Chapter 7
"Spill."
They had barely slid into their booth when the demand tumbled out of Frost's mouth, knowing full well if he waited any longer Jane would find a reason to worm her way out of it.
"Can we not even order first? Jeez I'm starving."
As if on cue, Jane's stomach rumbled so loudly it caused Frost to break his serious stare and start laughing at his best friend.
"Fine. But I'm going to go order so you can't escape, I know you Rizzoli. Pepperoni right?"
"I thought you 'knew me'" Jane mimicked, "Plus make that double pepperoni… with a stuffed crust!"
Frost raised his eyebrow at her, knowing full well Angela would have another dinner ready and waiting for her when she got home.
"What? I'm hungry. Plus you know meat is protein, which I need to become big, strong athlete and beat the crap out of Southie High." She flexed her muscles as if to prove a point. Turning his back on Jane still laughing, Frost managed to catch the eye of the nearest waitress behind the counter and ordered for the three of them. Frost knew he had bought some time alone with Jane when Frankie realised he had some spare change for the arcade games at the back of the restaurant.
Shit, okay. Play it cool Rizzoli. Just tell him the facts. And let him make up his own mind? God No. But does that mean I have to tell him about Riley too? Fuck… he's too smart to just let it go…
As her inner monologue raged inside, Jane ran her fingers through her hair. Noticing it had only become bigger after practice, she decided there was no option but to tie it back as it would only distract her more, making sure to leave her signature curl to hang down on the left side of her temple. No more distractions. Frost was observing his best friend closely, and knew as soon as she put her hair up she meant business. Deciding it was cruel to make her wait any longer, he re-joined her at the booth.
"You ready?" he asked, his voice was gentle as if asking Jane's permission.
"Yes. But only if you agree to not say anything until I'm done?"
"You have my word Jane."
"Okay…" Here goes nothing.
After ten minutes of solid talking, Jane took a deep breath as she finished with what just happened at Maura's car and immediately she was trying to understand the facial expressions of her best friend. His jaw had dropped somewhere during the second and third minute of her story and he hadn't moved since.
"Do I have to check for a pulse?" she laughed nervously and reached out her hand to feel his wrist for a heartbeat.
"Double pepperoni with stuffed crust and three Pepsi's?" the waitress looked between the two teenagers, confused as to why Frost had his mouth wide open with Jane's fingers resting on his wrist, the Italian looked apologetic as she moved away and mumbled a polite 'thank you'.
"Oh lord this tastes good." Jane said through a mouth full of cheese and pepperoni, "Frost come on man, you can't miss out on this pizza."
He blinked. Regaining some movement in his facial muscles, he looked down as he reached out for a slice of pizza. He chewed for a few seconds, then looked Jane right in the eye.
"I fucking knew it Rizzoli. You lucky son of a bitch." He broke out into the biggest grin Jane had ever seen.
"First Cooper then Doctor Isles? Jeez, no wonder you never banged any of the guys on the team."
"Hey! … but true."
They both started laughing and started to inhale their well-earned meal, the expression on Frost's face continuously changing between impressed and astounded.
"Guys you could have shouted! Half is gone already!" Frankie whined as he dashed back over to the booth.
Noticing the grins on both his big sister's and Frost's faces, he had to ask, "What have you two been talking about? You look guilty about something…" the words slightly garbled as he tried to talk through a mouthful of cheese.
They both burst out laughing again.
"Never you mind little bro. Now eat before Ma rings us and asks why we aren't home yet!"
Feeling her phone vibrate in her pocket, she eagerly reached down to grab it hoping it was from Maura not Angela. It was! Even better than that, there were two.
Giddy with excitement, get a grip Rizzoli you're not 13, she unlocked her phone.
The first was a picture message of a beautifully prepared salad with thin slices of chicken, a sprinkling of diced bacon and croutons, dressing on the side with the caption: I'm telling myself you're having this instead, M xx
The second, was a message that simply read:
I do hope you're having a lovely night, I wish I could be there spending time with you. I can't wait to get to know you better, M xx
"Anyone interesting?" She heard Frost smugly ask somewhere outside of her little bubble.
Ignoring his remark she took a photo of the empty plate to send back, adding: "Now you'll never know if I did add anything green ?￢ﾀﾝ J xx
R&I R&I R&I R&I R&I R&I R&I R&I
On the journey back to Rizzoli household, Frost kept shaking his head and muttering 'Damn' under his breath.
Frankie was too absorbed in his phone to notice, but Jane was slowly turning a deep shade of crimson wishing her best friend would stop, luckily, he was about to pull onto her driveway.
"Frost seriously, you can't tell anyone." She whispered as soon as Frankie was already halfway towards the front door.
"Jane. Even though it's killing me not to brag about your conquests. The conquests that would make you LEGENDARY. Don't worry. I'll keep both of your secrets safe." A cheeky wink punctuated the end of his promise, followed by the famous Rizzoli eyeroll.
"See you tomorrow douchebag."
"If you don't get any better offers I assume? Your phone has been going off all night."
"FROST!"
As she slammed the car door all she could hear was Frost shouting, "Send my love!... oh and make sure you screenshot any pictures!"
"Boys." She muttered as stepped over the threshold, the delicious smell of lasagne and garlic bread filling her nostrils, making her mouth water instantly.
"Frankie? Jane? Help me set up for dinner! The cutlery won't set itself!" The voice of the matriarch echoed through from the kitchen.
"Sure Ma. Hold on."
Quickly dropping her bag off in her room, she took a moment to look at her phone. Another message.
I will assume you didn't finish that all yourself Jane, I'll have to use my imagination to think of what actually did pass those gorgeous lips of yours. Did you have a good evening? M xx
"Damn." She mumbled to herself. Now all she could do was overthink about sending the wrong reply. Would Maura think she was too needy? Not interested enough? What if she couldn't understand Jane's sarcasm through text?
Deep breath Rizzoli. Texting girls has never been your strong point, I guess it's time to learn!
Hey Maur, she typed nervously, it was cool spending some time with Frost (and Frankie I guess) I've just got home and Ma has just shouted dinner is ready, so I guess I'd better hurry before she comes and drags me down! I wish I could spend some more time just the two of us… would you maybe wanna go for food or coffee one night? You'll be able to see in person what passes through my lips…
Send.
Panic. Instant panic wondering whether that message was okay, was it too soon to ask her out? After a few seconds of deliberation her phone vibrated. Relief flooding through her.
JANE RIZZOLI YOU'RE EATING AGAIN?
Dumbstruck over the direct tone of the text, Jane couldn't help but laugh at picturing the outrage on Maura's face right now. It was then, her phone buzzed again.
Jane I'm so sorry I didn't mean that to sound so rude. I just thought pizza was your dinner for tonight and I realised I can't force my healthy eating stance onto you! (Not yet anyway) Forgive me? M xx
P.S. I'd love to go out with you… but it might have to be dinner at mine as we can't risk anywhere public . Would that be okay? M xx
HA! It's okay Maur. I have a fast metabolism and because I play lots of sports I tell myself I need the carbs and protein to be strong.(muscle emoji) Total lie when it comes in the form of a stuffed crust pizza, but still! And I kinda didn't tell Ma we were going for pizza… usually she wouldn't cook as well, but I felt bad telling her at the last minute as she loves cooking for all of us. J xx
P.S. I'd love to come over to your place, but not if there's anything green!
"JANIE! Come and help your brother!"
"Maaaa I'm coming!"
Her phone buzzed.
No green? You sure about that?
Seconds later Jane had received a picture message that made her moan loudly, clenching both of her fists in frustration. It was a matching set of emerald green lacy underwear with silver thread snaking its way through the design. It was new in the box with the tissue paper still wrapped luxuriously around the soft edges of the fabric. Taking a few seconds to take some deep breaths as her thighs took their turn to throb, keeping the warmth that was building firmly between her thighs.
Now that's the kind of green I could get used to…. Tomorrow too soon? she eagerly typed back, praying that her enthusiasm wouldn't lead to an autocorrect nightmare.
Tomorrow would be perfect. Meet me at my house around 5? M xx
I can't wait… although I do have to go because my Ma will definitely be sending a search party for me. Text you later if that's okay? J xx
More than okay. Oh and Jane? Don't blush too hard over dinner, wouldn't want anyone suspecting anything ? M xx
Okay so full time teaching placements are hard work! Apologies for the delay in uploading but thank you to all of those who are still with me! F xx