Walking alongside her son, Jane reached to the band holding her hair back and released it from its tight bun at the base of her neck. She shook it out until it fell down hiding the J. Rizzoli of her uniform name tag. Rubbing the tired out of the crinkles around her eyes she took a deep breath and readjusted the gun on her kit belt. As soon as she had finished her shift at two in the afternoon she had to rush over to pick up Leo from her mother's house to get to his audition at the IDC, leaving no time to change out of her dress blues.
Angela admitted that she had to practically pry him from his mini studio in the basement to feed him, claiming that he would tire himself out before he got there. Her precious boy was extremely nervous and jittery despite being told that he was guaranteed a spot. The dancer said he didn't just want to have a spot…he wanted to earn it. The Rizzoli pride that he had, made Jane smile and remember her time in the academy. Training, pushing all the way to the top.
His tension showed in the way his long stride carried him in front of her to the door. If she was being honest she was nervous for another reason and that made her feel guilty. If he didn't make it, he would be devastated. If he did make it…well, Jane still wasn't sure how she would pay for it. Every weekday she worked the beat from midnight to 8 am then she'd pick the boy up from his Nona's house to take him to school. She was so close to making detective now. Had she not had a hick-up her second year on the beat she'd be working homicide by now.
Leo pulled the door open and Jane thanked him as he held it wider for her to walk through first. A black woman with wavy shoulder length hair was standing at the front of the lobby directing all the dancers into the auditorium across the green space, while the parents were instructed to stay back and wait until after callbacks were completed. Walking up to her, Jane mustered a smile.
"Excuse me. Is Doctor Isles around? I wanted to talk to her about my son."
"Yes, she's in the auditorium," she gestured behind her. "But she's doing the callbacks personally so you'll have to wait." Looking past Jane the woman continued to direct the thick traffic of people.
Sighing, the brunette woman looked around for an open seat. When she found one she sank heavily into it rubbing the back of her neck and cursing the last perp who decided to make a run for it over a little pot she found in his pocket. Closing her eyes she tried to fight the oncoming migraine when a shrill voice rang out beside her.
"I really hope my Stephen gets in! He's been dancing for years? What about yours? My child has been performing since he was old enough to stand on his own. We've been to France, Germany, Japan…"
Jane bit her tongue and turned wide eyes to the woman beside her talking her ears off. She settled in and braced herself as the woman's piercing voice rose in volume and pitch.
Leo scooted along the plush chairs of the auditorium brushing knees, avoiding toes and stumbling over gym bags. Almost all of the seats were taken and he couldn't see one familiar face in the sea of dancers. Some were talking excitedly to their peers while others were perched with their posture perfect, legs crossed, and noses stuck way up in the air. There were a few that were praying with their friends and there was a group of girls doing random pirouettes in the back. He was just about to sit in an empty seat on the end in the very back when someone called his name. Searching around, he was confused until a girl stood up on top of her seat waving her hands frantically in the air. Relief flooded the boy's body and he picked up his gym bag to run up to the third row from the stage to sit next to her.
"I saved you a seat!" She said excitedly.
"Thanks," he expressed genuinely. Kenya was one of the girls he had met yesterday in the overalls. When he walked into Audition Room G she was sitting on the floor in the very front of the class. Her mocha skin stretched as she looked up and smiled a grand smile already waving him over as if they hadn't just met when he walked into the room. But of course he went over and was partnered with her through most of the routine.
Lightly kicking Leo's bag with her toe, Kenya scrunched her face and asked, "Whatcha got in there?"
"Just clothes and stuff," he shrugged. Without asking his permission she reached down and unzipped the bag to examine its contents. Usually he hated when people touched his things, but her nonchalant, brazen personality had him wondering if she was this overly familiar with everybody. For some reason he was okay with it and looked on with amusement as she dug through his bag.
"Geez. You plan on spending the night here?" She joked sifting through the three pair of pants he had in his bag. "How many do you need…why don't you just wear your spanks?"
"Me spanks?" He asked incredulously. "Cause I'm a boy that's why. If I wear shorts, all the guys will look at me funny."
Kenya scoffed loudly and threw her hands up. "Who cares what they think? You're the best one here and everyone knows it. And even if you didn't wear shorts people are gonna find something else to be jealous of anyway…I say just be you." She sat back in her seat with a smug smirk on her face.
Leo looked on in equal parts wonderment and delight. He was certain that he'd never met anyone like her. "You're right."
"I know," she admitted. "Trust me, the only opinion that matters is Dr. Isles'." And in that moment, the auditorium went intensely silent as the light, yet striking click of heels walking across the polished stage floor caught everyone's attention.
Every single pair of eyes was focused on her in recognition as Maura came to the very middle of the stage, poised with her head held high. She held a microphone in one hand and her cellphone in the other. She stood there in her hunter green one-shouldered dress, silently gazing out into the audience for nearly a minute before bringing the mic to her lips.
To some it may have seemed like she was going for intimidation. Some of the dancers she taught would describe her as aloof and serious, because she didn't talk much to them outside of the dance room. Now, her lips where pursed, back straight, and eyes slightly squinted as she looked several of the students in the eyes. But the truth was she was preparing herself.
As a dancer, she had gone through the process of auditioning and wanting so badly to be good enough. Though her rejection count was virtually nonexistent she could easily empathize with these young people. She absolutely did not enjoy cutting them and to see the look on their faces when their name was not called never failed to break her heart. So, really she stood still because she needed to center herself for what she was about to do. She squinted to keep the tears away and looked into their eyes hoping to convey her grief.
"Good afternoon," she welcomed clearly. Their voices boomed back the greeting and Maura inhaled deeply, taking a step forward on the stage. "Firstly, I would like to thank all of you for attending and auditioning this weekend. I know the routines have been rigorous and I want to congratulate you all for making it this far. As you may know, this year we only have thirty open spots…" she peered out into the stillness engulfing the entire auditorium. Swallowing loudly and licking her dry lips, she unlocked her phone and pulled up the list. "If you hear your name called you are to grab your bag and go into warm-up room A or B to prepare for your final audition. If you do not hear your name called…I hope to see you next year at our fall audition."
Maura fiddled with the phone in her hand a moment longer before clearing her throat and looking down at the list. She gave a small smile as she looked up for the first name. "Leonardo Rizzoli…" No one was surprised except the boy himself. He stood as if on autopilot and picked up his bag. After receiving an encouraging pat (more like a small shove) on the back from Kenya, he locked eyes with Maura on stage before walking to the side door exit. He could feel eyes on him and as the door grew closer and closer, it became increasingly more difficult to contain the grin on his face.
He exited the room, the door banging behind him and jarring Maura from her silence. Blinking rapidly she began rattling off the rest of the names in quick succession. "Peter Campbell, Janice Hill…"
"…And he even got this award from his is old school. He's in private school now of course. So, tell me about your son Leon."
Jane blinked at the woman with her mouth hanging open. The entire half hour that the kids were in the meeting she had not stopped talking. The officer wasn't sure what convinced the woman that she was in any mood to be talked to. Maybe it was the way she leaned back in her chair, or closed her eyes, or attempted to sleep... She had only paused to take a breath and ask Jane what her son's name was. Even then she obviously hadn't listened.
"Um…well, Leo-"
"Oh! Oh! Yes, Leo. That's short for Leonardo isn't it? My husband's friend's name is Leo. He is one of the best divorce attorney's in Boston. Not the best of course, because that would be my husband. He-"
"Ms. Rizzoli?" Jane's head whipped around ready to go off on whoever dared to try engaging her in another conversation, but halted when she saw that it was the same woman from earlier that was instructing people on where to go. "Can I speak with you for just a second?" she had a certain look on her face and without questioning her Jane looked back at the chatty Kathy apologetically before standing and following the other woman around the corner.
"What's wrong? Is Leo okay?" she asked anxiously.
Turning around the woman tilted her head. "I'm not sure." Jane's eyes widened and the woman hurried to continue. "I mean I'm sure he is. It just seemed like you could use some saving." The confusion on Jane's face cleared and she sighed letting her head fall against the wall, closing her eyes.
"Thanks." Jane chuckled looking over to the smirking woman. "Wait a minute…how did you know my name?"
"You're Leonardo's mother, right?" Jane nodded her head. "Maura said you were a cop." The brunette woman had forgotten she had on her uniform. Sticking her hand out Jane asked the woman for her name. "Nina Holiday. Dance mom to Kenya, AV Technician to IDC, and best friend to Maura Isles."
"It's nice to meet you," she smiled. The woman had an easy going vibe about her and it instantly made Jane more relaxed. "Are they done with the callbacks yet?"
"Yes," came a voice from around the corner. When Jane turned around she could immediately feel her body heat up. She hadn't seen Maura since that day in the parking lot almost a week ago and it was no secret that she was gorgeous. She was a dancer and had the body of one. Her stomach stretched tightly over delicate abs and her legs and arms were toned with soft, subtle muscles that flexed when she walked. Her dress molded across her body like a glove and there was a slight sway in her hips as she got closer to them. Simply breathtaking.
When Maura get close enough she observed Jane looking at her and stumbled a little in her heals as she came to a stop bumping shoulders a little with Nina. She could see her friend out of the side of her eye looking at her with raised eye brows. She stood there and looked from Maura to Jane and back again before lowering her head trying to hide her smile.
"Hey, Maura." Nina cleared her throat and asked "Everything okay?"
"Yes…" the blonde glanced over at her friend's tone before quickly looking away again, "Kenya is warming up in room A along with Leonardo," she said pointedly to Jane.
Nodding her head Nina crossed her arms. "Well. I'll go check on her then." Intentionally bumping against Maura (a silent we'll talk later) Nina left to see her daughter before her audition and left Jane and Maura alone in the hallway.
They both stood looking in different directions for a moment before Maura turned to Jane. "Do you want to…" she gestured for Jane to follow her.
"Yeah. Sure," the brunette rushed out in a single breath as she glided one hand through her hair and followed. Jane walked behind her trying to keep her eyes off of the dancer's hips and before she knew it she was in what she could only presume was Maura's office. It was probably twice the size of her bedroom and the walls were painted in warm colors with two couches against the walls.
"Would you like something to drink?" Maura asked already making her way over to the most elegant non-collegiate looking mini fridge she'd ever seen.
"Water would be great, thanks."
After Maura grabbed two bottles she made her way back over to a heavy looking oak desk at the back of the room. Following Maura's lead Jane took a seat in the plush chair on the opposite side of the desk. She lend over to grab the water and her hand cuffs clanked loudly against each other. As Maura began riffling through papers on her desk, Jane peered behind her at the wall. There was a degree displayed in the middle of other smaller certificate.
Boston Cambridge University
Masters of Performing Art
Doctor Maura Isles
"BCU, huh? I didn't know you could be a master of dance." Maura followed Jane's gaze to the degree behind her and shrugged her shoulders, her eyes darting quickly away.
"It was Mother's idea." The way she said it caught Jane's attention. Her tone was not one of glee like someone who had earned a degree and proudly placed it on the wall. No it was somber and truthfully kind of aggravated. So, she let it go. "Okay, so I have an idea!" she exclaimed, suddenly brightening up.
"Okay!" Jane mocked her joy back causing Maura to roll her eyes and tilt her head.
"I want Leo here as much as possible. He should be in the boys group and the mixed group but I also want to give him private lessons. That would mean rehearsals five days a week, but I think he can handle it."
"But can my wallet-"
"I'm getting to that." She said cryptically pulling out a piece of paper from a manila envelope and sliding it across her desk to Jane.
"What's this?" Jane wondered already reading the paper. About halfway through the page she suddenly stopped and her mouth gaped open soundlessly. Snapping it closed she tightened her jaw. "A scholarship?" she asked her voice cracking over the word. "Maura…this is a scholarship for five thousand dollars."
"I know it's only enough for the first three months, but don't worry. We'll be able to renew it when the time comes for that." She said smiling widely with her hands clasped together. She was practically vibrating.
Jane was looking at the woman like she had grown a second head. That was over four hundred bucks a week! And Maura was just giving it to her. For nothing in return. "Maura. I can't let you give me this money. I-"
"Yes, you can." Maura said haughtily. "Leonardo is a dancer who has met the standards of the IDC Promising Student Scholarship."
"Uh huh. And how long has this scholarship been awarded to dancers?"
The blonde woman looked down mindlessly adjusting something on her desk. "Just this year. But that doesn't matter." When Jane looked as if she was thinking of rejecting the offer again, Maura stood and walked up to her on the other side of the desk. "Please," she whispered sitting on the edge of her desk effectively silencing Jane. "It's a scholarship. Your son is extraordinary, Jane. He needs to be here."
The officer looked up into Maura's face and searched. She knew deep down that this was meant to be. Maura really wanted to take her son under her wing and the sincerity in her voice left no room for thinking that her intentions were even slightly malicious. So swallowing her pride (which was as big as a fucking cow) Jane reached for the pen on Maura's desk. She scooted forward in her chair to place the paper down on the hard surface and signed her name as Leonardo Rizzoli's legal guardian; accepting the scholarship on his behalf.
But even as Maura rejoiced placing her hand on Jane's shoulder and squeezing for a moment before moving back to her desk chair, Jane was already thinking of ways to repay the doctor every penny.
"And I know what you're thinking."
Jane looked up from the paper and tried to hide her smirk. "Oh you do?" Maura meekly bobbed her head up and down making Jane chuckle. "Okay. What am I thinking?"
"You're thinking of ways to pay me back." When Jane didn't disagree she internally congratulated herself reaching down into her bottom drawer. She pulled out a black t-shirt with white blocked letters that said SECURITY on the front and back. "You could work here!"
Jane sat. Her eyes drifted from the shirt to the hopeful blonde and back to the shirt. In all honesty her first instinct was to say no. Hell no. But then she thought about it. It probably wouldn't balance out but at least she'd be actively doing something other than just sending her kid to one of the best dance studios in the world for free. Her normal patrol was from six in the morning to two in the afternoon and the studio was only open from three in the evening until eight at night. This could work.
"You've thought a lot about this in the past," Jane glanced down at her watch, "fifteen hours." Watching as Maura's dimples deepened Jane shook her head. "You really want me to be your security guard?"
"Yes," she said eagerly. "It would be so nice having you around-" the blonde's eyes got big at the words that flowed out of her mouth making Jane smile at the slight blush on the woman's cheeks. "Just because…um…we have a lot of valuable equipment here. Not to mention some of the parents can get a little testy around competition time."
"Right," Jane joked.
"Dance moms can get very irritable…the dads too actually. Just last week we had an altercation with two moms who argued over which of them was the better dancer in their day." Jane simply grinned at Maura incredulously. "So you see. We need someone around. You're an officer." Maura glanced down to the gun and badge on Jane's waist. "Plus you're medically trained and sometimes the students get sick."
Jane thought on that for a second before looking into Maura's eyes. "So you want me to be your doctor too?"
"No that's," Maura paused a little hitch in her breath as she looked up at Jane's deep tone. "That's not what I meant at all. I just figured that if you came here during the day, then…that could supplement Leo's training expenses."
Nodding her head the brunette considered the woman across from her. Then, she got up out of her chair to walk over to her and stuck out her hand. "Then, you've got yourself a deal. But I'm not wearing that shirt." Also, standing, Maura responded in the like, shaking her hand and holding it. The air felt like it was seeping out of the room with every second that they stayed in that position. Hands encased in one another's, standing close enough to smell each other's shampoo and eyes roaming over one another's expressions. Only when a knock came from the door did Maura move back tucking a lock of hair behind her ear and slightly bumping into her office chair.
"That's my cue." She whispered.
Jane licked her lips and without another word they both moved to exit the office. The officer turned to head back toward the lobby and Maura turned toward the audition room when Jane called out her name. Turning around Maura bit her lip and her heart swelled at the soft vulnerable look on the woman's face.
"Thank you," Jane said. She had never meant that word more sincerely than she did now. What Maura was giving her son was something she couldn't even imagine and for her to be so gracious about it reminded Jane that there are more than just self-absorbed people in the world.
"Thank you." Maura replied before walking off down the hallway.
Leo stood high on his tiptoes before rocking back on his heels. A nervous habit. He had stretched for nearly half an hour before going over his routine again; the music programmed in his head. This was a piece he had never showed anyone and until recently only thought about in his head. Though it wasn't exactly classical ballet, it was his favorite movements all flowing through one of his favorite orchestral pieces.
They called his name and led him to a room that was smaller than the other practice rooms at the studio. There were no mirrors and he could tell that the floor had been cleaned in the last hour. At the very back of the room, there was a table that sat two people. One was a man with short dark blonde hair and a beard to match. He was wearing a suit and in front of him was a pen and paper. Next to him was Dr. Isles. The easy smile on her face immediately relaxed him and he gave a short awkward wave.
"Whenever you're ready." She said softly. Taking one more meditative breath he looked over to Kenya's mom and nodded for her to start his track. As the beginning melody of O Fortuna drifted through the acoustic room, he thought about his mom and what she had told him in the car before they arrived. You can do this Lee. Give it all you got. So, he did.
At the end, Leo stood from the ground pulling his shorts back down around his thighs. Dancing was so freeing for him. Sometimes it was hard to express how he felt but with dance…it just all seemed to burst out of him. His chest heaved and he took a moment before opening his eyes. He first looked to the man who had his mouth hanging open and whose pen had somehow ended up on the floor. Then he looked over to Dr. Isles. Her bottom lip was caught between her teeth and after a moment, she slowly raised her hand to wipe a stray tear from her cheek.
Smiling dazzlingly at him she raised her chin and opened and closed her mouth several times before saying, "Leonardo Rizzoli…welcome to the IDC."
A/N: First things first...if you want to know what I visualized as Leo's audition piece in the last scene, go to youtube and search "so you think you can dance Brandon's audition" He's so good.
Anyway, I hope you guys are enjoying where this story is going so far. I'd love to hear your input. Also thank you so much to my beta jencas22 and everyone who offered!
