One Fine Day
Jessie and Monique are shopping frantically. "I can't believe he called so quickly," Jessie shares while searching the rack.
"That's a good thing. It means he is serious," Monique responds.
"Ok, we're going to that same restaurant but I want to change my look. I need to be sexier." She holds up a Hawaiian floral print body-con dress.
Monique squints, "The fit may be sexy but the print-are you sure? Plus it's dinner."
"The print reflects my perky personality. See if you can find a flower for my hair," she scurries to the dressing room.
Lori is two racks over. Rick hates prints. How is she getting another date? He didn't bring her to the Mixer. She starts to feed her delusion. He's not ready to settle down. I need to let him get it out of his system. Lori remembers her mother's guidance. If you are a good girl you get the 'American Dream'. Good girls do not play with their 'honey pot' or have sex before marriage.
She liked playing with her 'honey pot' especially in her closet in the dark. Plus when Rick came back from that leadership camp he was different and the sex kept him from leaving at least until graduation. She asked God to forgive her for Shane, plus she confessed to the priest so that did not count. Jessie can be his dirty girl.
Rick and Michonne are in his car headed to Ms. Eva's Café. "Call you mother," she instructs.
"Excuse me," he's floored.
"She's been patient and respectful. Ask them to join us for dessert."
"You sure, 'cause that is a bell you cannot un-ring," he emphasizes.
"She will be hurt if she gets it through the grapevine."
Rick dials and hits speaker. "Hey Ricky," Jolene greets slightly out of breath.
He takes a deep breath, "Michonne and I were hoping you and Dad could join us for dessert at Ms. Eva's in about one hour or hour and a half."
"Oh my, we would love to and I promise to behave. I won't talk about marriage or grandbabies."
Michonne smiles and interjects, "I am really looking forward to get to know you and Mr. Grimes."
"You are on the phone! Jeffrey she is on the phone," Jolene shouts.
From the background, "Who's on the phone? Have you seen my boxers?"
"We're on speaker you idiot," she exclaims.
Michonne laughs hysterically and Rick shakes his head, "See y'all later," he disconnects the call.
Sophia and Carl are in the basement playing video games. Carl decides to test a hunch, "Do you want to play the online version again?"
"I mean if you want to…I guess," she shrugs.
"Should we check and see if Josh is available?"
"Sure…I could call if you want," she offers a little too innocently.
"So, you have his number?"
"I…uhm, needed the help."
"Help with the game? Because you two talk every night and you still suck." Sophia grabs a pillow and whacks away at Carl. He grabs her in a head lock to stop the attack. "You must really think he is cute since he is not improving your game," he laughs and releases her.
"We haven't exchanged pictures. Is that weird?"
No, that's cool. What does the Squad think?"
"They don't know," she mumbles.
"Why?" he's confused.
"I guess I'm afraid of their judgment even though I know they won't judge or maybe I am afraid of making it real. Plus, what if he sees me and decides I am not pretty enough," she confesses.
"First, you are beautiful and I'll kick his ass if he says otherwise. Second, making it real makes everything better-trust me."
Sophia rests her head on his shoulder, "You really do rock."
Daryl and Harry have been at the junkyard for 30 minutes. "Mr. Williams this place is a gold mine."
"You think so."
"Oh yeah, I hate the new stuff or ordering online."
"Harry, where you at?" voices call out.
"Over here in the bike section." Two men approach. Sam saunters up tossing his salt and pepper 70's feathered hair and Clarence brings up the rear favoring his left leg against his prosthetic limb.
"How did you get out?" Clarence laughs.
"Daryl, I would like you to meet my road dogs: Sam and Clarence."
"Excuse my hands," Daryl wipes the oil and grime onto his jeans and offers a firm handshake to both gentlemen.
"Where did you come from?" Sam inquires.
Before Daryl can respond Harry jumps in, "Sasha brought him home. He's a deputy over in Georgia," he explains proudly.
"That ain't a Bob," Clarence attests.
"He got a motorcycle back home and he's fixing my new toy. Asked to come to the junkyard first," Harry is animated.
"Daryl, you hunt?" Sam looks him over.
"Yes Sir. I use traps for small game and my crossbow for deer and boar," Daryl explains.
"Shit nah, that ain't a Bob?" Sam spits on the ground as if it's punctuation.
"Can I ask, what is a Bob?"
"Sasha's last boyfriend, little pretentious ass showed up unexpected and uninvited trying to impress everybody," Harry grumbles and grunts.
"Hmm…she never told me his name. I mean I knew he was a jackass when he let her go on a road trip without a spare tire." Daryl checks his phone for the time.
"You pussy whipped boy," Clarence challenges.
"Excuse me," Daryl's back stiffens.
"You checking the time like you got a curfew," he mocks.
"You got a woman?"
"Yeah, of course," Clarence puffs out his chest.
"A good woman-takes care of you, makes you better, stands by you in a fight?" Daryl pushes back fiercely. Clarence goes silent.
"Mr. Williams I'm going to pay for these parts. Meet me at the car in fifteen."
"Be right there." Once Daryl is out of sight, "Clarence, I known you a long time but if you ever disrespect Sasha and Daryl again-I will fill your ass with buckshot."
Jesus explores an artisan street fair looking for gifts to bring back to Kings' County. He is whistling and enjoying the luxury of being a stranger when his phone rings, "Hey Mr. Goodbar," he laughs.
"You know you are the only person that finds that line funny," Xavier's tenor voice rings out.
"Guess where I am?"
"Jupiter or Mars Bars," now he laughs.
"Virginia. I am in Virginia working with the FBI," Jesus practically exclaims.
"Start at the beginning," Xavier's excitement is palpable.
"I'm limited in what I can share but here goes."
"So in conclusion, you have the best boss ever and I need an upgrade."
"What happened now?"
"Ethan tries but he just sucks. I have never worked for someone you set up for success and he still turns in a lack luster performance. Mike is more competent, which isn't saying much given the competition but something is off about him. I get creepy vibes. He is always lurking, coming out of corners or emerging from the shadows," Xavier concludes.
"We have talked enough about their drama. How is your music coming?"
"I reached a decision," Jesus holds his breath. He recognized a little too late that he is really digging this guy.
"I love the writing and producing-the fulfillment of the creation; the performing-not so much. Plus, with the baby coming I would be on the road missing everything," he finishes.
"I don't know what to say," Jesus whispers.
"Say you are all in, please," Xavier voice is pleading.
"You are ready to put down roots and become a dad alongside me?"
"More of a Papi, but yeah, if I meet Quinn's standards."