"Welcome to Charming," Sam Hayes muttered to herself as she passed the town's famous welcome sign. "Population: whatever that sign said plus one." As she drove further towards the middle of town she noticed all the houses that slowly turned into shops the closer she got to what would pass for this small town version of "downtown".
Sam checked her phone again noting that the GPS told her that her destination was coming up on her right. The only thing on her right was a large lot surrounded by a "we mean business" fence. Surely that wasn't the auto shop that her mom's friend owned. Why would a bunch of mechanics need such a secure fence?
As Sam reached the opening in the fence she was the large Teller-Morrow sign and realized she did in fact have the correct place. Turning into the lot she instantly noticed all of the motorcycles lined up. Something tells me this isn't your average auto shop, Sam though to herself as she parked next to a Cadillac SUV. Getting out of the car she noticed all of the men on the lot staring at her.
Tucking her long brown hair behind her ears, she noticed that one of the men was approaching her. "Can I help you?" he asked sweetly.
Sam noticed he was wearing a leather vest with the word "Prospect" on a single patch. "I'm looking for a woman named Gemma. She's expecting me."
"You must be the new girl," he said extending his hand. "I'm Edward, but most people around here call me Half-Sac."
Sam shook his hand and tried not to bust out laughing. "Do I want to know why?"
"It's a long story. I'll tell you sometime. Gemma is in the office right over there," he said pointing to a door that clearly said "Office".
"Thanks." Sam walked over to the door and knocked.
"It's open," a woman's voice called out.
Opening the door, Sam found a middle aged dark haired woman sitting behind the desk. "Can I help you?" she asked without looking up.
"I hope so," Sam started.
"Picking up or dropping off sweetheart?" Gemma asked finally glancing up.
"Uh neither, I'm Sam Hayes. Michelle's daughter."
Gemma sat back and smiled. "You look like her. Have a seat," Gemma smiled pointing to the couch by the wall.
Sam sat, crossed her legs and studied the older woman. "I really appreciate you giving me this job." When Sam's mother had died a few months ago, Gemma had come to the funeral. During the wake the had got to talking about Sam needing a change and Gemma had suggested she move to Charming. While Gemma had suggested more as an off the wall idea, something had really stuck with Sam and when the girl had called Gemma two weeks ago, the older woman jumped at the opportunity to have Sam help out part time at the garage while she attended the local college. If she was being honest, Sam was slightly excited to have someone that had been close to her mom around as well.
"That's what we do for family," Gemma said, smiling at her. "Now come on, you need to meet the guys." Sam followed Gemma outside to see that nobody had really moved since she walked into the office. "Everyone inside for a second," Gemma announced directing everyone into the clubhouse.
As the guys filtered in, most of gave Sam inquisitive looks before taking seats at the bar to wait for a reason they had all been gathered together.
"This is Sam Hayes, she's new in town and is going to be working in the office part time and going to the college. Her mom was a good friend of mine growing up and I expect all of you to make her feel welcome," she said glaring at the men.
When they realized she was done talking, they stood to introduce themselves. It was all a bit overwhelming for Sam. How am I supposed to remember all of these names, she thought to herself. There is only one of me but there is a ton of them. Why can't they wear their last name on their leather vests like they do on sports jerseys? Wait did that guy just say his name is 'Chips'?
"You alright there sweetheart?" Gemma asked clearly recognizing the look of panic on Sam's face.
"I am not going to remember this in twenty minutes," Sam said honestly.
A grey haired man walked up. "Nice to finally meet you Sam, Gemma here has been talking about your arrival since you told her you were coming."
"Sam, this is my husband, Clay," Gemma introduced him.
"Nice to meet you," Sam said shaking his hand. "Clearly you're important, your vest says you're the president."
All of the guys laughed.
"It's called a Cut Darlin'," Sam heard a voice behind her say. Turning around she saw the most gorgeous blond haired, blue eyed man she had ever seen. Normally she went for the dark hair and dark eyes type but… damn. He smiled down at her.
"I'm Sam," she finally managed to get out.
"Jax," he said shaking her hand as they continued to stare at each other without blinking.
"Jax is my son," Gemma said smiling, catching on to the instant chemistry between the two. "And the Vice-President of the MC."
"MC?" Sam asked without taking her eyes off of Jax's.
"Motorcycle club," he answered for his mom. "It's what we do. Well besides mechanic, that is."
"Well I hate to break up this little stare fest, but I have to go relieve the babysitter," Gemma started. "Sam can you start tomorrow?"
Sam finally looked at the older woman. "Sure, I just can't be here Sunday. The moving truck with all of my stuff is supposed to arrive."
"Where are you staying?" the guy named Opie asked.
"I rented a little apartment above the shops on the main street drag. Up on the third floor."
"What time do the movers arrive?" Gemma asked.
"Oh no, apparently they are short staffed so they are just dropping off the truck. I get to move everything up to the third floor all by myself."
"Looks like you just got yourself an all new moving crew," Jax said smiling down at her. "What time should be all be there?"
"Oh no I couldn't ask you all to come move all my shit on a Sunday?"
"Like I said baby," Gemma started. "it's what we do for family."
Sam nodded, glanced at the floor overtaken by the instant acceptance she had received from everyone before turning her gaze back to Jax. "Ten?"
"We'll be there," he said smiling.
Sam followed Gemma outside and over to their cars. "So you have young kids too?" Sam asked and Gemma gave her a strange look. "The babysitter?"
"Oh no, for my grandson. Jax has a son a few months old."
"Oh," of course the gorgeous guy was taken. "And the baby's mom? Is she at work?"
"Jax's ex was a junkie. Nearly killed the baby by overdosing. Put both of the boys through some serious shit. Now she is off at rehab somewhere. At least, that's the last thing I heard. Good riddance as far as we are all concerned."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure being a single dad is hard," Sam said glancing over to where the men were all back outside staring at one pretty blond in particular.
"Do you wanna see him?" Gemma asked.
"What?" Sam asked snapping her gaze back to the older woman.
"Abel, my grandson. Follow me back to the house," she said getting in her car.
"Okay…" Sam said before doing just that.
Gemma unlocked the door to Jax's house and led the way down the hall to the nursery. A woman was bent over the crib talking to the baby.
"Hey Neeta," Gemma greeted the woman.
"Look Abel, grandma's here," the woman said to the baby, picking him up and handing him to Gemma. "He just woke up from his nap."
"Thank you Neeta," Gemma called as the woman left the house. "Now Abel, I want you to meet Sam," she said handing her the baby.
Sam had always had a way with babies. They were always starting at her and she could make them laugh instantly. "Well aren't you just adorable?" Sam cooed to the infant.
The women heard a motorcycle pull into the driveway and shut off. "Daddy's home," Gemma said to Abel as they heard Jax's key in the lock.
"Mom, you here?" they heard Jax call out.
"In here baby," Gemma returned.
Jax came around the corner to see Sam holding Abel. He smiled and leaned against the door jam. "Careful, she might just get you on babysitting duty."
"Oh I wouldn't mind, I love kids," Sam said smiling down at Abel who let out a little grin. "See we're already friends."
"Hell in that case I might need you on babysitting duty," Jax said smiling and giving her a wink when his mom wasn't staring them down.
"Anytime anyplace Teller," she said grinning back at him. "But right now I should really be going," she said handing the baby back to Gemma. "We're gonna have a play date though real soon little man," she said kissing his cheek.
"I'll walk you out," Jax said, the smile still hadn't left his face.
"Why don't you stop by the shop at 9 tomorrow and I'll show you the ropes," Gemma asked.
"Sounds good," Sam said. "Good night Gemma," she offered and followed Jax down the hall.
She hadn't gotten out the door before she heard Gemma tell Abel, "Grandma has a feeling you and daddy are going to be spending a lot of time with that one".
Sam looked up but realized Jax hadn't heard Gemma's comment. When they reached her car, Jax opened the door for her and closed it after she climbed inside.
Jax leaned into her open car window. "So Gemma mentioned that you were a baseball fan."
Sam laughed. "That might be a bit of an understatement. I am obsessed with baseball."
Jax laughed. "Well the club is playing in a charity event game tomorrow night. Why don't you come and watch."
"Oh cool, are you all any good."
"Not at all," he said smiling. "But I'd still like to see you there."
"Then I'll be there," she said smiling back.
"Good," he said tapping on the hood of her car as she backed out of the driveway.
Oh Sam, you are going to have to watch yourself around that one.
A/N: Okay everyone I realized I hadn't done a story for SOA, AKA my FAVORITE show, so I figured it was about time. Let me know what you think. There will be no Tara in this one. Anything you want to see happen send me a suggestion. As always PLEASE R&R! ~ Savy