"Olivia Parker, it's nice to meet you." The tired brunette said to "Mr. Silent".
"Happy" said the ever unreadable biker, holding Olivia's small hand in his.
Jax and Tara were standing over by the couch in mid-conversation about Abel, not noticing Olivia and Happy still standing over by the door. Hearing Olivia's phone ring, Tara picked it up and began walking towards her.
"It's John, you want me to answer it?" asked Tara.
"No, just let it go to voice mail. He sent a text earlier saying he had to talk to me about something I left at the loft. I have no idea what he's talking about, I know I took everything that belonged to me."
"Boyfriend problems?" asked Jax hearing Olivia's response to Tara's question.
Happy had remained close to the door but was intently taking in sight in front of him. He watched the brunette interact at ease with his VP and his Old Lady. He could tell by watching Tara and Olivia joke around that they were totally comfortable with each other. Still able to "hide" behind his sunglasses, he began to examine Charming's newest resident: thick dark brown hair, light golden skin, gorgeous full lips, and piercing emerald green eyes that seem to glow. She was probably 5"7, 120 pounds and from what he could see a damn sweet body, tone and lean. Hearing Jax ask if she had boyfriend problems snapped Hap from his visual assessment of Tara's friend and peeked his interest.
"No, not hardly. I highly doubt that he'll be an issue for me." Assured Olivia, walking toward the kitchen.
Noticing Tara's odd reaction, Jax slowly walked over to the bar. "I can't imagine he's too happy that you've picked up your life and moved half-way across the country." Questioned Jax.
"Like I said, I can assure you that he won't be an issue for me." Stated Olivia noticing Happy watching her.
Making a mental note to get more background info from Tara, he walked back over to his Old Lady and kissed her on the lips.
"Shouldn't be too late."
"I'm not working tomorrow, so I'll wait up for you. I think Gemma wants Abel to stay with them tonight." Grinned Tara.
"Good to know babe. Be careful going home. Love you."
"Love you too. You be careful."
"Hap" acknowledged Tara to the quiet man by the door.
Looking away from Olivia, Hap gave his normal nod in response. Walking around the kitchen island Olivia stood beside Tara. "Jax, it's great to finally meet you."
"Same to you. Let Tara know if you need anything."
"Will do. It was nice to meet you too Happy." Said Olivia to the extremely quite biker.
And without saying a word, he gave her the same nod he did inside the gas station and as she was pulling out of the parking lot then turned to walk out of her condo with Jax.
"Jax is just how I pictured he would be. I definitely see why you were never able to get him out of your system." Commented Olivia at her smiling friend. "Oh, good Lord, you don't have to rub it in that you get to go home to your perfect man." Joked Olivia watching Tara's face flush.
"Oh, Jax is far from perfect and we're still finding our way with each other, but I can honestly say that I've never been happier. I know the club comes first but since we've been back together, he's kept his promises to me about keeping our relationship a priority." Beamed Tara.
"I'm really happy for you, Tara. Most people don't ever find what you and Jax have together."
"Are you having doubts about ending things with John?" questioned Tara.
"Not at all. If I look back at all of my failed relationships, I can't see myself at all. I've always felt like every man I've ever dated wanted to change me into this woman who they could take care of. Not necessarily control, but manage me. John hated my career but it's the only thing in Chicago that satisfied me. God, I sound pathetic. Elliott called me about moving here at the perfect time. John was starting to bring up marriage again and I was running out of reasons that we shouldn't. He just wouldn't let it go, said he didn't understand why I wasn't rushing to marry him."
"Can't say I blame you. He was always too arrogant. I can't believe you stayed after you found out he cheated."
"I have no clue why I stayed." Olivia said pouring more sweet tea.
"Did you not want to marry him or do you not want to be married to anyone." Asked Tara.
"If I could find a man who accepted me for me, who could solely commit to me and me alone, then I would be thrilled. I've had my trust broken too many times and I keep a part of me shut off. I've never been able to fully invest in any relationship I've had."
Tara sat there wondering how on earth any man wouldn't be falling at her feet. Olivia was stunningly beautiful, compassionate, has a great sense of humor and a successful career.
"I think you've just been going after the wrong type of men." Tara said sipping her iced tea.
"Well, taking this job in Charming has conveniently ended my long standing problem choosing the wrong men. I'm not going to have time for anything much less trying to find a man. Wait, how old is Abel?" Olivia asked grinning at Tara.
"You little shit!" laughed Tara, "I don't even want to think about my son dating. At that thought I'm going home. You need anything else before I go?"
"No, you've done more than enough. Thank you so much for helping me" Olivia said hugging Tara. "I plan on testing out that tub here very shortly and going to bed."
"I'll call you tomorrow."
"Be careful driving home. Tell Jax it was great meeting him." Smiled Olivia as she walked Tara to the door.
The meeting with Laroy went better than he expected thought Happy on the ride back to the clubhouse. Producing an order as large as what Laroy wanted could put some added strain on the Irish not to mention the additional shipments. Additional shipments meant higher chances of being caught by the Feds, something SAMCRO didn't need. As Jax turned off heading home, Happy made his way back toward T-M. Driving down Main Street, Happy noticed the converted warehouse. Having to stop at the light, Happy felt himself looking up to the fifth floor. Definitely a small fuckin' world he thought. Olivia Parker. Who knew the sassy bitch in the gas station was not only heading to Charming but best friends with Tara. Noticing the light had turned green he took one final look at the building and made his way back to the club.
Quietly making his way in the house, Jax was surprised to see Tara still up reading a magazine.
"Hey babe. Everything ok?"
"Yeah, meeting went better than we thought. Got church in the morning to discuss it." Said Jax walking into the bathroom to take a quick shower.
Climbing into bed, Jax set the alarm clock on his side. "Have to say you were right about Olivia. She is gorgeous."
"Told ya. Don't let her looks fool you though. She keeps that bitch card she carries ready to drop when she needs to. I've seen her in action many times."
"You think she'll adjust to living here. It must be crazy coming from Chicago to our dumpy ass town." Jax said yawning.
"Charming is not dumpy. I think it will take her some time getting used to small town life, but I think it's what she needs right now."
"Whata' mean?"
"I think her taking this job was mostly to finally end the relationship she was in." Tara said stroking Jax's arm.
"She runnin' from someone?"
"No, nothing like that. She had been with this guy on and off for four years. He kept pressuring her about moving in together and getting married, not to mention he liked having his "trophy" girlfriend to parade around. Just not what she needs. I was thinking I need to go ahead and introduce her to Gemma before you mom ambushes her."
"Might not be a bad idea. Mom's not had anyone to dump on lately and Olivia could be a prime target." Laughed Jax. "Why don't you say something to mom about bringing her to the barbeque Saturday night?"
"I'll check with Gemma in the morning and see what she thinks."
Olivia sat soaking in her claw foot tub thankful to be unpacked. Hearing her phone beep, she reached over seeing it was another "urgent" text from John. Deciding there was no time like the present she called him.
"Hey….I'm glad you finally called me back. How are you?"
"I'm good, getting settled in. What's so urgent you've sent 10 messages?" asked Olivia noticing her water was getting cold.
"I miss you, Olivia. I know I've made some mistakes but we belong together. You know that I love you." Assured John. "You didn't have to move across the country to prove anything to me."
"John, I'm not having this conversation with you again. We don't work together. I can't, NO I won't be that dependent woman you want me to be and I won't apologize for that. I left Chicago for me. It had nothing to do with you."
"Bullshit Olivia!" yelled John. "You left because you're scared that we were close to getting married."
Laughing outloud, "WOW! I had no idea you were this arrogant. John, the last thing I want to do is marry you. Why would I want to marry a man who has constantly cheated on me? You love the idea of being married to your perfect trophy wife and that's not me." Stated Olivia.
"I actually thought we could have an adult conversation about our relationship."
"We have no relationship, John. Let me be perfectly clear, we're over, I don't love you and I'm not coming back. I wish you nothing but the best, but there is no "us" and never again will be." CLICK.
She had to admit that felt good. Hopefully now John would cut all contact with her. Emotionally Olivia had left the relationship months before she ended it. Now that she was starting her life over in Charming, she didn't want to have baggage from her old life invading her new one. Knowing she had a long list of errands to run, Olivia finished her nightly beauty routine and climbed into bed.
(Friday morning)
The prospects showed up thirty minutes early for garden duty fearful of what punishment Gemma would deal out if they were late. Giving some last minute instructions to the two, Gemma drove off with too many errands to run and a barbeque to get ready for on Saturday. Buying enough food to feed a club full of grown men was a project. Putting her purse in the buggy, Gemma made her way over to the produce section. As funny as it may sound, she tried her best to make sure the guys ate somewhat healthy at their family functions or at least the ones she was preparing. Searching for salad mix, Gemma noticed Charming's new tartlet.
"Getting settled, sweetheart?" Gemma asked looking over the citrus fruit.
Recalling she had heard that voice before, Olivia turned to her right now looking at the woman she encountered outside the coffee shop.
"Slowly but surely. Still trying to learn the area though, but so far I'm managing okay." Olivia spoke confidently reaching for some seedless oranges.
"I understand you're Elliott's new associate?" inquired Gemma.
"Yes, I'm going to be helping him with the new community project. I'm sorry I didn't catch your name."
"That's cause I didn't tell you. Gemma Teller." Said the brassy older brunette extending her hand. "I've learned that your old friends with my grandson's mother?"
"Tara? You're Jax's mother?" Olivia stated realizing she was now talking to the woman who Tara often had referred to as "The Queen".
"Yes, Jax is my son. It must be hard uprooting your life and moving to a new town?"
"It's an adjustment but I'm up to the challenge. I met Jax last night when he dropped Tara's keys off at my place. They seem to be a perfect match for each other. Motherhood has been good to Tara." smiled Olivia.
"They have definitely found their way back to each other. Family is everything to us. You have any family close?"
"No, my mom and grandparents are in Georgia but we talk daily."
"I usually wouldn't do this but why don't you join us at a family barbeque tomorrow?"
"I wouldn't want to intrude." Commented Olivia surprised at how gracious the invitation was.
"You wouldn't be intruding. Elliott's planning on being there and our family is somewhat different from your "typical" family. Here's our home address. We'll eat around six so plan on being there about five."
"I appreciate it Gemma but really I don't want to intrude."
"Be there. Something you should know about me is that I don't take no for an answer. See ya tomorrow." Smirked Gemma.
"Okay. Should I bring anything?" asked Olivia
"No, don't need to bring anything. Enjoy your shopping." Gemma said walking toward the bakery.
Olivia stood there somewhat in shock at what just happened. She had just been invited to family dinner by the "Queen" of Charming. Over the years Olivia had learned from Tara how protective Gemma Teller was of her biker family. She knew that the club was extensively tight and outsiders coming in just didn't happen. Tara had shared that after she and Jax reunited, Gemma at first was hesitant but the two women realized they had more in common than they thought and started repairing their relationship. From what Tara had told her last night she now considered Gemma a friend. This still didn't make sense to Olivia. Right now though she didn't have time to think about it. She'd finish her errands and text Tara for some insight.
With her errands complete, Olivia needed an ice coffee. Getting her groceries put away, she decided to walk to the coffee shop for an iced mocha. If she was going to spend the next few hours reviewing the finalized construction plans and builder contracts she needed to be alert. Sipping her coffee she slipped her sunglasses back down and walked out of the coffee shop. Turning left to head back to her condo, she heard a familiar man's voice.
"Two days in a row. Ms. Parker I believe you have a coffee addiction?"
Startled, Olivia turned around to see Ethan Zoebelle. "I wouldn't call it an addiction, maybe a fondness." Keeping her composure the brunette started to turn back toward her condo, when she felt him touch her wrist.
"With the two of us being new to Charming, how about I take you to dinner and we can compare our experiences." Asked Zoebelle.
All Olivia could concentrate on was what Elliott had told her the other night over dinner
I don't want to alarm you but there's a new man in town that you need to avoid. Ethan Zoebelle, he owns a cigar shop on Main Street. He's the head of a white's only organization….
Tuning out whatever Mr. Zoebelle was saying to her, Olivia politely stopped him.
"I'm sorry but I've just got to much to do in getting settled. I appreciate the offer though. Have a nice evening." Olivia cautiously spoke turning away from the older man.
"You too, Olivia!" said Zoebelle watching intently as she walked away.
Heading down Main Street, Happy saw her. Surprisingly curious he pulled into a parking space on the opposite side of the street and watched her go into the coffee shop. Sitting there realizing he wasn't sure why, he noticed Zoebelle coming out of his shop at the same time Olivia was walking out with her coffee. He had to have said something to her because she quickly turned around. With his dark glasses on he knew that neither one had seen him. Although Happy had the sharpest senses of anyone he knew the semi-constant traffic and distance between he and his two "targets" kept him from being able to know what was being said. Knowing Zoebelle was a threat to the club, Happy's instincts kicked in.
She was almost back to her condo when he stepped out in front of her. Almost screaming, she put her hand over her heart in an attempt to calm herself.
"You shouldn't sneak up on people. You seriously just gave me a heart attack." the startled Olivia said trying to get her breath.
"Why were you talking to him?"
"Who?"
"Zoebelle. What'd he say to you?"
Totally confused at how Happy knew she had just been talking to Ethan Zoebelle, she stood there speechless.
Pushing his glasses on top of his head, Happy stepped closer to Olivia. "What did he say to you?"
Remembering she had a voice, "I'm sorry, how did you know that I was talking to that man?" questioned Olivia looking around to see if she could tell where he came from.
"Saw him come up to you outside the coffee shop." Stepping closer, "Now what did he say to you?"
Completely caught off guard Olivia was doing her best to even remember what Zoebelle had said to her. "He said something about us going to dinner to compare notes on our recent moves to Charming." Said Olivia noticing that this was the first time she had seen "Mr. Silent's" eyes. Chocolate, almost black.
"What else? He touched your wrist." Happy stated motioning his eyes to her right wrist.
"That's all. I told him I had too much to do and that was it." Olivia said not understanding why Happy had her cornered at her building standing what seemed like inches from each other. Muscular tattooed covered arms.
"You need to stay the hell away from that man." Happy said firmly noticing just how green her eyes are. "Don't engage in conversation with him, just walk away."
"Elliott's already warned me about Mr. Zoebelle. I have no intention of having any interaction with the man."
"Just stay away from him."
"I plan to." Olivia spoke sipping on her coffee. Really nice lips.
Pulling his sunglasses back down, he gave her "their" parting nod and headed back across the street to his bike. She noticed his confidant swagger and the way he just "fit" that bike. Seeing that he looked back over toward her, she nodded and walked into her building.
Making an unexpected stop on Main Street, Happy was almost late in meeting Chibs at the warehouse to start getting the first order ready for Laroy.
"Problems, Hap?" asked Chibs
"Na, just got a peek at Zoebelle. Fucker needs to go."
"Need to wait for the right time, brother. Don't need any more heat than we've already got."
At that, Happy went back in quiet mode silently admiring the vast collections of weapons in front of him.
Tara pulled into T-M somewhat nervous about setting up a lunch with Gemma, her and Olivia. Gemma was known to be excessively hard on new people, especially women. She knew that once she got to know Olivia that she would like her but until Gemma reached her "comfort" level with Olivia, Olivia's life could become hell.
"Hi baby girl. Thanks for letting Abel stay with us last night." Said Gemma kissing Tara on the cheek.
"Anytime. It was great having some alone time with Jax." Tara said unable to hid her smile.
"I bet so." Smirked Gemma.
"My friend Olivia is finally here and I was wondering if you'd like to join us for lunch tomorrow? "
"I don't think so." Gemma said bluntly wanting to see what Tara's reaction would be.
"We could go another time if tomorrow's not good for you."
Seeing Tara's mind working overtime, Gemma thought she'd put her out of her misery. "I've already met Ms. Parker. Actually invited her to the barbeque tomorrow, so we want need to meet for lunch."
Standing there with her mouth open, Tara couldn't speak. Did she just hear correctly that Gemma Teller, the Queen of SAMCRO had just invited her friend, an outsider to a "family" function…..she had to have heard wrong.
"You invited her to the barbeque? Gemma, are you okay?" Tara asked now worried that something was terribly wrong.
"Yes, you little shit. I did invite your friend to our barbeque. I can be nice at times you know."
"I'm just stunned….I don't know what to say." Tara said still looking at Gemma like she had three heads.
"Just say thank you, darling" kissing Tara on the top of her head and walking into the garage.