "She makes pies for him regularly, but I can assure you, this one was made with you in mind."
Emma paused briefly before putting the fork in her mouth. Why would Regina make the dessert for her? The smell of warm apples and cinnamon invaded her senses. The moment the sweet, slightly spicy, buttery pie hit her tongue, she nearly moaned, "Oh my God. This is awesome."
The older blonde laughed again, "I know, hence, why I said you should feel lucky."
Emma couldn't stop herself. She nearly shoved the entire piece into her mouth in a matter of seconds. She didn't eat many sweets when she was in New York. Her sugar intake usually came from her alcohol consumption.
There was a long silence as the two women finished their desserts. The only sound was of a random dog barking in the distance or the occasional car that passed by the street. Emma really didn't know why she was so nervous. She knew the brunette was irritated with her, but it was more than that. She found it difficult to think when she was around her.
"What are you doing here?" The blonde asked, breaking the silence.
Emma tilted her head in confusion, "What do you mean? I was invited." The older blonde's tone had been serious, but her features were still soft.
"Yeah, I got that. What I mean is why did you come?" Kathryn sat her half-finished pie plate down next to what Emma assumed was Regina's on the railing.
The younger woman still wasn't sure what she was asking, "Henry wanted me to come."
"You don't find it strange that a woman your age is hanging out with a nine-year-old boy?" She moved closer sitting next to Emma on the swing.
"No. He's a great kid. His father's a douchebag just likes mine so I can relate. What are you trying to get at?" Emma asked. She really hoped the other woman didn't think she was a pedophile because that couldn't be further from the truth.
Kathryn chuckled lightly, "I didn't mean that." She said reading the other woman's mind it seemed, "I just meant is Henry all you are here for?"
Suddenly Emma caught on. She wasn't sure what to say. The younger woman had continued to tell herself that she was just friends with the boy, but then Regina popped into her head and her original thought faltered.
"I'm not trying to get in your business or make you uncomfortable, but she is my best friend. Henry is as close to a nephew that I will ever have. When it comes to them, then it's my business." She said making sure the younger woman looked at her as she spoke. "If you ever hurt them, I will do everything in my power to tear you apart." There was a smile on her lips but the look in her eyes was deadly.
Emma just nodded her understanding. What was she supposed to say to that? Why would the other woman say that? Regina wasn't interested in her. Her only concern was with her son.
"Okay, he's out," Regina said stepping out onto the porch.
Kathryn quickly stood up, "The dinner and the pie were great Regina. I think I'm going to hit the hay. I have to go into the office in the morning." She turned back, "I'm glad you came, Emma, good night."
Emma was still a little dumbfounded over their last conversation, but she managed a weak smile, "Good night."
Once the front door closed, the silence returned. Emma found herself silently cursing the dogs that had stopped barking because now the only sound was traffic in the distance. Why was this so awkward, she wondered.
"That was really sweet, what you did for Henry," Regina said, moving towards the railing and leaning her shoulder onto the support post. "You made his night."
Emma bit the inside of her cheek to stop the jittery feeling, "I hope its okay. I mean I didn't mean to make it sound like a date, I just…"
"It's fine Miss Nolan. It was very thoughtful of you." Regina said interrupting her ramblings.
Emma stood from the swing, placing her plate down where she had been sitting. Her palms were sweating, "I really am sorry about tonight." She thought that she should tell the other woman about Robert Gold's visit, but decided against it. The woman was helping her to get away with murder, she didn't need any additional stress.
"Please stop apologizing. I'm one of those women who likes to be shown, not told." Regina said.
Emma found herself in the ever frequent world of confusion, "Be shown?"
"Action speaks louder than words, Miss Nolan. If you have plans, make sure you keep them next time." Regina said pushing herself off the post.
"Right." Emma licked her lips. This was going to be a challenge. She was pretty sure that the brunette had spoken like there would be a next time. She feared if she stayed longer, either she would say something stupid, or not be able to speak at all, "I should probably get going. I'm sure you have plans in the morning, and I do need to get back to the club."
The younger woman saw what could only be described as disappointment cross the other woman's face, "Oh, okay."
Emma smiled stepping off the porch onto the steps, "Thanks for inviting me. The lasagna was awesome and don't even get me started on that pie."
"You're welcome, and I'm happy you enjoyed them." She replied, the corner of her mouth curled. "Maybe you can come to dinner again soon."
The blonde grinned, "I'd like that."
SQSQSQSQSQSQ
The whole ride back to the club was a blur. All Emma could think about was the brunette. Well, and Kathryn's words. Would Regina really be interested in something more? With Emma Nolan? She shook her head. The blonde needed to get that out of her mind. There were way too many things at stake here. Henry, Robin, the club, her friends, her father. Emma suddenly realized she hadn't been in a relationship since high school. She had no clue how to do that or if she could even do that.
Before she knew it, she was pulling up in the alleyway of the packed club. She sighed heavily. This was going to be a long night. The club was just getting underway. she looked down at the time on her phone, 9 PM.
She climbed out of the car and went inside. Anton met her at the door, "Hey boss?"
Emma raised an eyebrow, "Please tell me nothing happened while I was gone?"
"No, everything is under control. Just wanted to let you know that Zelena woman is waiting for you in your office." Anton said.
"How long?" She asked.
"About five minutes I think. Not long" He replied disappearing down the dark hallway to go back to the security room.
Had it not been for the blonde's happy mood after leaving Regina's, she would probably be annoyed. She sauntered off towards the stairs that led to her office.
"Hey, boss? Miss Ozman is waiting for you." Killian said as she started up the stairs. She nodded and continued up.
Opening the door she closed it behind her. The redhead was seated on the couch her legs crossed at the knee as she held some cocktail in her hand, "Is there something I can do for you, Miss Ozman?"
A smirk crossed the redhead's lips as she stood, "I'm here to get to know you."
Emma didn't look at the other woman, she moved towards the mini bar for a water. Opening the small fridge, she noticed it had been refilled with liquor, "What the hell?"
"I hope you don't mind, but your bar was looking a little bare," The redhead replied.
"I do actually." Emma tried to swallow her anger, "It doesn't matter. I'll deal with it later." She grabbed the only water bottle and turned back to Zelena, "What do you mean you're here to get to know me?"
The blonde made her way back to the desk sitting down in the chair. She would have to get Ruby to take all the alcohol back, but she would deal with it when this woman spit out whatever it was she was trying to say.
"I'm your approval. I think that is how it was explained to me." The redhead said standing from her spot.
Emma had a headache from all of the confusion that was happening tonight, "What the hell does that mean?" She asked.
She could tell the redhead was sizing her up as she walked towards the desk, "It appears that we are one another's betrothed."
"Betroths?" Emma asked out loud but before the other woman could respond she yelled, "WHAT?" The blonde jumped up from her seat, "Are you fucking kidding me? I'm not marrying you. I don't even know you."
The other woman sat down on the corner of the desk quietly, a smirk still on her lips.
"He doesn't even approve of me being gay, but he goes and picks me a wife? How does that even make sense?" Emma ranted.
There was no way in hell this was going to happen. Not if she could help it. The other woman remained quiet and Emma stopped, "You're okay with this?"
"It's what families like ours do. My parents' marriage was arranged, same as yours," she said nonchalantly.
"Yeah, but did your mother kill herself to get out of it?" Emma sneered.
There was a moment of silence before the other woman spoke again, "Look, it's not that bad. I mean I wasn't disappointed when I saw you. Were you when you saw me?"
Emma looked at the woman and then shook her head, "That's not the point here. Besides, I thought you were father's new plaything, not my future bride."
"I think you are overreacting." The redhead said a smile plastered to her face.
Suddenly the office door burst open. August, Anton, and Killian tumbled inside nearly landing on the floor as they rolled with laughter. Emma looked from them to the laughing woman in front of her, "What the fuck is this?"
"GOTCHA!" August said before another fit of laughter took over.
Emma clenched her jaw, "This was a joke?"
The redhead was laughing but managed a nod for yes. Anton leaned back into the wall as his belly bounced up and down.
"Oh come on Em, the look on your face was priceless." August panted. Walking over to the redhead and putting his arm around her waist. She giggled before kissing his lips.
"So she's your new toy?" Emma asked through her teeth.
Her brother looked up, "No, she's my fiancée. Did you really think father would go out and find you a wife?" Anton giggled again which sent the other two into a new fit.
"I wouldn't put anything passed father," she said plopping back down in her office chair. "You guys suck ass." She said placing her head on the desk thankful that it hadn't been true.
