I do not own Glee or its characters.

Friday September 4th

The next morning, I am working at my desk when a knock sounds on my door. "Come in."

"Mr. Evans you have a delivery." Harriett enters carrying a vase of sunflowers and a medium sized box wrapped in yellow paper. I arch my eyebrow as I eye both the vase and her face.

"Is there a card?"

"None that I could find."

"OK, just put them there on the conference table." She sits the vase near the edge of the table and then places the box next to it. "Thanks Harriett." She nods and smiles as she exits closing the door behind her. I stand and stretch as I walk over to the table to get a closer look. The scent of the flowers invade my nostrils as I near them. I pick up the box and gently shake it hearing the muffled sound of the metal objects inside bumping against each other. I glance over at the vase as I rip open the paper from one edge of the box. Beneath the paper is a plain white box. I remove the top of the box and find a blank envelope. I slide the card out of the envelope and flip it over. As soon as I see the handwriting, I know exactly who the sender is. I replace both the card and the top of the box and go back to my desk to get back to work. I have absolutely no interest in what else is in the box.

At lunchtime, I make a call to my girl. "Hey beautiful. How's your day?"

"Quiet. I may even get out of here a little early today. How's your day babe?"

"Quiet as well. So, does this mean we will see you early tonight?"

"Depends on what you consider early. I can drop Ally off for her sleepover any time after six. Once I do that, then I will be on my way to your place. Do I need to bring anything?"

"No, just you. Zack wants me to grill some burgers for dinner tonight. I hadn't really thought about any sides so maybe you and Zack can make some when you get there tonight. Maybe baked beans and some slaw?"

"I think I can manage that."

"I know you can. What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"After I pick up Ally, we were going to go shopping for a bit. She is already hitting me up for new clothes for our trip."

"Oh boy."

"Yeah, I know. Speaking of which, how much do I owe you?"

"Owe me? Owe me for what?"

"For the trip."

"It's my treat."

"I can't let you do that."

"Mercy please let me do this. I want to treat everyone. Please let me."

"Sam."

"Please baby. Just this once."

She sighs harshly into the phone. "OK, but only if you let me buy all the food for the duration of the trip."

"OK"

"I mean it Sam. All the food, whether it is dinner out or groceries. Deal?"

"Deal. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Thank you."

"I'll see you later beautiful."

"See you later."

An hour or so later, Harriett knocks on my door again. "Yes?"

She opens the door and walks in carrying a fruit basket. "Mr. Evans, you have another delivery."

"You've got to be kidding me." I eye the basket as she moves to sit it on the conference table next to the vase. "No, please take that to the security desk downstairs and tell them to enjoy. I want you to have those flowers and enjoy them at your desk."

"Yes, sir." She picks up the vase and then faces me again. "And the box?"

"I'll take care of the box. Could you also please let Betty know not to allow anymore anonymous deliveries pass the front desk?"

"Yes sir, I'll take care of it."

"Thank you."

At the end of my day, I open my door to say bye to Harriett. She looks over at me from her desk and signals for me to give her a moment. As she ends her phone call, she hangs up the receiver and then turns her attention to me. "Sorry. That was Betty."

"Everything alright?"

"Yes, sir. She was just letting me know that there were a total of five deliveries for you that she turned away today."

I close my eyes and shake my head. "Well, I am heading out and just wanted to tell you to have a great weekend. I'll see you on Tuesday."

"Thanks Mr. Evans. I hope you have a great weekend as well and Happy Labor Day."

I smile at her and close the door. I walk over to the conference table and pick up the box. I'm done playing these games with her. I'll have to do something to cease these unwanted deliveries now. I carry the box down to my car and put it in the trunk. I close the trunk and climb into my car as I pull my phone from my jacket's inside pocket. I start the engine and then scroll through my phone for the contact name that I need to call. I press the contact's name and listen as the line rings through my car's speakers. A soft, cheery female voice answers after a couple of rings. "Bradshaw, Pine and Drury, how may I assist you today?"

"David Bradshaw please."

"May I say who is calling?"

"Sam Evans."

"Hold please Mr. Evans." The line is replaced with music as I wait for David. I'm sure he will be surprised to hear from me.

"Sam, how the heck are you?"

"Hey David. I'm well despite the reason for my call today. How's Sharon and the kids?"

"Spending my money faster than I can earn it. How's Zachary?"

"Growing. He's almost as tall as me!"

"Wow. Time flies. So, what can I do for you?"

"I've been getting some unwanted visits and deliveries at my office from you know who. Is there any way to stop it? I was very clear to her yesterday. I escorted her down to the lobby where my head of security and law enforcement informed her that she is to stay fifty feet from the entrance or she would be cited. Today, she sent seven deliveries to my office. I've had minimal contact with her since before the divorce was finalized. Now, she has either been at my office or sent deliveries for the past three days. I told her Wednesday that the only contact I would entertain between us would be when it involved Zack. Is there anything I can do about any of this?"

"Six years without a word huh? Something has triggered her. Did she say what she wanted?"

"To get back together."

"Hells bells."

"That's what I said."

"Sam, I hate to say this but aside from filing harassment charges or a restraining order against her there isn't really a whole lot that you can do. In terms of getting her to stay away from your office, you did that when she was informed to stay fifty feet away from your building. For the deliveries, that one is a little tricky. She can always send those without a card or sign them with a fake name. The restraining order would be the only way to prevent the deliveries but are you sure you want to do that?"

"No, I don't. She is still Zack's mother. I just want her to back off and leave me alone. I moved on a long time ago but apparently she didn't."

"I'll tell you what, I'll send her a letter informing her that her advances are unwanted and to cease immediately. That should give her the sense that you are serious about keeping your distance and she should back off. However, if that doesn't stop her, we will have to discuss our next steps."

"OK I guess that will have to do for now. Thanks David. Have a good weekend."

"You too Sam."

I'm in the kitchen seasoning the burgers when Zack comes in. "Hey Dad, can I invite Aaron and Jason over tonight?

"Zack attack I don't know if that is a good idea with Mercedes coming over as well. Maybe wait until we are back at the mansion to do that."

"Then when are we going to be back at the mansion?"

"Soon."

"What does that even mean? You keep telling me soon. What are you waiting for? Just call her up and tell her."

"It's not that simple son."

"Sure it is. You call her and say Cedes, I have to tell you something. I'm actually a lot richer than you think I am. I have a sixty-room mansion with a live-in staff, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a tennis court and a basketball court. What's so hard about that?"

"Zack…"

"No, Dad I don't understand. Why are you waiting to tell her?"

"It's complicated. Look, it's fine. You can invite your friends over tonight."

"Really Dad? I promise we will stay in my room for most of the night so you and your not-sure-what-to-call-her girlfriend can make out as much as you want." He chuckles as he opens the refrigerator and takes out a bottle of water.

"What do you know about making out?"

"Enough. I'm not a baby."

"I know you're not a baby." I rinse off my hands and dry them on a kitchen towel. "So, have you made out with anyone before?"

"Yes."

"What? Who, when and where?"

He cackles as he takes a seat at the breakfast bar. "Her name is Emily Preuss. She is in the band with me and went to band camp at UF. We made out twice while we were there and a few times since we have been back home."

"Why am I just hearing about this? Is she your girlfriend?"

"Yes, she is. She and Ally are pretty close too."

"Where is all of this making out taking place?"

"Different places. The park, her house, under the bleachers at school."

"Her house? Son, are you having sex with Emily?"

"No, Dad."

"Have you had sex with anyone?"

"No."

"Do you want to have sex?"

"I don't know. Maybe. I hear the guys talking about it in the locker room but I don't know that I like her enough to do some of the stuff I've heard about."

"I need you to be 100% honest with me about this. If you ever feel like you are ready to have sex with her or anyone else, you talk to me first. Sex is not something you should venture into until both you and your partner are completely ready for it. You will need to protect yourself and her."

"I know. We had sex education at school last year. I know to wear a condom to prevent disease and to not get her pregnant."

"Condoms do not always prevent pregnancy. Just promise you will talk to me before you take that step, OK?"

"Sure, Dad. I promise."

"Alright, go call your buddies and invite them. I'm going to make a quick run to the market to get some baked beans and slaw to go with the burgers."

"OK."

Once I am back from the market, I glance up at the clock on my car's dashboard to see that it is nearing 5:30. I take out my phone to call her. I can't put it off anymore. She answers on the third ring. "Hey babe."

"Hey beautiful."

"I was just about to text you to let you know that I was on my way. Spencer is going to drop Ally off at her sleepover."

"Well then, I'm glad I caught you. Something's come up and we are going to have to reschedule our burger night."

"Oh, OK. That's fine. Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything is fine. I'm kind of sad that I won't get to see you tonight though."

"Well, maybe I will see you this weekend."

"So, what will you do now that you aren't coming over here?"

"I don't know. My friend Justine invited me out for drinks earlier, but I told her I already had plans. I guess I can see if she is still going out and maybe join her. But I don't really feel like doing too much so I may just stay in and watch a movie or something."

"Don't stay in baby. Go out and have some fun."

"I don't know. Maybe."

"So, if you do go out what are you going to wear?"

She giggles softly and then sighs. "I'm not sure. I'll have to change though. I was just wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt to your place."

"Well, I hope you do decide to go out and that you have a good time. Call or text me when you get back home."

"I will. Enjoy your evening."

"You too beautiful." I hang up the phone and try to ease the knots in my stomach. I hated doing that more than anything. I didn't lie to her, but I wasn't honest with her about why she couldn't come over tonight. I'm sure that Zack is going to be upset with me as well. I don't think he picked up on the fact that Mercy wouldn't be coming over since his friends are. I lock my phone, climb out of the car and make my way back into the apartment.

Opening the door, I notice Zack sitting on the couch watching a music video. "Hey buddy. Your friends on the way?"

"Yeah, Aaron's mom is dropping them both off here in about ten minutes. I'm going to go downstairs in about five to wait for them."

"OK. I'm going to go start on the burgers."

"Cool."

Out on the patio, so many thoughts run through my mind. I have to deal with all of the craziness that my ex is doing. Zack has a girlfriend who he is making out with and who he may want to have sex with which is completely blowing my mind. He is also getting fed up of staying here at the apartment. Even with all that on my mind, the one thought that is eating away at me is Mercy. I hated telling her not to come over tonight, but I cannot risk Zack's friends mentioning the estate. I know I'm not being fair to Zack and I see how mad it is making him to keep up with this ruse. Truth is, the main reason I have delayed telling Mercy is because I am worried that she won't understand why I did it. I'm afraid I'll lose her and that thought shakes me to my core. By prolonging it, I get to have her for another day. But I know we can't do this anymore and I've already made plans to sit down with her and tell her everything. I just pray that she will hear me out and forgive me for being dishonest with her in the first place.

I hear the patio door open and turn to see Zack leaning out toward me. "Burgers almost done?"

"Almost, maybe another couple of minutes."

"Is Cedes on her way?"

"No, she's not coming."

"Why not?"

"Zack, we talked about this. Your friends are over tonight. We can have Mercedes come over another night."

I feel his stare. "So, is this how it's going to be now? Anytime Cedes or Ally are over, no one else can be?"

"Can we talk about this later?"

"What did you tell her? You lied to her again, didn't you?"

I stare at him incredulously. "Zachary, I understand that you are upset son, but you will not speak to me in that tone. Now, like I said, Mercedes won't be coming over tonight, but we can invite her and Ally over another night."

"Fine." He closes the patio door and goes back into the apartment.

We sit at the kitchen table and eat in silence. Aaron and Jason alternate their looks between me and Zack. Once the boys finish their food, they all go into Zack's room leaving me alone at the table. I cannot remember a time when Zack has ever been this upset with me. I know we need to talk however I also know that it is best to wait until after his friends are gone. I grab a beer from the fridge and head to my bedroom.

Around 8:30, Zack knocks on my bedroom door and enters. "Can I sleep over at Aaron's tonight?"

"I think we need to talk, don't you?"

"Not really."

"Well, I do."

"Can't we talk when I come back on Sunday?"

"I would prefer that we clear the air now."

"So, I can't sleep over at Aaron's?"

"I didn't say that Zack." I exhale loudly. "What about your mother? You're supposed to go to her house tomorrow."

"I can have her pick me up at Aaron's."

"Fine Zack. Have a good time." He turns and walks out of my room. I throw myself back onto the bed and stare up at the ceiling. What a Friday night! My girl is out for the evening and my son is going to sleep over at a friend's house. Maybe Mercy will get home soon and we will be able to spend the night together. I think about giving her a quick call to let her know that I am free but then realize that wouldn't be fair to her. I'll just have to wait and see what time she gets home. There's another knock on my door and Zack enters again.

"Aaron's mom is here so we are leaving. I'll see you Sunday."

I stand up and look at him. "OK." I follow him out of my room and then follow them out the door. I stand in the doorway as they walk toward her car. "Night son."

"Night dad." I wave at Aaron's mom as they pull out of the parking lot and then turn to go back inside the apartment. Once I'm inside, I grab another beer, lay on the couch and unlock my phone. I click on the icon to open my photos and scroll through all of the photos I have of my girl. I study her smile and the way her eyes seem to brighten. Will she still smile at me like that once I tell her my secret? Will I even have the opportunity to hold her the way I am in this picture? I know Zack is right, it is time for me to tell her and I plan to, I just have to follow through this time. I've readied myself to tell her a total of four times and chickened out every single time. I don't know why I am so afraid. The woman I know is the most caring and understanding person I have ever met in my life. Surely she will understand why I did it. But will she understand why it took me so long to come clean? Will she be offended that it took me three months to tell her? Oh god, I hope not. I get up from the couch and pour myself a scotch. I groan softly at the burn as the liquid slides down my throat. I pour another and take it back to the couch with me.

After finishing with the photos, I get another beer, turn on some music and clean the kitchen. I glance over at the clock. It's 10:00. As I wipe down the counter, I realize that it wouldn't be a good idea to have Mercy come over tonight. It would likely lead to questions about what came up earlier, so I resolve to just spend the evening alone. I rinse our plates and then load them into the dishwasher. I replace the lids on the two containers with the baked beans and slaw in them and place them in the refrigerator.

Having cleaned both the kitchen and living room, I decide to turn in for the night. I take a quick shower, finish off the bottle of scotch, get one more beer and then climb into bed. I pick up the remote and turn on the television. I click through the stations and stop when I see that Iron Man is on. I haven't watched this one in a while. I place the remote on the nightstand and lean back against the headboard. Halfway through the movie and with my eyelids half open, a chime sounds from my phone. I reach over to pick it up off the bed and have to steady myself before falling over the edge and onto the floor.

Just letting you know I'm home.

Good, did you have fun

Yeah, maybe a little too much

You're allowed that from time to time you know. Hope you weren't driving though

I wasn't

Good. I missed you baby

I missed you too

Can I tag along with you and Ally tomorrow

Of course you can

What time are you going

Around 2

OK I'll come over around 1:30

Sounds good

So what did you wear tonight

Red leather skirt and a white blouse

Shoes

Black heels

Mmmmmm you in that skirt should be illegal

Lol

Were my marks hidden

Yes

Dammit. Anybody hit on you

Now why would I tell you that

Because I asked

Well I'm not answering

That means yes

No it means I'm not answering

Where did you go

Rexy's

Yeah, you got hit on probably all night

If you say so

I know so and you liked it too didn't you

Liked what

Getting hit on

What's happening

What do you mean

It feels like you are trying to pick a fight

No I'm not just want you to answer my question

Why do you want to know

Because I do, why won't you answer me what are you hiding from me

Ok, I'm going to say good night babe. I'll see you tomorrow

So, you're not going to answer me

...

...

Mercy?

...

...

Twenty minutes later there is still no response from her. I turn off the television and then roll over onto my side. I glance over at the clock on the nightstand to see that it is after midnight. She is definitely already asleep. I know she got hit on from the time she stepped in that bar until the time she left with her friends. Why won't she just tell me? She could have just said yes and that would have been the end of it. What is she hiding from me? I punch my pillow a couple of times and then roll over onto my stomach to try to will myself to go to sleep. I'm going to lose her. I can feel it. She met someone at the bar tonight and he is probably at her house right now. That's why she wouldn't answer me. I should have come clean to her long time ago. Then she wouldn't be out meeting other men and taking them home. I bet she didn't even go out with any of her girlfriends. She went out with some guy wearing that tight red leather skirt. She was probably happy when I told her that something came up and that we would have to reschedule. I should drive over there and surprise them. Yeah that's what I'm going to do. As soon as the room stops spinning.

I get out of my car and walk up the walkway holding a carton of her favorite ice cream as a peace offering. As I near the door, I hear faint music playing inside the house. I move to the small window on the right side of the door and look in to see rose petals scattered all over the floor. What the hell? I raise my hand to knock on the door but movement from inside stops me. I look up and see her walking down the steps. She has on a short black satin robe that is loosely tied around her waist. The robe is open enough for me to see the lacy red bra and boy shorts she is wearing. I smile as I scan her body from head to toe. She reaches the step landing and then turns to her left and enters the living room. I hear her giggles and then I hear the word 'Mimi' said by a deep voice. Soon her giggles morph into low moans. I don't believe this. I begin pounding on the door with my fist. I want her to see me standing here. I want her to know that I know that she is with another man. I continue pounding until I hear her unlocking the door. The smile on her face disappears when she sees me. "Sam, what are you doing here?" I just stare at her with an open mouth and watery eyes. I can't speak. She shifts uncomfortably before me and turns her eyes from mine. "It's really not a good time." She looks up at me and then quickly averts her eyes away from me. She straightens her robe and nervously tucks her hair behind her ears. "I'll call you tomorrow." She steps back to close the door and my hand slams against it. "Sam, you have to go now." Just as I feel the words ready to leave my mouth, a tall, muscular blond appears. He has a towel wrapped low around his waist. "Everything OK, Mimi baby?" He stands behind her and wraps his arms around her waist. He glances up at me with a smirk as he moves the hair on her shoulder aside and attaches his lips to her neck. My eyes burn into him as his tongue trails from her neck to that spot behind her ear that drives her wild. "Nick baby, everything is fine." She angles her head to the side as her eyes slowly close and a soft moan escapes her. I follow his hands as they begin to travel up and down her body. He continues to smirk at me as he watches my reaction to the way he is touching her. He then places his mouth next to her ear. "Baby I need to taste you. Say good night to your friend and come with me." He grabs her hand and begins pulling her back toward the living room while she giggles. "Good night Sam, I'll text you in the morning." The door slams in my face and I drop the ice cream just as my phone begins to ring. I stand there dumbfounded. What the fuck! How could she do this? My mind races. I ready my fist to pound on the door, but my phone is annoying the hell out of me.

I snatch the phone out of my pocket. "What!" The chime continues next to my ear. I move the phone and look down at it. The screen is blank, but the incessant chiming continues. I try to unlock the phone, but I can't. I click the home button. I click and hold the power button. Nothing works. The battery must be dead but if it is why is it still chiming and why is it so fucking loud?!