Rick's P.O.V

I hurriedly jammed my keys into my car and opened the door, and as I sat into the driver's side, my phone began to buzz.

I took out my old IPhone 4 and squinted my eyes to read the message across my lock screen.

It was from Shane, and he doesn't seem happy.

"Oh yeah, hope you have fun on your f**king date, Grimes... Or should I say traitor.."

I smirked at the text, not because it's funny but because Shane thinks the world revolves around him.

It doesn't and he's not going to get his way. Michonne doesn't like him, and he claims I'm stealing her... but I'm not and he needs to grow up!

I unlocked my phone and quickly dialed Michonne's number, I've been memorizing it all day.

It rung for a while and I began getting nervous because maybe she was going to stand me up.

"Hello?" she said, in her soothing pacific voice.

I could imagine her face, her big beautiful lips slowly opening and closing as she spoke.

"It's Rick, you still up for froyo?"  I smiled.

"Uh....yeah.. I could use some froyo."

"Great! Wow, uh.... Didn't think I'd get this far.... but yeah, Meet us there at 6:30?"

"Sure, message me the address and I'll put it in my GPS."

I can't believe she's gonna go with me..
I really didn't think she'd agree.

Man this is gonna be a good day.

"Alright I will... uh, Bye..I'll see you in a few." I stammered. 

"See you then."

I hung up the phone and placed it in my lap. It's been a long boring day but It's about to be better!!

I sat in the parking lot, with my eyes closed, smiling like an idiot,  until I finally pulled myself together and cranked up the car.
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"Carl," I exclaimed while stepping  through the front door.

He focused on the game he was playing on the living room TV and my eyes trailed over to Ron sitting beside him... eating my food away like he lived here.

"Ron, you're here again?" I sighed.

He shrugged and popped a chip into his mouth as I  threw off my jacket and kicked off my shoes.

"Carl, get cleaned up we're going out for froyo." I commanded.

"Dad I'm fine here.. There's Italian ice in the freezer." he said.

"That wasn't up for discussion. You're going."

"Ughhh, why?" he asked, pausing the game and putting his full attention on me.

"Because you're gonna meet a very nice lady."

"Oh... Like, your new girlfriend or something... Can Ron come?"

"Yeah, Can I come?" Ron added.

Ron is like a part of my family now a day. He doesn't really go home --- I don't know why but it's pretty much cool with me, even though I act like he's gum on my shoe sometime.. He's still sorta like my son and I can't leave him behind.

I sighed and began heading up the stairs at once, "She is not my girl friend but be ready in 10 minutes."
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While Ron and Carl cleaned their messy faces and straightened themselves up a bit, I took a 5 minute shower and changed into some nicer clothes.

They weren't too fancy, so she won't think I'm trying too hard.. But just something simple. 

I wore a pink polo shirt, my brown cargo shorts with some Sperry's. I debated on whether I should throw on my brown golfing hat or not, so I just brought it along just in case I decided to put it on later.

"Y'all ready?" I shouted.

Carl and Ron came from around the corner, laughing hysterically at only god knows what, and nodded at me.

"Let's go then."

We all made our way to my big black Chevy truck, that stayed lifted with tires that could cut through cement.

My truck is my prized possession. That's what it's all about in King's county.. How big your truck is and how pretty your wife is.

Of course, I don't have a wife... So it's all up to my truck.

The boys hopped in the back and I got in the drivers side. I cranked the car up and took a deep breath...

This is really happening..

Will Carl like her?

Will she like Carl?

Will she like me?

Wait, what am I saying? I'm just friends with her and that's probably all I'll ever be.

"Just friends." I murmured as I slowly backed the truck out of the driveway.
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When I pulled up to the Froyo shop, I could already see her dark skin and long locks through the pellucid windows of the shop.

I looked back at the boys and shot them a "dad" look,

"Guys please don't embarrass me." I pleaded.

"We won't, we won't." Ron said, whilst patting my shoulder.

Sometimes I think Ron is always high, honestly, or the kid's kinda messed up a bit.

Carl didn't pay much attention to my order, he just sat there typing away on his Iphone 6+.

God, kids these days.... I swear.

We all  got out the car and straightened  our clothes before walking into the froyo shop like---- the men in the hangover walked into the wedding.

Damn, I feel handsome.

I made my way to the small booth that Michonne and Andre  were sitting in and pleasantly surprised her.

She jumped up to my surprise and greeted me with a warm hug. I kind of panicked and wrapped my arms around her waist,  but they accidentally touched her butt. I didn't mean to but as soon as I did,  I jerked away and Ron and Carl began laughing at my mistake.

She stared at me for a second and grinned shyly, "Hey! No second base... at least buy me dinner first."

"I'm---I'm sorry..I really didn't mean to.. I, I didn't expect a hug.." I stammered.

Dammit, 2 seconds into a conversation with her and I'm already messing up.

"It's okay, I was joking." she smiled.

She had great teeth. They were pearly white and straight, like no other's. She was flawless in every way possible, honestly.

I stood and awkwardly smiled at her before Ron broke the silence.

He stepped forward and moved me out the way, grabbing Michonne's hand.

"I'm Ronin Anderson--- or Ron..I'm Rick's uh, nephew.. Nice to meet you..?"

He's not my nephew...

"Michonne." she said whilst shaking his hand.

Ron brought her hand up to his mouth and slowly pecked his lips against the back of her brown hand.

"You really are as beautiful as Rick said you were."

I gently but firmly threw my hand into his back, causing him to stumble a bit.

"I didn't say that-- I mean not like you aren't beautiful.. I just didn't say that..."

She lowered her eyebrows and smiled. She then turned around and picked Andre out the seat and took the phone out his hand.

I could hear the Barney theme song playing from the phone so obviously he was watching Netflix.

Something I would like to do with Michonne... Netflix and Chill as the kids now a day say.. But like, I would actually just 'chill'.

I don't want to move too fast.

"Andre... You remember Officer Grimes? Yeah! And this is Ron." she pointed to each of us and smiled.

I pushed Carl ahead of us and he shyly  introduced him, "what's up little dude. I'm Carl."

He held his fist out to Andre and they bumped knuckles in merriment. Andre bursted out in giggles, which made everyone smile, including me.

"It's nice to meet you... Cool name, by the way." Carl smiled at Michonne.

"Thank you." she nodded.

"Well, let's get froyo. It's on me." I said

"Oh no, I'll pay for me and Andre's." she insisted.

"No, I've got it. I owe you for the coffee."

"The coffee was a gift.  I didn't expect anything in return..."  she smiled.

I chuckled and shook my head, staring her up and down.

The boys had already taken off toward the froyo machines as soon as I said it was on me. They know how to take an offer and run with it.

So then I softly pushed her forward toward the machines as she giggled along the way.
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"No way."  I chuckled.

"Yes, way!" Michonne exclaimed, "I truly am a master of the Samurai."

Michonne was telling us all about her hobbies and the little things in  between and she so happeningly is a master with the Katana.

Not that I don't believe her, she just doesn't seem like the type to slash and dash things.

"That's so cool. I'd like to see you practice with it one day." Carl said, while stuffing a spoonful of froyo, topped with too many things to name, into his mouth.

"I would love to show you! So, Rick, what are your hobbies?" she asked

"Pretty much just golf." I said plainly.

"Golf.." she scoffed.

"What you don't like golf?" I chuckled.

"I mean, it's pretty boring.. Why not something fun, like art?"

"You wanna know what else is boring?" Ron said,  cutting into our conversation.

Michonne and I placed our attention on Ron and raised our eyebrows.

"This conversation. How about us boys, go next door and play over there.. We'll be out you guys' hair."

Right beside the froyo shop, is the arcade.
It's been around a long time, sometimes I still even go there on late nights when I don't feel like hitting up the bar.

I nodded and looked at Michonne and waited for her answer.

"Will you keep a close eye on Andre?"  she asked worriedly.

"I'll keep two close eyes on him." Ron said.

"Promise." 

"With our hearts," Carl cut in.

"Alright, fine." she agreed.

She turned to Andre and whispered something to him and sent him off with the boys to go next door.

And then it was just us. Face to face over some froyo.

"Now.. Since they're gone.. I can ask you what I want." I chuckled.

"Ask away Officer Grimes."

I thought for a minute.. About the million questions I could ask because  I have her here... and I can ask her absolutely anything. I have the chance to know the most beautiful woman in King's county. Man, am I lucky or what?

"Would you rather be twice as smart or twice as happy?" I asked.

"Hmm." she said, whilst scooping some yogurt into her mouth. The way the spoon slid out her mouth and they was she smiled when she almost made a mess...

She's going to give me a heart attack.

"Twice as happy?" she said, unsurely.

"Why?"

"I haven't been happy in a while... And who needs brains if you aren't happy?" she giggled.

True, true. But why hasn't she been happy? 

"Reasonable answer... Um, What fictional character do you have the biggest crush on?" I asked.

This is the question I learned to ask in high school. Because the type of books she reads describes who she is.

"Christian Grey from fifty shades." she said quickly.

My eyes widened at how quick she answered and at how sexual that book is...

Christian Grey?

She's a freak... wow, uh,  okay..

"I'm kidding..I know the ole 'book type describes the person' question."

I sighed of relief and ate a scoop of yogurt as she fiddled with her fingers.

"I like Augustus from the fault in our stars. He's a sweet heart."

"I may have to read that book. Get some tips from the guy," I smiled.

She looked up at me and play hit my hand, and for a moment, our fingertips touched and the kinetic force of energy dilated ---hell, what am I saying.... When our fingertips touched, it felt.. Right...

We were silent for a moment, I still took in her beautiful figure. I was without words and I couldn't find them.

"W-What is your most bizarre pet peeve?" I asked.

"Hmm.. None really.. Just violence." she said.

"All of the things that make you feel at ease?"

"Comfort." she smiled.

Comfort... Comfort.
What does she mean by comfort?

"Why did you come here.. To king's county?" I asked

"I told you already."

"Yeah, but get into depth. What made you pack your bags and drive here?"

She leaned back into her seat and stared me in the eyes passionately, like she could see my soul.

"My boyfriend and I split up.. That's the real reason I'm here. I just couldn't take it anymore....and the other was simply cause I needed something new. I was tired of being a lawyer in Atlanta... It's dangerous... So why not be a lawyer here?" she said, finished her sentence with a smile.

"You're a lawyer? That's so cool." I smiled.

She brushed her hair behind her ears and nodded, "yeah, I suppose."

"May I ask why you couldn't take it anymore? Why did you and your boyfriend  split up?"  I asked anxiously.

"I uh, really don't wanna talk about it." she tried to fake a smile but eventually gave in and just held her head down.

"I'm sorry if I upset you."  I murmured.

I'm always messing up. I can't do anything right, damn it.

"You didn't," she said, whilst sitting up and smiling at me.

"So, why didn't your wife come along?" she asked.

Her eyes slowly  wandered to my wedding band that I still wear and she raised an eyebrow.

I still wear it, because... I can't forget about Lori.

She was the love of my life, still is, and I can't forget about her.

"Oh, no.. Uh, she's dead. She..she died last year."

Michonne gasped and pat my hand in sorrow, "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay.."

It truly is.. Lots of people ask about her.

"Don't you know how to let go, though?"

Her hand was still on top of mine and I couldn't help but stare at the way her soft, brown fingers  rested on top of my large pale hand.

"Not yet." I nearly whispered.

"What's your religion?" she asked, randomly.

"Christian. You?"

"I was raised a Methodist but my boyfriend kind of mixed me with Mormonism." she smiled. "So...Christians don't let go?"

I looked down and shook my head, "they do, I just don't know how to."

I don't know how to let go of who I used to be. It hurts too much to think that she's actually gone.

Her fingers tightened around my hand and I awkwardly perched up.

"I'll help you. It took me almost two years to let go." 

I smiled at her.

I barely know her but she's... she's comforting me.

"sometimes the hardest part isn't letting go but rather learning to start over." she sighed.

She's right. Letting go isn't the hard part, because any day,  I can throw this ring off and throw everything that reminds me of Lori away.. But the hardest part is learning to start over..

How do I start over? Fall in love again?

I'm not the most charismatic guy, so that won't be easy...

and I just can't seem to find someone worth falling for.

"Thanks Michonne, I--.. Yeah, back to the questions?" I said, trying to change the subject.

She let go of my hand and sat back in her seat again, staring back into my eyes.

"What one thing would you be most disappointed if you never got to experience it?" I asked

"Andre's success." She spat without hesitation.

"Yeah, that'd be terrible if you missed it." I agreed.

"He's my literal world and I don't know what'd I do without him."

And all of a sudden, I started to feel awkward around her. My stomach began to twist and turn and my hand began to shake.

"What's the scariest thing you've ever experienced?" I asked.

"well, get comfortable... this is a long story." She said.
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"Really?" She laughed uncontrollably.

She wiped the tears from her eyes and pulled her hair from her face..

She is so cute, when she's shy, when she's nervous even when she's crying her eyes out from laughing too hard.

"Yes! Those kids were just plain bullies." I chuckled.

The way she smiled widely and all her teeth showed. She sometimes tried to cover her mouth when she smiled, but then I would say something even funnier and she would lose it. Her soft, saccharine laugh. The way she licked the bottom of her front teeth with the tip of her tongue, still smiling.. The way she moved her hair from her face and wiped her eyes... Everything this woman did,  was uncontrollably cute.

She caught her breath and pulled out her phone, checking only the time on her lockscreen.

"God,  it's been almost 3 hours." She panted.

"yeah.." I smiled

"Well, It's really late and Andre had pre-school tomorrow so I had really better get going." She said, while  standing up and holding her arms out for a hug.

I stood up and pulled her very slim body into my big arms and hugged her tight.

I've really needed to get out the house and this was perfect.

I know her alot better now..

I know that she's been through alot.. and I know that she was born in Zimbabwe...and I know that her favorite color is blue, her favorite food is pizza, she loves Queen, and she likes to work out. I know alot more about her, I just have to lie down and process it all. She's told me so much.

As she squeezed tight to me, I whispered into her ear, "Thanks for coming out with me tonight."

She pulled away and smiled at me, "no.. thank you." she giggled.

We stood for a while, without words. She shyly smiled and I dug my hands deep into my pockets.

She pulled out her phone and opened an app with an all yellow page except for a small white ghostly figure mid-screen.

"Will you take a picture with me for snapchat?" She asked

Snapchat? I don't really know what that is. I'm not very advanced in technology..

The only 'Apps' I have on my phone are Facebook and candy crush.

I don't even know how to download apps.. Carl literally set my phone up for me.

"Uh, what's snapchat?" I asked

She glanced at me like I was crazy until I shrugged and then she realized I was serious..

"Wow you're not kidding..  uh, snapchat is where you take pictures and  you can send them to people or put them on your story-- so everyone will know what you're doing throughout the day." she explained.

Oh, so like Facebook basically? Oh okay.

"I can dig it." I chuckled

she scoffed and burst out into laughter. It took her a second to reconcile but once she did, she pulled the camera in front of us and smiled widely.

"Say cheese!" She exclaimed.

I smiled and she quickly snapped the picture...

and damn, I looked good and--  she looked gorgeous.

She typed away a caption that displayed across the picture and it read,  "Froyo Fun with my Fave Sheriff."

clever....

"We look good together." She said

I second that.... like, really good.

"Yeah, you're stunning." I agreed.
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What did you think>
sorry it took forever to update this book but the next chapter will be out sooner..... and it's lit, when I say lit, I mean it's SO LIT.

I'll be going on a Richonne and Danorman (Danai and Norman) rant on my page later on tonight so stay tuneddddd.