Sherlock

Sherlock chapter 11

I'm wondering why he's wearing shades.

         “We'll do it just as we rehearsed it.” He is watching the huge crowd, as it came into view. He was remarkably calm. Focused. Watching out of the window, he chewed the tip of his thumb. The limo slowed, picked up a dead pace, then slowed again. The waiting to arrive at the exact place to enter the red carpet area was agonizing. It was so quiet within the limo; I felt certain I could hear my heartbeat in my ears. Slowing, we drew nearer to the front entrance, to the place where we'd begin the walk.

I fingered the antique Tiffany necklace he had procured for me to wear tonight with my vintage crushed velvet gown. The long pendant piece featuring a diamond-inlaid chain with a yellow diamond pendant, had been featured at one time at the Smithsonian, now with a private collector. I couldn't get over the fact that its value exceeded the price of my first house.

My dress, lovely and soft, was in a flapper style, the bodice relaxed with a graceful deep V-neck. It hung beautifully from my shoulders, the graceful, long split-skirt silhouette suggesting a taller, thinner look for me. The beautiful yellow diamonds further enhanced the look, hanging over 22 inches from my neck.

I could hardly believe I was here, in this moment. Hundreds of miles away from my job as a Lactation Consultant and as just a fan of Robert Downey Jr.

I was now, unbelievably, here with him. As his date.

         “Are you ready?” He whispered, meeting my eyes intently. He is vibrating energy, oozing it.

         “Yes,” my answer more mouthed than sound. I was terrified.

The large limousine door swung open and instantly the incredible guitar rife of 'Thunderstruck', by AC/DC was the only sound heard. Intense, nerve-rattling, bone jarring, it was the theme for his explosive entrance. He had selected it himself. Downey jumped from the limo, quickly running a hand down his form to smooth his suit. A huge grin to the incredible gathering. Roars from the crowd. Timed perfectly with the song's lyric 'You've been thunderstruck', instantly his hand went up with peace sign, and even more explosive roars erupted.

Then it was going to be my turn. The crowd pressed forward, expectantly. I was to exit the vehicle during the guitar solo, and I looked to him for the cue. He put his hand out for me.

My legs slipped out first. There was a pause from the crowd, as they waited in hushed tones.

Downey reached in and took my hand, helping me out in one fell swoop.

Standing in one swift motion, my dress a velvety swirl, it dropped to conceal my right leg and part of my left. The slit was just provocative enough to be glamorous. Downey slipped a possessive arm around my waist, and took a tight grip on my right hand, my small clutch in my left.

         “You look beautiful” he said to me. He kissed me sweetly on the lips, to the sounds of an uproar from the crowd. Downey looked to them and grinned, his face crinkled completely. Flashes all over exploded.

I could see now where sunglasses would come in handy.

Suddenly, everyone was calling, screaming in unison.

         “This way!”

      “Let's see the dress!”

       “Kiss her! Kiss her!!”

       “Robert over here!”

       “Where's Susan?!”

         “You ready for this?” He asks. He looks at me, protective, guarding over me with his confidence, his experience.