At long last... sorry it took forever to get back to this. I watch each episode as I write the story so I can catch nuances in the way people react. It is certain, that I don't write every scene. Just the ones with Emma and Regina, but the leads are in most scenes but very few. I can't tell you how tempted I am to add scenes of the plots against them, of which there are many, but in the interest of saving my sanity, I stick to just the two of them. the plots materialize and I will explain them then. Anyway, sorry it took so long I got a new Job and it takes up all of my time so I am writing what is easiest to write. So episodial stories are... very hard to do, especially when they take about 5 hours to go through thoroughly and catch the micro expressions and stuff. Not to mention the stuff I made up LOL anyway I hope you enjoy. I can't wait to get to my favorite part of the Novela.~ S.K.
Capitulo 22
Jefferson was late. He had left Regina alone with Emma, who had disappeared somewhere, and now he was late. "Sorry I'm late," he said, coming up to Regina and Diana from Cine Rent.
"Hey, where were you?" Regina asked, annoyance evident in her voice.
"I'm sorry, I had a bit of an emergency come up," Jefferson stated, a rueful grin adorning his features.
Regina's eyes narrowed. "I'll leave the two of you. We'll discuss the equipment when you're ready," Diana said, sensing the tension and walking away.
"What sort of emergency, Jeffy?" Regina asked, her tone sharp.
"I had to take Ruby home… you know… Damn, that girl is so hot," Jefferson stated.
"Stop messing with employees, Jeff!" Regina growled at him. "You're stringing Lily along. She is so happy with you, talking you up to her daddy, and… you know what? You disgust me," she said, walking away.
Jefferson furrowed his brows. Regina cheats… she doesn't do it with anyone she employs, but… what a freaking hypocrite.
Regina caught up to Diana, and they began discussing the equipment they needed to procure. "I think that for the type of work your agency does, you need to utilize 4K cameras," Diana suggested.
"Okay… High Definition is no longer the norm, eh?" Regina asked. "So these cameras work well for both television and movies, correct?"
"Are you looking to expand into movies, Regina?" Diana asked, intrigued.
"Always…" Regina replied with a smile.
As she and Jefferson discussed the equipment with Diana, Emma was outside, trying to fish her shoe out of the fountain. It had flown in when she pulled it out of the sod. "Who the fuck has outdoor cocktail events without laying down flooring," Emma grumbled as she tried to reach in without falling.
She lifted her leg for balance and accidentally kicked a waiter passing by, causing him to drop the tray of champagne he was carrying. Embarrassed, Emma blushed and turned to apologize profusely.
"Damn… You're kinda plain, aren't you?" she realized the old waiter was drunk off his ass.
"Look, I'm sorry I kicked you," Emma said.
"What are you trying to do?" he asked, slurring slightly.
"My shoe fell in the fountain, and I'm trying to get it without falling in," she explained.
He looked at the shoe, then at her, and shook his head. "You are going to have to get in there."
Emma frowned, really not wanting to do that. "Fuck me…"
"Why don't you hold up a sec," he said, walking away. She waited for a few minutes, and he came back with a pool net.
"Brilliant," she said as the man began to fish out the shoe. "There it is! My shoe!" she exclaimed, reaching for it on the net. "Thank you."
"Mission accomplished," he stated with a tipsy grin.
Emma smiled and walked toward the party. She figured it had to be safer inside, even if she looked ridiculous with one wet shoe.
Inside the expo, they were discussing prices, and Regina was getting lost. "Where is Emma?" she asked, looking around. "I need her to look these prices over."
"I heard her earlier," Jefferson said, signaling outside.
"Is she flirting with guys out there or what?" Regina wondered aloud.
Jefferson laughed. "Reg, be serious."
Emma was, in fact, walking into the party now, uncomfortable with her wet shoe, but she finally made it to her boss's side. Emma pointed out that there was a deal to be made and a significant amount of money could be saved if they went with this particular vendor.
"I think this is great, we can just get this done right now," Regina stated.
"Hey, shouldn't Maleficent see the camera first for approval?" Diana asked.
"No... I don't want her to know anything right now." Just as Regina said this, Diana's partner, Miguel, appeared next to Emma.
"Oh good, you're here," Diana said, trying to keep a straight face. "Could you take care of the contract, please?"
"Emma, go over those contracts with Miguel so that we can sign them today," Regina commanded her assistant.
"Yes, ma'am," she said.
"After you," Miguel said and led her away to a private office. She squished as she walked away, and both Jefferson and Regina noticed the sound. They looked down at the puddle Emma left behind.
"Am I hallucinating, or is Emma dripping wet?" Jeff asked in a jocular tone.
Regina looked down at the puddle and chuckled. "Christ… what did she do?"
"Regina… your tastes sure have changed, friend," Diana said, brushing some fake fluff off Regina's shoulder.
"She's my assistant," Regina defended her tastes, but Diana just walked away.
"See, that's why you don't take her out to events like this," Jefferson chimed in. "That's why there are emails, teleconferences… anything else."
"Not too much on Emma, okay?" Regina defended her. "Especially since I have my eye on... that." She signaled a woman across the room with Honey Blonde hair, long and wavy, her tan skin, and beautiful hazel eyes shining as she spoke to the people surrounding her.
"Wow… yes… that's…" Jefferson said, awestruck by the beauty.
"Do you know what she does? What's her name?" Regina asked.
"I don't know her, Reg… but I'm marrying her," Jefferson said.
"You can't marry her, I saw her first," Regina stated, looking at her friend.
"But you're getting married to Robin," Jefferson reminded her.
"I'm not married yet, and my free nights are finite," Regina said. "I want to spend at least one with that gorgeous creature."
"You're so fucking gay… why are you settling with a dick again, Reg?" he asked.
"It's time to grow up," Regina said with a shrug. Then her eyes wandered over to the woman again. "But not tonight. Go on, be a pal and introduce me. Find out who she is."
Jefferson sighed and rolled his eyes, then headed toward the woman.
In the office, Emma sat in the visitor's chair patiently waiting for the sales contract for their equipment.
"Here is the new contract," Miguel stated handing her a manila folder.
"Thanks," Emma said and began her review in silence.
Miguel waited, standing behind his chair. "Do you always look over the contracts for High Concepts?"
"Yes…" she simply says continuing her reading.
"And they go over it after you do right?" He asked.
"No, she just signs them… why?" She states utterly distracted by the contract.
"Just curious…" he said leaning forward onto his desk with interest.
"Everything looks good," Emma said closing the file, "I'm going to Text Ms. Mills."
"Before you go… let's talk a bit," Miguel said finally sitting to be at her level. "You know all of the vendors that the company uses right?"
This sent a tingle down Emma's spine. She was beginning to sense something duplicitous in Miguel's tome. She furrowed her brows and waited. "Yes, I do."
"Regina has changed quite a few vendors recently hasn't she?"
"Yeah, she's looking to reduce costs," Emma stated.
"You know we import equipment, but we also distribute other equipment, like cameras and all sorts of things. Such as film."
"Yes, I am aware…" Emma stated.
"Well you should check out our catalog, if she is looking to reduce costs we are a good alternative." he pulled out the catalog and gave it to her. "Check it out, and I will call you tomorrow. We can go for lunch, or drinks or something"
Emma was taken aback. Why in the world would he ask her for something like that? It felt wrong even though he hadn't yet said something duplicitous, but just the invitation out rang wrong to her ears.
"I found out everything," Jefferson said. "Her name is Magali Ruiz-Hatter."
"Shut up… she's a Mills," Regina said. "I saw her first, remember that." She paused and looked at the woman. "Why is she here?"
"She came to give some sort of presentation," Jefferson responded.
"Is she a vendor or what?" Regina asked.
"That's your part," Jefferson said, annoyed at Regina's woman-hogging ways.
Regina approached the woman. Jefferson introduced them and then said he had to go. "Please don't leave her alone. You never know what she's up to," he added, walking away.
Such a good friend, Regina thought as she stood next to Magali.
"So… you're the famous Regina Mills," the woman stated.
Regina's brows shot up. "Oh, you've heard of me?"
"Sure… saw you on page six a few weeks ago. You're going to marry Robin Locksley, right?"
"Ugh… don't even tell me," Regina said. "A queer woman like me, forced into marriage by traditions. Just horrible. Sometimes I just want to die."
"Oh, you poor girl," Magali stated, patting her arm.
"You know… I'm not going to do this. Jeffy!" she called out.
"Yes, Ms. Mills?" he said, coming up.
"Can you cancel my wedding with Robin? I can't live a lie," Regina said. "And on that day, I want to instead marry Magali Ruiz." Magali laughed softly. "All set for September 18th."
"It's done, Ma'am," Jeffy stated.
"Don't tell me you have something else to do that day," Regina said to Magali.
"I only have a little trip with my husband planned."
Regina groaned. "See why I have to die now? You're straight? Really?"
"Really, really," Magali stated.
Regina sighed. "He's probably uglier than me. Wouldn't you like this?"
"I have to say, Regina, she may be straight, but she's lying 'cause she's single!" Jeffy said.
Magali smirked in admission.
"Why would she lie to me about having a husband? Does that mean she's queer too?" she asked Jeffy, then turned to Magali, who was getting a good laugh out of this.
"Does that ever work for you?" Magali asked with a chuckle.
Regina took a deep breath, paused, then shook her head. "No. I know this whole crazy thing was a show, but the real truth is, I do want to marry you."
"What would Robin say?" Magali asked.
"Robin would probably congratulate me on snagging such a beautiful woman. A little jealous perhaps that it's not him."
"Sounds tempting…" Magali said.
The conversation was then interrupted by a throat clearing behind her. Regina looked around. "Oh, it's my assistant." She turned to face Emma. "What's going on?"
"The contracts are ready to sign, Ms. Mills," Emma answered.
"Perfect, I'm on my way," she stated, then turned back to speak to Magali. But Emma didn't move. Moments later, Regina turned back and was stunned to see her still standing there. "A little privacy, please?"
"Sure…" Emma said and walked away.
Regina was in an extremely good mood. She had just been talking to the most delectable creature and was looking forward to getting these contracts signed and fast, just so she could get back to Magali… gorgeous Magali. She was almost too giddy. She knocked a happy little knock on the office door where Diana and Miguel waited for her to sign.
She didn't wait for their answer to come in but immediately turned the knob. The two jumped slightly at the intrusion. They had been talking about her, she was sure of it, but did she really care? Not right now. Because she had to get back to Magali. "Hello again," she said with a bright smile and a kiss to Diana's cheek in greeting.
"Hey," Diana said wearily as Regina reached for Miguel's hand in greeting.
"How are you, Regina?" Miguel asked.
The brunette smiled and turned to look for her assistant. She had to get down to brass tacks. "Hey Emma, you looked over the contracts. Did everything look good to you?"
"Yes, Ms. Mills. Everything looks great," Emma stated with a confident nod.
"Alright then," Regina said, taking the contract. Everyone in the room watched as Regina signed. Emma was grateful to be useful and trusted. Diana and Miguel had different thoughts altogether, namely shock that Regina trusted Emma's word so implicitly. That ugly little urchin could say anything and Regina would trust her.
They gave each other meaningful looks, then glanced at the blonde who was watching her boss with pride, then back again, tightening their lips conspiratorially.
"Well, we'll get that camera out to you ASAP," Diana said as soon as Regina finished off her signatures with her dotted "i."
"Perfect," Regina said with a cheerful tone and turned to Emma. "Remind me early tomorrow, I need to get your signature registered at the banks so that you can officially begin."
Emma blinked and looked at the other occupants of the office, shocked that her boss would say this in front of them so plainly. Regina herself turned to look at the other two. "I'm out a Finance VP, and Emma… well, she's a financial genius, and she will take charge of his job tomorrow," she explained unnecessarily.
Jefferson covered his face and shook his head, wishing Regina would come down off that happy cloud that beautiful blonde outside had put her on.
"Uh… no worries," Diana said, trying to help Regina save face. "Let's go get a few drinks to celebrate, huh?" She said and led the way back to the expo. They had a full liquor bar going, she wasn't going to put it to waste.
Jefferson looked at his friend as they made their way through the expo. Emma had gone to the bar to ask for a drink of her own. She's barely legal, he had noticed when she pulled out her license. If she hadn't actually been a genius, she'd still be in college right now.
He turned to talk to Regina about it, but Regina seemed to lose all the elation she had been feeling. The effervescence was gone from her gait, her shoulders slumped, and he knew immediately what was happening. "You can't look back now… No regrets, Reggie."
"Jeffy, you don't understand. We are changing everything fundamentally. We're abandoning the way my family has run this company for thirty-five years. I'm breaking with that tradition just to cut costs," she said with a sigh, casting her eyes around the room. Her expression of disappointment was so different from the giddiness she was showing not too long before.
"I get this… there is no other way to get back on top, Regina," Jefferson said. "My real concern is Maleficent… I don't want to be there when you give her this digital monstrosity instead of her film camera. She is going to blow a gasket… or worse, walk out of the company, because even you have to admit that woman is a genius."
"Are you insane? Neither do I," Regina said. "I'm not telling her a damn thing. I'm just going to pretend they sent her the wrong thing."
"Anyway, what's done is done," Jefferson said, patting his friend on the shoulder. "Try to relax the rest of this evening. Remember that situation you left standing over there."
Regina turned and looked at Magali, then smiled. "Oh yeah."
"How did that go?" Jefferson asked.
Regina's smile widened. "Better than I expected, honestly. She's intriguing."
Jefferson nodded, giving her an encouraging nudge. "Then go back over there and enjoy yourself. You deserve it."
Regina took a deep breath, her confidence returning. "You're right. Thanks, Jeffy."
As she made her way back toward Magali, Jefferson watched, hoping his friend could find some happiness amidst all the turmoil.
Emma stood at the bar with a bit of rum and coke. This was almost tolerable. She was still getting used to drinking, and tonight she needed a drink because of the feelings she got as Ms. Mills threw herself at that other blonde…
Emma cringed and took the drink to the head. Her eyes spotted Regina walking seductively toward that other woman. Emma wanted to cry. She thought… she wouldn't have been left behind by her. Ms. Mills was always so proud to introduce her to everyone… as her assistant… her brilliant and competent assistant. Nothing more.
"How much longer are you going to be here, Ms. Mills?" Emma thought aloud, watching as she took the other woman's hand and kissed it.
"I think I need to figure out a way home…" She looked at her watch and cringed. 9… Henry's bedtime was long gone, and she was here getting ignored by her crush who was busy putting the moves on someone who wasn't her fiancé. "This is so fucking ridiculous. Emma, you're a mom, get yourself together," she chided herself and moved to go to the restroom.
"We have to go talk about our wedding…" Regina was saying as she lowered Magali's hand from her lips. She looked around the room. "But not here… would you like to go somewhere more… private?" she asked, adding a seductive smile.
"Excuse me?" Magali asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to come off as some sort of cougar, I'm a lady. You know who I am, what I do, where I work…"
"Yes, but you have no idea who I am… or that I'd even be interested," Magali stated. "I'm not that easy, especially not when someone proposes to me the moment they lay eyes on me."
Regina had the decency to blush. "You're right… I did everything backward… but I promise, I'll behave."
"Not sure I believe you," Magali said, her lips forming a teasing smile. Regina smiled back.
"Seriously?" Regina smirked and turned to Jefferson, who was watching the interaction at a short distance. She pulled him over. "Jeffy, please tell the lady I'd be a complete Gentleman Jack if she comes with me."
"She is a true gentleman, madam," Jefferson stated. "I have never met any complaints about her behavior."
Regina shrugged cockily. "See?" Magali nodded skeptically with an amused smirk on her face. "You can come with me without reservation. We can go anywhere you want. A bar, a restaurant, a nightclub?"
"A nightclub? You like to dance, Regina?" Magali asked.
"Sure, I love to dance," Regina stated.
"Sure…" Magali stated.
"I'm respectful, a great conversationalist, a great dancer, and…" She turned and plucked a flower from the nearby centerpiece and handed it to her. "Very romantic."
"The perfect woman…" Magali said. She was not interested. "Jefferson is a great wingman, Regina. You should really keep him around."
Emma watched as Regina got Jefferson involved in her efforts and rolled her eyes. She reached into her bag and dialed home. "Where the hell are you," came the gruff answer at the other end of the phone.
She sighed inwardly, though it was understandable that she shouldn't be out all night, especially because Henry needed her. She had spent less time with her son these past few weeks than she had when she was in grad school. "Hey, daddy… I'm still at the Tech expo cocktail with my Boss, but this is almost over, and I'll be heading home soon."
"Is she bringing you home?" He asked.
"Yes… Yeah, dad, don't worry. I'll see you at home." She tried to reassure him.
"Good, I'll be waiting up." He stated and hung up the phone. Emma sighed and looked at Regina, still deep in conversation with that woman. Her dad had never allowed her to download The Uber app because he said it was dangerous. But how else was she going to get home right now? So, she didn't get Uber; she downloaded Lyft… she really had to get home.
"You're right… I don't know enough about you," Regina conceded. "Aside from having mere mortals like me besotted, what is it that you do?"
"I am an electrical engineer," she answered, folding her arms across her chest.
Regina laughed. "No, seriously, what do you do?"
"Don't let the blonde hair fool you, I'm serious," she answered.
"Wow… with that face, and that body…" Regina said, looking her over. "You could have been a model… actress… I don't know…"
"Nah… I like being a nerd. They are my tribe," Magali stated.
"If you change your mind, I could put you in pictures… believe me, the camera would love you."
"Oh… please," Magali stated.
"Seriously, a beautiful sophisticate such as you would fit just right in the new Music Video we are making. By Benny Barra. This Latin balladeer."
"I'll think about it. Though I know many models that would probably be better suited," she answered.
"I would really like it to be you, seriously," Regina said then sensed a presence behind her. So she turned from the gorgeous blonde in front of her and literally jumped out of her skin when her eyes met the bespectacled green eyes of an entirely different blonde. "What do you need, Emma?"
Emma's heart sank with the look of disdain thrown her way. "I was just wondering, Ms. Mills, if you needed me for anything else, or if I could go home now."
"Oh…" Regina said. "Yes, Emma, you may leave."
"Thanks, Ms. Mills," Emma said, preparing to press the Lyft app. She didn't want to pay the $45 it was going to take for her to get home. But she was going to have to. "Good night," she said, directing it toward the other blonde woman as she left the ballroom.
Regina turned from the retreating blonde and turned the charming smile back at Magali. "So, what do you say we go to Aquitaine?"
"That sounds fabulous, but…" She said, taking a peek at Regina's very beautiful Cartier Watch. "It is about to be closed now."
"Oh, You're right… I…" Then her phone began to vibrate in her pocket. "Uh…" she stated as she pulled the phone out. It was Robin.
"Are you going to get that?" Magali asked.
"Oh… no… I'm with you. I wouldn't want to be rude," Regina said and put the phone back in her pocket.
The phone rang again. "Why don't you just turn it off?" Magali asked.
"Good idea," Jefferson stated next to Regina. "Or I can take the call for you if you want."
Magali laughed. "No… Regina, answer the phone."
"Hello?" Regina answered uncomfortably.
"Hey love," came from the other end. She could hear Robin's smile. "Are you done with the business meeting?"
"Wait… Robin… I can barely hear you, hold on a second," Regina pretended, and walked away from Magali. "Hey… yeah… I'm almost done, I'm trying to close on a deal… I think I may land it yet."
"Do you think you'll be long?" He asked.
"Yeah… A bit…" Regina said and smiled at another pretty girl. Then winked at her. "Why, where are you?"
"At your house," he answered the same smile in his voice.
"What?" Regina stated angrily. "What are you doing there, Robin?"
"Well… I decided That this way I'd be sure to see you tonight, I know how you like a cuddle after a Big Deal," he stated. "Why are you annoyed? I thought you'd like this."
"Annoyed? Me?" Regina stated, trying to temper herself.
"Yeah… does it bother you that I'm here… with your things?" He asked. "Or that You won't be able to stay out all night?"
Yes…
"Don't worry… I can just leave now, and I can see you tomorrow," Robin concluded, setting the trap and waiting to see if Regina would take it.
She laughed. "Don't be silly… I'm on my way… Bye!" Regina grit her teeth and hung up the phone, wishing it wasn't a smartphone so the violence with which she pushed the button could be noted on the other end.
He knew she hated surprises. Sure she was trying to cheat… but… Fuck, had he had her number.
Regina returned to the two she had been speaking with, dejection clear in her body language. "Going home to Robin?" Jefferson whispered
"He is in my apartment… alone… with my things," Regina stated angrily.
"You're kidding me… Magali said yes to going out with you," Jefferson stated.
"Yeah… well forget it," Regina said in disappointment. "He just killed the entire vibe. I don't even feel like doing this anymore."
"I can see how having to hide who you are can be such a chore… " Magali said, having overheard Regina's dejection. "I can see now why you wanted to kill yourself."
"I'm sorry, I should have never joked about that… It's just… god, this is so problematic," Regina stated with a shake of her head.
Magali shook her head. She was not going to do anything with Regina… maybe introduce her to some actual gay women she knew, but her friends didn't need the drama. "No worries, call me when you're ready," she stated, giving Regina a card.
Regina smiled and took the card. "Okay… I owe you a dinner."
Magali smiled back. "And don't forget it."
"Don't worry," Jefferson stated. "I'll remind her… and if not… I'll give you a call myself."
Magali laughed and shook her head. "Okay…"
"Well, good night," Regina said and walked away.
Emma stood at the entrance, nervously waiting for her Lyft to arrive. They had reassigned her ride three different times, and it was taking much longer than expected. But the driver was just a few minutes away now. She was on edge; her father's voice echoed in her mind, reminding her never to talk to strangers, especially late at night. And yet, here she was, waiting for a stranger to pick her up.
A car pulled up next to her. "Emma?"
Emma screamed and turned to face them, ready to describe them to the police, just as her father had taught her. "What do you want from me?"
"Emma, it's me… Ms. Mills… your boss?"
Emma had imagined this scenario before, but it had never been true. Could she trust herself now? "Yes, Ms. Mills. Do you need something?"
"No, nothing… I just want to know why you're here alone on a street corner."
"Well, I was waiting for my Lyft, but the drivers have been reassigned like three times, and I haven't had any luck."
Regina sighed. "Well… hop in then…" Regina stated. "I'll take you home."
"No, Ms. Mills, that's not necessary, really."
"Come on!" Regina's temper flared. She wasn't in the mood for false modesty. She had a vested interest in this asset, and if she had known Emma was going to depend on a Lyft or taxi to get home, she would have arranged for a car. Boston streets were no place for women, even the less attractive ones. "Put the address in my GPS, okay?"
"Yes, Ms. Mills," Emma said, reaching for her boss's phone. She dialed the passcode, which Regina had her learn, and plugged her address into Maps. Then she pulled out her phone and deleted the Lyft app after canceling her ride.
"That's my house over there," Emma stated, pointing to the modest little white townhouse on the right.
Regina looked at the house, taking in the sight of the flowers in the window and the child's big wheel tricycle. It was a decent middle-class setting, but not the greatest neighborhood. She wondered if Emma still lived with her parents or if her mother ran a daycare at her house.
"Thanks for the ride, Ms. Mills," Emma said, disengaging her seatbelt once Regina parked the car. "See you tomorrow."
"Hey, Emma?" Regina called out, her thoughts drifting back to her company as she sat next to the dirty blonde. "Do you think this is going to work?"
"Well, you're about to be married to Mr. Locksley, and I can't get between…" Emma paused, realizing her mistake as her boss looked confused. "I'm sorry, I thought you were talking about that woman from the party… and you were trying to leave Robin for her… I got confused."
"Oh…" Regina stated, her mind racing. "Let's keep on topic then. Because this whole thing we're doing with High Concepts is topmost on my mind. You talk to me about things like that, and you confuse me more."
"Well… I already gave you my expert opinion. It all depends on how the market reacts. And…" Emma recovered smoothly.
"Yeah, yeah… you already told me that," Regina said, her concern still evident. "Look… you haven't answered my question, and that tells me you think I'm insane. Do you think I am risking my company to reach my goal come what may?"
Emma nodded.
"But it's already done, right?" Regina said, her vulnerability showing.
"Yes, you're already freefalling, just need to pull out the parachute," Emma made that analogy.
Regina looked at Emma. "Morbid analogy… Your skepticism worries me, Emma. You don't believe in me at all."
"On the contrary, I believe in you immensely," Emma answered. "We're working hard to get that done, but the risk is there, and you know it."
"Well, what are the odds based on your experience?" Regina asked.
"Well… ten to one," Emma answered.
"That's not too bad," Regina said, breathing a little easier.
"Against it…" Emma clarified.
"Well, my future depends on just one possibility," Regina said, her optimism returning. She looked at the blonde, who seemed to react positively. "But I need you to be optimistic. I need you to believe in the possibilities for me."
Emma smiled. "Of course, Ms. Mills. I believe in you, and you can count on me for whatever. Believe that." She leaned forward, placing a hand on Regina's, her eyes intense. "I'll never leave you alone in this, Ms. Mills. I'm always with you."
"Uh… thank you… uh… Emma," Regina replied nervously.
"Um… well, good night. See you tomorrow," Emma said, stepping out of the car. "Thanks for the ride."
"Absolutely. Rest well, Emma," Regina said as Emma waved and she peeled out of there as fast as she could. But before she could pull her keys out of her bag, her dad opened the door and stepped outside, looking at the taillights of her boss's car.
"Was that your boss?" he asked.
Emma shrunk away slightly, her father seeming angry, and she wondered what she had done now. "Yes, Daddy," she said.
"Come inside," he said, marching her into the living room. "I see you didn't lie to me when you said your boss was bringing you home from this thing. You were actually working?"
"I really was…" Emma stated. "Dad, why would you think I'd lie about that?"
"I don't know, you've been trying to go out again. With people, I don't know. You remember what happened the last time you did that, don't you? Or do I need to remind you of the three-year-old you are neglecting upstairs?"
"Dad! I am not neglecting my son," Emma screamed back at him.
"Well, you have to put up boundaries. It is ten o'clock at night; work hours are long past. This is unnatural. It's not right."
"I was with her all night, and believe it or not, people don't look for me for that kind of fun. Not even if I worked out on a street corner, so relax, Dad," Emma said, turning to the stairs.
"Obviously, that's not true," he yelled back at his daughter's back. "Or my name wouldn't be Grandpa right now."
Emma bit her bottom lip to keep from screaming in irritation as she walked into her room and kept herself from slamming the door. Henry was asleep on her bed again, cuddled up to her pillow, and Emma sighed. She undressed and made herself ready for bed, then reached for her journal.
"She confides in me…" She wrote of Regina, her feelings pouring onto the page. Because here was the only place she could let these emotions show, the longing she felt for each vulnerable piece of her boss. "...and she doesn't realize that I yearn for each of those vulnerable pieces of her, when she protects me from all of them. When she believes in me and begs me not to leave her, to be with her because she needs me. Her… who has everything in life, needs a woman like me by her side. And I don't know how to tell her that I need her too. That I will die if she leaves me. That's why I'm so scared. Because she needs me for work… and I… for love."
Regina drove up to the building the next morning. She hadn't slept a wink, her fatigue evident in the bags under her eyes, which she concealed behind large aviator sunglasses. Approaching the security guard Graham, she greeted him with a tired smirk.
"Those sunglasses big enough, Ms. Mills?" Graham joked.
Regina sighed. "I just couldn't sleep last night, and it shows," she admitted, looking around. "There isn't anyone here."
"What do you mean, no one? I'm here, and so is Carl," Graham pointed out, referring to the night janitor. Regina had arrived extremely early, just past 6 am.
"Would you happen to have Emma's home phone number?" she asked, frustrated for not having it in her contacts. She didn't know it offhand because she regularly cleaned out her phone to prevent Robin from snooping.
"Of course not," Graham replied. "Don't you have it?"
"No… I deleted it like an idiot," Regina admitted.
"I can imagine…" Graham mused, knowing Regina's habit of keeping women's phone numbers out of her phone. However, Emma's number was a different matter. "I'll look at her file and send it up to you," he offered, heading toward the security office.
"Perfect, thank you," Regina said, grateful for the assistance, before heading for the elevator.
Emma woke up early too. But it was because Henry was bouncing and so happy to see her. She was happy to see him too, so she scooped him up and took him into the kitchen. They made a light breakfast together. Her mother came downstairs dressed for work and sat with them.
Mary had been able to get Henry set up at the preschool at her Job, so now the two of them went together, and Emma didn't have to pay for child care. It was perfect. "Ms. Linsey says I read really good."
Emma smiled at her brilliant son. "You really do Henry," Her son had shown an interest in it when he was two, when he would go around reading signs around town. Words that he recognized like car names, and the word Pizza. When he did that, Emma tested his ability to recognize letters herself and then taught him to read.
He can read board books to himself, and He is just so smart she could barely stand it. She knew that she was going to need to do well at work because She was going to have to enroll him in a private institution if she wanted him to succeed and not get bored with life.
"He reminds me so much of you, Emma," Mary said. "Just so smart. We're going to have to keep you busy."
"Like Mama." He said.
"Exactly," Mary said.
"You say that you may have to close the company?" Emma's father said coming down from the bedroom. Mary and Emma looked at him, as he paced and talked. "You can't do that to us! We have given so many years to that company."
Emma turned to Mary. "What's going on with him?"
Mary sighed. "He heard some rumors that his company was about to start laying off and he called to confirm.." She looked at David's dejected stance. "It looks like they aren't rumors anymore."
"Let's meet up, they can't leave us out on the streets. See you soon." He stated and hung up the phone.
Mary approached her husband, as Emma ensured her son finished his food. The tension after that call was palpable. "David, are they shutting down?"
"They filed for bankruptcy"
"So… what happens to you guys?" Emma asked.
"I can't lose the investment of 23 years of hard work!" He says the despair is evident. He made a decent enough living to have their family in this middle income neighborhood. Even though Emma has had to pitch in more than just the care of her child the past few years. Boston is expensive, and wages weren't going up for anyone.
"Dad, remember I got a raise, we will be okay." Emma insisted.
"Emma, not even with your raise, can we afford to live without my income," he stated.
"It's true Emma… " Mary said. "Especially after having to buy a car, and adding a car note on top of our regular bills we're so stretched."
Her father just walked back up the stairs. He had a meeting to get to. Emma sighed and looked at her mother. "Hey… tell him not to worry. It will all work out I promise."
Mary looked at her. "When does your raise Kick in?"
Emma shrugged. "I think this week marks my first week as an assistant. It is definitely needed now more than ever."
"It's True," Mary said. Then turned to her grandson. "Alright, Henry. Time to get to school."
"Okay…" The little boy said sliding off of his booster seat at the table and heading toward his mom to hug her legs.
Emma smiled at her little boy and lifted him up to give him a hug. Then she handed her precious cargo to her mother. "You both have a good day."
Then she turned to run up the stairs to finish getting dressed. She was now going to be late. She brushed her teeth, slicked back her hair, and put it in the customary braid away from her face. She put on a shapeless gray dress under a green cardigan and packed up the borrowed dress in a shopping bag running out of the door trying to meet the bus.
In her rush, she ran smack dab into Killian. "Oh my god, Killian I'm sorry I didn't see you."
'That's okay, I'm kind of invisible lately." He stated.
"I'm sorry Killian, come walk me to the bus, let's talk." Emma said and they walked side by side, Emma catching Killian all the way up in work shenanigans. He discussed that he is still not gaining any luck in work. "I have to work urgently. My mum's bakery is not doing so well."
"That's too bad killian." Emma said stopping at the bus stop.
Killian looked at his friend. "Say… you have good standing at your job. Can you talk to your boss to see if she will hire me?"
"Well, I'd have to talk it over with her… " Emma said thoughtfully. "And they did just fire the VP of finance."
"Oh my god that's perfect… you could put me in for that job." Killian stated Emma quirked a brow. She was sure that they would consider her before they would allow an outsider to the position. "I mean they already hired one ugly person, they get me, and they would have the full set."
This made Emma laugh. Though she knew that Killian knew what she had done with the finances, she knew that Regina would probably not want a stranger in her books… at least not right now. She sighed for her friend. "It's just not that easy."
"But could you try?" He said and handed her his resume.
Emma asented. "Let's see what happens. The bus is here. I'm going!"
"Bye Emma! Thanks!" KIllian stated as Emma ran for the bus before they closed the door in her face.
"Good morning!" Emma greeted as she walked in. Ruby and August were engaged in a discussion, and she realized she interrupted.
"Good morning," August replied.
"Hi, Emma!" Ruby greeted with a smile. Emma smiled back and walked towards her.
"Here's the dress I borrowed from your Granny last night. Can you give it to her?" Emma asked.
"Of course, Emms, I got you," Ruby said, taking the bag. Emma turned to head towards the elevator.
"Wait a minute… tell me how it went," Ruby called after her.
"Oh… It was wonderful… but I can't talk now, or I'll be late. Talk to you later," Emma replied.
"We better have a club meeting today because Belle said she stayed up all night thinking about how it may have gone for you last night," Ruby added.
"Oh… seriously, Belle," Emma chuckled as she stepped into the elevator as the doors opened.
Regina sat in her office, engrossed in a conversation with a filmmaker seeking a production team on the East Coast. It was six in the morning, and the early start was a welcome burst of energy for Regina. Securing more business felt like the most productive use of her time, and she dove into it wholeheartedly. By the end of the conversation, she had successfully arranged a meeting with the producer in LA for later that week.
"Holy shit, Regina, did that just happen?" Jefferson exclaimed in awe.
"I know, right?" Regina replied, amazed at the swift progress. "They need a go-to production company on the East Coast, and they have a ton of projects that could use us."
"So, we're going to LA?" Jefferson asked.
"Yep, you, me, and… Robin," Regina suggested, noting Jefferson's surprise. "So we can discuss production details right away."
"Good morning!" Emma greeted as she walked in.
"Good morning," Regina acknowledged, then paused for a moment before continuing. "Could you please take all of my cell phones and put all of your contact numbers—cell, house, pager if you have it—on my phones? Just in case I need to contact you?"
Emma hesitated. "All of my contact numbers?"
"Yes," Regina insisted. Emma's family had a landline, but it seemed unlikely Regina would ever need to call there. Nonetheless, Emma took all the devices from her boss to fulfill her request. "Also, a request: get here earlier."
"But I get here at 8 on the dot," Emma pointed out.
"Well, tomorrow I want you here at 7:30," Regina stated firmly. "And be ready, because we need to sort out the banking situation. We're going to the banks."
"Oh… okay," Emma replied, realizing that certain tasks couldn't be handled online and required both of them to be present. She felt a thrill at the prospect of spending more time with Regina, especially in the close confines of a car. "Excuse me… I'm gonna…" She trailed off, indicating she was going to her office to complete Regina's request.
Once Emma left, Jefferson turned to Regina. "So, you're really going to authorize her signature with the banks?"
"Yes! She's replacing Deville, and I need her to have access to the same things she did," Regina explained, meeting Jefferson's gaze. "The two of us can't be the only ones with authorization, especially when we're both traveling."
"But isn't that a lot of power?" Jefferson questioned. "When we're away, she's practically in charge of the company. Do you really trust her that much?"
Regina hesitated for a moment, looking uncertain. "Yes… Yes, why not?"
In her office, Emma was entering the final numbers into Regina's personal phone, feeling giddy at the prospect of having access to Regina's contact information. As she worked, the phone rang, and she quickly answered, "Regina Mills' office, Emma speaking."
"Yes, this is Miguel Robles from Cine Rent," came the voice from the other end.
"Oh, yeah… how are you?" Emma replied with a smile.
"I'm good… Just calling to confirm our lunch today?" Miguel inquired.
"Look, I haven't had a chance to look at your price list yet," Emma admitted.
"Don't worry about that," Miguel reassured her. "We can discuss it over lunch, and I'll explain the advantages Regina could have if she switches her services to ours."
"Alright…" Emma agreed with a shrug.
"What time do you want to meet?" Miguel asked triumphantly.
"Well, my lunch break is around two… but you pick a place. I'm not much for eating out," Emma replied.
"How about Toro?" Miguel suggested.
"Where is that?" Emma asked.
"You don't know it?" Miguel sounded surprised.
"NO, but Text me the address and I'll grab a cab this afternoon."
"A Taxi? Don't you have a car?" he asked.
"No…" Emma admitted reluctantly.
"Okay, how about I pick you up? I'll call the office when I get there," Miguel offered.
"Okay… sure…" Emma agreed, a frown forming on her face.
"See you later," Miguel said, ending the call. Emma shook her head, feeling uncertain about the lunch invitation. It didn't sit right with her, but she reminded herself that she should be able to make friends and have lunch with whoever she wanted. Still, something about it didn't feel quite right.