#Boston Meets Birmingham

[sl-newsie]

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 44: Season's Greetings

Masterlist: https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/739551758747090944/american-woman-thomas-shelby-x-american-oc?source=share

December 24, 1925

Liverpool Docks

“Ready, Ada?”

Ada wraps her fox fur coat around her shoulders to combat the cold wind. “Are you? It’s been a whole year since you’ve seen Tommy.”

We climb inside the Bently waiting for us. There’s so many nerves bottled up inside I feel like I’m about to burst. My broers’ last words still have me wondering if I’m making the right choice.

“I pray these months haven’t changed him too much.” 

“I’m staying with Polly. Would you like to drive with me to John’s to drop off some presents? I’m checking in on Arthur too.”

I stare through the window at the wandering people. “Actually I’m going straight to the office to settle some questions I have. You can go on ahead. I’ll visit John later.”

Throughout the whole drive to Birmingham Ada and I go back and forth discussing last-minute details from the Boston docks. However, my mind cannot stop drifting to think about seeing Thomas again. Last time I was so close. So close to telling him everything. I know expecting him to wait is completely ridiculous. Maybe that’s why the excitement of coming back is stained by the fear that my absence will have caused him to be forgetful of me.

The car stops outside a new building I’ve never seen before. 

“This must be the new office,” Ada says. “Are you still going to the Christmas party?”

“Yes. I’ll tell John I’ll be there.” 

I grab my trunk and step out into the muddy streets. December in England is so much more wet than in Brooklyn. Where’s the snow? I walk into the first room and spot Lizzie behind a desk. When she sees me her eyes flash the familiar look of hatred.

“Season’s greetings, Lizzie. What should I expect?”

She gives a small huff and returns to checking the records. “He’s isolated himself from the family. ‘S just been him and Charlie.” I walk past her to a staircase and she speaks up again. “Oh, by the way, the only love he’s received is from whores. Thought you should know.”

Sure. She can think I’ll believe that. As much as my heart might fall for Thomas there is still a part of me that dreads to know that he still takes physical pleasures from other women. My only guess is that I have to become as corrupt and defiled as the rest for him to consider me. May might be right. I’m too pure for this.

Michael walks through a door and sees me climbing up. “Oh! Tommy didn’t say you were coming.”

My face brightens. “Michael! I’m so sorry I wasn’t there when you all were pardoned-”

He holds a hand up to stop me and offers to help me with my trunk. “It’s alright, Verena. You’ve helped keep the business flowing smoothly. All’s well in Boston, I hope?”

“Business is booming. How’s Polly?”

Michael’s smile drops. “Not as good. She’s addicted to tablets from the prison. Going off her rocker, to tell you the truth.”

Oh God. That poor woman… Why didn’t Thomas tell me things had gotten this worse? 

“You thought she was religious before,” Micheal says. “Now she claims she sees spirits.”

I’m almost afraid to ask. “Did all of you… change?”

He bites his lip, contemplating if he wants to go any further. “Yes.”

“How bad?”

“You can see for yourself at John’s party.”

Right. The party. “Will the children be there?”

Michael checks his watch and starts walking. “Yes. Arthur’s been excited for you to meet little Billy.”

“My instructions from Thomas have stopped,” I call after him. “Any reason why?”

Michael turns to face me with his mouth pressed in a thin line. “He’s detaching himself from work.” That doesn’t sound like Thomas. “I’ll have more instructions for you after the holidays.”

No. I’m not waiting any longer. I’m going straight to the source. “Is he here?”

Michael points down the hall. “Right through that magical door. He just got done with a meeting.”

I start walking to it. “Please tell Polly I’ll visit as soon as I can. Wish her a ‘Merry Christmas’ for me.”

I push the door open and walk into a dimly lit room. Inside is a long wooden business table. A portrait of the company’s stemma hangs on the wall. At the end of the room Thomas sits at the table, smoking as usual. The thing that sets him apart from last time are the round spectacles on his grimly-carved face. Through the thick smoke I can’t tell if he's just as happy to see me.

“Ah, there are those braids. Did you come over with Ada?”

I don’t know how to respond to this greeting. Commenting my hair braids? Not even a simple hello? 

“Yes,” I answer slowly. “Merry Christmas to you, too. Ada's gone to visit your brothers, then she’s coming to see you.”

He doesn’t seem interested. Instead Thomas gets up and walks closer to look at me. “You’ve changed. Your letters stress more on business instead of pleasure. But you’re still full of spirit.”

So he does read my letters. He just doesn’t bother to respond. Full of spirit, am I? Maybe it’s because I was so desperate to hear from him. Such a contrast to his unaffectionate personality.

“Vader recovered quite well. When he was able to walk I spent the summer helping my brother Eoin and his wife with their four kids so they could take a vacation. You’d change too if you had to learn to wrangle those little schavuits.” 

I walk closer too, dawning a deciphering face that tells him I cannot be so heartless. “In fact… You look different as well. Those glasses…” Is it just me or does Thomas look more tense than before? “I like it. Makes you look… sophisticated. Just like the man everyone in Boston thinks you are.”

Thomas catches on to my cold tone and tries to ignore it. “I see you’re wearing the gift I sent you.”

“Yes I am, thank you very much,” I say gratefully and finger the pendant around my neck. “I love it. I’m surprised you remembered.”

A quaint smile crosses his face. “‘S not every day a girl turns 23.”

True. But what’s happening right now is not about me. I need to redirect him back to the subject at hand.

“You wrote that you wanted me back. Thomas, I’m serious, I am here to help reconnect your family. What plans do you and Charlie have for Christmas?”

Why is he looking at me like that? It’s like he wants to avoid me, glare at me, or hug me. I thought I was conflicted about this visit but I think he beats me. 

“We’re spending Christmas at Arrow House,” Thomas says. “I got him his own horse. A thoroughbred.”

My eyes close and I have to keep from frowning. “Thomas. That’s very sweet, but a horse cannot replace family.”

He takes a puff on his cigarette. “Polly’s seeing spirits. Michael needs cocaine to stay awake. Linda and Esme want to carve my eyes out. Gathering for Christmas is not going to fix this, Verena. Also, Ada tells me you’ve been advertising whiskey on the side.”

I shrug. “Your clients like to drink, my vader makes whiskey. It’s been profitable. Is that so wrong?” He’d be a hypocrite if he disagrees.

Thomas shakes his head and walks over to pour a glass of his own whiskey. “I heard Lizzie mention my recent routines with ladies of the night. Thought you’d have something to say to that, eh? Religious reminders or what not.”

That is it! I’ve had enough!

I clench my fists and make for the door before I punch him in his smug face. “I came here to help your family! Whoever you fuck is not my concern, Thomas. I know I can’t change your mind about it. All you Shelbys ever do is screw around.”

Behind me I hear him hum in surprise. “Still so innocent.”

I spin around and face him with a glare moeder would be proud of. “‘Look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under ‘t.’ Beware women, Thomas. Their sweet smiles can turn into venomous bites when their motive is strong.” I am not so different.

Thomas raises a brow. “So I shouldn’t trust you either, eh?

I grunt frustratedly and grip my head. “I’m telling you this so you can trust me. Everywhere you send me I’ve seen strong-willed men come undone at a woman’s smile.” My eyes narrow with determination. “I am stronger than that. When a handsome man tries to sway my opinion I know exactly how to correct him.”

Thomas can’t ignore the mention of another man. “And how is that, might I ask?”

I smirk. “A loaded pistol used for a little persuasion never hurts. At least at first.”

Thomas mirrors my grin and raises his glass. “Remind me never to make you mad.”

“You have before. Was I that pleasant?”

His eyes darken. “No.”

I put my hands on my hips. “That’s what I thought.”

Thomas glances at my trunk. “Are you staying in town?”

I grimace at the thought of Ada having to stay with Polly. “I’m stopping by John’s to say hello before the party. I’m planning on going back to Watery Lane so I don’t intrude. People are going to hate me too, Thomas.”

I feel him grab my small hand with his callused one. “Stay at Arrow House for Christmas. There’s more than enough room. Charlie will be happy to see you.”

We’re not getting anywhere. “That’s why I’m here, Thomas. For you and your family. Are you still not going to John’s party?”

Thomas’ blue eyes dart all over my face. “They don’t want anything to do with me. I find myself blessed enough to have you back. I’m not bringing them back into this if they don’t want to.”

And I can’t force him into this because he’s too scared to face them. I’ve got my work cut out. Maybe there can be a Christmas miracle.

“Okay, Thomas. I can stay at Arrow House. But you need to promise me that you will at least make an effort to wish them a ‘Merry Christmas.’”

My acceptance of his offer brings a slight smile to Thomas’ face. “Before you go to John’s there’s something I’d like to show you.”

Of all places to find surprises I would not expect a normal-looking warehouse with no one guarding it. I’m led inside and take in the view of a giant room stocked to the brim with bottles of gin. His own distillery! This kind of progress is just what Thomas needs! A hobby that’s not trying to kill him.

“Goodness! When did this happen?”

Thomas brings out a case of bottles. “Your father’s drink inspired me. Now I use dad’s old recipe to make my own. We’ll still buy your brand, of course.”

I’m still gawking in wonder at the place. “Thomas, this is amazing!”

“Try some?” He holds out a sample glass. “Be honest.”

I take a sip and take in the new flavor. Nothing like vader’s but I give him credit. My taste is very specific. “It’s good. Quite impressive. Do you export?”

Thomas nods proudly. “Yeah. Some I send off to Boston. Your lot drink it up like water.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Didn’t want to steal your dad’s business.” Is Thomas Shelby being modest? “Soon enough we’ll produce 200 gallons a week.”

Time to test the waters. “Maybe I can bring some to John? I’m sure he’d like to try some.”

Thomas’ smile fades. “Knowing Esme she’ll spit it on you. You’re really going to play peacemaker, Verena?”

I step closer and feel the same energy from before I left. When I felt like I was where I belonged in the world. He needs to know he’s not traveling this beaten path alone.

“You say I am innocent. Perhaps God is calling me here to spread my positive spirit during this festive season. Your family has seen numerous tragedies, Thomas. You can’t be broken apart. You need to be mended together. That’s why I am here.”

That, and because I love you. Do I go further?

Thomas keeps looking at me as if I’m a mirage. “I can never understand how you still believe we are so righteous and can be saved. That I can be saved. Do you ever want something for yourself?”

Yes. So selfishly yes. But it’s someone I want so selfishly. There are many ways I can answer that.

I spot a clock on the wall. Patience, Steenstra. This cannot be summed up in a few minutes.

“How about we continue this when I get back from John’s tonight? We can catch up properly without any interruptions.”

Thomas wants to keep me here but he knows better than to argue. “We’ll be waiting.”

@meadows5

[novashelby]

And the Chocolates for the Girl~Luca Changretta Meets Evie

Summary: When Evie is short a few pence, a certain someone helps pay for her chocolates.

Word Count: 608

Please enjoy, comment, and reblog! I love you all.

At just nine years old, she knew what she wanted. To Evie, the end goal was to live in a land that was purely sweets, yummy foods, and fluffy friends. However, in gray and grim Birmingham, those such things did not exist and poor Evie had to settle for the second best thing; shops that sold sweets. After school, she’d run to her daddy, little Mary Janes stomping puddles. To her Aunt’s dismay, little specks of mud would dirty the ends of her school skirts. In the highest of voices, she’d cry, “daddy!”

And there, the meanest man in Birmingham became soft, kneeling down and meeting her in a hug that would almost always knock the breath from his lungs. Kisses would always be shared on the cheeks. Sometimes a few, but mostly a dozen. “How was your day?” he’d always ask. 

And she’d always tell him, “lunch was good.”

“Fish sticks today!?”

“Mince pie.” Her chubby hand would always rub her tummy and he’d laughed, pinching the side. 

“Get yourself a sweet, eh?” A little urge of some independence, Tommy would give her two pence and send her off just a little bit down the street for some chocolates. The only time she was ever happy to break free from his hug. She shoved them into the pocket of her woolen coat and ran for it, thinking if she wanted the caramel ones or just the plain.

She always settled for the plain, not fond of the sticky caramel on her teeth. In the store, she picked up eight neatly wrapped chocolates and put them on the counter. Such a short girl, only half her head was visible. She shoved her hand into her pocket with a smile, but frowned as there was not a pence in sight…well, feel. The clerk kindly waited, with a smile. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, checking both pockets.

“Tis alright, love,” he said.

In defeat, she said, “no chocolate today, I think I may have lost me money on the way-”

“Ah, pay me back tomorrow, love,” he said, knowing she’d be back the next day. But she wouldn’t like to explain to her father why she needed four pence instead of two.

She shook her head. “It’s alright, Mr. Kerry.” But before she could leave an arm reached over her shoulder and placed down two pence. She studied the arm; neatly pressed suit, black. The buttons were gold and on his hand, a small tattoo. Her father had tattoos, but none as visible as that.

“Two pence?” the man confirmed. “Alright, two pence for the girl’s chocolates.”

Evie listened to the voice. It sounded nothing like her father’s. Definitely didn’t sound like a Brummie, but something familiar. Deeply familiar from home, but not quite home, home. It wasn’t a Boston dialect, but something more south. Evie turned on her heels to thank the man, but was stunned by his features. They shared a long glance. Just as much as she studied him, he studied her. Something in his eyes was longing and curious…. This girl. Her eyes, her nose, and the curl of her hair. “Thank you, Sir,” she whispered, breaking the silence.

“What is your name?” he asked, removing the toothpick from his mouth.

Swallowing, she nervously twitched as she remembered her daddy telling her to never talk to strangers. “Evelyn.”

He knew the girl and would surely make it a point to see her once again. He smiled. “Run off, hm?”

“But you never told me yours-”

“Mr. Changretta.”

“Italian!?” Her eyes widened like the moon.

“Italian like you, yes,” he said. “I can see it in your face.”

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in September 2023

02/09 The King and Queen, Princess Anne and Sir Tim attended the Braemar Gathering at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

03/09 (not counted) The King, Queen, Princess Anne, Sir Tim, PM Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murphy attended the Divine Service at Crathie Kirk Church. ⛪️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

06/09 (unofficial) Princess Anne, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales recorded a special episode of the Good, the Bad and the Rugby, with Mike Tindall, James Haskell and Alex Payne at Windsor Castle. 🏉

07/09 As President of the Riding for the Disabled Association, visited Digswell Place Group, Digswell Place Stables, Welwyn Garden City, to mark its 50th Anniversary. 🐎

As President of UK Fashion and Textile Association, visited MAES London Womenswear Manufacturer. 👗

Sir Tim represented Princess Anne at a Service of Thanksgiving for Sir Matthew Farrer (former Solicitor to the Late Queen) at St Magnus-The-Martyr Church in London. ⛪️

As Patron of the South Georgia Heritage Trust Princess Anne and Sir Tim, attended the Return of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Quest Crow’s Nest Service at All Hallows by the Tower, followed by a Dinner at Trinity House. 🗺️🍽️

08/09 Participated in a Meeting via video link in her role of Chairman of the International Olympic Committee Members Election Commission. 🎥💻

11/09 At Gatcombe Park;

Presented The Princess Royal Award and Royal Dairy Innovation Award. 🏆

Held a Management Team Meeting for the Chaffinch Trust. 💼

Held a Management Team Meeting for Give Them a Sporting Chance. 🏏

12/09 As Patron of the Boston Stump Restoration and Development Appeal, visited completed restoration work at St Botolph's Church in Boston, Lincolnshire. ⛪️

As Patron of Magpas Air Ambulance Capital Campaign, opened a new Air Base at Alconbury Weald. 🚁

As Patron of Maritime UK, attended the London International Shipping Week Tenth Anniversary Reception at Mansion House. 🚢

13/09 In Northern Ireland Princess Anne;

Attended the Department for Business and Trade’s Northern Ireland Business Summit at the International Conference Centre Belfast. 💼

As Patron of the International Sheep Dog Society, lattended the World Sheep Dog Trials at Gill Hall Estate, Dromore. 🐑🐶

Unveiled a Royal British Legion Community Bench in Dromore Square, Dromore. 🌹

Attended the Department for Business and Trade’s Northern Ireland Business Summit Reception at Hillsborough Castle. 👔🇮🇪

14/09 Attended the British Equine Veterinary Association 2023 Congress at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. 🩺🐴

As Patron of the Butler Trust visited Stonnall Road Approved Premises in Walsall. 🏠

Opened the Firefly Woods at Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley House. She unveiled a firefly dedicated to her late parents. 💡

15/09 As Patron of the Restorative Justice Council, opened the Restorative Justice Council Inaugural Northern Ireland Conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 🇮🇪⚖️

As Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, attended the North, West and Hebrides Annual Graduation Ceremony and Celebration of Success and Achievement at St Peter’s and St Andrew’s Church, Thurso. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎓

18/09 The Princess Royal, As Guardian of Give Them A Sporting Chance, visited the Rivertime Boat Trust at the River and Rowing Museum in Henley on Thames. 🦽🚣‍♀️

As Patron of the National Transport Trust, attended the Annual Awards Ceremony at Fawley Hill Transport Museum, Henley-on-Thames. 🚂🥇

19/09 Visited the Our Cow Molly icecream parlour and dairy farm at Cliffe House Farm, Dungworth, Sheffield. 🍦🐮

Launched the Ethel Trust Community Barge PEARL at Victoria Quays and attended a Reception at the Quays Hotel Sheffield. 🚤

As Patron of the Royal College of Midwives, visited Doncaster Royal Infirmary Women’s and Children’s Hospital. 👶🤰

20/09 As Patron of Police Treatment Centres, visited the St Andrews Centre in Harrogate. 👮‍♀️

Visited Claro Enterprises Community Workshop, Harrogate, to mark its 30th anniversary. 🎂

Visited Woods of Harrogate Limited Fine Linens Company in Harrogate. 🧖‍♀️

Visited Hollybank Trust Care Centre, in Mirfield, to mark its 70th Anniversary. 🩺

21/09 Visited Jaguar Land Rover Halewood Vehicle Plant to mark the 60th anniversary of its opening in Liverpool. 🚙

As President of the British Olympic Association, attended an Executive Board Meeting in London W1. 💼

22/09 With Sir Tim opened the Aberdeen South Harbour Expansion Project at the Port of Aberdeen. ⛴️

26/09 Held an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

Opened the renovated Old War Office Building, Whitehall in London. 🏢

Attended the Royal Warrant Holders Association’s President’s Reception at Westminster Abbey. 📑🍾

As Patron of Mercy Ships International, attended a 45th Anniversary Dinner onboard The Elizabethan, sailing on the River Thames. 🛥️🍽️

27/09 Held two Investiture ceremonies at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

As President of World Horse Welfare, attended a Reception at Hyde Park Barracks, Knightsbridge, London. 🐎

As Patron of Opportunity International UK, attended a Dinner at Evercore in London. 🌍

28/09 As President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, attended the Sustainability in UK Textiles Conference at Drapers’ Hall, London. 👗

As Founders’ Patron and President, of the Benenden School & Society, attended the Centenary Global Conference “Inspiring Future Female Leaders”, opened the Seniors’ Courtyard, launched “Benenden 100” Centenary Book and attended the Benenden Society Reception at Benenden School in Kent. 🏫

29/09 Attended the Rededication Service of Southport War Memorial. 🫡

Total official engagements for Anne in July: 47

2023 total so far: 353

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in July: 5

2023 total so far: 75

[zablife]

💕❣️🩷💋 Zablife Valentine Fics 💋🩷❣️💕

In honor of the holiday, I've collected a sampling of my fave fluff and smut! Sending you all big hugs xx

Peaky Blinders

A Gift for My Wife Tommy Shelby

All Mine 🔞 Tommy Shelby

Boston Meets Birmingham Jack Nelson

How the Peaky Blinders Surprise You on Valentine's Day

How Alfie Says I Love You

I Wanna Do Bad Things To You 🔞 Alfie Solomons

Imagine Tommy Proposing

Liar and a Thief Alfie Solomons

Matchmaking Heaven Finn Shelby

Mine Jack Nelson

Pleasure Luca Changretta

Seemingly Incurable Sadness 2 Alfie Solomons

Stay Bonnie Gold

The Bear

Favorite Ex Carmy Berzatto

Top Gun Maverick

Hawaiian Honeymoon 🔞 Jake Seresin

Love in New Orleans 🔞 Beau Simpson

Lovin' Feelin' Bradley Bradshaw

One Night Stand in Fightertown 🔞 Beau Simpson

Valentine's Day with Cyclone

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Royal blue

The Princess of Wales in an Alexander McQueen blazer and matching cigarette pants on a visit to HMP High Down, Surrey.

Winning white

The Princess of Wales put a sophisticated twist on England’s team colour as she cheered on players in their opening match at the Rugby World Cup.

Teal triumph

The Princess of Wales at her polished best in a custom teal Burberry suit and custom blouse by the designer for a reception with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Norway at Windsor Castle.

Lady in red

Catherine makes a statement in scarlet Alexander McQueen for a ‘Shaping Us’ pre-launch event at the BAFTA headquarters, January 2023.

Purple reign

The Princess of Wales is radiant in Roland Mouret for a reception at Windsor Castle, January 2023.

Sugar plum princess

Another outing for the Roland Mouret suit, this time during William and Catherine's royal tour of Boston, December 2022.

High flyer

A navy Alexander McQueen number is the perfect choice for the princess’s arrival in Boston, December 2022.

In the navy

The same suit was last seen on the Princess of Wales for one of her first engagements in her new position: a reception for some of the Royal Navy Ship’s Company of HMS Glasgow, November 2022.

Cream of the crop

Cheering on swimmers in Alexander McQueen at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, August 2022.

Monochrome mastery

Head-to-toe white Alexander McQueen was a chic choice for an outing to mark Windrush Day in London, June 2022.

Pink perfection

Another Alexander McQueen suit, this time in a soft shade of rose, for a meeting with early childhood experts in London, June 2022.

A royal tour triumph

An orange Ridley London blouse brought a splash of colour to her white Alexander McQueen suit for an engagement in Jamaica, March 2022.

Magenta magic

Catherine ensured she stood out from the crowd in this Emilia Wickstead ensemble for a visit to Ulster University, September 2021.

Queen of green

An emerald green Massimo Dutti ensemble blended into the park setting on a visit to Edinburgh, May 2021.

HRH High Street

The Princess of Wales donned a pink M&S suit for a visit to the London Ambulance Centre in Croydon, March 2020.

Green Dream

The Princess donned a faithful Burberry number for a visit to a textile factory in Leeds in September 2023.

Recycled Red

The Princess Of Wales on her way to an event for her 'Shaping Us' Campaign On Early Childhood in September 2023, in one of her favourite red Zara blazers.

Magenta Masterpiece

The Princess of Wales was a tailored masterpiece in Emilia Wickstead for the Shaping Us National Symposium at the Design Museum, even accessorising with Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond drop earrings.

[haveihitanerve]

I couldnt find the pic, but i have it written out so here-

Tears for Fears interview No 1 1985. Interview is typed out below!

Tears for Fears play Mr & Mr

Remember the rules? That’s right, one group member is grilled in private about the personal habits of the other. Afterwards his answers are checked by telling them to his partner. Points scored depend on how near the mark they are. Points are lost for group splits or fist fights…

What’s Roland’s greatest fear?

Curt: “Nuclear war and flying – but flying first and foremost. He’s calmed down a lot now but he used to hate it. Once we had to fly from Birmingham in a light aircraft with only eight seats and we just got thrown everywhere. Roland grabbed the back of my seat and swore all the way home.”

Roland’s answer: “Flying, yes, that was an easy one for you.”

Does Roland enjoy winding people up?

Curt: “Oh yes, it was funny, we met the people at our American record company recently and because they hadn’t bothered to do any research on us, none of them knew our names. I mean, really, we’re their number one act and they don’t know who’s Curt and who’s Roland! So when they threw a party for us I was so pissed off that I didn’t go, but Roland went along and introduced himself as Curt. So there was this poor record company exec introducing Roland to all these journalists and radio people as Curt Smith – I thought that was hysterical!”

Roland’s answer: “Oh yeah, I did a great wind-up in Boston recently when a guy from our American company had the cheek to say to me, “I’d like to introduce you to some people – what did you say your name was again?” So I said I was Curt and at the end of the day I told him who I really was”

What’s Roland’s most prized possession?

Curt: “I’d say his wife Caroline, but she’s not really a possession. Could be his special edition Fender Strat guitar that he uses every night, or his cat, or his camera. One of those!”

Roland’s answer: “Er – this quiz is really hard isn’t it? Well one answer would be my wife…”

Curt: “One of my answers was your wife. A point!”

Roland: “And one would be my Strat.”

Curt: “Yes, the Strat, got that one as well.”

Roland: “And one would definitely be my camera.”

Curt: “Three points!”

No 1: “Nice try – but that’s still only one point.”

What does Roland like most about being famous?

Curt (no hesitation here): THE MONEY! You see, Roland doesn’t particularly like being famous at all, but there is that one advantage. He’ll probably lie when he gives his answer though.”

Roland: “What do I like about being famous? I think it’s probably the money!”

What’s Roland’s most annoying habit?

Curt (again without hesitation): “He’s a noisy eater, but he’ll never admit to that. The bad habit he will admit to is looking at himself in mirrors – if you’re talking to him and suddenly he looks over your shoulder and starts tidying his hair – you know there’s a mirror behind you.”

Roland’s answer: “I bet I know what Curt said about me – he said I eat with my mouth open didn’t he?”

Curt: “Yeah, and there’s another answer Roland, go on, you know what it is!”

Roland (innocently): “Could it be looking at myself in the mirror?”

Who’s Roland’s all-time hero?

Curt: “Good question – could be Paul Simon, could be David Byrne or the actress Jessica Lange.”

Roland’s answer: “John Lennon”

Curt: “Oh I didn’t know that – one point down”

When Roland fell in love with his wife Caroline, was he sloppy or cool?

Curt: “He was just 13 when he met Caroline and he was so nervous on his first date that he got really drunk and spent the whole afternoon throwing up in the toilet. I remember he got drunk before he met her and had to stagger down the road to meet her. Caroline ended up sitting with him while he threw up and now they’re married – she’s got a warped sense of humour.!”

Roland’s answer: “I was nervous, wasn’t I?”

Curt: “You were pissed!”

Roland: “I was very, very nervous and I was also unconscious for about three hours!”

Can you remember the date of Roland’s wedding anniversary?

Curt: “I think…I believe…it’s September the something. He got married in a registry office but I had a big do.”

Roland’s answer: “September the 10th”

Curt: “I didn’t know exactly when it was but I got the month right”

Of all the countries he’s visited which is Roland’s favourite?

Curt: “I’d say France because his dad’s French and so he can speak the language. Also there’s good food, good cheese and good wine.”

Roland’s answer: “France.”

What’s been Roland’s most embarrassing moment on stage?

Curt: “He hasn’t had one that I can think of, but the most embarrassing thing for both of us is looking back on all the old TV appearances we’ve done – just the way we were then!”

Roland’s answer: “I can’t think of any.”

Curt: “Nor could I, so I said that looking back on our old image was embarrassing.”

Roland: Yes, that’s true, you deserve a point there. We looked so young and pathetically fragile!”

What’s Curt’s greatest fear?

Roland: “Mmmm, that’s an easy one for Curt to answer about me but he doesn’t seem to get scared about anything. He doesn’t realize when he’s in a dangerous situation. I mean, he never gets scared about flying which is pathetic!”

Curt’s answer: “Fear?!!”

Roland: “You see what I mean!”

Curt: “No, I don’t have any fears.”

Can you remember what you and Curt talked about the first time you ever met?

Roland: “Yeah, I was 13 and I went around to his house and he told me he wasn’t allowed out because he’d been in a fight the day before.”

Curt’s answer: “Er!” (looks totally blank)

Roland: “It was one specific subject but I’m not allowed to help you.”

Curt: “Oh yes, we talked about me not being allowed to go out because I’d been involved in a fight.”

Of all his pet cats, does Curt have a favourite and if so which one?

Roland: “He probably does have a favourite and I’d say it’s his first one. Treasure, a completely black half Siamese cat.”

Curt’s answer: “Treasure.”

If Curt ruled the world for a day, what’s the first thing he’d do?

Roland: “Ah, now I know the answer to this one because he’s been asked it before – and he said he wouldn’t accept the responsibility in the first place.”

Curt’s answer: “I bet Roland said I’d change everyone to working class.”

Roland: “I didn’t. I said you wouldn’t do it.”

Curt: “Well you were right then, weren’t you?”

Is Curt a sulker or a shouter when he’s in a mood?

Roland: “He’s a sulker, he’ll go off in a corner somewhere and sulk for hours. I’m the one that shouts.”

Curt’s answer: “I sulk for ages.”

Does Curt ever take a long time to get ready when he’s going out?

Roland: “No, he’s pretty quick. Just clothes on and that’s it. I probably take a bit longer because I wear a little eye make-up.”

Curt’s answer: “I’m always quick.”

When Curt first fell in love with his wife Lynn, was he sloppy or cool?

Roland: “He wasn’t sloppy, he just fell into it very easily and soon moved in with her.”

Curt’s answer: “I’m normally nervous but when I first met Lynn she introduced herself to me and I was sorta taken over really!”

Roland: “I said you fell into it easily.”

Curt: “Yes, that’s a fair comment, give him a point.”

Can you remember the date of Curt’s wedding anniversary?

Roland: “Well it’s in December (much deep thinking for a while here). I’d say it’s December 18th.”

Curt’s answer: “December 18th.”

Roland (ecstatic): I remembered, I remembered!”

What’s Curt’s most annoying habit?

Roland (laughing more and more as he thinks about the answer): “When he’s had a few drinks he keeps repeating himself. He’ll repeat the same sentence to you over and over again, and you go “Yeah Curt, right Curt, really Curt!””

Curt’s answer: “I repeat myself a lot, don’t I?”

Roland (so excited he starts drumming with his hands on the table in triumph): “HAH! So you know you do it!”

Curt: “Of course I know I do it. While I’m repeating myself you stand there and go mmm, mmm, mmm, and look incredibly bored!”

What’s Curt’s favourite television programme?

Roland: “Oh that’s really easy, it’s The Young Ones.”

Curt’s answer: “Oh that’s obvious, it’s The Young Ones.”

And the winner is:

Curt scores 8 and a half points and Roland scores a perfect 10 out of 10

Roland: “I did extremely well, didn’t I?”

Curt: “I think we both did pretty well, in fact, maybe we should get married!”

[nurseeden]

Leading 10 Nurse Practitioner Programs: Elevate Your Career in 2023

Top 10 Nurse Practitioner Programs: Elevate Your Career in 2023

As the healthcare landscape evolves, so does the demand for ‍skilled nurse practitioners‌ (NPs).‍ With the ongoing emphasis on quality ​patient care, pursuing a ​Nurse Practitioner‍ program can⁣ significantly elevate your career in 2023. In this article, we will explore the top 10⁢ nurse practitioner programs that⁢ are shaping the future of nursing.

Why Choose a ⁢Nurse Practitioner⁢ Program?

Nurse practitioners enjoy a plethora of benefits, including:

High ‌Demand: NPs are increasingly sought after in various healthcare settings.

Career Advancement: Earning an NP degree opens doors to advanced‌ practice roles.

Competitive Salaries: NPs often‍ earn higher salaries compared ‍to RNs.

Autonomy: Many NPs have the ability to diagnose ‍and treat patients independently.

Benefits of Online vs. Traditional Programs

Choosing between online⁤ and traditional nurse practitioner ​programs can be ‍daunting. Here are some⁣ benefits of each:

Online ‍Programs

Flexibility‍ to study at your own⁢ pace.

Accessibility ‍from‌ anywhere, eliminating travel‍ costs.

Often more affordable with lower commuting expenses.

Traditional Programs

Hands-on learning and direct ⁤interaction ​with faculty and peers.

Structured environment⁣ that‍ may suit ⁣some‍ learning styles better.

Access ​to campus⁣ resources and networking opportunities.

Top 10 Nurse Practitioner Programs⁤ in 2023

Rank

Program

Type

Duration

Location

1

Duke University

MSN / DNP

2-4 years

Durham, NC

2

University of Pennsylvania

MSN / DNP

1.5-4 years

Philadelphia, PA

3

Johns Hopkins University

MSN⁢ / DNP

2-4 ‌years

Baltimore, MD

4

University⁣ of California, ⁣San ⁢Francisco

MSN / DNP

2-4 years

San Francisco, CA

5

University of Florida

MSN

2-3 years

Gainesville, FL

6

University⁢ of Alabama at Birmingham

DNP

3-4‌ years

Birmingham, AL

7

Vanderbilt University

MSN / DNP

1.5-4 ‌years

Nashville, TN

8

Boston College

MSN

2 years

Chestnut⁣ Hill, MA

9

Ohio State⁢ University

DNP

3-4 years

Columbus, OH

10

University of Michigan

DNP

3-4 years

Ann Arbor, MI

Practical Tips for Choosing ‌the⁤ Right Program

When selecting a Nurse Practitioner program, consider the following tips:

Accreditation: ⁣Ensure the⁢ program‌ is accredited by a recognized body.

Specializations Offered: Look for programs that align with your ⁣career goals.

Alumni⁤ Success: Research the⁢ program’s job placement rates and ​alumni feedback.

Faculty Expertise: ⁤Investigate​ the qualifications and experience⁢ of faculty members.

Case Study: A Successful Transition

Meet Jessica Rodrigues, an RN who transitioned ‍to ‍an NP role through an online program at Duke University. Jessica⁢ shares her experience:

“I chose the flexibility of an⁤ online program, which allowed me to maintain my full-time job while studying. The curriculum was challenging but rewarding,⁤ and I felt well-prepared‌ for‌ my clinicals. I graduated ‍in 2022 and now work as a⁢ family nurse practitioner, where I feel I can make a real⁢ difference in patient lives.”

First-Hand Experience: A Day in ‍a Nurse​ Practitioner’s Life

We spoke with Mark Sanchez, an NP‍ working⁣ in a hospital setting, about ⁣his daily routine:

“My day is never the same. I begin ⁤with morning​ rounds, assessing patients and ⁣formulating treatment plans. I⁤ have the⁤ opportunity ‌to educate patients and their​ families about their conditions, which I find incredibly ⁤fulfilling. In addition, I collaborate with‍ physicians and other healthcare professionals to‍ ensure comprehensive care.”

Conclusion

Choosing the right nurse practitioner program is⁢ a pivotal step ⁢in advancing your ​nursing career. The‌ top 10 ‍programs highlighted here in 2023 offer diverse⁤ options to fit your professional needs and ​goals.‌ Whether you opt for online ‌learning or a traditional ⁣classroom experience, investing in an NP program can lead to‍ greater⁢ job opportunities, higher salaries, and the ability to make a significant impact in healthcare.

Do⁣ thorough research, assess your options, and take the leap toward a fulfilling career as a nurse practitioner!

https://nursingcertificationcourses.com/leading-10-nurse-practitioner-programs-elevate-your-career-in-2023/

[studentabode]

Best Cafes and Study Spots Near Student Housing in Birmingham.

Warm winds, surreal views, coffee and your books, sounds like a perfect way to spend time in a cafe. Isn’t it? Making this feeling real, students often look for cafes and study spots near their student accommodation in Birmingham.

Student lives get much easier when they explore and cafe hopping is the best way to do so. Plus, who doesn’t love a good cafe to spend hours studying and interacting with minds alike? This multicultural city offers you a wide range of cafes and study spots, especially near student housing.

Whether you’re looking for a mouth-watering cappuccino, a place to meet your friends or just spend some time away from your library, we have got you back. We have put down a list of those perfect cafes and study spots you could not miss while being a student in Birmingham. Let’s explore cafes to enjoy local delicacies while learning.

Boston Tea Party

Spanning across Corporation Street, Boston Tea Party brings high-quality coffee, groovy décor and a relaxing vibe. Being near your student apartments, this cafe has the perfect menu you can explore to eat while working. Located in Central Birmingham, this place is a hub for students of Aston University and Birmingham City University.

Established in 2018, this quirky place has become famous for breakfasts, pastries, speciality coffee, teas and much more. If you are a vegan, don’t worry- Birmingham has always got your back. They have plenty of both vegan and vegetarian options. Plus, they make sure to cater to your dietary requirements which is commendable. Not only the menu and ambience, they even let you bring your dog, laptop and anything else you like.

200 Degree Coffee Shop & Barista School

Offering a chic industrial vibe and remarkable coffee, 200 Degree Coffee is located just off New Street. Sitting below the famous Grand Hotel, this has become one of the favourite study spots for students these days. Along with your studies, you can even learn how to make coffee with them. This vast space offers you plenty of space to sit, sip and study alone or with your friends. As for the food and coffee, the menu is full of options, designed to meet your taste and the staff is really cool. Since they open right at 7 am, you can grab coffee as early as you want while living in student rooms.

Cafe Artum

This is another cafe which is located at Corporation Street offering food, music, coffee and everything else you want. With both outdoor and indoor seating, you can simply enjoy their blend of coffee, vinyl records and books.

Whether you are living in college student housing or off-campus, this can be your go-to place near Aston University. Plus, if you are studying at Birmingham City University, this is a safe haven for your late-night study session. Moreover, this cafe also serves beer, cocktails, wine and more for after-study session parties. In short, this place with quite an artistic inspiration is great for studying as well as socializing with your friends.

The Exchange Coffee House

Settled in the heart of the new Exchange Building, this coffee house is in the University of Birmingham. With a modern and stylish aesthetic, this study spot has large windows, comfortable ambience and amazing food. Being near the college’s student accommodation, this place is just perfect for long study sessions.

They serve the best coffee on campus which is locally sourced from the farmers along with a light food menu. Plus, being on-campus, students can easily go there anytime they wish to.

Damascena Coffee House

With multiple locations across Birmingham, Damascena Coffee House is also near the University of Birmingham. Offering Middle Eastern vibes and warm decor, this place has been one of the favourite study spots for students.

They offer a variety of options in coffee, food, tea and more. Not only British dishes but you will also find Middle Eastern dishes like falafel, hummus, baklava and more. In addition, there are cosy sofas as well as large tables, making it ideal for large group study sessions.

Second Cup Coffee Company

Standing near Birmingham’s main student accommodation, this cafe is situated in the city centre. With plenty of tables and a relaxing vibe, you can always have a chance of finding a good table here. Ideal for both group and solo study sessions, they have the most amazing menu for students. You can grab a quick vibe or take away your coffee. This central Birmingham location is close to many student apartments as well as colleges. Plus, they open early and stay open late which makes it perfect for early birds and night owls.

Student life in Birmingham is unique, beautiful and warm. It gets even better when you find a perfect place beyond the student accommodation to spend some quality time. This city certainly offers a diverse range of student-friendly cafes, mouth-watering menus, perfect coffee and proximity to student housing. So, explore the cafes mentioned above and find your perfect study spot in Birmingham.

[whatsonmedia]

The Ultimate Guide to This Week's Sports Action!

Another week, another round of exciting sports action. Whether you're a fan of football, basketball, baseball, or anything else, there's something for everyone this week. Here's a guide to some of the biggest events taking place: Football: This weekend promises an exhilarating lineup of international friendlies that will leave football fans on the edge of their seats. On Saturday, Brazil clashes with Guinea in a battle of powerhouses, showcasing their attacking prowess. On Monday, an unexpected encounter awaits as Indonesia takes on Argentina, offering a glimpse into Indonesian football's growth. Tuesday brings a clash of titans as Germany faces Colombia, combining precision and flair. Meanwhile, Brazil returns to the pitch to meet Senegal, featuring an array of superstars. These matches guarantee a football extravaganza you won't want to miss. When & Where >Saturday 17 June 2023; 20:00 International friendlies Brazil vs Guinea >Monday 19 June 2023; 13:30 International friendlies Indonesia vs Argentina >Tuesday 20 June 2023; 19:45 International friendlies Germany vs Colombia >Tuesday 20 June 2023; 20:00 International friendlies Brazil vs Senegal Cricket: Get ready to be captivated by a week filled with thrilling Test cricket battles! Witness the clash of Asian titans as Bangladesh takes on Afghanistan at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur. And hold your breath as the legendary Ashes rivalry reignites with England going head-to-head against Australia at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Brace yourself for a cricketing spectacle that will leave you on the edge of your seat, as these epic encounters unleash pure Test match madness! When & Where >Wed 14 - Sun 18 June Bangladesh v Afghanistan - 2023 Test Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur >Fri 16 - Tue 20 June, 11:00 1st Test, England vs Australia - 2023 Men's Test Series England vs Australia Edgbaston, Birmingham BASEBALL: Get set for a baseball blitz as the New York Yankees take on the Boston Red Sox in a high-stakes MLB clash. Meanwhile, the College World Series amps up the excitement with a pivotal Game 6 featuring top college teams. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled weekend of baseball thrills that will leave you on the edge of your seat! When & Where >Saturday 17 June 2023; 7:00 pm MLB Baseball New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox >Sunday 18 June 2023; 7:00 pm 2023 Men's College World Series Game 6: Teams TBA Rugby League Listings for June 17-22, 2023: Saturday, June 17 - NRL: Knights v Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium, 3:00 PM (AEDT) - NRL: Eels v Sea Eagles at CommBank Stadium, 5:30 PM (AEDT) - NRL: Tigers v Storm at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 7:35 PM (AEDT) Sunday, June 18 - NRL: Sharks v Bulldogs at PointsBet Stadium, 4:05 PM (AEDT) Wednesday, June 21 - State of Origin: QLD v NSW at Suncorp Stadium, 8:00 PM (AEDT) Thursday, June 22 - Women’s State of Origin: QLD v NSW at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:45 PM (AEDT) All times are in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT). Read the full article

[bac-connex]

Cordelia's Day 3 @ ICON Architecture

Today we had several meetings: the first, the near complete phase of construction and design preparation phase.

We then attended a DEI (Diversity Equity Inclusion) informal gathering where this day's topic was MLK's Birmingham Letter.

After Lunch, a Revit user meeting, where updates on Revit features are discussed as well as various issue that may arise.

We also continued looking at specifications, making sure the product samples were matching the requests, sending approvals or revise and resubmits.

I like One Canal street, it is located at a major intersection in Boston, this is my parti diagram.

[sl-newsie]

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 43: Familie

https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/739551758747090944/american-woman-thomas-shelby-x-american-oc?source=share

The boat ride home feels like I’m being punished. The further away I sail from England the deeper my heartache grows. When I arrive back in the crowded Brooklyn streets all I can think about is waiting for news about the Shelbys' death sentences. 

“Verena!” Oma gushes and wraps me into a warm hug. “Dear kleinkind, you are home! We- Verena? Why the sad face?”

I offer a small smile and set my trunk down. “Homesickness, oma. And… I’m really going to miss my job.”

“Oh, sweetheart.” She hugs me closer. “I’m so sorry. If it's any comfort, we are all glad to have you back. Your vader's been too stubborn to fix that step, and look where it landed him!”

“Verena!” Moeder’s voice shouts from the bedroom. “Run and fetch your vader some morphine!”

“Elowyn, the poor girl just got back!” Oma tries to calm her down.

“She can unpack later. Dochter! Now!”

I steal a quick moment to cry into a pillow before answering. “Yes, moeder.”

So good to be back.

The doctor said vader’s injury will take nearly a year to heal. One whole year. It only takes a month for paranoia to sink in. Every day I wait for Thomas to call. Either with good news of triumph or tragic news of death. It’s not until I’m stuck doing a mountain of laundry when Conor’s wife Delilah calls me over to the phone.

“The name is Shelby. Isn’t that your boss?”

“Yes!” I gasp and wretch the phone from her. “Did they make it in time?”

On the other end Thomas keeps his voice calm. “Just made it. They’re all safe.”

I close my eyes and give a silent prayer of thanks. Dear Christ, they are alive! “They’re going to be angry.”

“I know.” He pauses. “It’s good to hear from you, Verena. I got your letter last week. Please send my best wishes to your father.”

My mouth starts to hurt from how much smiling he’s causing. “I will."

"When will you come back?” He masks his voice to make it unclear if he misses me too.

“I should be back by next December. I’ve been given permission to return to Birmingham once vader’s recovered.” I change to a tone of dry humor. “Thank you, by the way, for sending that persuasive letter.”

“What can I say? It’s not been the same since you left. Charlie keeps asking where you are.”

“Yes, well, when moeder read the letter she was very concerned about why someone like me was being requested by a gang leader.”

I had to swear on my life that there’s nothing scandalous afoot. 

Thomas ignores my implications. “How’s Ada?” 

“According to her calls, our arranged meeting in Boston is still planned. Next Monday we’re meeting with Mr. Anderson.”

“Excellent. Let me know when you’re on your way back.” He waits for a moment, deciding his next words. “It’s- I- Goodbye, Verena.”

I take a deep breath. Typical. “Goodbye, Thomas.”

As I promised, I keep to my word and meet with Ada the following week. She, like Thomas, is surprised with how busy the city is. When I spot her at the Boston docks’ main office Ada greets me with a big hug.

“So good to see you! Did you get the present Tommy sent you?”

“Yes!” 

The silver pendant hangs as a hopeful reminder under my shirt. No cursed jewel. A simple silver pendant with a Celtic cross at the center. Two days after my birthday I received a parcel from Thomas, along with a small note. 

Verena-

You refuse to wear anything of your paygrade so I am gifting you something tied to your devoted faith and heritage. Happy birthday, Verena. Please come back soon.

-Thomas

 I know those words must have been very precisely selected. Whether he does love me or not, the gift always brings joy to my heart.

“And Tommy told you the good news?” Ada asks.

“Yes! They were pardoned!” My smile fades. “Have they yelled at him yet?”

Ada’s face grows grim as well. “Not a word. It’s like no one wants to acknowledge Tommy anymore. Except Michael, that is. He jumped right back in. Finn tries to help when he can. Everyone else walked away.”

I take her hand and give it a squeeze. “Let’s start things off right. Today can bring good fortune to the company, which means good fortune for us.”

We ascend the stairs into the office and find an older man with jet-black hair waiting behind the front desk.

“Hello, Mr. Anderson,” I greet. “I believe you know Christiaan Steenstra?”

He looks me over. “Steenstra, yes. He married that Irish lass from the mob.”

“He is my father. I am his daughter Verena Nora Steenstra.” I gesture to my partner. “May I introduce Ada Shelby. We are here on business for Shelby Company Limited. Thomas Shelby wrote ahead to tell you we were coming.”

The name sparks his memory. “Yes. His instructions were very specific. I have only one question : why do I do business with you? Why doesn’t Shelby come see me himself?”

Ada and I exchange looks. I speak before she can argue with him. “He is a busy man. Saying that, he is a man who is not afraid to let women represent the company. Are we in agreement or would you like some persuasion from the White Hand?”

The name lingers in the air and the blood drains Anderson’s face. “No.”

I smile prosperously. “Then we are decided. Ada, the papers please.”

Once again I owe my leverage to Uncle Colon.

One final week. One week until Christmas, one week until I will be back in Birmingham! Ada’s waiting with the cab outside while I finish packing the last of my clothes. Just then, all five brothers barrel into my bedroom. 

“You’re really doing this, sis?” Eoin asks for the fifth time.

“You’re an American. Not a Brit,” Abel points out.

I clasp the trunk shut. “Must this always end in an argument against the British?”

Liam slaps the side of his head as if I just asked if the sky is blue. “Yes! We beat their tea-drinking asses. Why should you care about some gangster and his shipping company?”

“Need I remind you, Liam, that America’s melting pot is all about international cooperation?”

“America is the best,” Nicolaas mutters.

I face the gang of boys with my hands on my hips. It’s just like lecturing the Shelbys. “Our family comes from other places, too. If Ireland were under attack would you let it burn?”

All five brothers sheepishly look down and shake their heads. “No.”

“Neither would I. That’s why I’m helping.”

“That and you’re sweet on Mr. Shelby,” Liam chuckles under his breath.

I point a warning finger at him. “Shut it. I do not fancy him.”

“Ha!” Conor laughs at my unusual wording. “Verena’s picked up a bit-a-the-’ol English tongue!”

Nicolaas keeps a more mature expression. “Does Uncle Colon know?”

No. I still hesitate to inform my family of exactly who I’m working for. All they know is that I act as a foreign representative for a British trading company. It’s not a lie. If moeder caught on to how dangerous my work can get she would keep me stranded in Brooklyn forever. I can’t tell Uncle Colon how deeply I'm involved with the Peaky Blinders.

“I haven’t told him yet.”

“That doesn’t mean he doesn’t know. The White Hand has spies everywhere.”

Abel catches on to my growing anxiety and leans in to corner me. “There’s something else. What haven’t you told us?”

This is partly why I didn’t want to come back. My brothers’ intentions to protect me involve coaxing out every bit of information about my job. They mean well but I would rather die than expose them to the cruel, brutal world of the Peaky Blinders. How can I convince them not to worry when they keep asking questions?

I bite my lip. “Thomas- My boss… He used to be involved with the Russians.”

Conor’s jaw tightens. “Are you serious?”

“And you’re going along with this?” Nicolaas asks, appalled. “After what they did?”

I keep a look of confidence. “I leave it to Mr. Shelby. My business is anywhere else. He wanted me to chat up Mr. Anderson and now I’m scheduled to head to somewhere in France.”

Liam grunts. “We don’t know a thing ‘bout France.”

“It’s not your concern,” I state firmly. “I can’t do the work of a dozen, but I am able of doing this.”

“You can stand to work for them?” Eoin asks in disbelief.

“Aside from all their sex talk?” Abel’s jaw drops at my laid-back tone. “It’s tolerable. The drinking, smoking, swearing. It’s all old news to me now.”

All five brothers exchange looks. Are they ganging up on me? Do they not think I can handle myself after all these years?

“Verena,” Conor begins. “You’ve changed. Ever since you started working for this guy you’ve been distant. It’s like you don’t want to see us anymore.”

My face falls. Is that how they see me? They know me better than to think I would want to avoid them.

“Broers. I love you all. I love my familie. I will never abandon you. Did I not leave England to aid vader when he was injured?” They all look to the floor again. “And Eoin, I just spent the last three months watching your children. How is that not loyalty?” He doesn’t answer. “But I am loyal to the Shelbys too. I love them all, even with their flaws.”

“You’re so loyal that you’re spending Christmas away from us?” Abel asks softly.

I take a deep breath. “This time of year is supposed to be when people gather and celebrate the spirit of the season. This year has been really hard on the Shelbys and I want to be there to help.”

“You talk as if they’re family oriented like us,” Nicolaas observes. “Yet the rumor is that no one’s getting along.”

A bittersweet smile grows on my face as I lean in to give my broers one last hug. “That’s why I have to go.”

@meadows5

[focusonthegoodnews]

He Lost Nearly Everything To Addiction. Then An Arrest Changed His Life

He Lost Nearly Everything To Addiction. Then An Arrest Changed His Life

Good News Notes: “Heroin started rewiring and taking control of Will’s brain in the early 2000s, as he turned 40. “Back then, if you used drugs people didn’t want anything to do with you,” Will recalls. “People gave up on me.” Will lost almost everything: jobs, his driver’s license, his car, his marriage and his home. He found enough temporary work to pay rent on a room, ate at soup kitchens, and…

[libramc]

❤️ How to predict WHERE you're going to meet your future spouse through Astrology ❤️

hi guys! in today's post I'm going to show you how to find out where you'll meet your future spouse through your birth chart. this technique was discovered by the astrologer Kapiel Raaj, and it's based on vedic astrology. hence, you're going to need your sidereal birth chart to calculate this. if you already know how to do that, you can skip this part.

✨

first of all, go to astro.com > horoscope and then click on extended chart selection.

add your birth data by clicking on the 'add a new person' button. it's necessary to have your accurate birth time for this, as it's based on your ascendant.

then scroll down and click on options for zodiac and houses. choose the whole signs house system and then click on sidereal. after that, choose 'hindu/lahiri' on the ayanamsha button.

after you've calculated your chart, it will be something like this (this is angelina jolie's sidereal birth chart):

to calculate where you're going to meet your spouse, we need to first of all take a look at the 7th house lord, which is the planet that rules your 7th house. in this chart it is saturn, as she has capricorn in her 7th house. now that you know what is your 7th house lord, look at where it's placed in your chart. also, keep in mind that since this is a sidereal technique, we're only going to take in consideration traditional rulers, therefore aquarius is ruled by uranus, pisces by jupiter and scorpio by mars. angelina has her saturn in gemini in the 12th house. the opposite sign indicates the circumstances or directly the place where you're going to meet your spouse. in this chart, it is sagittarius. keep reading for an explanation of each sign!!

✨

♈️ aries opposite 7th house lord ♈️

you're going to meet your spouse when doing some sort of physical activity. you may meet them at the gym, or maybe at a sport event like a football match. you could even meet them just by taking a casual walk, and it could be love at first sight. you two may also meet in a place where there's lots of noise and action, maybe even danger, probably not in a quiet place. places that are ruled by aries are palestine, england, hong kong, germany, poland, syria, israel, lithuania, senegal, sierra leone and zimbabwe. as for cities, we have birmingham, cape town, leicester, florence, krakow, naples, utrecht, marseilles and georgia.

♉️ taurus opposite 7th house lord ♉️

taurus loves the finer things in life, so if you have this sign opposite your 7th house lord you may meet your spouse during your chill time. for instance, you may meet them at a spa, at the mall, at the beach... anything that symbolizes relax for you. in addition, taurus also rules finances, therefore you could meet them in a bank or in any place or circumstance where you have to deal with finances, even in a shop for example. also, since taurus rules over the throat and the voice, you may meet at a place where there's singing for instance, or at least there's music playing in the background. last but not least, being an earth sign, taurus opposing your 7th house lord may also indicate that you're going to meet your future spouse in a place where there's lots of green, maybe at the park or in a forest. places that are ruled by taurus are cyprus, tasmania, ireland, capri, rhodes, the greek iIslands, cuba, east timor, serbia, tanzania, south africa and yemen. as for cities, we have lucerne, eastbound, eastbourne, hastings, palermo, leipzig, st. louis and dublin.

♊️ gemini opposite 7th house lord ♊️

with gemini opposing your 7th house lord, you may meet your future spouse through socializing. you could meet them through your friends or through your siblings, maybe they're a sibling of a friend of yours. you could also meet them during short-distance trips, so maybe in a city near you or even on a train, on a bus, etc. communication is going to be involved, and hence you could even meet them at an event where there's the need to talk and / or write. possibly, you may as well meet him online or in school. places that are ruled by gemini include iceland, sardinia, morocco, belgium, wales, eritrea, guyana, kuwait, norway, montenegro, sweden and tonga. as for cities, we have nuremberg, tripoli, san francisco, london, melbourne, plymouth and cardiff.

♋️ cancer opposite 7th house lord ♋️

if cancer is opposing your 7th house lord, then you could have possibly known your future spouse since your childhood. you could have met a school, or to talk in a more general way you may be from the same city. possibly, you could as well meet in a place where there are children, or where there's food. in addition, since cancer is ruled by the moon, you could meet in a place where there's moon symbolism. maybe during a full or new moon. perhaps, you're going to meet near water as well, as cancer is a water sign. places that are ruled by cancer include usa, paraguay, scotland, holland, the bahamas bahrain belize, burundi, cape verde, columbia, comoros, democratic republic of the congo croatia djibouti, kiribati laos, liberia, madagascar, malawi mozambique, rwanda, slovenia solomon islands, algeria, somalia, and south korea. as for cities, we have manchester, new york, stockholm, tokyo, venice, york, amsterdam and milan.

♌️ leo opposite 7th house lord ♌️

with the sign of leo opposing your 7th house lord, you’re likely to meet your future spouse in a place where there’s fun. it could be at a party, during a vacation, at a bar, a restaurant... certainly not at work, that’s for sure. you’ll  meet your spouse in a situation of relax, not of stress. since leo also rules celebrities, you may even meet them in a place where there are famous people, like a concert for instance. countries ruled by leo are afghanistan, india, italy, macedonia, romania, sicily, ecuador, zanzibar, bhutan, bolivia, central african republic chad, the ivory coast, gabon, indonesia, north korea, south korea, kyrgyzstan, malaysia, maldives, nicaragua, pakistan, mongolia, seychelles, singapore, ukraine and madagascar. as for cities, we have bristol, bombay, chicago, madrid, los angeles, philadelphia, rome and bath.

♍️ virgo opposite 7th house lord ♍️

virgo rules over health, and hence you may meet your future spouse in a health-related place. it could be at the doctor’s, at the dentist’s, in a hospital, etc. virgo is also routine, so you may meet your future spouse in a typical day of yours. it could be at the supermarket, at work, while you’re walking your dog, at the gym, and so on. basically, it could be that your future spouse is going to casually approach you in the streets. countries ruled by virgo include crete, brazil, greece, switzerland, turkey, uruguay, west indies, armenia, azerbaijan, belarus, brazil, costa rica, el salvador estonia guatemala, honduras, mali, moldova, qatar and tajikistan. as for cities we have athens, paris, toulouse, corinth, lyons, boston and mexico city.

♎️ libra opposite 7th house lord ♎️

if you have libra opposing your 7th house lord, you may get to meet your spouse in a place that has to do with beauty, so maybe in a clothes shop or at a salon. you may also meet them in a place where there are many people, or even at some sort of event like a marriage. libra also rules over politics and justice, so maybe you could meet them at the courthouse or during election time. countries that are ruled by libra include france, tibet, argentina, austria, burma, canada, china, japan, siberia, botswana, equatorial guinea, fiji, iraq, israel, lesotho, nigeria, palau, saint lucia, saudi arabia, tuvalu and uganda. as for cities that are ruled by libra we have lisbon, frankfurt, copenhagen, johannesburg, nottingham and antwerp.

♏️ scorpio opposite 7th house lord ♐️

scorpio is the sign of darkness, hence if you have it opposing your 7th house lord you may get to meet your spouse during nighttime. scorpio is also about sex, so this relationship could start off as a one night stand, or maybe you may meet in a place where sex is involved. you could also meet them in a place that has to do with death or where there's death symbolism, such as a graveyard (I hope not tho lol💀). you two may also be transforming yourselves when you meet, you could be starting a new chapter of your life to leave toxicity behind your shoulders. you could also meet at a place where you need to be naked, such as a beach or at the spa, or again in a place related to finances and money. countries that are ruled by scorpio include angola, morocco, queensland, korea, syria, norway, the transvaal, bavaria, antigua, barbuda, cambodia, dominica, latvia, lebanon, micronesia, panama, turkey, turkmenistan and zambia. cities that are ruled by scorpio include cincinnati, liverpool, newcastle, washington, vienna, baltimore and new orleans.

♐️ sagittarius opposite 7th house lord ♐️

sagittarius rules over foreign lands, so if you have it opposite your 7th house lord you're most likely going to meet your future spouse abroad. or perhaps, they are foreign and they travel to your country. you may also meet them in a place related to foreign culture, so maybe in a place filled with tourists, or perhaps in an exotic restaurant, perhaps at a sushi bar if you're not japanese for example. it may also be time for you for new experiences, perhaps you're doing something for the first time, such as trying a new sport or taking a plane. you may also meet your future spouse in college or in university, or in general in a place where there's teaching of any kind. last but not least, sagittarius is also a very spiritual sign, so you could meet them in a church, or maybe at an event related to religion such as a marriage, a baptism, etc. countries that are ruled by sagittarius include spain, australia, chile, hungary, saudi arabia, bangladesh, barbados, cameroon, kazakhstan, kenya, libya and mauritania. cities that are ruled by sagittarius include budapest, johannesburg, naples, nottingham, sheffield, sunderland, stuttgart and toronto.

♑️ capricorn opposite 7th house lord ♑️

capricorn is ruled by saturn, the planet of responsibilities, therefore if you have this sign opposing your 7th house lord you'll most likely meet your spouse on your workplace. perhaps they're your boss or a co-worker of yours, or maybe they may even be a customer of yours. you'll surely meet them later in life, when you're at least 27/28 years old, or perhaps when you manage to accomplish something really big in your life, not necessarily career-related. countries that are ruled by capricorn include india, bulgaria, mexico, great britain, albania, afghanistan, lithuania, bosnia, brunei, czech republic, haiti, nauru, slovakia and sudan. as for cities that are ruled by capricorn we have brandenburg, brussel, delhi, mexico city, port said, oxford and ghent.

♒️ aquarius opposite 7th house lord ♒️

you may meet your spouse in any place that has to do with electricity, for instance at a movie theater, at a theme park, at an apparel store, and so on. perhaps even on a public transport, such as a train, a taxi or a plane. also, since we're talking about electricity we can also count on internet, therefore if you have aquarius opposing your 7th house lord you have high chances of meeting your future spouse on social media, such as twitter, instagram, etc. or even through dating apps, such as tinder. last but not least, you may also be introduced to your spouse by your friends, or perhaps they could be a part of your group of friends. you may be both best friends and lovers, you would have a very playful and youthful relationship. countries that are ruled by aquarius include iran, finland, new zealand, russia, sweden, syria, ethiopia, the holy vatican city and sri lanka. cities that are ruled by aquarius include brighton, hamburg, helsinki, moscow, salzburg, st. petersburg and bremen.

♓️ pisces opposite 7th house lord ♓️

if you have pisces opposite your 7th house lord, you may first of all meet your future spouse near water. therefore you could meet them at the beach, at an aquarium, at the lake, at the pool, etc. perhaps even at a restaurant that serves seafood and fish, such as a sushi bar. pisces is also about alcohol, therefore you may also meet them in a bar or at a party where there's alcohol. pisces also rules over art and images, therefore you could meet them in a place where there are lots of pictures and paintings, such as a museum, or perhaps even at the movie theater, at a concert, etc. the club would be an option too, as it combines both alcohol and dancing, two pisces related things. also, it could be very late at night, when you're supposed to be sleeping, or perhaps, you're just sleepy or even drunk. last but not least, this placement usually indicates a soulmate or twinflame connection, therefore you may even meet your spouse first in the 5D than in the 3D, perhaps you feel spiritually connected to them even if you haven't met them yet. you could very likely dream of them as well. lastly, pisces is also about healing, so your future spouse may either work in the medicine field or maybe they're some sort of spiritual healer. you could possibly also meet them at the church or in a temple. countries that are ruled by pisces include normandy, north africa, portugal, samoa, egypt, Scandinavia, mauritius, morocco, namibia and tunisia. cities that are ruled by pisces include warsaw, alexandria, grimsby, jerusalem, bournemouth, seville and cowes.

and this is it! let me know in the comments where you're going to meet your spouse, and if you've already met them feel free to say if this post resonated with your experience!

follow me for more,

libramc xx

[zablife]

💋 Valentine's Day Reading List 💋

Happy Valentine's Day! I've made a list of my most romantic fics to celebrate. Enjoy!

How Alfie Says I Love You

Seemingly Incurable Sadness Alfie x female reader

Stay Bonnie x fiance reader

Matchmaking Heaven Finn x wife reader

Homecoming Jack Nelson x wife reader

Boston Meets Birmingham Jack Nelson x fiance reader

When John Comes Home from Work

To Have and to Hold John x Esme

Gelato Luca x pregnant wife reader

A Night for Celebration Tommy x reader

Chosen Tommy x wife reader

A Gift For My Wife Tommy x wife reader

And for those 18+ to enjoy:

🔞Welcome Home Michael x female reader

🔞The Appleby Fair Tommy x female reader

🔞Say Goodbye Tommy x female reader

🔞Did You Miss Me Tommy x gf reader

🔞Smile Like You Mean It Jack Nelson x wife reader

🔞The Letter Jack Nelson x female reader

🔞Baby Fever Jack Nelson x wife reader

[breakawayshinies]

Tyler Hoechlin met (last meeting): Fan Expo Boston, Boston, MA on: August 30, 2019 (part 1) ...The road to my degree was a long and often frustrating one, but it led to so much good. I did two years at my local community college in MA before transferring to the University of Pittsburgh, which was terrifying. But I did it. I moved to a new place, made new friends, and worked my ass off. I graduated with honors in 2020 with a B.S. in Ecology & Evolution. I don't owe all of that to one convention, meeting one celebrity. But you can be damn sure it started because of him. Maybe I would have gotten fed up and done it without that push...I'm honestly not sure. But I'm pretty sure that push saved my life. Just before my final semester at Pitt, I found out Tyler was going to be at Fan Expo Boston. I had no reason to go to that convention. There was no one else there I cared to meet that would make it worth the cost of a flight and a ticket. But I wanted to tell him how much his words years ago meant to me, so I decided to do it. I was fighting tears the moment I walked up to him. But I managed to get all the words out, thanking him for being the catalyst I needed to change things in my life that so desperately needed changing. He was gobsmacked. He high-fived me and held my hand and said he was proud and so grateful I came to tell him. He congratulated me and took a photo with me and thanked me twice more before I stumbled away. I was an emotional wreck. Three years later, I still haven’t stopped smiling about it. You can think what you like about how meeting celebrities is shallow, how fandoms are worthless. But that talk way back in Birmingham in 2014, a few minutes I'm certain Tyler wouldn't even remember, changed my life in a way few single moments ever have before. And I am so grateful to him, always.

[queenshelby]

The Affair (Part One)

Pairing: Thomas Shelby x Reader

Words: 1,899

Warning: None

Notes: This plays after Season 5 and Michael Grey is dead. Polly will not be a part of this Fic.

Please comment and engage thank you

*********

One year ago, you were married into one of Birmingham’s most well-known families and yet, you had never been to Birmingham yourself.

In fact, you had never been to England and it was in Boston, on the day of your wedding, that you met your husband, Finn Shelby.

The marriage was arranged by your father and Thomas Shelby, a man who you had heard so much about but whom you had never met.

Thomas Shelby was the leader of the Peaky Blinders and a member of parliament in Westminster while your husband was looking after the import of illicit drugs and alcohol in to the US after Michael Gray was assassinated by his cousin following a fallout between them.

The family was divided about it but you never questioned Finn about what happened.

In fact, you barely spoke to your husband. He was too busy with work and seeking the company of whores and prostitutes.

Neither of you wanted to be married to each other, but you didn’t have a choice. Both of your families were gypsies and an alliance had to be formed between your family and the Shelby Family.

Eventually, after a year had passed, your husband planned a trip to the United Kingdom to visit his family and arrange for another shipment of opium to be brought into America.

This was the first time you travelled with him and you were both accompanied by your father who needed to make arrangements with the Shelby Family in order to expand his illegal empire in the US along the coastline.  

***

Since you disliked travelling by air, following a lengthy journey by boat, you arrived in Birmingham which is where you were greeted by Finn’s brother, Arthur Shelby.

‘Hello Love’ he said with a thick accent before shaking your hand and escorting you to his car after Finn and Arthur hugged. It was obvious to you that they were close and yet, they looked nothing like each other.

‘Tommy has arranged for a dinner tonight to welcome you back home. You will be staying at his house, rather than at a hotel. After all, you are family, eh’ Arthur said with excitement as he drove off towards the large mansion at which you would be staying.

The drive took no more than twenty minutes and, when you arrived at the large house, you were rather surprised. You hadn’t seen a property quite like this, it was beautiful and old-fashioned.

When you walked inside, you were amazed by the large paintings and the welcoming and elegant atmosphere and it wasn’t long until you were greeted by Finn’s other brother, Thomas Shelby.

Whilst he was the man at fault of your misery, being married to a man you had no feelings for, you were somewhat taken by his charm.

His eyes were piercing blue and yet full of fire, a fire which roamed wildly within him. He was just a little shorter than your husband and probably fifteen or twenty years older than him and yourself. He was well dressed and well spoken.

‘It is a pleasure to finally meet you Y/N’ he said, kissing the top of your hand before enquiring as to whether it was, in fact, permissible for him to refer to you as Y/N as opposed to Mrs Shelby.

‘Of course it is permissible. We are family after all. And how should I refer to you?’ you asked politely as your eyes wandered across the enormous hallway in which you were standing.

‘My family calls me Tommy so I suggest you call me Tommy as well, eh’ he said before introducing you to his wife Lizzie and his two children.

Lizzie was not much younger than her husband and quite attractive herself. She was tall, well dressed and well spoken and clearly enjoyed to wear expensive jewellery as her skin was covered in diamonds.

‘Now, don’t worry Y/N, we have arranged for separate bedrooms for you and Finn. I heard from Ada that you would prefer it this way?’ Lizzy asked as she showed you to the guest wing while her husband and his brothers and your father went to discuss business in Tommy’s office.

‘Thank you, Lizzie, that’s very kind’ you said somewhat embarrassed but she seemed to understand and you soon became to realise that her and her husband Tommy didn’t share a marital bedroom anymore either.

The guest wing of the house was almost as large as the wing where Tommy, his wife and the children lived and you were somewhat surprised when you learned that the house had 16 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms in total.

Clearly, the Shelby family had significant wealth but that didn’t surprise you. Whilst you didn’t love Finn, you were financially stable and had a large house yourself, several cars and as many dresses as your heart desired.

****

After dinner, you spent some time talking to Ada who had recently moved back to the UK. You had always enjoyed her company when she lived in Boston. She was smart and she listened to you, which was more than your husband did.

Your husband and the other Shelby brothers had since disappeared to discuss matters even Ada didn’t want to know about and, when she suggested to you that she would give you a grand tour of Birmingham, you were somewhat surprised but certainly up for the adventure.

‘You might want to wear different shoes though. The place I’ll be taking you to is a shithole’ she chuckled and you quickly grabbed some boots from your suitcase.

After Lizzie told you to be careful, you got into Ada’s car and she drove with you to an area called Small Heath.

She wanted you to see where it all began and, before you knew it, you stumbled past several drunken men and into a pub called the Garrison.

‘I thought women weren’t allowed to attend these kinds of establishments by themselves’ you said to Ada.

‘We are Shelbys, we can go anywhere in Birmingham’ she then said and you nodded and followed her lead.

When you walked inside, you saw Arthur and Tommy at the bar, but Finn and your father weren’t with them.

‘Look Tommy, the women are here’ Arthur chuckled, causing Tommy to huff out an annoyed ‘fuck’.

‘Where are the others, Tommy?’ Ada asked bluntly while Arthur ordered you two glasses of whiskey, before you followed them both into the side room.

‘Not here Ada’ Tommy said with a low voice.

‘Well, I can see that, Tommy. So where are they?’ she then asked again, causing Tommy to cock an eyebrow.

‘At the whorehouse’ he then said bluntly before apologising to you, causing Ada to sigh and you begin to laugh.

‘I am glad that you can see the humour in this Love’ Tommy then said, looking at you somewhat surprised.

‘Trust me, I am used to it and I don’t care. He can fuck whomever he wants’ you said somewhat amused.

‘That’s a good fucking wife, Tommy…Finn is one lucky man’ Arthur said in approval when he heard you speak.

‘He sure is’ Tommy then said, winking at you as his deep blue eyes gazed over your body with an intensity you had never seen on anyone else before.

****

As the evening went by, things began to get rather loud and troublesome at the Garrison. By this point, Arthur had joined Finn and your father at the local whorehouse and Ada excused herself after another hour when her new partner John arrived.

‘Tommy, you need to make sure that Y/N gets home alright. Don’t let her wander through Small Heath on her own’ Ada said and Tommy chuckled in amusement.

‘I might sell her down the road Ada, eh’ he said before offering you another glass of whiskey and a cigarette, both of which you gladly accepted.

‘So, Tommy, why do you come here? Just to drink?’ you asked, causing Tommy to smirk.

‘Sometimes I just need to not be home. But I am sure you understand that all too well, eh?’ he said before telling you that the Garrison was a special place where ideas would often come to him.

‘I do, but there is much more to do in Boston. There are bars and Jazz Clubs, all of which are fantastic and elegant’ you said as you engaged in a conversation with Tommy.

‘I think you would quite enjoy London then, Love. This area is more for working class men and women’ Tommy explained.

‘Which you were once I believe?’ you asked and Tommy nodded quietly.

‘I was a working-class man, yes, although, unlike many others, I had ambitions to become something more’ Tommy confirmed and you couldn’t help but smile at his arrogance which was intimidating and intriguing all at the same time.

‘And now everyone does whatever you tell them to do, including my husband and me, who was forced to marry him’ you gulped.

‘Your sisters were under the age of 18. You were the only option. I am sorry Love’ he explained.

‘Well, it could be worse. Your brother is kind and doesn’t talk much to me, which is probably for the best’ you giggled, causing Tommy to chuckle.

‘Do you love him?’ he asked and you shook your head.

‘Do you love your wife?’ you asked, catching Tommy by surprise.

‘You are very direct Love’ he observed without answering your question and you smiled.

‘So are you’ you said and he nodded.

‘Very well, I suppose that’s fair’ Tommy said before telling you that there was only woman in his life who he had ever loved and her name was Grace. She was his late wife and, of course, you had heard of her from Finn and Ada and weren’t surprised by Tommy’s admission to you.

After another half an hour of talking about more pleasurable topics, Tommy suggested that it was time to go home and you followed him to his car.

****

When you arrived at Tommy’s house, you saw your husband. He had already returned and was talking to one of Tommy’s maids in a rather intimate way.

When Tommy saw it, he cleared his throat loudly as if to tell Finn that he was standing there with you and, after Finn acknowledged him and you, he disappeared with the maid to a somewhat more secluded area of the house.

Tommy shook his head and sighed which is when you questioned Tommy about the employment status of some of the maids.

‘The ones with the name tags are prostitutes, aren’t they?’ you asked and Tommy nodded before telling you that, sometimes, he would engage working girls when guests were visiting.

‘Common, let me walk you to the guest wing, eh’ he then said almost as if he was feeling sorry for you and you gladly accepted his offer.

Within two minutes of walking next to each other completely silently, you reached the front of your room.

‘For what it’s worth, I am surprised to see that my brother is taking up the services of the women we have hired for the week’ Tommy then said.

‘And why is that?’ you asked surprised.

‘Because he is married to a beautiful woman like you. That should be enough for him. He should be making love to you instead of whores’ Tommy then said before wishing you a peasant night.

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