I'm so angsty. But we're done with that! Fluffy slightly fairytailish Rizzles ensues herein! I think that there are so many things that are never dealt with when it comes to our heroes in TV etc. and that's the soul pain these people suffer at the hands of what they do. Real people have to get fixed when they go through what they go through. TV people don't but it would help the real life people if they did. There are some that are doing that now. Seal Team is one. It's moving to watch. When we are broken and hurting we make choices that seem to be the best at the time, but in hindsight were nothing more than trying to escape the pain. I'm not sure that I started out trying to solve the world's problems here, but when someone shows up a changed person, there has to be a backstory. I got carried away! I do that. I hope this puts some bandages on your wounds.
I know that these stories have been told and told again. They all follow basically the same formulas etc… but they are fun to write. I hope you enjoy the read.
I do NOT own Rizzoli and Isles. I will say that I am obsessed with them…. I don't think that I'm the only one. They inspire me to write and I need the practice. I am not making any money here. At all. I'm just having fun!
In Case You Didn't Know
5.
Jane ambled slowly back to the house both lighter than she had felt in a long time and yet a little heavier in her heart because of the uncertainty. She had told Maura her truth and let everything sit in the small doctor's hands. All of the secrets and truths that she had shared created pain in both of them, but in the big scheme, the blond was the one who had suffered the most and Jane accepted that responsibility. Even through her breakdown, healing and all of her recovery, she understood that, while they had not seen eye to eye when it came to Jane's shooting of Paddy, Maura had never purposely set out to hurt her. She had felt hurt by some of the things that Maura had done, but many of those things were her own insecurities. She couldn't fault Maura for wanting to find love and relationship.
During their entire friendship Maura has been her biggest fan and supporter. The doctor had always been an advocate for Jane even after they had fought over 'the Paddy situation'. Yes, they had both said mean and horrible things to each other, but there had still been love between them. They had sassed, harassed and fought like a married couple having relationship issues, but there was always the love hovering in the background waiting to be the star again. It had taken a literal act of God and a giant brain to bring them back together. Jane had proven herself to Maura through her bravery, but it had never healed the rift completely.
After their re-friendship, as Frost had named it, it was Jane alone who had done all of the pushing away from there on out. Her offered hugs slowly became fewer and less intimate. Soft reassuring touches she once offered freely were kept to a minimum. It was an unconscious act on her part, but she was moving away from her only center on purpose. The distance between them before had been so painful that she didn't want to risk getting that close again. If she had gotten close and then lost Maura again, it would have devastated her to the point where she didn't think she would have made it back from the precipice she most assuredly would have tumbled over. She had tumbled anyway, but it was of her own doing. At least that's the story her therapist told her. She tended to agree. She had rarely done anything to suit her own best interest. None of that stopped her from loving Maura, but all of the hidden fear kept her from acting on it. Until now. Now she was done with hiding from Maura and she was done hiding from herself. The authentic life is what she had vowed in her heart to live no matter how beautiful or painful it was.
Maura had every single right to be mad at her. She also had every right to never speak to her again. When they had finished talking today it didn't seem like Maura had wanted there to be an end, but Jane also never dreamed that the good doctor would drop off the face of the earth only to land on some remote Italian island paradise either, but here they were.
She placed the basket on the counter in the pass through as she went by the kitchen on her way out to the front. A tall man in a suit opened the door for her. "Thank you," she said quietly. He nodded to her as if he felt she was being the typical American person of wealth who paid no mind to the 'help'. She looked directly into his eyes and touched his arm. "No, sinceramente." She used the formal form of gratitude letting him know that she understood him. Grazie…..di tutto, Antonio." Thank you….for everything. She smiled at him and received a large smile in return.
"Prego, signora. Prego. L'onore è mio." He smiled broadly at her and answered in proper accented English. "It is my honor. Have a good afternoon."
"I will." She gave him a shy smile and stepped out into the sun. She closed the door quietly behind her. To her trained eye he obviously wasn't really the butler. He was the bodyguard and the watchman. He kept vigil over the most precious thing in this world to her and she was grateful. She was pleased to find that Maura was still taking her safety seriously. She ambled to her scooter, put the red helmet over her head and fired up the small engine. She knew the way back to her room now, but she wanted an adventure to soothe her nerves. She got to the bottom of the drive and turned left instead of right.
As she rode kilometers along the narrow winding roads she let her mind drift to sports and beer and the family that she loved. Now that all of it was out in the open and she had said her piece, and did her best to make peace, she was free to breathe and dream again. No matter what path was before her, she was free to feel again. And, if it came down to it, she could find love again. She felt that hope rise in her followed by a surrendering sadness as well. She had loved Maura for so long while she was in such an unhealthy place she longed to be able to love her from her new view, but that was in Maura's hands now. If it meant the end, then she could move forward with her life a more healthy, if slightly sadder person.
She took a path that led her to a restaurant with a ton of outside seating right next to the water's edge. The entire coast where she had found herself was dotted with umbrellas and chairs for those seeking time in the sun and a smooth gelato. She had spent more than enough time in the water earlier today so she was content to watch the families and the lovers frolic. Her mind turned to returning to DC. She didn't really want to, but eventually she would have to go back to the States and either resume her position as an instructor or make new life choices. She loved the FBI and all of the opportunities it provided, but she wasn't sure it was a fit for her anymore. She had loved BPD, but had outgrown it. If Maura decided that for whatever reason she wanted to move on with her life without Jane in it, Jane would do the thing that felt best for her. Quantico still felt she was a valuable asset. Her interrogation techniques had gotten her noticed in places that didn't include the classroom. She loved teaching. Something would work out. She closed her eyes to the thoughts with a decision to no longer dwell on things she could do nothing about at the moment.
After a couple of hours of doing nothing but watching people, she noticed the sun had moved to the other side of the hill as it began to slip lower in the sky. She knew that she needed to get on the road before it got to dusk. It was still daylight, but she wanted to err on the side of caution in this glorious and yet unfamiliar land. She gathered her sunglasses and recycled her refuse. As she approached the car park she noted that it was quite a bit more occupied than when she had arrived. There also seemed to be a hundred scooters that looked just like the one she had ridden down, but like a good detective she had memorized the plate. She smiled at old habits that died hard. She had a good idea of the area she had parked in. As she wandered towards her ride a redhead as tall as herself, with a body that would make a normal person thirsty for more, slipped by her. She made a point to press her body close to Jane's, as she did she placed something in her hand. Jane frowned and looked up to watch the woman walk away. The red head turned and smiled broadly. The brunette looked at the scrap of paper in her hand that showed a series of numbers written on it. *Some things never change.* She smirked and tossed the paper into the bin as she passed by. She looked to the other woman and answered. "Thanks, but not today."
The woman tipped her head with a shrug. "It was worth a try. Another time perhaps."
Jane laughed and stepped onto her bike. In another time, in another place she would not be wanting for company. Here in this time, she didn't want anyone or anything other than a chance to correct her past mistakes.
A pair of knowing eyes watched the exchange. He was interested to see what the tall dark woman would do. He smiled when he realized she was turning the beautiful amber haired woman down. He nodded his head in appreciation as she drove off.
Maura picked up her phone and pressed in the old familiar numbers. After all of this time she couldn't bring herself to delete them. Even if she had, the numbers were burned into her hippocampus. Like everyone else she used speed dial, but once she had punched the numbers into her phone they were there forever. She let the phone ring several times. There was no answer as it went to voicemail. Jane had mentioned that she lacked service in some places. Perhaps that was why she was getting no response or maybe she was driving. She recalled that Jane had told Davide where she was staying. She wasn't listening in at the time all she had caught of the conversation was an "Oh. That's not a bad place. I love the owners. You will enjoy your stay."
She pulled up the dial pad again and pressed speed dial for him. "Pronto! Well, if it's not the most lovely woman on this island. I just saw your friend a while ago. She was being, how do you say in America? Getting hit upon."
Maura was shocked. "Someone was hitting her? That's quite surprising. What happened?"
Davide laughed heartily. "No, bella! Some stunning woman gave Jane her phone number."
Her voice dropped into an obvious place of disappointment. "Ah. I see. Well, she is a sight to behold in her native land."
" don't see. She smiled at her, but then she valiantly turned her down. If you ask me, she only has eyes for one certain blonde." His smile was beaming through the phone.
Maura took a deep breath of relief. She should have known that he wouldn't have missed their interaction at dinner the previous night. "Uh huh. Do I happen to know this person?"
"You do if you have a mirror, Isebella. You know, I heard her call you Maura. There is something more to this story than you would like to tell. Maybe one day over wine you will share." He laughed.
"That all depends on how things turn out, my friend." She wanted to keep up her facade of unassuming woman of nature. She didn't particularly like some aspects of her past. She was proud of her accomplishments, but they didn't fit in this place.
"I understand." He switched up the conversation to save his friend any awkward feelings. "To what do I owe this call?"
"Well, I'm looking for our lovely friend. You said she was out. Do you happen to know where she's staying? I am thinking of asking her to dinner in a way she can't refuse."
"Oh do tell!" He gave her the information as she shared with him her plans.
As soon as they disconnected, she looked up the main number to the rental and again pressed in the numbers. This time someone answered.
"Pronto." A woman answered.
"Yes, hello. I'm looking for someone who might be staying in one of your rooms. Jane Rizzoili?"
"No. No Jane Rizzoli registered. We have a Jane Isles."
Maura smiled. Of course she would. "Yes, that would be her."
"Her married name?" The woman was making simple conversation, but to Maura it was a message of sorts.
She smirked. "Sure why not." She replied in English.
"I'm sorry I don't understand."
"Mia dispiace. Si! It is. I just forgot. Will you ring her for me?"
"Of course."
She waited, but again there was no answer. She shrugged. She didn't expect to find her at the B&B but she had hoped that she would. The woman came back on the line. "She is not answering. Would you like to leave a message?"
"Yes, please. Let her know that Isebella called. She will know who I am. Thank you!"
"Prago! Ciao."
"Ciao."
She was relegated to making some plans for the evening without even knowing if the other woman could or would join her. She picked up the phone and made a few calls. They were the kind of calls that only certain people could make and get an immediate response. After that she called Rose.
"Pronto."
"Hey, Rose. It's me."
"Hello, Isebella! What can I do for you today?"
"Two things. Have you seen Jane by chance?"
"I have not. Are you expecting her to come here?"
"I really don't know. She may. If she does, can you PLEASE try to keep her there without her getting suspicious and call me?"
"If she does, you will be the first to know. I'll send Franco out to talk to her if she looks like she's leaving. What's the other thing?"
"I need flowers."
"Flowers I have. Any particular kind?"
"Something with calla lilies, gardenias, white roses and red salvia or any combination of those."
"Ah. Sending a message are we?"
"One I'm sure will likely not be decoded by her, but I will know."
"Of course. How many bunches would you like?"
"I think three would be nice. I don't need them all in each. Just enough to sit around the dining room."
"Very good. Is that it?"
"It is. Thank you so much for your help."
"Anything for you. What time shall I send them up?"
"Six I think would be perfect. You're the best!"
"Okay. So about an hour. I'll pull them together and send Anna with them. Let me know how things turn out. That is if we….WAIT! I think this is her. "
"Oh good! I need to go. Thank you for all of your help!"
"Any time. Caio!"
"Caio!"
Rose hung up the phone and waved to the tall woman who was walking in her direction. She had work to do, but she was usually good at deflecting interest. "Jane! It's so good to see you! How are you doing?"
"Hi, Rose. I'm really good. Today has been….interesting."
"Come with me. I have to go in and put together a rush order. Talk while I work." She called out to someone in the shop. "Franco! I need you to watch the stand while I do this. Then I will have a delivery for you."
"Very good." He nodded to the other woman. Jane returned it.
"So, Jane, what made today so interesting?"
"It's hard to say. I went up to see M….Isebella. She showed me her bees and trees. I'm a poet and I know it!"
"Mmmm Isebella? I won't ask. You called her by another name, I can only assume that she has a story we know nothing about, but it's none of our business."
"Middle name. She used to go by it…."
"Uh no. But that's fine. I do see the absolute fire between you two. THAT'S the story I want."
"There is no story there. We are friends. We've been friends for a long time, but we….lost touch for a time. Anyway, I can't tell you anything more. Really I can't."
"Okay, call yourselves friends. There is still a heated fire there that and the love that's written on you."
Jane had the good nature to blush. "If you say so."
"Good God. You'd have to be a blind man a hundred miles away not to see the flames. I thought there was something the first time I saw you two here, but last night when you were dancing, moths to a flame. I am sure that there's a story behind this and I'm sure it's the reason she's here and you're not."
Jane gave the other woman a side eye stare. "You would make a great detective, ya know that?"
Rose raised one eyebrow in defiance. "And you would know that how?"
"I have some experience in the area." Jane laughed at the exchange.
"I thought you said you were a federal employee."
"I am….now." Jane was being purposefully vague. She didn't want to get into any details that would compromise or interrupt Maura's life here in anyway.
"Ah. Okay well. I'll drop this. So you saw the bees and the olive trees. Her trees are so beautiful. She talks to them. She says that she knows they can't hear her, but I think that they can. They thrive as do her bees. She's special." There was a deep admiration in her voice where Maura was concerned. She seemed to encourage that even from her friends half way around the world. Everything and nothing had changed. Maura was amazing.
"Yes she is. We had a picnic I guess that's what you would call it. Do they say picnic here?"
"We do. You guess?"
"It was a picnic. We talked for a long time." She stopped for a moment and Rose noted the pain that flashed across beautiful features. She said nothing. "Then I went to…somewhere and had some gelato and watched the people. It's been a nice day for the most part."
"What are you doing this evening? Anything special with M…Isebella?"
"Point taken. No. No plans. I'll likely just go get something and take it back to my room. They actually might have a din…"
A young man in his teens came rushing in. "Scussi!"
Rose glanced up at him and then over to Jane. "I'm sorry." Jane waved her off with a mouthed 'it's okay'. "Franco, what is it?"
"It's not for you. It's for her."
"Me? What's for me?"
"Come see. Come see!"
Jane looked at Rose who shrugged and shook her head. They spoke without speaking. Rose knew nothing about the car. She did know about the evening, but gave nothing away.
Rose followed Franco out and Jane brought up the rear. They all looked to the top of the drive. Parked there was a dark blue Bentley Flying Spur sedan with deeply tinted windows. Next to it was Antonio dressed in a white shirt and tie set off by a finely tailored black suit. "Wow."
Jane stood and stared without saying anything for a few seconds. She knew this was for her, but she hadn't expected it. She walked to the car and walked around it in awe. It was gorgeous.
"Signora Jane." The tall man handed her a card with her name on it.
Jane took the card. It was satin white, bordered in gold with blue printing that matched the color of the card. Jane read it aloud. "Your presence is requested."
Rose grinned. "And…."
Jane turned the card over in her hand. The back was blank. "That's it." She looked at Rose and then back to Antonio. He opened the door for her.
"I can't go in that like this." She moved her hand up and down showing off her lack of evening attire.
"It will be fine, Signora."
"Wherever were going I for sure can't go like this."
He grinned at her. "Don' worry. You won't." He motioned to the door. "Please?"
She looked back at the other two. She had no words.
"Go Jane. Once in a lifetime, my friend. Once in a lifetime."
"Got it." She leaned over and kissed both of Rose's cheeks then nodded at the young man. "Grazie, Franco."
Rose didn't say anything. She just watched the moment unfold. Hopefully for the two women, something amazing would happen. Something like love, she thought. After Jane had entered the back seat she turned to the young man with her. "Franco? I need you to run those flowers up to Isebella and don't be late. I think something special is about to unfold."
Antonio held the door for her and Jane handed him her bag. He closed the door and placed the bag in the trunk.
She looked at the rich styling of the interior and knew instinctively that this was not your basic off the line model. It was for sure a luxury car. She had seen The leather seats were supple and stitching was perfect. There were obviously hand stitched She wondered if Maura owned the car or if it was a loan from a friend. The fact of its opulence wasn't lost on her. It didn't matter if she owned it. She had access to it and that was all that mattered. Although, just like the home all of the touches in the car were Maura to a tee. She stopped thinking about it.
"So, Antonio, where are we going?"
Even if he told her the destination she wouldn't understand it. He told her what they were off to accomplish. "We are going to get you dressed."
She was busy running her hands over the pattern in the seats. "I see. Suit or dress?"
"I believe suit, but it will be up to you."
"Niiice. I like choices, but I have a feeling that my choice has already been made."
"Yes, signora."
"Antonio, I..….never mind. I'll just go along for the ride."
"Very good."
The drive wasn't long and it ended at a very tall wrought iron gate. A voice came on the box. Jane couldn't understand it, but the gate opened when Antonio responded. The house they were approaching was magnificent. It's was marble white with a triple arched entry supported by double columns. Jane's jaw was dragging as she squinted out the window of the back seat. "Holy shit that's crazy."
The driver laughed. "It is, but the person you are meeting doesn't own it. Giuseppe is the family tailor and concierge."
"And I'm meeting him…why exactly?"
"So many questions. Now is the time for patience." He pulled the car around to the back garages and parked. He got out and opened her door.
An older gentleman who stood about the same height as Jane came out to greet them. "Buongiorno! Hello, Antonio! Come stai?"
"Molto bene, Giu! Molto bene. Come sta?"
"No need to be so formal. I am well. So, is this who you have brought me tonight. Bellaisima! Whoa. You are so beautiful!"
"Giuseppe, meet Jane Isles. She is a friend of Isebella."
"Nice to meet you." She smiled and the older man was smitten.
He took her hand and kissed the back of it gently. "Any friend of Isebella's is mia famiglia. It is a pleasure to meet you, Jane. Now! We have work to do, but it won't take us long. Follow!"
Jane followed him in while the body man stayed with the car. He pulled out his phone as he watched the woman walk away. When she was out of earshot he pushed send. "Signora Isebella, she is going in now. I would estimate that we will be about 2 hours.." He listened to her response. "Very good. I'll let you know. Arrivederci."
The older man led Jane through some long corridors that were decorated with fine art and many artifacts that Maura would appreciate. "Here we are." He opened the door to a room stuffed full of clothing of all sorts.
"Whoooaa. This is bigger than Isebella's other closet and that's saying something."
The dashing gentleman spoke English she assumed was for her benefit. "I clothe the wealthy and the up and coming. I must always be prepared. I have just the thing for you." He turned to his left and walked about five feet away. The rack he was looking at had all manner of white clothing. He shuffled through the rack until he found what he was looking for. He gently pulled it out and hung the bag on the hook next to the mirror where Jane was standing. He pulled down the zipper and revealed the white suit that he had chosen to compliment the dark shade of Jane's bronzed skin. Jane whistled.
He grinned at her. She had taste to match her looks. "Armani will suit you well."
"Yeah it will. That's smokin!"
The older man laughed. "Please let me show you what you have here. You will see that it's made of woven silk. The jacket is slightly longer. Made to reach you mid thigh although on you it might be slightly higher. You'll note that there is a very long satin shawl collar, piped with deep blue satin here. The buttons are hidden. You see?" Jane nodded she did see. "The cut brings it to just below your breasts. See how the pockets are flat and slightly angled downward? Note the deep blue piping on them as well. The entire jacket fits more like a blouse with the sleeves tight to the arms. There is no inside pocket. It would ruin the line.
"Of course it would."
"Please take off your top. I want to fit this."
"Bra?"
"Up to you, but I would say no. No need to be shy around me. If you get my meaning."
She grinned sweetly. She did get it. She took her top and bra off and let him slip the jacket over her shoulders. The fit was amazing with only a few adjustments to be made. "I'll need to take the waist in. Not a surprise. The arms fit pretty well. I won't need to do anything. The length could use a tweak, but I think for tonight we can survive.
He walked back to his wall of clothes and picked out a sleeveless wrap around top with a plunging neckline. The color of the stitching matched the color on the jacket. She was going to be showing off tonight. The sleeveless top showed off her arms while the deep cut neck line showed off everything else.
"Yes, this will do nicely. Take them off." He hung them up next to the mirror. "Alright, let's look at the pants." There were two pairs of slacks in the bag. He thought for a minute. "I need to ask you, how tall do you want to be?"
Jane slipped her shirt back over her shoulders. "I'm sorry? How tall?"
"Si. Are you going to want tall heels or are would you like a shorter heel like a slip on? I have some amazing deep blue slips with a 3.5 cm heel. They would look amazing with this suit. We could also go with a lower heel. The heel will decide the pants."
Jane thought for a moment. "What are the pants that go with the slips?"
"They are a very elegant wide leg. They would look amazing with that car out there."
"Then let's go wide with the slips."
"Excellent choice. Now please stand legs shoulder width apart and arms out wide." He took a sheet of paper with a tab of scotch tape on it and taped it to her back. He proceeded to measure her in every possible fashion. "Very good. This really won't take long. The suit just about fits you already. Now for hair and make up. Hold on." He picked up what looked to be an ancient phone and literally dialed a number. A voice on the other end answered. "Si. È pronta per i capelli e il trucco. Sì, anche una doccia. Tutto quanto. Grazie!" Yes. *She's ready for her hair and makeup. Yes, even a shower. Everything. Thank you!* He turned back to the waiting woman. "Cinzia will be down to get you. She will help you with a shower and then hair and makeup."
Jane stood there for a few minutes. This was overwhelming. She had gone from hanging out on the beach to something like a fashion show. "Uhh yeah okay. Do you know what's going on?"
"I don't ask questions. I just follow directions. Signora Isebella gave me very precise instructions and none of them included any idea of what was happening. It will be a lovely surprise I'm sure.
"I'm sure." No one had mentioned the other woman by name until now, but who else did she know in Italy who could send a car and driver to pick her up and then send her to be professionally dressed...in Armani no less? No one. She wondered at all of the thought that was going into this evening. What was Maura thinking? Obviously it wasn't anything bad or at least she hoped. One thing was for sure, this wasn't like any other date night she had ever experienced. If it was a date. What on earth else could it be? Maybe she was going to one of her fancy fundraisers or this was a good-bye dinner. Her thoughts were interrupted by a short young woman entering the room.
"Ciao everyone!" A smaller blond woman waltz into the room with an energetic flair. She's the kind of person who would light up any room she slid into.
"Ah Cinzia! Ciao! Come see! This lovely creature is our victim tonight. This is Jane. What do you think?"
"Whoa! I think we could put her on a runway in Paris and she would wow the crowd! Mama Mia! Bellissimo! It is so nice to meet you."
"Thank you. The pleasure is mine."
"Cinz, come see here what we have and I will suppose that you want to match accessories. I was thinking sapphires. What do you think?"
"Oh yes! With diamonds. They will set off the color of the stitching.'
"Very good. I will leave you to it while I make the adjustments. Let me know when you are ready to dress and I'll be up."
"I will." She turned to Jane. "Shall we?"
"Lead the way."
By the time the team was finished with her hair and makeup she barely recognized herself. Her hair was pulled back in to a loose but elegant braid. They had taken forever to get it dried and straightened enough to tame the unruly curls. But it did look good on her. They had chosen light makeup with smokey eyes. "Come now. Don't face the mirror. We will not put a brassier on you. It will not fit with the neckline. Is this okay?
Jane looked down at her body. *Well, go big or go home* she thought to herself. "Yes, that's fine."
"Good. Here are your underwear." The woman handed her a piece of white lacy cloth that looked no bigger than her thumb.
"Uh… okay." She knew. "Panty lines." They said in unison with a laugh.
Jane pulled them up as Cinzia held out the pants to her. Jane pulled them off of her arm and admired them before slipping them over her hips. She pulled the hook and eye together and zipped them up. The band around the waist matched the rest of the suit. She slid on the shoes that had been chosen for her. They were a deep textured sapphire and slipped on like a glove. They were comfortable but dripped with style.
The other woman slipped the sleeveless shirt over her shoulders and allowed it to float down her back. She reached around the tall woman's waist and buttoned the inner button. She moved to the front and pulled the front flap around to the front and snapped it flat. She moved behind Jane and put the jacket on her arms and pulled it up to let it settle on her shoulders. The blond came to the front to button the top button on the jacket. She stepped back to admire her handiwork. She stood in silent awe. This woman before her was a true work of art. In a country filled with creative people and artists, this woman flowed with the energy of the land.
Jane spoke out of the silence. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, signora. No. You are a work of art. Mio dio!"
"Can I look?"
"No. First I must adorn you with jewels and then you can look." Cinzia pulled out a clam shell box and opened it "Pretty Woman" style. The necklace within was a stunning white gold choker with fourteen grand sapphires and a matching tear drop pendant.
Jane was shocked. "Jesus Christ! I can't wear that! It's worth more than my house."
"This is likely true. It also comes with earrings and you will wear it." Jane then understood that 'The Woman' had so ordered this and there would be no questions. "Here are the earrings. Put them on." Jane followed the directions. "Come down a little. Good. Hold still." She wrapped the gems around Jane's neck. "Mio dio, you are so beautiful. Please turn around."
The tall beautiful woman turned. The person in the mirror was her and yet not her. She had dressed up with Maura before to join her at other functions, but this was something above and beyond all of those past dates. The woman in the mirror was worthy of standing with the doctor side by side. In this she wouldn't feel like a fraud. She smiled widely at her reflection. This is what the night was supposed to look like. "Yes, this will do quite nicely."
"It will. You will impress the world in this. May I take your picture?"
"Sure! Let's get some selfies!." The two women took photos and hugged one another.
Giuseppe appeared in time for a few and then directed her out the door. "Miss Jane. Enjoy your evening. You look like I would fall in love with you! Buona serata, beautiful woman. Tonight is the night for love!" He air kissed both of her cheeks and sent her out the door to Antonio.
Antonio observed with great appreciation as Jane exited the house as a different woman than the one he had sent it. He walked to her and presented his arm. She took it without hesitation. "You look like magic. Signora Isebella will be pleased."
"I hope so." She entered the car as he opened the door. The didn't speak on the drive and she tried not to bite at her lip for fear of ruining her makeup. The music in the car was soft and calming, but her heart was pounding and her hands were damply betraying her.
The car pulled into the drive. Jane waited for the door to open. As she did, she took a deep breath. She needed to be Detective Agent Jane Rizzoli right now. The Jane Rizzoli. She needed to exude the confidence that the clothing she wore depicted. She put her shoulders back and put on her swag. She would own these damn duds if it was the last thing she did.
The door swung open and all of her bravado beamed on her confident face. The sight that she beheld as she stood up made her catch her breath. Dr. Maura Isebella Isles Rizzoli was a glowing vision of grace and spectacular beauty. The sight of her stole the very breath from Jane's chest like nothing ever had. She gritted her teeth in an attempt to keep any tears from escaping. The emotions she felt when she saw Maura wanted to erupt from her.
Her dress was long with a very high slit showing off perfectly toned thighs. It's deep blue color matched Jane's dress perfectly. The single shoulder collar allowed her toned arms to show off her strength. Long silver ferns ran from the waist over her right shoulder. Her hair was up but still loose around her face. She was magnificent.
Jane stood for a second to gather her wits. She took one deep breath. Antonio handed her a single red rose. The man was thinking ahead.
Maura grinned widely at the vision before her. Jane was unmatched. Her strength and beauty was only enhanced by the clothes she wore. Nothing could make Jane more of what she was. She was confidence, power, grace and sexy all rolled into one gorgeous package. She shook her head to pull her thoughts out of her reverie. She waited as Jane approached her.
"My God, you are so beautiful." The tall dark woman presented her with the single rose. Maura accepted it as Jane leaned into kiss a soft cheek.
"You are not so bad yourself." She touched Jane's shoulder with her hand and drew it down to Jane's own warmth. Their fingers entwined automatically. "The jewelry is perfection. I'll have to compliment the team."
"So, Isebella…."
"No, Jane. It's Maura. I'm Maura to you. Always."
Jane smiled with a side nod. She recognized the intimacy Maura was offering. The smile she gave was one she reserved only for the woman beside her. It was like a fine wine that was only uncorked on special occasions. She understood what Maura was saying to her. Their friendship was once again intact. "Okay. Sweet Maura, to what do I owe this honor?
The smaller woman grinned again. "It's my honor. I'm glad that you came."
"Honestly, it's not like I had a choice. The car. The clothes….OMG Maura, the freaking clothes. Look at me!" She released Maura's hand and gave her body a slow spin.
"You like?" Maura had never been allowed to spoil Jane. This time she had really given Jane no choice and that was the plan. "It's very nice. It sets off your coloring….and your body."
Jane blushed deeply. "I feel like a movie star or something."
Maura patted her arm. "You always did clean up well."
"Yeah, but it never stopped me from embarrassing you."
The blonde's face fell slightly. "Oh, I'm so sorry if I ever made you feel that way. I'm sure I did. You have never embarrassed me. You are unconventional, I'll give you that.
So, are we going out?"
"Actually, I thought we could stay in."
"Dressed like this? No fancy fundraiser? No meeting with the foundation? No…..seeing your mother?" Jane was only slightly surprised. She didn't mind staying in with the lovely doctor. Her home was better than going out any day or night.
Maura let out a joyful laugh. "No. And especially not my mother! Come with me."
Jane offered her arm and Maura was happy to take it. She placed her other hand over the top of Jane's forearm and led her into the house. The lights were lower than they had been the night before and there were candles everywhere. The home was warm and inviting while still holding onto its elegant style. Maura led her out to the patio where lights were generously spread across the pergola and a single table awaited them.
"I thought that we could start with drinks here and then take the party inside for dinner."
"That sounds perfect."
"I made a point to buy some Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut. It is not the same as we had the one time, but I promise you will enjoy it."
"Why, because it's the best in the world?" Jane laughed thinking she was joking.
"Yes, it is." Maura was enjoying this moment.
The detective just looked at her, stunned. "You're kidding right."
"Why would I kid about that?" Maura, put her rose stem down into the bucket and picked the bottle up from the chiller, She carefully handed it to the other woman. "Will you do the honors?"
Jane hesitated. "I don't want to drop it."
"You won't. Set it on the table. Don't agitate it. We don't want to lose any." She handed Jane a cloth to cover the cork.
"Right." Jane opened the bottle with a light pop. There was a release of gasses, but not a drop was lost. "I'm afraid to ask how much the cost." Jane gently poured them both a glass and handed one to Maura.
"Then don't. It doesn't matter anyway. The worth comes from the company with which it's consumed. Salute." She help up her glass.
The brunette tapped them together. "Salute." Jane sipped. The taste covered her pallet gently and then abducted her senses. "Maura! Seriously! Holy crap, that's….I have no words."
"Delectable?"
"About a thousand times that, but okay." Jane couldn't help but glance at Maura. She was a sight that she had really never expected to see again in person, and certainly not dressed the way she was tonight. "Would you like to take a walk?"
Maura was flirting, but not to the point of being accused. "I would love to walk in the moonlight with you."
Jane's voice dropped to her chest."Oh really. Keep talking like that and I'll get notions."
The blonde allowed a giggle to escape her throat. "Is that so?"
"It is. Come on." Jane offered her arm again. Maura accepted it and was pleased to be led along the path. They sipped their champagne in companionable quiet. The crickets were singing and warmth of summer embraced them. "Where are the mosquitoes? When I was here last night I noticed that there aren't many."
"I have experts who take care of it. It was awful the first year. They spray and put up barriers. Are mosquitoes what you really want to ask me about?"
"For now. I am trying to take all of this in without getting carried away. Being close to you is all I have wanted since Paris. It's the only thing. And here you are. Not only are you here, but you are so stunningly gorgeous that I can't take my eyes off of you. If that was your intention, you have succeeded. If it's not, then maybe dress down a little next time."
Maura looked up into Jane's deep brown eyes. "I wanted you to feel appreciated. After our talk today, I learned a lot about myself." She stumbled on a short step. Jane's quick reflexes kept her upright.
"Careful now, Dr. We can't have any sprained ankles." She smirked. "Shall we head back?"
"Good idea. Although the path here is conducive to walking, I'm not sure that heels are best choice for the terrain."
Jane laughed. Still the same Maura. "Not likely. I wasn't thinking before I asked."
"I was willing, so we can share in the fault, not that there really is any. You caught me, like you always do." She didn't dare look directly at Jane this time, but she felt brown eyes on her none the less.
They wandered back to the house and made their way inside. The dining was set with two places across from one another. Jane pulled out the nearest chair for her date. Antonio was waiting at her seat to provide the same. "Thank you."
"My pleasure." He turned to Maura. "Shall I serve the meal?" She nodded without taking her eyes off of her dinner companion. "Very good."
The two women, best friends forever, sat without speaking as soft music played in the background. The taller of the two had plans in her mind. She would dance with this woman before the night was over. If it was the last thing she ever did.
Follow me on to the LAST chapter I swear. I kind of got caught up in the story telling… I rarely post any story that's not completely finished so the next one should be the last unless I choose to write an epilogue of you know what…... There IS a NSFW chapter coming up. I think it will start off on the next and end in the one after. I love these two and could write forever about them…;)