Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter. I'm glad you liked it. Story is developing slower than I would have like and don't know if I can beat cannon by Sunday night. But it is AU and what is fan fiction for if not to delve into our imaginations in both reading and writing it.
The usual disclaimer of not owning The Mentalist or its wonderful characters.
Please enjoy.
Deep in the Heart of Texas
Chapter 3
Kim Fischer's date had gone from bad to worse after the picture taking. Her and Jane were now in Irish Pub/Karaoke bar number three and her companion had gone from funny inebriated to maudlin drunk in the space of two hours. He was currently on stage signing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" with the local nursing home's Barber Shop Quartet.
"What'd you do beautiful?"
Kim looked at the bartender askance. "Excuse me!"
"Your date there." He pointed to the stage. "You break his heart or are you the clean up women?"
"I wish I knew."
Fischer had a headache and about an hour ago Jane had spilled his drink on her new blouse. Definitely not the evening she had planned. Time to swallow her pride and leave while she still had some dignity.
"Jane, come on it's time to go." An exasperated Fischer stood at the end of the small stage.
He staggered to the end of the stage mic in hand.
"Ladies and Gentleman I want to thank the lovely Kim Fischer my date, well she thought we were on a date. You see I can't date her because I love someone else very much and would not besmooch, wait besooth … I don't feel so well can I have a chair." Then he hit the floor.
Kim phoned the only person she knew who could help.
"Cho this is Fischer. I have a problem.
…...
After the groceries were unpacked Lisbon settled in for another dare she even think it boring evening with her boyfriend. It's amazing how quick that "new car smell" disappears when the object of your affection is attached to you like a leech. Every since they meet Marcus had been at her beck and call always there just waiting.
"Sort of like a big dumb dog." She thought to herself. "Next he'll be rolling over balls up asking me to scratch his belly."
"Hey babe red or white tonight?"
"Whatever goes with leftover pizza. You chose." She was tempted to add Rover to the end of her sentence.
"You know sweetheart, you need to eat healthier take better care of yourself."
"Why do I look sick to you?"
"No its just that things will be different in DC. More action less watching Jane stretched out on that damn coach taking a nap."
As she was about to defend herself and her friend Marcus's phone went off.
"Hi Mom, how's my best girl doing today?" The smile on his face spread from ear to ear. "Ready for your flight tomorrow? Yes, yes she is looking forward to meeting you too. Here why don't you say hi."
Without warning Lisbon found the phone shoved in her hand and the very upbeat voice of Mother Pike in her ear.
"Hello Mrs Pike how are you today?"
"I'm just super Terry. You don't mind if I call you Terry I always found that the most fun nickname for Teresa."
"OK, I guess" Terry she hated Terry.
Mother Pike didn't seem to notice the hitch in her voice and just went on babbling about plane rides and no more salter peanuts but that was OK because it made her feet swell anyway.
When she finally took a breath Lisbon asked her about dinner for the next night. Thinking to herself that salted peanuts were most definitely off the menu.
"Oh don't fuss for me. Marky tells me your not much of a cook. " Before she cold protest that her cooking skills were adequate or better the conversation just continued. "Don't worry I'll share the Pike family recipes with you we'll have you up to snuff in no time."
"OK I look forward to it."
"that and root canal.'' She murmured under her breath.
Well can't wait to meet you Mrs. Pike."
"Me too Terry and please call me Mom."
Lisbon numbly handed the phone back to Pike and poured herself a scotch. Neither red or white was going to cut it tonight.
…...
"How can I help Fischer did we catch a case?"
"No it's Jane."
"What about Jane?"
He wasn't making this easy for her Fischer took a deep breath and continued.
"He's drunk Cho, actually more than drunk he's passed out drunk."
"OK where are you?"
After giving him the address Kim sat down on the edge of the stage. Maybe she should help Patrick up from the floor. No she'll just wait for Cho to show up. He looked pretty content laying there all curled up in the fetal position and at lest he was quiet.
It took about twenty minutes for help to arrive and it arrived in the form of the usually stoic Kimball Cho laughing out loud.
"How did you two wind up here, Fischer?"
"We were on a date or at lest I thought it was a date and then he", she pointed to the floor and a still passed out Patrick Jane. " and he just got I don't know maudlin. Kept apologizing to me for being in love with her."
"You were on a date with Jane? Wow. Did he know it was a date?"
"Lisbon asked the same question."
"You told Lisbon about going out with Jane? It just keeps getting better." Cho was laughing again.
"I don't see what's so funny. Why didn't someone tell me he was still so hung up on his late wife. Just keeps saying he loves her but they can never be together. Sad really."
Cho has managed to get Jane at lest sitting up.
"Come on buddy try an make it to your feet."
"Oh hi Cho. When did you get here?"
"Just now. Have you been giving Kim here a a hard time?"
"No, but she didn't know I love her. Why doesn't anybody know Cho? Know Cho I made a rhythm."
"Very funny Jane. Now stand up.'
"See what I mean Cho, He has been on this I love her kick all night."
"You know he's not talking about his wife right?"
"Well who else ..." Then the light dawned "Lisbon?"
Cho gave her the look and pulled Jane to his feet.
"I'm going to get this one home. Are you OK to drive yourself?
"Yeah I'm good. Thanks for coming and helping me out I didn't know know else to call."
"No problem." Cho started to the door with Jane in tow but stopped and turned back to the distraught brunette. "By the way if you haven't noticed I'm good at keeping my mouth shut."
Kim walked back to the bar it had been a hell of a night.
"I see you date deserted you. What can I get you on the house?'
"Nothing I need to drive how about a cup of coffee."
"You got it and you know I'm here all night if you want to chat." The bartender winked at her.
"Maybe this night won't be a complete bust" Kim thought with a smile.
…...
Cho deposited Jane very unceremoniously on the steps of his Airstream while he looked for keys the blonde's jacket pocket.
"Where the hell are your keys Jane?"
"There in my pants."
Cho stepped back and looked at his sorry companion.
"I'm not going into another man's pant pocket so get your damn keys out."
"It's not locked."
Cho gave a heavy sigh "Why didn't you tell me before."
Jane just shrugged.
"OK you need to get inside shower and get a good night's sleep. Then you need to do something about Lisbon."
Troubled green eyes looked at his friend
"I'm trying to do the right thing and let her go be happy. I wanted her to be happy with me but then fish guy came along. And whoosh she gone and I'm alone." Jane took a breath "I deserve to be alone Kimball I'm not a nice man."
"Jury's still out on the nice man. But I know you're an idiot and an asshole. Get off the self pity soapbox, take off your damn wedding ring, kiss it good-bye and tell your wife you will always love her and then go after what you want in the here and now."
Jane just gave him a blank stare.
Cho sighed this wasn't the time for this conversation his companion was still too out of it. Maybe tomorrow it would make sense to him if he even remembered. He opened the door and made sure Jane got inside safely.
"Goodnight Cho, Thank you."
"Night Jane."
Jane closed the door behind him Cho had given him a lot to think about.