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Chapter Three

Maya

"Any leads?" I asked as I walked into the bull pen.
"Yep. Names Kingston Grey. Leader of-"
"The Scorpions." I interrupted Travis.
"Yep. Apparently he was in a group home with our vic. The foster mom said that the two never got along. Always fought about something." Travis continued.
"Alright. Miller, Herrera, go pick him up so we can talk to him."

They left the room, as DeLuca walked in.
"Ciao bella. I brought you a coffee." She handed me a cup.
"Uh, thanks." I ignored the feeling in my stomach as I sipped my coffee.
"So. I got a look at Detective Bishop last night. But I want to have a look at Maya." She sat down in the chair next to my desk.
"What do you mean? I am Detective Bishop."
"Yes, but I have a feeling that Maya is different." She tilted her head and studied me.

"There's no difference, DeLuca." I said as I studied my notes.
"I beg to differ Detective." Captain Webber said as he walked up to my desk.
"Captain." I said as I stood up.
"I think you should take a day off tomorrow. Let Miss DeLuca here shadow you and see the real Maya Bishop."
"But sir we're in the middle of a case and-"
"Your team can handle it. Take the day off."
"Yes sir." I said as I sat down.

He walked away and DeLuca looked at me again.
"So. Would you like to get dinner tonight?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Dinner. With me? Strictly professional of course." She smirked as she leaned back into her seat.
"Look I don't know what you're trying to do here but-"
"I need to see who Maya Bishop is. You can choose the place. Just dinner tonight, and a day tomorrow and I won't ask you for anything outside of work again."

I sighed and looked up at her. I had never noticed how pretty she is before. I had spent so much time avoiding the gaze of the woman who infuriated me the most.
"Fine. Meet me at my house after work."
"I'll be there, Detective."

*At my house*

Why am I so nervous? It's not like it's a date or anything. I don't date. This is strictly for this damn book she's writing.

I heard a knock on my door, and I straightened my shirt one more time.
I walked over to the door, and opened it. My breath caught in my throat when I saw her.
Dressed in a pair of tight jeans, that showed off the curves I didn't know she had, a white v cut shirt paired with a black leather jacket.
"Ciao bambina. Are you ready?" She asked with a smile.
"Uh yeah. Let me just grab my wallet and keys." I turned and grabbed my wallet and shoved it in my back pocket and my keys.

"So, where are we going Detective?" She asked as we walked down the side walk to my car.
"Somewhere... special to me. And you can call me Maya. Just for tonight." I opened the passenger door for her and she slid in while flashing me a smile.

I got in the drivers seat, and drove the short distance to my favorite diner.
"We're here." I parked the car and got out.

"This is cute. How have I never heard of this place before?" She asked as we walked inside.
"Maya sweetie!" One of the waitresses stopped what she was doing and ran over and hugged me.
"Hi Linda." I smiled and gave her a hug back.
"Where have you been? You haven't come to see us in ages!" She scolded.
"Works been busy. Linda, this is Carina DeLuca." I introduced them.
"The writer? I just love your books. I couldn't put 'In Her Eyes' down!" She gave Carina a hug.
"Thank you. I appreciate that." Carina gave her a huge smile.
"Anthony! Our favorite girl is here!" Linda shouted.
Anthony came out from the kitchen, and quickly picked me up into a crushing hug.
"Hi to you too Tony." I said with a laugh.

"You need to visit more May bell." He scolded as he sat me down.
"May bell?" Carina questioned.
"Just a little nickname from when she was a kid. Come on sweeties, I'll get your drinks." Linda led us to a table in the corner of the room.

"I'll have my usual Linda. Carina, do you need a minuet?" I asked the brunette.
"I'll just have whatever she's having."
Linda nodded and walked away.

"They really seem to like you here." Carina stated.
"Yeah. I've known them since I was in diapers. My Mom used to work here." I smiled at the memories.
"Where does she work now?"
"Ah... she passed away when I was ten." I said awkwardly.
"I'm so sorry, bambina." She reached over and placed her hand on mine.
I tried to ignore the shock of electricity running through my body again.

"Two chocolate shakes for the ladies." Linda placed our drinks in front of us.
"Thanks Linda." I gave her a smile as she left the table.

"Oh my God. This is the best shake I've ever had." Carina moaned as she took a sip.
I wish I could make her moan like that. Wait, did I really just think that?

"So. You said your Mom used to work here. What about your Dad?" She stirred her shake with her straw.
"He was a homicide detective. He worked in the same station I do now. Him and Captain Webber were partners."
"I see. Do you speak to him frequently?" She questioned.
"No. He passed when I was twelve. Killed in the line of duty." I rubbed the back of my neck.
"I'm very sorry. What happened after that?"
"Captain Webber is my god father, so he took me in. I grew up in the bull pen, watching everyone work. On days that I had school, I'd come here after I got done and hang out till Richard came to pick me up."

"It sounds like you had an interesting childhood."
"To say the least. Tell me something about yourself."
"Me?" She asked.
"Yeah. I don't wanna sit here all night just talking about me. That's weird." I said with a small laugh.
"Okay. I'll bite. I'm originally from Italy. I moved to London for a while after I turned eighteen, that's where I started writing. Then I came to America, got my visa, and just kept writing." She shrugged.
"Oh come on. I told you my secrets. There's gotta be more than that." I teased.

"Here you go ladies. Double cheese burgers with fries." Anthony said as he sat our plates on the table.
"Thanks Tony." I smiled at him as he walked away.

"Okay. Um... I have a brother, we don't talk very often. He's a doctor. My mamma passed away right after I turned eighteen, and my Papa... I don't speak to him either." She said quietly.
"I'm sorry Carina." I reached over and placed my hand on top of hers.
"You called me Carina." She said with a small smile.
"Yeah?"
"You usually call me DeLuca." She turned her hand and pressed her palm against mine.
"Yeah well, I figure if you get to call me Maya, I can call you Carina."

We stared into each other's eyes as a silence fell upon the table.
"This food looks really good." She pulled her hand away from mine.
"Best burger in town. Dig in."