Tommy knew something was up the moment he stepped into work that morning. Eva had taken her bike today, claiming she wanted to get home as fast as possible afterwards. He felt the warning bells start ringing then too, but he ignored them. She had been tired lately; maybe she just wanted to get some rest and possibly claim the remote to the television before he or Sebastian could. But when he got into work she was sitting with Anne Marie, giggling about something. As he walked up he heard Anne Marie say;
"The red one, definitely."
"What are you two going on about?"
They both startled, and looked up at him while Eva quickly put her phone away. "Nothing, just chatting."
As if he'd believe that. He looked over at Hickman who was trying to hide his smile. "Keeping secrets now are we? I thought we didn't do that."
"It's not a secret," Eva tried to placate him.
"Well go on then, tell me about this non-secret."
"It's nothing really…" Eva trailed off.
"She has a date."
Eva glared at Carl, who shrugged. "He was gonna find out sooner or later."
Tommy frowned, and crossed his arms across his chest. "A date? With whom exactly?"
"It's no one you know."
"Well, then I should know, shouldn't I? Do you even know him then?"
"Surprisingly enough I do meet people from time to time Tommy, which of whom you don't know," Eva let the sarcasm drip from every word.
"I'm just saying it's not a good idea Eva, Jesus Christ, don't you read the newspaper? People get killed on these sorts of things, in horrible ways even." Just then Tommy spotted Sebastian emerging from the kitchen area. "Sebastian, get over here."
"What's going on?"
"Eva," Tommy gestured at her, "has a date tonight, with some tosser she doesn't even know!"
"How is she supposed to get to know him if she doesn't spend time with him?" Anne Marie asked, a small smile on her face. Obviously she found this funny. Tommy did not.
"She has a point," Carl cut in.
"Jesus, Sebastian are you hearing this?"
"Yes, and I don't like it. Eva, come on, you're a sensible person."
Tommy scoffed and dragged a hand across his short hair. "Sensible…"
"Look guys," Eva stood up, having had enough "I appreciate the concern, but I'm a big girl now, I can take care of myself and I'm going on a date tonight whether you like it or not." She stormed off towards the bathrooms and Anne Marie followed after throwing a biting glare at them.
"That went well," Carl commented while taking a sip from his coffee.
"Not you too, we're a team mate, you need to stick with us."
"Well what do you want me to do? She has a date, she wants to go on the date, there's really nothing that you can do."
"But no one has seen him before," Sebastian cut in. "Should I trace her phone?"
"Yeah that'll go over well."
"Sebastian you're a genius."
"Oh come on guys, you can't trace her phone."
"Not that. But you said no one has seen him, but we will? He has to pick her up right? We'll meet him then."
"Ah yes," Sebastian smiled.
"Unless they are meeting at the restaurant or wherever they're going?" Carl was getting into it now.
"What kind of wanker doesn't pick his date up at the door?"
"I didn't know you were such a romantic Tommy."
"Hey I know how to treat a lady."
"Is that why she wanted to get home early, so we wouldn't meet him?" Sebastian mused.
"Our girl is sneaky."
Carl raised an eyebrow at that.
Everything had worked out. She had been able to leave work early and have a long shower and was now getting ready. Anne Marie had been right; the tight red dress was perfect. It was a bit daring, both the color considering she was also a redhead, but the cut was what made it really stand out. It was exactly what she wanted. Living with two guys had its perks. But what wasn't a perk was the fact that they heard everything, and was nosier than the old lady across the street. One night when she was really wound up she had decided to take matters into her own hands. She was a grown woman for God's sake, a passionate one at that, she had needs. And those needs had been put on hold for a few months now and her body wasn't having it anymore. So she put on some music, dressed down and lit a few candles. She had just gotten to the good part when Tommy knocked on her door and asked if she wanted to watch football with them. He lured her out with ice cream. Sitting next to them on the couch wasn't as easy as it had been, and she had to constantly remind herself not to look at Tommy's strong arms, or Sebastian's full lips…And just this morning she had been making coffee when Tommy walked into the kitchen, bare chested with his jeans hanging low on his hips, hair still wet from his shower. She bit her lip so hard she could taste blood. She was going crazy, and something had to give.
She put on a little more makeup than usual, making her eyes smoky and curled her hair a little. She slipped on a pair of high heels and took a look in the mirror. She looked good, she had to admit that. She left her bedroom with a small smile on her face, thinking about the glass of wine she had poured earlier that still stood on the counter waiting. Her smile slipped when she walked into the kitchen to find Sebastian and Tommy seated at the counter staring at her.
