The Priest's Daughter ||Peaky Blinders||

3.0

"Isiah for fuck sake hurry up!" Isla looks at herself one more time in the mirror closest to the door.

"I'm coming! I'm coming." She hears him come thumping down the stairs. "Here."

"Finally. Let's go." He helps his sister put on her coat. "We're leaving dad!" She calls out. She grabs her purse and the twins head to the Garrison.

><

Isiah knocks on the door and it's opened and the two are greeted happily by the Shelby clan, Michael and John's wife Esme.

"It's about fucking time." Finn says.

"Sorry." Isla says as she takes her coat off and hangs it up. "But Isiah couldn't decide on which tie to wear."

"Not my fault I have options." Her brother argues.

"As if anyone gives a shit as to what fucking tie you wear." She shoots back.

"Alright, alright." Arthur says. "Enough. Fucking twins." Isla turns to Michael.

"Happy birthday Michael." The two hug. "I have your present. Come find me later." She whispers and then pulls away.

"So Michael has good news." Polly says.

"What is it?" She ask.

"Michael got the job." Polly says happily. Isla breaks into a smile.

"That's great!"

"Let's get some fucking drinks!" Arthur says. Isla and Isiah are served drinks by Arthur.

"A toast." Tommy says raising his glass. "To Michael."

"To Michael." Everyone clinks glasses.

><

The guys secretly tried to find Michael a girl for his birthday but he just wasn't interested. All he could focus on is Isla.

"Oi." Finn says breaking him out of his thoughts at the bar. "Enjoying the party?"

"Yeah. It's great." Michael answers.

"John says he's found you another woman."

"Great." He says unamused.

"It's your party so I guess you should have a say in what woman you want. Do you see any you like?" Michael's eyes immediately dart to Isla as she speaks with Esme.

"Uh no." Finn's eyes follow Michael's.

"I see what you mean. About Isla."

"Is it that obvious?" Michael chuckles nervously.

"Not really. I've known Isla for years. She is amazing."

"Yeah. She is." Finn leaves Michael to watch Isla. She looks over and sees him staring at her so she leaves Esme to go to him.

"Hello birthday boy. Are you ready for your gift?" He nods. She goes into her purse and pulls out a small carved wooden statue. "Your mother told me you had a bay mare." He picks it up and looks at it. "It's not much. I know."

"No." He protests. "It's great." He looks at her. "Really great. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm glad you like it."

"They're giving me a desk you know?" He says.

"Really?"

"And I'll put this on it. So I can look at it everyday."

'Thank God I'm black.' She thinks to herself. 'Or else he would see me blushing right now.'

"That's a nice suit you're wearing." Isla comments. Michael looks down and opens the jacket slightly.

"Thanks. Me mum picked it out for today. I've never worn clothes so..."

"Posh?" He nods. "Well that's all you'll be wearing from now on. You're a Peaky boy now Michael." Isla pauses. "Accountant." She says. "That's a lot of numbers." Michael shrugs.

"I don't mind. I took some classes so I'm used to it."

"So tell me about where you lived before. Was there a lot of land?" He nods.

"Lots. My brother and I used to play football everyday."

"Do you miss your other family?"

"Sometimes. I like it here better. There's more to do. I used to get so bored over there."

"Well bored is something that you won't be with the Peaky Blinders. There's always something happening. Good and bad. I take it you know what happens around here." He nods. "Good. Being in the dark is very dangerous." She notices his cup is empty. "Another drink?"

"No." Polly says. "He has to be up for work tomorrow. Come on Michael."

"Oh come on Pol." Isla protests. "It's his 18th birthday. It only comes 'round once. Let him live it."

"No. Home. Let's go. Say goodnight."

"Goodnight Isla." Michael says with a smile. "Thank you for the present."

"You're very welcome. Goodnight." She returns the smile and Polly and Michael leave.