Disclaimer: I own nothing but the mistakes as always. Thanks again for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following this story which is mostly Lanee Lane's.

Chapter 11

Mercedes

I woke up to a text message from Sam. I kept reading it over and over focusing on one word, love. He didn't say he loved me. I was sure it was just a term of endearment. I still couldn't get my heart to stop feeling like it was going to beat right out of my chest.

The rest of the message was letting me know that Stacey was up for lunch and he was thinking about me. Goodness knew I was always thinking about him. I was either daydreaming about him or dreaming about him in my sleep.

I was happy that Stacey agreed to lunch. I was also nervous about asking her. I decided I would call her after I got off of work. That would give me time to prepare what I would say. I knew it seemed silly to be so worried about asking someone to lunch, but Stace seemed to have that effect on me.

When I later called Stacey to set up the lunch date, she sounded cordial. We decided on Sunday brunch at one of the new spots downtown. Today was the day we were supposed to be meeting and my nerves were in full effect.

I'd offered to pick Stacey up, but she assured me she could get a ride to the restaurant. Sam had to work, so I knew it wouldn't be him. I thought maybe their uncle would drop her off. I had almost decided to invite Tina as a kind of buffer but decided against it. It was best that Stacey and I address any possible issues alone.

A hostess greeted me when I entered the restaurant. I'd made reservations since it was a new place.

"The other half of your party is already seated. Follow me right this way."

We weaved our way through the busy dining room. Stacey was seated at a booth that was by a big picture window facing the street. She had her head down typing something on her phone when we approached.

"Hi, Stacey."

She startled and looked up.

"Oh, hi."

Okay, that did not go how I'd hoped.

I slid into the booth across from her. She still hadn't put her phone down. I grabbed the menu in front of me and started to look through the options.

When I couldn't take the silence anymore I asked, "Do you know what you're getting?"

"Yep," she didn't bother looking up at me to answer.

I gripped my menu tighter trying to keep my anger in check. I knew that stooping to her level wouldn't help the situation. Our waitress came by and took our orders. I was excited to try this place before I got there, but had lost my appetite after seeing that Stacey wasn't going to make this easy.

I clasped my hands together on top of the table. Stacey still sat tapping away on her phone.

"Stacey, how have you been?"

"Fine."

"Are you getting settled into Sam's place ok?"

This made her look up. The look on her face wasn't warm or friendly.

"I'm settled in just fine. Sam and I are great roommates."

"That's really great," I offered her a smile.

She didn't return it. I was at a loss as to what to say or do next. I didn't think that asking about her treatment would be a good idea. I decided to stick to something light.

"Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do for fun?"

"There's the obvious one, but I had to give that one up. Other than that not really."

I could see that this was going nowhere fast.

"I know that must be hard for you. I think it's brave what you're doing."

Stacey let out a huff mixed with a laugh.

"I don't know how brave it is."

Our food arrived, and we ate in an awkward silence. I had to force myself to take bites. I didn't really register if the food was good or not. I was too busy thinking that it would all be over soon. Stacey's phone rang, and she answered it without excusing herself. She spoke quickly to the person on the other line.

That was the final straw for me. If she wasn't going to like me anyway I had nothing to lose by laying it all out on the table. When she hung up her call, I went for it.

"Stacey, I know you don't like me. I don't have any idea why. I assume it has something to do with your brother. I could be wrong, but I don't recall doing anything to you personally. I want you to know that I'm not a threat. I don't want to take your brother from you. I not only can't, but don't want to replace you in his life. I care about your brother very much, and I know he loves you very much. I would never want to come between that. I'm here to offer you friendship, if you want it. I'm also asking that you show me the same respect I offer you. If you don't want to be friends, that's fine, but I'm a human being and I deserve respect just as much as you do."

Stacey looked at me for what seemed like forever. I couldn't read her expression. I didn't break eye contact with her. I wasn't backing down. I got the sense that she wasn't used to people that challenged her. Finally, her eyes flickered to the window and back.

"You're right."

I was? I stayed quiet waiting for her to elaborate.

"The only constant I've ever had in life is Sam. I've always been his number one priority. I don't want you or anyone coming between us."

"Stacey, that is not my intention. I understand how important your relationship with Sam is. I would never do anything to try to interfere. I'd like to build a friendship with you if you're open to it. I'm not your enemy."

Stacey played with the rim of her glass. She was staring into it like it had the answer to all her problems. I took in what was going on outside while I waited for her to collect her thoughts.

"I don't trust many people. I guess if Sam trusts you then I can try."

"That's all I can ask for."

Albeit small, I felt like I had a mini break through with Stacey. I hoped that with time she would see that I was not a threat. At least she said she'd try. That was a start. I wanted Sam to be happy, and I knew that having his sister back in his life made him happy.

I paid for our meals with the money Sam had given me the night before, and then we walked to the door together. I wanted to give her a hug but figured I may be pushing my luck too soon. She assured me she had a ride that would be there to pick her up any minute. We waved goodbye, and I headed to my car. I felt like we made a tiny bit of progress today.

I sat my purse on the hood of my car and sifted through it looking for my keys. They were nowhere to be found. I remembered sitting them on the table at the restaurant. I stuff the content back in my purse and went back in the direction I came.

On my way back down the street, I glanced down an alley. What I saw made my stomach drop. I hurried across and then peaked my head around the corner. Stacey was standing with her back mostly to me. She was with a man. He looked like he hadn't eaten or slept in goodness knew how long. His hair was a greasy, matted mess.

Stacey pulled a wad of money out of her pocket and handed it to the man. He handed her a small bag in return. Stacey opened the bag and placed some of the content on the back of her hand. She brought her hand to her face.

I pulled back from the alley. I'd seen enough to know what Stacey was up to. What the hell was I going to do? I had to tell Sam. So much for progress.

I paced back and forth across my living room floor. My nerves had been shot since seeing Stace. I didn't want to waste time telling Sam. The more time that elapsed the further Stacey could fall back into drugs. That was if she ever stopped to begin with.

"Why Lord, why me? Why did I have to witness this?" I asked my questions out loud to no one.

I'd called Sam to ask if he could meet me at the park by his job when he got off. I had thirty minutes until he got off. I walked circles around my living room. Sitting down wasn't possible.

I debated calling Tina for advice, but I didn't want to air Sam's family business out. Tina was my best friend, and I told her everything, but Sam was my boyfriend. That was a line of trust that I did not want to lose with him.

My eyes flicked to the digital clock on top of my T.V. Every time I looked it seemed like only a minute had gone by. I couldn't take it anymore and grabbed my car keys. I'd wait for him in the lobby of the gym.

When I entered the gym Sam was at the front desk talking with some of his coworkers. I waved and headed to the small cafe area and sat at one of the tables. Seconds after I'd sat down Sam stood beside my table.

"Hey baby," He leaned down and kissed me lightly on the lips. "I thought we were meeting at the park."

"I got restless at home so I came early." It wasn't a total lie.

"You missed me, huh," he joked.

"Always," I replied.

"I miss you when I'm not with you too."

His words wrapped around my heart. I hated what I was about to have to tell him. I hated that Stacey was still using. I hated that I knew this would hurt him.

"Let me go grab my stuff and we can go. I'm sure the others can hold down the fort if I leave a few minutes early."

I shook my head, not able to speak.

When he walked away, I tried to take deep, calming breaths. My knee was shaking up and down under the table. I kept reminding myself that this was for Sam and Stacey. She wasn't helping anyone, including herself, by harboring her secret.

Sam came back with his gym bag slung over his shoulder.

"Ready? I just have to put this in my car real quick."

"Yep."

Sam grabbed my hand, and led me to his car. He settled his bag in the car and locked the doors. I was leaned against the back door. He caged me between him and the car.

"Now for a proper kiss."

He pressed his lips into mine and ran his hands down my back until they were on my behind. He seemed to enjoy my backside because he was always touching or grabbing it. I secretly loved it.

He released the kiss and looked into my eyes.

"I'm so lucky." His smile was so sexy. I swear when he smiled at me like that I'd say yes to anything.

"Why's that?"

"Because my girl is beautiful, smart, kind, understanding... I could go on, but I think you get the picture."

I buried my head in his chest. Partially from embarrassment and partially because his words were making the situation even more difficult.

"Come on lover boy, let's go before you try to pull a stunt right here in this parking lot."

He put his hand over his heart and went slack jawed.

"I would never."

"Yeah, Yeah. Let's go."

He laughed, and grabbed my hand in his.

We held hands as we walked through the streets leading to the park. We didn't talk, just enjoyed the beautiful evening weather. In the park, we passed several benches. I kept saying at the next bench we would sit and I would tell him. After about the eighth one I decided I needed to stop prolonging it.

"Sam, can we sit?'

"Sure." He lead me to the bench.

Sam rested his arm on the bench behind me. Any other night I would have been snuggled up getting comfortable. Today I was sitting with my back straight and my hands rested on my knees trying to stop them from shaking uncontrollably.

Sam took the hand that was behind me and started to massage my shoulder.

"You seem tense. Everything ok? Did things not go well with Stace? I haven't gotten a chance to talk to you, but she didn't mention anything bad. It sounded like things ended up going pretty well."

This was it. I took in one last deep breath and went in.

"No, everything's not ok."

He stopped massaging my shoulder and shifted on the bench to face me.

"What's wrong Mercedes? Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine. It's about today's lunch. The lunch started out rocky, but it ended on a good note. When I got to my car, I realized I left my keys in the restaurant. When I went back to get them I saw Stace."

Sam's eyebrows were raised and his mouth was set in a straight line.

"Okay." He drug the word out urging me to continue.

"She was in an alley with some guy. She gave him some money, and he gave her," I paused not wanting to say the words. "He gave her drugs."

Sam's torso leaned back from me with a deep frown marring his handsome face.

"How do you know it was drugs?"

"I-I saw her take them."

Sam got up from the bench. He started to walk back and forth running his hands from the back of his neck and through his hair. His breaths were audible.

"It can't be true. You had to have mistaken someone else for her. She's been going to classes. She's with me or Uncle Dwight almost all the time. It's not possible."

I stood up and walked slowly toward him. I reached for his hand, but he kept moving, ignoring my gesture.

"Sam, Sweetheart, it was her. I had just finished lunch with her. I know what she looks like and I know what she was wearing. I'm so sorry, but I had to tell you. For hers and your sake."

Sam spun around and gave me his full attention.

"No!"

His voice raised. This was the closest I'd ever heard him come to yelling. I took a step back shocked that he would use that tone with me.

"They drug test them as part of the treatment. If she failed, they would have told us. She would have gone back into the facility. That was part of the deal me and Uncle Dwight made with her."

I tried to keep my own voice calm when I spoke next.

"Maybe it was the first offense. Maybe we caught it before she falls back down that path. I pray that's what it is, but I know what I saw."

I knew there were laws in place to protect a patient's privacy. It was possible she failed a test and they had no idea. The facility couldn't legally tell them anything without Stacey's consent.

Sam pulled his phone out and started hitting buttons on the screen. He put the phone to his ear.

"Stace hey, where are you?

I couldn't hear her side of the conversation. I desperately wished I could.

"That's good. Listen, what did you do after you left lunch with Mercedes?"

There were a few moments of silence while she responded.

"Did you meet with anyone after?"

"You went straight home? Mercedes thought she saw you talking to a guy."

"I see."

"Ok, I love you too. Bye."

He hung up and put the phone back in his pocket. He turned to face me. A look I'd never seen before on his face. There was fury in his eyes and I had the sinking feeling it was directed at me.

"She said she didn't do anything after the lunch. Said she didn't meet anyone. She took an Uber home and you must have seen someone else."

I shook my head no but didn't say anything. What could I say? She blatantly lied, and I had no proof of what happened.

"Stace is my sister. She's been working hard toward getting clean. I don't think she needs to be surrounded by any negativity. She needs all the support she can get. I think it's best that you don't contact her again. It's probably best that we stop seeing each other for awhile. I have to think about my sister's wellbeing."

Tears filled my eyes and spilled over onto my cheeks. I didn't know what I had expected to happen, but it wasn't this.

"I don't mean her any harm. I want what's best for her and you, Sam. I wouldn't make something like this up. Addiction is dangerous. I would never take something like that lightly. Please don't do this."

"I can't deal with this right now Mercedes. I just can't."

Instead of pulling me into his arms to comfort me like I so desperately wanted he was backing away.

"Please don't contact me or my sister. I have to do what is best for my family and right now, I don't think you are good for us."

I stood there not able to move. My vision was blurred by tears. The man I loved was walking away from me and there wasn't a thing I could do.

I don't know how long I sat on the bench staring in the direct that Sam went. I placed my head in my hands and allowed my tears to it hit the ground by my feet. I didn't care to try to stop them. My heart hurt.

I was able to gather myself enough to walk back to my car. Deep down I'd hoped Sam would either come back to find me or be sitting by my car. Neither of those things happened. In my car, I dialed Tina's number. She answered after a few rings.

"Hey girl, hey! What's shaking?"

Tina's upbeat voice traveled through the line. My voice caught in my throat and a sob released.

"Cedes, what's wrong? Are you hurt?"

Heck yeah, I was hurt. My heart was broken, and I didn't know if it would recover from Sam. I tried to take a few deep breaths to be able to speak.

"Mercedes, you're scaring me. Where are you? Do I need to call the police?"

"N-no."

"What's wrong. Please talk to me."

"I think Sam and I are over." The omission brought on a whole new set of tears.

"What? Why?! Things were going well with."

"Can you meet me at my house? I'm headed home now."

"Of course, I'll be right over. I'll bring wine."

I hung up the phone and rested my head against the steering wheel. How could he not trust me enough to believe what I said? You couldn't have a healthy relationship without trust. I was also afraid for Stacey. Despite how she had treated me, I wanted her to get help.

Tina was pulling up to my place just as I got there. Sometimes her antics were crazy, but I was thankful to have her as a friend. She'd drop anything to help me if I needed it. Those types of friends were hard to come by.

She pulled me into a hug as soon I got out of my car. I didn't want to have a breakdown right in front of my building, but the tears wouldn't stop. She let me cry for a few minutes before putting her arm around my shoulder and guiding us inside.

Tina made me sit on the couch while she poured us both a glass of wine.

"Judging by the way you sounded on the phone I was tempted to let you drink straight from the bottle. Seems like you may need it."

"What I need is a new life."

"What happened Cedes? I thought you two were okay."

"I thought so too."

I took a few gulps of wine to calm my nerves.

"You know how I told you about his sister not liking me?"

Tina nodded her head.

"Well I talked to my dad about it and he said I should invite her to lunch to see if we could talk. He thought if she got to know me that she wouldn't feel like I was a threat. I talked to Sam, and he seemed to think it was a good idea. So we went to brunch today. She was acting standoffish as normal. I laid it out for her that I wasn't trying to get between her and Sam. That seemed to register with her. It thought we were making progress."

"Then what happened that could have ended things with you and Sam? I don't understand."

"When I left the restaurant Stacey said she had a ride home. I didn't want to press the issue and Sam hadn't mentioned anything about her possibly needing a ride. So I left, but when I got to my car, I realized I'd left my keys at the restaurant. When I went back, I saw Stacey in an alley with a man."

I took another gulp of wine before I said the next part. The part that essentially ended my relationship.

"She bought some kind of drugs off of the guy and was doing them right there in the alley."

Tina's mouth fell open and her eyes about bugged out of her head.

"Wait, what? I thought she was supposed to be going through rehab."

"She was or is. I don't know what's going on, but I know what I saw. There was no mistaking it."

"Dang, Cedes that's crazy. Did you confront her about it?"

"No, I didn't want to get too close to the dude she was with. He could be dangerous for all I know. I told Sam."

Tina's lips pressed together before asking, "What did he say?".

"He didn't believe me. He got really angry and said that he had to think about his sister's wellbeing. He told me not to contact them."

My tears were overflowing again. Retelling the story felt like reliving it. It was admitting that it was real and I didn't want to believe it was.

"Oh sweetie, come here."

Tina pulled me into a hug and I cried in my best friend's arms.

"I know that man loves you. I don't believe for a second that things are over between you two. He may be upset now because he doesn't want to see that his sister may not be doing everything she says she is. He's probably in denial. No one wants to think the worst of their loved ones."

"He doesn't love me. He doesn't even trust me," I said between sobs.

Tina rubbed my back. It was comforting. It felt like something a mother would do when their daughter's first boyfriend broke her heart. Not my stepmother though. I wasn't used to being nurtured.

"Just because he hasn't said it doesn't mean it's isn't true. You love him and you haven't told him. What's done in the dark always comes to light. Addiction is not something she's going to be able to hide from him for very long. He'll see and when he does, he'll be crawling back on hands and knees. He just better hope you'll take him back."

Part of me hoped that Tina was right. He was the first person I'd loved since Anthony. If I were being honest, he was the only man I'd ever loved. What Anthony and I had wasn't love. I thought it was at the time, but it was a textbook case of manipulation and verbal and mental abuse.

The other part of me didn't know if I would be able to forgive Sam if he did come back. I didn't know if I could be with a man that didn't even trust me, and could throw me away so easily. I made a promise to myself when things with Anthony ended that I would never let another man make me feel less than worthy. I was worthy of love. I was worthy of commitment. I was worthy of respect.