A/N: FINALLY! A NEW CHAPTER! I literally posted that author's note and had all intentions of getting this done that night and then life. And then I drove 12 hours to go be with family for my birthday and Mother's Day and now its like, no more excuses. This story wants to have a life. So here we are. I understand the frustration when you're reading a good one and having to wait for updated chapters. Its the pits. I have to say that the last chapter was longer than what I had planned so this one actually took some work as I have veered from my own source material a lot between Chapters 2 and 3 that I actually had no clue where I was going to go with Chapter 4. I want to start to ramp things up though. I went back and forth on the angst with this chapter. And then I decided to just let it flow the way that it wants to flow. I know that there isn't a story that will always have perfect moments but my goal is to write something that truly feels authentic and has you envisioning Sasha Alexander and Angie Harmon embodying their iconic roles of Maura and Jane.
I don't have a day that I plan on posting BUT my goal is posting a new chapter a week. This has been an amazing journey thus far and I'm grateful for all of the reviews, follows, and marks as favorites. As always, I look forward to your feedback and I am not making any money off of this. This is written solely for fun and a challenge to strengthen my writing ability. The characters of Rizzoli and Isles are the property of TNT, Janet, Tess, and Jan. Just a brief reminder that the story will always be in Jane's POV and will be in 3rd person when having to tell things from someone else's viewpoint, which will come into play soon. Oh, and the title of this chapter is in reference to the song "Me and Mrs. Jones" and not a tie to Casey. I haven't decided if I want him apart of this story yet. Anyway, enough with the long note, ONWARD TO THE SHOW!
Chapter 4: Me and Mrs. Jones
"Well, that was fun," I say with slight sarcasm as I walk into my apartment. True to their word, my brothers didn't say anything to my mother about what happened the night before. Honestly, I think she would have disowned us all if we said anything to ruin her moment meeting Tommy Jr. He truly is such a precious little guy. When Tommy told me he had gotten Lydia pregnant, I wasn't sure how to handle this. Tommy hasn't always been on the straight and narrow and their relationship had been off and on for the past couple of years since he got out of prison. Yet, when Pop left Ma for that bimbo Jillian and moved to Miami, I have to say that Tommy shocked us all and got himself together, took over the rest of Pops plumbing clients and moved into our family home so Ma didn't have to lose it. Now, with TJ here, I know that family dinners will always be in our family home. Who knew this would be so draining though.
As I ease on my couch, exhaustion sets in. Why am I so tired? My phone illuminates the time. 4pm?! We were at the hospital that long?! Well, between the photos, the impromptu lunch with Frankie who wanted to prod me for information about Maura and having to pick up my car from the precinct, it all makes sense the time. I guess I can get a quick nap in before my dinner with Maura at 8. Maura...If I am honest with myself, I am nervous about this dinner. I want to become friends with Maura. I think I do. Hell, who am I kidding?! Part of me wants to run far away from her because of all the feelings she makes me feel without trying. I don't know what this is but I worked hard after Isabella to not let myself get caught up like this. I felt brave with Isabella but after... No, Rizzoli, don't go back down that train of thought. Ugh. I look at my phone screen again to see that 30 minutes had went by. Yep, I'm taking a nap. My Nonna use to say a nap makes everything alright. Or something like that. I pull the afghan off the back of my worn sofa and settle in for a quick nap.
I awake with a start, immediately noticing the darkness outside. I scramble for my phone. 9pm flashes back at me in blaring brightness. 5 hours?! I slept for 5 hours?! I groan in frustration as I notice two missed calls and two text messages. All are from a number labeled in my phone as "Doctor Maura Rizzoli". Shit. I don't bother to read the messages and immediately call the number back.
"I hope you have a good reason for standing me up, Detective Rizzoli," I hear Maura start as I go to interrupt her.
"I'm so sorry Maur. I forgot to set an alarm when I decided to take a nap. I guess I was more tired than I knew because 5 HOURS LATER I seem to have risen from my hibernation and am extremely late for our dinner. I apologize."
"Oh. I am glad that you are okay but you didn't read my text messages?" Maura asks with a little trepidation.
"Um, sorry. I saw two missed calls from "Doctor Maura Rizzoli" and wanted to call back immediately. Let me check now."
"Jane, you don't have to. I just..." is all I hear as I sit staring at the first message and photo that was texted to me.
Her words: Not sure what has you away Detective but you still have time to arrive before both your dinner and dessert go cold. The photo is split with one photo of a beautiful table spread with a variety of dishes Maura seemed to taken half the day to prepare and the second showing Maura dress in a dress that looks almost painted on her body. The deep ruby red dress puts my mind into the realm of Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and if my eyes could bug out of place, they would. Her golden tresses cascade around her face and upon her shoulders as her face seems to have faint highlights to add to her natural beauty. Her lips, wearing a bright red shade, just add to the deep ruby upon her body, the dress hugging curves and having her body all a glow with its strapless style and modest split going up the side, exposing toned legs standing in heels that probably cost more than a month's income. Reviewing both photos, I quickly realize what my 'dessert' is. The first one was sent around 8:30. The 2nd text message has a photo attached but also has my heart conflicted. Her words simply read: Dessert got cold but there is always a raincheck. I hope you are okay Jane. Just call me when you can. The photo shows Maura in her king sized bed, holding a glass of wine, clean face and under her covers, wearing a somber smile.
Finally finding my voice, I all but growl into the phone, frustrated that the smile I was starting to enjoy, didn't reach Maura's eyes. "Maur, I am so so sorry. I didn't get back from the hospital until 4 and my mind has been a little all over since, ya know and I thought taking a nap would be a smart move but I guess it wasn't. I really didn't mean to miss our dinner date."
I hear a deep sigh and what I believe to be music come through the phone. "I," I hear Maura say and pause in the thought.
"Hey, I am going to FaceTime you. Is that okay?"
"Okay," Maura whispers before I hang up, reach over to cut on my end table lamps, and initiate the FaceTime call. She immediately answers. She looks so comfortable in her bed, wearing what I believe to be a long sleeve loose flowing yoga shirt and sipping from her glass of wine as she leans against her headboard. The music is more distinct now that we are on video.
"Is that Michael Bublé you are listening to?"
Maura's face curves as though she didn't expect me to be familiar with such an artist. "I am surprised that you know who this is. Yes. He is not my favorite singer but I feel that his voice and music does well to set a mood when waiting on a certain detective to come over and enjoy the dinner and dessert you prepared."
My hand rubs my face unconsciously at Maura's words. She doesn't sound angry or upset or even disappointed. I can't put my finger on it but it is almost as though Maura is used to being stood up. But you didn't stand her up Rizzoli. You literally overslept.
"Maur, I am really sorry. I didn't mean to missed out on what looks like an amazing dinner and even better dessert. I really was looking forward to spending the evening with you and learn more about you. I just..." I look away from the phone as I try to collect my thoughts.
I look back at the phone in my palm as Maura continues to watch me. "I just, while I walk with all the swagger in the world as a detective, when it comes to this... romantic things, I struggle. I... I wasn't sure about my sexuality in high school. I had a feeling but I really was trying to navigate through it all and just wanted to be Jane without having to put a label to it. Plus Catholic guilt and stuff. But when I got out of the academy and really started to pave my own way moving up in the ranks of BPD and becoming the youngest detective in BPD, I had to start facing myself. I was in the drug unit and just made detective and decided to stop being afraid and admit that I was gay. Coming out wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but trying to navigate dating women and my career, well, let's just say that I was much better at navigating my career over women. And then I met a woman named Isabella. She went to BCU for nursing and really made me feel like I could just be myself around her. She didn't look at me crazy or with pity when I struggled to express myself or even think it weird when my friends tried to be my wingman and help me get dates. We were friends and one day, she made a move that made it clear that she wanted more. When I was assigned to Homicide, I was so excited about life. I was excelling in my career and Isabella and I were engaged to be married. Literally everything was great until... Until the case I had with The Surgeon."
I don't know why but my eyes start to water as I recount my past to Maura. Maura gives me a somber smile as she speaks for the first time during my rambling, "I am familiar with him. It became national news but some of my contacts here in Boston reached out to me in Los Angeles during the beginning of his killing spree for a consult. I made the observation that he could possibly be in the medical field or medical school drop out. I was happy to hear he had been caught... wait. You were the young detective that he injured?!" Maura's mouth fell open at the realization. "Oh Jane..." I could hear the empathy in her voice as I stared out in front of me, not wanting to let myself break down any further.
"Hoyt,' I slowly said as I tried to even my breathing, 'was one of my earlier cases in Homicide. We were driving ourselves crazy trying to find this bastard. The FBI was consulting with us and provided us I am assuming with the profile that you helped to create. We really were running ourselves ragged and knowing that he was going after couples didn't help my anxiety when it came to Isabella and I. And then my nightmare came true when he used Isabella as a pawn to get me all to himself. Fortunately he didn't have her but unfortunately, that's all it took to get me to go into the basement of where we felt he was holding the wife of one of the latest victims we had found. If it wasn't for Korsak, I don't know if I would have made it out alive. These scars, "I hold up my hand for Maura to see, "are the reminder of him. I was in the hospital for a couple of weeks and I changed. I didn't want to see Isabella at first. I felt I was sparing her from the pain that being close to me was already causing my family. Eventually I realized that it wasn't helping either one of us for me to ignore her. She tried her best to continue to stay by my side as I recovered and we got back on track with planning our wedding but the week before our wedding, she called it off and left. She left me a 'Dear John' letter. I um, I poured myself into my work and eventually went to a therapist to deal with my issues as I became reckless when Isabella left. Therapy helped me to get my head together but I honestly haven't gotten better with interacting with me. I meet them and expect to find one who will be like Isabella but they aren't. I guess that leads up to last night and the dare that Nina, Frost, and Frankie all went in on. They just want me to be happy but I just want to be me, ya know. Working in Homicide is my life's work and finding someone who can handle the dangers that come with this job and still love me through it all isn't easy."
I glance back at the phone to see Maura's tear stained face. She is looking at me in a mixture of emotions that are hard for me to pinpoint. Its at this moment that I really wish I was in front of her to wipe away the tears. My heart tugs at the fact that I have made her cry as I seem to vomit out the emotions I didn't know had been on my mind since last night, since I placed the rings I had purchased for Isabella upon Maura's finger. The rings that Isabella never got to see as we both wanted to surprise the other on our wedding day. The rings that I honestly would never ask back from Maura.
"Me and Mrs. Jones/ We got a thing going on," Michael Bublé sings softly in the background as Maura and I seem to just stare at each other through the phone. I really don't want to walk away from her but I don't know how we are to navigate forward from here. I think you are supposed to get to know each other first before jumping into marriage. I guess the best thing is to actually ask her what she wants.
"Thank you," Maura finally speaks, "thank you Jane for sharing this with me. I can tell that this is still hard for you and I definitely would not have pressured you into sharing despite you calling me her name but I feel privileged that you are comfortable enough me with to share sure an emotional part of your past. I meant what I said this morning, I really would like for us to be friends. You know, when you didn't show up tonight, part of me felt like it was a blessing in disguise. I know you may find this hard to believe but I'm not the best when it comes to social interactions. While I am an expert in my field and able to command the respect of law enforcement and other government officials, making friends has always been a struggle for me. As Barold said last night," I laugh and interrupt Maura's speech.
"Barold?" I laugh as I rarely hear anyone refer to Frost by his government name.
"Isn't Detective Frost's first name Barold?" Maura asks with a slight raise to her eyebrow. It is such an adorable look.
"Yes it is but it's rare that I hear anyone call him by his name. Most of us just call him Barry or Frost but I have a feeling that for you, he will answer every time you call him Barold."
I smile at Maura to encourage her to continue. "As I was saying, Barold was correct in all that he shared last night about my background. I was born into affluence. I spent my younger years traveling the globe with my family, being raised by nannies before I finally asked to be sent to boarding school. I struggled to make friends as a child. My advanced nature as a child made it difficult to relate to other children. I found the world around me so fascinating but a five year old's best friend shouldn't be anthropologists and renowned artists. So, I made a request at 10 to go to boarding school. I hoped the environment would connect me more to other youth but I still struggled to connect with others. So I poured myself into my education, graduated as the youngest of my medical class and focused on making a name for myself in the forensic community. I have traveled and worked all over. I started off serving two years with Doctors Without Borders. I enjoyed my time working in small villages in Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing aid to those in need. I um, I probably would have continued my efforts there but I met a man by the name of Dr. Ian Faulkner and I thought I had met my equal but I soon realized that he looked at me as a conquest. He heard about who my family was and thought that he could "bag" me and use that as leverage to get my family's foundation to make a larger donation than they already were to Doctors Without Borders. I was ashamed that he used me in that manner and I believe that's where something switched off in me. I was already socially awkward but after Ian, I focused on my career and found comfort more in working with the dead than the living. I moved to California and became the Chief Medical Examiner for LA County. I didn't make many friends during my time there but I held the respect of the entire LAPD and surrounding counties within the law enforcement community. I have always been someone who looks at sexuality as being fluid and that when you open yourself to love, your sexuality can shift and change to fit the love that is coming into your life at that point. So, I have never limited myself to dating just men. During my time in LA, I did allow myself to go out and date but..."
Maura pauses and gives me a glance. I can tell she is trying her best to tailor her words in a way that doesn't offend me.
"I started dating a fellow law enforcement officer. She had just made detective and I decided to take her with me to an art gallery showing of my mother's. I knew that my parents were snobbish but I never realized how much until that night. My parents always felt like I was destined for more than being a medical examiner. However, they are proud of the fact that I am world renowned in my field. Still, they seem to have a level set expectation that whom I date should be of equal pedigree befitting an Isles. Not long after that event, Detective Simone and I decided it best if we leave our relationship to just a working one. Since then, my parents have tried, and failed, to set me up with the children of those in their social circle. When I decided to move back to Boston and look for a position in the New England area, my parents seemed on board for the change but I am not sure if that is because they believe they can try again to get me to marry Garrett Fairfield or because they know that I will no longer be near Kimberly and those in the LAPD who accepted me for who I am. Either way, tonight when you didn't show, I wondered if despite the feelings that I can't really explain that I have had since I met you, if it wasn't a blessing in disguise so that I am able to actually get to know you and maybe spare you from the judgmental nature of my parents. I already know if they ever find out about this dare they are going to think I have gone mad or think you were after the Isles wealth. I hope you know that I don't think that at all and while this dare was for you, my saying Yes was I think a little for me as well. I have never done anything so spontaneous and freeing in my life. So, thank you for last night and this moment. I will always cherish this."
I smile at Maura. I don't know where we are going to go from here but I'm glad that we aren't physically face to face. I think that the space actually gave us both the ability to share so freely. I smile at Maura and begin to ask her more about what she is now working on and how she is settling into Boston. She reveals that she is simply working on a consult basis for local and state law enforcement in the area until she figures out if she wants to work full time again in medical examiner's capacity or if she wants to do something else. We keep our conversation light and full of laughter. Maura tells me that she has plans to go to Europe for a couple of weeks to visit with her parents but wants us to keep in touch and see each other once she gets back in the States. While I am a little sad at the news, I think it will be for the best to help us reset our relationship. Rizzoli, you two barely have known each other for 24 hours, you don't have any kind of relationship.
I look at the clock and realize we have been on the phone for almost two hours. A yawn slips from both of our lips as we share a laugh. "Well, Dr. Mrs. Rizzoli, I believe its time we call it a night. I um, if we don't speak before your flight, I just want to say I hope you have a safe trip and I look forward to the raincheck regarding dinner when you make it back." I don't know why but a slight nervousness creeps upon me as I seem to lose some of my nerve.
"I look forward to our raincheck, Detective Rizzoli. I'll let you know when I have made it safely to Paris. Goodnight," Maura whispers as she blows a kiss at me before ending our FaceTime.
"Goodnight, Maur." I whisper at my phone. I look at the clock, seeing the time of 12:04 am blinking at me. Slowly I stand and turn off the lights in my living room and shuffle into my bedroom, falling upon my bed. Tomorrow, I tell myself as I start to drift off to sleep, tomorrow will be a new day and hopefully I won't feel the slight sadness of not seeing Maura.
NEXT DAY
My Sunday goes in its crazy haze as I wake up to a bang on my door and a grumpy Frankie and laughing Frost and Nina standing on the other side.
"Jane, please tell your friends that its rude to drag a man out of his bed on a Sunday morning to settle up a debt that we can't handle until Monday anyway."
"Shut up Frankie. Jane, we just wanted to come and check on how married life is going for you," Frost jokes as they all make their way inside.
"So, how is the good Dr. Isles doing? The way you two were kinda all over each other when we dropped you off, I really wondered if you would even be home right now." Nina laughed as she tapped me on the shoulder, handing a small envelope to me. "Unlike Frankie, Frost and I made sure to pay a visit to the bank yesterday during normal banking hours. I'm sorry but you will have to work out on your own how you will settle up with Frankie. We are not your brother's keeper. Well, not on the weekend." Nina laughs as she sits down on my couch, watching me open up the envelope and look at the cash contained inside.
Frost walks up and hands me a similar envelope. I can tell both hold $5,000 each. "Well, I can say that I have never held this much cash in my life until now. Frankie, I expect my money from you before Friday. And I swear if any of you breathe a word of this to my mom, I will kill you all. And in reference to Dr. Rizzoli," I pause as I realize the slip of the tongue and Frost and Nina wearing a smirk, "Dr. Isles and I had a wonderful night and we are going to remain friends. She has a flight today for Paris. Apparently she will be visiting with her parents for a couple of weeks but we have plans to meet up when she makes it back to the states." I feel myself smiling as I look up at knowing glances.
"Oh and Frost, it seems that your friend, Detective Simone, was more than just a work acquaintance with Dr. Isles," I say as I look at Frost's face and realize that this information isn't new to him. "Wait, you knew?!"
"What can I say, I said I had a good feeling about her. I wasn't sure if it was THE Dr. Maura Isles as I have only seen photos of her but once she confirmed it, I knew I had made the right choice. Simone spoke of Maura often, at first out of reverence as a colleague but after a while I could tell that there may have been more there. She never confessed as much to me but I could tell when there had been a shift in how she talked about Dr. Isles. I never pressed her but I've always known that Simone dates women so, it wasn't a far stretch to put two and two together. Still, I always wondered what happened. Kimberly, I mean Detective Simone, never sounded bitter when it came to speaking about Dr. Isles but I could tell she wished that things had turned out different for them."
I watch Frost have a little far off look. "If I didn't know any better, I would think you might have some feelings for this Detective Simone," I tease Frost.
"Simone is like a little sister to me. We had each other's back in the academy and during my years as a beat cop out in NY before I moved here to Boston and her to LA. We have kept in touch over the years. Believe me, she made it very clear that she and I bat for the same team. Dr. Isles comes from a different degree of pedigree and despite my slight infatuation with her mother's art, I know that the level of wealth that the Isles family has can make anyone from that background come across as arrogant and entitled. Yet, Dr. Isles doesn't seem to be like her family and the circles that that level of wealth travels in. Jane, I know that this dare was something you will always remember as being the crazy drunk antics of your friends and brother on the eve of your birthday but oddly enough, I think it was divine intervention. I think Dr. Isles will be good for you and maybe you for her."
"Barry, I think we have played matchmaker enough. Let's leave Jane alone on this one. Rizzoli, as soon as I get to my office on Monday, I will shred the marriage certificate and all evidence will be a distance memory. Just a good bar story to tell her future wife whenever you do go down that road again."
I laugh as I go to my fridge and grab the six-pack in my fridge and pass one out to Frost, Nina, and Frankie. Laughter flows through us as we talk about how drunk Frankie was, how nice Maura's car is, and how adorable TJ is. Looking at the clock, I realize that it is almost time for family dinner. I usher everyone out the house and tell them I'll see them at my mother's as she started inviting Frost and Nina to family dinners shortly after us all starting to work together. Frankie hugs me before leaving, speaking about the night for the first time.
"You know Janie, I have to admit I was surprised you would go along with such a crazy bet and I thought Maura was a little psycho to agree to it with you. Yet, watching you two last night, there was just a light to your face that I couldn't explain. Even though having to come out of my savings 5 grand is a lot, I'll happily agree to such a bet again to see that smile on your face. I haven't seen such joy since...since you and Isabella were together. Like Frost said, it may have been divine intervention last night. I really hope you and Maura stay friends. I think it would be good for you."
I look sideways at my brother as my phone starts to ring. He looks at it and gives a smirk before patting my shoulder and following the others out the door. "See you at Ma's. Tell Maura we send our love." Frankie runs out and barely misses the slap I try to give him. "Dr. Maura Rizzoli" flashes upon my screen along with the photo that Maura sent to me last night that I had saved. I answer with a laugh as I lock the door behind my exiting company.
"Hey Maur. Are you headed to the airport?"
"I just arrived at the airport. I am waiting on our pilot to get final clearance to the flight plan. It seems that someone made an error to my paperwork and listed that we would depart tomorrow morning versus today. It shouldn't be much longer but still, something that our flight team doesn't normally make an error on. Apparently we have a new member assigned to our account with the company we use to charter the Isles family plane. Normally I would purchase a flight when going to Paris but since I am coming for Isles family business, my parents sent the family jet. Which I guess is a good thing for me as a certain detective kept me awake somewhat late last night."
My face breaks out into a grin as I head into my shower, ready to jump in so that I'm not late for family dinner.
"Well, I seem to remember that a certain doctor had me engaged in a very enlightening conversation well into the night."
"And I don't remember hearing any complaints from said detective. In fact, I believe that said detective may have gazed a little too long at my lips and chest."
I feel my face smirking at being caught in my reverence last night. I go to respond as I am enjoying my banter when I hear another voice.
"Dr. Isles, we just got the go for take-off. Please power down any electronic devices and fasten your seatbelt," I hear who I believe to be the pilot tell Maura.
"Well, it seems like we will have to continue this conversation another time. I um," Maura pauses.
"Just text me when you make it. We can talk when you make it back. Focus on your family business. I'll still be here when you make it back. Have safe travels."
"Jane, is it strange to say that I will miss you while I'm gone?"
"Oddly enough, it isn't strange at all. The feeling is mutual, Maur. We'll talk soon. Let me know when you've made it safely to Paris, Doctor Rizzoli."
I can hear the smile in her voice as she whispers, "Bye Detective Rizzoli."
Hanging up the phone, I stare at her photo before it disappears from the screen. Rizzoli, get it together. You two said friendship. You are sounding like a love sick puppy. Snap out of it. I rush into the shower and go through my routine to get ready for family dinner.
Across town, Maura has turned off her phone and looks at the ring still upon her left hand. She knows that if she doesn't take it off now, she will be met with questions from my parents and she wasn't ready to have that conversation. Removing the ring, Maura lets out a sigh before securing it upon a chain that she places around her neck. The ring falls securely below her blouse as she turns her attention to the Boston skyline as her plane takes off. Her mind staying on Jane as they begin their way over the Atlantic. Maura isn't fully sure of the family business that her parents have asked her to attend to but hopes that the time away isn't long. What she failed to mention to Jane last night that part of her reason for relocating to Boston was because the Governor of Massachusetts was looking at her to become the next Chief Medical Examiner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and something that she had started the interview process for before she was called away by Isles Foundation business. Knowing that Jane works for Boston PD brings up feelings of Detective Simone and how that all played out.
"Yes, Maura, they are both detectives BUT you didn't marry Kimberly on a drunken dare," Maura whispers to herself as she shakes the similarities away and focuses on reviewing the documents her parents has sent on the family jet for her to review before she arrived. Her focus stayed on the Isles Foundation the rest of her flight.
Hours past before I receive a text from Maura simply stating: Safe and sound Detective. We'll chat soon along with a photo of a beautiful view of the Paris skyline. I was hoping for maybe a phone call but with the late hour that I received the text, I'm just lucky she text me at all. My brothers seem to have forgotten the bet as family dinner was a joyous occasion, celebrating the birth of baby TJ. I was glad to have the time with family as to not sour my mood at not being able to spend time with Maura.
I send a quick text back: Beautiful view. Look forward to our next chat. Sweet dreams and Good Morning. Man, Rizzoli, you're already whipped I say to myself as I put my phone on the charger and lay down to rest, hoping that Monday doesn't bring any new homicides. I fall asleep to thoughts of Maura and what may have happened if I had made it to our dinner with her wearing the dress she did. Yeah, I'm totally whipped.