CHAPTER 2
Jane was happy Maura agreed to the ride. She missed her company and she enjoyed their alone time together. "Thank you for the ride, Jane" Maura smiled and touched Jane's arm. "I really appreciate it. I'm sorry you are taking time away from Sheila to drive me home."
"Nonsense, Maura. Sheila understands. Besides, that is what friends are for." Jane smiled back. She could feel the warmth of Maura radiating from the hand on her arm.
"You really are a great friend. I'm lucky to have you." Maura said more softly. She smiled but her eyes showed sadness when they pulled into her driveway knowing she would soon be alone and Jane would drive off with her other friend, Sheila. "Home, sweet, home." Maura said, and patted Jane's leg. "Thanks again , Jane." Sheila parked and walked up to Maura's car as the two other women were getting out.
"It was really nice meeting you again, Maura. I look forward to seeing that boutique tomorrow." Sheila said while reaching for Maura's hand and holding it longer than necessary. Jane knew Sheila was flirting with Maura and it was irritating her.
"You do? Well that will be great! I never have anyone to shop with. We should stop at the Italian place next door and do lunch too. Won't that be fun, Jane?" Maura turned to Jane with a big smile.
"Loads, I can't wait," Jane groaned sarcastically. "We better get going. See you tomorrow, Maura."
"Yes, see you tomorrow, Maura", Sheila echoed with a smile and got in the car.
Jane remained quiet on the ride home and let Sheila talk. She zoned out thinking about how excited she was earlier about Sheila coming to visit. She hadn't see her friend in years, but not seeing Maura for a few hours in a day gave her a stronger reaction. She didn't even notice when Sheila stopped talking and just stared at her.
"So, Jane, do tell me more about Maura." She said with a sly grin.
"I told you already, she is a good friend of mine and the M.E. for the Department." Jane responded shortly.
"I know that! Tell me more. I know she must appreciate fine clothes, shoes and fragrances by the way she looks and smells. Tell me more about her personality.
Jane thought about it and after a moment words just started spilling from her mouth "Well, what can I say about Maura, she is freakishly smart and funny as hell without knowing it. Her social skills may need some work. She constantly diagnoses people, usually her dates, which doesn't set well with people. Jane laughs. She scares them away by causing them to think they have a genetic disorder, condition or disease. She doesn't do it to be hurtful She actually thinks she is helping people. She doesn't know how to censor herself. It is actually refreshing sometimes, other times, it drives me completely crazy. But she is a terrific person and a great friend. She is loyal and patient, but not afraid to call me on my bullshit when necessary and she doesn't mind if I drop by at all hours to talk. She is always there to listen." Jane stops and looks at Sheila.
"Wow, and you don't have a thing for this woman, huh? Sheila said skeptically.
"Sheila, you know it is hard for me to get close to people. I would never do anything to ruin my friendship with, Maura. It means too much to me. We are friends, that's it." Jane said forcefully, wishing it was different.
"Okay, okay, I believe you. Well she sounds terrific. I may have to extend my visit a little longer and get to know Dr. Isles, better. Sheila said with wanton look.
"Sheila, please do not set your sights on Maura. She is different. She doesn't have many friends and she may misunderstand. Besides, I told you she was straight. I don't want her to get hurt. Jane said bluntly. Sheila feigned a hurt look.
"Jane, I'm offended you would think I would hurt Maura. I am quite attracted to her and am just interested in getting to know her better. You don't need to worry. Sheila said with a small smile. Jane wanted to believe her, but she had been caught in Sheila's web herself and knew when she wanted something she went after it. Her stomach was knotting again. She shouldn't worry she told herself. Maura wasn't into women, so this flirtation would blow over after their lunch outing tomorrow. She was sure of it. Even with that thought, the churning in her gut continued.
