Not working is slowly killing her. She's been off a week and it's the longest week of her life so far. She's finally started watching shows that she's said she would. Only to daze out and miss most of what is happening. It's been horrible except for the brief moment where she seen Todd and Aurora at the bar, spent the night at a strangers house, and went home in his clothes. That was the worse. She's currently wearing his sweatpants now but only because they're very comfortable, or so she tells herself.

On the up side she's had time to really clean her place up for once. On the downside she's out of ramen and chocolate, which means she has to venture out to the supermarket. Something she's avoided for a long time. She knows it's going to be another rough night the moment she sees a flash of bright red hair in her peripheral vision.

"Carol!" Todd's voice calls out to her. "Twice in one week." He laughs, "What're the odds?"

No, really what are the odds? They're never in her favor clearly. She just thanks whatever God there is that he's alone this time. The last thing she needs is for Aurora to see her in sweatpants pushing around a cart full of cat food and cheetos. Part of her wants to walk away and leave her buggy. There is no reason for him to be talking to her.

"Crazy." Carol says with thick sarcasm.

She continues on hoping he gets the hint and goes away. He doesn't. He never did before so this doesn't surprise her really. He's a bit slow on the uptake for a lot of things.

"It's not weird between us it?" He questions suddenly. "We're still friends?"

A large part of her wants to say no because friends don't belittle the others job and life style. Friends don't break up after four years and end an engagement. Friends don't start dating the stupid girl he said that there was nothing to worry about a week later. Instead she purses her lips and looks at him. He's staring back baldly like he expects something. Alleviate guilt? She won't. What she can say though is they're good. Not friends, never again, but good. Because despite of wanting to admit it at the time he'd saved her from a loveless marriage. She could never been happy with him now that she's not with him – it's clear as day.

"Yes, Todd – we're good." She says instead. He grins at her and she almost feels it in herself to let it all go. Almost but not quite.

"Good, I just didn't want the wedding to be weird since I'm bringing Aurora."

She hums in agreement but doesn't point out that it'll be weird either way. Picking up a tub of marshmallow fluff and tossing it into her cart. She doesn't bother to carry the conversation. She done it enough for four years. He's absently picking things up and putting them back where they don't go.

"I'm glad you have Daryl." He says. Carol freezes for a moment because, oh fuck, she kind of forgot that Todd thought she had a boyfriend. "Though he doesn't really seem like your type."

Carol frowns at that and licks her lips. Tilting her head much like you see bird of prey. Todd doesn't see the danger though. "What do you mean?" Todd had met Daryl all of thirty seconds. How could he possibly know if Daryl was her type or not.

Todd huffs at her. That same way he always done when they were dating and she doesn't immediately acquiesce to his wants. It ruffles her feathers in a dangerous way. He gives her a look – that look – and scoffs before shuffling his feet.

He examines the contents of a bag of trail mix hard. "He's just very good looking."

Her frown deepens. Her nails biting into her palms, like claws or talons for that matter. He seems to not notice. She isn't sure if he's intentionally putting himself down or what this is right now. Either he thinks very little of her or himself. It's still pissing her off though.

"And I can't be with someone who is attractive then?"

He shrugs. He fucking SHRUGS! Not sensing her sinking mood in the slightest. "It's just that you're so focused on work and just...shit. I didn't think you'd be interested in a guy like him." He says with derision.

"You don't know him." Carol snaps. She doesn't know Daryl either, but she knows he's not completely stupid. He has manners enough to not leave her drunk in the streets. He fed her! That still doesn't explain why she's so affronted on his behalf.

"I guess I'll get to know him better at the wedding."

Carol coughs so roughly that it staggers her smaller frame. Half choking on her own saliva and the expectations heaped on her. "I'm sorry. What now?"

Todd finally looks at her. He's frowning at her. "He's your plus one, isn't he?" There is a challenge in his voice. Carol grits her teeth because she knows what he's thinking. That Daryl has already left her because even he finds her boring.

"Er...well you see, Daryl is busy that day." She explains lamely.

"What day am I busy?" That deep southern accent ask from behind her and Carol curses her luck because of course they're both here. Today of all days.

"This Sunday." Todd offers unhelpfully. Carol wishes his mouth would wire shut. "For Rick and Lori's wedding. You're her plus one."

Carol hears the challenge clear as a bell but directed at Daryl now. Todd is looking at Daryl with unease. It registers to her that he feels threatened. Much like Aurora was acting. He's stepped closer to her now. It's enough to make her move away from him further. The buggy now between her and Todd and actually putting her next to Daryl. Daryl for his part doesn't seem bothered in the slightest.

"As I said Todd he's busy – …"

"Of course I can clear my schedule." Daryl's voice is amused.

Even though his eyes are bright and amused at the moment even she didn't miss the answer retort to Todd's challenge. Carol suddenly feels to hot to be in here. Todd's staring at Daryl hard. Carol shoots Daryl a death glare because this isn't at all what she needs. He and Todd both ignore it. How dare Todd try to act like a jealous jerk. It was him that ruined them. Not that she wants him back but this was on him. He has no right to act like a jealous ex.

Todd grins suddenly, "Great then. I'll see you there."

He walks oblivious of the fucking train wreck he's left for her. Daryl is still there and Carol finally looks at him fully. He's in a pair of blue jeans that are faded but hug him perfectly. His shirt is dark and clinging to his frame like he's been working, if the sweat that she can see is any indication.

"Nice pants." Daryl says as soon as Todd's gone. Carol glares.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" She asks, arms folded across her chest. Daryl smirks, and a shiver runs down her spine. She tells herself that she should have brought a jacket with her.

"Well it's not like you had anyone else to go with." He snorts. He examines her cart though.

"Don't judge me." Carol says when she notices him eyeing the marshmallow fluff with raised brows.

"That goes really good with Oreos." Is all he says.

She follows him in silence. She isn't even sure why but she does regardless. She's done shopping already but is content to huff at him every chance. For his part he seems amused at her petulant behavior. Shooting her amused glances. He says nothing when she grabs a pack of oreos and tosses them in her cart.

"Didn't anyone ever tell you that you shouldn't invite yourself to other people's weddings?" She ask when they reach the checkout. For the first time at the contents in his arms. Steaks, bread, and what looks like the makings of bake potatoes.

He shrugs at her words and stands there as the cashier rings up Carol's groceries. "Not that I recall. Plus the way I see it, I'm doing you a favor."

She stares at him harshly. Mouth hanging open ruining the effect. "You're doing me a favor? By crashing a wedding." Carol taps her foot to make a point. "Pretending to be my boyfriend!" She's already paid by now but hasn't moved at all. The cashier is now ringing up Daryl's stuff and shooting her annoyed looks. Carol moves without conscience thought closer to him and the woman again glares at her.

"To be blunt." He says. He flashes a smile at the cashier as he hands her cash. She blushes and fumbles with the register. Carol can't blame the woman; Daryl is remarkably handsome when he smiles.

"And how would you put it then?" She asks as they walk to their respective vehicles.

"You'd be embarrassed to go to the wedding without a date and since your ex and his new girlfriend both think I'm your boyfriend, it does make sense to show up with me." He chuckles under his breath. The sound racing down her spine. "Doesn't it?"

He gives her one of those side smiles that makes his eyes sparkle. His teeth flash with it and it only serves to addle her response. It's a bit dizzying to have his eyes focused solely on her.

"Charity." She says. She barely notices that he's helping her put her groceries away but instead she's watching him. It's hard not too. "Nobody does this kind of thing out of the goodness of their heart."

Daryl considers her for a minute. "True." His words seem far away.

Carol has the sick feelings that she's insulted him yet again. It makes her uncomfortable for reasons she's not ready to face. Instead she stares at him and his eyes aren't sparkling anymore. He's walking to his vehicle. He's not said nothing since she dimmed his look. It makes her walk after him without her really giving consent.

"Come to dinner with me." Carol calls out.

He pauses right after swinging his leg over a bike. Carol swallows. He's looking at her and she walks closer so she's not yelling across the parking lot to him. He looks up at her and Carol feels her face flush. How can one man have this effect on her? She was with Todd for three years and he never managed to make her feel like this. He never made her heart race with a look or a fucking smirk. She was a mess and knew it.

"What?" He's staring at her completely confused and she doesn't blame him.

"In return for helping me out. Come to dinner with me. Tonight, my place. I'll cook." Carol offers. Her smile is off because she's not sure where this is coming from. "We both know I don't have other plans." She cracks an anxious joke on herself and is relieved to see it works.

He looks at her car and back at her. "Are you going to give me cat food and marshmallow fluff?"

Carol sputters and a laugh escapes. "How do you feel about spaghetti?"

He smiles then. He raises an eyebrow. "Fine." He seems to realize how abrasive he sounds and nods. "Yeah, I'd like that."

Carol tells him where she lives and she sees the amusement when he realizes how close it is to himself. They agree to meet at seven. He leaves and Carol sighs knowing she has to go back into the store now. The upside is her apartment is clean at least. He won't think she's a complete slob.