It's hard to not think about her confusion about children and Rick when Amanda returns to his place with him Monday evening. Curiosity about Daryl's conversation with Rick adds an extra layer of anxiety to it. They're alone in the apartment, since Beth's working, and the hospital detour means they snagged pizzas from a shop around the corner.
"This is the first time I've seen you eat anything I would call junk food outside of the ballpark," she muses, watching as Rick reaches for his third slice of pizza.
Even now, she's not sure it's junk food in the way the pizza she's used to might be. Olive oil and garlic in place of sauce, with three types of mushrooms, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and some other cheese that isn't usual for pizza to her. The thing even has grated truffle. She's a little jealous that she just asked for Hawaiian pizza, to be honest.
"Try it and you'll understand," he teases, pushing the box toward her.
They're eating straight from the boxes on the kitchen island, sharing a bottle of wine to go with their pizza. She hadn't thought the Sauvignon Blanc wine would pair with something like pizza when Rick brought it out of the wine fridge Amanda's all but ignored during her time in the apartment, but it suits, somehow, and not just because the pizza isn't from some chain restaurant. Taking a drink before reaching for the offered slice, she bites into it tentatively, and groans. "Oh God."
Rick laughs, making him look a good ten years younger than his already deceptively youthful appearance. "Yeah. That was how I felt the first time I tried it."
Amanda grins, letting her anxiety bleed away. It's something to worry about later. Tonight she wants to try to enjoy the mental high of the new baby arriving safely, and the fact that after a long talk with Daryl, Rick's still looking like her company is the best he can imagine. She pushes her box toward him in exchange, eying him with mock wariness.
"Ah. A test to see if I'll pitch a fit about fruit not belonging on a pizza?" he teases, scooping up a slice and taking a bite without hesitation.
"It is one of those tests you have to pass," she replies, trying to keep a straight face. He isn't just humoring her, because he keeps eating with the same contentment as he finished off the three slices of his own pizza.
"I like pineapple in most things," he says, reaching out to top off their wine with the glass or so left in the bottle. It's such an easy camaraderie, belying how short a time she's actually known the man.
His phone chimes, and after picking it up, he slides it across to show her the message from Shane mentioning the First Responder's Benefit Ball on Saturday as a good place to lay out some groundwork to see if Dawn Lerner is involved with Gorman's little schemes. She's still the best suspect for the unknown person in charge of the escort service. Amanda makes a face at the message.
"Yeah, she goes every year. Says it's our duty to mingle with the public and let them see who the funds raised benefit. All the sergeants on her watch not on duty have to go. I went last year at her insistence, actually."
"I would love to see you all dressed up for that," Rick says, and there's a light in his eyes that makes her wish the same for a long moment. "Dance with you before I get sent around to sweet talk donors."
Shaking her head, she smiles wistfully. "Not a good idea, with the story we're playing out. Dawn might not care, but if you want to keep up our story with Gorman, I can't go as your date. You should take Beth."
"Beth would probably enjoy it." Rick picks up his phone and starts to tap out a reply to Shane, before pausing. "It won't bother you, will it?"
It's a sweet reaction, to worry about her if he's attending a public event with another woman, even one that she knows he's only friends with. She shakes her head. "As long as you don't insist I take a date myself. Seeing me with another man after you might break Gorman's tiny little brain."
Rick laughs, finishing text reply and jotting off another to Beth while she's at work. "Will you at least let me treat you to your dress? Make him short circuit a bit."
"How do you know I haven't bought one yet?" she asks. He's right, because she's been putting it off, and even considered wriggling out of attending due to her still healing ribs. Dawn would probably understand that excuse. But the chance to scope out things when people's guards are down due to good liquor and country club settings seems like too good a chance to pass up.
"Just intuition, I guess." He smiles, leaning in for a kiss. "Maybe take Beth with you? She could probably use some advice on what sort of things the ladies preen around in."
Amanda actually thinks when it comes to fashion, the advice would be coming the other way around, but it's not a bad suggestion. Shopping for a dress she's going to wear once and stick in the back of her closet would be a lot more interesting with company. "I can buy my own dress, you know."
Frugally as she lives, it actually means that she doesn't have to stick to bargain shopping, especially with the raise she received with her promotion to sergeant. If she were attending solely because of the investigation, using his money wouldn't be that bad. But since it's part of her career now, to be part of the department's public image, the idea of it makes her uneasy.
"I know you can. But think about it, at least? I'll fund Beth's shopping, since there's no way I would ask her to try when she's saving for graduate school."
"I'd kick your ass if you did," she tells him and means it. He just laughs and tugs her into his arms. After some long, teasing kisses, they tidy up the kitchen and drift to the bedroom where Amanda enjoys the benefits of the fact that wine seems to make Rick as amorous as painkillers appeared to have made her.
The relaxed mood carries her all the way through the day on Tuesday, where she's cleared for the shooting on Friday. It seems like a lifetime away, and the administrative part moved so much faster than she expected. Getting the whole thing caught on multiple body cams, security cameras, and numerous willing witnesses makes things smoother, making her grateful that technology backed them up this time so thoroughly. Only the autopsy is still pending, where eventually they will learn exactly which of the three of them killed the man.
While that feels like a dark cloud for her day, she tucks it away to worry about later, getting her shift done and over with. It's 3:30 in the afternoon, and Beth's free today, so she calls a Lyft driver to deliver her to the massive mall the younger woman thinks is their best bet for finding dresses without driving over half of Atlanta. Suppressing a grimace at the monstrosity of a shopping complex, Amanda spies Beth waving and goes to meet the enthusiastic blonde.
"I've got a friend from college who works in one of the department stores here. She'll help us find what we need, and Rick likes the idea of her getting the commission." Beth flashes a grin her way. "They pay the sales associates pretty crappy here, by the way. Keep that in mind."
As Amanda follows Beth into the massive, three story department store, she figures Beth's right on that. After what Rick did for Joan, she can certainly see him taking delight in supporting another college student, even indirectly through a commission sale. The young blonde finds the women's department unerringly, sidestepping one salesperson to find her friend.
"Amanda, this is Haley. She's in the archery club at Tech. Gonna go to the Olympics next time."
The brunette just smiles at Beth's enthusiasm. "With luck and a lot of practice, yeah. Beth says you're both needing evening wear?"
Nodding to that question kicks off one hell of a shopping trip. Beth's enjoying herself, trying on things that she admits aren't what she wants, just for fun. Amanda doesn't complain, because it gives her time to study what Haley brings to her attention.
"You want to stay conservative, don't you?" Haley asks, while Beth's trading a red chiffon fluff of a dress that screams more bridesmaid than charity ball for something a little more elegant at Haley's urging.
Amanda's in a sleek green gown that hugs her curves in a way that makes her thrilled and apprehensive both. It's too much for a work function, but she can't stop looking at her reflection. To be honest, it's the backless aspect that really halts her love of the dress. There's nothing other than some very thin straps crossing her upper back between her neck and the upper curve of her backside.
"It's beautiful," Beth breathes out from behind her. "Oh my God, Amanda, you look like you should be on the red carpet.
When she turns, she can't say the same for Beth. The cream colored gown the blonde is wearing takes her from bridesmaid to bride, and Amanda nearly curses Haley for the accidental impression. Even with her hair in a tousled, messy bun atop her head, Beth looks made for this life, an afternoon spent among dresses that cost more than the saleswoman with them makes in a week.
Haley's eyes widen, and she shakes her head. "That is not the dress for this event, Beth. I'll go find something else. Maybe something in red."
As soon as Haley disappears, Amanda turns back to the mirror, urging away the mental image of Beth in bridal wear. Rick has no interest in the younger woman, and Amanda believes him on that. All his behavior in private with Beth is about as platonic as they come. Hell, if it wouldn't feel completely creepy considering she's seen them kiss at Merle's bar for Gorman's benefit, she'd even call their vibe that of siblings.
It doesn't stop the unease she feels looking at just how beautiful Beth is.
Although in this dress, she feels a bit like the ugly duckling, because Beth is right. It does make her feel beautiful. When Beth bustles up, lifting Amanda's hair from the utilitarian ponytail she put it in after changing from uniform to street clothes, she studies her reflection.
"See, put your hair in a French twist, and some understated makeup…" Beth hums thoughtfully. "Nothing bold. Maybe a bit smokey, just enough color to make your eyes glow. This dress is so perfect."
With the image Beth paints, Amanda's almost tempted, but the dress is too expensive and too revealing. She shakes her head, and Beth sighs, accepting the decision. Haley returns, with a new selection over her arm.
"Have you thought about a jumpsuit?" she asks Amanda, offering a black garment. "Don't let the name fool you. It's not like a kid's outfit."
Figuring it can't hurt, Amanda takes the garment and disappears to shed the green satin that makes her imagine far too much about what it would look like on Rick's bedroom floor more than wearing it in public. It turns out that Haley's right, because something about the elegant black jumpsuit makes Amanda feel as confident as she does in uniform. Even the fact that it bares her shoulders and arms doesn't take away from the impact of her image in the dressing room mirror.
Venturing out, she stands in front of the larger trifold mirror and twists first one way, then the other. Haley nods behind her, and the look of admiration isn't just a saleswoman wanting to make a good commission. "Pair that with a good pair of shoes," the young woman suggests, "and you'll turn heads without being stared at."
Looking down at her plain black socks, Amanda laughs. "Are you saying my work boots won't work?"
Haley's still laughing when Beth twirls out of her own dressing room, giggling. "This is too Disney princess, but man, I almost want to buy it just to spin around in at home."
The skirt of the aquamarine dress whirls around Beth, making Amanda think of something a salsa dancer would wear on some television dance routine. "I feel like you're about to audition for a Dirty Dancing remake."
Beth smirks at her. "But would I be Baby or Penny?"
"I have an idea," Haley says, studying Beth. "But it's really expensive. I don't want to take advantage."
"How expensive?" Beth asks, looking curious. "Because I've seen the label on Rick's suit."
"What is it?" Amanda can't resist the question, even standing here in an outfit she knows will cost her around four hundred dollars. Teenage Amanda would die at the price tag.
"Tom Ford," Beth replies, and Haley smiles slightly in response.
"Well, this is a bit more expensive than that, but not too much. Dresses always are."
While Haley disappears to retrieve whatever dress has inspired her for Beth, the blonde turns her attention on Amanda. "That's gorgeous. Please say you're buying it, if you're not getting the green dress."
"Yeah, I think I am." Amanda smoothes the fabric over her hip with one hand, lifting her own hair up like Beth did earlier. "I have no idea how to do a French twist in my hair, you know."
Beth just grins impishly. "No worries. After you get off work on Saturday, we're going to have appointments to get our hair and nails done. Manis, pedis, everything." There's a sly, sideways look. "I'd suggest a Brazillian, but those are a bad idea for a night like this."
"Why do you say that?" Amanda asks, frowning. She knows what a Brazillian is, but the idea of letting someone handle that level of her personal care is definitely not something she's cared to try.
"Because you always do that kind of thing at least two days before you want to show off your skin. It irritates everything." Beth eyes the jumpsuit with a grin. "And Rick is going to strip that off you as soon as we end our little charade."
The idea of shedding this little outfit while Rick watches appeals in a way it shouldn't. "I'll pass on the waxing, either way." She isn't changing that much of herself to tempt a man.
"Alright." Beth accepts the refusal with her usual aplomb. "Did Haley suggest any shoes?"
The quiet "oh goodie, more shopping" Amanda utters makes Beth giggle, but it cuts off when Haley returns with one of the most beautiful dresses Amanda's ever seen. The normally irrepressible blonde takes it almost reverently.
"Is this Elie Saab?" Beth asks, and Amanda has no idea why she's so impressed, other than even she can tell this dress is designer in a way that makes even the price tag on Amanda's jumpsuit seem small.
Haley nods, looking a little shy at offering. "You said price wasn't an issue, but I didn't want to take advantage. Your date is wearing Tom Ford, though, so…"
"Oh, I'm trying it on even if I panic about the price," Beth declares, bustling off with the dress in her arms. "This is like a once in a lifetime thing for a college girl."
Once Beth disappears, Amanda turns to Haley. "Fill me in. Beth's not batted an eye at dresses costing five hundred to a thousand dollars. What kind of price tag does that dress have?"
Haley shifts from one foot to another. "Almost five thousand dollars."
"Jesus. You could buy a good used car for that." It's one of those baffling moments where once again, she remembers that Rick comes from such a drastically different world than she does that it's almost painfully different. "So his suit costs something like that?"
"Yeah. Depending on which design, it probably cost at least three thousand." Haley glances to where Beth hasn't yet emerged from the dressing room. "Is she serious that price isn't an issue?"
Thinking of the commission a five thousand dollar dress merits and what it would mean to a broke college student, Amanda nods. "Her date won't even bat an eye, I promise."
When Beth steps out of the little dressing room booth, Amanda's breath catches. All the other dresses had looked good on Beth, even if none was a good fit for the charity event. But this one? It leaves the younger woman looking like a princess, and not something out of a Disney movie. This is more Grace Kelly, after she became Princess Grace.
"Oh, Beth. You look so amazing," Haley breathes out. Amanda just nods, stepping away from the big mirror to let Beth take a good look at herself.
"Wow." Beth drops all the playfulness when she studies her reflection this time, turning slowly with wide eyes. "This dress is so perfect."
The pale blue halter dress is made of tulle, with complex embroidery across the fabric and a silk chiffon belt at the waist. The skirt is slit to mid-thigh, allowing a tasteful glimpse of smooth, tanned skin when Beth moves. It's like it was designed just for Beth's lithe, slim figure. She looks timeless, her youth stripped away behind the lines of a dress meant to show her at her best.
"Add some metallic heels and bright silver jewelry," Haley suggests, starting to smile as Beth falls in love with the dress. "You'll have every eye in the place on you, Beth."
Amanda agrees, and while she can't begin to imagine spending that kind of money, especially not even her own money, she knows this is perfect. "You have to buy it."
Once Beth nods, Haley tells them not to change just yet, asking their shoe sizes, before disappearing and returning again, this time with a selection of shoes. Even Amanda knows the name of the designer on the ones she's offered, because she'd have to live in a hole in the ground to not have heard of Christian Louboutin. When she tries on a pair of the shoes, just out of curiosity, she is torn between thinking torture devices and loving the idea of something so typically feminine paired with the jumpsuit's elegance.
"Do you ever wear stilettos?" Beth asks, innocently studying her own feet. The shoes aren't a match for Haley's suggestion and likely the wrong size, but Amanda smiles. It takes away from the overwhelming impression the dress gives Beth, making her seem more her age.
"Not really." Amanda knows she can handle them, because the few times she's given in to the impulse, balance has never been a problem. The joys of martial arts training keeps her balance as she tries out the shoes. The pair on her feet are a classic black, open sided and add height to her that she probably wouldn't want if she were Rick's date. They're too close in height already.
But going on her own? Adding height and elegance when facing down assholes like Gorman flocking around to build their own careers? Hell, yes, she wants the stilettos. The fact that the shoes cost more than her jumpsuit is something she'll just ignore for now.
Haley smiles when Amanda passes them to her with a solid yes on those being the pair she wants. Beth has one of the pairs brought for her on now, back in front of the mirror and adjusting her skirt to flash a glittering pair of silver sandal style stilettos that make Amanda think it's what Cinderella would wear if she were part of their current century. The slender ankle strap makes it even more perfect, outlining Beth's tiny, delicate ankles.
If she dances in those, with that dress, alongside Rick's own casual elegance? Amanda could probably steal all the valuables in the room and never be noticed.
The shoes decided, they visit the jewelry department. After the price on the dresses and shoes, where Amanda reluctantly lets Beth pay for everything, it's refreshing to see Beth playing around with sparkling zirconia, finding good pieces for them with the ease of someone who adores playing dress up in a way that always baffles Amanda. Two small clutches complete their purchases, sparkly silver for Beth and a subdued bronze leather for Amanda.
A day with Beth is teaching her that maybe spending all her time trailing behind Daryl like his best shadow might have had her missing some interesting steps as a female. She chuckles a little to herself when they load their shopping into the back seat of the car Beth summoned. "I think I need a long nap," she tells Beth.
Beth looks a little guilty. "You worked all day."
"Mosly behind a desk, which is unusual for my job. It's fine. I'll just turn in early tonight."
Still, she does doze on the ride back to Rick's, content to sit next to Beth. Staying another night at Rick's seems much better than going home to her too quiet apartment. Another night curled up against him seems like the best balm for her still recovering body. There's time to sort the rest out later.
It's an interesting experience, seeing Amanda so relaxed after her shopping trip with Beth. Rick approves of the blonde's selections when she puts on a quick little fashion show. Amanda is secretive about her outfit, hanging the covered garment in the entryway closet.
He lets her keep the surprise, if she feels she needs it. Saturday will be soon enough to see just what has Beth giggling and winking at Amanda even as they all three share a spicy fennel shrimp over steamed rice. As soon as supper clean up is complete, Beth announces she's going for a swim.
Amanda looks so wistful about the idea after Beth heads down to the pool that Rick feels bad for her. "There's an infinity pool that folks just lounge in, but I'm guessing you miss actually swimming from that expression."
"Just being in the water doesn't compare to lap swimming. It's going to take me months to get back in proper shape when my ribs finish healing."
"Have you met with a physical therapist yet? I remember Shane had some modified exercises he did." Rick's seen Amanda doing deep breathing exercises and tentative stretches, but she's more of an athlete than he is. Like Shane, she'll miss her routine in a way he wouldn't.
"I have an appointment after work tomorrow to figure something out."
Rick draws his fingers along where her shirt hides the terrible bruising. "If you don't want to use the rehab place's gym, you've got full access here, you know. Fitness center, resident's spa, whatever." Since security gives him two levels of access, he has different options, like Daryl, Lori, and Shane's access cards that give them guest privileges. But Beth and Amanda's are the same as Rick and Carl's: residents. No sense spooking Amanda by clarifying that.
"I'll keep it in mind," she tells him. It's not an instant refusal and announcement she'll stick to the rehab facilities or whatever gym membership she has, so he counts it as a wind. He isn't foolishness enough to think she won't head home before too long, but he can still spoil her while she's here.
Amanda yawns, and her grumpy expression at the sleepy reaction makes him laugh. "Early bedtime it is," he teases.
"You don't have to go to bed this early."
"No, I don't have to, but I want to." Rick kisses her, keeping the intensity down since she's obviously exhausted. "C'mon, off to bed."
Last night, they explored each other in a leisurely lead in for sex. Tonight? Just getting through a shower is the limit of Amanda's energy reserves. Although she's got some of her things from home, she still sleeps in one of his t-shirts. It makes him smile even as he slides a hand under the edge of the soft cloth to rest against her bare stomach while she's sleeping.
Pressing a kiss against her temple, he curls against her as she's propped on the pillows and just enjoys having her close.
A/N: Inkribbon played personal shopper for the ladies so they ended up with nice things. 😉
As fashion isn't a common TWD theme, for those curious enough to want to see:
Amanda's jumpsuit is the same as Dolores in Westworld wore in season 3, with Christian Louboutin's Ibiza shoes. Beth's gown is from Elie Saab's Spring/Summer 2021 ready to collection, Look 69, with Valentino Garavani's rockstud metallic ankle strap sandals.
Next chapter: Amanda finally panics about how comfortable she's getting around Rick, and the charity ball itself adds new complications.