A/N Again, thanks to all of you that have reviewed this story. I am truly humbled. I'm almost to the end- I promise. I should be able to complete this story tomorrow. You're continued patience and interest is appreciated.

Chapter 10

Maura just stood and stared at Jane. She had heard Jane's question but she was not making any effort to offer an answer. Jane shifted slightly in the chair not really knowing how to interpret Maura's silence. Both ladies locked onto the eyes of the other and for what felt like an eternity neither made a move. Or a noise. Anyone observing from the outside would wonder if either woman had dared to even draw in a breath.

Jane knew she couldn't be the first one to break the stare-down. She was the intruder here. Maura had asked for Jane to stay away, to give her space but Jane chose not to listen. She instinctively knew that if she pushed too much harder Maura might completely shut her out. She was already pushing the envelope by showing up as it was. The rest of how all of this would play out needed to be on Maura's terms. So, Jane just kept staring back at Maura.

Maura's mind kicked into overdrive when she took in the sight of Jane. Seeing Jane sitting in the lobby made her at first want to smile and embrace her friend but then it quickly made her both utterly confused and then sad. Part of her was shocked to see Jane had tracked her down. Part of her wasn't not at all surprised that Jane was sitting in front of her. Part of her was mad that Jane was too stubborn to listen when asked to give her time alone. Part of her wondered whether she secretly had been hoping that Jane would seek her out all along. All of this was rolling through Maura's head and the effect was almost overwhelming.

As Jane watched her friend process whatever was going on internally her concern for Maura grew exponentially. As strong as Jane tried to be on a daily basis, she had always thought Maura was the stronger of the two. Jane was in awe of Maura's consistent, quiet composure and knew that there was a mental toughness within Maura that she just did not have. Taking in the fragileness of her friend in this moment, Jane's heart ached of her. Please Maura let me help you was all Jane could think.

Finally, Maura broke. Tears filled her eyes as she briefly looked away from Jane and she knew she was going to cry again. Not wanting to fall apart down in the lobby she raised her head and reconnected with Jane's patient gaze.

"Can we go up to the suite please?" she asked in a hollow tone that startled Jane.

Jane stood up and slowly approached Maura. She fought her urge to throw her arms around Maura suddenly afraid that any quick movement would eliminate what appeared to be progress. "Lead the way," and she waited for Maura to turn and head back towards the elevator. Jane hoped Maura wouldn't notice the sign of relief she was letting out. One step at a time.

They waited quietly for the elevator to come back down to the first floor. Jane couldn't help but notice the slight hunch in Maura's shoulders and when she got a chance to glance at her friend again she could see Maura was struggling not to cry. The elevator opened and both women shuffled in without making any further eye contact. Maura hit the "PH" button and Jane also noted that her hands were shaking. She knew Maura was close to losing it.

Nothing was said in the elevator and Jane simply followed Maura to the door of the penthouse suite. Maura pulled out the magnetic key card but immediately struggled in her attempts to swipe the card. The tears were starting to flow freely down her cheeks and her whole body was starting to shake. She was grateful to feel Jane's hands cover hers and remove the key card. Jane swiped the card and opened the door. She then gently guided Maura into the suite.

Jane maneuvered Maura towards the couch just in time. As the door was closing, Maura's hold on her emotions and any sense of restraint broke and she erupted into a full body sob. Jane pulled Maura into an embrace as she sat both of them down in one fluid motion. She tightened her grip around Maura who had now buried her head into Jane's shoulder. Jane slowly stroked Maura's back with one hand and just let Maura ride out the emotional onslaught. All the while repeating just one thing.

"I'm right here."