Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time or it's characters, etc.

Emma kept her head down as she sipped at her drink in the crowded diner. The last thing she wanted was attention from the wrong crowd. She didn't know why August had insisted on meeting here, but at the moment she could barely afford to pay her rent. Just buying the drink emptied the change from her purse and the smell of the food made her feel even hungrier. She had tried to make the hot chocolate last, but it was down to the bottom of the cup when he finally turned up.

Emma knew she owed him. He had tried to help her find a place to live and a couple of part-time jobs to help support her. She refused to take money from him, knowing he had a guilty conscience for leaving her alone in the foster system when they were just children. It was confusing, because swore they weren't related, but still felt responsible for her. Something about promising his father, and wanting to put things right.

"I found you a job." August told her, handing her a small square of paper.

Emma skimmed the details, raising her eyebrows. "A PA? What's that?"

"Glorified secretary. Means you work directly for one person as their assistant."

"I don't have any experience."

"You know how to use a computer right?"

"Yes, just the basics, typing and emails like everyone else."

"Well this is perfect for you. It's a small town, gets you out of the city, decent pay. They won't expect much, they don't get a lot of visitors and the adverts been there for ages. What have you got to lose?"

Emma turned the piece of paper over. "It's too far."

"I'll take you on my bike. If you get the job I'll give you… lend you the money to transport all your stuff. I know you don't like to take my money so we'll call it a loan. Seriously Em, even if you just take it to get some experience you can quit in a few months and still put it on your résumé."

That would mean a better chance when she applied for jobs in the city, but who would hire her? On the other hand, it was a break from her small apartment and a chance to see more of the country. Emma ran a hand through her hair as she considered it.

"My next shift's in three days." She told him.

"I'll have you back in time, I promise." He quickly calculated the cost of the aeroplane ticket, just in case.

Emma folded up the job advert and tucked it into her pocket. "You seem awfully sure about this job. Do you know Storybrooke well?"

"I've ridden through the town a couple of times." August dodged the question.

How could he tell Emma that this was where she was supposed to be. He still hadn't worked out how to tell her about the curse and her parents. Sometime magic had a way of working things out. He had to trust that this was the way everything was supposed to happen.

"Let me buy you lunch while I tell you more about it."

"Just this once. If I get the job you can come to visit and let me buy you lunch."

August stood up. "Deal. The diner's food is great. They've…"

"Just order this lunch, then come and tell me more." Emma begged as her stomach growled.

Smiling August took a quick glance at the menu, then back down towards Emma. "Usual?"

"Yes, please."