Hold On

| 10 |

"This is the last time I'm going to say this! It wasn't me who shopped Freddie Thorne!"

John and I had walked into a battle between Polly and Thomas. It was a new day, and that meant nothing to the Shelby's. It was like they picked up where they left off.

I felt my scalp prickle, as I began to sweat imagining holy hell breaking loose in this stupid little shack of a business.

John and I were late for work, and I blamed it on a morning well spent with my husband. We didn't have sex, no, instead I taught the man to make an omelette. The delicious end product was groundbreaking to poor John.

As for the opium, it sat in my purse unopened. The crying last night made for enough sleep aid to get me to bed.

"Oh shut up!" She snapped. "I'd ask to you swear on the Bible but you can't swear on that can you? There's nothing you hold sacred." She throws her hands up when she notices John and I. "You two are late."

"Sorry Polly." I whisper, shaking off my coat. It's raining a lot outside. John, so kindly takes my cost and hangs it up for me. I thank him.

"Come on then," She waves me over to her.

We walk into an office and she tells me exactly what I'll be responsible for. Bookkeeping, legal stuff, scheduling, legal stuff.

"So," She said once she's finished. "Think you can sort this out on your own?"

"Ah," I look around and nod, my chair creaks as I shift in it. "Yes, I believe so."

"I don't mean your work, I mean balancing two men at once."

My cheeks heat. "John and I are friends."

"Friends don't look at each other the way you two do." She chuckles, folding her arms over her chest. "At least not my friends."

I break into a smile and look down at my wedding ring. "Trust me, we're just friends."

"Just friends, alright." She nods, "All I know is that you're doing Thomas's head in, and that makes me really fucking happy."

I laugh, and grab my pen. "He's got nothing to worry about."

"Right." She says again, in that sarcastic tone of hers. Pushing herself off of the door, she snaps her fingers. "You be careful with John, don't forget what I told you."

"I didn't, trust me." I scoff, "He scares me. A lot."

"He should, but if you skip on the conversations you'll be fine." She mention the pile of papers on my desk. "It looks like you've got a ton of work to do, so, I'll leave you be."

"Alright." I nod. "Hey, is Ada doing okay?"

"I went by her house this morning, noticed that the basket we left her yesterday was untouched. She's alright though, I heard the baby and her through that raggedy door of hers."

"Oh." Bummer. I glance up at her. "I hope she comes around soon."

"I hope so too." Polly holds the door and nods. "Well happy working."