Jane had gotten up extra early the day of their meeting. She was still mad at Angela for her snooping, but it seemed like things had gotten better between the two. Of course, she made it a point not to mention her date? appointment? whatever it was with the very attractive doctor. If her mother had gone off the deep end just because of a simple ride home, she could only imagine the fit she'd have if she found out Jane and Maura were going to get together for coffee.

She went about her morning routine as usual. She got up and had her breakfast with Angela, followed by her bath. She had informed her mother that she would go out and about that day, opting for a walk around the neighborhood and maybe stopping for lunch somewhere. Though the Rizzoli matriarch was not convinced by Jane's actions, she didn't voice her discontent and instead got her daughter's clothes ironed as usual. Jane had had a difficult time picking out her outfit. She thought it was silly, worrying about an outfit when the two of them were just going to meet for coffee. She had gotten an idea of what Maura wore on a daily basis two days before when she'd seen her walk into her office with 5-inch stilettos, a black pencil skirt and a turquoise silk blouse so she didn't want to be caught too off guard. She opted for one of her better fitting pairs of skinny jeans along with a crimson sweater which fit her frame nicely.

"This is what you're wearing?"

"Yeah ma, it is. Do you have a problem with that?" Jane raised her eyebrows as to make a point.

"No, I don't. I just think it's a little much for just a walk around the neighborhood," Angela replied, giving her daughter a knowing look.

"Ma! I told you I would probably stop for lunch somewhere. I don't wanna look like a slob wherever I end up, alright?!"

"Alright, alright. I was just surprised Janie, that's all."

"Jeez ma, I wonder if there will ever come a day when you stop questioning my decisions, regardless of what they are," Jane muttered under her breath while rolling her eyes. She had still said it loud enough for her mother to hear though Angela pretended not to notice.

Once she was changed and ready to go, she slipped her coat on and made her way outside, telling her mother that she'd be back later on in the day and that she had her phone on her in the event it was necessary. She did make it clear that she was only taking it in the event of an emergency, which meant that Angela should not be contacting her constantly for no good reason.

The winter air was cold as it hit her face and hands. Jane closed her eyes and shivered; she'd not worn gloves and that was really starting to bother her. She buried her hands in her pockets and quickly made her way to her destination.

Maura had spent the better part of an hour trying to decide what to wear. She'd gotten up at her usual time even though it was her day off and had gone for her morning jog followed by her 60 minutes of yoga. She'd taken a hot shower and had sipped on a cup of tea as she eyed rack after rack of clothes, trying to decide what would be appropriate for such an occasion. She didn't want to appear professional like she did at work, but she wanted to look nice.

She had been surprised to learn just how much she valued Jane's opinion after knowing her for such a short period of time. In the end, she'd opted for a pair of black skinny jeans and an emerald cashmere sweater which brought out the green in her eyes. She paired them with a pair of high heeled boots before getting to work on her makeup. She looked into the mirror a few minutes later: flawless. She felt confident, beautiful, and ready to capture the eye of one Jane Rizzoli.

Maura made it a point to always be either right on time or a little early when meeting someone. She hated the idea of having someone waiting for her and so was deeply surprised to find Jane waiting for her inside the café when she walked in 10 minutes before their scheduled time. They made eye contact and Jane stood immediately, a smile on her face as she waited for Maura to reach the table she'd saved for them.

"Jane, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting; I didn't realize I was late," Maura said the second she was in front of the detective.

"No worries Maura, you're not late. I just got here a little early. It was a little cold outside so I figured I'd come in and get us a table. Please, sit," she said as she motioned to the chair in front of her. "I'm sorry, I'd normally hold out your chair for you…"

"Jane, please don't apologize," Maura replied straight back as she took her seat. "How are your hands today? Are they hurting too badly?"

Jane tried to play the pain off. "Na, they're alright. They were a little bad when I left the house but then I got used to the temperature."

Maura looked right through her, knowing the brunette would have to be in considerable pain with the weather they were having. She mentally slapped herself for not having thought about that when picking a place to meet. She was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of Jane's voice.

"Maura? Maur? Doctor Isles?"

"What? Sorry, what did you say?" Maura asked, embarrassed.

Jane chuckled. "I was just asking what you'd like to drink. What can I get for you?"

"Oh! Sorry. I'll get our drinks Jane,"

"I'll have none of that. I invited you out for coffee and that means I pay. What can I get you?" she asked as she rose from her seat.

"Can I get a tall nonfat latte with skim milk, flat with just a hint of foam, extra hot please." Maura made eye contact with the brunette once more and a sheepish look came over her.

"Sure thing, coming right up," Jane replied with a smile as she turned and headed to the register. That Maura sure knew exactly what she wanted. Jane thought as she repeated Maura's request to the barista. Once their order had been placed, she returned to their table, slightly relieved that she'd gotten the blonde's order right. "They'll be ready in a bit," she said to Maura as she sat back down. "So, how's your day off going so far?" Jane asked as she got comfortable in her seat.

"It's going really well actually," Maura replied. "I just went for my usual morning jog, did some yoga and now we're here. How's your day measuring up?"

"There was nothing exciting about my day until I saw you walking through that door," Jane replied before she was able to censor her thoughts. Horrified at herself, she looked at Maura to gauge her reaction. She looked into deep, hazel eyes only to see them shining back at her with mirth. "I'm sorry, I can't seem to stop my mouth sometimes. It has a tendency to get me into trouble."

"Is that so?" Maura questioned. "I think it's quite endearing."

Jane stared into hazel eyes once more, replaying in her head what Maura had just said to her. "Endearing?" she asked to make sure she'd heard her correctly.

"Yes. It's not often I come across someone who speaks to me so frankly. I find that I am rather enjoying it."

"Well then," Jane said clearing her throat. "In that case, I'd say you look beautiful today. That sweater really brings out the green in your eyes."

Maura looked down and blushed. "Thank you Jane. I can say the same for you, about looking beautiful I mean."

"Jane!" the barista called.

"Oh, let me. I'll get them," Maura said as she rose to her feet quickly and went to the counter to get their coffee. She came back and sat Jane's drink in front of her before going back to her seat.

"Thank you," Jane said as she took the coffee cup in both of her hands before bringing it to her lips and taking a sip. "Ahhh… this is heaven in a cup."

Maura laughed softly before taking a sip of her own cup. "I'd have to agree; this is definitely much better than hospital coffee."

"I'd venture a guess that hospital coffee and precinct coffee taste just as bad as the other," Jane joked.

"I've no doubt in my mind that you're right," Maura agreed.

The two sat and enjoyed their coffee, sharing light banter easily. Jane told Maura a little more about work, gave her stories about the crazy people she'd met on the job and talked about her work partners. Maura in turn talked to her about work and surgery, her fascination and love for science. She was delighted to see that Jane not only seemed to keep up with her conversation, but was actually interested and invested in what the doctor was saying. She asked questions when she wanted more details or when an explanation and further detail was warranted. At this point in time during any other date, the other person would have definitely tuned out.

"So…" Jane started. "I know from what I've heard and what you've told me that being a surgeon is quite demanding and taxing on relationships. Does your boyfriend mind you being so busy?"

"Is that your way of asking me if I'm involved with someone?" Maura asked with a smirk on her face.

"Well you're not married; there are no rings on your finger. I just assumed someone as beautiful, intelligent and accomplished as you would be in a relationship."

"You're right; I'm not married, nor do I have a boyfriend. I'm not involved with anyone at the moment," Maura clarified.

"That's quite surprising to know, Dr. Isles."

"How about yourself? Is there a significant other in your life?" Maura asked, wanting desperately to know the answer.

"No, I'm not involved with anyone either. That would just make my mother's day. She's gone on and on about how I should find myself a man and get married, do the 2.5 kids and be a housewife, the works. That's just not who I am."

"You don't want to get married someday?" Maura asked.

Jane thought before answering. "Yeah, someday, maybe. I believe in commitment and in family. I'd like to have someone, have kids, I just can't see myself being a stay at home mother. I love my job. I can't see myself giving that up."

Maura nodded her understanding. "I know what you mean. I love my job too. That's what keeps me going most days," she finished with a solemn look on her face.

Jane wanted nothing more than to take the blonde in her arms and just hug her. There was something about Maura's look that broke her heart. She looked so lonely, so sad. Jane wished she could do anything to change that.

"Listen Maura, I know that I've not known you for very long at all. Really, most of the interaction we've had has been in a professional capacity. I am so very grateful for the care you've provided me with, for getting me ready to move onto the next step of my recovery. You must know by now though, that I like you. I like you a lot."

"I like you too Jane. You have to understand, I'm still your doctor. It would be highly unethical, against my beliefs as a doctor to pursue anything. That wouldn't be right."

"Well, as of tomorrow, I'll be in the hands of another doctor… a physical therapist, right?"

"Should everything go as planned, then yes, you would. I would release you as my patient and you would continue to the next step in your recovery."

"Well, what if I were to wait until the day after tomorrow to invite you out on a date? Would you feel compelled to reject my invitation because of ethics then?"

Maura smiled, seeing exactly where Jane's train of thought was going. "No Jane, I don't think I would. By then, you would no longer be my patient," Maura reasoned.

"Alright," Jane replied with a triumphant smile. "I'll wait until two days from now to do so," she said as she took a sip of her coffee once more, all the while never breaking eye contact with the beautiful blonde before her.

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