~~4~~
Brunch with her bestie at a restaurant was the original plan but, Michonne was actually running late which was not her norm. With the barbershop closed on Mondays, she used the day to get chores and other tasks complete. Today, she thought there was enough time but necessary grocery shopping was last on the list.
Sasha of course understood since she was often a no show due to her career as an active duty firefighter. But Michonne knew when Sasha suggested they push to a later time, therefore moving the location to her home that she wasn't going to let up. Sasha had texted her numerous times about the scene she walked into at the barbershop, causing her to continue playing it off as nothing. But face to face, her best friend knew her expressions and demeanor all too well.
She wouldn't be able to deny that thoughts of Rick etched in her mind at the most mundane times. When running on the treadmill, watching television or even taking a shower. Who was she kidding? Especially in the shower. It was out of hand. The rhythmic sound of his voice lulled her to sleep at nights. She even though she heard it now as she strolled down the aisle of the new trendy yet more cost efficient supermarket.
"I would suggest these. They cook pretty well on the grill or in a skillet."
"Well… maybe you could come to my place and show me how sometime?"
At the aptly named meat department in the back row of the store stood Rick in a snug brown t-shirt and faded black jeans. A slightly younger, redheaded woman grinned at him confidently while he fidgeted nervously. A pack of some sort of steak was what he'd presented to the flirty woman from the freezer section.
Michonne was simultaneously nervous and… green-eyed. Neither of which made sense with what she knew of their situation. She corrected herself, there was no situation between them. But she remained as still as she could in the aisle, listening for his response.
"I'm not sure my girlfriend would appreciate me doing that."
"Of course, you have a girlfriend." the woman pouted embarrassingly.
"I do, but I'm sure some fella will come along that can help you out with your… steak."
"I bet he won't look anything like you." the woman wouldn't let up making Rick blush uncomfortably.
"I should go. Finish my shopping. You have a good day." he responded as he began to eagerly back away.
Michonne was secretly relieved that he'd let the woman down while also panicking. After only two encounters with this man, he'd stuck in her mind. What would a third do without the distraction of the barbershops occupants? Michonne was not willing to risk it.
Easing her gratefully non-squeaky shopping cart backwards until she was halfway down the aisle she'd just perused. She spun the cart around and hastily made her way to the checkout area. Luckily, at this time of day she didn't need to wait in line. The woman behind the counter greeted her and without having to request, swiftly rang up the groceries while Michonne rushed to bag them. After paying, she promptly headed to the automated exit, her SUV steps away in the lot.
Michonne pressed the button on her key fob unlocking her vehicle before she even arrived at the truck. And once she did, she lifted the hatch ready to begin chucking her shopping bags in so she could make her escape. Her jittery movements making it so she missed the approaching taps of booted footfalls.
"Need some help?"
She jumped at the sound of his voice emerging behind her. Her heart thudded in her chest for a couple reasons.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Should've announced myself sooner."
Michonne slowly turned to face Rick cursing herself for thinking how cute he looked when apologetic. "It's okay."
"I thought it was you hightailing it out of the store. Figured my eyes might've been playing tricks on me."
He slowly looked her over making her skin prickle with accumulating heat. His eyes ravening from her womanly shape being displayed in a form fitting tee with snug leggings. The looser jeans she wore in the shop providing by some means more coverage.
"Well, they weren't. It's me." Michonne tried to seem unaffected by his presence when this was exactly what she was trying to avoid.
"It's you. Michonne."
The way he said her name as though he was ready to break into some love sick country song had her wanting him to utter it again. Then he did.
"Michonne, you okay?"
She had to snap out of this daze viewing his parted lips had her in. "Yes, I'm fine. Just running behind schedule is all."
"Well, then let me help you get the groceries in quicker."
Rick started picking up bags and gently placing them in her trunk while she just stood watching. His strong forearms and biceps catching her lustful attention while pretending to be aloof. Once the shopping cart was empty, Michonne decided to be helpful, pushing it to a nearby collection bank. The twist in her hips subconscious she persuaded herself until turning to go back and viewing the overjoyed grin on Rick's face. He'd gotten a full view of her plump ass as he patiently waited, having closed her trunk already.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome."
They stood there in angsty silence both unsure what to say next. Michonne knew she'd just told him she was in a rush but something came to mind.
"The other day in the shop…"
Rick waited on baited breath for what Michonne was about to say, assuming it would be about his confession.
"I was so greedy for the chocolates." she coquettishly laughed. "I don't think I even said thank you. So thank you."
Rick snickered in relief. "It was nothing."
"And congratulation on the job offer."
"I appreciate it. It's actually a contract for my business."
Michonne rose an eyebrow letting him know she was intrigued.
"I own a construction company. There's going to be some new developments going up in town. My company was one of a couple chosen to head numerous projects."
"That's remarkable. Moving here really was important for more than just one reason."
Rick knew she was alluding to his relationship with Jessie but that was the last thing he wanted to talk about right now. "Yeah, I was just lucky to find a house available to rent so quickly."
"Since I haven't seen you around, I can assume it's not on the Southside." she snickered.
"610 Alexandria Street not far from the newly planned city center."
"I've actually looked at some real estate over there recently."
"Moving?" he too raised an eyebrow, but needed to squash the wish of wanted her to be closer to him.
"No, something else."
Rick chewed his lip not wanting to pry and perhaps shorten their interaction with a possible unpleasant subject. His brain scrambling for safe ways to continue their dialogue when a car he didn't recognize slowly rolled up beside them. The driver side window rolled down and Michonne deeply exhaled. It took Rick a second to place the woman's face.
"Hi, Rick." Sasha smirked at the pair that now stood rather guiltily before her.
"Hey... Sasha?" Rick waved timidly as she nodded confirmation that he'd gotten her name correct.
"Look at you two. Just ran into one another here at the supermarket, huh?" she looked between the two of them continuing to grin.
Rick went to open his mouth but Michonne beat him to the punch with an exasperated eye roll. "Weren't you supposed to meet me at my place?"
"I was, but I saw you over here in the parking lot. I pulled in figuring I'd follow you back to the house. But then I realized who you were talking to." she glanced at Rick who shifted his weight between his legs.
"I nearly drove off. Didn't want to disturb the groove, you know." Sasha winked.
Michonne flushed. "I don't."
"If you say so. I'll meet you at the house?"
"Yes. Sasha."
"Okay. Nice seeing you again, Rick Grimes. Don't be a stranger." Sasha smiled and started to pull off but stopped. "Oh and Michonne, take all the time you need."
Sasha had clearly done some research on her own, Michonne noted to know his last name. Probably since she wasn't forthcoming. But it didn't stop her from squinting her eyes as hard as she could when she finally pulled off.
"She was your next client when I came into the shop last time."
"Yes. She's also my soon to be ex-best friend." Rick chuckled relieving some of Michonne's tension making her giggle too. "She's the reason I even started working there in the first place."
"How so?"
"The big guy, Tyreese that announced your entrance into the shop last time…"
"Yeah, I remember." they both laughed thinking of The Famous Rick Grimes broadcast.
"He's not only the owner but Sasha's older brother. She all but made him give me a shot and three years later, I'm one of his most trusted barbers."
"Sounds like they are good friends."
"They are more like family now. Annoying, nosey but loving and protective family nonetheless. So I guess I shouldn't leave Sasha sitting outside my house for too much longer."
"Yeah, I guess you should go." Rick hesitated concurring with her but neither of them moved a muscle. A teenaged giddiness befell them until Michonne looked around Rick in confusion making him look too, wondering if they had another unexpected visitor arriving.
"Wait, where are your groceries?"
Rick chortled then shyly revealed. "I uh… left my basket at checkout to come run out after you."
Michonne knew her blush was too strong and penetrated her dark skin. Her raised cheekbones refused to relax in the most girly of manners. "Everything's surely melting. You should go too."
"I should." Rick reluctantly took a step back but allowed his twinkling eyes to roam over her again. "It was good seeing you, Michonne."
She hesitated as to whether she should admit her truth or not as she walked to the driver's side door of her vehicle. Then she paused after opening it. "You too, Rick."
Michonne slid into her seat as cutely as she could manage. She took a deep relaxing breath and started up the car. A look in the side mirror confirmed Rick remained, waving that she was all clear to back out. She did so slowly as her fingers tingled. She needed to stop this foolishness she told herself. But when she pulled off another grin blossomed on her face at his image remaining in her rearview mirror, unfortunately growing smaller. Michonne giggled knowing Rick would definitely need to replace all the groceries in his basket.
Michonne snickered after a glance at Sasha while concluding the storage of her groceries. Her friend was currently sitting at her kitchen island munching away on her just purchased grapes. She had of course helped to carry the heavy bags inside she reminded while rinsing off the fruit as her reward.
"You got back here rather quickly." Sasha sighed dramatically.
"Couldn't let everything defrost." Michonne tried to steer the conversation away from where it was obviously headed. But she couldn't help but giggle thinking of her supermarket run in.
"Yeah, things did look… hot back there."
There was obviously a flirtatious energy with Rick that Michonne couldn't deny but Sasha only knew the half of it.
"Okay, since you won't let this go. Let me just tell you."
Sasha paused eating a grape, leaning in awaiting the story making Michonne titter at the eagerness. "Rick was an unexpected client a few nights ago. Your brother and the other guys were reluctant to take him. And since you rescheduled…"
Sasha giggled at her snide comment, not taking the bait to distract her from getting the goods.
"…I had time." she shrugged.
"Okay, there's potential."
Michonne could see the wheels turning in her friend's head and she needed to stop them. "He has a girlfriend."
Sasha's jaw dropped then her face contorted. She was clearly weighing out what she'd just been told. Michonne smirked grabbing some grapes for herself waiting for the comeback.
"But he bought you those fancy chocolates you love so much?"
"I helped him out of a hair emergency and he just wanted to thank me. Women love flowers and candy. Easy choice." Michonne shrugged downplaying the act.
"Oh no, that man drove out of his way to get you those chocolates."
"Out of his way? A trip to a supermarket, pharmacy or big box store doesn't scream out of the way. You can get Godiva's much more commonly now."
"Not the ones he brought you. Those truffle gift boxes can only be purchased at a chocolatier or specialty sweets shop. Which means he probably drove to Atlanta. Just for you."
Michonne blinked incredulously as something was befalling her. Was she… swooning? She shook her head. No, she couldn't. She needed to think rationally.
"What if this is his MO? Going around gifting women chocolates. Using his dazzling eyes to entrance their panties off. Dropping them, before he starts it all up again with the next willful victim?"
"I'm going to put a pin in that dazzling eyes confession and proceed. Or… what if you stop overthinking it and just have some fun with a hot guy."
"Sash, why are you so gun-ho about this?"
"You deserve some satisfaction with all the bullshit you've been through. I'm not saying fall in love and run off into the sunset. But… maybe just a good, sweaty, toe curling… fuck?"
"Sasha!"
"Michonne!"
The two women stared at one another with smirks growing on their faces. Michonne began to contemplate the idea before quickly dashing it away.
But then Sasha sat up straighter staring at her with genuine concern. "He's not here. What are you waiting for?"
Michonne looked away a bit shamefully before responding with hesitancy. "He messaged me saying he wants to come home. He's worried about whether I'll let him."
Sasha sucked her teeth as hard as she could. "He should be worried. He disappears on you both for days at a time."
"I know but-"
"The reason you were going to cancel our brunch is because of him. You have to get everything done all on your own because he's not reliable even when he is around. Truthfully Mich, I'm surprised you haven't burned all his shit and filed for divorce already."
"Probably nostalgic memories and nagging hopes."
Sasha sighed remembering her own relationship history. She'd been married to a mostly sweet and optimistic man named Bob. Who regrettably also had a drinking problem that lead to many issues in their lives. She'd stayed for years hoping things would get better but ultimately had to pull the plug.
"Those will have you holding on for dear life."
"Mike and I were good at the start. Once all the fun began to fade and the adult obstacles began to mount, I felt the distance he was creating. He's suggested we go to marriage counseling this go around. Maybe we can build it back?"
"Anything is possible but more than likely he'll just use the techniques he acquires to play victim more efficiently the next time he fucks up. Because realistically, there will be a next time. What's going to be enough for you?"
Michonne took a deep breath in order to keep her emotions in check. "I want more than anything for Andre to have a good father the same way I did."
She sighed through a lip quiver and her eyes teared up. Sasha reached across the counter to soothingly rub her arm, her own eyes glassy. "But what about you?"
Michonne hadn't thought about herself in that sort of sense in so long. She'd put her dream on the back burner once things went awry in her marriage. It was always about what needed to be done right now. Especially when it came to her son and setting up his future.
A literal alarm on her phone went off and she quickly wiped her eyes before turning it off. She went to stand but Sasha beat her to the punch. "I'll go to the bus stop while you get yourself together."
Michonne nodded her appreciation taking a few calming breaths while Sasha left the house. After a sip of water, she went into mommy mode pulling out fix-ins to make sandwiches. She'd prepare something hot for dinner to make up because she was just too tired for anything else right now. Physically and mentally, if she were honest with herself. But she didn't have time to dwell on that when the stomping of sneakers up the townhouse's steps could be heard along with animated, muffled speaking. The front door opened then closed so she could make out what was being said.
"Auntie, you should come over this weekend!" Andre excitedly declared to Sasha as he appeared in threshold, shuffling out of his light jacket swinging it and his book bag to the floor.
"I would, but I have to work. People just can't stop getting stuck in elevators or letting their cats go up trees apparently." The boy and the woman he called Auntie out of respect and love chuckled while making their full entrance into the kitchen.
"What's happening this weekend? And, hello son." Michonne smirked with her hands on her hips.
"Hi Mama." Andre ran to her launching himself into her arms, squeezing her tightly creating the brightest smiles on everyone's faces.
"Apparently, you are hosting a backyard campout." Sasha snickered retaking her seat.
Michonne stared down at her son and he gave her the biggest puppy dog eyes he could manage. "Andre Anthony-"
"I'm sorry. I know I should ask for permission first. But my new friend is so cool! And Hershel comes over all the time. One more shouldn't be too bad. Right?"
"Yeah, what's one more wild, little boy tearing through the house Tasmanian devil style?" Sasha chuckled at the predicament.
"Auntie, we'd be in the backyard mostly." Andre grinned and nodded trying to get her on his side.
"Well, the backyard makes it much more reasonable."
With Andre's back turned, Michonne stuck her middle finger up at Sasha who then drew a halo above her head. She swiftly put her digit down before her son turned back to face her with hope in his little brown eyes. She exhaled seeing that cherub face that took her back to his toddler years when she was putty in his hands. Then she mustered the sternest face she could looking down at him.
"All of-" Michonne started but Andre cut her off.
"My chores and homework done. My room neat and clean. Take out the trash. I'll even help with some grownup stuff like washing the dishes, laundry and sweeping floors. Whatever you need Mama, I'll help with. Pleaseeee."
Michonne sighed realizing her son saw how much she'd taken on without his father around. He deserved to have some spontaneous childlike fun with everything that was transpiring. She knew this separation had been taxing for him too.
"You have to give me his parents phone numbers and I will call to get permission from them for the sleepover."
Andre blanched at her wording then looked to Sasha as though his mother was so out of touch. "Not a sleepover Mama. I'm too old for that. It's a backyard campout."
"Well, excuse me. I will call his parents about the backyard campout as soon as you get me their numbers."
"I'm on it!" Andre ran over and hugged his mother so fiercely she nearly toppled over. "Thank you!"
Andre hugged Sasha too for her assistance and she beamed at him before he pulled away to grab his discarded items. "Don't forget to call Ms. Maggie or Mr. Glenn."
"I won't." Michonne grinned from her son's exhilaration. "I'll make a quick lunch to hold you over until dinner is ready."
"Okay, I'm too excited to eat right now anyway. I'm going to get those phone numbers… and start on my homework." Andre replied knowing what his mother's rebuttal would be before racing upstairs to his bedroom.
Michonne turned to Sasha. "Thanks for your help there."
"Look, Aunties get to be fun without all that pesky parental stuff. It's the reason I love the role. But you know what I'll pay for the pizza delivery and even drop off some snacks, soda and junk."
"To get them more hyper? No thank you." the women chuckled. "Besides my little Peanut has talked up my cooking so much now that when Hershel comes over he's begging for a full course meal."
"You better not let Andre hear you calling him that." Sasha looked back to make sure the coast was clear.
"I know. He's getting so big. I can't believe he'll be starting middle school next year."
Sasha nodded in agreement that time was moving too swiftly. But she did agree with her nephew and his friend. "You do throw down in the kitchen. But since I got you into that campout mess, you know what… I'll make dinner for you tonight."
"Are you sure?" Michonne asked even though she was actually relieved.
"Yes, rest and I can tell you all the gossip from the firehouse."
"Hearing someone else's drama for once sounds like a plan. And you know what, I can figure out when I'll take a trip back to the supermarket before the weeks out."
"You didn't get enough today?" Sasha rose an eyebrow remembering all the heavy lifting her and Michonne had done.
"I kind of skipped the meat department."
"Really? Because that's not what it looked like to me when I drove up."
Michonne and Sasha held it in as long as they could until they finally burst out laughing making their sides hurt. A deep releasing laugh was exactly what the doctor called for. But Michonne shook her head not wanting to venture back into the conversation again with her son in the house. Sasha instantly understood.
"I'll back off for now. Just know I want you to be happy."
"And I want the same for you too."
The women smiled warmly at one another before Michonne pointed to the stove. "Now, get to cooking and telling me other people's messy business."
Sasha snickered as she got up to walk to the fridge.