BBQ

14: BBQ

Fiona spent the next hour repeating the conversation with Sophie in her mind. She was building a game plan and mentally setting her rules of engagement with Jane. She would be more removed and reserved emotionally, simply waiting to see how the relationship would or would not unfold. Fee looked over and saw Jane climbing the stairs, dressed in comfortable jeans, a light sweatshirt, sneakers, ponytail, little to no makeup, and black-rimmed Ray Ban eyeglasses. Her entire game plan immediately faded from her mind. She gasped silently as she moved and felt completely stunned, yet again. She thought to herself, "That is not natural, it's not fair."

Fee found herself unapologetically staring at Jane. A small smile settled on her lips. Jane saw Fiona's reaction and paused as she set the takeout bags on the counter. "I apologize Ms. Donovan. I know I'm dressed casually, your invitation for the lunch meeting came in the middle of some office work. I opted to leave to pick up lunch as soon as possible." Jane waited for a response that did not come. "I can easily return to my apartment and change if that would make you more comfortable."

The professional tone of Jane's voice and the "lunch meeting" reference brought Fiona back into the moment. "Oh, no! I'm sorry Jane." Fee laughed lightly, "You're fine! I didn't mean to stare. It's just you sound like you but look like someone else." Fee added, "I like it. And I'm starving, so stay, let's eat."

Jane smiled and nodded in thanks, "I'm hungry too, Ms. Donovan." The two women are in a shared silence they both were very comfortable with.

Fee opened up a light conversation,"Did you get to sleep in?"

Jane chuckled, "I rarely sleep in Ms. Donovan. I got in a workout, and reviewed notes for tonight. Did you sleep in?"

"Not really. I went through emails, tried my Dad but couldn't get a hold of him, and got in a little light yoga out on the terrace, it was a little chilly this morning."

"How are you feeling about this evening Ms. Donovan?"

Fee smiled at Jane, it was so strange to see her speak with professional courtesy and dressed like she was ready for a day in the park. "Well, I think it will be fun as formal dinners go. I've only met Alex a couple of times in passing. He seems nice enough, although not as charming as his father can be. I'm really there first because Micropath and the hospital have a relationship. We've executed some medical trials and tested some new technologies at the hospital. My dad can't be there, so it's up to me to fill the void."

Jane nodded, continuing to direct the conversation,"How do you feel about the responsibility of maintaining those professional relationships?"

Fee smiled in reflection, she thought she heard some layered meaning in Jane's words. "I think at first it was exciting and sexy. A lot of dinners, parties, events, and photo ops in the social scene in Washington D.C." She watched Jane's eyes carefully trying to get a read. "But, now, I think the time and energy it takes to maintain 'relationships' is taking a little more of a toll on me." Fiona saw nothing in Jane's response, no give. Again she searched Jane's eyes, "I'd much rather spend a quiet evening at home or having an intimate dinner in an out-of-the-way place. How about you? Party girl or home-body?"

Jane chuckled, "Unfortunately, Ms. Donovan, I haven't had the time to indulge in much of either. But if given the choice, I think I'd like to slow down, not speed up." Fee's heart bounced at the personal response. She nodded and grinned, happy to get a little more insight into Jane.

"So, Ms. Donovan, regarding tonight's event." Jane watched carefully Fiona's reaction, "I don't want to overstep, but again I feel like transparent and direct communication will help me to avoid missteps and help keep you safe." Fee nodded, and waited for Jane to continue."I will be at your service for the entirety of the evening. I will escort you to the door and then enter myself through a service entrance and stay in the background of the evening."

"Of course I will always know your location, the tracking devices will help me with that. If you choose to extend your evening with Alexander I can assure you I am discreet and will in no way invade your personal space. I will make myself scarce but I will always be close. When you are ready to return home you will find that I'll be just a few steps away."

Fiona flushed, "Oh, thank you Jane, I understand exactly what you are saying. I appreciate your candor, I am planning on returning tonight with you."

Jane hesitated, trying to read Fiona's response in both her voice and face. "Very good Ms. Donovan, should your plans change I will be flexible in my security plan." Jane waited for a response. Fiona looked "stuck" as she gazed at Jane. "Ms. Donovan, do you have any questions or concerns about tonight? I can make changes in the plan if you are uncomfortable at all."

"No, I'm fine with tonight's plan." Looking at Jane in her glasses and casual dress she just couldn't help herself and she grinned with laughter reaching into her soft green eyes. "I'm sorry. I just can't stop staring. It's like my ears are telling me, 'Ms. Baker is a professional, don't test her.' And my eyes are telling me, 'Jane is ready for the family barbecue, don't test her.'" Fee cringed slightly, still grinning but waiting for Jane to respond in a school marm tone redirecting her to the 'professional relationship.'

Jane saw the sparkle in Fiona's eyes as she struggled not to giggle. Before she knew it, she erupted with laughter surprising both Fiona and herself. Fiona thought the sound was so wonderful and genuine that she'd do almost anything to hear it again. "I'm so sorry Ms. Donovan." Jane was still chuckling and she smirked, "I'll be sure not to confuse you again."

Fee smiled back, "I'm so glad that didn't piss you off! Just so you know, I like what my eyes are telling much more than my ears. You look sexy!" Fee's eyes widened as soon as the words passed her mouth and she realized what she had said. "Oh. Oh my God. I'm so sorry. Jane, I didn't mean anything by that. It's just you look ... comfortable." Fee dropped her gaze staring into the space between the blush in her neck felt like fire. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay Ms. Donovan, I took no offense." Jane smiled and stood up. "I'm going to head back over to the apartment and make final preparations. I will be back for you."

Fee nodded and watched her move from the kitchen and down the stairs. Once she was out of sight Fiona gasped for air. She tried to remember the last time she inserted her foot into her mouth so completely. Once her embarrassment began to wane she tried to remember the last time she had enjoyed, so much, spending time with someone. Even though she knew that Jane was there because she "had" to be, she didn't make Fee feel like their time together was a chore.