This chapter has more bonding and sweet Henry Sr / Regina moments.
The next morning, Regina was grateful that it was a Sunday. As she didn't have to face her mother, unless she turned up, which she very much doubted. If anything her mother would send her father to speak with her, because she knew his words would fix things.
See reached for her phone from the kitchen unit, noticing one new message.
Emma: Good morning Miss Mills, how did your dinner at the parents go? hope it wasn't too awkward!
Regina smiled to herself and tapped her fingers on the unit, before replying.
Regina: Good morning Miss Swan, Dinner was pleasant apart from from my mother who tried to set me up with a guy and the row before I left. Which made me say I was resigning.
A minute later
Emma: Are you serious?
Regina chuckled, before replying
Regina: Yes very serious and how are you today?
Emma: Never mind how I am, Jesus Regina, your resigning? I can't believe it, you love that job. Your mothers a piece of work.
Regina gaped momentarily.
Regina: I know she is and I meant it, when I said I would resign but were see.
Emma: Who was the man anyway?, did you like him? did he like you?
Regina raised an eyebrow, was Emma jealous!
Regina: He was a nice man, a friend of Fredrick's who is married to one of my friends, she was also there. Anyway what are you up to today dear?
Two minutes later.
Emma: Absolutely nothing, why?
Regina grinned and thought, it's time to take the next step.
"Would you and Henry like to come over for dinner? I shall cook.
Seconds later
Emma: Really?
Regina smirked.
Regina: Yes. I wouldn't have offered otherwise would I ?
More minutes then past and Regina became anxious and then her phone beeped.
Emma: Me and Henry would love too. What time you want us there?
Regina beamed.
Regina: 3pm ?
Emma: Cool, see you then :)
Regina smiled and excitedly went to her bedroom to get ready, as she needed to get to the supermarket, pronto.
When she arrived back home from the supermarket, an hour and forty minutes later. She immediately emptied the four bags and got work on preparing the table and her homemade lasagna.
A while later, with the lasagna all prepared to go in the oven. Regina had twenty minutes left to freshen up and she decided to change, into a simple red figure hugging dress and then readjusted her makeup before the buzzer went, To alert her of someone at the door.
She then excitedly and anxiously went to the door, where she took a deep breath and opened it.
"Hey" Emma said, with a goofy smile and Henry just smiled up at her.
"Hello come in" she moved and Henry and Emma walked in, glancing around at the open tidy and spotless space.
"Now this is an apartment" Henry said and Regina smirked, before noticing Emma had stopped looking around and was starring at her.
My god she is breath taking...Emma thought, as she felt a fluttering within her stomach.
"Are you okay? Regina asked, stepping forward.
"Yeah, I was just wandering" she licked her lips as she took her pea coat off, revealing a jumper and skinny jeans.
"Wandering what?" Regina asked, as she guided them into the living area. Where they sat down on the white sofas.
"What the occasion is, for inviting us here for dinner?"
"Oh. There is no occasion, I thought it would be nice to share dinner with friends" she tilted her head, concerned that she might of got the whole thing wrong.
"Oh, I'm sorry Regina I'm just not used to someone other than my parents, being so kind towards me and Henry"
Regina didn't know what to say to that, so just nodded.
"The view is so cool, you can see everything" Henry shouted from the window as both Emma and Regina hadn't noticed him go to the window, as they were wrapped up in one another.
"Henry" Emma said, whilst Regina stood "I better put dinner in the oven and I will get you both a drink" she walked off to the kitchen and Emma immediately followed after her, to Henry's amusement.
"Do you need any help?" Emma asked, stopping at the stone kitchen unit and looking around at the showroom kitchen.
"No, all I got to do is put it in the oven, I think I can do that" she smirked.
"Yeah, this kitchen is well posh"
Regina rolled her eyes. "That sounds like something Henry would say" she replied.
"You know us well already" and they locked gazes for a long moment until they were interrupted.
"Ma" Henry suddenly said, as he entered the kitchen "what is for dinner?! He then asked.
"My homemade lasagna, I hope you like lasagna" ...damn maybe I should of asked first, she thought.
"Yeah we do, don't we kid" Emma said happily.
"Yeah, not as much as Burger and fries, but yeah" he chuckled.
Twenty minutes later and with Henry watching TV. Regina asked Emma "Are you sure about resigning?"
Emma was taken my surprise by the question and took a few seconds, before replying "Yes"
Regina took a breath.
"Okay"
"Um, I am still a little pissed, that the center is still being knocked down but you know that's not the main reason why I am resigning right?"
"I know, What will you do?" Regina asked.
"I don't know, I guess tomorrow, I shall have to get looking for something where I can make a difference, maybe something with kids" she smiled and then added "You know, I'm not the office type Regina, but that doesn't mean I haven't enjoyed your company. The best thing to come out of this is our friendship...even with your broken promise" she smirked.
"I don't think your ever properly forgive me for that, will you?" Regina muttered and glanced down sadly. This made Emma's heart ache a little and she reached her hand over and squeezed Regina's hand.
"Maybe not, but that doesn't mean I like you any less"
Regina scoffed but kept her gaze on their hands and moments later, Regina's buzzer went alerting her to someone at the door.
Emma pulled her hand back slowly and looked to Regina curiously.
"Did you invite someone else?" she asked.
"No, I am not expecting anyone" she stood and looked slightly flustered...Oh god what if its mother, she thought and willed herself towards the door.
"Regina" Henry Sr said happily with his hands held out, asking for a hug.
Regina smiled widely and was relieved, it wasn't her mother and she stepped forward and hugged him.
"Has mother sent you?" she asked, as she pulled back.
"Yes, but I wanted to come see you aswel" he then took in her attire.
"Are you going out?" He asked.
She looked down at herself.
"Oh no, I have guests over for dinner"
"Oh, I am sorry to interrupt then"
"Don't be. Please come inside" She moved so he could enter and he started taking off his jacket and putting it on the stand.
"Do I know your guests? he asked.
"Yes, well you have met one of them" Regina fiddled with her hands and Henry noticed.
"Regina sweetheart, why do you look a little anxious"
"I don't, I'm not" she replied pathetically.
He gave her a look and she then rolled her eyes, walking off into the living room and Henry heard Regina say "Emma, Henry my father is here"
Henry Sr, shook his head in amusement, of course he should have known her guests would be Emma and her son and he walked in with a smile.
"Hello" he said, noticing Emma first. Who stood up and greeted him politely.
"Nice to see you again Henry" she said.
"And you" he then noticed Henry looking at him curiously, from the other sofa chair.
"And you must be Henry"
"Yeah, um, we have the same name, I've never met another Henry before" he looked to Emma, who chuckled lightly.
"Well it is nice to met you young man"
Henry nodded, not sure of what to say.
"Please sit down" Regina said to her father and he nodded.
"Are you cooking lasagna?" He then asked, smelling food in the air.
"Yes"
Henry Sr looked to Emma "Your lucky, she only cooks her lasagna for people she likes" he smiled and Emma felt happy, in the fact that Regina indeed liked her.
"Father" Regina warned and he leaned back in the chair.
"Does Emma know about last night sweetheart?"
Regina took a breath.
"She knows about mothers failed matchmaking and the row, in which I said I was going to resign"
Henry grimaced slightly.
"I always tell her to leave it be, but she wants to see you happy"
"Well she's making me unhappy"
"I know, are you going to resign?"
"I meant it at the time, however if she leaves me be. I would consider not doing so" she picked at her hem, while Emma listened and Henry turned his attention back to the TV.
"She has been awoke most of the night" Henry said casually, as she watched his daughter.
"Cursing me no doubt" Regina replied with a clenched jaw.
Henry Sr couldn't deny that, but instead said "She is concerned"
"About my life choices?" Regina said a little harshly and looked to him with a look, that he knew meant about her sexuality.
"She is not against the idea Regina, just rather you not because of the business"
Emma tilted her head, confused.
Are they talking in some kind of code, she wondered and what is this idea!
Regina sighed.
"Some things are more important, you know this as much as I"
Henry Sr glanced to Emma, who was watching Regina's uncomfortableness.
"Your mother will be fine. I think she has finally realized after last night's performance, that you are serious"
"Good, I'm glad"
There was a long pause and Regina composed herself and asked "Do you want to stay for dinner father?" and he smiled and look to Emma who nodded.
"Actually, your mother is cooking back at home"
Regina tilted her head, something about the way he was looking between her and Emma, made her curious. What is he thinking Regina wandered, before saying "Okay, maybe next time"
He nodded.
A Minute later.
"So...What do you and Henry usually get up to on weekends?" Henry Sr asked Emma, but Henry interrupted.
"Well, we either go park, or we have to go to the shops or we do something with grandma and grandpa. I also play Xbox and do stuff"
Henry shook his head in amusement at the boy.
"I am just going to check on dinner" Regina suddenly said and got up. Leaving her father with Emma and Henry in the living area.
Emma glanced around, not knowing exactly what to say and Henry turned his attention back to the TV.
Henry Sr, then stood up.
"Excuse me. I am just going to talk to Regina for a moment"
"Okay" Emma replied weakly and as he walked into the kitchen, Emma turned her attention to Henry.
"Henry please, I know you mean well and all but you cant just interrupt conversations"
He glanced down sadly.
"Sorry ma"
"Okay" She sighed.
Meanwhile out in the kitchen, Henry approached his daughter, who was busy putting the lasagna back in the oven.
"Me gusta Emma. Creo que va a ser bueno para usted" (I like Emma. I think she will be good for you)
Regina turned round and held her breath for a moment, before saying "Ella es recta , papá" (She's straight, daddy)
He gave her a look, that screamed I don't think so.
"Papa, Qué puedo hacer?" (Daddy what can I do?)
He walked over to her and hugged her.
"ser valiente" (Be brave)
Regina scoffed lightly and gave he father one last squeeze, before releasing him.
"I will try and If not, I shall have to find some other way of..." she paused.
"Oh, like a grand gesture of some kind" Henry added jokingly and Regina starred at him in thought...Maybe there is a way and she smiled brightly.
"What is that beautiful smile for?" he asked.
"I think you have given me an idea"
"Oh? will you tell me?"
"Not yet, I need to see if its possible"
"Okay, well you do that" he stepped back and they went back into the living area where Henry Sr said "I think I shall head off. Cora will have my head, if I don't get back in time for dinner" he chuckled.
"She would do that?" Henry asked in surprise and they all chuckled.
"Of course not Henry" Emma replied.
"It was nice to see you again Emma and to finally met you Henry"
Emma suddenly found herself standing up and stepping forward, kissing the man on the cheek. It wasn't until she pulled back that she realized what she had done.
"Oh sorry, I just am used to doing that when I say bye to my parents I guess" her cheeks went a slight shade of pink and she looked slightly embarrassed.
Henry Sr, meanwhile was totally surprised but pleasantly surprised and Regina was just smiling, because of what Emma had said.
"That's okay, it was nice actually" Henry Sr replied, with a smile and looked to Regina who looked pleased.
Emma nodded and sat back down.
"I am just going to see him to the door" Regina told Emma, who nodded once more.
Once at the door, Henry Sr put his coat on and hugged Regina once more. "Puedo ver por qué te gusta su dulce corazón" (I can see why you like her, sweet heart)
He pulled back and Regina gave him a look and said "Papa"
He sighed as he walked out the door, before turning back.
"What shall I tell your mother?" he asked.
Regina rested her head against the door and pondered for a moment.
"Tell her...if she promises to let me live my life, how I want to live it, I will not resign"
"Fair enough"
Regina gave a slight smile.
"I'm proud of you" Henry Sr said proudly.
"Thank you daddy, it means a lot"
"Have a nice evening sweet heart and I shall see you soon"
"Most likely tomorrow" Regina replied, with a slight smirk.
"Of course" he answered and motioned to leave.
Upon reentering the living area, Regina took a breath.
"Is everything okay?" Emma asked, rubbing her own legs and looking at the beautiful woman, who was making her feel things she had thought not possible.
"Yes. Perfectly fine" she replied. "Would you like another drink?"
"Sure..yeah..that would be great"
Henry chuckled at his mother's stuttering and she glared at him.
Regina meanwhile just smiled and took the glass.
"How about you Henry?"
"I'm good" he replied.
She then headed quickly to fill their glasses up and returned.
"Dinner shall be ready soon"
"Great, I'm getting hungry now with the air, smelling of food"
"I hope you will like it dear"
"Of course, I eat anything me" he smiled goofily.
"What about salad?" Regina teased.
"Oh, maybe not that" she glanced away.
Regina smiled to herself.
"Well maybe your have some with your dinner today, you need to eat more healthy Miss Swan"
Emma glanced back with a look, of i know what your doing.
Regina began to laugh and Emma broke out into a smile, as Regina's laugh was wonderful to her.
"You two are weird" Henry then said, looking at the pair.
"Thanks a lot" Emma replied sarcastically.
"Anyway I think I shall go and see if dinner is ready now so if you two want to go to the table" she stood.
"Do you need any help?" Emma asked.
"No. I've got it. your my guests" she walked away and Henry and Emma went to the table.
Ten minutes later...
"Smells great" Emma said sweetly, as she looked down at her plate.
"Well tuck in dear" Regina replied happily, as she picked up her folk from across the table.
Moments later..."This is the best lasagna" Henry mumbled, as he tucked into another part of it.
Regina smiled widely at the compliment.
"I have to agree. Is it some kind of secret recipe?" Emma asked.
Regina picked up her glass of wine and swirled it slightly.
"Yes, it is a grand secret passed down through my family" she smiled into her drink.
The blonde then adoringly starred at her.
"It's good to see you like this" Emma blurted without thought.
Regina paused and tilted her head in wonder.
"Like what dear?"
"Relaxed...happy even" she smiled genuinely and put another piece of food in her mouth.
Regina didn't quite know how to answer, so she just nodded.
The rest of the meal then went pleasantly and Henry was excused to the living area, to watch some more TV and Regina and Emma remained at the table.
"I should take our plates to the kitchen" Regina said motioning to stand.
"Yeah, let me help"
"Okay"
They quietly took the plates to the kitchen and Regina put them in soak in the sink.
"Thank you for dinner, Regina. It was really great" Emma said, whilst standing at the stone kitchen unit and watching Regina turn the tap off.
"Your welcome dear. It was nice to have you and Henry over" she smiled at Emma.
"Are you looking forward to the benefit ball?" Emma then asked.
"Oh that, yes it shall be interesting. I must warn you though, my mother will be there" she smirked.
"Of course she will" Emma replied, with a eye roll.
"You don't like her much do you?"
Emma bit her lip and pondered her words.
"I...I think she's...a piece of work, however she's your mother and I respect that. Even though she needs to let you do what you want, your a grown ass woman"
"Oh, I'm a grown ass woman am I?" he quirked an eyebrow.
"You know what I mean" Emma huffed.
"Don't pull that face dulce corazón, it doesn't suit you" Regina teased.
"What does that word mean?"
Regina shook her head.
"Come on, you have said that to me a couple of times now" she tapped her hands on the unit.
"It means you idiot" Regina lied and Emma narrowed her eyes.
"Your lying"
"How do you know that?" she stepped closer to Emma.
"I think I am good at telling when people are lying to me and with you, I can tell"
"Can you really?" she stepped a little closer, that they were only one foot apart.
"Yes"
"Lets test that theory"
Emma crossed her arms and starred at Regina, who had a playful look on her face.
"I am going to wear a bikini to the ball on Saturday" she smirked wickedly and locked eyes with Emma, who now felt slightly fuzzy.
Regina in a bikini, jeez I want to see that. She thought.
"Um, well that is an obvious lie"
"How about, I will be wearing a double breasted, short sleeved black dress with buttons here" she gestured down her front and Emma followed her hand and licked her lips.
"And heels of course"
Emma swallowed thickly, her heart rate had increased and she was sure Regina's eyes had darkened.
"Okay well, your defiantly telling the truth"
Regina was impressed and then she suddenly realized how close they were and began to step back. What am I doing she suddenly thought, as she felt a wave of heat within her.
God it's hot in here, she thought.
"Was I right?" Emma then asked.
Regina smiled "Your have to wait and see dear" she replied playfully and tucked her hair behind her ear, before saying "shall we go and sit down?"
Emma nodded and stepped forward.
Two hours later, after flowing conversations about their childhoods and interests Emma said "We better get going"
"Okay" Regina replied, noticing Emma stand up and Henry going over to get his coat.
"This has really been fun" Emma said, looking at Regina, who was now standing up and patting down her dress.
"Yes, it was" she replied softly.
"We should do this again sometime" she licked her lips and looked to Regina's mouth.
"We should and we will" The brunette replied.
Emma then stepped forward and Regina followed her to the door, where Emma put her coat on.
"It was great seeing you again Regina" Henry said "And you" she smiled genuinely at him as she fiddled with her hands.
"Thanks again Regina" The blonde said as Henry opened the door.
"Your welcome"
"I shall see you tomorrow at work?"
"Yes and hopefully my mother will have seen sense"
"I hope so" Emma replied casually and walked through the door and turned to face Regina, who looked a little anxious. Emma then stepped forward and kissed the brunette on the cheek and as she pulled back, Regina looked stunned and Henry laughed.
"Henry" Emma warned.
"Sorry, it's just I don't think she was expecting that"
Emma sighed and looked back to Regina, who looked even more beautiful to Emma in that moment. Her cheeks were slightly red, she had glistening brown eyes and she had her hand on the spot where Emma had kissed her and she looked in awe.
"Are you okay?" Emma asked.
"yes..absolutely fine" Regina replied, her voice was a little high and Emma found herself starring into brown eyes, but Regina suddenly looked away.
"I better go" Emma then said weakly.
"See you tomorrow Emma" The brunette muttered, feeling overwhelmed.
"Yeah See you tomorrow Regina"... I'm looking forward to it, she thought as she shook her head in advisement and began to leave with Henry.
Regina blinked a few times before closing the door. Where she took a deep breath.
Get a grip Regina. I am a strong powerful woman. She told herself but then she thought of Emma's soft lips upon her cheek and she swooned and thought maybe papa is right, maybe she does really like me...