A/N: Thanks again to those who took time to read and review this story. I'm working on a one shot type of Samcedes fic after watching a music video on youtube. That is the very reason (and the other fic I have uploaded) why it took time for me to update this.
Chapter 17:
Dinner was spent catching up and Mercedes spilling everything about Sam. From the first time she met him at the restaurant up to this morning's events. It was obvious to her two friends by the way she talks about him that she is starting to fall for Sam. It was the little things Sam does that catches her attention the most and admires his bond with his siblings so much. Being an only child and an orphan, Mercedes longs for that family bond.
"You know what's funny? You might actually think I'm going crazy but I did hear music when he kissed me! I know I'm screwed, I just know it!" Mercedes bumped her head on the table in defeat.
"Don't beat yourself up for liking someone like him, Cedes! He is gorgeous, powerful, rich, every woman's ideal man!" Mercedes looked up at Kurt and glared at him.
"I do have a point Cedes so put those brows back down!" Mercedes relaxed and finally listened to Kurt.
"My point being, just enjoy the feeling girl and don't go expecting something! Rachel's eyes widened at Kurt's advice.
"Kurt! I can't believe you're telling out friend to continue this craziness and get her heart broken!"
"I am not! I'm just saying, if thinking about their future is hurting her why not eliminate that and concentrate on the present? Think about it Rachel, Mercy is happier than she's ever been and that's because of what's happening in her life right now. All this drama here is caused by thinking about something that might and might not happen in the future. It's fine to think about the future but what's wrong with being happy for now?"
Rachel thought about what Kurt just said. Mercedes on the other hand was frozen from shock by the light bulb moment she just had, then she burst out laughing!
"What's so funny?" Kurt and Rachel said in unison as they turned to look at Mercedes.
"Nothing, really! I was just thinking how ironic it is! You know, I've never been one to think about relationships in a long term setup and yet I am imagining a future with somebody I'm not even in a relationship with. I am definitely messed up!" Mercedes continued laughing.
Her friends joined her and decided to leave the drama and continue with catching up.
"Excuse me?" Sam almost spat out the wine he was drinking.
"Like I said, we should make our relationship official!" Quinn repeated nonchalantly.
"What relationship?" Sam questioned.
"Come on Sam! We agreed that we would respect our parents' wish for us to be together in the public eye but you and I both know it doesn't stop there. We are meant to be the power couple of the century with our family backgrounds, so I say let's make it official and let the world know!"
"Ran that by me again?" Sam still unable to process what Quinn was proposing.
"It is your fault you know! Daddy has been following you for some time now and he noticed you haven't been on the tabloids lately. That gave him this crazy idea that you are finally done "sowing your wild oats" and ready to take over your family's empire. I'm actually giving you a heads up 'coz as we speak my father is talking to your parents about our engagement." Quinn smirked as she thought about how her father would make it beneficial to both families having this union.
"What? Are we in some sort of parallel universe or something? When did arrange marriages come back in fashion? How can you agree to this Quinn? I thought you liked Artie?" Sam starting to get frustrated as he pictured Mercedes slipping away from him once this news goes public. It was times like these that Sam thank God that they are wealthy people being able to afford privacy in public places. He just can't fathom the idea of somebody stumbling upon their conversation and leaking it out to the press.
"I do like Artie, but my ambition is greater than being a music director's wife! I'm meant to be more than that, I'm supposed to be the wife of a powerful man. You have potential to take your family's empire beyond what it is today and so you are that man Sam!"
"But I don't love you!"
"What's love got to do with it? This is evolution Sam, survival of the fittest. Tell me you're not attracted to me!" Quinn dared Sam.
"I'm not attracted to you!" Sam looked at Quinn intently to let her know he meant it.
"Bullshit Sam! I'm sure you won't have trouble impregnating me once I seduce you!" Sam flinched at the idea.
"I… I'm in love with someone!" Sam blurted out.
"Stop kidding yourself Sam! You are incapable of loving someone. I've know you for years and as much as you're the perfect son you are the worst boyfriend. Actually I take that back 'coz you're also not capable of being a boyfriend, you just fuck them whenever and wherever you want to!" Sam froze unable to refute what Quinn just said.
"Our family has known each other for a long time, this is the perfect setup! We're already speculated as a couple in public, your parents already love me and we'll rule the world!" Quinn smiled at Sam before taking a sip of her wine.
Sam's stomach knotted at the thought of marrying Quinn.
"I am not going to go through with this charade! I know my parents and they would never let me marry for convenience!"
Quinn looked at Sam with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Come now Sam! You know me better than that, you know as well as I do that I always get what I want!"
"What exactly are you implying?" Sam questioned.
"Nothing... For now! But I have my ways, Sam! I just hate for things to get out of hand!" Quinn sipped her wine and continued eating her dinner.
Sam stood up and was about to leave when Quinn grabbed hold of his wrist.
"Where do you think you're going? You will not leave me here alone!" Quinn glared at Sam.
"I have nothing more to say to you!"
"If you do anything irrational Sam, I swear your... girlfriend ... will wish she never met you!" Sam eyes widened and stood frozen upon hearing Quinn's threat.
"If you do anything to Mercedes I swear I won't be responsible for my actions!"
"Big words coming from you Sam! And besides I don't have to do anything, I'm sure one of your girls will show up eventually and fuck everything for you!"
Sam clenched his fist and restrained himself lashing out. If he needed to get angry he needed to beat himself up and no one else for being in this situation. Quinn once again managed to silence Sam.
"Sit down and finish your dinner! We don't want people thinking just because we're reach we make it a habit to waste food when a lot of people are starving worldwide!" Sam sat down and thought about what Rachel said. He was determined to fight for Mercedes but with all the craziness happening right now how could he.
Chapter 18:
It's been three days since Mercedes last saw Sam. He never called or sent her a message, she neither called or sent him a text afraid of what she might find out. She pushed back all the thoughts of him at the back of her mind, but still he manages to crawl his way back to her head and consume every corner of her mind.
"Earth to Cedes?" Finn started waving his hands in front of Mercedes trying to get her out of her dazed look.
"Sorry! I was just thinking!" Mercedes smiled at Finn.
"What about? Maybe I can help? I do have..." Finn looked at his watch. "Seven minutes to spare!" Mercedes slapped Finn's arm and laughed.
"I'm ok, thanks anyway! So how's the band? Anyone signed you yet?" Finn smiled and rubbed his hand on his lips before rubbing the back of his neck.
"Actually yes!" Mercedes' jaw dropped and leaned over to hug Finn.
"Oh my God! Congratulations Finn, I'm so happy for you!"
"Well, it's still under negotiations but yeah, a new label has been scouting around for up and coming artists and we're fortunate that they spotted our band and wanted to sign us up!"
"That's amazing! I'm so proud of you Finn, you guys deserve this more than anyone! Just promise me one thing will you?"
"Anything!" Finn stared at Mercedes.
"When you're famous and all, don't forget little ole me!" Mercedes smiled.
"Never!" Finn smiled back.
Sam buried himself with work finding this was the best distraction at the moment. Sam is still visibly affected with the events a couple of days ago. The day after dinner with Quinn, Sam dropped by his parents house for breakfast. He knew he was always welcome in their home but still his family seemed happily surprised with his presence that day.
Tuesday Morning...
"Sam, honey! What are you doing here?" His mother stood from the table to hug her eldest son.
"I just wanted to have breakfast with the family, is that a crime?" Sam kissed his mom on the cheek.
"Of course not! But I can't help but feel there's more!"
"Sandra leave the poor boy alone, if he has news I'm sure he'll tell us in his own time!" His father winked at him.
"Actually I just really miss having breakfast with you guys!" Sam moved over to his siblings and locked them in his arms.
"Sammy stop it!" Stevie protested
"I love Sammy hugs!" Stacie clung to Sam.
"Thanks bug, I love Stacie hugs too!"
Sam sat next to his mother and started loading his plate with food. He started forking food in his mouth when he saw his mother looking at him intently.
"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?". Sam started wiping his face with his napkin.
"Oh honey I can't wait anymore! I'm so happy for you!" His mother hugged him again.
"What for?" Sam looking confused.
"Don't you dare lie to your mother! John Fabray came over last night and told us everything! I can't believe you kept it a secret from us, but I'm happy you still have your southern manners and asked Quinn's father for her hand!" Sam flinched and couldn't hide his discomfort, his father who was watching the exchange finally spoke up.
"Son! Are you alright?" Before Sam could answer Stacie interrupted by dropping her cutlery.
"Sammy?" Sam looked over to Stacie teary eyed.
"Princess what's wrong?" Their father turned to Stacie.
Stacie jumped out of her seat and ran out of the dining room.
"I'll see what's wrong with Stacie, you seat down and finish breakfast!" Mrs. Evans patted Sam's hand as he stood up to follow Stacie.
Sam looked over to Stevie glaring at him as he clutched the table cloth. Sam quickly looked backed at his plate and pushed his food around.
"Sam! Is there something you'd like to tell me?"
"Dad!" Sam began but was unable to say anything after that.
"Son you know you can tell us anything! Is there a problem?" Mr. Evans prodded.
"No, nothing's wrong dad! I can handle it!"
"Alright son I won't persist, but if it's getting to be a bit too much you know we're always here for you!" Mr. Evans smiled at his son.
"Stop playing with your food and eat up. You too Stevie, finish up and get ready for school."
Sam knew his family would understand. He wanted so much to tell them that the engagement was a lie, but struggled as he thought about what Quinn could do to Mercedes. His heart would break just thinking about Mercedes hurt. He knew he has to do something; he has to make sure Mercedes is as far away as possible from Quinn's grasp even if the only way to do it is to stay away from her. His gut clenched at the thought of never being able to talk to Mercedes or be near her, but if he has to do this, now's the best time after having that talk with Rachel. He can already feel himself dying a slow death, but he'd rather die a thousand deaths than to never would have met Mercedes. With that his mind was made up.
"Sam!" Rachel's voice brought Sam back from his daze.
"Yes?"
"Just wanted to confirm all the paperwork for tomorrow's meeting. I have printed out all the necessary documents; all you have to do is go through them and let me know if there's any more changes or if we're good to go!" Rachel handed Sam a folder.
"Thanks, I'll look at them right away!" Sam gave Rachel a half smile before opening the folder.
Normally Rachel would have left him by now but she knew something was wrong and stayed as she eyed him.
"Yes Rachel? Is there anything else?" Sam asked confused.
"Nothing, but I can't say the same for you!" Rachel folded her arms and raised a brow at Sam.
"There's nothing wrong!" Sam replied trying to appear as indifferent as possible.
"Samuel Evans! You cannot fool me! I've known you three years and I know when you are lying! You've been... distracted is the simplest way I can put it... since Tuesday. You don't talk, you bury yourself with work, you forget to eat and that lame ass half smile you just gave me proved there's something not right! I know I stepped out of line Monday night as your assistant but as a friend I was doing my job. So now I am your friend and I'm calling you out!" Sam smirked and remembered Monday night with Mercedes only for his face to fall when Quinn's smirk flashed in his mind as well.
Sam placed his face in his hands and ran them through his hair trying to calm himself. Rachel stood there waiting for a response and could see the anguish in his face. She contemplated if his aloofness has anything to do with her telling him that he should stay away from Mercedes. Rachel felt horrible at the thought that he might be telling the truth and that she brought the sadness in Sam.
"Rachel, if I tell you something do you promise never to tell anyone about it?" Sam looked at Rachel seriously which made her suddenly uncomfortable.
"Rachel! I need you to promise me!"
"I've never told anyone anything you told me in confidence why would I start now?" Rachel raised a brow and Sam smiled.
Sam started telling Rachel everything that happened. Rachel would gasp and get angry at the right places, even clamping her hands on her mouth when Quinn threatened Mercedes. Sam had to tell someone, he couldn't keep it all to himself knowing he would explode one day from all the built up anger. Sam has trusted Rachel with everything, he knew that she would never break that trust and has proven herself in several occasions over the years.
"That bitch!" Sam was shocked by Rachel's sudden outburst.
"Sorry! But she's a pill, how could she do that to you and have a nerve to threaten my friend. That bitch will think twice before threatening my friends!" Sam smiled at the thought of Rachel bitch slapping Quinn but then he looked down and stared at his hands.
"You were right! I might not intend to hurt Mercedes but she will still end up hurt!"
"I'm sorry Sam! I don't want to be right but your world is too much for normal people to handle. Mercy is not thinking this through; I really think she doesn't grasp the magnitude of your influence in the world yet!"
"But that's just it! She doesn't treat me differently; she's so easy to let in to my life!" Sam frowned realizing he misses Mercedes more than anything.
Rachel placed her hand on Sam and squeezed it.
"It's just fucking unbelievable when I finally found her that everything goes down the dump! You know how many times I wished I wasn't me? A lot and most of that was after I met her. You can only imagine the turmoil in my head everyday and thinking about Mercedes calms even my worst panic attacks!" Rachel was taken back from Sam's confession.
"You love Mercedes?"
"I know you might think it's too soon or naive of me to say it, but Yes I think I love her!" Sam replied.
"You think you love her?"
"I KNOW I love her! The moment I saw her I knew there was something there and it annoyed me to hell. She never left my mind soon after that and now I'm in a situation that forces me to cut my heart out!" Sam slumped in his seat as he said those words.
Rachel knew Sam meant every word, but she doesn't know how to help him out of his predicament.
"If it's any consolation, I will do my best to protect Cedes from Quinn!" Rachel consoled Sam.
"I don't know how you can do that Rachel, but hearing that someone's looking after her makes me less worried! You don't know how much I wanted to whisk her away from here and hide her somewhere Quinn won't find us!"Rachel restrained a snicker and Sam glared at Rachel.
"What's so funny? I'm trying to put myself out there and you're snickering?" Sam felt hurt.
"I'm sorry Sam! I just didn't think I'll see you like this. A part of me thanks God you were able to find "The One" but then another part of me thinks it's karma! You Samuel Evans the rich, powerful, playboy whipped by my girl Mercy! Lord that's too much for me to not find amusing!" Rachel finally let out a loud laugh.
"Shut it Rachel! I can't believe you think I'm whipped!" Sam pouted.
"Well, I'm just saying if you are I might change my mind about you two hooking up. But if you say you're not then..."
"Rachel Berry do not play with me, I am in distress as it is!" Sam interrupted Rachel.
"Fine! I won't say anything else!" Rachel left Sam's office with a smirk on her face.
Sam watched Rachel leave wondering if he actually managed to turn Rachel round to his side when it comes to Mercedes. He misses Mercedes so much and decided against his initial plan of action. He reached for his phone and started typing a message.
Chapter 19:
I miss you!
Mercedes stared at her phone with shock after she read the message from Sam.
"Cedes! Your order's out, what's wrong with you girl move it!" Santana called Mercedes' attention as she went out the kitchen.
Mercedes turned her phone off and shoved it in her pocket before picking up her order. She pushed the text message at the back of her mind and busied herself with her work. Soon the restaurant was closed and the staff was now busy cleaning. Mercedes was mopping the same spot for a few minutes now and this did not go unnotice with Santana.
"If you don't move it girl you'll mop the pattern off the floor!"
"Uh... What?" Mercedes snapped out of her daze and looked at Santana.
"Cedes what's wrong? You've been distracted all night!" Santana asked as she gestured for Mercedes to sit down.
"Nothing! I'm fine, I was just thinking!" Mercedes lied.
"Girl, thinking about something and worrying about a problem looks totally different and I can tell it wasn't the first one!" Santana raised a brow at Mercedes.
"Are you for real girl? How could you read me so well when we've only known each other for such a short period of time!"
"That's one of my many talents besides being a bitch!" Santana laughed.
"Come one Cedes, spill!"
Mercedes doesn't want a repeat of Monday night, but she knew she needed another point of view and who better than their resident cynic.
"I... I think I'm falling for someone I've recently met!" Mercedes blurted.
"Is it the giant? Please tell me it's not the yeti!" Santana pleaded.
"Tana! His name is Finn and no it's not him!" Santana felt relieved and gestured for Mercedes to go on.
"Its just I feel really comfortable with him. Like I've known him all my life and that we're suppose to be together!" Mercedes let out a breath she didn't know she was holding before continuing. "I kissed him last Monday! It felt magical, like I was suppose to kiss him everyday for the rest of my life! Then I got scared and ran away! I haven't spoken to him since then. He didn't call or try to contact me or anything, I thought that was it, but then he sent me a message today and told me he misses me!" Mercedes lowered her head. "That's when you saw me frozen in the kitchen! I turned off my phone and have been dreading to turn it on again afraid of what I would do!"
"Huh? So let me get this straight! You think you're in love with someone who clearly seems like your soul mate and you're afraid because... " Santana waited for Mercedes to fill in the blanks but she didn't so she continued. "You're afraid because you two might actually have a relationship and live happily ever after?" Santana posted it as a question.
"It isn't that easy Tana! It's more complicated than that!" Mercedes defended.
"Girl I don't see how it can be that complicated. You owe it to yourself to see where this is going! You know the saying it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? Well that applies to you now! And besides, the only way this will end up badly is if the guy you're in love with happens to be somebody like Sam Evans! Now that's a fucking suicide falling in love with that guy!" Santana chuckled and Mercedes felt her throat go dry.
"Many a women have cried over that bastard and he never felt remorse for any of them! I'd laugh at his face when the day comes and the roles were reversed on him!" Santana noticed the distress look on Mercedes' face.
"Oh shit! It is Sam isn't it?" Mercedes couldn't answer.
"Have you slept with him?" Santana asked as she took hold of Mercedes' hands.
"What? No I didn't sleep with him and I would never sleep with someone I'm not in a committed relationship with!" Santana once again felt relieved.
"Good! At least you still got your head screwed on tight!"
"Tana! You're not helping!"
"Well, all I'm saying is that never sleep with him. He's good and all with the wooing but once he gets what he wants then it's buh bye Mercy, have a nice life! I've seen it so many times girl and sometimes the girl would be so broken they would need professional help!" Mercedes stared at Santana in shock.
"I honestly didn't think you are his type, but then again what do I know I only know the girls he slept with that worked here in the restaurant and you're the first one of your type!" Mercedes glared at Santana.
"What do you mean my type? Because I'm black or I'm not model thin?" Mercedes folded her arms across her chest and waited for Santana to answer.
"Hey don't get mad at me I am just telling you what I observed. Sam is not a racist but before you the women he would often be seen with were thin, dumb and clearly obsessed with him. You on the other hand is extremely fabulous, sassy and uber talented!" Mercedes finally smiled at Santana.
"I'm sorry girl, I can't help myself sometimes. I'm extremely frank, sometimes it helps but then at a cost! I wish I could tell you that everything will work out for the best but you know me I don't sugar-coat anything!" Santana hugged Mercedes as a consolation.
"I know girl, that's why you're such a great friend to me! You never condone my shit and call me out on it! But still what am I suppose to do? Should I talk to him or make a clean cut?" Mercedes placed her head on Santana's shoulder.
"Are you crazy? Talk to him Cedes! No amount of drama is worth losing a good paying job!" Mercedes laughed at Santana's reaction.
"And here I am ready to submit my resignation!" Mercedes kidded.
"Hey! All I said is never sleep with him, I didn't say run away and become a nun!" Santana teased.
"Alright! Well, we better finish up with cleaning so we can go home!" Mercedes stood up and went back to mopping.
Santana left her alone in the dining area to go back in the kitchen. Mercedes took out her phone and turned it on. As soon as the home screen lit up, Mercedes saw several voicemail from Sam. She started typing a message to Sam.
We need to talk about what happened Monday night. Can you meet me here at the restaurant in 15 minutes?
Mercedes pressed send and hoped that Sam was already asleep but with her luck her phone buzzed.
I'm on my way now!
Mercedes quickly finished her task and prepared to leave.
"Are you ready Cedes?" Santana called.
"You go ahead Tana, I'm meeting Sam!" Santana rolled her eyes at her friend.
"Ok, but remember what I told you!"
"Yes I know! And I told you I don't sleep around; I never have and never will." Mercedes hugged Santana before they went out of the restaurant.
Sam was already outside leaning against his town car as he waited for Mercedes. He saw Mercedes and Santana walk out of the restaurant and was surprised when Santana gave him the evil eye.
"You take care girl! I'll see you tomorrow after your gig! Sam!" Santana finally acknowledged his presence.
Sam nodded and Santana turned to Mercedes and gave her a knowing look which Mercedes acknowledged with a nod. Santana finally grabbed a cab and left the two alone.
"Hi!" Mercedes finally spoke.
"Hi!" Sam replied with his hands in his pocket.
The silence was killing Sam and Mercedes didn't want to make it more awkward, so she finally smiled at him.
"I know a good coffee place just a few blocks from here, we can walk there!" She finally broke the silence.
"Ok!"
Sam spoke to the driver to let him know that they're walking and that he'll call when they're ready to leave. Mercedes started walking and Sam caught up to walk beside her. They walked in silence with a few glances at each other. Sam was itching to grab hold of her hand but couldn't make himself do it, afraid that she would reject him. His internal battle was soon shot down when he felt her hand laced with his.