Somewhere Down The Road

Chapter Nineteen

Now, she doesn't want Emma to panic and think she isn't in this and willing to at least have a conversation about a potential relationship. So, she decides to put Henry in his stroller and take a walk down to Swan's Shack. It's the day after the Fourth of July and most people in town have the day off, so it isn't a surprise to her when she finds a crowded restaurant and an even more packed deck lined with boats.

She moseys on inside, not expecting to find a table but it's worth a shot for Emma to see that she's making an effort. The place is jam-packed like sardines in a can, people hollering and laughing a little too loud for her liking. Henry instantly buries his face into her neck and hides away, too shy for this many people and interactions that are sure to come.

"Regina, hey!" Ivy bellows over the noise, a tray full of food on her shoulder but her radiant smile never faltering. "Gimme a sec and I'll be back."

"No problem, take your time."

"Hi-ya," Ruby shouts from behind the bar, smacking her gum as she shakes up something in a tumbler.

"Hello, Ruby," she politely greets her, unable to hold onto her grudge knowing the woman is with someone else and has moved on from Emma well over five years ago now.

"Swan!" Ruby hollers in a sticky-sweet tone, dripping with joy knowing she's about to tease her best friend. "Your wife is here!"

The door to the kitchen flings open, a cascade of sunshine tresses tumbling around the corner. She appears puzzled for of all five seconds before the furrow in brow smooths out and her bright eyes land on her two most favorite people.

"Hey!" She happily greets them, finally committing to coming out of the kitchen. She struts over, oozing confidence and maybe a hint of smugness like she got laid last night and is thoroughly proud. "Where's my guy?" She playfully questions, slapping her hands together like she always does to encourage him to come to her.

"It's a little loud in here for him," Regina explains, cupping the back of his head.

Emma tilts her head, so she's in Henry's line of vision. "Come here, I bet I can find you a table outside where it's not so noisy," she recommends, holding her hands open, persuading Henry to lean over toward her.

Emma's grin is a beautiful flower, blossoming wide open, stretching those pedal soft lips as far as possible. She tosses Henry in the air, luring those soft baby giggles right out of him. Then she rests him on her hip, snags a menu and kids coloring sheet for Henry and leads the way toward the deck.

"Emma, you guys seem really busy. I can always come back later or you can stop by after work tonight," Regina rushes to say because she truly doesn't want to impose.

"No worries," Emma flippantly says over her shoulder.

Regina continues to follow her through the busy tables upon the deck toward the side of the building she's never seen before because it's hidden behind the building. There's a gorgeous deck with a fence built around it, reaching only up to Regina's waist. Emma opens the swinging door for Regina, revealing a little eating area with two white tables and red umbrellas open and blocking the warm afternoon sun. 

"What's this?" She questions, spinning around on her heels as Emma closes the little gate.

"This is for employees, a little peace and quiet to eat during breaks. Or...if family stops by to visit," she insinuates, lifting her brows in amusement.

A bashful smile creeps along Regina's face without her consent, her cheeks warming on the spot and forcing her to tuck a chunk of hair behind her ear. "This is really beautiful."