Disclaimer: I own nothing…except Hallie!
"Where did all the people go?
They got scared when the lights went low.
I'll get you through it nice and slow,
When the world's spinning out of control.
Afraid of what they might lose
Might get scraped or they might get bruised.
You could beg them, what's the use?
That's why it's called a moment of truth"
-Gavin Degraw "Soldier"
Hallie's chocolate brown hair blew in the California air as it rushed through the window of her 1969 Mustang Fastback. She definitely needed to get the AC fixed once she arrived. It had gone out about half way between Omaha, Nebraska and Charming, California. She could have gotten it fixed somewhere along the way, but she was ready to get to her new life. So she stuck it out in the California heat. She was impatient and persistent, so waiting at an auto shop for a couple of hours wasn't an option.
To be honest, she hadn't really thought the idea through all that well, but once Hal's light bulb lit up, she couldn't be swayed. It's not like she'd left anyone behind. She grew up with her dad—only him. He was an only child to parents who had died when he was in his twenties. Her mom was an orphan who passed away when she was nine. They had no one. Her dad—her rock—had passed away of a heart attack. Neither saw it coming.
He had left Hallie everything—his house and multiple bank accounts...and his car. He loved that car and she would cherish it for as long as she breathed. But she couldn't live in that house any longer—the silence and memories broke her heart. I was time for a change. Hallie simply grabbed a map, closed her eyes and set her pointer finger on a random place—Charming. It sounded like a solid choice, but small. She could do small. She'd lived in a metropolitan area her entire life, so she found the idea of small town life exciting.
Hallie had considered going back to school—maybe gain a second doctorate. But she was 29 and didn't want to waste any more time in classrooms surrounded by frat boys and giddy oversexed girls. She was a licensed Psychiatrist already. Maybe she could take some time off—she certainly didn't need the money—she was set for life. She could eventually get licensed in California and maybe start her own practice. For the moment, she just wanted to settle into the house she bought in an online auction, do some renovations, and relax.
Welcome to Charming. Her whole body relaxed when she saw the sign—all vintage and worn, but inviting. This was going to be exactly what she needed.
Hallie saw a small diner nestled on the quaint Main Street that reminded her of an episode of Gilmore Girls. She didn't really feel like going to the grocery store yet anyway, so she figured she could get acquainted with the locals.
She took a seat in the far corner of the diner so she could survey the patrons in silence. A waitress in jeans and a white tee shirt with short brown hair stopped at her table. Donna was written on her name tag in Purple Sharpie. "Hey, darlin'. What can I get for you?"
Hallie gave her a bright, white smile. "I could use a beer. How are the chicken tenders here?"
Donna gave her a smile in return, "Vinnie knows his way around the kitchen. The chicken tenders are awesome, but his Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger is from heaven! I get it at least twice a week. And the fires are homemade—cut right from the potatoes in the kitchen."
"Sold." Looking around the diner, Hallie noticed that it was now empty. "I'm new, so I don't really know anyone. How about I get you a burger on me and you keep me company for a little bit? If anyone comes in, you can take off without hurting my feelings." Donna seemed like the kind of person Hallie could get along well with.
Donna just shook her head, "Let me go put in our order and I'll grab us a couple of beers on the house."
A moment later, Donna set a beer in front of her and took the seat opposite Hallie in the booth. "So what's your name anyway?"
It had completely slipped Hallie's mind that she hadn't even introduced herself before she asked Donna to lunch. "I'm sorry. How rude am I? I'm Hallie—Hallie Smith. I moved here from Nebraska."
"So you're used to the fields and country. This town will be a cake walk for you." Donna giggled as though she had a secret and she wasn't going to share.
"Well no. I lived in Omaha. It's actually a big city—highways, business buildings and all. I'm ready for small town life though. What's there to do around here anyway?"
"A whole bunch of nothing unless you know the right people. And you, my friend, have met the right people! My husband is a member of a motorcycle club, the Sons of Anarchy—sounds scary, I know, but they are good people. They have parties at the clubhouse every Friday and Saturday. Free booze, pool and you get to see some guys beat the shit out of each other. Oh yeah—the eye candy too. Some of the single members are smokin' hot."
"I haven't partied since my years as an undergrad. You may have just become my new best friend." Hallie smiled at Donna genuinely.
Donna was right; the Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger was heaven on a pretzel bun. She nearly orgasmed in her mouth at first bite. Over the course of their lunch, they talked about everything—Hallie's move, her family, her life in the city, Donna's family, the kids she an Opie, her husband, had been talking about having, and the MC.
They had also discovered a mutual love of shopping. Donna had even offered to help her with renovations. She had helped when she and Ope moved into their tiny house and Hallie could certainly use an experienced hand. They had decided to have lunch again the next day since it was Donna's day off. She could meet Donna at the garage where her husband worked. Hallie was going to get her AC fixed while Donna took her to look at paint and fixtures after lunch.
It was beginning to look like the start of a good friendship.
AN: Who is Hallie going to take an interest in? Keep reading to find out!