Hey everyone. This is another short chapter, but I wanted to get it out there so you don't have to keep waiting. Work has been really kicking my rear, so a review would really cheer me up! I promise to work harder to get the next chapter up quicker.


I'm nervous about tonight, though part of me questions why that is. It's just drinks with a co-worker; there shouldn't be much to it, right? If I truly believe that, then I'm just kidding myself. It's not just any co-worker, it's Jane… the woman who has invaded my thoughts since the moment I met her… the one who has been in my very dreams and whose captivating raspy voice I long to hear. I wonder if she's as nervous about this as I am, or if she even thinks that much of the undeniable spark that occurred between us… guess I'll find out tonight.

Maura quickly closed her journal and went about getting ready for her… what was she supposed to call it? Drinks with a co-worker? In order to avoid further complication, she decided to stick with that. Jane had agreed to pick her up at 7:30, which gave her more than enough time to shower and change. She had made it a point to get out of the office earlier so as to not be rushed. Once she was showered, she walked into her enormous walk-in closet and eyed outfit after outfit until she finally saw one that was quite appropriate for the occasion: tight, dark blue skinny jeans with a woven, off the shoulder green sweater which brought out her eyes. She figured it was casual enough for whatever it was Jane had planned as the destination. Once 7:20 came around and she came into the living room, looking perfect, ready to sit and wait for her da- for Jane to arrive.

There was a knock on her door at exactly 7:30. She liked that Jane was punctual. She took another second to get up, took a deep breath, and headed to the door trying to seem more confident than she really felt. She opened the door to reveal a casually dressed but nervous looking Jane. They immediately took each other in from head to toe with Jane staring a bit longer than what was considered appropriate. Maura took a second to enjoy the moment before clearing her throat.

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry. Hey, you look good tonight." Jane tried to cover up her blatant staring.

"Thank you Jane, you look good too. Would you like to come in or should we leave now"

"I uh, guess it's up to you. It's not like we have reservations anywhere anyway. I was just thinking we could go to the Robber for a little while. We could stay here too I suppose, for a little while."

Maura quickly thought it over. "Why don't you come in? I'll get us something to drink and we'll go from there, sound good?"

"Yeah, that sounds great."

Jane followed Maura back inside the house, past the foyer and into the kitchen.

"What would you like to drink?"

"I'll take a beer if you have it."

Maura instantly looked apologetic. "I'm so sorry, I don't actually drink beer… I have a wide selection of wine if you're up for a glass… or we could head to the Robber if you really want that beer."

"No, don't be silly Maura, wine is just fine. I'll go with whatever you choose, I trust you to be quite the wine connoisseur."

"I do have an extensive knowledge of wine, yes." Maura replied as she went and grabbed a perfectly chilled bottle. "How was the rest of your day?" She asked as she went about opening the bottle and pouring herself and Jane a glass.

"It went alright; just finishing up some paperwork. Frost and I usually take turns with it because it is such a bore, but unfortunately it was my turn this time around and he got to go home early…. Thanks." She replied as she reached for her glass.

The glass exchange brought their fingertips together and both women felt a surge of excitement travel down their bodies. Trying not to make too big a deal of the moment, Maura offered Jane a seat.

"Please, let's go into the living room so we can relax."

Jane again followed Maura through the house and settled a fair distance away from Maura on the sofa though she secretly yearned to be closer. "You have a really nice house. I'm quite sure my entire apartment could fit in your living room alone."

"Don't exaggerate Jane, I'm sure that's not the case. But I do thank you for the compliment; know that you are welcome here anytime."

"Thanks Maura, you're always welcome in my tiny apartment too." Jane said with a smile.

They talked about work, life, friends, family… really Jane was the one that did all the talking while Maura listened patiently, smile always in place. She didn't have the life that Jane did, and it was nice to hear about the detective's adventures when she was a young kid with her brothers and how they got into trouble time and again.

"I didn't have any friends growing up. Actually, I don't have any friends now…" Maura stated.

"What? How is that even possible?!" Jane asked. "You're beautiful, smart, a great listener… who wouldn't want to have a friend with those qualities?"

Maura blushed the second the word 'beautiful' came out of Jane's mouth. Sensing her slip up, Jane blushed too.

"I mean it, you know… you are smart… and a great listener… and beautiful."

"I'm flattered that you see me that way Jane, you're the first person who has ever told me that."

Jane sat there, shocked. She couldn't believe how someone like Maura could be so alone.

"It's nothing but the truth, my friend."

"You really see me as your friend?"

"Of course. As of right now, you, Maura Isles, have a friend in me."