A/N: We are getting closer to the juice part of this.. the love part of this romance... I am nowhere near the end of the story, because I am going episode by episode and this ran over 300 episodes soooo We will be here a while. also, I am cutting out a lot of the extra stuff. so some chapters may be shorter. Like this one is a filler chapter. Even though it has been 14 chapters, this isn't really a slow burn but it is full of angst as you have discovered already. we will discover how Henry Happens but only after Regina falls in love with Emma... and it will happen. I hope you enjoy. ~S.K.
Capitulo 14
"Hey, Emma?" Ruby said, breaking Emma out of an incredibly vivid daydream. "Can you come with me to the bathroom?"
Emma blinked the visions away and frowned. She smiled at Ruby and nodded, then followed the brunette to the bathroom. When they got to the bathroom, Ruby turned to her friend. "What's going on, Emma?"
"Absolutely nothing," Emma answered, looking at her friend who was touching up her makeup. "It's not me, it's him. He won't look at me, he says he is sick, and he is counting the minutes until he can go home. I'm just not his type."
Ruby looked at her friend, sure that if she decided to change her style, she would be super attractive. But the way she presented herself made her look like she was hiding away from the world. Changing that would take a lot more work than a change in wardrobe. Emma seemed like a mix of a little girl and a nun rolled up into one. "Come on, Ems," Ruby said.
"No, Rubes, I warned you. They just don't like how I am," Emma stated. "I feel so bad for him."
"Emma... stop," Ruby said. "You don't know men. All you have to do is get a little flirty, and you'll see that they will fall at your feet."
"Oh, please," Emma said.
"I know... it's that Killian guy, isn't it?" Ruby said, remembering the reading from that afternoon. "I bet you are already dating him, and you just don't want to spill."
"No, that's not it," Emma stated, remembering the name she had given to cover up the fact that the reading was clearly about Regina. "I actually came to see if someone could help me forget that impossible dream."
"Alright," Ruby said with a smile. "So let's go and get that Killian out of your head once and for all."
Emma giggled. "Fine, I'll try," and they headed back out to the club.
Regina strolled back into Robin's place. He had foregone the bath he had invited her into and decided to watch a Manchester Football match instead. Regina stopped at the door and stared at the television. "It would have been a lot easier if they had kicked away from goal and come around the back," Regina stated, commenting on the play on the screen. Robin jumped at the sound of her voice and turned his head to look at her.
"I thought you were going out," Robin said, surprised.
"Yeah, but I thought about it, and getting some rest and relaxation would be very good after this stressful week," Regina said, coming to sit next to Robin. "So, is there room on this couch for me to cuddle?"
"Yeah," Robin said, and Regina leaned into him.
"You can watch the match, and I'll just stay right here, with you," Regina said, and Robin leaned in and kissed his fiancée.
"Emma, are you good? You look stressed," Ruby asked, looking at her friend in the back seat.
"I am. My dad is going to be so pissed. I haven't done anything like this since I got pregnant with Henry. He's probably having some serious flashbacks."
"What's he going to do, spank you? You're not a child, Emma," Ruby stated.
"But to him, I still am, like I was when Henry happened. Stupid thing was Henry happened in my room in my bed while he was at work," Emma stated.
They pulled up in front of Emma's house, and she blew out a breath. She stepped out of the car and said, "Thanks, guys. See you Monday."
Ruby waved, sticking her hand out of the window. "See you Monday!"
Emma steeled herself and walked into the house. "Hey, Dad."
"Do you mind telling me where you were?" her father asked.
"I was at a restaurant, out to dinner with some friends," Emma stated.
"You weren't in any restaurant. You called me from a club, the music was way too loud to be a restaurant."
"I was right next to a speaker," Emma stated.
"But who gave you permission to go?" David asked. "Are you parenting yourself or what?"
"No, Dad," Emma stated. "Since you were busy, I told Mom what I was about to do."
"You told your mother?" David said, giving Emma the angry side-eye that she dreaded. "This is my house, and my rules, so you ask me for permission, and you can't be going about accepting last-minute plans."
"David!" Mary Margaret scolded her husband. "Come on!"
"No, just because that child brings money into this home, doesn't mean that she can do whatever she feels like."
"But, Dad..."
"No, ma'am," David said to his daughter. "I will pull you out of that job so fast, I don't care if we lose the damn car."
"I was with a coworker, Ruby," Emma said. "She was the one who watched Henry yesterday morning."
"The receptionist?" David said, looking at his daughter. He scoffed. "You're not helping your case any."
"What's wrong with Ruby?" Emma asked.
"Did you see the way she dresses, all of her limbs exposed like that? Her short skirts and cropped tops under her blazer."
Mary looked at her husband with her very own side-eye. "What does that have to do with anything?" Emma asked.
"So she's going around giving away her goodies to men," David said.
"Dad!" Emma said exasperated. "Oh my god... Even if she is like that, I'm not."
"That's why we've got Henry, right?"
"DAVID!"
Emma bit her tongue. She was angry, and she would make things so much worse for herself if she said anything. She took a deep breath. "Fine…next time I go out, I will let you know beforehand."
Then she turned and went into the kitchen, hoping that maybe her dad had a beer or something stronger than water was in the fridge. She opened it and found a case of beer and she breathed out, taking a bottle from its case and opening it up.
Her mother had followed her into the kitchen. She smiled at her daughter in anticipation of any news she may have. Mary longed for her daughter to find the person she could love, someone who would be her confidant and just the person who would hold her. She didn't care if it was a man or a woman. She just wanted her daughter to have the love she deserved. She was also sure that her husband's interference was the thing that was going to keep Emma single for a long time.
When Emma had gotten pregnant at 17, David had seen so many hopes for her dashed. He had worked hard to make sure that Henry was not a drawback to his genius child's education. Emma was going to make it and would not become a statistic. But Mary thought he needed to let go. She was slowly working on him, but the man was stubborn. It was just that Emma nearly died the last time her heart was broken. But you can't find love without risks.
"So… how did it go?" Mary Margaret asked.
Emma looked back at her mother and smiled. She knew her mother was hopeful for her. Her mother thought she was beautiful, like all mothers think of their children. She didn't realize that when most men looked at her, they cringed. So her mother made her believe she had a chance at a happy love life.
"Yeah, it went well."
"So, tell me, where did you go, and what was he like?"
"Well, it was Ruby's friend. He was only here for tonight. He's from DC."
"So, what happened?"
"We went dancing… and then we came back here."
"Will you guys be going out again?"
"He said he would call whenever he came back to town," Emma said and took a long swig of her beer.
"You should text him often, keep the line of communication open," Mary Margaret said, excited for her daughter.
"Yeah, Mom," Emma said with a smile.
"See, things are changing!" Emma nodded.
"I'm gonna go cuddle with the love of my life," Emma said, and she and her mother walked on to her room.
"Oh yeah, he's been waiting for you," Mary said.
"Aww, my poor baby," Emma stated and looked at her slumbering toddler.
"At least you will be able to sleep in tomorrow."
"It's true…Hey, Mom?" Emma said, remembering something that Ruby had told her earlier. "Why did Dad show up at my job today?"
"Oh… Killian opened his big mouth and told him you were a secretary."
"What?" Emma's face drained. "What happened… why didn't I know?"
"Because of celestial intervention, I swear," her mother said. "He overheard Ms. Mills praising you and listing out your accolades. He knows how much she values you, so he just walked away from confrontation."
Emma breathed out. "Thank the baby Jesus."
The two of them laughed. "That stays between us. He left that place with egg on his face; he didn't want to lose face with you."
"That man.." Emma sighed.
"Good night, Emma, I love you," her mother said, heading back out.
"I love you too, Mom," Emma stated and turned to ready herself for bed. Soon she was curled up next to her baby boy.
She pulled out her journal and began to write an entry.
"I give up on love. I have finally realized that no one would ever fall in love with me. People never take notice of ugly women like me. Women need to be appealing to the eyes. A beautiful woman gets to command attention just because she is beautiful, they listen to her, they desire her, and put up with her eccentricities.
Yeah… I'm ugly. But Ms. Mills … she doesn't care what I look like. She values me, she needs me. I hope I'm close to her for a long time, even if she doesn't reciprocate my love. They told me she would change my life. And I hers. How will I do it? I want to know. I hope it happens soon."
Monday morning finally arrived, and Emma walked into High Concepts in high spirits. "Hi Ruby!"
"Hi Ems," Ruby said with a smile. "Hey, how did it go with your dad on Friday night?"
"Oh, he lost his mind," Emma said. "Anyway, I made it up to him over the weekend. I'll talk to you about it at lunch."
"Okay, BYE Emma, see you later."
Emma turned and smiled at August and headed straight to the elevator. Belle walked into the elevator with her, and they rode up together.
It was a busy day, and as soon as everyone was in the office, they jumped into production with both feet. Regina was trying to set up an investment of 3 million dollars to purchase two studios so that production could increase, and Emma had to figure out how to make the investment happen.
In the production meeting for the shampoo commercial currently in production, Regina proposed a CGI Mt. Fuji replacement, citing the dangers of climbing the mountain and the insurance for people and equipment, to Mal's chagrin.
Riding on a high from having beaten Maleficent at her own game, the three executives moved to the conference room to talk about the studio equipment that Regina wanted to buy. She called Emma into the room, and Robin looked displeased at the woman having all this power.
"So, what did you figure out about the purchase?"
"Ms. Mills, I seriously think that you need to reconsider buying the studio equipment. It would be better to just rent them."
"For once," Robin said in surprise, "I agree with Emma. Three million dollars is much too expensive."
"The package has everything we need," Regina stated. "How could we make it happen without losing capital, Emma?"
"You can get a loan and amortize the loan on a monthly basis."
"A loan. Solutions!" Regina said. "We can buy them."
"Regina, are you sure?" Robin said angrily.
"If we buy the equipment, we have less overhead than renting them. Then the company will grow because we are producing more. With the revenue we receive, we should be able to pay off the loans fast." Regina looked at Emma. "I just need to know if we have bank backing?"
"You do; there's no debt," Emma stated.
Just then, Lily walked in and said that the bank was on the line waiting to receive the forms for the credit that Emma had requested.
"Sorry, Ms. Mills. I was anticipating the loan request, so I alerted the bank just in case you decided to do so," Emma stated.
Regina's thoughts raced. Yes, she wanted to buy the studio equipment. She was sure it was the right thing. Emma didn't seem too confident about any of it, but Regina had a gut feeling that this was what she needed to do. "Excellent, good move, Emma."
"Ms. Deville has gathered all necessary information, and she will look them over," Lily stated.
"No, Emma, go get those forms and fill out the loan request for me, please," Regina stated.
"Yes, Ma'am," Emma stated and headed out of the conference room to do as requested.
She turned to Robin. "Babe, could you get started on the purchase of the equipment, please?" Regina said, laying it on thick.
Robin rolled his eyes and left the room, not liking this loan thing at all. "Regina, the Bank President is on line two for you. Do you need anything else?"
"No," Regina said, dismissing Lily and picking up the phone to talk to the bank president.
In Cruella DeVille's office, Emma was getting denied the documentation she requested. "Well, Ms. Mills asked me to come get the documents."
"She asked that I remit my information to you, not that you would do my job. I will have everything ready for her to sign in a few minutes," Cruella replied.
Emma shrugged. "Okay, if you want to waste your time doing those, I'll just request the information again, no worries," Emma said. "And I will tell Ms. Mills that you insisted."
"Ms. Swan… Take the papers," Cruella growled.
"Nah, I'm cool. I'm sure the bank won't mind," Emma stated.
"Stop," Cruella said and thrust the papers at Emma. "Don't make me stop you again."
Emma smirked and walked out of the office, truly tired of having to fight for everything.
Meanwhile, Regina was talking to the banker and instructed them to direct all correspondence to her assistant. Jefferson, who had just walked into the conference room, was astounded by the promotion Regina had given to Emma, even if it wasn't officially recognized on paper.
Once Regina was done with her call, Jefferson turned to her, relaying that Maleficent was in her office and mentioned something about knowing how to manipulate technology. They then headed back to Regina's office.
Regina found an envelope on her desk, opened it, and saw a manipulated photo of herself kissing another woman. "Wow… What a great manipulation that is," she stated sarcastically.
Just then, Robin barged into the room, holding his own copy of the picture. "Regina, what the hell is the meaning of this?" He was clearly upset. Jefferson began to laugh Hysterically. "I don't think this is funny."
"I don't either," Regina said and looked at the photo. She didn't seem particularly upset.
Jefferson, who had been chuckling in his seat, chimed in. "If Regina really had gotten into that woman's pants, she would be my hero. That woman is incredibly famous and well known to be fiercely loyal to her spouse... who is a man."
"She's trying to get between us because of the whole CGI fiasco," Regina explained.
"Fine, I got you, but I'm keeping this," Robin said and left the office, clearly angry. Jefferson continued to laugh where he sat.
Just then, Emma entered the office with the necessary forms. She informed Regina that she would get them ready for her signature and let her boss know that Deville was a little disgruntled and didn't want to let the forms go.
Minutes later, Regina sat in her office alone, her thoughts racing. She was about to take on a loan against her company, a decision she had never thought she would have to make.
Emma entered her office with the loan paperwork ready for Regina to sign. Regina stared down at the documents, her mind filled with doubt and uncertainty. "Are you alright, Ms. Mills?" Emma asked concern in her eyes.
Regina looked up at Emma, her expression a mix of determination and anxiety. "Do you know what I am signing here?"
Emma nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Yes, a loan for three million dollars to acquire two full studio equipment kits."
Regina sighed, feeling the weight of the decision she was about to make. "No, not only that… I am signing away the security of my presidency," she admitted. "This is where I finally grab hold of the reins of this company. Our plan is risky… and..."
"Yes, Ms. Mills," Emma responded, her voice steady. "Do you want to go over the form itemization before you sign?"
Regina hesitated for a moment, considering the offer, but ultimately shook her head. "No... I don't have to double-check... or do I?"
Emma understood the unspoken fear in Regina's eyes. "No."
With a determined resolve, Regina signed the loan documents. "And the adventure begins," she exhaled. "This is a full commitment of a year, for this company and mine. I trust in you, Emma. You are going to have this company's financial future in your hands. So I need all of your collaboration."
Emma's heart soared at the words. She had earned Regina's trust and was now responsible for the financial well-being of High Concepts Productions. "Emma, I need you by my side permanently," Regina continued.
"Absolutely, Ms. Mills. You can count on me," Emma said with a beaming smile. "I'm here to serve."
Emma rushed to her office, determined to prove herself worthy of Regina's trust. Regina sat at her desk, taking a deep breath, knowing there was no turning back now. She was fully committed to this risky endeavor, and her trust in Emma was a crucial part of the equation.
Production began to ramp up, and Emma's workload quadrupled. She was thrilled about the progress they were making, and it seemed like they might meet their goals. To manage the increased workload, they even added new directors to help Maleficent with her tasks.
Several weeks passed, during which they accomplished a lot. Regina was pleased with their progress and called Emma into her office.
"Yes, Ms. Mills," Emma said, standing next to Regina instead of sitting across the desk from her.
Regina furrowed her brows, searching her memory. "Why did I call you?" She paused, then recalled, "Oh, I'm leaving early. I have a jumping competition tomorrow."
"Jumping?" Emma expressed her curiosity.
"Yes, equestrian jumping," Regina replied.
"Oh, wow. I didn't know you were an equestrian," Emma said, clearly interested in learning more about her boss's personal life.
Regina noticed Emma's fascination and felt a bit uncomfortable. "I've been doing it for years, and I have a yearly competition at the club."
Emma's eyes lit up with admiration. "I can imagine the club is super exclusive."
Regina was taken aback by Emma's intense interest and wondered if she should have mentioned her plans. She could sense that Emma was more into her than she'd realized. Regina was not blind to the infatuation. "Um... well, I just wanted to let you know because tomorrow I'll be off the grid. I don't want any calls or interruptions. I need to focus on my competition."
Emma nodded her expression moony. "Yes, Ms. Mills. Good luck."
As Regina left, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by Emma's affection. Every day, she found herself regretting how much she had come to depend on the somewhat infatuated woman. The boundaries between their personal and professional lives seemed to blur, and it made Regina uncomfortable.
The very next day at the office, while Emma was on the phone dealing with an ad company that had contracted High Concepts to film their commercial, Lily entered her office.
"Pst... when is Regina coming back?" Lily whispered.
Emma looked up, still on the phone. "Um, not until late. She's at her jumping competition and then having lunch at the club."
Lily leaned in closer. "Well, she has a call from the president of the bank."
Emma, intrigued, questioned, "Why?"
Lily shrugged. "How am I supposed to know? Anyway, I guess I'll send the call over to Deville."
Emma hesitated for a moment. "No, no... send it to me, please."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "But you're not the Finance VP; she is."
"I'm the one in charge of the banks, so send it to me," Emma insisted. Seeing that Lily wasn't going to cooperate, she added, "Fine, go ahead and send it to Deville. But when Regina comes in, let her know that Deville has the information because you thought I was overstepping my bounds. Go on..."
"Then hang up the damn phone so I can send the call through," Lily retorted.
Emma Rolled her eyes. "Just send it through to line two?" She said picking up the receiver and returning it to the call she had been on before, and preparing to answer the bank's call.
"At your service, Ms. Swan," Lily said sarcastically as she walked out of the office.
"Okay, I have an important call to answer, but if your agency would remit payment for our work, it would be much appreciated."
She hung up that call and picked up with the bank's president. The president informed her that, since High Concepts hadn't made a single payment from the first loan, they wouldn't be extending another line of credit as requested.
Emma frowned and responded, "Let me explain. We're waiting for various agencies to remit payment for the work we've done. As soon as the payment is received, rest assured that you'll get your payment."
"We understand your situation, but that's not our problem," the banker stated. "You defaulted on your loan and now you want another? That doesn't make any sense."
"Right now, we don't have any other solution," Emma explained. "Take our word for it. As soon as we receive payment, we'll settle our debt, along with the interest stipulated in the loan contract."
The banker sighed. "Because we're talking about the Mills family and the solid company of High Concepts, we'll give you another chance," Emma breathed a sigh of relief. "But I warn you, Ms. Swan, if I don't get the necessary documents here by noon, there will be no credit for High Concepts."
Emma's heart sank. The documents required Regina's signature, and she wouldn't be there until well after noon. "Oh, crap."
