Thanks for the reviews and to everyone who continues to read and encourage me along the way.
Chapter 36- Notin' at all
"I can't believe this Janie…look a champagne fountain!" Angela's eyes were wide with excitement as she looked around the well-appointed dining room that overlooked the immaculately manicured golf course outside the huge floor to ceiling windows.
"Come on Ma…don't get all weird on me…" Jane couldn't help but huff as they followed the hostess to a table for four by one of the windows. Her irritated mood suddenly changed when she saw Maura and Constance waiting for them. The late morning sun was streaming in through the windows with just enough illumination to light up the spot where Maura was sitting. Jane noticed that Maura's hair was highlighted with ribbons of coppery red that shone in the sunlight mixing flawlessly within the honey-blonde causing the palms of her hands to itch with the urge to feel the silky soft locks running through her fingers. But it was the soft, almost sad smile on Maura's face as she listened intently to something her mother was telling her that had Jane's stomach doing flip-flops. The love she felt for Maura was almost too heavy a cross for her to bear, but one she knew she would gladly endure for an eternity. When Maura looked up at their approach, Jane's breath caught in her throat at the serene look on Maura's face. Such simple beauty in delicate features and a smile that radiated warmth and love had Jane reaching up with a trembling hand to push her hair away from her face. Jane knew that no matter what happened after they graduated, Maura owned her soul and always would.
Angela gave Jane a sideways glance when she heard the sharp intake of breath as they continued to make their way across the dining room. She couldn't help but smile at the look of adoration on Jane's face when Maura looked over at them. When her eyes met Constance's eyes, there was an understanding shining back at her as both women silently acknowledged the love that their daughters shared.
"Hey beautiful…" Jane whispered into Maura's ear as she hugged her before taking the empty seat next to the one Maura was sitting in.
"Did you tell Jane and Angela the good news?" Constance asked after Jane and Angela had taken their seats.
Jane turned to look at Maura expectantly and saw Maura shaking her head. "What good news?" She asked as she watched Maura try to hide a shy smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I got Valedictorian…" Maura said quietly as if she didn't want to sound like she was bragging.
"Was there any doubt?" Jane took Maura's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"No…not from me there wasn't, but you know how Maura is. Even as confident as she is, she still doubts herself and her abilities." Constance sighed as she handed Angela a menu.
"I don't appreciate it when you talk about me like I'm not here…" Maura's voice was quiet, but loud enough for everyone to hear.
Constance peered over the top of her menu, dark blue eyes clouding over with surprise as she silently studied Maura. When their eyes met, Constance could see hurt and the stirrings of anger looking back at her so she gave a curt nod of understanding before going back to perusing her menu.
"So what's good?" Angela felt the sudden need to change the subject.
"The eggs benedict are wonderful…" Constance said without looking up.
Jane couldn't hide the grimace as Maura's hold on her hand tightened to almost a death like grip. Something had changed between Maura and her mother, the air around them had changed from casual to frigid in an instant. Looking down at their joined hands, she could see that Maura's knuckles were white as her grip continued to tighten. She gave Maura a questioning look, but only got a strained smile in return.
"I guess I'll try the benedict Arnold if you say it's good…" Jane announced, her voice serious and declarative.
"Eggs benedict Jane…" Maura chuckled, giving Jane the first real smile since she had taken her seat. Letting out a shaky breath that didn't go unnoticed by anyone at the table, she let go of Jane's hand so she could concentrate on the menu.
"Hey…what's wrong?" Jane reached for the hand that had let go of her own too soon.
"Shall I tell them or would you like to?" Maura gave her mother a sad but stern look.
"Please Maura, these theatrics are very unlike you…" Constance let out an annoyed breath as she set her menu down to give everyone at the table her attention.
"Well, somebody better tell us something." Jane's temper was beginning to surface. She could tell that Maura was upset and she wanted to know why.
"It seems as if my parents won't be able to attend my graduation…" The sadness radiated off of Maura but when she finally said the words out loud, she was almost overcome with emotion.
Dark brown eyes filled with anger met unflinching dark blue from across the table, a storm brewing between them both that threatened with the promise of unsurmountable destruction. Jane took a deep breath as she struggled to contain the torrent of emotions that flowed through her like a tidal wave of angry heat.
Sensing the ire that Jane was barely containing, Maura had the sudden urge to leave. Abruptly she stood and quickly excused herself from the table. "I'm going to the restroom…" Her voice was barely a whisper as Jane and Constance continued to glare at each other, not really hearing Maura or acknowledging her as she left them at the table.
Angela looked back and forth between her daughter and Constance, her heart breaking for Maura as she watched her get up and quickly excuse herself from the table. She realized that both Jane and Constance were attempting to pin each other down with the weight of their stares and decided she needed to go to Maura and let Jane deal with things her own way. With a nod towards Jane and then Constance, she stood up, placed her napkin in her chair, and followed Maura towards the restrooms. As she looked over her shoulder, she could see that neither of them had noticed that she had left.
"Are you seriously telling me that you aren't coming to Maura's graduation…?" Jane hissed through clenched teeth.
"William can't get away…they are in the middle of a pandemic, Maura of all people understands how it is…" Constance started to say.
"What's your excuse…?" Jane shot back before Constance could continue.
"I have a series of lectures that I must attend to out of the country…it is something I can't reschedule." Constance leveled her gaze at Jane wondering if perhaps she had finally met her match. "This is nothing new Jane…" She waved her hand as if it was somehow a good enough reason. "Maura has always been a bit of a loner…she will be alright without us…"
"It seems to me that you haven't given her much of a choice but be a loner…you're never here when she needs you." Jane glared back.
"Oh, she has never needed us…" A flash of sadness passed over Constance's dark blue eyes, but was quickly replaced with indifference. "I don't do warm and fuzzy Jane…I never have…"
"Okay…" Jane put her hands on the table, palms down to keep them from trembling. "Just so you know…Maura is a part of my family now. We won't let her down…not now…not ever."
Constance was quiet as she thought about what Jane had said. She loved Maura more than anything, but she just couldn't be the same type of mother as Angela. It was something she recognized and it was something she could live with knowing that her and her husband would always be able to provide for Maura in ways that could ensure her future. As she silently studied the angry and determined look on Jane's face, she realized she needed to ask the one question that would haunt her from here on out if she didn't ask. "Jane…" Her voice was low causing Jane to lean forward slightly so she could hear. "I need to ask you something…"
The serious tone caused Jane's stomach to clench because she knew exactly what Constance was going to ask her. "I promised you that I would never tell her…I won't be responsible for causing that kind of pain…I'll leave that up to you…" The words were meant to hurt and by the look on Constance's face, Jane knew she had hit her mark.
"I only ask that you keep her secret…" Constance started to speak but was cut off by Jane's quick words.
"You are asking me to keep your secret…" Jane's voice was dangerously quiet as she continued to glare at Constance.
"Fair enough…I just need to know that if things don't work out between you two that you won't tell her." Constance couldn't hide the plea in her tone. The look of uncertainty on Jane's face caused Constance to continue. "Since the moment I met you Jane I've know that you don't think you're good enough for Maura and I'll even admit that I thought the same thing at first." She held up her hand when Jane attempted to protest. "I can see it in your eyes every time you look at her…that foolish notion that you will always know what's better for her than she does. I don't know, maybe you're right…maybe you need to let her go, let her find herself…discover who she truly is before she can come back to you." She couldn't stop herself from letting out a long, heavy sigh. "But if you ask me…I think you're a fool."
"That's rich coming from the one person who causes her the most pain." Jane scoffed.
"Maybe that's true..." Constance picked up her menu again, turning it around in her hands a few times before looking back at Jane. "I have a feeling that we're not very different Jane…"
"I'm nothing like you…" Jane all but growled.
"We'll see…" Constance peered over her menu before turning her attention to what was written on it essentially ending their conversation.
Jane couldn't help but feel as if Constance had dismissed her by ending their conversation. As she ruminated over what Constance had said to her she couldn't help but wonder if maybe she wasn't right in some way. The very real fear that the inevitable distance could change things between them when they went separate ways after graduation was something that haunted Jane almost every day. Her heart told her that nothing would change, but her head was making a pretty good case as well. As she tried to formulate something to say in response, her mouth opened and closed a few times before she gave up and looked down at her own menu, conceding that she had lost this round.
When Maura heard the door open, she looked up to see the reflection of Angela looking back at her from the doorway. To her surprise, a sudden wave of relief washed over her. She had expected to find Jane but was glad when she saw it wasn't. She tried to smile, but only succeeded in grimacing at the look of concern in Angela's eyes. Silently, she watched as Angela made her way across the room to stand behind her and then she couldn't stop the tears from flowing.
"I'm sorry honey…" Angela gathered Maura up in her arms and murmured against the soft, honey-blonde locks she had her cheek pressed against.
"I don't know what I expected really…" Maura pulled back and tried to stem the flow of tears. She felt the sudden need to control her feelings causing her to start shutting down emotionally.
"I won't let you do that Maura…" Angela pulled her back into the hug and squeezed her tight. "It's okay to feel something…anything…"
The feeling of Angela's arms around her was like the same soothing balm to her soul she had come to expect, one she had never experienced before until Jane and her family had come into her life. For the moment, she allowed herself to be soothed letting Angela be the mother she had never had. It was easy to let go, Angela just seemed to have that effect on people.
"Look…if it's any consolation, we'll be there." Angela whispered as she started to rock Maura slowly back and forth. "And I can't wait to see you and Jane in your cap and gowns…"
"Do you think we'll get her to wear heels?" The question caused Angela to laugh, her body lightly shaking Maura in the process.
"I suppose it'll be worth a try." Angela sighed as she tried to absorb some of the pain that still radiated off of Maura.
"Thank you…I appreciate you being here for me…" Maura's voice was quiet as she struggled to control her emotions so she could speak.
"Maura, honey…" Angela pulled back slightly and put her palms on each side of Maura's face, holding her there so she couldn't look away as she was prone to do. "You are and always will be a part of our family…no matter what happens today or tomorrow…or ten years from now."
Angela's decisive statement brought a smile to Maura's face, one that reached her eyes for the first time that day. It amazed her that spending just a few minutes with Angela calmed her heart and mind in a way that she had never experienced before and even though she was loathe to let it go, she knew they needed to go back before things got too heated between her mother and Jane.
"I think maybe we should head back out…Jane looked pretty angry…" Maura said, a touch of uncertainty to her voice.
"Yes…she did…" Angela sighed. "But something tells me that your mother can hold her own." At this point she really didn't care if Constance could defend herself or not. In her eyes there was nothing the other woman could say that would excuse the fact that she wasn't going to be there for Maura.
"Oh I have no doubt…" Maura reached for the tissue sitting on the sink to dry her eyes. She suddenly felt lighter as if a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. When she found out her parents weren't going to attend her graduation she had been hurt and angry, but as those feelings faded she started to feel less, almost numb. The numbness was something she was used to but with Jane and the Rizzoli's by her side she realized she no longer had to protect herself that way anymore. "Shall we?"
"We shall…" Angela threaded her arm through Maura's. "I think that I will have one of those mimosa's…"
"I believe that I just might have one too…" Maura smiled at Angela's surprised expression. "Here at the club…money talks…" She gave Angela a little wink of understanding.
All Angela could do was shake her head and chuckle as she allowed Maura to lead her through the dining room back to their table.
When Angela and Maura returned to the table, the silence was so thick it was almost visible like a black storm cloud. Hazel/green eyes traveled from Jane to Constance and then back to Jane first with trepidation before turning to curiosity. Her expression changed to one of question as her eyes met Jane's and all she got in return was a sheepish smile.
"I do appreciate you going to check up on Maura..." Constance turned to Angela. "Jane and I had some things to clear up." She leveled her gaze at Jane with a finality that boded no argument.
"And did you?" Angela asked as she took her seat. "Clear things up that is?" She looked at Jane expectantly.
Swallowing hard against the lump that had formed in her throat making it hard for her to speak, Jane nodded. She wasn't sure exactly what things her and Constance had cleared up except maybe the fact that she had reaffirmed that she would not reveal Paddy Doyle's true identity to Maura. The other topic of their conversation had left a bad taste in her mouth, one that she wasn't sure she could get rid of just yet.
"I apologize for getting upset the way I did earlier…I understand that you have obligations that you can't just disregard." Maura looked over at her mother at the same time as she reached under the table to take Jane's hand in her own. Giving a gentle squeeze, she silently pleaded for Jane to understand why she needed to clear the air with her mother.
"No apology necessary…" Constance sighed as she tried to concentrate on the words written across the menu she was holding. It would do no good to get emotional over a subject that had now been put to rest.
Angela watched, wide eyed as Constance all but dismissed Maura's apology before shutting the door on the subject of her graduation for good. Before she could say something, she noticed Jane give her a look that silently asked her to refrain from saying anything. With a nod of acknowledgement she looked back down at her menu biting back the words that were on the tip of her tongue.
Jane let out a sigh of relief when she saw that her mother had understood what she was trying to wordlessly convey to her. She had felt the gentle squeeze of Maura's hand within her own and she knew that it was Maura's way of telling her that they needed to move on. It was an argument she knew she could not win and one she wasn't sure she wanted to win at the moment. She couldn't help but be in awe of Maura's ability to move past such a hurtful scene, not to mention the fact that her mother who was known for her notoriously nasty temper had let it go as well. The only thing Jane could do was chalk it up to maturity, something she had to work on daily. Maura however was born with an even temperament that most people had to work hard to achieve. With a glance at her mother and then a glance at Maura, Jane settled back with the intention of getting through brunch without anything else going wrong. It was her mother's smile and the warmth of Maura's hand in her own that gave her the confidence that everything would be alright.
Just as Maura had started to relax and finally enjoy the afternoon, a dark shadow appeared over the table in the form of Mrs. Fairfield. It had only taken a moment for Maura to realize that someone was standing over her causing her to look up from her meal. She had felt Jane stiffen next to her and had seen her mother's mouth set itself into that fixed smile she only had when she was appearing to be friendly.
"Margret…" Constance's tone was friendly but not inviting.
"Constance…Maura…" Mrs. Fairfield gave a small nod before her eyes traveled over Jane and Angela in a slightly dismissive way. Turning her attention back to Maura she continued to speak. "I was just talking to Garrett the other day and he can't wait for you to get to BCU. It will be so nice for you two to be on the same campus…maybe you can even rekindle your romance…" She only stopped when Constance put up her hand indicating she had something to say.
"Margret…allow me to introduce you to Angela and Jane Rizzoli…" Constance eyed the other woman with distaste. They had known each other for years but Constance had been recently questioning the sincerity of their friendship. "Jane here…" She looked at Maura for permission to continue and only continued when Maura nodded. "Jane is Maura's girlfriend so I am afraid that whatever notions Garrett may have regarding his intentions towards Maura will have to remain friendly. I am sure you understand."
"You're joking right?" Mrs. Fairfield looked surprised.
"You've known me a long time…and you know I don't joke…" Constance's eyes turned that dark blue that indicated she was getting angry.
Mrs. Fairfield looked around the table, her initial surprise turning to arrogance. Her gaze lingered over Maura before falling upon Jane with what could only be described as disgust. Making a face as if she had just smelled something bad she turned her attention to Constance. "I see…" She said with a conceited sniff.
"Do you…really?" Constance asked only to get a wide eyed gaping look from the other woman. "It was nice to see you Margret, I hope you have a wonderful afternoon." There was no mistaking the dismissive tone.
Looking around the table one more time, Mrs. Fairfield gave a curt nod before turning around to leave them alone.
"Thank you mother…I appreciate your open candor." Maura gave her a small smile. For as much as her mother appeared to be cold and reserved to some, Maura knew that deep down she was just someone who struggled to let people in, including her own daughter. Constance didn't say anything in response but gave Maura the barest hint of a smile in return.
Jane's head had started to spin as she tried to reconcile the person that Constance had just morphed into. When they had first arrived, Constance had been aloof with Maura's feelings but now she seemed to be standing up for her daughter. The inconsistences left her feeling confused as her anger started to fade only to be replaced by a small stirring of admiration.
"I am proud of you Maura…no matter what…even if I can't always be around to share in your victories it doesn't mean I value them any less." Constance reached across the table, putting her hand on top of Maura's.
"I don't think she's going to be much of a friend anymore…" Angela spoke for the first time.
"She wasn't much of a friend to begin with." Constance sighed.
"Thank you…for that…" Jane said when her voice finally came back. She had been so shocked by what had happened that her mouth had suddenly gone dry and she didn't think she'd be able to speak around the mouthful of sand that made her tongue feel thick and unmovable.
Constance just regarded Jane in that way that made her feel like she was being dissected but this time there was a slightly sheepish grin to accompany the nonverbal acknowledgment. "Now I suggest we have dessert…the bread pudding is wonderful, but you can't go wrong with Maura's favorite…the Crème Brule." And with those last words, everyone slipped back into the comfortable companionship they had been sharing before they had been interrupted.
"I'm gonna take my Ma home and then I'll be by to pick you up after…" Jane said as she fished her keys out of her purse.
"Should I change?" Maura asked.
"Yeah…wear something casual and bring a jacket in case it cools off." Jane leaned over to give Maura a quick kiss on the cheek. "Come on Ma…" Jane shouted over her shoulder as she headed across the parking lot to her truck.
Angela and Constance stood on the curb watching Maura and Jane say goodbye, neither knowing what to say to the other. Maybe it was the uncomfortable silence, but Constance suddenly turned to Angela and trapped her in that steady gaze that unnerved most people.
"I want to thank you for being there for Maura…" Constance sighed.
"No thanks necessary…Maura is a wonderful young woman and anyone would be honored to have her for a daughter…" Angela tilted her head to look at Constance. She wasn't threatened by the dark blue eyes that seemed to flash with something meant to intimidate.
"And you think of her as a daughter?" Constance ventured to ask even though she already knew the answer.
"Yes…I do." Angela thrust her chin out in a defiant gesture, daring Constance to contradict her.
"And for that I am also thankful…" Constance had the grace to look chagrinned. "I don't think I am very good at this 'mother' thing…but I am glad she seems to have you to tend to her emotional needs. Heaven help me, I've never been good with emotions…but my husband and I have always tried to give Maura the life she deserves…"
"Look…" Angela reached out to touch Constance on the arm suddenly feeling the need to connect. "I am sorry for being judgmental…Lord knows I don't have all the answers. Just try not to let her slip away…she loves you very much. I think she would just like to get to know you better…"
"I think you are being summoned…" Constance nodded her head towards a waving Jane, grateful for the interruption.
"Oh my…patience is not one of her virtues…" Angela rolled her eyes.
"I am glad you could join us today…take care and give my regards to your husband." Constance put her hand on top of Angela's that still rested on her arm.
"Thank you for inviting us…" Angela said. Throwing caution to the wind, she turned quickly before Constance could move away and wrapped her in a hug.
Even though the hug was somewhat awkward, Constance could appreciate what Maura saw in Angela and all of the Rizzoli's. For the first time in what seemed like forever, Constance allowed herself to accept the comfort of another person but as quickly as it had started, it was over. With a quick pat on the back, Constance pulled away and gave Angela an almost apologetic smile.
Angela could tell that it had been difficult for Constance to accept the hug she had thrust upon her, but she could also tell that it was not unwelcomed. When she felt Constance pull away and give her an apologetic smile she realized that maybe there was still hope that Constance could someday be the mother that Maura needed and deserved.
"Why did you bring me to a playground Jane?" Maura undid her seat belt and looked at Jane expectantly.
"Well…after today, I thought you could use some good old fashioned fun…" Jane put her truck in park. As she turned off the engine, she turned to find Maura looking at her with uncertainty. "When Frankie and I were little and one of us was feeling down, we'd come here to play…and it always chased away the blues…" She smiled.
"I'm not really sure how being at a playground is supposed to make me feel better…" Maura turned to look out the window.
"Come on…you'll see." Jane took Maura's hand and pulled her across the seat and out the door with her.
Maura couldn't help but allow Jane to pull her from the front seat of the truck. With a small grin, she followed as Jane led the way to a set of swings and when she found herself standing in front of the black seats held up by chains she gave Jane another expectant look.
"Please tell me you've been on a swing before…" Jane rolled her eyes as she watched Maura's eyes widen at the prospect of sitting on the thin black strip. She didn't need Maura to speak to know the answer to her question. "Jesus Maur…were you born an adult?"
Blinking a few times, Maura tried not to let Jane's flippant remark sting but by the look on Jane's face she realized she hadn't been very successful at hiding her hurt feelings.
"Aw, shit…I'm being an asshole aren't I?" Jane's tone was apologetic. "Here, let me show you what to do." She plopped down in the seat of the swing and pushed herself back before lifting her legs to allow herself to go forward, pumping her legs several times causing her to go higher.
"I know the physics of swinging…it's just I've never actually done it myself." Maura watched as Jane threw her head back, her dark hair flowing behind her each time she moved forward and higher. "Swings work by converting potential energy into kinetic energy. As you go back and forth, you convert the energy over and over again." She watched as Jane got higher and higher. "You see, as you pump your legs, it increases your potential energy and by lifting your legs at the top of each swing, you eventually raise the center of mass of your body, therefore raising your height. It is also important to note that extra energy is produced by torque on the chain you're holding onto."
Jane couldn't help but tune Maura's ramblings out as she pumped her legs and leaned back each time she flew forward, higher and higher each time. Closing her eyes, she leaned back and allowed the wind to rush over her face and through her hair, first as she moved forward and then again as she moved backwards. The feeling of air moving over her was refreshing and the sensation of climbing higher exhilarating. When Maura's voice finally broke through her haze, she realized she wanted Maura to experience the same feeling as well.
"Maura?" Jane slowed herself down by dragging her feet along the ground each time she came close to it, essentially bringing the swing to a stop. "Come here and try…" She stood up and held the swing still so Maura could sit.
Tentatively, Maura moved to stand in front of the swing. She was not at all sure she felt secure enough to sit on the thin strap, wondering if it would even hold her. Looking up at Jane, she was met with a slight smirk that told her she was being silly so she decided to let Jane lead onward.
Jane had seen the uncertainty in Maura's eyes and couldn't help but smile, unfortunately it ended up coming across as more of a smart ass smirk. Placing her hands on Maura's shoulders, she turned Maura around so her back was to the seat of the swing and with a gentle push down, Maura was finally sitting in the swing.
"You trust me don't you?" Jane asked as she moved around to stand behind Maura, her hands on the chains on either side of Maura. She leaned over the top of Maura's head so she could see if she was being honest as she nodded her head. When Jane was satisfied that Maua did indeed trust her, she proceeded to explain what she needed to do. "Okay…I am going to push you and you are going to lift your legs up and out in front of you. When you go forward, you will bring your legs back…be careful not to let them drag on the ground as you come back. Just before you go forward again push your legs back out in front of you and you will go higher…"
Gripping the chain tightly in her hands, Maura waited for Jane to push her. At first she was a little scared as Jane pushed her gently and she moved forward and then back again. The second time she came into contact with Jane, Jane's push became a little firmer causing her to go slightly higher than before. Her initial uncertainty had her tucking her legs back causing her to forget to move them forward but as she became used to the back and forth motion, she started to pump her legs little by little causing her to go higher and higher.
"Just stop moving your legs when you've gone as high as you want…" Jane said as she stepped out of the way to allow Maura to gain her momentum. She couldn't help but smile when Maura leaned her head back as she had done earlier. It was a treat to see Maura so carefree and she was glad she had decided to bring her to the playground.
Maura couldn't stop herself from leaning her head back as Jane had done, but she didn't close her eyes as she looked up to the sky. The dark blue with just the hint of white wispy clouds that trailed across the horizon whizzed past her each time she moved forward and then back. The effect was almost dizzying, but it was also exciting as she allowed herself to give up control and just let the swing take her higher and higher.
"Close your eyes and try it…" Jane knew the exact moment Maura had let go when she saw the huge grin appear. She couldn't help but marvel at the way Maura took such pleasure in the simplest of things, things that she herself had taken for granted. Reminding herself that Maura hadn't had the same type of childhood as the Rizzoli's had a sobering effect on Jane. She had the sudden need to feel Maura in her arms so she grabbed one of the chains as Maura made another pass, essentially slowing her down.
When Maura had eventually stopped, she looked up at Jane with a surprised expression. Her face was flushed with excitement and her eyes shining bright with happiness. Without saying a word, Jane moved around the swing to stand in front her placing her hands high above her own on the chains. The abrupt need to hug Jane almost overwhelmed Maura, causing her to throw her arms around Jane's waist. Pressing her cheek against Jane's stomach she let out a shaky breath as she struggled to find her voice.
"Thank you…that was unexpectedly thrilling and exactly what I needed." Maura murmured against Jane's t-shirt.
Letting go of the chains, Jane reached down to run her hands through Maura's hair. She marveled as the silky strands slipped through her fingers like satin and she couldn't help but let out a shaky breath of her own at the feeling of Maura holding onto her. "If you think that was fun…I've got so much more to show you…the slide, see saw, spring rider, and one of my personal favorites…the revolving platform merry-go-round…" As her hands continued to run through Maura's hair, they finally came to settle on either side of Maura's face so she could tilt her head up. "Are you ready to experience more wonders of a playground?" The huge grin that tugged at Maura's lips was an invitation that Jane couldn't refuse as she bend her head to place a quick but firm kiss on Maura's mouth. "You are so adorable…do you know that?" Jane pulled back to look down at a now shy smile. "Come on…let's see what kinda trouble we can get into." Pulling Maura up from the swing, Jane grabbed her by the hand to lead the way to another new experience.
"What was your favorite part?" Jane asked as she spread her legs to pull Maura between them. She was sitting on the open tailgate of her truck as Maura stood in front of her. Hooking her fingers in the belt loops of Maura's jeans she gave a quick tug until their bodies were pressed against each other.
"I loved it all Jane…but I'd have to say that the merry-go-round was a great lesson in 'moment of inertia'." Maura started to say but stopped when she saw Jane get that glazed look in her eyes that warned she was about to lose interest in what was being said. "I really liked the swings…and those animals on the springs..."
"Yeah?" Jane wrapped her arms around Maura's waist. "I bet you didn't know that riding a seahorse could be that much fun." She had a playful twinkle in her dark eyes as she leaned forward to nuzzle Maura's neck.
"Ummm…nope…never…" Maura tilted her head back just enough to give Jane more room to move. She shivered when she felt warm, soft lips blaze a trail of hot kisses up her neck and over her chin before stopping to hover over her lips.
"It's been excruciatingly painful not being able to do that all day…" Jane whispered against Maura's slightly parted lips. "And this…" She sighed as she pressed her lips to Maura's. She couldn't stop herself from moaning when Maura's tongue skimmed over her lips asking for entrance to her mouth and then it was Maura's turn to moan when the velvety softness of Jane's tongue welcomed her home.
They had kissed long enough for Maura's hands to slip under Jane's t-shirt causing Jane to gasp as cool fingers skimmed across the warm skin of her back. "You taste good…like strawberries…" Jane whispered as she pulled away and leaned her forehead against Maura's in an attempt to slow things down.
"It's my lip gloss…I know it's your favorite." Maura leaned forward to kiss Jane again.
"Well, it's yummy…" Jane said in-between kisses. "And it's making me hungry."
"Hungry?" Maura's eyes widened in surprise as she pulled away to look at Jane.
"Yeah…hungry…" Jane moved her hands to Maura's hips where she allowed them to rest. "Let's go get some ice cream."
"Ice cream…? I was thinking of something a little more…" Maura started to say but was interrupted when Jane put a finger to Maura's lips to silence her.
"Save that thought for later…" Jane gave Maura a wicked grin and knowing wink. "But right now…I'd really like some ice cream."
"Can we have hot fudge and whipped cream?" Maura couldn't stop herself from kissing Jane's finger before she pulled it away.
"You can have anything you want…" Jane punctuated her statement by kissing the tip of Maura's nose.
"What if I want to save the hot fudge and whipped cream for later?" Maura gave a quick wiggle of her eyebrows causing Jane to laugh and pull her in for a hug. "Thank you for making today special." She laid her head on Jane's shoulder and let out a long heavy sigh of contentment. "You always seem to know just what to do to make me feel better."
"It was nothin' at all beautiful…nothin' at all…" Jane squeezed Maura tight as she pressed her cheek against the side of Maura's head. "Now, let's go get some ice cream…shall we?"
Maura didn't speak, she just nodded her head in answer as words failed to come to her. As she lost herself in the circle of Jane's arms, she was suddenly thankful for the simple things that Jane brought to her life. It was the simple things she never knew she had been missing but now knew she could never live without.