It was a brisk autumn day in Boston, Massachusetts. The sun was slowly climbing it's way further into the sky. Birds were singing and people were out walking their dogs, driving their kids to school, or making their way to work. It was cool enough to see your breath but warm enough not to have to wear a big jacket and scarves. It was the kind of day that made Maura Isles glad to be alive. She woke up early (as usual), fed Bass, did her morning yoga, and ate her yogurt and berries before heading out to work. Because her apartment was close enough to the Boston Police Department she decided to walk to work. She happily made her way down the street to her favorite coffee shop first. As soon as she stepped in, she felt the warmth surrounding her. She made her way over to the counter to make her order. "Hi Henry! The usual please" she said. As she waited for her coffee, she flipped through a nearby magazine filled with people she had never heard of like Jennifer Aniston and Lindsey Lohan. She never understood the purpose of publishing someone's drug dependency or recent divorce. "Maura! coffee's up!" she heard Henry call to her. She dug through her purse to find her wallet when a very familiar arm reached over her with a debit card. "Here, I got it" Maura turned to see Frankie Rizzoli standing behind her with his charming smile. "Oh no, Frankie. It's OK. I can get it".
"I know you can. But I want to get it". He handed his card to Henry. "Thank you, Frankie. I'll pay you back." Maura replied with a smile. "Absolutely not. I won't take it. Besides it's an honor to be able to say I bought the beautiful doctor coffee." he replied with a grin. Maura blushed and turned away shyly "You think I'm beautiful?" "Yeah I do. A lot of the guys at the Boston PD do actually."
"Ohhh..." Maura replied with a slight frown, not really caring what the other guys thought of her. She only cared what Frankie thought. Because first of all, he was her friend and her best friend's brother and even though Maura would never admit it to anyone, she had a huge crush on him. But she never imagined he would ever give her a second glance. She wasn't his "type".
"So are you heading over to work? Can I walk with you?" Frankie asked shyly. "Of course you can. I would be happy for some company" she replied with a smile. Frankie placed his hand on the small of her back and led her out of the coffee shop. They both shivered as the brisk air hit them. Frankie offered Maura his arm and together they walked to work.
As they strolled arm in arm, Frankie couldn't help but feeling proud and cocky. It wasn't everyday he had a sexy, smart woman on his arm. They passed a group of men gathered at a hot dog stand leering at Maura. Maura saw this and instinctively moved closer to Frankie. Frankie noticed this and tightened his grip on her arm as to assure her that she was safe with him. He wouldn't let anyone hurt her. They passed the men without any problems. 'Yeah, that's right. She's with me!' Frankie thought possessively. Maura and Frankie arrived at the Boston PD. Before entering the building however, Frankie gently pulled Maura closer to him. "Listen, Maura. I know we don't really hang out that much. You know with our jobs we're both really busy and all..." Maura could tell Frankie was nervous about something so she patiently waited for him to continue. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that... I want to get to know you better and so... I was wondering if you wanted to go... go out with me...?" Frankie stammered blushing furiously now. Maura thought for sure she was hearing things. Frankie wanted to get to know her better and he wanted to take her out? On a date? ...Why?
"Why Frankie...?" she whispered. She cleared her throat and began again. "Why would you want to go out on a date with me? I'm socially inept, weird and... Queen of the Dead" she mumbled the last part. "Wait, what? Who called you that? And yes, so you're a little socially awkward, but who cares? I sure as heck don't. Please Maura! Just give us a chance... one chance. That's all I ask". Frankie pleaded with her. Maura gazed at Frankie trying to decide his sincerity. "What if Jane doesn't like it? I mean you're her brother and I'm her friend...? Wouldn't that be weird?" Maura argued trying to be reasonable and rational. "Who cares what Jane thinks. Please go out with me. Just once...?" Frankie pleaded. Maura looked up into Frankie's deep brown eyes and immediately melted. "OK, Frankie. I'll go out with you. But you are NOT allowed to distract me while I'm working!" she said with a saucy smile. Frankie grinned and wrapped his arms around Maura. "Don't worry, you won't regret this. I promise." he whispered in her ear.