Cross my heart - Tommy Shelby

•17•

Warnings: swearing

"Y'know Tommy asked me to the races." Grace's proud voice rung out over the bar noise.

Eliza faked intrigue, it was safe to say she already knew of this plan, "Hm very nice of him."

"He's given me ten pounds for my dress- he said I should wear red." The blonde woman smirked to herself, "maybe he wants to match with me."

Eliza just snorted and shook her head, "Christ almighty- listen to yourself woman! You sound bloody delusional."

Grace's expression of smug glee changed to one of mild offence, "Well at least he asked me."

The brunette rolled her eyes, she never really did understand the excitement of the races after she had met John- not when she knew that practically all of them were fixed.

From what her best friend had said, it was an 'excuse for posh toffs to get pissed up on alcohol and drugs, fling money around like it meant nothing and to sleep around like they were common whores.' Which admittedly sounded slightly hypocritical coming from John- but Eliza knew he spoke the truth.

"Grace sweetheart," Eliza spoke with faux sweetness, "I honestly hand on heart could not give two shits about you going to the races with Tommy- I unlike you declined the offer to go because I do my job at the place where I work."

Eliza watched as Grace's face turned red- she slunk away muttering something about taking a break.

"Is she on another break?" Harry came up from the cellar, he looked mildly pissed off.

The younger of the two siblings just turned around and began to wipe down any dirty glasses that had been left on the counter, "Aye. Third one in an hour."

"She needs to realise that she's not being paid to have constant breaks- it's not fair on you and it keeps the flow of drinks slow-"

"Which angers customers," Eliza finished, "If you ask me, she needs to start putting effort into her job- she's not exactly acting as if she's thankful for it."

The doors opened again, both of their heads turned, expecting to see Grace reentering the room. Instead Eliza's gaze fell upon Tommy.

They each shared a smile as they thought about the previous night.

Eliza's train of thought was cut off by John's figure strolling towards the bar, his arms outstretched and a huge grin on his face.

She immediately knew he was angling for something from her.

"Eliza!" John boomed, "My best-est friend in the world!"

Eliza just rolled her eyes playfully, "What is it that you want John?"

"Whyd you assume that I need anything?"

"Because you've taken your cap off and you're chewing the inside of your cheek-two things you do when you're nervous or stressed." Eliza recounted, "So I'll ask again- What do you want?"

She watched as John placed his head on his arms, now that Eliza looked at him she could see how rugged and down he looked.

"I can't sleep..." he sighed, "The kids are keeping me up all hours- I'm exhausted. I love 'em with everything I have-but fuck, I need a break."

Eliza felt sympathy towards John, he was still recovering emotionally from the war and he was mourning the loss of his wife and the change in parental ownership.

She knew that he felt alone and in over his head.

"I get out at five this evening, I'll stop off at the grocers and pick up some food for dinner." Eliza smiled sympathetically at her friend, "I'll get them in bed and spend the night so you get some rest."