Best Laid Plans
Rick leads Michonne into the Café. They hold hands with their fingers intertwined sliding into the corner u-shaped booth. He settles into the center of the bench seat and Michonne crosses her legs over his left thigh under the table before snuggling against his body. He places his left hand on her hip and gives it a squeeze.
Tyreese emerges from the back searching for Rick. His mother called with strict instructions and he does not disappoint his mother. He spots Rick and blinks several times to let his brain catch up. The most beautiful woman he has ever seen is coiled around Rick. Their foreheads are touching and they appear to be having some sort of non-verbal conversation. Tyreese approaches the table and clears his throat, "Hey Man, what's up?"
"Hey, Tyreese this is my Lady Michonne Anthony," Rick introduces proudly.
Michonne extends her hand, "Nice to meet you," she smiles brightly.
Tyreese returns the handshake noticing how her delicate and smooth hand fits in his larger one. Focus on the task. I am under strict instructions to take care of the VIP which must be you Michonne," he delivers with a charming smile.
"No, it is this handsome guy," she turns to Rick. "Your mom works fast," she laughs.
"What can I get for you two?" Tyreese re-directs the conversation for reasons he is ashamed to name.
"She wants the lamb burger with goat cheese and bring me the bacon, cheese burger with steak sauce and fries. We will order dessert when my parents arrive," Rick explains.
"Wow, meeting the parents," Tyreese is shocked.
"I am actually excited," Michonne announces.
"Really," both men inquire.
"Yeah, I hope she brings baby pictures-naked baby pictures," her head falls back in laughter. Rick joins in and Tyreese excuses himself.
When he returns with their meals he is not prepared for what he sees-canoodling. Rick's face buried in her neck inhaling, her fingers tangled in his hair. "Alright folks, I have burgers," he interrupts.
Rick comes up for air, "Can we get water for the table," he turns his attention to the plate before him.
"Thank you, this looks amazing," Michonne compliments.
"I guarantee that it is," Tyreese chest fills with pride. "I will send someone over with the water. Enjoy your meal."
They are half way through their meal, "'Chonne, are you sure this is okay. I'm just asking because your loss," he trails of not sure exactly what to say.
"You are too sweet," she kisses his cheek. "I miss my folks, but they lived full and meaningful lives. The life I am building here, with you, honors their memory," she turns to his beautiful face and places a chaste kiss to his mouth.
The plates have been cleared and they are thumb wrestling when Jeffrey and Jolene Grimes enter the Café. Jolene's blonde waves are pulled off her face with an antique hair clip. She wears a jersey plumb colored v-neck blouse and black slacks and she bubbles with excitement. Jeffrey is several steps behind hopeful for a positive outcome. "We made it," Jolene practically shouts when she reaches the table.
To everyone's delight, Michonne exits the table and embraces Jolene Grimes with enthusiasm. "It is so nice to meet you officially," she delivers.
Jolene takes and holds Michonne's hands, "You are too kind and so lovely," her voice is choked with emotion, "Jeffrey, isn't she beautiful."
"Yes, she is…now let her go," he chides softly. He steps to his wife's side and is surprised by Michonne's warm embrace. "Oh my…aren't you something."
"Nice to meet you Mr. Grimes," she smiles up at him.
"Please, at least call me Jeffrey," he encourages.
"Sure, please join us," she gestures to the table. Rick's heart is doing back flips and he is not ashamed of the tears filling his eyes. Michonne returns her attention to Jolene who is sitting on her side of the booth. "Tell me about the Founder's Picnic. I heard some of the staff at work discussing the event," she opens the conversation. Jolene is in her element while Michonne nods and smiles.
Rick squeezes her knee is appreciation under the table. His attention is broken by his father's voice in his ear, "If you fuck this up, I will kick your ass." Both men erupt in laughter.
Daryl and Harry return to the house to find Sasha and Lonette in their pajamas tucked away on the loveseat deep in conversation. "You have fun?" Lonette asks.
Daryl responds, "That place is a gold mine. I bet I could find that '72 Mustang I been looking for out there. Excuse me I need to get cleaned up." He exits the living room and Sasha follows.
She sits on the bed watching him organize his things. "We could share a room," she pouts.
"Sweetheart, we discussed this in the car. I promise to tuck you in but I am staying in the guest room," he re-explains.
"Fine," she leaps off the bed. "You keep being 'Mr. Perfect Son in Law' so Mama will keep cooking and Daddy can strut around like a peacock." She is in full tantrum mode. Daryl burst into laughter. This is his fault. He has spoiled her rotten.
Harry and Lonette lean over the back of the couch. "She is mad at him," Lonette whispers.
"And he is not backing down," Harry replies.
Sasha stomps into her childhood bedroom and slams the door. The next sound from the hallway is the bathroom shower. Daryl emerges freshly showered dressed in pajama pants and a t-shirt. He knocks on Sasha's door. She does not answer but he enters anyway. She turns her back away from him. He pulls back the blankets and slides socks on her feet. "I found these in a monogram shop." He tucks her in, kisses the back of her head and exits the room.
He returns to the living room. "Sorry about that," he offers as explanation.
"Don't you apologize at all," Harry rumbles.
"Well, good night," Daryl turns and is met by Sasha half way down the hall.
She is staring at the ground rubbing one sock covered foot against her leg. "Could you at least hold me until I fall asleep," she whines.
"Of course Sweetheart," he responds while following her into the room.
Harry and Lonette resume their ear hustling over the back of the couch. "That ain't a Bob."
"Damn straight," they burst into laughter.
Shane is half listening to Jessie discuss her latest sculpture. He keeps blinking because her dress is a weird pattern he cannot figure out. She is pretty, her tits are good, more ass would be nice. He can make this work. "Maybe I could see your project when you are done," he realizes she stopped talking.
"That would be amazing. Most guys don't care," she gushes.
"I'm not most guys," he flirts with a charming smile.
"I know. I think we could be special," she touches his hand. His ego is thoroughly stroked.
He rubs his thumb across her hand, "I think we should try."
Lori is tucked away inside her dark closet both hands stuffed in her underwear. She explores her folds, strokes her clit with one hand and tastes herself by sucking her thumb. She feels the pressure building and starts humming 'Kool & the Gang'. She ultimately erupts on an orgasmic high and shouts, "Celebrate good times…come on." Lori exits the walk in closet firmly shutting the door. She enters the shower and washes away the episode.
Jolene is on cloud nine on the return drive home. "Can you believe it? We are going to double date for the Founder's Picnic. We have a menu and we exchanged phone numbers," she recounts with exuberance.
"What are the rules," Jeffrey reminds.
"Only one text and/or call per day," replies dutifully.
"I have to admit I'm impressed."
"I will not screw this up and neither will anyone else," Jolene stares out the window. Lori and Jessie better stay far, far away.
Rick lifts Michonne off the ground spinning her in a circle in the front yard of her house. They are both laughing wildly. Their mini-celebration is interrupted by her neighbor Mrs. Born. "For the love of Jesus," she stomps down the steps in her house dress and slippers. "Listen here gal, I don't know why the sheriff can't get you to act right but I've had enough," she confronts the couple.
Rick turns to face the voice and places Michonne on the ground. "Mrs. Born is it?" he asks for clarification.
"Yes, don't I know you?" she squints trying to recognize the face before her.
"Rick Grimes…Sheriff Grimes," he clarifies. "This is Assistant District Attorney Michonne Anthony and you are on private property. Please refrain from making any more nuisance calls or the dispatched offers will be forced to issue a citation to you," he cocks his head and waits for her rant.
She mutters, stutters, and mumbles but returns to her home slamming the door shut. They share a look, burst into laughter and make their way into the house.