The Balls in Our Courts [F.SxO.CxT.S]

Chapter Fourteen

Author's Note and TW: Oh, damn! Wow, I went up to 2k views and 51 votes. Thank you so much for the support. Please let me know what you think. Also, tw, there is some questionable touching. 

It was Amelia's birthday, and Finn was a bit miffed that Tommy made such a deal of it. "Sixteen bloody years under this roof and no one ever bought me a dress and made a fuss." Arthur laughed, and asked Finn if he wanted a dress. "Not the point...what is she? The Queen of America-"

"America doesn't have a queen, Finn," Ada said, dryly. "That is kind of the point...Like, they won a war for...nevermind, explaining that to you would be like explaining that to a monkey."

Meanwhile, upstairs Polly pinned her hair back, not being mindful of the pins poking and prodding her scalp. Even when she whined and tried to move, the older lady pulled her back center and told her with a little humor, it's hardly bad. When she was finished, she took a step back and smiled. "You look so pretty," she cooed. "Pretty girl." Tommy came in and rested against the frame, smiling.

"The dress suits you well," he complimented. Both her and Polly turned to him, wearing a warm smile. Amelia was pretty, and for the first time in awhile, she paid attention to her appearance. She felt pretty. She thanked Tommy and went to get up, but he pushed against the door frame, the smile dropping from his face.

"What's wrong?" Polly asked, and Tommy nodded for her to leave them alone. She sighed and on her way out, he whispered Colm and Siobhan are held up in Berlin. They weren't even in Berlin. No, they were in Dublin staying with Siobhan's parents. They received the telegram early Thursday morning and responded with:

Dearest Polly,

How awful for Amelia on her sixteenth Birthday. We will be in touch about taking her to Spain in June.

With love,

Colm & Siobhan Clarke.

Except, they wouldn't be taking her to Spain and Tommy would make absolutely sure of it. He promised that...no, no. Summer was a peak tennis month and he'd already researched tournaments and training opportunities for the girl. He'd have to book her summer completely then come up with another excuse. Amelia frowned, and asked, "Mr. Shelby, is everything alright?"

"Love," he sighed, shutting the door and sitting on the bed. Flimsy, it creaked as his weight hit it. "C'mere. Talk to Mr. Shelby, Eh?" Hesitantly, she got up, looking at the spot before looking at him. "C'mere," he repeated, reaching for her hand, gently and pulling her down.

"Are my parents here?" she asked, peeking around him as if she could see through the door.

"About that," he said, scratching the arch of his nose and gently touching her shoulders. Kindly, he moved closer to her. So close, she was practically on his lap, and perhaps he wanted her to be on his lap. But he ignored those thoughts. Her knee flinched as he placed his hand there and squeezed. "Amelia, your father and mother couldn't make it. They're held up in Berlin at the moment." Amelia hadn't even looked shocked. Disappointed, maybe. But shocked? No. Tommy smiled, and leaned in. "Polly did your hair very nicely...usually you have it all messy and no one can see your pretty face."