𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐨 | 𝐟. 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐲 ON HOLD

nine

♤

"What the fuck are you doing here, Thomas?" The girl said, walking away from the door, resuming her place on the window ledge.

The man entered the room, closing the door behind him. He removed his hat, setting it on the dresser by the door.

"I have come to offer you a proposition, Ms Winslet." He said, bringing his cigarette container from his coat pocket. He placed the white object between his lips, holding it there before offering the girl one. She accepted, placing the cigarette between her lips.

Thomas leant over, lighting hers, Vivian putting her hands around the end of it, enabling the flame to light the end.

The man took a puff from his, releasing the smoke as he breathed out, "Now, Vivian. I have right to believe that you do not, in fact, enjoy being a whore."

Vivian looked to the man, a look of confusion worming onto her face, "Why the hell would you think that?"

The girl breathed out, sighing as smoke blew from her nose.

Thomas sighed, rubbing his hand over his face, "Vivian, I spoke to Lizzie. She told me."

"Of course she did." The girl mumbled, looking over her shoulder, staring at the street below.

She noticed someone standing on the street, opposite the building. They appeared to be staring in the window. The girl opened the window, hoping to get a clearer view of who it was.

It was a man. He was tall, dark skin and brown hair. He was dressed in the usual Peaky Blinders attire, long trench coat, suit and peaked hat.

She stood up, turning to Thomas, "The fuck is that?" She said, motioning out the window.

He answered, plainly, "That is Isaiah Jesus. His father served along side my brothers and I in the war."

"Huh, he seems, nice." She said, half sarcastically, half truthfully.

Tommy stood, walking towards the window, nodding to the boy standing across the street.

"A good fighter, that one. Always making sure Finn stays out of trouble." He spoke, taking another drag from his cigarette.

Vivian's back straightened slightly at the mention of the boy. She hadn't realised it until Thomas began talking,

"Now, Vivian, for the proposition."

The girl stubbed the remainder of her cigarette out on the ledge, tossing the stub to the street below.

She nodded, waiting for him continue.

"There is an opening with in Shelby Company Limited. An opening for an accountant. Someone who will deal with the money and numerous business transactions that happen with in the company."

Vivian's eyes widened, Thomas Shelby wanted to give her a job at his company. And not just any job. He wanted her to be the business accountant.

She replied simply, "And what if I don't have the proper education for that, Thomas?"

The man looked to her, tossing his cigarette out the window too, "I know people. I can get you the proper education required."

She didn't answer. She was at a loss for words, Lillian had told her she didn't want the girl to get caught up in Shelby business, but this was her way out. Lillian new she hated being a whore.

But what about Evelyn? How would she react?

The girl thought about the offer, before accepting.

"I'll do it, Tommy."

The man clapped once, "Very well. Meet me at the Shelby Company offices on Monday, at eight o'clock."

He walked towards the door, leaving a few bank notes on the dresser, "For your time." He said, motioning to the cash.

He was about to leave before stopping, "Oh, and Vivian? The job comes with an apartment, so no need to be still living in this shit hole."

Vivian gasped, "Thank you, Thomas. Really. Thank you."

He nodded at her, placing his cap back on his head.

Once he had left, the girl let out a yelp of excitement. She quickly slapped her hand over her mouth, realising Lillian or Evelyn might here her.

The girl lifted the book she had been reading before, off the nightstand. She sat back on the ledge, opening it to the page she left of at.

A few moments had passed, the girl was engrossed in her novel, intently reading each line.

The door creaked open, Evelyn opening it, "Hey, Vi. Uh, can we talk?"

Vivian set her book down, "Of course, Eve. What's wrong?"

The blonde looked at her hands, thinking about the right words to say, "Um, I'm moving out."

Vivian's expression turned to one of shock, "You're - You're moving out?"

The girl nodded, "Yeah. Michael asked me to move in with him and his mum."

"Oh wow. You two must be pretty serious, Evie." Vivian said, smiling at her friend.

Evelyn smiled back, "Yeah, I guess we are. But you're okay with it, Vi?"

The file stood up, walking over to her friend. She wrapped her arms around her, embracing her, "Of course, Eve! I'm happy for you, babe." The girls giggled.

"So, when are you leaving?" Vivian asked.

The other girl pondered before answering, "Monday I think."

"Oh. Wow."

The blonde haired girl nodded, "I know."

A moment passed, neither of them saying anything.

"But you'll be alright, Vi? Won't you?"

Vivian looked to her, "Of course. I'll be alright, living in my new apartment, courtesy of Shelby Company Limited."

Evelyn looked at her, a questioning look appearing on her features, "What?"

"Uh, Thomas offered me a job as the company's accountant. He said that the job comes with an apartment, and that I don't need to stay living here."

"Wait, Viv! That's amazing!" The girl shouted, throwing her arms around her friend.

The pair let out screams, both screaming in excitement at the thought of their new lives.

They pulled apart, "Wait, when are you leaving?"

"Thomas told me to meet him in the offices on Monday. So Monday I think."

"Oh my God, Vi, I'm so happy for you! You know what? We should celebrate. Drinks. At the Garrison. Now." Evelyn said.

Vivian nodded, giggling with her companion.

"Let's get pissed!"

And with that, the two friends left the room, making their way towards the pub.

♤

note:
okay, so I actually really like where this book is headed ehe.