September 2008
The next morning, Sara had demanded Happy bring her back to the hospital after only four hours of sleep. She'd somehow managed to use make-up to make herself look fully human despite the lack of sleep. Still Happy knew looks could be deceiving; he knew what a bitch she could be if she hadn't enough sleep. He planned on giving her a wide berth if he could manage it, and that started with agreeing to take her to the hospital. Happy didn't feel the familial pull towards Jason, but he'd felt it for other brothers who'd been laid out. The closest he had for Jason was a feeling a loyalty knowing the fallen man was a club member and knew the pain Jason's Reno brothers were feeling. He'd do what he could to make it marginally better for her and for them.
Sara's mom had emerged from her room at the same time as Happy and Sara, and given them both a smug, knowing smile. Sara shot a dark look at Happy who only snickered when Ivana asked if they'd gotten much sleep in a tone that made it very clear she knew what they'd been up to the night before.
"How are you not completely embarrassed?" Sara asked in a hushed tone with her mom a few feet ahead of them as they walked to the car.
"Ain't my Ma." He defended with a casual shrug, lighting a cigarette. It wasn't like the lady didn't know he was boning her daughter. "She's been with a Son. She knows what the sex is like." Sara made a gagging noise in response.
"Arrogant much?" She argued with a huff, pulling his cigarette from his mouth to steal a drag.
"Ya, well, when you scream like a banshee every time I'm inside you, it's hard not to be cocky 'bout it." He chuckled, pulling his sunglasses over his eyes and taking the cigarette back.
"Maybe I'm faking it." She shot back and he just smirked and shook his head. "You know for someone who has never formally met a girl's parents before, you're shockingly unaffected by the whole process." She noted with a playful annoyance.
"I like her." He simply commented, unlocking the car as they approached, Ivana standing by the passenger side tapping her foot impatiently.
"Any news?" Juice asked when he rolled into the hospital around noon, dark shades over his eyes and a cup of hospital coffee in hand. Happy could smell the stale tequila radiating off him and knew that he'd missed a party the night before. Happy was surprised to realize he didn't mind; he convinced himself it was because it was likely more of a vigil than a raucous party. Besides, he could hardly complain based on how his night went.
"Nothing major. Sara and her mom are in sitting with him now." Happy rasped, chewing on the toothpick between his teeth. He wanted a smoke but was almost out and didn't want to leave to get more. Maybe he could bum a pack off Juice.
"We got a problem brother." Juice quietly informed, taking a seat next to Hap. Happy gave him a quizzical look and Juice took a sip of coffee before answering.
"That girl that Sara laid out, she was—"
"Her ex's side chick, I know." He answered not seeing the big deal.
"Right… So, I guess he had a type." Juice stated and Happy just stared back at him in confusion. So far as he knew, the other girl was a brunette stripper. Juice clarified, "She speaks Russian too… she was working for the club out by spying on some Russians. She'd been waitressing at the diner where they meet and I guess relaying info about their business to Reno in exchange for cash," Juice took a moment to judge Happy's reaction. It was a bold plan to send in a stripper as a spy, but he wasn't seeing how it was relevant to Sara. When Happy made no comment, he continued, "So she was supposed to be listening in on them tonight because they've been planning something big and now that her face is busted, she can't do it."
"Why not?"
"Claims it draws too much attention; worried it will tip them off and she doesn't want to take the risk. But really just sounds like she's bein' a bitch because she's embarrassed she got laid out and is throwing a fit." Juice sounded amusced but Happy sucked his teeth in annoyance and let Juice finish, "Thing is, she told them Sara understands Russian too. So now they guys are dead-set on her filling in."
"Fuck no. Not a chance. The stupid bitch who got her ass beat can do it; not my fault she made a stupid decision showing up here. She's just a club slut, who gives a shit?"
"Hap, I don't like it either man but…"
"I said no."
"You're gonna need to take it up with their Prez then…"
"Fine. She ain't doing that shit."
Happy was in a sour mood. He'd spoken with the Prez and he'd said that since Sara had caused the problem, she needed to solve it. He'd demanded that Hap bring her in so they could talk to her directly. They'd left her car at the hospital for Ivana and taken his bike to the clubhouse. So now he was standing behind Sara as the chapter men sat around their table and stared at her.
"Just send the bitch in. I didn't break her ears; she can still be your little spy." Sara pointed out, crossing her arms like the bitch she'd been raised to be.
"No, but you broke her nose and now she's jacked up on some pain meds; can't trust her like that. Besides, the Russians will notice if their waitress has two black eyes." Sara smirked a little hearing the other woman's condition.
"So? Have her tell them her boyfriend smacked her when she mouthed off." Sara offered with a bored shrug. There were a few snickers at the table and the corners of Happy's mouth turned up a little before quickly being replaced with a scowl.
"She was doing us a favor, and now she won't do it. So now you'll do us a favor, to make up for the inconvenience you've caused."
"Inconvenience? My brother is laying in a hospital right now. I don't give a fuck about you being inconvenienced." She spat and heard Happy make a low warning sound in his throat. Reno wasn't a big SOA chapter, but she still shouldn't mouth-off to the President. He didn't have relationships with many of the guys out here like he did in California, Oregon, or Washington, so he didn't know how they'd react to her backtalk or bossy tone.
"Your brother is our brother too." The president said calmly, speaking to Sara again. "His recovery will be expensive. We would love to help your family through this trying time, but unfortunately we may not be able to help with his bills…" he stated, his faux consternation heavy with warning.
"How dare you?" She spat incredulously. "Do you want me to call Clay, because I'm not so sure he would approve of your blackmailing the family of someone you call 'brother'." She threatened back. A few of the guys shifted in their seats at the power move, but Happy's eyes were trained on the head of the table who remained unflinching. Sara was walking a fine line, but he was trying to let her handle her own shit for now. She knew MC diplomacy as well as he did, if not better. He just hoped Charming hadn't spoiled the common sense out of her.
"You hear that boys? She's gonna call Clay." The Prez laughed to the other guys who chuckled in response, although most seemingly just to support their president based on their nervous glances. "SAMCRO knows the value of the information we have. Clay also knows not to meddle in local chapter business." He retorted puff his cigar casually. "I thought you Russian bitches were easier than this. Anya jumped at the chance to help the club." He was baiting her, and she knew it, but she couldn't bite back the response.
"Well that little tart would do just about anything to jump on any biker dick in sight, so forgive me for not being so easy."
"She always have a mouth like this?" The President asked, leaning to speak to Happy. "I guess that mouth must be good for other things if you put up with this shit…" Sara recoiled as if she were slapped, her mouth ajar from shock. Happy kept his cool despite the agitated and pacing animal that was clawing to get out and dive across the table. He simply shrugged, praying Sara would keep her mouth shut for once. "I'm surprised a man of your… reputation would let her get away with that…You oughtta teach your woman a lesson in respect…" he continued and Happy nodded, catching Sara's eye as she looked over her shoulder to glare at him.
"She knows better." He rasped firmly, narrowing his eyes on Sara. She sighed at his stern look, turning back to the President with more respectful body language. The other guys snickered but she tried to ignore them as her cheeks burned pink from the embarrassment of being strung up before them and expected to take it. She'd been in the safe bubble of Charming for so long she forgot how the majority of MCs treated women. All of the trauma of her youth came charging back but she took a deep breath and channeled her upbringing, slipping into the façade she'd used most of her life. She softened her features and ignored the burning bile rising in her throat. It was getting harder and harder to slip back into this role; to slip back into the little box they'd kept her in her whole life.
"Its simple sweetheart, you take care of us, we take care of your brother. That's what family does. What is there to decide? Or did you inherit your sense of loyalty from your father?" Sara's spine went rigid. Happy straightened slightly to grab her if she lunged at the President but he was surprised to hear her calm albeit icy voice surrounded by syrupy sweetness.
"I'm sorry, you're right." She apologized timidly, "I've just been so worried about Jason… I didn't mean to show you disrespect… Please, don't take it out on Happy. He's been good to me, and I shouldn't have embarrassed him by speaking to you like that." Happy cringed at her words, her sweet almost flirty tone making him feel dirty. "I'll do whatever you need."
"Sara…" Happy interjected from behind her. He'd already said 'no' on her behalf and here she was agreeing.
"You have something to say, brother?" The President asked, addressing Happy directly. Sara turned and narrowed her eyes on him as well as if to say, 'the ball is in your court'. He shook his head although he gave her a pointed look saying they'd be talking about it later.
"He's right, I made the problem I need to fix it. I just forgot the bullshit attitude guys have towards women outside of Charming." Sara sighed, sitting on the hotel bed and picking at her nails. They'd just returned from the Reno clubhouse and Happy was furious. He'd been silent the whole ride back.
"I ain't putting you in danger for this shit."
"You're not putting me anywhere. I did this myself; besides, he's got me: I need the financial help with Jason's surgeries and therapy."
"Then sell the house like he was planning."
"I'm going to, but that won't be enough to cover it all."
"You need money I can get you money. I take care of you. That's my job."
"No, you need to save your money for your mom." He opened his mouth to argue but closed it at her pointed look. "You know you do…Please, Hap. I'm not gonna start a controversy over this shit. Jason would tell me to do it."
"Your brother also used you as currency to pay debts so forgive me if I don't take his previous actions as guidance." He recalled with a dark look. She couldn't argue there. "I fucking hate when you act and say shit in the fake little act of yours. Like that shit about you being sorry or embarrassing me."
"I grew up saying shit like that, you just don't make me say it anymore." She admitted with a small eye roll.
"Ya, because it'd be just a fuckin' fake if I made you say anything. That shit pisses me off."
"Well I appreciate you don't 'teach me a lesson' every time I screw up." She joked and he sent her a look letting her know he didn't think it was funny. Okay, too soon. "I thought you wanted me to make it better…" She shrugged, stopping his pacing by grabbing his wrist. "They eat that shit up, Hap. They love the poor, broken little girl. It makes them feel like a man. I mean, fuck, I did the same shit when I showed up in Charming needing help. All the guys ate it up. Poor little girl needs the help of big strong me. No one likes a bitch—except you apparently."
"You saying you played all of us?"
"No, I'm saying that's how MCs work out here. You know the politics just as much as I do, you just don't like it for the first time because it's about me instead of some crow eater. You guys ask for favors and shit from associates all the time… Look, I know I was being fake earlier when I said I was sorry for embarrassing you but, genuinely, I don't want my bullshit blow back on you; obviously they like that little bitch more than me anyway so there was no win-win." He grunted, shaking his head. She moved to stand before him, reaching behind his neck to pull him down to press her forehead to his, despite the waves of agitation coming off him.
"This is why I want you in Tacoma with me. I don't like seeing them disrespect you or me, like that." He grumbled, closing his eyes.
"You could have said something." She pointed out but he shrugged her off.
"You know I can't." She rolled her eyes. Always the good soldier.
"You don't get to stand by and watch them talk to me like that and then be pissed they did it." She snapped. "Tacoma won't be any different if you don't back me up." He glowered at her darkly. She shook her head in exasperation. Why were they fighting about this now?
"I just want to be at the hospital, not dealing with this bullshit. Leave it to that stupid bitch to make my life difficult yet again." She grunted with frustration. After a moment, she sighed and reached for him.
"It's one afternoon and its in a public place. I'll be fine." She assured as he rubbed the back of his head, another sign he was agitated with her. "I know you don't like it."
"You're damn right I don't like it." He grumbled, moving past her to fish through his bag. He pulled out a prescription bottle and popped one of the pills, swallowing it dry. Anxiety meds, she figured. "I should call Clay to get this straightened out. You shouldn't be doing this shit."
"He made it clear Clay would greenlight this…. And why not? It's a club favor and I'm a friend of the club."
"You ain't just a friend of the club, Sara. You're my woman and he should have listened when I said no. This is so fucking insulting." She watched in silence as he paced around the room, moving to sit back on the bed. She opened her mouth to say something about how he should have stood up for her again but closed it, knowing she just needed to put the topic to bed rather than fight about it further. He didn't want to listen to reason, he wanted to vent. He was so tense, his shoulders tight.
"Come here." She asked quietly, reaching for him peacefully. He scoffed and continued to pace until she cleared her throat sternly and repeated her directive for firmly. With a sigh he moved sit on the edge of the bed. She kneeled behind him, using the heel of her palm to dig into his tight shoulders.
"While I appreciate you wanting to keep me safe; I'm okay. And I will be okay." She whispered next to his ear. "You know its very sexy when you get all caveman-protector." He nodded before turning to look up at her, his lips inches from hers. She smiled down at him before pecking him on the lips.
"Yeah?" He mumbled against her lips. He groaned loudly in satisfaction as she worked a particularly tight knot in his shoulder.
"Feel good?" She asked with a knowing tone. He grunted in acknowledgement. "You're so tense."
"Lotta shit pissing me off." He grunted and she hummed in agreement. "And did a lot of riding around the past few days." he added begrudgingly.
"Not as young as you once were." She teased and he reached behind to pinch her thigh causing her to jump and laugh. "Hey! You know how much I like you being older."
"Yea, I do. You gettin' wet back there thinkin' 'bout it?" He teased lasciviously, turning to grab her around her waist and pull her down on the bed beside him.
"Such a charmer… And to think I let you meet my mother." She teased and he shrugged, burying his face in her neck to kiss the sensitive skin beneath her ear. It tickled and she pushed him away, giggling.
"Your Ma heard me railing you last night and still wanted to talk to me today, so I think I passed inspection." He added arrogantly and she scoffed.
"Gross! Why would you say that?" Her chest was heaving as she caught her breath but still rolled her eyes. He shrugged and smirked down at her. He leaned over her, faces close.
"She used to be a club woman. She knows the code." He added, using his fingers to pull her shirt down far enough he could suck her collarbone.
"How much time do we have before we have to be back at the clubhouse?" She whispered. He glanced to the clock on the side table before smirking down at her.
"Enough." He answered before leaning down to capture her lips. She broke the kiss to push him down.
"Good, you wanna take care of me so bad then take care of me…" She snickered as he glared but moved to settle between her legs.
"You're lucky I love the way this pussy tastes." He grumbled as she kicked off her shorts.
"That's my man."
"You're late."
"I'm on time." She stated coolly, knowing the President was trying to put the pressure on her. One of the guys handed her the waitressing dress and apron and pointed her to the bathroom. She emerged a few moments later in the polyester navy dress and white apron. It was a bit snug and it pissed her off a little knowing that Anya was a smaller than she was. Fuck that twiglet bitch.
"Pull your hair back." He stated and she did as she was told with a gentle smile. Happy was impressed despite his irritation with the entire situation; he'd forgotten how good she was at playing to docile role. He was so used to her talking back and rolling her eyes.
"Good." The president appraised. "I just need you to listen and translate. Don't speak to them in Russian. Don't let on that you know what they are saying. Don't react at all to what they are saying, and you'll be fine. Got it?"
"Easy enough."
"Good. Head over there now. Your shift starts in 20 minutes." She nodded and moved past the President to Happy who shifted in discomfort.
"I'll be fine." She smiled up at him. "You and Juice'll be there?"
"We'll get there around the time the Russians usually show and sit in a booth and keep our heads down." She nodded, comforted by that thought. "Slightest sign of anything wrong and you get outta there." He warned and she nodded. "I don't give a shit what kind of fall out it causes; you get out. You hear me?"
"Yes; I hear you." She assured with a small eye roll. There she was, his girl. She squeezed his arm one more time before grabbing her purse and heading to the diner.
A/N: And there you have it. Now she just had to take on her biggest challenge yet: waitressing. Hit that review button to let me know you're still hanging in there and how you think things with the Russians will go. Wanna hear something funny? I originally intended this story to be less than 30 chapters. Whoops. Thank you for all the review thus far, your feedback and thoughts bring me such joy to see in my inbox. Often when I need inspiration I go through them.