Emma paced back and forth on the balls of her feet with those annoying rubber toe separators to prevent her blue polish from smudging. It was movie-esque as she animatedly spoke into her phone to August.
"Yeah, she put these xo's in the email." Emma listened to the voice on the other end. Nodded and then stopped. "Yeah, maybe I'm freakin' out a little too much, but news flash, I haven't done this in forever." She huffed, "I don't know, maybe some moral support and words of encouragement wouldn't hurt." Emma said into the speaker of her phone. Was she freaking out a little too much? Was she out of her element? Oh, Hell yeah.
"Listen, Emma, just take her lead. If she's flirtatious, you do the same. If she's not then, you either play by her book, or you take the lead. Does that make sense?"
Emma rolled her eyes, "Yes, it makes sense. I'm not twelve."
"Whoa, hey there, killer, just tryin' to help ya out. How long till she's online again?"
Emma pulled her iPhone away from her ear and looked at the time. "About an hour."
"So here's what you're going to do. Take a bubble bath, drink some of that fruity wine I saw hidden in your fridge, relax, and put on that pair of the ratty cat covered pajama bottoms, then log on. You'll be ten times more relaxed, and that's going to help. Being all nervous will show in your messages, and while nerves can be a good thing, they can also be a bad thing."
Emma peeled off one of the rubber toe separators and said, "Kay, guess I'll follow your advice. I swear to God, if you're wrong, though, you'll be paying my tab for the next month while I sulk over top shelf whiskey."
She knew her friend well enough to know he was smiling on the other end of the line. "Fine Swan, you've got it."
"Thanks for the help, I'll catch ya later." She put her phone on the counter and then leaned down to pull off the other rubber toe separator.
Her nails looked pretty in blue. The game was far from over, but she followed what her friend suggested. She opened her fridge to pull out the bottle of sangria that she thought was hidden behind last week's Chinese takeout and the salad she keeps buying but never eats hid.
In the side drawer next to her bottle opener, she picked up her corkscrew and opened the bottle.
In pure Emma fashion, she walked the bottle to the bathroom, disregarding a glass altogether, and forgot her freshly opened cold beer.
She turned on the warm water and watched her tub fill before tossing in the bubbles.
It didn't take long for her to calm down. Leaning into the warm water, she fully and finally relaxed. Maybe the sangria helped a little. She eyed it and noticed half of the red liquid was gone. Her body buzzed and tingled. A fun fact she learned back in the day, drinking while in a warm bath, or Jacuzzi because that's normal too, makes you feel the alcohol faster. Something about blood vessels dilating and blood flowing quicker, heightening the effects of drinking alcohol in a shorter amount of time. So there Emma sat, happily playing with bubbles as she listened to the soft music that echoed throughout the room from her phone getting tipsy.
She hummed along to Fergie, Big Girls Don't Cry and started singing along with the chorus.
I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We've got some straightenin' out to do
Emma loved to sing. When she was sixteen, her mom enrolled her in voice lessons so she could learn properly. Surprisingly, she had a melodic voice that was easy to the ears. Her mother, God, love her, said it sounded like Suite No. 3 in G Major. Now that was far from the truth, but regardless, singing was one of her many hidden talents.
At the end of the song, she heard her phone's volume subside and a ding indicating a message. She reached for a towel to dry off her hands and eagerly checked her email.
Her inbox had a few new messages, one from FindLove. Emma's pulse quickened as she waited for the email to load; it was from RegalRegina80.
Emma's eyes scanned the message on her phone.
RegalRegina80: Hello! I got home from work early. Had a meeting get canceled. I'm pretty sure it was because the person wasn't prepared. So annoyed and now I'm less inclined to meet with them once they reschedule. Time is money. How has the rest of your day been?
Emma jumped out of the tub filled with bubbles and grabbed a towel. She dried off her body in record time and grabbed for her robe from behind the door. Before dashing from the bathroom, she snagged the neck of the wine bottle and walked into her living room and sat down at her desk where her laptop was, her body still dripping wet.
It didn't take Emma long to have the website up. She clicked on her messages, relieved Regina was still online, and clicked the blue reply button.
EmmaSwan88975: Jeez. I'm really sorry to hear that. I didn't have work today, which made for a very not so entertaining day. So last night, you left me wondering what it is about blondes that you like? ;)
Emma watched three little dots appear in the chat box that indicated she was responding. She reached for the sangria bottle and took a few sips. Her wet hair was dripping on her shoulders, and she made no attempts at trying to dry it. Instead, all of her attention was solely devoted to the woman behind RegalRegina80.
RegalRegina80: What did you do all day? I wish I had more free time to breathe, kidding of course. I've dated a few blondes before. They just are more attractive to me. This will come off corny, but I just like how light catches the different blonde hues. I envied people with blonde hair growing up.
Emma pulled her laptop closer as she typed out a response that flowed, naturally.
EmmaSwan88975: I guess it does. We always want what we can't have. Today I woke up and walked down to Starbucks to meet my friend August. He was eager to see how things went last night after he left me to figure out the website. He looked like a fraternity boy with his sunglasses on from being hungover. He bragged about waking up in bed with twins. Something about that is so unappealing to me. We then talked about you some too... I hope that's not weird and is okay? I was really excited to have met you, virtually at least. He's really happy for me since my dating life hasn't been the most exciting. Then I came home and watched the Royals game while painting my toenails. Then, I kid you not; I pampered myself with a bubble bath while drinking sangria, which I'm still drinking, because why not? The more, the merrier. And to add to that, I'm still sitting in my robe.
Emma thought maybe the last part was too much information, but maybe it would add some kick to their conversation. She didn't mind small talk at all, but she got a rise out of flirting. Emma waited for a few minutes; it seemed like Regina was more quick to respond today than she was yesterday.
RegalRegina80: Your friend sounds like a legit ladies man. I'm glad you don't take after him. I don't think I would ever be able to have a threesome, I would be too jealous. It's not weird that you shared our messages. I can understand sharing your excitement with someone. I showed a few to my assistant to thank him for setting up my FindLove profile. He felt bad when I was about to delete it. Are you trying to purposefully make me aware that you're basically naked under that robe and messaging me? Because I think that's sexy. ;)
Emma smirked. She liked where this was heading. Though, she hated that Regina was in Maine. Like most American millennials, she craved instant gratification. She wanted to ask her out on a date and take her out for the evening now, not in three weeks that felt more like an eternity.
EmmaSwan88975: August is definitely a ladies man. He'll settle down someday when he finds 'the one.' That could be tomorrow or in thirty years. Regardless, he will never not be a one night stand kind of guy. Despite his man-whore like traits, he's the most loyal friend I have. He's honestly a great guy. Maybe I'm trying to make you aware that I'm basically naked, besides my robe, messaging you. Is there a problem? I was in the middle of my bubble bath when you messaged me. You should feel honored that I halted my spa moment for you….. Let's be real, I was super excited and jumped out leaving my bathroom with a tub now full of water and sad, deflated bubbles.
Emma hit send. This time, she didn't re-read everything a million times. Emma just trusted her instinct. She picked up the nearly empty bottle, the culprit to her liquid courage, and drank the last bit of sangria. August was right about drinking it. She no longer was on edge and felt more comfortable, which allowed her to be a better conversationalist.
RegalRegina80: Do you see yourself like August? That is, would you settle down tomorrow for the right person? I'm sorry you jumped out of a bubble bath, but I think it's extremely sweet. You only in a robe is, however, making me wish you weren't in Florida. Speaking of which, my assistant needs to book my hotel for the few days that I'm in town. After the meetings are over I could just stay with you? That's if you're okay with that?
Emma's eyes bugged out of her head, and immediately she called August, again. She waited, not patiently, as the phone rang several times.
Finally, he answered. In the background, she could hear loud music blaring and girls laughing.
"Hey, what's up buttercup?" She heard him yell into the phone.
"When Regina is in Orlando she wants to stay over. Or at least, that's what I think I understand." Emma yelled, "August, what do I do? I'm not, like, ready to jump in bed with her. I can't tell if that's what she's looking for and I don't know what to say." Emma covered her face with her hand. The loud music was blaring through the phone. "Oh my god, I'm freaking the fuck out because I don't want to ruin my chances with her I'm just not ready for that and what if she is? I don't want to screw this up?" She took in a deep breath and relaxed after unloading all of her thoughts in a never-ending stream.
Laughter was the last thing she expected to hear, but that was August for you. "Emma, this is the best problem to have. She really likes you. My advice is to lay out that you're not a first date kind of gal who ends up in bed with someone. Just be honest. Honesty gets you much further, and I'm sure she'll respect that." He said.
Emma felt better for calling. August was right. She just freaked out and didn't think things through. "Okay. Got it. I need to message her back. I'll text you later." She then ended the call and started to type.
EmmaSwan88975: I would settle down for the right person, hands down. I would rather find 'the one' instead of date around. The idea of dating around for a long time scares me. I would just rather find happiness, I guess most people are like that. I think your idea sounds wonderful, but I just want to make sure you understand that I'm not sex on the first date kind of girl, but that doesn't mean we can't do other things. I'd be more than accommodating for you. I'd take you to dinner, show you around Orlando, and give you a place to stay. I hope that doesn't bother you and I hope you understand. I really like you, I just... If you think this could turn into something serious, I'd like to do it right. I don't know what you're looking for, so that would be nice to know as well.
Emma hit the send button. She got up and opened her window to let Weezy inside.
"Weezy!" She said as she picked up the fluffy gray cat. "You feel warm, dude. Too hot out there today." She said in her high pitched voice. You know that voice people use when talking to animals as if they're stupid. Yeah, that's the voice Emma was using.
The cat started to purr as she scratched behind his peaked ears and down his neck. He was spoiled, that was evident by his fat belly.
"What do you think about "RegalRegina80?" Emma asked the cat as her words slurred together just ever so slightly.
"I think I'm crushing too hard too fast." The cat meowed and nuzzled into her. Emma took that as a sign, maybe she was like any other girl would be.
She plopped him down on the floor, his claw catching her robe. It flew open and all of Emma and all of her glory flashed the outside world. She yelped, "Weezy!" Her hands flew to the tie on her robe and turned from the window.
"I hope that creepy Mr. Jones wasn't outside!" She said as she whipped long hairs of fluff from her face and hands.
"I can't believe you did that, Weezy!" She said as she ignored the long haired cat and sat back down at the desk. A few minutes prior she'd received a message from RegalRegina80.
RegalRegina80: I just want to start with, thanks for not expecting or insinuating that we have sex on the first date. I think that wouldn't be the best way to start something. Also, I will be in Florida multiple times over the next few months, so I would seriously like to pursue things with you if things work out. Spending more time with you in the upcoming weeks getting to know one another will be helpful in seeing if we have chemistry. I'm looking for 'the one,' as you put it, too.
Emma smiled to herself. She felt relieved that Regina was on the same page she was on. That could have been awkward. More importantly, she was excited that she'd be in Florida more often than just this one time.
She ran her fingers over the keys of her laptop and responded.
EmmaSwan88975: Well that's a relief. I'm glad we're on the same page. I'm also really happy to hear you'll be in Florida a lot. I'd be more than happy to spend more time with you and have you over. I think it would be a great opportunity to get to know you more. I'll make reservations at my favorite restaurant and give you the address to meet me there. So how about we try to get to know more about one another now? I mean, I know that's what we're doing, but tell me things about yourself and about where you live?
It didn't take long for Emma to get a response.
RegalRegina80: Let's see. I went to Brown in Providence, Rhode Island where my mother and father are professors. I moved to Maine after college to sort of escape the town where everyone knew them. I really love nature and how slow the pace of life is. I like to ski in my free time. My parents and I make an annual trip. Maybe I could take you sometime? Assuming things go well. As you know, I rarely have free time, but when I do, I like to visit with my best friend, Kat. I love to cook and I read a lot. I devote most of my time to the town and my job, though. How about you?
Emma sat with a stupid smile on her face. She was in awe of the other woman, who seemed remarkable. She wished Regina was closer than, what, ten states away?
She started typing a response, but quickly deleted the characters and started over. She read her response, which she hoped didn't seem weird at first and sent it.
EmmaSwan88975: You sound like an amazing person. Business owner, mayor, and a cook? You really are something special. I feel lucky to be getting your attention. Skiing? All I've ever done is ski on water. Snow? That's, well, I'd love to if I make my way up there, which I really hope I do. Cooking is always a bonus, but for some reason I already knew you'd be amazing at it. Brown is a really good school. I'm slightly jealous you went there, but I'm guessing since your parents are professors there that you didn't have much of a choice? I went to the University of Miami, my parents live down there. My mom was a first-grade teacher, and my dad is a general manager at the power plant. I moved to Orlando for the job I have at the law firm, it's a unique opportunity. Typically, I would work for a police department. In my free time, I usually do things with August. We go to movies, concerts, and special events when we can. It's a pretty laid back life, tons of fun.
She honestly felt like this was going to be more than just an internet fling. The fact that Regina was coming to Orlando and wanted to meet her spoke wonders.
RegalRegina80: You know there is a video option we could try? But knowing you're in a robe, maybe we should do that tomorrow? I'd love to talk to you in person, well virtually, too. I'm glad you feel lucky, makes me feel special that you feel that way. I feel the same about you too. I did get forced into going to school there. Nice observation. Spent the whole four years avoiding my parents like the plague. I actually wanted to go to Bates in Maine, it wasn't ivy, so I wasn't allowed to apply. Maine doesn't have Ivy schools, but it's the best in the state. Your parents sound like they have interesting jobs, want to tell me more about them? So you'd work for a police department if you didn't have your current job?
Emma read the response and immediately turned red. There was a video option that she just realized. Emma wanted more than anything to video Regina now, but her hair was frizzy from not being dried properly, her face was bare, and, well the obvious, she was basically naked in a robe. Emma groaned to herself, but at least, Regina was receptive to the idea.
Emma typed out her response and hit send.
EmmaSwan88975: Okay, I'm like fifty shades of red. I wish I weren't in my robe now. Can we please video chat tomorrow? I'm really excited to get to see you and meet you face to face. I promise I won't be in a robe, but actually dressed. On another note, my parents are my favorite people in my life outside of August. They're the most supportive people who love me wholeheartedly. I couldn't ask for better people to be my mom and dad, seriously. They are so in love, they give me hope that someday, I'll find a soulmate too because that's what they are to one another, soulmates. If I didn't have my current job, then yeah, I'd work for a police department, but as a detective, I would hope. Now that would be a pretty sick gig, but my current job lets me make my hours as I've mentioned, so it's way more conducive to my 'roll out of bed' kind of lifestyle.
RegalRegina80: Your parents sound like mine, so happy in love. They ask me all the time when I call if I've found someone. They're so hopeful for me, I'm an only child, so that's why. I can't escape their nagging questions. Sorry to cut all this short, but I have to head to bed now. I wish I could stay up longer, but my days start so early. I'll be thinking about you and can't wait to talk to you tomorrow, in person.
Emma smiled. So this was going to be their first date. She knew it was corny and probably a typical online dating thing, so she brushed it off and remained happy about what was in store for the next day.
The sounds of the keyboard woke Weezy up from a nap, who then jumped up on the desk and laid down on her laptop.
"Excuse me, sir," She said as she picked up the ball of fluff and dropped him on the floor.
She deleted the random characters in her messages and then hit send.
EmmaSwan88975: That sounds wonderful. Have sweet dreams Regina, can't wait to see you tomorrow.
Emma watched her log off, and the icon by her name turned gray. She clicked open her profile and glanced at her pictures again. Regina was stunning. All Emma wanted to know now, was how she was in person. What her voice sounded like, what her mannerisms were like, how her hair moved. She just wanted to see Regina in real life. More importantly, she wanted to know if it all was just too good to be true.