A/N: So sorry for the delay. I promise the wait for the next update won't be as long. Thanks again to all who read and reviewed. I also want to give a shout out to abbiecarr for checking up with me. Thanks everyone for the patience.
Chapter 38:
Sam stared at the woman in front of him contemplating if he was willing to get sucked in to this side of the business world. The side where everyone tries to get a one up on the other by all means possible.
"Mr. Evans! Do we have a deal? If you do not agree with my terms then i don't see the point of being here. But I must tell you, the information I have can be the deciding factor for your happiness or your downfall." Ms. Holliday casually leaned back in her chair as she waited for Sam's response.
"$200,000 is too much for information I'm not even sure I need at this point. How can I be reassured that it's worth that much?" Sam retorted.
"Does the name John Fabray hold any value to you?" Ms. Holliday cocked her head to the right and smirked at Sam.
Sam's curiosity was instantly ignited and felt foolish that he wasn't better at hiding his emotions. It didn't go unnoticed to Ms. Holliday how it peaked Sam's attention so she decided to throw in another name just for insurance.
"Do you know anyone by the name of Mercedes Jones?" Ms. Holliday nonchalantly asked.
"What about her?" Sam asked defensively.
"Oh nothing, I was hoping you could point me to her direction. I need to warn the girl she's in danger. I don't know about you Mr. Evans but I don't like innocent people being dragged in to the dirty dealings of Mr. Fabray." Sam's anger was clearly visible on his face and Ms. Holliday was internally gloating knowing Sam would now be willing to pay her more than what she asked initially.
"I'll have the money wired as soon as you tell me everything!" Sam told Ms. Holliday.
"I'm sorry Mr. Evans but the price has now changed. You will wire the $200,000 now and as soon as I tell you everything you will wire an additional $300,000 to me, otherwise I walk out of your office now." Ms. Holliday leaned forward and placed her chin on her palm as she smiled at Sam.
Sam knew he could easily afford the half a million amount Ms. Holliday was asking, It was extortion but he could never put a price on Mercedes' safety. If she can ensure Mercedes' safety forever he was willing to give all his money, even sell his soul if necessary. Sam nodded and went to his laptop to make the necessary transaction.
"The money's in your account. I'll give you a minute to check before you start telling me all you know!" Sam glared at Ms. Holliday.
"That won't be necessary; I've done my research Mr. Evans. I know the people I deal with and you are a man of your word so I will start by giving you this." Ms. Holliday reached in to her bag and pulled out a small white envelope.
"What's this?" Sam asked as he held the envelope.
"That has all the supporting documents to my claims as well as other evidence that can be traced back to Mr. Fabray." Ms. Holliday smiled.
Sam opened the envelope and took out the memory card inside. He contemplated on whether or not to look through the storage device now or later.
"Please take a look. I want you to see it for yourself as I tell you everything I know." Ms. Holliday gestured for Sam to plug the memory card in his laptop's memory card reader.
Holly Holliday told Sam to open the first file and then she started her story.
Kurt stood outside the restaurant contemplating on whether to barge in Blaine's office or wait for him at home. His fear of Blaine's anger prohibits him from crossing the threshold but his fear of Mercedes and Rachel's wrath combined is greater, so he took a deep long breath before swinging the door open and marching to the back where Blaine's office was. Kurt saw Cathy and smiled as she held a finger up to him signaling to hold on while she finishes her call.
"Hey Kurt!" Cathy smiled as she greeted Kurt.
"Hi Cathy, is Blaine available?" Kurt asked.
"Yes he is, but he's actually not in his office right now. He stepped out a while ago but if you want you can wait for him in his office." Cathy replied.
"Oh no I rather wait for him out here, besides I want to catch up with you." Kurt smiled not wanting his nerves to show.
Mercedes was all the way back in Brooklyn looking for apartments. She narrowed her search to three small apartments within her budget and was now checking the places out. The first apartment she went to was located in Brownsville, the apartment had ample space for one person but it felt slightly claustrophobic probably because of the lack of windows she's used to. The second apartment was in Bushwick, it was a studio apartment suitable for a bachelor and was located in a quaint community Mercedes could picture herself in. As much as she loves the place she couldn't fathom how to decorate the place with nothing more than a bed and couch. So now Mercedes is stood in the middle of a one bedroom apartment with plenty of light and just the right amount of space in the East New York area. She instantly fell in love with the place as soon as she walked in and could see herself making a home there.
"I'll take it!" Mercedes eagerly told the landlord.
"Very well Ms. Jones, I just need you to sign a lease and as soon as you can give me the 1 month's deposit and 2 months' rent in advance you can move in." A graying man in his 60s smiled at Mercedes.
"I'll be back by the end of the week with the money, and then I would probably move in a week after if that's alright." Mercedes asked.
"That would be fantastic; I'll have all the papers ready by then. I'm looking forward to seeing you by the end of this week." The landlord took down Mercedes details and shook her hand before showing her out of the apartment.
Blaine walked back to his office and was pleasantly surprised to see his boyfriend happily chatting away with his assistant.
"Kurt! What a surprise; off early from work?" Blaine smiled as he embraced Kurt.
"Actually that's what I need to talk to you about. Shall we talk in your office?" Kurt nervously asked.
Blaine felt something was wrong so he nodded and gestured for Kurt to enter his office. Blaine soon followed Kurt not before telling his assistant to not disturb them. Blaine locked the door behind him and sat across from Kurt.
"I don't know where to start, but I guess I need to tell you that I've been let go by the magazine." Kurt finally confessed.
"What? How? Don't they know how valuable you are to them?" Blaine stood up and moved closer to Kurt.
"Just over a week." Kurt admitted.
"What? And you never thought of telling me about it?" Blaine was surprised but the hurt overtook.
"I'm sorry Blaine. There's just too much complication and I didn't want to tell you until I was sure I am able to sort things out myself. I know I should have told you but I didn't want to burden you with my problems." Kurt hung his head low and felt the tears spilling.
Blaine was still upset but seeing Kurt crying broke his heart. Her moved closer to hug Kurt and rubbed circles on his back to calm him down.
"I'm upset that you didn't trust me to want to share your burdens, but I understand. I just wish that I could have been there for you." Blaine felt the tears threatening to fall.
"It's not like I didn't trust you, it's more that I felt unsure of myself and I didn't want you to see me like that. I felt my world crashing and I didn't want to drag you down with me. Believe me Cedes and Rachel has been at me to tell you but I couldn't bring myself to utter those words. My mind was telling me this is just a dream and telling you would make it anything but…"
"I rather have the bad become a reality than live in bliss on lies. Kurt you are it for me, I love you faults and all so please don't push me away." Blaine interrupted Kurt.
Kurt sat there frozen trying to comprehend what was said. Blaine waited for Kurt to come out of his trance smiling. Kurt blinked once, then twice and then a smile crept on his face as he realized what Blaine confessed.
"I was hoping I could do this under better circumstances or even better atmosphere, but since I'm already down on my knees…" Blaine paused and pulled out a black velvet box from his jacket's inner pocket.
Kurt held his breath as Blaine nervously opened the box. Kurt zoned in on the platinum ring placed in front of him and immediately he felt his face getting wetter. The ring was a simple platinum band adorned with a few diamonds with one being larger than the rest. Kurt looked up to his boyfriend as Blaine took out the ring from the box and took hold of Kurt's right hand. Blaine smiled to himself as he looked at the ring before speaking.
"The big diamond represents you, my love, my heart, my home. You are the first person I think of when I wake up and the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep. You are my dream, the one I strive and look up to. The small diamonds represents me. They form the big dipper also known as the catcher. I promise to always be there to catch you. Kurt Hummel, I know I'm not the sanest person in the world nor am I the most practical, but I promise to be your rock in your times of despair, your cheerer when you need encouragement and your jester in your happiness. I love you so much and I couldn't imagine life without you, so please make me the happiest man alive and say yes. Kurt Hummel, will you marry me?" Blaine had the biggest smile on his face as he waited for Kurt's answer.
Kurt was crying so much at this point that as much as he'd want to say yes his voice wouldn't let him. He nodded fervently and attacked Blaine with kisses. When they broke from their kiss Kurt looked at Blaine lovingly thinking to himself how lucky he was.
"Yes! A million times yes Blaine I will marry you. I love you so much." Kurt kissed Blaine once more and soon the pair was removing each other's clothes.
Chapter 39:
Sam sat quietly trying to digest all the information Holly Holliday was telling him. His blood was boiling at this point. How can someone they consider a close friend be this sinister. They treated the Fabrays like family and this is how they were being repaid. Sam found that John Fabray had unscrupulous dealings and eyes to bring down the Evans Empire. John Fabray is consumed by the green-eyed monster and doesn't care by how or what means he needs to have the mighty Evans Empire crumble to the ground. His daughter is a pawn in his plans and getting Quinn inside the Evans business would give him the insight to the Empire's dealings and from there ruin them from the inside out. John Fabray knows how broken and dysfunctional his daughter is and that she would do anything he asks of her in exchange for his affection.
"Are you 100% positive that nothing will link Quinn with her father's dealings?" Sam asked Ms. Holliday.
"Yes. She is merely a casualty of Mr. Fabray's greed. I'm sure once she has succeeded in what he has ordered her to do she would be cast away along with all the worthless remnants in his eyes. Believe me Mr. Evans, I've seen Mr. Fabray in his element and he nothing more than the devil itself. He eats the weak and spits out their bones for breakfast." Ms. Holliday shivered as she remembered a memory.
"I don't want to pry, but I have to know; why are you doing this and why are you involved with Mr. Fabray?" Sam leaned forward eyeing Ms. Holliday's reaction.
"There are many secrets not ready to be revealed yet. I'm afraid I cannot entertain such question but know that agreement will be of beneficial to its recipient." Sam was taken aback from Ms. Holliday's statement.
"You're not the money's recipient?" Ms. Holliday smiled as she started putting her stuff away.
"I am not. Someone is of greater need for the money soon and with your generosity they will surely live the lives they were meant to have. I guess that's all from me." Ms. Holliday stood up and held a hand out to Sam.
Sam stood up and gripped Ms. Holliday's hand.
"Thank you for your time Mr. Evans. If there's anything that I could do for you please don't hesitate to give me a call. I left my contact details in the envelope I gave you. Hopefully the next meeting would be under better circumstances."
"I do hope so as well and thank you." Sam let go of Ms. Holliday's hand and walked her out of his office.
Rachel was in one of her moods every since she tried to call Mercedes and failed to get hold of her friend. She glared at Sam as the blonde woman made her way to the elevator and quickly rushed to Sam's side ready to give him a tongue lashing.
"Take care of Ms. Jones Mr. Evans. She is a lovely woman and you're lucky to have found a true gem." Ms. Holliday shouted as the elevator doors were closing.
Rachel was confused and turned back to Sam. She pushed him inside his office sitting him down on the couch and then setting herself across from him.
"Who was that and what were the two of you doing in here? Answer carefully Sam, boss or no boss I will hand you your balls!" Rachel leaned closer and glared at Sam as she waited for his reply.
"What do you mean by that? Don't go jumping into conclusions Rachel, it was business and all we did was talk." Sam replied slightly annoyed by Rachel's tone.
Rachel eyed Sam trying to gauge if he was indeed telling the truth. Sam noticed that Rachel seemed unconvinced.
"I will tell you all about it but I need to get more information first. So please just trust me on this." Sam looked at his watch and stood up to leave.
"Where are you going?" Rachel demanded.
"Out! I told you I need more information and I'm picking up Mercedes at 7pm. Take the rest of the afternoon off if you want, I'll call you if I need anything." Sam quickly left his office leaving a dumbfounded Rachel.
The wheels were clearly spinning inside Rachel's head but opted not to act on it for now. She got out of Sam's office and went back to her desk to see if she can afford to take the afternoon off. Seeing that she only has a few things to do today she gathered her stuff and turned off her computer before leaving the office. Rachel stood outside their office building trying to figure out where to go. She pulled out her mobile and tried to call Mercedes one last time. The phone rang a few times and finally Mercedes picked up.
"Hey Rache, what's up?" Mercedes answered.
"Where are you? I got the afternoon off and I thought I should hang out with you." Rachel replied.
"I'm on my way to Blaine's apartment. If you want we can have coffee at this café on the corner of Blaine's street. I'll be there in 10 minutes." Mercedes suggested.
"That sounds great. I'm on my way." Rachel ended the call and hailed a cab to bring her to their meeting place.
Blaine and Kurt finally got out of Blaine's office to see a smirking Cathy. Kurt went all beet red realizing what Cathy could be thinking right now. He has never been this reckless with anyone even with Blaine's crazy ideas he has always been the sensible one.
"I'm glad to see that you two are still alive. From the sound of things I was afraid wild cats were attacking you." Cathy giggled.
"Har har very funny Cathy. If you must know I just proposed to Kurt and he said yes!" Blaine excitedly told his assistant.
"Thank God! You know how long he's been holding on to that ring? Let me see!" Cathy squealed.
"What? You've had this ring for how long?" Kurt looked at Blaine while he held out his hand for Cathy to see the ring.
"Uhmm… for about 6 months. I wanted to find the perfect time to pop the question. You've been reluctant to move in with me before so I thought marriage would be out of the question for now. But when you finally moved in it was the happiest we've been and I don't want it to go away so I actually planned a romantic dinner for tonight where I would finally ask you to marry me. Then all this happened and I couldn't wait any longer." Blaine rubbed his neck as he explained to Kurt.
Kurt was in cloud nine once more and pulled his now fiancé for a passionate kiss. Things just seem to be getting better and better for him, he can't believe how lucky he is to have found a good man and that he loves him just as much. His problems now feel insignificant and he couldn't be happier if he even tried.
Rachel arrived at the café and saw Mercedes sitting outside with coffee and a muffin. Mercedes saw her friend approaching as she looked up to scan again for Rachel. Rachel waved and set herself down on the empty chair next to Mercedes.
"Sam must be in a good mood to let you off work early." Mercedes teased.
"Sam needed to do some things and so he gave me the option to stay or leave early. Obviously I left work early. Where were you? I was trying to call like a million times but all I got was your voicemail." Rachel changed subject.
"Did you leave any messages?" Mercedes asked as she pulled out her phone to check.
"No, I wanted to speak to you in person." Rachel explained.
"Ok, so what do you want to talk about?" Mercedes eyed her friend curiously.
"I better get a drink first; this might go on for some time. I'll be right back." Rachel stood and walked in the café to place her order.
Once Rachel was settled back in her seat with her iced caramel macchiato and oatmeal cookie, she looked up to a waiting Mercedes who has been watching her fix her order on their table.
"Rachel spit it out, I ain't getting younger." Mercedes said as Rachel stared back.
"Well… I promised Sam I won't say anything, but you're my girl and you always come first before my boss." Mercedes' attention was full on for whatever Rachel was going to tell her.
"Alright, well whatever it is I knew things were too good to be true anyway so I'm ready." Rachel felt guilty for possibly adding more reason for her friend to have insecurities but she just have to tell her.
"Ok before you go on doubting whatever it is that's between you and Sam, don't. Just stop with all this negativity. I've never seen Sam like this for anyone and that man is whipped even though he ain't getting any. He's been different and happier ever since he met you, so please keep an open mind about what I am about to say." Rachel paused, waiting for a reaction from Mercedes.
Mercedes nodded and patiently waited for Rachel to continue. Rachel gave a detailed description of what happened as soon as she got back from their extended lunch. She added a few comments here and there but not really adding anything out of her observation. Rachel also told Mercedes how Sam was acting weird after the meeting but promised her that he would tell her everything once he has all the facts he needed. Mercedes sat quietly digesting the information Rachel gave her. She has never been that person who jumps into conclusions without concrete evidence and from what she is hearing this was just a business meeting like what Sam told Rachel, but now she is curious about what made Sam act weird for Rachel to have her suspicions.
"Ever heard of the term curiosity killed the cat?" Mercedes teased trying to lighten the mood.
"Very funny Cedes. I was just afraid that his playboy days has gotten somebody in trouble and now wanting him to support them or worse marry them." Rachel shivered from the thought and Mercedes couldn't help but laugh at her friend.
"You and your active imagination!" Mercedes laughed some more.
"Since you're here with me, I might as well tell you my good news. I have found an apartment!" Mercedes excitedly added.
"Really! That's exciting, where are you moving?" Rachel asked.
"It's in Brooklyn over East New York. The apartment is just the right size for me and there's a rooftop in our apartment building for hanging out and a playground downstairs. There are shops just across and I can't believe I'm going to do this on my own." Panic has suddenly set in Mercedes as she realized this will be her first time living on her own.
"Honey, don't sweat it, I'm sure you'll be fine and we're always going to hang out so you won't have time to be alone by yourself." Rachel squeezed Mercedes' hand for reassurance.
"Yeah you're right. I guess it just dawned on me, but I'm really excited." Mercedes finally got her smile back.
"So does Kurt know of your plans to move out?" Rachel curiously asked.
"Nope! I'm telling Kurt and Blaine tonight since I told the landlord I'm moving in next week."
Chapter 40:
Mercedes was busy computing her finances on the kitchen table knowing the fire will set her back in her plans. She was relieved that Kurt didn't need her help financially but putting a deposit and advance rent as well as new furniture and clothes will need a big chunk of change. These things seem to happen often when she's just about to reach the amount she needs to start her demo. Sometimes she thinks it's the universe telling her to stop the dream but she rather not dwell on the negative and move on regardless of the setbacks that comes her way. Mercedes was so engrossed in her thoughts when Blaine and Kurt entered the kitchen.
"Hey Mercy. What you doing?" Kurt sing-songed.
Mercedes looked up to her friend and saw the magnificent smile on her friend's face across from her as he rested his chin on his left hand.
"Nothing. Oh my God! Is that… is that an engagement ring?" Mercedes gasped as she saw the beautiful ring on Kurt's ring finger.
Kurt nodded trying to contain his excitement. Blaine made his way behind Kurt and placed his hands on Kurt's shoulders with the same wide smile.
"Oh my God, congratulations you guys. I'm so happy for the both of you." Mercedes stood up and went over to the other side of the table to hug her friends.
"Thanks Cedes. I'm so happy he said yes." Blaine let go from Mercedes' hug and Kurt playfully slapped him.
"Hey, I never gave you any reason that I wouldn't say yes." Kurt smiled as he leaned in to hug his best friend.
"I can't believe you guys are engaged. Wow this is so exciting. So when's the happy day?" Mercedes asked.
"Not for a while. I told Blaine what's happening and I don't want to start planning until the case has been resolved." Kurt explained.
"And I don't want the planning adding to Kurt's stress so I'm willing to wait until then." Blaine looked at his fiancé and Kurt returned the loving gaze.
"I'm glad Kurt finally told you. I'm sure all of this will be resolved and soon you guys will be celebrating." Mercedes beamed.
"Well now I just need to talk to Sam and hopefully all this will be settled and put behind us all." Kurt hoped.
"He's picking me up at 7pm but I could tell him to cancel his reservation and make dinner for the four of us here. So we can celebrate your engagement and get a chance to talk to him." Mercedes suggested.
Kurt liked the idea but knew Blaine has plans for them as well, so Kurt looked at Blaine and waited for him to respond. Blaine knew that this is important to Kurt and so anything that would expedite things with Kurt's case he is willing to do make sacrifices.
"I actually have reservations too but it can easily be schedule some other time. This is more important." Blaine looked at Kurt and kissed his cheek.
"Awww, I don't want to ruin your plans Blaine. I tell you what, why don't the four of us meet for a night cap? I'll ask Rachel if I can sleep over so you two can have the apartment to yourselves." Mercedes winked at her friends.
Kurt blushed at Mercedes' insinuation and Blaine merely smirked at the thought. They all agreed to meet after their dinner and soon they were all getting ready for their dates.
I'll be at your place in less than an hour. Wear something nice I'm taking you out on the town. ;)
Sam sent a message to Mercedes excited for their date despite the day he had. First the meeting with Holly Holliday and now the little information he got was frustrating him. His resources needed more time to gather all the facts he wanted and he badly needed a distraction.
If by nice you mean jeans and a blouse then you're in luck, otherwise you seem to have forgotten all my belongings perished in the fire a couple of weeks ago. :P
Mercedes quickly replied and Sam smiled as he saw what Mercedes wrote back.
LOL. I don't even know why I said that. You could be wearing a potato sack and I'd still think you look beautiful. Whatever you wear should be good. :)
Sam quickly finished dressing and headed out the door to pick up Mercedes but not before checking his phone. Sam smiled as he saw a text message from Mercedes.
Drive safe. I love you. :)
Sam typed his reply and closed the door behind him as he hit the send button.
I love you too. Can't wait to see you! :)
Mercedes' smile was from ear to ear as she read Sam message. She placed her phone on top of the dresser and finished applying her make-up. Mercedes wore her black skinny jeans and sheer gypsy tie-front blouse with a black satin cami underneath paired with red pumps. Mercedes wore her hair in lose curls which framed her face and natural make-up not wanting to overdo it.
Sam rode the elevator up to Blaine's loft apartment and found himself outside the apartment door. Sam has been in front of this door every night since Mercedes and Kurt moved in with Blaine but every time seemed like the first time as he knocked and waited for someone to open the door for him. Blaine opened the door for him and gestured for him to come in. Blaine clapped his shoulder as he motioned for him to have a seat as he let Mercedes know that he's here. He unbuttoned his jacket fully revealing the white button down inside before sitting down on the couch. He rubbed his hands on his black jeans as he patiently waited for his girlfriend. He smiled to himself thinking how nice it felt to finally call Mercedes his girlfriend. Sam was lost in thought as Kurt came out of his bedroom to join him on the couch.
"Hi Sam! How's things?" Kurt asked.
"Could be better, but I'm pretty sure it'll get better." Sam replied.
Mercedes was taking a final check on the full length mirror behind her bedroom door when she heard a knock on the door.
"Cedes honey, Sam's here." Blaine said through the door.
"I'll be out in a second. Thanks Blaine." Mercedes answered back.
Blaine went back to the living room and saw Kurt and Sam deep in conversation.
"What did I miss?" Blaine sat next to Kurt and placed an arm around his fiancé.
"Congratulations man. I'm so happy for both of you." Sam grabbed Blaine's free hand and shook it excitedly.
"Thanks Sam." Blaine beamed.
"So we're up for a night cap later?" Sam confirmed.
"Yeah, I have something to ask you as well so we'll see you later." Kurt explained.
"What is it about? Can't you give me a hint?" Sam asked curiously.
"Nothing to worry about Sam. Just enjoy your date with Mercy and we'll see you guys later. Oh here she is." Kurt smiled as he looked over Sam's shoulder.
Sam turned around and saw Mercedes walking towards them. She was a vision and one that he would never tire of seeing. Sam stood up and closed the gap as he walked towards Mercedes. Mercedes smiled as Sam leaned closer to whisper something.
"Nga nìn lor. (You look beautiful.)" Sam whispered in her ear.
"Irayo. Nga nìn sìltsan nìhawng. (Thank you. You look good too.)" Mercedes whispered back.
Sam placed his arm around Mercedes' waist as they stood looking at Blaine and Kurt who were fangirling. Mercedes rolled her eyes at her friends' antics.
"We'll see you guys later. I'm bringing my overnight bag now so I don't have to drop by later." Mercedes waved and winked at her friends as she closed the door behind her.
"What's with the overnight bag?" Sam asked as they made their way to the elevator.
"I'm sleeping over at Rachel's so the two can have the apartment to themselves. That's if Rachel replies back." Mercedes explained.
"Why not sleep over at my place?" Sam grinned.
"Sam! I told you I'm not sleeping with you. We've only been in this relationship for a couple of weeks and I'm not ready to you know… do the deed." Mercedes felt the heat rising to her face as she said those words.
"I wouldn't dream of forcing you. I'm just saying sleep over, nothing will happen I promise. If you don't feel comfortable sleeping in the same bed I can sleep in the guest bedroom." Sam waited as Mercedes seem to be weighing the option.
"I don't want to throw you out of your own room. I'll sleep in the spare room if I feel uncomfortable. Deal?" Mercedes held out her hand.
Sam grabbed her hand to seal the deal and quickly lifted it up to his lips to kiss her knuckles. Mercedes saw the glint in Sam's eyes and prayed that she did the right thing.