"Would you chill, you're acting as The First Lady is visiting." August said as he watched his friend zooming around the apartment like The Flash.
"Dude, she's basically just as important. First impressions are everything. If she sees this place a wreck, then who knows what? Maybe she'll think that's a turn-off or something."
"Emma, in case you weren't aware, your place is actually spotless. I'm sure she won't notice if your lamp shades have some dust. Seriously, chill out and come grab a beer and watch some quality baseball with me. While you're at it, please pull off that…" He paused trying to find his words as he pointed towards his face. "That blackhead strip off your nose."
Emma stopped and glared at her friend, "Oh come on, leave the pore strip alone. I've got some blackheads, kay."
"Whatever, you just look like one of those kids whose mom just caked sunscreen all over their nose." He started laughing. "But I'm sure your mom had to put a lot more on you so you wouldn't turn into a lobster. Man does it suck that you live in one of the sunniest states being as pale as you are."
"Would you cut it out." Emma tossed a throw pillow at him. "Can't you tell I'm stressing the hell out. She's going to be here in less than twenty-four hours and I'm trying to keep it together. Now get your feet off my coffee table, I just wiped that." She turned back around to pick something up off the floor.
"Emma?" August asked.
"What?" She snapped, annoyed and frustrated with her friend.
"When are you going to tell her?"
"I don't know. Everything is going so good, and I just want to get through our first date and spend some time with her in person." Emma said, irritated.
"Do you think that's a good idea? Do you think Regina would feel mislead if you don't tell her sooner."
Emma came around and sat down on the couch next to August. "I honestly have no idea how to go about this in the right way. I just don't want to mess everything up. It's all too good to be true."
August, playing devil's advocate, said, "I think you should tell her before she leaves on Sunday."
"What do I even say?" Emma brought her hands to her face. She had gone over this a few times in her head and honestly couldn't put together where to even begin.
"Tell her the truth. Tell her like you first told me."
Emma nodded. She remembered the night it all started. They met at a bar, super drunk, and he hit on her, shocker. It's funny now to think back on how they became friends. She was standing alone nursing a tumbler of whiskey. He said, what's a pretty girl doing alone at a bar on a Valentine's Day? It was the corniest pickup line. They spent the entire night laughing and talking. They had an instant connection and to Emma, she just met her best friend. To August, he just met the person he could spend the rest of his life with. So, what's a guy to do? He leans forward and kisses the girl. Emma, of course, pulled back and said she was gay.
Unlike most guys in this situation, he laughed and asked to be friends. The rest was history, and they became thick as thieves. Not long after, they started hanging out more, Emma eventually told August her secret. She felt comfortable with him. Leading up to that Emma would ask him questions that revolved around her being transgender to see what his views were. To her shock, he was extremely liberal minded and when she told him, he hugged her close and said she was even more special to him. Emma knew it too.
Emma didn't expect the world to act like her parents or her best friend. She had no idea how Regina would act. She wished to her lucky stars that she would be accepting and see Emma the way she saw herself; as a woman.
Be that as it may, Emma knew that it was something that could go either way. She had to prepare for the worst, being viewed as unnatural. So more than anything, she just wanted this weekend to enjoy the companionship if things went awry when she did tell Regina.
In that case, if things did go awry, she would be sitting home alone listening to Joni Mitchell's music, mostly the Blue album. She would call out of work and melodramatically sulk around the apartment in days old, soiled clothing. Attractive, right?
"You're not like everyone else. If you recall, it took me a while to feel like I could trust you." Emma told August. "For all I could have known, you would have been gone as soon as I told you. I don't just tell people that I'm transgender. I pass as a woman, which is how I feel. I don't know why I have to have the 'trans' part in front of woman. I get people are proud of being transgender, I'm just not there yet. There's still more shame than there is pride. I could have never told you. I just selfishly wanted someone to confide in."
"I know you don't see it this way, but that's not selfish. And for the record, I'm glad you told me. But ya gotta tell her sooner than later since she's your girl and all. She's bound to want to have sex, or do something. You gotta be ready for that. Are you?"
"I think I would be if she were okay with everything." Emma honestly said.
"So stop putting it off, talk to her before she leaves. It's for your best interest. Trust me."
"I know." Emma shook her head. "I'll try."
"So what are the plans for when she's here?"
Emma sighed. She hadn't even made reservations yet. "I was thinking Kres Chophouse. It's not pretty modern looking inside. Not too fancy, so I think it will be good. I didn't want to take her to the most expensive place in the city. I felt like that wouldn't be me."
"Shit, no it wouldn't. You're good with Pizza Hut and some beer."
"While that may be true, I like nice fine dining too. So I felt like Kres was a comfortable medium. It wouldn't be over the top, ya know?"
"Do you think you'll kiss?" August made kissing faces and in a high pitched voice, "Oh Regina, you're lips are so soft."
Emma punched him in the arm. "Would you stop! It wouldn't be like that!"
"Oh, so there's a way you'll do it? So you are going to kiss her?" August smirked at his friend whose face turned pink.
"Yeah, well duh! I mean, I told her I didn't want to have sex right away, so I definitely want to kiss her at least. I don't know how I couldn't."
"Alright fair enough." August said. "So another important question, can I meet her?'
A smile broke out across her face, "You'd want to meet her?"
"I mean, I get some credit for setting up your FindLove site, right? I would be honored if I could meet the woman who has stolen you away from me."
"Awe, August, that's awesome. I wasn't sure if you wanted to meet her yet."
"Dude, I'm like your number one cheerleader, what do I need to do, go dig up your old cheerleading outfit from circa 2004?"
"Don't. That thing is hidden for a reason. I did it for one season for my mom. She was so excited that I could join the team that she used to be the captain of back in the day. Afterward, she knew I was only doing it for her."
"Right, that's when you then started soccer and volleyball, I remember. So again, don't make me get into it. I'm skinny enough to fit."
"August, seriously. I'd rather not need to bleach my eyes out."
"Okay then, so breakfast on Sunday?" He enthusiastically clapped his hands together.
"Sure. I don't see a problem with that." Emma shrugged her shoulders.
"So what else are you guys doing otherwise?"
Emma took a deep breath in and said, "Well I once asked her what her dream date was. She said it was coming over, going to dinner, and then coming home to a movie. I'm sure we'll get handsy. I just hope she takes me serious when I said no sex."
"I think she'll be on the same page. If you need to re-iterate it, then do that."
"I probably should." Emma agreed.
The past few weeks flew by all too quickly for Emma and Regina. Every night they videod, they would call throughout the day, and text. It was hard at times when time did feel like it was crawling, mainly a few days prior when Regina was getting ready for her trip.
Last week, Regina had a horrible day at work. The corporation that is acquiring her business is causing more hiccups than she expected and so Emma sent her some orange roses, red roses were too cliche. Regina nearly cried when she opened the box from 1-800-Flowers. She said it was just what she needed to get through the week until she was in Florida. It was the little things like that between them both that made Emma believe that this was more serious than just meeting up to see if they had chemistry. The truth is, they already did.
A faint buzz from the kitchen where Emma's phone sat shook her from her thoughts.
"Go get that. It's probably her."
"By process of elimination, I would say since you're here, it's probably her. My parents hate texting. I honestly think my mother can't. By the way, are you coming here for Thanksgiving? You know my parents want to see you again!"
"How could I resist, your mother loves me."
"Yeah she does." Emma said as she stood to grab her phone. It was a text from Regina.
Today has been awful. I finish my meetings in an hour and will be back to my hotel. Will you be free to video?
"Whoever the shit head is at that company acquiring her business needs a coming to Jesus. He's really putting her through hell."
"That's what they do, I would know from my father's experience."
"Yeah, true. It's worth it in the end." Emma said.
"Sure the hell is, my bank account is happy as a peach."
"Ew, don't say that again." Emma winced at her friend referring to himself as a peach. She quickly typed back a response.
I'm sorry beautiful. It will be over soon. I get to see you tomorrow and everything will be better. I'll always be free to talk to you, you know that.
"Okay, fine. I won't say I'm happy as a peach. What do you suggest I say?"
"Anything else. How about, happy as a monkey with a peanut machine. Or happy as a kid in a candy store. Or happy as a kid on Christmas. Or happy as-"
August threw his hands in the air, "Okay, okay, stop. You made your point."
"Thought so." Emma laughed. Her phone buzzed in her hands.
I like when you call me that. I can't wait to be in your arms. If you want, I can meet tonight?
Emma nervously smiled. "She just offered to come up tonight. Should I take her up on that?"
"I mean it's really up to you. All of your plans would change."
Emma bit her lip. The house still had some work to do, not to mention she needed to shower, and clean the bedding. And the reservations hadn't even been made yet.
How do you feel about babe? Baby? Love? Pet names in general? I can't wait to hold you either. I get butterflies at the thought. I really want you to be here tonight too, but I still have some cleaning to do around the house and last minute planning. I'm basically the epitome of a procrastinator.
Emma frowned. She kind of felt bad for saying no, but, to be honest, she really needed to get things finished so that her first impression wasn't bad.
Her phone buzzed again.
Pet names are okay but don't ever call me cupcake, or anything like that. I suppose a few more hours of waiting won't kill us. I'll be up early anyways and will get an Uber over. I will be back to the hotel soon and will video you then. Also, the wifi is horrible, so I'm sorry in advance.
"She's going to come in the morning as planned." Emma told August.
"Yay, so can we stay up all night and have girl talk and braid each other's hair."
Emma burst out into laughter. "Keep it up, and I'll think you're gay."
"Do you not know sarcasm. Let me refer you to Webster's." August stood and grabbed the red spined book off her shelf. He coughed and said, "Whoa, this is dusty."
"That's because I haven't touched it since the day I moved in. Who needs a dictionary when you can use your phone?"
"Accurate statement." He said as he flipped through its pages. "Oh here it is, 'The use of words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say especially in order to insult someone, to show irritation, or to be funny.'"
"Oh my god, shut up." Emma said from across the room.
"Fine." He shut the dictionary causing some dust to cloud around his face. "I think I'm going to go anyways. So Sunday?"
"Yeah, breakfast. Pick the place and text me. Ten work for you?"
"I will get back to you." He said as he scratched the back of his head. "I don't know the plans yet for Saturday and if I'll be at someone's place the next morning, if you catch what I'm sayin'."
"Dude, you seriously just need to start dating people. Get a dating site too."
"Nah, I don't know about that."
"August." Emma said in a very firm tone.
"How 'bout this. If you and Regina work out, then I will get a dating site, that work for you?"
Emma laughed. "Deal. Because you're so going to lose."
"For your sake, I hope so." August smiled. "Okay, I'm gonna go. You have a nice night with Regina. Also, don't worry 'bout the place. It looks amazing." He motioned around himself.
"Thanks." Emma said as she opened the front door for her friend. "I'll text you tomorrow."
"Sounds good." Emma waited a minute before closing the door. It all was so surreal. She was excited but nervous over meeting Regina in real life. She was ready for this next step. She also knew that she needed to have the same talk she had with August, with Regina.
In her whole life, she could count a number of times she has had to tell someone about her being transgender. It was hard every single time. She felt vulnerable and scared. Her biggest fear was losing the person. She, at this point, couldn't imagine losing Regina. She had become such an important person to her. That said, she also knew it was only a few weeks and if it didn't work out, then there were what her mom called, 'more catfish in the lake.'
Her attention was distracted and she saw a cute little fluff pawing at her window.
Emma closed her front door and walked over and opened it to let Weezy in. The big fluffy gray cat purred as he jumped into the apartment.
"Hey, mister cat. Want some snacks?" Emma said in a high pitched tone.
Of course, the cat meowed in response. His belly swung back and forth as he followed her into the kitchen.
"Treat, treat!" Emma said as she dropped a few brown cat bites on the floor. Weezy savagely gobbled them up and meowed up at her. She bent down and picked up the well-fed cat. "You'll love me no matter what, right Weezy?"
The cat just continued purring in her arms. "I'm just nervous. I really feel like Regina would understand. Nothing has changed, well not really. I'm still the same person."
She plopped the cat down on the floor and picked up August's nearby beer can. She made a disgusted face as she tossed it into the trash. When would he learn to drink better beer? She shook her head.
Emma spent the last forty-five minutes cleaning up and finishing up her laundry. When Regina called, she wasn't as nervous as she used to be when they initially started videoing. Instead, she felt warmth spread throughout her body and excitement fueled her words.
"Look at you, ever so beautiful." She grinned at the other woman, who conveniently was just across town.
Regina smiled, "I had to dress up for the meeting."
"So, how'd it go?"
"They are lessening the amount I get each time." She pushed her black framed glassed up her nose and continued in her husky voice, "They keep saying that while they want to acquire my business, there are several others that are similar that they want to acquire too. It's hard." She paused and looked down, "While it's not as much as it initially was, it's still a lot of money. I know, however, that my company is valuable enough to get what the initial offer was." Her eyes drifted back up and looked at the camera. "So now I feel back to square one. I may just see if there are any other prospects and not bank on this corporation." Regina rolled her eyes at the thought.
Emma felt bad for her. She knew these past weeks leading up to this meeting had been stressing the brunette out. "I'm sorry. I know it's hard and business is something I'm not familiar with, but I have faith that you'll make the best decision. And whatever you decide is best, I'll support it."
"Thanks, Emma." Regina smiled.
Emma settled into her bed, fluffing her pillow, "Tomorrow, you don't have to dress up for me. I'll like you in a something casual."
"I don't do casual normally."
"Psh, please. I'm sure you have jeans."
Emma watched Regina bite her lip, "Oh my god, you didn't pack jeans, did you?"
"Well, no? Should I have?" Regina furrowed her brow.
"Yeah, I mean, we'll mainly be hanging around my place." Emma said catching the furrowed brows of the other woman. Quickly doing some minor damage control, she added, "But, it's really okay. Anything you wear will be perfect. I just want you to know, it doesn't matter what you wear around me. I just thought you might be more comfortable in jeans."
"I'm sure you'd prefer me in nothing at all." Regina smirked.
Scarlet leaked into Emma's cheeks too quick for her to hide the slight embarrassment. "You know, maybe that's true."
"I guess we'll have to wait and see!" Regina winked.
"Babe, I just want to make sure we're on the same page. I hate to bring this back up, and now I feel weird. Oh god, my face feels hot. It's red isn't it." Emma said as she diverted her eyes away from the screen. She didn't want to see how awkward she was being. "But I really do want to wait to have sex. If you know, want that with me. I just want to have the real first date experience. Don't get me wrong we can totally fool around and make out, it's just I respect you and don't want to-"
"Emma, slow down. No sex this weekend. I got it. I don't want you to feel weird around me. There is no need to be embarrassed."
"Okay." Emma said, effectively shutting up thereafter. Her heart was like a jackhammer deep in her chest. Somehow, her ears were still burning along with her face that was red as roses. Trying to shift topics, Emma said, "So August just left, he said that he wanted to meet you. Are you okay with that?"
Regina nodded. "I would love to meet him. When are we doing that?"
"Sunday morning, uh, well it's intended to be breakfast, time subject to change since he doesn't know where he'll end up on Saturday night."
Regina laughed, "He's such a ladies man."
"I know. Today he made a promise, if we work out, thanks to him, then he'll make a dating profile."
"That's bold. Do you think he'll follow through with it, if we work out?"
"He better. I'm tired of him being so nomadic when it comes to being in girl's beds."
"I understand that."
Emma yawned as she nodded.
"Can you hold on for two minutes. I'm going to change out of theses business clothes." Regina said.
"Sure."
Regina blew her a kiss through the screen that made Emma shiver with desire. All of the oxygen was practically sucked from her lungs just seconds later when she saw a shirt hit the floor. It wasn't the first time Regina boldly changed in front of the camera. That time, all Emma saw were the length of her legs. Now, however, she was getting a pretty up close and personal view of her naked back.
Regina concealed some modesty as she slide on a dainty silver slip with her her pants still on. In languid movements, those were discarded on the floor.
A few seconds later Regina laid back down on her bed and regarded Emma, "I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight knowing you're only a few miles away from me."
"Me either, not after that. You're such a tease!" Emma pointed out.
"You liked that, huh? Don't worry, if you want my top off tomorrow, all you have to do is ask. It's not breaking the no sex rules."
"Are you trying to kill me?"
"Maybe I am?"
"You're too much Regina Mills, just too damn much."
"How does your back feel since the accident? Still giving you trouble?"
"I saw the chiropractor the other day. He said it's better. The whiplash really killed me. I have all these knots."
"I'm really sorry. Tomorrow I'll make sure to massage you. It's the least I can do."
"You're just trying to get my shirt off of me." Emma smirked, Regina was pretty transparent.
"So what if I am, what's it to you?" She smiled.
The one thing Emma was truly confident on was her boobs. When she was thirteen, after three years of hormones they started developing. Her mom told her that she began getting boobs at the same age, which was perfectly okay for children to develop as their parents. The doctors told them that Emma would grow just as her mother did. Same shape and size. And it was true. She did develop much as her mother did. If she were to stand next to her parents, she was strikingly similar to her mother, figure and all. Minus the dark hair color.
With that said, while Emma wasn't confident about all aspects of her body, she was primarily confident about her boobs.
"I have no problem taking my shirt off for you, especially if it means I get a massage," Emma grinned. "I like it hard, though, think you can handle that?" She challenged the other woman.
Regina didn't back down. "Challenge accepted."
"I can't wait to see you." Emma said as she yawned again.
"I know. Only a few more hours."
"Feels like Christmas." Emma groggily responded.
"I suppose it does feel like that. All the excitement and all."
Emma snuggled deeper into her bed next to Weezy. "I'm so tired all of the sudden."
"I know. Me too." Regina watched over Emma whose words slowly became inaudible.
It wasn't long before Emma finally did doze off. Like the nights before, Regina couldn't bring herself to end the call. Instead, she curled up to the screen and closed her eyes too. It was something neither woman ever envisioned doing, but it made them feel so much closer to each other.
The next morning when Emma woke up, the connection was lost. Regina did warn her that the hotel internet was weak. The video likely cut out shortly after she fell asleep. Emma had been the first one to fall asleep on the calls. It was about a week ago. Neither one of them talked about it. It just…. happened. The next day it happened again and that's how it became a routine.
Wiping the drool from her face, she picked up her phone to see a text from Regina.
Good morning. I'm about to leave in fifteen minutes, can't wait to see you. :D
Emma smiled. That text was from ten minutes ago.
She then froze. "Shit!" She jumped out of the bed and ran to the shower. Of course, leave it up to Emma to oversleep on one of the most important days of her life where she's trying to impress someone.
She cut her legs in five places from trying to shave as fast as possible. She practically fried her hair since she not only blew dried it out but used a straightener on it too. Emma always let her hair air dry wavy and barely ever used her straightener. It was only for special occasions; like this one.
Her morning was a clusterfuck as she rushed to make sure she was ready in a short window of time. She scrambled to get dressed, which took only three outfits before she decided on dark skinny jeans and a sheer white top. She spent the last few minutes that she could spare making sure the apartment was in order.
It wasn't long enough because she was caught in the middle of putting her discarded clothing away when she heard the knock on her door.
"Fuck!" She said under her breath. She worked faster to shove all of her clothes in her closet and quickly checked her appearance one last time.
She walked from her bedroom to the front door and stared at the door handle for a few seconds before turning it to open the door. On the other side, there she stood. Regina. And man was she beautiful. Shorter than Emma imagined, tinier too. Seeing her in the flesh, well that was just breathtaking.
Emma's feet felt like cinder blocks, unable to move. Normal people, turn to let the person in, but Emma wasn't normal. Not only that, but her throat felt like she had a billion cotton balls tucked back in there because her voice was nowhere to be found.
Regina was everything she always dreamed of in a significant other. All of that beauty, though, it paralyzed her.
"Emma?" She heard the other woman say just before her body decided to start working again.
Just like in all the romantic comedy movies out there, her knees almost gave way and she practically fell into their first, awkward hug.