Remember when I had, like, a plan and I stuck to it? Yeah, me neither.
But I like this chapter anyways and I hope you do too. More to come so stay tuned!
/
"Hey Ma." Jane answered her cell phone slightly out of breath. She was sweating in Maura's kitchen in a pair of basketball shorts and jersey top having just gotten back from the morning run the doctor had insisted on. Ultimately Jane did not mind if it meant she was able to ogle Maura in her tiny running shorts and tight tank top. She observed as the blonde bent over to grab the pitcher of water off the lower shelf in the refrigerator and pour two tall glasses. Maura pushed the cup over to her with a Cheshire grin. She knew exactly what the detective was up to and Jane was certainly not shy about staring at her chest that still glistened with perspiration.
"Janie, I'm calling about your brother's graduation." Angela said as Jane began to down her water.
"Sip Jane. Don't guzzle." Maura demonstrated the appropriate drinking technique as she leaned against the island.
Jane ignored her as she answered her mother with an eye roll, "I know about Frankie's graduation. It's Saturday at 3. I got it."
"And dinner is at 6 but that isn't what I was going to tell you."
"What is it then?" Jane asked though she was distracted by the vision in front of her. She used her free hand to stroke up and down Maura's side before lingering to draw circles on her hip. The shorter woman allowed the affection while she patiently waited for Jane to finish on the phone.
"You should bring Maura to the ceremony and then dinner."
"What?" The sentence halted all of Jane's movements. Maura cocked her head to the side; her curiosity obviously peaked as she only heard one side of the conversation.
"You're still seeing her, aren't you?"
"Yes I am." Jane tried to guard her expression from the woman in question. It had been about a month since her mother had found Maura in her apartment. They spoke about it a little bit more as her mother slowly came to terms with the news that her only daughter was gay. Angela asked questions and Jane answered them the best that she could. Angela had mostly been concerned that it had been her fault for letting Jane try out for all those sports, or by that forcing a pink canopy bed on her she had scarred her daughter somehow. Jane tried her best to put her ridiculous ideas to rest. She explained that it was not because her father taught her about plumbing or because she was allowed to roughhouse with her brothers; it was nothing that her parents said or did rather she was just born that way. It could not have been helped and she did not want it to be.
"Well then she should come." Jane was still bowled over by how nonchalant her mother sounded over the phone.
"You're sure?" She gave her mother one last chance to back out.
"You like her? You want her around for a while?"
"I do Ma." Jane told her mother. Their conversation had also included speaking about Maura. When Angela had asked about the blonde, who was currently looking at her inquisitively, Jane found it impossible not to gush about how wonderful she was. She forgot about her mother's discomfort and described how incandescently happy Maura made her. Angela had patted her leg, nodded solemnly, and told her she was a good girl.
"Then invite her." Angela replied lightly.
"I will ask. She might be busy but I'll let you know."
"Okay. I will see you Saturday then."
"Alright. Thank you." Jane's voice conveyed her appreciation. This was a big step in her mother's acceptance.
Angela's calm demeanor broke a little as he voice wavered a little, "I love you baby."
"Love you too Ma."
"Talk to you later, hun." She hurried to end the call.
"Bye Ma." After Jane hung up she looked at her phone, still a little stunned.
"What was that about?" Maura asked carefully.
"That was my mother." Jane pulled Maura into her arms so that they were connected at the hips, "Telling me to invite you to Frankie's graduation and family dinner afterwards."
"Inviting me to family dinner?" Maura's eyes widened a bit.
"Yes. If you aren't free or not ready, I totally understand." Jane said supportively but really she hoped Maura would say yes. They had progressively been getting closer with each passing week as they spent most of their time together at work and at home. Lunches were spent catching up in the precinct's café or cozying up in a booth at the diner down the street. After work they grabbed drinks at the Dirty Robber with Korsak or they alternated having dinner at their places. Jane took Maura out on more successful dates that did not involve dumping wine down her dress or overpriced French food. Most recently she had taken Maura to Gino's, her favorite Italian restaurant besides Angela Rizzoli's kitchen, where they had eaten heaping bowls of spaghetti and laughed over red wine. An endless supply of cannolis had been provided until both women felt like they would burst, which was partially the reason why Maura had maintained that they jog this obscene hour.
Jane thought that after being around the blonde so much the excitement would begin to fade or they would need their space at times. But the detective discovered that she only craved Maura's presence even more. Days when Maura was scarce because they were wrapped up in a case would drag on painfully slow until she could see her again. When she was alone in her bed trying to fall asleep, she would think about the beautiful medical examiner and wish that she were there. Everything was lighter and happier while Maura was with her and she wanted it constantly.
"What are we?" Maura asked bluntly.
"What do you mean?" Jane was confused by the sudden question. Whilst she was in her own head, Maura had gone off on her own thoughts arriving at a place where Jane was not entirely sure how she got there. She waited for the doctor to clarify.
"What are we?" She elaborated, "Are we dating? Or am I your girlfriend? Partner?"
Jane quickly realized the conversation that they were having. For all of the closeness they had gained, they had not explicitly talked about any official title. She considered the question for a moment, "Well, I don't want to be with anyone else. How about you?"
Maura unconsciously tugged at the straps of Jane's shirt, "I only want to be with you."
"Good, so we are doing more than dating." Jane smiled teasingly, "And Korsak is my partner. You're not Korsak are you?"
"Jane…" Maura pushed at her shoulders playfully but could not hide her own growing smile.
"So that only leaves one option. " Jane grinned triumphantly at the conclusion, "Would you like to be my girlfriend?"
"I would like that very much. And you would be mine as well?"
"Of course I am yours."
"So does that make you my girl?" Maura's eyes danced playfully. Jane knew she was getting razzed about the moment she had slipped up and accidentally revealed her feeling towards Maura in this exact kitchen, which she was so glad she did.
"I'm sorry but you are not cool enough to use that term. You are my girl."
"That seems unfair." Maura sniffed in feigned offense.
"How about I am your detective?" Jane bargained.
Maura pretended to think for a moment, "Acceptable."
"So, as my girlfriend, would you like to come with me on Saturday?" Jane tucked an errant lock of hair that had escaped Maura's ponytail behind her ear.
"Yes." Maura agreed joyfully.
"Good." Jane said then closed the distance between hers and Maura's lips. The blonde tasted salty from the exertion in the rising August sun. Jane felt the traces of adrenaline coursing through her veins from the run, amplifying the sensation Maura's skin against her own. She pushed the shorter woman against the counter, an echo of their first kiss that might as well have been last night with how it ignited Jane's body. This time however Maura pushed back, her hands boldly exploring the slick muscles of Jane's back. She shuddered as manicured nails scratched down her obliques. The detective ripped away from the flushed Maura to collect herself before things got out of hand.
Maura caught her breath as well, "I'm going to take a shower."
"Yeah." Jane tried to stop the images of the blonde in the shower from flooding her mind but was not very successful. She thought of Maura under the warm spray, water-traveling paths along her body, and between her slender thighs.
"You should go home and clean up too."
"Yeah." Jane imagined licking droplets off of her neck.
"Jane." The authoritative tone in her voice jumped Jane into awareness.
"Yeah?"
"That means you have to let go of me."
"Right." Jane unpinned Maura and took a few steps back hoping to regain some blood flow to her brain.
"I'll see you at work." Maura balanced on her toes to give a quick kiss then turned to head up the stairs. Jane watched in rapture as she climbed to the second level. Jane shook herself out of it and snatched her keys from the granite top. She had yet to consummate her relationship with the medical examiner and was often left in wanting. She absolutely did not mind if it meant that she was able to kiss Maura just like she had. The brunette had not had sex since she had last seen Claire and her desire for Maura burned even brighter than before. Despite all that, Jane had never felt more fulfilled than when she was with Maura.
It just meant a lot of cold showers. Very cold showers.
/
Jane hit her steering wheel as she was stopped at another red light. She had just enough time run home and change her shirt before she had to pick up Maura. This would not have been an issue she had not spilled coffee on her favorite white Oxford and surprisingly today it had not been her fault. Korsak had been driving and he suddenly braked for a stray dog that had been trotting along the side of the road, sending the scalding liquid down her front. Jane would never understand the soft spot her partner had for all things furry or feathered, especially it meant the mutt got a cozy car ride to the animal shelter while she dabbed hopelessly at the brown stain that had undoubtedly set in.
Jane growled in frustration. Today was not the day to be late. She needed everything to go smoothly for Frankie's graduation. Maura was already an uncharacteristic bundle of nerves as the day drew nearer. Now that is was Saturday she texted her three times about when Jane was arriving at her house and then called once to ask her what she should wear. The detective did her best to soothe her and tell her everything would be fine when in reality Jane had her own apprehension. This was a big stride for Angela to invite Maura and she could not screw it up by irritating her mother for any reason today, including showing up tardy looking like a dirty cop.
Fortunately there was a spot right out front so she could dash right up to her apartment. She tore through her bedroom looking for an acceptable substitute. She settled on a nice blue button down with the least amount of wrinkles. Then Jane remembered how Maura had scrunched her adorable nose at how she paired the top with a black suit a couple weeks ago. Quickly, she opted for a slate grey set of trousers and blazer that Maura had greatly approved of when she cajoled her to go shopping together one time. It had totally been worth it when the blonde had baked her cookies and let her have her hand up her blouse for the entire duration of Lord of the Rings that they watched later that night. Hoping that she matched, she rushed back down to her car and ignored some traffic laws to make it to Maura's house.
Still when the doctor answered the door, she greeted her with an abrupt, "You're late."
"I said 2:30 and it's now 2:33." Jane stepped as Maura went to retrieve her purse, "And it's not my fault. I had to run home to change because Korsak spilt coffee on my shirt."
"We can't be late." Maura murmured mostly to herself. The she did a little spin, "Do I look alright?"
"It's great. You are stunning." Jane managed to place a kiss on the fidgeting woman's lips. She liked that she ultramarine dress that Maura had chosen. It had slight ruffles around the neckline that cinched in at her waist and fell into a pencil style skirt. It was sophisticated like the doctor and yet hugged her in all the right places. She noted it was a few shades lighter than her navy shirt but still complimented it well.
"You're sure? I can change really fast."
"Babe, please relax. Ma is coming around and Pop is very chill. You have nothing to worry about." Jane gripped her shoulders so that Maura would meet her eyes. The blonde took a deep breath then gave her a brave smile.
"Okay, I'm ready then."
"Alright. Let's head out." Jane offered her arm to Maura so she could hook her hand in her elbow as Jane led them out to the car.
/
"Aren't you a beautiful couple?" Korsak assessed them graciously as Jane and Maura had joined him under the shade of a tree. The ceremony was taking place outdoors at a park close to the precinct. A stage had been erected on a large lawn with red, white and blue fabric arranged and tacked on the sides. About 200 white chairs had been placed for friends and family to watch the graduates walk across the temporary structure. Most people were still milling about waiting for the commencement to start, which was in about 15 minutes. Jane looked around the crowd in search of her parents but had not spotted them yet.
"Thank you Detective Korsak." Maura nodded, "You look dashing in your uniform."
Her compliment sent his chest puffing out proudly, the badge on his chest glinting in the sun, "Thanks Doc. Please call me Vince."
"Alright Vince."
"Why aren't you wearing your dress blues Janie?" Korsak asked.
"Don't call me Janie." She griped, "And I'm not here as Detective Rizzoli, I am here as Frankie's sister."
"Aw, that's sweet." Vince chuckled.
"Shut it." Jane said playfully, "Have you seen my parents?"
"No I haven't." he shrugged, "Look I got to go."
"See you Korsak." The round man waved and went to the stage where he would take part in congratulating the cadets. No sooner had he walked off Jane heard her mother shouting shrilly at her from across the field.
"Janie!"
"Ugh, does she have to be so humiliating?" Jane groaned quietly to Maura before facing her mother who was dragging her father towards them.
"Hey Ma." She kissed her on the cheek then went to hug her father, "Pop."
"Your suit looks nice." Angela exclaimed in surprise, "Is it new?"
"Yeah, Maur picked it out." Jane pulled her girlfriend into the conversation. "You remember Maura, right?"
"It's a pleasure to see you again Mrs. Rizzoli." Maura politely extended her hand. Angela however did not take it. Instead she stood there awkwardly, frozen up by the courteous gesture.
Frank fortunately swooped in to salvage the moment. He effortlessly shook Maura's refined hand, "I'm Frank, Jane's father. I don't believe we have met before."
"No we haven't. It's nice to meet you." Maura tried to save face while Angela at least had the decency to blush mildly embarrassed. Jane wanted to glare at her mother but it would not have helped. So she gritted her teeth to stop from snapping.
"We should grab some seats." Jane slipped a comforting arm around Maura's shoulders and looked to the seats that were steadily filling up.
"Of course." Angela whirled about dramatically and began tugging Frank along in the direction they had come from.
"It's alright Jane." Maura whispered to her as the younger couple walked slightly behind.
"No, it's not."
"It was her idea to invite me."
"That isn't an excuse for her to be rude to you."
"Jane, please."
"I'm not saying anything." Jane effectively ended the discussion by kissing her temple. Angela's eyes tactfully avoided the display of affection while they sat, but Jane did not back down from the act. Her mother needed to realize that this was the reality and Jane would not compromise her relationship to make her more comfortable.
/
Maura was glad that she was seated in between Jane and Frank as opposed to Angela who was on her husband's other side. She was even gladder that Jane's arm was draped over the back of her chair allowing her to lean into the detective's lanky frame with ease. She knew that Angela had not intentionally snubbed her but it had still hurt. Jane did her best to show support while her father had adopted the role of buffer. She gave a sideways glance to Frank Sr. who was sitting much like his daughter in many respects. From what she could tell, he and Jane shared a lot of characteristics. He was calm and a little quiet but was not timid by any means. She imagined if provoked he could get just as agitated and loud as Jane could or swap stories with the best of them with a raucous laughter. It was probably the hot-blooded Italian in them.
The newly promoted Lieutenant Cavanaugh was making a supposedly inspirational speech but it was hard to focus on it when they had already heard from a Training Officer and the Commissioner who had been rather long winded. She could tell Jane was getting antsy as she shifted in her chair. Maura smirked to herself. The brunette had no patience for this ritual formality. She placed her hand on Jane's jiggling knee so that it stopped. The detective relaxed a bit as Maura gently rubbed the joint. Maura felt exhilarated to be out with Jane in this capacity that she had not expected. She had been proud to have Jane on her arm when they went out together but they had yet to really be out at work, especially since they were both professionals. It was validating to be a couple around their co-workers.
Korsak had gotten his turn at the podium and was reading off the names of the graduates, shaking each of their hands as they passed to receive their diplomas from Lt. Cavanaugh. There were only about 50 or so individuals joining the force so it went through much faster than the speech portion of the service.
"Dawson Price."
"Rebecca Ray."
"Frank Rizzoli Jr."
Jane hooted at her brother's name and clapped with the rest of them. Vince patted him on the shoulder as he shook his hand vigorously. Maura could see how pleased he was to finally become a police officer and Jane looked more proud than he did. Frankie's moment seemed to brief to Maura for how happy everyone was as more names quickly followed his. It summed up rapidly as the alumnae were presented and the audience enthusiastically applauded the stoic group. They dispersed and went to join their families.
"Way to go little brother." Jane hugged him, clapping him on the back.
"Thanks Janie."
"Oh my baby." Angela said with watery eyes as she practically shoved her daughter out of the way.
"Ma, please." He let her give him a crushing embrace, then fuss over straightening his tie. Frankie managed to escape her and shook his father's hand.
"Proud of you son."
"Thanks Pop."
"Frankie, you haven't met my girlfriend yet." Jane reclaimed his attention. She nudged the blonde forward with a hand on the small of her back, "This is Maura."
"Congratulations." Maura smiled, "I suppose we will be seeing each other around the station now."
"Yes, we will. It's nice to finally meet you." Frankie turned to his sister, "You were right Janie. She is a looker."
Maura laughed while the detective grumbled for her brother to shut up, "Jane did not mention her brother was so charming."
"I'm not surprised." Frankie leaned in conspiringly, "I bet there is a lot she hasn't told you. I can fill you in on all of the interesting details."
"Really? Like what?" Maura perked up wanting to hear some scandalous stories about Jane.
"Don't you think it is a little early for you two to be ganging up on me?" She pinched the spot in Maura's side that she knew was ticklish causing her to yelp in an undignified manner.
"Don't do that." Maura tried to shoo her hands away but Jane held onto her hips to stop her from escaping until she dissolved in rather girlish giggles.
"We should go. I need to start dinner." Angela suddenly proclaimed sounding mildly panicked as she walked off to the car without seeing if anyone was behind her. Maura remembered where they were and stepped away from Jane. The detective still caught her hand as she looked towards her mother with a pained expression. Their proximity had been too much for Angela to handle as Frank hurried to catch up to his wife after giving Jane a consolatory smile.
"Don't worry about her Janie." Frankie told her, "She will get used to it."
"Yeah." Jane commented vaguely, "I will see you at the house."
Frankie looked sympathetic but did not push the topic as he went to talk to some of his buddies while Jane and Maura went to the car. The blonde caressed Jane's arm, "Are you okay?"
"It's just discouraging." Jane sighed. "I thought today would be different."
"It could be going a lot worse and your mother is trying."
"I know. I guess I thought when she asked you along she would have been more prepared."
"It will get better." Maura promised.
"Yeah, it will." Jane agreed as she opened the door to her Crown Vic for Maura.
/
The Rizzoli's homestead was warm and welcoming as Jane escorted her up the stone path to her childhood home. Maura's stomach churned nervously as she looked at the well-attended flowerbeds and the cheery yellow siding. She let herself imagine a young Jane tousling in the front yard with her brothers and playing basketball on the worn-out hoop in the driveway. The thought made her smile as they walked right in with Jane shouting in the foyer, "Ma, we're here."
"Don't yell in the house." She called back.
Jane rolled her eyes, "Good grief."
"Hey Pop." Her dad was already sitting in front of a baseball game. "Who's up?"
"The Giants are at bat and up by four. The Yankees are eating it." He said happily.
"Alright!" Jane pumped her fist.
"I thought we cheered for the Red Sox?" Maura asked as they walked towards the back to the kitchen having been conditioned by Jane in frequently watching the game with her.
"We do. We also root for anyone who is playing against the Yankees."
"I see." Though Maura would never really understand the dynamics of sports.
"What's cooking Ma?" Jane said hello to her mother who looked much more comfortable holding a wooden spoon and stirring things in pots.
"We're having manicotti. It's your brother's favorite."
"Great. Maura you want something to drink?" Jane asked as she grabbed a beer from the fridge.
"I'm fine." Maura took a seat at the little table in the corner so she was out of the way. Jane however, hovered around the bowls showing great practice in stealing some of the cheese that Angela was mixing; something that Jane did in her kitchen all the time.
"Don't stick your fingers in my filling." Angela whacked Jane's knuckles, "Make yourself useful and chop up the salad."
Jane huffed but did as she was told, until she heard her father starting to shout at the television. She craned her entire body to try and see into the living room.
"Jane. The salad." Angela ordered.
"Ma. The game." Her daughter shot back.
"I can make the salad." Maura proposed.
Jane paused really looking at her, "You'll be okay?"
"Yes, I'll be fine." Maura was already taking the knife from her girlfriend and putting the washed lettuce on the cutting board.
"Thanks babe." Jane kissed her cheek and darted off to see what her father was getting upset about leaving the two other women alone to cook in silence. Maura cut the vegetables with experienced precision, letting each methodical slice to soothe her.
"Jane says you make the most magnificent Italian food." Maura spoke up but remained neutral as she diced the tomato.
Angela kind of snorted, "She better."
"I have had some of your gnocchi. It was the best I'd ever had."
"You should have it when it's fresh."
"Oh, I'm sure. I would love the recipe." Maura moved onto a cucumber.
"It's a family recipe." Angela stiffened in the middle of stuffing a tube full of manicotti.
"Of course. I did not mean…" Maura rushed out. Awkward stillness fell over them.
"I'm trying." Angela confessed abruptly.
"I know." Maura tossed the greens together.
"I don't want you to think I'm not because I can see how happy you make Janie."
"She makes me happy too."
"It's just hard for me to adjust." Angela put the pan in the oven then needlessly stirred some sauce.
"I understand. I think you have been doing an excellent job considering your religious beliefs and prior misconceptions about Jane's life." Maura did her best to reassure her, "Jane appreciates your efforts. We both do."
"You know, Janie has always forged her own path. Even as a kid she would never listen to me, always wanted to make her own mistakes."
"You think our relationship is a mistake?" Maura winced.
"I did." Angela admitted, "I thought that it would just be a phase. But seeing you two together today, I can see that she is not letting you go anytime soon."
"She is very important to me." Maura finally stopped messing with the salad that was mixed long ago.
"You're good together."
"Thank you." Maura said gratefully. Angela just nodded and peered over her shoulder to look at her handiwork.
"What a beautiful salad! When Jane does it, it looks like its gone through the shredder."
"I noticed." Maura laughed.
"You like to cook?" Angela asked trying to be friendly.
"Very much. I'm classically trained in French culinary though I've traveled a lot so my menu varies."
"You do Italian?"
"A bit. No where near your cooking I'm sure." Maura went out on a limb, "Maybe you could teach me someday."
"Someday." Angela agreed and offered a hesitant smile. Suddenly they heard Frankie stomping into the house and yelling hello to his mother then a more muffled, "Who's up?"
"They're all the same." Angela scoffed. "Why don't you go say hello and watch some of the game? I can finish up in here."
"I don't mind helping." Maura insisted.
"It's alright. I'll call Jane into help when everything is ready."
"Okay." Maura began to head out of the kitchen but stopped short in the entryway, "Jane is a lot like you as well. She is caring and protective. I think she gets that from you."
Maura continued her journey not needing a response from Angela though she thought she heard a small thank you.
/
Dinner had gone very well Maura contemplated, as she looked out the screened backdoor that led onto a green lawn. It had gotten patchy with the dry weather where a delightful swing set had been built long ago that Maura could not take her eyes off of. She needed a moment so she slipped away under the pretense of using the restroom but really she just needed to breath. She hid in the kitchen, inhaling the summer breeze that blew through her curls. It was so different here than the house that she had grown up in as she listened to the Rizzoli's laugh in the other room. This house had been lived in; it had character with its creaks and sometimes-loose handles. Angela had shown her a dent in the wall that was now covered up by a family photo now where Jane and her brothers had sent a hockey puck through it because it had been raining and that did not stop them from playing indoors. There had been no playing in the Isles house. There had been reading, science kits, and other educational forms of entertainment, which Maura had enjoyed but there had been no frivolous fun.
Maura ran her fingertip along a scuff on the doorframe wondering where it had come from.
"Hey. You okay?"
"I'm fine." Maura smiled at Jane who had crept in behind her.
"If you are tired, I can take you back."
"I'm fine Jane." She leaned into the taller woman who wrapped her arms around her and pressed a kiss to the back of her head. Maura sighed contentedly and welcomed the physical contact.
"Then what are you doing over here?"
"I have never been on a swing before." She looked at the old structure as the last vestiges of daylight silhouetted it.
"Never?"
"Not that I can recall." Maura remembered, "I wanted to ask my parents for one for my 8th birthday. But I didn't really know how to ask for things. They were away in Scotland anyway. I think they sent me a microscope."
"I'm sorry Maur." Jane rubbed her stomach making it flutter.
"It's okay. I was an odd child. I don't think they knew how to relate to me."
"You were still a kid. They couldn't expect you to verbalize everything."
"They did their best." Maura shrugged not wanting to really talk about it anymore.
Jane got the hint, "Come on."
The brunette took her hand and pushed open the door and pulled her into the yard. Jane kicked off her boots, "Take off your shoes."
"Why?"
"You can't swing in high heels Maur."
"Swing?" She eyed the rusty metal, "Is it safe?"
"These things are built to last." Jane said. To reassure her she went and sat down on one of the swings and bounced a little. Satisfied with the test, Maura stepped out of her shoes and into the cooling grass. Jane got up and dusted the seat off the best she could so Maura could take her place.
"Ready?" The detective leaned over to ask softly in her ear.
"Yes." Maura shivered and Jane gave a gentle push to her back to start the pendulum like motion. Jane sent the blonde higher into the sky. It was fantastic flowing through the dusk while she held onto the chains with her girlfriend securing a smooth ride for her. The swing was freeing and tranquil yet it filled her with excitement. It was like an embodiment of being with Jane; like falling through the air and always knowing there was someone there to catch you.
"What do you think?"
"Wonderful." Maura voice floated into laughter.
/
Jane could have stayed in her childhood backyard forever just watching Maura sway as the night took over. But time moved forward and life was demanding at times.
"Jane, Ma wants to cut the cake!" Frankie stuck his head out the to shout at the two women. His loud words grated against the tender moment.
"Alright, we will be in." Jane waved at him and helped the blonde come to a stop. "Guess we should go get some cake."
"Is Jane Rizzoli reluctant to go get sweets?" Maura giggled. "I never thought I would see the day."
"When it disrupts getting to watch you be so utterly carefree then yes."
"Aw Jane, that is so sweet."
"Plus I have a great view of your ass."
"And she is back." Maura shook her head, picking up her shoes on the way back to the house.
"You like it."
They made their way to the dining room where Angela was already serving large portions of chocolate cake, "You girls want ice cream too?"
"No, thank you." Maura sat next to Frank Sr. who was already half way done with his slice.
"Yes, I'll have some vanilla." Jane selected a piece and began to scoop some of the frozen treat onto it.
"Guests first!" Angela admonished.
"Pop has practically already eaten his." She defended with the dessert in her mouth.
"Don't talk with your mouth full."
Jane groaned. She just could not win. The others tried to hide their amusement unsuccessfully. Her father tried to help stop her misery, "How is the old swing set?"
"Fantastic." Maura said enthusiastically though only after swallowing her dainty bite.
"That reminds me." Angela said scattered brain, "Someone called for you, a Detective something, Detective Bird…"
"Detective Crowe? You answered my phone? Why didn't you just get me?" Jane shot up to check it.
"You looked like you were having a good time. I didn't want to interrupt. Oh, and Maura it sounded like your purse was ringing too."
"Oh!" Maura abandoned her cake and joined Jane in a hurry.
"We're on call Ma." Jane cursed to herself as she saw her missed phone messages. She was about to return his call when Korsak's name flashed on her screen. She answered and watched Maura get on the phone as well.
"Korsak, hey, sorry I-"
"Jane." He voice cut through serious and full of dread. "We have another one."
"Another one?" Jane's eyes met with the medical examiner's hazel ones that looked as troubled as she felt. The brunette did not need Korsak to explain. She already knew exactly what he meant.
"The serial killer is back."
/
What do you crazy kids think? Reviews make the world go round