"Ere he is look" Arthur cheered, as everyone got up from their seats to congratulate Michael on his new job in the family business and to celebrate his birthday.

"Happy birthday Michael" Tommy shook his hand as John already started to pass him a shit ton of alcohol.

"eighteen years old, you're a man today, give him another drink John Boy" Arthur cheered.

"Ere you go lad" John said as he passed him another pint.

"And after that" Arthur smirked, "We can go find you a lady of the night"

Polly looked disgusted, "Arthur" She scolded.

"I'm here" Josie announced, bursting into the private room as theatrically as she did most things. Michael thought she was the prettiest girl he'd ever seen, he didn't want a lady of the night as Arthur had suggested, he wanted Josie. her eyes scanned the room in determination and when her eyes met his she smiled, "Happy birthday Michael, sorry I'm late, oh and Tommy I found it" She said, passing Thomas a blue box.

"Michael" Thomas said before passing him the blue box, who opened it as soon as it was in his possession, "So you're never late for work"

It was a beautiful pocket watch, gold with a red rimm, "Welcome to the business Michael" John nodded.

Michael turned to his mother who was grinning back at him before she pulled him into a tight hug, "Thank you"

"Right, let's get you drunk then" Josie cheered, as she moved closer to Michael, who had built up the confidence to wrap an arm around her small waist.

"No whisky" Thomas interjected, "He's in work tomorrow, give him only dark mild"

"A toast" Josie raised her glassed, "To Michael" She yelled as did everybody else.

-

The night had ended with Polly passed out on the couch whilst Josie and Michael attempted to drunkenly make their way up the stairs, "I should not have worn heels, my feet hurt" Michael stopped in his tracks before turning towards the brunnete and scooping her up bridal style, "Michael" She yelped, "You're going to drop me"

"N-now your feeeet won't hurt" He drunkenly stuttered sounding proud of himself, "You're very pretty" Michael stated as they reached the top of the stairs and he placed her back to the ground.

"You're just drunk" She giggled, her cheeks flushing red.

"Yeah, but I think it when I'm sober" He argued, taking subtle steps closer towards her.

"Really?" She questioned.

"Really" he confirmed, before gently brushing his lips against hers, "Goodnight Josie" He smiled, feeling accomplished as he stumbled towards his bedroom.

She stood there for a while touching her lips with a grin before she to made her way to bed. Josie however, wouldn't sleep that night, her head was to consumed with thoughts of Michael Gray.