A/N: Thanks again to those who read and reviewed my story. I am definitely my worst critic, but reading your great comments fuels my drive to write this. I'm trying to get the story out of my head as fast as I can before I forget it, but sometimes life happens!
Chapter 11:
Mercedes lead Sam, Stevie and Stacie to her usual spot in Central Park. She pulled out a blanket out of her bag and spread it out on the grass just under a shaded area.
"You guys stay here, I'll be back with food!" Mercedes motioned for them to have a seat.
"No I'll get it!" Sam protested as he grabbed Mercedes' arms.
Electricity surged through their body from the touch. Mercedes backed away from Sam unsure of what just happened.
"Please let me! You've been really generous and I want to treat Stevie and Stacie!" Mercedes looked into Sam's eyes. Sam stood frozen looking into Mercedes' brown eyes. Mercedes broke her eye contact and called out for Stacie.
"Hey Stace! You want to help me get the food?" Mercedes smiled.
Stacie stood up and ran to Mercedes grabbing her hand.
"Stevie look after your brother!" Mercedes smirked.
Mercedes and Stacie returned a few minutes later with paper bags in their arms. Sam ran towards them and took the bags.
"Here let me!"
"Thank you!" Mercedes smiled.
Sam put the bags down in the center of the blanket as they all gathered round. Mercedes took things out one by one and handed one of everything to Sam, Stevie and Stacie.
"Where's yours?" Asked Stevie.
"Stacie and I are sharing, you know us girls we need to look after our figures!" Mercedes and Stacie giggled. "I'm joking! Stacie can't finish all of this so I told her we'll share and I'll buy her ice cream afterwards!" Mercedes added.
"Not fair I want ice cream too!" Stevie protested.
"I know you do that's why you're getting one as well." Mercedes responded as she pinched Stevie's cheeks for being adorable.
"Hey I want ice cream too!" Sam pouted.
"Oh hush you, everyone's getting ice cream!" Mercedes brushed Sam's fringe away from his eyes.
Her action startled Sam and soon she realized just what she has done. She quickly moved her hands and started spreading the food out on the blanket to show Stacie. Sam smiled and took a bite of his hotdog before ruffling Stevie's hair for lack of anything else to do. Stevie shrugged away from Sam and sat closer to Mercedes. Sam rested on his left elbow and watched Mercedes with his siblings while they eat. They played games, Mercedes told the kids stories and what little time they spent with each other felt like years they've been together. Mercedes was laughing and genuinely having a great time with the kids, as much as she hates to admit it to herself she is enjoying Sam's company as well. They didn't talk much, but the silence at times felt comfortable, like words aren't necessary to communicate. She feels at ease with them and that scared her a bit knowing that she's never felt like that immediately with people after her father died.
"Tag you're it!" Stacie tagged Stevie and started running away.
Even before Sam could get up to run Stevie lounged after him and tagged him.
Mercedes was already up and running away from their picnic spot as Sam's eyes darted towards her.
Stacie was giggling as she watched her big brother chase Mercedes in the grassy field.
"Stevie, Stacie, Help!" Mercedes shouted trying to stifle her laughter.
"Oh no you don't, No one can save you not even Stevie or Stacie from me!" Sam teased.
"Ouch! I think I pulled a muscle." Mercedes pouted and grabbed her left leg.
Sam stopped and started walking towards Mercedes to see if it was anything serious. Just before he got an arms length close to her, she smiled and ran away from him.
"Gotcha!" Mercedes stuck her tongue out at Sam as she ran further away.
"Oh no you didn't just fake injury! That is foul Ms. Jones and you're going to pay for it!" Sam sprinted and took every ounce of energy he has to catch up to Mercedes.
Stacie and Stevie were running next to Mercedes by the time he caught up with her. They were giggling and looking back at him as they ran. Sam caught sight of Mercedes laughing as she looked back at him. The world seemed to stop at that moment and all that he could see was her with her beautiful smile, long curly hair and big brown eyes. Her eyelashes fluttered slowly which made the butterflies in his stomach dance as if they were high on something. He had to stop and take a breath realizing his heart rate seems to be doing double time at the moment. Mercedes looked back to see Sam hunched over with his hands on his knees taking deep breaths. She ran back towards him with no hesitation.
"Sam, are you alright?" Mercedes asked as she placed a hand on his back and started rubbing circles.
Sam didn't respond but instead closed his eyes to relish the feeling of her touch. It felt warm and familiar like her hands were always meant to comfort him. As soon as he felt himself calm a grin spread across his face.
"Tag you're it!" Sam tagged Mercedes and ran away from her.
Mercedes stood there in disbelief for a moment and then continued running after the Evans' siblings.
Time flew by and soon they were ridding the blanket of trash. Sam and Stevie threw the paper bags in the nearby trashcan as Stacie helped Mercedes fold the blanket. After their picnic, as promised Mercedes bought everyone ice cream and they walked all the way back to the restaurant.
"Well I had a great time! I hope you guys did as well." Mercedes bent down to Stacie and Stevie so that she was eye level with them. Stacie and Stevie hugged her as soon as she bent down.
"I did! I love spending time with you Mercy, I hope we can do this everyday!" Stacie pouted not wanting the day to end.
"Me too! This is the best Sunday by far, we should go on a picnic again next week!" Stevie suggested.
"Oh honey, I'd want nothing more than to spend time with you guys but for me life happens and today is a luxury! But I promise the next time I'm free I'll try to visit you two!"
"Promise?" Stacie held out her pinky to Mercedes.
"Pinky promise!"
"Thanks for letting me tag along!" Mercedes stood up and looked at Sam.
"Thanks for the wonderful afternoon and the picnic!" Sam smiled.
"Well I better go! I still have to sort things I need for tonight and give everyone directions!" Mercedes beamed.
"Oh yeah, where are you singing tonight?" Mercedes thought for a moment if she should invite Sam reasoning to herself that he wouldn't want to go but something inside of her kept nagging to ask him.
"It's down in Brooklyn by Kent Avenue. If you happen to pass by there don't forget to stop and say hi. But of course why would you be there, not that I'm saying you can't be there it's just there's a lot of high class places here so why would you go to Brooklyn of all places, oh I didn't mean to imply that you're a snob, but I guess I just did and I'm blabbing non-stop. I should stop now!" Mercedes put her hands over her mouth. "I'm sorry! I should go!" Mercedes smiled and turned around.
"I'd love to hear you sing!" Sam said before Mercedes could take a step away from them. "What time's the show?" Mercedes turned around and looked at Sam as if trying to gauge if he was serious about wanting to hear her sing. Sam saw the look of confusion on Mercedes' face. "I meant it; I want to hear you sing if that's ok with you?" Mercedes shook herself out of the sudden coma she was in.
"Oh yes of course! The more people the better! It'll start at 9pm but I won't go on until 10pm. Some people from work will be there, Blaine is coming with Kurt I can ask them to save you a seat if you like!"
"Wouldn't that be an imposition on your friends?" Sam asked with a slight nervousness in his voice.
"Nah! They know I try to make people come at the last minute! It doesn't matter if you don't show up but at least if you do you'll have a seat!"
"I can't wait then!" Sam beamed.
"Ok bye! I'll see you later!" Mercedes had the biggest smile as she left. Sam had a goofy grin plastered as he watched Mercedes walk away.
"Earth to Sam!" Stevie called out to Sam.
"Sammy!" Stacie shouted as she giggled. Sam looked at his siblings when Mercedes was gone from his sight.
"Uhm yeah?" Sam finally answered.
"Man you got it bad!" Stevie shook his head.
"I really like Mercy Sammy! I think the two of you are so cute together!" Stacie giggled some more.
"Want to know a secret Stace?" Stacie nodded as she moved her ear closer to Sam.
"I think I really like Mercy too!" Stacie couldn't keep her joy and grabbed Sam's neck to hug him.
"Hey! I want to know the secret too!" Stevie pulled at Sam's shirt.
"I don't think you can handle it Stevie!" Stacie teased as she and Sam laughed from Stevie's pouting.
Chapter 12:
After a quick stop to Sam's penthouse to get changed, he brought Stevie and Stacie home and was surprised to see Quinn talking to his parents. Quinn quickly stood up and kissed Sam on the cheeks as soon as she saw them walk in the parlor.
"What are you doing here?" Sam asked slightly confused.
"I just dropped by since I haven't visited for a while. Your mother was telling me that you took Stevie and Stacie out for sibling bonding time, how was it?" Quinn linked her arm with Sam's as she guided them back to his parents.
Stevie and Stacie were sat with their mother on the sofa and Stacie was glaring at Quinn with distaste. Sam caught his sister's face and tried to refrain from laughing.
"Oh yes! How was your day my darlings?" Mrs. Evans asked as she made Stacie look at her, Stacie's scowl was still visible on her face.
"You didn't have fun Stacie?" She inquired.
"I did have fun mama!" Stacie's face softened but refused to say anything further.
"How about you Stevie? Did you have fun today?" Mrs. Evans decided not to press Stacie and turned to Stevie instead.
"Yes mama! We had the best time today, Mercy was with us the whole day!" Stevie beamed.
The mention of Mercedes lit up Stacie.
"Yes mama, Mercy was with us and she toured us at the museum, then we went to the park and had a picnic!" Stacie recounted everything she learned today from Mercedes while Stevie interjected once in a while if Stacie got the information wrong. Mr. and Mrs. Evans listened to their children intently and smiled that they seemed to have the best time of their lives. Sam sat across from them smiling as he recounted their day as well. As much as he hates to admit it today has been a great day with Mercedes and he really didn't want it to end so soon.
"Well I think we need to meet this Mercy lady! This is the 2nd time you kids couldn't stop talking about her. I am really curious now!" Mr. Evans grinned.
"Next time we come to the restaurant we have to make sure we meet her and thank her!" Mrs. Evans added.
"We can all have brunch again next week!" Stacie suggested.
"Yes I think we should!" Mr. Evans said which earned him a big hug from Stacie.
The family had dinner and the adults continued their conversation over coffee while the kids prepared for bedtime.
Mercedes franticly went around their apartment trying not to forget anything. She doesn't know why she's so nervous. It wasn't as if this was her first gig.
"Cedes! Calm down girl. What has gotten in to you?" Kurt tried to calm Mercedes.
"Nothing! Just can't seem to find anything!" Kurt got hold of Mercedes and made her look at him.
"Has this sudden change of mood have anything to do about a certain boy you invited?"
"Kurt! First of all he is a grown up man and B it isn't a private gig that needs invitations, anyone off the street can come in as long as they pay the cover charge!" Mercedes huffed.
"Cedes! You know that it's suppose to be first and second not first and B right?" Kurt mocked Mercedes.
Mercedes scowled at Kurt who retreated in defeat.
"Calm down girl. I know this is big for your career, but you know you're at your best when you're having fun!" Kurt trying again to knock some sense in to her.
"I know Kurt, but you know my nerves doesn't give me a break! I'll be ok once I get everything ready and organized I promise!" Mercedes half smiled at Kurt as she continued looking for her stuff.
A few minutes later they were finally ready to leave. Kurt helped Mercedes with her stuff and made their way to the club. En route in the cab, Kurt's phone buzzed which he quickly took out of his pocket.
Talked to the girls, we're meeting up and we'll be at the club by 10pm. Can't wait to see you! xoxo
"Blaine just sent me a text that they'll be there by 10pm!" Kurt smiled as he relayed the message to Mercedes looking a bit calmer now as she sat in silence looking out through the cab window.
"Thanks Boo!" Mercedes turned to Kurt with a big grin on her face.
The cab pulled over the front of the club. Mercedes paid the cab and got out as Kurt held the door for her. They went to the back of the club to set her stuff and walked backed to the stage to do sound check with the live band. After sound check Mercedes sat at the back room of the club to do last minute prep. Show starts at around 10pm and Mercedes likes to have her quiet time in prayer.
"5 minutes Cedes and you're up. Break a leg!" Hannah the event coordinator informed Mercedes with a big smile on her face.
"Thanks Hannah!" Mercedes beamed back.
Mercedes stood up and walked towards the side of the side and waited for them to call her name. The emcee properly opened the show and introduced the Mercedes to the crowd. Mercedes walked on the stage with a big smile and waved to the people. She strained her eyes through the spotlight trying to find her friends and giving them an extra wave when she finally spotted them in the middle of the club slightly to her right.
"Good evening everyone! My name is Mercedes Jones and I'd like to introduce you to a wonderful Lady Named Gladys Knight for starters, hope you enjoy this!" Mercedes nodded to the band and they started the song.
Mmm, L.A. proved too much for the man
(too much for the man, he didn't make it)
So he's leavin' the life
he's come to know, ooh ooh
(he said he's goin')
He said he's goin' back to find
(goin' back to find)
Ooh ooh ooh, what's left of his world
The world he left behind
not so long ago
He's leaving (leavin')
on that midnight train to Georgia
(leavin' on the midnight train)
Yeah, said he's goin' back
(goin' back to find)
to a simpler place and time
(a simpler place and time)
Oh yes he is
(gonna be right by his side)
And I'll be with him
(I know you will)
on that midnight train to Georgia
(leavin' on a midnight train, wooh wooh)
I'd rather live in his world
(live in his world)
than live without him in mine
(world, world, his, his and his alone)
He kept dreamin' (dreamin')
Ooh, that someday he'd be a star
(superstar, but he didn't get far)
But he sure found out the hard way
that dreams don't always come true
(dreams don't always come true, uh-uh)
Uh-uh, no
So he pawned all his hopes
(ooh ooh ooh ooh)
and he even sold his old car
(ooh ooh ooh ooh)
Bought a one way ticket back
to the life he once knew
Oh yes he did
He said he would, oh oh
He's leavin (leavin')
on that midnight train to Georgia
(leavin' on the midnight train)
Yeah, said he's goin' back to find
(goin' back to find)
ooh, a simpler place and time
(a simpler place and time)
(yes I'm gonna be right by his side)
And I'm gonna be with him
(I know you will)
on that midnight train to Georgia
(leavin' on a midnight train, wooh wooh)
I'd rather live in his world
(live in his world)
than live without him in mine
(world, world, his, his and his alone)
Oh hey hey
Go, gonna board, gonna board
the midnight train to ride
Gonna board (gonna board)
Gonna board (gonna board)
Gonna board (gonna board)
the midnight train to Georgia
Uh huh, gonna board, gonna board
Gonna board (gonna board)
the midnight train to Georgia
My world, his world, our world
the midnight train to Georgia
I've got to go
I've got to go
I've got to go
Gonna board the midnight train
The crowd went wild with applause as she ended the song and the band moved on to her next song.
"Wow! Mercy girl can sang!" Lauren shouted through the crowds' applause and holler.
"I know, I'm surprise she hasn't been signed yet! What's up with that?" Santana looking confused.
"Well she doesn't really fit the mold and she's still trying to get her own material completed so it'll be a while." Kurt sadly explained.
"What? People are so fricking stupid just 'coz she's not what they consider the norm!" Santana spat.
"Yeah! Well that's the showbiz industry for you!" Tina said as matter of fact.
"Cedes will make it! Just look at her she's amazing!" Blaine and the rest of them decided to just watch their friend do her thang on stage.
Chapter 13:
Sam looked at his watch and saw that it was already past 10pm. He contemplated on going to Brooklyn, but didn't know if it was really okay with Mercedes if she sees him there.
"It's getting late, I think I'm overstaying my welcome!" Quinn spoke which brought back Sam to the conversation.
"Nonsense dear, we love having you here! But it is getting late we should call it a day I think!" Mrs. Evans politely pointed out.
Sam's parents said their goodbyes as they hugged Sam and Quinn. They escorted them out the door and watched as they walked to their respective cars.
"You're going anywhere?" Quinn asked Sam as the driver opened the door to her town car.
"Not really, I think I just want to go home and rest. It's been a long day!" Sam replied.
"Ok, I was going to ask if you wanted a night cap but you look exhausted so I'll see you tomorrow!" Quinn smiled as she got in. Sam waved at Quinn as the car drove away and he got in his own car.
Sam found himself outside the club as the valet took his keys. He walked inside the club hoping that he hasn't missed Mercedes' performance, knowing that it's quite late already. He made his way inside the club to get a better view of the stage and there she was looking stunning on spotlight laughing with the crowd. Sam stayed at the back and listened to her dialogue before starting her next song. She took his breath away from the moment she started singing, he was mesmerized by how talented she is and how her voice could make his whole body shiver. He watched her intently, his eyes never leaving her as she worked the stage.
"Now for my last song!"
The crowd voiced their disappointment which put a big smile on Mercedes' face.
"Oh come on! You knew it has to end sooner or later. You can buy my album when I have one so you can play it non-stop if you like!" Mercedes laughed. "But yeah this is my last song for this evening and I'd like to dedicate this to my father! So good night everyone and enjoy the rest of the show!"
Mercedes got a stool and sat down as the band started the intro of the song.
"This song is called you can let go now daddy by Crystal Shawanda!" Mercedes said just before she starts singing.
Wind blowin' on my face
Sidewalk flyin' beneath my bike
A five year-old's first taste
Of what freedom's really like
He was runnin' right beside me
His hand holdin' on the seat
I took a deep breath and hollered
As I headed for the street
You can let go now, Daddy
You can let go
Oh, I think I'm ready
To do this on my own
It's still a little bit scary
But I want you to know
I'll be ok now, Daddy
You can let go
I was standin' at the altar
Between the two loves of my life
To one I've been a daughter
To one I soon would be a wife
When the preacher asked,
'Who gives this woman?'
Daddy's eyes filled up with tears
He kept holdin' tightly to my arm
'Till I whispered in his ear
You can let go now, Daddy
You can let go
Oh, I think I'm ready
To do this on my own
It still feels a little bit scary
But I want you to know
I'll be ok now, Daddy
You can let go
It was killin' me to see
The strongest man I ever knew
Wastin' away to nothin'
In that hospital room
'You know he's only hangin' on for you'
That's what the night nurse said
My voice and heart were breakin'
As I crawled up in his bed, and said
You can let go now, Daddy
You can let go
Your little girl is ready
To do this on my own
It's gonna be a little bit scary
But I want you to know
I'll be ok now, Daddy
You can let go
You can let go
Mercedes wiped a stray tear as the song ended, but the smile was still evident on her face as she bowed and waved goodbye to the crowd. Sam's heart melted, he felt all the emotion she had for the song. Learning about what her father meant to her that afternoon gave him more insight of what that song meant to her. Sam saw her walked towards her friends in the middle. Her friends were applauding and hugging her as they gushed how great she was. Before Sam could think his feet were making their way towards them.
"Hi! I just want to say you were great out there!"
Everyone turned around to see who said that and their eyes bugged out as they saw Sam standing behind them looking like a Greek god in dark wash jeans, white v-neck shirt and a casual black blazer. No one was more surprised than Mercedes; she couldn't believe he came after all.
"Thank you! Glad you could come, are you staying for the rest of the show?" Mercedes asked.
"Only if I'm not intruding?" Sam asked.
Everyone was staring at him when Sam and Mercedes looked at them for a reply. Blaine broke their stupor and scooted so that Sam could join them.
"Guys make room!" Blaine shook the others out of the trance and everyone shuffled to make room.
Sam sat down and Mercedes took the seat beside him and turned to her friends.
"So guys drinks? This round's my treat!" Mercedes smiled.
Everyone forgot about Sam at that point and ordered their usual. Mercedes stood up to walk to the bar but stopped and stood next to Sam.
"What can I get you?" Mercedes leaned so he could hear her. Sam leaned closer.
"I'll help you get the drinks!" Mercedes nodded as Sam stood and followed Mercedes at the bar. Blaine hid his smirk.
Mercedes and Sam stood at the bar waited for one of the bartenders to serve them.
"What can I get you?" The bartender asked as he winked at Mercedes.
"Hi Jake! 3 rum and coke, 2 long island ice tea and a tequila sunrise!" Mercedes turned to Sam. "Hey, you never told me what you're having?"
"I'll have a bottle of Cuervo and a bottle of your best Champagne! I'm paying for the ones she ordered too!" Sam shouted over to the bartender and passed some money.
"Hey it's my treat!" Mercedes protested.
"Nope! I got this; you've treated me all day I might get used to it!" Sam winked at Mercedes which shut her up as she felt the heat rush to her face.
They got their drinks and headed back to their table. Mercedes walked ahead of Sam and saw her friends huddled around their table. She thought it was a bit suspicious as she interrupted them to place the drinks down. Everyone were tight lipped as they looked at Mercedes and then turned to Sam.
"Everyone thank Sam for the drinks!" Mercedes announced as everyone smiled at Sam and thanked him for their drinks.
"I also got champagne to celebrate Mercedes' big break!" Mercedes felt herself blushing.
"It's a step up opening for an artist, but I still have a long way to go!" Mercedes replied humbly.
"Hush Cedes! The boy is right, this calls for a celebration!" Santana shushed Mercedes.
Everyone passed the champagne flutes as Sam popped the cork! The group chatted and drank to their heart's content. Blaine was visibly wasted at that point and Kurt looked at Mercedes pleadingly if he can take Blaine home 'coz he can't leave him at that state.
"Yes it's ok! I can go home by myself; you take care of your man!" Mercedes hugged Kurt before he turned to his boyfriend and helped him stand up.
"We have to go too! Some of us don't have the liberty of a day off!" Santana winked at Mercedes.
Lauren was on the phone sounding as if she was arguing with somebody.
"Yeah I have to go too! Some idiot decided to drop by my apartment without checking if I was there or not!" Lauren huffed.
"Oooh! Puck's looking for a booty call." Tina teased.
"Shut up Tina! We haven't been on 2nd base yet and I'm not going give it away that easy!" Lauren laughed.
Mercedes smiled shyly as her face burned with a tinge of embarrassment from the conversation.
"I have to meet Mike too. I miss him!" Tina pouted.
"Girl you got your mack on with him yesterday, how can you miss him already?" Santana asked.
"I just do!" Tina beamed.
"Well I'm ready to go too, just need to get my stuff at the back and we can all go out together!"
"Sorry Cedes I need to run, the idiot's calling again!" Lauren apologized.
"Sorry Cedes we're sharing a cab with Lauren, are you going to be ok on your own?" Tina looked at Sam.
"I'll make sure she's home safe!" Sam blushed.
"Good!" Tina smiled.
"Girl you were phenomenal. Can't wait for your solo concert!" Santana beamed as she hugged Mercedes.
"Now Sam! Just drop our girl home and no hanky panky, but then again..." Lauren teased Sam before winking at Mercedes.
Mercedes hugged Tina and Lauren before she shooed them to go. As soon as the girls are out of earshot she turned to Sam.
"It's ok you can go ahead too. Thanks again for coming!" Mercedes held out her hand to Sam.
"No you're not getting off that easy! Santana will kill me if I don't make sure you get home safe!"
"No one will know, I promise I won't tell."
"But I'll know and my conscience won't let me lie!" Sam insisted as Mercedes gave up.
"Ok, give me a minute I'll just grab my things!"