A/N~~*** Hey everybody, yeah the end of that last chapter was heartbreaking. When I write and my emotions come out, I often wonder if the readers will feel the same way. So I'm glad I wasn't the only crybaby lol I even had to count back to realize damn the weekend was truly over. They really wasted Friday lol But, the story continues, so here's the beginning to the second half of this story. Happy reading and here's to keeping Richonne Alive!

PS. I'm still working on that murder mystery, pre-civil war, a one shot, a Dandy fic (if u r into that), and a teen Richonne story. Yeah, I need to relax lmao but with these two there's so many possibilities!

VIII

Two months later…

"Here you two go." Eduardo poured vodka shots for Michonne and Andrea.

"Thank you." they both downed them, hoping hangovers would not be on the horizon tomorrow with the switch from their usual tequila.

"Where's Yumiko?" he motioned to the empty bar stool.

"Oh, her girlfriend is in town so you know…" Andrea attempted a sexy dance.

"Mhm, I know exactly what you mean." Eduardo winked at her before he walked away to assist other customers.

Andrea bit her lip as her and the bartender continued to sneak peeks at each other.

"How much longer until we can pull the trigger on leaving Barrington?" Michonne rubbed her temple.

"We are close but we just need more upstart money. The plan is solid and we have a few clients ready to jump ship."

"Do you need some help on finding investors because I can…"

"Nope, you and Yumi did your parts and this is mine to handle. I promise Michie, I've got this. We'll be free soon."

"I hope."

Michonne wanted another shot but this was supposed to be a quick pop in at the bar for happy hour. She reasoned that she just needed to make it to tomorrow which was Friday.

Andrea hesitated in asking. "So…have you spoken to Rick lately?"

"Not for a few days."

"Why not?"

Michonne turned on her stool to face her friend. "You know I hate facetime, so it was mostly texting. We both agreed to work on our things and then come together once we figured that out."

"Okay and you haven't gotten your shit together."

Michonne blanched then glared. "My shit never stopped being together."

Andrea waved an imaginary white flag and Michonne relaxed.

"Sorry, it's just that I thought it would be easier."

"What would be easier? Starting the business?"

"No, of course not." Michonne turned back to the bar and rested her head in her palms. "It was just a weekend, how could I let me feelings get so attached, when I knew we had so much distance? It was dumb…"

"Michie, it was not dumb. We saw you with him. It started out as just angry sex and quickly grew, so imagine where it could go from there if you two just gave it a chance?"

"What chance? He's in Colorado or maybe Georgia since he hasn't made a decision on the lodge yet. I can't figure out where I need to be if he hasn't worked out his location yet. Plus, I can't just abandon you and Yumiko. We are starting a business together, have you forgotten?"

They both deeply exhaled before Andrea started to wave Eduardo over but Michonne stopped her.

"I'm gonna get out of here. The sooner I get home and go to sleep, the sooner it will be Friday and the sooner it'll be the weekend."

"Okay..." Andrea drew the word out.

"You coming?" Michonne asked as she stood and put her coat on.

"Umm, Eduardo is getting off in a little while…" Andrea looked to the cute bartender again and he grinned at her before helping patrons.

"Have fun for me." Michonne smirked. "I'll see you at work tomorrow."

"That's if I can walk."

Michonne shook her head and giggled as she headed for the exit. She was nearly to the door before she heard someone call her name.

"Michonne…?"

It took her a moment to remember who this man was, but then she placed the apprehensive smile and smooth chocolate bald head.

"Gabriel?"

"Yes, from Rosita and Siddiq's Retreat. How are you?"

"I'm good, and you?"

"I'm great."

Michonne eyebrows scrunched together. "Are you from New York?"

"No, I'm from Virginia but I came for a little visit with Anne."

"Anne?"

Just then the woman in question skipped over, but Michonne remembered her being called Jadis at the retreat and looking different.

"Michonne!" the woman hugged her tightly.

"Jadis?" Michonne looked her over when she let her go.

"Yeah, it's me but I've embraced my given name of Anne."

She spun in a circle so Michonne could see her rather ordinary dress style. On the trip, she'd been very eclectic with her wardrobe and even her hairstyle was different now. She must have gotten clip-ins or extensions for the length it was currently.

"Wow." was all Michonne could muster while Gabriel smiled and wrapped an arm around Anne's waist.

"Michonne, I just want to thank you."

"For what?" Michonne was even more confused.

Gabriel and Anne turned to each other and giggled. "She doesn't even know."

"Know what?"

"You are responsible for us being." the bald man smiled excitedly.

"Gabe was all ready to pursue you but I saw something was happening with you and that cowboy that owns the lodge, so I swooped in to save him the embarrassment. But then we ended up hitting it off and here we are. So thank you."

"Wow." Michonne remembered that day and how she was glad Jadis had saved her but she never realized that action had started a relationship. "I'm happy for you two."

"Thank you. Anne, I've got to run to the restroom. Michonne, it was great running into you."

"You too." Michonne replied and they watched him work his way through the crowd to the bathroom.

"So what happened with you and the cowboy?"

"Umm…" Michonne faltered unsure she wanted to have that discussion with an almost stranger.

Anne clutched her chest. "I'm sorry for intruding, I just saw you two and knew it was destiny."

Michonne rolled her eyes making the woman snicker.

"Now, you sound like Siddiq."

"I know it's a bit hippy dippy of me but I really thought you and your friends needed a reset, so to speak."

"Huh?"

Anne giggled. "Confession time, we've meet before. Here at this bar, I gave you the flyer for the retreat."

Michonne ran through her memories and could only conjure the fuzzy memory of the woman giving her the flyer that night as they stumbled out to the rideshare.

"I used to have those tiny one inch bangs everyone thought was cool in the late nineties."

"You had a bob like Lord Farquaad!"

Anne laughed. "It was terrible! But I cut it to that short choppy style before the retreat. You girls were so smashed that night, I figured you didn't remember me when you arrived at the wellness retreat."

"You should have said something."

"It was fine, I swear. We were on our own journeys."

"Did I really look like a had such a miserable life before?" Michonne fretted.

"No, but we are all hoping to improve aren't we?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"That's what I saw. An opportunity to brighten or lighten your experiences."

Michonne chewed her lip.

"Look, I don't know what happened between you two, but I hope the retreat taught you to be open to new experiences, even if they are uncomfortable at first. You should enjoy every bit of happiness you can get and hold on as long as you can."

Michonne only nodded.

"It was nice seeing you again, Michonne. Maybe I'll see you at the next trip to Colorado. But either way, good luck."

Anne waved and then made her way through the crowd to Gabe, who sat at a table waiting for her.

Michonne pulled her phone out and ordered an Uber then went outside to get some fresh air while she waited. Maybe she should listen to everyone about her situation with Rick. She went through her phone to find the contacts app and searched for Rick Grimes. She stared at the screen contemplating whether to call him. Hearing his voice would be nice but seeing his face would be amazing. It was late, maybe a text would be better. But what did she have to say that was new?

She still wasn't finished leaving Barrington and he would have called if he made a decision regarding the lodge. The screen light dimmed while she went back and forth and she sighed, looking up to the night sky. The vibration of the phone in her hand startled her and for a second she thought it maybe Rick calling, but realized it was just her Uber driver letting her know he was pulling up. She walked over to the car and decided to simply relax on her ride home before climbing in.

3:47PM

Michonne looked at the clock on the wall of her office. She was almost free from this place for at least a weekend and she couldn't wait. The day seemed to drag without many clients to see or one of their crisis to resolve. Yumiko wanted her to hang out with her and Magna at the bar but she really was not interested in being a sixth toe. She just wanted to get home and slip into a nice hot bath, order some take out and drink a glass or two of chilled wine. So she hastily organized her desk and packed her bag to make her transition out of the office as swift as possible.

"Michonne, I need you to get Andrea and Yumiko in the conference room asap."

Luckily, her back was to the door so Gregory couldn't see her aggressively roll her eyes at his intrusion into her office as per usual. He never knocked, just bursts in much to her annoyance. She counted to ten before adjusting her expression to turn and face him.

"Why do you need us in the conference room?"

She noticed his face was flushed and he looked more caught off guard than normal. He slithered further inside and spoke in a hushed tone which again was unusual. Being loud and boastful was much more his style.

"Hun, Negan Smith is here and he wants to see you three. So you better hustle and get in there. I don't need to remind you he's a huge client and I want him happy. Do you understand?"

Michonne slowly ran her hands down the front of her wrap dress before locking eyes with her boss and chuckled. Gregory blanched at the sound of her laughter.

"Honey, I don't know what is so-"

"You burst into my office and now you want me to go running off to please Negan."

"Look, I don't have time for whatever this is, hormones, but I need you three-"

Michonne glared and stepped closer to him pointing a finger in his chest as she responded. "I think you need to remember that Negan is your biggest client and he's asked to speak to the three of us and not you."

Gregory was flustered but still unwilling to give in so easily. "I don't know what you are playing at but if you want to keep working here at-"

Michonne cut him off and chuckled again. "You need to keep Negan as your client to keep this place afloat."

"I don't know what you've heard." Gregory stammered running a hand through his thinning hair.

"I don't have to hear anything Gregory, I'm an attorney that has access to the business financials. You need Smith Hospitality to make budget because all of your showboating has been very costly."

Michonne could see the man beginning to sweat and he swallowed loudly before he spoke softly. "Could you please see him?"

"What?"

Gregory hunched but spoke a little louder. "Michonne, can you please assist Negan in the conference room?"

Michonne stared at him for another second, enjoying his cowering before she walked to her desk and pressed the button on her phone that connected her to her administrative assistant.

"Nora, can you have Yumiko and Andrea meet me in the main conference room. Inform them Negan Smith has requested a meeting with us unexpectedly. Thank you."

"I'll get right on it." the young woman replied.

Michonne looked up at Gregory who still awkwardly stood there.

"There won't be any more Sweeties, Honey's, Beautiful's or any other misogynistic terms to demean the female staff. You will knock and announce yourself when entering my office. Do you understand?"

Gregory shamefully nodded and hastily exited her office with his tail tucked between his legs. Michonne knew the man well and he would seek an opportunity to put her back in her place. She had humbled him, she had him by the balls and she didn't plan on letting up until she was handing in her resignation letter. Maybe not even after that.

She checked herself in the mirror before exiting her office. She could see Andrea and Yumiko whispered to one another as they came down the hall from their offices in the opposite direction. The friends eyed her in question to this meeting and she shrugged in response before they turned the corner for the conference room door. They walked in to see Negan Smith standing over a couple of his staff members who sat at the table.

"There are my gals! I'm so glad you were all available to take this meeting with me." he beamed from across the oval table.

"How can we help you today, Mr. Smith?" Yumiko inquired.

"Well, little lady. I have a potential seller coming in to see if we can handle an acquisition together. So I need you all to get me the best price on what I want."

"That shouldn't be a problem." Andrea replied.

"When is the potential seller arriving?" Michonne asked.

"There he is now."

The view through the glass walls of the conference room made Michonne's heart skip a beat. Brown dress shoes lead up to still visible bowlegs in a navy blue tailored suit. The jacket was buttoned but his crisp white shirt was undone at the top, letting a peak of his chest and neck be seen. There was a playful smirk on his pink lips that made Michonne's pulse race. The horrible office fluorescent lights somehow made his eyes shine even brighter than normal, in addition to making the natural highlights of his curls gleam.

Negan walked towards the door and draped an arm around Rick's shoulder as though they were old pals.

"Rick Grimes, it's good to finally meet you in the flesh."

"Negan."

The sound of his voice vibrated through Michonne's body even though he wasn't addressing her.

Negan released him so they could walk further into the room. "Let me introduce you to the dream team here at Barrington and Associates. I'm not sure if you got to meet these lovely ladies when they stayed at your lodge a few weeks back."

Michonne was staggered as Rick looked her from head to toe, desire clearly present in his eyes. Yumiko quickly stepped forward drawing the attention of Negan and his staff to her.

"Only briefly, it's nice seeing you again Mr. Grimes."

Rick faltered before looking away from Michonne to respond. "You too."

"Andrea is the one that brought your property to my attention, she knew just what I was looking for." Negan grinned at her.

"It was early on and I thought it may be mutually agreeable." Andrea tried intently to downplay her careless contribution.

"And last but certainly not least, this is Michonne." Negan walked over to her with a licentious look on his face.

Michonne didn't bother to regard Negan's presence since the quick flash of rancor on Rick's face told her everything she already knew. Negan would continue to flirt with her whenever she had the misfortune of interacting with him. The night in her hotel room in Colorado popped in her mind and she remembered telling Rick all about Gregory and Negan. Rick's expression had swiftly gone back to neutral but she still tried to convey to him that she knew how to get out of any uncomfortable situation on her own. But she did appreciate his protectiveness towards her.

"Chonne." Rick saying her name that way had her ready to pounce on him but she steadied herself.

"No, it's Mi-chonne." Negan corrected and tilted his pelvis towards her. "You've gotten excuse him darling, that's just a bit of the country coming out of him."

Again, the flash of anger showed and was removed again before others could recognize it.

"Let us take our seats." Yumiko offered and everyone followed suit. Rick sat directly across from Michonne, making her nervy.

"Rick, you are interested in selling your lodge to Smith Hospitality?" Andrea asked garnering his attention.

"I'm not really sure yet, that's why I came here to see what the offer is."

Negan sat at the head of the table leaning back way too comfortably in the ergonomic swivel chair. "My people are going to present the numbers to this consulting firm and they will take a look first. Then let you know whether my offer is reasonable."

He then looked to a shaky looking man Michonne remembered being named Gavin and he passed a folder to her. She opened it, skimming some items and saw that he was obviously planning on low balling Rick. She slid the envelope to Andrea and Yumiko before she spoke.

"We will need a few days to look all of this over completely. How long do you plan on being in town Mr. Grimes?"

"Just until Monday night, a long weekend." Rick responded cheekily.

"Exactly, he'll be on the next thing smoking back to Colorado. So we need to get this handled as quickly as possible." Negan added.

"I have the specs on your lodge in my office, if you all excuse me I can go gather them." Michonne stood.

"Could I walk with you?" Rick asked drawing the attention of some in the room.

Rick thickened his country accent. "It's my first time in the big city and I'd love to get a glimpse of a huge operation like this."

"I bet you do. Michonne, why don't you give him a little tour while we get to work on some of these details?" Negan offered.

"Mr. Grimes, follow me."

Michonne walked to the door but Rick made it there before her and held it open so she could step through. Once they were clear of the glassed in office spaces, he followed her closely but neither of them spoke on the way. Luckily, the sound of business being conducted stopped the sound of her thumping heart from being heard.

Once they arrived, she ushered Rick inside first then stepped in, closing her door. She was ready to ask him what he was doing here, why he hadn't informed her he'd be in New York and many other questions.

But as soon as the door closed and she turned around, Rick was on her. He pushed her back against the door while gripping her face and smashing his lips to hers. Michonne found herself frantically kissing him back as she grabbed handfuls of his hair. Their tongues collided as he scooped her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling the growing bulge in his pants.

"Lock the door." she muttered and Rick followed her directive before he carried her to the desk.

The force of their kisses were rough but their lips still managed to be soft. Rick weaved his hands under the flaps of her black wrap dress, happy to find what he assumed by watching her ass as they walked down the hall. A thong. He pulled the material to the side, moaning into her mouth as his fingers were coated in her honey.

Rick pulled away leaving Michonne panting, removed his jacket and further spread her legs. He looked down noticing the small scar on her knee from the mountain biking accident. He leaned down to kiss it tenderly as he locked his gazes with Michonne.

Rick had planned on coming here and surprising her with his presence and having some decorum. But the minute he set eyes on her, all the memories of their time together flooded back. He had to have her at his whim again, remembering how her body instantly responded to his touch.

Seeing how wet she was for him made Rick immediately thirsty, so he tipped her back to lay on the desk. He inclined and deeply inhaled her scent then slowly ran his tongue up her slit to her clit. Michonne released the edge of her desk covering her mouth to stop the murmurs from exiting. Rick kept repeating the torture but quickened the pace each lap, making her eyes roll to the back of her skull. He held her high heel clad legs open to stop her involuntary spasms from closing him away from his meal.

In this one instance, Michonne was happy that she never got a promotion. They came with larger glassed in offices that provided no privacy and this would not be happening right now otherwise. The slight roughness his beard created on her sensitive skin was tantalizing. She circled her waist against his face even though she didn't need more friction with the way he sucked on her pearl.

Each of Rick's moans of gratefulness reverberated through her igniting the orgasmic chain reaction. She grasped his hair and quietly whimpered until her body began to shake right into her euphoric culmination.

Rick drank the new gush down like he was parched careful not to spill a drop. This was the goodness he'd been dreaming about for months now, after realizing he'd not gotten to do it while she was in Colorado. Her back arched as another tremor rolled through her while Rick placed kisses and licks in her folds. She fought to catch her breath when he finally stood up licking his lips. He massaged her legs to help the feeling return before he put them down.

Rick's eyes gleamed with mischief as he sucked his fingers clean. Michonne nearly came again from the look of satisfaction on his face. She was now in shock for the third time. First, from his presence then the orgasm and now his brazenness. But she didn't have time to digest it all now, she suddenly remembered they were supposed to be returning to the conference room.

"We have to get back to the meeting."

Michonne stood up scrambling to fix her clothes and then searched through the filing cabinet for the paperwork she needed. She looked back to see Rick staring at her instead of moving.

"Rick, we have to get back, fix your clothes."

"I want to see you tonight."

Michonne hustled over to him, slicking his hair back down and started adjusting his clothes. But Rick had no intention of helping until he got his answer. He took her hands to still her, making her look at him.

"Chonne, tonight."

She couldn't help but to soften at his sensual shortening of her name. "Yes, Rick."

"Now, we can go." Rick smiled, retrieved his jacket from the floor and finished fixing his clothes.

"Do you want a bottle of water first?" Michonne started to go to her mini fridge in the cabinet after checking her light makeup for any smudges in the mirror.

"Nope."

Rick ran his fingers through his beard before sauntering to unlock and open the door, making her smirk. She picked up the folder and walked out trying to contain the smile on her face. She looked back quickly to see just what she expected, Rick watching her ass through her dress and she snickered. Rick strenuously put himself back in business mode before the got to the area with the glassed in spaces. He stepped ahead of Michonne to hold the door open for her entrance.

It appeared to Rick and Michonne that Negan had been strolling around the room while his people spoke to Yumiko and Andrea instead of working with them. He stopped his mindless pacing when they reappeared.

"See, that's why we can't leave our women alone with guys like this. Holding the door open, giving them pet names. Shit, you probably think about their needs before your own." Rick tilted his head and smirked but didn't say anything.

"Don't get me wrong, I always take care of the ladies needs first. That's rule number one. You've gotta make them feel like it's an epic Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah story all rolled into one."

"I guess." Rick gestured with his hand, that hand and Michonne nearly giggled.

"A man of little words. I've gotta try that shit out."

"Negan, we've got this handled. You don't need to stick around, go start your weekend. We will inform you of our findings in Monday's meeting." Yumiko announced as she stood trying to end this presently.

"You know what you are right, pretty lady. Rick, what are your big city plans this weekend?"

"Nothing much, maybe some sightseeing." Rick shrugged and Negan walked over to him smiling.

"Say, you should come with me to this club, the exotic kind I mean. The dancers are out of this world." he looked back at the women in the room.

"Excuse us ladies, I don't mean to offend." he shook his head mockingly. "You've got to live a little bit, Rick while you are in the big city."

"I'm a bit jetlagged but thanks for the invitation."

Before this trip, anytime he spoke to this man on the phone he was reminded of Michonne's unpleasant description of him. And now seeing it in the flesh let him know Michonne had undersold the creep factor by several degrees. He knew she was very capable but he didn't want her anywhere near this man ever again. He just took solace in the fact that she'd be leaving soon and wouldn't have to deal with him for much longer.

"No problem, I want you to enjoy this trip. My driver's downstairs, we'll drop you to your hotel on the way to my destination."

"Okay."

"It's the least I can do; I don't want you getting lost before I get my hands on your property."

Rick played along and chuckled with him as they walked out of the office. He wanted to smash his face in, from the way he watched the women, especially Michonne, when they walked past him. His staff came to stand behind him, waiting for his move like sad puppies.

Sherry the front desk receptionist who had shown Rick in, hustled over to the elevators and pressed the call button. Negan grinned at her even though she didn't return the gesture then nodded to Rick as they walked over.

"Service, that's why I like it here." he mumbled.

"Negan, we will be in contact with your people." Andrea informed him after the ding alerted them of the elevators arrival.

"I will definitely be in touch." the crass man beamed.

The doors slid open and everyone but the women filed in.

"Rick, it was nice seeing you again. I hope you have a wonderful time here in New York." Michonne coyly stated.

"I think I will." he grinned at her as the doors slid closed.