It's Not Real

Chapter Two

"That guy over there has been eyeing you up." Mary said, placing two pints on the table. "He looks alright."

Eve scowled. "I'm sure he does, but I thought we came out for a girls night?"

"We have!" Mary dropped in opposite her friend, leaning against the wood backing of the booth. "Just thought I'd let you know he might come over."

"Hm." Evelyn took a large mouthful of her drink. "Let's hope not, I'd need more alcohol in me to be entertaining that idea."

Mary shrugged. "I was going to ask about Greg."

Her eyebrows turn down, creasing her face. "Greg? Lestrade? What about him?"

"He's a decent bloke, not bad to look at–"

Eve almost choked on her drink. "Has he asked you to set us up?"

"He might have said something..."

"Oh my God–"

"Everyone fancies you, Eve."

"No they don't, it's just because I'm easy to talk to people think I'm therefore easy to get along with."

"Oh yeah, that's really what men look for. Someone to chat to."

"Shut up." Evelyn leaned in towards Mary. "What's the sudden need for me to be with someone? Do you think I feel left out or something because of you and John?"

"Just thought you might like to have a plus one at the wedding."

"I don't need a plus one."

"Alright!" Mary raised her hands in defence. "Forget I said anything."

"I'm sure you'll bring it up again."

"No doubt about it," Mary teased. "Just want you to be happy."

"And I need to be in a relationship to be happy?"

"Of course not, but having someone to shag makes life a lot more fun."

They shared a brief look, staring each other out before bursting into fits of laughter.

———

"What are you doing here?" Mary threw her arm over her fiancé as he made his presence known. John and Mary were definitely in some kind of engagement bubble of happiness and, if Eve was honest, it was quite sickening to watch. "Come to spy on us?"

John chuckled. "No, no... We were passing, figured I'd come say hello."

"Which you have now done. Can we go?" Sherlock looked royally uncomfortable, hands firmly in his coat pockets, glancing around the room as if it was sketchiest place in London.

Eve smiled soothingly at him. "You alright? I can get you a drink–"

Sherlock shook his head. "We're not stopping. John, let's leave these ladies to their evening." Then he was turning on his heel, desperate to flee.

"We could stay for one drink?" John was moving slowly to sit down. "Come on, just one, then we'll go."

Sherlock spun back, looked from John and Mary to Evelyn, his lips pressing into a thin line. "John, I really think–"

"I don't bite." Her voice was soft but with a slight edging of attitude. "You're welcome to sit here, or if I'm what is causing you to be uncomfortable I don't mind leaving–"

"I mind!" Piped Mary.

Eve rolled her eyes, but stayed turned towards Sherlock, who looked at her with a whole new expression she hadn't seen on his face before. "I don't mind, really. I have a shift tomorrow anyway so I shouldn't push my luck."