A/N: Hi All, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to review. It means so much. I'm still quite enjoying writing this story. Would love to hear your thoughts. As always, I own nothing. Chapter 38'I'm sorry.'
Two of the hardest words to say in the English Language. Yet, two words that meant so much. Never had two words carried so much meaning and emotion. Never had two words been so sincere. Never had two words made the strong Detective melt into mush.
She was currently looking down at her cell phone. The sun had set and the day had gotten away from her so much so that she wasn't even sure what time it was. She was elbow deep in this case and if she was going to make it to the Gala the following evening, then she needed to focus on the case now.
She stared down at the words with a smile on her face. The smile fell when she realized that there was no way she was going to be able to see her girlfriend tonight.
'I know you are. I'm sorry too baby.'
She noticed the time that Maura had sent her message, it was over two hours ago. How had she not heard her phone. She hoped Maura didn't think she wasn't responding on purpose.
The message indicator went off almost immediately.
'I thought you were ignoring me'
Shit, Jane thought. That's exactly what she didn't want happen.
"Of course I'm not ignoring you. I caught a case. Its a doozy...I didn't think you wanted to talk to me after what I did'
'Jane, I love you. Yes I was upset but that doesn't change that. I shouldn't have said those things to you. And for that I am truly sorry."
Jane smiled at her girlfriends apology. She began to type her reply when she quickly aborted and dialed Maura's number.
"Hi." The soft sweet voice answered
"Hey." There was a brief pause. "You have every right to be angry with me."
"I'm not angry Jane. I mean I was but I'm not anymore. I know why you did what you did. How can I be angry for you trying to protect us."
Jane smiled. "I should have told you right away Maur."
"Yes you should have, but you didn't and we can't change the past. Let's just deal with the present and plan the future."
Jane smiled at her girlfriends words. "I like the sound of that baby."
"I miss you."
"I miss you too."
"Am I going to see you tonight?"
Jane took a breath and ran her fingers through her unruly hair. "I don't think so Maur. I'm elbow deep here. Frost is working on a timeline now."
"Is there anything I can help with."
Jane smiled. "No babe. You just focus on spending time with your parents. We can handle things here."
"Ok...promise me you'll get some rest."
"I'll try my best." She paused. "Maur!"
"Yes."
"I love you. And I'm sorry."
"I love you too Jane. Now go catch the bad guy and come home to me."
"Yes ma'am."
Jane ended the call and went right back into the bullpen. They needed to establish a time line that led up to the latest murder. She was sure it was going to be another all nighter.
Turns out, Jane was right. After a sweet goodnight text to her girlfriend around midnight Jane and Frost burned the midnight oil in order to solve the case.
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It was another bright sunny crisp morning in Boston. There was a few busy bodies in the Isles household. Richard was already up and awaiting his grandchildren for their day at the Country Club. Ben was beside himself with excitement where Abigale, maybe not so much.
Maura had prepared a light breakfast for everyone before they had to leave for the day. She had handed over the keys to her Benz to her father.
"Take my truck Daddy. I have a car service coming to pick Mother and I up and escort us to the Spa."
"And remember Richard, 9 holes not 18. Go easy on my poor babies." Constance said as she walk up between her grandchildren and wrapped an arm around each of them. She leaned in closer and whispered. "Remember what we talked about you two, try not to tire your Grandpa out, we have a big Gala tonight."
The two kids nodded and continued to eat their breakfast. "Don't worry Nanna, we'll make sure Gramps takes it slow." Abby said as she shoved a spoonful of Yogurt into her mouth.
Before long the children and Richard had left for the club. Maura picked up her phone to see if there were any messages from Jane. Nothing since their goodnight from the previous evening.
She quickly typed out a text.
'Morning Jane. I hope you are all snuggled up in bed sleeping. Mother and I are off to the Spa so I may not be available if you call. Hope to hear from you before my Sweetish massage.'
She looked out the front window and noticed the Car had arrived.
"Mother, our Car is here." She called out.
"Coming Darling."
They grabbed their things and were out the door. Once they got comfortable in the back seat. Maura checked her cell phone and noticed she had a missed call.
She quickly dialed Jane's number. An instant smile came across her face at the sound of her girlfriends raspy voice.
"Whoever is giving you this Sweetish massage better be old, and hairy and missing teeth."
Maura laughed. "Good morning Jane."
"Morning babe. I'm serious about the masseuse."
"Don't worry Jane, Stefan is not exactly into the female form."
"Even still, Stefan better watch himself or he's going to get his ass kicked."
"I'll let him know." She laughed. "Did you manage to get some rest?"
"Actually, I haven't even been home yet. Frost and I have been here all night."
"What! Jane.." Maura whined. " Its 8:00 in the morning."
"I know baby, but we are so close to closing this case. I can't leave now. I promise, as soon as I'm done here I'm going home to take a nap before the Gala."
"Ok..." She paused and looked over at her mother who was pretending not to be paying attention. "I miss you." She added
"I miss you too." She smiled wickedly and turned away from Frost who was at his desk. "And later, I promise to show you what a real massage feels."
Maura blushed. "I cant wait. I'll talk to you later Love."
"Yup. Love you."
"Love you too."
Maura ended the call with a smile plastered on her face.
"You two are bloody well adorable." Her mother said matter of factly. "That was so sweet I think I may have just gotten a cavity."
"Oh mother that is imposi.." She looked at her mother who was giving her a look. "Never mind..sarcasm. I get it."
"I take it things are back to normal with you two?"
Maura smiled at what 'normal' was. "Yes, things are fine. We both apologized to each other."
"It's not easy you know. Saying your sorry. Sometimes egos and pride get in the way. You're very fortunate that this early in your relationship, you've both established that its ok to say it. When you can say I'm sorry or I was wrong, well, those relationships last a lifetime." Constance smiled and put her hand on her daughters.
Maura smiled at her mother. "Mother, do you think its too soon to ask Jane to move in with us?"
Constance couldn't say she was shocked. She had heard from the children during multiple phone calls that Jane had been spending a lot of time there. She had witnessed first hand the previous evening how Jane interacted with her daughter and grandchildren. How both Abigale and Benjamin were quite taken with her.
"How do you feel when you wake up in the morning and she is not there."
"Incomplete..empty, alone. I hate it."
Constance smiled. "Then its not too soon Darling."
The car soon pulled in front of the Spa and the Isles women shuffled in for their day of pampering. Maura had made sure to add a Brazilian wax to the docket, that was more for Jane than for herself. She was planning on expressing to Jane in private just how sorry she was for the things she said.
Eyebrow raised and a smirk on her face, she followed the attendant through to her private room with a Mimosa in one hand and dirty thoughts of a tall brunette in her head.
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It was noon when Jane finally walked through her front door. She was exhausted to say the least but the hard work paid off. They were able to apprehend the suspect and after an hour in the interrogation room and a couple of rounds of Good Cop/Bad Cop, the suspect confessed. Sean gave the threesome the weekend off after a job well done.
She began stripping off her clothes the minute she passed the threshold to her bedroom. She sat on her bed in her boy shorts and a tank top ready to succumb to sleep. Before she closed her eyes she decided to text her girlfriend to let her know she was home.
'Hey babe, hope you are having a nice time with your Mom. Just wanted to let you know that I just got home and am going to sleep for a few hours. Can't wait to see you later. Luv you, Miss you. Xo'
It took less than a minute for a response. She lifted her phone to see that her girlfriend had sent her a picture.
Jane's smile widened at the sight of her girlfriend laying face down on the Massage table. With the glow in the room, she looked stunning. Her hair was up in a loose bun and stray pieces had fallen. Her gorgeous green eyes sparkling as they looked into the camera. Her shoulder bare with a very nice view of her breasts pressed against the table. A surge of arousal suddenly shot through Jane at the sight of her Love.
'Sweet dreams ' read the message below.
How very sweet they will be, she thought.
'Did Dr Maura Isles just send me a sexy selfie."
'She most certainly did Detective. You can see the rest of her later.' 'I'm the luckiest woman on the planet.' 'Hmm, maybe the second luckiest. Sleep well my Love. See you soon." Xoxo. 'Xoxo'
Jane took another long look at the picture before she set the alarm on her phone and placed it on the night stand to charge while she slept. She closed her eyes and pictured Maura laying on that table. She pictured herself standing there massaging the oils into her muscles. Feeling every curve of her back right around to the sides of her breasts. She was feeling more aroused now at the thoughts. Her hand trailed along her flat toned stomach to the waistband of her panties. She slipped her hand beneath it feeling her soft skin as she thought of her lover. Her beautiful Maura. The love of her life, and then... there was darkness. Her chest rising and falling peacefully, too tired to go any further.
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Despite its enormity, The Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Family Courtyard in the Museum of Fine Arts had been transformed into an inviting warm atmosphere for all the Isles Foundation guests. The space was enclosed by glass for an added dramatic effect. Two large limestone walls were currently serving as host to a sideshow of images of children across the country who were photographed while producing their greatest masterpieces.
There was a small stage set up next to a small dance floor where a string quartet played an array of old classics along with some more modern pieces for the quests. The sounds of the violin and cellos rang out flawlessly over the Venue's acoustic system.
The Isles Foundation had opted to forgo the traditional Gala style sit down dinner. Instead, there would be an infinite variety of Hors d'oeuvre being distributed by the staff.
A Champagne bar, a Martini Bar, a Cognac Bar and a Wine Bar were placed around the outer limits of the room for the guests to enjoy.
Perhaps the most alluring benefit of the Gala was the fact that all the guests were free to explore the 53 spectacular galleries in the American wing at their own pace while enjoying their cocktails. A random Cellist or Violinist was not uncommon to find throughout your journey to the different Galleries. This created the perfect relaxed ambiance for the Event.
Throughout the evening there would be a silent Auction of some exquisite pieces of artwork by some North American Artists in which all the funds would go the Isles Foundation in support of 'Art for our Children.'
With the guest list that the Isles Foundation had put together, the evening was sure to have a very promising and profitable outcome for the children.
Maura Isles was the picture of perfection. Her day at the spa with her mother had left her looking like she was glowing. Totally relaxed and ready to conquer anything that came her way. She was being the perfect host while working the room as she greeted the guests. Her parents were not far behind and if Maura didn't already know them, Richard was right there for the introduction and to boast at how amazing his daughter was.
The guests were filing in now and the room was beginning to fill. The blonde kept looking down at her Cartier wondering where her girlfriend was.
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Jane was fumbling around her room trying to find her right shoe.
"Shit, how do you lose a shoe! Don't they stick together for crying out loud."
As she bent to one knee she spotted its heal peaking out from under her night stand.
"There you are you sonofabitch."
She slipped it on and took another look in the mirror. She pulled on the hem of her jacket and gave herself a once over. Her hand went to her hip. She felt strange when she left the house without her Badge and Gun. It felt as if something was missing. Both those items were currently in her safe for the evening. In place of a 45, she had a clutch purse, now that was weird.
She looked at her reflection in the full length mirror and thought back to earlier that evening.
She had set her alarm to go off at 5pm giving her ample amount of time to get herself ready and arrive at the Gala for 8pm sharp as Maura had told her. Being as how the blonde needed to arrive earlier to attend to the Foundation, Jane had insisted she meet her there as to not slow the blonde down. Thank goodness for her gift of persuasion. She had slept through the alarm and it was now 8:00pm and she had yet to leave.
"I'll just put the lights on and be there in no time." she justified to herself. She thought about it for a second and went back over to the locked safe. She opened it up and took out her badge before locking it back up again.
"Just in case I get stopped." She said.
After another quick glance, she grabbed her cell phone and was out the door.
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Dressed in a deep blue strapless Chanel evening gown the blonde was making her way around the room. Engaging in conversations with her guests. She was chatting with a couple of guests about the Foundation and its great work when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Hello Maura."
She clenched her Jaw and excused herself. The blonde turned to look at a face she had not seen in almost a decade. He had aged some and his hair looked thinner. Inwardly she smiled at that. He had always been very vain about his appearance.
"Ian." She was short.
"You're looking well. " He said. However, what he was thinking was 'WOW! She looks fantastic. More beautiful than ever.
"I am well. Very well in fact."
"That's nice to hear. I also hear you are the Chief Medical Examiner, Congratulations. I never had a doubt that you would do great things."
"Well, although I'm very proud of what I have, I can't say that it is my greatest accomplishment in life."
"Oh, and what would that be?"
At that moment the Blonde felt a familiar arm slip around her waist. She turned and faced her gorgeous girlfriend and smiled.
"Hey baby, I brought you some Champagne." The tall brunette said as she leaned in and kissed Maura on the lips, letting it linger for an extra added affect, she parted her lips slightly to allow the very tip of her lovers tongue in to meet her own. Maura's hand came up to cup Jane's face. The kiss ended and Jane pressed her forehead to her girlfriends. It didn't matter under what circumstance but a kiss like that from Maura always left her breathless.
"Thank you sweetheart." Maura replied. The two were so wrapped up in each other they almost forgot that Ian was standing there.
He was in utter disbelief at what he just witnessed. When did his ex-wife become a lesbian? He was so shocked at seeing Maura kiss another woman that it didn't even register whom that woman was, that is until Jane turned to face him.
With an arm still around her lovers waist, the sides of their bodies pressed against each other, the brunette finally acknowledged his presence.
"Hello Ian." She said with a big smile on her face.
He furrowed his brows for a moment. Surely this wasn't who he thought it was. This woman was way to gorgeous to be who he thought she was. Those eyes, those intense brown eyes gave her away.
"J..Jane. Wha...Ho...Jane." He stuttered.
"You look very surprised to see me Ian." She responded.
"I..I uh..." He looked between both women for some kind of explanation.
Jane took the opportunity to have a little fun. She turned to her girlfriend. "I think old Ian here is surprised to see us together baby."
Maura smiled. "I think you may be right Jane."
"I think a lot of things might surprise him." She said teasingly as she kissed the corner of Maura's mouth causing the blonde to giggle.
All this while Ian just kept looking back and forth at the two women.
"Maybe we should give him some time to adjust." The blonde suggested.
"I think you're right babe." She laced their fingers together. "Great to see you Ian. Enjoy your evening." She turned to walk away when Maura suddenly stopped them.
"Oh, and to answer your question, from earlier. My greatest accomplishment." She looked into Jane's eyes and smiled. "Is my family." She kissed the back of her lovers hand before giving Ian another look and walking away.
The man stood there and watched as the two woman walked away hand in hand.
"Wow. Who are those two exquisite creatures?" He heard his friends voice from behind him. The man passed him a shot of Cognac.
"That, was my ex-wife and her lover." He said before he downed the drink in one shot. Felling the burning liquid make its way down his throat.
"Which one?" The man asked
"The shorter one."
"She's a fox. How did you let her slip away?"
Ian turned and looked at Gerrald. "I was a fool." He said as he walked off to get himself another drink.
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Jane was currently being pulled by her girlfriend behind a red velvet rope and into the nearest gallery. They found a dark quiet corner where they were alone. Maura was quick to press her lips to Jane's in a hard passionate kiss. She took her lovers hands in hers and stepped back to admire the brunette.
"Jane, you look absolutely stunning." The blonde eyed the woman from head to toe.
"Sorry, I know you were probably expecting me to wear a dress, but I saw this and it just looked really comfortable and more me."
Maura slid her fingers down the satin lapels of Jane's Black Tuxedo jacket. The cut of the suit and the way it hugged her long slender frame was perfect. The fitted pants that went to the ankle, the tailored jacket with its single button hugged Jane's hips in the most delicious way. Topped off with the sides of her hair tight against her scalp and the top in an almost mohawk. She was a vision, pure sex. But what the blonde could not look away from, was Jane's cleavage. The Tuxedo jacket was buttoned with a single swarovski crystal button and the brunette was not wearing anything underneath it. Her red stilettos making her a few inches taller than the blonde and providing the perfect view.
She slid her fingers along Jane's bare skin. "I cannot wait to get you home." She said in a whisper.
"Does this mean I'm forgiven?" The brunette asked
"Jane, honey..I should be the one asking, no begging for your forgiveness. I didn't mean those things I said. I was upset and out of line. I'm sorry I hurt you."
Jane cupped her lovers face in her hands. "I love you." She kissed her lips. " I would do anything for you." Another kiss. " I forgive you as long as you forgive me too."
Maura smile while her eyes began to water. "I forgive you." She pressed their lips together. "I'm so happy you showed up when you did."
"There was no way I was going to let you face that Asshole alone." Jane said as she tightened her hold on her girlfriend. She placed a number of soft kisses on her lovers exposed neck and shoulder. "Did you see the way he was looking at you. I can't say I blame him because you look incredible babe."
Maura smiled as her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "You think this is good, wait till you see what's underneath."
Jane's eyes lit up and a huge smile adorned her face. She leaned in and captured her lovers lips again.
"Let's get back. Mother will be speaking shortly before the galleries open for the guests to explore." She laced their fingers together and guided Jane out to the main Courtyard.
"I know what I'd like to explore " jane whispered in Maura's ear as they walked together causing the blonde to giggle like a schoolgirl for the second time that evening.
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The couple strolled through the main room hand in hand. Maura proudly introducing Jane to her guests as her Partner. It just sounded better than girlfriend. Jane smiled brightly at the blonde when she had heard it for the first time. Nothing made her prouder than being Dr Maura Isles partner.
Richard and Constance had both boasted themselves at how wonderful Jane was to their friends. It wasn't hard to see that this couple was very much in love. The soft caresses, the way they looked at each other, like no one else existed. Like they were the only two people in the room.
The couple stood together, both holding champagne flutes when they heard Constance's voice ring out over the speaker. She introduced herself along with Richard and said a few words regarding the Foundation's work. She spoke about the cause that brought them all together that evening and how important it was to keep the Art's programs alive in schools.
"Through Art comes feeling and expression. Through Art comes healing. We need to continue to give these children an outlet to express themselves, where they can create. In a world where darkness so often takes the spotlight, let's give our children the ability and resources to shine bright and to shine the light on something positive. Where our children can pour their emotions onto a canvas. Let's continue to give these children an alternative voice. As Edward Hopper once said. 'If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.' There are a number of pieces up for Auction this evening that have been so graciously donated by some very talented Artists. Thank you all for being here with us this evening and for your continued support of the Isles Foundation. Thank you for supporting our children by continuing to keep color in their lives. By providing them with the means to explore their imaginations, we can help prepare them for a brighter future. Enjoy the rest of your evening. The 53 galleries will now be opened for all to enjoy. I'd like to leave you with a final quote from a talented young Artist, 11 year old Benjamin, he also happens to be my Grandson, he said 'Nanna, everyone need a splash of color in their lives.' Thank you all."
There was a laugh followed by a loud applause while Richard helped Constance step down from the podium.
Maura smiled brightly at the last few words her mother said. It was true, her son sometimes spent hours in his little Art studio. He loved to be creative. At a younger age, he would have mini art shows with his little paintings all around the house. Maura of course would indulge him and go along with it loving how excited he would get over his work. She smiled at the memory and felt Jane's arm slip around her again.
"You ok?" She asked when she saw her lover in deep thought.
Maura turned her head. "I'm better than ok. I'm great."
Jane rewarded her with a smile of her own before she leaned in and lightly kissed her forehead. "Come on, let's go see some dirty pictures." Jane joked as she pulled a laughing Maura by the hand.
From across the room a pair of eyes had not left the couple. Ian had been following their every movement. He was dumbfounded at how this could have happened. Perhaps a little bitter as well. As he drank, he kept his eyes on them, watching their every move as they walked around the room.
Jane stood frozen in front of a painting. There was something about it that was so captivating to her. It was a painting of a woman's bare back. One bare cheek exposed as she held a towel over her left shoulder. Her hair was up with pieces that had fallen out and were caressing her nape. It was exquisite and she was lost in it.
"Jane, you alright?" Maura asked.
"Yeah..I just really like this one."
"Its a beautiful piece by a Canadian Artist. Awakening Light."
"Huh..what light?"
Maura chuckled. "Awakening light, its the name of the painting." She repeated.
"Oh. It's beautiful. It reminds me of you." She smiled. "It's the way I look at you after we've made love and you've left the bed. It's how anyone should look at their lover. I've memorized every muscle in your back, the cute little dimple's on your lower back. The swell of your breasts, the way the shadows dance on your spine. The curve of your hips, your ass." She turned to face the blonde. "You have the most amazing ass. Its all still, in my mind. If I closed my eyes I could draw you a picture and it would look just like this. Like an awakening light." Maura was so touched, her eyes began to water and a single tear rolled down her cheek. Jane quickly swiped it away with the pad of her thumb. "You are my awakening light." She said as she leaned in a captured the blondes lips in a soft kiss that simply took her breath away.
They parted but their eyes remained focused on each other. "Move in with me...with us." Maura said as she cupped Jane's cheek.
The brunette was slightly taken aback. "What about the kids." She said.
"They love you Jane, I love you."
Jane smiled and kissed her Maura's lips again as she wrapped her arms around her waist and lifted her slightly off the floor making the Doctor screech. They had gotten a few looks from passers by at the public display of affection, but they didn't care at this moment.
"Yes...yes I'll move in with you." She said as she put the blonde back down on the ground. They wrapped their arms around each other and just took a moment to revel in the joyous feeling of what was to come. Of their future.
A moment later they resumed their walk and exploration.
"So does that mean you will pose like that for me every morning?" Jane asked playfully.
"I just might Detective. After all, I do like to sleep in the nude." Maura said as she winked at her lover.
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Across the room Ian was loosing his mind. He had had just about enough. Surrounded by his colleagues he stood quietly waiting for a good opportunity to confront the two women. He had been teased quite a bit the whole night by his buddies. They couldn't believe he was once married to Maura. The fact that she was now with a woman did not help him either. His immature friends were all over that one.
The couple were walking toward the Wine Bar to get Maura glass of wine when they were stopped by Ian.
"So, how long has this been going on." He pointed between the two women.
"Not that its any of your business Ian, but its been a few months." Maura said.
He seemed to be a little less agitated knowing the relationship was still new. "I see. I wasn't aware of your lifestyle change Maura."
"Why would you be. I washed my hands of you long ago."
"Yes, you did a very good job of that didn't you. With the help of your Daddy of course."
Jane was not liking his tone one bit. "You deserved everything you got and more Ian."
He laughed at Jane. "You're way out of your league Jane. You've been paid off once I'm sure it can happen again."
Jane clenched her fist and tensed up. Maura had to hold her back from pounding him. "Jane, its ok. He's not worth it."
"Did your money run out Jane? Is that why you had to find your way up Maura's skirt?"
"You son of a Bitch. You have some nerve showing up here after what you did."
Ian took a sip of his Cognac. "I was invited." He smirked. "Or maybe it was a silent plea from Maura to get me back in her life." He looked to his Ex-wife. " Maybe she wants to remember what a Man feels like."
Jane stepped forward, she had enough of listening to this pompous asshole. She was held back by her girlfriend. "Jane, please." She looked into the blonde's eyes and saw her silently pleading with the Detective to let her handle it.
Maura got right in his face. "You are delusional Ian. You are lucky that I only found out about what you did to Jane a few months ago because if I had known then, I would have had you thrown in Prison." She got closer. " After I banished you from my life is when my life truly began."
Ian had to defend himself. " Admit it Maura, I ruined you for all other men and you had no choice to turn to turn to a woman."
"On the contrary Ian. After all your short.." she looked down at his crotch to emphasize her point. "Comings , I never wanted another man because I was tired of having to fake my orgasms. In fact, I haven't had to fake one in 10 years. " Maura could hear Jane chuckle beside her as she listened to her girlfriend bash Ian's Ego. "As for Jane, her passion and desire leaves me breathless. She can satisfied me with her pinky in more ways than you or anyone else ever could."
Ian's blood was beginning to boil now.
"As I said to you all those years ago Ian, you're barley a Man. I see not much has changed. I suggest you go back to whatever rock it is that you crawled out from under and stay there."
Before he had the opportunity to say a word Maura had turned to leave. Jane being, well Jane, had to get a final word in. She had thought back to when she was in the Hospital bed and had been visited by Ian. How he had said that Maura was not part of her world and never would be. She decided to go for the jugular.
She leaned in and whispered so only he could hear. "One more thing Douchebag, you were all wrong about Maura. She LOVES pussy." She winked at him and walked away.
For a second time that evening he was left standing there dumbfounded. What do you say to that! He glared at the couple as they joyfully walked away. His ego was crushed and there was no way he would let them get away with this.
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A/N: The piece "Awakening Light" is by Canadian Artist, Tanya Jean Peterson. Very talented Artist.