AN: This story was originally posted under LauraSadie, I was having many issues accessing that account and decided to use my backup account. I am simply reposting that story as it was so that I can continue it. Thank you for all the reads and reviews. I do not own SOA, just taking a turn through the world.
Happy Lowman was enjoying his second cup of coffee at Daybreak Diner. It was rare he had time to enjoy the peaceful lull of a Sunday morning. After his transfer to the mother charter he had been busy with moving, club work, and getting his mother moved into her new place in assisted living. He glanced up when the door chimed signaling another early morning customer.
"Dios bueno…" he muttered, his eyes glued on the woman.
She was short and slender, golden hair to her mid-back. Modestly dressed in running shorts and a grey t-shirt, her black horn-rimmed glasses highlighted her chocolate eyes. To Happy her look was refreshing, clean almost. Holding her hands were a pair of kids-boy and girl no older than five if he was guessing correctly. Same blonde hair and brown eyes as their mother.
"Just the three of us, a booth would be great," the woman said to the waitress. With a barely concealed eye roll, the hostess lead them to the booth in front of Happy's.
"What do want to drink?" Happy growled at the waitresses's tone but the woman brushed it off.
"Coffee for me and white milk with lids for mes petits monstres." With another little eye roll the hostess left.
Happy watched the little family. The kids seemed either too tired to be rowdy or more quiet by nature as they colored and whispered to each other in a mix of English and French. The woman browsed the menu and Happy noticed the way she slightly bit her lower lip.
Fuck, why did he notice that? Why beyond thinking she was beautiful did he want to keep watching her? Hell, even talk to her? He rarely went out of his way for women. He wasn't a dick about it, most of the time, but he did prefer not to be fawned over like some of his brother's did.
Once the woman placed her order she finally looked at Happy. He swore he saw a slight blush as she made brief eye contact before looking into her coffee. Her son said something making his sister hit him, diverting her attention for the moment.
"Noella, stop it. Henry, we don't use those words." Her voice was sharp making each kid nod with a "sorry mama".
That made up Happy's mind. He stood, taking his cup of coffee with him. Standing by the booth he gave a good look to the family, hoping he didn't look as angry as he normally did.
"Good morning," the woman said as her children stared at him. He couldn't tell if they were scared or just studying his tattoos and kutte.
"Morning, can I sit?" Happy wouldn't normally ask but if he wanted to know more about this woman being polite would be the best option.
"Um…I guess…but why?" The woman scooted over, giving him a once over that same little blush on her cheeks.
"Guess I wanted some company for my coffee," he grunted sitting down. He could smell the hints of her lavender and vanilla perfume. And he liked it.
"Oh, ok. I'm Helena and these are my twins-Noella and Henry," Helena introduced. The kids gave a nod but stayed silent.
"Happy."
"Like the dwarf?" Noella asked making her brother and mother chuckle. Happy narrowed his eyes the little girl.
"No," he deadpanned making Helena laugh more.
"Noella be polite, I'm sorry. It's nice to meet you Happy," Helena recovered turning Happy's attention back to her.
"Wasn't the first time I got the question," he shrugged as the waitress came back with their order.
The change in the waitress's attitude was immediate. Gone was the snottiness, replaced with a flirty smile and hip pop.
"And what can I get you handsome?" She purred in that way Happy found completely irritating. Helena ignored her, focused on getting the kids' food ready.
"Nothing. Carina? Hijos?"
"No," Noella and Henry said in unison. Helena gave a quick head shake. The waitress ignored the obvious hint.
"You look hungry handsome, let me bring you something…maybe my special muffins?"
Helena choked on her coffee trying not to laugh. Happy just got more irritated. This is what he hated about the women he was normally around. They saw the kutte and they wanted something with "the bad boy", regardless of the location.
"Papa, I need to go potty," Henry said. Happy looked at the boy, giving a nod. Sliding out of the seat, Henry pressed his way between the waitress and table forcing her to take a step back.
Happy took his hand, getting up and leading him to the restroom area. A quick glance back told him the waitress had moved on to another table. The girls were eating. Good.
"I don't like that lady," Henry said as they walked into the bathroom.
Happy shook his head. "No?"
Henry scrunched his nose up, "She smells funny and isn't pretty like mama."
Happy couldn't disagree with the boy who did proceed to use the bathroom. Happy decided to as well.
On the way back to the table, Henry kept his hand in Happy's. It was an odd feeling, but not unwelcome.
"Thank you," Helena said as they sat.
"No problem, you new in town?" Happy asked getting comfortable in the booth.
"Yes, you a native?"
"No, originally from Bakersfield…you?" Happy noticed Noella was watching him, her food forgotten.
"Santa Rosa," Helena said.
"Do you have pictures all the way up your arms?" Noella asked. That made it Happy's turn to chuckle.
"Yeah princess I do," Happy smirked. Noella gave him a big smile.
"I like that," she said with a nod making Happy chuckle again.
"Good to know," Happy said returning his attention to the blonde on his left.
"Move here for work?"
"Yep, I teach history and American government for high school," Helena said.
"Never had teachers as good-looking at you," Happy drawled making Helena blush again, boosting his ego.
"So what about you?" Helena diverted.
"Mechanic and tattoo artist." Helena gave him a critical eye at that. One that told Happy she knew he did more but it wasn't her place to ask.
"Do you play soccer or baseball?" Henry asked.
"Just soccer," Happy said. Henry nodded then turned to whisper something to his sister. "How old?"
"Five, starting kindergarten this year," Helena said finishing her coffee. The twins seemed mature for their age, but he had seen no ring or indication that she was married or in a relationship, which could explain it.
"You have an old man?" His question made Helena frown.
"No," she whispered.
"Kid's dad?" That question snapped her eyes to his. He read them in a moment- anger, pain, then determination.
"No, not that it is any of your business," she angry-whispered.
"It is if I want to spend time with you," he shot back, enjoying the shock on her face.
"Happy, do you color?" Noella asked breaking the moment.
"Draw princess, not color," he said, his voice back to its normal growl.
With that, the rest of breakfast consisted of a conversation about how to draw a rose, the coolest things about being a goalie, and where the parks, library, coffee shop and local craft store were. The absolute normal-ness of it marveled Happy, but he was enjoying himself. When the waitress came with the check, Henry scowled at her making Happy smirk. He liked that kid.
"Pay here or up front," she said turning on her heel. Happy snatched the check as he stood to get his wallet.
"Happy…" Helena began.
"If I didn't want to, I wouldn't. Just say thank you," Happy growled.
"Merci beaucoup," Helena said, her kids echoing her. Happy reminded himself to ask her about her family.
"What next for you?" He asked.
"I have movers coming at 11," Helena said, not looking excited at the prospect.
"Something wrong?" Happy asked as Noella and Henry came up to him.
"Mama said we have to be in our rooms and can't get in the way…not even to play outside!" Henry complained.
"Sounds terrible," Happy joked making the kids glare at him.
"It was nice meeting you," Helena said turning to the door.
"Wait carina," Happy ordered, internally pleased when she turned back around.
He held out his hand. She glanced at it before taking it. He pulled her up to him, tilting her chin up to see him. Warmth spread through him as he could feel the chemistry between them.
"Need your phone number, I want you checking in," Happy said watching the emotion play across her face. Nervousness, attraction, then a small smile.
"Ok," Helena slipped her hand down, getting her phone out of her pocket. Happy quickly put in his number, sending himself a text.
"Let me know how the movers go…and I need your last name," he said. He saw the question forming on her lips before she shrugged.
"Beaumont, and you?"
He chuckled, she was a bit shy and he appreciated her following his lead. He got the sense though that if she hadn't wanted his company, he would have gotten a firm no.
"Lowman. Now, come back here," he pulled her again to him, wrapping his arms around her. He wasn't a big hugger or much for public displays of affection, but he wanted this.
He felt a tap on his leg. It was Noella.
"Me too!"
Happy scooped her up. She looked like a little fairy to him. Pretty like her mother but if given an inch, she could take miles. The little girl gave him a squeeze before wiggling down and taking his hand. Henry just leaned in his head into his hip area for a moment before going to his mother and taking her hand. Placing his free hand on her back, the four walked out of the diner.
Helena was parked out front, the make and model of her ride surprised Happy.
"You drive an Audi Q7?"
"Yes…something wrong?" Helena asked getting the back passenger door open for the kids to get in. Henry hopped up followed by Helena.
"Didn't know teachers made so much," Happy said, giving her another once over.
"Maybe I just like nice things," Helena teased making Happy grin that she was comfortable with him.
"Me lo dirás pronto amor," Happy bantered back.
"Peut-être ou peut-être pas beau," Helena smiled getting in the SUV herself. Happy just shook his head. He didn't speak French, but got the gist of it. This would certainly be interesting.
