"Emma, I think you need to slow down," Regina said, laying a hand on the blondes shoulder.

"I don't need to do anything," Emma replied, shying away from her touch.

"Emma..."

"Look Regina, I don't want to talk or have a lecture or fake sympathy. I just want to be left alone to drown my sorrows" Emma cut her off. "I'm destined to be alone as there are no decent men left in the world, and I have dated all the wrong ones and got my heart broken every single time" she added. Regina eyebrows knitted into a knot, watching Emma finish the drink and raise her glass indicating for another.

"Well.." Regina paused. "I am always here should you choose you want someone to talk to," Emma looked up at Regina briefly and gave half a smile before turning her attention back to the bar. Regina straighten out her pant suit before promptly leaving the bar.

/ - x - x - x - /

On the drive home, Emma's last words haunted Regina. It broke her heart to see her sad. Why did she care so much? Maybe because Emma is also Henry's mother and she doesn't want to see Henry hurt. 'Yes. That must be it' she told herself. There are no decent men Emma words echoed. Regina wanted to prove Emma wrong. 'But how?' she pondered knowing full well she is a woman. "That's it!" She cried aloud, pulling up at her house. "I'll disguise myself as a man to show there are still decent people out there." Regina quickly hurried inside. She had plenty of work ahead of her and she knew every Thursday night, Emma and Henry have dinner at Granny's diner.

/ - x - x - x - /

Thursday night fast approached. Regina stood infront of a full length mirror, admiring her work. 'Not to bad disguise,' she admitted looking at the tall man before her with brown shaggy hair and piercing blue eyes. She looked down at her watch and quickly rushed over to Granny's knowing Emma and Henry would be arriving soon. Regina hid behind a bush seeing them walk down the street. As they neared the dinner, Regina quickly rushed up the steps at the same time and reached for the door.

"Lady's first," as she pushed open the door. "And you, young man," she added looking at Henry behind Emma. The Sheriff stared at Regina's disguise as she walked to the counter.

"Henry, do you know who that is?" She overhead, as Emma eyed the strange man in faded blue jeans and a black leather jacket. The blonde slowly walked back. "Excuse me," she said, with a soft tap on the shoulder. "I don't think I've seen you around before,"

"I just moved here a few weeks ago,"

"Well, I'm Emma Swan, the Sheriff of Storybroke," she introduced herself, holding out her hand.

"Re..." And Regina stopped almost immediately, nearly giving herself away.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Rees was it?" Emma questioned. Regina nodded her head, racking her brain for a name. "Nice to meet you."

"Mum?" Henry asked, walking over to them.

"This is my son, Henry," Emma introduced. "Would you like to join us for dinner?" Emma offered. With a quick flick of Regina hand, Granny called out an order

"Rees"

"Thank you for the offer, I just came to pick up my burger and fries," she answered.

"Here's my number," Emma paused, pulling out a card from the sheriff department. "To show you around Storybroke in a official capacity," Emma stumbled.

"Thanks," Regina said, accepting the card and went to get his food.

/ - x - x - x - /

Regina was walking to her car after work and saw Emma heading in the opposite direction.

"Is everything alright, Miss Swan?" She asked as Emma stood in front of her.

"Um, can we talk?" Emma asked.

"Sure," Regina answered as they crossed the road to the park on the opposite side. Regina gestured for Emma to sit beside her on the bench. "What's on your mind?"

"I've met someone who I really like," Emma said, twisting her hands together. "Only spoken to him once, at Granny's when he was picking up his order. But he's heavenly" Emma groaned. "I gave him my number but I haven't heard anything from him." Emma explained with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Maybe his job has kept him really busy," Regina guessed with a shrug.

"Yeah, maybe," Emma muttered. "Granted it's only been a few days," she added staring down at her phone.

"You could always send him a message first in a few days if you haven't heard anything," Regina said. 'Good suggestion Regina, given it's you!' a voice echoed as she began to get nervous.

"I didn't get his number. He was in a rush and I was having dinner with Henry,"

"I'm sure he will send a message soon," Regina said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"I should go." Emma said, getting to her feet. Regina watched as the blonde walked down the street and out of sight. 'What am I going to do?' Regina asked herself as she buried her face in her hands. She knew she couldn't send a text from her phone as Emma would recognise her number. Regina quickly walked to the nearest corner store and bought a second-hand phone. She then hurried back to her car and set the phone up which came with a number. 'Hi Emma. It's Rees. You know, the guy you offered to show around town the other day'