“So, you must decide between medication for your sister and integrity to your team?”
“That sums it up,” he said, smiling weakly. “Unless I come up with another way to make enough money before then.”
Minnie sat back, dumbfounded. To think that Tommy would face such an impasse when her father had just thrown money away because of a gambling debt made her father’s actions seem all the worse, for, as far as he knew, he didn’t even have a proper reason to have done so.
“Do you have any other family that could help? Your father?”
Tommy shook his head. “My father barely makes enough for my family to get by. He works in the factory, but after an accident, he can’t work in the same position as he once did.”
“I understand,” she said in a low voice. “Well, at the end of the day, it is your decision to make. However, whatever you choose to do should be with pride for who you are and the actions you take. If you cannot make this decision with a clear conscience, then I suggest finding an alternative approach. Perhaps you could tell the club your issue, and your teammates would help you.”
“Like a charity case?” he said with distaste.
“I would call it helping a friend in need,” she said gently. “If I had any access to my family’s finances, I would give it to you myself, but alas…. Meanwhile, you could do all you could to save money yourself, and somewhere between the two, hopefully, you will come up with enough.”
“I could try,” he said, although he didn’t seem convinced.
“You’ll find a way forward,” she said. “But you have to do what feels right foryou. Not for me or Colin or anyone else.”
He nodded slowly, his eyes meeting and catching hers. “Thank you, Minnie.”
She blushed once more. “It’s nothing,” she said. “Let’s just say that I have some experience as of late with unscrupulous practices.”
His eyes widened at that, but before he could ask any more, the back door opened, and with an incoming sweetvanilla-cherry scent of her garden’s heliotropes, Lily joined them.
“Minnie, how good to see you!” she said, although Minnie didn’t miss her questioning glance between the two of them. Apparently, Tommy hadn’t provided much of an explanation for this conversation.
As much as Minnie’s heart ached for Tommy, she could sense that he was a good man, that he would make the right decision.
She only wished that she could help him. But it seemed that all the men in her life were just outside of her reach, even if Tommy, at least, had asked for her opinion.
It was altogether too frustrating and only made her want more agency in her own life.
Agency she was determined to find.
Even if it came at a price.
Chapter Five
“See anything you like in here, Tom?”
Tommy raised his eyebrows as he looked around the tavern from his barstool next to Jonny’s.
This was far different from their usual haunt at The King’s Head.
Flickering gas lamps sent a warm glow through the air, which was thick with the mingling scents of pipe smoke, ale, and hearty food. Laughter and chatter echoed off the wooden beams, while patrons — workers and tradesmen alike—crowded around worn tables, sharing stories and camaraderie.
Most were also casting appreciative eyes upon the barmaids who weaved their way through the tavern, as well as the other few women who sat among the men, some clearly seeking paid companionship, others simply enjoying the lively atmosphere.
And, as it happened, Tommy didn’t care much for any of them.
“Just enjoying my drink, Jon,” he said, and Jonny leaned back with a smirk.
“Do not tell me you’re holding out for Minnie Draper.”
“Fine. I won’t tell you.”
Jonny snorted. “Tommy, you’re a good man, but be smart about this. A woman like Minnie Draper… she’s not the woman for you. You know that.”
