Hi guys! Here is the next chapter, a little bit earlier than usual! And before you even ask, there will likely not be one this weekend. Also, please don't hate me after reading this! Enjoy the chapter and please REVIEW!

Everything was perfect. The huge dining room table was all set for dinner. The roast was nearly done and the aroma coming from the kitchen were mouthwatering. Gemma straightened the center piece on the table and walked into the kitchen, where Neeta was stirring the vegetables and Wayne was chopping carrots for the salad. With her and Neeta's careful preparations, dinner would be ready very soon, and the whole crew would be here any minute. This dinner was going to be great; full of good food and good news.

"Am I doing this right, Gem?" Wayne asked uncertainly from the cutting board.

"Wayne, you're chopping carrots," Gemma rolled her eyes good naturedly. "It's hard to get it wrong."

"Don't get touchy, I was just making sure," he told her. "I know you value perfection in your carrots."

"You're right," she smiled. "And that one's too big. Cut it again."

He was about to argue with her, but they were interrupted by the front door opening and shouts of , "We're here!"

Tara, Abel, Lila, Kenny, Ellie, and Piper paraded through the kitchen, with Tess bringing up the rear. Tara deposited a pie on the counter and Abel in his high chair while Lila put the sodas and deviled eggs she had made into the fridge. The kids all immediately went to the living room and positioned themselves in front of the television, thrilled that Piney had not yet claimed it for the evening. The roar of motorcycles coming from down the street told Gemma that the guys were here as well.

"Dinner will be ready any minute. Let's get this stuff on the table," Gemma said as everybody grabbed a dish and headed into the dining room. Lila shouted at the kids to turn the TV off and go wash their hands. Gemma saw that Tess was hanging back by the door, biting her lip. "You okay, Darlin?"

Tess looked a little worse for the wear. Her eyes looked tired and a little red if Gemma wasn't mistaken, but with makeup it was hard to tell. "I just...I meant to make something to bring, but I completely lost track of time today and...I didn't bring anything. I'm sorry, Gemma," Tess mumbled.

"Don't worry about it, Honey," Gemma smiled and squeezed the girls arm. "You can help with the dishes."

That got a laugh. "You've got it."

"Good, I hate dishes," Gemma told her. "Now come on. The guys are here, let's go."

Gemma didn't notice the nervousness that overtook the younger woman's face as they headed out into the dining room. Tess steeled herself as she moved towards the door, mentally telling herself that she would be fine and that not a damned thing was wrong with her and that it would be a good dinner and a nice night with friends.

Opie and Piney were the first one inside, followed closely by Chibs, who handed Gemma a loaf of what looked like homemade bread. The Prospects entered, each carrying something to offer to the SAMCRO Queen, from flowers to a box of chocolates. Hugs were exchanged and conversations were started, and Tess tried to pay attention and listen as Chibs explained exactly what Irish soda bread was, but she really couldn't concentrate. Her eyes kept looking, kept searching the crowded room for him, even if her brain knew he hadn't yet arrived.

"Who are we missing?" she heard Gemma ask as a quick headcount was done. "We are short one."

Everybody was surprised when it was Tess who immediately answered, "Kozik. Kozik isn't here yet."

"Ah," Gemma replied, looking at her curiously. The men were oblivious, but the women weren't. All female eyes were on her, but Gemma allowed the moment to pass unchecked. "Let's go sit down. We can at least have drink while we wait."

They all moved into the dining room, and it was chaos. There was a flurry of iced tea being poured and flasks being passed discreetly and children being corralled and settled at the kitchen table under Neeta's watchful eye and stories being shared and laughs being had. Tess did the best she could to go with the flow and fit in and do what everybody else was doing, but she was obviously distracted. All she could think was that Kozik was late. She wasn't sure why, but that fact filled her with a sense of dread.

Her dread was waylaid by the sudden appearance of a mysterious red plastic cup in her hand. It looked like tea inside, which seemed innocent enough, but Chibs winked wickedly as he poured what seemed like a lot of something from a steel flash into the cup. "Cheers," he whispered conspiratorially as he tapped his own cup against hers before drinking.

She couldn't help but grin, glad for the distraction. "Do I even want to know what I am about to drink?" she asked.

"It's tea," he insisted, his face the picture of innocence. "Tea, and a healthy amount of whiskey, of course."

"Of course," Tess agreed. She really shouldn't be drinking. She had work in the morning, and then there was the small fact that Kozik was supposedly on the way, and as awkward as their situation was, alcohol would undoubtedly make it worse. She opened her mouth to politely tell Chibs to drink it for her, but she thought the better of it. She was a goddamned adult, and she was among friends, and she was not about to let the mere thought of Kozik scare her off from a drink she most definitely wanted. She closed her mouth and nodded firmly before tipping the drink back and tasting it. She was surprised to find that it was sweet, with just a hint of fruit flavor, and the whiskey must have been damn good quality, because it was perfection.

"That's a good girl," Chibs grinned at her. "And here I thought you were going to hang around looking miserable all night."

"Not me," she assured him, taking another drink. "No reason to be miserable. It's a good night."

"Sure it is," he easily agreed. "Or at least it will be, as soon as you tell me what's been bothering you lately."

Tess took another drink and laughed. Looking down into her cup, she was surprised to find it half empty. She opened her mouth to give him the cursory denial, but instead, she found herself admitting, "I may be a lightweight, but I am not nearly drunk enough for that yet. Try again after a couple more cups of 'tea'."

She knew, of course, that she had just confirmed to him that there was actually something wrong, but she somehow found that she didn't really care. There was something about Chibs that she trusted. Tess knew that he wouldn't push her on it tonight, which she was glad for. Between her shoddy nerves and the delicious alcohol, she would probably tell him, which was really not what she wanted to do.

"Dinner is getting cold, everybody," Gemma spoke up above the din of the crowd. "Let's eat. Kozik will get here when he gets here."

That was the best idea Tes had heard all night, and judging from the sighs of relief, everybody else was in agreement. They all made their way to the table and took their seats. Tess ended up wedged between Chibs and Tara, directly across from Opie and Lila. Food was passed around, and before long, Tess had a plate full of roast and potatoes and salad and vegetables and, at Chibs insistence, soda bread, which actually turned out to be fantastic. Plates and mouths were full, and there was happiness in the air.

"So the visit went okay today?" she heard Gemma ask Tara, and there was no mistaking the desire in Gemma's eyes. She wanted to hear about her son.

"Yeah," Tara replied, and her smile was huge. "It was great. He asked about you and how everything was going. I showed him pictures of Abel; he said I should bring him next time. He was same Jax as ever; nothing much has changed. He cut his hair!"

'Are you serious!?" Lila grinned from across the table. Tess had seen pictures of Jax, and she guessed that the long, dirty blond hair was a trademark of sorts.

"I have been trying to get him to cut that hair since he was fourteen," Gemma joked. "If I had known that all it would take was a prison trip, I would have had him locked up years ago."

Everybody laughed, but none of them doubted that it was true. Smiling, Tara told them, "I want to go back soon, maybe take Abel to see him," she looked at Chibs and Opie, "If that's okay."

Opie nodded quickly, "Whenever you want. You just let us know, and we will get you there."

Tess smiled from her place next to Tara. If felt good to be here at this table, a small part of a family that took care of each other, no matter what. She had her own family back in Garden Grove, and yes, they loved one another in her own way, but Tess had known from an early age that unless she took their path in life, she was on her own. There was something about these people that was so not what she was used to. They weren't family by birth, they were family by choice, and that made all the difference.

"I am glad that we have something good to celebrate tonight," Gemma said, raising her cup. "My baby boy being happy definitely calls for a celebration."

They all raised their cups as well, and it looked like Tara just couldn't stop smiling. After a moment, she chimed in, "Oh, but Chibs got good news today, too!"

All eyes, turned to the Scot. "I did," he agreed easily. "Fi and Kerrianne are coming to visit. They'll arrive in two weeks."

The news was met with a chorus of cheer. Chibs fielded questions and got pats on the back and grins and smart assed jokes, and somehow another dinner was already being planned. In the midst of this, while he was occupied, Tess reached over and exchanged her empty cup for Chibs still full one and drank more, enjoying the easy feeling that washed over her. Between the mood in the room and the alcohol, she had very nearly forgotten about old what's his name.

"Well, since everybody is sharing good news tonight," Gemma spoke up, a spark in her eye and a tiny smirk on her face. "I have some of my own."

"Let's hear it then," Chibs demanded as he noticed his empty cup and elbowed Tess, who snorted.

"Well," Gemma began. "I got a phone call today-"

That was as far as she got before she was cut off by the front door swinging open. Standing there, in all his blonde asshole glory, was Kozik, who had apparently arrived for dinner. All eyes immediately turned from Gemma to him. He was framed in the doorway, and he was practically buzzing with excitement. Tess knew immediately that something was going on, and she had a sinking feeling that whatever it was, she wasn't going to like it. His eyes fell directly on her, and there was something delightedly malicious in them. The feeling of dread only increased.

"Sorry we're late for dinner, guys," he said to the room in general. They all hurried to greet him and give him shit for being late. It seemed like Tess was the only one who had actually heard what he said. She, however, was too busy sitting absolutely still, not daring to move. He said 'we'. Who the hell was 'we'?

As if to answer her unasked question, at that very moment, a person appeared from behind Kozik; a person of the female persuasion. In the fleeting seconds before her mind could register the shock, Tess looked the girl over. She was tall and blonde just like him, though Tess could tell that her blonde came from a box. She hated to admit it, but the girl had killer curves; an ass that Tess would kill for a tits that were probably bigger than her brain. She was dressed in an impossibly tiny, neon blue dress and four inch heels. Finally making it to her face, Tess saw that it was caked with makeup that was a shade too dark and she sported some ridiculous eyeliner. Tess didn't know whether to be embarrassed or furious over the fact that this woman was wearing vibrant red lipstick to a family dinner.

"It's about time," Gemma spoke up, not even remotely understanding what the hell Kozik was doing. "I see you have a friend."

Kozik lit up at Gemma's comment, and jumped on his opportunity to attack. "Well, I am not sure I would call her a 'friend'," he smirked, still looking directly at Tess. "I mean, some of the things we do are definitely not friendly. More erotic and carnal."

Some of the men snorted, and the women held at least a little disapproval, but Tess was practically shaking with rage and hurt and about a thousand other things she couldn't identify. All she could think was how dare he? How dare he pretend to be her friend only to get her into bed and run away while she slept? How dare he avoid her for days afterwards and act all cavalier on the phone? How dare he show up to a dinner, a family dinner full of friends and people she was really beginning to love, with some tramp? She just couldn't even begin to understand what he was doing.

"Ah, well does your erotic...carnal…not friend….have a name?" Gemma asked slowly, as if she were talking to a very stupid child.

"Oh, yeah," Kozik replied, not letting Gemma's attitude get to him. "This is Bambi. Bambi Jones."

"It's Johnson," the girl spoke up, tugging on his hand and looking displeased that he had managed to forget her name.

"Johnson," Kozik quickly correct. "Bambi Johnson. Whatever, names aren't important. What is important is that we have spent the past couple of days getting to know each other VERY well, and now we're here for dinner. She and I. Bambi and me. Us."

Everybody in the room was silent. They all stared at him, different thoughts racing through their minds. Some of the men were impressed and were making mental notes to ask Bambi if she had any sisters or friends. Opie and Chibs were leery of this new development, well aware that there was another shoe, which would likely drop at the most inconvenient moment. Tara and Lila were wondering how they could get this tramp out of the house, or at least covered up, before any of the kids saw her and got any ideas. Gemma was pissed that he had brought what appeared to be a hooker to a dinner that was strictly invitation only, and on top of that, he had managed to steal her thunder.

Tess was suddenly hit with the realization that maybe drinking so much whiskey/tea had not been the best idea, because she was suddenly overwhelmed by an intense churning in her stomach. For just a moment, she was almost sure she hated him. She hated his perfect smile and his outrageously good looks. She hated that he had just turned on the charm and wormed his way into her good graces so easily. She hated that he had pretended to be her friend. She hated that he had made her come three times and then left at the first opportunity. She hated that he hadn't called or even fucking texted after. She hated that he had made her cry. She hated that he was here with some dumb tramp, but most of all, she hated that she cared.

Tess hated that she just had to open her mouth. "Bambi?" she squeaked, convinced that it couldn't be a real name. "Like the deer?"

"Oh, is there a deer here? Because I don't eat meat," Bambi spoke up, chin held high as if she was proud of herself. Tess heard Chibs snort.

"Yeah, her name is Bambi," Kozik shot back, gleeful in his anger. This was what he had come for. "Got a problem with that, Tessie?"

"Tess," she corrected instantly. The fury had come flooding in, leaving zero room for the crushing sadness that had been in her a moment ago. At last, something was going her way tonight. "My name is Tess. How many times do I have to tell you that, Herman?"

"Don't call me Herman!" he shouted at her, instantly angry. Every other person in the room was looking back and forth between them as if they were watching an interesting tennis math. Well, everybody except Bambi, who was still looking for the deer.

"You're not the boss of me!" was the first thing that flew out of her mouth, and she instantly cringed, both because she was well aware that he very much was her boss, and because her retort sounded like something a six year old would say.

"Oh, that's right," he glared at her, true anger coming out now. "I'm not anything to you, am I? Not your boss, not your friend, and sure as hell not anything else. There is no Tess and Kozik, right?"

Hearing her own words fired back at her was brutal, but Tess was beyond the point of caring. Instead, she just said, "Fuck you, Kozik!"

"Been there, done that," he spat back at her. "If you want to ride again, you'll have to get in line."

And that was the end of the tennis match, because now all eyes were directly on her. She couldn't think and she couldn't breath and she sure as hell couldn't salvage this situation anymore. Instead, she let out a strangled cry and did the only thing that made sense; she threw her silverware at him, letting out a sharp laugh when the spoon hit him in the eyes, and turned on heel to march from the room.

"WAIT!" Gemma screeched from her place at the table, and all movement stopped. She looked deranged as she continued, "You all stormed in and brought all of your shit with you and now my silver is all over the dining room and that tramp probably trailed in some good STD's and none of you have even gotten to hear the good news, so just stay still and shut the fuck up!"

They stared at her for a moment, not sure what to say. Eventually, it was Chibs who spoke up. "Well, what is it Gem," he asked cautiously.

"I talked to Lowen today," she reported. "My house arrest has been lifted." That news was met by a general tone of surprise. She let it sink in before she continued. "I can leave the house, go see the guys, go to the damned grocery store, go to work. I can go wherever I damned well please. I'm free."

Everybody around the room reacted different upon hearing this news. Lila smiled, not seeing any downside to her not having to do Gemma's grocery shopping anymore. Wayne was a bit sad, because she wouldn't want his company as much if she had other options. Tara was nervous, because now she would really have to make sure that those letters were well hidden if Gemma could drop by anytime she wanted. Chibs was glad that his brothers on the inside would be able to visit with Mother Gemma now. Kozik was still fuming from the not quite done argument, and Opie was just tired.

It was, once again, Tess who opened her mouth first. "Well, that's just fucking awesome," she said, before stomping out of the dining room, throwing the front door open, and disappearing into the night.