It may be hard to believe, but Sherlock was capable of pulling the charm out when he wanted to.
I figured he thought he would be able to somewhat subdue Astell and calm her nerves a bit.
"That is quite the lovely pendant, opal is it not?" Sherlock smirked sipping from the preset water glass. Of course he all ready knew the answer.
"Oh, this old thing, ya it is." She smiled crookedly. "They always say that is bad luck to wear opal if it ain't your birthstone, ya know; but I must have it some where's in me chart cause I haven't it lost it yet and it clearly ain't broke. Me mate Jen, though, she had a ring wit the same stone. Gone forever, that." She waved her hand wildly. "Quite the story too, and funny thing me boss at work calls me Jen sometimes or Sarah. I guess I must look like one, ya know." She laughed obnoxiously smacking Sherlock's shoulder.
Sarah just kind of rolled her eyes.
I just starred, shock was plainly painting my face as I looked over the table at Sherlock. I feigned a smile as he glared daggers at me. I knew I would be in for it later.
"So astrology," I interjected, lucky to get a word in. "Stars aren't really Sherlock's forte." I smiled.
"Indeed, not." He agreed.
"Oh well I gots loads of books at me flat. Maybe if you're lucky I'll learn you something, then ya really be seeing stars." She winked at Sherlock and I faintly heard an 'Oh dear god' from under his breath. The waitress finally arrived for our drink orders and to my surprise Sherlock ordered wine along with the rest of us.
"Your drinks will be up in a moment." She smiled before leaving. As soon as she left a bus boy dropped of the basket of bread.
"I'm aving that." Astell said grabbing a large chunk of the bread and taking a bite. "I am starving I 'avent eaten' since 4." She gracelessly spoke and I saw Sherlock take a cursory glance at his watch.
Thankfully things got a bit quiet as we perused the menu and I was able to at least somewhat chat with Sarah, even if it was only about the dinner selections.
"Are you all ready, then?" The bubbly waitress asked her pen at the ready.
"Yes, I believe we are." Sherlock smiled. "Ladies first then."
Sarah ordered the Chicken after Astell ordered the beef wellington with chips. I ordered the pasta as did Sherlock, which I could all ready tell had no intention of eating it.
"All right that'll be up for you in a bit." The waitress beamed before turning on her heel to see to the next table.
"Well, I think I'm gunna pop off to the loo." Astell smiled before casting a meaningful look at Sarah.
"Oh right, yes me too." She said picking up on the not so discreet hint.
"Now no talking about us girls while we are away." Astell stated loudly as the rose from the table. "Oh go on then." She bursted out loudly before the girls turned heading towards the toilets.
Sherlock at first just looked at me. "She's quite the lady." I said looking about the restaurant.
"She is appalling. And I dare say she is as much Sarah's friend as that nana at the table over there." He seethed.
"Well, if it is any consolation I appreciate it." I smiled as he just quirked an eyebrow at me. The hard-drive behind his eyes turning away.
"Right." He said before grabbing the waitresses attention. "Could you be a dear and bring me a large scotch please." He smiled sardonically.
"Of course, sir."
"Lovely, so this is your plan then?" I asked as he quickly downed his generous glass of wine. "You adding drinking to your repertoire, now."
"Don't be ridiculous," He glared at me as the waitress brought him the liquor. "I am simply taking precautions." With that he downed about half before telling the girl that another one would be required.
