Since I've Been Lovin' You | Happy Lowman/OC (Book 2)

two | Visitation

Victoria had made the trip to Stockton State three, going on four times. Once a week since the Sons got arrested, yet she still felt the anticipation in her stomach. She had a lot of time to think on these rides, on the back of Chibs' bike. A part of her wondered if she'd wake up one day and regret it all. Maybe she'd get so homesick she'd have to move back, maybe she'd miss her father more than she thought she would. But so far, she'd proven to herself that she didn't need the familiar comforts to survive. She was strong enough to do it on her own.

Even without Jacquelyn by her side, Victoria was doing okay. Kozik spent more time in Tacoma than he did in Charming these days, only coming down when he needed to make the trip to Bakersfield or help out with club business. Charming had Patrick and Bowie around the table temporarily, so his presence wasn't as imperative as it'd once been. Back in Tacoma, Jac and Kozik were inseparable, and you'd rarely find one without the other. Sometimes Victoria was jealous of Kozik, but she reminded herself that'd it'd been a long time since Jacquelyn was happy, and she deserved to be.

When Chibs slowed the bike, an unconscious smile pulled at Victoria's lips. The parking lot was packed with visitors, making the process of finding a spot somewhat tedious. Once Chibs killed the engine, he patted her thigh before unsnapping his helmet and swinging a leg over to stand. She handed him hers and did her best to situate the strands of hair that'd been ripped free from her braid by the wind.

"You look great, darlin'. No need to fuss," Chibs said, giving her a once over.

"Thanks," she said, finally giving up and ripping the hair tie out completely. She ran her fingers through her hair and leaned down to get a look in the rear view mirror of his bike.

"I think you could wear a trash bag with armholes cut out of it and he'd still think you were a ten." Victoria reached out and swatted his arm, making him laugh. She'd grown somewhat fond of her babysitter over the last few weeks.

Opie came over looking far less amused, and Victoria wondered what was up. She thought of Lyla and the secrets she'd spilled on their little shopping adventure earlier that week. Victoria could hardly look Opie in the eye.

"Tara said she's meeting us at the front with the baby," Opie said, nodding toward the entrance.

"Alrigh' then, lets head in." Chibs took the lead as they made their way through the parking lot.

Near the entrance, Victoria spotted Tara sitting on a bench holding a babbling Abel in her arms. She stood when they saw the three of them heading their way. "Took you guys long enough," Tara said, sweat standing out on her brow. "Come on, we're going to be late."

"Sorry," said Ope, grabbing the door and holding it open for everyone to pass through.

The four of them plus Abel made their way inside, through security and check in, before being led into the waiting area. Victoria knew the drill by now. They had to wait for the inmates to be brought down from their cell blocks, and that usually took no more than twenty or thirty minutes from the moment they cleared through the metal detectors. Since it was public visitation hours, there were a lot of other people waiting as well, and it was noisy inside the confines.

"How was dress shopping?" Tara asked Victoria, coming over to stand at her side. Abel reached out with a chubby hand and snatched a lock of Victoria's hair, tugging.

Victoria laughed and pried his fingers open as Tara attempted to help. "She hated everything, but maybe we can go back and try again closer to time. You could go with us."

"That doesn't seem like Lyla."

Victoria snuck a glance over at Opie who was talking to Chibs with his arms crossed over his chest. "She was having a rough day, I think. Stuff with Opie, the kids."