AUTHOR'S NOTES: Thank you for reading and thank you to; Kit-cat99, DarylDixon'sLover, Tania Ibarbia, Guest, Kevkye, BethFan and SoutheastChicagoMom for commenting on the last chapter.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Walking Dead or its characters

Apologies in advance for any spelling and grammatical errors. Thoughts in Italics

The Black Velvet Lounge

Chapter 14

Carl and Duane were in an intense discussion whilst Rick and Beth sit opposite listening to them debating who was better, Captain America or Iron Man. They were sat side by side nursing their drinks watching the last of their ice cubes shrink and dissolve into their colas.

Every so often, Rick would sneak a glance at Beth and then he'd look away or back to Carl and Duane when Beth blinked or moved. He sits there half listening realising they'd not actually officially introduced themselves to one another. He drops his eyes shut feeling ridiculous not sure why he was just sitting there not talking to the beautiful woman beside him. If Shane was sitting in his place, he'd be able to drum up a conversation within seconds, he'd just jump right in there and not hang around. He'd be in Beth's face probably holding her hand pretending to be able to read her palm lines and making her laugh as he traces his finger down each smooth line telling her how amazing she is, she is destined for fame, fortune and good things in her long and prosperous life. And then he'd look astonished and pull out his hand next to hers to reveal their heart lines were similar which meant, it is a good sign of compatibility. This tactic of wooing the ladies sometimes worked, he'd witnessed it with his own two eyes when Shane was successful and took women home or sometimes the women would just laugh for his attempt but enjoy him trying his luck. Rick knew without having to actually know her, Beth wasn't one of those women who'd just go home with a random guy but she would be happy in Shane's company compared to his company which right now was complete and utter silence.

Two waiters jointly carry out a large 30 inch piping hot pizza. Rick sees the buggy that belonged to the couple at the table beside them, the gap would be a tight fit for the men to pass between their tables so he pushes the buggy making a little space and scoots and slides closer to Beth not wanting to get in the way of the waiters or have them drop the cheese smothered goodness trying to manoeuvre through the small gap. In all his good intentions of trying to be helpful, Rick bumps shoulders with Beth and her glass tumbles over out of her hand. Rick acts quick, grabbing napkins and stopping the cola from dripping off the table onto Beth's dress and they're both moping up the spillage.

"I'm so sorry, let me take that!" Rick apologies taking the soggy napkins from Beth, handing napkins to wipe her hands whilst inspecting her dress praying he didn't get her wet.

"It's okay, not a single drop fell on me!" Beth assures Rick when she sees the look of embarrassment etched over his face.

Rick calls over a waitress "Can we have another cola please and," Rick requests and before he can finish his sentence, the waitress is over freeing Rick of the soggy napkins.

"Sure thing Deputy Grimes!" The waitress smiles wiping down the table, taking the empty glass and disappearing behind the counter, she looked like she had enough to do and he'd just added to her things to do.

Rick scruffs his beard in frustration and slowly moves his hand away remembering he didn't want to be in such close proximity of anyone whilst he looked like he'd been ship wrecked. He hadn't anticipated being this close with gorgeous and very attractive young Miss Beth Greene - Great! he sighs depressed now wishing he had listened to Shane for once. As slowly and as discreetly as he could, Rick slides away from Beth, freeing her of his body brushing into her side.

"Dad, you okay?" Carl asks making Rick's head snap back up and to freeze in his movements.

Carl had watched the whole bump and spill scene and to see his dad acting the way he was amused him. He's always such a confident and cool person around everyone and to see him acting like Patrick, clumsy and awkward makes him believe his dad really likes Miss Greene, there was no other reasoning's for his dad's unexplainable behaviour. Carl tries not to let his amusement escape. His dad has a crush and his crush is making him act all goofy. Carl wedges his lips tightly shut together.

"Just a little tired!" Rick answers and feeling Beth's gaze on him, he turns his face to the side and they stare at one another.

"Sure dad!" Carl mumbles and Duane nudges Carl as he takes a slurp of his milkshake watching Rick and Beth restraining himself from signing, Deputy Grimes and Miss Greene sitting in the tree...

Beth gives a little shy smile and turns to look down at her drink once it's placed in front of her, she begins fiddling with her straw keeping her hands busy.

Rick moves his eyes to look out the window and lets out a resigned sigh not knowing how he'd become a mute and was unable to start up a decent conversation. He had suddenly become good at being clumsy and awkward and apologising for it. He catches Beth's reflection in the window. She pushes her hair behind her ear and takes a sip of her cola and was paying attention to Carl and Duane because he couldn't pull himself together and keep her entertained. Rick was so grateful to have the two youngsters opposite entertaining them because if this was a real date, then he'd be screwed.

Beth tries to concentrate on Carl and Duane's conversation but she was nervous. She didn't know if she should introduce herself, this had all happened abruptly and she had forgotten her manners of introducing herself. All she knew was the good looking man sitting beside her, was the father of Carl, her student and seeing Carl's father in his uniform tells her, he's a cop, a Sheriff's Deputy. She rolls her eyes calling herself an idiot, of course he's a cop, he's in a cop's uniform and he's very clumsily cute. She wasn't sure whether you could call a man in his mid-thirties cute but he was. Seeing him drum his fingertips on the edge of the table, Beth goes to bite the bullet, she could do it, she's no longer that little mouse who hides when things got a bit out of her depth. She could talk to the handsome man beside her, she's performed in front of hundreds of people, this was one man and she just needed to say hi, I'm Beth! Her hand was shaking and just as she goes to open her mouth, a tall man with a big belly is standing beside their booth.

"Evening Deputy Grimes, Carl, Duane!" The man greets and the boys both sing a hello Mr Giuseppe!

"And who is this beautiful fair maiden?" Mr Giuseppe asks wanting to be introduced to Beth.

Rick's eyes dart over to Beth so serene sitting next to him and then she looked overwhelmed with so many eyes in close proximity on her, Rick takes off the pressure.

"This fair maiden is Miss Greene, singing teacher to the Junior Church Choir and her family are the owners of the much talked about The Black Velvet Lounge, it's a great place, if your looking for a new experience a good night, I would recommend that's the place to be." Rick says holding Beth's gaze when she had turned listening to Rick introducing her - she knows nothing about him but he knows enough about her.

Rick wasn't quite sure how that came out and he looks coyly at Beth hoping she wasn't offended he called her a fair maiden or freaked out that he knew so much about her when she knew nothing about him.

Carl and Duane sit smiling and Old Man Giuseppe looks between them raising his brow in question as both Rick and Beth have gone into some sort of trance. The old man getting the hint seeing the little sparks, winks at Carl and Duane who were giggling behind their milkshake glasses.

Beth's face heats up remembering the times Rick has watched her on stage on opening night, then during Easter Service and then back in Church at choir practice. He had been very observant with trained eyes like now and she couldn't deny she actually liked the way he was looking at her, she felt pretty for once and she couldn't deny, the deputy looked even more handsome up close and his beard enhanced his charm. She was sure she looked like a tomato blushing red hoping he didn't just read her mind when his lips twitch. She immediately looks away embarrassed not knowing how long she had just sat there and stared at the deputy, he was still looking at her or more at her hands now fiddling with her straw.

Dear God! Beth prays not knowing what has come over her.

"Miss Greene, Welcome to King County and my grandson is in your Choir, Louis and I got a call from his mother, my daughter telling me how much he enjoyed choir practice today, did you enjoy choir practice boys?" He asks.

Carl and Duane were off again telling him how much they enjoyed it, what songs they sang, reporting Father Tyreese looked like he was never going to stop dancing, it was great and that they were going to sing on Sunday and he should come and spread the word.

"I'll Definitely be there, I'll spread the word!" He says rushing back waving when the oven goes off "Miss Green, don't be a stranger...Giuseppe, that's me hopes to see you here often and if you worry about the calories, I'll cater to your needs, okay!" The old man says over his shoulder and he's gone leaving Beth watching the kitchen door swinging back and forth feeling very welcome.

Carl and Duane giggling remind each other how great they sounded to one another, insisting the other sounded better and then agreeing they sounded good. Beth laughs at their cute bantering. Rick shakes his head thinking maybe Carl and Duane have been hanging out with Shane too much and he was going to have to wean them off of Shane.

"How are you taking to working with Tyreese, the church and the choir?" Rick asks interested seeing his opportunity open up and taking it. But more than anything, he was genuinely interested to hear her thoughts of how she was settling in, if there was anything he could do to make her feel welcome or if she needed help, all these things he wanted to ask but knew he needed to give her breathing space.

A big smile spreads across Beth's face, she looks up to meet Rick's waiting eyes.

"Father Tyreese is a really nice and kind man, I feel so blessed to be given this opportunity by him, to work with him and everyone at the Church and not forgetting the children. I miss home but being able to spend a few hours a week doing what I love, it reminds me of home and my family and friends, makes me feel close to a time when everything was care-free, it brings me comfort, I can move forward into the unknown...once I couldn't, not be terrified yet feel that familiarity around me if you know what I mean?" Beth finally giggles realising she was rambling on not sure she was making sense, she was better at putting her thoughts down on paper than voicing them.

Rick takes a long moment to look at Beth "I understand." He says softly sensing Beth must have experienced something in her past, he had a feeling, call it a cops intuition but smiles when Beth smiles at him.

"How long have you worked for the Sheriff's Department?" Beth asks curiously and trying to move attention off of herself.

"As soon as I was out of High School, straight into the Academy, accepted into King County and been here since!" Rick responds.

"Wow, so you've always wanted to be in this line of work, man behind the badge?" She asks amazed.

Rick's eyes soften "It's a family occupation!" He shrugs.

"Your dad's an officer of the law too?" Beth asks.

"Yes ma'am, was and went on to be Sheriff of this County." Rick confirms proudly.

"He must be really proud, you following in his footsteps and all." Beth turns in her seat "My father was in the army when he was in his youth before he became a veterinarian slash farmer and my older brother Shaun, followed in his footsteps..." Beth blubbers away thoughtfully knowing her father was so proud of Shaun when he enlisted and Shaun was proud of what he was doing just like Rick who looked proud sitting there beside her "And Jesus too, he's more of a homeboy, didn't like to venture far from home, he trained to become a vet and helped daddy at the clinic and on the farm...daddy's was so happy Jesus wanted to stay and work with him, not go to the city for the big bucks and lifestyle like the other boys back home..."

Rick smiles listening to Beth, she talked admiringly about her father and brothers.

"Your father must be really proud!" Beth finishes shaking her head remembering they were talking about Rick's father.

"I hope he is!?" Rick answers and asks looking up waiting for an answer with a curious smile.

Beth looks on confused at Rick and then follows his gaze up.

"I'm sorry," She says realising his meaning when she looks back at Rick "Any father would be happy for their son to follow in his footsteps especially the job you do!" Beth says gently, her hand rests down on the cushioned bench beside Rick's.

"Dad looks like Gramps!" Carl interrupts the moment, Rick and Beth look over to Carl "Show Miss Greene dad, show Miss Greene - Badass Sheriff Carl Grimes!" Carl asks leaning on the table grinning.

Beth turns back to Rick with a look saying she'd like to see.

Rick obliges, reaches into his back pocket, pulls out his wallet and hands it over to Beth. She holds the wallet in both her hands and slowly opens it up, curious to see. Her eyes run over the picture behind the plastic not believing how alike Rick looks to his father.

"He's really handsome looking!" Beth states noting how much alike Rick and his dad looked, his dad possibly a few years older to what Rick is now with the visible greys in his hair "You named Carl after his Granddaddy!" She beams.

"Yep!" Carl interrupts and answers on behalf of his dad "So, that means you think my dad's handsome?" Carl asks mischievously leaning more forward waiting for an answer.

"Carl!" Rick almost chokes on his cola "I'm sorry, you don't have to answer that!" Rick apologises to Beth and shoots Carl a look.

"If Miss Greene thinks you're handsome then she will think I am too!" Carl states blinking innocently.

Rick knows Carl too well, he could see what his naughty little boy was trying to do and Rick can't help but blush and laugh. His laugher reached his eyes and he finally relaxed and Beth relaxed too.

Their Pizza arrived and they applaud and marvel at how enormous it was. Carl asks his dad to take a picture and he does with Carl and Duane striking poses with the Pizza. Duane asks for it to be sent to his mom so she can upload it to her Facebook account so everyone can see.

"You sure you don't mind anchovies, looks like Giuseppe went crazy with the stuff!" Rick asks Beth seeing they'd also been cut up and put into the sauce just like Duane had asked.

"I'm sure, I love anchovies and if we don't eat, we're not gonna get any!" Beth points to Carl and Duane.

Carl and Duane attack the Pizza like starved orphans.

Beth tears a slice and hands it to Rick and helps herself taking a big bite and letting out an audible sigh "It's so good!" she mumbles making Rick laugh and he mumbles his appreciation in agreement when he takes his first bite.

Carl kicks his legs back and forth under the table munching away watching his dad and his music teacher talking. It's been a long time since he's seen his dad having fun just eating Pizza and looked happy and it had nothing to do with the Pizza or the anchovies.

Jesus was sitting at his desk going through his endless emails and sorting through invoices. This was the part he disliked about running multiple businesses but he needed to crack on with it not wanting his sisters to be stuck behind the desk if left undone. Maggie and Glenn were running the bar tonight so he was going to soldier through until closing time and Rosita was there on her night off, Abraham was out with his friends so she was free to jump in if things got busy which he appreciated and would think of something nice to thank her to show his appreciation for mucking in when she didn't have to. Jesus's eyes flick from the screen to paperwork, tapping away on his keyboard whilst draining off the last of his black coffee. He was sure he was going to get box-eyes if he didn't take a break. His peace and concentration is disturbed when his cell-phone vibrates on the table. He reaches for it and grins seeing the name flashing on the screen. Happy for the distraction, he clears his throat.

"So?" Jesus answers "This Saturday?" He repeats for clarity looking at his desktop calendar "Great!" He responds and disconnects the call abruptly, placing his phone back on the desk.

He leans back into his leather chair, rocking as he kicks his feet up onto the table waiting a few seconds with a small smile dancing across his lips. As he anticipated, his phone vibrates wildly on the desk again. When he swipes the screen to take the call, he listens to the high-pitched voice booming out which doesn't stop to take a breath until what needed to be said was said and then there's a long dramatic pause. Jesus bursts out laughing throwing his head back, twirling his seat around to look out the window at the evening scenery of people walking into the neighbouring bars and restaurants.

"I miss listenin' to your voice!" Jesus says warmly into the phone "I couldn't resist but yes Aunt Patty that was rude of me to cut the line like that and no, you're not my secretary and I won't do it again ma'am!" He says crossing his fingers because he knows he'll do it again, he's been doing it from as long as he can remember when he used to answer his dad's work phone when Patricia used to call from the clinic or the farm and he knew his aunt secretly liked being wound up by him because he could hear the smile in her voice when she shushes him and asks him some crucial questions.

"We have enough space, you and Otis can take my room, I'll crash on the couch...I'm sure!" Jesus insists when Patricia says she doesn't want to put him out or be an inconvenience offering to book a hotel room for the coming weekend.

"Miss Patty, it's not goin' to be an inconvenience but," He stops to think "...If ya want to make an inconvenience, we could put you in Maggie and Glenn's room!" He says thoughtfully liking the idea.

Maggie and Glenn made no secret of what happens once their bedroom door is closed, night or day, they couldn't keep their hands off one another. Jesus was glad Beth's bedroom was at the other end of the hall not opposite the Lover's as his was but he was sure Beth could hear them go at it some nights. Maggie was not good at being discreet nor was she quiet when they'd get full on rowdy and the mornings after those particular nights, Glenn would hide from him or never looked him in the eyes not wanting an ass-whooping. If he didn't genuinely like Glenn, he'd have probably buried him by now he thought to himself.

"Give them a break for a couple of nights...I'm pretty sure one of these days I'm gonna be told I'm gonna be an uncle!" He says rubbing his temple.

Maggie could just about take care of herself and a baby required someone with time and patience, some like Beth whose a nurturing person and was generous with her time. Beth's always been good with babies and little children, Jesus smiles and knows she'll take to motherhood like a duck takes to water when the time came. Beth wanted a baby when she was just knee high and settled for a baby doll, took tentative care of it just like their momma took care of them. Seeing that doll sitting in Beth's baby highchair at dinner beside their father who was trying to feed it peas and carrots whilst talking to it like it was a real baby, pleased Beth and was a memory he and the family will never forget and not that he or anyone would, they often brought this particular memory up when Beth's seen gushing around a little baby which just makes her blush when everyone tells her, she'll make a fine little momma one day. All through Beth's life, she's made no secret of how much she wants a child of her own and he wants his sisters to have children one day but shakes the thoughts away at the present time; Maggie needed to grow up and learn to take responsibility and he wanted Beth to be able to experience and do the things she wanted with her life before settling down and for that to happen, the right man needed to come along. The man had to be a decent man who was worthy of marrying his sister.

"Maggie can share with Beth and Glenn can take the couch!" He decides putting an end to his thoughts "We'll see you and Otis in a couple of days and bring Fluffy along, the girls will be pleased and I know Fluffy will be too!" Jesus says his goodbye and hangs up.

He leaves his office to take a break and makes his way down towards the bar. He stops at the balcony and takes a look around the room. His, Maggie's and Beth's first project is a growing success. There was soft music playing in the background which was calming, soothing and lazy, just how he likes it. For a Wednesday evening, the place seemed to be alive. More than half the tables scattered around each floor and stools at the bars were filled with customers just relaxing and winding down mid-week with a well earned drink.

His eyes dart over to where laughter was coming from - a small party of five women were drinking cocktails being well looked after by their host, Zach who was in his element of flirting and taking care of their entertainment. He now had them all gasping and giving him looks to say he was brave as one woman rubs his arm affectionately. Zach was retelling them one of his travelling stories Jesus guessed. He's heard them enough to know the swimming motions Zach was using with his hands was the time he swam away from a Shark when holidaying in Australia. He wasn't sure how authentic the story was but Zach always had a relieved look on his face like he had escaped death when he finished his story and he's known Zach since he was just a little boy, a boy Beth grew up with and was in her band and she believed him, some band swear they made so it had to be true.

Jesus's eyes follow an immaculately suited man walking down the small entrance steps and being ushered over to were men in similar sharp suits with loosened ties and collars were seated relaxed having business drinks in a cornered off section with Rosita making her presence known every so often. She had the men ordering more drinks and they seemed to enjoy her presence, her company. She's a people-person and that quality shined. Jesus smiles, Rosita's come along way from therapy and he was glad she joined them to King County, she didn't have any family left back home and Abraham had taken a training position in the next county so she jumped at the offer to join them on this adventure of TBVL, she was part of their family and it eased his mind knowing she was around, she and Beth were very close. He was still wondering what kept such an amazing smart and beautiful girl attached to a big jerk of a lump like Abraham who should be wining and dining her tonight. Rosita waves walking past and he salutes back.

"Ford you assehole!" Jesus says annoyed watching Rosita putting on a brave face but knowing she was deeply upset.

"The customers are sooo loving me!" Maggie says popping up from behind the bar when Jesus takes a stool.

"They are." Jesus smile seeing Maggie enjoying her shift.

"Everyone is so friendly here and I'm actually enjoyin' it," Maggie says looking around "and bein' The Boss!" She beams handing a couple of beers over to a cute guy who grins during the changeover of bottles and money.

He checks Maggie out when she turns to get a few glasses and then he's gaping at her curvy ass and then his eyes narrow down to her cleavage smirking when she bends down to chuck bottle caps under the bar recycling bin. His eyes linger and follow appreciatively getting a great view unaware he was being watched and sadly turns to leave when he's being called.

"Good!" Jesus says to Maggie watching the guy over his shoulder making his way to his table, taking a seat whispering to his friends, they all look over giving agreeable smirking looks at Maggie which makes him mad. Jesus doesn't want to make a scene by yanking them out the bar and ruining Maggie's night but if they continue, that's exactly what he's going to do.

Jesus sees Oscar standing on the landing watching, their eyes connect and Oscar nods an unspoken acknowledgment, he and his men would watch the guys and make sure they don't cross any lines which would warrant an ass-kicking down the alleyway.

"Maggie, if a guy tries it on, what do ya do?" Jesus fires another one of his random quiz questions he's been firing since late afternoon.

"Let him down gently, make it clear your not interested and if he persists warn him and if he steps the line and tries to force himself, go apeshit and kick his ass and the crown jewels, make him cry like a sissy-girl!" Maggie says whipping the towel off her shoulder and wiping down the bar.

"Good girl, remember hit hard and fast and don't let them get up if ya think they're a threat, just like we showed you!" Jesus adds turning back to give Maggie a smile as she watches him raising her brow.

"Hit me!" Jesus says and Maggie shrugs raising her fist, she giggles when he pulls a face as he stretches his arm out onto the bar, hand ready to catch his drink.

Maggie slides a glass over, punching the air ecstatic she didn't make a mess - her one hundredth attempt was a success as Jesus catches it.

"Milk?" He says frowning holding the glass up into the light wanting a real drink, a shot of whiskey.

"Beth's orders, you ain't been drinking enough!" Maggie wags her finger and turns to all the bartenders "Under no circumstances is anyone to give him any alcoholic beverages, milk, tea and water only!" Maggie turns back to Jesus trying not to laugh and daring him to complain.

"Maggie!" Jesus whines seeing Noah pouring a scotch and snaps his head frowning at Maggie.

"Little Lamb's orders!" Maggie holds up her hands "Don't shoot the messenger!" She says walking away with a snort.

Jesus looks at his glass of wholesome milk and reluctantly drinks it. He almost spits it out but stops and swallows when Rosita is standing in front of him behind the bar shielding her face with her hands with a shriek.

"What's in this milk?" Jesus asks sticking out his tongue and spitting into a serviette resting beneath his glass.

Rosita takes the glass and sniffs it "Vitamin drops!" She laughs not believing Beth had actually done it.

Rosita looks at Jesus pulling faces like the ones Beth told her he would do like when their mom used to trick them into taking the extra vitamins in their milk "She's worried about all the stress your under and you've been skipping meals and I think this is just the first of the many surprises your gonna get...help maintain your general health and vitality in an otherwise hectic lifestyle!" She says trying not to laugh remembering reading the back of the bottle Beth had purchased "These are just the lightweight baby stuff, you ain't even seen what she'd gonna have you swallowing!" Rosita smirks as she goes.

Jesus looks up not liking the taste and seeing his employees trying to contain their amusement, he orders them to get back to work as he snatches his glass back. Everyone jumps back to their tasks in hand and sneaking looks from the corners of their eyes. Jesus gulps, he's always hated vitamin drops. He swallows the saliva built up in his mouth, closes his eyes shut tightly and throws the milk down the back of his throat hoping it would just bypass his throat, taste glands and settle wherever it needed to settle down in his digestive system and do the good work it's supposed to do. He slams the glass down cringing letting out a groan.

"Awww poor baby!" Rosita scoffs beneath her breath to see tough-nut Jesus squirming over vitamin drops when Maggie comes back.

Jesus gives a wounded look staring at the beer teasingly in Maggie's hand and makes his way back to his office making unpleasant noises and once he's out of sight up those stairs, everyone bursts out laughing.

"He drank all of it?" Maggie asks disbelieved staring into the empty glass.

"Yep, every last drop!" Rosita snorts and they both laugh, Jesus could never say no to Beth.

Maggie grabs the vitamin bottle and pours another glass of milk and pinches a few drops in and swirls the glass around.

"Ohhhh...Glenn baby!" Maggie calls winking to Rosita as she turns around holding up the glass to a tired looking Glenn with a loving smile.

"Thanks babe!" Glenn beams taking the drink from his beautiful wife, he was thirsty and pours the entire glass down his mouth and his eyes furrow together when the tastes hits him and without warning, he spits whatever was left in his mouth into the wine cooler that was sitting on the bar filled with ice ready and waiting to be taken to it's drinkers.

"GLENNNN!" Noah cries grabbing the cooler to clean it.

"What the hell was it!" Glenn asks pulling a face running behind the bar and spraying the fizzy cola from the pump into his mouth and down his throat.

"Glenn!" Maggie grabs the spray, they have a little tug of war, Maggie snatches it off of him and the cola sprays Glenn over his face and all over his clothes.

"Maggie!" Glenn shrieks now he was soaking wet "I'm gonna be all sticky now!" He complains looking down at himself and then at Maggie.

"Go home, get cleaned up and come back and make it quick!" Maggie tutts seeing the mess.

Glenn wobbles off wishing he had kept a spare change of clothes in the office and notes to smell whatever Maggie gives him to drink, not only was she a bad cook, she was even worse at making a drink.

Rick had dropped off Duane at his house and he's running up Lori's drive and ringing her doorbell taking a quick look back at his car.

Lori opens the door not happy Rick was fifteen minutes late. Before she could launch into a lecture of time keeping, Rick leans down scruffs Carl's hair kissing his forehead saying he had a great night and couldn't wait for Saturday. Rick stood up and said good night to Lori and before she knew it, he's skipping down the porch steps.

"Rick!" Lori calls out looking from Carl waving and Rick's retreating back.

She was just about to rush out after him barefoot and dressed in her shorts and t-shirt and she stops and grabs hold of the door to steady herself as Rick opens his car door, the light comes on and she draws in a breath not believing who she sees sitting and waiting in the passenger's seat smiling at Rick as he approaches the car.

Lori's mouth drops open in disbelief squinting to make sure she wasn't just imagining the woman from Church in her husband's car.

"Mom!" Carl calls tugging her shirt as she watches Rick back-out down the driveway, turn the car around and was off in a mere few seconds.

"Mom!" Carl says and in the end thrusts a box into her hand not getting an answer, he runs into the house and up the stairs wanting to avoid the questioning he knew was coming.

Lori looks down and opens the box and then the smell hits her at full force making her gag. She slams the lid down holding the box at arms length.

"Rick!" Lori fumes looking up and watching his car turn out off the street and disappearing into the dark.

"This is me!" Beth points to her house and Rick pulls up outside her house on the street.

"Thank you for driving me home and thank you for the Pizza!" Beth smiles to Rick as she begins to unbuckle her belt.

"It was mine and Carl's pleasure!" Rick says genuinely happy the evening went well helping Beth, seeing she was having difficulty.

Glenn opens the front door, he sees Beth waving to a car as it begins to drive away. He drops the drink he was drinking, it spills all over his trousers and shoes as he watches the Deputy drive off with a smile plastered over his face as he looks over his shoulder returning the gesture waving back to Beth.

"Oh shit!" He says looking around for signs of Jesus.

"Hey Glenn!" Beth greets kissing him on the cheek and then she enters the house humming as she goes.

"Not good! Not good!" Glenn says repeatedly not knowing whether to get back to Maggie who's waiting for him at the bar or follow Beth back into the house and enquire casually...what on earth she was doing with one of the guys her over protective brother wants to give more than a knuckle sandwich to.