~~6~~

"It'll only take four weeks."

"Why would it only take four weeks?"

"I think-"

"I don't wanna know what you think, Tobin. I want to know what the calculated times are." Rick took an intimidating step forward. "Bruce reminded me that when we worked on a project not nearly as expansive in the past, it took us twice that."

"But we have a larger, more experienced crew this time. Francine and Abraham know what they are doing."

"What about you?"

"I- I'm doing my best, Rick."

"Your best?" Rick scoffed at the taller man.

Rick had been in a terrible mood the last few days at the construction site. Everyone was on pins and needles when he approached making them scramble. Unfortunately, Tobin had been called into the office where he couldn't escape to answer some questions on progress. He bowed his head in defeat ready for his reprimand to continue. Instead, the door to the trailer opened and a welcomed face entered cautiously.

Morgan was Rick's right-hand man from shortly after starting up his company. The man knew all of Rick's ins and outs as well as how to help him out of a funk. But he hadn't seen him in one this temperamental since the commencement of his divorce.

Tobin looked over with hope in his eyes that Morgan had come to diffuse the situation. And luckily for him, he had.

"Everything all right in here?"

"No." Rick curtly responded tapping his fingers rapidly at his thigh. A surefire way to know he was approaching his maximum level of frustration. A tilting of his head was the ultimate sign for tactical retreat.

"I was trying to explain when the concrete trucks should be scheduled." Tobin pleaded his case to the new listening ear. "But the foundation piles are complete."

Morgan nodded with understanding and sympathy for his plight. "I know that's way my team is currently working on drilling and installing geothermal vertical lines."

"The utility connections are being ran also." Tobin anxiously rattled off a bit surer of himself with a safeguard.

"I think you should go now and have a conversation with Reg and the other engineers. They will be able to give you the most precise estimates."

"I think you are right. Let me get on that immediately." Tobin sighed in relief.

"Right, then send the numbers to me. I'll pass them to the boss here."

Rick loudly exhaled at the kid gloves Morgan was using for a grown man. He went to his desk and roughly flopped down in his ergonomic chair. But his friend ignored him going to the already retreating man. He patted Tobin's shoulder before he exited then pulled the door shut.

Morgan smiled to himself while beginning to browse the reasonably styled office space, he clearly already knew. Rick sighed again, very familiar with the playacting before being therapized.

"What Morgan?"

"Oh, nothing. I thought maybe you might like some company. Might have something you'd like to get off your chest. Maybe, you need someone to just listen."

"Why would I need that?"

"I don't know, perhaps because the crew is scared you'll bite their heads off is all." he shrugged, keeping his grin.

Rick considered the offer. Getting someone who's opinion he trusts as a sounding board would help him work it out. "I've just been second guessing some of my recent actions. Questioning where I should be focusing my energy."

"Putting a bandage on a gaping wound."

"Morgan, if your next question is what's my wound, you can save it. I don't have time for your riddles right now." Rick groaned when his friend chuckled.

"Maybe that's exactly what you need. To focus on whatever, it is that's got you in this mood."

"Nothing to really be done about it."

"There's got to be something. Because at this rate, we won't have a crew to complete this contract."

"That bad, huh?"

"Last time you were like this your divorce was eminent. People understood then but now…"

Rick moved from behind his desk to come over, plopped exhaustedly on a lumpy couch. He'd gotten used to keeping one in his office spaces from when things got too hairy at home. He'd sleep there to avoid going home, fearful that his mere presence would provoke Lori into an argument. Ones that at times, to his dismay, took place in front of Carl. His ex-wife didn't know how to voice her concerns with their decaying marriage or the fact that she was simply not in love with him anymore.

As a result, his business grew from eluding his marital life. Which then made for greater excuse to continue to ignore the problems. But if his reaction to his current situation was left unchecked it could threaten that success.

"Issue with Jessie?"

"In a way..."

"If Jessie isn't the problem, then what's got you in a huff?"

Rick contemplated whether to disclose the entire truth. Morgan was one of his oldest and wisest friends, if there was ever a person he could disclose to, it was him. There would be no judgement just sound advice.

"There's this woman."

"Go ahead."

"I can't get her out of my head. I don't know if I want to. But I should."

"Okay…"

"And I might've… I might've tried to kiss her."

This confession prompted Morgan to grab a folding chair to sit across from him.

"Might've?"

"I got lost in a moment and leaned in."

"You stop it or did she?"

Rick chewed his lip and Morgan instantly knew the answer.

"Rick-"

"I know, I know. It's just so natural and easy with her. The way we can occupy a space together. Our movements were so in sync in her kitchen."

"You've been in her home?"

"Carl was there to camp out with her son, Andre. He's a smart and pretty funny kid. Anyhow, his mother invited me to have a home cooked meal she prepared as reward for helping set up… when her husband didn't show."

"Rick-"

"I know." Rick stood and began to pace the room. He pinched the bridge of his nose knowing what he'd just revealed was beyond complicated. But more background was necessary.

"It was all a surprise. We originally met when she fixed a mistake Jessie made with my hair at the barbershop, she works in. Few days later, I took her chocolates as a thank you."

"That sounds alright."

"But from the moment I saw her, and she saw me, there was an energy. A connection I can't explain. It's more than physical even though she is undoubtedly gorgeous, but I can't shake it. And now I've tried to foolishly kiss her!"

Rick flopped to lay down on the couch staring at the ceiling waiting for Morgan to say something meaningful. Instead, his friend sighed deeply while he thought.

"This isn't like you Rick-"

"I know. I'm in a relationship. Which I told her about before she even told me about the husband."

Morgan couldn't help but snicker at the hypocrisy. "You must be pretty enamored with her to be all bent out of shape like this."

Rick didn't move, not wanting to confirm or deny anything while still working things out. But his irritable attitude from his error was a huge indicator regardless. He wavered on offering a submission that played out in his mind. It was truly the crux of his upset now that he focused on it. And he not so secretly hoped Morgan would provide a less drastic alternative.

"Should I avoid her?"

"I guess you could try but, your boys are friends now."

"Not to mention I have an appointment with her this week back at the barbershop. I made it before the failed kiss. Somehow, she hasn't canceled it."

"Hmm…"

"Right!" Rick sprang up to pace again. "Why hasn't she canceled it?"

Morgan followed his dizzying steps. "She's not holding a grudge. You go in and apologize, if you haven't already."

"Of course, I did. She understood that I'd temporarily lost my mind."

"Use this next time to learn how to be in her presence while governing yourself. And with time, you could get over this crush."

Rick snorted to himself. This was more than a crush.

"In the meantime, look a little deeper into that bandage."

Morgan stood to depart and leave Rick to ruminate but he stopped before opening the door. "By the way, what's this woman's name?"

"Michonne."

"That's a beautiful name."

Rick couldn't hide his grin. "Yeah, it matches the owner."

His footfalls were heavy once more. His heels created a clicking sound on impact with the concrete. His stomach tied up in knots the closer he ventured to his destination. The picture windows revealed the shop was brimming with activity this afternoon. It only induced the angst because he'd have a large audience to witness any additional shame.

Yet there was the tiniest sliver of hope. The thing that had him drive across town when avoidance was his standard. Having a true answer nagged at Rick. After his talk with Morgan, he was cutting himself some slack for what he'd attempted last Friday night. He really thought for sure that Michonne wouldn't have accepted the appointment after his overstep. He expected a cancellation email every day since. His heart pounded as he reluctantly checked his notifications to find nothing except his initial confirmation. She hadn't canceled and he certainly wasn't going to no show.

A disjointed ring emerged from the bell when Rick slowly pushed the front door open. He hesitated with his steps inside, nervous as to whether he'd be welcomed anymore by the barbers who were all busy with customers in their respective chairs. A couple of customers waited in a little seating area for their turns while the stylists worked. His entrance was mostly unnoticed until Noah's eyes lit up when he spotted him.

"Rick Grimes is here!"

The younger man's voice was deepened to a level the occupants in the shop didn't know he could accomplish from the bemused looks thrown his way. And just as quickly, a collection of groans rang out while Oscar and T-Dog slapped their hands to their heads in faux despair. Noah looked wholly confused mirroring Rick's uncertain face. They both waited on pins and needles for separate reasons.

"Man, you were rushing to say it and got it all wrong!" T-Dog chastised Noah with a gap-toothed cackle.

"What?"

"Let Ty do it."

The shop owner snickered and paused his haircutting to face the entryway. "The Famous Rick Grimes!"

"See that's the way you do it." Oscar laughed.

"If you gonna do it, do the thing right." T-Dog chortled informing Noah, who flushed again just like Rick. Again, for separate reasons.

The guys all head nodded with smiles making some of Rick's nerve ending calm. "Hey Fellas."

"You kept your word and came back for an actual appointment. No hair emergencies today, right?" Oscar joked.

"No, as long as Michonne will have me. No one else will be cutting this hair."

A communal round of hmms let Rick know they had absorbed the not-so-subtle flirtations between him and their coworker on his first two visits. He couldn't tell whether they approved but they hadn't kicked him out. He took it as a sign Michonne hadn't disclosed his blunder.

But where was Michonne?

Her area was clean and prepped but she was nowhere to be seen. Tyreese smirked at Rick while his weight tottered from leg to leg, remaining in his spot near the front.

"She's in the back." Noah let him off the hook as he dusted his client's shoulder free of hair.

"More work is required when cotton comes to Harlem." T-Dog snorted and the whole shop burst into belly laughs that ceased their labor. Rick couldn't help but laugh till his face was red and he even bumped fists with T-Dog because it was a good one.

"Go on in the back, Michonne's waiting on ya." Tyreese notified him. And just that fast, renewed trepidation took root, making each stride tougher. But Rick persisted, opening the door to the back and quickly walking through.

In a new environment, Rick would normally look around taking it all in but he couldn't look anywhere but where his eyes immediately fell.

To Michonne.

She looked to have been patiently waiting for his entrance the whole time he was up front. Everything about the other night flooded back to Rick. Her beauty astounded him once more. Her skin impossibly smooth in its gorgeous deep shade. Her form toned but feminine with soft curves his hands ached to hold. He dared a glance at her glossed lips and was transported to the longing all over again. There was a slight apprehension on her lovely face yet she… simpered.

Rick had decided to not skirt around the issue. The elephant in the room simultaneously keeping them apart and smashing them into a too small space to pretend.

"I'm sorry about, about before at your house."

"It's okay. We both nearly got lost in the moment. It happens."

Both?

Rick didn't want to skip past that admittance, but he didn't want to push his luck either.

"Really?" he squinted at her, and she chortled.

"Well, not for me normally."

"Me either." he risked a step towards her. "This… this was different."

Michonne took a deep cleansing breath to not let his statement sink in because she knew it could take hold when she examined it.

"Is that why Lori came to pick Carl up on Sunday?"

"Thought it was for the best."

"I can see how you'd get there." Michonne faintly grimaced and Rick instantly regretted not showing up. She'd been disappointed by his absence. After witnessing her spouse's no-show act, he regretted being the source of anymore disappointment for her. But there was a husband, and he couldn't disregard that fact.

"Lori told me she met Andre's father when she came to get Carl."

Michonne blew out a deep breath. "Yeah, he'd finally come home later that night."

Rick couldn't help the scowl from taking over his face. It wasn't directed at Michonne, so he took a moment to glance around the space they occupied to give his face a chance to return to neutral.

Michonne stood in front of a small station with dual basins. Bottles of what he assumed to be pricey shampoos and conditioners accompanied styling lotions, balms and gels on a counter. Scissors of varying sizes and other gizmos sat neatly on a wheeled trolley.

She must've sensed his confusion. "You booked The Works package."

"I did?"

Her light chuckle made him grin. "What does it entail?"

The very hand Michonne used to halt Rick's actions the other night tingled for a second chance. And her eyes were no doubt betraying her, but she needed to satiate the desire for touch. "Let me show you."

She pointed to the empty leather chair. Her heart skipping a beat while taking in the admittedly sexy bowlegged gait approaching her. Rick followed her directives sitting in the seat and she busied herself with turning on the faucet. While the water warmed, she carefully applied the cape around his neck. She tried to ignore how his blue eyes sought her attention, but he wasn't to be deterred.

"I have to admit… I was nervous as to whether the mat would still say welcome for me."

"You're a paying customer, right?" Michonne tried to downplay but Rick smirked perceptively.

"The Works sounds like I will pay a hefty price."

"Oh, you will." they both chuckled pleased to have lessened the tension.

"Lay back, I'm going to wash and condition your hair."

Rick did as he was told, closing his eyes thankfully. Michonne couldn't handle being this close while he watched her so soon after their last encounter. She used the hose attachment and carefully wet his locs. Pressing against him was unavoidable while lathering shampoo through his hair. The apron she wore wasn't thick enough to dissuade her body from reacting. His soft moans while using the massaging brush on his scalp didn't help either.

'It's too late to change your mind.'

Michonne repeated to herself now, just like she had that night. Once Rick had walked down the steps, she'd closed her front door hurriedly to prevent her from calling out to him. Her back pressed against the inside of the door while two sides waged a war inside her. Hopeful that he'd run back up to the door fought against the part that commended her steadfastness in the face of sweet temptation.

But that night and everyone since, she imagined what could've been if she hadn't placed her palm on his chest. If she'd let him fully press his warm body against hers. Fantasies evolved of how it would've felt to be consumed by him. It not only haunted her as to just how far they would've gone but how good it might've felt.

"Michonne, I think you are getting yourself wet."

She heard Rick saying it, but how the hell could he tell?

Michonne swiftly looked down to realize she was in fact splashing some water against herself by accident. Fortuitously, the apron blocked her clothing from getting damp. And she quickly redirected the waters flow back to the sink.

"I'm sorry. I kind of… zoned out."

"Are you okay?" Rick asked with his head still resting on the cushioned portion of the basin, but concern was present in his eyes.

"I'm fine. Conditioning is the next step." she proclaimed for some reason and Rick closed his trusting eyes again.

While applying globs of creamy conditioner and working them in she tried to remind herself of what the plan was for today. Just be a professional and render the service. It would've been much easier if she had canceled this appointment. They could part ways. Their kids would continue their friendship without them involved. Lori and Mike could conduct any exchanges necessary, so she and Rick didn't have to see one another.

But days ago, when Michonne's finger floated above the cancel button in the barbershop's app, she was struck with an ache. It scared her at its initial appearance and every experience after. Her heart sped up each time she inched towards pressing it. The sheer concept of never seeing Rick Grimes again caused a pronounced melancholy, tightening her chest.

Right now, he was in her hands as she rinsed the conditioner from his hair. And still the thought of not seeing him again, made her blue. She had to shake this feeling. She would rid herself of this infatuation because it had to amount to her being a lonely housewife. She had developed a fixation on someone attractive, giving her the attention she clandestinely desired. And that was all it was.

Michonne retrieved the fingertip towel she'd placed in the warmer. "Don't be alarmed. I'm going to apply a warm towel to your face. Let me know if it's too hot."

"Okay." Rick responded trusting the process as she covered his face.

While the steam opened his pores, Michonne busier herself with drying the floor. Storing the products already used then she gathered the next ones needed to proceed. Her nerves increased with anticipation because she had to get up close and personal. But she could do this she reminded herself before carefully removing the towel. She was a professional.

Cleaning up his eyebrows, nostrils and ears was the first order. With his eyes closed, she could really study his face. If one described his features separately an accurate picture couldn't be achieved. His forehead and nose were a little larger than convention. Maybe his ears too, she gazed down at him warmly. But all together with his deep-set eyes, chiseled jaw and who could forget about his full pink lips, it all culminated in the one of the most handsome faces she'd ever laid eyes on.

As she trimmed his sideburns, beard and mustache, she realized she hadn't asked what he preferred. She was doing what she wanted, keeping them slightly thicker than a five o'clock shadow. She grinned at the small cleft hidden on his chin when carefully shaving up from his neck. His Adam's apple bobbing paused her actions briefly, giving them both a moment to unwind.

Michonne applied an exfoliating scrub to his skin then carefully wiped it off trying to ignore how much pinker his lips looked after simple friction. A hydrating potion followed and styling his hair was last to complete. She carefully sat Rick up so he could open his eyes and got to work. She grinned at how his hair too became curlier when wet as she ran her fingers through it. She didn't want to go too short and only snipped off small ends. There was a reason she liked his long hair but she wasn't going to admit it because it could result in an inexplicable yank.

"I have to confess. I love your faded haircut." Rick finally broke the silence. "I used to have a shorter style when I was in college. I've considered going back to it once or twice. Not sure if I can still pull it off."

"I think you could. But I do love your curls." she brazenly stated making him color.

The combination of her body making contact with his and him examining her while she worked made her heart pitter patter. Fortunately, she was almost done. Just a few teases to his hair to work product through and shape. She could maintain herself until then with a little casual conversation.

"I just cut it all off one day."

"Really?"

"I used to have long dreads and I needed a change. Something I'd never thought I'd have the guts to do."

"That's surprising."

"Why?" she dusted him off before removing the cape letting him know she was finished.

"You seem fearless is all."

Michonne snickered. "I wish. I'm always working something out in my head. Weighing the pros and cons. The repercussions and ramifications. That time, I just acted impulsively."

"Spontaneity isn't for you?"

She smirked devilishly as Rick stood causing her to look up at him. "I have my moments."

Rick stared down at her in awe, hesitating on doling out amorous admiration. But he could use the guise of her hairstyle to conceal.

"It suits you. You can see all of your-" he remembered he was supposed to be curtailing his flirtations. "…your face."

"Well, my husband didn't like it. Still doesn't." she touched her hair subconsciously.

"He must have a problem with beautiful things then."

Michonne's cheeks rose to a level she couldn't control. Pulling off her apron and getting away from the coyness was her only option. Then she shyly walked out of the back forgetting to present a mirror to Rick to see her work, but he followed her.

The men upfront all looked their way with wonderment. Rick didn't understand the reaction at first and he glanced in the horizontal mirrors lining the walls. He didn't much care about looking at himself, but he had to admit he looked rather handsome. The compliments that followed confirmed his observations.

"Okay, Michonne got you looking clean." Oscar approved.

"Alright, got you looking like something." T-Dog chuckled.

Ty smirked shaking his head. "This is exactly how she stole Sasha away from me."

"What do you mean?" Rick inquired while everyone laughed.

"I used to cut my baby sister's hair until Michonne started practicing on her. Next thing, I knew Sasha wouldn't let anyone else touch her hair."

"I feel the same way." Rick coyly grinned at Michonne, but she kept her face forward trying to stay blank. But knowing smirks could be seen on everyone's faces even if they didn't comment further.

"Michonne does it all. It's beyond mere barber skills. Blowouts, flat ironing, curling, styling. All of it." T-Dog boasted her talents.

"That little section back there was her idea. And it's been a money maker. Brought in some celebrity clientele. The extra bread is helping me catch up on some things around here." Tyreese sang her praises.

"Michonne's going to start training me soon." Noah nodded excitedly until the bell for the front door rang. The shops' occupants all turned to see who entered.

Rick took note that the jovial atmosphere was suddenly sucked out of the room with the tall man's presence. There was no comedic declaration of who he was for a welcome. Just slight head nods and murmurs then everyone was back to business.

But Michonne's change was the most palpable to Rick. She looked annoyed and staggered all at once which made him instantly protective.

"Mike, what are you doing here?" Michonne asked.

"A man can't come visit his wife anymore?" he smiled confidently, walking towards her not sensing the vibe shift. Or perhaps ignoring it.

Rick's jaw flexed when the brown skinned man planted a kiss to Michonne's cheek. Even with the space between them Rick could feel her body become rigid. He wanted more than anything to shield her, but he knew he had no right or cause. This was her disappearing husband. Reemerging like nothing was awry. Sauntering into her place of business as though he owned the place.

"Mich, I need you to line me up."

He continued past them heading to her booth. Rick shifted to leer at him, his head tilting at the sheer audacity. Mike plopped down in her chair as though he were a king waiting for his subject's adoration. Turning back to the windows was what Rick had to do or he'd find himself snarling at the man.

When he did, Tyreese caught his eye having picked up on the ire that threatened him to act. "Rick, you can transfer the payment whenever you get the chance. We'll see you next time."

The message was relayed. A scene was not what Rick wanted to create but he may have if he stayed any longer. The barbershop was the one place he knew for sure he could see Michonne, and he wasn't going to mess that up for this asshole.

"Sure thing, Ty."

A new understanding emerged. The warm welcome was very contingent on how one treated Michonne. Rick was grateful that they were protective of her too. It made what he had to do a bit more bearable.

"I'm gonna head out." Rick turned to Michonne, his eyes trying to convey a message to her. "Everything will be okay?"

The corner of her lip rose to almost grant him a smile. But her eyes softened from his concern, and she delicately nodded. "Yes, everything will be okay."

"Okay."

But Rick couldn't resist letting her know he was with her. A quick glance let him know her husband was busy on his phone, oblivious. A simple token would have to suffice. Rick stealthily touched her hand, applying a gentle squeeze before quickly letting go.

"Fellas."

He gave a goodbye to the remainder of the shop and started for the door. The barbers offered him confirming head nods letting him know they had her. A comfort Rick had to keep as he exited Williams Cuts and stomped his way down the pavement once more.