We Meet Again (Thomas Shelby)

Chapter Six: A big Shelby Reunion

Sorina's POV:

"We're sorry, we can't help you."

"We're not hiring at the moment."

"We'll let you know if anything changes."

I sighed as I quietly made my way out of the boutique. I believe I've gone to every place in Birmingham with a hiring sign and every time I'm denied. It's so bad that I'm beginning to believe there's this extraterrestrial force preventing me from getting a job. I have qualifications, I have the availability, but for some reason I'm denied. Maybe Thomas was right; maybe I do need his help. I've been here for a week and I haven't made a shred of progress. The defeat started to weigh on my shoulders as I walked down towards the Garrison. Hopefully the owner is there and not Thomas. I'll admit a poor quality of mine is admitting failure so if I could avoid that conversation with him, that would be fantastic. I peaked inside the building, finding it almost completely empty apart from a man behind the counter. "We're closed, Ms." He told me. I gave him a friendly smile. "Actually, I was wondering if I could possibly speak to the owner?" He placed a glass down on the counter top, waving me over. "That would be me. Harry Fenton." He held out his hand for me to shake; to which I did gratefully. "Hello, my name is Sorina Tempest." He gave me a polite smile. "What can I help you with, Ms. Tempest?"

"Well, I've heard that you are seeking a barmaid?" A quick look of realization flashed on his face before he cleared his throat, looking around quickly. "Oh, of course! Do you have the experience?" I shook my head lightly. "No, sir but I'm a quick learner, honest." He looked around the room for a moment before shrugging his shoulders. "How quick?"

"My father taught me everything I know as a nurse in six months, which put me in the top of my class during the war. I'm very quick." He seemed surprised by my answer, pondering what I said in silence. I was beginning to fear refusal from him as well the longer we stood quiet. Almost like God heard my prayers, Henry said, "Can you come in at six tonight?" I quickly nodded my head, smiling thankfully at him. "Alright, I'll give you a trial run. If you make it through tonight, you're hired." I outstretched my hand, shaking his firmly. "You won't regret this, Mr. Fenton. I promise."

"Don't forget, six o'clock sharp!" He gave me a pointed look. "On the dot." I assured before leaving the pub, nearly jumping out of my skin in complete exciteament. The next time I see Thomas Shelby, I'll have to thank him! I practically ran down the road towards a small bakery. A celebratory snack is definitely in order. I walked around, looking at all the delicious sweets surrounding me. "Oh my." I looked at a piece of cake. It looked absolutely delicious, but judging by the price, I wouldn't be able to afford that even on a good day. "I'll take one of those for the lady!" I heard a familiar voice tell the woman behind the counter. I looked towards my left, seeing none other than John Shelby, staring at me with a bright smile; his usual toothpick hanging out of the corner of his mouth. I could barely contain my excitement as I saw my old friend. "John!" I yelled, immediately leaping into his arms. He laughed loudly as he held me up, squeezing me tightly. "I heard you moved to the city." He said. "Of course! Oh, dear God, I never asked Thomas about you or Arthur. I apologize." He shook his head. "Don't be! I'm happy to see you!" He placed me back onto my two feet, allowing me to get a better look at him. "You look so much better." I smiled kindly, motioning towards his nicely tailored suit. He blushed and looked at his attire. "Yeah, we Shelby's clean up nice outside of uniform." I nodded in agreement. "Ma'am." I turned, seeing the woman handing me the piece on a little plate. I took it from her, giving her a polite thank you as John handed her the coin for it. "You didn't have to do that."

"Of course I did. Seeing an old friend, it's the least I could do." I offered his arm to me. I gripped the crook tightly as he escorted me out of the building. "Where have you been?" John asked. "I went back home for awhile, took care of my father until recently. What about you? How has your family been?" He got a depressed look on his face. "My wife died after giving birth to my last child." I gave him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry for your loss, my friend." He nodded thankfully. "The kids drive me mad, but I love them."