She sat at her desk the next afternoon, browsing emails in her Gmail account. So many were left unread, but that was Emma Swan, she didn't read emails, which explains the two thousand unread items in her inbox. Target, Wayfair, and Ralph Lauren all spammed her. It was very rare she got an email that wasn't a coupon or soliciting her for something.
The only emails she did read, however, were from FindLove or her boss. That was something she always needed to stay on top of to ensure she gets her paycheck or a date for that matter.
She clicked on the new email, subject New Case, from her boss Maurice. He was one of the biggest well-known divorce lawyers in the Greater Orlando area. Billboards had his face plastered all over them going through the less touristy areas of town. He was also that guy who ran the cheesy ads on TV, call 1-800-407-9788 for Maurice "Bulldog" French, a divorce lawyer.
Emma knew he was a cheapskate. It was blatantly obvious. It was a wonder how he managed to get some of his clients. But, then again, with his name and number nearly on every surface and during commercial breaks she assumed his cheap ads worked.
If the job entailed her being in the office with him, Emma wouldn't have taken the job. The whole working from home setup helped her to avoid Maurice in person.
Her eyes scanned through the email that read:
Emma,
I got a new case for you to look into. The guy's name is Albert Spencer. His wife is insistent that he's having some sort of an affair. Besides his personality change, she's found some questionable items. She's leaning towards a divorce, we just need evidence that he's cheating to help her win more money in this case. I want picture proof. She also claims he's out later than usual on Thursdays and Saturdays. I want you following him on those days.
Maurice
Emma read the email; this was a classic case that she had many times before. The wife sensed a change, usually a midlife crisis, and the man usually was cheating. It wouldn't be hard to dig up evidence to show proof.
Emma's fingers moved quickly across the keys of her keyboard and wrote back a response.
Hey Maurice,
I'll start working on this today. Do you have any other details on why she may think that he's cheating? I'll run a background. Did she give you any personal information? Also, where does he work? I can start following him and get some hi-res images.
Emma
She stood and walked into the kitchen, shoved a mug under the coffee dispenser of her Keurig and popped in her favorite K-cup, Green Mountain Blueberry Cobbler. She watched as the dark liquid dribbled into her favorite cup, World's Best Daughter. It was a gift from her mom a few years ago. She loved that old thing even with its chipped sides. Her mom was the best, and she had no idea how she ended up with her two lovebird parents.
She opened the fridge, rummaged around, and pulled out an apple. She sunk her teeth into it and grabbed her coffee. She sat back down in front of her laptop and clicked on her new email from Maurice.
Yes. She's found a ladies large black leather thong in the crevice of his car seat and a tube of red lipstick. She also mentioned the floral smell she would pick up from his coat when he gets home. I can follow up on more details on his information for the background, but I don't think it's critical. He works over at the Spencer & Midas Corporation (SMC). He's the President of the corporation with one of his longtime friends.
Emma opened a tab, typed in Google, and searched the firm. Pages of news littered the top with links to the company website, press releases, and job listings. It was a power company that provided advanced electrical solutions for all aspects of oil and gas processing from exploration to distribution. The news articles all focused on outside third party sources criticizing SMC for allocating financial resources to oil and gas exploration, but not to other alternative resources. In their 'About us' tab, she read up on Albert and his work experience. To Emma, he seemed to a stodgy old white guy and he looked it in his picture.
It didn't take long for Emma's eyes to glaze over as she scrolled through different things about Albert. She wanted to press snooze control already, but what kept her motivated for the day was knowing she'd get to video with Regina later.
Emma quickly typed the address to SMC in her maps app and saw that it wasn't that far from her. She picked up her mug, chugged the rest of her coffee, and grabbed her keys.
It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out which car was Albert's. Outside the main building were two spots for the President and Vice President. His car was to die for, a black Tesla. Emma wasn't the type to normally geek out over cars, but holy shit was she jealous.
She sat in the far corner in her yellow, beat up, old Volkswagen. Could she buy a new car? Sure. She had the money, but a new car isn't what she wanted to spend that on.
She had her camera perched on the edge of her rolled down window. It was five, and she expected the old man to be out shortly. As if on cue, he walked out of the main doors in a very pricey, or so it seemed, business suit. He rummaged in his pockets and pulled out his keys to unlock the car. Emma saw the car lights flash and started photographing his every move.
Once he pulled out of his spot, she followed behind him. Immediately, she noticed they were not heading in the direction of his home. Instead, she followed him across town, through rush hour traffic, and to a restaurant.
Emma photographed him entering the high-end burger joint. He walked in alone and didn't wait for anyone to meet him outside. Trying not to get her cover blown, she sat in the car hoping he'd walk out with someone else. She had waited for a half an hour before her phone buzzed next to her in the cupholder.
She checked her email; it was FindLove, a message from Regina.
RegalRegina80: Hey I'm so sorry, my assistant forgot to add to my schedule a meeting that was in Bangor. I won't be getting home until later this evening, so I can't video message you tonight.
Emma visibly deflated. She tried not to let it get to her, the rush of emotions, but she couldn't help but be disappointed. All morning and throughout the afternoon Emma was looking forward to spending her evening, again, talking to Regina. Despite how upset she felt, she sucked it up. It wasn't good to be this attached so soon.
While the woman was online and Albert Spencer still in the restaurant, Emma wrote a quick response back.
EmmaSwan88975: Hey, it's really okay. I'm sorry your day got jumbled. I'll miss seeing you. By the way, what's your cell phone number? Mine is 407-218-8975.
She hit send to her message and was caught off guard when she noticed Albert Spencer was gone. His Telsa no longer was parked out front. Somehow, he pulled a fast one and left before she could notice.
Not only was she let down, but she also pissed at herself for not paying attention.
She put her key in the ignition and drove back to her apartment.
Later that night, Emma sat beside August in her bed with a bowl of Doritos between them. Every so often her hand would dive into the bowl and she'd shove a few chips in her mouth.
"These are so good," She said as her hand dug around in the bowl. "So you really don't think it's weird that she canceled on the video chat and that when I sent her my number she just magically didn't respond?"
"Listen, princess, I promise you're sweating too much over this."
"Ew, don't call me that."
"What? You're the one that told me about your obsession." He busted out laughing.
"Uhm, yeah, I was a kid. Now I'm an adult, and only my dad calls me that."
"Fine, I need to get another beer, want one?"
"Yeah, but grab me the Blue Moon. It's in the drawer under the shelf to the left." Emma said as she crunched on some chips.
"Sure thing, princess." He laughed as he pranced out of the room.
Surprisingly, Emma didn't flinch at all. Instead, her body moved mechanically as she grabbed a pillow and tossed it towards the door that August slid behind.
"You're lucky," She yelled out.
"Whatever Swan!" He yelled back. She could hear him in the kitchen, opening up the fridge, and drawers. The sound of the bottles opening perked her ears up. She was trying really hard not to be a boner killer, but it wasn't working that well. Perhaps a good beer, none of that Bud Light, watered down, garbage, would do the trick.
The door opened slowly, "I have beers in my hands, you seriously don't want to risk me dropping them!" He warned, thinking Emma was on guard ready to chunk a pillow in his direction.
"Yeah, not going to throw a pillow at you," She said as she sat with the bowl of chips in her lap, eyes on the TV for the Royals game. "Especially when you come bearing gifts of beer!"
Her phone buzzed, she looked at her email and noticed a new message on FindLove, but it wasn't Regina.
Heyitsme83: Hey there, I saw your profile and thought you were adorable. My name is Jules. I live in Daytona. Would love meet up for a coffee sometime if you're free?
Emma's jaw dropped.
"August, I got an email."
"That's great, see I told you that you had nothing to worry about." He patted her on the back a little too hard making the chips in the bowl spill out as she fell forward.
"What are you suddenly Hercules?" Emma snarled as she shifted back against her pillow and picked up some chips that slipped from the bowl. "It's not Regina," Emma said in a deflated tone.
"Oh," He said. "What's it say?" He asked, curiously.
"Basically called me cute and she lives in Florida, she wants to get coffee with me."
"How do you feel about that."
Emma ignored him as she scrolled through Heyitsme83's pictures. She was older but really attractive. She had dark features, like Regina. She was a doctor and loves dogs. She seemed like the entire package, except she wasn't Regina.
"I'm not interested," Emma said as she put her phone back down on the table.
"What if things don't work out with Regina?" He asked, playing the devil's advocate.
"Then I'll message her, but right now, it's too soon to tell, and I'm happy to be talking to Regina, and only her."
"Do you know if Regina is talking to other people?"
"I don't think so, and she was about to delete her profile the day she got my message, remember? You read the message."
"Oh, yeah that's right. But, I think you should probably ask her if you guys are exclusively talking to one another. I'd hate for her to stay on FindLove and meet someone else and talk to you both at the same time."
"Yeah, that's probably not a bad idea."
"So are you going to be up for the nine showing of Black Mass?"
Emma looked down at herself. She was already in her pajama bottoms, and her hair was in a messy bun. After screwing up on her case that afternoon, she came home and relaxed before calling August.
"Don't hate me, but I don't know if I'm up for a movie."
August turned to his friend, who never bailed on him, ever. She looked downright pathetic with Dorito crumbs all on her chest, caught by her rack. He moved the bowl off to the side and regarded his friend.
"No. You're not going to do this. We may not be going to that movie tonight, but instead, we are going to the bar across the street, and you're having some whiskey. Besides, if this doesn't work out I owe you top-shelf."
Emma grumbled. "That means I have to get dressed, again."
"Don't let me stop you," He said motioning for her to get up.
"It's going to take me half an hour." Instead of grumbling, this time, she whined.
"I don't care." He stood and opened her closet.
She watched as he sifted through her clothing and picked out a top, some jeans, and laid them on the bed.
"Wear this. I always thought this shirt made your boobs look amazing."
"Ew, stop talkin' about them like that." She brought her hands up shyly to conceal her modesty.
"What? I'm allowed to admire a hot girl. And you, Emma Swan, are a head turner, even if you don't think so."
"August, I think you need to stop drinking that Bud Light. I think it's killin' too many brain cells, which is astounding since it's basically tainted water."
On a slightly more awkward note, August said, "Seriously, Emma. You're gorgeous. I've seen some girls look at you and a shit ton of guys. I firmly believe if you were straight, you wouldn't have such a hard time finding someone."
"Oh yeah? Well, would you date me?" She quirked.
August stood there uncomfortably. He didn't say anything at first.
"See," She said as she rolled her eyes.
"Emma. Can't you tell? I love you. You're everything I want and hope to find someday, with a significant other. We're only meant to be best friends and, more than anything, I want to help you find the right woman for you. I want you to find love, which, whoa that's fucking corny." He laughed at himself.
Trying not to freak out, Emma stood from the bed. "August, seriously?"
His eyes focused on hers, "Come on, you know that I love you just like how you love me. You and I make a pretty decent power duo. Best friends that are basically family for life. I'm seriously blessed, every straight man's dream is to have a hot best friend that's a hot lesbian. Anyways, I just want you to be happy. So none of this." He pointed to her cat covered pajama bottoms, messy hair, and a trail of crumbs from her Doritos. "You need to go out and have a good night. I'll most likely find myself a date and maybe by the time you get home, you'll have a message from Regina." He said hopefully.
Disregarding half of what he just said, "You don't have a thing for me do you?"
"That's what you get from all of that? It's not like I'm in love with you. Just love you for being the brave, sexy, and smart woman that you are."
"Yeah," Emma said, trying not to be awkward for both their sakes.
"Oh come on, it's not a big deal, so don't make it into one."
Trying to move past the tension, Emma asked, "Soooo...Wanna go watch the game?" Emma said as she picked up the clothes he laid out for her.
He ignored her question altogether, "I know. Just act like I never said any of that. I made it weird. I made it so weird."
"Look seriously it's not a big deal. I know what it's like. It just shocked me that, the ladies man, August Booth thinks I'm attractive and that you'd date me if given the chance. You take so many girls home, and they look nothing like me." Emma pointedly glared at August. "Uh, so anyways, I'm kind of honored, but a little confused that's all," Emma said as she dropped her pajama pants and slipped on her skinny jeans.
Her long, strong, skinny legs didn't go unseen by August, who turned around to help divert his eyes. Emma picked up the top he picked out and changed her shirt.
"I'm done," She said as she pulled her hair down from the messy ponytail. "I'll help pick you out a girl tonight!" She winked.
"Sounds good, go put some of that lip gloss on." He pointed to his lips and then back at hers.
"I always end up licking it off. It tastes like strawberries." Emma commented as she walked into her bathroom and freshened up her appearance.
Her lip gloss was the final touch, not that it was going to last more than five minutes.
"Ready!" She yelled.
That night, they drank whiskey shots together and talked about the cute bartender who was pouring their drinks.
"She's cute. I think you could get her number."
"I think I could get more than that if I tried."
Emma rolled her eyes. "While that's true, I want to add that you're an A-grade asshole."
She watched as he smiled at the bartender and flagged her back over. "Swan, that's for you to know, and for her to not find out."
Just then, the bartender, Anna, walked over and asked, "More whiskey shots?"
August shook his head, "No, how about you make me your favorite drink."
The strawberry blonde smiled, "Like my favorite drink to have, or one that I like to make?"
"Surprise me," He said as he admired her curvy body.
"She's going to be fun tonight, but that's all she'll be. She's far too young and looks barely legal."
Emma's phone started buzzing on the counter of the bar from a call. She flipped it over and didn't notice the number, but instead noticed that ME, for Maine.
Her heart raced, and immediately she felt faint. It dawned on her that she gave Regina her number earlier and most likely it was Regina calling. Who else from that area code would have business calling her anyways?
"August." She patted his shoulder.
He didn't move, still lovesick on the bartenders looks.
"August," She said louder and more frantic.
"What?" He drunkenly turned to her.
"I think she's calling me." Emma spat out.
"You think who is calling you?" He shouted over the music and loud cheers in the bar.
"Regina!" Emma said, as red leaked into pale, pale cheeks.
"Shit, Emma, don't let it go to voicemail," He said equally as frantic.
"What do I say? I'm in a bar. She's not going to be able to hear anything."
"Doesn't matter. Take the call and walk out of the bar and talk to her outside."
Emma's body felt on fire. She hadn't planned for this. Her nerves were tickling her spine and she felt flush with embarrassment, because what would she say? She hadn't done this in so long and while she wanted to talk to Regina, she also was incredibly unprepared. At the same time, she didn't want to miss the importunity to talk to the other woman. So her finger tapped the screen, and she brought the phone up to her ear hearing only the sound of her heart beating faster.
She bit her lip in anticipation, her palms were sweating causing the phone to slip slightly in her grasp, but somehow she mustered up the courage to ask, "Hello?"
"Is this Emma?" She heard a feminine voice ask.
She tried to hold it together, but hearing Regina for the first time was hell on the heart.
"Yes," She said, still nervous. Heart still beating too fast. Beads of sweat coated her forehead as she tried to remain upright. The alcohol was now her enemy as she felt her body buzz.
"It's Regina. Is this a bad time?" She asked.
"No. It's just… I'm at a bar squeezing through people to get outside." Emma told her honestly. The fresh air would do her a world of good.
"''Scuse me," Emma said as she navigated through the busy sports bar crowded with fans. The baseball game was one of the playoff games, so fans were understandably rowdy that evening.
When she reached the door, she walked out into the evening air. Instantly she felt relief from the sweat that was dripping from her face.
"I'm outside now. Sorry about that." Emma said, not knowing what to say really. It was weird, but a good change of pace to go from message to actually talking.
"It's okay. I just got home. I just wanted to call and apologize. I felt bad. My assistant is usually better about my schedule. I had to drive all the way to Bangor and back, and I'm really exhausted. I just saw your email and thought I'd give you a call. It's not a video message, but at least you know I'm real. I didn't want you to think I was a fraud or something."
Emma laughed. "I didn't think that at all, but now you really do need to video me so that I know you aren't catfishing me." Emma paused. Her mind went blank for a second. Trying to make a good first impression she sputtered out, "Uh.. anyway, I'm glad you called. It's nice to hear your voice."
She had a feeling the other woman on the other end of the line was smiling. "It's nice to hear your voice too. I can't wait to meet you in a few weeks."
"Me too. Did you have a good day? Other than that mishap of course." Emma tried to act smooth and have a causal conversation.
"It was. Just was really disappointed that I couldn't spend as much time talking to you."
"Well, you're talking to me now," Emma flirtatiously said. While she was still nervous, Regina's voice was soothing, and she felt herself start to relax. Relax a little too much, mindlessly she asked, "Anyways, so how was your day?"
Giggling came from the other end of the phone. "Why's that funny?" Emma asked. She then realized. She had already freaking asked that.
"It's fine. Really. Don't be nervous." The warmth of the other woman's voice didn't go unnoticed. "I guess I should be the one asking you now, how was your day?" Regina asked.
Emma responded, trying to gain back points from being an idiot. "I got a new case at work. Another one of those women with a very rich husband who they think is cheating on them with a younger woman. He's pretty loaded. Drives a Tesla."
"Did you find out anything yet?" And just like that, they fell into a conversation that felt natural.
"No. I was distracted by something. It takes about a few weeks to figure out really."
"I see."
Emma heard her yawn. "Sounds like you're tired. Will you be free tomorrow night? I'd love to see you. I won't be in my robe, this time, I promise!"
"I'm sorry I yawned. That's rude of me. You're not boring or anything, and I've just had a long day."
"I didn't think that at all. I know you've had a long day. Sounds frustrating too, so please don't say sorry. I'm just thrilled I got to talk to you and hear your voice. It's a really great end to my evening now."
Just then a crowd of people screamed from inside the bar, Emma took that as a sign of a score for the Royals.
"Sounds like it's beginning."
Emma smiled. "The Royals are playing. It's the playoffs, so as you can imagine fans are pretty crazy right about now. I think I'm heading home soon, though, August is in full on womanizing mode."
Regina laughed, "I'm glad you don't take after him, I'd have to worry."
It caught her off guard, Regina being forward about not having to worry. Did this mean she wanted to be exclusive?
"So hey, uh, I got an email today from someone else on FindLove. Before you freak out, I didn't respond. I just wanted to know if you wanted to talk exclusively?" Emma asked trying to word everything carefully. It was awkward to talk about, but she felt like she could talk to Regina easily. Nevertheless, she was pacing back in forth in front of the bar hyped on what her response would be.
"I'd like that. Unless…" Emma heard her pause. "Did you want to respond to that other person?"
Emma was quick to respond, "No! Not at all. I just, I think I have my heart set on someone already, so not really."
The phone line was silent for a few moments. Emma knew she was still there, but didn't know if what she said was too much, too soon. Emma knew, realistically, that it was.
"I... I.." Emma stuttered. She needed to say something to fix the awkward moment.
Before she could spit the words out, Regina cut her off. "No, it's okay. I feel the same way as well."
The crowd cheered in the bar behind her some more and Emma looked in the window, August was leaning into the bar chatting away with the bartender, completely absent-minded that she wasn't there.
"Hey, you know what, I think I'm going to walk home. Want to stay on the line with me? It's about a five-minute walk."
"Sure."
"The Royals look like they're going to win, and it's only going to get louder. And from the looks of it, August won't be great company now that he's starstruck over the girl's boobs while she's pouring his drinks. He's going to have the world's biggest hangover tomorrow."
"Sounds like a real character."
"You know, he's unique, that's for sure, but aren't we all special in our own way?" Emma laughed.
"That's true, I guess." Regina agreed.
Emma looked both ways as she crossed the street.
"So, what are you doing right now?"
"I'm sitting in bed with a glass of wine. As soon as we get off I'm going to sleep. I really need a vacation from work, and it's exhausting."
Emma tried not to imagine her in bed, with nothing on, or something revealing, but her mind went there, and her body flushed with desire.
"I can think of some ways that I can help you relax."
Emma turned on her street, her apartment in sight. She bit her lip, what she said could be taken innocently, or Regina would pick up on what she meant.
"I have no doubt that you'll be able to help me relax. Too bad you don't live closer."
Emma groaned. "Tell me about it."
She trudged up her steps and shoved her key in the door and walked into her apartment.
"I'm, uh, home now."
"I'm glad you made it safely. I need to get some rest. Tomorrow night, can we please video? I was really annoyed earlier today."
Emma tossed her keys on the counter and nodded, "I know the feeling. I'll be online, same time. Don't feel like you can't text me tomorrow. I'd love to hear from you."
"Thanks, Emma." Shivers caused Emma's body to twitch. The way her name sounded coming from the other woman was going to be the death of her.
"Sleep well, Regina. I'll see you tomorrow."
"You too!"
The call ended and Emma sank into her bed replaying the entire conversation. It was official, and they were exclusively talking to one another. Warmth spread through her chest and suddenly she felt wide awake.
Instead of going to sleep, she opened her fridge, grabbed a beer and turned on the remainder of the game. The rest of the evening her mind reeled over the conversation she had with Regina. While it was brief, it was everything she needed. It gave her hope that she could find love.