Chp 12
A month or so passes and it all becomes routine, all of it. Maura attended every Sunday dinner, quickly becoming part of the Rizzoli clan. With Jane's brothers treating her the same as Jane. Though when it came to rough housing it was soft and careful not wanting to risk the raft of Angela or Jane. The pair went out every friday night, either to Angela's cafe or to whichever high end restaurant Maura wanted to introduce Jane to and or try. Trading off each Friday night which house they would sleep over because what was the use of ordering two cars when they can save money. Though Maura had a car service membership, Jane always offered to pay for the car. Maura always declined.
"Buy my breakfast on Monday" is the response Maura always gave her when she denied Jane's money. As if she was buying more time with Jane. As if Jane one day were to just order herself a cab one night for herself after dinner. Then there wouldn't be a need for them to connect again. It was a fear the loner had, she knew Jane was not like that. She knew that their relationship was strong enough that she wouldn't just find a reason or none to walk out her life. It secured her knowing how much Jane cared for her, how much time she wanted to spend with her.
It was Saturday morning and Jane was in the zen room on the first floor of Maura's town house. Maura a week prior had purchased a weight bag for Jane.
Saying "There's no use in spending money on a gym membership when I have the space in my home Jane." Jane had hugged Maura, surprising them both. Jane had no words, just pure admiration and appreciation towards her best friend. Their fast growing relationship was proof there were such things as soul mates. Platonic or not Jane knew that Maura was supposed to be in her life.
Jane used her boxing skills to let out some stress. Her and Casey have been seeing more of each other. He's ready to step up and Jane couldn't feel more confused. They texted alot and he met up with her during the week for lunch breaks. All of her free time she spent it with Maura and her family. The brunette is conflicted with herself. She knows Maura is no idiot, she knows that the reason Maura does not come down during her free period is because Casey is there. She knows that every time her phone buzzes, Maura looks away or makes herself busy on her own phone. Jane knows that Maura will not make aware of his existence. So she hit the bag, and hit and hit. Until she felt her muscles burning, until she completely tunnel visioned herself. Until she was no longer aware of her pain.
"Jane, what are you doing?" Maura asked, groggy and rubbing her eyes. Jane's punching had gotten louder and her breathing had picked up. Maura knew this was not a good sign, she knew Jane was well educated in how to properly exercise. This was not it. Jane didn't acknowledge her. Almost as if she didn't hear her.
"Jane, stop it right now." Maura used her stern teacher voice. The only way she can grab attention of her class is when they come back from lunch and are all riled up. But it didn't work and Jane continued. Maura grew concerned. She's never seen the brunette act this way. Though she knew it wasn't entirely safe she swiftly went behind Jane and wrapped her arms tightly around her.
"Jane please." Maura struggled to keep her grip and Jane finally came back to reality.
Jane slumped her shoulders and let her head hang. Maura's grip never loosening. Then tears started to slip away from her eyes, never giving the opportunity to be held back.
"Maur, do you love me?" Jane said barely above a whisper.
"Of course I love you sweet girl. Why wouldn't I?" The blonde was confused but she still held onto her best friend. Afraid if she let go she'd disappear. But Jane teared away from her and turned around.
"But do you love all of me?!" Maura squinted but still nodded her head yes.
"Jane, where are you getting at?" She has to ask. Maura has done nothing but love and support her best friend. What had she'd done to have Jane ask such a question?
"Even though I'm with Casey." Oh, this is where it was coming from. The only aspect of Jane's life Maura had struggled to acknowledge let alone accept.
"I-" Maura stopped herself from telling a lie. She knew the hives would grow on her exposed chest. Jane shook her head and started to take off her boxing gloves. Maura stood there not knowing what to do or say.
"Maur, I love you and I think I may have fallen for him. Please don't make me choose." Jane said weakly, she sat on the fall and started to rub her hands. Already aching. Maura walked slowly to her and sat in front of her. Taking her hands and massaging them then from out to in.
"You don't have to make a decision about anything sweet girl. I'm part of your life now, and you mine. I won't lie to you and say I accept Casey. Though what I can say is that I can tolerate him, see if he's changed. If you think he's here to stay then so be it." Maura said sternly, her eyes never leaving Jane's hands.
"I want to invite him to Sunday dinner." Jane said softly with a small smile.
"Then that's what you'll do." Maura replied, finally looking up and into Jane's eyes. The brunette lunged forward and hugged the blonde tightly.
Maura had gasped in surprise but then hugged her best friend back. She took in a deep breath and fought the tears that were threatening to leave her eyes.
"Let's get up. I'm going to make us coffee." Jane groaned but smiled anyway, allowing Maura to pull her up.
They worked in silence. Maura grinding the coffee beans before setting up the espresso machine. Jane had gone to the freezer and grabbed an ice pack to place over her knuckles. Maura's mind was going a mile a minute. Unsure what was appropriate to say next.
"I'm thinking of holding softball practice every day this upcoming week. The Championship is a week from now. I want the girls to really feel connected and as one."
The brunette broke the silence. Though it was not uncomfortable, she felt like she just needed their day to continue and go back to normal.
Maura took a moment to respond, she was so wrapped up in her own thoughts she hadn't realized Jane had even said anything at first. She poured the coffee into their designated mugs.
"You have to be aware of not burning them out" she then took two croissants and put them into her toaster.
"No, yeah. Absolutely. Our regular practice days are Tuesday and Thursday, so that'll stay the same. I was wondering if you teach a yoga/zen class for them on Monday and Wednesday. My nerves are crazy as it is. Can't imagine how the girls are." Jane spoke fast. She reached for the mug that Maura extended to her and took a small sip of the very hot coffee.
"Well, I'm not certified to teach yoga. But I'm highly experienced in it. As long as the girls feel up to participating in them, I see no problem with me doing it." Maura plated both croissants. She sat next to Jane and they softly clinked their espresso cups.
"Jane" Maura said softly turning towards her best friend
"Hmm?" Jane had just stuffed her face. Maura laughed and wiped off the crumbs that stuck to the brunette's face.
"Are you planning on telling your mother that Casey is going to come to Sunday dinner?" Maura's mind was still racing and even though Jane has relaxed she was still worried that this was the beginning of the inner torture coming out into the open for the italian.
"Um yeah, I should be right? Showing up at the door with him seemed like a good idea until I just said it outloud." She rubbed her face and looked at Maura with such worry.
"Don't worry Jane, I'll be here when you call your mother." She held her hand and took a deep breath in.
"Alright, lemme just do it now."
"Oh yes, might as well get it over with. Like tearing off the bandage" Jane laughed and Maura looked at her quizzically.
"Rip it off like a bandaid Maur" she corrected and continued to laugh. Maura blushed though she hadn't done it on purpose; her error made Jane laugh.
"Okay here we go" Jane whispered then dialed the phone for her mother.
"Hey ma" …
A/N;
Hey guys, I had half of this chapter written for WEEKS! I had to continue and just deal with the fact that this chapter would be short. This was one of those chapters where finishing it felt like pulling teeth, I needed to advanced the plot but felt stuck. I know what I want next just getting there is HARD. Let me know what youse think. I always look forward to reading your reviews.