Chapter 2
"Remind me why we are here".
"We're here to help Rigsby sort out his situation with Van Pelt".
"Well, that really sounds like fun, doesn't it?"
Jane gave him one of his dazzling smiles. "Have I ever told you how much I love your sense of humor, Cho?"
"Cut that out, Jane, or else I'm gonna change my mind and walk away".
"Shush, he's coming".
Rigsby finally noticed Jane waving at him, and joined his colleagues at their table.
"Sorry, I'm late".
"Never mind, Rigsby. Just sit down. I took the liberty of ordering you a beer – hope you feel like it tonight".
"Beer is okay. Thanks".
There was a silence as Rigsby slowly sipped his beer. Jane made a show of doing the same, then put his glass down and folded his arms neatly on the table.
"So… what's new, guys?"
Rigsby raised his eyebrows. "Are you being serious? I mean, we see each other every day…"
"At work", was Jane's undeterred reply. "I was hinting at personal life. You know, the things you do in your spare time…"
"I know what personal life means!"
"What about you, Jane?", Cho suddenly interposed. "I think you have something to tell us on that subject".
"What do you mean, Cho?"
"You know it".
Jane smirked mentally. Cho was doing a great job. It was just a matter of seconds for Rigsby to swallow the bait.
"Yeah. What about you and the boss?"
Here he was. Trust Rigsby to fall for a simple trick like that.
"Well, I can't see how this is any of your business, actually", Jane countered, feigning a tiny bit of awkwardness.
"You were the one who started asking questions. Now, out with it!"
Anyone would have told that Cho was back in one of the CBI interrogation rooms – deadpan face and all.
"Alright. We got together. What about it?"
"How serious are you two about this?", Rigsby couldn't help to ask.
Jane slid a finger on the rim of his glass. "Pretty serious, as a matter of fact. Just for the record, I intend to propose to her in the near future".
He enjoyed seeing Rigsby nearly choke on his beer.
"Really?"
"You betcha. Now it's your turn. What about you and love?"
The younger man squirmed in his chair. "There's nothing much to say. I mean, since Van Pelt and I split up… I've had a few dates, that's true, but nothing really serious".
"Have you ever thought about dating Van Pelt again?"
"What? Well, I don't think it would be a great idea. You know, there's a rule against it… and she's been through a lot in these past few months. She wouldn't even consider the possibility, anyway".
To his surprise, Cho supported Jane's suggestion. "You should discuss this with her".
"Come on, guys. You must be joking".
Jane leaned forward across the table. "The whole O'Laughlin business has left its mark on her. She's lost her faith in men, even in her own judgment maybe. But she still trusts you".
Rigsby stared at him speechless for several minutes. What should he do now?