"The truth is rarely pure and never simple."

― Oscar Wilde

...

Revelations

I was blindly walking the path back to my office. He looked as good as I remembered. Glenn was still sitting down where I left him.

"Everything alright?" He questioned.

"My stomach didn't exactly agree with those muffins. That's not your fault though. I'm still thankful for the gesture." Could I even keep this up? It really didn't make any sense for me to hide my pregnancy, in a month's time my stomach was only going to grow.

"Maybe you're allergic. You should see my wife about that." I couldn't underestimate Glenn's perception. I nodded pretending to consider his advice. I was already visiting her, and I'd be seeing her again at the end of the month.

My finger froze over the keyboard when I got behind the desk. The last thing I needed was a distraction. There was still a stack of papers that needed to be filed and documented. However, I couldn't even perform the small task of logging in data.

"When do you think we'll get on any cases? I know we've been here a week but with the amount of work Shane's getting, I'm under the impression that he already has one. Maybe he even has a few."

Glenn shrugged. "It's in the contract so they'll have to let us help with something eventually. Shane likes you, so he'll let you in on something sooner than my eyes will see the words confidential." I couldn't help the chuckle that came out of me.

"Rick isn't that bad. I mean he'll be hard on you but it's for a good cause."

Glenn squinted. "Uh? How do you know that? Do you know him personally?"

For a split second, I wondered if there was any harm in telling him. "He was formerly my law professor."

"Oh, so he left when you left. I don't think I ever asked what law school you attended."

"Hilston University." I supplied. "It was hard work but I pushed through it."

"Hilston University, home of the giants. That's amazing." With my work before me briefly neglected we talked about small things until it was lunch hour. The cursor on my mouse didn't move on the monitor before me. Neither did the data on those pages come on the screen. I guess I was staying in for lunch.

Glenn gets up from his seat. "I promised to take my wife out for lunch. You want to come?" He inquired.

Shaking my head, I declined. "Thank you but I think I'll stay in."

"Are you sure? Three meals a day keeps the body happy."

"Maggie told you that huh?" He nodded. "Thanks again but I want to tackle these first." I gestured to the stack of papers on the desk. When he left I threw myself into work. I had to make a lasting impression on Shane; after all, he was a vital piece to me getting an actual job here.

Shane has had some very intriguing cases in the past. Some of the folders I came across I couldn't help but take a glimpse at them. I was still able to get through the mountain of work while absorbing Shane's notes on a few cases. The man was brilliant; he found cracks in solid evidence and now I actually wanted to see him in action. I wanted to see him in a court full of people.

"I don't think you're supposed to be doing that." I knew that voice well. It was the same one that made my panties damp with need in a class full of people. Quickly, I snapped the folder shut, I looked up at him. He still had his hand on the door. You'd think three months of not seeing him would quench this longing I had for him. I crossed my legs.

"I'm sorry, Rick." The smile from earlier came back and he closed the door behind him.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." I couldn't decide whether I preferred his smart casual look to this new one. He was wearing a navy two-piece suit without the tie. Rick sat in the chair Glenn vacated not too long ago. I wasn't quite sure how much time had actually passed since Glenn left. "You're here." He said making himself comfortable.

"No, thanks to you. If I haven't told you already, thank you."

"Michonne, this wasn't all me. I don't even think they took my recommendation into consideration when they saw your file. Your resume spoke for itself." There was an awkward silence between us. I wanted it gone. The air between us needed to be cleared and I had a lot of things to get off my chest.

"This is a bit awkward." He spoke after it became too obvious. "Michonne, I'm sorry."

"For what exactly?" He tilted his head at me.

"I thought about acting like nothing happened between us after I bumped you in the corridor. But that's going to be impossible for me to do. I understand that you're in a relationship-" Glenn was right about him and Shane being friends because how else would he know about Tyrese after only being here for a few hours.

"I'm not in a relationship, Rick." It was the last thing I needed him to believe.

"Oh." It was the only thing that left his mouth. "Well, I apologize for not calling you, for going months without even trying to contact you. It's not something I usually do. I mean if it was a onetime thing for you I'll understand. I'm sorry for assuming-"

"Rick," I said aloud, he was so deep in blaming himself for our lack of communication. "You weren't the only one that could've called. Stop apologizing."

"I guess. Michonne, would you like to go out for lunch? I noticed you didn't leave this office."

"I still have some work to get through; I think Shane will be back as well." He nodded in understanding. I just wanted to burst and tell him. I didn't know him well to predict his reaction so this wasn't the most ideal place for a reveal. My hand fell on my stomach. A habit I've adapted, every time I thought of the child I was carrying.

"Then maybe dinner after work? I want to know you better even if it's just as friends." I couldn't just be friends with him. But I agreed to dinner with him.

"I'm assuming you'll drop me home after."

"If that's the price of having dinner with you," He rose up, looking down at me. I could feel his eyes eating up every inch of me. "You look lovely by the way." Before I could say anything else he left me to my work. It was clear as day Rick was interested, what he wanted was beyond me. Only he had the answer to that. But I knew if there was a possibility he wanted more I wanted every part of him. I wasn't stupid. Rick wasn't the kind of man you pass up bon. However, if he didn't accept this child I wouldn't bother him anymore. Before I could even think about establishing a relationship between us I needed to tell him about the child we conceived.

There was laughter coming from Shane's office. It wasn't long before he tumbled into my office with another man in tow. His laughter subsided and he threw a hand on the man's shoulder.

"Ms. Johnson, I'd like for you to get acquainted with Gregory. Gregory here is one of our best." He clapped his shoulder and the man coughed from the impact. "When I say that I'm being genuine, not many working here can get to my level." He says.

Standing up I stretched my hand out to Gregory. His hair was balding but the grey strands on the sides had streaks of black in them which led me to believe he couldn't be much older than sixty. Also, the front of his shirt was a little bit too tight over his stomach. However, I was willing to overlook it. Greatness has never been based on looks, and if Shane says he's as good as he says he is, then I wouldn't mind working with him.

Gregory grabs my hand with his sweaty one. I manage to keep the disgust off my face as we shook hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you." The way he dragged out pleasure made my skin crawl. I tried pulling my hand away from his clammy clutch but his grip was like a vice. I kept smiling. Ignoring the way his sludgy blue eyes ran over my body.

"Gregory will be working on one of my cases with me. It's a big one. I was also hoping you'd work whatever magic you got from Hilston on it as well." I tugged my hand away from Gregory's clutch after his sweaty palm provided enough lubricant.

"Oh, this is an amazing opportunity; I'm not quite sure what to say. I'll do my best." I didn't actually expect to help with something so soon. Let alone a high profile case.

"You can also thank him, then me. I thought it would be a good idea. All of us, working together." Gregory supplied. I didn't trust him one bit.

Shane patted his shoulders again, knocking him a little off balance. "Now I don't think you'd need to bother Ms. Johnson much." Shane spotted a few of his old case lying open on the desk. "I see you're getting familiar with my work." He observed.

"It was just lying there, I didn't mean to pry. Your work is actually amazing." I complimented.

Shane's face became flustered. "It's so refreshing to have a beauty like yourself think so highly of me." He flirted. Some things will never change. "Now, I know you have a lot more work to do so we'll let you get back to it." After, Shane left I noticed Gregory hung around a little longer. His hand was on the door.

"I'm sure you get this a lot but you really are beautiful." I looked aimlessly around the small office. "Is there any chance we could-"

"I'm not sure my boyfriend would like that idea," I stated.

He frowned, "But you didn't even let me finish. I was thinking maybe we could go for lunch or something. Only as friends of course." He added.

"Like is said, my boyfriend wouldn't like that." I shut him down. He nodded looking disappointed, I was relieved when he didn't push his luck any further and left.

For the rest of the day, I read some more of Shane's files. Soaking up any useful information I could find and figure out how I can apply it to my own style. At some point, Glenn stopped by with a bagel. I was about to decline but I really needed to eat something. Even if it was something light.

I told him about the case Shane was letting me in on.

"I was right." He said.

"It's his job; it would be a breach of contract if he didn't let me on something."

"But this soon Michonne?" I was organizing Shane's folders and cleaning my desk area, getting ready to head out for the day. "Rick has a case; I know that because he had to make a 'visit' off the property. He won't even sneeze a portion of that case my way. Don't get me wrong Michonne, I wish you had Rick instead." There was a loaded under meaning to that statement only I could understand.

I shrugged, "One of these days when you're not doing anything, I'll let you look at some of Shane's old cases." Glenn perked up.

Shutting down the computer, I tucked the chair beneath the desk. My stomach was growling, hungry for the big meal I denied it earlier. I had to remember I wasn't just eating for myself anymore.

"He lets you read them?"

"Well, he didn't know I was reading them but after he caught me he didn't seem to mind." Glenn turned green with envy.

"I know Rick might be on Shane's caliber. I read a Chinese article on a case he was part of while he was over there."

"I thought you were Korean?" He paused.

"You have a good eye Michonne. I am, but from time to time I like to keep myself abreast with big cases. The case he had was huge and he nailed it. The man was clear of three counts of sexual assault. It's crazy, in China that's punishable by death." Okay, that was a massive feet, it was my turn to be green with envy. I had to ask him about that case.

"Has he given you any work today?" I questioned. For most of the day, I noticed Glenn was either in my office or loitering around the printing area. He nodded.

"After he came back, he gave me a few hundred pages to print out. It was better than nothing I guess." Glenn opened the door for me after switching the lights off. I wasn't sure if Shane would be coming back to the office but I turned those lights off just in case. I threw my purse over my shoulder and thanked him for holding the door open for me. Maggie really found it with Glenn.

"So when do you think Shane will shed some light on the case?" I heard Glenn's question but I couldn't respond. As soon I stepped outside my office, Rick was just standing there, with a briefcase in his hand and a small smile on his face. I didn't forget about dinner. How could I? I was afraid the more it dawned on me that I'd be telling him. I couldn't back out of it.

"Michonne." He tilted his head in greeting.

"Rick." I breathed.

"Mr. Grimes? I mean Rick." Glenn stuttered in confusion.

He squinted his eyes at Glenn. "Mr. Glenn Rhee." He acknowledged. "Thank you for today." He added.

Glenn gave me an uncertain look. "I'll see you tomorrow," I told him as he looked between us. "Drive safely."

If he had questions about why Rick was waiting in the hall for me he didn't dwell on it too long. Instead, he just said, "Have a good day, Michonne. Rick" and left.

Rick looked at Glenn's retreating form then to me. "You ready?" I nodded and followed him.

"There is this lovely place a block down from here. I'd like to take you unless of course, you'd like to choose." We were making our way through the parking lot.

"I haven't been on this side of town much, so I never tried any of the restaurants this way." We soon stopped to a sleek beige bmw.

"Really? Never?" I was genuinely surprised when he opened the door for me. I thanked him before making myself as comfortable I could get.

"These restaurants are in a business area for a reason. It was a bit too costly for a college student like me."

"I always thought the prices were reasonable." Conversation flowed easily between us, calming some of my nerves.

"Maybe because you had a decent job."

"You'll have one too, I have faith they'll give you another contract."

"That's assuming I pass the bar exam." The ride to the restaurant was short. It was a small building tucked between two of the few trees in the city of rocks. We parked and once we were seated inside the scent of steak invaded my senses. My stomach longed for it.

"You already took the bar exam?" Rick asked picking up our conversation. He handed me a menu, I was glad he wasn't the type that took the initiative to order for me.

"I haven't taken it as yet."

He frowned at me. "I thought that would've been the first thing you would do. You're very smart so I don't think you need to worry about failing."

"I just, I don't feel like I prepared myself well enough. There is so much I want to go over just in case." I told him. Skimming through the menu I couldn't stop my eyes from wandering to the prices beside each dish. "Besides if I fail that's a month's rent wasted."

"Then maybe I can help you study, I don't mind doing it. You can use the library in my office." After a while, he gestured for an eager waitress to take our order.

"There's a library in your office?" Glenn never mentioned it.

"The office in my apartment, yes." A young brunette stood beside our table, with a pen and small booklet.

"Good evening what can I get you two today?" Rick gave her the menu.

"I'd like my usual, maybe with fries this time." The girl nodded. I looked back at my menu, only just realizing Rick took me to a steakhouse. The scent alone should've been a giveaway. Across from me, Rick was shrugging off his coat then started rolling his sleeves up.

The young waiter turned to me. "I guess I'll have the steak and shrimp combo," I told her then winced when I saw the price. She still scribbled it down in her notebook and left before I could change the order.

"That's a big order." He whistled.

"Is it?" My stomach rejoiced but it was too expensive. "I didn't see the price, but I'll pay for it."

His eyebrows shot up. "You're not paying for anything. The price doesn't bother me, I'm just glad to finally sit with a big eater that's not a man."

I decided to let this go, it didn't help anyone if I argued against letting him pay. "So you come here often? It didn't escape me that you have a 'usual'." Rick leaned back in his chair and I caught a glimpse of the vein running up his forearm. Suddenly I felt hot. There was a glass of ice water on our table so I took a sip.

"Yes, Denise knows me well. I come here every other weekend. Excluding the last few months." He leaned on the table clasping his hands together. "About the last few months, I'm sorry about that. I know you said we're both to blame but as a man, I should've taken the initiative. Even if it was just a text I should've done something. I missed your graduation." He really should be the last one between us worrying about lack of communication.

"Really, it's nothing. We're here now aren't we?"

"I know and trust me if I didn't leave for business I would've found myself at your address."

"You kept that letter?" He wouldn't keep that smutty thing, would he? But he nodded licking those pink lips.

"Maybe I'll show you when you decide to take me up on my offer. Honestly Michonne, I'd love to help you study, I've learned a few good pointers over the years."

Closing my eyes I wondered if I should even bother accepting the offer. If his reaction at the end of this dinner was negative then it would just be a waste of breath. "I'd like that." I found myself saying.

Rick's had a relaxed expression on his face. "I know you said you were single but the man that drops you. Who is he to you?"

"You remember Sasha?" Rick nodded. "Tyrese is her brother; he works in the area so I catch a ride with him, at least until I can get a car."

"You don't have a car? You have your license right?"

"I do but I never had the need for one, my apartment was close to campus so I just thought it was a waste of money at the time. Everything else was also close to my apartment."

Denise came back with a tray of food in her hand. "Your usual and for the lovely lady, a steak and shrimp combo," She gave me a wink when she rests my plate before me. "I hope you both have a good evening and if you need anything else feel free to call me." She said. I stared at the plate before me, it was a lot. The plate didn't have any empty spaces; it was covered with shrimp, steak, rice, and salad. It all smelled wonderful.

"This is why I always come here." He said after he caught me gaping at the plate. "Reminds me of the food I got home."

"And where is that?" I dug into my plate.

"King County, it's not anything like the blare and noise of this city. I spent most of my childhood there before I came to the city for school." Rick spoke more about his family back home. He told me how his mother sobbed when he told her he was staying in the city.

"She never lets me forget our home." He says.

"I get why you wanted to stay in the city, but what made you want to be a lawyer?"

His fork paused as he thought about the question. "I don't think I have a meaningful reason. I guess I really enjoyed arguing. So I decided it was better to get paid for it."

"But you were a professor, teaching us how to argue instead of arguing yourself." I pointed out.

"I needed a break from the court scene. There's a downside to helping rich murderers run free. I needed to be away from that."

"But you're back in court."

"As it turns out letting your ex-wife clean you out is quite costly."

I knew I was asking a lot of questions. Maybe I was stalling. During the quiet moments of our dinner, my mind kept jumping to conclusions. What if he doesn't believe me when I tell him? My mind was filled with what ifs. And it was long before I became discouraged. However, I was drawn to his personality, at least what he was allowing me to see.

"Why did you divorce, if you don't mind me asking? I know it's a bit personal." He waved me off.

"It's nothing. We didn't see eye to eye in the long run. She wanted things I couldn't give her and I wanted things she couldn't give me. We tried to stick it out but eventually, she decided enough was enough." He didn't elaborate any further.

"Did you two have any kids?" By the time I asked, his plate was clean. Grabbing a napkin he wiped his lips.

"No."

I swallowed hard. "Do you think you'd ever want any?'' He was pulling his sleeves down. If I was asking too many questions he didn't seem bothered by it.

"I don't know. Maybe someday, I'd love to. I'm a bit of an old soul. I'd like to be married whenever that happens. But I don't think I'm in the financial position as of now to give a child everything I want them to have." My heart fell through my chest. My feet started to lightly tap the floor. He's paying sixty dollars for my meal and he doesn't think he'll be able to take care of a child.

"Michonne," he says catching my eyes. I was starting to pray this child looked more like me. That meant not inheriting his blue eyes. "I enjoy your company and I'd like to see where this goes." I started shaking my head. When I looked at him he seemed confused. "I don't mind waiting, Michonne. I think I can do that."

"No, Rick." My heart was launched into my throat. He wanted to pursue something between us. I couldn't allow that without telling him. "I have to tell you something." I averted my gaze hoping my eyes wouldn't start to glaze over.

"Was it something I did or said?" He sounded earnest. I shook my head. "I want to build something with you; at least I'd like the chance to." He kept trying to catch my gaze. He wanted me to look at him.

I don't know what was more nerve-racking. Finding out I was pregnant or trying to summon enough courage to tell Rick what those tests told me. I took a few discreet shallow breaths, desperately trying to catch myself. Hopefully, it didn't look like I was having a nervous breakdown because I certainly was.

"Rick, I'm pregnant." I surprised myself with how calm that sounded. His mouth fell open and he scratched the side of his head.

"I still want-" he started to say but froze when he looked at me. I felt something wet slide down my face. They were tears. I was crying and it shifted everything between us. His eyes got wide and he clamped his mouth shut. If he didn't figure it out then, it was clear it dawned on him now. He looked at the ceiling before looking back at me.

"Who?" he calmly asked. His entire demeanor was unsettling.

"Rick, I'm sorry. I should've-"

"Who?" He repeated.

Taking a deep breath through my tears I opened my mouth.