Sweet & Savory

18: Sweet and Savory

Fee looked across the counter at Jane as she ran down through the week's itinerary. She had not said much since her arrival and their conversation on Saturday night seemed to have changed the nature of their relationship. Jane seemed even more guarded if that was possible. Fee couldn't stand it. "Jane, I'm sorry."

Jane was surprised, "What do you mean Ms. Donovan? You have nothing to be sorry for."

"I'm sorry I forced the conversation on Saturday. I will do my best to allow you to do your job without dealing with my emotional baggage. I am sorry." Fiona smiled and added lightly, "But maybe Sunday mornings we could have breakfast together and you can wear your 'family barbeque' clothes."

Jane smiled with gratitude and laughed lightly, "Okay Ms. Donovan. That sounds like a good plan."

Over the course of the week Jane escorted Fiona into work, occasionally to lunch meetings, and back home. They seemed to be hitting their stride in defining and maintaining a professional yet comfortable relationship. Jane placed the various surveillance technology as she moved through the Micropath office space with Fiona.

Fiona's thoughts were still constantly invaded by Jane. She found that she was no less attracted or concerned for her but she made a point of talking with Sophie a couple of times during the week and using her as a sounding board. It helped that she had someone out there to talk to about her relationship with Jane.

Jane was enjoying what she framed as their 'interactions' as well. Fiona seemed to be content with their light daily banter. She didn't ask any personal questions or seek out information about Jane. Jane did occasionally think of Fee's comment about her loneliness but she didn't seem to be too impacted by loneliness at this time in her life. Jane saw Heather twice over the course of the week, she was enjoying the nature of their mutually beneficial exploits.

By the time Sunday arrived Fiona was vibrating with excitement for Farmers Fishers Bakers local brunch venue. Jane climbed the stairs, the weather was changing rapidly and today her Sunday attire was shorts, long-sleeve t-shirt, sneakers, hair pulled up, glasses. Fee grinned at her girl-next-door beauty. She was fascinated by Jane's ability to change her appearance so easily.

"Good Morning Ms. Donovan." Jane smiled, "May I escort you to breakfast now?"

Fee's grin widened and she chuckled, "That's never gonna get old!"

----

"So, Jane, what's your favorite part of 'brunch?' Sweet or savory?" Fee found that over the course of the week she was finding more and more out about Jane. Small things, arguably meaningless, but it was all a window into the woman. All Fiona did was keep the questions light and finite.

"Ummmm, I really love it all, but I think fresh fruit and berries would be my favorite followed closely by eggs and sausage. You?"

Fee laughed, "Oh I haven't met a piece of French toast that I didn't absolutely adore."

Jane watched Fee as she tackled her plate piled high with sweet and savory. "This was a good idea Ms. Donovan. It's nice to share in a meal that's not related to business."

Fee nodded and grinned through a mouthful of food. The two women ate and realized they would need to pace themselves if they were to take full advantage of the brunch offerings. Food coma was beginning to set in but they both were determined to make one more go at the food so they were resting staring into space.

"Jane, I'd like to ask you a question, I think it's a general question, not too personal." Fee's voice was light and she waited patiently as Jane considered.

Jane smiled and chuckled, "Oh, I see. Butter me up with brunch then catch me in a food coma. Okay Ms. Donovan, you've restrained pretty well this week, but I reserved the right to decline."

Fiona's smile dominated her face, nearly muting her calming green eyes. Jane was surprised that she felt an immediate wash of what could only be described as happiness in seeing Fiona's response. Fee thought for a moment, "Hmmmm. Have you ever failed miserably at anything? Made a mistake?"

"Oh. That's a tough one. I think I've made decisions and then needed to adjust strategies. But I think 'mistake' is too strong a word." Fiona nodded. "With regard to 'failing miserably.' No, never." Jane responded in a matter-of-fact tone that surprised Fee.

"Really?! Wow! I don't know if I should be impressed or scared right now."

Jane smiled, "Neither Ms. Donovan. Failure can make a person strong. I may not be as resilient as I might need to be in the future when I do fail. Statistically, it's unlikely that I'll never fail in my line of work. It's just a matter of how, to what degree, and at what cost."

"Wow, again. That turned deadly serious quickly." Fee laughed in slight discomfort. "Sorry."

Jane replied in a clinical manner, "No problem Ms. Donovan. Actually, if you don't mind, maybe we could touch base quickly about your upcoming charity event."

"Sure, no problem. Do you just want a quick breakdown? You can get all the details over the next few weeks. I'll make sure you're cc'd in all the emails and have access to the planning sessions."

"Perfect, thank you Ms. Donovan." Jane smiled and waited patiently.

"Well, Micropath is working with Charity Water in a combined awareness campaign and fundraising effort. It will be a semi-formal event the last weekend of July at the Baltimore Aquarium. The event itself will draw some press along with a who's who of Washington philanthropists and social and political elite. We hope! It should be a pretty special night."

"So you have little over a month to finalize the event?"

"Yes we're close to having all the loose ends tied up."

Jane nodded. "Independence Day is next week. Do you have any exceptional plans for the holiday?"

"Oh! No, that slipped my mind entirely!" Fee surprised herself.

"Not a big fireworks fan?" Jane grinned.

"No, my favorite holiday used to be Thanksgiving, but when Mom died, not so much. How about you?"

"I think the 4th of July is my favorite holiday. It's a summer holiday so it always means fresh fruit and barbeques. I didn't have a lot of access to that kind of thing growing up so summer holidays and picnics were special."

Fee's eyes widened in surprise. Jane just shared something about herself freely. Jane seemed to recognize that too. "Oh. Ms. Donovan, I apologize. I'm sorry about that."

"No problem Jane," Fiona smiled like she just won the lottery, "I'm not uncomfortable with you sharing small parts of your life. You know everything about me." Fee internally speculated, guessing Jane may have grown up in a lower income family, maybe urban, if Jane had little to no access to fresh produce growing up.

Jane grimaced and smiled all at once, "Okay Ms. Donovan, if your plans change let me know and I'll make security arrangements." Fee nodded and recognized that Jane was done sharing for the day. "Ms. Donovan, may I escort you home now? Or are you going to make another run at the food?" Laughter touched Jane's eyes.

Fee returned her gaze and smirked cryptically, "You can take me home, I give up. For today."