Chapter 7
It took some doing but Jane had finally managed to plan everything out for her date with Maura that evening. She'd spent most the night before seeing to the details after she'd given up on having Frankie help her. Not that he wasn't some help, he'd actually helped her narrow down which restaurant to go to. Although she'd almost wished his idea hadn't sounded like the perfect place after she'd spent an hour of her morning on the phone talking the manager into a reservation.
But she'd gotten it and she now just needed to figure out what she was going to wear for the night. She was already nervous about the evening and as she stood staring into her closet reviewing her wardrobe choices it was doing nothing to put her at ease. She had plenty of work clothes. She definitely had plenty of casual clothes. But for the first time she could remember she cursed herself for not having any 'killer date' clothes.
Releasing a heavy sigh she pulled out her phone and dialed.
"Hey Janie," her mother answered after only one ring.
"Hey Ma," Jane said. She turned to look one last time at her closet almost willing the perfect outfit to jump out at her. When one didn't she resigned herself to her afternoon fate. "What are you doing right now?"
"Nothing much," Angela replied. "Your father got called to a job in Dorchester so I have my afternoon free. Why?"
"Doyouwannagoshoppingwithme?" Jane let out in a muffled, hurried request.
"What was that?" Angela asked. She hadn't understood what her daughter was asking.
Jane signed and asked again. "Want to go shopping with me?"
"What's the catch?" Angela asked now suspicious of her daughter's intentions. Shopping was never on Jane's to-do list.
"There's no catch," Jane said mildly offended by her mother's comment. "I need help picking something out."
"What?" Angela asked now completely curious.
Jane sighed and knew there was no turning back at this point. "I have a date tonight and I need help finding something to wear."
There was a silence on the other end and for a moment Jane thought perhaps the call had been disconnected. She was about to ask if her mother was still on the line when that was made perfectly clear to her by the squeal her mother released.
"JANIE!"
In order to save her hearing Jane pulled the phone away from her ear. She was certain she'd never heard that particular sound coming from her mother before and never wanted to hear it again.
"Oh my God Janie, who is the date with?" her mother couldn't contain her excitement.
"Will you go shopping with me or not Ma?" Jane diverted from her question.
"Of course I will honey," Angela replied. "Who is she? She must be something if you are going to actually buy new clothes just for a date."
"I'll tell you about her when I see you," Jane replied. "Can you be ready in 20 minutes?"
"I'm ready now," Angela said. "It's that doctor, isn't it? The one I met?"
"Ma," Jane sighed. "We'll talk when I pick you up."
"Oh, I'm so excited," Angela squealed again but at least to Jane's relief it wasn't as high pitched as her first reaction.
Jane was anything but excited. Desperate was a better assessment. Like it or not, her mother really did have a better fashion sense that she'd ever have. "I'm heading out the door," Jane said as she disconnected the call.
She was going to have a long afternoon but she couldn't help but believe that Maura was worth it.
XXXXX
The afternoon wasn't nearly as bad as Jane had anticipated. Once her mother got over her initial zeal about the date, the shopping and the fact that it was in fact Maura Jane was taking on the date they'd settled into a quest for the right outfit. Angela demanded to know all of Jane's plans claiming it was to help find appropriate attire but Jane was sure she was just trying to pry.
She'd given in and explained her plans to her mother who was a little surprised by what Jane was thinking but opted not to get too vocal about it. It was clear to Angela that Maura meant something to Jane even at such an early point in their relationship. There was a line with Jane she knew not to cross. Her natural curiosity and fierce urge to protect her children could sometimes become a little overbearing so she'd have to contain her thoughts until Jane actually asked for them.
It only took four stores for them to find something that Angela loved and Jane agreed to. That was nearly a personal best for them. Their tastes were virtually opposites. But the outfit was found, shoes acquired and Jane had safely deposited her mother back home in time for her to get ready for the evening.
Her timing was good for that too. She had just enough to get ready before having to pick Maura up. She was thankful she hadn't had any down time as she was sure it'd only have made her more nervous than she still seemed to be.
If she'd acquired any calmness or confidence on her drive over it left her immediately upon seeing the house attached to the address Maura had sent her. It wasn't a house so much as a mansion. The grounds alone felt like they were a private park for the residents. As Jane looked around she just hadn't expected it to be as much as it was. A part of her began to wonder if she wasn't getting in over her head.
She sat in the car a moment to collect herself. Her phone vibrated a message and she smiled as she read it.
She said yes to you- so just be YOU- AR
Jane couldn't help but remember her earlier conversation with her mother.
*flashback*
"So Dr. Isles must really be something special," Angela said as they were leaving their second store. She'd never thought she'd see the day her daughter wanted to find the 'right' anything clothes related.
Jane just smiled. "I think she is Ma."
Angela had also never seen Jane smile that smile over a woman before. This thing with the doctor could really be something.
"I certainly hope she appreciates all the fuss you're making," Angela said,
"It's not a fuss Ma," Jane replied. "I just want the night to be good enough for her."
"What do you mean good enough for her?" Angela asked.
"Come on Ma," Jane said in a tone that sounded like the answer should be obvious. "She's brilliant. And beautiful. And sophisticated. I want to do right by her."
Angela stopped walking and just looked at her daughter. "Janie," she said, "If that woman is even half as smart as you keep telling me she is then she'd better realize that she's the one who should feel privileged that you have taken an interest in her." She didn't care who the woman was. She knew how special her daughter was and this Maura Isles was damn lucky to have a chance to witness it for herself.
Jane smiled at her mother's comment. Not once in her life had she ever had to wonder if her mother loved her. "Thanks Ma."
They started walking again and Angela linked her arm through Jane's and was surprised Jane didn't pull away. "Just remember Janie, it's not about where you go or what you do. It's about who you are with. She said yes to you. That's all that should really matter tonight."
*end flashback*
For the first time in ages, Jane seemed willing to accept unsolicited advice from her mother. She replied to her mother's text with a smiley face emoticon and went to go pick up her date.
XXXXX
"You look wonderful darling," Constance said as Maura stepped into the living room.
"Thank you," Maura replied back. Jane hadn't exactly said where they were going on the evening so she was hoping she'd dressed properly.
"You really like her," Constance observed. She hadn't seen Maura this excited in far too long.
Maura didn't try to contain her smile. "I do. We haven't spent a lot of time together to this point but what time we have had definitely intrigues me."
She was looking forward to the chance to start to get to know Jane outside of the station. To that point all their interactions had been work related. Reviewing reports, discussing cases, even the lunches they had started to share always seemed to be filled with work issues or topics of discussion.
She wanted to get to know Jane better. It was why she didn't hesitate to say yes when Jane asked her to dinner. She'd have asked herself at some point but Jane managed to beat her to it. There was just something about the detective that Maura was drawn to in a way no one else had managed.
"Please," Maura started but Constance cut her off.
"I promise I will not attempt to shake her hand or question her about her recovery," she said holding a hand up as if making a solemn pledge.
Maura had warned her mother before about Jane's injuries not wanting Jane to have to feel self-conscious about anything. The few times she'd witness Jane interact with other staff members or detectives Maura could always sense that Jane was uneasy about her hands. She'd been quite surprised at the number of times Jane had let her work to relieve her muscle spasms. She'd gotten the impression that very few people were allowed to touch Jane's hands.
"I appreciate your discretion," Maura said.
Constance had done a little bit of research on Detective Jane Rizzoli when Maura first mentioned her name. Something about the look in her daughter's eyes made her believe this Jane was far more than just a detective at the station. She couldn't believe what the young woman had managed to survive and was immediately impressed by her. She wondered how an encounter with such a deranged lunatic hadn't broke the woman. Nothing she found painted a picture of Jane other than being a very brave and capable detective.
They both heard the doorbell signaling Jane's arrival. Maura made her way to the entrance having told the staff that she'd wanted to greet her guest herself. She couldn't help but smile at the level of anticipation she felt as she opened to the door to invite Jane in.
The door opened and Maura stopped breathing. Jane stood before her in an amazing black dress that she'd hadn't anticipated the detective wearing. It would be an image she'd never forget. "Jane," she practically gasped and seemed unable to say another word.
The reaction from Jane was equally intense. Even when Jane tried to prepare herself for Maura's beauty it still jolted her. "God Maura," Jane said. "You look amazing." Maura was wearing a light blue form fitting dress that seemed to highlight just the right curves.
"And you are stunning," Maura replied getting her thoughts about her once again.
They stood taking the beauty of the other in for a few moments until Maura finally stepped aside and invited Jane in. "Please," she said. "Come say hello to my mother."
Jane merely nodded. She couldn't really decline seeing as how Maura had already met hers. Before she knew it they were in what Jane would call a living room area and Maura's mother was waiting for them on the couch.
"Mother," Maura started, "I'd like you to meet Jane Rizzoli. Jane, this is my mother Constance Isles.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Jane said offering a genuine smile to Constance,
"Likewise," Constance replied. She understood immediately part of the hold the woman seemed to have on her daughter. She was very beautiful.
"You have a lovely home," Jane said. Although truth be told she'd spent her walk to their current location admiring Maura instead of any of the rooms they'd passed through.
"Thank you," Constance replied. "This is by far Richard's favorite residence."
Jane knew Richard was Maura's father. However, she wasn't going to ask how many other residences they owned if this one was his 'favorite'.
"He's in Africa?" Jane asked Maura trying to remember where exactly her father was.
Maura nodded. "He's supervising a dig in Tanzania."
Jane remembered that he was an archaeologist. "Maura tells me you are an artist," Jane said turning to Constance.
"Yes," she said.
"Sculptures or something," Jane added again trying to remember the details of one of their lunches.
"Not exactly," Constance replied with a smile. "I'm mostly known for my art installations."
Jane looked to Maura for a translation. Maura smiled. "Mother uses mostly industrial objects to create three dimensional works. The term installation refers to the specific space in which her work is meant to be displayed. She doesn't create it in a studio she 'installs' the work into the space it will be shown."
Constance wanted to ask Jane about her job but her promise to Maura seemed to prevent her from touching the subject altogether. Considering she was on desk duty Constance just couldn't seem to find a way to ask about her job without having that come up.
They exchanged a few more pleasantries but soon it was time for them to leave. "Shall we?" Maura asked looking towards Jane.
Jane nodded. Constance seemed pleasant and the conversation was nice but she really was ready to get on with their night.
"You ladies enjoy your evening," Constance said as the two made their way out of the room. Given the looks shared between the two she was certain they would.
XXXXX
They'd been driving for about fifteen minutes and to Jane's relief the conversation flowed naturally between them. She'd told Frankie there were times she felt like she couldn't speak around the ME but in truth that usually only last a few moments. Those first few moments when she needed the time to just take the woman in. After that there'd be this moment she'd suddenly feel completely at ease and comfortable.
"So when are you going to tell me where we are going?" Maura asked.
"As soon as I park the car," Jane replied as they had arrived at their destination.
Sorellina's was perhaps the nicest Italian restaurant in the city. Maura had only been here once before but she remembered the menu well. And the prices. "Jane," she said with a bit of hesitation. This wasn't anything that she'd expected, or wanted, from Jane.
"I was able to get us reservations," Jane said with a smile. She'd never been here but as she and Frankie worked through the Italian restaurant list they both agreed this was Boston's finest. Frankie warned Jane that it may be a little over the top for a first date but Jane seemed insistent upon the location.
"Jane this is sweet," Maura said trying to figure out a way not to offend Jane with her objection. "But we can certainly go somewhere less," she paused looking for the least offensive word, "formal."
Jane tried not to show her disappointment at Maura's hesitation. She'd assumed that Maura would enjoy such a nice restaurant. Jane was by no means wealthy but she certainly could afford a nice evening out with Maura.
"Come on," Jane said determined to continue with her plan. "I hear the food is excellent." She got out of the car and walked around to open Maura's door for her.
Maura seemed to realize this mattered to Jane so she didn't verbalize the rest of her reluctance. She'd have to address it at some point but she wasn't looking to ruin their evening before it had even begun.
Free flowing conversation seemed to be replaced with a palpable tension as they made their way towards the hostess. The restaurant was crowded and there were several people in front of Jane waiting to check in. It took a few minutes before it was her turn.
"Reservations for Rizzoli for 7 pm," Jane announced.
The hostess reviewed her list and found the reservation. "I'm terribly sorry Ms. Rizzoli. We are experiencing a short delay in sitting our guests. It will be a few minutes before we can seat you."
"Define a few," Jane requested. As she looked around it appeared as if at least four other parties were waiting ahead of her.
The hostess looked at her list and turned to look at the dining area. "I'd say at least 30 minutes," she said with sincere regret. "You are more than welcome to wait for your table at the bar," she offered.
Not really prepared for any alternative, Jane nodded and turned to Maura. "We have a bit of a delay. Would you like to have a drink while we wait?"
Maura really didn't want to stay and fulfill their reservation but she again decided not to voice her concern and simply nodded. The hostess promised to get them as soon as their table was ready and the two made it through the crowd and to the bar.
That, too, took some negotiating and some time to even get the bartender's attention. The bar seemed to be the overflow escape for the parties who were waiting for their seats. Jane ordered two glasses of white wine and when she was finally able to rejoin Maura she could tell Maura wasn't pleased.
She tried to say something to Maura but the noise level from the surrounding conversations was making it difficult for them to even talk. So they both slipped their wine and did everything they could not to really look at each other.
Jane felt sick that the evening seemed to be falling apart. All she'd wanted was for them to have the perfect night and this was turning into anything but. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was blowing her one shot with the ME.
And then she remembered what her mother had said to her earlier in the day.
"Just remember Janie, it's not about where you go or what you do. It's about who you are with. She said yes to you. That's all that should really matter tonight."
Her mother was right. It wasn't about the perfect restaurant or trying to have the perfect night. It was about spending time with Maura and getting to know her. Really know her. And instantly Jane realized her big mistake. She'd been so caught up in trying to fit the night into what she assumed where Maura's expectations. However, she'd never bothered to even find out what Maura's expectations were.
She should have reacted to Maura's hesitation the minute she'd parked the car. Maura didn't want to eat here and it didn't matter if it was because she didn't want to or because she felt that Jane shouldn't have to spend so much money on dinner. She didn't want this. And Jane had almost completely ignored that.
Almost.
She took Maura's glass of wine from her and placed both glasses on the bar. Before Maura could question her she took her hand and pulled her up from the stool. "Come on," Jane said as she started to make her way through the crowd with Maura in tow.
"Jane," Maura started confused by Jane's sudden movements. She hadn't heard them call for their table. "What are you doing?"
Jane didn't answer until they'd exited the restaurant. But once outside she stopped and waited until she caught Maura's complete attention. "I'm preventing a disaster before it begins," she replied.
It was the only explanation she felt the need to give and she tightened her grab on Maura's hand and started to lead her to the car.
She initially missed the smile that came across Maura's face but it was still there when Jane went to open Maura's car door. One look from Maura and Jane knew she'd just made the first correct choice of the evening.
