Excited about spending some time with Olivia, Tristan couldn't wait for gymnastics practice to be over. Ever since Elliott had offered Olivia the job and she had accepted it, she and Tristan had been emailing, texting and using Skype to get to know each other. Elliott had shared with Olivia the horror that Tristan had gone through almost one year ago. It broke Olivia's heart knowing that an innocent 13 year old had been violated in such an unimaginable way. Hearing Elliott describe finding Tristan raped and beaten brought back painful memories of finding Tara in the exact same position. To this day Olivia could still hear Tara whimpering and the total and complete fear she had on her face. She never doubted that Tara would eventually recover but watching someone you love successfully bury their demons is something no one should have to do. Pulling into the gym parking lot, Olivia saw Tristan coming out the door.
"Hi! How was practice?" smiled Olivia.
"It was okay. Honestly I was too excited about our shopping trip to really concentrate." Tristan cheerfully said. "Where do you think we should go first?" Tristan said buckling her seat belt.
"Well, since some of the stores don't open until ten, I was thinking that we could treat ourselves to a mani/pedi then go for some retail therapy…how's that sound?"
"YES! What color do you think I should get?"
"You can pick whatever you want. I think maybe a rose color would look pretty on you." Olivia said turning into the salon parking lot. "I really appreciate you coming with me today considering I'm still learning my way around Charming".
"Thank you for asking me. Dad is always great about taking me shopping but he's not the best person to ask opinions on clothes. He would make me wear a nun's outfit!" laughed Tristan.
"He's just being a dad. My dad used to do the same thing. He told me that I couldn't date until I was sixty and it had to be a group outing." Olivia smiled remembering her father.
"You miss him don't you?"
"Everyday."
After selecting their color, Olivia and Tristan settled into their chairs enjoying some fresh lemonade. With their mani/pedi's finished, the girls set out for the retail therapy that Olivia prayed involved some cute shoes. Walking thru the department store she noticed Tristan smelling some perfume.
"You know, my first grown up perfume was "Beautiful". I actually still wear it sometimes."
"I'm hoping that Dad will let me start wearing perfume." Tristan said smelling another scent.
"Have you asked him if you can?"
"He said I had to wait until my next birthday."
"That's not that far off. Does he let you wear body splash from Bath and Body Works?" asked Olivia.
"Yeah, he's fine with that. I really like the Pineapple Mango."
"I like that one too. Do you have that scent at home?"
"No, I have Sweet Pea right now."
"Well, let's go get you some. My treat as a thank you for spending part of the day with me. I'm really enjoying getting to know you Tristan." Olivia said to the pretty thirteen year old.
"I like getting to know you too."
Noticing that Tristan's been quiet on the drive back to her house, Olivia reached to turn down the radio.
"Tristan, is something wrong?" Olivia asked concerned about why she was now so quiet.
"No, I'm fine." Tristan responded. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"Do you think I'll ever forget what happened to me?" Tristan asked knowing that Olivia knew about her attack.
"I hope so. I can't tell you when you'll feel like your old self, but I promise eventually you will. If you want to talk about it, I'm always here for you. I promise that whatever you tell me stays between us."
"I feel like everyone looks at me differently now." Tristan said while looking out her window.
"Hunny, they just want to try and take your pain from you and don't know how to do it." Said Olivia as she held the young girls hand. "I had a friend in Chicago that was attacked. I actually was the one who found her. It was heartbreaking watching her hurting so much but I promised her that I would do whatever she needed to help her get better and I'm making you the same promise. I'm here if you need me." Olivia responded now putting the car in park in Tristan's driveway.
"Thank you. I like talking to you." Tristan now reaching over to hug Olivia.
"I like talking to you too. Don't forget your bags. Have fun at your slumber party tonight!" said Olivia waving by to Tristan and Elliott standing on the front porch.
Call me when you can….need to be prepared for 2nite.
After sending Tara a quick text to gain some insight on why she was invited to a SAMCRO family barbeque, Olivia went straight to her bathroom to shower.
"Hey! Just got your text. I actually went over to the shop to invite Gemma to lunch with us and she informed me she had invited you to the barbeque tonight. I'm still in shock. This is very unlike Gemma."
"Okay, why do I feel like I'm about to be ambushed? It floored me too that she invited me knowing how protective she is with her family. Maybe I should call and say that I'm sick or something came up? I'm not in the mood to be put on display tonight?" Olivia said concerned Gemma was up to something.
"I don't think she's up to something. Gemma's tough but she has her own way of getting to know people." Tara said putting Abel down for an afternoon nap.
"Are you sure I won't be intruding? I have a ton of work I could get done tonight." Olivia stated noticing the pile of folders on her bed.
"NO, you're coming tonight and we're going to have a great time. I will warn you. All the guys will be there which should be entertaining to watch them all drool over you and you'll get to meet Opie's fiancé, Lyla. She's very sweet but really nervous about their upcoming wedding."
"I highly doubt anyone will drool over me. I'm going to stop by the store and pick up some margaritas for us." Olivia said now standing in her closet trying to select an outfit. "What should I wear?"
"Dress casual. Bring a light sweater, it'll get chilly later tonight and I plan on us staying out very late. Neeta is taking Abel home after dinner so we can have adult time and lots of adult beverages!"
"Okay. Let me get off here so I can make myself presentable and I'll see you around five."
Finally deciding to wear her favorite low rise fitted jeans, a vintage black tank and her sage green short-sleeve wrap sweater, she decided that she looked okay. Realizing she needed to leave in thirty minutes, she put a few last curls in her long hair, rechecked her make-up and threw some cash, license and lip gloss in her favorite Kate Spade wristlet, she stepped into her favorite black wedge heels and walked out of her bedroom.
Gemma Teller was in full diva mode in making sure everything was ready. Everyone would be arriving at any minute and any party given by Gemma was always perfect. Hearing the roar of motorcycles, she yelled for Clay to hurry up.
"Hello boys. Everything's set up out back. Beers in the coolers." Smiled Gemma showing her "boys" to the back patio. Walking back into the kitchen, so noticed Clay trying to sneak into the shrimp tray.
"I don't think so!" yanking the tray out of Clay's reach. "You need take your sweet ass outside. All the guys but Hap and Piney are here."
"Piney's not coming. Said he was staying at the cabin." Informed Clay.
"Stubborn ass is going to drink himself into an earlier grave."
Walking over to the door looking out onto her patio, she watched her family. Clay and Bobby in deep talk; Opie watching Lyla looking at Gemma's roses; Tig and Chibs giving Juice a hard time about something. Jax and Tara playing with Abel on the swing set. Everything was perfect. Hearing the doorbell, she saw Elliott had just arrived.
"Hi sweetie. How are you?" smiled Gemma giving her longtime friend a hug.
"Doing great. The food smells wonderful as always." Commented Elliott. "How's everything with you?"
"Really good. Glad you could make it. I know Clay and the guys will happy you made it." Gemma said walking him out to the patio. "I'll be out in just a minute. Need to bring out the fruit tray."
Hearing another bike, she glanced out of the window seeing Happy nod and walk around the side of the house to the back. Checking again for anything she missed, she picked up the fruit tray and headed outside.
"Tara, I've got Abel's food over here. Does he have a cup out here?"
"Actually no." Tara said scooping her son up and walking over.
"I'll be right back." Gemma said walking back inside. Tara gave Abel to Clay and followed Gemma.
"Hey, I just wanted to say thank you for inviting Olivia tonight. I know you'll adore her once you get to know her."
"We'll, I'm honestly trying something new. You've proven to me that you not only love Jax but this club as well, so I'm putting my trust in your ability to have not brought some psycho bitch into our lives." Smirked Gemma.
Happy greeted his brothers and made his way over to get a beer. Noticing Tig and Chibs giving Juice hell, he made his way over.
"Brother, the prospects getting the orders filled?" asked Tig.
"Yeah. Shouldn't be a problem getting the order out on time. Going to meet up with Laroy's transport man tomorrow to go over the drop." Happy said downing his beer.
"This deal is going to mean some serious cash flow for the club. We just need to be on point with the drop-offs and not fuck up." Juice spoke up noticing the door bell rang again.
Making her way of the sidewalk, Olivia suddenly felt nervous. Olivia was comfortable in just about any situation she was in. She could hold her own with the toughest of men and knew exactly how to handle bitchy women. But she was about to step into Gemma Teller's kingdom and Oliva was nervous. Pushing the door bell button, she took a deep breath and waited.
Hearing the doorbell, she glanced at the clock and saw it was 4:55pm. Tartlet's on time thought Gemma as she opened the door.
"Hi Gemma. Thanks again for inviting me." Said Olivia noticing what she felt was a genuine smile from the "Queen".
"You're welcome, sweetheart. Everyone's out back." Gemma pointed outside.
"Oh, I hope I'm not late." Olivia said looking at her watch.
"No, you're right on time."
"I know you said not to bring anything, but I thought some Mango Margaritas would be nice."
"We'll eat, then us girls will enjoy that. Let's leave that in here or one of the guys will have it gone before we finish dinner. Come on, and I'll introduce you to everyone. Elliott's out here too.
Walking through Gemma's home, she was noticed how beautifully decorated their home was. Rich warm colors on the wall, plush oversized furniture and gorgeous artwork. "This lady has great taste" thought Olivia as they made their way to the back door. Hearing what sounded like a rowdy group, she stepped out of the door seeing Tara jump up and head over to her.
"Hi! Glad you could make it." Leaning into closer to Olivia's ear, "just breath, tonight's going to be fun." Grinned Tara.
"So far so good. That must be Abel." Sighed Olivia noticing the adorable baby now sitting on Jax's lap.
"Yes, that's our boy." Boasted Tara. "Looks just like his daddy."
"He's gorgeous, Tara." Olivia said smiling at Abel.
"I know I am!" commented Jax knowing Olivia was talking about Abel.
"Jax, your ego could use some deflating!" Tara said punching Jax in the shoulder.
"Olivia, I see you didn't have any problems finding the place" Elliott asked walking over to his new associate.
"No, Gemma's directions were perfect. I think I'm finding my way around now."
Gemma took a few minutes and introduced Olivia to Clay. Clay immediately noticed how personable Olivia was. Something about her reminded him of Gemma. Jax was right, this woman is beautiful and must be brave to be standing here among a group of hardass bikers and appearing to be at ease. "Bitch has balls" thought Clay.
Seeing the guys over near the cooler, still giving Juice a hard time about something, Gemma yelled for them to come over and eat.
Chibs, Bobby, Tig, Juice and Happy were still discussing the new gun deal with Laroy when they heard Gemma yell.
"Guys, I want to introduce you to someone." Said Gemma.
Tig looked up and just stopped talking. He stood there just staring toward the patio.
"Tig, what the fuck's your problem." Asked Bobby wondering why Tig was starting to grin.
Still unable to speak, he just pointed. Bobby, Chibs and Juice all looked up.
"Fuck, who is that?" commented Juice "Seriously, who is that?"
"Wow!" said Chibs now noticing why Tig looked so stupid at the moment.
Finishing his second beer, Happy turned to reach for another beer and froze. There she was standing on the patio, sexy as hell. Popping the top of the beer he turned it up watching her. She was laughing about something with Tara. He took the opportunity walking over to the patio to take her in. She was dressed in jeans, a tight fitted black tank with some type of design and a green sweater a lighter color than her eyes. He noticed she looked taller than she did yesterday when he stopped her at her condo. "Fuckin' sexy in those shoes" thought Happy now knowing why she was taller. Her hair was down with soft curls, glossy lips and those green eyes. Letting the other guys ahead of him, Happy stayed in the background watching Gemma introduce Olivia to his brothers.
"Olivia, this is Tig, Bobby, Chibs, Juice and Happy" pointing to each one.
She smiled as Gemma made the introductions not yet seeing Happy until she heard his name. Her stomach flipped. In the few days she had been in Charming, at some point in her day she had ran into "Mr. Silent" or Happy as she had just recently learned his name. As Gemma pointed out Happy to her, he yet again gave her the "nod" and just stood there.
"So Luv, how are you liking our lovely town?" asked Chibs using his Scottish charm on the stunning brunette.
"So far I like what I've seen. It's very peaceful compared to Chicago." Olivia smiled at the Scot.
"Well if you need a personal tour guide, I'd be able to assist you." Tig said with thoughts of Olivia naked begging him to fuck her going through his mind.
"Tig, let's not scare the poor girl. I'm not sure she'd want your kind of guidance." Bobby remarked.
Everyone was gathered on the patio fixing their plates. Olivia took note of the fact that she may be in the presence of outlaw bikers they actually ate somewhat healthy. Putting some grilled veggies and chicken on her plate she made her way over to the table.
"Babe, food looks good." Commented Clay cutting into his steak.
"Alright guys, you know the rule. No business talk from here on out tonight." Smiled Gemma at her family.
Raising his bottle, "To family", Clay said, the typical SAMCRO family "blessing".
"To Family" then came from everyone raising there beverage.
Conversation throughout dinner covered almost everything: all things Abel, Juice's newest computer accessory, Bobby telling Gemma his latest experimental recipe, Tig's latest sexual adventure, Chib's love of any hot sauce and finally a date for Opie & Lyla's wedding. Although taking in so much information at one time from people she had just met, she found herself completely comfortable. Yes, she had been asked a few personal questions, but she didn't feel like she was on display. She did catch herself several times throughout dinner glancing toward Happy's direction. The tall biker rarely talked during the meal. She notice he only spoke when asked something directly. They had made eye contact a few times and his facial expression never changed. To say he gave off an intense presence was an understatement. She noticed he was wearing a black fitted t-shirt under his cut defining his muscular arms. She saw that his arms were completely tattooed and could see that he had a tattoo just below his neck. Okay, need to quit staring thought Olivia as she found herself intrigued by the silent, tan, shaved head biker with full lips and dark eyes…
"I'm going to start taking in the food. Tig, are you finally finished?" asked Gemma starting to clear off the table.
"Yeah, I'm good, Gem." Tig said running a hand over his stomach.
"Lyla, what are your plans for your wedding?" asked Olivia refocusing herself from the biker on the other side of the table.
"I'm not really sure. I know I want it to be outside and it won't be your "traditional" wedding. I guess I just want something that's us, does that make sense?" Lyla softly spoke .
"Makes perfect sense. I've been in several weddings that were chaotic and over the top. It amazes me how so many people go crazy trying to have some elaborate wedding." spoke Olivia sipping on her tea.
Happy sat next to Chibs cautiously watching Olivia helping Tara and Lyla clean up the table and take everything inside to Gemma. He had to admit he was surprised she seemed so at ease with everyone. This woman wasn't the typical biker bitch and she sure as hell wasn't a fuckin' crow eater. She hadn't shied away from any of the conversation during dinner, even laughing at Tig's graphic story of his latest crow eater fuck. Jax had enjoyed her sharing funny stories about Tara and even Opie had joined in the conversation. He noticed her eyes lit up when she laughed or smiled. Her skin was lightly tan and seemed to glow. She turned toward Tara and he saw her perfect full lips that looked like…..
"Shit, what the fuck's wrong with me" thought Happy as he downed another beer and got up to smoke. He lit up and walked around the house to his bike.
"Well, guys this has been great. Thanks for inviting me Clay." Said Elliott shaking his friends hand. "Wanna call and check-in on Tristan."
"How's she doing?" asked Clay concerned about how the young girl was.
"Surprisingly well, considering. It helps that she's got Gemma and Tara. She spent earlier today shopping with Olivia and is at a slumber party tonight. I think she's starting to feel like herself again, but I don't want to get my hopes up."
"Tristan's a strong girl. She'll get there." Assured Clay.
"I can only hope. Well, let me say by to Gemma and head home." Said Elliott walking toward the house.
"Gemma, as always a great barbeque. Thank you for a wonderful time." As Elliott leaned over kissing Gemma on the cheek.
"Elliott, I'm going to stop by after lunch tomorrow to get those site plans so I can review them before Monday's meeting." Said Olivia
"Actually, there in my car. I thought you may want them, and I knew I'd see you tonight. Walk me out and you can put them in your car."
"Okay. You ready?"
"Gemma, thanks again for dinner. Tara, Lyla it was good seeing you both." Elliott said now heading for the front door with Olivia behind him.
"Glad you decided to come tonight."
"Yeah, me too. Have to admit I was nervous but everyone seems great and tonight hasn't lacked in entertainment. Tig and Juice are a riot!" laughed Olivia putting the plans in her SUV.
"Thank you for spending the day with Tristan. I can't tell you how happy she was when she got home. She really likes you" said Elliott. "You're a great influence on her, Olivia."
"She's a wonderful young lady. I told her to call me anytime she wants to have "girl time".
"Oh, I'm sure she'll be calling you on a regular basis. Well, let me get going so I can call and check on her before it gets too late. You be careful going home."
"Don't worry, I will. See you first thing on Monday."
Closing the back of her Volvo, Olivia walked around to the driver side door to get her purse. Reapplying her lip gloss and checking her phone for any recent texts, she shut her door and turned to walk back into the house.
"Uugh!" said Olivia feeling like she just hit a brick wall. Putting her hands out to catch herself she felt solid muscle and hands on either side of her waist.
Looking up now realizing she had turned and ran into Happy, "Do you always sneak up on people? I really didn't need another heart attack in two days." Not registering that her hands were still gently place on Happy's chest.
"You let Elliott know that you had a run in with Zoebelle?" spoke the tattooed biker with his large hands still on either side of her waist.
Still in stunned mode, "No, I don't think it's that big of a deal. I have no reason to associate with him, so nothing will come from it." Olivia said looking up at the biker slowly removing her hands from him.
"You don't need to be anywhere near him." Happy said with his face dangerously close to hers. He swear he could feel his heart beating in his ears while he slowly dropped his eyes down her face toward her lips. He looked back up into her green eyes when he heard his phone ring. Suddenly moving back, he removed his hands off her waist and pulled the phone from his pocket.
"Yeah", was all he said answering the call, stepping away from where he had just stood with her. Olivia stood there completely still for a few minutes. Her heart was slamming in her chest and her stomach was again doing flips. Taking a deep breath she decided to walk back and join everyone. Opening the front door she saw Tara in the kitchen getting the margaritas ready.
"There you are. Got the drinks ready. We're going to go sit out by the firepit while the guys try to drain each others wallets playing poker." Grinned Tara. "Gemma and Lyla put our chairs out. Come on."
"I could use a margarita." Said Olivia thinking the alcohol would be good in stopping her mind from wondering what had just happened outside.
Happy finished his call with Laroy's transportation man setting the final meeting time tomorrow. Putting his phone back in his pants pockets, Happy noticed his jeans weren't so tight now. Even though he took the call, he still managed to watch Olivia walk back in the house. Damn sweet ass body he thought noticing how well her jeans fit her. He was in desperate need of another beer or ten to clear the thoughts that he was now having in his head about Olivia Parker.