Subtle Invitation [Thomas Shelby]

The Impossible

Slipping into the back door Polly was sat waiting for him, her eyes firmly placed on the drink in her hand. The atmosphere in the family had changed since Lily's arrival and she had been purposely keeping an eye on it, waiting for it to explode.

"Arthur's been this evening" she called as she lit up a cigarette "He had a lot to say"

"And what did he say?" Tommy mumbled as he took a seat across from Polly with a bored expression across his face.

"Just that you and Michael are at a heads" and she passed Tommy a cigarette "Over Lily"

Polly watched as Tommy's expression hardened and confirmed everything she knew. Tommy and Michael where both fighting over a woman. Polly was somewhat impressed with Lily, the meek girl that she met was luring men in left right and centre.

"I've told Michael not to mess with the staff" Tommy lazily said as he leaned back into his chair and puffed out a cloud of smoke.

"Does that policy apply to the boss too?" Polly asked innocently with a small smirk gracing her thin lips.

Nodding to himself Tommy knew where this conversation was going, he had been mentally preparing himself for it.

"I'm playing fair Polly"

Polly sighed "I know. I think Michael is misguiding his affection for Lily"

Tommy raised an eyebrow as he waited for his aunt to explain and without a pause she continued

"As soon as he knew she had been in the same position he had as a child, he's....attached himself to her. It's turned into a cock fight because neither of you can have a conversation like a human being"

Tommy nodded, trying to understand the process that Michael was possibly going through. They weren't a family that spoke about their feelings and Michael hadn't been raised that way. It was hard to see where Polly was coming from.

"I won't back down Polly"

"I know" and she stubbed her cigarette out "Michael won't either. What I'm asking is that you let Lily decide and whatever will be will be. I don't want anyone getting hurt!"

——

Tommy had avoided the office the rest of the week and this frustrated Lily. All she wanted was to apologise to him but he had made his choice and she had to respect that.

Instead she decided to focus her energy on the upcoming race that she was attending with Michael. Having picked her up in a dark blue suit he was awed by her deep red dress that she was wearing. It made her look so elegant as it clinched at her small waist and flared every so slight after her hips. The ruby earrings that dropped from her ears made her look like a star and he had to gather himself. Lily knew how to dress and what suited her.

Lily was giddy with excitement as they made their way to the derby races. Michael had promised to help her place her first bet and show her the exclusive dancing room that she had heard so much about.

"Are all the races fixed?" She asked halfway.

Michael grinned "Mostly" he tapped his nose "But I know who the winner will be"

"You bloody cheat!" She laughed as she tapped his arm lightly

——
An hour later they where stepping out of the car, admiring the view as some of the country's elitists  made their way into the venue. Grabbing Michaels arm she made sure she took everything in as they entered.

The place was alive with electricity for the upcoming events and even the waiters who where waltzing around had huge smiles on their faces.

Passing Lily a champagne he dragged her to a small table and they began marking their bets. Having no knowledge of the race Lily let Michael guide her and she placed a hundred pounds on the horse he picked,  Darling Destiny.