Let's Go

21: Let's Go

Fiona saw Jane approaching through the glass windows of Micropath. She felt her body release tension she didn't know she was holding in. She thought of Sophie and was grateful that in their last conversation she encouraged her to be honest with Jane. The taste of her lips and mouth lingered with her all day and now she found it hard to think of anything other than finding ways to touch her and feel her again. Fee had a moment of epiphany, the kiss didn't satiate her in any way, if anything it magnified Fee's desires. She watched Jane move through the doorway and sighed deeply as she contemplated her feelings.

"Good afternoon Ms. Donovan." Jane smiled genuinely,"Thank you for waiting for me."

"Of course, Jane." Fee wanted to tell her she'd wait indefinitely, she wanted to reach out and touch her, she restrained herself but not without difficulty. Fee fell into stride with Jane as they moved to the car. Inside the moving vehicle Fee asked, "Are you now prepared for the trip tomorrow?"

"No Ms. Donovan. I am not. I'm still waiting for some data to come in. I will need to return to the office this evening to prepare." Jane could see that Fiona was disappointed. She eased the moment, "It's a bit of scramble on such short notice but I'm looking forward to lunch. Where will it be?"

Fee smiled, "Mango Tree?"

Jane returned the smile "Perfect."

Fee leaned forward in the car, "Reggie, we're heading to Mango Tree for a late lunch, have you eaten? You're welcome to join us." Jane's body warmed at Fiona's consideration of Reggie.

Reggie smiled at Fiona. His job was relatively finite and straight forward but he had been watching the two ladies interact for weeks now and he was no fool. He knew better than to insert himself into the lunch. "Yes, Miss Fiona I have eaten, thank you."

----

Sitting across at the table, waiting for their food Fiona took in Jane, replaying the morning's conversation, the kisses. As she shifted her gaze between Jane's eyes and lips she had a growing suspicion that Jane was doing the same. Jane chuckled lightly, "Ms. Donovan, you look like you want to ask me a question."

"I want to ask you so many questions, I'm not sure where to start."

Jane smiled, sharing the memory of the morning with Fee,"I know that our relationship is in a bit of a state of flux Ms. Donovan, but my responses may still be limited."

"Of course." Fee smiled,"Jane, how many different continents have you been on?"

Jane grinned at the question,"All but 1 and too many cities to list."

"That's amazing. You're so young to have lived such a full life."

Jane reflected,"Yes, but life has been 'full' in a different kind of way. Not necessarily enriching and joyful. I haven't been backpacking or attending music festivals."

Fee examined Jane's sharp eyes and saw emotion wash through them. "Oh. Yes, I can see that."

Jane looked at Fiona and she realized that the young woman had become more than just an assignment, more than an asset. Jane felt like she had known this for some time but her conversation with Dr. Couch forced her to face this truth. Guilt cut through Jane's thoughts. "Ms. Donovan, may I ask you a question?"

Fee grinned with joy and anticipation. "Yes, please!"

Jane chuckled,"You may not like it Ms. Donovan."

The smile faded slowly from Fee's mouth, "Okay, try me."

"Ms. Donovan," Jane swallowed trying to work through her thoughts and feelings, uncertainty and fear sounded alien in Jane's voice. "What if I can't give you what you need? What if I hurt you? What if I'm not capable of the "good" you need? What if I can't love you? I am concerned, Ms. Donovan, that I am not 'good' for you."

Fiona laughed lightly,"That's a lot of questions." She considered and returned Jane's sober gaze with one of her own. She was unfazed by Jane's doubt.

"What if you can?

What if you don't?

What if you are?

What if I can help you to love me?"

Fiona's response came with ease, compassion, and optimism. Jane was at a loss for words and she simply stared at Fiona feeling overwhelmed by the woman.

The server returned with the food drawing Fiona's eyes away but Jane continued to take her in, unblinking, she did not drop her gaze for a long moment. Fiona simply met her eyes and smiled as she began moving food into her mouth. "Well, that's not exactly the response I was expecting." Jane's confusion and awe caused Fee's body to roll with laughter. Drawn into the moment Jane began laughing too and Fee thought her heart would burst at the sound.

The lunch continued but the conversation was light and both Jane and Fiona enjoyed sharing the time and company. After lunch Jane escorted Fiona back to the condo but she did not crossover into the living space. Jane stood at the top of the stairs, pausing before entering the kitchen Fiona was saddened. "Ms. Donovan, I must return to work so that I'm ready for tomorrow. The plane leaves at 9:00am, I will be back for you at 8:15."

Fiona smirked and moved back to Jane, stopping just outside her personal space,"You're not avoiding me now, are you Jane?"

"On the contrary Ms. Donovan," Jane's body tensed slightly at Fiona's proximity, she could smell her shampoo and feel the warmth of her body. "I'm ensuring that I can spend the next 48 hours concentrating only on you."

Fiona pulled back looking into Jane's eyes, "Okay, then. Tomorrow. Thank you for having lunch with me."

Jane let out a breath, "Of course Ms. Donovan. Tomorrow. I will be back for you."

----

Both Jane and Fee spent their respective evenings packing and preparing for the trip. Their minds were filled with each other and the growing anticipation. Jane was slightly more preoccupied with Fiona's safety and working with Dr. Donovan's team. The security business was no different than any other, an "old boys network."

----

Jane picked up Fiona at 8:15 sharp as promised. "Good morning Ms. Donovan. Are you ready?"

"Good morning. Yes, I'm ready, are you?" Fiona's eyes were a light with excitement.

Jane waved her phone and grimaced, "Almost, just a little work for the trip."

Fiona laughed, "Okay then, let's go."

The company private plane was well appointed and the two women were up in the air in no time. The flight itself was a little over an hour. Jane estimated they would be checked in and settled by 11:00am. According to the Micropath itinerary, Dr. Donovan and his daughter would be touring Boston College labs and having lunch with representatives from their chemistry and biomedical programs. In the hour on the plane Jane focused on the latest photos and data William forwarded along including the security team, hotel staff, and the BC faculty.

Fiona sat quite content watching Jane's eyes work over her phone. She knew she shouldn't but she couldn't help herself from interrupting her just before they started their descent. "You are quite striking when you concentrate like that. It's fascinating to watch."

Jane looked up and could see Fiona's eyes were filled with more than just fascination. She couldn't help but tease her just a little. "Would you like me to put on my glasses?"

Fee gasped at the remark, turned red, and grinned as if she got her hand caught in the cookie jar. Jane chuckled but was impressed by Fiona's recovery. "Jane, did you bring them?! I'll buy you a BC sweatshirt!"

Jane laughed and enjoyed seeing Fiona respond to the sound. "Just a few more files Ms. Donovan. Then I'll concentrate only on you." She shifted her eyes back to her phone but could feel Fee's eyes continue to take her in.

----

Jane and Fiona stepped off the plane. Jane quickly sized up the waiting car and security team of three. She could see that all the men were ex-military. They would be professional but also full of ego and resent her presence."Good morning ladies." The team leader's voice was tight and clipped. "We'll have you to your primary location within the half hour."

Fiona smiled,"Thank you. Is my father already there?"

"Yes Ms. Donovan, he's excited to see you." The team leader glanced over at Jane pointedly and Jane simply smiled and stepped into the town car. Two of the men rode up front, the third followed in a second car.