This story is heavily influenced by the setting of the show Peaky Blinders and incorporates SOME of the characters. Though, this story is still able to be read, understood, and enjoyed even if you haven't seen the show. It is loosely based around th...
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John couldn't stay with me long in the box, due to him needing to watch his post. By the time he left my heart had slowed and my stomach felt empty. My eyes felt heavy from the tears and I was sure my makeup looked atrocious. I tried to fix myself up in the small mirror hung upon the wall, wiping the crusted black mascara from my cheeks.
I lit myself a cigarette and poured myself some gin and sat on the couch. It was a navy blue velvet color and it was placed near the window so it was easy to look out. I sat with my chin resting on my knee, watching the crowd below. Everyone seemed to be drunk beyond all get out, having an unforgettable night, though my night would be unforgettable in different ways.
I heard a light knock on the door and turned to see who could be visiting. A little over half an hour had passed since everything with Theo had happened, the race was over but the parties were just beginning. Behind the door poked Ottos head, he gently stepped inside and slowly shut the door.
"A few men told me you'd be up here, figured I'd pay you a visit.", Otto spoke smoothly and took off his hat as he entered the box and sat on the chair across from me.
"How did you manage to get up here?"
"...I slipped some men a few bills.", he pulled a cigarette out and grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the storage shelves, making himself comfortable and at home.
"A little literal on the whole paying me a visit thing, huh", I looked up at him smiling and took in a steady breath for the first time since arriving to the track. I made light of his presence and enjoyed the break I got from my racing mind.
The weight of what had occurred sat heavy on my chest but with Otto here I knew I could avoid facing it. The idea of a gun to my head, my life being in the hands of a stranger- technically my life being in the hands of a Shelby. Tommy just watching as I slip from his fingers into the grasp of another man, the fear I could see in his eyes. The anger I felt towards Tommy after hearing his intentions to sell me off at the end of the night, yet the comfort and safety I seek in his arms after being pinned up against the glass. So much was going on, but with Otto here I didn't have to face my thoughts just yet.
Otto's company was nice and refreshing, he provided me comfort after the events that happened shortly before. He wasn't one to force a conversation and he let silence hang in the air between discussions. He complimented my dress, said the color was perfect for my skin tone. I learned the horse he rode placed third today, so he still made some winnings but not as much as he would have liked. I also learned he started riding from a young age and training in his teen years. He grew up in Ireland, but as he aged his family has moved around quite a bit. He has a very successful father and is an only child, his mom didn't have to work and instead tended a garden behind their current house and made meals based off what she grows each season.
I also learned that Otto inhales cigarettes like they're air and drinks whiskey like water. That he was impressed by my ability to take care of myself in Birmingham. He was even more impressed when he learned my family lived in a different city and I handle myself alone. During his visit he also saw that I too could drink alcohol like it's water and inhale cigarettes just as easily as he does.
