Chapter two
It was Saturday, the day of Sophia's ball game. She played in a mixed team with girls and boys of her age. The team was very good and up for winning the championship today. Jane sensed that Sophia was quite nervous for the game so they practiced a lot in the backyard the last few days. She was proud that Sophia was one of the best players of her team, always able to score a few points. She liked to think that it was because of all the things she taught Sophia, playing ball with her since the day she can walk.
They were driving to the baseball fields. Jane behind the wheel, Maura in the passenger's seat and Sophia and TJ in the back. They would meet the rest of their friends and family at the field. TJ tried to calm Sophia's nerves and gave her some advice. Maura looked over at Jane who looked just as nervous as Sophia was. "You know it's just a game, right?!" she asked, telling by the way she saw Jane's muscles tensing that she said the wrong thing.
"Just a game?! No way Maura! This is the championship! It all depends on this!"
"But they are just kids Jane, you can't expect them to be like professional players. Just relax so Sophia will relax too. She's already nervous without your big expectations".
Jane looked at her nervous looking daughter in the mirror and sighed "you're right Maur... I just would love to see them win! They worked so hard for this".
"I know they did and of course I hope they'll win. But just tell Sophia that you're already proud no matter if they win or lose. That she has to enjoy her time at the field" Maura said putting her hand on Jane's arm.
Jane relaxed immediately, only Maura had that effect on her. She looked at Maura and smiled, putting her hand on Maura's leg "you're too good for me"
"I know!" Maura smiled back.
They arrived at the baseball field and Sophia ran up to her teammates, Jane grabbed her bag and followed. Her mother and brothers were already waiting for them, dressed up in the team colors of Sophia's team and cheering signs in their hands. Jane walked up to them for a hug, "thanks for coming, this means so much to Sophia"
"Of course we're here! We don't want to miss our little niece winning her first championship, would we?! " Frankie said, giving Jane a big hug.
"Is she nervous?" Angela asked.
"Yeah a bit. I guess I should go and give her a little pep talk before they start". Jane walked over to her daughter on the field.
"Jane is just as nervous as Sophia is" Frankie said, watching Jane walk away. Maura stood next to him, watching Jane too "Yeah she's excited, but she'll be fine".
Jane walked up to Sophia "Hey little girl! Ready for the game?".
Sophia lunged herself in Jane's arms "I don't think I can do this mommy!".
Jane puts her down and she looked her little girl in the eyes "Of course you can honey! You're so good at this!"
"But what if we fail? Will you be mad?" Sophia looked up to her between her eyelashes.
Jane was shocked "Why would I be mad?"
"Because you want us to win!"
"Of course I want you to win honey, but most of all I just want you to enjoy the game, that would make me so happy and proud even when you'll lose"
"I would never be mad at you for losing a game" Jane said "Now go and have some fun! I'll be cheering so loud that the other parents won't be heard!" Sophia giggled and ran away, getting ready for the game.
...
The team won and they had a celebration with the team and their families. After eating too much pizza and ice cream Sophia was knocked out when they drove back home. Jane picked her up out of the car and carried her inside to her bedroom. She undressed Sophia and put her under the blankets. "You did great today mini Rizzoli" Jane whispered and kissed Sophia's head.
Jane walked back into the living room and crashed on the couch. Maura stood in the kitchen grabbing some wine and a beer for Jane. She walked to the couch handing Jane her beer.
"Thanks Maura, I needed that" Jane sighed opening up the bottle.
Maura sat down next to Jane, pulling her legs up "You did great to today Jane" she said.
Jane blushed "You heard that?"
"Yes, when I walked by to change into my yoga pants I heard you whispering. It's nothing to be ashamed of Jane, you don't have to be tough all the time. I love it when you're a softie"
"I'm not a softie!"
Maura giggled, she knew so well how to tease Jane.
"You're being unfair Maura, teasing me after such a stressful day" Jane said with a deep sigh, rubbing her neck.
"Aww, had mommy some game stress today?" Maura couldn't help herself, she loved to tease Jane, especially at being soft around her family.
"Ugh! Stop teasing me Maura! As I remember you were bouncing and screaming some scientific thingies too, so I wasn't the only one stressing".
"You're right Jane, I've never experienced a championship game before, it was so exciting and stressful at the same time! Maura's tone was still cheering and excited.
"Well I'm glad you liked it Maura, and to be honest you where very cute, screaming facts nobody cared about" Jane looked at Maura.
"I'm sorry if I embarrassed Sophia" Maura said slightly blushing. "Oh don't be afraid of that, I guess her screaming mother was way more embarrassing than you were" Jane chuckled.
Maura stood up from the couch "Well I'm off to bed, this day was very exhausting" she said, putting her glass into the sink and walking over to the door.
"Maura?"
"Yes Jane?"
"Thank you for being there today. I know how much it means to Sophia and it means just as much to me"
"I know Jane, I loved being there, I love doing things with you and Sophia, I wouldn't miss this for anything in the world"
"I love you.. Uh I mean doing these things with you.. Too. Goodnight Maura"
"I love you too Jane, goodnight"
As Maura walked away Jane took a sip of her beer. She said she loved me being a softie, she always talks about the things she loves about me. And just right there she said she loves me. Then why doesn't she want to be in a relationship with me? Jane thought. Maybe I should show her how good we can be together.
As she drank her beer Jane made a plan, a plan to show Maura why she should say yes to Jane.