Author's notes: Thank you all for your wonderful reviews and follows and favs. Jane puts the next phase of his dastardly plan in motion, hopefully it will go well.
Jane comes to a stop in the car park. Switching off the engine he opens the door and steps out. He stretches his stiff limbs and looks across at Lisbon whose still in the airstream.
"C'mon Lisbon.."
He gives a sweep of his arm.
"..look at this place, its beautiful!"
He does a three hundred and sixty degree spin taking in the views.
"Whooop, this is really beautiful."
He turns to Lisbon with a delightful smile that melts her grumpiness at having been brought here under false pretenses for a moment and she can't hide a smile.
"I'm still mad at you."
She gets out of the car and looks at the scenery. It's not as lush as the state parks in California but the combination of rock and greenery do have a charm. She can feel Jane watching her and she looks across at him. For a moment she's sure she saw worry and uncertainty on his features but they disappears so quickly she's wonders if she's mistaken.
"So why have you brought me all the way out here?"
"First lunch."
Jane opens up the side door and disappears in to the airstream. Lisbon stares at the door for a few moments and then turns her attention to her surroundings. Looking by the full car park it's a popular place. Across the car park there's a store, she guesses it'll sell food,tourist tack and hiking gear, all the usual fare. There are lots of people going in and out of the store and milling about, pouring over maps and settling young children in to strollers and lathering up with suntan lotion. She realises that she'll need some if since she'll outside for a while, she dressed this morning for a regular work day. She turns back towards the vehicle and shouts to Jane.
"I'm just going to the store."
There's a muffled reply.
"Okay, I'll catch up.
Lisbon is at the checkout when Jane appears.
"Ahh good thinking Lisbon."
"You took a while, are you feeding an army."
"No just you and me."
Jane's holding a guide pamphlet in his hand. When he sees her looking he waves it.
"There's only one place to go to picnic here and that's by the lake."
Lisbon hands over her money and as she follows Jane out of the store she notices that he's carrying a small backpack and can't help wondering what took him so long. Lisbon decides that since they're already here, she won't make a fuss. She's irritated with Jane for manipulating her here but it's not like he hasn't done it before and she knows that her relationship with Pike and her possible move to DC is difficult for him and it's the least she can do. Plus Jane's good company, they've been through so much together and she's going to miss him...a lot.
Lisbon gasps as the lake comes into view. It's a mirror, still and clear, every reflection sharp.
"I've never seen anything like this."
Jane is beaming at her.
"You like it?"
"I do."
She looks at him and smiles back.
"Suddenly I'm famished.
Jane's smile gets wider and his eyes sparkle, making Lisbon realise that he's been worried about her reaction.
"You shouldn't have brought me under false pretences but we're here now and there's worst things than spending a day with you."
"Oh yea?"
"Yea. Like a container full of flesh-eating bugs."
"Ouch."
They settle in some shade and Jane hands out the sandwiches while Lisbon rubs on the lotion. She hands the bottle to Jane.
"Put some on your face and neck."
"Yes mom."
He also kicks off his shoes and removes his socks and rolls up his trousers, putting on lotion. He leans back against the rock, crosses his feet and looks out at the lake and takes a bite of his sandwich.
"Have you decided yet?"
"No."
Jane looks over at her.
"Mmmm an interesting puzzle Lisbon. Despite your answer the tone suggests that you have indeed decided but looking at you I can see that there's something holding you back. What is that Lisbon?"
"Nothing I just haven't decided. It's a big decision."
"It is a big decision, Do you love Pike?"
"That's none of your business Jane and I don't want to discuss my love life with you."
"You've said that before but I thought we were friends. I consider you my best friend. I thought best friends talk about that stuff."
Lisbon stands up and walks towards the water's edge her displeasure clear in her body language. Jane stares after her, lets out a sigh and follows. He catches her by the arm.
"I'm sorry I won't mention it again. It's your business, it has nothing to do with me. Come finish your lunch or they'll be waiting for us."
Lisbon spins around.
"Whose waiting for us?"
Jane smiles widely at her.
"Oh didn't I mention, we're doing a magic show."
Lisbon splutters as she sways between anger and horror.
"What...you never sai...no...no Jane..."
Jane with his usual disregard for his safety gently places his hands on her shoulders.
"Lisbon calm yourself, you'll be fine. It's just for a bunch of kids."
Author's notes: ps. those reading the Mr and Mrs Jane collection, struggling at the moment for inspiration on a situation, if you have any ideas let me know.
