Candice woke up to no Jax and sighed. She sat up and stretched, trying to get enough strength to get out of bed and into the shower. Thinking back to the farewell party for the guys last night almost made the tears come back. Jax was on this rotation, his first as the new VP since her dad had to step down for his health. They had come back early and spent time alone before he had to head out at six. She let out a breath and put her feet to the floor. It was only two in the afternoon and she was glad for the couple hours of sleep she was able to get after Jax had left.
She was working her first dinner shift tonight and was worried about it. Brian was off as it was his anniversary with Max so they were going to Lodi. Jax had told her that Juice and Tig were staying for the day so that they could stop by the diner to check on her since he was gone and Gary was the manager on shift for the night. She started the water and let it cascade down her back as she washed her hair and body before getting out and figuring out what to wear for the day. She wrapped the towel around her and then went to her dresser to pull out a pair of cotton blue boy shorts and a white bra since her work shirt was a white tee shirt. She slipped on the undergarments and then went to the closet to pull on a pair of flare jeans and her white shirt. She then bent down to pull on the black non slips that she had to get for work and then went back to the bathroom and then brushed her hair, pulling it into a messy bun for the day.
She walked into the kitchen to see a note from Max that told her they would be back at about two the next morning. She just smiled and made herself a ham sandwich before heading to Lumpy's to pay the rent for them. She had told them she would since they were leaving early. She sat down on the snack bar and ate thinking about the last month. She couldn't believe she had been here that long and it was great. Jax spent a lot of time here instead of his place so she could get used to it. Being across from the shop made it easier because she knew they could get to her quick if needed. She rinsed out her bowl and then walked down the stairs and into Lumpy's.
"Hey Lumpy."
The old man turned and smiled. "Hey, Candice. How are you?"
She smiled, digging in her purse for the money. "I'm good. Came to drop this off on my way to work. I'm closing so have to be there at 3:30."
Lumpy smiled and took it from her. "Thanks, sweetie. Let me get your reciept for the boys. Max is very careful about who he gives money to."
She nodded and waited for the reciept. She sat on a chair and watched as two men were sparring in the ring. She leaned her head back and tried not to think of Jax. She knew this would be hard, but having him gone was almost more then she could take. Tonight was going to be hell and she was hoping that Gary at least kept his witts and stayed away. With Jax or Harry coming every afternoon for lunch, she didn't have to worry about him much. However, she had a feeling that he knew both were gone tonight and all day tomorrow and so scheduled her thinking no bikers would be there.
"Here ya are, deary."
She opened her eyes and looked at the old man. "Thanks, Lumpy."
He nodded and she left to walk the few feet to the diner. She pulled in to see Mae, the other closer leaning on her car with a cigarette.
"Hey."
The other girl just looked at her and blew out her smoke.
Candice rolled her eyes and looked at the girl. "I wish I knew what the fuck I did to you, Mae."
"If you don't know then fuck off."
With that, Candice watched her walk back in after throwing her cigarette on the cement by the red heads feet. "Why do they all want Jax?" she sighed to herself, following the other girl into the diner.
She walked back and found her apron and notepad hanging in her spot on the wall. She slipped them on and then went to clock in to start the day.
Jax rode behind Clay over to Reno for the day. They had a meeting with Jury and the boys about patching over and all he wanted to do was go home to his girl. He thought about her the whole way, the way she moved with him the night before, the way she slept on him when she finally dozed off right before he had to get up. The way she was trying to be strong for him, not crying as they laid there. He snapped out of it as they pulled up to the clubhouse as the sun rose over the mountains. Jax for one was glad this was going to be a short trip and he'd have her back in his arms at about 2 tomorrow morning.
This was his first run since being with her and he hated the shit out of it. He knew she was scared about working tonight since Opie was with him, that is why he asked Clay with Juice and Tig could stay behind. He told his step father about the manager at the diner and why him and Opie were going there everyday. Clay was alright with the two staying and proxied their votes for the patch over so that Candice would be safe at home and it would worry Jax on what would happen. He was still worried though.
"She's gonna be fine."
Jax looked over to Opie staring at him. "I know. It's just we aren't there and I know how scared she was to be working tonight without us, Ope."
Opie nodded. "I know, Jax. You have to remember though, she can fight. You and Chibs taught her how to take care of herself. She'll be fine."
"That's what I keep telling myself."
They both chuckled as they followed the rest of the guys into the building for the patch over.
Candice was just finished up with cleaning her area as the store had closed about twenty minutes ago. She looked up as heard a tap on the window and smiled, seeing Juice and Tig outside waiting on her. She nodded and waved at them as she turned to put the broom back into the back and then cash out with Gary. She walked back and put her apron on the hanger and took her money pouch with her to the office as Mae was coming out. Candice just watched her and then sighed, walking into the office. She sat in the chair next to her boss and sat the money pouch out so she could count the money that was owed to the diner.
"$280, babe."
She rolled her eyes and took out the money, counting the twenty's, ten's, and five's. She had turned into one of the best waitresses and made a crap load of tips. She gave him the money and he left his hand lingering a bit too long. She moved a bit and pulled her hand back, sitting both in her lap. He took the money and counted it to make sure she was right.
"You alright? I know it's gotta be hard to have your brother and Jax gone."
She nodded, "It's been fine. They get back tonight anyway, so I should get back. I told Jax's mom I would help with the coming home party."
She made to get up and he grabbed her wrist. She looked down at her wrist and then back up at the man who was now standing. "Let me go."
He smiled and pushed her back into the closed door. "Why? I have seen the way you've been tonight."
She looked up at him. "How is that? I miss my boyfriend and my brother so yeah, maybe I was a bit off tonight."
She tried to keep eye contact as he moved his body up against hers.
"Oh I think you know." he whispered as he leaned in to kiss her.
She turned her head and he got her cheek. She held back a scream as he pulled her hair to make her look him in the eyes. "You don't turn your head when I kiss you. I know you like it rough. You have to being with that piece of shit biker."
She pit in his face and he punched her in the temple. Out of reflex, she hit the man the way she did Jax and he stumbled back, not thinking she'd fight him back. He looked up and stalled for just enough time for her to run out of the back. She got to the front door, which was still unlocked and threw it open as he came into the dining area. She didn't look back, just ran till Juice caught her.
"What happened?"
She just looked at him and then back to the diner. She saw Gary turn and move back in the kitchen so the two bikers couldn't see him.
She looked back up to Juice who was holding her and Tig who was next to her and the tears started. Juice pulled her to him and looked at Tig. Tig turned to look to see if he could see anything and went to try the door, which was locked. He looked back to Juice and Candice. The former now had her sitting on his bike and she was calming down. Tig walked back over to her. "You alright, doll?"
she looked up at him and he let out a whistle. "Who clocked ya in the eye?"
She looked at both men and then let out a sigh. "Gary. I'm going to quit. I know Jax and Harry wont let me stay after this. He tried to get me since he thought y'all were gone."
Juice held her back to him and then looked at Tig. "That man just got on our list."
Tig nodded. "Let's get to the clubhouse before Gemma sends out a party. They guys left early so they should be back in about an hour."
Candice looked up. "They're coming back soon?"
Tig nodded. "Jax and Opie didn't wanna stay and so Clay said they could come back since everything was finished. It's just the party anyway, loads of booze and pussy."
Candice nodded and smiled to herself happy that Jax was coming back and not staying for the girls. Juice pulled back. "Wanna ride?"
She just nodded and sat back so he could get on to drive. They pulled out of the diner and into the shop in no time. They saw Gemma standing outside waiting on them. Candice ran up to her and wrapped her in her arms. Gemma silently looked at the two bikers behind her and they just shrugged. They walked into to make sure the prospects were doing their job and grabbed a beer. Gemma pulled back and cupped the girls face in her hands. "Who hit you, baby?"
"Gary."
Gemma pulled her back to her and turned to walk her back inside so she could get something for the eye.
Candice sat in one of the bar stools with a towel full of ice. They had to wait for Chibs to get back to make sure nothing was broken. They guys tried to lift her spirits while they waited for some of the guys to get back early. Candice got up as she heard the familiar sounds of bikes pull into the lot. She jumped up and ran out the door. As soon as she notice Jax had gotten up and taken his helmet off she ran up to him and wrapped her arms around him, the towel falling at their feet. Jax held her to him as he felt the shakes. He kissed the top of her head and then laid his head on hers. When she calmed down, she looked up at him and he looked at her. Concern etched on his face as he took in her eye and put his hands to her cheeks. She looked up at him and smiled as he ran his thumbs over her cheeks to catch the tears. "What happened?"
She pulled him back to her and laid her head on his chest. He ran his fingers through her hair and looked up at his mom. She shook her head and turned, telling the others to come in and eat. They all looked at Jax and then followed the matriarch into the clubhouse. Jax led her over to their mat and helped her climb into it. He sat down and pulled her into his lap. She curled into him and just let him hold her. After a few moments she looked up at him and kissed him. "I missed you, babe."
He smiled, "I missed you too." he whispered, kissing her again.
She looked at him and blinked back the tears that were still there. "Gary hit me."
She could see the anger set in his eyes and put a hand on his cheek. "Let me explain, please."
He nodded, trying to keep himself in check, she continued. "I went to cash out and as I was leaving he made a pass at me. He got me against the door and kept talking about how I was acting tonight. When he went to kiss me, I turned my head. He pulled my hair and said something about letting him do it and I spit in his face. He hit me and I reacted. When I hit him, he stumbled back and I ran straight to Juice and Tig."
Jax pulled her back to him and just held her. "You're quitting."
She chuckled and he pulled back to have her look at him.
"I told those boys you wouldn't let me stay there. I have to find some place to work so I can help Brian and Max with the bills."
Jax nodded. "We'll figure it out, but you can't go back. Candice I will kill him if he does this again."
She nodded, knowing with his look that he would. She just nodded and let him pull her back into him. He laid them back on the mat and just held her.
She turned and looked up at him. "How was the ride?"
He smiled. "Long. I just wanted it over with so I could get back to you. Opie wanted back with Donna. With her being pregnant, he's worried about her when he's gone."
She nodded and leaned down to kiss him. "Can't we just blow the party and go home? My eye hurts and I'm exhausted."
Jax kissed her again and laid his head back on the mat. "I have to stay since I'm VP. I have to wait for Clay."
She nodded and laid her head on his chest. "I really like this. Laying with you."
He ran his fingers through her head. "I really like it too."
So freaking sorry about the lateness of the updates. I have had papers upon papers for these two classes I had to take this month so I can graduate in May. I am hoping to get a bit more in today, hopefully since my finals are on Monday. Thanks to everyone as usual and please leave a comment at the bottom.-Brianna