Sorry for the wait on this...now let's have some fun at breakfast and the wine festival!
"Hey Buttercup" Daryl heard a small blond woman call out as he and Beth walked into the small diner.
"Hey Amy! Anywhere?" Beth replied, motioning to the empty section by the window. Amy nodded at her and Beth pulled him toward the booth toward the back. He didn't want to really admit it, but he loved the feel of her hand in his. It was so soft, so delicate. Such a contrast to his hand, calloused, dirty ones. He also made a mental note to ask Beth why the other blond girl called her "Buttercup" later.
"You mind if I sit on this side?" Daryl asked as they made it to the booth. Daryl really didn't want to admit it to her right then, but he had an issue with sitting with his back to people. He felt like something could come up on him at any moment and he preferred to sit so he could see the door. He always just figured it was beat into him (literally) from a young age since his Dad always made him face away from him and he never knew when the next hit would come. But he really didn't want to get into all of that with Beth this morning. Luckily for him, Beth just smiled that beautiful smile of hers and nodded to him. If she could see what he was thinking, she never let on as she handed him a menu from the end of the table and opened hers, talking about how amazing their pancakes were.
"It's been awhile Buttercup!" the blond from earlier came over, smiling brightly at her while trying to look him over but not be too obvious about it.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. Things have been just crazy busy lately. I missed you and Deanna at the party last night" Beth replied back, her smile never falling from her face. He admired that about Beth. She seemed to have tons of friends and always had a smile for people. He was never like that, only having one really close friend growing up and permanent scowl on his face. He was always very grateful that he had Rick, especially when Merle was gone for long periods of time. He was like another brother to him.
"Yeah, we both got stuck here." She replied and then turned her gaze toward him "And you are?" she asked, her eyebrow raised.
"Oh Amy, I'm sorry. Forgive my manners. This is my really good friend, Daryl Dixon. Daryl, this is another one of my oldest friends, Amy Harrison. She and Deanna more or less run this diner" she replied with another one of her smiles as Amy stuck out her hand and Daryl shook it.
"It's nice to meet ya Daryl. Are you related to Merle?" she asked as she gazed at him fully. "My goodness, you are cute huh?" she continued to stare, to the point it got him a little uncomfortable.
"Yeah, they are brothers. And yes, he most certainly is!" she said as she passed him a little smirk, his eyes replying back to her with a "geez thanks" and then she let out a little chuckle "Amy, would you mind getting me a drink, I am parched" Beth asked sweetly, then flashing Daryl a wink, letting him know that she did understand, and had his back.
"Oh yes, of course Beth. What would you two like?" she asked, her demeanor changing back to that of a great waitress.
Daryl excused himself to use the restroom after they had finished eating and before his body was even in the bathroom, Amy had flopped herself down across from her, a knowing smirk on her face.
"So, he's the new bartender at the bar?" she asked, her eyebrow raised.
"Yup, that's him" she replied, knowing where this was going but not going to offer it to her friend.
"Yeah, Rosita and Tara told me about him. Seems like he really likes ya" she replied back, the smirk still there.
"Yeah, I think he does." Beth replied back softly as she twirled her straw in her drink.
"And you are so over the moon about him. I haven't seen you like this since….well heck Beth, I have never seen you like this. Not even with Jimmy" Amy replied, her smirk changing into a smile now.
"I have never felt this way. It's so different. It's like a sensation that takes over your whole body. There are times that he speaks, or touches me and it's like electricity shoots through my body. He is so kind, so giving, but also so protective….." she stopped when she saw the dreamy look that her friend had on her face. "What?" she questioned
"I'm just so happy for you girl. After Jimmy, I was so worried you would never find happiness, but you have and that's amazing. And he is really yummy to look at too" she replied with a giggle that Beth could not help to reciprocate. After a few seconds, she saw Amy's face sadden just a little.
"I heard what Jimmy did last night. I'm really sorry he tried to mess up your party. From what I hear, Rick has him locked up for a few days on some charge. Not sure how Officer Friendly does it, but I'm glad he does" she said as she stood up, giving Daryl back his seat as he walked back over.
"Officer Friendly? You talkin' bout Rick?" Daryl asked as he sat back down and took a drink.
"Yeah, Amy said she heard that Rick got some charge to stick with Jimmy so he is in lock up for a few days" Beth replied, a wave of relief she didn't know she was holding in spreading through her with the news.
"Good, asshole deserves more." Daryl growled, his voice low and menacing. Amy looked at him and then turned back to Beth, mouthing an "Oh my god, so hot" before she turned and walked over to another customer who had come in.
"You ready to go? We got a wine festival to get too" Beth asked, trying to take the anger out of his eyes again. He slowly smiled at her, his eyes lightening up just so as he took her hand. She squeezed it as they got up from the booth and walked over to pay.
"Nope, breakfast is on us Beth, Deanna's orders. "Amy said as Daryl and Beth walked up to the register. "She said she was sorry she wasn't here to see you but that you were to not pay. Happy Graduation Buttercup" Amy continued as she pulled Beth to her and hugged her tight, whispering in her ear "he seems like a keeper"
The ride to the wine festival was amazing. Beth loved the feel of being on the bike, the wind whipping around her, the feel of the bike under her. But the best part was wrapping her arms around Daryl and holding him tightly, her breasts pushed up against his back. She laid her cheek against the faded angel wings and sighed when she felt his hand rest on hers for a second, then go back to the handle bar of the bike. She could really get used to all of this! She was falling fast for this man, so very fast.
She thought about what that meant when they pulled up into the designated parking for the festival. Beth used his shoulders for support and hoped off of the bike, Daryl following right after. Beth decided to leave her jacket in one of his saddle bags, and didn't fail to notice the look that Daryl gave her when she took off her jacket, totally revealing her pink crop top. His eyes scanned her up and town, a hint of hunger and possessiveness to them that made her shiver with want. He took her hand and pulled her to him, kissing her lightly as he breathed out "You are so beautiful"
Beth smiled back up to him and kissed him back, the feel of his hands on the skin of her exposed lower back sending a shiver through her body. As they pulled apart, a small sigh left her lips again as he moved a stray curl and tucked it behind her ear. She took his hand in hers, kissed it lightly and they started off toward the entrance of the wine festival.
Daryl looked down at the wine glass that he was handed as he and Beth came in. He still didn't really get this entire concept. What was the point of going up to booth after booth after booth, just to taste wine that either tasted the same as the last booth or tasted like somebody ran it through a field of pinecones. He would have much rather spent his time at the beer booth they had. The only thing making this day amazing was that he was there with Beth. She didn't seem to be really enjoying going from booth to booth either, but he was amazed how each time she introduced herself as co-owner of a bar in town and him as the head bartender, like she was proud to admit that about him. It still amazed him that this amazing, beautiful woman even wanted to admit that she was even associated with him, but she never let go of his hand either, so she was admitting more than just being associated and that really blew his mind.
He did admit though that he was feeling a little tipsy sampling all of the different wines, finding that he actually liked the sweeter white wines than the reds. She smiled at him as they walked over to the next booth, finding a spot at the end just big enough for her to stand. He stood behind her. When he placed his hands gently on her hips, she leaned into his chest, causing him to wrap his arms completely around her waist.
"You having fun?" she asked softly as they waited for the woman who was doing the offering of the samples to come down their way.
"I can't complain at the moment" he whispered as he placed a soft kiss on her neck, causing her to moan lightly.
"You two love birds want a sample?" he heard a voice ask and he looked up toward the woman in front of them. She was striking, dark chocolate skin and dreadlocks, with a smile that was almost as bright as Beth's. She chuckled as Beth's cheeks turned bright red and he could feel the tips of his ears redden as well.
"Yes, please" Beth replied as she handed her glass over and after she had poured hers, turned to grab Daryl's so the woman could pour his as well. When he took a drink, he let out a sigh. It was really the first one that he had really liked. It reminded him of Beth. It tasted like sunshine on his lips, with a hint of cherry and sugar. He could tell by the smile on Beth's lips that she liked it as well.
"That is amazing" Beth exclaimed as she sat her glass down and opened up her clutch. She pulled out one of her business cards and handed it to the woman with a smile.
"My name is Beth Greene and this is Daryl Dixon. We are from the Triple L bar down town" she stated happily.
"Michonne Daniels. This is my winery, called Andre'. It's a pleasure to meet you" she replied, her smile never falling but Daryl didn't miss the moment of sadness in her eyes when she mentioned the name of the winery.
"I love your wine, so does Daryl and that says a lot since all he has wanted to do today is go stand at the beer tent" Beth said with a giggle as she poked Daryl in the side. He smiled slightly at her as he cursed himself in his head. He thought he had hid it better. Luckily she didn't seem to take it that he wasn't having fun with her, because that was the farthest from the truth. Every moment he got to spend with her was amazing. "Would you like to come by the bar one day this week and we could possibly discuss selling it at the bar?" she asked, her eyes bright and wide. She looked even more beautiful , if that was even possible. Michonne seemed to think about it for a moment, took a good look at the both of them and then smiled.
"Yes, I think I could arrange that. How is Wednesday?" she asked. Beth nodded and they shook hands. Daryl nodded at her as well and then they proceeded to try all of the rest of the wines Michonne had, which also were amazing. Once they finished and said their goodbyes, promising to see each other on Wednesday, Beth led him away from the booths and then stopped in front of the beer tent.
"You have been so amazing today, I know that this is not exactly your cup of tea and you have been wonderful" she said sweetly as she leaned up and kissed his cheek. He looked down at her, his eyes hooded as he took her cheek in his hand and kissed her lips softly.
"Beth, I don't care what we do. We could muck stalls at the farm and as long as I am wit' you I will be happy" he said just above a whisper as he placed his forehead against hers. She sighed and took his hand back in hers, pulling him toward the beer stand. He smiled as she looked over her shoulder at him, no other words needed to be spoken between them. He knew he was falling, and falling fast. And he didn't know if he should be scared or just keep enjoying the ride.
Ok, so now Michonne has been introduced. I am sure you can probably figure out what I am going to have happen with her going forward (especially if you have read my other fics) Hope you liked this. The wine festival isn't totally over...
