Chapter Text
"I'm bored, can't we do something?" Peggy whined.
"We literally just got here." Pointed out Maria as they pushed open the door. The Diner was, in theory, exactly that. But the place had become infested with the towns high schoolers and the owner had become aware he'd make more money if he just sold alcohol to them, which is what he did. As a result it became nicknamed rather unimaginatively as 'the Bar'. And as such, anyone who was anyone was there- or so Eliza insisted every time she wanted to go. She found the place amazing. Meanwhile Angelica was usually more concerned in arguing with someone. And Maria usually lurked in a corner near one of their friends, who would stave off whoever wanted to dance with the poor girl.
Angelica rolled her eyes at her youngest sister. "Stop complaining."
"But it's so late!" She looked around nervously. "Daddy said we have to be home by sundown."
"Who's going to tell him, you?"
"I'm only saying- we aren't meant to be here."
"You're free to leave, darling." Eliza assured her distractedly, looking around doubtless for her precious Alexander.
Maria cleared her throat. "Angelica?"
"Yes?"
"I forgot my purse."
"What?!" Eliza gave her a warning glance as if to say 'that was far too loud'. Indeed plenty of people turned around to check on them. "How?"
"I don't know, I just did! Do you have yours?"
"I'm broke at the moment. Eliza?"
But Eliza laughed pointedly. "Really? Me?"
Before anyone could ask her Peggy said "Don't even ask."
"We weren't going to, don't worry." Angelica rummaged in her bag but it was obvious already they had nothing. "Any ideas?"
They could hardly hang around without buying anything. For one thing it would look so suspicious, for another people may start asking questions. Next thing you knew there'd be a rumour about the financial state of the Schuyler family flying all over the damn town. No, they would have to get something. But it wasn't as if they could pay with lint, hairpins or cigarettes, which is all Angelica had in her bag.
"I have a suggestion." Of all people, Peggy piped up. "But you won't like it at all."
She was looking at Angelica, almost apologetically, then she nodded at the window next to them. Through it, framed by the orange sunset was Thomas Jefferson, smoking out on the railing on the steps out the front.
Angelica gritted her teeth. "I would rather die. I would rather people talk badly of us. I would rather go home."
"Got a light for me?"
Thomas looked up, surprised to hear a voice at all, let alone hers. She didn't even look pissed off. She looked great, as always, but not as if she regretted he could see her at all. Actually, if anything she looked glad to see him. And that immediately put him on guard.
Angelica seemed vaguely uncomfortable stood there, summer breeze pushing her hair from her face. But that didn't mean she wasn't pretty, didn't mean the wide eyed, red lipped look on her wasn't good. Didn't mean he didn't have at least half his attention on how short her skirt was. He hadn't seen her dressed up like this before. He couldn't say he disliked it. "Yeah, if you wanna come here and get it."
She didn't answer, just walked over. Sat next to him on the railing. He offered his lit cigarette and she pressed the end of hers to it, watched until the fire danced between them and she put it between her lips.
Thomas watched and said nothing. Her lipstick stained the paper, mouth a perfect kiss as she blew out smoke.
Eventually, Angelica sighed. "So, I could use a favour."
"Favour?"
"Yeah."
"Want to elaborate?"
"I need some cash. Well, we do. Well, I mean, I just-" She cut herself off, took a drag, started over. Thomas kept his gaze trained on her hands, not at her mouth where the lipstick smudged, her bare neck, her dress clinging to her. Which was hard, but if he didn't something else would be. "Maria forgot her purse. And I'm broke right now."
"Mhm."
He wasn't really listening that much. Her voice was fucking music, but he barely heard what she said. The material on that dress seemed so thin, he was surprised she'd worn it. Angelica was practical normally. Pretty, stunning even, but there was layers of old fashioned fabric between them. Not to mention the emotional walls. And she was tearing them down, the way he could only imagine doing to that dress.
"Peggy never has any money, and neither does Eliza, so we can't really buy any drinks tonight."
Right now, he could do it right now- he had visions of it, one hand around her waist while he buried his head in the space between her neck and her shoulder. The wind blew the smoke to him as she puffed out again, and under it her perfume, and God he just wanted to drown in it, if such a thing were possible.
"Fascinating."
"Are you even listening?"
She moved her hands and flicked her cigarette aside. Jefferson blinked back to attention. "I fail to see what that has to do with me."
"If I hang around with no drinks all night people will think our family's lost our money."
"Wow."
"Wow, what?"
"Appearances matter so much to you."
"Are you going to buy me a drink or not?"
"I'll buy you anything, tonight." She didn't know what to say to that. "I'll buy for your sisters too, and Maria. On one condition."
Angelica rolled her eyes, anticipating the worst. "What?"
"You have to dance with me."
She thought about it. Briefly but thoroughly. "Deal."
"Really?"
"Don't make me change my mind." The strangest understanding had sprung up between them.
He liked that, the idea they were united- them having something mutual.