Glad the introduction was successful, I was aiming for cute! Lol. Uh...right, like I said in the first chapter...this is a Christmas Tale, but it's not gonna be orbiting around that single holiday. If that were the case, this story will be over quickly. Lol. Have a fun read!
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
CEO E. Swans office, Wall Street New York [ Monday, January 1st 11:03 am]
Emma Swan sighed heavily with relief when her office door finally slammed shut and she hoped that no one else with a trivial work issue knocked on her door for the rest of the day. Working on Wall Street was her worst nightmare—sometimes, but it had good perks. She was arguably one of the richest people in the world, but no one really knew for sure. It wasn't like Emma went around handing out copies of her bank statements—her personal assistant and life saver, Belle French, didn't even know how much money her boss had in her bank. Belle didn't even know which bank Emma used.
Emma Swan is a very busy woman, as current CEO of Arendelle International Stock & Trade of Wall Street New York, it was exceedingly rare to see her out of her usual business suits or high priced dresses and heels—she didn't have much time for a social life, let alone a love life. She was always hiring escorts to be her date at fund raiser events in New York and surrounding cities, though her dates varied between men and women frequently, never the same face.
It's a wearisome lifestyle to maintain and Emma just wanted to quit and go back home—but she knew she would regret that decision and grow lonely and most likely lose her mind. Turning her executive leather chair around, Emma stared down at the people hustling below her building—oblivious to everything except themselves and their problems. Emma wondered how it felt, to not care about anyone else but herself—those thoughts were quickly pushed into a dark corner in her mind.
Down below, a commotion was happening— Emma leaned forward slightly to get a better look, and saw that it was nothing but those pesky reporters. They were currently flocking an up to date, sleek black Mercedes. Emma knew exactly who that was and smiled; watching the Mayor of New York strut past the reporters like they weren't even there with camera's in her face and yelling out questions one at a time. It seemed like Mayor Mills was paying her an unexpected visit today.
Emma turned around and straightened out her work space while looking around to make sure her office was nice and tidy—she often spent nights here, and it wasn't anything shocking to see that she had clothes all over the place for the people who worked close with her. Though she doubted the Mayor would appreciate such a mess, if it wasn't for her sons wish... Emma Swan would care less if the Mayor was pleased with her office or not. A resounding knock broke through her musings.
"Yes, come in!" Emma called as she stood, smoothing the invisible lines on her cream colored slacks that fit her slim legs perfectly. She was never the one for dresses like some of her co-workers, she preferred beautiful and simple pants suits that made her look elegant and attractive—which wasn't that hard to do. She had dozens of colored suits with many name brand heels and boots ( though she preferred her boots more) and accessories to make business attire runway models look a bit silly and superficial.
Her secretary, Belle French, opened the door. "Ms. Swan, Mayor Mills is here to see you." she announced right before Regina Mills herself breezed past the shorter brunette and walked into the familiar office of Emma Swan.
"Thank you Belle. You can go ahead and take your lunch break."
Belle tried not to look too relieved but she failed. She hated dealing with Mayor Mills—especially after her last visit when Belle got her coffee order wrong and to make it worse, she dropped it; and Regina was not shy about letting Belle have it in front of her boss and co-workers. "Yes ma'am. I'm going down to the Steak Bar and Grill, would you like anything?"
"Um..." Emma hummed quietly, watching Regina take a seat and cross her legs at the knee—her gray dress riding up slightly exposing her toned and bare thighs. Emma looked away, focusing back on Belle before she stared too long and embarrassed herself. "If it's not too much trouble Belle...can you pick me up some sushi from Miyako's? And take my car. Here."
Emma fished her remote key from her Armani brief case that was sitting on her desk and tossed it across her office to Belle who caught it easily. With a mock salute, Belle retreated from the office and closed the door soundly behind her. Regina cleared her throat and Emma finally turned her undivided attention to her guest with a slight smile. "Well I hope you don't mind me saying that it's a surprise to see you here in my office."
"Yes, I understand and I apologize for dropping in on such short notice Ms. Swan."
Emma rubbed her hands together , almost nervously, in front of her as she stepped out from behind her desk. "It's fine Mayor Mills, you're welcome by anytime. I'm just surprised is all. Would you like anything to drink?"
"No thank you, I don't plan on keeping you long." The short haired brunette declined politely and watched Emma make her way to the bar and pour herself bourbon whiskey on the rocks. With her back turned, Regina was given the opportunity to study the sharply dressed executive up close.
There was just something so mysterious and intriguing about the relatively young Wall Street powerhouse that everyone loved to envy. Regina Mills could respect a woman who was as commanding as she was, being the woman that everyone loved to hate—she understood why Emma was so guarded and elusive. Having beauty and being an available woman living in New York and working a "Mans Job" was not easy. Regina could attest to that first hand. As Mayor of the city that never sleeps, she was constantly being pushed and she wanted nothing more than to take a break from it all and spend time with her little boy. She thought about quitting more times than she really cared to admit.
Emma took the seat next to Regina and crossed her legs at the knee. Her pants had ridden up a bit, showing off her new pure leather ankle high boots with two gold buckles and a gold zipper—and Regina envied them, and she didn't even wear boots. "So Madam Mayor... What's up?"
'What's up?'...Regina found herself forced to acknowledge just how young Emma Swan was. She may be dressed the part but it didn't necessarily mean she had the entire script of professional etiquette down—as far as Regina was concerned. Emma Swans true age was still a mystery amongst media and though she would deny it straight to hell—Regina was jealous of the womans seemingly eternal youth. Sure...Regina was stunning at 35 years old but Emma Swan had to at least be her age or a bit older.
Mayor Mills cleared her throat once more and soothed out her gray dress, "Ms. Swan as you know, it is a well known fact that my son is adopted." Emma nodded, taking a healthy swallow of her drink. "The city is shutting down the orphanage, his old home, due to insufficient funds...I obviously cannot fund it because of my obvious status but-"
"But if you get someone else to, it'll stay open?" Emma cut in with a tiny, but knowing, smile. "A woman doing a supposed mans job is tough—but since they can't do anything about it, they subtlety threaten your image...right? I can see it now, "Mayor squanders city funds for personal use!". Good cause or not."
"Yes." Regina nodded curtly, red lips pursing softly—not pleased with being interrupted. "I only come to you because of all the powerful people I know in this city—you are the less blood thirsty, and I do believe you're not trying to get into my pants."
"I am just as blood thirsty as the next shark Madam Mayor, I didn't become CEO of the biggest trade and stock company by blowing rainbows and unicorns out of my ass." Regina cringed at the crass language, but it went unnoticed or ignored. Emma finished the rest of her drink before continuing, "But...I have a heart, so I'll be happy to help. How much does your sons orphanage need?"
Regina paused to pick and choose her words very carefully, "Henrys previous home...was not in the best neighborhood nor is it in the best conditions but these children will have no where else to go—and...and what is so funny Ms Swan?" This was no laughing matter! Regina was being serious, and this woman was...laughing at her!
Emma knew her chuckling irritated Regina but the blonde paid the other woman no mind—even though Regina's glare could've reduced her to nothing but ashes. "I've already said yes Madam Mayor, you don't need to pitch it to me. How much does your sons orphanage need? Roughly."
"Roughly...three hundred thousand." Honestly, both Regina and Emma knew for a fact that, that much money wasn't exactly necessary...the orphanage could survive on less than half that amount.
Emma simply nodded, not at all bothered by the unnecessarily high zero count. She stood and went behind her desk to pull out her black check book. "I can write you a check right now and-"
"Ms. Swan, wait." Emma stopped mid-writing and looked up at Regina curiously. "I believe it would be better if you came to see the orphanage for yourself. The children...would like to thank their savior in person."
Emma shook her head, tittering under her breath. "I'm no savior Madam Mayor, trust me."
Regina stood, smiling softly. Now gone the hard-assed Mayor of New York and now Emma was seeing the softness of the woman who was a mother trying to create an unobstructed path for her little boys future and every other little kid that needed a home as well—or at the very least; hope. Emma caught a glimpse of the beautiful soul hidden inside of Regina Mills.
"I do trust you Ms. Swan, which is why I came to you in the first place."
"I understand and I'm flattered that I was your first choice. Really, I am." Emma set her checkbook and pen down hesitantly. " But...wouldn't it be easier to donate this as an anonymous check? Happens everyday, and quite frankly I'm shocked you haven't thought of this."
Regina frowned, shaking her head and ignoring Emma's unintentional jab. "Submitting an anonymous check is out of the question. I'm the only person in this city that is concerned about that orphanage. I am a very public figure, and my office is not secure enough to do whatever I like just yet. A woman of your stature should sympathize." Regina was never the one to beg anyone for anything, she did it once with her mother...never again shall she make that mistake. But at this very moment, Regina was toeing the line.
Fingers thrummed on hard, dark genuine oak wood. "I do sympathize with your current situation Madam Mayor but you must be considerate of mine as well. I don't mind giving the orphanage the money, I don't...but I do mind being called some sort of Savior. Being called something you're not...it's...well it opens doors to things you don't want."
Regina caught Emma's glance at the lone picture frame on her desk, and though she was curious—she didn't care to analyze that look at the moment. "I suppose you're right Ms. Swan, and I...apologize for my poor choice of words, however; I do stand firm that you presenting the donation yourself will give the children someone to look up to."
Emma laughed out right this time, again much to Regina's annoyance. "This is New York...they look up to Spider-Man, not a Wall Street executive. They're kids Mayor Mills, not Harvard kiss asses. I'd rather not go-"
"So that's it then? You're worried about the neighborhood? I agree that it is not the safest neighborhood but-"
"It's not that." Emma blurted out hastily, "It's not that I promise!" Because Lord knows she's seen far worse than the projects in New York.
"Then you don't like children then?"
"I..." Emma paused, but she came up blank with the words to express that she did love kids... "No It's just...I love kids I really do, you have no idea. But I don't think it would be such a good idea for me to be there and be something I'm not. I'm not a savior Madam Mayor. I don't feel it's really necessary for me to be there."
"I see." Madam Mayor's brown eyes hardened once more and Emma licked her pink lips nervously, looking down at her desk like a child about to be scolded. "We both know that I cannot present the check for obvious reasons. If I'd known that this would be such an inconvenience for you I wouldn't have bothered."
"What?" Emma moved around her desk to stop the shorter womans exit, almost tripping over her laptop cord in the process. "Can I wire the money then? I'll even add an extra two-hundred grand."
Regina gathered her handbag, and forced a smile "Thank you for your time."
Emma sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Madam Ma-"
"Good bye Ms. Swan." Regina turned on her heel, clutching her handbag tightly and walked out of Emma's office letting the door slam shut on her way out.
Emma ran her hands over her face, how the hell had that gone from zero to one-hundred so damn fast? Madam Mayor really was the Devil in Prada, "This is gonna be harder than I thought. Fuck."
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
Unnamed Orphanage, Brownsville New York [ Monday, January 1st 2:45 pm]
Regina Mills parked her Mercedes along the curb across the street from the run down orphanage her son, Henry, once called home. If she didn't know any better, she'd think the building would collapse at any moment, brick by brick. Henry was the only child adopted from the orphanage but even that was by chance, pure luck some will call it. Regina had run into Mary Margaret, the Matron of the orphanage, at the supermarket of all places. Mary Margaret had a screaming and restless baby in her arms as she struggled to pick out the right baby formula to add to her already full grocery basket. Regina did not know what possessed her to abandon her own groceries to help some strange woman with a baby that night, but she did—and she did not regret it.
When Mayor Mills had gotten the phone call just after Christmas from Mary Margaret that the state was no longer sending her money for the children and that they were being shut down, Regina had tried her damnedest to get the city to reconsider, but there was nothing she could do...the Governor wanted to tear down that portion of Brownsville and rebuild it into God knows what. Regina held financial meetings, but their hands were tied as well—Regina had promised the city, the previous year, that she'd fix the roads and donate the states extra money to the schools that were in serious financial trouble.
She wanted to pay for it herself, but Brownsville was being torn down... Mary Margaret and the children didn't just need food, water and heat...they needed a brand new start. Regina was Mayor to the largest city in the United States...but she didn't have the money to cover what these kids really needed...not without dipping into the city's funds. Her back was already pushed against the wall with other political bullshit...she needed outside help, and she had keenly remembered four years ago when she met Emma Swan.
The blonde still looked the same then...she congratulated Regina on beating Sidney Glass by a mile and told Regina if she ever needed anything, her door was always open.
But after the disaster meeting with Emma Swan this morning, it all went down hill the rest of the day. If Emma Swan said no, everyone said no—it didn't matter how word got around, Regina was still without a solution. It was one of the things Regina hated about politics in New York (and just politics in general, everywhere) it was monkey see monkey do.
Regina stepped out of her vehicle not at all concerned about her surroundings since she had a pistol in her purse which she held close to her side but there was no need, the street was clear of anyone else. It was just her car and the ratty old school bus that belonged to the orphanage that occupied the curb across from the ratty building that housed dozens of children.
"Mayor Mills."
Regina jumped out of her skin and turned around hand flying into her purse for her pistol until she realized who those beautiful green eyes belonged to. No one other than Emma Swan of Wall Street, wearing a nice black coat over her cream colored suit with her leather brief case in her right hand.
"Ms. Swan? What the hell do you think you're doing? I could have hurt you!"
Smirking, Emma glanced down at the purse that contained the pistol Regina was now gripping like it was her life line. Emma stuffed her free hand in the pocket of her black coat, taking a step back. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you Madam Mayor."
Regina shook her head with a shaky exhalation, and removed her hand from her purse slowly. Composing herself quickly, Regina straightened her back, looking more regal that her position deserved. She truly is a beautiful woman, Emma thought. "It's quite alright Miss Swan, just do not make a habit of it or it will prove to be very fatal for you."
Smirk still in place, blonde curls bounce gently when Emma bowed her head in acknowledgment. "Noted."
"What are you doing here?"
The smirk faded from Emma's face as she gestured to the building behind Regina across the street, "I'm here to help you give these kids someone to look up to, Madam Mayor. I must also apologize for my rudeness earlier...I didn't mean to make you feel as if I didn't want to help you...I just..." Emma trailed off, and shrugged as if that solved everything but it didn't. It confused the brunette even more but Regina wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Not now at least, she was just thankful that she wasn't going to be delivering devastating news to Mary Margaret and the children who were old enough to understand.
"Apology accepted Ms. Swan...and for what it is worth, I am pleased to see you here. And without your car?" Regina observed when she looked around for Emma's car, to make sure she hadn't missed Emma's car, though it'd be hard to in this sort of neighborhood.
Emma shrugged casually, too casually for Regina's liking. "Took a taxi."
Regina's intense brown eyes narrowed, and her infamous brow lifted. "This orphanage isn't listed—how did you know where to find it and when the hell did you get here?" Emma Swan being here at the right time and place would make sense, but considering that Regina didn't divulge the orphanage address to Emma Swan this morning and the fact that Regina didn't specifically set a time for when she would be dropping in with the good or bad news—something didn't quite add up.
Emma pressed her tongue on her right cheek, it was careless on her part but the Mayor wasn't returning any of her calls so she decided to just surprise the brunette. "It doesn't really matter, I'm here and those kids could use a miracle right about now."
Mayor Mills pursed her red lips, but she couldn't argue that point, no matter how badly she wanted to. "Yes of course, after you Ms. Swan."
The blonde executive walked around the brunette and made her way across the street to the orphanage, with a bemused Regina following after her. Emma was even more a mystery than she, or anyone else, realized.
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
Aren't they so cute together? Lol, until next time.
Monster Galore