CHAPTER 1

Buzzing horns and the sound of traffic are the most common thing in New York. After a while, even the noise of ambulances would fade away in the cacophony of the big apple. You get used to it. Lots of people had trouble sleeping after moving to the city, but Regina wasn't one of them. She liked. The concrete jungle always made her feel in control of everything, because that she knew. Living in New York for past ten years now – since after she graduated – was the closest thing she could say about the sense of belonging somewhere. She did, indeed.

Briefcase on her left hand and coffee on the right, heels clicked soundly against the warm pavement, while she made her way for another day at work. A pair of well-pressed suit pants and a crisp white blouse would do for another hot day in Manhattan. When beautiful Jimmy-Choo's met cold white marble, she swiped her card and pressed the elevator button: 74th floor.

"Good morning, Miss Mills!" The cheery redhead secretary was already following her to her office while informing her of the latest updates and calls. She handed her the latest floor plans that just came out of the large-scale printer.

"Is that all, Ariel?"

"Yes. Wait! No. You have a meeting with Mr. Spencer on the afternoon; he called to confirm." Ariel was always nervous around her. "And, Kathryn called."

"Thank you, dear." Regina grimaced. It was not that the girl wasn't competent, but she couldn't deal with so much positivity in such early hours. It was rather annoying. The girl quickly left the office and closed the door behind her. At least she remembers. Regina sighed. The other girl didn't last a month mostly because she couldn't do anything right, and every time Regina complained, she started to cry. I was a nightmare.

Sipping her coffee thoughtfully, the brunette started to plan her day. It was better to call Kathryn right away, otherwise, her best friend wouldn't be out of her hair. She knew how Kat could be insistent.

"Finally!" The blonde laughed.

"Kathryn, dear, my I ask what is so important to have you call me before I even get to the office? It is 8 am."

"Oh, cut the crap, Reg. I know you are an early riser anyway. I just didn't want to call your phone instead because I knew you were in the way over there and you would probably have both hands occupied. And yes, you're that predictable, my friend."

"What do you want, Kathryn?" The brunette hissed. She didn't like being so transparent to her friend, and most of all, she didn't like the fact that Kathryn was implying she was boring. And yet, it was affecting her, so as fast as she could end this could, the best. She would have time to recompose later. "If you don't mind, I have matters to attend."

"Geez, just chill." The blonde could sound like a teenager sometimes. More than often, Regina wondered how on earth she ended up being her friend at the first place. But the blonde managed to deal with her even being her roommate in college, so that was something. "I just wanted to confirm your week's date. Is it okay for it to be on Friday?"

"Yes, it is fine, Kathryn, as always."

"You know, one of this times, you could try to pick your dates, and maybe, just maybe, really get to know the person for a change?"

"What's the point? I don't do relationships, as you already know well. And I don't have time. You, on the other hand, is the one who's always insisting on me going out on a date, so you might as well do your part."

"Oh, I don't mind doing it. It is kind of fun. See if I have good taste this week." Regina could practically feel the other woman's wink.

"I would appreciate if you could change your taste a little, because I can't take the same cocky executive men, always trying to show off their accomplishments. Feels like a job interview."

"Don't worry, hon. This week, prepare yourself for a pleasant surprise!" Her friend squealed. And with that, the call was ended. Regina didn't think much of what Kathryn meant by that, but she wasn't about to get her expectations high. After all, how Kathryn could possibly begin to know what she really wanted?

xxx

Kathryn hung up the call and looked at her iPhone worryingly. She did plan another date with an executive guy, one of her boyfriend's friend from Hamptons. They golfed together. Oh god. Regina would most definitely kill her. Deciding she better change her mind, she texted the guy with a lame excuse – not that he would mind, anyway, he was a player – and started to think who else she could call. Most of her friends were already paired with the brunette at some point, to no avail. Entering the elevator, she scrolled through her contacts list to see if she would come up with an idea. After a few floors, a good-looking girl came in. Kathryn stared at her, and everything clicked. Oh, she was so doing this.

"Good morning." The older blonde started.

"Hey."

"Beautiful day, isn't it?"

"I guess so, yes…" The younger blonde didn't seem to get it. Do people talk to strangers in elevators in this city? She shrugged.

"So, sorry to be blunt, but… are you seeing someone?" Kathryn smiled wickedly.

"Are you hitting on me?" The girl was positively shocked. That never happened before, especially not on her way for a job interview. Was it the glasses?

"Oh, no, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come on you that way. Although I supposed the fact you're not against it would help…" The tip of her index finger was tapping lightly in her chin. "I'm Kathryn, by the way." She finally said, extending her hand to shake hers.

"Swan. Emma. Emma Swan" The girl was a little bit nervous with all the weird interaction.

"So, Miss Swan… let me rephrase that. Are you single? If yes, I would love to introduce you to my friend… I can assure you; you won't be disappointed. She's gorgeous."

"She?" Emma asked, weakly. Of course, she would love to go out with a girl. She knew she was a lesbian for a very long time, but even with that knowledge, all she ever had was a bunch of stolen kisses growing up, one night stands at college, and being a pariah for all her friends that wanted to experiment something new. Never a relationship. Never someone that meant something.

"Yes, she, if you're up to it, of course. I didn't mean to assume. You are a very beautiful girl, Emma; I am sure whoever you chose to be with, men or women would be very lucky." Kathryn finished. "Oh, this is my floor. Here, take my card. Just let me know if you're interested." With that, the elevator door closed, leaving a very confusing Emma staring blankly at a business card in front of her. What the hell just happened?

A/N: This fanfiction - now also posted in AO3 under the same name / username and a beautiful cover art - is now completely proofread, adapted, edited, and ready to go. If you find anything that deserves my attention, please don't hesitate in letting me know. Also, if you think something is missing from the plot, maybe it can still be added. And, if you are new to this, I truly hope you enjoy the ride! Please let me know your thoughts!

(Disclaimer: The characters belong to Once Upon a Time, and I am just making a good use of them, for a change.)