𝐌𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐲 | 𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐁𝐘

Chapter 3 | Three

'Chapter 3 | Three | Certain Shelby'

•••••

Bursting into the doors of the chip shop I'm greeted by humidity, mainly men waiting for their orders to be cooked and steam seeping out of the kitchens and into the front room of the shop. I gently place Teddy onto the floor, making sure to keep hold of his hand and make my way to the counter.

"What can I get ya?" A very busy, multitasking, dark haired man awaits my answer.

"A large portion of chips please." I say whilst planting my money onto the counter.

"Alright, we'll be as quick as we can, we are a bit busy so it may take a bit longer, is that alright?"

"Ye, no worries." I shake my head reassuring the shop worker, taking a step away from the counter to go outside considering how packed it is.

"Evie," Teddy worriedly tugs at my hand. "I don't wanna fight Mr Shelby."

My eyebrows furrow, confusion filling my brain.

"What are you on about Ted?" I giggle.

"I don't want to 'see him in the gym', I don't want to fight him." His bottom lip starts to quiver as he looks at my hand, beginning to fiddle with my fingers.

"Teddy." I softly call, placing my hand under his chin and lifting his head up to face me. "Mr Shelby doesn't want to fight you, he just meant that because he goes the gym and Pa plans on taking you there, you might see him whilst he's training. That's all sweetheart." I reassure him.

"One large portion of chips!!" I hear the worker call, I hurry through the door and grab the bag.

"Cheers." I smile at the man as he gives a nod of confirmation, signalling that it is my order.

"I was here before her!" A man shouts.

"She only ordered a portion of chips, it's quicker to do." The shop worker shrugs, remaining clam. Luckily, it's left at that and me and Teddy get to leave without a fuss.

The late afternoon rush of workers finishing their day makes it so difficult for me to spot Esme but when I do she makes her way to me.

"You alright Ted? You look upset?" Esme cups his cheek into her hand, leaning down to his level.

"Mr Shelby wants to fight me." He whispers, eyes frightened.

"Ted sweetheart I already told you that's not what he meant when he said that he may 'see you in the gym', I promise." I stick out my pinky which Ted links his with while I send a look of 'help me' over to Esme who quickly gets the message.

"When did he say this?" Esme giggles, tickling Teddy's tummy.

"We saw him on the way to the chip shop, didn't we Ted?" I squeeze the hand of my little brother.

"Which Shelby is it?" Esme asks.

"Arthur." I feel weird when saying his name, I've only ever referred to him as Mr Shelby.

"Oh, the oldest?" Esme raises an eyebrow.

"Mhm."

|| Time Skip ||

•••••

"I prefer it up here." Esme laughs, as I dig deep into our bag of chips for the little scrappy bits.

"It's calming, ain't it?" I state, leaning my head back and embracing the evening breeze, breathing slowly.

"What's on ya mind Eve?" Esme pleads.

"A few things really." I let out a shaky chuckle, staying in the same position.

"Like what?" Esme throws around her hands.

"Teddy, bless him, I really don't want him to fight Es, I mean look at Reggie for gods sake he's the best bear knuckle fighter I know, I've seen him get beat up, I've seen him beat someone else up, I know for a fact my Teddy don't want any of that." I rant, standing up from the roof of my vardo and pacing slightly.

"Lou listen to yaself, do ya honestly think ya Pop would keep him doin' it if it upset Ted?"

"That's what's upsettin' me Es," I pause. "I think Reg would encourage him to keep going."

"You could stop 'im if it got to that point, surely?" She leans back, lying down with her feet dangling over the edge.

"Women aren't allowed in the gym." I glumly plop myself down next to her.

"Since when do we follow the social guidelines? We should be married by now if that's the bloody case!" I laugh at her. "What else?"

"Don't worry, Teddy was my main worry, nothin' else means that much." I shrug.

"Not even a certain Shelby?" She presses further, amusement lacing her voice, a beer in her hand although God knows where she got it from.

I shake my head in response, a small smile tugging at each corner of my lips.

"Don't ya worry about never gettin' married?" I ask after awhile, leaning myself back onto my elbows.

"It'll happen when it's suppose to Evangeline, don't threat." She winks.

Nodding, I lay back down, eyes closed and letting the quiet of the night surround me. Soon, Esme is snoring next to me and as I think about her question, I feel myself grinning.

"Only one certain Shelby." I whisper to myself, gazing up at the stars, knowing full well that he's been circling my mind all evening.