***Sunday***
Walking up the sidewalk, Olivia was excited to spend some time with Tara and get to know Jax better. Ringing the door bell, she put her phone on silent and within seconds, she was welcomed by her friend and a very happy Abel.
"I'm so glad you could come. I've missed you these past few days." beamed Tara leaning over to hug her.
"Me too. I've been a lot busier this week than I expected. Hi, cutie." as she gave Abel's chubby arm a light squeeze, earning a giggle in response. Hearing footsteps, she was surprised to see Jax coming toward them with a kitchen towel thrown over his shoulder.
"That's my boy. Already flirting with a beautiful woman." he laughed seeing Tara's horrid reaction. "Hey Olivia."
"Hi Jax."
"Oh God, I'm going to hate him growing up." said Tara realizing what was ahead in her future with her son.
Reaching over and tickling Abel's stomach, earning another laugh, "Sweetie, I think you have a few years before that starts."
Two hours later, Jax felt as if his sides were going to split from laughing so hard at his old lady and Olivia. "All joking aside, Olivia I hope you won't hold it against us about the background check."
Carefully choosing her words, "Jax, I do understand the club's need to know who's around, but being the private person I am, I would have preferred you just asking me what you wanted to know. Honestly, I'm not that interesting."
"Personally, I would have come to you first, but Clay's old school, no pun intended, this club's his life. He's fiercely protective of it, but I don't want you to worry, he won't be an issue for you." Jax said hoping to reassure her, and more importantly Tara. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you find out we ran your name?"
Glancing over toward Tara and seeing her nod, "My brother Travis." she said as she watched Jax trying to decipher her response. Doing her best to answer the question without giving too much personal information, "he travels extensively around the world."
"So he's a salesman?" Jax said knowing he wasn't but wanted to see what she would respond with.
"No, let's just say that he solves and removes problems and leave it at that." she said hoping Jax would take the hint and stop with the questions regarding Travis. And to her surprise, he did.
"Well, this has been wonderful, but I have to get home and get ready for my meeting this evening." she said standing up. "How about dinner one night this week?"
"Sounds good. I'll text you my schedule later tonight. Be careful." Tara said walking her friend out.
***T-M***
"Where the fuck is Hap?" Koz yelled walking into the bar. "I thought the fucker would be here."
Not understanding why Koz was throwing a temper tantrum, "Well it is Sunday, so my guess is that he's visiting his mom, you know, like he always does." said Bobby pouring another cup of his special coffee blend.
"Shit, wouldn't he just up there yesterday?"
"So what if he was." said Tig walking in and removing the tape off his wrists. Walking behind the bar, he was waiting for Koz to smart off to him. Deciding he'd rather go lift weights, he grabbed a water bottle and walked out of the bar.
He was just getting ready to ask where Chibs and Jax were, when they both walked in the door. "It's good to see ya man." Jax said giving his Tacoma brother a hug.
"Shit, let's get a game going. I need to win my money back from last time." Koz said laughing as they walked over to the card table.
An hour later, all eyes were on Chibs waiting to see what hand he held. With an evil smirk now on his face, he laid his hand down to hear his fellow brothers start yet another round of bitching at him winning another hand.
"You shit! How the hell are you this good at poker?" Jax asked lighting up a smoke.
"Yeah. Think I like you better when you sucked at poker." laughed Bobby watching Chibs pocket the winnings, turning toward the door to see Juice walk in.
"Juicy! Where the hell ya been boy?" Chibs yelled smirking at a less than thrilled Koz.
"Needed a new router. What's going on?" Juice asked sitting down a the table.
Always looking for a chance to cause the youngest member of SAMCRO stress, Jax realized his opportunity, "Juice, we need to talk. Talked to Olivia this morning to try and smooth over you pulling her info. Got to say man, it didn't go well. That is one seriously pissed off woman."
"Dude, I was only doing what was asked of me!" Juice said running his hand over his Mohawk. "She's seriously pissed at me?"
"What the hell you think?" Jax questioned, sternly looking at his now frazzled brother. "She's more than pissed." He said watching his brother put his head down on the table.
"Man, you've got to tell Tara to bring her back here. I didn't get the chance the other night to properly introduce myself." stated Koz as he shuffled the cards. "What's her story anyway?"
"Dude, she's too much woman for you to handle." Bobby said. "Besides, highly doubt she's into the outlaw scene."
"Don't know about that. Seems pretty comfortable around us." Chibs said waiting on the next game to start. "Grab me another beer, Tig." noticing the S.A.A. walking back into room.
"Too much woman, my ass. There's not a bitch out there I can't handle. Mark my words, that bitch is mine." promised Koz.
Hearing his least favorite brother's comments, Tig couldn't help but up the stakes and make the hole Koz just dug for himself just that much deeper. "You stakin' claim?" praying he'd step into the hole he was so carefully digging.
"I'll have her screaming my name and begging for more in no time."
Oh how much fun this was going to be thought Tig as he finished his beer. This was one of the many things that irritated him about Koz. His arrogant, cocky ass who thought his shit didn't stink and that every woman could and would fall at his feet. Well, if the fucker's going to make such promises, what kind of brother would Tig be if he didn't help him out. Game on shit face. No way in hell would a woman like Olivia Parker even notice Koz, much less fuck him. Besides, being the gambling man he was, Tig was all but sure that the brunette beauty was already in the sights of another member of SAMCRO.
"Man, you get inside that fine piece of ass, and I'll vote your sorry ass in here." Tig said raising his bottle.
Dead silence. Hearing Tig promise to vote Koz in if he bedded Olivia shocked everyone at the table.
Always the voice of reason, "you shits, she's not some croweater." Jax said dealing the next hand.
"Consider it done." Koz said smirking back at Tig.
***Outside Oakland****
Pulling up to the bar, it was not at all how she was picturing it. Wow was her only thought. Pleasantly surprised to see the valet approaching her SUV, she reached across, grabbing her purse as he opened her door.
"Hello. Welcome to Spirits " the young man said.
"Thank you." responded Olivia feeling refreshed at hearing a man with obvious manners. Reaching the front door, she was met by another well dressed man opening the door for her. Smiling at the doorman, "Thank you" she said walking inside. Noticing the hostess, she walked over. "Hi. I have a appointment with Ms. Harriston."
Noticing the lady matched the description her boss had left for her, "Ms. Parker. Ms Harriston has a table reserved for your meeting. Please follow me." stated the hostess leading her to a corner table. Within just a few minutes of being seated, she looked up to see Deidra making her way over.
"Olivia, it's great to see you again. I hope you haven't been waiting too long."
"No, been here just a few minutes. This place is stunning." looking around noticing the impeccable décor.
"Thank you. This is my pride and joy." commented Deidra taking pride in her cocktail lounge. "I've always wanted to own my own bar, so I decided to make it happen about a year ago."
"Well, I have to say from what I've seen so far, this could rival any cocktail lounge in Chicago. Seriously, this is very impressive."
"Thank you." Waving over one of the waiters, "Trey, can you tell him we're ready?"
"No problem."
The two women were discussing their mutual love of designer handbags when Olivia noticed who she could only assume was Deidra's fiancé walking toward them. Looking as if he just stepped out of a GQ magazine, she couldn't help but notice his eyes stayed intently on her hostess, then gently placing his hand on her bare shoulder.
She immediately smiled knowing who's warm hand it belonged to. Quickly turning around and looking up she happily greeted her fiancé.
"Hi there." she said just before he leaned in giving her a sweet kiss on the lips. Pulling away smiling at his gorgeous fiancé, "You must be Olivia." he said standing up straight and extending his hand.
"Yes, Olivia Parker. It's nice to meet you."
"Laroy Davis. It's nice to finally meet you. My girl's been shouting your praises for the past two days."
Never one to take compliments well, Olivia could feel herself blushing. "Well, I hope to live up to both of your expectations. I have a presentation on my Ipad of some ideas of what I believe you're both looking for."
An hour and several cocktails later, ideas were flowing between the couple and Olivia. Laroy Davis wasn't easily impressed. But even he couldn't deny the talent and savvy of the woman sitting across from him. He always trusted his instincts but insisted on finding out all the intel he could on anyone who would be working closely with him, his fiancé or his club. Before he would commit to working with the stunning realtor, he'd have to learn everything there was to know about Olivia Parker.
"Ladies, how about we put away the business talk and just enjoy the evening. Babe, I have a meeting in a few minutes. Olivia, it was a pleasure meeting you. Let Dee and I talk over some things and we'll be in touch." Laroy said kissing Deidra again and then excusing himself from their table.
Noticing Olivia's perplexed look, "Your presentation was fabulous. I know he was impressed."
"Usually I can read potential clients reactions, but your fiancé is a mystery to me." Olivia said starting to sip on her third cocktail."
"Well, I know you impressed him. How about some appetizers to go with our drinks, then we'll have some coffee and dessert?"
Smiling at her new friend, "Sounds perfect."
"Grab your drink. We're going to the VIP room upstairs."
***Laroy's Office***
"Man, appreciate you coming down here tonight."
"Not a problem. How ya been?" Happy asked his childhood friend.
"Damn near perfect. How's your mom?
"About the same. Chemo seems to be working." said the biker taking the beer from Laroy. "Nice joint."
Walking over toward the windows, "Have to say, my girl did a damn good job on this place." Turning back around, "and our deal's working out better than I imagined."
Even in a room with Laroy and four of his crew, Happy wasn't intimated one bit. His role as the SAMCRO assassin was well known throughout the outlaw world regardless of color. There was a mutual respect between he and Laroy, one that his crew knew they had best abide by or face unfortunate consequences.
"Deals strong. No room for mistakes. No doubt it's lucrative for both clubs."
***VIP Room at Spirits***
The two women had finished their third cocktail and appetizers, both enjoying each other's company sharing stories of their lives. "Seriously, how are you still single?" asked Deidra placing her napkin on the table.
"Always pick the wrong men. Honestly, I'm perfectly fine being single. I refuse to settle for someone just to avoid being alone. You and Laroy seem perfect for each other."
Smiling brightly, "He's everything I could ever want. Nobody believed we would last, but he's kept every promise he's ever made me. I know a lot of people don't understand him, but he's truly a great man."
"He truly adores you. I can tell that and I've just met him."
The door opened with a waiter from downstairs coming in to remove their plates. "Dee, the chef as a few questions for you." spoke the waiter clearing the table.
"Olivia, let me go check on the kitchen and I'll bring back some coffee and desserts. I'll be back in just a few minutes."
"Take your time. I'm enjoying the view from up here." smiled Olivia.
***Laroy's office***
The two men had spent the hour talking over the current gun deal between SAMCRO and the Niners. "Give me just a minute. I want to talk to you in private about that favor."
"Sean, take Hap down to the VIP room. I'll be right there with that bottle of scotch."
Nodding toward his brother, he followed the crew member down the hall where he motioned toward the door. "He'll be in here in a few. Bar's stocked. Help yourself." he said before walking away.
***VIP Room***
Looking down at the bar below, she was in awe of how truly sophisticated the lounge was. A well blended clientele, stunning décor, a floor plan that had great function and a bar that would make bigger city bars pale in comparison. Deidra Harriston had created a masterpiece.
He opened the door walking into an extremely lavish VIP room. This was definitely not the type of VIP lounge he had ever been in. No this room screamed high class, not cheap velour with stripper poles. Walking further into the dark, he made his way over to the bar for a drink when he heard her…..
She had heard the door open, "Deidra, this place is simply fabulous" she said slowly turning around to once again be standing in the presence of Happy, who looked as stunned as she was.
Hearing her voice made him stop dead in his tracks and turn toward her. What was she doing here? was screaming in his head. His eyes roamed over her entire body, head to toe, and once again he felt like he couldn't breathe. She was literally breathtaking wearing a green silky one shoulder short dress that showed off those shapely legs, lightly hugging her body like a second skin. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun and her eyes were glowing. Beautiful.
"Happy?"
In what felt like slow motion, he made his way over to her. Stopping inches from her, "What are you doing here?" he asked eager to know why she was in the VIP room of a bar owned by the Niner's club president.
Noticing he was shocked at seeing her, "I had a meeting here tonight with a potential client." watching his eyes travel all over her face. Not even realizing, she stepped in closer to him "What are you doing here?" she asked at the same time the door opened and in walked Laroy.
"Who's the client?" he rasped out, putting his left hand at her hip. Before she could respond, her eyes drifted over his shoulder to see they had a audience watching them. Sensing her distraction, he turned his head noticing Laroy's reflection in the glass windows and turned around, dropping his hand from her waist but not moving away from her.
"I didn't know you were in here, Olivia." stated Laroy mentally noticing the close proximity of his lifelong friend and his potential realtor. "Where did Deidra go?"
Looking from Laroy then over to Happy, "She had to go talk to the chef. She said it should only take a minute." discretely looking between Happy and Laroy.
Successfully hiding the grin that wanted to show itself, Laroy held his blank expression, "Hope I didn't interrupt anything?" he asked still noticing the odd twosome were still standing barely inches from each other.
Using his eyes to convey a message of "don't ask questions" to Laroy, both men turned toward the door to see Deidra walk in.
"Sorry, I didn't mean…..Babe, what's going on?" she asked making her way over to stand beside her fiancé.
After twelve years together, he couldn't hold the smile from his face as she walked into the room. She was his world, and seeing even a slight hint of worry on her face caused him to immediately want to erase it.
"Just showing Hap around. Didn't know you and Ms. Parker were in here." wrapping his arm around her.
"Well, Olivia, let's you and I head back downstairs. I thought of a few more things I want your opinion on. Hap, it was good seeing you again." Deidra said getting the standard nod in acknowledgement from the biker.
Both men stood there silently as the two women made their way out of the VIP room. Watching his friend out of the corner of his eye, he noticed how Happy's eyes followed Olivia's every move, only to refocus on him once she was completely out of sight.
Every nerve within him was on edge at finding Olivia here. And to make matters that much more complicated, he could feel his lifelong friend staring a hole into the back of his head. Quickly turning around, "What?" was all he said.
Raising his hands in the air, Laroy did his best to hid the smirk that was now present on his face. "Didn't say anything, brother. How about that drink?" he said walking over to the bar for glasses. He made his way over to the table closest to the mirrored windows overlooking the bar downstairs where Happy was standing carefully watching the action below.
"How do you know her?" he asked never taking his eyes off the crowd downstairs.
"I don't. Dee met her at a shop on Friday, they started talking, found out she's a realtor and Dee wanted me to meet her since we're thinking of buying a new place." reaching for his glass. "How do you know her?"
Downing the double shot of scotch, he poured another not prepared to answer any questions about how he knew Olivia Parker.
"Who said I did?"
Laughing out loud, "Hap, man I've known you way too long. Grown ass men are terrified being in the same room with you. You were just all up in her personal space and she didn't even flinch. Actually looked downright comfortable if you ask me."
"Didn't ask you." he firmly stated, his eyes now black.
"All bullshittin' aside. How you know her?"
"Why you wanna know?"
"She's why I called you down here. I know she lives in Charming. Want to know who I'm dealing with before I start a business relationship with her. She SAMCRO?"
"No. She's not. Went to college with Jax's old lady. Moved here a few weeks ago from Chicago to oversee Oswalds development just north of Charming." Standing back in front of the window, his eyes immediately seeking her out. She was sitting at a table with Deidra, laughing about something. Doing a visual sweep of the surroundings, he noticed a couple guys at the bar staring at the two women. As much as he wanted to pull his glock and put a bullet through their heads, he couldn't blame them for staring. Hell, he was but it was hard not to. She was extremely easy on the eyes, but even better was how she felt.
Looking downstairs in the bar, Laroy found the two women in the crowd. "She's definitely something. Can I trust her?"
Breaking his stare, he turned toward Laroy, "Ran a thorough background on her. Clean as they get." Now it was his turn to put his friend on the hot seat. "Everything calm in Oakland?"
Cutting his eyes toward Happy, "wouldn't have it any other way."
"She's family to Jax's old lady. Don't want her involved in anything."
"Listen, man. All I'm looking for is someone to help my girl with our new home. Ain't got no intention of anything else. She'll only be dealing with me. My crew will know she's off limits. So whoever she belongs to won't have…"
"She doesn't belong to anyone." Happy quickly responded.
Yeah, and I'm the Pope thought Laroy.
"Deidra, it's been a great evening. Thanks for inviting me, but I had better be getting home." the brunette said slowing standing up from the table.
"It's been a pleasure seeing you again. I'm excited to get started on house hunting."
"I'll pull some more listings this week and email them to you. Please say good night to Laroy for me." immediately thinking about Happy being there.
Making her way outside, she handed the valet her ticket and waited patiently on the sidewalk for her SUV, enjoying the cool breeze. Quickly checking her phone for any new texts or emails, she notices her meeting with the cabinet manufacturer has been confirmed for ten the following morning. Mentally making a note that she would need to be on the road by seven to make her appointment on time. Seeing her black SUV pulling up, she starts to pull cash from her purse to tip the valet, when she feels someone standing behind her. Raising her head to look straight ahead, she realizes she's felt this feeling before. Recently in fact. Slowly turning around, there he stands, again just inches from her. Nope, not tonight she silently says vowing that he's not going to leave her standing alone for a third time. With her SUV now in front of her, she looks up at him and smiles.
"It was good seeing you again Happy."
With the force of a magnet, he couldn't stop his hand from reaching for her for the second time tonight. He stepped in closer to her, with his right hand resting low on her hip. He could smell her perfume and started to feel that familiar tightening in his pants. Staring directly in her eyes, he moves his head closer, wanting to kiss her senseless. With his lips just inches from her, she turns her head slightly and gently kisses his cheek.
"Goodnight Happy." was all she said as she turns to walk away, swearing she just heard him growl. Handing the valet his tip, she climbs in her SUV, looking over to the biker now standing alone on the sidewalk. Putting the car in drive, she makes sure to glance over to Happy and winks before pulling off. With a safe distance now between her and the biker that is constantly consuming her thoughts, she slowly exhales again realizing the effect that man has on her.
Fuckin' speechless. Standing outside the bar, Happy had a slow grin forming on his face. Laroy was right. Olivia Parker was not your typical woman.