Thanks everyone for the support. I appreciate it.

Makennas Hunter - I've never watched the show Nashville. :) To answer your question, the Bluebird Café is not in Nashville it's in Palmer, Georgia. It's loosely based on Ria's Bluebird Café in Atlanta.

The Puppeteer – The story is written in past tense. :)

Chapter Three

The water looked inviting against the blue base of the pool and the large beach ball floating in its center. Across the way, Michonne sat in a lounge chair beneath the shade of a large umbrella, an iced tea on the table nearby and a magazine in hand. It was mid-afternoon, and with nothing to do she'd decided to relax by the pool instead of spending the rest of the day confined to her hotel room. After her breakfast with Rick, she'd taken several hours to explore downtown Palmer. There wasn't a lot of things to do, but Rick was right, they did have some pretty good shops and restaurants. She actually bought a couple of things, a beautiful antique box and a handwoven quilt, before grabbing some lunch. Upon arriving back at the hotel, she'd taken calls from her family, a couple of friends and caught up with Mike, before heading to the pool. She'd wanted to take a swim. However, she hadn't brought her bathing suit and wasn't about to waste money on the overpriced atrocities in the hotel gift shop. So she'd settled for changing into one of the casual sundresses she'd brought, and lounging at the pool, occasionally watching others enjoy the water as opposed to swimming herself.

The breeze briefly grew strong, causing small ripples in the water and lightly stirring the umbrellas that were shading the tables and lounge chairs. It was a welcome reprieve from the heat and humidity that had soared since that morning. Michonne flipped through her magazine, Glamour, until she arrived at an article that she thought would make for a curious read: Funny Orgasm Stories: "The Strangest Thing That Has Happened to Me Mid-Orgasm," but she was having a hard time concentrating on what she was reading. For she was thinking again about her unexpected breakfast with Rick Grimes. It had been a wonderful experience. He was funny and interesting, unbelievably sexy and relatable. Never in her life had she opened up so quickly to anyone, the way she'd opened up to him. Not only did they discuss their college studies and their fun experiences living on campus, but the challenges they faced with completing their degrees. She'd told him what only a selected few knew, that her parents had the means to pay her tuition, but were keen on making her work for everything she got. Her mother in particular making her college experience, in part, difficult.

While Rick had revealed that his experience had been somewhat akin to hers. He'd gotten accepted at what many would consider a great school, but had to settle for a smaller, much less expensive college – Valdosta State University, because his parents didn't have any money to help with tuition and refused to assist him with student loans. It had been a great discussion, before they'd moved on to less heavy things like travel and his son. Some of his favorite vacations had been the ruggedness of Arizona and the tranquil beaches of Mexico and Florida. The former, specifically Cancun and Cozumel, being his only trips out of the country. Though Rick admitted that he didn't spend as much time with his son as he should, it was obvious that he loved him very much, which she'd found endearing. He was an intriguing man, whom it was effortless to talk with, to laugh with, to just be with.

She wondered what he was doing at that very moment. She knew that he was working. But she was curious to know, was he arresting someone, helping someone? Was he writing a ticket? Was he thinking of her as she was him? Would he reach out to her later that day? If he did, what would she do? She asked herself. She really didn't know. She wanted to see him again, no doubt. She wanted to spend more time with him, but it was wrong. She was engaged to Mike. She was wearing his ring and hadn't given him any indication that she was having doubts. Nevertheless, what she felt for Rick Grimes was indescribable and could not be ignored. Or could it? She questioned.

Maybe the attraction she felt to him was purely superficial. He was a gorgeous man. She could ruin everything she had with Mike by engaging in something that wasn't real and at the end of the day had little substance. However, her heart strongly, inherently disputed those thoughts. Michonne attempted once more to focus on something other than what had become the strangeness that was her love life and began reading the article again, this time taking in every word, finding the topic entertaining and amusing, when her phone buzzed with a text. Instantly her calm was consumed by excitement, her breath seeming to choke in her chest. Calm down. She silently voiced within as she took a deep breath, then pushed it slowly from her lungs. It's not him. She reasoned. He's working. Her phone buzzed again and her reasoning had now vanquished the nervous anticipation she'd felt moments before. In no hurry to see who'd texted, she finished the paragraph she was reading then turned her attention to her phone.

~ So what do I need to do to get a painting? ~

Michonne was stunned to see that it was indeed Rick who had text. The feelings she'd managed to reason away came rushing back with a vengeance. Michonne sat there staring at her phone, unable to think, unable to respond trying to keep the smile that was erupting within from emerging on her face, but she couldn't stop it. No matter how much she tried to suppress it, she was happy.

~ Aren't you supposed to be working? ~ She text back after she'd taken a few breaths and gotten her thoughts together.

~ I am. I'm multitasking. ~

~ :/ (smirk) ~

~ You never answered my question. ~

~ Tell me what you like. ~

~ I think you know. ~

~ I don't want to assume. You may end up with something you don't want. ~

~ I seriously doubt that. ~

~ You seem sure. ~

~ I've never been more sure of anything in my life. ~

~ That's a powerful statement. You haven't even seen what I can do. ~

~ I don't have to. I know whatever you do will be pleasing. ~

~ I'm not so sure about that. ~

~ Have dinner with me and we'll find out. ~

~ I don't think that's a good idea. ~

~ It's just dinner. ~

~ Somehow I don't think dinner is just dinner with you. ~

~ How about this … I'll be at The Pasta House at 8...~

~ …You show… ~

~ ...Great…~

~…You don't… I'll get the message. ~

Michonne waited a long moment, her heart beating a mile a minute, while she considered his suggestion, the risk in going, the regret in declining, then texted back.

~ I'll think about it ~

~ And I'll be waiting. ~

The Next Day…

Rick knew she planned to show. He could feel it as strongly as he could feel the breath in his lungs. For no matter her situation, her impending marriage she was just as drawn to him as he was to her. He'd been excited, filled with elation at the thought of their impending meeting that would be their first date. Though they'd had breakfast that morning and what could be deemed as a date, it wasn't official. The breakfast wasn't planned. Well, not really. He had followed Michonne into the restaurant simply to see her, to say hello. However, the opportunity for more, breakfast with her, had presented itself and he'd gladly taken it. Nonetheless as great as their time together had been, he hadn't asked her for that time. He hadn't asked her to choose to have breakfast with him, which was something he wanted the pleasure of doing, and he had accomplished when he asked her to meet him at the Pasta House.

After she'd texted "I'll think about" in response to his idea, he'd spent the remainder of his shift thinking about her. He was so excited, ripe with anticipation, that Shane had questioned his unusual mood and quickly guessed that it was due to a woman. He'd then expressed his shock and what seemed to border on contempt when he thought Rick had reconciled with Lori. But quickly changed his tune, his crass and philandering personality taking front and center again, when he learned the woman was not Lori. It was strange, but Rick spent a fleeting moment thinking about it due to Michonne and everything he'd learned about her during their breakfast. She had a pedant for eating healthy, nothing but egg white omelets or soy milk with Kashi GoLean Crunch for breakfast. She'd said. And rarely anything outside of green leafy vegetables and healthy proteins for dinner. She enjoyed the occasional thrill seeking adventure, such as parasailing, bungie jumping and sky diving, the former being something she tried to get in at least once a year. She'd confessed. But he'd been most surprised to learn of her struggle through college and how she persevered despite her mother attempting to sabotage her. She was a fascinating woman, beautiful inside and out. Talking with her was exhilarating. Laughing with her was easy. The connection between them was emotionally boundless and bonding, gentle, yet intense, something that he, and he knew she, had difficulty controlling. It was an incredible feeling. One that he could not ignore.

As the end of his shift drew near and thus the time that he was due to be at the restaurant and hopefully meet Michonne, Rick had wondered if he should've said 8:30 instead 8:00, to ensure that he'd have enough time to go home, shower, change and arrive at the restaurant without rushing. He'd even thought of calling her and changing the time, then offering to pick her up, if she'd decided to meet him. However, he'd thought better of it. She was cautious, understandably considering her situation. He didn't want to push too hard and scare her away. So he'd left things as they were. Not that it mattered. The date ended up cancelled, due to unforeseen circumstances. There was an incident with a couple of residents who were a constant menace to Palmer.

As a result, he'd text Michonne and cancel. He was hoping he would've at least resolved the incident within the hour. Maybe they could've met for a drink and appetizer at the hotel bar, but it had taken nearly three hours to clear the incident and investigate what happened. By the time he was done it was too late for a call. Or a change of venue. There was nowhere to go but a couple of seedy bars on the far side of town, and he wasn't about to suggest those. So, he'd text her again letting her know he'd just got done, apologized once more for the cancellation and asked to reschedule. She'd responded "I understand. But I think we should hold on rescheduling." Rick had been frustrated and disappointed, worried that he'd lost his chance but concluded that he was overreacting. She was in Palmer for a couple of more days. He'd reminded himself. He still had a chance.

Rick slowed his speed, his feet no longer pounding the pavement, but shifting into a gentle glide. His heart dropping several beats a second as he skillfully handled his exerted lungs with strong managed breathes. Now winding down to a speed walk, Rick turned down his headphones and again contemplated contacting Michonne. He'd wanted to call her, text her the moment he'd awakened that morning but he didn't want to overstep his bounds. Though they were attracted to one another, undeniably connected, they weren't together. She was still an engaged woman. Thus he'd have to be careful how he played this. He'd finish his run. He thought, return home and shower, then try again. He'd ask her to meet him for breakfast or just coffee, and hope she'd say yes. With a plan in mind, Rick's trek became unhurried, his breathes growing closer to normal, when he came upon the unexpected, Michonne a few feet ahead, off the path and stretching on the grass near a tree, her back to him. His breath instantly quickened with tenderness and hope. He could easily walk by and she would never know he was there, but his heart, joyful and afire, guided his feet from the path onto the greenery towards her.

"Looks like you've settled in." He said as he walked up beside her, noticing the sweat on her arms, back and neck, while also noting how appealing she looked even in this very casual state, with her dreads pulled into a ponytail and her face free of makeup.

"Rick?!" She exclaimed with surprise, hardly recognizing him out of uniform, finding him incredibly attractive, all sweaty and in running shorts and a t-shirt.

"I promise I'm not following you." He declared.

"I know." She replied as she took a calming breath and returned her eyes ahead and stretched again, determined to not let the warmth, infinite and powerful, that he stirred in her heart detour her mind. Last night needed to happen. She'd realized. She'd let herself get caught up, excited about what was to come during their "meeting" which would've actually been their first real date that she planned to accept. However, when it was cancelled, she'd been crestfallen, until Mike and her friend Angela reminded her of reality.

Both had called, Mike being inquisitive and caring, wanting to make sure she was okay in this rural town where she didn't know anyone, still excited about the prospect of being her husband and announcing it to their families. While Angela said something interesting when she'd told her about her predicament, her doubts about Mike and her strong attraction to Rick Grimes, "an attraction is a distraction, and will come and go, but love is enduring." Angela was right. Love was enduring. Mike loved her and she him. When she returned home, they'd talk about her doubts and work through this. In the meantime, she couldn't allow herself to get distracted by Rick Grimes.

"So…you run too?" Rick asked as he continued to watch her stretch, unable to avoid checking out her ass, finding it particularly nice.

"Not normally, but I had to do something to work off the pancakes and barbecue from yesterday."

"Ah you tried Ted's Barbecue and Grill?"

"I did."

"How was it?"

"A little too delicious." She admitted with a small smile.

Rick laughed and shook his head just as Michonne finished stretching and began to walk away.

"Look, I'm sorry again about last night." He quietly stated, falling in step beside her.

"It's okay. It worked out for the best." She said, then briefly glanced his way and added. "Don't you need to finish your run?" Steering the conversation away from where she knew, he wanted it to go, where she couldn't afford to go, if she was to remain true to her vow to work things through with Mike.

"I'm done." Rick replied, disappointed by her walls seemingly going up and her desire to not discuss their cancelled plans from the night before. "I was headed back to my car when I saw you." He continued. "I thought it'd be rude, considering… if I didn't stop and say hello…plus, I was also curious about your first day in Palmer." He fessed up. "Did you explore some of the shops? The sights?"

"You talk like I'm here on vacation." She countered his pleasant tone, with a hint of coolness, trying to resist his charm.

"You did say you wanted to see more places in Georgia." He persisted.

"Not like this. And this town isn't what I'd call one of the must see places in Georgia."

"Perhaps not. But you can still enjoy it." Rick contended as he looked her way, capturing what she'd planned to be a fleeting glance, but turned into him holding her eyes, igniting a fervor within, driving her faint response.

"I know. And I am."

"Really?" Rick softly uttered, his gaze smoldering with ardor.

"Yes." Michonne sighed, then forced her eyes ahead and silently questioned why she didn't just walk away from him, but instead she continued to speak. The antique shops were nice. She voiced with normalcy, gradually getting a handle on her emotions. "I actually found this beautifully carved ivory box..."

"Ivory?"

"It's legal." She assured him. "It's late 19th century. I wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't."

"So you're one of those types?" Rick jokingly quipped.

"And what types is that?" Michonne questioned with an annoyance that had been helplessly infected by his jest, and was thus feigned.

"Protector of wildlife? Some would say tree hugger?"

"Is that what you'd say?"

"No. You have a right to your beliefs."

"But you don't believe?"

"I believe. Just not as passionately as others."

"I wouldn't say my beliefs are passionate." Michonne lightly clarified. "Otherwise I wouldn't have bought the box, but I do think now that we know better we should do better."

"That's always the hope but oftentimes where we fail." Rick stated, unknowingly striking a nerve with Michonne who realized for what seemed like the hundredth time, but had chosen to ignore, that she'd allowed herself to be taken in by him, to be consumed by the amazing feelings he awakened within her and thus the ease that came with just conversing with him.

"I should go." She said, then abruptly moved to head in a different direction than him.

"Have breakfast with me?!" Rick asserted, immediately shocking and stopping her. Michonne held his stare, feeling every emotion that was emanating from his eyes, his heart, kindling a rush of anticipation within her, pushing her to accept.

"We can't do this." She declared. "You have a wife and a child, and I have a fiancée."

"I'm separated."

"I'm not."

"I know… you're engaged, but there's something here, between us. I don't know what it is, but I just know that you're… unlike any woman I've ever met in my life."

"I bet I am." Michonne scoffed, then moved to go around him, even as she regretted saying what she didn't mean, using a lie as a tactic of avoidance.

"That's not what I meant." Rick seriously stated, drawing her eyes to his, touching her deep, like he had so many times in the three days she'd known him. "What I was trying to say is that I feel like… I feel like I know you. Like we met a life time ago, and we're just picking up where we left off. It sounds crazy, I know…"

"It doesn't." She conceded as their gazes remained bound, silently expressing what neither had to further clarify.

"So what do we do?" Rick questioned, his voice hushed, yet strong, etched with tenderness as he slowly closed the distance between them, when she suddenly remembered what she'd said mere moments before, that she was an engaged woman.

"There's nothing to do." Michonne contended her tone emotional and uneven as she backed away from him, putting a good distance between them.

"Michonne." Rick passionately uttered as he moved forward, following her.

"No." She firmly asserted, causing him to halt. "Whatever this is, it can't go any further." She said. "It's can't." She repeated again as if trying to convince herself, when they were interrupted by a local resident, Mrs. Draper, the town complainant, demanding that Rick arrest a "vagrant" that was "harassing" residents in the park. Rick agreed to check it out. However, he first wanted to respond to Michonne, but when he returned his eyes her way, he was disheartened to find she was nowhere in sight.