Thanks to all for the reviews, favs and follows. I do read the reviews and see the questions that some are asking but I am purposely not addressing any of them directly because I want to keep you wondering….

I've been writing this story, as well as three others, since early last year. I originally was not going to post any of my stories until they were finished. There are just too many stories here that are left unfinished and I didn't want to add to that count. I chose to post this one first because it was the 'most' complete in my mind. My ability to quickly add new chapters in the beginning was due to those chapters already being done. Fortunately, I've got the next five chapters ready. I give them a final read and any needed edits at the time that I upload, so the next five should be uploaded within the next few days. Now having said all that, I vow to you that I will not let this story go unfinished. I won't be away for more than a week at a time, God willing, until it is marked Complete. I mean where can I go or what else is there for me to do? Nowhere and nothing, that's what. So, I'll be 'social distancing' myself into my SamCedes world.

Please Be Safe and Stay Healthy

I do not own Glee or its characters.

Saturday September 12th

I wake up and stare at the ceiling. My first thought as usual is of her. I pick up my phone from the nightstand to see no calls or messages. I exhale deeply and then open my pictures to see her face. As I swipe, I stop at one that takes me back to when we met.

**********FLASHBACK Tuesday June 9th**********

I knock on her slightly ajar adjoining door. "Brunch is here beautiful." I park the cart next to the small couch in my room.

"Be right there." I hear her voice softly call out from inside her room.

I take the opportunity to use the bathroom while waiting for her. After I wash my hands, I walk back into the room and find her seated at the small dining table. She has placed both covered plates on it, along with our juice glasses, cups of coffee, flatware and napkins. "Hey there." I approach her and place a soft kiss on her lips, before moving to the chair across from her. She removes the lids from our plates as I sit down.

"Hey you. Thanks for this. Everything looks delicious."

"Sure, and yes it does." We take a few bites of our food. "So, how many more calls do you have today?"

"Two. Hopefully they will go as smoothly as my one this morning did." She takes a sip of apple juice and then looks over at me. "What are you going to do today?

"I was thinking of getting a little work done myself. That was originally my plan for the week before you walked into my life." I smile and wink at her as I take a bite of my bacon.

"You don't want to go out and see the city?" I watch as she eats a forkful of her eggs.

I swallow the sip of coffee I just took and shake my head. "I've seen it."

"Well, you could go shopping or see a movie or something?"

"Alone? Nah, I'll pass on that, but there is this Mexican restaurant I'd like to go to tonight. I remember you said it was your favorite. How's that sound?"

"Sounds good."

We finish our food and then she moves to go back to her room for her next call. Before she leaves, she leans over and gives me several short, deep lingering kisses. I try to pull her into my lap to lengthen them, but she resists. I reluctantly give up, and lightly tap her ass when she turns. As I pull my hand away, I see for the first time what she is wearing, but most importantly, the affirmation splayed across her glorious ass. SEXY. No truer word could ever accurately describe the sight before me. As she nears the adjoining door, I unlock my phone and take a quick picture. Then I can't resist letting her know that I completely agree. "Amen!" I hear her giggles as she disappears into her room.

**********END OF FLASHBACK**********

I arrive at Pandillo's at a quarter before the hour. I take a seat at our table on the patio and look up to see the one thing that could give me the answer I need. A security camera. It's perched high in the ceiling in the corner of the patio and seems to be in a position that would capture the entire area. I close my eyes and say a small prayer of thanks and then open them to meet the eyes of our usual waiter, Max.

"Hey Max."

"Hi Mr. Sam, is Ms. Cedes joining you?"

"I'm not sure. You were off the last time we were to have lunch, and something happened that caused her to leave before I arrived, so I haven't talked to her since that morning."

"Oh no. What happened?"

"That's what I have been trying to figure out since Wednesday. I notice you have a security camera there." I point at the dark orb protruding out of the ceiling. "Is it possible for me to see the video from that camera for this past Wednesday from 11:30 to noon?"

He nods excitedly and my insides flutter. "Let me see what I can do. What can I get you to drink in the meantime?" I order a glass of iced tea and he hurries away, returning a few seconds later with my drink and telling me he will check with the manager about the camera's footage. I'm excited, anxious and nervous all at the same time. Please, please have the footage. I take a sip from the glass and try to busy myself while waiting for Max to return. I glance at my watch and see that it's ten minutes before the hour. I want to see her walk through those patio doors, but then again, I don't want to see her. She hasn't contacted me at all since her conversation with Spencer. I don't know if that is a good sign, or a bad one, or no sign at all. I remember Spencer's words from last evening. She's stubborn and it is going to take some time for her to talk to me. I think I'm a pretty patient man, but when it comes to her, my patience is tried. I cannot have Zack in the state he is in for very much longer. I can only imagine how Ally is doing. I wish I could reach out to her and make her understand how much we miss her and her mom. I pick up my phone to distract my thoughts away from the kids. That's the quickest way to bring me to tears. I open my pictures and swipe through them. It seems like this is all I do these days. One of my favorites appears on the screen and I smile as I think about the night we took it.

**********FLASHBACK Tuesday June 9th**********

"Do you know how sexy you look tonight?"

"Stop it Sam."

"Stop what? I'm serious. No woman has ever worn a pair of jeans and a tank top and looked as sexy as you do right this minute."

"Thank you." I glance over at her and notice her smile to herself. "So, what's the name of this restaurant we are going to?"

"It's called Boca Fiesta. It's gotten rave reviews. They prepare their famous guacamole table-side."

"I'm not a fan of guacamole but it sounds cool." I reach over, grab her hand and wrap it in mine. "Can we go Dutch tonight?"

"Absolutely not. My treat."

"You treated last night."

"And your point would be?"

"That we each pay for our own meals tonight."

"Nope. I'm courting you. I'm putting my best foot forward. This is a bonafide date and I am picking up the tab."

"I don't recall you asking me out on a date tonight."

"Didn't I? Well, let me fix that right now. Mercedes, will you have dinner with me tonight?"

"You are impossible."

"And you are breathtaking." I glance over at her, and notice her roll her eyes while smiling the whole time. "So is that a yes."

"Yes, it's a yes, but I won't back down this easy all the time."

"We'll just see about that." She laughs out loud as I pull into a space near the front of the restaurant. I bring her hand up to my mouth and kiss it before releasing it to turn off the engine. We exit the car and I grab her hand again as we walk toward the entrance. Once inside, we are seated at another booth and like our previous night, I slide into the booth beside her. Our waiter appears and asks for our drink orders.

"I think I am going to get a margarita tonight." She looks up at the waiter. "Which flavor do you recommend?"

"Raspberry is a crowd pleaser, but I personally prefer mango."

I watch her try to decide which one to order and smile. "Bring us one of each please, and two glasses of water." She looks over at me and I wink.

"Yes sir."

I quickly look down at the menu and then over at her again. I can tell she wants to say something. "What?"

"Just trying to choose my words carefully." She giggles as she looks down to study the menu. I smile at her. "So, I think I am going to have a beef chimichanga." She looks over at me with a slight smirk on her face. "What are you going to order?"

I chuckle at her. "Carne Asada. Have you ever had it?"

"No, I haven't. What is it?"

"Strips of steak with lots of spices and seasoning usually, but I don't know how they make it here. I guess I'll find out soon enough." She nods and places the menu on the table in front of her. The waiter reappears with our drinks and some chips and salsa, and then takes our orders. Once he leaves, I take a sip of the mango margarita and then slide it over to her as she slides the raspberry margarita to me. "Which one do you like?"

"I like them both, but I think the mango is better."

"They both are tasty, but you are right I think the mango one is better too." She tries to slide the mango back to me and I stop her. "No, you keep it. I'm good with this one."

"You sure?"

"Yes." I lean over and kiss the tip of her nose. "You have calls tomorrow?"

"Yes, but just two and then I am off until Monday."

"Awesome. So, does that mean I get you all to myself for the rest of the week?"

"Yes, at least until we meet back up with the kids on Saturday."

"Speaking of the kids, Zack wants to go to Dave and Buster's before we leave. Would you and Ally like to join us?"

"Sure. When are you guys heading home?"

"Sunday. We will probably try to get a jump on traffic." I stir the drink with my straw. "When do you two leave?"

"Sunday as well. Our flight is at 8:15."

"Need a ride to the airport?"

"Sam, that's not necessary. We can have the shuttle take us."

"Yes, you could, but you could also humor me and let me take you."

"Sure, as long as it's not a problem."

"No problem at all beautiful." I take a couple of drinks from my glass. "What are we going to tell the kids?"

"We tell them that we have spent the entire week together and want to continue to spend time together when we are all back in Atlanta. Ally will be happy. She tells me that I need to date more anyway."

"Well, I'll have to let her know that from now on she should be saying that you need to date ME more."

She giggles. "You do that." She takes a sip of her drink. "What about Zack? How will he feel about you dating again?"

"I think he will be fine with it. He has been talking my ear off about how cool Ally is. When he finds out that you and I are going to start dating he will be ecstatic to know that he will get to see her on a regular basis."

"Yeah, I know. Ally has been going on and on about Zack's superman collection. She even suggested that when I do eventually take her to Metropolis that we bring him along."

"Hey, that doesn't sound like a bad idea. I think we should plan it." The waiter returns with our food and we dine on our dishes. She tries some of my carne asada and I try some of her chimichanga. As we finish our meals, I take out my phone and hold it up to snap a selfie of us. She playfully puffs her cheeks out as she kisses me on the jaw while I wear a wide smile on my face. We decline dessert and I pay the bill. As we leave the restaurant, I wrap her up in my arms and plant a hard, wet kiss on her lips. "Sometimes I just can't help myself." She grins up at me and kisses me softly on the lips as my hands travel down to palm her ass. "Besides, I wanted to get one last taste of that mango margarita." She swats me lightly on the chest as she turns and pulls me toward the car.

**********END OF FLASHBACK**********

I feel a tap on my shoulder and look up to see Max looking down at me with concern. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I said are you alright? I called your name several times, but you didn't acknowledge me."

I nod my head a few times. "Oh, yes. I'm fine. Just lost in the thought." I clear my throat and study his body language. "So, what did you find out about the footage? Can I see it?"

He lowers his eyes as a small frown forms. "Unfortunately, that particular camera is not working. We have one at the front entrance and one over the bar area, but nothing out here on the patio."

I slam my fists on the table and exhale gruffly causing him to jump back a little. I shake my head and place my hands on my lap. "I'm sorry Max. I'm upset but not at you." I exhale again and look over at him. "Is it possible for me to see the footage that you do have for that time?"

His eyes seem to slightly brighten. "Yes, Naomi, the manager, says you can view what we have. I told her about what happened, and she is curious to know as well. In case you hadn't realized it, we love you two here and have been taking bets on when she would come in sporting an engagement ring." He grins as he clasps his hands together.

I feel my face get hot and then I chuckle. "I had no idea." I smile and shake my head. "But believe me, that's definitely on my list of things to do." Then my smile fades. "I've got to get her talking to me again first."

"You will. I know it. She loves you just as much as you love her." I'm stunned by his words and look at him with my lips slightly parted. "Ah, you haven't gotten that far yet? But you do, and if you don't know it, she does too."

"How do you know that?"

"Her eyes when she sees you, and your eyes when she is near, because they never seem to leave her." He studies me for a few seconds. "Am I wrong?"

I shake my head. "I do, but I don't know for sure that she does. We've never said it to each other."

He nods. "You need to take care of that as soon as you can." I glance down at my watch, it's 11:40. "What time are you expecting her?"

"I was expecting her at 11:00. She didn't come." She didn't come. Does that mean she doesn't really want to break up with me? It's the only conclusion that I am willing to draw. She didn't meet me because she just needs some time. I can give her that. I look back over at Max, whose eyes are sad. "It's OK Max. I wasn't sure I wanted her to show up anyway." Confusion reads on his face as I stand. "I'd like to take a look at that footage now though."

He nods slowly. "Sure, follow me." As I follow him, I send Spencer a quick message letting him know that she was a no-show. He answers back that he knew she wouldn't come, but to give her time. Even though it's small, I take it as the best news I've had in three days.

After reviewing the footage, albeit useless, and getting words of encouragement from both Max and Naomi, I decide to go to the mansion to work out. There's no reason to be at the apartment right now, and with Zack being gone it just feels emptier. At least at the mansion, the staff will be around. Ms. Percy greets me as I enter the door.

"Hello Mr. Sam. I didn't realize you would be coming today sir. Can I get you something to eat or drink?"

"No, ma'am. I'm going to go to the gym for a while, but I would like dinner in a few hours."

"Anything in particular sir?"

"No, just surprise me."

"Yes sir." Ms. Percy turns to leave the room but stops. "You had a delivery by messenger earlier this morning. I placed the envelope on your desk."

"Ok. Thank you Ms. Percy."

"Yes sir." She leaves and I walk into my office to retrieve the envelope. It's plain white with just my name and address on the front. There isn't a return address listed and the envelope has 'Personal and Confidential' stamped at the bottom edge in red letters. I pick it up and notice that it appears to be empty. I tear the top edge and open it to find a small piece of folded white paper. I start to unfold the paper and see 'December 18th' written at the top. Oh great, more random dates. I move to drop the paper on the desk but see what looks like more writing toward the bottom of the paper, so I bring it back toward me and completely open it. My mind begins to race. Written there are the words 'Everything is not as it seems' in one corner and then 'MINE' in the opposite one. I quickly recall the other dates: November 27th and September 5th. Keeping those in mind and adding the newest one, I still come up with nothing. Are these future dates or are they dates from the past that should hold some significance for me? In my mind, I quickly scan through birthdays, anniversaries and any other milestones I can think of, but nothing connects to these dates. I look down at the paper again and the word 'MINE' catches my attention. Does this have something to do with Mercy? If it does, then these are definitely future dates. But who would be saying 'MINE' about Mercy other than me? A thought hits me and I am immediately furious. Could it be him? But how would he know my cell phone number or the address here at the mansion? I ball up the paper and throw it across the room. It can't be him. There is no way. I shake my head as I realize what I'm doing. I'm making an assumption and getting worked up about it without any real evidence. I'm not making that mistake again. But mark my words, if that damn Nicholas AKA Carter is behind this, he will regret it.

I click off my office light and walk up the steps to my bedroom to change into some workout clothes. As I change and try to clear my mind, I realize I haven't called or texted her since early yesterday. I grab my phone and send her a message.

Mercy I miss you so much. I wish you would talk to me. I was hoping that I would see you at the bistro today but then again I was hoping that you wouldn't show up. I'm a mess baby. I want to fix whatever is wrong but you have to tell me what's wrong so I can fix it. Please talk to me.

I press the send button and then drop the phone on my bed. How much longer can I do this? It's only been a few days, but I feel like it's been months. After tying my shoes, I grab my phone and go down to the gym. I have to get my mind off of this, and the random dates, if only for a few hours.

After my workout, I shower and then grab my guitar. I sit down on my bed and scoot back until my back is against the headboard. I close my eyes and strum a few chords. I begin to play, nothing in particular, but every note breaks a little bit of me. I think back to her singing in my room that first night. What was that song? I don't know how it would sound played on a guitar, but I make it a mission to remember the song and play it before the night is over. I hum the melody as it comes to me and the try to remember the words. Sweet thing. That's it. I grab my phone and go to YouTube to look it up. Once I find a video, I press play and it immediately sounds familiar. I listen to the song several times and play along until I have perfected it. I could never sing this song, but I think me playing it would mean something to her. I position my phone on the nightstand and begin recording. Once I've finished the recording and saved the video, I attach it and a message of my own to send to her.

You're my everything Mercy.

I press the send button as the tears roll down my face. I need to tell her I love her, but I don't want the first time to be over text message. She needs to know, but as every minute passes I feel emptier and like it is too late. I've got to do something. I need a distraction. Maybe I'll call up the guys and see if anyone wants to go out tonight.

About an hour later, I am downstairs eating the dinner that Ms. Percy has prepared. I feel like the loneliest person in the world, but I do have a planned distraction for the evening. I was able to talk a few friends into going out for the evening. My phone chimes and I look over and notice a message from my college buddy Randy.

So what is the plan for the night

I don't care man. I just need to get out.

Strip club

NO!

Boooo

Let's go shoot some pool and have a few beers

OK. Rexy's?

Yeah. Meet you there around 9

K. I'll tell the others Later

I finish up my meal and then go upstairs to get dressed. Once I have straightened my room back up, I let Ms. Percy know that I am leaving. It's only 7:30 but I am tired of being inside. I climb into my car and then just drive.

After about an hour, I look up and realize that I have been driving around aimlessly for over an hour. I make a U-turn and then re-direct my car to Rexy's. When I arrive at the bar, I pull into a space and then turn off the engine. I stare at the steering wheel for several minutes. I don't feel like doing this. All of a sudden, I feel like I need to be at her front door pleading my case. I'm sad and horny as hell. Even to my weary mind, I know that is a recipe for disaster. Add to that the kind of atmosphere that I am getting ready to enter into, and I know that I've got to prevent myself from doing anything stupid tonight. I'll just have a couple of beers.

Once I've reached my two-beer limit, I take a seat on a bar stool and watch as my friends, Randy and Jeff, finish their game. Andrew is off to the side with his face buried in his phone. I know by the look on his face that he is being interrogated by his wife. Anytime he gets away to hang out with us, his wife keeps him occupied. I glance up at the television perched high on the wall. Georgia Tech is getting their asses handed to them by Tennessee. As I continue to tune into the game, a soft voice interrupts me. "Hi there handsome."

I look over and meet a pair of pale blue-grey eyes. She has blond shoulder length hair and plush shiny lips. "Evening." I offer her a timid smile and then re-direct my attention back to the television.

"Buy a gal a beer?"

I chuckle at her request, but keep my eyes tuned to the television. "Doesn't the guy usually offer to buy the girl a drink?"

"Yeah usually, but you didn't seem to get that memo."

"Oh, I got the memo, but I only adhere to it when I want to."

"So, you're saying you don't want to buy little ole me a beer?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying. No offense." I finally look in her direction and nod.

"None taken handsome." She orders her own beer as I look back up at the football game. After a few moments, I feel her eyes on me again. "So, you interested in getting out of here?"

"No thanks."

"What's your deal? Are you gay?"

I look her directly in her eyes. "No, I'm not. I'm just not interested."

She studies me for a minute and then points her index finger at me. "You got a girl."

"Indeed I do."

"Well honey that don't matter. I'm just looking for a good time. No strings. She doesn't even have to know."

"Well, I'm not the one for just a good time, but good luck in your search." I stand, glare down at her and slap the bar counter lightly. "Have a good evening." I re-join the guys as Jeff sinks the eight ball.

"Pay up loser!"

"Fuck you. That was a lucky shot."

"Luck, no luck. You lost. That will be $100." Randy pulls out his wallet as Jeff holds out his hand. He slaps the bill in his hand and then playfully punches Jeff in the gut.

"So, Sammy boy. Who's the looker?" Jeff lifts his chin in the direction of the bar and I follow his eyes.

"I didn't catch her name but she's looking for a good time. Now that you are $100 richer, why don't you show her one?"

"You passed that up? Aren't you and your girl broken up?"

"Not officially."

"Yes officially. She won't even talk to you. Listen to me, you got to get back on the saddle man. And that little thoroughbred looks like a good place to start."

"I'm not interested. Me and Mercy are taking a short break. We will be back on track soon and I am not taking a chance on messing that up."

"Whatever you say son, but I think you are going to regret turning her down. But hey, your loss is my gain. Now, if you lads will excuse me." He strolls over to the bar and takes the seat that I had been sitting in, to talk her up. Within minutes, he waves as the two of them exit the bar.

"Well guys Laura is texting me, so I got to get going. Keep your head up Sammy boy. It will all work out soon." Andrew slaps me lightly on the shoulder as he downs the rest of his beer. Randy and I wave to him as he leaves.

"You know things are just kicking up at BJC. Sure you don't wanna go?"

"Yeah, I'm sure but you go and have a good time. I'm ready to head home anyway."

"Alright man. Call me if you change your mind. Later." He heads out of the bar and I decide that I am going to have one more beer. While waiting for the bartender to bring my beer, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn to meet a pair of familiar eyes. Eyes I thought I would never see again.

**********FLASHBACK Wednesday June 10th**********

"I'm all done with work. Let's go to the pool." She walks over to me as I sit at the desk in my room. I've been reading over some emails while she finished up with her calls. She is wearing a pair of short black knit shorts and a tank top. Her hair is a mess of tight curls and her feet are bare. I take in her appearance as she seemingly floats towards me. She is looking down at her phone and not paying any attention at the lustful look I'm throwing her way.

I slide my hand around her waist and position her between my knees the moment she is close enough for me to grab her. "You look so fucking sexy right now." I lock her in place with my knees and bring my other hand up to wrap around her waist as well. I nestle my head against her soft belly as my hands slowly caress her ass.

"I could say the same about you." She twists and then sits on my lap with one arm draped over my shoulder. "Like I said, I'm done with work, and it's nice out, so let's go to the pool." She kisses my lips.

"If you think I am going to say no at the chance to see you in a bathing suit, you're crazy." I plant several soft kisses on her neck. "Should we eat something before we go?"

"We can get something from the restaurant downstairs I'm sure." She kisses me again and then stands. My hands linger on her ass until she has moved out of my grasp.

"Alright, let's do it." She nods and goes into her room. I power down my laptop and then change into my swim trunks and a t-shirt. I sit down on the bed and lean back on my elbows as I wait for her to finish changing. After about fifteen minutes I stand and knock on the adjoining door to check on her. "Hey, you ready beautiful?" I push the door open a little until I hear her voice.

"I'm ready." I walk into her room and look at her. My mouth immediately goes dry. She is wearing a canary yellow two-piece. The bottoms are high-cut at her waist and the top is tied around her neck and has a peek-a-boo center, showing off the valley between her breasts. She has her hair up in a messy bun with a pair of sunglasses adorning it. "How do I look?"

"I can show you better than I can tell you." My eyes travel down to her feet and then back up again to meet her eyes as I purposely adjust my cock and moan. "Exquisite." She smiles and then turns to gather something from the bed. I get my first look at her ass in this suit and I feel like I could explode any minute. It has to be against the law for a woman with a body like hers to where a bathing suit like that out in public. And at that very thought, my possessive streak rears its ugly head. "Aren't you going to wear a wrap or something?"

"As a matter of fact, I am." She regards me with a 'what-the-fuck-do-you-mean' expression as she wraps the garment around her waist and then ties it on one side. "But only until we get to the pool." She grabs her bag and her phone and then starts toward the door. "You ready?"

I nod and follow her. The entire ride down in the elevator my mind is occupied on all the leering she is going to garner when we get to the pool. The women will be jealous and the men will be predatory. I have to figure out how to play this. I cannot give her my usual 'you're mine' speech, it's much too early for that. But I am definitely not going to be OK watching other men's eyes all over her body.

"What's wrong?" Her voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I stare at her for a few moments. "You look like something is troubling you." I shake my head at her and hold the door with my hand as she exits the elevator. We arrive at the pool and find a table in the far corner. She places her phone and bag down on the table and then takes off her wrap in one fluid motion. My eyes immediately dart around us to see who is looking at her. Much to my chagrin, every red-blooded male at the pool is glaring at her. Some with their mouths wide-open. I grab her hand and pull her down on my lap in an effort to tell them to back the fuck off. I wrap my hand around her neck and pull her mouth to mine. My kiss is hard and feverish as I try to make sure to drive the point home to our audience. When I pull away, she smiles and kisses me softly on the cheek before standing and stepping into the pool.

"Hey baby. What do you want to eat? I'll go place our order."

"How about a BLT and some lemonade? If no lemonade, then iced tea will do."

I lie down on the ground and kiss her. "Coming right up. Be right back." I stand and walk inside to the restaurant. After placing our order, I look out the window at the pool and notice her talking to a couple of guys at the opposite end of the pool. Shit. I keep my eyes trained on them and watch as she smiles and laughs at whatever they are saying to her. I swear it seems to me that she is flirting. My order is called and I collect the bag and make my way back out to the pool. "Mercedes." I say her name loudly, almost too loud and then hold the bag up shaking it in the air.

"I'll be right there."

I go over to the table and wait for her to join me. After almost five minutes, I'm angry. She is keeping me waiting so she can talk and flirt with them? No fuck that. I've suddenly lost my appetite and don't feel like getting in the pool. I stand and walk toward the door leading back into the hotel. I glance over my shoulder and see that she hasn't even noticed me. I roll my eyes and enter the hotel. I go straight to the lounge and order a shot of tequila. I down it quickly and then order another. How could she treat me like that? I thought she wanted to date me but maybe I was mistaken. I order another shot and after downing it, I order a whiskey sour. Maybe I'm overreacting. I mean she has spent every available second with me since Sunday. She's just friendly and being social. But how could she leave me waiting for her for that long while she talked and laughed with them? Maybe I'm coming on too strong. Or maybe I've gotten too attached to her too quickly. I take the last drink of my whiskey and tell the bartender to bill my room. I walk back to the pool area and notice that she is no longer there. The two guys she was talking to are gone too. Where did she go? Her bag, phone and the food are gone too. I get on the elevator to make my way up to the rooms. As I round the corner, I see her enter her room with the two of them following behind her, all of them still laughing. You've got to be kidding me! What the fuck is going on here? Did she really just bring two random guys up to her room? This has got to be some kind of joke. I contemplate knocking on her door to confront them but then think better of it. I enter my room, close the adjoining door and then change into a pair of jeans and a polo shirt. I hear their muffled laughs through the wall. I feel my anger growing and decide that I need to get away before I do something stupid.

I find my way to a bar a few blocks over from the hotel and take up residence at the counter. I order a beer and something to eat as I keep my eyes trained on the cute brunette bartender. Her ass in the short denim skirt she is wearing has me licking my lips. "Hey pretty lady, can I get another one?"

Her green eyes meet mine and she smiles. "Sure thing handsome. Coming right up." She winks at me before turning to retrieve a beer from the ice chest under the counter. She walks toward me and then sets the bottle down in front of me. "Anything else I can get ya?"

My eyes lower and lock on her cleavage. She is wearing a sleeveless low-cut red blouse. "What time do you get off?"

"Eleven."

"Could I interest you in a night cap? I'm staying at the Marriott a few blocks from here, room number 522. Name's Sam." I hold out my hand to shake hers.

She licks her lips and leans forward slightly. "Sure, I could go for a night cap Sam." She arches her eyebrow as her hand locks with mine. "I'm Lacey."

After leaving the bar, I drive around the city for a few hours and then end up at a park. It's only 7:00 and I don't want to go back to the hotel yet. I give Zack a call to check in on how his week is going and then decide to grab a burger for dinner. I sit in my car and eat as I try to figure out how I'm going to get through the rest of the week. Maybe it will work itself out. Maybe she will just be gone by the time I get back. Although I feel a pang in my heart at that thought, I will have to get over it. She just doesn't want me. I finish my food and then lay my head back against the head rest, drifting off to sleep. I'm awakened by a knock on my window.

"You OK buddy?"

I let the window down partially. "Yes. I must have nodded off." The good Samaritan nods and walks away.

I glance over at the clock on the dashboard and see that it is nearing 9:30. I go back to the bar and order a couple more beers as I watch Lacey in her element. About an hour later, I am back at the hotel in my room. I've stripped out of my clothes and am just wearing my briefs. I have the light on the bedside table dimmed. I try to focus on the fun I am about to have but my eyes continue to be drawn to the door that separates our rooms. I haven't heard any movement from her side, so I assume that she went out with her two new suitors. I pound the side of my fist into the bed next to me. Where did I go wrong? I thought she was the one. It still feels like she is, but I know what I saw. I hear the faint sound of a door closing. I sit up in the bed and then look down at the crack underneath the door as light appears. I see her shadow on the other side. She's back. My heartbeat begins to race as I listen for any voices. A soft knock comes instead. I lie back on the bed.

"Sam?" Her voice is low. "Are you there?"

I clear my throat. "Yeah."

She pushes the door open and steps into the room. She is dressed in a lavender halter dress with her hair down and still curly. "I've been looking for you. I'm sorry about earlier. I froze." I narrow my eyes at her as she continues. "I didn't expect to see them, and I wasn't sure how to make the introductions." She chuckles. "I mean how do you introduce your ex-husband and his husband to a man that you've only known for a few days, but one that you are completely falling for?" She smiles down at the floor as she fidgets with her fingers. "I froze. I was hoping they would leave but they didn't and then you did. I looked up and noticed you were gone, so I told them I had to go but they insisted on walking me back to my room."

"Wait. You mean that was your ex-husband and I'm sorry, his husband?"

"Yeah. Not really an introduction I've ever made before. My ex is Spencer. He was the bald guy with the arm band tattoo. The other guy, Alistair, is his husband." She looks up at me and shrugs her shoulders. "I'll admit that I handled the whole thing poorly and I'm sorry. I've been looking for you though. I've knocked and called this room multiple times and you never gave me your cell phone number." I sit up in the bed and motion for her to come over to me. She does and sits on the edge of the bed next to me. "Sam I am so sorry. Please tell me that you forgive me."

"Of course, I forgive you beautiful. And I'm sorry too."

"What for?"

"For thinking the worst of you. When I got back with our food, I was angry that you blew me off to talk to them. Then when you stayed there with them, I got mad and left. I went to the bar. After a few shots, I came back to the pool, but you all were gone. I made my way up here just in time to see the three of you entering your room. I was floored. I thought the worst of you and I'm sorry for that. I came in, changed and then went to another bar a few blocks over and had a few beers. After that I just drove around until I ended up at a park where I fell asleep in my car. I should have handled it better too." I rub my index finger down her jaw line and then take her chin in my hands. I pull her face toward me and kiss her lips. She moans softly into my mouth and I push her back onto the bed. I nestle myself between her legs as I kiss and suck on her neck. Suddenly I feel an urgent pressure in my bladder and sigh angrily. "Don't move. I gotta pee. All those beers are finally catching up with me." I give her lips a few pecks and then kiss the tip of her nose as she giggles and swats me on my behind. I jump off her and run into the bathroom. As I relieve myself, there is a knock at the door. Shit. Oh shit. Shit! That's Lacey. Mercedes yells something out to me, no doubt that she will get it, and I hurry to stop her but I'm too late.

"Hi, is Sam here?" I exit the bathroom just in time to see the grimace on Mercedes' face. Lacey looks up at me and smiles. "Hey there handsome. I'm ready for that night cap."

"Um…" Mercedes backs away from the door and my eyes follow hers as she scans my body clad in only my briefs. Then her eyes burn into mine with an intensity that I have never felt before in my life. "I'm sorry Sam. I didn't realize you were waiting for someone. Please forgive the intrusion. I'll leave you two alone." She turns and walks back toward the adjoining doors.

"Mercedes, wa-" Not looking back, she walks through the door and closes it behind her.

"Are you going to invite me in?"

"Um yeah, sure. Come in." She walks into the room and walks over to the bed. She lies on her side and kicks her heels off. My eyes trail back over to the door that Mercedes just closed, and a sudden jolt of remorse hits me. Wait a minute. What am I doing? Why didn't I follow her? What the fuck is wrong with me? "Actually, Lacey I'm sorry. I shouldn't have invited you here. I wasn't thinking clearly. You should go."

"Go? Now why would I do that?" She stands and pushes her skirt down to the floor. "Come on over here handsome. I'll make you forget all about her."

"No, you have to leave." I tightly fold my arms on my chest as I glare over at her. "Now!"

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

"No, I'm not. Please leave now or I will have to call security."

"Fuck you buddy!" She steps back into her skirt and snatches her heels up off the floor. I open the door for her. "Have a nice life asshole."

**********END OF FLASHBACK**********

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm just in town visiting my folks." She takes the seat next to me at the bar. "You know I never thought I would see you again."

"Yeah I know. I'm sorry how that all went down this past summer."

"Hey, it's OK. I get it. You and your girl had a fight and you went to drown your sorrows at a bar. But that's what happened then. Now here you are again with that same look of sorrow in a bar. More trouble?"

"No, we're fine."

"Cause I never did get that night cap, so I'm totally up for it now if you are." She winks at me as she begins to rub my thigh. I push her hand away. "Oh, come on Sam. You are attracted to me. I'm attracted to you. What's the harm in a little fun? Besides, I'll be gone on Monday and I know how to be discreet." She places her hand back on my thigh, winks and smiles at me.

I study her eyes, they really are beautiful, as I take her hand and stand.

"Look Lacey I'm not available and not interested." I release her hand. "I'm sorry I led you on back then, but I am not going to make the same mistake now." I place money on the counter to pay for my beer and then look back over at her as I leave. "You take care now."

As I climb into the car to make my way back to the apartment, my thoughts go back to that night after I asked Lacey to leave. I was flipping out. I couldn't find Mercy anywhere and I just knew everything was over for us.

**********FLASHBACK Wednesday June 10th/Thursday June 11th**********

I slam the door shut behind Lacey and rush over to the adjoining door. I fling it open and am met with darkness. The room is still and quiet. "Mercedes." I go over to the light and flip on the switch. She's not here. "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck." Where did she go? She doesn't have a car, so she is still here at the hotel that's for sure. She's got to be with her ex-husband. That still doesn't help. I rush back to my room and slide on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I go to my car and pull down the visor to get her cell phone number. I dial the number and wait for her to pick up. After four rings, the voice mail picks up and the sound of an elderly man named Felix tells me to leave a message. I disconnect the call and check the number again to see that I dialed the number she gave me. "Fuuuuuuck!" It's the wrong number. She must have transposed one of the numbers, and I don't have the heart to try random combinations at this hour. I throw my head back against the head rest. I have no idea how to get in contact with her. I replace the number under the visor and then re-enter the lobby and go to the lounge to see if maybe she is there. No luck. After several minutes of looking completely lost about how to find her or where to even look, I concede to just go back to my room and wait for her to return. She was gone so fast and didn't take any of her things with her so she has to come back, and I will be waiting.

The next morning, I am awakened by movement in her room. I dart up out of the bed and rush over to the door, swinging it open forcefully only to see the cleaning lady. "Oh, I'm sorry." She nods and I close the door. I walk back over to the bed and flop down on it. All her stuff is still in the room, so she has to come back. I just have to make sure I'm here when she does. I decide to take a quick shower while the cleaning lady is cleaning her room. Out of the shower, I order some room service and continue to wait for her. My food arrives and I eat in silence. I power up my laptop and check my emails. Thirty minutes later, I hear movement again in her room. I rush over to the door and try to open it only to find that it is locked. I begin knocking. "Mercedes." Nothing. I knock again. "Mercedes please." I hear her unlock the door, but she doesn't open it. I open it and take a couple of small steps into her room as she nears the edge of the bed. She then turns around to face me.

"Sam." Her face is unreadable.

"Mercedes, let me explain." I tightened my grip on the doorknob.

She shakes her head as she sits down on the bed. "No, it's OK Sam. There's no need. It's my fault." She slips off her socks.

"But I didn't do anything. I kicked her out immediately and then tried to find you. I don't even know why I let her in, I shouldn't have. I swear she was out the door within a minute of entering the room." She lowers her eyes, stands and makes a move to turn away from me but my words stop her causing her shoulders to shrug up and visibly stiffen. "Mercedes, please. I promise you, nothing happened. After she was out of the room, I came over here and saw that you were gone, so I got dressed and went down to my car to get your number to call you. And by the way, unless your name is really Felix, you gave me the wrong number." I smile to try to lighten the mood. "The only place that I could check was the lounge and you weren't there. Where did you go?"

She relaxes her shoulders a bit. "I went to stay in my ex's suite. I didn't want to be here to listen to….." She shakes her head as she closes her eyes.

"Nothing happened. I promise. I made her leave." The expression on her face is pained as her eyes remain closed and her head quickly shakes from side to side. It is in that moment that I realize that she is trying to get the images out of her head. Images of something that didn't happen.

Her eyes open and she gives me an ice-cold stare. "If I hadn't of talked to you before she arrived, you would have fucked her, right?" My jaw drops at the bluntness of her words.

I take a deep breath and shrug my shoulders. "I don't know. Maybe, but I was hurting. I thought you just threw me away. I was trying to forget about you."

Her fists are balled and attached to her hips in a nanosecond. That ice-cold stare morphs into a fiery abyss of rage as her words crescendo from a whisper to a scream. "Are you serious? Really? So that's what I have to look forward to? You just going out and fucking random women to get over being hurt?" She lowers her arms to rest at her sides and I watch her un-ball her fists and repeatedly flex her fingers. She takes a couple of deep breaths, allowing her voice to normalize. "Sam, I would never and will never set out to purposely hurt you. I didn't set out to hurt you yesterday, but you ended up getting hurt because of my actions. I am truly sorry for that. But it is so not OK for you to react by screwing the first person you can find."

"I know." And I do know. She is exactly right. I mean when I made the date with Lacey, it was made purely based on my assumptions of what I thought had occurred between Mercedes and who I now know is her ex-husband and his new husband. Mercedes, her ex-husband and his new husband. That thought has my head spinning just thinking it. I start to understand the crazy situation that presented itself to her yesterday and how she tried to handle it. Her words interrupt my thoughts.

"This is all brand new for both of us. We are still getting to know each other. For me, the attraction is still just as strong as it was when we sat together at the stadium, but over time, I guarantee you, rash decisions and assumptions will lessen it. Right now, my attraction is purely based on how attractive you are, your personality and the way you make me feel when you flirt with me. As we continue to spend time together and get to know more about each other, my attraction will either heighten or diminish. And in case you don't realize, hooking up with someone else when we have an argument or a misunderstanding, will definitely diminish it. Your handsome looks, sexy body and flirty words will only get you so far with me." She shrugs her shoulders. "I guess the bottom line is that we both have to communicate better, if this is going to work."

I give her a knee-jerk response. "I agree." I exhale softly as her words replay in my head. When I zero in on one particular statement, I grin at her like a fucking idiot as I loosen my grip on the doorknob. "I have a sexy body, huh?"

She giggles. "Really? Is that all you heard?" She giggles and throws her head back as shakes her head.

"No, but that part was definitely a highlight for me. I also heard what sounded like you still wanting to get to know me. Is that true?"

She raises an eyebrow as she begins to slowly walk toward me. "It is. I still want to know everything about you, and I want you to know everything about me." I move toward her and crash my lips onto hers. "No, Sam stop." She giggles as she tries to pull away. "I have morning breath."

"Like I give a fuck." I back her up toward the bed and devour her mouth again as she falls back and I follow, landing at her side. "I like this dress." I run my hands down the side of the light, breezy material as I plant kisses all over her face. "I never got to ask why you were so dressed up last night." I trail my tongue from her jaw line to her neck and then lick and suck there. She moans and I move quickly to nestle myself between her legs.

"There was a mixer downstairs. I was hoping to go with you, but you went M-I-A on me, so I went with Spence and Alistair." Her words are breathy and I feel her chest move up and down against mine.

"Hmm.." I continue my assault on her neck as I feel her hands trail up and down my back. "I want to sleep with you." She stills and I look up to meet her eyes. "You heard me right - I want to sleep with you." She softly clears her throat as I gaze at the uneasy look on her face. "What I mean is I want to share a bed with you. I want to be able to wrap myself around you and fall asleep next to you. I want to wake up next to you and still be wrapped around you. Believe me baby when the time comes for us, sleeping will be the furthest thing from my mind." I lower my mouth on hers and kiss her softly. "So, what do you say beautiful, will you sleep with me?"

I notice the relief that washes over her face as she smiles and sucks gently on my bottom lip. "Yes, I'd like that."

**********END OF FLASHBACK**********

Once I am settled in bed, I open my phone to do what has become my routine: reading our text messages and looking at our pictures. I'll get to see her in four days, so I need to make sure that I use the time to state my case and find out why she broke up with me. I've got to do everything in my power to get her back in my arms.