Spiced Molasses

Chapter 8

Daryl pulled out his phone again as he entered the grocery store. He ignored the nervous glance one of the staff shot in his direction and scrolled through the list again. He wanted to double check that Beth hadn't actually lost her mind but nope. The food he understood but the toiletries? Like he was some kind of personal shopper. He gritted his teeth and focused on the groceries first. It was unfortunately over too soon and he was stuck in an aisle he had managed to more or less avoid most of his life. It was too pink and it smelt like artificial flowers. It made his nose tingle.

Beth wanted a toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner. Daryl knew she'd been using his things and he was half tempted to let that arrangement stand but when he thought back to the night he realised she smelt like him, his stomach tightened uncomfortably. He didn't understand the sensation and he obstinately refused to focus on it.

Daryl stared at the wall of products and wished it was as small as the male section. He had no idea what the hell she'd want. He'd decided to just reach out and grab the first bottle his fingers made contact with.

"Getting in touch with your feminine side?" a cheerful voice asked.

Daryl winced, recognising the voice. He looked over his shoulder and saw Martinez' wife, Karen regarding him with a raised eyebrow and a warm smile.

Daryl scratched his forehead and quickly tried to think up an excuse that would keep Beth his secret for a little while longer.

Karen's eyes shifted to the bottle of shampoo he'd very nearly picked up. "You don't strike me as a 'frangipani' man."

Daryl's breath snaked out with a hiss. "It ain't for me," he confessed.

Karen's grin widened as his obvious discomfort. Daryl wished it had been anyone but Karen. Anyone else he could tell to go fuck themselves. But he liked Karen. She'd been nice to him since they'd met and considering Daryl's edgy, touchy behaviour that was an impressive feat. Most people had kept him at arm's length but Karen hadn't been fazed by any of his bristling or snappy comments. She had embraced him like he was family. It made his job harder; he hadn't anticipated liking any of the gang members or their spouses. Hell, he hadn't liked anyone before.

"So who's the girl?" Karen pressed, crossing her arms. "You and Merle got a long lost cousin in town?"

Daryl made a face, knowing that Karen did not actually think he had a long lost anything in town. She was teasing him, one of the few people he let get away with it because it was affectionate and not mean. Daryl had plenty of experience picking the difference.

"It's for my-" Daryl steeled himself, "-my girlfriend."

Karen looked a little taken back. Maybe she'd guessed some of it but Daryl admitting to have a girlfriend was unexpected.

"You have a girlfriend?"

"It's new," Daryl said with a shrug, trying to downplay it. Karen bit her lip to smother another grin and nodded, humouring him obviously.

He groaned. "Just ask your questions."

Karen reached out and squeezed his upper arm. "I know you like your privacy. Just tell me her name."

"Beth." Saying her name felt strange. He'd managed to compartmentalise her away from the rest of his life but he knew this would be the start of the end.

"What's she like?" Karen asked.

"You only wanted to know her name a minute ago," he grumbled, throwing an icy glare in her direction, which Karen was immune to.