*Note – Here's the next chapter, hope you like it and I don't know much about clothes so I'm just winging it in that area!
The next day Jane found herself waking up very reluctantly. She'd been having the most wonderful dream about Maura… Sitting up she shook the thoughts away. She needed to get some control over them again. Maura might have pecked her on the cheek but she knew Maura had no romantic interest in her. Sure, they joked around a lot, but that's all it was. The way Maura carried on about men all the time Jane was positive she couldn't have any interest in women… or if she did she hid it damn well and even if by some miracle she was the slightest bit interested in women Jane was still sure the M.E had no interest in her. Maura had told her as much after all. For a moment Jane had thought maybe the answer would have been different. After all when she asked Maura that day in the car the answer hadn't exactly been given quickly. First Maura had given her that cute little look and tilted in head in that adorable way she had…oh god Rizzoli, you're losing it… using the words cute and adorable? You're sick woman!
Her thoughts were gratefully interrupted by a ball of fur jumping into her lap and whining.
"Ok, Joe, I'll take you out, but it has to be quick, I really need a shower. Then afterward I'll take you for a longer walk."
The little dog whined again and Jane threw her legs over the side of the couch. Throwing on a t-shirt, some shorts and jogging shoes she headed out the door. Walking out into the morning sun she couldn't help it as an image of Maura smiling brightly at her formed in her head from last night. As Joe did her business more thoughts of Maura badgered Jane. How wonderful it felt to hold her, however briefly as Maura had hugged her. How wonderful the M.E had felt pressed against her, how amazingly intoxicating she smelled, that sweet mix of cinnamon and sandalwood. How soft her lips felt as they touched her cheek and how much she would have given anything to turn her head slightly and feel them touching her own lips.
A sharp bark from Joe snapped her out of her thoughts and she returned inside with her dog.
God, snap out of it Rizzoli! You've been dealing with these feelings for months; you've gotten very good at repressing them so get back to it!
"Hi honey!" Her mom exclaimed as she entered the apartment. "Just got up and thought I'd make some breakfast for you before I head out to do some shopping."
Jane smiled at her mom. "Thanks, just having a shower and I'll be out." The detective thought maybe a cold shower was in order.
Maura stretched languidly in bed as she yawned before glancing at the clock. Ten! Wow, she hadn't slept in that much since that weekend Jane had taught her to play poker and they'd stayed up all night betting goldfish crackers. Automatically her lips formed into a smile when she thought of Jane. Her best friend had done a lot for her since they'd known each other but what she'd done last night meant so much to Maura.
"What you can't ask for, I will."
Tears began to form as she thought of Jane's words and remembered when she first told Jane she didn't know how to ask for what she needed from her parents. It had been after her interview with Hoyt, she shivered slightly thinking about him. She'd meant what she told him when she said she wasn't afraid of him, but she was afraid of what he could do to Jane, not just physically but emotionally. Maura never had a violent thought for anyone but when Hoyt had said he was going to kill Jane, that he wanted to feel her blood on his hands, she'd wanted to hurt him. The thought had surprised her.
"Maura! Are you up yet?" Her mother's voice brought her back to the present.
"Yes, mother, please come in." She answered smiling.
Her mother opened the door a crack, hesitating, but finally opened the door and stepped inside. She was already immaculately dressed in a Chanel suit and low heels, what her mother would consider 'age appropriate heels'.
"You look lovely this morning, Mother," she complimented.
"Thank you, dear. My flight doesn't leave until 1; I was hoping we could get some breakfast together somewhere before then?"
"Of course!" Maura enthused. "I'll take a quick shower and dress. I should be ready in thirty minutes."
"Wonderful. I'll wait out on the back decking. It's quite beautiful. If I haven't said it before your entire home is lovely, the decorating is perfect."
Maura tried not to flush at her mother's praise, she hadn't expected it. "Thank you, mother, I decorated it myself."
"Impeccable taste dear." Her mother commented again before leaving the room.
A small part of Maura couldn't help but wonder if her mother was only behaving in this way due to Jane's influence, but surely Jane hadn't ordered her mother to compliment her decorating tastes. Her mother was making a genuine effort and it delighted Maura.
Quickly she showered and dressed, choosing to wear stylish cream coloured slacks and a matching blouse. She didn't want to be too dressy just to go to the country club. Looking through her closet her gaze fell on a dark green Givenchy skirt with matching shirt and heels she planned to wear tonight. The colour brought out the green in her eyes and accentuated the honey highlights in her hair. Originally she'd bought it with the intention of wearing it out on a date, but decided to wear it tonight instead when she took Jane out. Of course Jane didn't know that yet but she wanted to do something for her friend to show her appreciation. So last night she'd bought them tickets to the Red Sox game. It hadn't been easy to get them at such short notice but thankfully she had contacts. Maura knew the outfit would be a bit dressy for a baseball game but she had plans for a nice dinner afterward.
Almost like a date…it wasn't the first time she'd thought of going out with Jane as a date. She knew she was attracted to the detective but for the sake of their friendship she kept her feelings hidden. She couldn't stand to lose Jane and was too terrified that if she mentioned how she felt the skittish woman would run. The detective was like a rock when it came to most anything Maura could think of, but when it came to feelings and relationships Jane was obviously terrified of both. Also Jane had never shown much interest in women. Maura had noticed the occasional glace here and there but nothing that was definitive and even if Jane did have some interest Maura didn't want to risk being an experiment to her. She'd already been that to someone in college, which is why she no longer dated women. It was too painful when it didn't work. With men she could emotionally disconnect if she needed to, with women it was different and with Jane she was already very much emotionally connected.
With some effort she pushed aside her thoughts of Jane, at least for now and left her bedroom to find her mother. She found her sitting outside on the deck, eyes closed, and face turned toward the sun.
"Mother," she said quietly, not wanting to startle her, "would you like to go now?"
Constance opened her eyes and smiled at her daughter. "You look beautiful dear and yes, do you know of anywhere decent around here?"
"I thought the country club. I don't go there too often but they do have wonderful food."
"Sounds perfect."
The two Isles women headed for Maura's Mercedes and slid into the plush leather interior. The drive to the club was relatively silent and only took ten minutes. They were quickly seated at the club and ordered their meals. Sipping their drinks Maura asked about what Constance would be doing in London, her next destination and Constance surprised Maura by asking about a case she was currently helping the FBI with.
"I didn't know that case was public!" Maura commented, surprised her mother knew about it and more surprised she knew Maura was involved with it.
Her mother smiled. "It's not, but I do have contacts."
"But why would you care about an FBI case?"
"Because you're involved," Constance breathed deeply before continuing, "I know it may not always appear I care, but I do. I am aware of your work with the FBI as well as your involvement in countless charities. You've made a name for yourself as one of the top doctors in your field and have helped to apprehend and put away many criminals. I couldn't be more proud of you, Maura. I love you very much." The elder Isles finished, reaching across the table to clasp the younger woman's hand.
Maura tried to control the tears that formed as her amygdala and lacrimal gland conspired against her. Taking a few deep breaths she managed. "Thank you, mother, that means a lot to me."
"I should have told you a long time ago. I'm sorry." Constance said quietly.
Maura noticed her mother's eyes glistening as well and squeezed the older woman's hand softly as the food arrived. She was stunned her mother had said what she did and she knew now her mother would most appreciate them not getting any more emotional than they already had. The rest of the meal was spent discussing their lives, how her father was doing and what her mother had planned for the future. Time passed quickly and soon it was time to head to the airport.
Javier, her mother's assistant, collected the bags and began loading them into the jet.
"I loved having you visit, mother, I hope to see you again soon," Maura said, giving her mother a proper hug this time.
Constance returned the hug before replying, "I was thinking maybe we could get together for Christmas this year?"
Maura tried not to let her surprise show but knew she'd failed when her mother laughed lightly at the look on her face.
"I know it's been a while since we did anything like that, but I plan to talk to your father about it and thought maybe we could all meet up in Aspen if you can get the time away."
"I'd love that." Maura responded, recovering from her shock.
"Maybe Jane would like to come with you?" Constance asked with a grin.
"Jane?" Maura repeated, again surprised. I, uh…well, I don't know that she would… I'm sure she'll have plans with her family." Maura finally managed to get out, embarrassed at stumbling over her own words.
"I'm sure we could coordinate the events so as not to interfere with each other, but I will leave it up to you. After all it is still a little over four months away."
"Of course," Maura said, not knowing what else to say. She watched as her mother climbed the small flight of stairs into the plane and waved before getting inside as the door shut behind her. Walking back into the airport Maura couldn't understand why her mother would think Maura would invite Jane or why she'd think Jane would even want to go with her?
Jane looked at the clock, 1:30pm. Constance's flight left at 1. She hoped Maura had a wonderful time with her mother this morning before she needed to leave. She hadn't heard from Maura so she assumed all went well. She thought about calling her once she knew the elder Isles flight had left but thought better of it. She and Maura often did things together on Saturdays, but she didn't want to interrupt in case her mother had decided to stay later or it was possible Maura did have other plans. However, that left Jane Rizzoli bored. Pacing the living room she thought how ridiculous she was. Surely she did things on Saturdays before her and Maura started spending them together. What were those things?
Running, going to the gym, kick boxing, swimming… none of which she felt like doing. She felt like kicking back with Maura, having a few beers, maybe a pizza and watching a movie. Sighing in disgust with herself she grabbed her keys and walked out the door. It had been a long time since she'd done any kick boxing and she needed to do something to expend all her energy. Throwing some kicks and punches should do the trick.
Jane delivered a perfect roundhouse to the bag as her phone rang. Dripping with sweat and out of breath from the energy she'd been using the last hour she fumbled in her bag for her phone. Picking it up she couldn't help but smile as she saw Maura's name displayed as the caller.
"Hey you," she panted.
"Jane? Are you ok? Why are you panting?" Maura asked, immediately concerned.
"Oh you know, just chasing Frisbees," Jane deadpanned back, trying to slow her breathing down.
"Frisbees?" Maura questioned, her voice disbelieving, "why would you be chasing a round disc?"
"I'm kickboxing, Maura," Jane laughed, "What's up?"
"Ah, kickboxing, the Japanese martial art combat sport that uses a variety of kicks and punches derived from karate, Muay Thai and Western boxing. Did you know kickboxing is a fairly new martial art? Japa…"
"That's fascinating, Maura, really," Jane interrupted with a humorous tone, "but I'm sure you didn't call me to Google-talk about kickboxing."
"Right," Maura replied, she was used to Jane interrupting her when she went off on her 'Google-talk' tangents, but she knew Jane didn't really mind. In fact sometimes Jane would let her ramble on about a subject for quite a while before interrupting her. "I called to see what you were doing tonight?"
"Nothing," Jane responded, trying not to sound as excited at the idea of spending time with Maura as she was.
"Great! Because I've got a surprise for you, my way of thanking you for what you did for me and my mother."
"Maura, you don't have to thank me, I-."
"I know I don't have to thank you, Jane," Maura interrupted, "I want to. Don't deny me the opportunity. I have a wonderful evening planned."
"Well, far be it for me to ruin your plans. I accept your offer then. What time?"
"It's 2 now; can you be ready in an hour? It starts at 3:30."
"Shit, I'm about 30 min away from home. I was going to drive here but decided to jog instead."
"You, Jane, you chose to run somewhere?" Maura teased.
"Hey! I'm not as lazy as you think I am! Besides, someone got me to see the benefits of the exercise."
Maura smirked as she remembered the first time they ran together in their matching "PUKE" outfits. It really was an unfortunate acronym she thought frowning, but then smiled again when she thought of Jane running in it anyway, despite her vehemence that she wouldn't.
"I'm just about dressed, all I need to do is put my top on. Why don't I pick you up in 10 minutes? Your gym isn't far from my place. Then we can get to your place in another 10 minutes and shouldn't be too late."
"Sounds great, see you then."
Jane pushed the button to end the call dropped her phone back onto her bag giving the larger bag in front of her a hard kick as she turned back to it. Spending the rest of the afternoon and night with Maura sounded just about perfect. The bag swung back and she kicked it again, following up with a right hook and that's when Maura's words echoed in her head 'All I need to do is put my top on' A mental image formed of Maura standing in her bedroom, talking to Jane on the phone in a skirt, high heels and a silky bra, sans a shirt… she forgot to hit the bag when it swung back toward her and doubled over in pain when it connected solidly with her midsection.
*Hope you've all enjoyed this as much as the first. The next chapter will be up tomorrow and we'll get plenty of Jane/Maura interaction!
