”I’m going to smoke.” Jillian stated simply.

”Can you put this in?” Jane asked her, handing her the simple sheet of paper that would, in one way or another, change the rest of her life.

”Yeah. No worries.” Jillian glanced at the slip and nodded knowingly. Now all Jane had to do was sit and wait.

It took 5 more singers and another half an hour before it was time.

”JC.” The host called over the microphone. ”JC, you’re up!”

Maura turned slowly. Her back had been to the stage for most of the evening, turning only to applaud a particularly good singer. When the mysterious Jacey failed to appear, she looked back to the group she’d found herself sat with. They were nice people, welcoming and friendly.

”Ahh there she is!” the host said. ”Come on, let her through.”

Maura watched the group as they downed another round of shots. Maura had politely declined and sipped her wine slowly. Of the two options they had, she’d opted for the least chalky. Another thing that was better in Boston.

Jane felt sick to her stomach as she stared at the back of Maura’s head. She’d know that hair anyway. The group she was sitting with were loud, rowdy and knocking back shots. She’d never seen Maura look so out of place.

Warm piano music filled the room and the bar fell silent.

”Forgive me, For I did not know. ’Cause I was just a boy. You were so much more,” Jane sang, fighting to keep the shake from her voice. The bar and people faded away as Maura turned in slow motion.

Maura’s eyes raked slowly up Jane’s body, starting at her feet. She couldn’t be there, not really. Not here.

”Than any god could ever plan, more than a woman or a man. And now I understand how much I took from you.”

Jane’s voice was warm, loving, calling her home. Tears stung Maura’s eyes as they met the warm chocolate of Jane’s.

She was really there.

”That, when everything starts breaking down, you take the pieces off the ground, show this wicked town, something beautiful and new.”

Jane nodded slowly, licking her lips as Maura studied her, listening intently.

”You think that Luck, Has left you there. But maybe there’s nothing, up in the sky but air.”