Sherlock: Lover Mine [Book II]

The Dinner Date II

Susanna twirled in front of the full length mirror and smiled, satisfied with her outfit and make up. She'd kept most of it quite natural, accentuating rather than covering up. The red lipstick, black kohl eyeliner and mascara were the boldest components of her look. Her perfume was Jo Malone. She'd done a fair job of concealing the scar on her neck with help from Zella and Victoria Lane. She wore diamond studs and a teardrop pendant on a delicate silver chain, with a small wristwatch.

Her outfit exuded a vintage look; classic black t-strap dancer heels, a fit-n-flair tea length red swing dress and an ankle-length black swing coat trimmed with faux fur. To top off the look, she'd taken advantage of her natural hair and left it down, putting in classic finger waves that complimented her own curls. She pinned it on the right side and the look was complete.

She gave another spin, testing out her heels, and then texted a picture to Brooklyn for posterity. Noticing the time, 6:55, she grabbed her black leather purse and made sure she had everything.

Barney had been with her for most of her dress up time, but had retired to the chaise and was napping. Susanna made sure he had food and water and his meds before scratching around his ears, neck and chest, garnering a light purr.

At 6:58, her phone buzzed.

Waiting in the Garage. -SH

On my way. -SM

She blew a kiss to Barney and walked out of the door, locking it behind her. The elevator ride to the lobby level was shared with Doctor Olsson, who gave her a polite compliment and wished her a good evening. Zella and Victoria gave her a final look before allowing her out into the garage, where a black luxury sedan was parked, with a chauffeur standing beside the open right rear passenger door. Obviously Sherlock struck a deal with Mycroft. She thought as she walked up and got into the back seat, where Sherlock waited.

"Hello, Darling." He greeted and met her in the middle for a kiss.

"Hello, Love," Susanna buckled in and the car pulled out of the lot, "Do I get to know where we're going now?"

"Ritz's Dining and Jazz Club," He answered. Her face lit up with a beaming smile. I guessed correctly! She mused to herself. Sherlock noticed the recognition in her eyes, "Did you know I would choose this restaurant?"

"Lucky guess," His face fell a bit and she grasped his hands, "Sherlock, I love Ritz's! It's one of my favorite places to go and you still surprised me." She assured, perking Sherlock back up.

"So you go to Ritz's often then?"

"It's a favorite spot of mine, and I go there only with my favorite people. Brooklyn or Thomas, normally." She explained. This soothed Sherlock's nerves a bit and he squeezed her hand.

Since they were both wearing long coats, neither could actually tell what the other was wearing until they'd arrived at Ritz's and their coats were taken by the staff. Sherlock had dressed in a tailored classic black tuxedo and bowtie, with shiny new black dress shoes and silver cufflinks. Susanna blushed, "You rock that tuxedo, Sherlock." She complimented.

He smirked and turned around, "Thank you,.." He paused when he saw her own outfit. His cheeks flushed red for a few moments before he cleared his throat and smiled, "Vintage suits you, Susanna." She smiled and looped her arm through his as they entered the club's main chamber- an opulent 20's ballroom with added touches of the 40s and 50s. Live music from a band and orchestra emanated from the bandstand in the rear center of the chamber. The Maitre D guided them to their reserved table, tucked out of the way but with a clear path to the dance floor, and provided their menus. Susanna sat down in her chair and Sherlock pushed her in before taking his own seat across from her. Glasses of iced water and sparkling cider had already been set out. She smiled, "You remembered I don't drink."

"Which is just as well, since I abstain because of the effects it has on my brain." Sherlock responded, sneaking in a wink. Susanna blushed and giggled, garnering a coy smile from the detective. Hypocrite. You are a substance user. His mind nagged before he blocked the voice out.

The waiter was familiar with Susanna and only needed a word of confirmation from her to jot down her usual order. Sherlock decided to order the house alfredo with chicken. Once the waiter had left, there was an awkward lull that lasted a minute before they started talking comfortably. Mostly about the atmosphere and time period of the room, Sherlock's cases or Susanna's fun with Rosie. At several points during their meal Sherlock grasped her hand in his, or vice versa.

Their appetizers and entrees came and went, and after the order for dessert had been confirmed Sherlock stood and offered his arm, "May I have this dance, Susanna?"

"Yes, you may." She stood and they walked onto the dance floor as a slow jazz waltz began.

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