I'm sorry there has been such a gap between updates. Apparently writing this and being at work don't mix! I understand some of you don't like the characterisation of Maura. When I had the idea for this story this was the scene I had in mind therefore Maura had to be on a date for it to work – sorry! Anyway…..

Chapter Nine

Paul arrived punctually at 8pm. He was dressed impeccably in grey slacks and a black polo shirt. Maura had to admit when he leant towards her to kiss her cheek and hand over a bottle of perfectly chilled Sancerre, he did smell great too. She led him through the house to the terrace outside where she had laid out the nibbles.

"You have a fabulous home Maura, it becomes you."

"Thank you, are you from Boston?" And so began the small talk that begins every first date. Maura wasn't not enjoying Paul's company; he was a pleasant conversationalist, if a little dull on certain subjects. Uncharacteristically her mind was wandering.

"Can't stop thinking about me, can you?" Maura's neck snapped to the left. There was Jane, bold as brass, sat on her wicker outdoor furniture with her boot clad feet on the table. "Can you?" Jane's cocky statement was completed with a wink. Maura swallowed and looked back to Paul. He was still talking, something about the bulk ordering of rum versus vodka. Maura's medical brain began to attempt to explain.

"Autoscopy." She muttered "An out of body experience triggered by…..stress."

"Maura don't sweat it." Jane chuckled, stood and walked around the table to stand by Paul. Jerking a thumb towards him, "another one of your pretty boys."

"He's a very pleasant man actually." Maura couldn't quite believe she was having a conversation with a hallucination but still, here she was retorting.

"I can't believe you'd rather go out with him than me."

"Excuse me; I'm trying to have a date here."

"Fine. Stop thinking about me." Maura rolled her eyes and suddenly Jane was by her side murmuring in her ear, "can't can you?" Maura gave an exasperated sigh.

"So! I'm thinking about you – so what! It's hard not to when you're interrupting my date."

"Only in your mind." Jane remained by Maura's side but turned to look at Paul. "I don't get it, what do you see in this guy anyway – apart from the obvious physical appeal." Jane waved her hand up and down in front of Paul.

"He's a nice guy." Maura replied unconvincingly. The fact was Paul's conversation and personality were not matching up to his physical appearance. Jane suddenly stepped in front of Maura.

"Maura give us a chance."

"Jane it's too hard." Even though Jane wasn't real Maura felt her hands on her hands forcing Maura to remain still and look at her.

"Why? Because it might get weird for everyone else. Who cares?" Maura shook her head slowly. "Maura. I love you. I've been in love with you for years. Probably since you offered to pay for my coffee even though I was dressed as a hooker." Maura smiled at the memory of their first meeting.

"I believe I suggested natural yoghurt and leafy greens would be more appropriate."

"Yeah you did and I'd still knock that offer back, but Maura, I do love you." Maura's face became very serious.

"You're my best friend, if we broke up and I lost you…."

"Hey, what makes you think we'd break up?

"Well, have you been in a relationship that hasn't ended?" Jane scuffed her boots on the floor and paused,

"Er no."

"See!"

"Maura, it only has to happen once. You and I are perfect for one another – right?" Imperceptible to most but not to Jane, Maura nodded. "So – I guess the only thing to ask is are you attracted to me?" If 'real' Jane was here Maura knew she would be revelling in this. Maura feeling awkward for once. A flush grew from the medical examiner's neck up to her cheeks. Jane smirked, "So?"

"I don't know." Maura lied, "I've never looked at you that way before." Jane's hands moved up to frame Maura's face and she looked intently into Maura's eyes. Maura found herself lost momentarily.

"You know what?"

"What?" Maura rasped,

"Start looking." Despite knowing none of the last 5 minutes was real, despite the fact that Paul was still talking, despite being slightly concerned about her own mental state, despite all of these things, Maura melted. She actually felt that her insides were turning into liquid. That was medically not possible, she knew that, but still. Jane's hands had framed her face and her thumbs were gently brushing across Maura's cheeks. When Jane's lips touched hers, Maura actually thought her knees might give way. She didn't need to worry as one of Jane's arms had snaked around her waist and was holding her firmly against her. The kiss wasn't the most passionate one she had shared with a partner, but it certainly contained the most feeling. Jane softly released her lips and Maura, eyes still closed, could not help the quiet "wow" that escaped her lips. Her eyes fluttered open and she realised that 'Jane' had gone. Her muttered 'wow' had obviously come at the right point in the conversation.

"I know." Paul sipped his wine and continued "pretty extortionate isn't it but I guess everyone has overheads." Maura felt flustered, her heart was racing and she was pretty sure that her pupils were dilated. She was concerned that Paul might mistake these signs as an interest in him.

"Paul, I'm sorry please excuse me for a moment."

"Oh sure." Maura made her way back inside and locked herself into her bathroom as quickly as possible. She splashed cold water on her face and looked at herself. Her flushed cheeks could be explained away by alcohol if she'd had a lot – which she hadn't. Her dilated pupils could be explained by a drastic change in light conditions – but the light hadn't changed. Sexual stimulation was the only explanation. Maura knew herself well enough to know that that was most definitely the explanation. She sat down heavily on the toilet seat. Her imagination had conjured Jane up and this was her physical response. When Jane's lips had touched hers – Maura's finger tips involuntarily moved up to touch the spot. She had to get rid of Paul, just him being there felt wrong. She hurried out, Paul was admiring her newly installed heaters.

"These are great aren't they. Are you ok Maura?"

"Erm no, I'm sorry Paul I don't feel quite right..." Well done Maura she thought to herself, not lying.

"Oh?"

"I just feel a little strange. Do you mind if we cut this short?" Paul was obviously disappointed and Maura felt very bad for him. A few weeks ago this date would not have taken such an abrupt turn.

"No of course, if you feel unwell." He smiled and placed his wine glass down. "I hope we can continue this another time." Maura wasn't sure how she managed to get Paul out without an outright lie but she did. She collapsed on the couch.

"Damn you Jane, how did you get in my head like that?" Are you attracted to me was Jane's question and Maura now knew the answer – yes. As attracted as it is possible to be, so much so that when on a date her sub-conscious mind had conjured Jane up. Jane consumed her thoughts.