Author's note: Here is another chapter this one is long too but I hope you still enjoy it. Check out my Tumblr page more pics have been added. Please forgive any mistakes and if you can take the time please review.
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee nor any of its characters
The Beholder's Eyes
Chapter 37
As soon as the men left their side Tina immediately started googling on her phone.
Tina: Ladies tonight we are going to have a great time.
Carole: What do you have planned for us?
Tina: Oh, Carole my mind is always on the go. First thing, I am doing is renting us a Limo for this evening something nice and big, with lots of space.
Mercedes: Why would we need that?
Tina: You'll see.
Heather: I am so excited it sounds like fun! But what about Grace?
Tina: Got it covered looking up a babysitting service in town as well. We will ask that Kurt guy as well; some of the people who come to this bed and breakfast may bring kids along as well, and still may want some alone time. He's probably got this town wired.
Carole: So what do you want us to do?
Tina: Carole bring your camera and a few digital cards I want this stuff on record.
Tina then runs inside to find Kurt and asked him for babysitting options. Once he gives her the name of this girl Marley who loves to play with little girls they called her over and sized her up. Marley was young, a tall, thin, light brown haired girl who came with her own huge bag of goodies. She spoke very softly and came highly recommended in her letters of reference which she brought along with her.
After calling her references to see if they were really sincere; Heather felt more than comfortable leaving Grace in her care. Although they all liked her they still had to see if she would pass the "Grace" test. As they stood in the reception area it was only once Marley started to pull an array of dolls out of her bag and sat on the floor to begin to play dollies with Grace that Grace warmed up to her, then before they all left for the evening, Grace and Marley were best friends; or at least that is what Grace told Heather.
Tina then called for a limousine to come and meet the ladies at Sam's place. Then Tina typed up a list on the computer and printed out four copies one for each of them and gave them some pens.
Tina: This is a "I Dare You" to do list and also a Scavenger Hunt list. Mercedes has to complete as many things on these lists that she can before the night is over.
Heather: That sounds like fun!
Tina: Now you Carole have to document everything you can with photos. Mercedes, we will also get to ask you questions about your relationship along the way.
Mercedes: Questions about my relationship?
Tina: Yeah, we will make a scrapbook of the night to give to Sam as a gift.
Carole: Sounds great to me!
Heather: Me too! There are some things I'd like to know about Dr. Evans!
Tina: Everything will get harder as the night goes on. For everything that she gets accomplished on these lists we all have to take a shot. For everything she doesn't accomplish we all have to take two shots.
Mercedes: But Tina you can't!
Tina: I know, I know. Drinking will make all of you guys really uncomfortable especially in the morning so, because I like you, I am going to take a shot of prune juice every time you accomplish something and two shots if you don't; yuck. (She made a funny face) I am sure that my discomfort will match yours when the night is over; trust!
Carole/Heather: Way to take one for the team! Jinx!
Heather: Are you sure we're not related?
Carole: The night is still young.
Tina: There is one more thing. Mercedes you will have to undergo a series of quick changes of your clothes throughout the night as well. After you accomplish something off of this list you have to take a shot, change your clothes, and start again. That will get harder to by the end of the night too.
Carole and Heather began laughing.
Heather: Yeah, that's because you will be so wasted by the end of the night.
Tina: We are going to full the limo with changes of clothes and you can change in there.
Mercedes: Are you serious?
Heather: It will be fun!
Carole: It will be like you're a famous person who always has to make costume changes.
Tina: Be the "Diva" that I know is hiding inside of you! I am calling a club out here and we are going to get the V.I.P. room. Then after that we may hit another place, and maybe another; the night is young. Isn't that right Carole?
Carole: It's younger than me but I am willing to give it a go.
Mercedes looked at all of them and they were all just giddy with excitement.
Mercedes: Why not? Let's go have a good time.
Tina: Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you we get to pick out the clothes you wear tonight; not you. Unless you achieve somethings on these lists then you choose the order that you wear them for the night. If not, we choose. Let's get her suitcase.
They all went and grabbed at Mercedes bags and opened it up to see what they could find. Once they had sifted through various things they picked out their choices of outfits.
Carole: You have a lot of great options here.
Mercedes: Sam likes to shop a lot.
Heather: Lucky you.
Tina: Ladies if you are alright with me picking the first choice. I want to go with this one it makes a statement.
Mercedes looked at Tina.
Mercedes: I don't know if that is the kind of statement I am supposed to make.
Tina: Yes it is! That is the Hot Damn, I am sexy statement! The best statement to start off the night with. Besides, after you get drunk it will be all downhill from there anyway.
They all laughed.
Carole: Let's go eat a little something so that we are not drinking on a totally empty stomach that would not be good.
They all went into the kitchen to grab a quick snack. The kitchen was large but empty it had a blue hue from the combination of the paint on the wall and the lighting choices. It had stainless steel industrial sized appliances that could intimidate a cook like Mercedes who spent a good bit of time warming up take out plates.
Heather: This is a nice kitchen.
Carole: You wouldn't think so if you had to clean it.
Tina: Good point. (Tina reached into a bowl and found a chocolate brownie and started opening it)
Heather: Can we start asking questions about their relationship now?
Mercedes: (Sighs) What would you like to know?
Heather: What would you do if Sam ever cheated on you?
Tina: (Whose mouth was full of chocolate) Umm, good question.
Mercedes: You think that is a good question huh?
Tina: Uh huh, so tell us what would you do?
Mercedes looked around the kitchen and picked up an object and held it behind her back.
Mercedes: Tina, turn around.
Tina turned around putting her back to Mercedes, still munching on her chocolate brownie with a fearful look in her eye.
Mercedes: I hope this answers your question.
Mercedes pulls out a big knife from behind her back and makes a funny face behind Tina's back.
Carole picks up her camera and snaps a picture.
Heather: Scared of you Mercedes!
Carole: Sam is the one who should be scared.
Tina: I am liking the way you think Mercedes. (Tina said after seeing the picture that Carole took of the two of them)
They all found some munchies and ate them before going upstairs to shower, change clothes, and get ready for the evening.
Carole then snapped another picture of Mercedes in the doorway when they were waiting for the limousine to arrive.
Carole: You look great! Tonight is going to be so much fun!
Once the limo arrived they carried bags and bags of Mercedes clothes into the limo and set off to their first destination.
Mercedes: I've got something from off of my lists.
Tina: Already?! What is it?
Mercedes: A pair of men's boxer shorts. I took it from Sam's suitcase. That's + 50 points. I've come to play!
Heather: Well, there goes that question.
Mercedes held up the boxers and Carole took a picture of it.
Tina: (To the driver) Put up the privacy partition will ya?
Which the driver did until they instructed him to bring it back down again a few minutes later.
Mercedes: Now, I am changing my clothes and we all take a shot.
Mercedes took off her sparkly dress and put on a blouse, a pair of jeans and a jacket.
Mercedes: Now that's better.
She grabbed the bottle of Absolut Vodka and poured a shot for 3 of them and prune juice for Tina and they all took the shot.
They rolled down the windows and turned up the music as they started looking for opportunities for Mercedes to get some of her other options off of her lists. As the limo came to a stop at a stoplight Heather started screaming.
Heather: (Shouting) A guy with a tie! A guy with a tie!
Mercedes: Jumped out of the limo and ran up to the man with Carole following close behind.
Tina and Heather hung out of the top of the limo to see what would transpire.
Mercedes: Sir, Sir, I am sorry to bother you but, I am getting married and as part as my bachelorette party I have to find a guy who would be willing to give me his tie. Would you mind terribly?
The lanky guy had a confused look on his face.
Man: You want my tie?
Mercedes: It's a scavenger hunt and it is on my list. Please?
The man then heard shouts coming from the limo in the street.
Tina/Heather: Ahhh, c'mon be a sport! Please let her have it! You'd be helping her out!
Carole: Would you son?
Man: Uh, what do I get out of the deal?
He said in a slightly goofy manner.
Mercedes: Well, we will be hitting some clubs later tonight and another thing on my list is to get a guy to dance with my friend. Since Heather was the one who saw you first then maybe you can dance with her. (Mercedes pointed to Heather hanging out of the top of the car)
The man smiled a small smile.
Mercedes: Please sir?
Man: Okay, sure.
Mercedes: Thank you so much. That's + 5 points.
Carole: Get in close so you two can take a picture for the scrapbook.
The man who was taller than her and was wearing a black leather jacket and blue shirt put his arm around her shoulder and smiled.
Carole snapped their picture. He then took off his tie and gave it to Mercedes.
Mercedes: Thanks again. (She raised her hand in the air in victory) That's another + 6 points
Man: What club are you going to?
Tina: Rooftop 3100 we will be there in about in less than an hour unless you would like to ride with us in the limo?
Heather: Tina!
Man: I'd like that a lot if you ladies don't mind me hanging out for a while?
Tina: You have to sit with the driver for a minute. Mercedes has to change her clothes in the back. (Tina banged on the top of the limo) Driver put up the privacy window up again will ya?
The purr of the motor which raised up the window was on and then off in a flash.
Man: I don't mind
They all jumped back into the car.
Heather: Hey'ah, what's your name?
Man: Finn, Finn Hudson.
Heather: Nice to meet you Finn.
Tina: What outfit next?
Heather: This one, this one.
Mercedes had to put on a black tube top dress with a long sleeve black mesh overlay that she layered on top of it. She put on large earrings and she misted her hair with some hot water that it became curly. Then they all took two shots of vodka - one for the tie ,and the otherr for getting a man to dance with her friend; all except for Tina for her it was 2 shots of the prune juice express.
The limo pulled up to Rooftop 3100 and dropped them out front. Tina was already feeling a little uncomfortable about the two shots of prune juice she had just had. She excused herself to the ladies room as soon as she had paid the cover charges for them all. Carole and Heather went to the bar to order drinks and Finn joined them. This left Mercedes on her way to the V.I.P. room.
When she walked up the stairs and pulled back the curtain she saw a large print of the city and a freeway but it was caught in time lapse photography, there was a big column and a long gray sofa, some ottomans, and a long desk type table off to the side. She walked to the far end of the couch and sat down. The music was pumping so much that you could feel the vibration through the couch that she was sitting on. She was in the process of tucking her hair behind her left ear when the curtain opened and a handsome man entered the room.
Mercedes: I'm sorry but I think you have the wrong room.
The man looked around and looked at her and thought to himself.
Man: (Thinking) Damn! Is she sexy or what? (Speaking) No, this is the room I had just been in. I only went to the men's room for a minute.
Mercedes: My friends and I have this room its for my party tonight.
The man was not very tall but he was well built and he had blue eyes, sandy blond hair, and a moustache and goatee.
Man: I just came into town for a few weeks and I was expecting my friend to meet me here. I just got in from the airport.
Mercedes seemed a bit puzzled.
Man: If you don't believe me look behind the sofa, that is where I placed my luggage.
The room was dark but Mercedes looked behind the couch and low and behold there were two suitcases standing straight up behind the sofa. Mercedes jumped to her feet but stumbled a little in her high heel shoes. The vodka starting to kick in upon the elevation of her body too quickly.
The man reached out and steadied her.
Mercedes: I am sorry I thought this was where I was supposed to be my mistake.
She started to walk past him when he spoke again.
Man: How many are in your party?
Mercedes: There are five of us.
Man: Well you and your friends are welcome to stay with me. (He motioned for Mercedes to sit down again on the sofa with him; which she did)
Mercedes: I don't want to intrude.
Man: You're not; I didn't pay for this room, I was just hiding in it. This probably really is your room. (He smiled at her as he grabbed one knee with his hands. Mercedes couldn't help but smile as well)
Mercedes: (Ok that was a dangerous smile, she thought to herself) You're hiding?
Man: Well, I only know my one friend out here and I can't get in touch with him. I am worried that if he stands me up. I have no where to go tonight; I was trying to figure out my next move.
Mercedes: I was new to California not too long ago myself; less than a year actually. I know the fear that you are feeling; the only difference was that I didn't know anyone out here. But it turned out to be the best thing I ever did for myself so don't worry; it all works out in the end. (She gave him a warm smile)
Man: (Captivated by her beautiful smile he spoke again) I'm sorry for being so rude. My name is Derrick by the way and you are? Mercedes Jones nice to meet you Derrick?
Man: Harrison, Derrick Harrison. Mercedes Jones and unforgettable name for an unforgettable woman.
It was then that they heard laughing coming from behind the curtain when it opened up suddenly and in walked Carole, Heather, Tina, and Finn. Tina stopped in her tracks only to see Mercedes raise her hand and wave at her. Carole took another snapshot and the flash illuminated the room for a moment and it started to dim again.
Tina: Didn't mean to disturb you Mercedes. Who is this?
Mercedes: Everybody this is Derrick he is waiting for a friend. He is visiting from out of town.
Heather: Hi, I'm Heather and this is Finn, Tina and Carole is the one with the camera.
Derrick: Hi, nice to meet all of you.
Tina: Well you guys are welcome to stay but I hope you are not offended by the entertainment tonight.
She said as the rest of them took seats around the room.
Finn: Why should I be offended?
The curtain flew open and in walked three "Bare Butlers" Each bringing a bottle of Absolut, Prune juice, shot glasses, and wearing an apron around their waists; and absolutely nothing else. The began to gyrate past Finn who quickly closed his eyes and froze in place. Derrick who was also in shock listened as the men asked which woman was the special lady tonight.
Derrick watched Heather, Carole, and Tina all point to Mercedes. As Derrick turned to see Mercedes reaction. He found her hands covering her face and her face buried in her lap.
These men danced around the VIP room and placed the Beverages on the table next to her including a bottle of prune juice and a cake in the shape of a man's torso; around it read "The Last Fling Before The Ring".
Mercedes: (Screaming) NO! Oh. No. You. Didn't! Oh! Hell to the No!
Tina was laughing as Heather and Carole could not speak or even move.
Once they placed the beverages on the table they took the time to re-assure all of them that they would continue to make their evening a successful one.
Derrick: (Who could not see the cake too clearly at first asked Mercedes) Is today your birthday?
Tina chimed in.
Tina: No this is her bachelorette party!
Derrick looked over at Mercedes.
Derrick: You're going to be married?
Mercedes: Uh huh. Oh my God! How did you get Sam's Abs! (She screamed and laughed once she saw the cake)
Derrick paused.
Derrick: Well, he is a lucky man. (Derrick was trying not to let the disappointment show on his face) Can I buy you a drink to celebrate?
Mercedes: How old are you? I am 32 years old so I need to know how old are you?
Derrick: I'm 31.
Mercedes: Then yes you may but only if it is a shot. It is on my list - we are in the middle of a scavenger hunt and dare list. I need to have a younger man buy me a drink, a shot would be perfect.
Derrick: Since you allowed me to stay I will do what I can to help. A shot it is then.
Mercedes: Thank you.
Derrick got up and walked through the curtain.
Tina: Well! You are tearing up these lists aren't you?
Mercedes: I try.
A few minutes later Derrick came back with two shot glasses of Jack Daniels.
Derrick: I hope you drink JD?
Heather and Carole laughed.
Tina: You have no idea how ironic that is.
Derrick looked puzzled.
Derrick: What do you mean?
Mercedes: It's nothing. Thanks again for the drink though. That's + 10 points.
She clinked her glass against his and drank.
Heather: Now you have to go change, Mercy.
Mercedes: Oh right.
She stood up and tried to balance again in her heels.
Mercedes: I will be right back. I have to change my clothes.
Derrick: Why?
Mercedes: Every time I accomplish something on my lists I have to drink a shot, and change my clothes.
Derrick: It does sound like fun. Can I play?
Mercedes: Of course! But you need clothes.
Derrick: I have clothes behind the sofa. Remember?
Mercedes: That's right (Mercedes started to giggle)
Heather and the rest drank a shot for Mercedes getting her drink bought. Then she asked another question.
Heather: Mercedes, when did Dr. Evans first tell you he loved you?
Mercedes tried to focus on Heather's words.
Mercedes: A little less than 2 months after we met.
Derrick: (Mumbled) It took him that long did it? (As he poured himself a shot of Absolut this time)
Mercedes: Huh? Did you say something?
Derrick: No, not nothing at all.
Mercedes: I am going to change! It is time to wear something fun!
Mercedes went out to the limo and tried to fumble around to change her clothes. She would be lying if she said that the cooler air outside hadn't felt wonderful. She changed into a champagne colored dress that had long invisible sleeves with small rhinestones, the bottom of the dress was fringed, and it was shorter on one side than on the other. It took her a while to change but then she showed the stamp on her hand and went back into the club. The music was pumping and she wanted to dance. She went upstairs again to the VIP room and peeked her head inside, because she wanted to let the others know, but they were gone. She went downstairs and she saw Heather and Finn dancing; if you could call it that.
The room started to spin a tiny bit but then she heard the music change to her favorite song. Most of the crowd moved off of the dance floor attempting to refresh but the lack of people meant absolutely nothing to her she had always felt this song embodied so much of what she wanted to believe about herself, and what her mother had tried to instill in her. The music overtook her body and her lack of inhibition from all of the shots that she had already, clearly showed.
"Wings" by Little Mix began to play and putting one hand in the air and the other on her hips she began to move. But out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of a newly dressed Derrick coming from the men's room toward the dance floor.
Derrick: (Thinking) She looked absolutely gorgeous.
She beckoned him to the dance floor with her finger and in a moment he was by her side they began dancing as if they had been born to dance with each other. People in the room started to stand up and clap as they commanded attention of everyone in the room. Mercedes felt light, she felt free, and she felt happy.
Once the song stopped she found herself lying back in Derrick's arms held by only his strength and the room was ablaze with shouts, screams, and applause it started in one area of the room and spread around them with intense fury.
As she was stood up she found herself surrounded by the very people she could not find earlier. Tina and Carole had been talking to some men at the bar until... as Tina put it.
Tina: The half-time performance started. You two were fantastic!
Heather: Mercedes, that was incredible!
Carole: I filmed it all. That was definitely a keeper.
Finn: Are either of you a professional dancer?
Derrick: I am a dance instructor but I have never had such a great experience dancing with anyone as I did tonight with you - That was awesome! (He reached over and hugged her quickly).
Mercedes didn't know what to say. She was thirsty. She could feel her throat beginning to close from the dryness.
Tina: Okay, you earned that honorable mention you can change your clothes to something you want this time.
They all went to the bar and took a shot. Then Mercedes asked for some water. Once she drank it she was able to comprehend.
Mercedes: (Thinking) Another wardrobe change - got it.
Mercedes excused herself so that she could change. Derrick changed too, every time she changed her clothes - he would go to the men's room and change his clothes too. When she was back inside Derrick asked her to dance again.
Mercedes found herself dancing in the crowds for a good bit of the night. Surrounded by people. Men would try to get her drinks but she would ask for their phone numbers instead -it was another thing on her list. She found that once she showed people the list itself they were much more receptive of giving her what she needed. At first Carole was around to take pictures of her getting the numbers but after a while she lost Carole and had to document it herself on her cell phone.
Mercedes: That's +5 points. I need another shot! (She shouted and started giggling)
Derrick tried to patiently wait as she interacted with all these guys but he found himself always watching, never too far away, and fending off a feeling of jealousy. Once she would get what she needed he would put himself right in line with dancing with her again and he found himself hoping for just one slow song so that he could hold her close.
At one point they were dancing when this older, balding man came up to her and stopped their dancing.
Older Man: Hey my name is Ryan and I just wanted to say that watching you tonight has made my night I hope you don't mind but I feel like I need some of your energy to rub off on me. Would you mind if I gave you a quick hug?
Mercedes squinted her eyes a little and she said to him.
Mercedes: Would you be offended if I said to you that I need a hug from a bald man because it is on my list for this evening? (She pulled out the list from her clutch purse and showed it to him)
Ryan: Sweetheart if I am on any list of yours I will gladly accept it. (He then grabbed her by one cheek and kissed the other as he pulled her in for a sideways hug)
Mercedes gave Derrick her cell phone and he immediately took the picture.
Derrick watched the scene intently to make sure nothing inappropriate was about to happen.
Ryan: You continue to light up the place honey. (He spoke as he walked away)
Mercedes: Thank you for your kind words. (She drunkenly called behind him) That's + 5 points.
She giggled as she went and took another shot. She walked away so quickly to the bar that she never even got her cell phone back from Derrick.
Mercedes knew this meant time for another wardrobe change but she was becoming more and more lightheaded.
Mercedes: I've got to go change. (She just sort of spoke out into the open air not really directed toward anyone but maybe toward everyone and she had started slurring her words now)
Derrick could not understand how he had become so protective of this woman, so quickly but she had something and he knew it.
This time he followed her out toward the car.
She slowly crept down the block and around the corner to where the limo was parked.
Derrick: (Thinking) A limo? Really? She really is something huh? (He continued to think to himself)
Mercedes stopped walking mid way because she felt it. She felt the earth spinning, she felt herself tipping over,
Derrick approached her and said I think maybe we should get you something to eat, something to balance you out. (As he steadied her again by holding on to her shoulders)
Mercedes: I am kind of hungry. What time is it anyway? (She slurred again)
Derrick looked at his watch.
Derrick: It is 4:45 am. I saw a 24 hour diner a block away why don't we grab a bite.
Mercedes was feeling awfully sleepy.
Mercedes: Alright,(She said slowly) I could use some coffee.
They walked down the empty street to the next block and turned the corner. Derrick then lead her to the middle of the block and there was a diner there. The diner was empty except for the one cook in the back and the one waitress who was dozing off near the register. Music was flowing in through the speakers overhead which helped perked the empty place up a little.
Derrick: Can we have two coffees please and some toast. (He spoke loudly in the direction of the waitress as they walked by her and took a seat at a table for two)
Waitress: White or Wheat?
Mercedes: White please.
Derrick: Yeah, the same.
Mercedes: We should have found the others they may have wanted to eat as well.
Derrick: The last time that I saw Finn and Heather they were dancing in a corner in the back. And Tina? I kept seeing her passing me by to go in and out of the ladies room.
Mercedes: Carole? Did you see Carole?
Derrick: It's hard to tell their was a commotion, a crowd gathered around a table I think she may have been dancing on top of it. (He started to laugh) The crowd was so big I only thought I saw the color of her dress in the middle of them all but I can't really be sure.
Mercedes started giggling uncontrollably.
Mercedes: Everyone is having a good time (She said excitedly, then her voice trailed off slowly)- except for maybe Tina. Poor Tina.
She started giggling again.
Derrick watched the brightness of her smile and he felt warmed by it.
Derrick: You seem to have a great relationship with your friends.
Mercedes: Yeah, they are awesome. (She said each word very deliberately)
Derrick: No, I think you are the one who is awesome.
Mercedes closed her eyes and gave a toothless smile. (Still obviously to drunk to read into the connotation of that statement) Then her eyes popped open.
Mercedes: Derrick, what ever happened to your friend?
Derrick had forgotten that his friend never did actually show.
Mercedes: What are you going to do? Where are you going to stay? Wait, I have an idea, come with us! My fiance Sam has a big place, many rooms, almost mansion like; you can stay too!
Mercedes found herself tapping her feet to the music which piped in overhead.
Derrick: You are a great dancer.
Mercedes: Before, when my mom was young she took a lot of dance classes and she used to show me the basics. I used to copy her movements a lot like mirror exercises I remember loving that most of all when I was little. I really missed that. I really miss her.
Derrick: Is she? Oh, I am sorry to hear that.
When Derrick saw her bright face start to become sullen and somewhat introspective; he wanted to perk her up.
Derrick: Do you want to try it now?
Mercedes looked at him.
Derrick: I can show you something and you can mirror it back okay?
Derrick started reaching in his pocket and pulled out a bunch of coins and looked for a song on the mini-jukebox sitting on the end of the table. He put in some coins and punched D-3. Bruno Mars started playing "Locked out of Heaven" and that is when his lesson began.
Derrick placed his head down on his folded arms on the table then up pop his head his hands opened flat against the table moved perpendicular to each other and he lifted up one hand and started twisting it at the wrist in time with the music.
Derrick: Can you do that?
Mercedes had been laughing at his jerky movements but attempted it. He kept putting in more and more change in the jukebox as they did it again and again until she was able to copy his every move in time with the beat. Even the waitress had applauded the show when she was forced to place their order on a table next to them to not interrupt the tutorial. They only stopped when Mercedes excused herself to go to the bathroom due to all of her laughter.
Derrick kept thinking how sweet, and kind she was and how much he was enjoying spending time with her when he felt the vibration in his pocket. Derrick took out the phone and looked at it to see a message scroll across the top of the screen. It was from someone named Sam. It read.
Derrick: (Reading to himself) Mercedes I love and miss you. How is your night going?
Immediately, he felt a surge of jealousy and frustration; but what could he do? She was amazing, she was a sweetheart, and she was getting married. She did not keep that a secret from him. All this was, or could ever be was simply a fantasy, just the hope of something, but nothing more. Derrick used her phone and sent a text message.
Derrick: (Texting) You don't know who I am but I just wanted to let you know that you are truly a lucky man. Mercedes is a phenomenal woman, a talented dancer, she has a kind soul, and I envy you greatly. Please recognize the gift that you have received and cherish her like the treasure that truly is;she is one in a million. Sincerely, One who wishes he had met her first! P.S. Congratulations on your marriage. - D.
Derrick pressed send.
When Mercedes had returned to the table the sun had already come up and was starting to peek through the diner windows.
Mercedes: This was fun but I have to find my friends. We should be getting back now, and I hope that they aren't worried about me. (She fishes through her purse but cannot find her cellphone) I thought I had my phone, I hope that I didn't drop it in the club. (She drinks from a fresh cup of coffee the waitress has just brought over to her) My head hurts pretty badly. (She chuckled) Are you okay?
Derrick: I'm fine. Oh and here is your cellphone you gave to me to take the picture with you and those guys remember…. for your list…. the bald guy?
Mercedes eyes finally showed some recognition.
Mercedes: Oh right! Wow it is all a kind of a big blur but I do sort of remember that.
Derrick: It was really nice meeting you Mercedes and congratulations on your getting married.
Derrick stood up and placed some money on the table for the bill.
Derrick: May I give you a kiss on the cheek?
Mercedes: You talk as if you are saying good-bye. Aren't you coming back with us to the house?
Derrick: No, I'm not. I am going to find my friend and if I don't I am going to make it out here on my own. You said you have been here less than a year and you have great friendships, and you are getting married; so, I suppose there is hope for me after all. (He looked at her with loving affection) I won't ever forget you Ms. Jones. (He smiled) By the way, your fiance sent you a text message and I just got you an extra 20 points on your list.
He handed her cellphone to her and as he did a placed a quick kiss on her cheek and then whispered in her ear.
Derrick: You are a great dancer, and in my dreams we will be together dancing with the stars.
Derrick walked past Mercedes and out of the diner into the bright sunlight and he was gone.
Mercedes looked down at her phone and read the last text message from Sam and she also saw the response that was sent as well.
Mercedes: (She whispered) Yeah, that's + 20 points alright.
She looked back over her shoulder out of the window of the diner and thought about the kind stranger who left home to find something new; and she only hoped that his life would turn out for the better as hers had after making the similar decision in her own life not too long ago.
XXXXXX
Sam was waiting in the men's room for a response to his text message when he finally felt his phone vibrate in his hand. Quickly unlocking the phone he read the message.
Once he had read it Sam gave a long sigh, looked up and away from his phone and looked around the bathroom he was standing in for a moment then he dialed Mercedes number directly.
XXXXXX
Mercedes phone begins to ring as she still holds it in her hands. She sees that it is Sam calling and she immediately answers the phone.
Mercedes: Hello?
Sam: (Speaking animatedly) I cannot leave you alone for a minute without you having other guys fall in love with you! Woman, where are you? I am coming to get you right now!
Mercedes smiled the widest of smiles.
Mercedes: Hey daddy, (She said in her sexiest of tones) I've missed you too. I am at a diner I think I am at the corner of…
Author's Note: Thanks for reading and please review. You will find more pictures posted on my tumblr account from the Bachelorette party.