I know I know its a new chapter finally! We are sorry it took so long but we love this story to just not finish. So here is chapter 9 we hope you enjoy it!
3 months, it had been three months since Mercedes gave her two weeks notice and quit. Even though she was given a really good severance package, not being able to wake up and see Sam, was hard for her, but she could not keep working for him. Seeing him plan his wedding with Quinn, it was too much. She had been keeping busy, with the money she got, she had a little bit of time to figure out what she really wanted to do. She thought about going back to school for Fashion, but that seemed like a lifetime ago. Besides spending time with the twins, she and Shane were getting closer, they had been going strong for the last 3 months and tonight he was going to take her out.
Santana had the kids, and after helping her pick out her outfit, Kurt left in a rush. He had been acting pretty weird lately, always disappearing and being busy. She had finished getting ready and stared at herself in the mirror. She glanced down to her off the shoulder blush pink, bodycon dress that hugged every curve she had, along with a pair of silver heels. Her hair fell over her shoulders in curls and her subtle makeup made her feel as beautiful as she looked. Hearing a knock on the door she grabbed her shawl and purse and headed out to the door.
It didn't take long for them to arrive at the restaurant and Mercedes allowed Shane to open her door. She wrapped her shawl around her shoulders as he gave his keys to the valet. They normally did simple things, movies, dinner at local hangouts, but Shane said tonight was special. It was their three month anniversary and he had saved up and made reservations three weeks in advance for it. Looping her arm in with his, they walked to the hostess stand.
"Did I tell you how beautiful you look?" Shane said.
Removing the shawl inside she smiled. "Thank you, you look handsome too."
The hostess led them to their table and as Mercedes sat down, she looked up and brown eyes met green. Her heart began to race as she realized that Sam was in her direct line of vision. She hadn't seen him since her last day of work, and that saying out of sight out of mind, was a load of bull. Shane sat down and she turned her attention to him, but her eyes drifted back to Sam's. Why was he there? Did he and Quinn have to flaunt their love everywhere?
The past three months hasn't been easy for Sam. The loss of Mercedes was felt not just his life, but also around the office. Sam understood why Mercedes felt like she had to quit, but a part of him wondered why she didn't fight for them. But he also knew that he was being selfish with that thought. The bottom line was that he is an engaged man and his focus should be on him and Quinn. So no matter how much he wanted to chase her and beg for her forgiveness, he knew that would be inappropriate. He didn't want to make Mercedes be the other woman. She deserved more than that. So he threw himself into work. Being the first one in the office, and the last one to leave has become so normal for him lately. It worked in regards to getting Mercedes off of his mind, but every now and then, she would creep back. On those days, he didn't know what to do, so it put him in a foul mood, and his employees had notice.
"So, I'm thinking since the guest list keeps growing, the country club is out of the question. It won't be able to hold everyone."
Mary's voice interrupted Sam's thought and he turned back into the conversation. He hated family dinners, but he got used to them. He didn't know why his parent's suggestion to go out to eat to discuss wedding plans, but Quinn agreed before Sam could give his opinion. And now he was stuck here planning the most expensive wedding this city has ever seen.
Quinn nodded. "Your mom is right, I think the whole city is coming to our wedding. It is the social event of the year." She beamed looking at Mary. "I really hope we can do all this within the next three months I can not wait to become Mrs. Sam Evans."
Mary nodded and the two continued to talk about the Wedding, waiting for Sam to chime in if need be. The planning got bored quickly, so Sam's eyes wandered around the restaurant, not looking for anything, but then his eyes landed on a familiar pair of brown eyes, and for a second, all the air got sucked out of him. It's been months since he had seen Mercedes, and she still managed to take his breath away.
Mary noticed the change in Sam's demeanor, and right away looked for the source. When she saw Mercedes, sitting with Shane, she figured this was a good chance for them to show that they had moved on.
"Oh, is that Mercedes? We must say hi." She waved to get the waiter's attention. "Excuse me." The waiter came right over. "Can you extend an invitation to that table over there to come and join us?" She said pointing to the table that Mercedes and Shane were occupying. The waiter nodded and headed over to their table.
Quinn's eyes followed Mary's and Sam's and she had to fight to keep the scowl off her face, would she never be rid of Mercedes?
"Mother, what are you doing?" Sam said, almost mortified about being in the same space as Mercedes.
"What? She's been my assistant for so long, and I wanted to show her that there were no hard feelings."
"Sam your mom is right, with everything that happened, I would love for her to see that were are stronger than ever. Anyways it seems she has moved on too. Isn't that the security guard?"
Sam rolled his eyes and drowned his glass of champagne while wishing it was something much more stronger.
"Chin up son, I'm sure there are no hard feelings between you to."
Sam looked at his father incredulously, but chose not to respond.
Shane had been saying something and it took her out of her head. "I'm sorry what?"
"I was saying that this place is way nicer than I thought, no wonder it's expensive."
She nodded. "Yeah, maybe we should go."
Shane shook his head. "Go? No we can't. We are celebrating and I want to show off my girl. She is by far the most beautiful woman here."
Before Mercedes could respond the waiter came up to them. "Excuse me, your presence has been requested at one of our V.I.P tables."
Mercedes cocked and eyebrow. "VIP? Seriously? Its a restaurant, what do you need a VIP section for?"
The waiter turned and pointed towards the Evans table and Mercedes eyes widened. What the hell kind of game were they playing at. "Oh no we can't."
"The hell we can't, I thought you said you had no hard feelings towards them, these are people I still work with, we at least have to say hi."
"Shane No! I can't go over there, lets just leave."
He sighed, "Baby I know you feel some kinda way but I am gunning for that promotion at work and face to face with the heads of the company will go a long way. Sir, we are coming, lead the way."
Mercedes frowned as Shane stood and pulled her up with him. She didn't even have a say and it killed her to have to go over and see how happy Sam was. His parents were. As they walked towards the table her mind went to the last time she saw Mary Evans.
Three months ago.
Mercedes had just finished showing Ryder how to file Sam's papers when the elevator doors opened. She spotted Mary and tapped Ryder, having him stand to greet her. Mercedes did the same, going and hugging the woman.
"Mrs. Evans, what are you doing here?"
"Hello dear, I was just coming to see if my stubborn son wanted to do lunch. Is he in his office?"
Mercedes shook her head. "No Ma'am. He is down in Legal but he should be back soon." Mercedes turned toward Ryder. "Ryder this is Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Evans this is Ryder Lynn, he will be taking over for me around here."
Mary raised an eyebrow at Mercedes words. "Oh, are you going on vacation? That's great. You deserve a break. I know my son has been running you ragged." She said completely ignoring Ryder.
Mercedes frowned. "Oh no ma'am. He is taking over for me. Sam didn't tell you I gave notice last week?"
"Wait, you what?" Mary couldn't be hearing right. Surely Sam would have told her if Mercedes quit.
Mercedes glanced at Ryder. "Can you take those files downstairs please?" He nodded grabbing them and leaving quickly. She turned back to the older woman. "I gave Sam notice last week. Friday is my last day."
"Well, this is disappointing. I have to know why?"
Mercedes stared at her, what could she say? She had never lied before and she wasn't going to start now. "You know I love working here, It's been the best job I have ever had. I am grateful for everything you and your family has done for me, but I crossed a line, one that I can not come back from." She looked down to her hands trying not to look at her.
Mary didn't need to know the details of how Mercedes crossed the line. It was written all over her face. "I'm not going to pretend that I don't know what's going on with you and my son. But I'm disappointed that you let a mere crush come between you and job that helps you take care of the twins. Surely you can get over it, and move on like adults." To Mary, they had a mere attraction. Nothing worth messing up their life over.
Mercedes stared at the older woman. "Mary you know I wouldn't compromise my livelihood or the livelihood of my siblings for a crush. I-" she stopped taking a deep breath before looking at her again. "I can't work for Sam, being around him is too hard. It's not a crush. I fell in love with him." She had never lied to the older woman so she wouldn't start now.
Mary was taken back. How did this get so complicated? "Mercedes, you know I adore you and your siblings, and you are a smart woman. So I know that I don't have to tell you how you and Sam don't really fit. I'm glad you realized that and came to your senses. My one regret is that you had to quit. But I guess it's the best solution for this thing you have with Sam." She smiled sadly at Mercedes. "I just hope you don't let this interfere with the twins relationship with Stacy and Stevie."
Mercedes looked at her with obvious shock. She didn't think they fit, she couldn't imagine that Sam could ever love Mercedes. "I would never stop letting Stevie and Stacy come over I love them. Look at them like my little siblings too." She said, looking up at Mary she chewed her bottom lip. "Why wouldn't we work? You said Sam and I wouldn't work, but why?"
Mary didn't expect Mercedes to understand, so she had no problem telling her exactly why they were mismatched. "Well besides the fact that he is engaged to be married, you two come from very different backgrounds. No one in our society would accept you and they would look down on him. He could damage his reputation, and the reputation of this company. So it's best that you forget all about him."
Mercedes was shocked at how callous Mary was about this, how the older woman just felt like she wasn't good enough for her son. "Wow… jokes really on me isn't it? I am good enough to work for you, to watch your children but not for your son to love me. How did I miss all of this. Miss the fact that you don't see me as your equal but you see me as someone who is beneath you and your family." She closed the files on the desk shaking her head. "Not that it matters but for the record I would have loved him, completely. Not for who he is or what he has but because he makes me laugh,and smile. Because we can talk to each other and it's not forced. Because I fell in love with the man he is and not where he came from or any of that."
Mary sighed, not meaning to hurt Mercedes feelings. "This isn't about me seeing you as my equal, or the fact that you love Sam completely. This is just the way things are. Sam has already accepted it and now you should also. And if it means anything, I do see you as my equal, and if the situation was different, I would have you over for some refreshments and grill you about dating my son. But things aren't different, and right now, Quinn is the perfect match for Sam. And obviously he thinks so also. Why else would he do a public proposal? He was making a statement. Showing everyone how perfect they are together. You can't compete with that Mercedes. Maybe it's a good thing you are leaving." She glances at Sam's office, and sighs, obviously irritated. "Tell Sam his mother dropped by and to call me when he gets a chance." She begins walking to the elevator, but turns to Mercedes one last time. "Consider this a lesson learned."
Mercedes listened to Mary and there was nothing she could say. The older woman was right about one thing, Sam chose Quinn, he proposed knowing Mercedes was there and she would see it, not caring if it hurt. "Sure thing Mrs. Evans." Mercedes said going back to work and finishing things up. She was sure now more than ever that leaving was the right choice.
Back to Present.
Mercedes Stood in front of Mary, Dwight, Sam and Quinn, nervously wanting to be anywhere but there. Shane pulled her chair out, which was directly across from Sam and she hesitantly sat down. Shane sat down and smiled.
"Thank you for having us over here. We appreciate it, don't we Cedes?"
Mercedes sighed staring at Sam before nodding and giving a tight smile. "Yes, thank you."
Sam smiled at Mercedes and Shane, and he was sure that he came out more like a grimace than an actual smile. He waived the waiter back over. "Can I have a bottle of whiskey please." The waiter nodded and walked away. Sam knew he needed something stronger than champagne, and he hoped whiskey was the solution.
"Really Sam," Quinn whispered to him. "Can't you classy it up for one night."
Sam ignored her, while trying not to stare at Mercedes.
"Mercedes, it's good to see you, and Shane." Dwight said Shane's name with some uncertainty. Sam knew his father probably forgot Shane's name. "How is everything with the twins? I feel like it's been so long since we caught up."
Mercedes nodded smiling politely. "It is good to see you again as well Dwight. And the twins are good. Maddie made honor roll and Miles is the new Quarterback for the PeeWee team. But I am sure Stevie probably told you guys that. They really are a great duo on the field they-."
Quinn nodded cutting her off. "Yes, well it's not a surprise that Stevie is so talented, both Sam and Dwight played football. That is something you learn from being around them as long as I have." Quinn took his hand. "I remember cheering for him all the time."
Mercedes nodded. "Yes well as I was saying, I am grateful to Stevie for encouraging Miles to play, he is wearing my dad's old number so its a big deal." She said silently realizing no one really cared.
Mary eyed Sam and looked at Mercedes. "So Mercedes how long have you and Shane been dating?"
Mercedes glanced at the older woman. "A few weeks." She said seeing the waiter bring the Whiskey. Looking at Sam she reached for it. "May I?" She really needed something strong if this was what her night was looking like.
Sam was doing a good job at tuning out the conversation, or at least he thought he was. But anytime he was in close proximity with Mercedes, he couldn't concentrate on anything else. In fact he often began thinking about how she felt in his arms, and how her lips felt on him.
Dwight looked at his son before kicking his foot under the table. "Pass, the whisky to Mercedes."
Sam straightened up and instead of passing her the bottle, poured her some in the empty glass that was in front of her. "Sorry about that. It's been a long day." As he said that, his eyes met hers, and he ended up over filling her glass.
"Jesus Christ Sam." Quinn shrieked.
"Oh god. I'm so sorry." Sam quickly grabbed some napkins and began cleaning up the spill. "I hope I didn't get you Mercedes." Sam was relieved when the waiter came with some cloth and got the tale cleaned in no time. "Sorry about that everyone. I wasn't paying attention." Sam sat back down and tried to pour himself another glass, but Quinn stopped him.
"I think you had enough to drink."
Mercedes waved off Sam as the waiter cleaned the table. "Its okay, accidents happen." She said trying to assure Sam it was okay.
Quinn smiled sweetly. "You just better be lucky none of that spilled on my dress. Versace is dry cleaned only. It must be such a relief not having to worry about things like that huh Mercedes? I am sure you just throw that cotton blend in the wash and it's good as new."
Mercedes raised an eyebrow and sipped her drink. "Yeah so glad I don't have rich girl problems, I just have regular woman problems like raising the twins and making sure they have food to eat, clothes on their back, things like that."
Mary cleared her throat. "So you and the twins are doing alright? Have you found a job?"
"I have not, but you don't have to be concerned we always bounce back."
Sam hated how it seemed like Mercedes had to always defend herself around Quinn. Quinn wasn't always like this, and he didn't know what changed.
"That's one thing I always admired about you Mercedes, you always bounce back no matter what is thrown at you." Shane piped up.
For a minute, Sam forgot that Shane was there and he was Mercedes date. That irritated him so much.
"So, you and Shane have been together for a few weeks? I didn't realize he was your type. Are you two serious?"
"Sam, why wouldn't he be her type? They are of the same social class, are they not?" Quinn eyes popped the way it did every time she came up with an idea. "Shane, why not put in a good word with the security firm for Mercedes? I'm sure they are always looking for employees."
"Oh, um I don't know what you mean by being her type, but if Mercedes needs my help finding employment, I'm sure she would ask."
"Mercedes doesn't need help. With her resume and experience, I'm surprised that our competition didn't snatch her up." Dwight winked at Mercedes.
Mercedes shook her head. "Actually, Calvin Barnes, from Barnes and Wade actually tried to meet with me."
Mary raised an eyebrow. "He did? And you met with him?"
Mercedes shook her head. "No, I may not work for Evans Corp anymore, but I still have my loyalties to you for everything you have done for myself and my siblings. He may have offered me six figures to come on and work for him, but I couldn't do it. He was your number one competitor and working there just felt like a betrayal."
"You turned down a job that offered you six figures? Yeah we all believe that." Quinn said taking a sip from her drink.
"I did. Contrary to popular belief there is more to life than money. I will find something better I know I will. But I can't sit there and work for someone who will expect me to spill all the secrets I know." She said looking at Sam. "I couldn't do that to you." she said staring at Sam. "Any of you." she countered looking down at her hands.
Sam smiled sadly at Mercedes. "That's very admirable of you." He wanted to reach out and lift her chin, and just kiss away all of the pain he caused, but he knew he couldn't do that. "I appreciate your loyalty, even though I don't deserve it."
Quinn rolled her eyes. "Oh please. Stop with this star crossed lover act. She is manipulating you, by acting like she is this perfect assistant who has done nothing wrong but seduce her boss. And she is dragging this poor security guard along."
"Quinn, enough." Sam whispers harshly to her. "Maybe you had too much to drink." He tries to grab her glass from her but she pulls it away from him.
She turns to Shane. "How does it feel to know that you weren't her first choice and that she is just with you because she couldn't get who she really wanted." She narrows her icy green eyes to Mercedes. "Let this be a lesson to stay away from unavailable men. It never works out."
"I said ENOUGH!" It seemed like everyone in the restaurant stopped to stare at their table. Sam cleared his throat and lowered his voice. "I don't know what has gotten into you, but Mercedes is a guest at this table, and I will not stand for you to talk to her that way. If you have a problem with how things played out, come to me, and leave her out of it." He glanced at Mercedes and Shane and didn't know what to say to make this situation less awkward. Saying sorry didn't seem like enough.
Shane didn't know what to make of Quinn's outburst. He knew there was more to Mercedes leaving, but he didn't know it was because of Sam. He didn't know what to say, but he knew they didn't deserve to be humiliated like this. Maybe Mercedes had a point when she said she didn't want to sit here.
Mercedes closed her eyes for a moment before looking at Quinn. "You are wrong, I am sorry that you are upset with what did or didn't happen with Sam and I, but you are wrong. I am not perfect. I just have values." She stood from the table. "This was a mistake sitting here. I thought things could go back to the way they were but they can not. You know I lost a hell of a lot leaving Evans Corp. I lost my job, my insurance and all the perks that came with it yes, but I lost you all. Mary, Dwight, you were the parents I never knew I could have. You took me under your wings and taught me the business, you helped me understand it and Sam, you nurtured it. And maybe I made the mistake of falling for my boss but it didn't go further than that."
She glanced at Mary. "I didn't take the job because at the end of the day I still admire you even after realizing the truth."
She looked at Shane. "You did not deserve to be brought into this. And I am sorry I didn't just tell you the truth, maybe if I had we wouldn't be sitting here right now with the entire restaurant wondering why the hell this blonde chick snapped. Quinn you can put me down for my class, for my lack of standing or whatever else but the truth is you are angry because we both know that truth about Sam. And we both know the truth about your engagement. So if you will excuse me I have had just about enough of all of this. You guys have a great night and good luck with the future of Evans Corp." Mercedes grabbed her bag and walked towards the exit of the restaurant, wanting to get as far away from that table as she could.
Shane immediately got up from the table, and without a word followed Mercedes out of the restaurant. She didn't deserve this and the fact that no one came to her defense was shocking.
"Mercedes wait up. Let me drive you home."
Sam stood and was ready to follow Mercedes to see if she was alright, but his mother put her hands on his.
"Sit. She isn't your responsibility anymore. You need to forget her and start treating your fiance better."
Quinn narrowed her eyes at Sam. "I'm not going to take this humiliation anymore Sam. You put a ring on my finger symbolizing that I would be the most important person in your life. It's time you start treating me as such." Quinn shook her head and stood up. "I'm tired of playing second fiddle to her." She headed for the exit, knowing that Sam would follow her.
Sam sat there dumbfounded, before Dwight smacked him upside his head. "Go after you fiance. And prove her words false."
Sam sighed, before getting up leaving the restaurant. He needed to speak to her and smooth everything over.