Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
A/N: Thank you once again for the reviews, alerts and favorites. I know it's been a long time since the last update but I hope this chapter makes up for the long wait. It's a little longer than usual but I hope you all enjoy it, please let me know what you think. The mistakes are my own.
Three games; that's how long it has passed until now. Three games that the older quarterback has started and Jane sat by the sideline, healthy as ever and watched the egotistical and arrogant moves her fellow teammate did. Sometimes clearly ignoring the instructions from the coaches.
Three games that Jane saw how the team struggled to win, two games ending in a close call win for the Patriots while they had one loss, the defense clearly working its best to compensate the offense difficulty. No one could understand why he was jeopardizing their season and Jane noticed that most players were doubtful of his actions. Jane couldn't understand why coach Cavanaugh was letting him do this.
The present moment was thanksgiving week and since the Patriots were playing against the Jets on Thanksgiving Day in New York, Jane and Maura, decided to spend it together in the city that never sleeps.
Given that Jane had to stay with the team, Maura decided to arrive in NY on Tuesday evening to get some shopping done and they would meet up after the game and stay in NY until the other week, since it was the team's bye week. Both ladies were excited for this mini vacation together, their first trip together.
The hardest person to convince was Angela, Jane losing patience with her mother's dramatic reaction while Maura took her time explaining their plan was good since that way they could spend Christmas in Boston with everyone. After that Angela finally relented, demanding calls to know both her daughters were okay.
Maura walked through the hotel's lobby after checking in, waiting until she was inside the suite they would be staying to send Jane a text, letting her know she had arrived safely in NY and at the hotel, sending her the room number in case she needed it before they got together. Jane replied almost instantly expressing her love and how much she missed her.
Since she arrived later than she was hoping, Maura decided to simply relax and unwind that first night, leaving her shopping trip for the next day when she was in her best. She didn't want to deal with making reservations, possibly wanting in line and having to wait for the cabs in NY's cold. And so after taking a shower, she went down to the hotel's restaurant to have a calm dinner.
The next day the sweet doctor walked calmly but with purpose along her favorite stores in Manhattan. Since she wanted to walk freely, most of her shopping bags were already on their way to her hotel, leaving her to carry the small precious items she didn't trust anyone with. She decided to take advantage of her time alone and the diversity of the stores around her to start her Christmas shopping's, not wanting to leave it all to December.
With the satisfying feeling of having done what she wanted and had planned for that morning Maura called for her driver to take her to her favorite restaurant without any stops, not wanting to lose the reservation she had made as soon as they planned this get away.
She thanked the maître as she took her seat, not even blinking an eye to the pity looks she was receiving for eating alone. There was a time when they bothered her but now Maura knew that just because she was alone, she wasn't lonely. What a difference few months make.
She didn't wait long before a waiter brought her a menu and after accepting it with thank you, she stopped him from leaving saying "Could you please clear the table on the other side? I'll be eating alone."
Before he could answer her, they were interrupted by an older voice. "No, she won't. Please leave everything as it is."
Maura and the waiter turned towards the voice, the first one surprised at the appearance and the second one awkward of being in the middle of this situation. "Ma'am?" He asked Maura waiting to know what to do.
"It's fine. Could you bring another menu, please?" Maura replied, still unsure how to act. As soon as he left, she got up to greet her company "Hello, Mother. What a surprise! I didn't know you were in town." She said kissing her mother's cheek, trying to give her a hug but the tensing of the older Isles, cut her heart in two and quickly hiding her tears, Maura stepped away.
"Hello, dear." Constance said taking her seat and accepting the menu and dismissing the waiter. "I've been in NYC for two weeks now. I'm doing a show in January and I had to come deal with a few problems" She said calmly before continuing "and imagine my surprise when they called me yesterday to confirm my reservation. I admit I was confused for a moment before realizing they had confused us." She paused so they could order their choices.
Listening to her mother talk Maura felt disappointed that she didn't even took a few hours to go to Boston in all this time in NY and that mostly likely Constance wouldn't even let her know of this show in January.
"You're looking well and almost glowing, dear. Tell me what's new in your life to make this way?" The older woman asked oblivious of her daughter's feelings.
Maura debated herself wondering if she should share her relationship with her mother. Not because it was with Jane, a woman; but because she didn't want Constance to diminish it. However, as it always happened when she thought of Jane and their relationship, a smile appeared on her face and warm feelings ran through her body and she knew she could never and didn't want to hide what she and Jane had.
"I'm in love, mother." She said simply.
Constance eyebrows went up in surprise, never hearing Maura say that about any of her relationships however, she quickly controlled her expression to say: "Truly? I don't think I ever heard you say that."
"Yes, really Mother." Maura replied briskly not liking the way her Mother doubted their relationship. "I've never felt this way before. It's been an amazing relationship and we've been really happy together." She added, feeling the need to correct her mother's tone.
Constance noticed her daughter's sharp tone, once again surprising herself since Maura had never spoken to her like that. "Then I'm happy for you, dear. How long you've been together? And what does he do?" She asked calmly, hoping to diffuse the situation not wanting a scene in the middle of the restaurant.
"We've been together for almost 6 months. And she is an athlete. Her name is Jane." Maura replied, allowing the waiters to clear her empty plate.
Constance smiled tightly at the restaurant staff, waiting for them to leave before saying: "That's not very long, dear." What she really meant to say and it was implied It will probably end soon. "And what sport does she play? Is she a famous winner?" She added.
"She plays American Football for the team representing New England state." Maura said proudly. "She's just started but she'll go far. Are you familiar with that sport, mother?"
"I see, no Olympic medals in her path then." Constance replied unimpressed. "I've heard about it but I'm not familiar with it."
"I wasn't either when I met Jane. But I've discovered it's a marvelous game. Filled with strategy and synchronized, planned moves." Maura gushed excited, wanting her mother to feel that way too. "It has its roots in military strategy and it can be quite exciting to watch." She ended, waiting for Constance reply.
"I'm sure it's quite fun, dear." The older Isles said distractedly, looking around and asking for the check without even asking Maura if she wanted dessert.
Her mother's uncaring and unimpressed expressions filled her with sadness, berating herself silently for believing perhaps this time would be different. "She's playing in NY this Thursday, which is why we're in town. We're spending Thanksgiving here before going back to Boston." Maura said, wanting some more time with her mother.
"That's nice, dear." Constance replied signing the bill. "We should get together to have dinner; I would love to meet her." She added, getting up.
"I'll talk to her tonight and call you right after, mother. I'm sure we can have dinner while you're here." Maura said excitedly, getting up to say good-bye to her mother.
"Perfect, dear. Call me later." Constance said, leaving quickly after kissing her daughter's cheek while Maura simply watched her mother's hasty exit.
Jane and Frost settled into their hotel room in NY after the travel and team meeting to go over their schedule for tomorrow, the actual game day. Since they both wanted to rest, they were happy for having the rest of the day to relax.
Jane fished inside her backpack for her cellphone; thrown inside in a haste to get ready for the meeting and noticed she had one missed call from Maura and a text that said: Call me when you can please. Love, M. Jane walked to the balcony, closed the glass door behind her and called her girlfriend.
"Hey, Maur." She said when they connected.
"Hi, Jane. How was the ride?" Maura asked, putting the book she was reading aside.
"It was good. Sorry I'm only calling now, my phone was deep in my backpack and we just settle in after the team's meeting." Jane replied, watching the city around her.
"It's fine, honey. I wanted to talk to you about something." Maura said, taking a breath.
"Is everything alright?" Jane asked worried something had happened, noticing her girlfriend's emotional voice.
"Yes, don't worry. I'm okay." Maura replied knowing Jane probably thought she had gotten physically hurt. "I had a surprised visit during my lunch today." Maura started, not quite knowing how to start.
"Who, Maur?" Jane asked softly, realizing the blonde was having emotional time.
The young doctor let out a sigh, gathering courage to tell Jane what had happened. "My mother, Jane. The restaurant called her by mistake to confirm my reservation and she showed up there." Maura started and couldn't stop after allowing herself to feel the emotions that she had repressed since Constance's appearance. "She didn't even have the courtesy to tell me she was in the US, Jane! And she's been here for a long time! And that's not even the worst: she had the audacity to imply our relationship won't last long."
Jane listened while Maura let out all her frustrations, her dislike over Maura's parents growing even more with every second of Maura's clear feelings of hurt. The brunette couldn't understand why someone would treat Maura with such disregard.
"You know she's wrong, right babe?" Jane said when silence filled the air between them. "I know in my heart we'll have a great future together. If there's one thing I'm certain of is that you're the only one for me. We belong together." She added not wanting Maura to have any doubts about them.
"I love you so much, Jane." Maura replied feeling her heart grow with Jane's words. "And I feel the same."
Jane smiled knowing she had reassured her girlfriend. "And please don't let your mother's attitudes get to you. I'm sorry she acts like that but it's her loss for not getting to really know her beautiful and amazing daughter."
"I just can't help to always be disappointed. I don't know why but I always hope it will be different." Maura said.
"It's because you care." Jane told her. "And did she said anything else about us?" Jane asked wanting to get Maura's mind out of that depressed path.
"No. She's very open minded and didn't mind you're a woman." Maura replied knowing what Jane was doing and what she truly wanted to ask. "And she said she wanted to meet you. I told her I would have to talk to you first to see your schedule."
"Maur, you know as soon as the game ends I'm all yours." Jane said. "If you want us to meet, just tell me when and I'll be there."
"Thank you, honey. I'll text her saying we're available for tomorrow night, then." Maura said happily. "That way we don't risk a date that she already has something else planned. I'll call her now and call you right back. Love you." Maura added fast and hung up the phone.
Jane chuckled at Maura's adorableness and hoped something happened to bring Maura and her mother together. No matter how the blonde liked to disguise, Jane knew how much she hurt by being distance with her parents.
Maura hung up the phone excitedly, glad Jane hadn't complained about the urgency her mother scheduled demanded of them. She quickly dialed her mother's number wanting to set up the date. She waited a few rings before Constance picked up. "Hello, darling. How are you?" She asked as if they hadn't had lunch together today.
"Hello, mother. Sorry to be troubling you but I just talked to Jane about our dinner together." Maura said.
"Oh yes! And what did she say?" Constance asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"She has her game tomorrow which I'll also be attending and we could have dinner tomorrow after that. What do you think?" Maura replied, excitement in her voice.
"Oh honey, I'm sorry. Something came up and I'll have to leave New York tomorrow morning. We'll have to see each other some other time." Constance said without any emotion in her tone.
"I see." Maura said heart hardened, feeling disappointed once again, not believing she let herself get carried away again. She should have known it would be the same as every other time.
"Some other time then." She ended.
"It's a date, honey." Constance replied absentminded, "I have to go, Maura. We'll talk soon. Bye-bye." And with that she ended the call.
Maura stood frozen looking at the phone in her hand, as history repeated itself. The feelings of neglect and abandonment familiar to her in those situations returning once again, tears running down her face as she couldn't contain that expression of her feelings. She sat down in the corner of the bed, lifting her hands to her face as she sobbed loudly into the empty hotel room.
She didn't know how long it passed as Maura finally calmed down, feeling completely drained and empty, as if the tears completely dehydrated her. She felt sad and mad at herself but without any other tears left to shed. A feeling of immense shame filled her for a moment as she realized she had to call Jane to let her know they wouldn't be having dinner together.
It wasn't shame for her mother's acts but shame for her own acts. Shame that she allowed herself to hope and believe everything would be different this time. That perhaps her mother had actually wanted to make an effort and be a part of her life and meet the people who mattered but mostly the one person who was making her daughter happy in such a short period of time.
The blonde didn't have the courage to call Jane, knowing she would at the same time be supportive and sweet; something Maura didn't want at the time. She wanted someone to yell and tell her not to be a fool again. Jane would get mad at her mother but not at Maura. Never at Maura. And she reasoned with herself that she didn't want to trouble Jane anymore in a moment that she had to focus on the game and on the team.
So she decided to delay her talk with Jane and simply send her a text. Picking up her phone again she did just that.
Jane for her part was finishing her dinner with Frost, on contrary to the other players they had decided to order something to their hotel room not wanting to leave and stayed talking about everything that was happening with the team and how they felt the game would progress.
They were clearing everything they used when the brunette heard her phone chiming, indicating the arrival of a new text message. Knowing it was probably Maura wanting to begin their nightly talk, she was quick to pick it up. Her brow frowning when viewing its contents.
Hey Jay, there was a slight change of plans. We won't be having dinner with mother. Seems like something came up and she will be leaving NY tomorrow at the earliest.
Jane couldn't believe the audacity of Maura's mother, she shows up without any warning to give Maura hope of spending some time with her, only to a second later leave without caring about their plans or Maura's feelings. The brunette knew Maura was probably upset about this and why she didn't call, only sent a text; the thought of Maura crying alone fueled her anger even more and she decided to do something about it. Turning to face Frost she said:
"Frost, you said you had a cousin working in one of the hotels here, right?"
"Yeah. Why?" Frost replied confused about this turn in their conversation.
"I need two favors from you tonight. First do you think he can find out where someone is staying?" Jane asked, trusting their partnership and knowing he would come through to her.
Jane looked at the paper in her hand and compared the room number written in it to the one in front of her. Taking a deep breath and straightening her body, she knocked twice and waited for someone to open it.
As the door reveled the person inside Jane took in the poised and classy woman that was in front of her. The brunette could see the older Isles was someone who was accustomed to finer things and getting what she wanted.
"Can I help you?" The question broke her out of her mind, the unpleasant tone clear in the question.
"Yes, you can. If I'm not mistaken, you're Mrs. Isles right?" Jane asked confidently, not letting the older woman's attitude stop her as her own anger and determination took control of her.
"It seems as if you know who I am but I don't know who you are." Constance said before continuing, "You're interrupting my night and I've quite a few things to wrap up so please tell me what can I do for you?" The older Isles ended not happy about being interrupted.
"But that's where you're wrong. You do know me. I'm Maura's girlfriend." Jane said pushing through, forcing Constance to move back inside the room. The brunette closed the door and added offering her hand. "Jane Rizzoli."
Constance was shocked and arched an eyebrow at Jane's forcefulness, being surprised by the brunette's actions. "Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Rizzoli." She said, shaking the offered hand and covering her feelings. "Now that we've been introduced, tell me what can I do for you? Does my daughter know you're here with me?"
"No she doesn't know. And I'm here to ask you how can you act so carelessly and without any regard for Maura? Do you know how much you hurt her every time?" Jane said not beating around the bush.
"What are you talking about? I explained to Maura about the dinner. I need to leave sooner than I hoped and she understands. And watch your tone with me." Constance said calmly, not believing the way Jane was talking to her.
Jane ignored her protest and said "Understand? Maura doesn't understand and she shouldn't have too. She's a genius and knows you have obligations but on the emotional side? She doesn't understand and neither do I. I can't understand how easily you dismiss her, how you don't see what a remarkable woman she is and I can't understand how you can give her hope and make her excited about spending some time you, sharing her life with you and a second later throw that up in her face!" Jane ended angrily and waited for the older woman's reply.
Constance watched at the passionate way Jane talked about her daughter and how she ended clearly agitated by her thoughts. But at the same time, Constance wondered if Maura truly felt that way Jane was saying. "I love Maura and I'm proud of her. She knows that."
Jane chuckled darkly wondering in what land Constance lived and if she even had a clue about who Maura was. "No. Maura is the one who loves you. That love is what makes her happy and hopeful every time you're near her, in hope you'll be able to spend time with her, only to get crushed in the end. And all she knows is that you cancel every plan you two make together and how she's always second in priority." Jane ended calmly, exhaling her anger and hoping the older Isles listened to her.
The matriarch heard the sincerity in Jane's words and felt her heart break at the thought of how much she hurt her daughter. Suddenly feeling exhausted she turned to sit at the sofa, clearing a tear that managed to escape. "Contrary to what you believe I do love Maura and I'm immensely proud of her. I accompany her career and I know she became one of the best doctors in her field. My daughter has surpassed any expectation I had of her." Constance said.
Jane saw how emotional the older woman was and simply replied. "I'm not the one who you should be telling these things to. Try visiting to spend time with her and not just because you're in the area in business, stay with her at her house, don't keep tabs in her career instead call her and ask about how she is and what she's doing."
"You're right." Was her reply, after saying that Constance stood up moving towards the door. "Well, thank you for coming, Jane. It was a pleasure to meet you." She said opening the door to let Jane out.
"Uh?" Jane muttered not knowing what to do.
"Do not worry, I heard you. And this is the moment we say our good-byes." Constance said, noticing the confused look on the brunette's face.
Knowing she was being dismissed and hoping for the best, Jane moved to leave since she probably wouldn't get nothing more out of the older Isles. "Have a good night, ma'am. It was a pleasure meeting you and I hope we see each other soon." She said, stepping out in the hallway feeling the tension leave her body.
Jane entertained the thought of going to Maura's hotel room but decided it was best not to. Maura probably wanted some time by herself and if she wanted Jane there, she would've called instead of sending the text, so Jane settle herself in going back to the team's hotel and seeing Maura in a few hours, right after the game.
The next afternoon Maura buried her resentments knowing there was nothing to be done and focused on having a good time at the game and supporting Jane. Last night she had received a comforting reply to her text and she was glad Jane didn't try to meet her and understood her need for some time alone.
She put the final touches on her make-up, grabbed her ticket and moved to call for a cab when a knock interrupted her actions. She quickly moved to see who was on the other side hoping it wouldn't delay her.
As soon as the face of the other person appeared Maura felt herself freeze and the words leave her genius brain for a moment. When she refocused she finally greeted her visitor.
"Hello, mother. I thought you would be on a plane right now."
Constance noticed her daughter's expression and cursed herself as it seemed like it was the first time she was truly noticing Maura and her feelings. "You're not wrong dear but I postponed it. I thought we could perhaps spend the day together." She said noticing they hadn't moved and she was still in the hallway.
Maura felt a mix of feelings, happiness that Constance was there but astonishment that she thought Maura would drop everything to stay with her. "I'm sorry mother, but I was just leaving to watch Jane's game."
"I know, Maura. You misunderstood me. I thought I could accompany you to the game. I have a car waiting for us, if you agree." The older Isles said.
Maura knew she didn't hide her surprise when she stumbled in her reply. "Hmm, yeah. Okay." She grabbed her purse and closed the door behind her. "Do you really want to attend the game, mother?" She asked while they rode the elevator down.
"Of course I am. I want to see the woman who makes you so happy in action." Constance replied as locked their arms together and spotted her driver and they drove off.
"Mother, what kind of ticket did you manage to get in such short notice? I can't enter through here with my ticket." Maura said as she noticed the direction the car was going near the stadium.
"After seeing what team your girlfriend was playing against tonight I called a friend and arranged a seat at the skybox. Do you really think I would come with you and let you watch alone while I'm somewhere else?" She replied as they moved through the hallways towards the skybox. Maura didn't reply but her silence and answer was clear to both women.
Sometime later the game had already passed the halfway mark and they were approaching the final quarter of the game. "It's a shame Jane isn't playing, dear." Constance commented as they watched the Patriots lose another play.
"Yes, mother. There's been some issue with the quarterback. Jane's been trying to talk to their coach but since she just got in, there's not much she can do." Maura replied before adding "She's quite the phenomenal player."
"I believe you Maura. But don't worry, I'm sure I'll have plenty of opportunities to watch her games and I'll convince your father to watch it too." Constance said, her casual tone catching Maura off guard.
"I'm sure father will love the strategy and military roots of the game." Maura said but was interrupted.
"Constance?" The man asked approaching both ladies.
"Hello, Woody! I looked for you when we got in but couldn't find you. How are you, dear?" The older Isles greet him, ever the charming political woman.
"I'm fine, dear. I arrived not long ago." He answered, kissing her cheeks twice.
"Thank you so much for arranging this for me. I know it was last minute but you know how unpredictable my life is." Constance said.
"It was my pleasure. I'll admit I was a little surprise when you called asking for these seats but I understand your life well." He answered laughing. "And who are you with?"
Constance turned to her side wanting to bring Maura into the conversation but found no one by her side. Maura accustomed to being ignored whenever Constance got together with one of her important friends had moved to be closer to the window, focusing on watching Jane by the bench.
When Constance finally spotted Maura, she immediately moved taking closer taking Woody with her. "You remember my daughter Maura, don't you?" She said while grabbing her daughters surprised attention.
"I don't believe we ever met." He replied shaking Maura's hand. His answer surprised Constance and the dimension of her behavior towards Maura hurting her deep in the heart.
Maura remained silent observing her mother's response. "Well, she's the reason we're here today. Her beautiful girlfriend plays for the opposing team of yours, actually. We're here to support her."
"The young quarterback?" He asked directly at Maura.
"Yes. She just started." Maura replied with a soft smile.
He nodded before replying "Quite a find of theirs. Too bad she's in opposing team but let her know we're keeping an eye out on her if she ever decides she needs a change." He finished before excusing himself.
The ladies returned to their previous place, one in deep thought while the other concentrated on the end of the game and Jane leaving sadly to the locker-rooms after another game ending in a loss. After a moment, Constance broke the silence.
"You know, Maura, I don't believe I ever told you how proud I'm of you." She began, noticing the surprised look that had turned towards her. "I realized your father and I made a lot of mistakes towards you and will be a difficult and long road until you fully forgive us and we get to a solid point in our relationship but we're hoping you'll give us a chance to fix our mistakes and rebuild our relationship."
Maura, for her part, couldn't believe what she was hearing. Hope filled her chest but a small part of her brain told her to be careful and not be to excited. Tears began to fill her eyes and she said "I would like that very much, mother."
Mother and daughter hugged. "I know it may seem I don't care but I do. I am aware of your work and accomplishments and they make me, us actually, very proud and happy. You've made a name for yourself and you're a wonderful doctor. I'm so proud of you and love you so much." Constance said by Maura's ear.
The young Isles took a deep breath to take control of her emotions and tightened their hug.
"Why don't we get down and meet your lovely girlfriend?" Constance said, noticing her daughter's reaction and that they had enough emotional talks for one day. Maura nodded and they left the skybox in search of Jane.
The mood in the locker room was a tense one. Players were frustrated with the development of the team's season, going from a well-oiled machine to a team without creativity, with egos playing a major role in the plays and the game's development. Everyone was having problems with the way their old leader was behaving and with why their head coach hadn't made the choice to change his ways.
"Hey, kid." Jane heard from her side and looking up she saw one of the oldest players in the team and an important piece of the offensive line, Korsak.
"Hey, Korsak." She greeted him before adding. "Is everything alright? What can I do for you?"
"Actually, Jane. Is what can you do for you and for the team." He replied taking a seat beside her. "I know you can tell no one is happy about our performance in the last games. And I went to talk to coach trying to get some sense in him but I can't figure out what is in his head that he hasn't put you back in again. But other than that I'm trying to figure out why you haven't tried to do the same either."
Jane was surprised by his observations and said "I wasn't really sure if the players would back me up if I went to talk to him and also I didn't want to piss anyone of by getting in the middle of something I have no business being in."
"But you do have business. You want to win, right?" He replied and continued "Maybe at first most of the players were doubtful of you but make no mistake they're just waiting for your move to back you up." He ended, getting up and leaving Jane alone.
Realizing maybe this was his own way of backing her up, Jane looked over at Cavanaugh office and noticing he was alone, decided to tell him what she thought before the bye week to give him time to think about everything.
"Coach? Can I have a minute?" Jane asked already closing the door after her. Since he simply nodded, she continued. "I know there's probably things happening in the backstage that I have no clue about but I do know about my fellow team players and the atmosphere in and out the field; and there isn't one single person happy about our games. It isn't about the scores, we all know losses are part of the job but it's about how the game and plays flows."
Since he was clearing still playing attention she continued "You don't need to give me any reason why you're making the choices I know you can see aren't the right ones but I'm here to tell you I'm ready. I'm ready to be an integral part of the team and lead him back to the path we were." Jane said, not wanting to say any names, knowing her coach would understand. "I did a pretty decent job on the games I played and let me prove to you I can be your official starter from the next game on." She moved to leave and added "We both know what's pushing this team down. I hope you don't make the mistake to let that continue to happen." Exhaling she closed the door behind her not wanting for a response.
"Hey, babe! This a pleasant surprise!" Jane exclaimed as soon as she left the locker room all her tense thoughts leaving her mind at the sight of her girlfriend.
As soon as they were close enough, they wrapped themselves in a tight hug, both enjoying the feelings the other one evoked. "I'm sorry about the game, Jane." Maura said into Jane's ear.
"Let's not think about that right now." Jane replied wanting to focus on enjoying her night with Maura. "Happy thanksgiving, babe. I know the main thing I'm thankful for is having you by my side."
"Happy thanksgiving, Jane." Maura replied excitedly. "I'm thankful for you each day more." She ended catching Jane's lips in her own.
A throat clearing startled them out of the kiss, making both women turn to look at the source of the sound and cheeks reddened at the sight of a smirking Constance.
"Sorry mother." Maura said pulling out slightly of Jane's grip. "Mother, this is my girlfriend, Jane. And Jane, this is my mother Constance." She said, introducing the two.
"Oh we've met dear." Constance replied to her daughter. "Truly sorry about the loss, Jane." She added giving Jane a kiss on the cheek.
Jane's face heated up at the greeting and at the feel of Maura's questioning eyes on her. "Thanks for coming, Mrs. Isles." She replied.
"Anyone want to tell me how you've met?" Maura asked stiffly with her hands on her hips.
Constance realized she had shared something private, felt sorry for the look on the brunette's face. "We just had a chat last night, dear."
Maura looked between the two of them, examining the look on her mother's face and the way Jane kept her head down, looking down to the floor. And she quickly placed everything together. "Oh, I see." She said quietly.
Jane's heart broke at her girlfriend's tone, she wanted to wait to talk to her in private but couldn't stand Maura's sadness. "Maur, babe…" She started but was stopped.
"Don't, Jane." Maura said angrily before turning to look at her mother. "So you only came here because Jane told you to?" She asked hurtful.
With Maura first thought being those, Constance realized she had a lot more to make up than she thought. She approached Maura, placing her hands on Maura's shoulders. "Of course not, Maura!" She cupped Maura's cheeks "My actions for better or worse are my own. Yes, we talked about you but she only shined a light on how I was treating you with me even realizing. I'm not here because of a duty or forced. I'm here because after we talked I realized how wrong and misplaced my actions towards you were. I love you very much and I realized I wasn't showing it in the right way. And your father feels that way too." She said firmly wanting Maura to believe her. "You know I don't do anything I don't want to and the thing I want the most is to fix our relationship and be a part of your life." She hugged her emotional daughter whispering into her ear, before kissing her cheek "Don't be angry at Jane, please."
"I'll wait for you two by the car." Constance said, leaving the girls alone.
As soon as Constance was a few steps away Jane turned to Maura wanting to explain. "Maura babe, I was going to tell you tonight about that. You were just so disappointed and sad yesterday after she cancelled dinner and I got so angry she treated you like that again that I went to talk to her. I talked to her but what she said is truth, she wouldn't be here if she didn't want to. I couldn't stop myself. I'm sorry, please don't be mad at me."
Maura inhaled deeply looking into Jane's sorry eyes. "I am mad, Jane. But I understand why you did it." She said before adding "I know she's a stubborn woman that no matter what you two talked about if she didn't want to, she wouldn't be here. But what did you two talked about? And how did you found out where she was staying?"
Jane ran a hand through her hair before replying "We talked about you and how she was hurting you even if unconscionably. And I asked Frost to ask a cousin of his who works at a hotel here in the city and to cover for me while I was out. He asked around and found out."
Maura was emotionally shaken by this surprise. She was mad but at the same time the protective acts of her girlfriend was one of the things she loved the most. "You told Frost about me and her?" She asked feeling shame that he knew private things.
"No! I promise. I just asked him to find out and he didn't ask any questions. He knew it was important, though." Jane replied quickly.
Maura nodded accepting Jane's answer. "I believe you, Jane. I was just caught by surprise. I'm still a little mad you went behind my back but I understand why you did it. I would act the same."
"Thank you, Maur. I'm sorry and I promise I was going to tell you about it. Don't be mad much longer, please." Jane said sweetly, pecking her lips, glad she had understood.
"Let's go have our Thanksgiving dinner with mother so we can relax later tonight." Maura said, grabbing Jane's hand and pulling her out to where she knew the car was.
After meeting up with Constance, the trio went and had a lovely dinner at one of the older Isles favorite restaurants. Being a regular and a notorious person, they didn't have to wait a second before their table was ready. The three ladies laughed and shared stories making Maura feel like it was the beginning of the change in her relationship with her mother.
They lost track of time at the restaurant and when Constance driver pulled over to drop Maura and Jane off at their hotel, the young doctor hopped it wouldn't be like their others good-byes.
Jane stepped out of the car, lending Maura a hand before helping Constance out too. Since she knew mother and daughter deserved to have a moment alone, Jane was quick to act first and said her good-byes.
"Thank you for dinner, Mrs. Isles. It was nice to finally meet you." She said, extending her hand towards Constance.
However, Constance moved, catching her in a hug and said near her ear. "Thank you for loving my daughter so much and for making her this happy. We'll see each other soon."
The brunette blushed with her words and stepped over, entering the hotel leaving mother and daughter alone by the car.
"Maura, my dear, I had a lovely time with you and Jane. I can see why you're so happy and that you two truly belong together." Constance stated, approaching her daughter "I hope you trust me when I tell you things will be different from now on. Your father and I will be visiting more and calling you more, not only to talk about business. I know it will take time but I want you to confide in us and know we'll always be here for you." She ended, hugging Maura tight, tears filling both women's eyes.
After some minutes of sharing that moment they separated and wanting to control her emotions Maura said. "Father still has to meet Jane, perhaps we could spend some time in Paris together."
Constance laughed "Your Father and Jane, I don't even want to imagine." She sobered up and said "Lovely idea. It's been a while since you've been to our house in Paris. But unfortunately it's time for me to go. Have a great weekend with Jane and we'll talk again soon, dear." She ended kissing Maura cheek one last time before entering the car and leaving.
Maura looked as they drove away not believing what had happened these two days and the change in her mother's attitude. The young doctor still had her doubts and fears of getting her hopes up but in her heart she knew it would be different from now on and a happiness filled the place that was always hidden in her heart.
When the car turned and left her sight, she entered the hotel lobby searching for her girlfriend and finding her sitting in one of the armed chairs by the tv. She approached Jane, running a hand through her hair to catch her attention.
"Ready to go upstairs?" She asked when Jane looked at her.
The brunette immediately got up and locked her arms around Maura's waist.
"Everything okay between you and your mother, Maur?" Jane asked worriedly.
"Everything is fine. I know I might be settling myself up for disappointment but I really believe she wants to be closer." Maura said, taking Jane's hand and leading her towards the elevator.
"And you're not mad anymore with me? We're fine too, right?" Jane asked hopeful.
"I understand why you did it Jane. I'm not mad anymore especially with the way things ended. It was a shock at first but if you say you were going to tell me, I believe you." Maura said as they rode to their floor.
"Absolutely! And I'm glad your mother wants to change her ways. I'm sure you'll be begging for her to give you some time alone, just as I have to with my ma." Jane reassured and joked.
Maura laughed "I doubt that very much. Angela has an ability to be a constant present that my mother will never have." She said, making Jane laugh at her classy way of saying how the word privacy has a different meaning to Angela. "And besides, mother liked you a lot and we already made plans for you to meet father while were in Europe." Maura added entering the room.
Jane was still laughing when she heard what Maura said, making her freeze in place. "Wha? What do you mean with meet your father?" Jane said to an empty hallway, her panicking tone causing Maura to laugh all the way inside their room.
The brunette muttered to herself, resigning herself with her fate and entered the room to enjoy the start of her relaxing time with Maura. The couple taking advantage of their time alone to connect even more and strengthen their relationship even more.
A/N: Thanks again for reading!