Part2-

It had been a few days since the girls had been to the Garrison. Busy days and late night at the shop had kept them from enjoying such luxuries. But that hadn't kept Dessa's eyes from watching the pub from the their store window.

"Quit starin' Des, we got orders to fill!" Violet disciplined her friend, grabbing a large box passing it off to her.

"Vi, I was thinkin' since we hadn't had an early night in a few days that maybe we'd go for a drink tonight?" Dessa asked hopeful, her eyes barley seeing over the large box of vases.

"Careful Dessa! Those are glass." Violet warned seeing Dessa tipping the box to watch Violet's face.

"I know! This is isn't my first day." Dessa bickered, she hated to be scolded- it always made her feel like a child! Dessa scoff at the idea, she was a woman and was even a year older than Violet.

"So what's this about going back to the pub? You thinking about seeing a certain man?" Violet placed her finger below her nose, resting it on her lip as a mock mustache. Violet giggled when Dessa eyes widen at the gesture.

"Perhaps." She giggled back cheeks reddening at the thought of spending time with the man she had barely gotten to know.

"The one with the mustache huh?" Violet crossed her arms, her eyes lazily looking at the window to the pub.

"It works for him." Dessa affirmed before asking, "And you? That John sure was cute but I can't shake the feeling Thomas had an eye on you." Dessa placed the heavy box gently on the counter out back leaving Violet in front.

"Tommy, I'm sure has his fair share of woman, what would he want with a girl like me? Besides John and I shared a moment." Violet smile recalling the moment of their changing of smile when he first entered the store. Dessa walked back into the front having put away the rest of the vases.

"A moment? Are you calling a bunch of awkward staring a moment now?!" Dessa crackled at her friend's twisted logic, but she was more than willing to agree if it meant them getting a night off from the late night de-thorning roses.

"Shut up and get your coat we're going to the Garrison." Violet turned their sign letting the passerby's know their shop was closed for the evening.

"It's non-negotiable." Dessa mocked with a giggle. Violet flushed at her words wondering what, or rather whom was awaiting her at the pub.

The pub was alive with men of all kind excluding those with no money of course. Dessa and Violet weren't use to entering a pub with a man escorting them, feeling all eyes on them as they entered. Ignoring the awkward staring and catcalls they received, they made their way to the bar. Harry the bartender was quick to serve the ladies.

"That was quick." Violet reached into her purse pulling out two coins but the bartender hastily refused.

"Ya money's no good 'ere, miss!" He smiled nervously to Violet as she pouted. Dessa happily pocketed the money while taking a hearty gulp of her pint. Noting it did taste better second time around. Her eyes scanned the pub, seeing no one of particular interest.

"Those coins are coming out of your pay." Violet muttered to Dessa who was facing outwards from the bar. Taking small dainty sips from her pint trying to calm her nerves. She had built up this moment in her head, of seeing the Shelby's again to the point where any little noise she would leap out of her skin. Dessa whom had her own worries, she didn't realized how much she was hoping to look upon the face of oldest Shelby until she had been disappointed when she did not see him.

"Anotha miss?" Harry asked Dessa bowing his head out of respect which made Dessa uncomfortable.

"Uh, yea. Please." She muttered placing her glass on the bar to be refilled. Twisting her body back to face the bar her attention was pulled to the small window on the side of the bar. The window she had once heard Arthur shout out of, curiosity washed over Dessa. She nudged Violet, making her grunt. Gaining her attention she pointed out the small door.

"You think they're in there?" Dessa whispered hoping Harry wasn't listening. Almost like pure will power the small wooden doors opened to reveal Tommy. His daunting eyes locking on Harry, but slowly stealing a glance at the bar seeing Violet and Dessa. His face barely showed any acknowledgement of the young woman as he placed his order with Harry. The bartender scurried to fetch a bottle that Tommy requested. Another long gaze casted to the woman whom in turn brushed slight smiles upon their small faces, before he disappeared behind the doors.

Tommy placed the bottle on the small table uncorking the opening with a twist of his hand. Pouring three glasses for him and his brothers before sitting.

"It seems we made an impression on them flower shop girls." Tommy's stated lighting a match and bringing the flame to the tip of his cigarette.

"Ya mean they're 'ere?" John sat up, his attention peaking at the thought. Arthur ran hand through the hair he kept on top of his head. His body tensing knowing the woman were only a doorway away.

"Yes. Now tell me Arthur-" Tommy placed the extinguished match onto the tray. "-Which one it is that ya fancy?" Tommy blowing smoke past his lips as he watched his brother carefully. He had know both his brothers had an eye one of the girls, he had know that's why they had refused to make them pay for protection. As he marched into the shop with half a mind to do the job himself, he himself was cut short when he made eyes with one of the girls. It struck him he didn't even know her name, or anything about her for that matter but he just knew there was something about her.

"Oi, why ta one wit ta short 'air of course! Ya fuckin' blind Tommy?" Arthur smiled madly as he had a clear picture in his head of what she looked like. He had to admit she had been on his mind constantly and it was all it took for him not to pop into the small shop and start up a chat with the young woman. But Tommy kept him busy, lots to do and with a copper in town it was hard for Arthur to keep to his personal business.

"I think ya bloody mad if ya prefer 'er ova ta dark 'aired one." John interjected, his cheeks staining with pink as he mentioned the girl he had spoken to last. She was keeping him awake at night as he recalled her smile, the kind of smile that was only meant for him- he believed.

Tommy listened to the men bicker over the pretty girls, feeling a bit deflated although it wasn't in Tommy Shelby's style to show it, he had hoped they would both go for the older one. The one who had pulled an attitude only a soft man could handle. Tommy let a smile slip as he thought of Arthur, how he could use a woman like her, one with a way to lead him in the right direction. As he was lost in his thoughts, Arthur had stood, being on the end of the booth.

"Where ya goin?" Tommy stared at him already knowing the answer but chose to hope otherwise.

"Ta go claim me woman." Arthur straighten his bowtie with a smile plastered on his rough face.

"Sit down Arthur, there will be plenty of time ta flirt wit tha women. Righ' now we have business." Tommy down the rest of his glass, his eyes challenging Arthur to stand up to him.

"But Tommy it's always bloody business, and if we leave two looka's like tha' they be snatched up in no time." Arthur sat down reluctantly arguing his point. Tommy sighed, he knew deep down he had a point. Again he stood opening the door to the bar. Harry stumbled over, leaving his other customers unattended. Tommy was relieved seeing the women still at the bar chatting among themselves. Ushering Harry in close Tommy whispered the command of making sure no men were to go near the two women at the bar.

"They're off-limits." Tommy stated as he swiftly shut the door. "All taken care of." Tommy fixed his vest as he sat back down, feeling at ease as well knowing his girl was up for the taking.

It seemed it was the the girl's lucky night as both hope to see either door to the shut off room open- didn't. With a heavy sigh they finished off their drinks and put out their cigarettes before sliding off the high stools. Leaving the pub and rushing home knowing that the black of the night wasn't a safe time for the ladies to wondering the new town.

-romance coming! please read and review!