Disclaimer: I own nothing but the mistakes as always. Only two more chapters to go. So don't worry about Samcedes we didn't have to read about their month a part because Lanee Lane was like aint nobody got time for this and quickly resolved the conflict between the two. I don't agree with the resolution of conflict, but I am uninspired to write my version of what should have happened and how it should have went down with Sam groveling and Mercedes understanding she is only his girlfriend and not his wife and that family albeit dysfunctional comes first until they are man and wife, but Sam was wrong and his wrongness gives him the chance to deal with his weaknesses before getting in deeper with Mercedes so Stacey does ends up being a blessing in disguise for both of them. Mercedes doesn't see Sam as a perfect knight in shining armor, and Sam realizes he is not perfect and needs to deal with his past and his issues to be the best man he can be for his sister and any woman he has a relationship with in the future. As always thanks for your support, and if you like this story and can find any of Ms. Lane's works, please support her as an author.

Chapter 13

Sam

I checked my phone for probably the hundredth time that day. Just like I had every day since I sent Cede the flowers and card. Every time my phone vibrated my heart sped up. A mixture of anxiety and hope filled me. The hope was lost when it wasn't her. I didn't know what I had expected. I'd screwed up big time. I couldn't blame her if she never talked to me again.

The only positive thing that had come from the mess was that Stace was getting help this time. Uncle Dwight and I were going to her therapy sessions with her once a week. Uncle Dwight and I also went to family sessions where we learned effective ways to support her and spot signs of relapse. I wasn't sure how I hadn't seen the signs. The therapist said that it was me deflecting and not wanting to see the worst in my sister. She told me that I had been a classic enabler. That I wanted to believe the lie that Stace wasn't using, so I didn't feel guilt for not being enough for her in the past and not being enough for her now. That I had many issues dealing with trust and a save a damsel in distress syndrome that I cultivated because I thought I had failed in saving my sister a long time ago. She told me the need for me to be a white knight in shining armor was because I felt that I had failed in saving my parents, my aunt, and my sister. She helped me to see how many of my issues started from the tragedy of losing my parents so young, and all my other losses had kept me handicapped emotionally.

Turns out I had needed to see someone a long time ago to help me cope with my parents' death and my Aunt Mary's death. Uncle Dwight broke down in one of our sessions because he felt like he failed us by not getting us and I were both screwed up. I didn't blame him, and I told him as much. He actually saved us by doing the best he could. If he hadn't stepped in and took us, Stace and I would have been split up and who knows what would have happened to us in the system. I now made a point of trying to remind him of how thankful I was for the sacrifices he made for us.

The door to the gym swung open, and I glanced in its general direction. I did a double take when I realized it was Tina. Every time I saw Tina I hoped Cede wasn't far behind. She didn't look at me and I didn't expect her to. Her loyalty was to Cede, and I was sure she hated me.

Before I had a chance to think my actions through, my feet began to move from around the front desk. When I realized what I was doing, I couldn't make myself stop. I needed to know how she was doing, and I knew Tina would know. She may give me grief, but it was worth the risk.

"Tina," I said her name right before she entered the women's locker room.

Her body stiffened at the sound of my voice. At first, she didn't turn around. I figured she was weighing her options of answering me or hurrying into the locker room. She slowly turned her head and looked over her shoulder at me. It was a good choice because if she didn't talk to me then I'd have waited for her to come out. I was desperate at this point.

"What?" Her voice came out in a clipped tone. I ignored it and continued on.

"Can I talk to you for a second, please?"

I was hoping the please would soften her a bit although I was pretty sure nothing could soften her toward me.

"What could we possibly have to talk about Sam?"

I absently rubbed the back of my neck with my hand.

"I just wanted to see how she's doing." I didn't need to specify. She knew who I was talking about.

"Why do you care all of a sudden? You didn't seem to care when you left her crying by herself in the park. You also haven't been too concerned over the last month. No calls, no text, not even an f-you."

I couldn't argue because she was right. Bringing up the flowers seemed like a dumb idea.

"I know, I really screwed up. It was a mistake, and she was looking out for me. If I could go back in time, I would. I regret everything I said and did. I know I was wrong, and I don't deserve her forgiveness or to know how she is doing.."

"You should. You don't deserve her. She's had more than her fair share of bad relationships thanks to Anthony and her psycho stepmom. She trusted you. Hell, I trusted you. I thought you were different. I guess we both were wrong."

I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. Being compared to Anthony hurt. What was worse was I knew I had hurt her like Anthony had. I'd hurt her in a different way, but I'd still hurt the woman I loved. I was shocked at how easily the thought of loving her flowed. There was no fear or regret when I thought about it. That's when I knew I'd fight as long and as hard as I had to, to get her back. I didn't deserve her, but I needed her. I'd spend the rest of my life making it up to her and showing her how much I loved her.

"Earth to Sam. You were somewhere else for a second. Are we done here?" Tina's hand was prompted on her hip, annoyance written on her face.

"No, wait, I love her. I love her, Tina. I know I messed things up. I've been getting help with dealing with my past and my sister. I should have believed Mercedes. At very least I should have investigated more before I flew off the handle. I can't change the past. I can only go forward and I will always love Mercedes. I will do whatever takes to re-earn hers and your trust. You have to help me get her back. I'll never hurt her again, I swear."

Tina's narrowed eyes stared directly into mine. It felt like she was trying to suck my soul out through my eyes. For all I knew that was exactly what she was doing. Still, I refused to break eye contact. Whatever she needed to see I didn't want to interfere.

"Mercedes is the closest thing I have to a sister. She's been there for me through the hardest times of my life and me for her. I'd kill for her." Her emphasis on the word kill didn't escape me. I hoped it was more a scare tactic, but I didn't want to take any chances. "I don't approve of how you treated her. I don't know if I really think you deserve her forgiveness or a second chance. What I do know is that despite everything that has happened and the time that has passed she loves you. She won't admit it because she's hurting, but I know her and I know she was a pretty much in love with you from the moment you first met."

I had to fight to keep the smile off of my face. Mercedes loved me.

"If you want her back, then you're going to have to put in work. A simple I'm sorry and some flowers won't cut it. You have some begging and compensating to do. You also have some competition."

The hope that I felt deflated. My face must have shown my confusion and dismay.

"Wasn't expecting that, huh? You couldn't possibly think that no other guys would be looking at her. She's a catch you know."

I swallowed trying to clear the lump in my throat.

"I'm very aware of her beauty and appeal."

"So is her date, Matt. He's pretty easy on the eyes too if I do say so myself. He is a teacher that can dance and looks like all her favorite boy band members rolled up into one gorgeous piece of chocolate."

My hands balled at my sides. I didn't like hearing that Mercedes was going on a date with another guy. She was mine, or at least she would be.

"How many dates have they been on? Are they serious?"

"Calm your britches. It's only their first date, but he seemed pretty smitten with her."

"Tina, please you have to help me before they get in too deep."

She rolled her eyes and flicked her hand in the air dismissing my plea.

"I don't have to do anything. However, since I know my girl isn't over you, I'll help you come up with a game plan. I want to see her happy, and I think you make her happy even if you're an idiot. Once we come up with a plan, you're on your own. How you execute it is all up to you. It's sink or swim time fish lips."

Tina made me wait while she went to her class. An hour after that we'd fleshed out a plan of attack. Tina seemed to think if anything was going to work this would be it. I had to trust that she knew what she was doing. This was my only shot. One thing I was going to have to be was patient. Something I was normally very good at, but knew would be hard in this situation. I'd wait though. Cede was worth the wait.

After several more subtle threats to my life and manhood, Tina left. I was on my own from here. That night I could hardly sleep. Cede's date was in a few days. That was also the first day the plan would go into effect. I hoped Tina was right about waiting until she went on her date. I felt like I'd lost a lot of time already.

When I did finally fall asleep, I dreamed of her. Her smile, her laugh, her perfect curves. I prayed that those dreams would soon be my reality of seeing her, hearing her, and touching the woman that I loved and was so stupid to lose with everything being my fault..

Mercedes

It only took Matt two days to call and ask me out on an official date. He'd text me the night we met saying he was happy to have met me. No matter how happy I was, there was still something missing. That stupid fluttering feeling that took residence in my stomach every time Sam was around wasn't there with Matt. I tried to tell myself it was because we'd just met. I was sure they would come after we had dated awhile.

Tina was laying across my bed scrolling through her phone while I got ready. I was going to be meeting Matt at the restaurant. He'd offered to pick me up, but I felt better about meeting him for the first date. Since Tina knew him I figured he was safe, but I still didn't want to take any chances.

"You look hot, Cedes. You might get more than dinner going out looking like that."

"Ugh, you have a one track mind. I'm not looking for anything more. I just want to get to know him."

"Suit yourself, but I bet he knows his way around the bedroom. He has that strong silent type feel to him and those are the ones that can usually put it down."

"It sounds like you need to call up Artie and see if he can help you with your libido."

"I'm ahead of ya, babe. I'm going to his place tonight. He's cooking me dinner and then I'm going to be his dessert."

I could have sworn little hearts popped out of her eyes like the emoji on my phone.

"I would say TMI but after all these years I know there are no boundaries with you."

Tina's laugh bubbled out of her. "You got that right." There were a few seconds of silence before Tina spoke again. "So, I saw Sam."

My body stiffened. I turned around, moving my eyes from the full-length mirror I'd been looking in to at my best friend.

"I'm sure this isn't the first time since you still go to his gym."

"No, but I talked to him this time."

All I could do was grunt in response. I wanted to know what he said, but I didn't need to torture myself.

"He misses you. I let him know how I felt about him and his stunt. He's kind of pathetic when it comes to you."

Why was she doing this right before my date with Matt? I'd been doing better about not thinking about Sam every five minutes. Now he'd most likely be on my mind all night while I was with another man.

"I don't think this is the best time to talk about this. I'm going out with Matt tonight. I can't sit around and cry over him forever. He made it clear that he didn't want me so I'm moving on."

Tina got up from her spot on the bed and walked over to where I was. She wrapped her arms around me and pulled me into a hug.

"Hey, I just want you to be happy. If it's with Matt, great. If it means you end up back with Sam, after a good knock upside his head from you and an ass kicking from me, I'll support that too. You're my best friend Cedes, I love you."

I laid my head on her shoulder and took a few deep breaths.

"I know, that's all I want, too, Tee. Thanks for being my best friend and loving me regardless what state of mind I am in."

The place I was meeting Matt at was modern and nice, but not over the top fancy. When I pulled into the parking lot, I saw him standing by the door. My nerves went into overdrive. Sam had been the only date I'd had in years and spending time with him had been easy and effortless.

When I realized what I was doing, I squeezed my eyes shut and willed him out of my thoughts. Matt seemed like a great guy and he deserved my undivided attention. I made my way to the entrance of the restaurant where Matt was waiting. I admired the beautiful man in front of me as I got closer. He certainly was nice to look at.

He spotted me and grinned.

"Mercedes, it's so great to see you again. You look lovely." He opened his arms to hug me. I walked into him and allowed myself to enjoy his brief embrace.

"Thank you, and It's nice to see you again, too."

Matt extended his elbow out for me to take.

"Shall we? I've only been here once, but everything I had was great. I hope you'll like it."

"I didn't even know this place was here. I'm always up to trying new places."

Inside, a hostess showed us to our booth. The lights were dim, but still bright enough to see the surrounding tables. We browsed the menu and made small talk about work and hobbies. It wasn't until the waitress left with our orders that Matt got down to business.

"Mercedes, tell me, why is it that you're single."

Dear Lord, I loathed that question. I always felt like it was a trick question. Do they want me to say I attract jerks with small packages like Anthony, or sexy jerks that have trust issues like Sam? Or should I go with the textbook answer; I just haven't found the right guy? All felt pretty pathetic in my current situation.

I decided to give him honesty, but without giving a lot of details.

"My last relationship didn't work out, and I've just been doing my own thing. I figured things would happen when they happened. I'm in no rush." There, that sounded good I hoped.

"I can understand that. It can be hard to find people that you vibe with. You'd think with online dating that it would be easier to find quality dates, but I haven't had the best luck."

"One dreadful experience turned me off of online dating for a while. My friend has had profiles on pretty much every dating website there is. I don't know how she does it."

I remembered then that Tina's current flavor of the week was Matt's friend. I tried to think of a way to recover, but he saved me before I had to.

"Artie is the same. I wouldn't be surprised if that's how they met."

Our meals arrived and to my delight everything was delicious. We talked about everything. We had many of the same interests and similar family backgrounds, aside from the crazy stepmother thing. Soon I was completely engrossed in our date and enjoying myself more than I had expected.

Matt was telling me about a field trip gone wrong with one of his classes. I couldn't control the giggles escaping me. The story was funny, but his storytelling skills took it up a notch.

"Oh, my goodness that was hysterical. I imagine you have all kinds of funny stories from your students."

Matt let out a low laugh. "I really do. Even just everyday conversations sometimes have me cracking up when I retell them to my friends. I do have a good time with them though. They keep me young."

"I bet they do."

"Mercedes."

My ears had to be playing tricks on me. I knew the voice even though it had been a while since I'd heard it. I had to be dreaming. This couldn't be happening. I looked over at Matt trying to ignore what I thought I heard. His eyes were looking just past my shoulder. The smile that was on his face moments ago was no longer there.

"I think that guy is talking to you."

Against my better judgment, I turned my head and my breath caught in my throat. Sam was standing just beside my booth. I didn't see anyone with him. I silently hoped he wasn't there on a date. I chastised myself because who he dated was none of my concern.

He was as handsome as ever in a green polo shirt with dark wash jeans. The polo was just tight enough to show off his chest. Dark circles marred his under eyes like he hadn't been sleeping well. Just like I hadn't.

"Mercedes, do you want to introduce me to your friend?" Matt broke the silence.

"I-uh."

"I'm Sam, a close friend of Mercedes's." Sam stuck his hand out for Matt to shake. Matt looked at it with a raised eyebrow before taking it.

"Matt, her date."

Oh crap, oh crap what should I do? I tried to think but my mind was shocked from seeing Sam.

Sam turned his attention back to me. "I'm here for dinner with some people from the gym and thought I'd come over and say hi. It's been a while."

Was he serious? He was acting like nothing had happened. Like he hadn't taken my heart and crushed it.

"Yes, it has. It was nice to see you. Matt and I are just finishing up our dinner. I hope you enjoy yours."

I turned my attention back to Matt hoping that he understood that I'd dismissed him.

"Thank you, Sweet Cede. By the way, you look great tonight. I hope to talk to you again soon."

Before I could reply his back was to us and he was headed to his table. Matt and I didn't say much while we waited for the server to bring the bill. Once Matt wrapped everything up, he placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me outside.

We walked in silence to my car. When we reached it I turned to face him.

"I had a really great time tonight Matt. You're easy to talk to."

"I can say the same for you, Mercedes."

"Thank you for everything."

I wasn't sure what I should do from there. I figured a hug was a safe option. Right before I began to go in for a hug Matt spoke.

"Is that him?"

My face scrunched up not understanding what he was talking about.

"Who?"

"Your last relationship. The guy that didn't work out?"

My eyes closed. This was awkward.

"Yes, it is."

"I think he wants to see if you can work it out."

My eyes flew open.

"No, he made it very clear that things were over."

How the heck was this how an otherwise perfect night was ending? My luck sucked.

"He may have said that, but his eyes told a different story. I'm a man and I know when another man looks at a woman as more than a friend. He was staking his claim calling you Sweet Cede while you were out on a date with another man."

I had to laugh at that. "He can't claim me. I'm a grown woman. I'm not some object he can take because he wants it."

"Maybe, but he sure was trying. I'd wager to guess that your feelings for him aren't completely over either."

What was this man, a therapist? I didn't need a psychoanalysis in the parking lot of the restaurant. I hated to admit that he was right though.

"Look, you don't have to answer that. You're a beautiful woman and I really enjoyed spending time with you. I don't think you're completely emotionally available just yet. I would love to spend more time with you if or when you are ready. I'll leave that up to you to decide. I don't mind a chase, but I fear that I'd be chasing a heart that's already taken. I have a feeling that this won't be the last time you see your friend in there."

As much as I wanted to I couldn't argue with what he said. He was right, and I hated it. I gave him a small nod. His arms came around me in a strong embrace and he kissed the top of my head.

When he released me I unlocked my car door and slid into the driver seat. Matt stood close by as I turned on the car and eased out of the parking lot. I waved before turning onto the dark streets of the night.