Welcome to my new readers - new faves, follows, and especially to my kind reviewers - your feedback means a great deal to me! Please keep it coming!
Just a note for those of you who are reading that HAVE seen "Notting Hill" - I am doing my best NOT to completely steal dialogue from the movie, because I want to make this story my own. I'm just using the movie as a "frame" and there will be Notting Hill MOMENTS but not direct repeats of the film. However, there's a scene in this particular chapter where I pretty much just took the dialogue from the movie and gave it to Rumbelle. There was just no way to "rewrite it" because it was perfect and it was either leave it the way it was in the film or not include it, and I couldn't do THAT because it's one of THE moments of the film that everyone remembers and loves. I think it works for these characters as they are, and I certainly mean nothing but the utmost admiration and respect for the good people who wrote the NH script, this scene in particular. Because without them - this fic wouldn't exist. I just don't want to take credit for something that's not mine. So yeah, the restaurant scene - not mine, and kudos to the NH writers for their brilliance.
Also, I don't own "Once Upon a Time."
Chapter 5
Nick and Bae sat down for lunch that afternoon at their favorite deli, something they tried to do a couple of times every month. Even though they shared an apartment, their paths didn't cross too often – Bae was in school and did quite a bit of freelance work both in New York and out of town as a business consultant, and most of his other free time was spent with Emma. Nick was at his shop most days, and for the past two weeks he had been quite busy most evenings. Nick wasn't the best father to Bae as a child – oh, he showered him with toys as a boy and other gifts, but the quality time they had together was limited at best. It wasn't until seven years ago that their relationship began to develop, and they were now very close, although it took much effort and time and several shouting matches in and outside of Dr. Hopper's office for that to happen. Nick deeply regretted all of the childhood moments that he missed out on with his son, as well as with his daughter Ruby, all because his work consumed him to the point that family was secondary. He craved money and power and all that went along with it, and that desire nearly let to his complete destruction. It was Bae who was there for him to help him pick up the pieces of his shattered life and body seven years ago. It was Bae who stood by him and stood up for him when no one else would. He was not only his son, he was his best friend. Nick was truly amazed at the man Bae had become; it certainly wasn't due to anything done on the part of himself or his mother. His son made him want to be a better man, and he strived for that every day now.
"How is Emma?" Nick asked.
"Good. She's good. Still has a bit of morning sickness, but the doctor put her on some medication for that so it's not as bad. It makes her kind of tired though so she really doesn't like to take it." Bae replied.
"You tell her she's carrying my grandchild, she'd best do what the doctor says." Nick said adamantly.
"You tell her. You do remember that she carries a gun, right?" Bae asked.
"Yes, she reminds me of that constantly." Nick replied. "She's not going to continue working, is she? At least not through the pregnancy." Emma worked for the NYPD as a detective – most of her work was done undercover.
"She's trying to." Bae said.
"And you're alright with that?" Nick asked.
"What am I supposed to do, club her about the head, drag her off by the hair and tell her that her place is at home cooking my dinner and knitting baby booties? That's not who she is."
"Can't she at least take a desk job for now?" Nick asked.
"She'll probably have to eventually – but right now her doctor hasn't put any restrictions on her. She says she's being careful. Her boss knows so he's keeping her on more low-key assignments." Bae said.
"So what are your plans now?" Nick asked. "For the future."
"I don't know." Bae said.
"Well Bae, you've only got about seven months to figure it out so you'd best get on that. Are you going to marry the girl or not? And please don't do anything stupid and ruin this relationship – I like the girl and I don't want to choose sides between you."
"You would actually choose Emma over me?" Bae asked.
"Depends on how much of a jackass you are." Nick replied. "You've been together four years, Bae – put a ring on it already."
"She called you, didn't she?" Bae asked. "This sounds like the same crap she's been saying to me all week."
"She hasn't said a word to me, but good for her. Bae, I know what's wrong here. You grew up surrounded by the nightmare that was mine and your mother's marriage, and you just don't want that to happen to you. It won't. You and Emma are nothing like Milah and I were. You actually like the girl on top of loving her; your mother and I had nothing much beyond the sex, and that became pretty sparse after you were born, at least with each other. The only reason your sister was even conceived was because your mother tagged along with me to a convention in Denver because she wanted to ski, we got unexpectedly snowed in, the power went out, we were stuck in the cabin together, and the only things we could do were either fight or fuck. Somehow we managed to combine both, and nine months later we had Ruby. It was pretty much over after that – we just went through the motions for fourteen years until Jones came into the picture."
"What a lovely story dad – I'm sure Ruby would be thrilled to know that she was the product of hate sex." Bae said.
"You were the product of after-hours office sex, and I don't hear you complaining. I'm not going to pretend that your mother and I had this idyllic relationship because you know it's just not true. The problem with my relationship with your mother is I never saw her as a person. She was just another pretty thing – the most beautiful secretary in the office, and I wanted her, and I was going to have her. I never bothered to get to know her, really – if I had things might have been different. But they are what they are. You and Emma can be together for over an hour and not argue, you trust one another completely, and you enjoy being together even with your clothes on. What more do you want?"
"I know you're right. And I do love her." Bae said.
"Then marry the girl, for god's sake. And don't wait too long, I'm assuming this child will eventually be able to do math as well as you." Nick said. "I can't imagine Emma being one who is into the white dress and frills and all of that other nonsense. Go down to the justice of the peace, call me when you decide to do so, and I'll be there to witness. Oh, and – another thing Bae. Have you told you told your mother about the baby yet?"
"No." Bae said.
"Good. Do me a favor and do that on Skype, and please do record it. I'd like the opportunity to see the look on Milah's face when she finds out she's going to be a grandmother." Nick said.
"How about the look on her face when she finds out that you're dating Belle French?" Bae asked.
"You and Ruby haven't said anything, have you? I distinctly told both of you not to say a word." Nick said.
"I can't speak for Ruby but I haven't said a thing. So – now that you've completely pried into my personal life and informed me on how I should do things – what's up with you and the movie star? You've been out with her every night for the past two weeks – at least I assume you're with her."
"She's a nice girl. I like her company." Nick said.
"Just how much "company" are the two of you keeping? You sleeping with her?" Bae asked.
"That's not your business." Nick replied.
"You're making MY life your business, so it's only fair that I do the same."
"That's different – I'm your father."
"No, it's not different. Dad - she's not – real. I mean – yeah, she's beautiful and I get what you see in her, I really do." Bae said.
"Yes, you've already informed me that a poster of her graced your wall as a teenager, thank you for that. Belle is a lovely lady and it's not just because she is, quite possibly, the most stunning woman I've ever laid eyes on. She's – she's very smart. She has a kind heart, and yet a wicked sense of humor. She's not just a pretty face on the cover of a magazine, she's – she's layered. She's like a mystery to be uncovered." Nick said.
"Holy shit, you're falling in love with her." Bae said. "Dad – as far as our stations in life are concerned – Belle is a goddess, and we're just mere mortals. Any time that the gods and the mortals get involved with one another – it never ends well."
"Bae, I understand that she's not here to stay." Nick said. "We just enjoy being together, that's all."
"I'll ask again – are you sleeping with her?" Bae asked, and Nick glared at him.
"She doesn't want things to get – complicated." Nick said.
"And if they do? Then what?" Bae asked.
"I really don't know." Nick replied. Bae was right. He was falling in love with her. And he should know better. Even if the gods do fall in love with mortals at times – it never lasts.
"Did you talk to him?" Belle asked, sitting down to lunch with Leroy. Leroy sighed.
"Belle – I've got another script for you to take a look at – this one is really different, just give it a chance." Leroy said, handing Belle an envelope.
"I didn't ask to look at another bloody script – did you get me an audition with August Booth or not?" Belle asked.
"He's not interested, Belle. I'm sorry." Leroy said.
"What do you mean he's not interested? Did you tell him that I'm willing to audition, that I'm willing to take a pay cut, did you tell him any of these things?" Belle asked.
"I didn't need to, Belle – he said that – you're not right for the part. He said you're – you're too pretty." Leroy said.
"Are you joking? What do you mean, I'm too pretty? I'm willing to cut my hair, gain up to twenty pounds and how DARE he base my acting ability on my looks? That's exactly why I want that part, I'm tired of being just another pretty Hollywood face!" Belle said in an angry tone.
"Belle, I understand but – you've got the good girl image, you can't shake that overnight. It'll take time. Look – this script here is good. You'd be playing a bit of a bad girl role – it's something different, just check it out."
"Let me guess – I start out as a bitch but get involved with some man that I spar with and we end up falling in love. Did you pull this one out of Katherine Heigl's reject pile?" Belle asked sarcastically.
"Just read it, Belle. Take it back to your hotel, look it over tonight, call me tomorrow and let me know what you think." Leroy said.
"I have plans tonight." Belle said.
"That Nick guy again? Yeah, that's another thing, Belle. That needs to end." Leroy said.
"Excuse me?" Belle said.
"You've been doing a decent enough job of staying incognito around here, but you ARE being spotted. The magazines are already speculating all kinds of nonsense about you. You're lucky no one has gotten a photo of the two of you yet – the shit is gonna hit the fan once they do. You've had your fun and your fling – tell him your goodbyes and put an end to it." Leroy said.
"Fuck you." Belle said, getting up to leave.
"Hey, what about lunch? And the script?" Leroy asked.
"I'm not hungry. And you can take your script and shove it." Belle said. She put her sunglasses and hat on and stormed out the door. After she left, Leroy took out his cell phone.
"Yeah, it's Leroy. Just talked to her. Listen – it might be a good idea for you to come out here. She's not listening to reason. Yeah, I know what I said – I'm working on it. Just get your ass out here within the next few days and try to talk some sense into her and then we can talk about that project." Leroy said to the person on the phone.
"Too pretty? Really?" Nick asked as he and Belle sat in a corner booth at a restaurant having dinner.
"Yeah. What kind of bullshit is that?" Belle asked.
"Well, it's not bullshit dear, you are incredibly beautiful." Nick said.
"My entire career is based on my looks, isn't it? They don't care if I can act, they just want to see if I'll show my ass in the film." Belle said.
"You haven't done that, have you?" Nick asked.
"Of course not, I use a stunt bottom." Belle said.
"A what? That's an actual thing?" Nick asked incredulously.
"Yes. There are very strict nudity clauses in my contract, and I have the option to sit in on the audition process for any body work."
"Fascinating. What does someone in that line of work put on their tax return as their job – Matthew McConaughey's bottom?" Nick asked.
"Actually, Matthew does his own ass work, I believe." Belle replied. The continue their conversation for some time after they finish their meal, and cannot help but overhear a table around the corner from them with three young men who are talking rather loudly.
"So my girlfriend dragged me to see that Forever and a Day movie last night." the first young man said.
"That's the one with Belle French, right? Jesus, she is fucking hot." the second young man said. "Was it any good?"
"Who give a shit? It's got Belle French in it, you don't need a plot when you've got eye candy like that to look at." the third young man said.
"Eh, she's okay – I like the other one better. The blonde with the big boobs." the first young man said.
"Ashley Boyd." the third young man chimed in. "Yeah, she's hot too. I loved that show when I was a kid – could have watched those two all day, I was always hoping for some lesbian action to happen there." The three young men laughed. Belle rolled her eyes as she listened to them.
"Nah, Belle is much more beautiful – absolutely gorgeous. Always has that twinkle in her eye." the second young man said.
"Probably drug induced. That's all these celebrities do is pop pills and screw everything that moves." the first young man said. Belle started to get an upset look on her face, and Nick began to fume in anger as he listened to every word.
"You know – in half of the languages in the world, the word 'actress' is the same word for 'prostitute.' I'll bet you anything that Belle French is your quintessential actress." the third young man said. Belle looked visibly upset.
"Alright, that's it." Nick said, getting up.
"Nick – just let it go." Belle said.
"I cannot let this stand, Belle – I will not let this stand." Nick said. He got out of the booth and walked over to the table where the three young men sat.
"Excuse me – I couldn't help but overhear your conversation." Nick began. "I just wanted to say that – well the young lady that you're talking about is a person, with feelings. She deserves better than to be spoken about in the manner that you pricks have been doing."
"Who are you, her dad?" the second young man said.
"Fuck off." the third young man said. Belle came up behind Nick, her back to the three young men, and pulled him away from their table.
"You didn't have to do that." Belle said, leading him toward the exit.
"Yes I did. They had no right to talk about you like that." Nick said.
"Well it was very sweet – I might have done the same thing at one time. In fact – I'll be right back." Belle said, and she turned around and marched over to the table where the three young men set.
"Hi – I'm really sorry about my friend, he's a bit sensitive." Belle said, as the three men looked up at her, their eyes widened and their mouths gaping open. "I'm sure you meant no harm. I'm sure that everything you were saying was just friendly banter. I'm sure you all have dicks the size of peanuts. Enjoy your dinner." she said, all with a smile on her face, then she turned around, went back to Nick, and took his hand.
"That was brilliant." Nick said as they left the restaurant.
"No, it was impulsive. And stupid. But it was fun." Belle said, and they both laughed. They continued to walk outside, when Belle suddenly stopped and stared at the outside patio of a restaurant across the street. "Oh my god – August Booth." she said.
"Where?" Nick asked.
"Right there. On that restaurant patio. Dining alone." Belle said.
"Do you want me to go hit him with my cane?" Nick asked, only half joking. Belle laughed a bit.
"No, of course not. Stay here. I'd like to talk to him – I'll be right back." Belle said. Nick sat down on a bench and waited as Belle made her way across the street. "Mr. Booth?" Belle said when she approached his table. "Hi, I'm -"
"Belle French. Yes, I know who you are. Have a seat, please. What are you doing in New York?" August asked.
"Just spending some time here. Listen – I'd like to know, in all fairness, why you said what you did without even giving me a fair reading." Belle said, sitting down.
"I'm sorry – I don't understand." August said.
"Leroy, my agent – he said that you didn't want me to audition for your next movie because I was too pretty for the role. I don't think that's fair. I think I could do a good job with that role, and I'm willing to adjust my appearance if necessary. I think at the very least you should have let me read and talked to me about what you expect before you made any kind of arbitrary ruling like that." Belle said.
"Miss French – I honestly don't know what you're talking about. I called your agent four months ago, you were the first person I wanted to consider for the role. I've seen your work and I think you're good. You've got a good reputation in the business and I think this would be a real breakthrough for your career. HE said that you weren't interested. So I've continued to look – just haven't found anyone that's right for the part. Are you saying he never told you that I contacted him?" August asked. A look of shock and anger came over Belle's face.
"No, he did not." Belle said.
"So you're interested then?" August asked.
"Yes. Very much." Belle said. August took out his wallet and pulled a business card out of it.
"Do you have a pen?" August asked.
"Yes." Belle replied. She reached into her purse and took a pen out and handed it to him. August wrote something on the card.
"I'll be doing some auditions at this address Monday morning at eight a.m., it's in Manhattan. My assistant's direct line and email is on this card – I'll tell her to expect to hear from you, give her a call and she can email you some sides to look at in preparation." August said.
"I – I will." Belle said, still a bit stunned at the turn of events. "Thank you."
"I start on time – be there at eight sharp." August said.
"I'll be there at seven." Belle said. She got up and practically ran across the street and over to Nick. "You won't believe this." Belle said, sitting down next to him. "I got an audition."
"What did you do?" Nick asked.
"I didn't do anything. Leroy lied to me, Nick. In fact – he's been lying to me for months. August Booth contacted HIM four months ago. FOUR MONTHS, Nick. He never even told me. Why would Leroy do that? I trusted him." Belle said.
"Oh Belle, I'm sorry." Nick said, taking her hand. "But you got the audition, right? That's good."
"Yeah. It is." Belle said. "What else has he been lying about though? How many roles did he turn down that I didn't even know were on the table?"
"I told you, Belle. Shifty eyes. Would you like me to hit HIM with my cane?" Nick asked.
"Leroy? Maybe." Belle said. She took his hand and they continued to walk until they made their way to a park. They stopped in the middle of a bridge and Nick walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her, then kissed her on the cheek. They both stared at the night sky when a quick flash of white light went by. "Did you see that?" Belle asked.
"Yeah. A falling star." Nick replied. "Did you make a wish?"
"Of course. I wished that I'd get that part." Belle said. "How about you?"
"I wished that you'd get that part too, of course." Nick said. Belle turned her head to face him and smiled, then they kissed. Nick didn't see the harm in lying to her this one time. He didn't actually wish that she would get that part in the movie.
He wished that she would never leave New York.