Does your partner reply to you text messages within a short amount of time?
Try texting your partner throughout the day and time the responses. If your partner replies within 8 minutes each time put a point in the whipped category.
For a bonus point try this over three days straight.
Jane adjusted her holster and grabbed her keys from the kitchen counter. "Gotta go, babe," she called out to Maura, who was sipping her morning tea at the dining table.
"Have a good day, Detective," Maura replied with a warm smile. "Don't forget your lunch."
Jane grinned, giving Maura a quick kiss on the lips. "You spoil me, Dr. Rizzoli-Isles."
Maura laughed. "And you love it."
Jane winked and headed out the door, her heart feeling full.
Jane had a busy day ahead of her they had finally tracked down a person of interest in their case and were now working on gathering enough evidence for a warrant. Frankie had texted her Saturday night that all of the lab results were expected in on Monday morning, so she knew her day would be packed.
Maura's morning had been a little more laid back. She had taken her time with some morning yoga before she saw Jane off to work and planned to drop by and see Hope at MEND to discuss her taking a bit more of an administrative role in running the clinic.
Maura was waiting in the conference room for Hope, who was running a few minutes behind with her last patient. Maura sat down and pulled her phone out, after scrolling the headlines and not seeing anything that caught her eye, she decided to check in with Jane.
9:15 AM
Jane was deep in paperwork when her phone buzzed.
Maura: Morning, love. Just finished waiting for Hope to start our meeting. Can't wait to tell you about it tonight. xx
Jane smirked, imagining Maura's excited expression as she discussed her new role working along side her birth mother. She quickly typed a response.
Jane: Can't wait to hear all about it. Be safe down there. Love you. 😘
With Jane's almost instantaneous reply, Maura thought back to the article and the test about the text response time. She thought for a few more moments and then typed out another text.
Maura: Have you gotten any of the results back from the lab? Susie knows to bring them straight to the bullpen
The three dots almost immediately popped up under her message bringing a smile to Maura's face.
Jane: Not yet but she did come check in earlier
Jane put her head back down to read the same report for the third time when her phone almost instantly buzzed again
Maura: I was just reading an article about starting an at home herb garden. What do you think?
Jane rolled her eyes and then typed out her reply
Jane: Sure that sounds good
Maura smiled at the message. While they definitely communicated throughout the day, it was mostly on big topics or plans. Maura knew Jane was hard at work but with nothing but time she decided to see if she could keep Jane talking.
Maura: How do you feel about mint?
Jane phone buzzed again on the desk, with a sigh she picks it up. Korsak had heard her phone buzzing for the last few minutes looked up from the report he was reading.
"My aren't you popular this morning" He chuckled while looking up at Jane.
"It's Maura, she must be bored." Jane smiled while typing her reply.
Jane: I don't know how I feel about mint
Maura watched as the reply came through and smiled at the response. Maura thought Jane was replying rather quickly and thought Jane might pass this test also. As with the last tests a slight feeling go guilt came over her for a second.
Hope then walked in the room apologizing for her tardiness.
11:30 AM
Some of the tests resulted in confirming their person of interest was an actual suspect. Warrant in hand Jane and Korsak were heading out to pick him up for an interview. Jane was on her way to knock on the suspect's door when her phone buzzed again.
Maura: Hope your day is going well. Don't forget to hydrate! You left your water bottle at home. I put an extra one in your bag. xx
Jane chuckled, shaking her head. Only Maura would think to pack an extra water bottle.
Jane: You're the best. Thanks, Doc. xx
Although when in professional situations they both reverted to using their official titles, Maura always loved when Jane referenced hers in personal situations. Maura quickly replied.
Maura: Anymore ideas on herb gardens?
Jane was just putting her phone back in its holder on her belt when it buzzed again. She let out a sigh of frustration and quickly replied.
Jane: Nope kinda busy finding the bad guy
Maura felt her smile slip knowing she didn't want Jane distracted when dealing with a potential dangerous suspect.
Maura: Good luck, see you later
Korsak looked at Jane impatiently before voicing "Is your little chat session over, can we do some work now?"
"Sorry, for some reason Maura is extremely chatty over text today" Jane sighed as they continued up the driveway towards the house. "I know she worries if I don't respond but really an herb garden. Geez!"
Korsak just rolled his eyes and laughs "Happy wife happy life, Rizzoli"
1:00 PM
Lunch break came, and Jane opened the lunchbox Maura had prepared sitting in the passenger seat of the police cruiser. Her phone buzzed just as she took a bite of the sandwich. Korsak and Jane were sitting in the cruiser outside the suspect's girlfriend's house waiting to see if he showed up. So far they were 0-3 in the known locations for him.
Maura: How's the lunch? I tried a new recipe for the sandwich spread. 😊 xx
Jane took another bite, savoring the flavors before replying.
Jane: Delicious, as always. You could make cardboard taste good. 😉 xx
Korsak looked over and eyes Jane's lunch "Man neither of my 3 wives have ever made me a lunch that looks that good"
Jane swatted his hand away and replied "Paws off old man. On the days Maura know I will be in the field a lot she has started to make me lunches. She already complains enough about the amount of takeout I eat."
Maura: Susie suggested we grow some lemon grass
Jane rolled her eyes and then muttered under her breath "This damn herb garden"
Korsak laughed "If it makes her happy what's the harm."
"The harm, on my Saturday off I'm gonna be building a garden when I could be watching Sportscaster" Jane said as she finished the last bite of sandwich.
Jane: We can plant whatever you want. I vote this recipe again for lunch tho
Maura smiled and then immediately replied, followed with a conversation taking place in swift succession.
Maura: All though
Jane: it's a txt message, short hand
Maura: it doesn't take that much longer to type a grammatically correct message
Jane: Y tho
Maura: Really? Jane Clementine Rizzoli-Isles
Korsak looked up and said "Bingo, that is our guy" Jane looked up then quickly typed laughing as she hit send
Jane: c u later g2g
Maura: Be careful. Love you xx
Maura shook her head because for some reason it took her twice as long to read the non grammatically correct messages and Jane always seemed to have a new shorthand for a word keeping her confused.
3:45 PM
Jane was in the middle of interrogating a suspect when her phone buzzed again. She stole a glance at the message while Korsak continued the questioning.
Maura: Miss you. Can't wait for you to come home. I'm thinking of making your favorite pasta for dinner. xx
Jane felt a warm rush of love. She quickly typed a reply when she stepped out of the room.
Jane: Can't wait. I miss you too. Be home soon.
Maura: I found some fresh basil at the market. This could definitely be something to grow
Jane looked up to see Korsak closing the door.
Jane: k
Maura: Can you pick up some bread from the bakery, there was nothing good at the market.
Jane: k
Maura: Are you gonna say something other than "k"?
Jane: k
Maura: Be careful or you will end up sleeping on the couch
Jane laughed and then sent her response, knowing she was about to poke the dragon a little but also wanting to poke the dragon a little.
Jane: k
Jane: b home in 1hr 😘
Jane and Korsak finished up a little more paperwork. The suspect had agreed to talk and so the interview was slated for tomorrow when the district attorney could be pleasant to sign off on a plea deal.
"See you tomorrow Korsak, I am off to talk about this her garden for the next 12 hours with my wife" Smiling as she grabbed her coat.
"Happy wife, happy life" Korsak called after her as she left.
6:30 PM
Jane finally pulled into their driveway, feeling the weight of the day lift as she saw the lights on in their cozy home. She walked through the door to the smell of garlic and herbs.
"I'm home!" Jane called out.
"In the kitchen!" Maura's voice sang back.
Jane followed the delicious aroma to find Maura stirring a pot on the stove. She slipped her arms around Maura's waist from behind, resting her chin on Maura's shoulder. "Hey, beautiful."
Maura turned her head, giving Jane a soft kiss. "Hey, yourself. How was your day?"
Jane sighed contentedly. "Better now that I'm home with you. So an herb garden really?"
Maura blushed sightly "It was just something on my mind today"
"Yea I gathered that but the hundreds of text messages about a herb garden." Jane laughed tightening her arms around her waist again.
"What, it was not hundreds. And you were of little help." Maura frowned
"I was just busy you know breaking down doors, chasing bad guys and saving the day" Jane said as she assumed a superwoman pose.
"Well, I love that you are good at putting away bad guys and that you always respond even when I ask about herb gardens"
They shared a lingering kiss, savoring the moment of reunion after a long day.
— —
The next morning came and saw Jane and Maura getting ready to both head out to work.
Jane was running a bit late, rushing around the bedroom to find her badge. "Where did I leave it last night?" she muttered to herself.
Maura appeared in the doorway, holding Jane's badge with a knowing smile. "Looking for this?"
Jane sighed in relief, taking the badge and giving Maura a quick kiss. "What would I do without you?"
"Be late more often," Maura teased. "Now go, or you'll miss your morning briefing."
8:00 AM
Jane was sitting through a team briefing when her phone buzzed on her hip. She subtly glanced at it under the table.
Maura: Good morning, love. I hope your briefing is going well. Don't forget, we have dinner plans with Angela tonight. xx
Jane smiled, her mother's impromptu dinner invites always made the week feel more lively.
Jane: Morning, Doc. Just getting through the usual. Can't wait for dinner. xx
Maura smiled, she knew she had increased the amount of text message sent the day before but if she was honest Jane was always good at acknowledging her when she texted or called. She was tryin to think up a topic to keep the text messages responses today.
Maura: There is a new dog park opening next weekend. Do you think we should take Beacon?
Beacon, their female chocolate lab loved going for walks and had become a regular at the local park a few blocks from their house.
Jane: but her best friend is at the Cate St. park
Maura: Beacon doesn't have a best friend. She has other dogs she is familiar with and plays with while there.
Jane: Best friend duh
Maura: Who is her best friend then?
Jane: Carson, the border collie 🐶. They share toys and always play together
Korsak cleared his throat and nudged Jane when he noticed the Captain giving the briefing was looking at Jane.
"What" she whispered looking back at him.
He raised his eyes and tilted his head to point towards the front of the room.
Jane: u r getting me in trouble. We can try the new park. G2G luv u 😘
Maura smiled as she read the last message even with all of the errors she could hear the tone of voice Jane would use when reading the text message in her head.
10:15 AM
Jane was reviewing case files at her desk when another text came through.
Maura: I was thinking about our trip to the Cape next month. Any ideas on what you'd like to do? xx
Jane's mind wandered to the peaceful beaches and quaint towns. She could almost feel the ocean breeze.
Jane: A whole week with you and no work? I'm in heaven already. Let's rent bikes and explore.
Maura: A new winery is opening. We should make plans to go to a tasting.
Jane: k
Maura: Again
Jane: What I am supposed to be reviewing this case file but now I am starting to day dream about this trip
Maura: Do you want to know what I am doing right now?
Jane swallowed hard as she read the last message.
Jane: ummmm 👀
Jane: Yes
Maura: Cataloging evidence from a cold case to help another agency.
Jane rolled her eyes and huffed.
Jane: Really
Maura: What did you think I was doing?
Maura smirked as she typed the reply.
Jane: Not that
Maura: I would never sext you at work Jane.
Jane: Geez
"Rizzoli" Jane heard her name and popped up her head to see the chief looking at her.
"Sir" she replied standing.
"Join us in the conference room, please," then the captain turned to head over to the conference room.
Maura: That would not be professional
Jane: k g2g capt calling luv u 😘
Maura smiled knowing she had Jane panicking a little. She put her phone down to continue working.
12:30 PM
Jane was having a quick bite at her desk when she felt her phone vibrate again. They had grabbed a quick burger on their way back from talking to a witness.
Maura: Just finished another autopsy. Found something unusual. Reminds me of that case we worked on last spring. xx
Jane's curiosity was piqued. She quickly typed back.
Jane: Can't wait to hear the details. You always find the coolest stuff. 😉
Maura: Did your meeting with the Captain go well?
Jane took another bite before typing.
Jane: gr8, not in trouble, just an administrative thing 😬
Maura: well now that you are a Lieutenant, there are new parts to the job.
Jane smiled, although she it was a bit to adjust to the new position she as loving all the new aspects.
Jane: not as much field time and more administrative
Maura: I thought you were enjoying it
Jane: I am, g2g luv u 😘
2:00 PM
In the middle of chasing a lead, Jane's phone buzzed with a message.
Maura: Thinking of you. Be careful out there. xx
Jane's heart swelled. Even in the chaos, Maura's messages grounded her.
Jane: Always careful. Can't wait to see you.
Maura: Try to come home with no new injuries
Maura: It won't get you out of dinner tonight either
Jane: Careful is my middle name
Maura: It is not.
Jane: G2G, luv u 😘
5:45 PM
Jane was wrapping up paperwork when her phone buzzed once more. Jane checked the time knowing she needed to head out soon
Maura: Heading home. Do you need anything from the store? xx
Jane did a mental inventory of their fridge.
Jane: We're out of milk. See you soon
Maura: Got it. I saw you were running low on beer and will grab some more
Jane: Thks
Maura: Should I grab some new treats for Beacon
Jane: She didn't like the chicken flavored ones
Maura: Right, I'll see if they have a different flavor.
Jane: Korsak said dogs can have best friends and he is like an expert 🐶
Maura: Well, I guess I will have to do some more research on the topic. See you at home, love you.
Maura smiled as she read the text exchange. She had surmised after two days about texting about random topics, Jane had continued to respond quickly to each message. She was going to consider this a point in the whipped category although she had to admit this wasn't much of a test.
7:00 PM
Jane arrived at home, greeted by the smell of home-cooked Italian food. Maura was already there, helping Angela in the kitchen.
"Hey, babe," Jane said, giving Maura a quick kiss. "Hi, Ma."
"Hi, sweetie!" Angela called from the stove. "Dinner's almost ready. Maura's been a big help."
After dinner and Angela returning to the guest house, Maura and Jane got comfortable on the sofa.
Maura smiled, handing Jane beer. "How was your day?"
"Better now," Jane replied, taking a sip and feeling the day's stress melt away.
They settled at the table, the comforting buzz of family chatter filling the room. Jane and Maura exchanged glances, little smiles that spoke volumes.
"Thank you for the texts today," Jane said, kissing Maura's temple. "They always make my day better."
Maura nestled closer. "I just like reminding you how much I love you."
Jane sighed contentedly, holding Maura a little tighter. "I love you too, Maura. Always."