Lacey entered her home, her heels gripped tightly in her hand. She turned to close the door behind her quietly. Her teeth clenched as the door clicked shut. She turned, resting her back against the door, and smiled. She was still floating from her night with Ruby. She had never experienced anything like that before. And she knew one thing for certain: she wanted to experience it again.

She pushed herself away from the door and walked toward the stairs. She stepped quietly, feeling the steps creak under her feet. It was still early. She wanted to make sure not to wake Gold on the off-chance that he hadn't left for the shop yet.

"Lacey?" Gold questioned as she stopped in mid-step.

She closed her eyes, muttering a tiny curse. She placed her hand on the banister and smiled down at him. "Good morning," she greeted, hiding her shoes behind her back.

"Good morning, indeed." He raised his arm to check the time on his watch. He looked at her curiously. "Just getting in from the library?"

She pressed her free hand into the rail. "Yes ... I … uh ... I'm almost finished with all the cataloging."

His eyes remained on her for a moment. "Well, that's good to hear." He checked the time once again. "I'm off to the shop." He rested his hands on the top of his cane. "I'll pick you up later for lunch. We haven't done that in a while. How does that sound?"

Lacey pressed her teeth down on her bottom lip. She tapped the banister and nodded. "Sure…" she breathed, forcing a smile onto her lips. "That sounds nice." She pointed over her shoulder toward the bedroom. "I – I'm going to get some sleep. I'm exhausted."

He smiled and nodded. "Very well. Get some rest." He walked toward the door. "I'll see you for lunch." He glanced at her one last time before exiting the house.

Lacey breathed out heavily as she watched him leave. She quickly bounded up the stairs to their bedroom. Once inside, she tossed her shoes on the floor and dropped down on the bed. She rested her hand on her stomach suddenly feeling a twinge of guilt. She propped herself up on her elbows as the realization hit her.

She cheated on Gold.

She lay back down on the bed hard and closed her eyes. Images of Ruby and their night together began to flash through her mind. She wanted to see her again, to feel her lips against hers. She knew there would be risk. If he found out, he would – she shook her head, clearing her head of the impending fear. He won't find out. There's no way he would.

Ruby pulled the tap to fill Leroy's glass. She placed it down in front of him. "Here you go," she said, smiling widely as she cleaned off the counter.

Leroy narrowed his eyes, suspiciously. "What's with you?" he inquired, taking a drink.

Ruby's smile didn't fade as she flashed him a strange look. "What do you mean?"

He placed the glass down and clasped his hands together. "You haven't stopped smiling since you walked in." He leaned toward her. "You never smile voluntarily around here."

Ruby drew her brow together. "I can't be in a good mood?"

He shook his head. "Not when you're here." He brought his drink to his lips before quickly putting it back down. He grinned knowingly. "Who's the guy?"

Ruby huffed. "Guy? Why does there have to be a g – " Her response was cut short by the door to the Diner dinging. She turned her attention to the people walking in and her heart rose into her throat.

Lacey walked in with her arm looped through Gold's. Her eyes were focused on him as he spoke softly to her. She laughed at something he said. He turned to take off his coat and she slowly brought her attention to Ruby. They locked eyes. Lacey smiled warmly at her before turning her attention back to Gold. He held out his hand, allowing her to go ahead of him as they found a booth and sat down.

Leroy watched the entire thing unfold. He kept his focus on Ruby as her eyes followed Lacey's every move. His grin spread widely. "I guess there doesn't have to be a guy," he noted, taking a sip from his beer.

Ruby shot him a dirty look. "Shut up," she ordered as she tossed her towel down and walked into the kitchen.

After a few moments, Ruby exited the kitchen. She couldn't let the sight of them together upset her. What happened between them the night before, as amazing as it was, would probably never happen again. Lacey was with Gold. No matter how wrong it was, it was the truth. She had to accept that fact.

Her eyes scanned the Diner and noticed that Gold was sitting alone, reading the menu. Her brow furrowed in wonder. Where had she gone in such a short amount of time? Gold didn't look upset so them having a fight was out of the question. She shook her head. She had to stop focusing on this. She turned on her heels and headed toward the bathroom.

Once inside, Ruby pressed her hands into the sink. She lowered her head, staring down at the empty white formica. The sound of a stall door opening caused her to raise her head. The sound of heels clicking on the floor and suddenly silencing caused her to turn quickly. Her eyes widened as she was face-to-face with Lacey.

There were no words. Lacey reached out, grabbing Ruby by the shirt and pulled her into the stall. She pushed her against the wall and kissed her hard. Ruby succumbed quickly, gripping Lacey's waist and kissing her back. Lacey pressed her body against her, moaning into the kiss. Suddenly, Ruby pushed her away.

"Wait … wait..." she breathed heavily as she swallowed hard. She looked directly into her eyes. "Lacey…"

"Please don't say it," Lacey responded as she took a step back and rested against the furthest part of the stall. She placed her hands over her face.

Ruby pushed herself away from the wall and walked the one step it took to be closer to her. "We can't do this," she stated, her voice breaking. "I want to … God, do I want to, but…"

Lacey moved her hands from her face, her eyes still focused on the floor. "I know..." she said, her voice almost a whisper. She raised her eyes to look into Ruby's. She knew this was wrong, but she couldn't help herself. "There has to be a way."

Ruby's eyes danced over her features. "How?" She reached out, touching Lacey's face. "You're with Gold. If he found out – "

"He won't. We can make this work." She placed her hands on Ruby's shoulders. "Last night was the most alive I've felt in..." She searched her mind for a time frame. The truth is, she had never felt this alive. "Forever." She stepped impossibly closer. "Please?" She wrapped her arms around Ruby's neck. "I know we can find a way."

Ruby smiled as she continued to touch her face. "Last night was pretty amazing," she admitted as Lacey smiled. She pressed her lips together in thought until she finally nodded. "Okay, we'll find a way." She stumbled forward as Lacey pulled her into a tight hug. She wrapped her arms tightly around her waist. "I don't care what we have to do as long as I can be with you."

Lacey moved back slightly so she was looking into her eyes. She rested her hands on the side of Ruby's beautiful face. There were no more words needed. If they had to sneak around in secret, they would. As long as they were together, nothing else mattered. Ruby leaned in, closing the gap between them as she kissed Lacey softly on the lips.