Venomous (Jax Teller)

thirteen

"The last time we went shopping together you ended up almost getting caught for stealing," Tara reminisced as she walked through the aisles with Julia.

Julia grinned, "Good times. You complained about it but you still wore that top I stole for you."

"And the sunglasses."

"And the shoes. Which I still have after you gave them to me."

Tara laughed quietly and picked up a packet of streamers, "What about these? Pastels?"

Julia nodded in approval, "Throw 'em in."

Julia's mother was going to be coming home in three weeks. She was planning on picking her up and bringing her home for a little welcome party. Everyone at the club still remembered her from before she went off with Ryan and became a recluse. Of course, no one else wanted to help her plan it though, but Tara was nice enough to offer.

"Hey, I know you and my brother are...talking right now. Things seem to be going well. He likes you a lot," Julia started.

"Yeah. I like him too. Please don't tell me I'm getting the talk in the middle of the grocery store," Tara joked.

Julia nudged her, "No. I just...well I wanted to know if you could talk to him about coming to the party. I know that he hates her and it's a rough spot, but he won't have to look at her ever again after. Just this one day. I mean, she hasn't seen Eli since he was 11 years old. She misses him and I know it would mean a lot to her and to me if he could just swing by even if only for a few minutes. And you as well. My mom's always wanted to meet you."

Tara sighed, "I don't know, Jules. I can try. I'll see what I can do, but I can't make any promises."

"That's all right. Just one conversation. If he says no, that's fine. You don't have to push it again."

"It's gonna be ok, Jules. Just...focus on getting your mom home."

~

Julia walked up to the Teller-Morrow office room with a grocery bag in her hand and gave a quick knock on the door frame before entering and tossing it on the desk, "Got those cookies you like from the store, Gem."

Gemma was sitting in the chair, picking at her nails and not looking up for anything. There was barely even a nod of acknowledgement. It was unusual for the confident woman to ever look so down on herself.

Julia crossed her arms, "Ok, Gem. What's going on?"

Gemma finally looked up, "Nothing."

"No, it's not nothing. Look, you know you can tell me anything."

Gemma looked around Julia to make sure no one was at the door before speaking, "Pushed off Clay this morning when we were having sex. I've been having a hard time..."

Julia realized what she was trying to say, "Can't get wet? You know, Gem, you might be going through-"

"Don't say it," Gemma interjected.

"Ok, well, all I'm gonna say is that Clay would be an idiot to hold that against you. It's a natural thing. Happens to us all. Why don't you ask Luanne for some advice? She's gone through it, hasn't she?"

"Guess you're right. Thank you, baby. I'll make sure all these idiots show up for Kimberly."

"Appreciate it," Julia leaned down to give Gemma a kiss on the cheek.

Julia heard the truck pull in outside and she knew what that meant. They had a shipment of guns coming in. They'd be loaded in barrels that looked inconspicuous for a car shop.