A/N: Thank you all for making this a pleasure to write! I am having so much fun! Thanks to my beta Jill, you are so awesome I can't thank you enough!
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or Any Time, Any Place by Janet Jackson; Fooled Around and Fell in Love by Elvin Bishop...Enjoy!
Chapter Ten
Alys rolled her eyes and sighed. "Uncle Sam, who in the hell is Mercedes Jones and what bar did you find this one in?" she asked bluntly.
"Alys…" Sam warned.
"…I know language." Alys said, her voice dripping in sarcasm.
"So, my Spidey senses tell me that you've seen my tweet." Sam chuckled nervously, running his fingers through his hair. He sat down on the empty space that had recently been vacated by Mercedes.
"Well, it's kind of hard not to when your idiot schoolmates are running around screaming that Sam Evans want his fans to get 'Mercedes Jones smells good' trending." She huffed. "What bar did you find this one in?" she repeated, wondering if her Uncle will ever learn from his mistakes.
"Oh no, no it was nothing like that," he assured her. "I met her at a party…"
"Party, bar…what's the diff? They have all ended up being skanks or psychotic; in some cases they were both."
"Alys!"
"Don't Alys me!" she retorted. "Uncle Sammy, your taste in women is questionable." She continued, ignoring him. "How could you NOT know Lola, the emo chick wasn't certifiable?"
The hurt tone in her voice shocked Sam. "Sorry about that, Shortness. I should have been more careful." he apologized.
She agreed. "Yes you should have. Aren't you going to answer my question?" she asked, referring to Mercedes.
"She was singing with the band," he began. "I tell you Alys, Mercedes Jones have a voice that was sent from heaven, and I was immediately drawn to it."
"M'kay, you'd decided to go the singer's route," she deadpanned. "That's different, is she a Taylor Swift knockoff? God that girl is so beige and so is her music."
"Taylor Swift no, Aretha Franklin yes."
Alys' hearing perked up at the mention of Aretha Franklin, but she wasn't going to get too excited about the information. Who doesn't like the Queen of Soul? "Meaning what? She owns every album that Aretha ever recorded?" She was getting the feeling that her Uncle was trying to butter her up.
"No, what I mean is, she is one hell of a singer. But that's not all, she's a comic book fanatic and a Whovian." he said, not realizing Alys thought he was trying to sell her a load of bullshit.
"Uh-huh." Wait for it… wait for it…
"I…uh…Shortness would you be disappointed if I had invited someone to join us at Comic Con?" he asked nervously. "I know that's our thing but…"
Boom, there it is! "Is this Mercedes person, your new girlfriend?" Alys asked, getting straight to the point. She couldn't believe that their annual trip to Comic Con was already ruined because her Uncle couldn't keep it in his pants.
"No, I just thought it will be cool to have her tag along because of her comic book obsession."
"Do you want to date her?"
"Alys…"
"What? I'm curious, if I'm going to be force to spend time with this woman, I have a right to know… Do. You. Want. To. Date. Her?"
"Uh…" There was no way in hell Sam was going to tell his niece that he's only interested in getting Mercedes out her panties; that would make him look like a douche. "Uh…yeah," he lied. "But she keeps turning me down, so I thought…"
"So you thought by inviting her to Comic Con, she might change her mind and go out with you," Alys concluded. Sam imagined that she was giving her cell phone some serious side-eye.
"I'm pleading the fifth," he said, guiltily.
"So when do I get to meet this Aretha-wanna-be?" Alys asked sighing heavily, combing her fingers through her hair.
"When do you want to meet her?"
"Sometime before Comic Con will be nice." She cracked.
"Next weekend?" he suggested. "Let me check my shooting schedule then I'll be able to let you know for sure." Sam got up and walked to his office and studied his shooting schedule for the next weekend. He had a minor scene to shoot that Thursday morning, but after that he was free for the weekend. "I think it'll be okay if you miss a day of school. I'll notify Brown Private in the morning that you will be leaving after classes next Thursday afternoon."
"Will she be with you?"
"She has a name, Alys."
"Will Mercedes Jones be with you?" she rolled her eyes in contempt.
"I can ask her, but don't be surprised if she says no."
"Yeah…okay." She huffed; if Mercedes was anything like the previous women in her Uncle Sam's life, she was prepared to give her hell, making her think twice about going on a date with her uncle.
Sam quickly glanced at the time on his cell phone; it was way passed Alys' bedtime. "Shortness, it's time we end this conversation," he suggested. "We both have an early day tomorrow."
"G'night Uncle Sam," she said with a weary smile on her face.
"G'night Alys," Sam smiled.
"Uncle Sam?"
"Yes?"
"You're not mad at me are you about interfering in your love life?" she asked cautiously.
Sam chuckled. "Not at all, Shortness."
"I worry about you, you know." She admitted. "I don't want you to get hurt because I care about you."
Sam didn't know what to say, so he said nothing at all…
"Uncle Sam, are you still there?"
"I'm still here."
"It just that…I love you, Uncle Sammy."
A smile spread on Sam's lips. "I love you too, Shortness."
XXXX
"So what does that mean?" Kurt asked, spying the smile on his bestie's face, catching her by surprise. "Are you and Sam…?"
"No." Mercedes replied rather quickly, "he's just letting me drive his car." She shrugged nonchalantly. "It's nothing."
"And I suppose those flowers you're holding in your hand and your name trending on twitter today were nothing either, huh?"
She shrugged her shoulders again. "I don't know why Sam would do something like that, and about these flowers…" she felt her cheeks growing warm as she fondled the bouquet of flowers.
Kurt cocked an eyebrow as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Mercedes, don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining! Do I look like Minnie Foo Foo to you? Do I have stupid written on my forehead?" he asked. "Hell, Sam is doing a whole lot of nothing for you. No man, no matter how fucked up their car is, is going to hand over the keys without having some sort of feelings for the other person."
"It's not like that between me and Sam," she insisted, Mercedes knew if she didn't get away from Kurt she was going to let it slip about Blaine. "It just that…" Shut up Mercedes!
"What?" Kurt pressed, staring his best friend in the eyes. "Mercedes what is it that you're not telling me?"
Mercedes diverted her eyes and took a deep breath. "I have to get to bed, I have an early day tomorrow," she said, changing the subject. "Kurt, please don't worry about me," she cupped his cheek and smiled faintly. "I can take care of myself." And protect Blaine's job!
"Mercedes, I know you can take care of yourself," he said. "And whether you like it or not, I will always worry about you. You're stuck with me, babe." Kurt decided not to push the issue; he was sure that she will open up to him a lot sooner if he stopped nagging her.
XXXX
Mercedes nearly chucked her alarm clock out of the window; 5:15 in the morning came way too early for her. She dragged herself to the kitchen and almost cried in gratitude when the aroma of brewing coffee embraced her. She needed caffeine and lots of it.
An hour later, Mercedes was hugging a hot mug of coffee as she sat in Sam's baby watching the brilliant colors of pink, marigold, lavender and orange blend together to create a magnificent sunrise as she began the trip to Sam's mansion. Mercedes took another sip of the black elixir and smiled at the beautiful sight. Thankfully, at this time in the morning there were fewer cars on the road and the air smelled great. She turned on the radio and played with it until she found a decent station that was doing a two hour tribute to Janet Jackson.
"I don't wanna stop just because…"
"People walkin' by are watchin' us
I don't give a damn what they think
I want you now…"
Mercedes sang along with Janet, swaying her head to the slow jam. Her butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she reminisced about the events of the night before. She had a nice time hanging out with Sam eating pizza and watching Doctor Who; he was a different person altogether. Underneath all that arrogance, was a guy she could see herself hanging out with in another lifetime.
"Dancing on the floor, feelin' the slow groove
My mind is starting to burn with forbidden thoughts
Strangers all around with the lights down low
I was thinking maybe we could, well you know…"
Her reverie was broken by the buzzing of her cell phone. She rolled her eyes. Fuck! Mercedes sighed heavily and answered the call. She stiffly greeted Sam, "You know I'm breaking the law, right?" She was referring to talking on the cell phone while driving.
"You're a bad chick, Mercedes?" he asked cheerfully. "Breaking the law just for me?" he growled huskily. "I love badasses. My chick bad, my chick hood, my chick do stuff dat ya chick wish she could…" he sang with a laugh.
"What was that?" she couldn't help smiling at his miserable failed attempt at rapping.
"Just teasing with you darlin', you're not hood."
"Why are you calling me?" she asked, "Oh wait, are you calling about your car?"
"No, I know my baby is in good hands," he replied, "I called because I wanted to hear your voice and to say good morning sunshine." He waited expectantly for her response.
"Good morning, you corroded asshole," she said with a tight smile.
"Any time, and any place
I don't care who's around,
n-no, no, no, no
Yeah, any time, baby, and any place
I don't care who's around…"
"Gotta hear you say my name first thing, all sexy like." He growled lustfully with a hint of humor. "Now I'm ready to start the day."
"You are crazy, you know that?"
"So I've been told." he admitted.
Silence…
"Uh…Mercedes?"
"Yes, Sam?"
"I really had a great time last night, thanks."
"Hey, pizza and Doctor Who, you really can't go wrong with me." Mercedes couldn't believe the words that were coming out of her mouth. Damn it, Mercedes stop talking!
"I'll keep that in mind," he said, making a mental note.
"Can we continue this when I get there?" Their conversation was getting a little too personal for her.
"Sure darlin', I can't wait to see your gorgeous face."
Mercedes rolled her eyes. "Later, Sam."
"Any time, baby
Any place…"
XXXX
Sam leaned against the opened garage as Mercedes slowly drove up the long driveway. He jumped up and down and waved enthusiastically as if he was a child at a parade, as she drove his baby passed him and into the garage. He quickly appeared at the car and opened the door for her.
"Wow, you look great darlin'," he complimented, offering her his hand. "Did you have me in mind when you picked out that outfit?" Mercedes had on a dark green floral sundress and sling back sandals with one inch heels. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail
"Not really." she replied bluntly, accepting his hand. Chills immediately raced up and down her spine.
"Break my heart, why don't you?" he pouted, grabbing his chest. Sam wiggled his eyebrows teasingly at her, smiling as if he knew her biggest secret. He shut the car door for her and looped her arm in his despite her protest. "You might as well accept it, Miss Mercedes Jones, there is something going on between us."
"Besides blackmail?" she quipped.
"You are refreshing, Mercedes." he escorted her into his home. "I have breakfast laid out for us by the pool," he informed her. "I hope you're hungry."
"What are we having, leftover pizza?"
"Nah, I polished that off last night," he informed her. "I had to do extra laps around the pool to burn off the excess calories." Sam gave Mercedes an impromptu tour of the first floor as he guided her to the huge glass sliding door that lead to the patio and pool area. I know that was a bit rush and I must apologize for that," he said, opening the door. "Next time we'll have the time to take a real tour, ladies first." He moved aside and gesture for her to go first, Mercedes stepped onto the patio. She audibly gasped when she saw how beautiful the patio table was decorated.
"Aha! You like it," Sam bragged, fist pumping the air. He escorted Mercedes to the table and held out her chair. "These are for you." He handed her a small bouquet of violets.
"Uh…thank you. Sam. I told you that it's a waste of money…you should be doing all of this for a woman who would really appreciate the gesture," she said, caressing the violets, nervously. "Not me." The table was decorated simple yet elegant. "Your maid did an excellent job."
"First of all, I did this for you, darlin'. Like I told you before, it's my money and I'm going to spend it how I damn well please," he reminded her. "I don't care what your mouth is saying, your body is telling me something entirely different." He smirked. "Second, anyone can follow the simple instructions out of Martha Stewart's Living, even if it takes said person a little longer because of his dyslexia. And third, there is an all night supermarket near my home so…" he shrugged. "Do you want juice? I have orange, grape and papaya."
"Papaya," Mercedes responded. "Sam…"
"No need to apologize, darlin'," he said, cutting her off. He poured her glass of papaya juice and set it in front of her. "A lot of people are surprised that I can do things myself. Do you want scrambled eggs?"
"Um…sure."
"All right! Now I can show off my limited cooking skills." He picked up their plates. "I'll be back in a sec with the eggs. Please help yourself to the fruits and enjoy the amazing view."
Sam had just added the chopped ingredients to the eggs when he heard Puck's ringtone. He turned the heat down under the skillet and answered the call on the fourth ring. "Why are you up so early bro?" he asked, reaching for the spatula. "You have company that you're trying to get rid of?"
"Nah, decided to hit the gym early before heading to the office," Puck answered.
"What's her name?" Sam asked, as long as he had known Puck, he knew when he had an ulterior motive.
"Her name is Kitten, and she's the new fitness instructor," Puck laughed. "I figure I'll give her a thrill by showing up for her class for several days before asking her out." he confessed. "There are a slew of fresh pussies at the gym in case you want to keep in practice while you work on Mercedes."
"Maybe I should pop in," Sam laughed. "Rosie palm and her four sisters are not doing it for me at all."
"Dude, I feel for you, having Mercedes parade that luscious body of hers in front of you every day and you can't touch it." Puck moaned, biting his bottom lip at the thought. "Man I don't know how you do it without jizzing in your pants. I mean that round ass bouncing from side to side as she walks. Sheeiiit, man and those tits…they are naturally grown, not like the fake shit that half these plastic pussies in this fucking town are sporting…"
"Hey Dude, I thought you love those fake titties as much as I do," Sam joked, filling the two plates with eggs. "They have been very good to me."
"I'm not knocking fake tits, per se. But bro, Mercedes has the real deal given to her by God Almighty Himself," he sighed. "I'm fucking jealous man."
"What can I say? I deserve to have great things happen to me," he bragged. "And speaking of great things, I have to hang up because Mercedes is waiting for me on the patio."
"Hold the fuck up, I thought her legs were super glued shut where you're concerned. What changed?"
Sam laughed. "Calm down Puck, Mercedes and I aren't fucking yet, but I think that is about to change."
"Why?"
"I'm letting her drive my ninety-five thousand dollar car," he smirked.
"You're letting her drive your baby?" Puck gasped, "I don't know man, you wouldn't let Quinn breathe on it until you two were dating for a year."
"I told you I had to up my game if I want to get between those luscious, juicy sweet thighs of hers."
"But isn't that going a little too far for some pussy?"
"Bro, it's definitely worth it."
XXXX
"Here you go darlin', scrambled eggs ala Evans' style," Sam proudly announced, placing her plate in front of her. He sat across from Mercedes and waited for her to take her first bite.
Mercedes, knowing Sam wanted her opinion on the eggs, scooped some in her mouth and chewed slowly; she was pleasantly surprised.
"Are you going to live or do I need to call 911?" he joked.
"This is actually good," she said, nodding her head in approval. "I never had scrambled eggs mixed with sausage, bacon, and ham…very nice."
Sam beamed at her compliment. "So I don't need to call 911."
"No, you definitely don't need to call 911."
"Thank you," he began to eat. "When my family was homeless, we lived in a cramped, ratty one bedroom hotel room. I used to make this for us when there was next to nothing left for us to have a full meal." He smiled faintly at the memory. "You'll be amazed how creative you get when you have to feed five people on a very limited income." He looked at Mercedes and frowned slightly; she wasn't eating. "You haven't lost your appetite have you?"
"Oh no," she said, "I-I was thinking how far you had come in life." She ate another forkful of eggs. "If you could do it all over again, would you change anything?"
"Yeah, I wish I had made enough money earlier in my career to save my sister's life," he confessed. "By the time I had the money to send her to the best doctors, it was too late. The cancer had spread to most of her body." Sam paused for a moment to let the sadness subside.
"How long has it been?" Mercedes asked, softly. "My Daddy has been deceased for three years."
"It is coming up on two years," he replied,
In a moment of camaraderie, Mercedes reached across the table and held Sam's hand.
XXXX
Just like the day before, breakfast between Sam and Mercedes went smoothly. Sam felt comfortable enough with Mercedes to tell her about Stacey, something he wasn't able to do with his previous girlfriends. In return, Mercedes shared several of her favorite childhood memories about her and her father.
"You actually know how to fish?" Sam asked, impressed.
"Yeah, unfortunately," Mercedes laughed softly. "My Daddy insisted on it."
"My dad would love you," Sam said. "I'm going to have to take you to Tennessee to spend some time with my family, do you ride horses?"
"No, I'm frightened of those giant beasts."
"I can give you riding lessons," he offered.
XXXX
The ride to the studio went relatively smooth, although Sam didn't do or say anything to piss Mercedes off, she was very aware that behind his charm, Sam was still a corroded asshole who was holding Blaine's job over her head. As Mercedes pulled into Sam's parking space, an intern ran up to the car and informed Sam that the Studio had set up an unscheduled behind-the- scenes interview with the cast of the new Grayson Stone movie: Live to Die Another Day for Show Business Daily. The studio heads were so impressed with the dailies; they wanted to start a buzz campaign about the movie before it was completed.
"They are waiting for you in makeup."
"Damn," Sam groaned; he hated giving interviews. "Thank you, darlin'." He gave the intern a boyish grin that melted her heart. He turned to Mercedes and sighed heavily.
"What's the matter with you?" Mercedes asked.
"I hate those things," Sam confessed, getting out the car. He hurried to the driver's side and opened the door for her. "Those entertainment reporters are the fucking worst, they like to believe that they are serious journalists...fuckers," he scoffed.
The interview was scheduled to take place near the new set that was being built for the movie. Sam, along with a giddy Blaine and a nervous Deedra Hollister sat together under the bright lights waiting for Passion Newman to begin the interview.
"Is Passion Newman her real name?" Blaine whispered to Sam, glancing at the gorgeous raven-haired woman from the corner of his eye. "She's cute."
"As far as I know," Sam replied, staring at her ass. "And I agree; her body is banging."
Deedra rolled her eyes at her two male co-stars. "I bet her name is just as fake as her boobs." She scoffed, feeling slightly envious.
Sam and Blaine side-eyed the hell out of their co-star…
"Meow," Blaine hissed.
"Someone ate their bowlful of instant bitch this morning," Sam smirked.
"Whatever," Deedra replied.
"Ready whenever you are Miss Newman," her cameraman announced.
Passion nodded as she sat in the director's chair provided for her and introduced herself to the cast as her stylist refreshed her makeup and hair.
"Please don't be nervous," she said, "I'm harmless as a kitten." She smiled brightly, "Just relax and have fun."
"You too, darlin'," he said, pouring on the charm. "Oh and by the way, I love kitty-cats."
Passion tried not to smile, but wasn't successful. If everything she had heard about Sam Evans were true, then she was in trouble. She turned towards the camera, took a deep breath and plastered a gorgeous smile on her face. "Hello, my name is Passion Newman for Show Business Daily, on the set on the new Grayson Stone's movie: Live to Die Another Day…"
Mercedes, who was sitting on the sideline per Sam's request, wasn't really interested in watching the interview; instead she turned her attentions to the construction going on around her. Due to the interview that was going on, there wasn't much work being done. In fact several of the workers were hanging around doing nothing.
That was when Mercedes saw him…
Lenny Kravitz's doppelganger was staring at her in such a way; Mercedes had to make sure that she was dressed. She quickly turned away, remembering he had a pregnant girlfriend or maybe the woman was his wife. She heard Blaine laugh and looked in their direction. Deedra seemed annoyed that most of the questions were being directed towards her male co-stars. She was sure Passion was going to get an earful from Deedra's manager.
"Um…excuse me ma'am are you in need of a super hero?" A deep voice asked, penetrating her thoughts.
Mercedes bit her bottom lip and looked up into his dark brown eyes…
Sam was in the middle of answering a question when he happened to glanced briefly at Mercedes and saw her talking to the dreadlock dude from the day before. "Who in the hell is she is talking to?" he blurted out before he realized it.
Passion looked confused. "I'm sorry?" she replied. "Who?"
Sam remembering that he was in the middle of an interview, quickly apologized. "I'm sorry…what the question was again?" Calm your tits, Sam. Why the fuck should you care who Mercedes is talking to? It's not like you care about her that way… he squirmed in his seat, getting moodier and moodier… "
Blaine, feeling second hand embarrassment for his friend blurted out some nonsense too, explaining to the reporter it was a game they play between takes to see who can say the most stupid things; the winner has to buy lunch. Passion eyed Deedra for confirmation. The red-headed actress took one look in Mercedes' direction and knew why Sam's dick was tied up in knots. Tall, dark, and sexy was making a play for his 'woman.'
"You know how silly men are." She laughed.
"I'm sorry, I don't need a hero." Mercedes answered. "But if I did…" she trailed off.
The handsome stranger smile dropped wondering what the hell had happened, everything was going fine until…Oh shit! He chuckled softly. No wonder! "I don't have a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, engaged or friend with benefits," he informed her. "And the pregnant woman who picked me up yesterday is my sister-in-law, she's having a boy."
A beautiful smile spread on his face as Mercedes' full lips formed a perfect O.
"Yeah," he laughed. "Now where did we leave off?"
Sam, get your shit together! Of course dreadlock dude finds Mercedes attractive; she's gorgeous and…if you don't get a grip people will think that you're fucking jealous man…you want to go over there and choke the fuck out of him with his own dreads…you want to fuck her man, that's it, just fuck her.
Mercedes giggled, the sort of giggle women makes when they are flirting…
That was it. Sam was done. Finished! The interview was fucking over as far as he was concerned.
"Names?" Mercedes giggled, twirling the end of her ponytail around her in fingers in a flirty manner . "I can't go around calling you super hero can I?"
"And…I have to know the identity of Lois Lane…" he reasoned.
"I'm sorry I-I have a splitting headache," Sam lied, ripping the mic off his shirt. He hopped out of his chair and broke the speed record getting to Mercedes' side, wedging himself between her and dreadlock dude.
"Sam!" Mercedes gasped, surprised to see him standing in front of her. "The interview is over?"
"As far as I'm concerned." He placed a hand on her elbow. "Let's go darlin', I need to go over my lines."
"Oh, okay…" She sounded disappointed. Since Sam refused to budge from his spot, she looked around him and smiled apologetically at her beautiful stranger. "Sorry." Will she ever learn his damn name?
Sam turned around, pretending to be surprised to see dreadlock dude standing behind him. "I'm sorry; I didn't see you standing there." He gave him a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Hey, no problem," dreadlock dude replied, taking several steps back. He knew exactly what was up. He looked around Sam. "I have to get back to work," he sighed, talking to Mercedes but not moving.
"Hey dude, don't let us hold you up," Sam spoke up. "Gotta earn a paycheck, right?"
Dreadlock dude gave Mercedes a salute, did an about face and walked off.
"Come on, darlin',"
"Why did you have to be so fucking rude?" she whispered, harshly.
"Mercedes, smile." Sam noticed Passion's neck was craned in their direction.
"Smile?"
"Yeah, that reporter Passion or whatever the hell her name is happens to be looking this way."
Mercedes plastered a smile on her face. "You did that on purpose didn't you?" she said, smiling as he helped her down.
"What are you talking about darlin'?"
"Your rudeness."
"I wasn't rude to your dreadlocked friend. In fact I was very friendly. Didn't you see me smiling?" Sam placed his hand on the small of Mercedes' back, and her temperature immediately rose five degrees.
"You corroded asshole."
"Say my name, say my name." he sang.
Passion's brown eyes followed Sam and Mercedes until they were no longer in sight. "Wow what's her name?" she asked, "If I didn't know better I'd say they were fucking each other," she laughed.
Blaine, side-eyed the fuck out of the reporter. "That is my roommate, you're gossiping about." He said. "My boyfriend's best friend and if you decide to ruin her with your innuendos…"
"Relax Mr. Anderson, Show Business Daily doesn't need another lawsuit," she assured him. "Thank you for the interview. It was rather interesting…. I'll see you on the red carpet at the premiere, Miss Hollister."
Deedra waved and let out a sigh of relief. "So Blaine are you committed to your boyfriend?" she asked. "Or committed but still searching?"
"Practically married, why?"
XXXX
Mercedes glared at Sam in disbelief as he doubled over in laughter. She had accused him of being jealous and instead of admitting to it or denying it; he burst in a fit of laughter. She was on the verge of slapping the shit out of him just for the hell of it.
"Okay, I'm sorry," she spat. "It was so stupid of me to think that maybe…" she drew a deep breath. "What in the hell was I thinking? I'm not simple or basic, the type of women you go for."
"Mercedes, darlin', I like you," Sam admitted. "I really do, but not like that, thanks for the laugh though." She grabbed her bag and headed for the door. "Hey, hey where are you going?" He jumped over the coffee table and skidded in front of the door, blocking her way. "I'm sorry."
"I need some fresh air."
"Mercedes don't leave…"
"Move your ass or I'm kicking you in the nuts."
"Mercedes…"
"Move, dammit!"
"All right," his shoulders slumped as he moved out the way. "Are you going to leave the Studio?"
"Dammit Sam…" she reached in her bag, grabbed the car keys and handed them to him, "Happy now?"
Mercedes stormed out the trailer, slamming the door behind her. She willed herself not to cry. Why should it matter if he likes you or not? He is still a corroded asshole! She knocked on Blaine's trailer.
Blaine opened the door, smiling. "Mercedes, hi…" Mercedes pushed passed him, sniffing. "Mercedes honey what is going on?" he closed the door behind him. "Did Sam hurt you?"
She shook her head, furiously, wiping the tears away as quickly as they came.
"Then what is it? You can tell me."
"I-I can't." she sniffed.
"Why?"
"Because, I'm going fucking crazy and I don't know the reason why," she bawled.
XXXX
Sam paced back and forth in his trailer, cursing himself for being an idiot. He needed Mercedes, she was his muse! He glanced at the time on his phone; she had been gone for more than thirty minutes. Maybe I should go and look for her. He sighed. And when you find her, then what? "Apologize you asshole," he said aloud. He ran his fingers through his hair and left.
His first stop was Blaine's trailer. He knocked softly on the door. "Blaine, its Sam may I please come in?"
Blaine looked at Mercedes. "It's Sam."
"I heard him," she said stiffly.
"Want me to let him in?"
"I'm not ready to see him."
"Uh…Sam sorry bro, I'm kind of in the middle of something," Blaine replied.
"Mercedes is in there isn't she?" he asked, leaning on the door.
"Yeah," Blaine answered.
"Blaine," she pouted, rolling her eyes.
"What? Why should I lie?" he countered. "I happen to like Sam."
Sam chuckled, upon hearing Blaine's answer. "Please tell Mercedes that I'm sorry for being an insensitive ass and that I need her."
"I think she heard you."
"Also let her know that I miss her…"
Blaine clutched at his heart and sighed dreamily. He reached over and grabbed Mercedes' hand.
"And that I'll be waiting for her in the trailer, so she can take all the time she needs…I'll be there…waiting."
"She knows."
"That is all." Sam blew out a breath and left.
Two hours later Sam showed up on the set alone, everyone was surprised that his shadow was nowhere in sight. Sam was wondering how he was going to get through this scene without his inspiration.
"Where's Mercedes?" Deedra said, smirking.
"Fuck off." Sam replied, clearing his throat.
"Deedra, Sam are we ready?" Woodson asked his stars.
"Let's get this over with." Sam mumbled.
"Ready as I'm ever going to be." Deedra replied, cheerfully.
"Hey Sam, where Mercedes?" Woodson asked, looking around. "Is she ill?"
Before Sam could respond, Mercedes showed up with Blaine beside her.
"I'm right here," Mercedes replied, smiling brightly at everyone. "Sorry I'm late boss."
Sam grinned from ear to ear. He felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders. "Its okay, darlin'," he replied. "You're here now, that all that matters."
"Okay, places everyone!" the director's assistant yelled through his megaphone. "We're getting ready to shoot this scene!"
XXXX
"You still hate me?" Sam asked Mercedes as they headed for the parking lot.
"Are you still holding Blaine's job hostage?"
"Of course I am."
"Yeah, I still hate you, you corroded asshole."
Sam chuckled, "Music to my ears."
She saw Lenny Kravitz's doppelganger walking towards the parked Chevy truck several parking spaces away. "I'll be right back," she said, "Hey…hey!" she yelled, running towards him.
Sam narrowed his eyes as he watched the dreadlock dude turned around and smiled at Mercedes. He did not like this one bit…
"Are you in need of a super hero?" the doppelganger asked her.
"Yes," she giggled. "I need my super hero's name."
He glanced behind Mercedes and looked at Sam; if looks could kill he would be a dead man. "What about him?"
"Who Sam? He's nothing to me." Why didn't it feel right coming out of her mouth?
By the look on Sam's face, he wasn't sure that was true.
"What is your name?" she asked, interrupting his thoughts. "I'm Mercedes Jones." she extended her hand for him to shake.
"Nice to meet you, Mercedes Jones my name is Balthazar. Balthy for short."
"It's nice to meet you, Balthazar." He took her hand and caressed the top of it with his thumb.
Mercedes feels, nothing…
"Balthy, please," he smiled, showing off a perfect set of dimples. "That's what my friends call me." he looked into her brown orbs. "And I do hope that we can be friends."
"So do I."
Balthy glanced back at Sam, who looked as if someone had killed his dog. "I better be going, I've had a long day."
"All right." She waved good bye and rushed back to the car.
Sam plastered a smile on his face as Mercedes approached him. He fished the keys out of his pocket and handed them to her.
"You still want me to drive your baby?" she asked, surprised.
"Why wouldn't I?" he slid into the passenger's seat and buckled up. "I trust you."
Sam turned on the radio and looked out the window.
Mercedes looked at him through the rearview mirror. "You don't look so hot; did your headache come back?"
"Yeah," he chuckled silently, squirming in his seat. "Something like that."
"This next song is dedicated to Amber from her husband Chord," The DJ announced, "It's an oldie but goodie from Elvin Bishop, Fooled Around and Fell In Love…"
"I must have been through about a million girls
I'd love 'em and I'd leave 'em alone
"Would you mind if I turned up the volume?" Mercedes asked. "I really love this song."
"Not at all," Sam shrugged, turning his back towards her.
"I didn't care how much they cried, no sir
Their tears left me cold as a stone…"
"Are you sure? I don't want to add to your headache."
"Mercedes, it'll be fine," he assured her.
"But then I fooled around and fell in love
I fooled around and fell in love…"
Sam felt sick to his stomach; maybe he was coming down with something. He felt his forehead, he wasn't feverish, but he was coming down with something.
"Since I met you baby
I fooled around and fell in love
I fooled around and fell in love…"
"Is there any place you want to go before I drop you off?" Mercedes asked.
He shook his head. "I'm going straight to bed," he replied. "This headache is getting worse."
"Free, on my own that's the way I used to be
Ah, but since I met you baby…"
"So how's your new friend?"
"Who?"
"Mr. Dreadlocks, you two looked…close." He felt a pang in his heart. What the fuck?
"Love's got a hold on me
It's got a hold on me now
I can't let go of you baby…"
"My private life is not up for discussion," she informed him. There were no sparks…
"Sorry, I'm trying to be a concerned friend." He felt as if pin needles were attacking his stomach.
"I can't stop lovin' you now
'Cause I fooled around, fooled around, fooled around
Fooled around, fooled around, fooled around, fell in love…"
"You a friend?" she snorted. "Since when?"
"Despite our arrangement, I do consider you a friend."
"Fooled around, fooled around, yes I did
Fooled around, fooled around, fooled around
I fell in love, yes I did…"
"Uh-huh," she said, unconvinced. "His name is Balthazar."
"Who?"
"The guy with the dreads."
"Oh, I bet he got his ass kicked in school and often," he quipped. The pangs in his heart increased. Oh God, I'm dying…! "He had to lift weights."
Fooled around, fooled around, yes I did
Fooled around, fooled around, fooled around
I fell in love, yes I did…"
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes." No, I'm dying and I don't know why!
Twenty minutes later, Sam was home, he quickly got out of the car.
"What time shall I be here tomorrow?" Mercedes asked.
"Fooled around, fooled around, fooled around
Fooled around, fooled around, fooled around…"
"I don't know," he answered, "I might not go in tomorrow." I might be dead.
"All right, goodnight you corroded asshole."
Sam smiled and waved goodbye. He fished his cell phone out of his pocket and called Puck.
"What's up bro?" Puck greeted.
"I need a ride to the hospital," Sam moaned. "I'm having a heart attack."
XXXX
"You're healthy as a horse, Mr. Evans." The doctor announced. "You can expect to live for another fifty or sixty years."
"Are you shitting me?" Sam asked in disbelief. "There is nothing wrong with me?"
"I'm afraid not, Mr. Evans," he assured him. "You are free to leave as soon as I sign the release papers."
"I need a second opinion," he said. "I'm still having pangs in my heart."
"Sir maybe those pangs are psychosomatic…"
"I'm not fucking crazy," Sam replied cutting him off. "I'm having pangs, dammit!"
Puck came into the room; Sam could be heard down the hall. "What's the matter, Sam?"
"This quack is trying to tell me I'm fucking crazy."
Puck glanced at the doctor. "All of Mr. Evans' tests came back negative. There is nothing wrong with him…at least not physically."
"I'm not fucking crazy."
"Sam, get dressed, I'll talk to the good doctor here."
"I'm not fucking crazy man, I'm still having pangs."
"We'll take care of it bro," Puck assured him.
The ride home from the hospital was deathly quiet. Sam was pissed off because the doctor couldn't find anything wrong with him. He blamed it on faulty equipment.
"If I fall dead, I want you to sue all those motherfuckers," he spat.
Puck looked at his friend. "Did anything happen on the set beside the unscheduled interview?" he asked with extreme caution, he didn't want to set Sam off.
"Nothing out of the ordinary," he thought about Mercedes and her new friend. A pang stabbed at his heart. "Fuck!" he yelled "Turn this damn thing around I just had another one!"
"Why? What were you thinking about?"
"Mercedes and…ow…"
"What about her?"
"She was talking to some bitch ass prick….Fuck dude, take me back to the hospital."
Puck nearly bit his bottom lip off to prevent himself from laughing. "Really bro? You're sick because Mercedes is talking to some dude, seriously?" He chuckled. "Don't you know what is going on?"
Sam, side-eyed the fuck out of his friend. "Why don't you enlighten me, bro?" he deadpanned.
"You're in love."
"No I'm not."
"Yes you are Sam. You got all the symptoms. Those heart pangs? Love, my friend." He laughed. "Do you weep when you hear sappy love songs?" he cracked.
"Fuck you."
"I fell in love yes I did…"
tbc...
A/N: I hope everyone who lives on the East Coast is staying safe; you're in my prayers!...Thanks for reading!