Enjoy!
Chapter 14
Mercedes paced back and forth waiting for her parents to arrive so they could meet Sam and Izzy before going to brunch. She wasn't usually this nervous but she couldn't shake the feeling something horrible was about to happen. After they'd gotten back from her cabin, Sam insisted she stay with him and Izzy which she had no real issues with outside of needing to be home for work.
Speaking of work, she'd received several negative reviews from both Marley and Penny about her lack of professionalism. She also lost a few potential clients because of their incessant reviews. She didn't have too much time to dwell on that because she was currently planning a wedding on top of trying to integrate herself into Sam's home… well now their home.
"Baby calm down, you're going to over worry yourself." Sam said as he and Izzy watched her pace back and forth.
"Sam, my parents are… They will expect certain things and can be a bit much, especially my mother."
"Mercy, it will be fine and I'm good with parents plus we can just use Izzy here to win them over." Sam replied before tickling Izzy.
Mercedes smiled looking at the both of them and feeling herself relax a little before hearing the doorbell.
"Oh hell… they're early." She said and Sam smirked before getting up and grabbing her arm as she headed for the door.
"I got this." He said kissing her on the cheek then moving her aside to open the door. When he did he was met by a beautiful woman and a surprisingly tall man.
"You must be Mercedes' parents, hi I'm Sam." Sam said, holding his hand out for her father to shake, then leaning in to give her mother a hug. "I hope you don't mind, we figured we could do the brunch here."
"Well, aren't you handsome." Angela said, looking him up and down before noticing Mercedes and a rather cute little girl holding her hand. Angela shot her daughter a smile as she walked over to them.
Angela stopped right in front of them before looking directly at Izzy. "And you must be my newest grand baby." She said kneeling down.
Izzy looked up at Mercedes before letting her hand go and hugging Angela. "Mommy's been worried about you coming." Izzy informed her and Angela let out a soft laugh.
"She's always been a nervous one, so tell me what do you want to call me? Grandma Angie or Gigi? Your cousins call me Gigi."
Izzy smiled before taking a minute to think it over. "I like Gigi."
"And you can call me Peperè." Mercedes' father Jonah said from behind them.
Izzy giggled. "Pepperre?"
"Peperè." Mercedes corrected with a soft laugh. "It's Cajun and means grandpa."
"Hey mommy, hey daddy." Mercedes said, greeting her parents who were already enthralled with Izzy. Both her parents gave her hugs before Sam walked over to lead them to the dining room so they could have their brunch and discuss things over before they started fully planning their wedding.
Penny had called both Mercedes and Kurt to complain about how things played out and when she got an automatic message saying they would no longer be assisting her she became enraged.
First they screw her over on meeting with Sam like they planned, and then they refused to talk to her! This wasn't going to stand. Mercedes was not going to take her family from her. She grabbed her keys and made her way over to Sam's. If she couldn't get Mercedes and Kurt to tell her what she wanted to know, then she would go to Sam directly. Izzy was her daughter and Sam was hers, just because it took her too long to realize it, didn't change that fact.
When Penny met Sam she was in the prime of her life. Sam was a hot and sexy billionaire and she was well on her way to becoming the same. Getting pregnant was not in the cards for her, and in truth had Sam not caught her throwing up, and questioned if she was pregnant, Penny might now have ever had Izzy.
It took her all of two days to realize she wasn't cut out to be a mother. And when Sam told her that there wouldn't be a Nanny, and Penny would have to stay home with their daughter for a little while, Penny knew she had to get out. So she booked business trips that kept her away for long while, stayed late at work claiming that her job was just as important as Sam's, but in truth she was spending time with her business partner.
Then one day when Izzy was sick, she realized she wasn't able to pretend anymore and left Sam's engagement ring on the dresser with only a note that said she was sorry and a document stating that she had given up all of her rights to be Izzy's mother.
That was the biggest mistake of her life, just walking away from Sam. And it wasn't until she saw Sam's name on that stupid ass dating site did she realize that she was wrong. She had her fun and now it was time for Sam and Izzy to be hers again.
Smoothing down the too short royal blue mini skirt and braless top. Sam still loved her, it's the reason he never settled down, it's the reason Izzy never really had a mom, it was because she was that girl's mother, and now was the time to prove it. Knocking on the door, she tightened her high ponytail and cleared her throat plastering on a huge smile.
Sam watched Mercedes parents laughing at something as Izzy showed them the photos from the Thanksgiving ball. Hearing the door, he kissed Mercedes on the forehead and walked over to it, opening it.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
Penny was confused by his tone but chose to ignore it. "I'm here for you and Izzy, I'm here to be a family again." She said, still smiling at him.
Sam couldn't help but laugh. "Funny, now tell me the real reason you are here? And hurry because I have guests."
Penny frowned as she took a step forward. "Sam, I'm serious. I want us to have it all like we used to talk about, I want to make up for the time I lost with you and Izzy."
"Well that is all good and well and when Izzy turns 18 if she wants a relationship with you, I won't stop her from reaching out. But as if right now, you are nothing more than the bitch who walked out on us, and you think, really think I would want you back or allow you to be around my daughter?"
"Come on Sammy, don't be that way. I'm here now and can do that thing you used to love me to do…" She replied, running a hand up his chest as she pressed her body against his. "I really do want a chance to make things right." She added before brushing her lips along his neck.
Oh hell no." Could be heard from behind Sam. Mercedes stared at Penny cutting her eyes at the blonde as she moved herself in front of Sam.
"Mercedes, what are you doing here?"
Mercedes let off a bitter laugh. "Sam, mom and dad are busy making French Toast with Izzy, maybe you should join them."
Sam looked at both of the women before leaning down and kissing Mercedes. "You sure?" He asked and she just nodded her head.
Penny folded her arms across her chest. "Look I know you stepped in during Thanksgiving but Izzy has her real mom now so it's time you go home." Penny said.
"Listen up because I am only gonna say this once. If I ever see you putting your crusty ass lips on my man again we are going to have a problem. Sam doesn't want you, Izzy, doesn't want you. That is my husband, my daughter, my family in there and it will be a cold day in hell before I let you come in here and take them from me."
Penny smirked as she narrowed her eyes at Mercedes, she had to give the woman her props for thinking she even had a chance with Sam. "Oh sweetie, you don't belong here. You don't belong in Sam's world. He's a billionaire and I'm on the cusp of becoming one myself, we have thousands of pictures of us that still get circled around to this day. I am Izzy's real mother, we are picture perfect and him showing up with you would ruin a majority of the connections I helped him make." Penny said, letting out a soft laugh.
Mercedes let her speak, her smile not leaving her lips. "Are you done? I really should get back to my daughter and husband, but you enjoy those photo's hope they keep you warm at night." She said turning away.
"Sam hasn't married you and if he rushes into a wedding his stocks will plummet! Whatever he told you, understand he told me too but I had his first child and he doesn't want a lengthy custody battle especially since I never actually signed over my rights." Penny said smugly as she took a step inside and closed the door behind her. She looked around admiring how much their home had changed but also remembering the good times spent there.
"I will not warn your crazy ass again to leave." Mercedes said through gritted teeth.
"Oh he didn't tell you?" Penny asked cheekily. "This home is technically mine, you have no right to ask me to leave sweetie but I can get you arrested for trespassing."
Mercedes folded her arms across her chest moving closer to Penny. "Then do it."
Penny smirked and turned to where the alarm was and pressed in her four digital code that alerted the police before turning around and looked at Mercedes in a taunting manner. "Mhm… strange my code still works and I have a key… that works." Penny taunted. "Let me ask you something, are the sheets still grey and blue with tiny lettering on the trim?"
Mercedes didn't bother to give Penny the satisfaction, the girl wanted to play this game, then they could play. "Penny, your delusion is showing. You really need to get a clue because at this point I just feel sorry for you. Dwelling on sheets that are long gone, and a code Sam didn't care enough to change because your ass bounced. Do yourself a favor and go, before I put you out."
Penny laughed and moved closer to Mercedes, not the least bit afraid of her threats. "The sheets aren't gone and you know how I know? Because there's no way you've slept with him not fully. I'll leave but not before giving you this bit of information. The letting on the sheets say Sam and Penny Evans… the closet to the right of you still have my clothes in there, the towels you use I bought. The small details here and there I made sure were put into this home. You are a woman in denial. You don't even know the man you're attaching yourself to but I do and I know that he has always wanted a full family, a real family. I started that, don't ever forget it."
"And if you have been out of their lives for 8 years how the hell do you figure that?"
"Eight years? So he skipped the part when I came back when she was two? How else would she know what I looked like, come on Mercedes you're smarter than that." Penny answered before walking over to the closet and opening it up proving that she was right about where her dresses and winter coats were.
Mercedes was about to say something else when Izzy walked out the kitchen. "Mommy?"
Penny looked over her shoulder and smiled at Izzy but needed to play her hand right. "She's talking to you, isn't she?" Penny asked, confusing Mercedes.
"Get the hell out of our house, now. Before that code of yours is pressed on you." She seethed going over to Izzy. "What's up buttercup?"
"Are you okay?"
Mercedes pulled the little girl closer to her and nodded. "Yep, couldn't be better."
Penny smirked when she heard sirens and shot a look to Mercedes. "Mhm, I think they're here for you."
As someone banged on the door Sam and her parents came out into the living room. Sam looked at Mercedes with concern before moving to the door. Seeing two officers he frowned. "Can I help you officers?"
"Yes we received a silent alarm call from the keys of a Penny Owen? Is everything okay?"
"It's actually Evans." Penny corrected. "This woman is trespassing and before my estranged husband lies, here's the deed proving this is in fact my home." Penny added before pulling out the proper documentation and handing it to the officer.
Mercedes looked over at Sam and saw the look on his face before shaking her head and laughing. "Wow, nope. I don't need to hear anymore. I'll gladly leave." Mercedes said before running upstairs to grab her things.
"You had no right to do that Penny." Sam said angrily before running behind Mercedes.
Mercedes couldn't believe what just happened. Sam and Penny were married? It's the only way her name would be Evans on the deed… she owned the house, she was there. And Sam knew all of this and didn't tell her. She quickly made quick work of grabbing her things and packing them so she could leave as quickly as possible.
Sam burst into their room seeing her packing before he walked over to her and grabbing her hands. "Let me explain." He pleaded softly.
"Let you explain? How exactly were you going to marry me Sam? And you were just going to let me move into her house? With all her stuff still here? Sam, were you just waiting for her to come back all this time? Waiting until she actually meant it in your eyes?"
"Mercedes, Penny will never be my wife. I mean yes technically she is but it was for business and it was after she left. She came back when Izzy was two and we needed to look more connected so we got a quickie marriage license and she left again. I have tired for years to get her to sign divorce papers and for years she ignored me until now. Her business is failing and I'm aware of it, she needs the family angle to keep her investors happy." Sam explained.
"And where does that leave us Sam? I trusted you enough to accept this ring and you just lied to me. Our marriage won't be legal if you are still married. And to her of all people? Do you know how humiliated I feel right now? How stupid?" She turned back to grab the rest of her things. "I am going to say good bye to Izzy grab my parents and get the hell out of this house. Leave you and your wife to work things out." She spat.
"Mercedes, I'm sorry for not telling you about my marriage but I don't love her and I damn sure don't want her. I want you and knew it the moment I met you, I can fix all of this but don't give up on us. She wins if you do that, she wants you to leave so prove her wrong by staying."
"Staying? Sam, your wife called the police on me! There is no staying."
"Then we'll all leave. She can have this house, I'll buy us another one and put it in your name! I don't want to lose you baby. I will all this behind for you, she can have it but I don't want to be without you in our lives."
Mercedes laughed bitterly, wiping a fallen tear. "If she hasn't divorced you yet Sam? What makes you think it's gonna happen? You have things you need to work out with her and its been made clear I am not welcome so its best I go."
"She will do it she cheated on me and if that got out she would lose everything, So let me prove to you that I don't have anything I need to sort out regarding who and where I want to be."
Mercedes didn't say anything, there was nothing to say, Sam could believe what he wanted but this right here was why she avoided relationships. She was cursed.
"Fine, I'll prove it but if you leave she will win in other ways that I know deep down you don't want her to win. If you leave, you're not just leaving me. I can't lie and say it will be easy but come Christmas day, you will be my wife." Sam said before walking out and back downstairs to get rid of Penny once and for all.
"Ma'am are you still needing our assistance?" The officer asked and Penny shook her head.
"No, thank you for responding so quickly but I believe the intruder won't be a bother any more." She responded, earning a look from the other woman standing there.
"Izzy sweetheart, go upstairs and pack a bag." Angela instructed. "Seems your Gigi needs to have a word with… this woman."
"My child won't be going anywhere." Penny said sternly.
Angela nodded at Izzy letting her know it was okay to do as she instructed before walking over to Penny. " I'm not one you want to play with, now come on so we can have a nice conversation. Woman to woman, mother to mother.. "
When Sam made it downstairs he saw Penny standing there with a tear stained face and saw Jonah walking out with a happy Izzy while Angela stood there looking at him angrily.
"Mrs. Jones-"
"Do you have the papers for her to sign?" Angela asked. He could tell by her tone that she was pissed off and he scolded himself for making a poor impression on his future mother-in-law.
"I do, they're in the drawer to the right of you." He answered, pointing at the table by the door. Angela nodded as she walked over and opened the drawer. She pulled out a large manila envelope and opened it to make sure it was the right forms before handing it over to Sam.
"Now sign it." Angela said to Penny who shot her an annoyed look. "Don't test me."
Penny signed before snatching the papers from Sam. "I need a pen." She snapped and Sam quickly grabbed one from the cup before handing it to her.
"Shouldn't there be like a notary or something present?" She asked raking the pen from Sam and Angela smirked.
"There is one, me. Now sign the damn papers and don't even try to miss a page because you won't be leaving until it's done correctly." Angela answered, still keeping her eyes on Sam.
Penny went through and signed all the papers and once she finished she handed them to Sam who was still slightly stunned she did it so easily. Angela grabbed the forms from him and read them over quickly before nodding and smiling.
"Now apologize." Angela said and Penny rolled her eyes.
"I'm sorry and you don't have to worry about me coming back. There, you happy?" Penny asked, finally having enough courage to look at Angela.
Angela nodded before walking over the door and opening it. "Now get the hell out and don't ever come back."
Penny sighed before quickly removing herself, right as she turned around to look back, the door slammed in her face. Sam knew he needed to explain things and he hoped he'd be able to make her understand why he never told Mercedes about his marital status.
"Mrs.- OWWWW!" Sam grunted when Angela grabbed him by the ear back up the stairs.
"Which one is your bedroom?" She asked and Sam just pointed to the door. She walked over just as Mercedes flung the door open, her eyes went wide when she saw her mother and Sam standing there.
"Running again?" Angela asked and Mercedes before pushing the door open and finally letting Sam's ear go.
Mercedes should have been shocked to see her mother and Sam but somehow she wasn't. She shifted the bag and stepped back. "I figured it would be better if we left them to figure things out."
"No you're running because of some damn lie you've been telling yourself for years. This man was a fool for lying to you but running isn't going to fix it." Angela replied before letting out a deep breath.
"If I-" Sam started before stopping when they both shot him a look.
"No, you've done enough." Angela said, holding her hand up before looking at her daughter. " Do you love him?"
"Of course I love him Momma but I am cursed you know and so do I…I can't put that on Sam and Izzy. I won't."
"Please, stop with that damn cursed crap. You're not cursed, you just need to get out of your own way to find love for yourself but you keep finding excuses but not this time, I won't let you. You feel in love with this man and his child and because some bitch shows her ass you decide to run?"
"Moma, it's not that easy… he lied and-"
"And you didn't? You didn't lie to him about loving him? You didn't push him away even though you knew it would hurt him and you?" Angela fired off and Mercedes looked away before her mother gently grabbed her face making her look at her. "You have got to stop running from the things that you want. Yes he lied but you wouldn't still be standing here if you didn't think you two couldn't figure it out."
Mercedes finally looked from her mom to Sam. "I'm not good enough for you. I am a strong, hard working woman, I know that, but with you I worry I'm not enough for you or Izzy." she confessed.
"Bullshit." Angela said, shaking her head. "Listen to me, if she's not willing to fight then you have every right to leave her." She added looking at Sam before looking back at her daughter. "You keep running and you will end up like your aunt. Contrary to what everyone else says, she never had failed marriages; she just kept running like you're doing now."
"Moma, I-"
"He lied and you have every right to be pissed off but the problem has been resolved, that woman is gone and he's still here. So what excuse will you make up now? Huh?" Angela asked.
Her mother was right, she could run and lose Sam forever or stay and fight. "Moma can you excuse us…I need to make up with my fiance…"
Angela looked at them both before shaking her head. "Swear to all things heavenly if you ever do this to my child again I will cut you." She said before walking out but not before shouting. "Izzy will be with us so you have time to get everything figured out!"
Lawd! Penny triflin and Mercedes should've beat her ass but she classy. SAM GOT A WHOLE WIFE! I knew he was for the streets! THE STREETS I SAY! ha. Well the end is right around the corner!
What do y'all think Angela said to make Penny act right? Also it will be revealed... haha