𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐂𝐀𝐍'𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐈𝐓 a thomas shelby fanfiction [✓]

xxi

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE | what time do you call this?

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Lucie was stood outside the betting shop doors with Ada and Karl, waiting for Polly to get Ada and her son in for the family meeting. Even though she was close with the family, Lucie felt as though she was intruding if she was in the family meeting. So she stayed outside.

Lucie couldn't quite make out the words Tommy rambled, but she could hear one statement, the one that made her giggle the most. With her ear pressed closely to the door, she heard his remark.

"I interrupted those efforts this morning and— I'm pleased to tell you that John is making great sacrifices for the cause of peace." Thomas' words earn laughter from both inside the meeting and Lucie.

"Alright, Tom, alright." Was what Lucie thought her she hear John remark afterwards, she had already moved away from the door.

Lucie sat back in a chair placed near the door, Ada was too caught up in her own world to even speak with Lucie, that was until Polly opened the door.

"Come on then, Love." Polly whispered through the door. Ada spring to her feet, Karl wrapped in a white blanket, cradled in her arms, Lucie have Ada a quick hug before she left into the betting shop.

"Lucie, you're coming too." Ada grabbed Lucie's hand and pulled her through the door.

"I'd like to introduce the newest member of the Shelby clan." Polly moved to open the door fully, letting Ada walk towards Thomas, a rapturous applause rippled through the room. Lucie and Polly joining in too.

"Just wait here." Polly whispered to Lucie, leaving her confused.

After Thomas and Ada has hugged and began to mend their broken relationship, Thomas cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention.

"Right, I have one last thing to say. I'd like everyone to welcome Lucie, the girl we couldn't have done this without." Lucie smiled at Tommy's words, earring a wink off the man.

"Right! Let's win this war." Everyone cheered and left the room in a flood.

Thomas had sent everyone for a free drink in the Garrison before the day began. Lucie offered her help, since she was a barmaid. Grace hadn't been around for a few days, thankfully. So she knew her claws wouldn't be sinking into Thomas anytime soon.

The men piled in as Lucie tried her best to serve everyone, once Thomas had walked him he removed his coat and rolled his sleeves up. He moved behind the bar, wanting to help Lucie.

"Right then, let's get pouring." Thomas laughed as he began to skilfully pour drinks.

"You'll be putting me out a job if you carry on like that. Better barmaid than me." Lucie giggled, trying to joke around on this serious day.

She received a light hearted laugh and playful punch from Thomas, to which she stuck her tongue out at him.

"Do you have everything you need Thomas? The registration and book tickets?" Lucie questioned as the carried on serving the men.

"All in my coat pocket." Tommy smiled at the girl, making her heart melt.

"You did a good job, Lucie. Couldn't have done it with out you." Thomas looked at Lucie meaningfully, her breath quivering under his stare.

"Next family meeting, I'll make sure you see it all." Thomas returned to his monotone voice as he pulled more pints.

"That's kind of you Thomas but, I am not family, just a close friend." Lucie tried to sound as sophisticated as she could without her knees buckling underneath her.

"That could change." Tommys words felt like a punch. Did he just imply marriage? Lucie's heart was beating a mile a minute.

"Tommy?" Lucie questioned, her voice trembling, she was so elated tears came to her eyes. Just one simple statement meant so much to the young girl.

"I know. Lucie. I've known a long time. We'll talk about it more when I get back alright?" Thomas turned to Lucie, he'd given her so much to process she couldn't bare it all.

"When will you be back?" Lucie was trying so hard to keep her composure.

"Is this how it's gonna be, hey? You waiting for me saying, "What time do you call this?". Tommy giggled, almost childishly. It was all so much for Lucie, she had to leave, running into the back room.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck." She whispered over and over as she wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks.The door behind her open and she frantically tried to cease her crying.

"Luce." Thomas voice was soft and kind. He wrapped his arms round Lucie's waist and spun her to face him.

"Hey, Lucie, I was joking." Thomas stroked her cheeks, collecting tears as he did.

"Tommy we need more mild." John called from the pub.

"Help yourselves." Lucie took this as an opportunity to wiped away any more tears. Ultimately failing.

"Tommy, the truth is, that's what I want. But with everything going on, I'm scared to loose you if I let you in." Lucie sighed, wiping under her eyes, "I can't loose you, Tommy. None of us can."

Thomas didn't get chance to reply

"Tommy! Tommy! Theres two vans driving up Stratford Road. Full of the Kimber boys."

"We've been done over Tom." Arthur seethes.

Tommy and Lucie knew exactly who by. The plan had gone accordingly, everything was in full swing. Although Lucie's declaration was not part of it.

"I'll get Polly, time me and Grace had a little chat." Lucie smiled at Thomas. Bringing her hand to his cheek.

"I'll be here when you get back." Tommy whispered.

"And I'll ask you what time do you call this?"