The Science of Deduction Does Not Extend to Relationships

Chapter 6: An Unforgettable Date

            “He likes you, you know,” Sherlock observed. 

            I shrugged and smiled at him across the table.  “Aw, you jealous?”

            Sherlock looked genuinely confused as he asked, “Should I be?  If you like him, flirt back.”  I frowned slightly at this. 

            “So what are we actually doing today?  I’m assuming it’s just a coincidence we went to my favorite play and restaurant today.  Who are you tailing?”  I spit rather angrily at the man sitting across from me.

            Sherlock gave me a small smile.  “I wondered when you’d figure it out.  That woman over there, she’s from America.”

            “What’s that got to do with anything?” I rolled my eyes.

            “Seems innocent enough, right?” Sherlock continued.  “Wrong.  I highly suspect she’s got some form of ties to Jim Moriarty.  Her name’s Irene Adler.”

            “Or, Miss Adler could just be in the country for work and is out on a date. Believe it or not, not everyone is a criminal, Sherlock.” I spat before slamming my napkin on the table and standing up.  “I thought maybe, just maybe you wanted to actually spend some time with me.  But I should have known that it’s always about the newest case with you, isn’t it?”

            “I am trying to catch Jim Moriarty who, need I remind you, nearly killed you, me, and John.  Plus, I need to do something to keep from being bored.”

            I grabbed my purse and turned on my heel to leave.  Before storming out I looked over my shoulder at Sherlock.  “Well you go ahead and catch Moriarty, but don’t drag me into it like this.  Sorry I’m so boring but at least tell me when you plan on using me to solve a case.”  Before he could respond to this, I walked away and left the restaurant. 

As soon as the night breeze hit my face and I knew Sherlock couldn’t see me, I let the tears fall.  How could I have been so stupid?  Of course Sherlock wouldn’t have taken me on a date; he considers himself married to his work.  And even if Sherlock did date, why did I think he’d ask me out?  We’ve been friends for years and he never once made a move.  He had even purposefully avoided me from the time we were eighteen until now.  It wasn’t like I hadn’t tried to get in touch with him.  Every day I had called and emailed, until the message was clear: he didn’t want me to be a part of his life anymore. 

I was spared from my thoughts by the sound of footsteps falling in line next to me.  “Miss?  Are you alright?”  I looked over and saw it was Damian who was walking with me.  He had clearly just gotten off from work, going by his loosened tie, rolled up sleeves, and undone top button.  “I was smoking outside before heading home and couldn’t help but see you storm out in a flurry of anger and tears.  If you don’t mind me asking, are you alright?”

I sniffed and shivered, realizing for the first time just how cool it was.  “Yeah, I’m fine.  My company for the evening just decided he wasn’t interested anymore.”

            He quirked an eyebrow at me, confused.  “He didn’t feel like being on a date anymore?  I cannot imagine anyone would willingly give up such a beautiful girl as yourself?”

            “You’re really too sweet, but Sherlock and I aren’t dating.  We’re old friends and he was preoccupied; not that I’m surprised.  That’s just how he is.”

            “Well,” Damian smiled at me hopefully and put his jacked over my shoulders to keep me warm, “if you aren’t tied down to any particular man, please allow me the honor of taking you out for an actual date tomorrow evening.”

            I mentally argued with myself for a few seconds before finally answering Damian.  “Actually, I just got out of a long relationship the other day, so I’m going to have to pass.  Don’t get me wrong, you are absolutely gorgeous you are, and very sweet.  I’m just not really up for dating again right now.”   

            “Let me at least walk you home.”

            I nodded in agreement and we walked back to the hotel, talking together the entire way.  Damian was an aspiring artist and screenwriter and was waiting tables until he broke through in the industry.  By the time we had reached the hotel I was seriously considering taking up his offer for that date.  I handed him back his jacket once inside the lobby and turned to take the elevator upstairs.

            “Wait, Lilly!” Damian called out after me.  “Let me at least get your number, not for a date or anything, but I’d like to at least be friends.”

            “I’d like that a lot,” I smiled at him and wrote my number down on a hotel pad sitting on a table next to us.  After we’d swapped numbers, I rode the elevator up to my floor and made my way to my room, exhaustion from the day catching up with me.  I showered, changed into my PJs and laid down ready to read some good old Agatha Christie.  I was, however, interrupted by a knock at my door.

            “Ugh I swear, if this is Sherlock…” I mumbled to myself as I got up to open the door.  The person who greeted me when I opened the door was not Sherlock, as it turns out.

So to all of you who are sticking with me through my lack of updating, you are the BEST and I love each and every one of you.  Like 2/3 of my town had been underwater from Irene, senior year started, and my high school soccer season only just ended this week so it's been a little overwhelming.  Oh and power in NJ was down due to our snowstorm for Halloween for anyone who hadn’t heard about that. I really know it’s no excuse, and so I apologize.  BUT I am back to my writing and I’m going to update BOTH stories more often. Again, thanks for sticking with me!

The picture, by the way, is a combo.  It's the dress Lilly wore on the date AND Damian AKA the GORGEOUS Gaspard Ulliel...who I happen to think should have been cast as Edward Cullen in Twilight (look him up when he's cleanshaven...he would have made the movies actually good because, not to offend any fans, but the books were destroyed by the movies)