She is wearing her court cloths today, black button down, black push up bra, grey skirt. My influence a flash crimson at her throat. An untied red scarf hangs around her bare neck, the pointed tips of it softly touching the twin rise of her breasts. A round mole floats between the gentle swells peaking out of her cleavage. Her hair flows down her back a wild ruckus of black silk. Sliver and gold drop earnings draw my attention for a moment. She looks up from her drink and winks at me. Her brown eyes are alive with humor. Laugh lines crinkle at the corners of her eyes. I notice the faint smudge of a cross on her forehead, Ashe Wednesday.
She rasps out "Doctor Isles I presume will join me."
"Yes. Bring me a libation of happiness, whatever she is having."
"Tracy Chapman used to Busk not far from here in Harvard Square."
"Why is that relevant. Did you go to church today?"
"I got my ashes today. Tracy Chapman is always relevant. Yeah well Pop took me and Frankie on jobs near Harvard Square. We'd stop by and Pop would ask her to sing B.B. King covers and shit er stuff. I mean where did the time go. In 1986 She's busking on the streets in Boston. Frankie was going to be a pitcher, and Tommy was going to be a wide receiver. "
"You, Jane what were you going to be?"
"Me I was gonna marry Casey Jones and start having babies. Maura did you get to be what you wanted to be?"
"Jane I'm still becoming who I want to be and who I am. Life changes. In 1986 I wanted to be well liked and respected by my peers. I have adjusted to being respected by my peers and well liked by those I respect and care about."
"Try my libation of happiness,Maura"
Maura sipped at the tall drink in front of here with a twists of lemon and lime peals." You took my advice and are increasing your intake of water, You're not giving up alcohol for lent are you?"
"Not a chance I may give up bacon chocolate."
"So should I 'Remember that I am dust, and to dust I shall return. or Repent, and believe the Gospel.' "
"Either or both my friend, I went to light a candle for Pop. It is just a tradition. I know lighting a candle will not cure him of cancer."
"No but sending good thoughts out to the universe may make you feel better. By the way you look nice."