Chapter 15
"So, tell me what exactly happened."
"I'm not giving details." Chase sighed and took a sip of her chai tea. "Stanley, Newman and my Mother," Chase shuddered, "they planned it together. Everyone had a different reason."
"What was Stanley's reason?"
"He and MJ had a fling, she got pregnant and he freaked," Chase sighed again. "She wanted to forget what happened, but he was stuck on it and got angry when MJ stayed with me."
"What about Jack Newman?"
Chase rubbed her eyes wearily. "He was just in it for the ride. He's sick in his head."
"And your mother?"
"She has a very twisted view of the world," Chase said softly. "She didn't accept my relationship with MJ, but she considered MJ to be the daughter she never had. I don't really know what made her do it."
"What about the rumours of her and Stanley being in a relationship?"
"I honestly don't know if that's true, and I have no desire to find out," Chase said stiffly.
"There has been a lot of speculation concerning your relationship with Detective Jane Rizzoli. Would you care to comment?"
"We've become friends. I get along well with her and Maura."
"Maura Isles?"
"That's the one. Can we not discuss the private lives of my friends?"
"Right. Yes, I'm sorry. What does the future hold for your career?"
Chase sighed. "I'm going to take a break, just to clear my head, come to terms with all of this. Then I'll be back."
"And the fact that you recently came out? Is it going to affect your career?"
"I hope not. True fans will stand by me, and I'm sure I gained a few as well. But its no publicity stunt. Its who I am."
"Thank you for your time, miss Carlson."
Chase nodded. "I get the first copy, right?"
The blond woman smiled for the first time. "Sure thing, kid. And off the record, I admire your bravery."
"Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you," Chase lied, hiding behind a small smile.
They shook hands and shared one last smile before Chase stepped out of the building.
*everybody hurts*
"She's cute," Chase said, "but not dating material. Just cute."
Jane smiled. "Well, having a journalist on your side couldn't hurt."
"I don't like journalists, as a principle."
Maura joined them, placing another beer in front of Jane, orange juice handed to Chase.
"What did I miss?" She asked sweetly as she snuggled into Jane's side.
"We were discussing Jennifer Skeeter," Jane said. "Chase likes her."
"I do not!" Chase cried indignantly.
Maura glanced at Jane, who was still smirking. "The lady doth protest too much, methinks," she whispered, causing Jane to snort into her beer.
Chase rolled her eyes. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"
"Nope," Jane winked. "Be right back, bathroom."
Maura smiled at Chase. "Its OK to feel attracted to someone, even after what you went through. You don't have to feel guilty."
Chase shrugged. "I just don't know if I'm ready, you know? Its so soon, I just need a break from all of it, something to take my mind off MJ."
"Like a rebound?" A voice behind Chase spoke.
Jane sat down again, smirk firmly in place.
"What did you do?" Maura whisper-yelled at Jane.
Chase turned around slowly. "Hey, Jennifer."
"Hey yourself," Jennifer smiled. "Mind if I sit down?"
"Actually, yes," Chase said. "Lets just cut the formalities. I've got a hotelroom waiting."
Jennifer's eyes widened as Chase gathered her things and shrugged into her jacket.
"But this is a once off only," Chase said firmly. "Just a rebound."
Jane winked at Chase, who flipped the detective off. "Lets go," she took Jennifer by the arm and led her out of the bar.
"I told you," Jane said. "She needs something to take her mind off things, and I got her something."
Maura slapped Jane's arm lightly. "I just remembered! I've got a lot on my mind too."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Lets go."
A/N: and thats it! All done! Hope you guys liked it, feedback is always welcome. Perhaps an epilogue, about how Chase deals? Let me know if you want that (:
Big shout-out to my silent partner for all the input and idea bouncing, its been great writing with you. Without her, this fic would not be