My Next Mistake || Book One

You'll come back each time you leave

Olivia awoke the next morning. She ran her hands through her blonde locks. She tossed and turned most of the night, wondering what had happened. Tommy just left. No reason why, no questions. This might be a lot harder then what olivia thought. A man like Tommy is not just gunna fall in love with anyone. 

But he was interested? He wouldnt walk all that way if he wasnt...right? Olivia threw her head back against the pillow. Why did she care..this was a job! And she was going to have to work a lot harder.

Suddenly, a loud knock arupted at her front door. She jumped from the bed and quickly threw her silk dressing gown on. Another knock on the door.

'Alright! I'm coming!' She shouted. She rushed down the stairs and began to unlock the door. A small figure stood before her. He must have been no older than 12. The young boy averted his eyes as soon as he saw Olivia's apperance. She glanced down at her attire. A silk dressing gown was not so suitable for a young boy. 

'Erm..package for Miss Olivia Rey.' He stated, his eyes still avoiding her. He held out the package at arms length, it was rectangular and rather large with a gold bow wrapped around it. Olivia raised an eyebrow and took the package from him. As she did, he scuttled off down the street never to be seen again. 

Olivia closed the door behind her and took the package into the sitting room. She placed it on the table and noticed a envelope tucked between the ribbon. She carefully opened it and began to read the writing.

Dear Olivia,

I would like to apologise for last night. I would like to invite you to Cheltenham races this afternoon. I will pick you up at 1 oclock in my car. I hope you like the gift and I hope to see you wearing it this afternoon. 

Tommy.

Olivia began to unwrap the box. She gasped as she pulled out the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. It was far from the typical 'flapper' dresses she would wear in the clubs. the dress was a beautiful teal colour with black lace, it was long with beads draping down the back. Olivia placed the dress against herself and smiled. She had recieved gifts before but nothing like this. She placed the dress gently back in the box and picked up the note again. Cheltenham races. She remembered back to a few weeks ago when Tommy said he would take her to the races. Guess he was fufilling his promise.

She had been to the races before. With sabini. He would brag about his winning horses and how every bookie working there worked for him.

Olivia smiled. Tommy had now made this easy for Olivia, all she had to do was play the part. Olivia began to get ready for the day ahead.

Elsewhere in London,Tommy and his brothers sat around a table discussing the day ahead 

'So Tommy, whats the plan?' John questioned 

'The plan John is to go to the races and see what kind of set up Sabini has going. That way when we take over, we know his weaknesses.' Tommy stated as he lit up a cigarette. He inhaled the smoke and looked towards his brothers. They nodded in agreement.

'What time we leaving then?' Arthur asked. Tommy smirked.

'Well actually Arthur... I'm going without you. Both of you.' His brothers both looked at Tommy, then each other. 

'But Tommy..' John began. Tommy lifted up his hand.

'Look I can't have all guns blazing at the races, it will cause too much attention. Alright?' 

John looked to his older brother. Something was quiet right? 

'Tommy, whats going on? We didnt come all the way from Birmingham to not be involed?' Arthur nodded in agreement with the youngest brother. Tommy turned his head and placed his hand to his forehead and massaged his temples. 

 'Alright, I'm not going alone. I'm taking Miss Rey with me.' And with that his brothers began wolf whistling and patting him on the back.

'Heyy! Tommy! That girl from the club? I thought there was something up when you came back from London! What, you like this girl?' Arthur teased, laughing in the proccess. Tommy wasnt one to fall for a girl. He idea of being with a girl was usually a whore. 

'It's buisness lads alright? She works for Sabini anyway, I'm not getting mixed up in that' Tommy replied. He liked Olivia of course he did, she was beautiful after all and any man would be lucky to have someone like her for the rest of his days. But Tommy had to be careful. 

'Right lads, best be off. Dont want to keep Miss Rey waiting.' And with that he sauntered off to his car.

Olivia smiled as she saw her reflection in the mirror. The dress that Tommy had bought her was just a dream. She finished clipping her hair in place when she heard a knock on the door. That must be him. She picked up her clutch bag and walked towards the door, checking her reflection one last time before answering the door. She opened the door and there stood Tommy Shelby. He was dressed in a nice suit, which made Olivia gasp a breath and he wore his usually peaky blinder flat cap. 

Tommy looked at Olivia in awe. She always looked beautiful but this time...this was something different. She smiled at him and began to close the door behind her.

'Are you okay Mr Shelby, look like you have seen a ghost?' She questioned, Olivia knew what he was thinking. He held out his arm for her and she gladly took It. As she did, he pulled her in close.

'You look beautiful Miss Rey.' He clasped her hand and brought it to his lips. As he kissed her hand, she winked at him. 

'Well I do have you to thank you for this lovely dress' she exclaimed. He simply smiled and began to lead the way towards his car. 

They were off to the races.