Chapter 58
Derrick Jones was just a shell of the man he used to be. Everyday felt like going through the motions. Mercedes was the only light he has left in his soul but the darkness is slowly eating him up and as much as he loves his daughter, God is the only one that can save him now.
It was 3 weeks ago when Finn asked Mercedes to perform with their band for their label launch. Asking Mercedes was an easy feat, Sam on the other hand was a different story. As soon as Mercedes said yes, Finn made sure to call Sam right away as Rachel suggested. Sam was apprehensive to put it politely, but thanked Finn for being a good man and letting him know.
At present, they are currently hard at work doing last minute practice for their performance at the end of the week. Finn smiled as he watched his friend belted a particularly difficult note in the song like it was nothing and the joy in Mercedes' face was simply priceless. Finn's bandmates instantly loved Mercedes on the 1st day they met her, but fell deeper in love when she started singing during rehearsal. They were so ready to invite her to join the band as soon as they heard the first note out of her mouth. Finn knew at that moment that Mercedes was destined for greatness and he feels honoured to be part of her stepping stone.
"Take 5 everyone! That was an awesome set, Mercedes smashed it out of the park!" Tyler the band leader shouted as he unstrapped his guitar. "Please don't forget to book us as your opening act when you're selling out arenas." Tyler winked.
"You're incorrigible Ty, your band will have sold out concerts way before I get a recording contract. This is an amazing opportunity for me, so thank you for giving me some airtime in your band launch!" Mercedes smiled at everyone as she wiped her brows.
"Ty is right Mercedes. Only blind people don't see how bright you shine on stage." Adam their bassist added.
"Everyone in the band can hold a tune, Ty being our lead vocalist more than the rest of us; but I'm sorry man... " Pete their keyboardist looked at Tyler apologetically. "He cannot hold a candle against you."
"Stop it, you guys are embarrassing me!" Mercedes hid her face in her hands.
"Everyone is telling the truth Mercedes! You are a star and you know everyone agrees with me, if none of the music execs at the party snatch you up right away you're always welcome in the our band!" Finn announced and everyone hollered their agreement.
"That's so kind of you, I feel so flattered. You're all outstanding musicians and I'll be honoured to join your band, if and only if your record labels thinks it's a good step for your band, I don't want to ruin the mix. They might already have a marketing plan for your band and adding me might throw them in a loop."
"Well I am very confident that you will not need us because this Saturday you will be beating musics execs with a bat to give you some breathing space. And with that I really need my water break." Tyler ended for good measure.
The rest of rehearsals went off without a hitch and like clockwork, Sam is outside of the practise studio to pick Mercedes up.
"Hi baby, missed me?" Mercedes smiled as she walked towards Sam.
"You betcha!" Sam wrapped his arms around Mercedes and gave her a quick peck on the lips.
"Hi Sam!" Finn greeted while the rest of the band members nodded in acknowledgement.
"Hi everyone! How did my baby do?" Sam asked proudly.
"Flawless as usual, you'll never hear anything bad about Mercedes from us." Pete shouted from the trunk as he's putting away his equipments.
"I've been trying to get her to run away with me, but she always refuses because she said she likes you and would miss you a lot if we ran away together!" Tyler joked.
"Well you know I will hunt you down before you even leave the city, but my baby is loyal so I have nothing to worry about!" Sam jibbed while he tightened his hold on his girlfriend.
"Ty, stop goading Sam, I'm the one always suffering!" Mercedes said while trying to loosen Sam's embrace.
"You should be used to they guys by now Sam, we're all harmless here." Finn laughed and the rest joined in.
"You know they tease you a lot because you always turn into a possessive boyfriend right?" Mercedes spoke up as soon as they were in the confines of Sam's town car.
"I know, but it just irks me when they keep joking about stealing you away from me. It honestly gives me anxiety when I don't know where you are." Sam replied honestly as he kissed the top of Mercedes' head.
"Obsessive much?" Mercedes laughed.
"Insanely in love more like it!" Sam laughed along.
Mercedes pushed herself of Sam and turned to look him straight in the eye. "You know I will never purposely leave you right?" Sam nodded.
"Before the fire happened, I was fearless. I was on top of the world and I had everything under control. When the fire happened, I felt helpless. It proved to me that money is worthless in these type of situations. If I can give everything I have to make sure that everyone I love will be safe for eternity, I would gladly do it, but the sad reality is that our futures are never guaranteed and I'm always scared that one person's bad decision will take someone I love. Those moments when I wasn't sure if you'll make it were the most painful and numbest moment of my life. I would not wish that pain on my worst enemy and would not want to experience it again any time soon. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that joking as it may be, thinking about losing you brings back all those emotions."
Mercedes' heart broke thinking about what Sam went through. She only thought about the ordeal she went through and never really asked about what Sam felt in those moments. She fused her salty lips with Sam's hoping to erase the pain they're both feeling right now. When the kiss ended, Sam wiped the tears away and kissed each eyelids before pulling Mercedes in an embrace.
"I didn't mean to make you cry."
"I am sorry Sam, I didn't think to ask what you felt. I promise to stop the guys from teasing you, I don't ever want you to feel that pain again." Mercedes held Sam tighter.
Mercedes unlocked her door and dropped her keys on the side table before plopping down on her sofa. Crashing Minds debut is in 2 days and Mercedes is still hunting for the perfect outfit. She has been to hundreds of stores already and still no viable contender. She felt hopeless and already resigned herself to wearing something from her diminished closet. Mercedes heard her locks clicked and knew that Sam's already here. She gave Sam a set of keys seeing that he's always in her apartment anyway.
"Baby, you're home!" Sam exclaimed when he saw her on the couch and plopped down next to her. "Why the long face?" Sam observed.
"The launch party is in 2 days and I still don't have anything to wear!" Mercedes sighed. "I've gone to every store in the city, it's either not in my size of way above my price point! At this rate I think I might have to wear a sack of potatoes!"
Sam smiled and stood up. He stretched his hand for Mercedes to take but she only looked at him curiously.
"C'mon!" Sam insisted.
"Oh no you don't! You are not going to buy me an outfit, I told you no expensive gifts, nothing more than 20 dollars!" Mercedes crossed her arms and stared down Sam to make her point.
"I promise I will not buy anything, but you never mentioned borrowing!" Sam grinned wider at Mercedes. "We have several designers in our portfolio who will gladly lend out clothes. It will cost me nothing."
Mercedes thought for a moment. She knew it was a big favour for Sam to ask and it was a loophole but she didn't have any other choice. She wanted to make a great impression at the launch party. "Ok, you got me there, but please ask them to prepare a waiver that I will be fully responsible if anything happens to the borrowed clothing. I will not let you just pay for it if it gets ruined. If you agree with those terms then let's go!" Mercedes stretched out her hand waiting for Sam to shake on it.
Sam contemplated for a minute but shook Mercedes' hand in agreement to the terms.
Chapter 59
"Do you have everything setup? I don't want any mistakes like last time, I want this taken cared of as originally planned. You need to get the job done or I'll get someone else to do it and do you too!" John Fabray slammed the phone down. "Incompetents!"
"Yo BFG!"
"Santana!" Mercedes chided Santana.
"Yo Finn!" Santana quickly corrected herself.
Finn smirked at Santana before responding. "Yes?"
"Blaine wanted to see you in his office pronto! He said he needs to know your intentions. I think he wants to know what will happen when your rockstar career catapults. Just make sure you let him know that you won't forget the little people when you're winning grammy's left and right!" Santana narrated.
"I don't have plans of quitting my job any time soon. I told him so many times that I will give more than enough notice if I need to resign." Finn sighed as he rubbed his temples.
"Blaine is stressed out at the moment. He has a wedding and honeymoon to plan, not to mention to put in place a coverage plan while he's away on honeymoon, so just humour him!" Mercedes explained to Finn.
"I'm anxious about tomorrow's launch party, I don't need this added stress!"
"Don't shoot the messenger!" Santana raised her hands as she walked away from Finn and Mercedes.
"Just breathe in and out slowly. Release the tension." Mercedes coached Finn.
"How can you be so calm?" Finn questioned Mercedes as he concentrated with his breathing.
Mercedes gave Finn an 'are you serious' look. "Burning building, ring a bell?" Finn's eyes bugged out and cringed inwardly.
"I'm sorry Cedes, I forgot about that." Finn scratched his head while apologising.
"I'm just pulling your leg Finn!" Mercedes laughed. "But going through that put things into perspective."
Lauren walked out of the kitchen and made a beeline to Mercedes and Finn.
"I think you two just broke Satan! She's in the kitchen ranting in Spanish which I obviously don't understand, but I can tell you there's a lot of profanity said." Lauren pointed to them.
"I better go there, will you be ok Finn?" Mercedes asked concerned.
"Yeah, I might as well go to Blaine now. Thanks again Cedes!" Finn walked off to Blaine's office while Mercedes and Lauren walked together to the kitchen.
Rachel typed the last word and punctuated with an exclamation point before hitting send. The last email has been sent out, logistics are all finalised and confirmed. All she needed to do now is to confirm Sam's car service and pick up his suit from the designer. By tomorrow all Rachel needed to do is get her hair and make-up done! Rachel stretched as Sam popped his head out of his office.
"What do you think about lunch?" Sam asked.
"Sounds perfect! Where do you want to order?"
"How about having an extended lunch?" Sam smiled.
"As much as I would love to take you on that offer I still need to pick-up your suit and confirm the car for tomorrow night. Then I will put my feet up and relax at home until tomorrow's event. Not to mention I promised Mercedes to keep you away from the restaurant because you've been distracting her and according to her, she's losing out on really good tips lately!" Rachel grinned. "Oh by the way, additional security to the event is already confirmed."
"Thanks Rachel! I guess a sub and salad would do for lunch." Sam said dejected and went back to his office.
Rachel placed their lunch orders from their favourite deli and being a regular, their food was delivered in less than 20 minutes. Rachel walked in Sam's office and started unpacking the food on the coffee table.
"Food's ready!" Rachel called to Sam.
Sam stood from behind his desk to the corner of his office where the sitting area was. Rachel stretched out the sub sand which towards Sam which he gladly took.
"Thanks!" Sam thanked Rachel before taking a bite.
Rachel also started with her salad and the pair ate in silence.
"So what's the plan for tomorrow?" Rachel broke the silence.
"We introduce our label and signed artists to the world." Sam answered without thinking.
"No! I mean when Mercedes finds out that you own a record label. Are you going to offer her a recording contract?" Rachel inquired.
"Well you know that if it was up to me I would have done it the first time I heard her perform, but you know Mercedes, she refuses to accept any help from me. I wanted to introduce her to some people in the music business and she turned me down flat saying that if she's really talented then when the right time comes someone will sign her up." Sam smiled thinking about how admirable his girlfriend is.
Mercedes could have used Sam's connections and already be a recording artist by now, but she chose to believe in God's time. She wanted to prove to the world that people like her can achieve their dreams and succeed with pure hard work & determination.
"Well if it's any consolation, I'm so glad that she didn't reject Finn's invite to perform with their band. It would have been a shame if the world never heard Mercedes." Rachel injected before shoving some salad leaves in her mouth.
"I just hope when the offers starts pouring for her that she doesn't dismiss them thinking I had anything to do with it." Sam added before finishing his sandwich.
"Our men are in, no one will suspect anything!" The man whispered on the phone.
"You better make sure none of this can be traced back to me. I mean it, this is your last chance or I'll finish you myself!" John Fabray ended the call before removing the battery on the burner phone and throwing the pieces out into the water.
The car stopped in front of the restaurant and Sam immediate saw his friend about to enter the establishment. He rolled down his window and hollered at Puck.
"Puck!" Puck quickly turned around and made a detour to the town car.
"Hey bro, all set for tomorrow?" Puck fist bumped Sam.
Sam got out of the car and gestured for Puck to start walking to the restaurant's entrance.
"Are you doubting Rachel's organisation skills?" Sam teased.
Puck chuckled. "Not at all, I'm talking about Mercedes surrounded by those men trying to steal her away from you!" Sam was about the jab Puck which he quickly avoided and ran inside.
Sam ran towards Puck but he was stopped by Lauren where Puck was cowardliness behind her.
"Hi Sam! What is this I hear you trying to kill my man?" Lauren crossed her arms in front of her trying to intimidate the blond.
"That THING behind you is no man if he has to hide behind his girlfriend!" Sam mocked Puck.
"Puck, what did you do now?" Mercedes asked as she went to Sam's side.
"Nothing!" Puck feigned innocence.
"Chicas, let the men fight it out. After tonight's dinner rush we need some entertainment here, am I right Tina?" Santana raised her hand as Tina high fives her.
Lauren shrugged in agreement and moved out of the way.
"Baby, I only told him about the men trying to steal Mercedes, I just wanted him to be prepared for the worst case scenario." Puck reasoned.
Lauren hit Puck upside the head and shoved him towards Sam.
"Go at it!" Lauren told Sam.
"Baby!" Puck turned around and latched on Lauren like a leech.
Everyone started laughing at the couple's antics and Sam's anger soon melted away especially now that Mercedes clung to his side.
"Yo Zizes! Are we still up for tomorrow night at our place?" Santana interrupted.
"You're still coming after the party right Cedes?" Tina asked Mercedes.
"What? You're having a sleepover tomorrow?" Sam asked surprised.
"Well you said you're busy tomorrow for work. I assumed I won't see you until the next day so I made plans with the girls. Is that ok?" Mercedes looked up with puppy dog eyes while Sam pouted.
Puck silently snickered which didn't go unnoticed to Lauren. Puck simply shrugged and quickly covered his expression.
"Of course it's ok, you don't need my permission after all." Sam responded half-heartedly.
"For someone who doesn't need to be asked for permission you're kindly laying it thick there." Santana quipped.
Mercedes looked at Santana and gestured not to make it worse with just her eyes. Santana responded by rolling her eyes and started looking bored at her nails.
"That's all set then! I will bring snacks, Lauren will bring the drinks and Santana & Britt will be our gracious hostess." Tina clapped in excitement.
"Knock the socks off those stiffs Cedes! Tomorrow will definitely be a celebration!" Lauren offered a fist bump and all the girls joined in.
Chapter 60
Kurt knocked on Mercedes' door bright and early to help with her preparation for this evening's event. Kurt also has keys to Mercedes' apartment but ever since the time he accidentally walked in on Sam & Mercedes in the middle of something on the sofa, he opted to wait for someone to open the door and refuses to sit on the said sofa.
"Good morning Kurt! I told you Sam is busy today so he didn't stay over last night, which means it's safe for you to use your keys!" Mercedes welcomed Kurt in her apartment.
"I always err on the side of better be safe than sorry. You two are always freaky deaky, I did not want to risk it!" Kurt reasoned out as he dropped his things on the dining table.
Mercedes blushed thinking about what happened after they found her perfect outfit. It may have started with making out which might have turned into a private fashion show and ended up in the bedroom, after all she needed to thank her boyfriend for helping her.
"Girl get your mind out of the gutter. We need to start on your hair before we go to rehearsal." Kurt pointed to Mercedes then to the bathroom door.
"Yes mom!" Mercedes mocked Kurt and stuck her tongue out before going in the bathroom to take a shower.
Once Mercedes stepped out of her room dressed for rehearsals, Kurt started pulling her to the dining chair and the two started working on straightening her hair and placing then on rollers. Mercedes was so happy that Crashing Minds was able to score another invite so that Kurt can accompany her. Her bestie has always been in all the major milestones in her life and this will be no different. It also doesn't hurt that Kurt is amazing in helping her with hair and makeup so it's a win-win!
Mercedes is about to put in the last of the rollers when her phone chimed with a message.
Wish I could be with you right now. You'll be amazing tonight baby! I'll always be your greatest supporter, I love you! ~ Sam
I love you too, wish you're here with me but Kurt is a good consolation! Don't overwork yourself, I'll see you tomorrow! *
Mercedes put her phone down and continued setting her hair as she smiled internally thinking about Sam.
"Miss Berry, our agency called and mentioned that the additional security will be arriving soon. I will fetch you once they arrive and will wait for your instructions."
"Thank you James! I'm sure everything should be fine, we've used your agency for years and we've never been disappointed. I will be at the back checking the caterers if you need me. If you would excuse me." Rachel excused herself and James left as well to wait for the rest of his crew to arrive.
Kurt and Mercedes got out of the cab carrying a ton of stuff with ease. The two has gotten this routine to perfection that they remained calm and collected even when everything around seem to be in chaos. James quickly spotted the pair and rushed to offer his services.
"That is so chivalrous of you, but we got it covered!" Kurt flirted.
Mercedes nudged Kurt. "Thank you for the offer but we can manage."
A black van arrived soon after them, transporting the rest of the security men. The men alighted the van one by one and rushed to their captain to see what the commotion was all about.
"Please ma'am it's part of our job!" One of the younger men moved forward and held out his hands waiting for someone to pass him something.
"Well if you insist!" Kurt quickly handed the suitcases but held on to the garment bag.
Kurt starred at the young man grinning like a kid in a candy store. Mercedes cleared her throat to get Kurt's attention, but to no success.
"Ma'am, my name is James and this young man here is one of our newest recruit Ryder. My men can help you bring your things inside quickly and more efficiently. I believe the two of you are very capable but with all the suppliers and preparations going on inside you might get overwhelmed." James explained.
Mercedes nodded and smiled finally handing the cases she was holding to the young men in front of her.
"Thank you, my name is Mercedes and this here fangirl is Kurt! I just didn't want you to deviate from your duties but like Kurt said, if you insist!" James led them inside and sure enough they quickly found her dressing room and was out of their hair before you know it.
James left his men by the reception area and went to the kitchen to look for Rachel.
"Miss Berry!" James called out to Rachel.
"I'll be right out!" Rachel responded.
"We'll be at the reception area." James mentioned and Rachel nodded in acknowledgement.
Rachel arrived at the reception area and saw James going through the list she has sent to the security agency a couple of days ago.
"Men, I'd like to introduce Miss Berry. She will run through our duties tonight and if there's anything that needs to get approval, Miss Berry is that person, understood?"
"Yes Captain!" The men responded synchronously.
"Good afternoon gentlemen. As Captain James mentioned for anything that need approval it needs to go through me. I heard him also mentioned the areas that needs to be monitored and please take note of the areas that has an asterisk, those are the main areas that requires permanent stationed security. I believe that we already have men assigned to those stations, so that leaves you to be the roving security throughout the event. There will be no exception, no ID not authorised to be outside the main area. IDs have QR codes. Captain James will give each one of you a scanner, you must scan every person you see outside the main areas. The scanners will immediately tell you if they are authorised or not and will alert our security office of any breach. After the event, we expect you all to report to the front where all our guests will be picked up. We have a lot of VIP guests so we need tighter security in that area. If you have questions I am available via channel 51 in your comms. If there's nothing else you may begin with your duties. Thank you!" The men nodded and dispersed to their designated areas.
"Hey Cedes, oh hi Kurt!" Finn popped in Mercedes' dressing room.
"Hi Finn!" Kurt greeted back.
"We're up next for the technical rehearsal, are you good in 10?" Finn mentioned to Mercedes.
"10 is plenty! How are you guys holding up?" Mercedes asked.
"The guys are all very excited! I'm a bit nervous myself, but the adrenaline overrides the anxiousness! How about you?" Finn leaned on the dresser and looked at Mercedes.
"Honestly, I feel very calm right now! I guess I miss performing. I'm not really thinking of anything beyond that or else my nerves will start to show." Mercedes smiled as she continued to apply the finishing touches to her make-up.
"You both will kill it tonight, just remember to have fun!" Kurt injected in the conversation.
"See, I told you, everyone needs their own personal pep squad!" Mercedes said to Finn as she winked at Kurt from the mirror.
"Duly noted. First order of business is to find dedicated groupies!" Finn laughed while Mercedes and Kurt joined in.
"Just make sure Rachel doesn't find out or else you'll be missing a certain body part!" Kurt made squeezing gesture with his hand and Finn cringed at the thought.
Time flew by soon after the band's sound check. The band and Mercedes are currently waiting for the program to start backstage while the guests are slowly filling in the venue. Crashing Minds is the very first band signed by ANS Records Label and will be the opening act for the evening. Mercedes heard a lot of hush-hush discussions backstage and is quite excited for the rest of the evening. Apparently there are a few established artists in the music industry that jumped ship to ANS Records and tonight all will be revealed. When all of the VIPs have been seated, the event coordinated gave the signal backstage to have the band take their positions as they prepare to open the stage. Finn held Mercedes' hands and made her look him in the eyes.
"This is it Cedes, knock them dead!" Finn squeezed Mercedes' hands and gave her a dazzling smile.
"You too Finn, rock the house down!" Mercedes pulled Finn for a hug.
"Hey! We also need a good luck hug!" Tyler protested.
The rest of the band joined in and formed a group hug.
"You guys will be amazing tonight and I thank each & everyone of you for giving me this opportunity. On 3. 1...2...3..."
"Crashing Minds!" Everyone shouted before taking their places on stage.
Mercedes stood front and centre as they waited for the cue to start the music. Mercedes closed her eyes for a minute thanking the heavens above and asking for a successful set. She only opened her eyes when she felt the stage move and the curtains open to reveal her and the band.
If I..
Mercedes opened in acapella as the spotlight all shone in her direction.
should stay...
I would only be in...
your way
Everyone in the room quieted down and started listening to the singer.
so I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you each step of the way
And I...
The band softly started accompanying Mercedes.
will always love you
I will always love you
Bitter-sweet memories
That's all I'm taking with me
So good-bye, please don't cry
'Cause we both know that I'm not
What you need
I will always love you
I will always love you
I hope life, treats you kind
And I hope that you have all
That you ever dreamed of
I wish you joy
And I wish you happiness
But above all this
I wish you love
And I love you will always love you
I, I will always, always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always...
love...
you...
You...
Sam watched at the back with admiration as his love belted the hell out of the song. He never doubted that Mercedes will be amazing tonight, but he never expected his heart to swell with pride as he watched each and everyone of the audience captured by her presence.
Darling I love you...
Oh, I'll always...
I'll always...
Love...
You...
The room erupted in applause as soon as Mercedes finished the last note. Kurt was clapping along with the entire audience and can't help but shed some tears for his best friend's amazing rendition of the song. Mercedes was overwhelmed by the reception as she bowed and waited for the room to quiet down so she can introduce the opening band.
"Thank you for the wonderful applause. My name is Mercedes Jones and I'm here to introduce tonight's opening act and the very first band signed to ANS Records label. ladies and gentlemen please give it up for Crashing Minds!" Mercedes introduced the band and slowly made her way left of the stage to join Kurt.
"Thank you Mercedes, you'll be seeing more of her later but for now we'd like to play a few of our songs for everyone this evening. Once again we are Crashing Minds!" Tyler took over as the band leader and Pete counted off as they started playing their very first underground hit.
"Cedes you were amazing! That was phenomenal, did you see everyone giving you a standing ovation?" Kurt squealed as he hugged Mercedes.
"Thanks Kurtie! It felt amazing out there, it sounds weird but it felt like Sam is with me tonight cheering me on. I channeled that feeling and dedicated the song for him." Mercedes blushed at her admission.
"Well I have no doubt he is cheering you on even in spirit. That man is gaga over you, I'm surprised he didn't steal the extra invite for himself!"
"Believe me he tried, but he has business obligations which he cannot cancel that's why you're the lucky one tonight!" Mercedes teased.
Ryder along with another new recruit named Eli patrolled the hallway between the grand ballroom and the kitchen. The pair noticed a pile of dirty dishes abandoned in the hallway and quickly notified control centre to check CCTV footage. While the two men were looking for other things that might be out of place, a wait staff quickly walked and went straight for the abandoned dishes.
"You there! Stop disturbing the evidence!" Eli shouted at the wait staff.
"What evidence? These dishes? I badly needed the bathroom so I left these here for a minute." The wait staff reasoned.
"Name and ID." Ryder waited for the man to response and produce his ID.
"Stevens, Luka Stevens." Luka replied as he handed his ID.
Eli radioed to control Center the name while Ryder scanned the ID. The ID cleared and control center also confirmed Luka's whereabouts. As they were about to let Luka go another wait staff entered the hallway carrying more dishes. Eli stopped the man and asked for name and ID.
The wait staff placed the tray down before responding and handing his ID. "Jones, Jake Jones."
Eli scanned Jake's ID and came back cleared. "You're both cleared to go!"
Luka and Jake both picked up their tray of dishes and walked towards the kitchen.
"Take the opportunity when you see an opening. We cannot fail this time around!" The man spoke to a microphone from a van outside the venue.
A/N: I honestly don't want to make excuses but I wanted everyone to be safe and take care of yourselves. My family including myself got infected by COVID and my mum's condition was critical at one point. i would not wish this virus on my worst enemy so please stay at home and keep safe. Happy New Year to all.