Wednesday
Frost cleared his throat as he drove. "Remember Cam? That whole situation?"
"Your secret step brother? Yeah, I remember."
"My mom moved in with a roommate a few years after she and my dad divorced. I didn't think twice about it, because mom would tell me if she was seeing someone, but I guess she was worried what I'd think. If I'd judge her for being with a woman. But she's happy now, and that's as far as that relationship is my business."
"But you want her to tell you herself?" Jane asked, following along.
"She's scared, I guess. Grew up in a different time. I just wish she trusted me enough to know I love her and her new family, that I don't feel left out." Frost pulled up to a stop sign, smiling over at Jane. "You and Doctor Isles, you... I don't judge, you know. You've been good to me. Both of you. If anyone gives you a hard time, let me know, ok? I got your back."
Jane settled back into the car seat, exhaustion creeping over her body. She'd barely slept, the last few days. But Frost had clearly seen something, something that paralleled his mother's relationship with her partner, and Jane appreciated him being open with her, of sharing something. Of having her back, the way a partner should. But she and Maura weren't a couple, and telling Frost how she felt without checking in with Maura first felt like it would be a betrayal.
"My Ma wants me to invite you round for dinner," Jane said finally. "She likes to meet my partners. Let me know which weekend works for you."
Jane threw herself down at her desk with relief. She checked her emails and sent some in return, texting Maura again.
"I don't need anything sent. Sorry to bother you," Maura texted back eventually, and Jane wondered if Maura ever asked for anything she needed. She had Frost drop her off that evening at the address Maura had sent through, cautiously let herself in, a small paper bag of British strawberries held out as an offering. Beacon Hill. No wonder Maura thought Jane was after her for her money. The house was perfectly clean and tidy, as though no one lived there. The art on the wall was beautiful but depressing and there came a shuffling noise from what looked like the kitchen as Jane turned the lights on. A huge turtle - no, tortoise - came towards Jane, and she crouched down, holding out a strawberry. He followed her when she went to leave and she shrugged, headed to the tv, sitting next to him on the floor and explaining what baseball and the Red Sox were as the game started.