Chapter Three
Maura and Jane had jumped back from being startled and knocked in the head. Both reached up and rubbed their foreheads as Jane looked through the peep hole in her apartment door. She could see her mother working her spare key into the lock.
Angela nearly knocked Jane onto the floor when she swung the door open.
"Oh my goodness!" Angela clutched her chest dramatically and screamed as she was startled by Jane and Maura's close proximity to the door. "You two scared me to death!"
"Ma! It's nearly midnight! What are you doing here?" Jane looked as though she was going to strangle her mother.
"Don't get mad at me! I tried calling your cell phone and you didn't pick up so I came over to see if you were alright." Angela quickly made her way into the apartment and settled on the edge of Jane's couch.
"Ma… if I'm not answering my phone it means I'm busy." Jane stamped her foot at the last word.
"You were just with Maura… no offense dear…" Angela nodded to Maura, "so I don't understand why…"
"Ma… it's time for you to go… I'm alright, so…" Jane was motioning towards the open door.
"Actually, Jane…" Maura piped up, "…it is rather late. Maybe your mother should stay for the remainder of the evening. I have many preparations to finish before my flight leaves in the morning. I'll be gone the whole week…" Maura was gathering up the roses that had fallen on the floor when Jane and she had almost… almost… What did we almost do? Maura silently asked herself.
"Umm… okay… I'll pick you up at seven to bring you to the airport…" Jane's voice was soft as she searched Maura's face for any clue as to how she was handling what was just interrupted.
"Actually, Jane. I think I'll just call a car service. It's your weekend off and I don't want you to have to get up early. I'll call you once I get settled." With a squeeze of Jane's arm Maura was out the door and down the steps before Jane could argue.
Jane slumped against the door frame and ran her fingers through her hair as she watched Maura leave. When she couldn't see her anymore, she turned to the oblivious woman sitting on her couch.
"Dammit, ma!"