It maybe has veered away from the light hearted but to follow the Friends story certain things have to happen – sorry! Remember the balcony scene? That'll be next! Thanks to those following, very nice of you :)

Chapter Eight

The autopsy did not take long; there really wasn't anything suspicious to concern her. As she tapped up some notes her mobile rang. Maura knew rather than saw that it was Jane, she wished she'd rang earlier.

"Hello Jane."

"Hey Maur, for some reason it feels like years since we have spoken."

"Jane it's been 3 days and 15 hours." Jane laughed

"And how many minutes" Jane could tell by the pause Maura was beginning to work it out. "Joke Maur glad you've been counting though! Anyway you ok? Is this a bad time?"

"No, no just finishing up some autopsy notes. How are you?"

"Tired, overworked but making progress. We've got someone in the frame, I think it's him. I can feel it."

"Trust your instincts, they got to you to New York. Jane."

"Mmm?"

"Thank you again for my gift." Maura knew in New York Jane was running her hand across the back of her neck.

"You're welcome."

"It's beautiful and so thoughtful, you, you really shouldn't have."

"You liked it though?"

"Yes of course it's gorgeous."

"It's ok, I knew you liked it so it seemed like a safe gift."

"Jane it was anything but safe, it was…."

"WHAT! Oh I'm sorry Maura hold that thought whatever it was, I've got to go." With that the line went dead and she was gone. Maura exhaled, she hadn't even realised that she was holding her breath.

On impulse Maura had texted Paul and suggested a drink at hers. She felt at home she was more in control. She had a lovely terrace that hadn't been used yet that season, a quick drink and that would be that. She was now in her kitchen chopping some olives and sundried tomatoes. Maura answered the knock on the door whilst wiping her hands and turning down the Vivaldi she'd chosen to listen to.

"Angela, why are you knocking?"

"Well I'm still trying to give you some space but I also wanted to see how you were."

"I'm fine." Maura knew that they were about to head into very dangerous waters."

"Are you making dinner? I could help."

"No just some nibbles I have a guest coming over later." Maura turned back to her chopping feeling very uncomfortable, heat rising from her chest to her face."

"Oh." Maura sighed and placed the sharp knife down on the granite worktop.

"A date Angela."

"I see."

"Do you?"

"No! I'm sorry Maura I want to be objective but what about Jane. My Janie, she's so beautiful and caring and brave. What more could you want and, you're, you're…."

"What?"

"Gallivanting around Boston with who knows who!"

"Angela! Don't you see, one of the things I'm struggling with is if I dated Jane I wouldn't just be dating Jane I'd be going out with all of you! May I add that I am not gallivanting which means to roam about in search of pleasure or amusement. I am not feeling amused and to be frank I'm getting little pleasure out of this situation, not that I expect any sympathy as you're rightly annoyed me and I probably deserve it." Maura was now pacing around the kitchen, rather like a caged animal as Angela stood watching her, arms folded still looking rather annoyed.

"So you've given up on the idea then?" Maura shook her head and continued,

"I may have, before she left, briefly considered an attraction between myself and Jane." Maura eyed Angela cautiously but she merely nodded making no move to interrupt. "But I had honestly never considered a relationship with her. She's my best friend, my very best, my constant. What if it didn't work?"

"Why wouldn't it. You and Jane are already a couple in so many ways, just think how happy you could be, a wedding, children….." Maura looked at Angela like a rabbit caught in headlights.

"Children, wedding. See! How many relationships start under this amount of pressure? You've got us planned until retirement." Angela came around the counter and put her hands on Maura's shoulders to stop her pacing.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just can't help myself. You know me. I'm obsessed with my children's happiness, it's a fault."

"It's your best attribute Angela. I can't lose Jane, I can't, I'm just not sure how I feel. I know I love her but I'm not sure it's the right kind of love." Maura dropped her gaze to the floor and Angela's maternal instinct kicked in.

"Maybe having a drink with someone else will help." She sighed, "Just drinks?" Maura laughed despite herself as she wiped away the few tears that had escaped.

"Yes just drinks."

"Well then I'll leave you to it, I'm only across the courtyard mind."