Set back in Storybrooke! Jaime finally gets to go out in the town! What'll happen?! Hope you enjoy!

I Do Not Own Once Upon A Time.

That Mischievous Grin

Chapter Six

By LoveMeNever

A week past in Storybrooke and Jaime was finally being released from the hospital. She didn't realize how much movement involved her rib cage until now. At least now the pain was a lot more bearable plus Dr. Whale gave her some painkillers just in case.

The doctors were all surprised at how quickly she was healing. Her broken bones healed, still a little sore, but she was capable of moving them now. Her bruises looked worse than what they were. Still, Dr. Whale told her to take it easy for a few days.

When the hospital gave her the salvaged clothes and personal effects that she had on her when she was emitted, she almost laughed at the lack of items it was. Just her leather boots, jacket, a two twenty dollar bills and her house key were the only survivors. That night she didn't even have her iPhone on her.

Not that she really had much use for the phone, anyways. Seeing as how she didn't have a job or have any friends.

The hospital gave her a pair of jeans and t-shirt saying they were from someone 'anonymous', Jaime questioned it but was grateful.

Dr. Whale offered to call someone to come pick her up from the hospital but she politely refused and told him she would get a cab. Only person that would have been willing to give her a ride was Graham but she didn't want to disturb him.

Lately everyone has been saying Graham was acting strangely. Saying that he was missing his heart or something along those lines. Jaime also heard that Emma Swan, the woman who saved her, was now helping out at the station. A police job for someone like her seemed fitting, Jaime thought.

She didn't really give it much thought beyond that. She preferred to stay out of other's business. All she wanted was to leave the hospital and get home.

She used the hospital phone to call the cab which arrived in five minutes since Storybrooke was not the biggest town.

"Where too?" The cab driver asked, Jaime recognized him as Billy he was a mechanic.

"Wait... I thought you were a mechanic?" She gave him a confused expression as she slowly slid into the car and shut the door.

Billy didn't smile or sound all that friendly. "Cab driving is part time, I needed the extra cash."

Jaime just nodded slowly, eyes narrowed.

"Just drop me off at the diner, thanks."

Billy nodded and drove off in the direction of the diner. He pulled to a stop at the front doors. "That will be $9.50."

Ten dollars for less than five miles?! Damn. She handed him a twenty and climbed out of the car while he fished around for her change.

"Thanks." She grabbed the money through the rolled down passenger window and walked into the diner heading instantly for a booth instead of one of the stools at the counter. Stools might be fatal to her wounds, right now.

She couldn't help but notice some of the curious and judgmental stares coming from everyone in the diner as she sat down.

She smirked. Leave it to me to build awkward tension in a room.

A smiling Ruby came over to her booth with her pad and pen ready to take Jaime's order. "What can I get you to drink?"

The waitress wore red shorts, a white button down shirt that she tied at the front to reveal skin, a white apron around her waist, and white high heels. Her makeup was red, red lipstick, red eye shadow, and black eyeliner. Jaime wondered how the woman wasn't freezing to death with her outfit.

They weren't friends at all so Jaime really didn't understand how Ruby could sound so nice. Usually, Granny would always be the one to kick her out if she started causing to much commotion with her random comments and ridiculous stories, not Ruby. The customers would all one by one leave the diner before even ordering or finishing their food. It was amusing to Jaime.

"Waters fine."

Jaime opened up the menu while Ruby went to get her water. She wasn't starving so a burger would be way to heavy that was usually what she got every time she came. It was to late in the afternoon to eat breakfast. All her options were salad, a standard sandwich, or fries.

Salad it is, then.

Ruby came back with her water and set it in front of her, "Ready to order? I'm just going to take a guess and say the burger." the waitress waited with her pen on the paper ready to write the order down.

"Wrong-o. A salad, if you please."

The roll of the long dark haired woman's eyes did not go unnoticed by Jaime. It only gave her satisfaction, like it was a successful personal goal that she annoyed the waitress so much. To add more annoyance she winked at the waitress who retreated into the kitchen.

She snickered to herself silently.

This wasn't a good start for Jaime, she realized, because her actual goal for coming to the diner was to ask for a job. Working with Mary Margaret at the school was going to be her very, very last option. It was only even an option solely because she was desperate to pay hospital bills.

"There you go." Ruby placed the plate on the table and started to make a quick leave but Jaime grabbed her wrist as gently as she could.

"Okay, hear me out for a minute." Jaime half smiled while Ruby frowned and wondered what she could possibly need to talk to her about. "I need a job desperately and I know Granny owns this place and the inn... are there any openings at all?"

Ruby gave her the most dumbfounded expression she had ever seen, it made her grin. It was kind of cute, she thought. "Why would Granny hire you if customers tend to make themselves scarce when your around?"

"If I was working then I would be completely civil and professional. This town is so boring can you blame me for causing trouble from time to time?" Jaime smiled mischievously and took a mouthful of salad.

"Look, if there was even an opening I doubt Granny would let you work."

"But you would?"

"I didn't say that..." Ruby rolled her eyes and sighed but her usual hostility towards Jaime was gone.

"Okay okay..." Jaime put her hands up in defeat. "I really didn't want to beg, its so unethical, but I'm begging you."

She looked genuinely upset which surprised Ruby. It was probably the most pitiful thing she had ever seen besides a homeless puppy or something. Ruby couldn't believe she was actually starting to consider talking to Granny about hiring this woman. She narrowed her eyes.

"Why is it so important you work here?" Ruby braced herself for a bull shit story from Jaime.

"I need to pay for some bills that recently came up." Ruby guessed that was probably true, she heard about Jaime being in the hospital. "Mary Margaret offered me a job as an assistant at the school but can you imagine me chaperoning a bunch of little brats? Think about how messed up they'd be."

That was something Ruby could definitely believe. She actually laughed at the visual but cleared her throat as soon as the sound left her lips.

"I will mention it to Granny but don't get your hopes up." Ruby felt the happiness radiating from Jaime's huge grin. "She's at the inn now so you'll have to come back later for an answer. Around 6 is when she should be back."

"You got it!" Jaime was so glad that Ruby was considering giving her a job... she'd do just about anything to get out of working at a school.

Ruby left Jaime to finish her food. This was the first time she had been in the diner without causing a fuss. The customers still stared cautiously, though, Ruby did as well. She couldn't help but think that the woman was just trying to play games but the way Jaime acted told her a different story. She kept her eye on Jaime.

It was slightly humorous the way she shoveled her food.

"Here's the bill." Ruby said when Jaime was finished eating.

Jaime pulled out the exact amount, $6.37, and placed it on top of the receipt. Ruby grabbed it and started to walk away but Jaime slipped her hand into the front of her apron and dropped a couple of one dollar bills. "Your tip."

Ruby's cheeks felt hot so she knew she was blushing but she screamed internally for them to stop.

The action was just bold, is what she told herself, there was no attraction involved at all.

Jaime smirked at the waitresses reaction. She slid out of the booth and smoothly walked out of the diner feeling smug.

I love being me sometimes.

Then she realized she had no way of getting home... walking would upset her wounds and since her house was at the edge of town it would be to far. She rolled her eyes, she'd have to ask to use the diner's phone. It would completely ruin her suave moment.

Swallowing her pride she marched back into the diner and carefully leaned on the counter in front of Ruby who looked confused. "Hi again." Jaime laughed nervously.

"Uh, hi?"

Jaime bowed her head in embarrassment, "Can I use a phone?"

It was finally Ruby's turn to smirk at the other woman. "A phone?" she asked.

"Yes, you know a device to contact other people from far away."

Ruby chuckled and pulled her own cell phone out from her apron. She handed it to Jaime who took it gratefully. A customer sat down at the counter so Ruby had to step away while Jaime used the phone.

She called a cab and wasn't surprised that Billy was answering again.

Duh, this is probably the only cab in Storybrooke.

Once the call was finished Billy was on his way saying it would take less than five minutes. Jaime was glad it wouldn't take long because she really didn't want to sit in the diner until her ride arrived. That would be even more embarrassing.

Ruby was still helping a customer so Jaime didn't want to interrupt. Her eyebrow twitched up as she looked down at Ruby's phone. This is just too good. She snickered and proceeded to enter her number into the contacts.

Luckily she got done right as Ruby walked in front of her. "Are you finished with your call?" Ruby asked.

"Yes, thank you." Jaime smiled innocently handing the phone back to Ruby.

There was something laced in with the smile that Ruby couldn't quite put her finger on. It made her a tad uneasy.

Outside Billy honked the horn. Can cab drivers do that? Seems a bit impatient of him.

"See ya." Jaime waved sarcastically and left the diner.

As she climbed in the cab she told Billy to head to her house.

She simpered, looking pleased with herself. I wonder how long it'll take her to notice my number.

Jaime paid Billy for the ride and entered her home. It was quiet, as usual, the sun lit up the rooms well. The kitchen was the first thing seen upon entering the house, to the right was the small living room and the left held a dinning room area. Past the kitchen was two bedrooms and a hall bathroom.

Decorations were simple, Jaime had never been one to decorate, but the house was still interesting. Her living room walls were deep purple she had a tan cloth couch and loveseat with a black coffee table sitting in front. Her fireplace was to the left of the couch and her TV was on the wall directly in front of the comfy couch.

Her room was the plainest thing in the house, just white walls and a dresser and bed. The bed didn't even have anything special... just a purple comforter. Purple was her favorite color.

Everything was exactly the same as when she left it before her accident but she was so happy to see it. The hospital made even a simple house such as this one seem enthusiastic.

Jaime sighed contently as she plopped down on the couch. Probably should have sat down a little softer... she winced.

She grabbed the TV remote and flipped through a few channels before leaving it on Law and Order. Right when she was starting to get into the show she heard a knock on her door. The clock on the TV read 3:25 pm.

Could be anyone at this hour.

Carefully getting of the couch she walked to the door and peeped out the peephole. It was the Mayor.

She opened the door with a confused look, "Madam Mayor?"

Regina smiled, "Good afternoon, Ms. Foster."

Still confused Jaime stepped to the side and waved the Mayor inside. She was so glad the house wasn't a mess. "Um... can I get you a drink? I think I have some water..." Jaime bit her lip trying to remember if she had anything stronger than water.

The Mayor chuckled. "No thank you. I can't stay long I just wanted to make sure you were doing okay."

Jaime nodded and walked with the Mayor into the living room, she sat down on the loveseat while Regina sat on the couch across from her. "I am doing well. Just released from the hospital today."

"Good, are your injuries better?" Regina raised her perfect eyebrows.

"Yes, much better! Believe me, I'm not up for running a marathon or anything but they are better." Jaime laughed. She was pleased when the Mayor smiled and laughed quietly. "Are you sure I can't get you anything?"

Regina could tell Jaime felt awkward just sitting there doing nothing so she decided she would have a drink. "You said you had water?"

Jaime stood and grinned, "Yes..." she opened her fridge and in the back was a bottle of Red Moscato, "and wine."

She pulled out the bottle and grabbed a wine glass from the cabinet she waited for an answer from Regina before she pulled another out. "Wine for me." She heard Regina call from the living room so she got the other glass and filled both halfway with wine.

Their hands touched when Jaime gave the glass to Regina who was now standing up in front of her fireplace looking at a few photographs on the mantel. The touch probably was longer than it should have been but neither women cared.

Trying to be polite Jaime removed her hand and sat back down on the loveseat. She watched Regina examine the photos her eyes lingered over her entire body, particularly her curves and hips. She's beautiful...

"Who is this?" Regina turned to show Jaime the photo that she was referring too. Jaime jumped, her eyes snapping back to Regina's.

She hoped Regina hadn't caught her ogling, if she did the woman gave no indication of it. "Um..." She cleared her throat, "that is my younger brother."

Interesting... Regina thought, the picture was of a very young Aladdin probably only thirteen. So, here Aladdin is her brother? "I see, I've never seen him before how old is he?"

The look on Jaime's face caused Regina's heart to break, she had only once seen the look of sorrow on her face before. "He would be nineteen now..." Regina wanted to hug the woman but she held herself back.

"Would be?"

Whatever trance Jaime had been in she made herself snap out of it to get off this subject. "Yeah, um, so..." The phone rang. "Be right back."

Jaime almost ran to the kitchen to get her phone. It was Graham. "Hi Sheriff!"

"I heard you were released today, how are you feeling?" He asked, she could tell he was in his car from the light roaring sound.

"Good, have you made a break in the case?" She leaned on the counter with one arm laid across her stomach.

Graham was silent for a few seconds so Jaime guessed he wasn't getting anywhere in the investigation. Not that she expected he would. There was no evidence of a crime except for her injuries. No evidence meant no case and virtually no crime.

"I'll find something, right now things have been a bit crazy. The Mayor has me working on another case as well. Anyways, I'm on my way to work on that particular case so I'll talk to you later." Graham and Jaime said goodbye then hung up the phone. She wondered what kind of case the Mayor would specifically have the Sheriff working on.

She walked back into the living room finding Regina sitting on the couch sipping her wine. "Sorry, so... you were saying?" Jaime asked.

"Ah, nothing, who was that?" Regina realized she was being to nosy but she was still curious.

It didn't bother Jaime. For whatever reason she felt like she could tell Regina anything. Not that this was some big secret or anything, she was sure the whole town knew about her night spent in the woods. "It was the Sheriff he's been keeping me updated on the investigation about my... you know, accident."

"Why do you keep calling it an accident? Someone did that to you." Regina said firmly, the anger was almost uncontrollable as she thought about someone doing that to Cheshire. If she knew who it was she'd kill them herself, rip out their heart, and make them suffer.

Jaime smirked, "I know that, but other people probably think I'm lying about it or something." She took her and Regina's glass to the kitchen when they were both done, Regina followed her. Not feeling like cleaning them with a guest Jaime just laid the glasses in the sink.

"Not to pry but... do you have any suspicions of who you think might have hurt you?" Regina was trying to pry.

"Hah. Yeah, but it's a stupid suspicion."

"I doubt that, dear." Even though Regina knew Jaime wasn't Cheshire, she guessed her instincts were still alerted, and Cheshire got vibes from people that were usually always right. She pondered if it was because of her cat counterpart, maybe cats had a sixth sense of sorts.

Jaime was curious as to where Regina was going with this. So she answered honestly, "Mr. Gold always strikes me as the type to release anger in a violent way." Jaime watched Regina's reaction carefully. On the outside her body was relaxed, her face stoic, but her eyes told a different story.

It was an odd story at that.

There was anger, hatred, betrayal, but also a knowing look. One that told her it most likely crossed Regina's mind that Gold had been involved as well.

But Regina had to uphold her Mayor status.

"That's quite an accusation, Ms. Foster."

"Wasn't accusing him of anything. Just speculating." Jaime smirked but heard the change in the Mayor's tone.

She was starting to get thrown off by the Mayor. One second she acts like they've known each other for years and the next second she's cold and calculating. Jaime enjoyed a challenge. And she was determined to solve the mystery that was Regina Mills, Mayor of Storybrooke.

"I see." Regina pursed her lips. "So what do you do for a living?" She changed the subject.

"Um, nothing." Jaime rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment. "I'm trying to get a job at Granny's Diner though... I'll find out tonight if I can go for an interview. Mary Margaret also offered me a teaching assistant job. I have options."

That wouldn't do, Regina thought, Jaime hated most kids and she was not about to allow her to work with Snow White. Absolutely not.

"Maybe I could put in a good word with Mrs. Lucas? I'm sure she couldn't refuse you a job then." She smiled while Jaime searched her eyes for... something, Regina didn't know what exactly.

What Jaime was trying to figure out is why the Mayor would do that for someone she just met. Hell, lately everyone has been acting oddly nice to her.

Maybe because of the accident. It probably makes me look weak and fragile so they feel sorry for me. That made Jaime sick, the last thing she wanted was for anyone to feel sorry for her.

"As tempting as that is, I think I can handle getting a diner job." Jaime laughed but she had her doubts about the job, especially since she wasn't Mrs. Lucas's favorite person.

Regina was a little hurt but she understood. "Very well then." She needed to go but she really did not want to. "Good luck with the job! I need to be going."

"Thanks for stopping by, maybe when you have some free time we should get coffee or a drink?" Jaime grinned.

"If I have free time, yes."

They both stood and walked to the door. "See you around then." Jaime waved and watched Regina get in her car. Particularly liking the sight of Regina's ass.

She smirked and went back inside.

Later that evening Jaime was getting ready to go to the diner. She put on her best business-like clothes a tight black skirt that reached just above her knees, a dark purple sleeveless blouse with laced ruffles at the front, purple high heels, a black and gold bracelet, a gold chained necklace with a bow tie pendent, and her earrings were simple gold hoops.

She wore just a slightly darker shade lipstick than what her actually lip color was, black cat-eye eyeliner, and purple eye shadow. She was really rocking the whole purple look tonight. Her hair was in small wavy curls near the bottom and her bangs were side swept.

Glancing at herself one last time she decided she was satisfied with her appearance and she walked out the door.

When she got in her black Toyota Corolla. It was an older model but it got her from point A to point B so she didn't complain. She was running slightly late so she tried to make haste to the diner.

Not many people were seated in the diner as far as Jaime could tell. She parallel parked her car in front of the diner and walked in. Ruby was cleaning the counters while Granny took a couples order towards the back. Ruby was the only one that looked up when she entered.

Jaime smirked when Ruby's jaw practically hit the floor.

She walked over to Ruby very seductively. "Hey."

"Hey, you uh, you clean up nicely." Ruby cleared her throat when she started to stutter a little. "Oh and nice try with the phone." Ruby smirked and held up her phone with Jaime's number showing.

It caused Jaime to laugh, "Apparently it worked since it's still there." she winked.

"Granny wants to give you an interview..." Ruby quickly changed the subject. Granny walked over before Ruby could finish her sentence.

"Ms. Foster, you can come with me." Jaime complied and followed Granny to a booth. They sat across from each other. Jaime studied Granny's face, she looked annoyed. Ruby probably talked her into doing this. She'd have to be on her best behavior if she was planning on getting this job.

"Do you have any work experience at all?" Was Granny's first question.

"I volunteered at the library a few years back when it was actually open. Oh and I worked in a veterinary office for a while. I mainly worked with the cats... not much of a dog person."

Granny gave a small 'Uh-huh' and then continued with questions.

After the interview was over Jaime felt like it could really go either way. She leaned more towards bad since Granny didn't like her to begin with.

"I'll be right back." Mrs. Lucas got up and grabbed Ruby's arm dragging her into the kitchen out of Jaime's sight. Jaime just waited at the table and smirked at the few guys who eyed her up and down.

A minute later Ruby and Granny returned from the kitchen. Ruby glanced at her before taking orders from other customers. Jaime saw the look, it was sympathetic, that wasn't a good sign.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Foster but we can't afford to hire you. The diner or inn just doesn't need the help right now." Granny tried to smile sympathetically but it came across extremely smug. Jaime struggled to hide her disappointment.

Aren't old ladies supposed to be sweet and nice? She had almost said it aloud.

Granny walked away and tended to the customers.

Jaime looked down at her hands that were folded on the table. She sighed heavily. Working with Mary Margaret was her only option now.

Look out children your worst nightmare is coming.

She heard a glass being set down on her table so her head snapped up. Ruby placed a glass of brown liquor in front of her. "You looked like you needed this."

Jaime chuckled and knocked the glass back, letting the burning liquid slid down her throat. "Thanks."

"I'm sorry about Granny... she can be stubborn."

"Hah." She checked her phone, the night was still young, she didn't want to go home so she'd have to think of something.

The Rabbit Hole. She needed to let her wild side out. "When is your shift over?" An idea popped in her head.

"It was over an hour ago but Granny needed help here so I had to stay longer, why?" Ruby looked down at her skeptically.

The diner or inn doesn't need help, huh Granny? Yeah right. "I'm going to the Rabbit Hole, want to tag along?" Jaime rose her eyebrow and hummed, "I know we don't know each other well but its just one drink."

Ruby didn't seem to be convinced.

Jaime sighed, "Oh come on, I don't bite."

Ruby rolled her eyes, "One drink, that's it. Let me go grab my stuff." She had a feeling she was going to regret this.

How bad could it be though, right?

Love Triangle perhaps? Suggestions/Concerns/Thoughts? ;)