What Lies Ahead | Rick Grimes

Chapter 4: Confrontation and Confession

Monday had been and gone, Rick hadn't shown up at the bakery for breakfast like he said he would. Turns out him and Shane were running late so Shane was the one to come in and grab two coffees to go. Hayley was disappointed although she didn't let it show, instead she plastered a smile on her face and continued to work.

This morning Rick and Shane had come into the bakery however Shane came up to order their usual as Rick sat down at the table. He hadn't said anything to her just given her a nod as greeting. Hayley was wondering if she'd done something wrong. They had a great time on Sunday so she wasn't sure why he seemed to be avoiding her now. She wanted to go over there and confront him but the bakery was busy and Chloe had yet to arrive so she decided to leave it alone for now, maybe he was just stressed with work.

However no matter how hard she tried she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with Rick. She debating texting him but decided against it, she was unsure of what to say anyway.

"You okay sweetheart?" Mary asked as she headed into the kitchen.

"I'm fine. Why do you ask?" Hayley looked at the elder woman with confusion

"You seem distracted dear. It wouldn't have anything to do with that officer now would it?" Mary chuckled at the wide eyed look on Hayley's face "oh honey it's so obvious, I could see the sadness in your eyes this morning when he didn't say anything"

Hayley sighed and leaned against the counter top "I don't know Mary. He wouldn't even look at me this morning, we had such a good time the other day. Did I do something?"

"No dear, maybe he's just got a lot on his plate. You know what men are like, just give him some time" Mary smiled at the younger woman. She was no fool she could see the look on Hayley's face when she look at the man and the looks he gives her when he thinks nobodies watching.

"You're right I'm probably just overthink it all" They heard the bell go signalling someone entering the shop so Hayley left to let Mary get back to work.

Business was rather slow that day causing Hayley to find herself rather bored. She, Chloe and Mary were in the kitchen having a tea break when the bell for the door went. "I got it" Hayley said getting up and making her way to the front of the store. There was a tall brunette woman waiting at the counter "hello ma'am what can I get for you today?"

"Oh I'm actually looking for someone, Hayley I think it is" The woman spoke in a calm tone but there was something else in her voice that set Hayley on edge.

"That's me I'm Hayley Summers"

"Ah so your Hayley. I'm Lori Gri- Wilson" The woman stuck her hand out for her to shake. Upon seeing the confused look the girl was giving her Lori decided to elaborate "Carl's mother". Realisation hit Hayley as soon as the woman said that, looking at Lori now she could definitely see the resemblance between mother and son.

"Oh well it's nice to meet you. Carl is a great kid" to say Hayley was nervous about meeting Rick's ex-wife and Carl's mother was an understatement. She felt like she was being judged by the woman causing her to feel uncomfortable.

"Thank you, Carl can't stop talking about you and your son. So I thought I better meet the woman that's taking my kid for days out and pizza parties." There was a certain harshness to the woman's voice that caused Hayley's back to straighten.

"I'm sorry is that a problem? Carl was the one that invited me and my son, Rick insisted we go" Hayley explained.

"Yes I bet he did" Lori's eyes bore into Hayley.

"Um why don't we go sit down and talk about this. Clearly there is something you want to say to me and I'd rather not do it here" Hayley called into the kitchen for Chloe to work the counter and bring two teas out to the table her and Lori were sat at. Sitting down at the table Hayley got a good look at Lori, she was tall, thin and beautiful. She could see why Rick had married her, there was no way she could compete with that.