On The Couch
Good, Not Perfect Lesbian Story
20: On The Couch
Jane sat at the kitchen counter watching Fiona pace outside on the terrace, speaking with her father. She observed carefully her body language and Jane could see that Fiona was having to work to convince her father that she needed Jane to accompany her. After 20 minutes of discussion Fiona entered the condo smiling softly to herself. Jane raised an eyebrow asking a silent question.
"Well, Dad's on board. I assured him that you would not intrude on our time together."
"Of course not Ms. Donovan." Jane smiled, "This is a business trip for me."
Fee nodded, "I am happy that I will have you near me, I don't think it can be 'just business' for me, but I understand."
"Thank you Ms. Donovan. On that note, I need to get you into the office and take today to return to my office to prepare for our trip. May I escort you to work now?" Jane's tone was business-like but now also laced with a care and devotion of another kind too. Fee's body warmed at the sound.
"Yes, Jane, please."
----
The ride to the office was relatively quiet. Jane took the opportunity to let Reggie know that she would be escorting Ms. Donovan to see her father over the holiday, effectively giving him July 4th and 5th off. Reggie beamed with gratitude. Jane stepped out with Fiona escorting her into the lobby of Micropath. "Ms. Donovan, please do not leave the premises without me. Would you like to leave the building for lunch?"
Fiona smiled, "Of course not, I will wait for you." Fee glanced at the clock, 10:00am. "I'll work through lunch, we can stop for a late lunch or early dinner on the way back to Water Street."
"Very good Ms. Donovan. Text if you need me. I will be back for you." Jane stepped away exiting the building quickly. Fee watched her go, missing her already.
----
Agent Foster reviewed Jane's report, Jane waited patiently.
"So Boston?"
"Yes, I'm not sure of the details yet. Who is running the team there?" Jane was focusing now on the security of Fiona during the trip.
"It's a private security company. Get the full jackets from William for all the personnel." Jane nodded.
"The data we have been collecting from your reconnaissance has been of some value. Again, as the events get closer there is increasing chatter, but no indication of imminent danger to either of the Donovans. See William and Agent Couch before you leave."
----
William smiled at Jane as she approached. "Boston for the 4th of July Agent Baker, lucky you."
"Yes William, Boston is a beautiful city."
"We are currently vetting and data mining Dr. Donovan's security personnel and the planned itinerary. It's looking pretty straight forward. A visit to Boston College, dinner, fireworks. All of his personnel, you, and the Donovans will be staying at the Mandarin Oriental. Dinner there followed by rooftop viewing of fireworks." Jane nodded encouraging William to continue. "You will act as a satellite security detail. You will have access to us over the phone but no on-site backup. Liaison directly with Dr. Donovan's head of security for any support on the ground. I will send all updated files directly to your phone."
"Thank you William, have a restful holiday."
William smirked and laughed lightly, "Holiday? What's that?"
----
"Well, you seem to be settled into your skin." Jane nodded. "Has anything significant changed?"
"Operationally, minor changes as indicated in the report."
Agent Couch picked up immediately on the cryptic nature of the response she didn't particularly like the wordplay, "And otherwise? Please be specific."
"Of course, my apologies. Ms. Donovan has become emotionally attached to me, she kissed me." Jane's response was clinical and unapologetic.
"Well that is a concern Agent Baker." She paused watching Jane. "Have you been able to maintain a professional relationship? How will this impact the operation?"
Jane smirked at the questions. "Yes. Absolutely. I have been able to maintain a professional relationship. You know well that this type of assignment often results in attachment. We spend an exceptional amount of time with our assets in exceptional circumstances. But it will not jeopardize my ability to operate within the scope of this assignment. "
"So you feel that in this circumstance you are in control?"
"I am absolutely in control of the operation and there is nothing about Ms. Donovan's attachment that is jeopardizing the assignment."
Agent Couch smirked at Jane's wordsmithing and nuance. She reduced her line of questioning to specific finite inquiries. "So you expect this 'attachment' to evolve?"
"Honestly, I am uncertain how this will play out. She kissed me this morning. I redirected her, but not without difficulty. I dropped her at work and here I am."
"Who exactly was it difficult for?"
"Both of us."
"Have you developed feelings of attraction or love for this woman?"
"Yes, I find her quite attractive. She is an exceptional person, Agent Couch." Jane was unapologetic. "I'm not certain I would characterize it as love."
"So this interaction with Ms. Donovan this morning, is it the only one you've had of a sexual nature?"
"Yes."
"And do you think the physical relationship will escalate?
"There is that distinct possibility. I doubt that Ms. Donovan's feelings for me will diminish. She is falling in love with me. I will do my best to continue to redirect her." Jane continued to answer evenly and without hesitation.
Agent Couch watched Agent Baker carefully. "But?"
"But, I am attracted to her. I cannot lie to myself about that."
"And what does it mean for you?"
"I am not certain. It does not impact my ability to do my job. But, on a personal level? I am not certain."
"I see. When this operation ends will you be able to shed your skin?"
"I will be able to shed the skin. But that's not what you are asking, is it Agent Couch?" Jane's eyes were sharp. "You want to know if I'll be able to shed Ms. Donovan."
"Yes."
"I don't know."
"Thank you for coming in Agent Baker. I appreciate your candor."
Jane nodded and walked out thinking of Fiona and getting back to her. She realized that something had changed, something was different. Agent Couch made her say it, "I'm attracted to her, I can't lie to myself ... "
Agent Couch watched her exit and grimaced to herself thinking,"Agent Baker is falling in love too and she has no idea." Agent Couch knew that this operation could be Jane's last. The most immediate question was whether or not Agent Baker should be removed from the operation.