shayk/liv – I honestly didn't mean to leave you hanging like that. I normally update once a week, therefore I meant I'd be skipping a week from updating because of the time jump.

Annie – I'm so glad you like the fic! The story takes place a little after college. Wish I could update more often too, but I need some time to edit my writing even though I have majority of the story written out.

Sammy – I hope you like the way I start to portray the characters. It's all about letting your guard down which sometimes doesn't happen immediately.

Shadedgrey15/Guest/Gray/Cal00007/pllpailyaddict – Thank you so much!

Shipper – Thank you! I love the 90's too…but I might be bias since I'm an '88 baby

Kristen – Please don't bite me : ( I just needed readers to understand why Paige is so hesitant with her heart. Hope you like how I unfold it tho! Your comments always make me laugh!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pretty Little Liars or any of its characters

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New York City can truly steer anyone avid; whether it's for the best or the worse. However, you don't truthfully begin to appreciate it until you find yourself missing it when you leave. Missing the scenery is possibly the most obvious, but there's the more personal things we learn to forgo. There's the availability of practically anything at all hours of the day; whether its drinks or food to randomly needing duct tape or a screwdriver. There's the fashion, the art and night life that is able appease anyone of any age. And most of all there's the memories we never forget; the memories of finally learning to swim, or spraining an ankle, running that first marathon or where that first magical kiss took place. When you finally do come back, it doesn't matter if you had lived your entire life here, you find yourself always discovering something new and creating even more memories. It's the city of dreams. It's the city of money. It's the city of love. It's the city where you can discover yourself.

Emily loved and loathed these qualities. One thing she managed to keep consistent once she stepped foot in the city was getting lost easily; it was a specialty of hers. Standing in the front of Men's Warehouse on 50th street, Emily pulled out the small post-it to verify the address of her destination. Quickly putting the slip of paper away, Emily crossed the street focusing on the large 52 floor black building. Taking in a deep breath, Emily adjusted her dark blue pinstripe suit jacket as she doubled checked her white button top to ensure it was neatly tucked in, before glancing at her matching pinstripe pencil skirt to make sure it didn't contain any lint. Finally satisfied, Emily cleared her throat as she straightened up and began walking inside the building.

It was obvious Emily was new to the building. The first timers always walked slower than everyone else as they took in the beautiful marble décor and was seemingly mesmerized by the high walls which added a certain historic New York feel. Realizing the side glances coming her way, Emily focused back on why she was there. Reaching for the security turnstile, Emily took out her newly delivered badge and scanned it allowing her the go ahead. She couldn't help compose the smile that crawled across her lips; finally feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Entering the elevator bank, Emily pressed the button waiting for the next free elevator to arrive. Within seconds of her own arrival, the bank became full of employees waiting for the same elevator; all on their phones, iPods or reading the Wall Street Journal paying no attention to their surroundings. Hearing the sound of the elevator arriving, Emily turned to enter but was startled as she found the rest of the employees already jamming into it. Slightly taken aback, Emily nodded her head before pressing the button once again.

Finally reaching her floor after a few minutes, Emily maneuvered her way out of the elevator before scanning her ID to open the large glass doors before her. Approaching the receptionist's desk located to her right, Emily mentally prepared herself as she saw the receptionist make eye contact with her.

With a hint of nervousness in her eyes, Emily began. "Good morning. I'm here to see Anna Rathbone".

"Of course, what's your name?" the elderly woman replied with a smile.

Replying with a smirk, Emily felt a bit more relaxed at the woman's polite demeanor. "Emily Fields".

As the reception dialed the woman's number, Emily took the spare time to look around the area. It wasn't as nicely decorated as the lobby; however it had the same business like feel. The walls were all white or beige creating a soft but bland atmosphere. With the sound of the receptionist hanging up, Emily quickly focused her attention back to her.

"Ms. Rathborne will be right with you. Please have a seat" the middle-aged woman responded as she pointed to the seating area to her right. "Can I get you anything to drink?"

"No thank you…and thank you" Emily replied with a slight laugh berating herself for her sudden immaturity.

Walking towards the sitting area, Emily took a seat nervously waiting for her impending supervisor to come forth. Within a matter of seconds, a skinny petite brunette woman appeared. Having the most exquisite taste in fashion, Emily swallowed a little harder as she watched the woman approach her.

"Hi Emily?" she asked extending her hand.

"Hi, yes" Emily replied as she stood up reaching to comply with the brunette's hand gesture.

"I'm Spencer. Spencer Hastings. I'm the Senior Associate for this client" Spencer acknowledged before slightly turning her body in a way to let Emily know to follow her. "Anna, who you had met previously, is of course the Senior Manager on the team. She had an emergency call with another client of hers. She should be coming over a little later to make her introduction".

"It's a pleasure to meet you" Emily replied at the warm welcome.

"Pleasure is all mine. I heard a lot about you. Top of your undergraduate class in Accounting; hailing straight from Boston College and you have a master's degree in Taxation. I know you had your orientation already in Boston and went to Ohio for a week for training. So let me be the first to say welcome to New York" Spencer said with a smile that would light up a room.

Instantly smiling back, Emily replied "Thank you! I actually lived here for a few years before moving to Boston. It feels good to be back".

"There is no place like New York" Spencer quickly responded. "I'm actually from North Carolina. I originally just came here for work. But I absolutely loved it and ended up staying".

Emily watched closely as Spencer nuzzled her fingers through her hair as she exposed her engagement ring. Emily's eyes instantly lit up at the sight of how beautiful the diamond crown ring looked. "Oh wow! Who is the lucky guy…or girl?" she asked making a reference to her hand.

"Ah, he's a young trader with JP Morgan. Met him back when we were undergrads at Duke and it took from there" Spencer said with a smile. "He happened to be from New York, which was pretty crazy but also gave me the perfect opportunity to see him in his home territory when I came here." Finally reaching their seating area, Spencer brought herself back to their priorities. "Ok, this is where we've been sitting" she said standing in the large conference room. Emily found herself drifting to the amazing view of that surrounded the corner room, but forced herself to focus on Spencer. "Your laptop came this morning. All you need to do is lock it at the end of the day since you'll be here for the next 3 months. We just started receiving data from the client so it's going to be a bit of a hectic week. But welcome aboard". Spencer concluded as she sat down diagonal from Emily.

Taking off her jacket, Emily took in the amount of paper work which sat on the large oak table before her. Piles and piles of forms laid all over the desk, GAAP reference guides were scattered as well as empty coffee cups and half eaten pastries. This was it. Everything she's been training for; for the last 5 years.

XXXXXXX

Having a busy work day always makes the day go by faster. It doesn't matter if it is your first day or first year, the quickest way a person would learn would be for them to be thrown directly into the line of fire; that was exactly what Spencer did. Within the first 30 minutes of Emily starting, Spencer had already given the brunette a quick overview of the client as well spreadsheets that needed to be re-created for the new year. Before either girl knew it, it was already 7pm with no indication either of them would be leaving anytime soon.

"Hey, do you want to order from Michael's? They have the best Mushroom Ravioli in New York…and I'm sure Boston. But that's just my opinion" Spencer asked closing a textbook next to her.

"I will have to take your word on that" Emily replied. "But I'm definitely starving and would love to finally have something authentic from New York. So whatever you're getting, get 2" she stated before she continued typing on her laptop.

Within an hour, their meals were delivered and sitting of front of both of them easily making the aroma engulf them with cheesy goodness.

"Everything smells amazing" Emily noted taking out all the items from the delivery bag.

"Just wait till you taste it" Spencer replied as she began opening all the containers.

As the girls gathered their plates and began dishing out their food, they both went back to their respective seats with their dinner.

"You know, I still haven't met Anna" Emily said cutting into her ravioli.

"Yeah, she gets pretty backed up. But you'll be seeing her soon" Spencer responded as she took her first bite. "Oh wow, this has to be what heaven tastes like"

"Oh…" Emily responded in complete awe as she sat back in her seat. "Geez. This is unbelievable. I think there's a hint of…jack?" Emily continued as she tried savoring the taste in her mouth.

Spencer started laughing. "You know your liquor. And you are correct. Their secret weapon is whiskey". Taking in another bite, Spencer finished typing up her sentence before speaking up once again. "Hey, I'm having a small gathering on Friday at my place. About 20 people are coming to celebrate the fiancé's promotion. You should definitely come out".

"Well you are officially the first person to invite me to a party since I've been here…which has been like 5 days. So thank you! And yes, I would love to" Emily responded with a smile.

With the week flying by just as quick as the first day, Friday had came by in no time.

XXXXXXX

Emily entered Spencer's apartment Friday night, revisiting the same feelings she had back in high school. Making her way through the crowd, Emily took in the demeanor of the party as she worked her way around looking for Spencer. Relieved that Spencer's friends were all laid back and very calm, Emily continued to the kitchen content it'll be a great night.

"Hey Em! You made it!" Emily heard over her shoulder as she poured a generous amount of whiskey into her cup.

Knowing the voice belonged to Spencer, Emily turned around as she gave Spencer a quick kiss on the cheek. "Of course I did! Your apartment is absolutely gorgeous". Living in the Upper East Side, Emily immediately thought Spencer's apartment would be the size of a closet; however she was strongly mistaken. The apartment was open concept. As soon as she entered the living room the dining room was straight ahead followed by the kitchen. To the left was a bathroom which immediately connected to the master bedroom and to her right was the second bedroom. Besides having an apartment well over 1500 square feet in the city, Spencer's apartment also came with a balcony easily overviewing the East River.

"I got lucky. One of Toby's friends actually works in Real Estate and she knew all the hot spots in the city" Spencer replied with a smile noticing what Emily was drinking. "Not only do you know your whiskey, you actually prefer it too. I think we are going to get along perfectly" she stated as she tilted her own drink with Emily's.

Emily couldn't help but smile. "I think so. So where is this famous Toby you've been talking about all week?" she asked before taking a sip of her drink.

"He's coming in a bit. He had to actually work late, go figure. Gotta love the business life right?" Spencer stated. "But let me introduce you to a few other people" she continued before making their way to the living room. As they approached the crowded area, Spencer tapped a small petite woman lightly on her elbow before cheering with a dirty blonde woman right beside her. "Ladies, this Emily. She's new to PwC just transferring over from Boston. Em, this Aria and Hanna. We've all actually been friends since college"

Giving the girls a shy wave, Emily spoke up. "Great to finally meet people outside the office. It's crazy how much life can change when college is over"

"I know right? Now by time we leave the office, it's after 7pm and all I want to do is sleep" Hanna replied. "Spencer had to literally drag me out to come to a house party" Hanna jumped in. "But I'm glad I did. I'm always up for meeting new people. Welcome to NYC!"

The party was off to a great start. Emily had easily fitted in with the rest of the girls and was able to laugh and joke with everyone easily, relating to every deliberation debated. As the drinks and discussions continued, a few new faces had entered the party making their way towards girls. Emily watched as Spencer and Hanna's faces instantly lit up making her turn toward the strangers in curiosity. Spencer engulfed herself in a hug with the tall sandy hair man who she knew right away was Toby. Hanna ran directly up to the raven hair man forcing him to catch her in mid-air. As the girls hugged their significant others, another blonde hair man made his way around the group with a tall caramel woman right next to him.

"I don't think we ever met. I'm Kyle, a friend of Toby's and this is Shana" Kyle politely said as he introduced himself.

"Hi, next to meet you both. I'm Emily, a friend of Spencer's. We actually work together over at PwC" Emily kindly replied.

"Ah, another accounting junkie. Well pleasure to meet you" Shana responded as she gave Emily a quick hug.

"I see you guys already met" Spencer cheerfully stated as she made her way right back to the group. "Emily, I'll like you to meet Toby and Caleb. They both work for JP Morgan as well downtown".

"Hey guys. Toby, congratulations on the promotion! I've heard so much about you in the last week that I can honestly say you deserve it" Emily exclaimed as she gave Toby a quick kiss on the cheek. "I brought you a bottle of Black Label, but I'm pretty sure it's done by now" the brunette continued as she pointed to the kitchen.

Toby let out a huge laugh as he hugged his fiancé. "I'm not surprised at all. But thank you so much! I've heard a lot about you too. Spencer is pretty open with her feelings" Toby continued as he gave his fiancé a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Oh yeah, so you already met Shana. She's the one who actually helped me get this place!" Spencer pointed out as she pointed in Shana's direction.

"Do you need any help finding a place Em?" Kyle politely asked as he took a sip of his beer.

"Oh no, actually I'm staying in Brooklyn, far away from the city. I like to have some quietness when I head home after work if you know what I mean" Emily laughed out. "But how do you guys all know each other? College as well? Or Work?"

"Actually my sister and Toby work together. She was the one who introduced us" Kyle replied.

"Speaking of, is she coming later today?" Aria asked the group.

"Yeah she should be. I think she had a late meeting with Australia, but she said she'll be heading here right after" Caleb stated.

As the gang continued on with their conversations, Emily felt right at home. She instantly clicked with everyone she fell into a conversation with, forgetting for a moment she was the new person within the group. With the evening wearing on, the effects of alcohol began kicking in. Individuals began getting louder as the music began increasing in tempo. Running back into the kitchen for a quick refill, Emily was suddenly distracted as a new face appeared before her.

"Hey, you're new around here right?" the slightly shorter woman asked as leaned against the counter Emily was currently standing near. "I only ask because Spencer tends to have the same sort of crowd when it comes to house parties and I think I would have noticed you".

Blushing a bit, Emily tucked a strand of hair away from her face flattered by obvious flirtation. "Yes I am. I'm Emily" she stated as she extended her hand.

"I'm Kate, a friend of Toby's from college" she replied shaking Emily's hand. "Do you want to grab some fresh air on the balcony? Spencer has an amazing view plus it's a bit quieter".

Turing back for a second, Emily glanced at her new group of friends before she turned back around. "Sure why not. I haven't seen Spencer's view since I got here".

XXXXXXX

Navigating her way through the hordes of people as she entered the apartment, Paige was a little overwhelmed by the turnout in her friends place; berating herself for not knowing better. When Spencer Hastings says small gathering, her definition of small tends to be significantly different from everyone else's. Looking around the living room to spot any indication of her friends, she was only met with complete strangers.

Just as she was about to give up and make her way towards the kitchen, she soon felt a familiar arm around her shoulders and turned to finally see a friendly face. "Hey there stranger. You finally stopped working to enjoy life a bit huh?" Shana asked as she gave the auburn girl a hug.

"Look at you out on a Friday night" Paige heard just as she broke the hug. Turning to face her brother she heard, "Does your boss know?"

Letting out a gentle laugh, Paige knew she deserved that. "Har har har. Aren't you the comedian" she said as she gave her brother a hug. "I'm actually on call tonight".

"Are you serious? P, you need learn to relax and actually enjoy yourself" Kyle responded concerned.

"Awwww and be more like you?" Paige replied with a cocky grin. "Shana, it's always pleasure seeing you". Just as Paige gave Kyle a quick tap on his back, she noticed Toby narrowing in on her; making her smile even wider. "Toby! I am so sorry I'm so late! With quarter end –"

"Don't even start the work talk" Toby interrupted as he gave Paige a hug. "You're here now, that's what matters"

With a smile slowly creeping onto her lips, she simply replied "Yes I am, and you are officially becoming a manager!"

After a quick conversation with the guest of honor, Paige made her way around the rest of the crowd surrounding her as she said her 'hello-s'. Feeling the room temperature increased due to the amount of people throughout the apartment, Paige combed back her hair in frustration. Letting out a deep breath, Paige looked around hoping all windows and doors were open just as felt a cool breeze behind her come from the balcony. Turning around to face the crisp air head-on, she caught the movement of the curtains coming from balcony causing her eyes to involuntarily shift towards them. That's when it happened. That's when Paige's eyes drifted toward the large warm brown eyes that had haunted her dreams for 9 years.

Emily was in the middle of listening to Kate talk about her trip to Cancun and how much she and her friends partied, when she began feeling that familiar sensation of shivers crawl through her. Lightly scrunching her eyebrows in confusion, Emily glanced over the balcony then back to Kate thinking the breeze was to blame; she hadn't felt that way since high school. Beginning to sense the intensity of that certain feeling, Emily lightly cleared her throat before turning toward the party; having to do a double take before she caught the gaze of the woman who had become a ghost from her for past.

Completely frozen in place, the sense of shock could be felt like radiation rays. Paige didn't know what to do. All she was able to do was take in how beautiful the brunette still looked before her; the beauty who was still able to take her breath away in a simple white t-shirt, skinny jeans and black heels. The only difference Paige could see was Emily had highlights in her hair and looked more toned, if that that was even possible.

Suddenly feeling insecurity elude through her; Paige couldn't help but allow her mind drift to everything Emily might still think was completely revolting about her. In a matter of seconds her mind drifted to how she looked, if she had a suitable job or if she was even worth anything to the brunette. Slipping her hands in her slim black pants to calm herself down, Paige mentally thought about her black cowl neck shirt along with her grey slim suit blazer and matching infinity scarf and if it looked decent on her; not realizing the amount of stares coming her way.

Finally letting out the deep breath she had been holding, Paige cleared her throat as she took her first step in Emily's direction still holding the brunette's gaze. Feeling her throat constrict and her heart pounding faster, Paige was suddenly broken out of her trance just a voice managed to disrupt her thought.

"McCullers, you seem to always know how to make an entrance no matter where you go" the tall brunette asked as she leaned in toward the brown eye beauty. "And do I know how well you can make an entrance".

Swallowing at the directedness of the flirtation before her, Paige wasn't in the right state of mind to be reciprocating anything tonight. Simply replying "what can I say, it just comes naturally". Paige naively thought the brunette would walk away, but found herself being dragged to the dance area where the rest of the party seem to be.

Paige's body and mind were not working collectively. While her mind was purely focusing on Emily, Paige felt as though her body was a dead weight; moving in the direction it was being pulled. When hours passed, it seemed like merely minutes of dancing before Paige's phone began vibrating breaking her out of her party mode. Stepping aside to the closest room, Paige simply checked her email without answering and sighed in frustration.

"Please tell me that's not work" Toby asked as he handed Paige another beer.

Downing half the beer as he spoke, Paige was only able to reply "India is calling".

"Paige, you seriously need to move on from this team. I know you're doing well but you have no time for anything" Toby responded.

"It's the promotion period. You know this. Everyone's running around with their head up their boss' asses hoping for that raise. The effects trickle down to the little people" Paige stated as she finished the rest of her beer. "Just give me a few days, I can promise you it'll ease from there. Tell the girls I say bye but I will definitely see then in A.C ok? And I'll see you at work."

"Be safe Paige" Toby replied as he proceeded to give her a hug.

Watching from afar, Emily observed Toby saying good-bye to Paige as the auburn girl proceeded to make her way out of the apartment without a second glance back at her. Thinking Paige had already forgotten she was there, Emily felt her breath hitch when Paige turned around to focus on her as she turned the doorknob. Feeling the intensity of the girl's gaze once again, Emily felt her chest fall when Paige finally turned away to exit the apartment. She left…again.

Tucking back a strand of hair behind her ear, Emily felt a surge of panic crawl through her since she laid eyes on Paige McCullers. Completely zoning out from the smaller girl talking to her, Emily could feel the grip she was currently displaying on the handrail of the balcony tightened as a series of curse words flew through her mind; fuck. Emily parted her lips as her mind crept over the auburn girl's body at how amazing she looked. Taking in the girl's longer and darker hair, Emily could easily see the maturity in the girl's face. There were so many questions to be answered; especially why she left so abruptly from school.

XXXXXXX

Finding a free parking in front of a random house a few blocks away from Spencer's party, Paige turned off her Audi Q7 but remained in the SUV. With her hands griping the wheel, Paige's grasp tightened as she began drifting off in a daze. What just happened? Why is this happening? She thought to herself. I did the right thing, I left. That was supposed to be the end of it. It was crazy to know this absurd mixture of emotions she was feeling was caused by one woman. How can she still do this to me after so long?

Emily was considerably more beautiful then she remembered. Closing her eyes, she could see the brunette as if she was right in front of her. Her dark brunette hair had grown out making the messy curls around her only radiate the glow she naturally had. Her light brown almond shaped eyes piercing through her as though they could read every shred of emotion she had for her. Her lips, her neck, her body, everything about her were perfect.

Taking in a deep breath, Paige opened her eyes. She had nowhere to run this time. Her family was still the same. The disgrace and shame she would bring upon the family over a woman they would never accept. Paige never fully understood why a difference in religion made her family react the way the way they do.

Shaking her head, Paige didn't know what she was thinking. Clearing her throat, Paige turned back on the ignition pulling out of the parking area. Friends. We could be friends…right? …shit.