Sunlight streamed through the window and Jane covered her eyes with a forearm in protest. I should've closed the curt- the thought froze when her brain finally kicked in. This isn't my bedroom. If it hadn't been the sun, there would have been other clues- the faint smell of something floral, the incredible softness of the sheets, the memory foam mattress that cradled her naked body.

Jane grinned at the memory. With a stretch, she groaned, her body sore in all the right places. Reaching out to the side, she expected the delectable form of a certain irresistible woman. What she got was an empty space. Her eyes snapping open, she looked around, only to find herself alone. The room was impeccably made up, bearing little evidence of the previous night's events. She turned her head and saw her clothes folded neatly on a chair. A piece of paper was laid on top. Reluctantly, her arm unfolded from the warmth of the blanket and stretched towards the chair. She wiggled and extended her fingers until they touched the edge of the paper, just enough for her to grab it and pull it into the bed. Nestling back into the soft comfort, she held the paper to her nose and inhaled. A smile slowly spread across her face.

Unfolding the note, she read it out loud:

Jane,

I know it's your day off and I didn't have the heart to wake you. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to stay, duty calls. Or at least, my presence is required by 27 eager 5-year olds. Help yourself to anything you like… though considering the events of last night, that should go without saying.

Text me when you wake up.

-Maura

"'...that should go without saying'," Jane repeated with a laugh. She looked up at the ceiling and shook her head. She stretched again, this time revelling in the muscle soreness until her toes wiggled free of the blankets. Taking this as her reluctant cue, she pulled back the rest of the covers and swung her feet to the floor. The carpet was thick, and she took a moment to enjoy it. Finally she stood and slipped on her underwear and shirt before making her way down stairs. Vaguely remembering the layout from the night before, she found the kitchen and admired the futuristic coffee maker that drew her to the marble island. Another note awaited her.

Just press 'Start'.

With a smile, she did as instructed, and took the time to look around. There were things still in boxes throughout the living room and kitchen, and Jane wondered how recently Maura had bought the home. She also grinned at the fact that the first room to be completed was the bedroom. A woman after my own heart, she mused appreciatively. The thought made her pause, and she was reminded of the emotions that had flooded through her the previous night. Pleasure and adoration and comfort and…Still waiting for the coffee to brew, she ran upstairs and grabbed her phone.

"Ma, it's me. Do you think I could swing by the station and talk to you?"

XXXXXXXXX

After a quick shower and the most delicious cup of coffee she could ever recall, Jane jogged up the steps of the police station, waved to the desk cop, and turned into the small café. A quick wave got the attention of the woman behind the counter.

"Janie!" she said with delight, enveloping her in a hug and planting a kiss on either cheek, much to Jane's chagrin.

"Ma! Not in public!" She wriggled free and rolled her eyes.

"Don't you 'not in public' me, young lady. I have stretch marks for you. Sit down. Let me get you something to eat. You don't eat enough."

"No, Ma, I'm…" her voice trailed off as her mother went into the kitchen. Sighing, Jane sat and pulled out her phone. Almost on cue, it rang. Without looking at the screen, she lifted it to her ear.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Jane. It's me."

The 'me' didn't have to give a name. After hearing it for almost 7 years, the voice was unmistakeable. "Heather," Jane said, devoid of emotion.

"I called the firehouse and they told me it was your day off. I was wondering if we could get together today? Maybe have some lunch?"

"And why would I want to do that?"

"Come on, Jane, please," Heather all but pleaded. "I just want to talk, that's all."

"What is there to say?"

She tried a different route. "I have something to give to you."

Jane snorted. "Considering I was the one who threw you out of the apartment, I don't know what you could have of mine that matters."

"Please, Jane. For old time's sake."

Jane groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine. I'm at BPD with Ma. It's 10:15 now. Be here in the next hour. I won't wait." She hung up the phone just as her mother returned to the table with a plate of bunny pancakes.

"I made your favourite."

"Thanks, Ma."

The matriarch sat in the opposite chair and rested her chin in her hands. "So, who is she?"

"On the phone? That was just Heather. She's going to stop by to give me something."

She wrinkled her nose. "Tramp." Seeing the look of surprise on Jane's face, she shrugged. "I'm not sorry. She's nothing but a cheap floozy and she'll stay away from me if she knows what's good for her. Especially if I have a drink in my hand. Besides," she waved away the comment, "I meant, who is she? The one who's put that smile on your face and got you to visit your poor mother?"

Jane rolled her eyes. "Really, Ma. Nothing like exaggeration to go with my bunny pancakes." The two women smiled at each other. "And how do you know I've met someone?"

"Because you had that same look right before you told me you were gay. Nervous and giddy at the same time. You looked like you wanted to throw up and throw a party."

"Ma! I'm eating."

"Like that ever stopped you." She reached across the table and stroked her oldest child's arm. "So tell me."

Jane made a pretense of pouring more syrup as she said, "Maura. Her name is Maura."

"You can't even say her name without beaming!"

"Ma!" Jane protested, but her mother's joy was contagious. "Yeah, she's… she's amazing. Which is kinda why I stopped by. I was wondering if I could bring her to Sunday dinner? You know, throw her right into the family mix; like ripping off a band-aid." She laughed when her mother swatted her arm. "Seriously, is that okay?"

"Is that okay? Is that okay? Sweetie, this is the first time I've seen you happy in months. Of course it's okay. In fact, it's more than okay. I'll make my special lasagna."

"You don't make me your special lasagna!" Jane protested. She was about to say more when her phone rang again. She made a point of checking the caller first, and the name across the screen brought a smile to her face. "Hello."

"Hey, it's me. Maura."

She didn't even fight the goofy grin. "Maura who?"

"Maura who wanted to invite you out for lunch, but I must have the wrong number."

"Wait, wait!" Jane laughed. "I'd love to." She saw her mother point to the table and mouth the word 'Here'. Jane turned in her seat to look away. "Did you have anything in mind?"

"That could be a dangerous question."

She was glad her mother couldn't see her face. "How much time do you have?"

"Again, such a dangerous question."

Jane smirked. "Anyway… I know it might not be exactly what you had in mind, but how about we meet at the police station? It's not far from the school."

"The police station?" Maura repeated. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

The confusion of her words suddenly became clear. "Oh, right. My mother works at the café. Actually, I'm visiting her right now. I just thought… I mean, if I'm moving too fast…"

"No, no," Maura said. "I would love to meet her. If you're sure."

"Absolutely."

"Great! Lunch lets out at 11:55. I could be there, say shortly after 12?"

"Sounds great," Jane replied with a smile. "I'll see you then." Ending the call, she turned to her mother. "You look happier than I am, and I'm pretty damn happy."

The elder Rizzoli slid off her seat and came around to hug her daughter. "I am happy, Jane. It's all I ever want for you."

"I know, Ma." She melted into the warm embrace. "Okay, that's enough. More pancakes?"

XXXXXX

Nearly an hour on the dot had passed when Heather finally walked through the door. Jane wiped her mouth of the last remnants of breakfast and tried not to smirk when she saw her mother take up a defensive position at the table.

"Hello, Angela," Heather greeted.

She cleared off the table and scowled, "Tramp."

"Ma! Just… I'm fine."

Angela made a 'hmphh' sound, but knew enough to leave it alone. With a look that told her daughter she'd be nearby, she collected the plate and walked away.

"That wasn't awkward at all," Heather remarked, sitting in the empty chair.

"Yeah, well, no less awkward than me walking in on you fucking that college student."

"Jane…"

"That's not the name I heard you calling out."

Heather pursed her lips. "I don't know how many times I can say 'I'm sorry'. I truly am."

Jane opened her mouth to counter, but didn't bother. They'd had this discussion already- this argument, really- in front of neighbours who pretended not to notice Jane throwing out bag after bag of Heather's things on the lawn while yelling about love and trust. How many times did Jane cry into a pillow, wondering if she'd ever trust someone again? Even if she forgave, how could she ever forget? She shook her head. "Fine. You're sorry. I'm sorry, too. Now what did you have to give me that brought you all the way down here?"

"I was serious the other day, Jane. I want to give us a second chance."

"You want 'us'." Jane nodded, as if contemplating the thought. "And what about what I want?"

"Anything," she said, "I'll give you anything."

"Then leave me alone."

"Okay," Heather said. "I can do that. We'll take some time, get to know each other again. Slowly."

Jane's laugh held no humour. "No, Heather, I mean, give me my space. Like, go away. As in, we're over."

She shook her head. "I don't believe that. I don't believe what we had can be thrown away so easily."

"Why not?" Jane asked. "Isn't that what you did?"

Defensively, Heather said, "You'll never find someone like me." When Jane remained silent, Heather's eyes narrowed. "No. I don't believe you. You've met someone." Again, the brunette said nothing. "You didn't waste any time, did you?"

This got Jane's attention. "Don't you dare. Don't you fucking dare." Her voice was low and even. "At least I waited until I was out of our relationship before getting into another one."

Tears welled in Heather's eyes, and there was something in Jane's words and her reaction that dashed any hope she might have had. Her poise left her and she slumped in the chair. They were quiet for a long time, both reflecting on what was and what might have been, both contemplating the future, though one's vision was much brighter than the other's. Silently, Heather reached into her purse and slid a silver key across the table.

"The apartment key."

Jane laughed, this time with genuine mirth. "You don't think I had the locks changed the minute I tossed your shit out the window?"

Despite the circumstances, there was something in the image that made Heather laugh, too. "Yeah, I guess I should have expected it. I mean, I probably did. I was just…"

"Using it to meet up again," Jane finished for her.

"Yeah." They were quiet again until Heather stood up and Jane followed suit. She placed the key in Jane's hand and curled her fingers around her wrist. "Take it anyway. I don't have the heart to throw it away like I've done with everything else."

The words softened Jane, and she pulled her ex in for one last embrace.

"We were good once, weren't we?" Heather whispered into her hair.

"We were good once," Jane agreed.

There was a finality to her words that settled between them, and all Heather could do was step back and nod. She said nothing more, instead leaning forward to gently kiss Jane on the lips. It was a reminder of what they had and what they had lost. Jane returned the kiss, but it lacked the promise it would have once held, and in its place was a final goodbye. They parted without speaking, and Heather exited the café, never looking back. Jane wiped away her tears and sat back in her chair.

A soft touch prefaced a gentle, "Everything okay, Janie?"

She looked over her shoulder. "Yeah, Ma. Everything's fine. Really." Her smile was strong but genuine. She glanced at her watch and frowned, "Maura should be here any minute."

"Let me get you a coffee, then," Angela said. "What does Maura like?"

"No offense, Ma, but after seeing her super-duper Ultramatic space age coffee maker, I don't think this stuff is going to cut it. I know she likes tea, though."

"Oh, I have some nice tea in the back. Sit tight and I'll bring it."

Jane's phone buzzed on the table, the vibration notifying her of a message.

Something came up at work. Will have to take a raincheck.

Jane's mouth turned downward but she understood.

Emergency in the finger painting lab?

A minute passed.

Yes, something like that.

No problem. See you later?

It really depends on work. I'll text you.

Okay. Have a great day.

I will do my best.

When no further text came in, she placed her phone back on the table. Frowning, she read the words again. There was something in them that didn't quite sit right, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" Angela asked, returning with a steaming cup.

Jane shook her head as if coming out of a fog. "Nothing, Ma. Sorry about the tea; Maura can't make it."

"Oh, that's too bad," Angela said. "Nothing bad, I hope."

"No, it's just work. She's a teacher. At St. Mary's of all places."

Angela chuckled. "St. Mary's? I haven't been there since you kids went." She nudged Jane's shoulder. "A school teacher, huh? Not too shabby."

"Ma!" She stood and kissed her on the cheek. "I gotta get home. It's laundry day, yay!"

"Okay, sweetie. You make sure you bring that girl to dinner on Sunday."

"Don't have much choice now, do I?" she playfully grumbled. Avoiding another swat, she waved good-bye and stepped out into the sun. Slightly blinded by the brightness, it took a moment for her eyes to adjust, and by the time they had become accustomed to the light, she missed the blue shine of Maura's bike as it turned the corner, away from the police station.

XXXXXXX

She saw it. The hand hold. The embrace. The kiss. She took a deep breath. The kiss. She had stepped into the police station, unfamiliar with the building. A guard at the desk was kind enough to point her in the right direction, and she made her way to the café… only to stop dead in her tracks in the doorway. Tucked in the corner, farthest away from the entrance, was Jane… and another woman. Though Maura had never seen her, it was clear she was the ex-girlfriend. Ex-fiancé. This didn't look anything like the brush-off Jane had described Heather's earlier visit to be. Jane had assured Maura it was nothing; went so far as to call the ex a 'bitch'. This didn't look like 'nothing'.

She got to the corner, vision blurry with tears, before she stopped and took out her phone. She backspaced a dozen times before sending off the short messages, not wanting to accuse, but not willing to let it go, either. She knew she had to get away, to give it some thought, to remember what Jane had said. Maybe once her head cleared, she'd be able to contact her later and talk about what she saw. But not now.

What she didn't know- what she couldn't know- was 'later' would be taken up by panic and chaos. At 2:47, the fire alarm at St Mary's went off.

XXXXXXXX