Thank you so much for all your words, dear readers!

A brief reassurance, given at the beginning to assuage any fears that may develop over the course of this chapter: I ended In the Blood so sadly partially to contrast with the happy ending of this one. Every single character (except Tara's asshole FBI ex) will get a happy ending. I promise. Yeah, there'll be some heartache and drama along the way, but I mean. What would be the point otherwise? :) Don't worry: your fav, no matter who your fav might be, will walk outta here smiling and whistling a happy tune.

i'm not a monster i believe
like a liar would believe
helps me navigate the wooden smiles, the raging sea
all my heroes pull their heads
like a fighter would I guess
no one really ever likes getting older
Matt Nathanson, "Angel"

"What the fuck is your problem?" Olivia snapped.

Opie slammed the wrench down on the workbench. "Nothin'. No problems here."

"Really? Because you've been acting like you're on the verge of a temper tantrum all day. I thought you were gonna make Sack cry."

He snorted. "If the prospect can't do the fuckin' job he needs to move the fuck on. Ain't got time for crybabies around here."

"Hhmm," she said, lifting a brow. "I guess that memo missed you."

"Why you up my ass, Ollie? I'm just doin' my job."

"Whatever, Ope," she said. "Finish up so we can get out of here. I'm exhausted."

"Yeah I bet," he muttered under his breath.

Her eyes narrowed. "What does that mean?"

"Nothin'," he said again, this time with a shrug. He shut the drawer on his tool chest and locked it. "Just—was kinda surprised to see you and Juice so cozy this mornin'."

"Cozy? What—?" The hug. He was acting like a little shit because he'd seen Juice hug her? "Are you fucking kidding me?"

"You fuck him in the office, or you decide to let him actually take you home this time? That why you're so eager to get outta here?"

She flinched like he'd hit her, and tears sprang to her eyes. "Oh my God," she said. She spun away and stomped toward the office and Opie let his chin drop to his chest.

Jesus. What the fuck was his problem? He chased after her, but she slammed the door in his face. He sighed. Yeah, he probably deserved that.

He opened it slowly to find her shoving her shit in her bag. Her back was to him, but he could tell by the tension in her shoulders she was pissed as hell.

"Oll, Christ, I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean that."

She jerked around and he winced at the sight of her tears. "You can't do this, too. Not you! I could barely handle it from Juice, but at least he pulled that take a number shit when we were kids, so I know how he can lash out when he's pissed. But you? I can't, Opie. Don't do this to me."

He scrubbed a hand down his face. "I'm sorry," he said again. "I was out of line, and I swear I didn't mean it. I don't even know—fuck, Ollie, you know I'd never—"

"I thought you wouldn't! But then you—" She threw an arm out, an emphatic gesture toward the garage. "I never thought I'd hear that from you. Of all people, Opie!"

She was crying harder now, almost like he'd seen her in the bathroom that day, and Opie felt about two inches tall.

"It was just a hug," she said through her tears. "He apologized and we talked it out a little and he asked if he could hug me. I said yes and it was just a hug. That's it! No kissing, no touching, no fucking! I told you I don't want that with him anymore and I meant it!"

"I know," he said. He lifted his hands and took a step toward her, keeping his movements slow and his voice low and soothing. "I know, Ollie. I fucked up. I don't even know why I said it. I didn't mean it, I swear. And, look, even if you did decide to pick up with Ortiz again, it's none of my business. It's your life."

"Except it is your business. I would never—I wouldn't just do that. Not without—I mean—I'd talk to you first. Before I decided something so—because you're—and we're…"

He blinked at her. "We're what, Oll?" he said when she trailed off.

Her eyes were huge, her face red and blotchy. She sniffled and he handed her the box of tissues so she could wipe her nose.

"We're friends, Ope," she finally said, her voice thick. "Right?"

He cleared his throat and felt some of the tension drain away. "Yeah. Of course we are. Pals."

"Yeah," she said. "Buddies."

"Compadres?"

Her mouth quirked. "Amigos."

He sighed and brushed one last tear off her cheek. "I'm a fuck up, Olivia. I saw you two, and it just—I don't know. It looked real…intimate, I guess."

"Hhmm. I'm not sure Juice and I can hug without it being intimate. But intimate doesn't always mean sexual."

He huffed. "I know it."

"So why'd you flip out? Or why didn't you just ask me about it?"

"I don't know," he mumbled as he ducked his head. "Figured it was none of my business, I guess."

She tugged his beard until he looked at her. "It is your business, you idiot. We're a team these days, aren't we?"

"I thought so," he said.

"Nothing's changed, Ope. Jax is off with his head up his ass and, yeah, Juice and I made up, but not in a relationship-y way. You and Donna are split and Tara's slowly putting herself back together and that leaves…us. You and me."

"The leftovers," he said with a smile.

"Yep. Day-old pizza and cold mashed potatoes."

"I like day-old pizza."

"Good," she said. "Because I'm the pizza and you're the mashed potatoes."

"Please," he said, scowling. "I'm clearly the pizza."

"All right, sugar." She patted his cheek. "Whatever you say."

"Don't humor me, Gable. I've got legit reasons why I'm the pizza."

She couldn't suppress a grin. "You know, before you pitched your little fit I was gonna ask if you wanted to come over and watch a movie. I rented the first three Scream flicks—"

"You hate scary movies."

"And I need a movie-watching buddy. Because I hate scary movies."

He rubbed a hand against the back of his neck and his smile was wry. "Sure, Oll. I can protect you from a knife-wielding maniac in a ghost mask."

"Thank you," she said. She lifted up on her toes to press a kiss against his cheek. "You're a true prince when you aren't acting like an asshole."

"Yeah, yeah," he said, completely ignoring the way her breasts brushed his arm and how good she smelled even after a full day at the garage. "Listen, I'll finish up here. Go on if you want."

"Are you sure? I don't want to leave you."

"Nah, I'll be fine. Consider it part of my apology. The groveling stage."

She grinned. "In that case. Want me to pick up Chinese on my way?"

"Maybe Greek?"

"Dolmades. Yes, good. See you in…thirty?"

"An hour. I'm gonna hit the shower." He thought for a moment. "Maybe I should pick up the food, so it won't be cold. Your usual?"

"Sounds good." She grabbed her bag and headed for the door before he could change his mind. "Ride safe," she said over her shoulder.

"Yeah, Oll," he said. "Thanks."

He slid his hands in his pockets and watched until she got in the car. He was lucky. Real fuckin' lucky. He'd made her cry and she'd forgiven him for it. Just like that. He drew in a long breath and let out it slow.

Greek food and movie night. She'd been back almost four months now and they'd done this a hundred times. Like she'd said, nothing had changed. They were buddies, plain and simple, and it was how they both liked it.

So why did he feel like everything had changed, and all at once? Like he'd changed it with his reaction to her hugging Juice? It didn't matter. He'd flipped out like a dipshit, but she'd forgiven him and now they'd move on.

He just had to keep his head on straight and everything would be fine.

There were other garages in Charming. Tara didn't have to go to TM. She didn't have to go to a garage at all: between Opie and Olivia she was sure they could fix any problems the Cutlass might be having…but she'd put it off long enough. Jax was going to find out she was back eventually, and she thought it would be better to just get it over with.

She hadn't told Olivia she was coming, and really it had been sort of a rash decision. She let out a long breath and turned the car off before she climbed out. Chibs was heading toward her, and when he recognized her he stopped and did a double take.

"Well, well," he said. "Do my eyes deceive me or is it the long lost Dr. Knowles?"

"The one and only," she said. "It's good to see you, Chibby."

"Aye, darlin', you too. Seems doctorin' suits you. You're lookin' well."

She smiled and pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head. "Thanks," she said. "Hey, so, is Ollie around?"

"Aye," he said, "but so is—"

"Tara?"

They both froze at the familiar voice, and Tara pivoted his way slowly. Jax stood a few feet away, his face as stunned as if she'd been dead and come back to life.

"Jax," she said.

"What're you doin' here?" he said, rougher even than usual.

"Ah…" She cut a look at Chibs.

"Seems I was in the middle of somethin'," he said. "I'll leave you two to it." And off he went.

She slid her hands in her pockets and tried to smile. "I'm, um…back. In Charming."

"To live?" he said. He couldn't process what she was saying. "I thought you were in Chicago."

She started to reply, but he held up a hand. "Not here." He jerked his head toward the clubhouse and set off that way, and Tara didn't have much choice but to fall in step behind him. He led her through the bar and into the office, and as the door shut behind them he gestured for her to continue.

She fought the urge to roll her eyes. "I was," she said. "But my dad died, and someone needs to take care of all his shit…and St. Thomas made me a great offer, so…" She trailed off with a shrug.

"I don't understand," he said. "You were gone. You left. You said you weren't ever comin' back."

Her mouth quirked. "Pretty sure Ollie said the same thing."

"She didn't leave, Tara. Her dad took her away. There's a difference."

"So are you mad at me for going, or for coming back?"

"I just wanna know what the fuck you're doin' here. That's it."

She could tell he was dodging the question, but she could play along. "I'm here about the Cutlass. The clutch is sticking, and I thought—"

"Ollie can't look at a clutch for you?" At her look he snorted. "You aren't gonna try to tell me she doesn't know you're back, are you?"

"No," she said. She took a breath and crossed her arms over her chest. "I thought it would be better if you heard it from me, Jax."

The muscles in his jaw danced and his mouth was tight. "So you thought you'd just show up here, middle of the day, like you never fuckin' left?"

"That wasn't—"

"Ollie tell you I got married?"

Tara let out a short breath. "Yep. She also told me you guys split up."

"You here to help me pick up the pieces?"

"Don't flatter yourself, Jackson. I'm here about my car, and because I figured after everything I owed it to you to at least let you know I was back in town. I didn't want you hearing through the rumor mill."

"Very considerate," he said, and she flinched at the acid in his tone.

She had no idea how long they would've stood there arguing, because just then there was a knock at the door. Jax didn't drop her gaze as he huffed out a breath.

"What?" he said.

The door opened and Opie poked his head in. When he saw Tara his brows lifted, but otherwise he didn't react. "Tara," he said.

"Opie."

Jax turned on him with a scowl. "You know about this?"

He pushed the door wider and gave a laconic shrug. "Ollie mighta said."

"Right. You and Ollie bein' such good buddies these days."

Opie and Tara shared a brief glance. "You been kinda busy," he said. "Donna said Tara wanted to be the one to tell you she was back."

"Donna?" Jax said. "Donna knew, too? Did the whole fucking town know before me?"

"No, Jax," Tara said. "That's part of why I'm here."

"Jesus." He dragged a hand down his face. "I ain't got time to deal with this right now."

"You don't have to deal with anything. We live in the same town again. Big fucking deal. I'll find another mechanic if it's that stressful for you to see my car in your lot."

"He's not sayin' that, Tara," Opie said.

Jax glowered. "We got that thing with the Mayans," he said to Opie. "Clay and Tig already left."

"Yep," Opie said. "That's why I came to get you."

He yanked his gloves from his back pocket and tugged them on. "Get your clutch fixed," he said to Tara. "Don't want it gettin' any worse." He stomped away, brushing past Opie with a grumbled curse, and Opie cast her an apologetic glance.

"He'll calm down," he said. "It was just a shock."

"Mmhhmm," she said, doubtfully.

"Ollie's over at the garage. Gemma ain't here, so you dodged that bullet."

"Opie!" Jax called from the hallway.

"Go on," Tara said. "I'll be fine."

He grimaced and gestured for her to follow him. "C'mon. I'll walk you out."

She fell in step beside him, and he automatically shortened his strides to make up for their height difference. Jax waited in the bar, his brow furrowed and his hands shoved in the pockets of his hoodie. When he saw them he spun on his heel and headed outside. She and Opie followed him, and as Opie took off toward their bikes he cast Tara a brief wave.

Tara watched them rumble from the lot with a little frown between her brows. Well. She hadn't thought it would be easy. She sighed and turned toward the garage, and the gleam of sunlight off coppery hair caught her eye.

"Hey!" Olivia said as she trotted her way. "Chibs told me you were here."

"Are you busy? You didn't have to stop for me."

"Nah," she said. "It's lunchtime. You hungry?"

"I could eat, I guess."

"Good. I'll give you half my sandwich."

"So," Olivia said once they were settled at the picnic table, "how'd that go?"

Tara frowned and stole a chip. "About as well as you'd expect. He was fuckin' thrilled."

Olivia sighed. "Honestly I think he'll be happy once he has a chance to think about it. It was probably just a shock."

"Hhmm. Yeah, that's what Opie said."

"Okay, then. Surely we aren't both wrong. Him, yeah. But me?"

Tara grinned. "So modest, Olivia Jameson."

"Modesty is overrated, Tara Grace. I believe you're the one who taught me that."

"Sounds like me."

They ate for a few minutes in silence until finally Tara said, "How've things been with you and Juice since the big apology?"

"Oh." Olivia hitched a shoulder. "Better. I mean, we still don't talk much—I think it's a little too…I don't know. Raw? But at least it's not a hostile silence. And Gem doesn't have to bend over backwards to keep us apart on the schedule."

"That's good," Tara said. She eyed her a moment. "I know you've been walking on eggshells around me since I got back, because of the whole thing with Jeff. But it's okay. You can come talk to me about whatever. I'm your best friend, remember?"

Olivia gave a slow nod, maybe of relief. "I've been talking about it some with Opie, but he's a boy, and it's just—"

"Not the same thing," they said in unison.

"I know," Tara continued with a smile. "That's why I'm sayin' it. In case you think I'm too delicate to hear about your relationship problems."

"It's not that."

Tara nudged her with a shoulder. "I know it's not." She paused to pick at her sandwich. Then, "It was pretty incredible the way Opie showed up in Chicago like that. I mean, he just dropped everything and flew up that day."

"Well yeah," Olivia said. "He knew you needed help, and—"

"Me?" Tara said, pointedly. "Or you?"

Olivia's brows drew together. "What's that mean?"

"Nothing," Tara said. "Just, look: Opie and I talk every once in a while, like maybe once every six months or so. We exchange Christmas and birthday cards, though he usually forgets mine. I haven't actually since him in person since a few months after high school graduation."

"Uh huh," Olivia said. She fiddled with the pull tab on her Diet Coke can. "Your point?"

Tara poked her. "That's not the person you fly halfway across the country for. Not at the last minute, anyway. Not at a second's notice when you've got a job and an MC and an ex-wife you're still really into."

Olivia was perched on the table with her feet on the bench, and Tara sat on the bench next to her. Now Olivia straightened from her slumped position and set the can down. "We're friends, Tara. That's the sort of thing a guy like Opie does for his friends. It's rare, yeah, but…he's sort of a rare person." Her voice softened, and a little smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "You know that."

"Huh," Tara said.

"What? What's that look?"

"No look," Tara said. "Just—yeah, you're right. Opie is that kinda guy."

"Lass!" Chibs' voice floated to them from across the lot, and he hurried their way like his ass was on fire. "Ollie girl, can you cover for me? Just got a call from the boys. Some trouble with the Mayans."

She lifted a brow. "Everything okay?" she said.

He hesitated. "Aye, I s'pose, but—" He frowned at Tara. "You wouldn't, ah…you wouldn't be available to help me patch someone up, would ye?"

Tara and Olivia shared an alarmed look. "Someone's hurt?" Olivia said.

Chibs wagged his hand back and forth. "Not bad, but my medical skills are somewhat lacking. A real doc would be a big help."

Another glance passed between the two women. Olivia shrugged. Tara lifted her brows. Olivia's head tilted. Finally Tara gave a long sigh. "Yeah," she said. "I'll need to get a few things from the hospital. Where can I meet you?"

"We'll bring him back here," he said after a moment's consideration. To Olivia he said, "Finish up with that brake job and then shut the garage for the day. We don't want customers comin' in when we've got brothers bleedin'."

"Sure, okay," she said. "Wait!" she called after him as he took off again.

He turned back with a questioning frown.

"Who was it?" Tara said.

"Ah…Opie, I b'lieve. But nothin' serious."

"Opie," Olivia said, too quiet for him to hear—but it didn't matter, because he was gone anyway.

Tara blinked at her in alarm. She'd gone pale beneath her freckles, and she seemed sort of stunned. "Ollie?"

"Hum?" She shook her head once, quick. "Right. What?"

"Maybe give me a ride to the hospital? With the Cutlass's clutch acting so weird—I'd hate for something to happen between here and there."

"Chibs said—"

"I know. But I think the brake job can wait. Lock up and meet me at the Cougar." Tara didn't want to leave Olivia here virtually alone, and she knew Olivia needed something to occupy her mind. Brakes weren't going to cut it.

"Olivia," Tara said when she still didn't move.

"Yes!" she said, blinking hard. "Good, yeah, just gimme a sec. Throw this stuff away?"

"Sure," Tara said, gathering their trash. "See you in a minute."

Olivia shoved off the table and hurried toward the garage, and Tara watched her go with a frown. She had no clue. Literally none. Tara wondered how deep her feelings went, and if Opie knew. Or Juice.

She blew out a long breath. This could get extremely complicated, and Olivia hated complications. It would bear watching, and if needs be Tara would knock some sense into her. Or both of them. Or all three.

Whoever might need sense-knocking, Tara Knowles was there for it.

Happy ending. I promise.

Not that the ending is coming up any time soon; there's a lot more otw. :)