I looked down at her one last time, checking that she was very well covered. Even though the weatherman said that the temp would be in the mid to low sixties, she hadn't been outside since bringing her home from the hospital. I tucked the blanket tighter around her and held her hand as she began to fuss.
"We're going. We're going," I soothed.
I leashed Jo Friday and led us out on our first excursion outdoors in two weeks. Instead of the stairs, I took the elevator. The bell signaling we reached the first floor made her excited;I could see it in her face.
"Patience. We're almost outside," I smiled. I smoothed down a couple of wild hairs on her head.
I hadn't anticipated on how to work the door, her and the dog all at once, so it took literally six minutes to maneuver all three of us. Mind you none of those minutes went without comments from my two charges. Jo Friday barked her impatience while she whined. And then finally we stood outside the building, sun shining on our faces.
"Beautiful day out, isn't it?"
"Took you long enough to get us out here. We almost missed it," she complained.
"Be nice, Jane. It takes a lot to get you out here."
"If you would just let me walk, we would have been out here a lot sooner," she charged back.
"You can barely walk from the couch to the kitchen without breaking out in a sweat," I pointed out.
"Whatever," she sighed.
Sighing, "How about a walk to the park?" I asked rubbing her shoulder. "Would my two favorite girls like that?"
Jo Friday barked her agreence.
"Ok," Jane replied.
As I began to walk, Jane began to nervously rub her palms; something was on her mind. I would keep quiet until she was ready to share. It was less than a five minute walk to the park. I chose a bench that sat in front of an expansive piece of grass. I parked the wheelchair and released Jo's leash.
"Don't go far, Jo," I called as the little dog ran thirty feet away to join another owner and their dog.
As I settled down next to Jane, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath; releasing it slowly.
"Thank you for staying with me. And for taking care of me after leaving the hospital."
"If I had let you go home with your mother, I would have been an accessory to murder." I laughed.
"Seriously, Maura," she takes my hand," thank you. I know I don't say it enough. And I don't want you to think that I take you for granted. I love you. You're the best friend I've ever had."
I looked up at her to see tears shining in her eyes.
"I love you, too, Jane," I held her hand. Reaching over I wiped away the lone tear that fell. "You know I can't stand to see you cry. It will only make me cry. And I especially don't want to ruin the makeup I just applied to my face to go out. It would defeat the purpose."
"Not that you need the makeup, because you don't," she injected.
I laughed and looked down at our joined hands.
"I'm just happy that you're here with me," I said.
A beat later I returned my gaze to her face. I was presented with that crooked smile only reserved for me.
"I'd be pushing my luck if I said a beer would taste really good right now, huh?" She asked with that smile still on her face.
"I love you, Jane Rizzoli but not that much," I answered with my own smile.
"Can't blame a girl for trying."
Jane tried to hide a yawn.
"Ready to go back?" I asked looking out to see where Jo Friday was.
"No," she yawned again.
"We could come back here tomorrow. Or take a walk to the coffee shop."
"You would let me walk?" She asked not believing me.
"Very slowly, but yes. We can walk here tomorrow," I answered trying to compromise.
"Deal," she smiled.
"Ok," I said. I turned my attention back to Jo, calling the dog back to us. "Time to go home, Jo."
The dog whimpered.
"If we go now, I'll make us all a nice lunch of hot dogs and beans."
"C'mon, Jo. That's the best offer we are gonna get," Jane jumped in.
Jo Friday sat still as I leashed her again. She had agreed.
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