Chapter 1
The Introduction
Molly hadn't seen Jim in quite a while. She knew where he was. That Mycroft had hidden him away from prying eyes. Jim had started so much havoc with Sherlock that keeping Jim out of sight was a perfect idea. She also knew that as Mycroft and Jim spent more time together they got quite friendly as they grew to know more about each other. Both being geniuses they had a lot more in common than great taste in clothing. Both loved books, science and art. They had much to talk about. Since Mycroft had few humans he could communicate with on his level he hated to admit to himself that he really enjoyed Jim's company. Mycroft also hated to admit to himself that he found Jim attractive. That occasionally he found himself blushing while looking at Jim from across the room. One night the inevitable happened when after some great conversation and a few too many drinks he realized that love and respect they had in common also. After that Mycroft grew fond of calling Jim James when they were alone.
Mycroft had realized how jealous he was of Jim's attention to his younger brother Sherlock. Especially when he overtly flirted with him. That was how Mycroft realized that Jim was getting under his skin. What was it he said once "How do you want me"? At the time the thought made him blush but what was that dreamy feeling he had considering the prospect?
The only one that knew of this development was Molly Hooper. The sweet girl that Jim had teasingly called Molly mouse. Jim adored Molly as she had her charm and was resourceful and intelligent. A trait he found lacking in most females. Yes, she could keep secrets as could Mary Morstan Watson. Irene Adler could to but only when it suited her purposes.
Molly walked over to the kitchen table and observed that there were three place settings.
"Is Mycroft coming too" asked Molly.
"Oh no," Jim smiled. I have invited a special friend to meet you, if you don't mind.” Then Jim glanced over at Molly in her lab coat and scrubs and said "You have enough time to take a quick shower and get into something more comfortable before company arrives." Jim went over to the stereo to put on some smooth jazz to lighten the mood.
"You're right. I always feel yucky after getting off work”. Molly sprinted off to take a shower while Jim went back to his cooking. She used the fruity smelling shower gel, washed her hair, toweled off and decided what to wear. She chose a cute print t shirt and blue jeans. She didn't wear cologne as the shower gel left a refreshing scent. She brushed her hair in a pony tail and glanced in the mirror. "At least I feel human again". Feeling a wee bit nervous she went back into the living room.
Just then she heard her door bell ring. Jim buzzed for her guest to come up, put his light grey suit coat on and opened the door. Jim tried to hug a lovely woman in a red and white dress and carrying a dozen yellow tea roses and a couple of decorative tins in her arms. She handed the roses to Jim and said "Be a love and put these in some water". She stood there smiling and on Jim's return gave him another hug. "Oh, something smells amazing".
Jim turned toward Molly and blushed as he said "I want to introduce you to my friend Irene Adler. Irene Adler this is Molly Hooper."
"Jim has told me so much about you. You have surpassed his description of you, my dear." Irene smiled and extended her hand. When Molly touched her hand to shake it a warm tingling sensation spread throughout her whole body. Molly felt herself starting to blush and was speechless.
"Let's have dinner, I'm starving" and gave Molly a glance. "I brought you some biscuits and chocolates for later. They all gathered and sat down at the table to eat and chat. Irene seemed interested in what Jim had been up to lately and Jim wasn't too chatty about it. "I had heard that Mary had died and you can imagine how surprised I was to run into her in Munich. She told me not to say anything to anyone about running into her. Of course I told her that I won't tell a soul". Just as she was saying that Jim glanced at Molly, rolled his eyes, and smiled. Molly returned the smile. Neither said a word. Some women love to gossip. Jim stood up and cleared the dishes. "I'll get dessert and returned with three dishes of vanilla ice cream with brandy sauce to drizzle on it and some coffee. Irene made Molly feel very comfortable in spite of Molly being dressed in jeans and Irene in a lovely dress. This had turned out to be an interesting evening. She had not expected more than a quick nibble, a shower and in bed with her cat. Irene's presence made everyone around her feel perfect.
After a while Jim suggested he would call a cab and drop Irene at home and they could talk more later. Irene glanced at Molly as she said she was looking forward to seeing her again. Molly blushed and smiled when she touched her hand and gave her a light hug. Jim gave Molly hugs also and they both left.
After Jim and Irene had left Molly was drowsy and sat on her couch. She thought about her evening and sighed. Any friend of Jim's she knew would be special. What an intriguing woman that Irene. She leaned over and selected a tea rose and savored the sweet aroma. Oh, she has good taste just like Jim.