A medical conference took Maura to Los Angeles for a week. After the third night, Jane gave up on sleeping at her place, packed up the dog and some clothes, and went to stay at Maura's. She was all ready there in the morning and at some point in the evening to care for Bass.
Being in Maura's home, around her things, didn't really make her feel any better. Not even sleeping in Maura's bed helped. It was really nice, comfortable, and it smelled like Maura, but it wasn't the same as being beside her, listening as her breathing evened out into sleep.
Jane's phone rang at 8:30 p.m., and she smiled, recognizing Maura's tone. "Hey."
"Hello, Jane. How are you?"
"Ok." 'Now,' she added silently.
"How is Bass?"
"He's fine."
"He's eating?"
"Yup, and drinking, and doing all those turtle things he does."
"Tortoise," Maura answered absently.
"What are you doing?"
"Preparing for bed. There's a fascinating seminar tomorrow about advances in DNA testing."
"Have fun with that." Jane paused. "Are you all right? You sound, I dunno, tired."
"I haven't been sleeping."
"Me either."
"Are you dreaming?"
"Not like that. I just can't get settled."
"I miss you," Maura sighed.
"Yeah, me too. But you'll be home Saturday, right?"
"Yes."
Through the phone, Jane heard Maura moving around the hotel room, and after a bit, heard a light switch followed by rustling fabric, and knew Maura was in bed. "Sweet dreams."
"Call if you need me."
"Guess we'll be on the phone all night."
"I don't mind."