A/N: Thank you all for your patience. Weather has been horrible here, and work was super busy. Plus I won't lie, I've been buried in catching up on some reading of my own that I didn't give myself time to write any updates. BUT, here we are again and with a different Emma taking the reigns... let's see if you all like where this story is headed. :) Happy reading and thank you for following and commenting as always.
Chapter 22: Unexpected Invitation
"Hey, Graham," one of Graham's employees called out to him as he mingled with clients from behind the car. "Graham!" He called a little louder, holding up a single glass filled to the brim with beer.
"What?" Graham worked his way around the bar. "What is it?"
"There's a customer over there," he nods in the direction of a far off table, right by a wall, where a young woman sat with her back facing the bar. "She says that this beer is no good. She wants her money back."
Graham's brow furrows, "Let me see that," he muttered, reaching for the glass and taking a tiny sip. His eyes glare in the woman's direction. "This beer tastes fine to me. And it's brand new, we just got it in yesterday."
The employee lifted a shoulder, "I said that, but she wasn't convinced. She asked specifically to talk to the manager."
Graham rolls his eyes, holding the glass in his hand. "Who the hell drinks beer in the morning anyway? Alright, I'll take care of it. Watch the bar for me, Jay, please," he claps Jay's shoulder while marching straight past a few tables and customer's until he neared the woman sitting with her back still to him. "Are you the one who wants her money back after insulting my beer?" He asks, his eyes glaring at the back of her head.
"I'm afraid I do. Unless you'd like to join me for a glass and give me a minute of your time." She replied, remaining seated for another few seconds before she stood to face him directly.
Graham's eyes fly out. He sets down the glass along the table. "Emma?" He breathes, his eyes studying her.
Emma's smile grows, "It's nice to see you haven't changed a bit, Graham."
"Holy Christ! Emma!" Graham laughs with gusto as he pulls his best friend into a hug. He pulls out the second chair, "Sit down! Hey, Jay! Get me another beer over here, please!" He shouts, taking possession of the glass he had previously placed down. "I'll get you a new one. Wow," he breathes, his eyes drinking Emma in once again. "Where the hell have you been? When did you get back? How long are you staying?"
Emma chuckled, "I've still been in New York, although I was in Europe on business for about a week. I got back just yesterday, and I can't say how long I'll be staying, maybe a couple of days."
"Thanks, Jay," Graham thanked him, setting down the new glass of beer in front of Emma. "Shit. You never mentioned in your emails that you were thinking about coming back. I mean, not that I'm not thrilled that you're back here and all. Don't get me wrong."
Emma gulped down a sip of beer, "Believe me, I'm as surprised as you are. I honestly never thought I'd set foot back in Boston again."
"No kidding," Graham scoffed. "I mean after what happened to you, I'd be crazy if it was me and I'd ever-" he paused, seeing the darkening glare take over Emma's eyes. The same one that coated along her eyes on the morning she left. "Sorry." He muttered, taking a sip from his glass.
"Don't worry about it." Emma shook her head, taking her own sip. "Tell me, what's been going on with you, except what you've said in your emails?" She smiles.
"Busy as always, you know," Graham grins proudly. "I mean after my dad passed, it was hard for a while, but everything is coming back to normal."
Emma's lips thin out, "I'm sorry I wasn't here when your dad died, Graham. He was a good man."
"Yeah," Graham said. "But you know, no grudges. You have your life in New York and someone I'm sure." He smiles.
"Yeah, right," Said Emma.
"Really? No one? What about that girl you talk about in your emails?" Who would have thought that after crushing on her for years, Graham would be the one Emma confided in a little in all of their email exchanges about her life in New York. Graham certainly never did.
"Lily," Emma smiles. "She's just a friend. Someone I work with and also happens to be my boss' daughter."
Graham's brows hit his hairline. "You literally took the go big or go home phrase seriously with that one, huh?"
Her smile grows, "There's nothing there, Graham. We're just good friends. We work together, but that's all."
"Well, maybe for you, sure," Graham said. "But maybe to her the situation could be different."
"What do you mean?"
"Come on, Em," he sits back. "You really don't see how that girl looks at you in each of the photos you shared with me along those emails? She's obviously into you!"
Emma chuckled, "You're one to talk! You and Kathryn? Enough about me- talk to me. When did that happen?"
Graham's cheeks turn crimson. He lifts his glass over his mouth, attempting to hide the blush behind his beer. His body shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "We didn't start off great at first. You know, she saved my life that night I was 'mugged,' he curls both index and middle fingers before them in air-quotes. "And I don't know. We just…" He smiles and shakes his head.
"Clicked." Emma finishes the well known feeling for him. Her eyes are distant as she looks along the table. She didn't need to look into Graham's eyes to know they were glowing.
"Yeah." Graham frowns, seeing the change in Emma's expression. He takes a quick sip of his beer, clearing his throat. "Hey, I'm sorry, Em." He watches her eyes meet up with hers. "I know she's friends with-"
"It's okay." Emma shakes her head, but a frown remains on her lips. She takes a sip of her beer to quench her suddenly dry throat.
"Hey, really. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take you back to… well, that."
The corner of Emma's lip lifts a little. "You can't control what is beyond your limitations, Graham. Don't worry about it. You didn't take me anywhere, but here. I'm fine. One thing I've learned while I've been away, is that sometimes you have to take things as they come and see how they play out before you work up a strategy."
Graham's eyebrows shift up. "You sound so serious, Em." He chuckled, reaching for his beer. "I guess that means you're over her." He takes a sip.
"I am." Said Emma. "Besides, I'm only here for a couple of days and then it's back home to New York."
"Yeah, well, I'll try not to take offense to that. Because don't forget that Boston will always be your real home." He said, looking a little offended himself.
"How can I ever forget that? You won't let me." Emma grins, and raises her glass to clink along with Graham's.
"So, I'll see you tonight, then?" Zelena holds open the door the Robin's office, just an inch.
"Maybe," said Robin.
"I'm not accepting any maybe's today, Robin." Zelena shakes her head.
Robin glances down at his watch, "I'm a very busy man, Zelena. I can't just be at your feet twenty-four-seven. I have a wife to be home for."
Zelena rolls her eyes, "Please. Spare me." She lifts her hand. "I'm glad I moved out of that house. It would be difficult enough seeing how love-sick you act around my sister, who doesn't even give you the time of day."
"She will tomorrow night." Robin stands straight as he holds the door open for Zelena. "It's our anniversary dinner. Remember?"
"No. I try to keep insignificant dates out of my mind. But I'll be there. But, just to please you I'll wear that green dress you like so much on me. You know, just in case you want to celebrate your wedding anniversary with someone more willing to please." Zelena waves her fingers over her shoulder as she exits out of the office.
Robin shuts the door and walks back to his desk, taking a seat. His eyes look up at the door swinging open, seeing his father emerge. "My, my, twice in a day you visit my office. To what do I owe the honor?"
Samuel tosses a folder along the desk. "That's everything you need to know about Page & Swan Industries. If we're going to do business with them, you'll need to be up to speed on how they like things done."
Robin's eyes look up from the folder. "This is your business deal, if I remember correctly."
"Yes, but I have to travel as it seems. It can't wait. So, I'll need you to stand in on that lunch meeting today and represent this company."
Robin chuckled, standing to his feet. "So, now you want me to welcome this woman with a red carpet when this was your deal?"
Samuel glares, "Don't make this difficult, Robin. You will show up to that lunch meeting and you will close this deal." He lifts a finger. "Do not fuck this up." He turns on the soles of his shoes and marches out.
Robin's jaw tenses as he sits back behind his desk. He flips open the folder, allowing his eyes to read all about Page & Swan Industries, before he reaches for his cell phone. The line rings only once, "Killian. Find out everything you can about this Emma Swan." He clicks the end call button.
Emma sat in the passenger seat of her car, looking up at the familiar restaurant building. Watching others come in and out of the establishment. This was the same restaurant that she was thrown out of that day, five years ago. The one where she was supposed to meet Regina's father, but never did. She never forgot that. And now she was about to set foot inside of it for a lunch meeting with Regina's husband. Robin Locksley.
"Shall I wait, Ms. Emma?" Sidney asked as he pulled along the side. The door to the passenger side being pulled open for her.
"Yes. You can park across the street. You get a good view from there." She said, exiting the car and glancing down at her watch. Right on time. Her eyes looked across the street parking lot and suddenly, she could picture Mary Margaret's yellow bug parked in the exact same spot. It was like deja-vu.
Her feet climbed the stairs, her lungs took in calm breaths to compose herself. "Good afternoon, ma'am. Welcome to Gilliano's." She turns to a smiling face. To a man flashing all of his pearly white teeth. His white crisp shirt matched perfectly well with his maroon vest and black pants. A golden name tag pinned to the right side of his vest, flashing his name: Ryan. It was him. The same man who had run her out and threatened to call the police if she didn't vacate the premises five years ago. He was slightly older, with expression lines along the corner of his eye and mouth. And his hair was a much darker blonde than she had last seen it, but it was him. And he had no clue of who she was. Why would he? He was just letting her fine appearance speak for itself, welcoming her into a fine circle of luxuries that this place apparently had to offer.
"Thank you." Emma gave a tight smile in return as she walked her way inside. Her eyes never left Ryan's as he was probably wondering what he might have done wrong to deserve such a dirty look.
"Name?" A blonde female, wearing the same color of uniform as Ryan, smiled friendly at Emma.
"Swan. Emma Swan. I'm supposed to be meeting with-"
"Ah yes, Ms. Swan. You're with Locksley." Her eyes scan the computer screen. "Unfortunately, Mr. Locksley hasn't arrived yet, but if you care to follow me, I'll show you to your table." Another flashed smile.
Emma gave a curt nod and willingly followed as she was ushered to a nearby table, taking a seat along one of the chairs.
"Would you care for something to drink from our drink menu while you wait?" She hands Emma a drink menu.
Emma's eyes scan through it quickly before handing it right back. "Just water. Thank you."
"I'll be right back with your water." Another smile is delivered as she walks away.
Emma glances down at her watch, taking note of the time. Five minutes after two.
"She specializes in engineering. She's only been representing the company for a year, and already she thinks she can do business with a Locksley." Robin snorts, flicking his wrist to shut a file on Emma. His eyes look to Gilliano's restaurant from within his car, which is parked across the street. "What a joke. This is who my father wants to do business with?"
"Shall we start heading in, sir?" Killian asked, looking over his shoulder as he sat in the driver's seat.
"No. Let her sit a while. After all, patience is an excellent strategy." Robin's lip curled.
"Here's your water," a glass of water was placed down before Emma.
"Thank you." Said Emma, glancing down at her watch. Ten after two.
"Mr. Locksley still hasn't arrived yet, I'm afraid." The blonde frowned. "But, look, I'm Vanessa. If there's anything else you need, just call me over." Vanessa smiled before making her way back toward the podium.
Emma reached for her glass and helped herself to a sip of water. The fingers of her left hand drummed along the cushioned armchair. One leg crossed over the other as she continued to wait for fifteen minutes, which soon turned into twenty. Eventually, after an hour, Emma left money along the table for her two glasses of water and a tip for Vanessa as she stood.
"Emma Swan?" A voice made Emma turn. Her eyes fell on Robin Locksley. Regina's husband. He was unmistakable to recognize from all those online pictures she had seen. "Leaving so soon?" His brows skyrocketed to his hairline in a smug type of way.
Emma glanced down at her watch, "You're an hour late, Mr. Locksley." She looks back up at Robin.
"I do apologize. Something more important came up at the last minute and I couldn't leave it for another day." Robin took a seat, unbuttoning his suit jacket. "But, I'm here now, so let's do this. Shall we?"
Emma chuckled, more so to herself as she remained standing. "I'm sorry. Perhaps I didn't make myself clear." She waited until Robin's eyes met up with hers. "When saying you were late, I did not mean that I was interested in forwarding business with you."
"I'm sorry?" Robin's brow lifted.
"You should be. Because as far as my knowledge goes- and it goes pretty far- you are the one who needs my help. But given your unpunctuality, I think Mrs. Page will agree with me that you aren't worth our time." She continued even as Robin frowned. "But, if you are truly interested," she dug inside of her briefcase and pulled out a blue folder, tossing it along the table. "Read that over somewhere along your busy schedule and get back to me. The number to my office is there."
Robin shot up from his seat as Emma began walking away. "Are you seriously walking out on this meeting? What type of businesswoman does that?"
Emma looks over her shoulder. "The kind that doesn't have time for your childish business deals. Mr. Locksley. If you would have bothered to arrive on time, you would have concluded that I am a very patient woman. But patience can only go so far when dealing with cynical people like yourself."
Robin scoffed, "If you walk out of here now, it'll be your loss, Ms. Swan."
Emma rotated on the balls of her feet, enough to face Robin directly. "I'm not the one with something to lose, Mr. Locksley. You, on the other hand, I can't say the same for. You are the one who wanted this meeting, asking for my help."
"Robin Locksley doesn't need anyone's help."
Emma's lip twitched, holding back a smile of her own. "And with that mentality, I can see why your company is going down the drain. We all need someone, Mr. Locksley. Read the document over. I expect your signature by tomorrow morning." Her eyes locked on Killian's as he stood nearby before walking away. That smile of hers manifesting itself proudly.
Robin's lip flinched in anger as his eyes met with Killian's. "Who does this woman think she is?" He picked up the blue folder offered by Emma simply to slam back against the table, ignoring a couple of turning heads.
Mal was vibrating with laughter once Emma called her from her office to give her the good news. "Oh, how I wish I could have seen the look on Robin Locksley's face!" She allowed herself to bellow out another laugh before she sighed. "Thank you, Emma. I haven't laughed that hard since my second divorce."
Emma chuckled, sitting back along her chair. "It was a sight, I'll admit that."
"And did you leave the blue folder?"
"I did. But, Mal, I don't think Robin Locksley will go for such a deal. From what I gathered, the man doesn't even like to share the air he breathes."
"And right you are. That's exactly why he will have no other choice but to sign those papers. Trust me. His father is out of town, but after I talk with him, things will be different."
"Mal," Emma hunched forward, her chair creaking from under her. "Tell me the truth."
"Always, Emma."
"Did you know that Robin Locksley was going to stand me up?" Asked Emma.
There was silence on the other line, until Mal finally said, "Robin Locksley is not an honest man, Emma. You'll learn that soon enough- if you haven't already. He's a man who doesn't even like getting his hands dirty. He takes pride in lifting his collar higher than it truly goes. And he's very predictable."
Emma chuckled this time, "I gathered that. Which brings me to my next question: Why are you so interested in concluding business with someone like Robin Locksley?"
There's another pause. "Now, Emma. I love you dearly, and you know I do, but if I were to reveal all of my secrets to you, I'd most likely have to kill you." She continued as Emma laughed. "But, I promise you that it's in no harm to you."
"I would never think that you would want to harm me, Mal." Said Emma.
"Good. Because I'd rather lose my own head than to harm you. And look, I know you are eager to come back to New York, but just hang tight. Tomorrow morning, you will have that folder back in your possession with a much needed signature. I promise you that."
"Always thinking ahead," Emma smiled.
"That's a way to prepare yourself, even for the unexpected. We'll be in touch. Call me tomorrow."
"I will." Once she heard the line click, Emma hung up the call, taking in the sight of her office that Mal had installed her in, inside of her company in Boston.
"You imbecile!" Robin felt his cheek sting as his father's hand smacked across his face. His blue eyes glaring back into his green ones as his hand massaged the irritated skin. "How hard is it to show up on time, for Christ's sake! Are you deliberately trying to ruin everything I've built?!"
"She's not right for this company, father." Robin seethed. "You should be thanking me."
"Thanking you?" Samuel scoffed. "I should kill you for what you did!" He shouts. "How the hell do you know what's right for this company?"
"I know more than you!" Robin barked. "I know her type. She's new money. She has no idea what to do with herself. I had her looked into, she's only had a year experience managing a company. Do you honestly think Emma Swan will make a difference for Locksley Incorporated?"
"I don't care if this girl has a day on the job! She can't be worse than you!" Samuel's eyes rake over his son in disgust. Despite Robin's own glare. "Honestly, Robin… where is your professionalism?"
"You want to talk professionalism?" Robin reaches for the blue folder along his desk, holding it an inch closer to his father's face. "Read that and tell me who is more professional!" He shoves the folder along his chest. So hard, it makes Samuel grunt. He waits a beat, watching his father's eyes scan through the pages. "She wants access to everything. That includes construction sites."
"I know perfectly well what she wants, Robin." Samuel slams the folder shut. "She has a right as an engineer. You may not be interested in having a woman run these parts, but I am. And I will sign this document, even if it kills me."
Robin took a step forward. "Be careful what you wish for, father. Something like that might come back to bite you in the ass."
Samuel glared, pacing along the office before standing in front of Robin again. "I spoke to Mallorie Page. And she's willing to forgive and forget, as long as you sign the document yourself."
Robin scoffs, "Out of the question."
This time, Samuel takes a step forward, lunging the folder forward- hard- along Robin's own chest. "It's not negotiable anymore, Robin. If you hadn't thrown money out the window carelessly we would be playing a different tune. But we need this woman's help, and you will sign this document authorizing Emma Swan with every decision making right she desires."
"What is it with you and this Emma Swan?" Robin's lip curls. "She isn't God, father. We can find someone else to help-"
"There is no one else!" Samuel shouts. "And Emma Swan might not be God, but she's the closest thing as far as you and I are concerned and without her help, this company will crumble to the ground. That being said, you will sign those documents and you-" he points a chubby finger. "Will have them delivered to her personally."
Robin's jaw tightened as he watched his father exit the room.
Emma reached for her desk phone, bringing it up to her ear. "Yes?"
"Sorry, Ms. Swan, but a Mr. Robin Locksley is here to see you."
Emma's heart stopped as the corner of her lip fought the urge to smile. "Have him wait five minutes, please, then send him in."
"Yes, ma'am."
Her smirk won, stretching the corner of her lips as she sat back along her chair, her eyes looking out the window of her top office. Her mind taking note of the time. She settled herself, reading over the documents that were before her as Robin entered. "Mr. Locksley," she stood. "What a surprise."
"I don't think it's much of a surprise, seeing as how your boss spoke to my father this morning." Robin stood before the desk. Folder in hand.
"I have no knowledge of that. What Mrs. Page does with her time is her business." Emma motions to one of the seats before her desk.
"I prefer to stand. This isn't a social visit, it'll be quick." Robin stuck his chin out.
"As you wish." Emma took her seat, settling right in, her finger tips coming together in unison. "Now, what can I do for you?"
Robin simply tossed the folder onto the desk. His frown deepened. As Emma reached for the folder, another smile threatened to make itself known as she saw his bold signature along the dotted line located at the bottom. Her green eyes stared up at him, a single brow arched. "Why the change of heart, I wonder?" She muttered.
"It wasn't so much a change of heart, Ms. Swan. More of a business decision." Emma's brows reached her hairline. She watched Robin as he leaned into her desk, his palms resting on either side so that his entire body towered over her. "Because let's be frank. I think that what you're asking is even beyond you. My father may seem to trust your judgment but I don't, and I believe that with time he will see what a fool he's been in conducting business with Swan & Page Industries."
"Is that coming from a man with no heart, Mr. Locksley?" Emma locked eyes with Robin's, seeing a tiny smirk playing at the corner of his lip.
"Our business is done here." Said Robin, straightening up.
"Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Locksley," Emma extends her hand, taking it back as Robin simply turns to the direction of the door and leaves. She chuckled as her eyes fell on the signed document before her. "Mal," she mutters, shaking her head. "I hope you know what you're doing."
Her office phone rings, capturing her attention once again. And once she answers, her assistant's voice says. "Ms. Swan, Mr. Samuel Locksley is on line one for you."
Samuel Locksley? Emma's brow furrowed, "Put him through, please, Sheryl." She clicked on line one along her receiver. "Mr. Locksley?"
"Ms. Swan! I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time." Samuel's voice booms through the speaker.
"Not at all," Emma sat back down. "I was just saying goodbye to your son, actually."
"I do hope Robin was in his best behavior?"
Emma chuckled, "Nothing I couldn't handle, Mr. Locksley. I hate to be brief with you, seeing as we are in business now, but is there something you needed?"
"Right. I'll be brief. Seeing as we are in business now, and I want you to see that I am nothing like my son Robin, I wanted to formally invite you to a gathering tomorrow night."
"Tomorrow night?"
"Yes, yes. It's my son Robin's fourth year wedding anniversary. Him and his wife are celebrating it big this year. All of our friends will be there…" Emma frowned. "I would, of course, be truly honored if you'd consider staying one more day to join us for such a joyous occasion. Think of it as a cordial invitation, offering my most sincerest apologies for the inconvenience my son put you through."
Regina's wedding anniversary. To Robin Locksley. Her attending would mean that she would have to see Regina again. Mary Margaret's previous question rang inside of her ears, blocking every sound around her, including Samuel's voice coming from the receiving end of her speaker. Would she dare to see Regina again after all these years?
"Ms. Swan? Are you still there?"
Samuel's voice caused Emma to blink, her body straightening in her chair, "I'm sorry, Mr. Locksley. I gratefully thank you for your invitation, but I really should be flying back to New York. But I shall fly back next weekend to check up on things with you and your son."
"Oh, I understand, Ms. Swan. Business is business, of course."
"Of course." Emma gives a tight smile. Her eyes pinned on the receiver.
"Well, listen. I have forwarded over an invitation to your office, just in case you do change your mind. If you do, we'll see you tomorrow night. If you don't, no hard feelings, of course."
"Thank you, Mr. Locksley. There is no doubt in my mind that you are a man of heart for this business, which is something that I greatly value."
"I appreciate that, Ms. Swan. And once again, I profoundly apologize for this grave mistake with Robin. It won't happen again."
"I'm sure it won't." Emma almost scoffed, but refrained from doing so. "Good day to you, Mr. Locksley."
"Good day, Ms. Swan. And do consider my invitation. It would be an honor to shake your hand." She could hear the man's smile through the phone as Emma hung up the call.
With a long sigh, she allowed her back to hit her chair, instantly hearing a knock from outside her door. "Come in." She announced.
Sheryl's head peeked in through the door before she entered with an apologetic look to her eyes. "Sorry, Ms. Swan."
"It's alright, Sheryl. I was done." Emma shook her head, giving the woman a warm smile.
"This invitation came for you. I was told to give it to you personally." Sheryl held out a white envelope.
Emma's eyes fell on what she knew was the invitation to Regina's wedding anniversary party. She hesitated but ultimately reached for it. "Thank you." She muttered, hearing Sheryl excuse herself before giving her some privacy. Once left alone, Emma reached for a letter opener along her desk and tore into the envelope's folds, hearing the paper tear. Her fingers reached in, pulling out a thick invitation with golden letters reading: You are cordially invited… right along the front. Flipping it open, more golden letters followed.
We ask you to kindly attend the 4th. Wedding Anniversary of Regina and Robin Locksley…
Emma's eyes took in the address, tomorrow's date and time of the event. "Regina Locksley," she muttered, her jaw angrily tightening as she tossed the invitation into the trash bin underneath her desk.