DISCLAIMER:I do not own Rizzoli & Isles nor any of the characters from the show. I am writing this purely for entertainment, not profit. Rizzoli and Isles are property of Tess Gerritsen and TNT.
Please find the full disclaimers in the beginning of Chapter 1.
Chapter 52
"I am home!" Jane announced as she closed the door behind her, leaving her purse by its designed place by the door.
She couldn't smell dinner, and the apartment was quiet.
"Maura?" she called, moving from the living room to the bedroom in the small apartment. The bathroom door was opened, so Jane expected to find Maura in their bed.
"Hey… What's wrong? Are you okay?" Jane asked, concerned, when she saw Maura laying on top of the covers. Jane removed her shoes and laid by Maura's side, her chocolate brown eyes searching for hazel ones.
"Maura?" she inquired again, leaning in to kiss Maura's forehead, squeezing Maura's hands in hers.
"I am fine…" Maura exhaled, moving closer to Jane.
Jane held her, assuming from Maura's actions that whatever it was that was bothering Maura, it was not Jane's doing.
Jane enveloped Maura in her arms, squeezing her gently, and kissed her head, her forehead, and covered every single one of the light freckles that dusted Maura's face with small kisses.
"Will you tell me what happened?" Jane asked, when she felt Maura finally relax in her arms.
Maura sighed. "The editors called me. The book launching event is set up to happen in New York in two weeks from now…"
"Those are incredible news, Maura!" Jane was really excited and happy for Maura, and she couldn't figure out what was bothering her. "What is the matter?"
"They… They want me to do a press conference… A few newspapers and magazines covering for pictures and interviews to go into print…"
"Of course they do… You are famous!"
"Jane… have you met me? The one who trips over the most basic day-to-day subjects? Who can't read social cues? Who cannot detect irony or sarcasm? I will just make a fool of myself!" Maura added, her voice broken.
Jane squeezed her even more tightly.
"Maura… You've been in front of the press before… For work at least. And that magazine article about you, the one Brad Adams used when he was preparing the con against you…"
"That was done while my mother had visited me, Jane, before that car ran over her trying to get to me. She knew the magazine owner, and she was in the interview with me. She saved me from my own faux passes…" Maura admitted quietly.
Jane thought for a moment.
"Do you think I could help if I am there with you?"
"You would. But that would mean we would have to come out publicly. The press would not miss that we are together, and would not miss publishing about that…"
"Well, they will find out sooner or later, won't they? Isn't it better they find it out in our own terms instead of theirs? Or are you not comfortable with coming out to the world?"
"I couldn't care less about what people think on my sexual preferences… But I didn't want to ask that from you, not yet, at least."
"You didn't ask, I offered. And you can ask them to make the setting to be intimate instead of what they do in sports, with you in front and rows of people. The more you make it informal, the more any intervention would also be seen as informal."
"Would you really be willing to do that?"
"Of course, Maura. I am very proud of you, honey! It will be an honor to be by your side on this, if you want me there."
Maura nodded, relieved, hugging Jane tightly. She still had a long way to go to get used to the fact that she was not alone anymore. But she suspected Jane would be there to reinforce it to her every step of the way.
The upcoming two weeks were a whirlwind for Maura. She went to pick the attires she intended to use to each of the events. Jane had insisted those were likely the most important events of her life, and Jane's excitement was contagious. Maura knew Jane was trying to make sure she was not bogged down by her own insecurities, and that she was enjoying the laurels and recognition of her hard work.
"We will fly to New York Friday evening, so I have a chance to do my beauty routine on Saturday morning before the press conference and book signing happen on Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening."
"This is soooo cool!" Jane added, excited. She was really happy for Maura, and she wanted to be there every step of the way supporting Maura's achievements.
Jane knew Maura was stressed out with the press conference, and it broke her heart that someone as accomplished and smart had to feel that way. Jane would be there by her side, but she was sure Maura wouldn't need Jane to be a success.
They landed really late in New York, and Jane was maneuvering the different garment bags that Maura had prepared for herself and for Jane, while Maura guided them to where the driver was waiting for them.
When they parked in front of a building, Jane got off with all their things, and only then Jane realized where they were – right by Central Park.
She looked around herself and didn't see any hotel sign.
"Are you sure we are on the right place?" she inquired Maura.
Maura chuckled. "Yes. My family has an apartment here, we are not staying in a hotel." Maura explained, walking ahead of Jane to be greeted by the doorman.
"Dr. Isles, it has been a while… It is great to have you here again!"
"Thank you, Philip. This is Agent Jane Rizzoli…"
"Of course, Agent Rizzoli, welcome to New York." He moved to help her with the garment bags, following them to the elevator.
"Everything is set, Dr. Isles, and the fridge and pantry were stocked as per your instructions. You just ring if there is anything missing." He offered, after he helped them with their bags inside the apartment.
Jane was immediately drawn to the windows – they went from floor to ceiling, and the Central Park in the dark was visible from it. She felt Maura leaning against her side, and moved an arm around Maura's shoulder, bringing her closer.
"Hey…"
"Hi…"
"This view is gorgeous…"
"It is even prettier during the day…" Maura sighed.
"Let's get you to bed, you will have a big day tomorrow and you need your beauty rest." Jane teased.
Maura was nervous, and it took Jane a while to make her relax enough to fall asleep.
