"I don't think you're doing that right," I said to Rat as I stepped through the front door of Charming's Scoops & Sweets.

He looked over at me and nearly fell off his stool in his haste to stand up. While I had been slightly amused by his antics when I first saw him, I was full on laughing now. He immediately claimed the case of beer I was carrying, but I quickly grabbed the binder that was rest on top of it before he could get too far away.

"Can I get you anything?" He asked as he carried the beer behind the counter.

I looked at the mound of empty wrappers on the counter then replied, "I would say a taffy, but it looks like you ate them all."

"There's more back here," he replied incredulously.

I tried to keep a straight face, but I couldn't hold it. His cheeks started to turn red when he realized that I was trying to tease him. No 'trying' wasn't the right word, I was definitely succeeding in teasing him.

Once I calmed my laughter, I replied more earnestly, "But really, I'm fine. I'm just going to slip into one of the booths and read over all of this. Feel free to go back to whatever you were doing and forget that I'm here."

He moved around the counter towards me and asked, "What do you have there?"

"A proposal for the club."

"What kind of proposal?"

He had leaned in to try to read the page I was reading, so I quickly closed the binder. When he turned his eyes up to my face I answered, "The kind that is for the MC."

"Well… I'm part of the MC."

"Really? Then why aren't you up in the chapel right now?"

He opened his mouth to answer, but then quickly snapped it shut. My heart sank when I saw the devastated look on his face because I had only meant to tease him. I hadn't intended on genuinely hurting his feelings. But just like I had so many times in my life, I had taken it a step too far and I had hurt someone without meaning to.

Before I could try to apologize, Rat's face hardened. He then turned and walked back over to where I had initially found him sitting at the counter. It wasn't lost on me that he made a point to keep his back facing me. He even made sure that I wouldn't be able to try to make eye contact with him in any of the mirrors in the shop either.

Great. Take your nervousness out on the prospect. Nice going, asshole. I thought to myself as I read over the same paragraph for the fifth time in as many minutes. Apologize to him. Just fucking grow a pair and apologize to the guy.

"RAT! GET YOUR SKINNY ASS UP HERE!"

He startled in his place and almost fell off the stool at hearing Tig's voice. He quickly scooped up all of the empty wrappers in front of him to throw them away on his way up to the chapel room. After he turned around to go upstairs, he saw me sitting in the booth, causing him to freeze and quietly curse out, "Shit."

"Something wrong?" I asked, looking up from my paperwork.

"We're… uhh… Happy said we aren't supposed to leave you alone."

"Excuse me?"

"Happy… he said if you were here or the garage, that you weren't to be left alone."

"Oh… Well, I'm not. All of you guys are just upstairs. I'll be fine Rat."

His eyes moved to quickly look at the front door and then to the stairs leading up to their chapel as he replied, "A lot can happen before we can get downstairs."

"What? Are you…?" I stopped when I saw the genuine fear in his eyes. "Shit. You ARE being serious. Alright, how 'bout this?" I got up and secure all of the locks on the front door. "There. You guys will be able to get down here before anyone finishes breaking in."

"But what if…?"

"RAT!"

"You should really get upstairs. If Dad asks, I'll say that I just got here, so it won't be an issue. Go!"

He still didn't look completely convinced, but he did get moving. He stumbled over his own feet a couple of times and I was genuinely worried he was going to end up face first into one of the walls. Thankfully he recovered quickly and made it upstairs before Tig had to yell for him again.

I returned to my spot in the booth, but I couldn't actually concentrate enough to read over everything again. After a while I decided to abandon that attempt completely. Instead, I got up and started cleaning the shop. Rat had dropped come of his wrappers, so I slowly cleaned them up and tossed them in the trash. Once that was done, I turned my attention to the case of beer I had brought in with me. No one, well no one sane, liked warm beer, so I squatted down to open the box and put its contents into the fridge.

Of course, I hadn't noticed that I couldn't be seen while I was squatting down behind the counter, so I was surprised when I heard Bobby gasp out, "Shit! Mia…? Beautiful…? Dammit, where'd…?"

I stood up and found Bobby practically running to the front door to look for me. "Yes, Bobby?"

He jumped and then turned to look at me. "Jesus! You scare the hell out of me, Beautiful. What were you doing?"

"Sorry. I was just filling up the beer cooler." I walked around and met him at the end of the counter where I gave him a hug. "Really, Bobby, I didn't mean to worry you."

"It's alright, Sweetheart. We're all just a little on edge." He paused there to brush my hair back and tuck it behind my ear so that he could see my stitches and then shook his head at whatever he was thinking. "Are you ready?"

I eased out of his hold replying, "Just need to grab my binder then I'm good to go."

He waited for me at the bottom of the stairs. I then followed him to the top where he paused to wrap my right arm around his left. Although I expected him to, he didn't say anything else. But he did give me a bright smile and look of encouragement. When he turned back to open the door, I quickly untucked my hair from behind my left ear and ran my fingers through it to make sure it covered the left side of my face.

The last appointment I had with the plastic surgeon, he was happy with how my wound was healing. I had been worried about the water that had been thrown in my face, but he had assured me that no damage had been done. Now I just had to wait patiently for the day that he would finally remove all of the stitches. Until then, I preferred to keep them covered as often and as much as possible because it felt like people no longer saw me, they only saw my stitches. When I didn't, the eyes of whomever I was speaking to would be drawn to them and then they usually got a really sad, pitiful look in their eye. Unless they were Dad or Gemma. The sadness in their eyes very quickly morphed into one of pure, unmitigated rage.

"Gentlemen, I would like to give the floor to our very own Ms. Mia Lowman," Bobby announced as he walked me over to the table by his empty seat.

"Ms. Lowman," Jax started in a very formal tone. "Bobby says you have a proposal for us?"

"Yes… Sir… I do." I took in a deep breath and forced myself to keep my eyes focused on Jax's face. "I know that a lot of people are concerned about keep the garage open and maintaining customer loyalty right now…"

"Yes, that's true," Jax answered with a curious tone.

I walked over to him and placed the binder down on the table in front of him. I then quickly retreated back to my spot between Bobby's and Montez's chairs. From that spot, all I had to do was keep my face turned so that my unblemished cheek was visible to all of the men in the room and no one would be able to see my stitches if my hair moved.

"In the binder you'll see the paperwork we… well you or Gemma can fil out since you are the actual business owners, to update the business license so that it will include mobile services."

"Mobile services?" Chibs asked sounding thoroughly confused.

I couldn't help but smile because I could just imagine how that sounded to all of them, given what their other business enterprises were. I shook my head softly to make sure my hair was covering my cheek as I turned my head to face him

"Yes, Sir. But by that I mean automotive services like oil changes, tire rotations and flat tire repairs to name a few."

"And by mobile, you mean?"

I turned my chin so I was looking at Jax again. "It means that instead of them coming to TM, we go to them. We bring all of the supplies to their home and perform our duties there. Since we have virtually no overhead like you do with the garage, we can also offer discounts, especially to our loyal customers."

"Are you sure we can give discounts and still make a profit?"

I didn't turn to face Bobby when I answered, "Absolutely. I've run the numbers and we offer up to forty percent off and still turn a profit. If you look at the binder I gave Mr. Teller, you'll see all of the figures. I've also included a couple of different promotions we could run like 25% off for new customers and 35% off for returning customers, to name a few."

"Really? I like the sound of that."

"I thought you might, Mr. Munson."

"And this paperwork here…? What is it for?"

I was pretty sure I knew which form Jax was referencing, but I walked over to his side to make sure that I was right. Like I had while I was standing by Bobby, I kept just my right side turned to the table while my left was facing the back wall. I had already talked to my dad about some of my trepidations about bringing this proposal to the club (okay, really it was an angry tirade about Bobby refusing to do it after I had given him the presentation. Bobby said that it was my idea, so I should be the one to present it and Dad agreed. I guess that wound sound logic… maybe), so Dad discreetly caught my right hand under the table to give it a comforting squeeze.

"That form, Mr. Teller, is for a possible name change for the business. Now, it isn't essential for changing the business license, but it would make it easier." I paused and took in a deep breath to center myself before I continued, "But I also included it because I feel it would help to further your goal for positive change for the club. For one the 'M' in 'TM' is no long affiliated with the club or the business. For two, it will show Charming that we are working to change our image and our relationship with our community as well."

"Interesting," Jax mused as he started at the paperwork.

"And what name do ya propose we change the business to, Lass?" Chibs called out after a couple of minutes of silence.

I leaned over and pulled out the posters I had worked on for just such an occasion. The logo was very similar to the one at Teller Morrow Automotive, but instead of a large 'TM' in the semi-circle above the word 'Automotive' there was a stylized 'T&S'. I had drawn two identical posters to pass down each side of the table. When they both reached Bobby, I stood up a bit tall and turned to face the whole table.

"T and S Automotive. Now I know you gentlemen are used to a little T&A in your other business ventures…" I paused while there was a rumble of polite, masculine laughter. "But that isn't the image I'm trying to evoke here." I pulled out another poster and passed it to Jax to hold up for everyone to see. "T and S… Teller and Sons Automotive. Now, the name has a couple of meanings. The obvious is the affiliation to the Sons of Anarchy, since all of you work there. But more importantly, I'm trying to sell the image of family. Mr. Teller does in fact have two sons who may one day not only work at the business, but will inherit it as well. Plus, this club, you… WE are all a family." My eyes unconsciously moved to find Juice. We made brief eye contact, but he was quick to divert his eyes to the table top. I closed mine to keep my emotions in check and then I found Chibs' face since he was the one who had asked about the name change. "But more importantly, market research shows that consumers, especially those in small towns, give preferential treatment to family owned businesses. With a name like 'Teller and Sons', people will feel like they aren't just supporting a business, but a family's livelihood as well."

"Wow…" Chibs breathed out before he started slowly clapping. "Mia-Luv, that was… wow."

I felt my cheeks get hot as I quietly said, "Thanks."

Other people around the table started joining in on the clapping so Dad pulled me down by my hand and sat up straighter in his chair to say in my ear, "I'm so proud of you, Baby Girl"

I whispered, "Thanks, Daddy" before I addressed the room again. "So, that's the presentation. I'll… I'll leave to let you gentlemen discuss it."

Before I could make my retreat, I noticed that someone had raised their hand. "Yes, Mister… uhh… Rat." Shit, should probably learn his real name now that he's earned his patch.

"So, how will this work? It's not like we can carry supplies on our bikes," Rat questioned.

"That's very true. For someone like myself, I would use my truck to visit our customers. Jax and Nero also have pickups and then there's also the tow truck that can be used. I can paint magnets to put the company logo on any vehicle being used, so we're not limited. But all of those details can be refined at a later date if you all decide this is the direction you want to go in."

"And what about when or if the garage reopens?"

I turned to face one of the new members of the MC and answered, "That's a good question, Mister…"

"West," he offered with a warm smile. "Orlin West."

"Mr. West. Nice to meet you. The new business license isn't an either/or situation. Once the garage reopens, we can offer our customers the convenience of us now coming to them for some services. Just like with the restorations we were starting to do, the mobile aspect isn't to replace what we've done in the past, it's just a new option."

"Any other questions?" Jax asked everyone in the room. Most everyone shook their head or mumbled a no, so he said, "Alright, then I think we're ready to vote it."

I started to step away from the table quietly saying, "I'll leave you to it."

But Dad didn't let go of my hand. Then Jax caught my left hand to keep me from retreating. I looked at the President through the veil of my hair, but I didn't get a chance to question him.

"It's your proposal, you deserve to hear the vote," he quietly explained. I just nodded and kept my eyes on the Reaper carved into the table so that I didn't have to see anyone's face while they rejected my idea. "All in favor of going mobile with TM until the garage opens and making it part of our future at the garage? Yeah!"

Jax's vote was quickly followed by nine other 'yes's.

"And who is in favor of updating the business name from the outdated 'Teller Morrow Automotive' to the more modern, family friendly 'Teller & Sons Automotive'? Yes."

Chibs raised his hand with a cheerful, "Aye."

Juice shrugged with a barely audible, unenthusiastic, "Sure."

"Yes!" Quinn and Rat voted together.

"Me too," Bobby declared before he blew me a kiss.

Montez and West said a simple "Yes."

Tig hit his hand on the table top as he nearly shouted, "Of course, yes!"

Dad squeezed my hand so tight I had to turn my eyes to look at him. He made painfully direct eye contact and said more to me than anyone else, "Absolutely."

Jax hit his gavel against the table declaring, "Both motions pass with a unanimous vote. Congratulations, Mia."

Dad stood up and wrapped me in a hug. "Great job, Baby Girl."

Before I could reply, Tig claimed me from Dad and picked me up as he hugged me. "Mia-Baby, you are just too smart. Great work, Sweetheart."

I barely got a chance to say, "Thanks Tig" before Chibs had me wrapped in a hug.

I didn't hear a word her or anyone else said after that because my attention was focused on someone else. The someone who was quietly skirting around his celebrating brothers to make his way to the door. I expected him just to leave, but something seemed to compel him to pause at the door. I know that by this time I was openly staring at him, but I honestly didn't care. Other than my dad's, JC's was the only opinion I truly cared about at the table.

He stared at the open door for a couple of breaths and then he turned to face me. This time when our eyes met, he offered a crooked grin that dimpled one of his cheeks before he mouthed, "Congrats."

I whispered 'Thanks' and then he turned and left.

The guys continued to celebrate, but I didn't really hear any of it. I just started going through the motions to jest get through the night. We all ended up downstairs (well everyone but JC) and started drinking the beer I had brought with me. I didn't want to appear cocky, but I had brought the case of beer in the hopes that we would be celebrating. But now that all just felt flat.

"Mia? Are you alright?"

I turned away from the counter where I had been polishing the same spot for… shit I don't even know how long… and said to Rat, "Y-yeah. I'm fine."

He turned to double check that he had followed my gaze correctly and laughed softly. "Pretty garish, right? Personally, I like his other bike better, bu…"

"Yeah, me too. But then again… I shouldn't be shocked that he traded up."

"Traded?" He laughed then shook his head. "You didn't hear about what happened in Eden, did you?"

"Dad mentioned something about asshole cops that tried to scam you guys."

"Yeah, that's part of it. They were going to impound all of their bikes, but they only ended up with Juice's."

I moved so that I could sit on a stool closer to Rat before I asked, "Why? Why just his?"

"Juice mouthed off to them. Seriously, I don't know if he's on something or if he's just has a brass pair, but lately… well… he's been taking risky chances. I mean, he's totally badass, but…"

"He's being reckless," I offered as I felt some bile rise up in the back of my throat.

Rat nodded then continued, "Anyway… the cops cuffed Juice to his bike and shot out the tires. After a scuffle, we all got away. When we got to their chop shop, his bike was… well… chopped. I swear, if Jax, Chibs and Happy didn't stop him, he probably would have killed the guy working there."

"You're exaggerating," I countered with a profound eye roll.

"Swear I'm not," he replied with his hands up. "Just ask Happy."

As luck would have it, Dad and Chibs were just pulling up on their bikes. I slipped off my stool and rushed over to meet them at the door. Dad gave me a painfully tight hug and then escorted me back deeper into the shop. Since he knew I had had a follow up appointment that day with the doctor, our entire conversation was steered towards my injury and everything going on with me and I never got a chance to ask him about what happened in Eden.

"Oi! Mia-Luv!" Chibs called out as he snapped his fingers in front of my face.

I felt a strong hand grip my shoulder as another voice asked, "Maria?"

I snapped out of my day dream so suddenly that I almost dropped my beer bottle. Worse than that, I almost knocked the bottle my dad was holding out of his hand when he moved to catch me.

"Shit. Sorry. I… I spaced out on you, didn't I?"

Dad cupped my right cheek answering, "Yeah, you did, Baby Girl. Are you okay?"

I shrugged then answered, "I didn't really sleep well the last couple of nights, so I think that's catching up."

"Of course you didn't." Dad placed his nearly full beer onto the counter top and then wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "Why don't I drive you home so you can sleep in your own bed?"

"No, y-you stay," I replied quickly. "Seriously, Daddy, stay and celebrate."

He looked like he was going to argue for a couple of breaths and then he said, "Alright. I'll come and check on you at your place before I head home."

"Oh… Actually…" I stepped closer to my dad so that no one else would hear me. "I figured that… well… with everything… I thought you'd be pushing for me to stay with you."

"I would like that, but I don't force you to."

I smiled and said, "If anyone asks, you totally did. I… I don't want to tarnish my badass reputation."

He hugged me then said, "Me either." After another tight hug, he kissed my forehead and added, "Ill see you at home later."

"Alright. Love you, Daddy."

"Love you too, Baby Girl."