Monday morning came faster than Olivia would have liked. Having already began to settle into her new life here in Charming, today was the beginning of a new career. Working with Elliott in developing a new affordable community just north of Charming had Olivia actually excited again about work. After a quick conversation with Elliott last night choosing her wardrobe was simple: comfortable. She would be meeting him and the surveyor at the site to walk lots so her standard four inch heels would have to stay home. With hair and makeup done and dressed in a simple fitted white v-neck tee, a semi worn pair of Lucky jeans and her black riding boots, she grabbed her purse and laptop bag and walked out of her condo. Climbing in her SUV she pulled out of the parking deck heading north of Charming. Really needing her morning caffeine she made the decision to stop at a local gas station instead of the coffee shop near her house. Having run into Ethan Zobelle there twice, she didn't want to chance a third meeting. Elliott had discussed in detail with Olivia the true nature of Zobelle's intent in Charming and she wanted no part of any contact no matter how small with the "cigar" distributor. She was far from naïve, but his views and beliefs made her sick to her stomach and refused to associate with someone that racist and ignorant. Reaching the gas station, she sent a quick text to Elliott saying she should be there within 45 minutes and went inside for much needed coffee. Starting to feel like her normal self thanks to caffeine, she climbed back in her SUV and made her way up to the job site.
With the sun now coming in the bedroom window of his cabin Happy slowly opened his eyes. Knowing he had to be back in Charming for church at six tonight, he got dressed and went outside to work on the bike. It was these rare times alone that kept Happy sane. Although he had no reservations about his job with the club, to maintain his own sanity he had a routine after completing a "work order". It was mandatory he meet with the club president of whatever charter had requested his services to discuss any loose ends that could possibly pop up but once the meeting was over he was on his bike and heading for the solitude of his cabin, of which only three people knew Happy had a personal retreat. His mom, Slade and Clay were the only ones who knew about his secret hideaway. He purchased the small rustic cabin about three years ago, just after his mom was first diagnosed with cancer. It was ideal for him, the perfect escape for him to regroup and release after his "jobs" were complete and not far from the care center his mom now lived in. Taking in the last few hours by himself working to restore his latest find he realized he may not be able to get up here until after the deal with Laroy was completed. Deciding to make sure everything here would be secured when he left for Charming, he finished working on the bike, put up his tools and went inside to shower before leaving.
Olivia had finally made her way to the job site. The area was absolutely beautiful. Gently rolling hills, mature trees and gorgeous views of the mountains in the distance. Elliott couldn't have found a better piece of land to build a community. Getting out of her SUV, she pushed her glasses on top of her head and made her way over.
"Hi! Any problems getting here?" asked Elliott
"No, not at all. I must say I thought the drive here was gorgeous, but this is simply breathtaking. Elliott, just the views alone will sell out this community." Olivia said still in awe of what she was seeing for the first time.
"You ready to walk? The guys will resume grading around 11:30, so let's get as much done as we can." Stated Elliott to his associate.
After what felt like miles of walking, they made their way back over to the vehicles. The surveyor assured them there wouldn't be a problem with getting at least one hundred one-acre lots. The goal was to create an upscale, high-end community with exceptional details at affordable prices. Potential buyers would have the choice of six builders and a vast selection of home plans to choose from. With the initial grading completed and almost all of the roads in, although paving was due to start next week, Olivia's main goal before actual construction started was to narrow down the floor plan selection. Both Olivia and Elliott had decided at the start of their partnership that they wanted to give buyers more plans to choose from to ensure this neighborhood didn't end up looking like a typical "cookie cutter" community, this neighborhood was going to be the exception.
"We have to make sure that we can get Wi-Fi up here. I can't login to check my email." Olivia said less than thrilled she couldn't get online.
"Already confirmed with the phone and cable company that Wi-Fi won't be an issue. I'm going to wait for the surveyor to bring back the final site plan, and with the grading to resume here shortly why don't you head back to Charming?"
"I might as well. I've got to finalize these floor plans so I can get the renderings to the printers and get the selection books back before we hold the unofficial grand opening party. I'm hungry too. I'll head on back and be at the office if you need me." Commented Olivia putting her laptop back in the bag and shutting the back door.
" There's a diner about 5 miles down the highway that has great food. Stop in and get something to eat before you head back. Ask for Ralph, I'll call him and tell him to expect you."
"I take it you eat there a lot? I'm dying for a good salad and a large sweet tea."
"No problem. Just ask for Ralph when you get there. Drive careful."
"Will do." as she started her car and made her way back to the highway.
Right at five miles back down the highway was the diner that Elliott had told her about. Noticing a few cars in the parking lot, she pulled into a space and got out. Grabbing her purse and laptop bag, she thought while she had her lunch she'd at least check her emails. Walking in she smiled at the waitress behind the counter and found a booth over on the opposite side. Reaching for a menu she saw the waitress walking over toward her.
"Hi Darling! What can I get you today?" said the very bubbly waitress.
"I would love a large salad with extra tomatoes and mushrooms. Honey mustard on the side and sweet tea with lemon." Stated Olivia putting the menu back behind the napkin holder.
"I'll have it out to you shortly, sweetheart."
"Take your time, I'm in no hurry. I need to check my emails anyway."
Having replied to all important emails, she was almost finished with her salad. To her surprise stopping at the diner to eat had allowed her to catch up on a few things. She asked the waitress if she was holding up the table but the waitress told her that business was slow today and for Olivia to continue working as she was. Deciding to go through the seventy-five floor plans she pushed her laptop to the side and pulled out a file from her bag. The goal was to give potential homeowners a fifty floor plan selection to choose from. She had narrowed the plans down to seventy five, now she just needed to eliminate twenty-five more.
Being on his bike on the open road always put things in perspective for Happy. The next several weeks were going to be nothing but complete business for SAMCRO. Successfully completing this gun deal with Laroy would not only fund the club for the next year, but more importantly it would cover the cost of his mom's medication and ease the financial burden he had taken on since moving his her into the care center. Rounding the corner he saw Ralph's Diner and pulled in for some food. Taking his helmet off he surveyed his surroundings like he always did. Although he would disagree that he was paranoid, Happy made sure he knew who was around at all times where ever he was. Walking into the diner, he gave a nod to Ralph in the kitchen and found a booth. Grabbing a menu, he heard the waitress walk up.
"You want your usual?" asked Helen
Still looking at the menu, Happy couldn't decide what he was in the mood for. "Just bring me coffee for now." putting the menu back on the table.
Helen walked the coffee over to the table. Turning she made her way over to the other side of the diner to check on her other customer. He took the first sip of coffee while staring out to the parking lot. He heard the waitress ask the customer if she needed anything and he heard her voice.
"More sweet tea would be great. Are you sure I'm not holding you up?" asked Olivia.
"Sweetheart, you're just fine. Business is all but dead today. You just continue what you're doing. It's nice having another female in here. I'll be right back with your tea."
"Thanks". Pulling her hair around her shoulders, she refocused on the floor plans.
There in a booth across the diner she sat. Olivia Parker. He could tell she was studying something. She was wearing jeans and a tight white shirt with a v-neck that gave him a teasing look at her breasts. He watched her pull all of her hair over her left shoulder giving him a perfect view of her profile. She looked aggravated with whatever she was looking at. He watched her sip her tea licking her lips as she put the glass back down on the table. "FUCK" thought Happy as he realized he was intently watching the brunette. He was curious as to why she was this far outside of Charming. Against his better judgment he made his way over.
"Why is this so hard?" said Olivia out loud.
"What's so hard?"
She immediately looked up. There he was. Mr. Silent or Happy as she now knew his name. Standing right in front of her wearing jeans that sat low on his hips, a fitted white tee under his cut with his sunglasses hanging from his shirt was the man she ran into everywhere she went.
"Umm, what did you say?"
"What's so hard?" he asked again now sitting down directly across from her.
"Oh, floor plans. I'm trying to narrow down the floor plan selection that we're going to offer to buyers. I didn't realize I said anything out loud."
They sat across from each other for the next few minutes in silence. Olivia went back to reviewing the floor plans while Happy continued to stare at her. She could feel his eyes on her but she refused to make the next move. Content to continue working, Olivia reached for another rendering only to have Happy pick it up.
"You draw these?" he asked looking over the house plan.
"No, I use a computer program that does it for me. I enter all the information, specifications and style details that I'm looking for. Construction interest you?"
Shaking his head no, Happy looked out the window then back to Olivia. Surprisingly for the next forty five minutes Mr. Silent and the brunette carried on a conversation about random things: her move to Charming, his fondness of the open road on a bike, and why she only ordered a salad at lunch. Olivia was genuinely intrigued by the biker. While he was telling her the reason he loved the open road she found herself staring intently in those dark chocolate eyes. The moment he sat down in front of her, she felt her insides in a constant flip. Sitting across from her was a man who she knew without a doubt was an outlaw biker, a man who by all accounts she should probably be terrified of or at least cautious around but here she sat, as comfortable as one could be across from a man she had only met a handful of times. To say he was all man was an understatement. This biker could instill fear in the devil himself while at the same time exude an amount of sexiness that she had never seen before. She could feel her skin tingle every time she heard his raspy voice and silently prayed she was keeping her reactions to the biker to herself. Realizing she desperately needed to take her mind off wondering what the tan, heavily inked biker across from her would look like naked, she jumped back into the conversation.
"Are you leaving for a trip?" asked Olivia careful not to use the term "run". She promised Tara that she would never let on what she already knew about SAMCRO or how their MC worked.
"It's called a run and no I'm headed back to Charming." Happy responded looking directly at Olivia. He had been sitting here for almost an hour now actually having a conversation with a woman. Anyone who knew Happy knew he didn't have conversations with women. Happy fucked women, he didn't talk to them. But here he sat, willingly and if he would admit it out loud, he was enjoying himself. Women were bitches to Happy, the only exception being his mom. Olivia Parker was ballsy, smart, confident and all woman. The brunette sitting across from him was like no woman he had ever crossed paths with. She didn't seem the slightest bit intimidated by the SAMCRO biker known as "Killa". Nope this woman sitting across from him stood toe to toe with him in their current line of conversation. He watched how her eyes lit up when he asked about her work, dark emerald green eyes that almost glowed. He fought the urge to growl when he watched her apply more lip gloss or sip her sweet tea. She had full lips that looked incredibly soft and found himself thinking how good they would feel wrapped around his cock. Willing his mind and lower half to stop thinking of what Olivia would look like naked and moaning his name, he got up from the table.
"Need to head back to Charming. Remember what I told you about…."
"Yes, I know. Stay away from Ethan Zobelle. You really don't have to constantly remind me." said Olivia to a somewhat stunned Happy. "It was nice talking with you Happy."
"See ya." said the biker as he turned and headed out the door. Olivia watched him get on his bike and just like he always did, he gave her a nod and pulled out. She couldn't help but smile. "Umm" She thought to herself. He's definitely not what she was used to. Every other man she had dated was the typical "good guy" with the 9 to 5 job, pricey sports car and wardrobe that screamed Ralph Lauren. The man she had just spent the last hour with was the complete opposite. A total outlaw who oozed the MC lifestyle. And here she sat with her stomach still doing flips while having some interesting visions of said outlaw biker. Clearing her mind of thoughts that would make a porn star blush, she packed up her files and reached for her purse. Pulling out her wallet she turned to put money on the table and saw that he had already put cash down to cover the bill. She didn't even see him do it. Had he been that distracting? Looking at the time, she got up, waved to Helen and got in her SUV. Pulling out of the diner, she didn't even realize she was grinning.
Heading down the highway to Charming, Hap's mind was working overtime at what had just happened. He just spend the past hour sitting in the diner having a conversation with a woman, Olivia Parker to be exact. He found himself still smelling her perfume as he passed other vehicles on the road. She actually listened to him when he responded to her questions. He remembered how she would chew on her bottom lip as she listened to him explain why he loved being on the open road and she twisted her hair up securing it with an ink pen. He thought about her v-neck white t-shirt that showed ample amount of cleavage without her looking like the crow eaters back at the clubhouse who all but walked around naked. He had to admit she was unbelievably sexy without even trying to be. Passing a family in a Honda minivan, he couldn't help the grin on his face.
Ralph sat at the bar enjoying his club sandwich and not believing what he had just witnessed. Not even thirty minutes ago, he watched in awe as the hardened biker he had got to know over the past ten years sat in a booth with a woman any man would kill to have actually having a conversation. He couldn't hear what the two were talking about but he saw with his own eyes that Happy was talking to a female. In all the years SAMCRO would stop in, Happy was always the mute one, only speaking when spoken to. This was something, no that woman was something to have been able to engage Hap in any conversation and he saw with his own eyes an electricity flowing between the odd pair.
Making her way into the office, Olivia stopped briefly to say hello to Christy, Elliott's office assistant. The twenty six year old newly wed had been a tremendous help to Olivia since her move to Charming less than a week ago. Once settled in her office she was checking her emails when Christy buzzed her saying a client was in the lobby for her. Walking back up front to the lobby, Olivia walked over an introduced herself.
"Hi, I'm Olivia Parker." extending her hand to the gentleman.
"Anthony Weston. It's a pleasure to meet you." shaking Olivia's hand.
"How can I help you today?"
"I'm interested in possibly purchasing a home and I was hoping someone could show me some property. Is there someone here that's available?"
"Actually, there's no one available this afternoon, but I can have one of our agents call you to schedule an appointment for tomorrow. Would that work with your schedule?" asked Olivia walking over to get a note pad.
"I'm anxious to get started, could you show me some properties?"
"I have a full schedule today but I can have someone call you. Can I get your contact information?"
"Here's my card. I'd appreciate any help you can offer. I'm excited to see what's available." said the mysterious man. "Thank you for your time."
"You're very welcome. I'll make sure someone contacts you no later than this evening. Have a great afternoon Mr. Weston." smiled Olivia.
"Christy, I'm going to finally narrow down the floor plans, so I'm going to pretend that I'm not here if anyone else comes by."
"Okay, I'm going to run some errands for Elliott so I'll forward the phones while I'm out. I should be back in an hour or so. Can I bring you anything to eat?"
"No thank you, I had a salad on my way back from the site. See you when you get back." Olivia said walking back into her office smiling remembering her odd but interesting conversation with a certain sexy biker. Two hours later she had made progress in finalizing the floor plans when she heard the exterior door bell ring. Realizing that Christy hadn't returned yet, she walked up front seeing a delivery man at the door. Unlocking the door, she noticed the man holding a gorgeous bouquet of flowers.
"Hi, can I help you?"
"I have a delivery for Olivia Parker." said the Charming Florist delivery driver.
"Actually that's me….these are beautiful." said Olivia taking the flowers and smelling them. Signing for the flowers, she handed the delivery man his clip board back and closed the door. Remembering to relock the door, Olivia turned and made her way back to her office. Sitting the vase down on her desk, she reached for the card anxious to see who had sent her flowers. "It's either mom or grandma or grandpa" thought Olivia but it wasn't who she thought it would be from. They were from Ethan Zobelle.
"Beautiful flowers for a beautiful woman. Would like the opportunity to get to know you better."
Reading the card again thinking it would suddenly change and not be from Ethan Zobelle, she sat down in her chair. She had run into this man twice now in the short time she had been in Charming and both times had been polite but careful not to engage herself into any type of conversation with the racist man. She was replaying Elliott's conversation in her head at just what type of man Zobelle was and she suddenly felt sick to her stomach. She couldn't remember telling this man her name or where she worked, she hadn't told this man anything about herself. Remaining calm, she would talk to Elliott later this evening when he called her with an update. Putting the flowers on top of a file cabinet toward the back of her office, she refocused back on her work. A short time later, she heard Christy come back in the office.
"Hey, I'm back. Here's your mail and Elliott called saying he was taking Tristan out for pizza and he'd call you later this evening. He said the surveyor would call tomorrow about the new site plans."
"Thanks Christy. Hey, I really appreciate you helping me get situated this week. You made this transition very easy for me. Thank you."
"You're very welcome. I'm so excited about this project."
"I know, me too. Not looking forward to no time off, but I'm ready for construction to get started."
"Well, whatever I can do to help you, just let me know."
"I will. You've been a huge help already. I think we'll make a great team."
Leaning back in her chair, she closed her eyes and smiled celebrating the fact she had finally selected the fifty plans for the new community. Gladly marking it off her to-do list, she heard her phone chirp.
"Jax has church tonight. How about dinner with me and Abel?" T
"Sounds great…..I'll come to your house….can I bring take out? O
"No, I'll make spaghetti…..bring some wine! See ya at 6:3O! T
"Will do. Going home to change first." O
Another two hours go by and Olivia is pleasantly surprised at the amount of work she was able to accomplish this afternoon. Christy had left around four so she had been alone in the office. It surprised her to now hear Elliott call out for her coming into the building.
"I'm in my office, Elliott." Olivia yelled at her boss. "I thought you were taking Tristan out for pizza?"
"Hey. I finished up earlier than I thought and she's still at practice until 6:30. How's things here?" Elliott asked sitting down across from Olivia's desk.
"Great actually" reaching for the plan book. "Here is the final plan selection. Dropping them off at the printers in the morning."
"I can't believe this is all coming into place. The surveyor said he'd call me sometime tomorrow with an update on the site plans."
"I'm anxious for construction to get started. Oh, Christy said to remind you she had an eye appointment in the morning so she'll be late."
"Yeah, she sent me a text earlier to remind me." said Elliott leaning back in the chair. "Pretty flowers. Who sent them to you?"
Looking back at the flowers, she had almost forgot about them. Turning back toward Elliott she tried her best to change the subject. "Where are you and Tristan going for pizza?"
"A place off of Marshall Street. Who sent the flowers?" Elliott asked again.
Knowing she was going to have to answer him, she sat further back in her chair, "I'm not sure why he sent them" as she passed him the card.
"Ethan Zobelle?" Elliott asked reading the card again. "Has he contacted you?"
"No, he came up to me at while I was in the coffee shop and he spoke to me the other day as I was walking back to the condo. I didn't think about it at the time but I didn't tell him my name or where I worked. I kept thinking about what you had told me about him, I was polite and told him I had things to do and that was it."
Elliott's mind was racing. Ever since Tristan's attack he always had felt that somehow Zobelle was behind it but he couldn't prove it. Tristan completely shut down after the rape and everyone agreed that pushing her to describe the man who had hurt her may do more damage than good and he wasn't willing to risk her mental health. He prayed that in her own time Tristan would be able to give a more detailed account of the man who attacked her. Now this bastard appeared to have Olivia in his sights.
"Listen, I need you to promise me that you're going to completely avoid Zobelle and you'll tell me if he tries to contact you again. I mean it Olivia, you promise me."
"I promise Elliott. I want nothing to do with that man. I'll tell you if he tries to talk to me again." Olivia said realizing this man was more of a threat than she initially thought. "I'm leaving to run home and change clothes before I head over to Tara's for dinner."
"Alright. Just be careful. I'll check in with you later."
"Okay. Enjoy your dinner with Tristan and I promise you I'll be careful." Olivia said smiling at Elliott.
Not wanting to scare his new associate, Elliott did his best to keep his anger inside. Ethan Zobelle was starting to be a serious threat in Charming and he needed to make sure SAMCRO was up to speed on his latest movements. Looking at his watch, he had just enough time to run by T-M and still pick Tristan up on time.
Walking into her condo, Olivia put her laptop bag on the bar and made her way to the bedroom. Changing into one of her Victoria Secret lounge sets, she walked into the bathroom to put her hair up. A quite girls night would be just what she needed to unwind. Sliding her black wedge flip flops on, she walked out of her bedroom and into the kitchen to get a bottle of wine. Seeing it was 6:20, she grabbed her purse and locked the door.
Pulling into the driveway, she saw Tara walking back from the mailbox with Abel.
"Hi, so how was your first day? Love the outfit."
"It was good. Got a lot of paperwork out of the way today. How was your day?" Olivia asked letting Abel grab her hand.
"Rough. Had to operate on a two week old. She's going to be fine, but it brought back memories of him being on the table." Tara said kissing Abel on the cheek. "Let's go inside. We can eat in about thirty minutes."
"It smells great. I'll open the wine."
On his way to T-M, Tristan called saying that practice was over early. Pulling into the lot, Tristan noticed where they were.
"Daddy, are we going to see Aunt Gemma?"
"I need to check with Clay about repairing one of the work service trucks. It won't take but a minute. Why don't you go see Gemma in the office?"
"Okay, I'll wait for you in there."
Waiting until Tristan walked in the office with Gemma, Elliott slowly made his way over to the clubhouse. Walking in, he only could see the prospects cleaning up around the bar.
"Can we help you Mr. Oswald." asked Johnny, the "senior" of the current prospects.
"Elliott. Just call me Elliott. I need to speak with Clay. It's important."
"They all just went into church. Not sure how long they'll be."
"I wouldn't be interrupting if it wasn't urgent. Tell him it involves Zobelle." Elliott responded knowing the prospect would know he was serious.
Walking over to the bar, Elliott sat down. He and Clay's relationship went way back. Yes at times it was strained considering SAMCRO's less than legal activities running guns, but the two men had always agreed on the importance of keeping their family safe. Elliott let out the breath he had been holding when he heard the doors open.
"Clay, you know I wouldn't interrupt if it wasn't urgent." spoke Elliott noticing all of SAMRCO were now standing around waiting to hear what he had to say about Zobelle.
"Tristan okay? She's not hurt is she?" Clay asked. Everyone in the room knew the horrific ordeal that Elliott's beloved daughter had endured and everyone in the room prayed for the day they could issue payback to the bastard who brutalized her. SAMRCO may not be what society would call "upstanding citizens" but harming a woman or a child was not acceptable.
"No, she's fine. She's in the office with Gemma. It's not Tristan I'm concerned about right now. I was just at the office talking with Olivia. Zobelle sent her flowers today." as he handed Clay the card.
"Beautiful flowers for a beautiful woman. Would like the opportunity to get to know you better." Clay read the card out loud handing it over to Jax. "How does he know her?"
"She said that he approached her when she was getting coffee and then again on another day as she was walking back to her condo. Clay, I'm not going to have her harassed or even worse by this sick bastard." Elliott stated noticing the other men's reactions. "She knows what Zobelle is and hasn't done anything to warrant his attention. I still say that fucker had something to do with Tristan's attack."
"Where's she right now?"
"She's at my house with Tara having dinner." spoke Jax.
"Call Tara. Tell them to come over here. We need to make sure Olivia knows what a sick fucker this man is." Clay instructed his step-son. "Elliott, we'll handle this situation, I promise you that. If need be, we'll put someone with her."
"I don't know how she'd feel about that. Olivia's a very private person not to mention fiercely independent."
Jax walked away from the group to make the call to Tara. "They should be here shortly. Need to wait on Neeta to get there. Why's he focused in on Olivia?"
"Have you seen her? Damn, she's hot as hell!" spoke Juice earning glares from Chibs and Bobby. "Sorry, I know it's not the time but it's true."
"She's new to the area with no known ties to anyone in Charming. I guarantee Zobelle thinks she'd be perfect for his "pure white" racist shit." Elliott vented knowing Zobelle was looking for "clean white women" to match up with his equally sick male followers.
Happy had become irritated that church was interrupted. Walking out he immediately went over to the bar for a beer. Only having to shoot a look to the prospect for a beer to magically appear in front of him. Drinking the beer down in about two gulps, he noticed how on edge Elliott was. Standing beside Tig, he listened as Elliott explained why he was here. Hearing every word he said it was one word in particular that grabbed his attention. "Olivia" He stood there emotionless as always. Completely unreadable and taking in every detail, every word that was coming out of Elliott's mouth. Ethan Zobelle had not only approached the brunette (Hap already knew that, had witnessed one of the meetings) but now this mother fucker had sent her flowers. Something inside Happy reacted at hearing the sexy brunette that he had spent an hour with earlier at the diner was in the sights of Ethan Zobelle.
Tara got the call from Jax asking her to bring Olivia to the clubhouse. Jax assured her that everything was fine but Elliott needed her to come by.
"That was Jax. He needs us at the clubhouse. Actually, Elliott needs you."
"What's wrong, Tara?" Olivia asked somewhat worried about why Elliott needed her at the SAMCRO clubhouse. "Is Tristan okay?" Olivia was now somewhat in a panic thinking the young girl had been hurt again.
"I don't think it's Tristan. Honestly I don't know what it's about. Neeta, Abel's down for the night. I'm not sure how long we'll be. Your room is ready though. Thanks for coming." Tara said giving the family friend a kiss on the cheek before she and Olivia walked out the door. Deciding to take her own car, Olivia followed Tara over to the clubhouse not sure why she was being summoned by Elliott.
Ten minutes later the two women pulled into the T-M lot with a prospect closing the gates behind them. Nervously getting out of her car, Olivia walked over to follow Tara into the clubhouse. Her mind working overtime, Olivia was thinking of any and all reasons of why she, an outsider, was being asked to come here. Where they worried she knew something? She knew that Jax knew Tara had confided in her about the club and under no circumstance would she break her vow to Tara. Had she offended one of them at the barbeque? Was Gemma pissed at her? No, she hadn't seen or heard from Gemma since Saturday. Taking a deep breath, she regained her confidence and walked in the clubhouse behind Tara.
The room was somewhat dark, lights over the bar being the only real source of overhead lighting. There were a few tables and chairs, two large pool tables, worn-looking couches around the perimeter of the room and about ten hostile looking men now staring directly at her. What in the hell have I walked into?
"Hey babe." Jax said walking up to Tara pulling her into his arms. Ever since he and Tara had reunited, Jax was open in regards to acknowledging his love for her, even in front of his brothers. He vowed to her that he could be in the club and still have a great life with her. "Any problems on the way?"
Wondering why Jax was questioning her, "No, what's going on Jax? Why did you need us to come here." Tara asked noticing how serious the other men looked.
"Elliott, what's going on? Is Tristan okay?" she had barely got the words out of her mouth when Gemma and Tristan walked in the door. Gemma instantly knew that something was up. Continuing on into the kitchen to get Tristan something to drink, she was more than curious to know why Tara and the tartlet, Olivia, were here. "Tristan, I've downloaded that puzzle game onto my computer in the office. How about you go back in there and I'll be in there in just a few minutes. Just want to catch up with your dad for a few minutes. The exterior door is shut and Johnny is sitting in the chair outside. Just knock on the window if you need anything. I'll be right back." smiled Gemma at Tristan.
"Okay, thanks for the drink." Watching Tristan walk back to the office and shut the door, she told the other prospect to go outside and sit with Johnny. Anytime Tristan was at T-M, one of the guys, usually the prospects stood at any exterior door to give her an extra sense of protection. It took some time after her attack to be comfortable around men other than Elliott, but Tristan had finally been able to be around the guys and feel comfortable knowing they would all protect her.
Making sure Tristan was out of earshot, Gemma walked over to Clay. "What's going on and don't tell me nothing?"
"We're getting to it". Clay spoke. "Tara, Olivia I'm sorry we've interrupted your girls night but we need to talk to you."
Olivia now thought that this had something to do with Tara until she heard Elliott speak up.
"Olivia, we're not trying to scare you but it seems that Zobelle is seeking you out and he's not known to give up."
Turning to listen to what Elliott was saying she caught him staring at her. Happy. Same dark chocolate brown eyes, same feeling of her stomach doing flips. Putting her focus completely on Elliott she waited.
"Elliott, like I told you earlier, I'm not trying to get his attention, nor do I want it. You've told me what kind of man he is and I want no part of it. I have no reason to even associate with him."
"Olivia" Clay started, "Zobelle is not a man who takes lightly to someone especially a woman who doesn't show him any interest. You need to take this warning seriously. It's not a joke."
"I know it's not a joke. It's extremely disturbing to know that he believes what he does, and believe me when I say that I have no intention or desire to be within a mile of that man, but I'm not going to let him have any control or influence in my life."
"Olivia, I just want you to be safe. I'm not trying to frighten you." Elliott said trying to explain his worry for her safety.
"I'll be fine. I know how to take care of myself and now knowing that he's showing an interest in me, I'll just be that more careful and on guard. I promise."
"SAMRCO is here for you should you need it. I assure you that Ethan Zobelle won't be a problem for you." reassured Clay walking over to Gemma. "How about we all have a drink?"
"Remember, don't take this lightly. I need to get Tristan and go get dinner. Text me when you get home tonight."
"I will. Don't worry Elliott. I'll be fine. Tell Tristan hello for me." Olivia smiled at her overly concerned boss.
Watching Elliott walk out, she made her way over to Tara and Jax at one of the tables. She never dreamed that her quite girls night dinner with Tara would have her here at the clubhouse in a room full of outlaw bikers getting a lecture on staying away from a man who made her sick to her stomach. Sitting down, she heard Jax tell Tara he was going to get them something to drink.
"Well, tonight was different than I expected."
"No shit, why didn't you tell me that Zobelle had talked to you? And now he's sending you flowers? Olivia, this isn't good." Tara said unable to hide her worry for her friend.
"I know it's not good and I've done everything I can do to avoid him. I honestly just thought the two run in's I've had with him was purely innocent. Thinking back, he called me by name the second time I saw him and I know for a fact that I didn't tell him my name much less where I worked." Olivia said looking over toward the bar and once again finding those chocolate eyes watching her.
He was on his fourth beer by the time Elliott had left the clubhouse. Elliott's concern for Olivia's safety was palpable and he had good reason. Hap had been one of the first to arrive at the hospital when Elliott called Clay to tell him of Tristan's attack. They had all watched Elliott all but break at knowing how his daughter had been violated. In the days since he was first introduced to Olivia, Hap had easily learned more information on the brunette who had him intrigued more than he'd ever admit. Watching her interact with his "family" at the barbeque only increased his desire to know more about her. He would be lying if he said her looks and her insanely sexy body weren't the main reason of his interest but it was also the presence she had that caused him to approach her each time they had an "encounter". This wasn't like him to be this interested in the safety of a woman he only met a few days ago. It had to be the Zobelle angle. SAMCRO had to end Zobelle before he caused any more problems in Charming. Seeing Tig and Chibs heading over toward him, he threw his bottle in the trash.
Noticing he's eyes were focused on Olivia, Chibs gave a nod to Happy.
"Not good if that fucker has his sights set on her."
"Yeah, we need to finally get rid of Zobelle once and for all. I'm going to get Clay and we'll head back to church." said Tig walking off.
Standing back up straight from leaning on the bar, he looks back over to Olivia. Sitting there with Tara she could feel the fine hair on her neck standing up. Not wanting to see if he was looking at her, she continued listening to Tara telling her the recent trouble the club had with Zobelle. She had to admit it was somewhat surreal to be not only sitting in an MC clubhouse, one she knew from first hand knowledge would do anything to protect their "family" but to be sitting here wondering if a certain tan, tattooed biker was still watching her. This was not her. Each and every time she had "encountered" Happy she felt her insides flip and every part of her body tingle, every part of her body. She could honestly hear herself laughing at herself in her head. Olivia Parker did not react this way with men. She had been with her fair share of men, business men and the occasional jock, but here she sat feeling something completely new and it was caused by a certain outlaw biker with chocolate brown eyes. She wasn't the "biker type". Not that she really knew what that type was. Look at Tara, a surgeon who shared her life completely with biker and from what she could tell, was beyond happy. No, she wasn't the type of woman that any of these men would pursue, especially Happy. She wasn't naïve in thinking he was a good guy. She had seen his patches and with her knowledge of SAMCRO thanks to Tara, knew he was a force to be reckoned with. No, she wouldn't even be a blip on his radar. Besides what Tara had told her about the women who hung around here, it wasn't like any of them were lacking in "bed buddies" as Tig had so elegantly put it at the barbeque. Forcing herself to regroup and remember what she was summoned over her for, instead of all but lusting after one of Jax's brothers, she heard Tara ask if they could leave.
"Yeah, head on home. The prospects will follow you. Call me when you get there." Jax said kissing Tara on the forehead.
"We drove separately. Send one of them with Olivia."
Walking out to their cars, Olivia made her way over to her SUV to give Jax and Tara a minute alone. Noticing that most of the guys had walked outside, she caught herself looking for Happy. "What the hell is wrong with me?" Olivia said out loud in the privacy of her vehicle. Putting her keys in the ignition she went to put the car in reverse when she saw him. He was standing on the roof looking down directly at her. Almost startling her, she stared back. After what felt like a few minutes which was actually a few seconds, he gave her the nod and disappeared into the darkness of the roof. Remembering to breathe, she nodded in return and backed out heading home.