A/N: I'm a bit OCD when it comes to writing chapters, so since I started it in 3s I uploaded my update in the same chapter! Anyways, thanks again to everyone who read and reviewed this story and for being patient.
Chapter 47:
Soon after the restaurant closed, Mercedes and the girls made their way to Blaine's apartment to get some clothes for Mercedes before dragging her to Santana's apartment. Tina and Lauren's apartment was along the way and so they made pit stops for each girl to grab some clothes. Brittany was on the couch watching something on TV when they finally made it to Santana's home.
"Hey Britt!" Everyone happily shouted as they saw the blonde with popcorn in hand.
"Hi guys! How's work?" Brittany asked.
Santana walked over to her girlfriend and gave her a searing kiss before answering.
"Work was good. Cedes has some juicy story to tell that's why we're having a sleepover tonight." Santana placed an arm over Brittany's shoulders and winked at Mercedes.
"Oooh story! I love stories and so does Lord Tubbington!" Brittany squealed.
"Lord Tubbingwhat?" Mercedes asked confused.
"Oh yeah you haven't met Brittany's cat, Lord Tubbington." Tina just realized.
"Lord T is the best, although he's quite eccentric." Lauren added.
Mercedes skeptically looked at them not quite believing what they were telling her.
"Lord T went out a while ago and said not to wait up. I heard him say something about his godfather or the godfather in town and that they have business to take care of. I told him to bring me back something pretty." Brittany beamed.
Mercedes stood gob smacked with her mouth hanging open as thoughts of Brittany's cat running around with mobsters coursed through her mind. Tina finding it quite amusing walked over to Mercedes and wrapped an arm over her shoulder.
"Just one of the many things you'll hear about lord T. But like all of us know, it's better never to ask and best not to know." Tina patted Mercedes before dragging herself with her overnight bag to the bathroom.
Everyone was now in their pajamas and Brittany managed to create an Arabian night type sleepover in their living room while they got changed. Satin and chiffon cloths hanged from the ceiling and draped to act as their canopy as pillows scattered underneath inviting everyone to claim their places. Candles were placed around the living room giving the amber glow that would imitate the desert sunset.
"Tadah!" Brittany exclaimed as everyone made their way around their makeshift campsite.
"Britt this is amazing! How did you do all of this?" Mercedes looked around wide eyed at the sight before her.
"Lord T told me I should have an Arabian night sleepover, so I had these stuffs in the closet ready for tonight." Brittany explained.
"Don't ask, don't want to know!" Tina whispered to Mercedes.
Mercedes nodded and smiled brightly at Brittany.
"This is absolutely gorgeous Britt. Thank Lord T for the wonderful suggestion." Lauren complimented Brittany before claiming her spot underneath the canopy.
"This is fabulous Britbrat, I love it!" Santana exclaimed before kissing her girlfriend.
"Stunning job Britt! It makes our interrogation more intimate." Tina turned to Mercedes and smiled devilishly.
"Hey! I didn't sign up for any interrogation." Mercedes protested.
Everyone soon found their spot on the floor and Mercedes started telling in detail her sleepover at Sam's. Tina, Lauren and Britt were listening intently to Mercedes' story while Santana seemed unconvinced that Mercedes wasn't entirely honest with them.
"As much as I'd love to hear about you and Richie rich being domesticated, I want the juicy part Cedes. Like what did it feel like when he kissed you or where were his hands during the kiss..." Santana leaned in as if waiting for something top secret to perspire.
"Santana!" Mercedes interrupted as she felt blood rush to her face.
"What? I'm sure everyone is dying to know as well. If you can't answer those, just answer this one thing." Everyone waited for Santana's question while Mercedes refused to look at Santana.
"Cedes promise, you answer this one question and I'll let it all go. If not I will badger you until you give up." Santana grabbed Mercedes by the shoulders to make her look at her.
"Fine! Just one question and we're done?" Mercedes tried to confirm.
"Yes, just one question I promise!" Mercedes gave up and nodded as confirmation that she's willing to answer.
"Right then!" Santana rubbed her hands together and immediately Mercedes regretted her decision.
Sam paced his office still trying to digest today's information. As soon as Rachel handed him the document, Sam read every word slowly not wanting to misinterpret anything in it. He wished that what was written wasn't true but it was clear as day right in front of them. John Fabray dug up information about Mercedes and tried to find some dirt on her character but when he found none he went all out to make sure that she would never find an opportunity to sing or perform in New York. John Fabray has used his connections once more to influence the clubs or labels not to hire Mercedes Jones. Rachel was appalled by the degree of their action towards her friend just because she got in the way of their plans, but what she couldn't believe is their willingness to ruin someone's life for pride. It made Rachel sick to her stomach, but Sam knew how people in their society can be so consumed with greed that it blinds them from any decency. Sam finally calmed Rachel by promising that he'd do everything to rectify whatever they've done to tarnish Mercedes' reputation. Sam is still a bit restless as he continued to pace in his office. He really wanted John Fabray to pay for his crimes but not sure how he can do it without any of his loved ones getting hurt. Sam knew the information the Fabray's found out about Mercedes would crush her and that's one thing he couldn't let them do to her. If he must then he would take Mercedes away and shield her from it all. Mercedes might not like it, but it's the only way he knows how to stop the woman he loves from getting hurt. Sam finally sat down on his office chair and read through the documents again. Something doesn't sit right and he's determined to find it. Sam glanced at his phone and hoped that Mercedes would call. He misses her voice badly and he needs her for added motivation. Sam willed the phone to ring and when nothing happened chuckled to himself and went back reading. It was worth a try but even without talking to Mercedes he has all the determination he needs to make sure the job is done.
Mercedes hid her face embarrassed to answer Santana's one question. She knew it was a mistake but hoped that her friend wouldn't be so crass about it. Little did she know that if there's one thing Santana lack its tact.
"Cedes you promised to answer! We're not stopping the interrogation until you give us a decent answer." Santana smirked as she watched Mercedes squirm in embarrassment.
"Cedes! Come on we're all curious. We've heard a lot of things about Sam and we just need your confirmation." Lauren smiled.
"Yeah Cedes, I'm sure the rumors were true but we want to hear it firsthand." Tina chimed in.
"Lord Tubbington is well endowed but he himself said he has nothing on Sam Evans. Now if that were true then congratulations Ms. Jones." Brittany started clapping which made Mercedes' face heat up.
"Britt!" Mercedes finally managed to shout out.
"Cedes! It's a simple yes or no answer. Is Sam Evans as big as they say?" Santana asked the question once more.
"I... I wouldn't know. We haven't been that intimate with each other to know." Mercedes stuttered as she replied.
"You are lying Ms. Jones. I'm sure you have some idea and you're not telling us." Santana insisted.
"I don't know what you're talking about Tana, Sam has been a perfect gentleman during our sleepover." Mercedes stated.
"So what I'm getting is Sam's been a perfect gentleman, but not once did I hear you say you've been in your best behavior." Mercedes opened her mouth to protest but quickly shut it when Santana gave her a knowing look.
"I was a bit tipsy. I felt it and got a bit scared. I'm sure whatever the rumors are, were true if not more!" Mercedes covered her face with her palms and shook her head with her confession.
The girls screamed and giggled at Mercedes answer. They knew they'd break Mercedes' silence and it was an added bonus that they got the rumor validated. The girls started a standing ovation and paid homage to their friend. Mercedes can feel all the blood rushing to her face not believing she admitted it to all of them. As the girls continued to laugh and tease Mercedes, she felt her phone vibrate and immediately looked at the phone sat next to her.
I really need to hear your voice. I don't think I'd make it through the night. =,(
Mercedes saw Sam's message and smiled at his silliness. She quickly sent a reply and waited for her phone to ring.
Sam heard his phone buzz and immediately looked at his phone to check if Mercedes replied. Sam's smile stretched from ear to ear as Mercedes' name flashed across his phone's screen.
Please rescue me from the girls! I miss you too baby. =,(
Sam wanted so much to rescue his Mercedes but he knew she needed time with her friends and he needed more time to study the documents laid out before him. He sent a quick reply and continued browsing papers after papers.
Mercedes clutched tightly to her phone waiting for a response from Sam hoping that it was in her favor. She quickly swiped her screen as the phone buzzed signaling for a new message.
"If that's Sam, tell him you are off limits for tonight." Santana commanded.
Mercedes ignored her and happily clicked on messages to see what Sam typed. Her smile quickly faded as she read Sam's reply.
As much as I would love to be your knight in shining armor, I'm afraid work has me chained to my office. I'm sure the girls won't bite, just hang in there and I'll see you tomorrow. I love you! =)
She felt sad that Sam is stuck at work, but also that she'll be stuck with the girl's not letting her live down her confession.
"I just need to make a quick phone call." Mercedes stood up and walked in the kitchen.
"Phone sex is off limits in the kitchen Cedes. You don't do the deed where people eat that's just wrong!" Santana shouted as Mercedes cross the threshold.
Mercedes shook her head at her friend's teasing and could hear the girls laughing with Santana. Mercedes quickly pressed speed dial and waited for the other person to pick up while it rang.
Sam was deep in thought as he pondered about the last document he read. He was soon startled by his phone buzzing and smiled widely as he saw his beloved's name across the screen.
"You miss me that much?" Sam answered as soon as he pressed accept.
"No just making sure you're working and not in some club with other girls!" Mercedes teased.
"How can you be so sure?" Sam teased back not wanting to give in so easily.
"Well one you answered your phone right away and two you know I'm gonna kick yo ass if you lied to me." Mercedes sassed earning silence from the other end.
Sam felt his throat constrict as he realized the vast information he is trying to hide from Mercedes. As much as he wanted to be honest and truthful with Mercedes he doesn't want to see hurt. He knows there's still a lot to dig in to but Sam can't help but feel guilty for not saying anything to Mercedes even at this early point in time.
"Hey you still there?" Mercedes bit her lip as she waited for Sam to respond.
"Yeah just got lost in thought. " Mercedes felt relieved but at the same time concerned that Sam seems to be hiding something from her.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Sam slightly panicked knowing if Mercedes insisted he would soon tell her everything.
"Hey shouldn't you be going back to your slumber party?" Sam changed subject.
"Fine, I'll go back to the wolves but hear this, if anything happens to me it will be your fault." Mercedes giggled not being able to keep a straight face.
"I accept full responsibility. They just wouldn't dare!" Sam chuckled.
"I love you so much Mercy!" Sam added and Mercedes smiled from ear to ear not being able to get used to hearing those words from Sam.
"I love you too!" Mercedes replied softly.
"Don't work so hard. I'll see you tomorrow." Mercedes quickly ended the call not giving Sam a chance to reply.
Sam chuckled as he looked at his phone. He knew the two of them can go on and on saying goodbye to each other and Mercedes knew he would never be the one to end the call. Mercedes stared at her phone for a while as soon as she ended the call. She felt a tinge of guilt for doing it, but she also knew Sam would never get any work done if they continued talking. Mercedes was brought out of her thoughts when Santana came barging in the kitchen.
"Aretha! How long does it take to tell Sam not tonight? Come on, it's time for facials." Santana dragged Mercedes back to the living room.
Chapter 48:
Mercedes stretched and looked at her sleeping friends scattered in Santana and Brittany's living room. She quietly got up and grabbed her overnight bag before heading to the bathroom. She didn't want to stay there any longer than necessary, knowing the girls last night's free pass will be none and void by this day. Mercedes quickly took a shower, got dressed, wrote a note to her friends and got out the apartment without anyone stirring awake. She let out a deep breath as soon as she was out on the street, the interrogation wasn't as brutal as she expected but that's only because of Santana's bargain to her. She felt like she wasn't ready to let everyone know how things are going with Sam. Honestly it was... is going great but something is telling her it was too good to be true. She really wants things to turn out fine unlike the inkling feeling she has but she couldn't shake the feeling. Mercedes headed to Blaine's apartment to drop her stuff and was surprised that Kurt was already awake having coffee in the kitchen.
"Hey Kurt, up early?" Mercedes curiously asked as she dropped her bag in one corner and grabbed a cup for some coffee herself.
"Couldn't sleep. For some reason today was the day Blaine decided to sleep talk. That man has a dorky side and it only comes out when he's sleep talking. Just imagine a night of yes captain and beam me up Scotty! I was so tempted to slap him awake and tell him they never said beam me up Scotty in Star Trek, even I knew that!" Kurt protested as he rolled his eyes taking a sip of his coffee.
"One I can't believe Blaine does that and two when did you get a chance to look up Star Trek trivia?" Mercedes chuckled as she looked at her best friend.
"For your information Mz. Jones I am a well rounded person... and I knew Blaine likes Star Trek so I armed myself with fascinating trivia about it." Kurt whispered the last part which earned a hardy laugh from Mercedes.
"You laugh now but I tell you, soon you'll be asking me help to know what Sam likes and then lets see who'll be laughing then!" Kurt raised his mug as a salute to himself.
"That may be true but today is a different time." Mercedes laughed shaking her head at her friend.
The two best friends talked for a while before Mercedes had to leave to go meet Sam and put the down payment for her new apartment. Kurt hugged Mercedes and told her to be home for dinner. Mercedes simply nodded and waved at her friend as she went out again.
Sam hardly slept but exhaustion has nothing on him since he'll be seeing his Mercy soon. Sam excitedly got out of bed and showered. As Sam finished his morning routine he stared at his reflection in the mirror and saw dark circles staring back at him.
"Thank God for dark glasses!" Sam exclaimed to himself.
Sam got dressed in denim blue jeans, plain white shirt that clung to every muscle on his body and a tan jacket, finally adding his aviator glasses to finish the look. Sam was just about ready when he heard a buzz outside his door. Sam couldn't run fast enough to open the door knowing behind that door is the reason for his eminent happiness. Mercedes' smile couldn't get any wider as she saw a tall, handsome man in front of her. Sam wasn't as controlled as Mercedes was as he scooped her in his arms and gave her a kiss as if his life depended on it. Mercedes soon melted in his arms losing all senses in her body as it all took residence on her lips. If she was reckless she would let Sam have her right there right now, but she had an agenda for today and being anal with things like that she took all the force she had left to gently pull away from those delicious lips of Sam.
"Good morning!" Mercedes greeted Sam breathlessly.
"It is now!" Sam responded not letting his grip on Mercedes loosen even for a bit. Sam loved the feeling of Mercedes close to him. If he could permanently attach her to him then he would have done it by now.
"We better get going, I don't want the landlord to think I'm irresponsible. By the way, I love the glasses but I love your eyes more." Mercedes reached for the glasses but Sam tilted his head up to stop Mercedes from taking the glasses.
"I'm so babe, but the glasses stays. It'll ruin the look." Sam quickly reasoned.
Mercedes looked at Sam curiously and shook her head realizing that Sam probably worked himself to death yesterday.
"You don't have to come with me you know. I rather you get rest than risk your health. I'm perfectly fine going on my own today and I'll bring you there some other time." Mercedes pushed Sam inside his penthouse.
"No don't even think about it. The only thing that made last night worthwhile was the thought I'd be seeing you today. So don't you dare wiggle your way out of spending every second with me today." Sam protested.
"I never said I won't spend time with you just that you get some rest, I'll come back after I sign the lease and I'll sleep with you." Sam grinned wide at Mercedes' choice of words which made her realize her slip up.
"No! I didn't mean sleep SLEEP with you, I meant sleep as in go to bed with you." Sam was still grinning as Mercedes struggle to correct her mistake.
"Sam stop grinning. I didn't sleep well last night so I want to rest and by sleep I mean SLEEP! Stop putting color in what I say." Sam still smiled and grabbed Mercedes closer to him.
"I'm only kidding. It's a great thought though." Mercedes playfully hit his chest as he chuckled at her.
"But I mean it, I want to go with you. I don't want to be away from your side ever again." Sam pulled Mercedes against his chest as he kissed the top of her head.
Mercedes shook her head at Sam's dramatics. Sam on the other hand couldn't shake the thoughts that ran through his mind as the information from last night were now imbedded in his head. He'd be a fool before he let anything happen to Mercedes, if he has to he'll lock her up in his room and never let her out of his sight.
"Come on, we better go." Mercedes sighed knowing she won't win this battle.
"I called for a town car to drive us since I'm too tired to drive myself." Sam said as he pulled the door close.
"I don't think it's a good idea to go there in a town car. People might get the wrong idea. I thought maybe we can just take the subway?" Mercedes suggested as she waited for Sam to respond.
"The subway?" Sam said it like it was a foreign word to him which earned a smile from Mercedes.
"Yes the subway. You know the common mode of transportation for common people like me." Mercedes replied trying to keep a straight face and failing at it.
"Hey don't make fun! I've never been on it, I heard it was dirty and you can catch a disease on it." Sam scrunched his face thinking about how it was described to him by his friends.
"If by disease you mean lower to middle class status then yes!" Mercedes finally let out the laughter she's been holding.
Sam pouted and folded his arms in protest.
"I'm sorry baby, but you're too adorable. The subway is not disease filled as some people claim, heck if it was disease filled you'd think I'd catch it by now. I'm sorry to have to tell you this now, but I've been riding the subway all my life. So unless you think I'm diseased then don't go with me." Mercedes teased.
Sam didn't think his reaction was offending but when Mercedes put it that way he could never think of her other than pure and clean, so if she's on it he'd kiss every inch of the subway her feet touched.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way." Sam apologized as he reached for her hand.
"You're forgiven and don't worry you have me to protect you." Mercedes winked at Sam as she intertwined their fingers.
John Fabray smugly smiled as he put the phone down. His associates are close to getting the job done and he couldn't be happier. His useless of a daughter Quinn couldn't do the job herself and so he has to do it himself. Evans Empire will be his one way or the other. John Fabray picked up the document delivered to him earlier. The folder looked plain except for a name written on it which said DERRICK JONES.
Chapter 49:
Sam looked like a fish out of water as they rode the subway. Mercedes was trying her hardest not to draw attention to them as she repressed her giggling and focused her eyes on her lap to keep her composure. Mercedes can tell Sam was trying his best to blend but being a regular subway passenger herself you can tell when someone is unfamiliar with the transportation and Sam is definitely easy to spot. One his clothes look too expensive and two he seems too tense to actually blend in.
"You can relax you know. I'm here and I can spot the con artists a mile away. I promise nothing will happen to you." Mercedes whispered to Sam as she patted his hand on his lap.
"Am I that obvious?" Sam leaned in to whisper back.
"I'm afraid you're sticking out like a really sore thumb. I had to send death glares to the girls over there whose been eyeing you since we sat down. I knew I should have asked you to dress down." Mercedes chuckled as she answered in a low voice.
"What which girls?" Mercedes rolled her eyes knowing that's the only thing Sam got from what she said.
"Doesn't matter our stop's next!" Mercedes pointed to the train's window before standing up.
Sam immediately stood after Mercedes and wrapped an arm around her waist drawing her closer to him. Mercedes shook her head and smiled to herself.
Mercedes dragged Sam all the way to her soon apartment building. Sam could tell Mercedes was really excited and he would be too if not for some offensive graffiti along the way. Mercedes finally stopped and smiled widely at Sam.
"Here it is! So what do you think? It's great right?" Mercedes pointed to the area excitedly.
Sam looked around and after a while decided the community is clean and looked safe enough. He just didn't like the small alleys that he saw thinking what could happen if Mercedes went through one of those. Mercedes pulled him out of his thoughts as she grabbed his hand to go up the stairs to the apartment building's entrance.
"Come on, the landlord should be in his apartment. You'll like Mr. Brant he's a lovely man." Mercedes eagerly told Sam.
The pair buzzed the landlord's apartment and was soon let in. The landlord smiled as soon as he saw Mercedes and introduced himself to Sam. Mercedes was right about the landlord, he seemed really nice and Sam felt at ease talking to the older gentleman. Mr. Brant had the lease ready and Mercedes handed the money as soon as she read and signed the papers. She requested to look at the apartment unit to show Sam and the landlord only gladly took them.
"Tadah!" Mercedes made a big deal as soon as she entered her now apartment.
"It's great isn't it?" Mercedes beamed grinning from ear to ear as she walked around the space.
Sam walked around himself and inspected every nook and cranny of the apartment asking Mr. Brant about the building's fire safety system and devices installed in each unit. Mercedes internally groaned at hearing Sam act like her mother.
"I think I'll put a couch with a pullout bed in case I have friends sleeping over here, then by the window I think I'll put a chaise lounge for reading." Mercedes started narrating to break the safety conversation.
Sam stared at his girlfriend as she happily described what she wants to do with the space.
"I can't wait to go shopping for furniture!" Mercedes looked at Sam who was smiling back at her.
"We can do that today if you want." Sam replied.
"I can, but you mister need your sleep." Mercedes told Sam as she placed a hand on her hip.
"I told you I'm fine! I can get some sleep after." Sam insisted and Mercedes simply shook her head knowing she won't win this argument.
Mercedes went in the bedroom and left Sam and the landlord in the living room. Sam took the opportunity to ask Mr. Brant about Mercedes' neighbors. Sam found out that the door in Mercedes' left is vacant as well as the one next to it which is a 2 bedroom corner unit. The door in Mercedes' right lived a middle age woman who works in the business district as a clerk. She moved in a year ago and seemed like a nice lady but just too busy to stop and talk. The furthest door on the floor is another 2 bedroom unit and is currently occupied by an asian family of four. They've been there for 3 years now and Mr. Brant said that the Songs is a nice family. Sam gathered as much information as he could about the other tenants in the apartment building and thanked God for Mr. Brant's honesty. Soon the pair were out the apartment building and thanking Mr. Brant for his hospitality.
Artie rubbed Quinn's back as she sobbed uncontrollably in his living room. Artie was surprised to see Quinn at his doorstep and as soon as he saw her tear stained face, he enveloped her in his arms. Now the two of them sat in Artie's couch as he tried to soothe Quinn's troubles away. Quinn held on to Artie as if he was the last lifesaver on a sinking ship. Artie never asked what happened or why she was there. He just held her and let herself cry it out. She would tell him when she's ready and he would be there for her no matter what.
"Where are we going?" Sam finally asked as Mercedes dragged him out of the subway station and looked around to see that they were nowhere he was familiar with.
Mercedes told him excitedly earlier as they got on the subway that they're going furniture shopping. Sam was expecting to see Macy's or Crate and Barrel, heck even IKEA but instead found himself somewhere in the middle of 42nd Street. Mercedes quickly walked through the streets and finally found themselves in front of the Salvation Army on 46th Street.
"This is where you're buying furniture?" Sam curiously asked.
"Hey! It's for a good cause not to mention cheap!" Mercedes pulled Sam inside and quickly made their way to where the furnitures were.
Sam watched as Mercedes meticulously examined every piece of furniture she fancied. She has this habit of feeling the furniture with her eyes closed then scanning the exterior for visible wear and tear and finally biting her lip when trying to gauge how much it would cost. Once she has an estimate dollar amount in her head she would flip the price and quietly cheer herself when the price is within the price range she made up. Sam loved the glint in Mercedes' eyes as she marked each piece of furniture in her list.
"I'm done, we can go now!" Mercedes told Sam as she tucked her list in her bag.
"Come on? You did all of that and you're not even buying anything?" Sam asked confused.
"First rule of shopping, you sleep on it and if you still want it then go ahead and buy it. Impulse buying is a trap so I choose to take my time. If it's still there when I finally decided to buy it then it's meant to be!" Mercedes tugged on Sam's hand smiling as she pulled them out of the building.
"So you're really not going to buy anything at all?" Sam tried to confirm.
"I'm surprised you had to ask again. Isn't the principle the same with business? You never sign the contract until you've thoroughly thought about it. I'll probably come back here in a couple of days just in time for it to be delivered to my apartment." Mercedes suddenly paused which raised concern for Sam.
"What's wrong?" Sam asked.
"Nothing! I just can't believe I have my own apartment. I'm excited yet anxious, I've never really lived on my own. When my dad died I lived with relatives for a while and then foster families and then the dorm and then with Kurt." Mercedes turned to face Sam.
"I just hope I wont die of boredom!" Mercedes added as she giggled at her own silliness.
"I'm sure you won't be bored because I'll always be invading your space." Sam pulled Mercedes towards him and kissed the tip of her nose.
Mercedes scrunched her nose and playfully slapped Sam's chest before pretending to wipe her nose. Sam pulled her once more and wrapped his arm on her shoulders.
"If we are in a window shopping mood, why not make a day of it and visit other furniture stores?" Sam suggested as they lazily walked around.
"Oooh... That does sound like fun. Kurt and I always walk around department stores pretending what we would buy if money was not an object. We could do that with furnitures." Mercedes loved the idea as she snuggled closer to Sam.
"Well then, lets go!" This time Sam led the way, stopping at the corner to hail a cab.