Hi. So thanks for all of the faves and follows I have gotten. I'm always thankful to find those updates in my e-mail. And to all of the people who take extra time to not only read but review thanks for your input. I love hearing what you think after you've read an update.
So Chapter 26 huh? And I know the last chapter was emotional. But hey like I promised there is at least a party in this chapter. And I have a small shout out to one of my favorite authors on this site. I hope she notices it. Because I know how much she loves the fact that Finn loves cake (Hint hint LOL)
So like I've been asking you to do for the previous 25 chapters, please:
Read, Enjoy, and Review.
It comes before Part B:
"Make sure the ice doesn't melt, we have to keep that shrimp cold" Mercedes reminded some of the hired food servers as they huddled around her, waiting for her orders. "And keep the Champaign flowing" she instructed another small group of well dressed drink waitresses and bar staff. "I don't want to see an empty glass tonight, especially before the speech. And remember even if the person is an ass, just smile, nod and say "No problem". And then come and get me" she said to the entire wait staff. "Now let's have a great night!" she smiled sweetly. All nodded or gave some indication that they understood what she was saying before the group broke and scattered to man their stations.
Mercedes closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Okay" she sighed to herself after all of her worker bees had started to prepare "Let the party begin".
The pending party was the culmination of her weeks of hard work, planning, organizing, and staying within budget to throw an impressive launch of Sam's comic. Although it had nearly been two week since she had thrown him out of her truck, in tears, she maintained her dedication to throwing an elite party that she would be proud to put her name on. Because although he had hurt her feelings, this was her business. And despite her current feelings about Sam, this party was going to be fabulous.
And she made damn sure it was nothing less than that. Mercedes oversaw every detail of the event, making sure it represented not only Sam's vision, but showcased her ability to throw a well thought out themed event for any potential clients who may be in attendance. She focused on some of the main themes of the comic, which was based on a pair of orphaned super natural siblings as they navigate the wilderness after World War III ended with the release of nuclear bombs. The pair become attached at the hip to a young male adult who begrudgingly takes them under his wing as he ends up being their chosen protector.
The menu included finger foods with post apocalyptic names and included ingredients claimed to have the ability to survive the end of the world, including one dish she found in a Hawaiian cook book featuring the canned mean Spam. She also found an amazing baker who came up with a Twinkie like sweet.
The decorations were equally as impressive, particularly a large ice sculpture of the main characters adorning each of the large buffet tables and drink areas. Blown up posters of scenes from the comic adorned the walls as large murals, causing the room to be dripping with Sam's creation. She even went so far as to collaborate with the DJ creating a playlist as to what music should be played.
And although she had impressed herself with her ability to orginize such an elaborate event, being surround by his work was slightly suffocating for Mercedes. She had found an effective plan to avoid Sam during their group rehearsals, either showing up late and leaving early citing work as her main reason, or calling in stating that she wouldn't be able to make it in at all. With the end of the party and her excuse to be distant at practice looming, Mercedes was left to figure out how she would continue to co-exist with Sam with no obvious buffer.
Once the party was in full swing, the music pumping and drinks flowing, Mercedes became so busy with small kitchen hiccups and guest list checks, that she almost missed the guest of honor's arrival. It was brought to her attention, however, when she felt a large hand snake onto her shoulder while she was ordering one of the bar tenders to double check to make sure they had received all 20 cases of Champaign for the evening. She turned quickly to find two smiling eyes.
"Oh goodness" she chuckled lightly as she gently hit him and pulled him into a quick hug "Finn! You scared me" She turned her head to find Rachel holding on to his arm tightly glowing happily, excited to be his plus one.
"Sorry" he grinned mischievously as he watched Mercedes hug his girlfriend. "I got excited when I saw you over here and had to come over to say, great job"
"Yes Mercedes" Rachel agreed as she took in everything around her "This looks amazing"
"Thanks" Mercedes waived off.
"Sam is going to love this" Finn quickly added. "I mean you have everything here"
"Yeah I tried" Mercedes mumbled as she, despite not wanting to, gazed around for a blonde head of hair possibly making its way towards them. "So how does it feel to come to one of these for Finn?" she asked Rachel quickly trying to change the topic from anything Sam could like.
"I have to say I love it" Rachel admitted smiling proudly up at her man.
"Yeah me being freelance doesn't allow me to go to things like this too often" Finn shrugged. "It's pretty cool"
"Well, there is plenty of food and drinks, so enjoy yourself guys" Mercedes smiled as she saw that one of the food trays was looking a little too skimpy for her taste. "If you excuse me" she apologized as she made her way over to the table "Duty calls".
Suddenly, she felt the undeniable urge to look towards the entrance. That's when she witnessed Sam walk through the double doors of the building. His golden hair slicked back, his suit clearly tailored for his form, as its dark navy fabric hung perfectly off of his broad shoulders. In that subdual glance, she froze to take in the view as he made his fashionably late arrival, seemingly in slow motion.
"Damn, he looks good" she whispered to herself as she exhaled her eyes sprinting over his body from head to the tips of his shined shoes. Then she noticed him look back and extend his hand, seemingly to escort someone through the doors. Taking his hand, Tiffany came into full view, dressed in a long black gown, her hair in an classic up-do that showed off her bone structure. Mercedes gritted her teeth adding silently "for a douche bag" to his description, and continued towards the table, hopping to stay out of their sights for the whole of the celebration.
Sam looked around the venue in amazement. He was in awe of how Mercedes had managed to turn the lobby of his building into what was in front of his eyes. His lips hung open slightly as he scanned the walls almost not recognizing the area he had seen just that very morning, totally transformed into his comic world.
"This is beautiful" Tiffany announced as they walked farther into the door. "I mean she has everything here"
"Yeah" Sam agreed. "She does" His eyes ran over the room scanning the crowed for a pair of particularly familiar coco brown ones.
"Let's go get drinks" his escort suggested after noticing his eyes rummaging the rest of the patrons, as she tugged him towards the bar.
Mercedes had succeeded in staying out of sight as she bounced from the food area, and the bar, making sure that the food and drinks where in abundance. She started to let her guard down, and pat herself on the back for her ability to make it through most of the event without running into Sam or his date. While overseeing the pouring of the numerous glasses of Champaign for the big toast she started to breath a bit easier.
"Great party" she heard over her shoulder near her ear just above a whisper. His breath causing the hairs on her neck to stand at attention and caused a chill that completed a lap down her spine and back. She turned taking in a large smile and two emerald eyes.
Sam took in Mercedes, astonished how delicious she looked, although it was a working event for her. She was in a coral strapless dress, her cleavage rising to greet him. The length of her hem was a little past her knees, and included a small peplum around her hip area accentuating one of his favorite areas on her body.
"Thank you Mr. Evans" she responded in an icy manner turning back to her task obviously annoyed by the interruption.
"You really did an amazing job" he added closing back on to her ear, in an attempt to regain her attention.
"Well I am being paid handsomely to do so Mr. Evans" she said dismissing his complements as she snaked her way from the area walking quickly towards the restrooms.
"Mercedes" Sam sighed in a pleading manner as he walked just as quickly behind her. "Will you please talk to me? "
"Is there something wrong Mr. Evans?" she questioned in a formal tone.
"Yes" he huffed frustrated "I've called you to explain everything and you have still ignored me. I just want a chance to talk about everything. And what's with all of this Mr. Evans crap?"
"Well Mr. Evans, this is a job event for me, work." she pointed out, showing him her clip board and ear piece jammed in her ear that keep her abreast of any problems. "This is not a social calling"
"I know that, but I mean do you have to be so formal?" Sam asked touching her forearm lightly "I mean we're friends"
"No Mr. Evans" Mercedes corrected pulling her arm away from his strong fingers "We were friends, but that is over. In fact, the only reason I am required to have this conversation with you is because you are my client. And as my client I am required to ensure that everything is to your liking. So Mr. Evans is there enough food?"
Sam shook his head answering "Yes" as if were an obvious answer.
"And Drinks? is there enough drinks for your guest Mr. Evans?" Mercedes quickly added.
"Drinks? Yes there are enough drinks" Sam answered "Merce-"
"And the decorations? Music? are they all okay?" she cut him off.
"Yes" Sam gave up, seeing that their conversation would not go beyond the formal barrier she had put up.
"Well Mr. Evans we have nothing, not one thing, farther to discuss. Because as a client you are satisfied with my job performance, and that is all that I am required at this time to give you" she said coldly. "Now, I suggest you go find your date" she said lightly although he felt the sting in her words. "Wouldn't want her to get lonely" she added as she left, making her way to the ladies room, leaving Sam to stand in one spot helplessly and watch her walk away.
Once securely in the restroom, Mercedes leaned against the door and allowed her lungs to deflate with relief. She wanted to be angry and not smell his cologne or notice how he had gotten a fresh trim for his hair. She slinked over to the sink as if all of her energy had been stolen, just by being near him. Placing her hands on either sides of the basin she stared into its drain and took a long, calculated breath. "Only a few more hours Jones" she told herself in a hushed tone. "A few more hours and you're done"
Suddenly the sound of a flushing toilet startled her. She hadn't considered that there would possibly be another soul in the bathroom. And when the stall door opened she didn't consider Sam's date to emerge. Tiffany walk up next to Mercedes as she attempted to look busy washing her hands, and reapplying her lip gloss.
"Hi" Tiffany said cordially as she began to mirror Mercedes, and wash her hands.
"Hello" Mercedes responded as kindly as she could muster considering the situation "Tiffany right?" she questioned although she knew well who this woman was.
"Yeah" she agreed. After a very long and awkward pause Tiffany smiled adding "This is an amazing party" Mercedes forced a smirk briefly as an acknowledgement of the complement before she headed for the door. "He really appreciates this" Tiffany added to the other woman's back. "All of the hard work you put into this"
"Yeah well" Mercedes huffed wondering why she wasn't being allowed to just flee the situation without a whole lot of conversation. "It's my job" she turned around for a moment before continuing her direction to the door.
"Look I know it's not my place, but-" Tiffany started in an attempt again to stop Mercedes.
"Look I have a lot to do, and your right, it's not" Mercedes cut off whatever else was about to follow behind that opening "Have a great time" she added before rushing out the door to find another task to occupy her, while doing a better job of keeping out of sight.
"I'd like to thank everyone for making it out here tonight" Mr. Jake Lancer, Sam's superior and the man who originally turned down his comic, greeted over the microphone, gaining the attention of the entire party, hushing the crowd. "I have to say this is an a very exciting time for our publishing company. It is always a great time, when we have a reason to celebrate, especially when the vision of one of our newest members has caused such a stir in our large but cozy publishing world. When this young man entered my office I knew he would be an amazing asset to us, and he has turned out to be much more." Lancer smiled stoically.
"And I must admit, when he first came to me with the idea of this comic, he was so excited, and pumped to let me hear what his vision was for his comic. And me? Well I turned him down flat. But instead of taking my no, Mr. Samuel Evans, driven by his want for this comic to see the light of day, took the initiative to find his good friend Mr. Finn Hudson, where are you by the way Finn?" he asked, shielding his eyes from the spotlight on him. Finn raised his hand to show he was in attendance and for the recognition.
"There you are, like you're that hard to find" Lancer joked, causing a small chuckle from the audience as he pointed out how Finn obviously towered over the rest of the room. "But he got his friend Finn, and they created a site that was interactive, engaging and most importantly entertaining. And I must say I have never been so happy to be so wrong. So Sam? Get up here and say something"
Sam made his way through the crowd to the front of the room to join his boss on stage to the sound of warm and welcoming applause from the bodies he passed. "Thanks Mr. Lancer" Sam smirked after taking the microphone "I glad you were wrong too" he admitted, eliciting a laugh for his honesty. "This comic was a labor of love. But it wouldn't have seen the light of day if it wasn't for someone special pushing me to find another way to get it out" he confessed, locking eyes with Mercedes at the back of the room, watching from the other side of Finn. "So thank you" he nodded. "And thanks to my partner in crime in this Finn, and all of you for coming tonight to support me. It's amazing to me that we are here for something I created and I am very grateful"
Lancer took the microphone back quickly prompting everyone to raise their glasses in a toast to Sam. The room did as asked, saluting the man of the hour. "Oh" Jack added after taking a large gulp of his Champaign "And I have more good news. Finn as agreed to become head of our IT division here in New York" He smiled. The room smiled as Rachel gasped surprised and excited by the information. Mercedes grinned as Rachel practically jumped into his arms joining in with the cheer. Mercedes gently patted him on the back as a congratulation. " And I know we have only discussed this briefly" Lancer continued hushing the crowd, "but not only will we be leading with his comic, this fall, Sam has also been asked to head our soon new California office. That's right we're expanding to the West Coast!"
Mercedes head snapped up to the stage amidst the "Oh's" and applause of the news. "So I know it's not official, but Sam may not be here with us in New York for long" Jack chuckled. "Everyone drink! We're paying enough for it"
And with that dismissal, the crowd began to mingle again, many walking to the stage crowding around Sam, to continue to shower him with congratulations, and job advice.
"Finn?" Mercedes called, gaining the larger man's attention "Sam's leaving?"
"What? oh no" Finn waived off. "They offered both of us a place in California" he explained with a shrug. "But I turned them down-oh cake!" he exclaimed as he noticed the confection being served, pulling his focus from the current conversation. He made his way over to the table to get one of the first freshly cut pieces.
"Finn, focus!" Mercedes demanded following behind her friend.
"Oh yeah" he smirked after a small fork full of the treat. "They offered us both a position in Cali, but I turned it down"
"Why?" Mercedes inquired
"Well one Rachel would flip. I mean she is all about Broadway and she is so close to getting there. That plus this is home now. I can't leave you guys. Not now. So I took a position here" he smiled.
"What about Sam?" Mercedes pressed, a small knot forming in her stomach.
"Sam? I don't think he's going to go. I haven't really had time to talk to him about it, but I mean he's happy here. I don't think we have anything to worry about" Finn reassured before heading back to Rachel with another piece of cake in his hands, and a smug grin on his face.
Mercedes looked back to catch Sam glancing at her, through the crowd of well wishers. She grit her teeth, half of her still infuriated with him, the other half, praying he decided to stay.
So, that was fun right? Get it? Comes before part b? Part A? Party. Yeah lol. And I told you someone would be back.
So next chapter will deal with some issues coming to pass and decisions being made. And I hope Mariposfria liked the S/O. Because cake Finn is fun. LOL Love you guys for reading.