Closing the door to her studio behind her, Regina let out a breath she wasn't aware she was holding in.

She had never been so willing to open herself up to anyone before, especially someone she's known for less than a day. But for some reason, Regina felt drawn to the blonde woman.

The singer made her way to her grand piano and began playing a melody, in attempts to clear her head, but it only made her reflect more on her day.

All during their lunch, Emma had seemed distracted as her friend went on asking the star any question that popped into her mind. Though Regina knew not everyone who enjoyed her music was a super fan, such as Ruby, she had thought the blonde would be more enthusiastic about winning the chance to meet her.

Although Regina would never admit it aloud, she had done her research on her contest winner before she arranged her visit. In her mind, she wrote it off to pure curiosity and not wanting to invite a serial killer into her home, despite her employees already having done a background check on the woman.

As she searched through any social media page she could find belonging to the blonde, Regina found herself laughing at the ridiculous things the woman would post. The genuine bout of laughter that erupted from the singer, due to finding a video of Emma and Ruby performing drunk karaoke, made Regina realize that she hadn't laughed so hard in a long time.

To her, the blonde seemed genuine in a world full of people just trying to impress, and the fact intrigued Regina.

The next day Emma and Ruby woke up to their phone alarms, which they had set so they wouldn't miss breakfast. After getting ready for the day, each dressing casually in shorts and a tank top, they made their way downstairs to eat.

Yawning, despite it already nearing eleven o'clock, Emma took her seat at the table–the same one from the previous day. And Ruby did the same.

"Glad to see you're both alive and well," smirked the star as she entered the room. Regina was wearing a salmon-colored skirt, a black halter top, and a pair of matching black heels.

"Didn't peg you as a morning person, Mills," joked Ruby, feeling much more comfortable around the star.

"Oh, I'm not," the singer was quick to correct. She took her seat at the head of the table. "Unfortunately, being famous means the latest you can sleep in is nine o'clock. I had a meeting with my personal trainer this morning, followed by a date with some magazine editor."

"A date?" Emma's blurted out before her mind could stop her.

Smirking once again, Regina nodded. "Yes, dear. Though, it was more of a business arrangement. They want me to be the new face of Vogue," the woman waved off.

"Vogue?" Ruby gasped. Emma wondered if her friend would pass out from lack of oxygen.

Regina smiled at the girl's reaction and watched as her staff laid down their meals. After nodding to them that the food was satisfactory, Regina took a bite of her personal tomato and basil omelet.

Following her lead, Ruby and Emma did the same with their food, having ordered what they wanted the previous day. While Ruby opted to eat whatever Regina was having, Emma decided to play it safe and order plain buttermilk pancakes for herself, loaded with extra butter.

"So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?" Ruby asked the other brunette between bites.

Wiping the corners of her mouth with a napkin, Regina replied, "I've made sure my schedule was clear, so we all could get to know each other." After casting a quick glance in the blonde's direction, Regina added, "I was thinking we could relax by the pool. It's really up to you two to decide."

Ruby grinned from ear to ear at the thought of being in charge of Regina Mills' day, even if it was just for a few hours. Turning her attention to the blonde across from her she said, "What are you thinking, Ems?"

At the nickname, Emma glanced up from cutting herself another bite, and then tilted her head in thought. "I guess I'd be fun to go swimming at a millionaire's house."

While Ruby's smile grew at the response, Regina's faded into a frown. For some reason, she felt the need to please the blonde.

After they had finished their meals, all three women returned to their respective rooms to change into their swim attire–having decided on relaxing by the pool for the day's activity.

Ruby did a double take as she walked by her friend's room and saw Emma glaring at her own reflection in the mirror. It wasn't like her friend to be so self conscious about her appearance. In fact, she usually bragged about it and would flash anyone her toned stomach if they ever questioned her eating habits.

"You okay, Ems?" The blonde jumped at her friend's words, having not expected her presence.

Emma wanted to lie to her friend again and tell her everything was fine, but she knew Ruby would see right through it. Turning toward her friend, Emma confessed, "I'm nervous, okay?" Then she ran her fingers through her long, blonde locks.

Ruby made her way toward the shorter woman and wrapped her in her arms. "Aw, Em. It's okay. You look great," she attempted to soothe.

"It's not about how I look. It's…Regina." Emma mumbled under her breath, her words almost going unheard by the brunette.

Ruby furrowed her brows for a moment before realization dawned on her. "You like her." Her tone was void of judgment, as if she were plainly stating a fact.

Emma shook her head at first but then nodded in resignation.

"That actually explains a lot," Ruby thought out loud, resulting in a slight push of her shoulder. She chuckled at the action. "Don't worry, Swan. Your secret is safe with me." The brunette winked at her friend before exiting the room, giggling to herself.

Emma let out a little noise of amusement, as well, at the absurdity of it all. How can a little celebrity crush make her feel so nervous inside? She attempted to push her feelings aside and followed her friend toward the back porch, where she knew the pool to be located.

Hopefully, whatever she felt toward the woman would soon fade.