Hey! This is a short chapter compared to the others i have published before. It is the first half of a chapter I've planned, but I will be busy the next days, so I don't know when I will be able to continue and I decided to post what I have till now, so you have at least something to read. But this chapter is actually nothing more than a preparation for what will come, just some "I'm gathering all the people around I need for what will happen in the next chapter" ;-)

Thanks to everyone who follows and who reads this.

After Angela left, Jane stood in her living room trying to process what had happened and what to do. From what her mother had said and how she acted Jane was sure that the older woman knew about the current emotional state she was in. And her mother didn't seem to mind, she actually seemed to be encouraging. Jane ran both of her hands through her hair. Ma is right. I'm not the one who sits around and let things just happened. I'm someone who acts, who takes matters in my own hands. So I should drive to Maura's and end her date with Sam and tell her what I feel. Jane grabbed her keys and started to the door, but then stopped. What will happen if I'm too late? If Maura already is making out with Sam on her couch? Jane felt sick again. What will happen if I open up to Maura, and she just doesn't feel the way I do? If she rejects me? God, I wouldn't survive that. Well, okay, I think if I have it this bad, that I think I would die, if she doesn't want me, I do not have a lot of options here. Sitting here and doing nothing will kill me then too. So I will drive to Maura, tell her how I feel and pray to God that she feels something too. Oh, maybe I won't pray to God, just in case He really has an objection to same sex love. She moved towards the door again, but then remembered what her mother had told her. Shower first, then coffee, and I really shouldn't drive anymore. I'll call a cab. She felt a hint of relief. Finally she had an idea of what to do.

"I really don't know what to say, Maura." Sam said. They were sitting with their beverages in the medical examiner's kitchenand Maura had talked quite a while about her friendship with the detective, her feelings for her and all the small signals she believed Jane was sending.

Maura sighed deeply. "I understand. Surely you can't evaluate the situation in a proper way based on only what I have told you since my perception is definitely not objective."

"Well, from all people I know, you might be the most objective when it comes to matters of one own heart. But yeah, I don't know, if Detective Rizzoli has feelings for you. I guess nobody knows. The only why to find out is..."

In this moment the front door was pushed open and Jane Rizzoli stormed in. "Maur! Tell me I got here at the right time."

Maura jumped up with a start. "Jane. Sure you're punctual for the barbecue tonight. Actually you are a bit early." She said confused.

"No, that's not what I mean. What I mean is...you know...if you...Damn, I need to talk to you, Maura. I need to tell you..." Jane spotted Dr. McMorrow sitting at Maura's counter. "Oh, hello, Sam." Her previous determined expression changed to disappointment.

Again Maura felt caught. "Sam and I were having a drink and … and talked about..."

Jane didn't want to hear about the stimulating discussion the two doctors had. So she moved to Maura's side and grabbed her arm, tugging her away from the other doctor. "Maura, I really need to talk to you. Privately. It's important."

"Jane! What has gotten into you?" Maura shrieked surprised by Jane's sudden resoluteness. She looked at Sam. "Sam, I'm sorry. But I..."

Sam jumped up after she drowned the last sip of her beer. "No, it's okay. I should leave anyway."

The back door swung open and Frankie stepped in. carrying cans with meat and salad. "Hey Maura. Ma told as to put the stuff for the barbecue into your fridge since it's bigger than the one in the guest house. Oh, hey sis and hey Sam." Frankie took in the scene in front of him. His sister had a firm grip on Maura Isles arm, leading her away from the kitchen, where Sam McMorrow was standing awkwardly next to her empty bottle obviously on the run. Maura and Jane were starring at each other searching for something in each others eyes. They were so lost in their silent communication, that they didn't even answer to his greeting. He and Detective Frost had definitely interrupted something important. He walked to the fridge, put the canes in and took a few beers out. "Come on, Sam. Let's go outside and help Ma." Even though he had encouraged Maura to meet with Sam again, he didn't want to sabotage any progression in hers and Jane's friendship.

"Uhm, hey Frankie. I'm actually on my way out." Sam answered, while she tried to make eye contact with Maura.

Angela Rizzoli yelled from outside: "Frankie, what takes you so long? Come on, we need to get the table ready."

Without thinking about any better solution of the situation, Frankie shoved Sam to the back door.

Jane had been too lost in Maura's eyes to recognize what was going on around them. These are the most beautiful eyes I ever have seen. Her mind went blank and all she could think about was how happy she would be looking at Maura like this every single day of her life. Damn. Sob stuff! Jane heard the back door close again. She tried again, softly: "Maura." She released her grip and gently stroked up to her best friend's shoulder. "Maura." she said again. "I have to tell you that..."

The door bell rang and Jane was sure that she would kill who ever had dared to disturb her confession again. "I get it." She said and ran to the door. Whoever it was, they had to leave as soon as possible and she wasn't sure if Maura felt the same urgency, but she was sure that Maura was way to polite to just get rid of whoever was at her door, so she herself wanted to take care of it. "What?" she yelled while she ripped open the door. It took her a second to recognize who stood in front of her but then she managed to say: "Casey. What the hell are you doing here?"

"Well you said that there is a family thing tonight here. I thought that I should be here." He stepped in on his crutches confident enough to take Jane by surprise. "i want to be part of your family, sweetheart."

The look in Jane's eyes had been full of affection and truthfulness and bareness, of that Maura was certain and she had been hopeful about what would be revealed, but as she recognized Casey's voice at the door joyfully joining the family dinner, she felt her heart break. She had thought of the opportunity that he would participate tonight, but Jane's behavior had let her to believe that this night was about the two of them. Maura wanted to cry. Again. And again she felt a hand on her arm.

"Maura. I'm leaving now." Sam said. She had unheard reentered her living area.

Maura turned around and buried her head in the others doctors shoulder. A small sob escaped her lips. "Casey is here."

Sam wrapped her arms around the sobbing woman. "Hey. Maura. Shh. I'm here for you as long as you want to."

Maura sank into the embrace. "Sam, could you please stay tonight? I would feel too lonely otherwise." Maura felt Sam's arms tighten around her as the other woman said: "Sure thing. I'll stay, Maura."