Arrow house was a large looming mansion that scared Olivia a little. Why would he ever buy a home so ugly. Peter told her how well off Tommy had become but the property looked like it had been in a duke or a Lord's family for generations. It had been obvious Tommy has change drastically over the years and she didn't know if she likes who he has become. She started to think Arrow house reflected how he felt on the inside.
Olivia turned off the car and gathered her purse and the two cakes next to her.
"Will you grab the cookie box for me sweetheart ?"
" of course mama. "
Olivia and Oscar exited the car and made their way to the front door. She had to park at the end of a long line of very expensive cars. As they got closer she could hear the ruckus going on inside. Polly did say it was a family dinner.She didn't think the entire family. She didn't know how the others felt about her and Oscar. The biggest worry was Grace.
It didn't matter how much reassurance Tommy gave her , she didn't want to ruin their relationship. She didn't want to create a situation where Tommy would feel like he had to choice between his relationship with Grace or a relationship with his son. Peter told her he felt odd about and she wanted to confirm his suspicions but felt like a gossip. She wanted to find the good in Grace, it was a difficult too but she was put in a terrible position by that inspector. Right ?
They got to the front door and Olivia banged on it several times. She was about to tuck tail and run but a young woman opened the door. She was medium height with perfectly styled brown hair. She wore a modest yet expensive dress. The woman looked Olivia up and down. When they made eye contact , Olivia knew she was a Shelby.
"Who are you?" The woman was blunt.
" I'm Olivia . "
"Oh goodness please come in." She rushed them in and she took the cakes out of Olivia hands.
" I'm Ada , Tommy's"
"Sister." Olivia interrupted before she could finish .
Ada had a friendly smile and bright eyes.
"Sorry. Tommy told me so many stories of you all. I feel like I know you already."
Ada couldn't of been happier. She hated being the only girl and wanted a sister growing up. She was thankful for sister in laws. Well for Esme and Jenna. Grace was still undecided. A maid walked by and Ada handed the cakes to her. Ada heard a small voice and took her by surprise. In all the excitement she didn't notice that Olivia had a little boy with her. Her newest nephew.
"N'obliez pas les biscuits maman."
(Don't forget the cookies mama.)
"Oh right. Here you go." Olivia gave the box to the maid. Ada crouched down in front of Oscar and set her hand out to shake.
" I'm your auntie Ada. What is your name ? "
Oscar looked at Ada with caution. His mama debrief him about his father and the extended family , he wanted to give her a hug but was nervous. He held on to one of Olivia legs and stuck out his other hand to give Ada a formal hand shake.
"I'm Oscar Shelby miss Ada."
Olivia rubbed his back and pushed him forward some. She taught him to always have manners but she could see he was nervous. She didn't want him to hide behind her skirt all night.
"You can hug her. She is family. Go on ."
Oscar took one last assessment of his aunt and decided she looked friendly enough. He threw his arms around her neck and felt emotional. He wanted to cry but he wasn't sad. His mama called them happy tears. He could feel the love radiating off aunt Ada. He buried his face in her neck and squeezed her. He never wanted to let go.
" It's nice to meet you Oscar. Please just call me aunt Ada alright. "
Ada pulled him back and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. She was in love with this beautiful little boy. He was a mini Tommy for sure and knew he would have fun with Karl and the others.
Ada picked up her nephew and took him and Olivia to the living room. It was filled with chaos. Children were running around while the adults were clearly tipsy. Olivia could see Tommy in the corner with a beautiful blonde exchanging in a heated conversation. She was beautiful. Her hair was in perfect finger waves , her make up accented her soft facial features ,and her dress fit her body like a glove. The way Tommy caressed the blonde's left forearm and the glint of a diamond ring , it was obvious who she was . Grace , his perfect fiance.
Olivia stomach dropped. She shouldn't be feeling this way but she did. Tommy was touching another woman. He had every right to since they were to be married , she knew that, seeing them in person made it real. She didn't anticipate that.
Ada loudly whistled. "Oi Tom."
The whole room silenced and turned towards them. Tommy gently put Grace hand back on to her lap and rushed over to them. Olivia saw he was jumpy like a Jack rabbit. She said one last prayer under her breathe for this evening to go smoothly.
"Papa !" Oscar crashed into Tommy and he threw the little boy in the air . Tommy held Oscar close and hugged him. He last seen his boy only three days ago but it had felt like months. It was as though part of his heart was missing and has now returned. If Tommy had the full authority he would move Oscar and Olivia to Birmingham , unfortunately he knew Olivia wouldn't pick up and leave her new life she just created. Grace wouldn't want her around constantly either.
"Everybody , this is my son Oscar Charles Shelby and his mother Olivia DuBois."
Heads turned while the noise died down. Most were curious but there were a few hateful stares. One from Grace and the other was a tall brunette. She was modestly dressed but that didn't take away from her beauty. She looked like she could be in the magazines with her cheek bones. Her stare had more caution than complete hatred . The woman got up and moved to the other side of the room to join a man. The way they embraced she guessed they were married.
A sweet young woman came up to Olivia and hugged her.
"I'm Jenna , Arthur's wife, it's so good to meet you and little Oscar."
Jenna moved over to Tommy and gave Oscar cheek a little pat.
"I'm your auntie."
Oscar blushed and the whispered to his father to be set down. Once he was down he hugged his new aunt. Jenna kissed him on the head and Arthur came to them.
"Ello We met already, at the hospital. "
" Yes , you're the oldest brother. He used to talk about you. I'm glad we can properly meet."
Arthur moved to his nephew and bent down to his eye level. He pulled out a cap to put on Oscar head.
"Eh now he's a Shelby."
Raucous laughter filled the room and Olivia felt more at ease , so did Oscar. She met John and his wife esme , their children , then Finn. One by one everyone introduced themselves. She learned the tall brunette was named Lizzie Keene. She was Tommy Secretary. Her husband was Albert , a foreman at a Shelby factory. Lizzie gave Olivia a stiff hand shake and gave Oscar a warm greeting. Her motherly instincts didn't feel that she was a threat. A shy but sweet man introduced himself as Curly , and uncle Charlie strong as well. The final introduction was with Grace.
Olivia could see how much anger and frustration Grace was holding in.
"Grace Burgess , Thomas's fiance."
Grace purposely stuck out her left hand for Olivia to shake. The engagement ring glinted in the light . She had a very posh Irish accent and a delicate hand. No calluses , which means she never worked with her hands. Most likely grew up with servants and was expected to marry a man with high standing, be the perfect wife. Why was she with Tommy ?
"I'm pleased to meet you . I love your dress."
Complement her Olivia thought. Stay on her good side.
"Hello Ms.Grace" Oscar, the little gentleman that he was , stuck out his hand to Grace. She gave him half a cold smile and quickly shook his hand.
"You look just like your father."
Olivia wanted to throttle that woman.
"Let's make our way to the dinning room please. Dinner will be served soon." Grace exited the room with a stiff strut. She seemed to hate the attention was off of her.
Olivia looked down to Oscar to see his disappointment. He so badly wanted to make a good impression on Grace.
As they walked towards the dinning room , Olivia kept repeating under her breathe . Benefit of the doubt, benefit of the doubt, give Grace some room to adjust . Taking on a step son can be overwhelming. All Grace needed was time to warm up to Oscar and then become best friends.
"You don't need to be worried sweetie"
Polly had slinked her way to Olivia side , nearly making her jump.
"I think you need a cat bell around your neck Polly. You scared me."
Polly rubbed the middle of Olivia back and chuckled. Polly was loving Olivia more every minute. As far as she was concerned arrow house and Birmingham was Olivia and Oscar new home and no one would make them feel uncomfortable.
"Don't be afraid to stand up to Grace if you need to. You are a Shelby now , you command respect."
"Polly I don't want to cause any trouble and I'm not a Shelby , Oscar is."
"Tommy might be the head but I'm the heart of this family and what I say goes. You are a fucking Shelby. Time to assert your dominance , otherwise Grace will walk all over you."
Polly gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and left her to enter the dinning room. Olivia was taken aback by the grand scale of the room. A massive long table that could seat a hundred people sat in the middle of the room. A fire place on left so big you could stand in it. What got her attention was the head of the table. A painting of Tommy standing next to a white horse holding its lead. It was a rather ugly picture in her mind. He wasn't even smiling just looking down on everyone in the room.
"Oscar you come sit here next to me and Olivia you can sit on the other side of him."
Grace sat across from them on Tommy right side. Ada rushed to the seat next to Grace just in case the dinner went sideways. Lizzie nearly pushed her way to Ada. She wanted a good view of any drama. Grace loathed how the family members clamored for Olivia attention. Polly won of course , followed by Jenna and Esme. Tommy saw Grace fingers digging into her thigh. He had to pry her hand away to kiss her knuckles. A comforting and intimate gesture Grace appreciated.
An army of serving staff came from left and right. Filling glasses with alcohol and water . Removing plates and replacing them with bowls of soup. A multi course dinner. Olivia was impressed.
Once every guest had their bowl a butler stood next to Tommy. The delicious aroma made Olivia stomach rumble.
"The first course is a tomato and anchovy filet soup."
Olivia saw out of her peripheral view Oscar about to eat a spoon full. Thankfully she heard the ingredients being listed in time.
"NO" Olivia shouted slapped the spoon out of her son hand.
"I'm sorry I should have mentioned earlier but Oscar has a few food allergies , one of them being anchovies. "
"Sorry baby I didn't mean to startle you."
She kissed Oscar on his head. She glanced over to Tommy and Grace. He was concerned while she was mad there was a stain on the carpet.
"Yes that is helpful information to have."
" Take the bowl away , NOW. "
Grace said rudely. A mousey young girl took the bowl away while profusely apologizing to Tommy and Olivia.
"I can ready a plain tomato and creme if he would like."
" Yes that would be lovely. Thank you so much. "
"What else is he allergic to ?" Tommy asked.
" Well peanuts , rice , and anchovy. His reaction isn't the worst case but he can become sick for several days. With the anchovy his ears start to itch and his throat swells some. I keep medication on hand for emergencies. "
"James."
Tommy called over his head butler.
" I will inform the chef of your son's dietary requirements Sir. "
"Thank you " Olivia tried to get the butler attention but he swiftly left the room.
Conversation lulled between the first and main course. Oscar was oblivious to the tension coming from across the table. He was too busy stuffing himself with fingerling potatoes. Grace ate her beef Wellington with precise bites. Ever so the proper lady. Controlled and calculated. The evil step mother from Cinderella came to mind. Olivia was waiting for a fluffy cat named Lucifer to make an appearance by the end of the night. A cough broke Olivia from her musings .
"Sweetheart you have to stop eating so fast or you'll choke." Olivia patted his back and made him take a few gulps of water .
"The potatoes are delicious mama."
"I agree your chef is very talented Tommy."
"It was a small miracle I was able to convince Mr. O'Neal to accept a position here at Arrow House. " Grace butted in before tommy could reply .
"He was fifth generation chef for the duke of Howth and the St Lawrence family. That's how I met Mr. O'Neal. The duke hosted a lavish state dinner in honor of my father and his exemplary service to the community and to the king."
By the end of her little speech Grace was smug. Her smirk faltered when the small murmur of "Fucking Calvary man " was heard down the table.
Olivia could see Tommy jaw tighten up at that word. Men on their high horses who laughed at being late to battle. A copper‚ from what Polly had told her, and a Calvary solider. Olivia didn't think Grace should be bragging about her father . Not in front of Tommy at least.
Olivia took a long sip of her wine.
"I must say that's impressive to have a man of that calibre working as your private chef."
"Yes I know." The arrogance was overwhelming and repulsive. It was so off putting that Olivia had a difficult time coming up with a witty remark. Some thing that could jab back at Grace to deflate her giant ego. Before she could make a weak comment about not knowing who the duke of howth was , Lizzie chimed in.
"I don't see a wedding ring. Does that mean you've never married ?"
Olivia couldn't hide her shocked expression from the question. Why was Tommy Secretary questioning her marital status ? She got that feeling Lizzie and Tommy had a deeper relationship than employer and employee.
"Um." That's all Olivia got out before she took a another sip of her wine.
"No I've never been married. I have this little one to keep me busy." She kissed Oscar head. Olivia would not let any judgment get to her. There were worse things to be than an unwed mother.
"Hhmm. I would think having a father for your son and setting an example for him would be a priority." Another jab from Grace . It was as if Lizzie and grace were playing off each other. Setting Olivia up for humiliation . Thankfully Tommy put stop to the pettiness .
"He has a father. Me." Tommy said forcefully and with finality . Lizzie was apologetic but not Grace. That just made her more angry.
"Do you have more family back home in France?" Jenna sweetly asked, wanting to defuse the situation.
"Yes , I have my parents , my brother and his wife. They have a little girl and another child on the way."
" Uncle Julien and aunt Lillian are coming next month to visit. " Oscar added.
"That sounds exciting. " Jenna gave a loving smile to Oscar.
"Will your parents be joining them?"
"Not sure. My father is currently training his replacement , he wants to retire."
" What is his profession ? " Ada asked, curious and also wanted to keep the ball rolling on the pleasant conversation.
"My father is a surgeon and my mother is a nurse , mostly midwifery. Julien and I followed in their foot steps."
Olivia felt her spirits lifted. A topic in which she felt joy and pride.
"You must have grown up privileged." Grace once again with a slight jab.
"I grew up comfortably. I did experience hard times occasionally. It taught me to work hard and appreciate the fruits of my labor. I was privileged enough to attend Boston training school at Massachusetts General hospital. " Olivia let her own arrogance seep through. The family members started asking questions. The room became loud with conversations over lapping. By the end of desert Oscar and Olivia felt the famille love. Olivia felt an added boost to her ego when the family picked her cakes and cookies over Grace requested plain white cake.
When the adult retired to the parlor for drinks and the children to the play room, Olivia was floating on cloud nine. Polly was right. She had asserted her dominance over Grace and it felt powerful. Olivia wanted to build a respectful relationship her but if grace stepped out of line with Oscar , she would have to answer to a very pissed off mama bear.
Olivia quietly stepped outside to retrieve Oscar over night bag. The sweet young maid offered to show her Oscar bedroom when an argument across the hall caught her attention. The young maid hast with Oscar bag , she knew better than to eaves drop on Mr. Shelby but Olivia couldn't move. Inside what looked to be an office , Tommy and Grace were in the middle of a very heated argument. She was pacing while Tommy had his head hung low , trying not to snap. This was likely all her fault. Olivia's gut began to churn with guilt. She got so wrapped up in her anger against Grace , she didn't think how it would affect tommy and by extension their son.
"Usually Polly is the only one who can get her that mad. I'm impressed." Lizzie said with a hint of admiration. Olivia stared at her quizzical while the office door was slammed shut. She had been caught.
"Smoke?" Lizzie asked while pointing to the back of the home. A door was open that led to a private patio. Olivia declined the cigarette while following Lizzie. They sat on the stone balustrade in silence. Lizzie smoked half of the cigarette before she spoke up.
"He would mumble a woman's name in his sleep. Liv. Over and over again. Sometimes he called out that name when he finished. I asked once . He just gave me a deadly glare and left. Didn't talk to me for a month after. I never asked again. When he called a family meeting two days ago it came full circle. Olivia ,Liv. It was you he was calling out to." Lizzie tone wasn't bitter only a sad hint of nostalgia. Olivia was right about them. Their relationship was romantic and not only professional. The guilt was coming back in waves. She had possibly tainted another relationship of Tommy's.
" I am truly sorry."
"Its alright." Lizzie patted Olivia hand.
"Tommy would pay extra if he felt that my feelings were hurt.He didn't have to. That was my job but tommy was sweet in his own way."
"He paid you?"
It took a moment to understand. They weren't in a romantic monogamous relationship. She was a prostitute .
"Une courtisane."
(A courtesan)
"You French can make any word sound exotic , including whore."
"How did you fall into that line of work ?" Olivia was curious now. She wanted to be tactful and not make Lizzie uncomfortable. Lizzie wasn't used to being met with kindness . Something about Olivia made her feel safe enough to tell her story.
"I was raised by me mum. Poor. Grew up two rows down from the Shelby. I didn't attend school for long , I couldn't. We had to eat so my mother and I worked. Worked any job available. Maid work mostly. She died when I was twenty then the war broke out. I wasn't smart enough for the office and not many people were hiring maids at the time. I became desperate . I used to fuck seven men a day now I hold the title of senior secretary of Shelby company limited."
"You should be proud of how far you have come. You did what was necessary to survive. No one can fault you for that." Olivia felt compassion more now. The woman was given a terrible hand in life and obviously suffered some.
"Queen Grace would have had me flogged through the streets of small heath for being a harlot."
"I want to have faith that grace will be kind to my son so please tell me the truth. Is grace truly an awful person? There has to be some good in her for tommy to be in love with her." Olivia craved a strong drink during this conversation.
"I believe Grace wants more that tommy can give her. His true self is a Romania boy who loves horses and traveling the countryside. The house , money, the OBE is all for Grace. She won't harm your boy but tommy will keep hold on her attitude. She will always hate you. No way around that."
"What did he get himself into?"
"She swooped in on him while he was vulnerable. She does love him but not unconditional love sadly."
"I want to apologize for my behavior at dinner. Tommy is family and I don't want to see him get hurt."
"I understand and thank you."
A brief silence settled between them. Olivia appreciated her sincerity . A burning question floated around in her brain and blurted it out.
"Do you love Tommy ?"
Lizzie chuckled.
"Dear god no. What we had was out of comfort. We needed each other at that time. I work for him because he owed me. Tommy gifted me a type writer and secretary classes. He also introduced me to my husband. I'm loyal to the family because they have protected me."
Olivia pulled Lizzie into a hug."
"I'd like for us to be friends if that's alright."
"I would like that too." Lizzie could see a long lasting friendship with Olivia.
"There you are my love" Albert greeted Lizzie with a kiss on the cheek and a subtle rub on her stomach.
"Congratulations on the baby." Both Lizzie and Albert looked a little shocked Olivia mentioned it. They found out a few days ago and hadn't told anyone.
"You couldn't eat the anchovy soup or the beef Wellington. You've rubbed your belly through out the night . Albert just confirmed it for me."
"We haven't told anyone yet."
"I understand your secret is safe with me"
Olivia and Lizzie hugged a final time when they all entered the house. Olivia veered off into one of the many corridors. Dark wood framing , dark wall paper , dark paint. This house was out of a gothic novel. The only reprieve was the paintings.Most of them colorful scenic wildlife. A few abstract paintings to portray tommy and grace as serious art collectors.
The grand portrait on the stair case burned holes into Olivia. Grace was perfect. The chandelier light highlighted her eyes and she was haunting. Olivia swayed left and right waiting for the eyes to follow. The long night was getting to her. She felt emotionally drained and wanted to cry. Cry because her little boy was leaving the nest. Cry for her family back home she hadn't seen in months.The kindness and acceptance she was shown by the Shelby family. Crying at the realization she is lonely.
"No one FUCKING listens to me."
"Fuck"
A raging bull stormed down the hall oblivious towards Olivia .Grace chewed tommy ear off. Blah blah Polly disrespected her in her own home. Blah blah Jenna should remain loyal as a sister in law. Blah blah blah.
He had never hit a woman but when grace nearly called Olivia a that French whore , he had to resist the urge.
After many assurances about their future , grace wouldn't shut up. He kept giving and giving to the relationship but grace didn't trust him. Oscar was an added blessing to his life not a burden. His mother was not a threat. He had to run from the argument otherwise he knew Grace would demand he not pursue a relationship with his son. No one would stand in the way of his son. NO ONE.
In his blinding anger , Tommy clipped a shoulder. He wanted to hide upstairs until he calmed down.
"Ouch."
The voice stopped him. He turned to see Olivia rubbing her upper arm.
"Fuck"
"You've already said that Thomas."
"Fuck I'm sorry. Didn't see you."
His adrenaline was pumping. After a nasty fight he and grace would usually have make up sex , tonight that didn't seem like a possibility. He was directing that sexual tension towards Olivia. He feral urge to take her to his bed and not let her leave till morning
He gently stroked her bicep and murmured another apology.
"Would you care to see Oscar new room ?"
Tommy pulled Olivia along before she could reply. They ran up the stairs and past Tommy room. The door was slightly ajar, Olivia saw the large inviting bed and wondered what it would feel like to roll around naked on the sheets.
"Stop it". Olivia whispered out loudly .
" What ?" Tommy furrowed his brows.
"Oh , nothing." She accidentally chastised herself out loud. She shouldn't having any sexual thoughts towards Tommy at that moment. Standing in front of her son's new bedroom and the fiance downstairs. Being celibate for five years and nine months was starting to get to her. Maybe it was time for a lover.
Tommy opened the door, the smell of fresh paint lingered in the air. Brand new comforter and pillows with a horse pattern decorated the bed. Two large dressers sat on opposite walls . A giant toy chest joined them. From afar Olivia could see the curtains matched his bedding. She smiled.
"He is going to love this." Olivia walked around some. Tommy sat on the bed , proud that Olivia approves.
She ran her fingers across the soft blanket when Tommy pulled her to him. She became lost in his eyes. He brushed a loose lock of hair behind her ear. Their faces gravitated towards each other until their noses touched. He pulled Olivia by the waist , nearly sitting her on his lap. Hot lustful breathe passed between them. Just as Olivia was about to press her lips to his, A pop of laughter broke the spell.
So damn close. Olivia stood up and walked to the window.
"We can't be doing that Thomas. We are to familiar."
"Livy."
"Stop Thomas. Please just stop."
"I can't give grace another reason to hate me. Tonight would have ended in disaster if not for your family intervening."
"Everything will be fine if grace will just fucking listen."
"No tommy . She feels threatened. I don't like how she behaved but I understand."
He was trying his hardest to rationalize. Yes it was wrong to try and kiss Olivia but he couldn't help it. His brain hurt trying to juggle Grace's demands ,his family and now his buried feelings towards Olivia.Would it be so bad to marry Grace and carry on an affair with Olivia?
"Olivia please."
"I lost my mind,that's why I didn't find you."
She needed to create distance. To show how broken she had become. He heard shovels digging but she had come close to being hospitalized. The first two years after the war was horrific for her mental health. Possibly she could make him hate her for staying away and being selfish. She felt she needed to be punished for her actions.
"It started after I was discharged. I was promoted and continued to work at a civilian hospital. Slept in my own bed , in a warm home.I was filled with anxiety and had nightmares. The same one over and over again. Dead everywhere in the battle field while you were screaming, begging me to find you."
Olivia made her way to the plush winged back chair in the corner.
"I was so sad I barely ate.I didn't go back home to my parents , they didn't know I was pregnant. He woke me up. When I felt Oscar kick for the first time I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. The birth was rough and thankfully my family had been contacted. I had hope going home , that I would have a peaceful life. Sadly that wasn't the case."
Tommy heart broke for Olivia. He felt her sorrow. She shouldered the responsibility of a mother and the shell shock. She had to be one of the strongest people he had known. Tommy admired and loved Olivia more.
"Do you remember the stories I told you about my childhood , the festivals ?"
Tommy nodded his head in recognition.
"The field that has held so many happy memories of my life is now a cemetery. Soldiers from all over the world who couldn't go home are buried there. Some Germans too. Two thousand eight hundred and thirty four headstones . I kept thinking you were buried there."
Olivia leg was jumping. She hated how vulnerable she was in that moment but she also felt the pressure was lifting off of her. The truth was setting her free. If he hated her after so be it. Her next confession should push him to the edge. It's a sad fact that was out of her control but still felt guilt. She knew and understood it wasn't her fault. A little voice in the back of her mind wouldn't let it go.
"I don't remember much of Oscar first year. My parents did most of the work in taking care of him. I don't remember his first words , when he started rolling over and crawling. I was in a haze. I went from nightmares to night terrors. You kept blaming me for your death. Hated me for keeping Oscar away. I would walk to the cemetery at night searching for your name on the stones. I don't want to get into what fully happened but I did have a breakdown."
Tommy rushed over to her with a handkerchief. Small tears ran down her face and he wiped them away.
"I started seeing a doctor after that. He helped me understand what I was going through and lessen the burden I was feeling."
Tommy was now on his knees in front of Olivia holding both of her hands.
"I wanted him to myself. I wanted to remain clueless about if you were alive or dead. I built a perfect life for Oscar and I that no one could touch."
"There it is Tom. The truth. I selfishly kept your son while being a terrible mother. I ignored him while pregnant and during his first year."
"You had no control over it."
"WHY AREN'T YOU ANGRY ?!"
Olivia held tommy vest lapels in her tight fists. Panting and vision starting to blur. Tommy cradled her head to his chest.
"Shh. You're safe." He continued to whisper in Romani . The same words he would use to calm scared horses. He didn't want her to hyperventilate .
Panic was setting in for Olivia. It had been months since an attack. Tommy's words soothed her. She breathed in through her nose and out of her mouth. The smell of cigarettes whiskey and an unknown cologne filled her lungs. A unique smell that she will always associate with comfort and peace.
"I apologize for my outburst. I've been holding in for so long."
They stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. He held her close kissing Olivia on her forehead. He pulled back to stroke her cheek.
"You are strong. Stronger than I am. I could have not picked a better mother for our boy. Never doubt yourself."
Olivia gave tommy a small warm smile. Her hands moved to his back. Rubbing up and down while both of them swaying together. The memories of their impromptu first dance came flooding back.In the garage next to the medical trucks. Humming a tune while shuffling in the dark.
A familiar tune filled the silence. Olivia had started humming , the swaying changed into more pronounced movement. Murmuring in the hallway stopped their dancing.
"This is room belongs to you now."
Olivia pushed tommy a few inches to create a respectful distance. Polly and Francis ushered Oscar into his bedroom. Polly saw how close their were and couldn't help the Cheshire grin .
"Mama I have horses on the blanket."
"I know baby. Look at all the toys papa got you."
Olivia pointed to the toy chest. He squealed.
"Mr. Shelby should I turn down his bedding and unpack his suitcase." Francis asked.
"Yes and if you could draw him a bath in half an hour. I need to throw my family out by then."
"Thomas that's rude." Olivia gave a little jab to his side. They both chuckled.
"Seems I forgot to mention Ada , john , Esme , and the children will be staying over. We all thought it would help Oscar adjust to his new surroundings."
"When did you all decide this ?" Just what tommy needed. If he didn't know grace certainly didn't know of the extra over night guests.
"A few days ago.Don't worry the children will be on their best behavior."
"Oh good." Sarcasm seeped through tommy.
" Resteras-tu pour l'heure du conte maman?"
(will you stay for story time mama?)
"Bien sûr mon amour, mais d'abord ton bain. Allons dire bonne nuit á votre famille."
(Of course my love but first your bath. Let's go say goodnight to your family.)
Francis busy herself while Polly cornered Tommy.
"You both seemed rather cozy before we entered the room."
"Polly. No plots , no schemes."
"Plots and schemes are the same thing."
"Nothing was happening between us. Do you understand ?"
"I understand."
Tommy nodded at her and left the room.
"For now." Polly mumbled that last part under her breathe.
"Since you will be around I have to show you the city tomorrow. A lovely spa recently opened at the Midland hotel. I had a facial treatment that made me look and feel ten years younger. Also it's an all women staff." Jenna was buzzing with excitement.
"I'm staying at the Midland, I can set up an appointment for us in the afternoon. Would any other ladies like to join ? My treat."
"I'm comin. I need a day away from those little devils." Esme gave a deadly side eye to John. Daring him to argue with her.
"My back has been hurting. Before we leave I will tell Tommy I need a sick day tomorrow." Lizzie announced with a smirk.
"Ada and I are unable attend but we can meet you all for lunch." Polly would have loved to of gone on their day of relaxation but she and Ada had to smooth over their official business with Mr. Thompson.
Glasses rattled in the corner of the room. Everyone turned to the sound. Grace had snuck herself back into the lounge after the humiliating fight with Tommy. She had legitimate concerns about their future together. Tommy swept her feelings to the side in favor of that bastard.
"Grace would you care to join us." The smirking whore had the audacity to invite her to some girly outing like they were best of friends.
" No." Her decline was blunt. A little to blunt appearing rude.
"Tomorrow I have an appointment with the florist for the wedding." Grace said in a sickly sweet tone.
"Oh well next time we can have lunch." Olivia cheeks stretched into the best smile she could muster.
"Hmm yes. If you all would excuse me , I'm awfully tired and want to retire for the night. Thank you all so very much for coming. Good night." Grace left in a huff. John burst out laughing, obviously drunk.
"She needs to take the stick out of her arse."
"JOHN" Esme slapped him. The children giggled at the antics.
"Say goodnight , it's time for your bath."
Olivia and Oscar left in a flurry of hugs and kisses.
They met Francis in the bathroom. She set out warm towels and drew a bubble bath. The faint sent of lavender filled the room. Tommy watched them from the door. Olivia washing Oscar hair while conversing in French. His heart warmed with familiar memories. His mother bathing the Shelby children. After a long hard day she would drag the copper tub in front of the fire without complaint. She bought special soap for each child. His favorite was chamomile scent. She would hum a soothing tune , each time he managed to fall asleep in the tub. His mother would rap him up in the lone fluffy towel they owned and tucked him into bed. The strong maternal love that radiated from his mother was coming from Olivia. How could one woman be calming and peaceful.
Olivia lifted Oscar out of the tub to dry him off. Tommy lifted Oscar into his bed to tuck him in. He sat off to the side , listening to the story Olivia spun so eloquently he started to drift off.
"Papa."
Tommy opened his eyes to a sleepy Oscar reaching for him.
"Goodnight my boy. I'm just across the hall if you need me." Tommy kissed him on the forehead.
"Are you sure you can't stay mama ?"
"No sweetheart. The hotel isn't very far and your father has the number. I will call you in the morning and will be around for dinner."
"Love you mama."
"Love you. Sweet dreams. "
Tommy left his son door ajar and escorted Olivia down the stairs , his hand on her lower back. He hated she would leave to a hotel. This was the situation. She didn't belong with him. Grace did unfortunately.
Olivia retrieved her coat and purse while exiting the house. She stood by her car door staring at Tommy.
"I had a wonderful time with your family."
"Livy."
"I said what I had too and that's all I will speak on the subject. Please understand Tommy , we are parents to our son and that's it. That is all we can ever be."
"I know." He swallowed the words like acid.
"Oi , Olivia." Arthur shouted to get her attention.
"Arthur don't be so loud." Jenna gently scolded her husband.
Arthur pulled Olivia into a bear hug. He pulled back and gave her a pat on the shoulder. His emotions were bubbling to the surface which he hated. He still hasn't figured out how to deal but Jenna was a saint in helping him.
"We were surprised when tommy told us about you and the kid , always thought it would be me or john with secret kids running around the city. Maybe our dad."
"Arthur." Tommy gave him a warning and Jenna put her palm against his for comfort.
" I can see you both make my brother happy. That's what matters. You have brothers in me , john ,and Finn now."
Olivia kissed Arthur cheek in thanks. He was a sweetheart despite his tough exterior.
"That means so much to me thank you."
She gave her goodbyes and left for the hotel. Tommy stood in the chilled night watching the tail lights disappear down the drive way. He understood what she was trying to do upstairs. Pushing him away, trying to convince him she was a terrible mother . Mentally unstable , not fit to be in a relationship.Damaged goods , that's how she saw herself. It made him respect her rather than hate her. She took control of her problems and confronted them. She admitted she had a problem , which is more than tommy ever did. Olivia was better than him in every way.
Tommy made way to his bedroom dragging his feet the entire way. He looked in on his boy sleeping soundly. Another person that he didn't deserve. A hard truth he had to face. He loved grace because they were the same type of person. He killed so many men in France to get back home. He killed men in Birmingham to ascend to the top of the food chain. He destroyed families , pulled the trigger without blinking. Ruthless when he had to be. Grace was the same way. All of her sins led her to him. She saw what she wanted and didn't stop until she conquered it. Olivia wasn't that way. A soft compassionate heart. She found a way to heal her mind and soul.
Tommy wasn't so lucky. It was the same viscous cycle everyday. He was a broken man . A career criminal. He didn't want her to see him wash the blood off his hands after the end of the day. He was scared to admit that he feared rejection. Olivia might not be able to handle Peaky blinder Thomas. She knew the soldier who she dug shrapnel out of. A man who dreamed of owning horses. Not the man he is now. Grace accepted that part him. She used that part to her advantage. Sweep it under the rug when it hurt her image. Two peas in a pod.
"You were right Grace."
Grace eyes widened at Tommy statement. She had just finished a scolding hot bath and wanted to sleep the anger away.
"My feelings for her came back but its not something I'm going to or wanting to pursue. I apologize."
"You have to stay away from her. She can not be an intrusive force in our life."
"She is my son's mother I can't cut either of them out my life."
"I know but you don't have to around her. Don't entertain her or be alone in the same room. Polly or Ada can do that. Set boundaries and make them perfectly clear to her. You and I are getting married. She has no place other than Oscar mother ."
"Mmmhmm. I promise I will ."
Tommy push Grace up against the wall with a kiss. He wanted to shut her up. Grace robe was thrown to the floor , tommy buttons flew in the air , lust thick in the air. Tommy pounded into grace with fury.He was punishing himself while symbolically severing any hope for a romantic future with Olivia. She will find a good man in time and marry him have more children. Maybe Oscar will end up loving his step father more than him.The thought enraged him so he took it out on Grace which she loved. He carried her to the bed and took her from behind. He wanted to finish at that point.
Once it was over Tommy held Grace to his chest.
"I should be more force full you seem to like it." Grace broke the silence with her comment.
"Goodnight."
Tommy managed a few hours of sleep before he woke up. Grace turned on her side with even breathes. He looked around his siren wasn't there calling out to him. He strained his ears for humming but there wasn't any. He couldn't smell her perfume. She was gone. That's what he wanted. He didn't understand why tears were slipping down the side of his eyes. Of course he understood why but it's what is best. He cried himself back to into a nightmare.
He was in the pit that Campbell men dug for his dead body. On his knees with a gun to his head he looked to his left to see Olivia , Oscar , A mystery man , and a small toddler. They were enjoying a picnic. Laughing their cares away. His impending death was invisible to them.
" She is doing just fine without you. You aren't needed." The man who spoke was Campbell. Blood pouring out of his chest. He wanted to scream for Olivia but nothing came out. He felt the multiple bullets hit his chest while falling into the pit. He looked up to the sky waiting for her to rescue him. She never did. Dirt piled on top of tommy. He was being buried alive. Shovel after shovel rang in his ears. Olivia laughter was faint and faded. He was dying alone while she was happy.
When tommy woke he rushed to the toilet to vomit. His dream would turn into reality one day. Olivia didn't need to be brought down by his misery and misdeeds. He would do everything in his power to make sure Oscar was safe and not inherent his melancholy. He will keep a respectful distance with her.
Tommy met an excited Oscar in the hallway . He wouldn't stop talking about the horses. An icebreaker they could bond over. He was such a Shelby boy like he and his brothers were at that age. An innocent soul he would keep pure. He still worried about Grace. He had hope after the night they had and the promises he made towards their future. She wasn't his true love but Grace would do. He made his bed now it's time to lie in it.
I hope you all enjoy the chapter . Let me know how you feel about it and if it flows well. I do apologize for taking so long. I have a constant virus called Epstein Barr. it's not deadly or anything many people can live with it just fine but I'm immune compromised and it drains me. Simple tasks like taking showers wipes me out. During flare ups I can spend most of the day in bed half awake. Anxiety and sleeping issues don't help either lol. my mom bought her house after renting it for 9 years and I've been helping fix it up. that also drains my energy. Please leave a comment.
I would like to a knowledge on Tumblr @zablife for creating an incredible mood board for this story she has awesome stories on her page.
also would like to recognize @ThePeakyGirl for being a dear friend to me and for being the author of A Shelby Mistress. its on archive of our own and wattpadd. thank you all for being so loyal and sticking around