Far from the Shallow

by ThatGirl1904

Sam and Mercedes have had their fair share of ups and downs. He can't get over what happened years ago after losing his brother, and she can't deal with their current loss and his struggling with addiction. Both of them being in the lime light only adds a spark to the already blazing fire. Will they be able to find their way back to each other?

2. Chapter 2

Hey lovely readers! Back with an update for you.

There are some songs in this chapter, so I just had to say I don't own them, but I do enjoy listening to them.

Slow Dance belongs to Kelly Clarkson

In Case You Didn't Know belongs to Brett Young

Other songs mentioned are Heaven by Kane Brown and God Gave Me You by Blake Shelton

I hope you all enjoy!

Mercedes had been staying with her mom for the past month. She needed time and space away from Sam. Losing their baby was one thing, but Sam relapsing again after the fact had brought her over the edge. The fact that he chose to use drugs to temporarily forget about everything instead of talking to her about what was going on hurt. Mercedes missed her sweet, playful Sam who always knew what to say to make her smile or laugh when she was down. He treated her like a queen, always had.

She tried her best to think about anything other than her husband over the past few weeks, but every time she got distracted, one of Sam's songs would come on the radio, or he'd send her a text even though she told him not to. At times, Mercedes would find herself rubbing her ring finger. It still felt weird not wearing her wedding rings. After losing the baby, and finding Sam high once again, she felt completely empty inside. Mercedes absolutely hated that feeling.

She wanted to go back to when times were simpler. Sometimes, Mercedes wished she could go back in time and bring Stevie back. She'd never met him, but felt like she knew him from all the stories Sam and his parents had told her. She knew he was just as sweet as her Sammy, and funny and kind, and that he'd had big dreams of his own. She knew Stevie and Sam had been inseparable until the accident. Sam wasn't the same after that. There were some days Mercedes wished she had known Sam before Stevie died. When he was more carefree and less riddled with guilt.

Mercedes stared at herself in the bathroom mirror with her towel wrapped tightly around her. She sprayed oil and detangler on her wet hair, and started combing it out as she let her mind wander to the first time she and Sam met.

xxxxxxx

7 Years Ago

Quinn, Mercedes and Tina made their way down the busy sidewalks of downtown Nashville. It was Friday night, and the girls were visiting their blonde friend for the week of Spring Break. Neither of them wanted to go back to Lima for the week, and doing the typical trip to Cabo or Miami didn't really appeal to them. So Quinn invited her two closest friends to spend the week with her since their breaks had fallen on the same week. The girls made their way arm in arm down the street as they decided where they wanted to go.

"Oh my God!" Tina gasped out, stopping suddenly causing Mercedes and Quinn to do the same. "It's The Bluebird Cafe from Nashville." She pointed across the street.

Quinn raised an eyebrow, looking between her friend and the cafe she was pointing to. "We're in Nashville."

Tina rolled her eyes and Mercedes shook her head with a smile. "She meant from the TV show." The darker woman reminded, and Quinn nodded.

"Do you guys want to go there? There's always good music."

Tina's eyes got even bigger as she looked at the other woman in shock. "You've been there before? Have you met anyone from the show?"

"Maybe, I don't know. I don't watch the show T. Although, I'm pretty sure I made out with someone you've seen on TV before."

Quinn's admission left Tina firing off a hundred questions as she tried to figure out which famous person the blonde had made out with. The three crossed the busy street, making their way into the cafe. The Open Mic Night poster caught their attention. Tina and Quinn encouraged Mercedes to sign up, but she was reluctant to do so.

"Come on Cede. Tina urged, you have to sing tonight. This is a once in a lifetime. Do you know how many famous people have performed here? And one day you'll be famous, so it's only right."

"Guys-"

"Your friend's right, ya know. It's a once in a lifetime." A deep voice sounded from behind them. All three ladies turned to find a tall, sexy blonde. Quinn bit her bottom lip, flipping her hair over her shoulder, and Tina kept opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water. Mercedes was trying to look anywhere but into sexy, blonde guy's intense green eyes.

"If you're as good as your friends think you are, then you should sing." He told Mercedes while not so subtly checking her out. "And if you need a guitar player, I'm your guy."

"Yes you are." Quinn flirted, getting an elbow to the ribs from Mercedes. Sexy blonde checking out her bestie didn't go unnoticed by Tina as she tried to hide a knowing smile.

"I'm Sam by the way." He held out his hand to Mercedes who hesitated for a second until Quinn nudged her.

"Mercedes" She introduced herself, shaking his hand, and Sam couldn't help but smile. She was absolutely beautiful. "And this is Tina and Quinn."

Sam, being the polite southern gentleman that he was, shook each girl's hand, giving them a slight nod before returning his attention back to Mercedes. "So what do you say Miss Mercedes, will you be gracing us with a song tonight?"

The diva eyed him for a second, not knowing what to think of hottie with a body yet. She looked from Sam to her girls before stepping up to the counter and signing her name on the sheet.

Quite a few more people came into the cafe as the open mic was about to start. Tina, much to Mercedes' dismay, invited Sam to sit with them, and his friends Mike and Noah joined once they arrived with everyone hitting it off.

Once the open mic started, the few singers that were up before her were actually really good. This had Mercedes second guessing herself when it came to getting up in front of a bunch of strangers. She had only ever sung at church and in high school glee club which was completely different from the small, intimate setting of the cafe. Tina and Quinn encouraged her to sing an original song that she'd written, letting her know they would sing background if needed.

When the MC called her up to the small stage, Mercedes paused for a second, biting her lip before standing. She nodded to her girls, letting them know she was taking them up on that offer to sing background. Then she turned to Sam who was sitting beside her. "I need a guitar player." He smiled standing up. "And a drummer, but-"

"I can play." Noah announced standing up as well. The five of them made their way to the small stage. Mercedes took a seat in front of the keyboard while Sam grabbed his guitar, and Noah went to the drumset. The girls grabbed a mic and stood off to the side.

Mercedes looked to her friends as they each gave her an encouraging smile. She looked to Sam last, who nodded and mouthed 'you got this.' She sent him a small smile, squeezing her hands together, then quickly shaking out the nerves and speaking into the microphone.

"Um, hi everybody. This is an original song I wrote called 'Slow Dance.' I hope you all enjoy."

Mike gave an excited holler from his seat at the table, clapping before she even started, and she sent an appreciative smile his way.

Here goes nothing. Taking a deep breath, Mercedes started playing the notes to the start of her song. Noah and Sam quickly caught on to the beat as they started playing as well. Then Mercedes let the words flow out of her.

You're tall, dark and handsome

You're charming and then some

Know how to romance

I see through it all

She couldn't help but look at Sam across from her.

You do everything too fast

You move like a whiplash

You're missin' the romance

And I see through it all

He winked at her, nodding his head to the beat.

Quinn and Tina gave each other knowing looks as they watched the two.

When Mercedes got to the chorus, she closed her eyes as she sang.

How did you go from being a mama's boy to a ladies' man?

I'm not goin' home with you tonight

But you can hold my hand

And the girls joined in.

And we can take it slow and

I can show you how to slow dance

We can take it slow and

I can show you how to slow dance

When the second verse came around, Mercedes opened her eyes, looking at the audience who all seemed to be enjoying it, which gave her an extra boost of confidence as she continued

You're so unassuming

You know what you're doin'

You're lookin' right through me

And you don't realize

I just see a scared boy

Who's lookin' for new toys

Just tryin' to fill a void and you don't realize and

How did you go from being a mama's boy to a ladies' man?

I'm not goin' home with you tonight

But you can hold my hand

And we can take it slow and

I can show you how to slow dance

We can take it slow and

I can show you how to slow dance

Mercedes motioned for Sam to take lead on guitar 'play' she mouthed. And play he did. He wasn't kidding when he said he could play.

She wasn't one to date musicians or anything. They were always cocky and annoying, but Sam didn't come off that way. He finished his solo, shooting her a wink, and Mercedes was glad no one could see her blush as she continued the song.

How did you go from being a mama's boy to a ladies' man?

I'm not goin' home with you tonight

Oh, but you can hold my hand

Mercedes belted the notes, and the audience ate it up.

Quinn and Tina smiled as they sang, proud of their girl for putting her music out there. Mercedes was really an amazing songwriter and an even more amazing singer.

We can take it slow and

I can show you how to slow dance

We can take it slow and (take it slow)

I can show you how to slow dance

And we can take it slow and

I can show you how to slow dance

And we can take it slow and

I can show you how to slow dance

When the song ended, claps and whistles sounded through the cafe, and Mercedes let out a relieved sigh. Tonight was the first time she had ever performed an original song for anyone other than her friends and family, and people actually liked it.

Quinn and Tina attacked her with a hug saying how proud they were of her as all three of them stepped off the stage, heading back to their table with the guys following.

"Damn mama" Noah started as they got back to their table. "Not only are you sexy as hell, but with you singing like that, I think I'm in love." He placed a hand over his heart, getting a giggle from Mercedes.

xxxxxxx

Afterwards, the six decided to hangout for the rest of the night. They were paired up as they made their way down the sidewalk. Noah and Quinn were up front, followed by Mike and Tina with Sam and Mercedes not far behind.

Sam looked down at the young woman beside him, smiling to himself as she linked her fingers together. He could already tell it was a nervous habit she had.

"You're incredible, ya know."

Mercedes looked up at him, giving a quiet thank you as they continued to walk.

Sam nodded, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his dark wash jeans. "You write that song about a boyfriend?"

Mercedes bent her head trying to hide the small smile that came at his not so subtle way of trying to find out if she was single or not. "Ex-boyfriend actually. We were together when I wrote it, but broke up a couple months ago."

"I'm sorry." They continued to walk with the two moving a bit closer making room on the crowded sidewalk for those passing by. "About your breakup, I mean."

Mercedes shook her head. "Don't be. Shane and I weren't right for each other." She looked up at Sam again, changing the subject. "So do you have a voice to go with those amazing guitar skills of yours?"

Sam let out a light laugh, running a hand through his blonde locks. "I sing a little. Even written a song or two."

"Well maybe you could let me hear a song or two one of these days." Their arms brushed, and they each felt a sense of warmth go through them.

"You like country music?" Sam questioned.

"Are you kidding? Miss Dolly Parton is up there for me with Whitney and Aretha." She stated in all seriousness.

His smile widened. "Well in that case, little lady, I will gladly sing for you anytime."

Mercedes, for the second time that night, was happy no one could see her blush as they followed their friends inside the bar.

xxxxxxx

Present Day

Mercedes was startled from her thoughts as her phone vibrated against the counter just as she had finished doing her hair and putting lotion on. She got dressed in a pair of yoga pants and an old Hoodia that just happened to be Sam's, then grabbed her phone to check the text she'd received. Mercedes sighed, seeing it was from Sam.

I know you told me not to call or text, but technically, I didn't agree to that ? Just wanted to tell you I miss you, and I'll be on Ellen in like half an hour if you want to tune in. I love you sweet❤

Without sending a reply, Mercedes put her phone down, and left her old bedroom, going into the kitchen to get a snack. Grabbing a pack of Golden Oreos out of the pantry, and pouring herself a glass of milk. Mercedes was about to head back to her room when her mother stopped her. Deborah had a basket of laundry in her arms as she stood, blocking Mercedes path down the hallway.

"Sam called me this morning." The older woman informed.

"Why?" Mercedes huffed out, taking a bite out of a cookie.

Deborah raised an eyebrow, propping the laundry basket on her hip. "For your information miss thing, I speak to my son-in-law at least once a week. He and I talk about things, and he asks about you."

Mercedes sighed, she really didn't want to talk to or about her husband at the moment. "Mommy, I really don't wanna talk about Sam right now."

Deborah gave her daughter a once over. She knew her baby girl was still upset and hurting over everything that had happened during the last couple months. The younger woman stayed locked up in her room most of the time, only coming out to get food, and even though she was eating, Deborah was certain Mercedes had lost weight. She also knew that the Led Zeppelin hoodie she was wearing was Sam's. Even though Sam had his demons, Deborah loved him like a son, and she knew he loved her daughter with everything he had, and Mercedes loved him just as much.

Deborah wrapped an arm around her daughter, turning her around. "Come on baby girl. Spend some time with your mommy." The older woman led them into the living room where the TV was currently on. Mercedes took a seat on the couch, placing her snack on the coffee table. Deborah sat on the couch as well, placing the basket between them. Mercedes began helping her mother fold clothes just as The Ellen DeGeneres Show came on.

"Mommy, can we watch something else, anything else, please?"

Deborah grabbed a pair of jeans out of the basket, folding them. "Now baby, you know I love my talk shows, and never miss an episode."

Mercedes sighed, rolling her eyes as she tried to drown out what was being said on the television. She was doing a pretty good job at it too, until the next guest was introduced.

"Our next guest is country music sensation, and was just voted People's Sexiest Man Alive, Sam Evans, everybody!" Ellen announced as one of his songs started playing, and Sam walked out smiling and waving to the audience.

He was definitely looking sexy as hell, dressed in black from head to toe in cowboy boots, jeans, and a v neck Henley that fit like a glove with a jean jacket and baseball cap to finish off the look. Mercedes bit her lip, letting a few naughty thoughts run through her mind.

Sam walked up on stage, giving Ellen a hug and kiss on the cheek, waiting for the older woman to sit down before taking his own seat, always the perfect gentleman. The music and audience applause died down.

"Welcome back Sam. Now, I just have to say, you are the best smelling male guest we have ever had on this show. I mean, the audience can't smell you, but I can." Ellen stated as a round of laughs filled the room.

Sam let out a light laugh, getting comfortable in his chair. "Thank you."

"What scent are you wearing, if you don't mind me asking? Because it's just lingering in the air, and it won't go away, and I feel like you're trying to seduce me right now."

Another chorus of laughs and woos came, and Mercedes rolled her eyes as her mother continued to watch the show, smiling.

"It's, uh Armani actually Acqua di Gio."

Mercedes had gotten that cologne for his last birthday.

Ellen nodded. "You know what I think?"

"Tell me what you think Ellen."

"I think People Magazine should start doing Best Smelling Man Alive instead of Sexiest Man Alive. Either way, you would win."

At that moment, a picture of Sam appeared on the screen with his photo from the cover of People and a series of oohs and whistles filled the room. The blonde was posted up against the wall, white henley and dark wash jeans on, showing off all those damn wonderful muscles of his as he ran a hand through his blonde hair with the other hand stuffed in the pocket of his jeans.

'Those damn green eyes and that smile got them every time.' Mercedes thought to herself.

Sam was hiding his eyes today, with that baseball cap he was wearing, and Mercedes knew exactly why. She continued folding clothes as the interview went on.

Ellen and Sam looked back at the photo, and he ran a hand over his face as Ellen continued.

"So this is you on the cover of People, and…" The screen switched to a picture of him shirtless, causing another round of claps and oohs to come from the audience. Sam let out a laugh, shaking his head.

"Where do you get these pictures from?" He asked sitting up straight in his seat.

"I have a guy." She shrugged "And this is you on the beach, right?"

"Yeah, I think that was actually taken on my honeymoon. My wife and I went to Greece and that background looks like that's where it was taken."

"Now, how long has it been since you were last on the show? Because last time you were here, I think you had just proposed to Mercedes, and you all were planning your wedding." A picture of Mercedes and Sam appeared on the screen, and the audience awed. "There's your beautiful wife, Miss Mercedes Jones, or should I say Evans."

Mercedes looked at the picture from their engagement photoshoot. They had their arms wrapped around each other, and Sam was looking down at her as she looked up at him. The sunset was just right. Mercedes had on a flow cream colored dress, and her hair was down in loose waves while Sam was dressed in a grey button down and cream colored pants. They stood barefoot in the grass as the picture was taken.

Mercedes snapped out of her thoughts from that day as Deborah squeezed her hand. Sam continued to talk.

"Well, legally, she's an Evans, but she still goes by her maiden name when it comes to her career."

"And she's such a sweetheart, Mercedes is. I love her so much." Ellen confessed. "You know when she was last on the show, she brought me a gift. It was a t-shirt with her favorite phrase on it." Ellen stood up, revealing the white t-shirt that she was wearing that said 'Hell to the No' in black lettering. The audience laughed along with Sam. Ellen sat back down, straightening out her jacket. "Does she say that to you a lot? Hell to the no."

Sam finished laughing before speaking again. "I wouldn't say she says it a lot, but she has said it to me quite a few times over the years."

"Speaking of music and your beautiful wife. Your new album just dropped at midnight last night." Woos came from the audience. "I've already listened to the entire album actually."

"Are you serious?" Sam asked, surprised as he took a drink of his water.

"I am dead serious." Ellen looked at him as she picked up the CD from the small table beside her.

"What's your favorite song on there? And you can't look! No cheating." He told her, quickly moving to cover up the back of the CD case so she couldn't see the list of songs. The crowd laughed, along with Ellen.

Deborah couldn't help but laugh as well as she watched, and Mercedes shook her head.

"I wasn't going to look, but I think the ones I have listened to the most are Heaven and In Case You Didn't Know. Oh and God Gave Me You."

Sam moved back to his chair. "Alright, I guess you weren't lying when you said you listened to it then." He joked.

"I told you I listened to the entire album." She held up the CD for everyone to see. "Now this is your third studio album." Sam nodded. "And it's called Mercy Me, and each song is about your wife, right?"

"That's true."

"There are twenty songs on here."

"Yeah" Sam breathed out.

"You love your wife, alot. I take it"

"I do, yeah." Another round of awws from the audience sounded. "That's my girl. I actually had more songs I wanted to put on the album, but we had to condense it and make some cuts."

"How many songs would you say you've written about her?" Ellen inquired, and Sam let out a whistle.

"Over the years, probably a hundred or so." Sam confessed getting more awws.

Mercedes let out a surprised gasp, covering her mouth. She didn't know he'd written that many songs just about her.

"You are absolutely every woman's dream, along with some men." Sam let out another laugh. "You are very sexy, and extremely talented."

"Thank you"

"You're actually going to sing a song for us from your new album, but before you do, I have a present for you." Ellen stated, reaching to the side of her chair and pulling up a gift bag handing it to Sam. "Now, I know you're from good ole Kentucky." She continued as he opened the bag, and pulled out the bottle. "So, I had to get you some JW Rutledge Cream of Kentucky Bourbon."

Mercedes already knew what that would bring as she sighed again, crossing her arms and legs as she sat back on the couch.

Sam pulled out the second gift which was a black pair of Ellen underwear. "No way, I've been wanting a pair of these." He told her, pulling out a t-shirt that matched.

"And I also put a shirt in there for Mercedes as well." Ellen turned back to the audience. "And everyone in the audience today, will get a gift bag with some Ellen swag and along with a copy of Sam's new album, Mercy Me."

Sam put his things back in the bag before standing up to give Ellen a hug.

"Sam will be performing a song from his new album after the break." Ellen announced before it cut to commercial.

Mercedes loudly tapped her foot against the hardwood floor as she held her tongue.

"Baby girl-"

"He's high Mommy." The younger woman pointed out.

Deborah frowned, looking at her daughter. "How can you tell? He seemed fine, and when I spoke to him earlier, nothing seemed off."

"I just can, okay. He may be able to hide it from everyone else, but not from me. He's high." She huffed out as the show came back on. Ellen introduced Sam singing In Case You Didn't Know as the camera cut to him and the band as Sam started to playing the melody on his guitar, turning around to face the band as they joined in. He nodded his head to the beat, stepping up to the mic as he started singing.

I can't count the times

I almost said what's on my mind

But I didn't

Just the other day

I wrote down all the things I'd say

But I couldn't

I just couldn't

Baby I know that you've been wondering

Mmm, so here goes nothing

Mercedes hadn't actually listened to the full song yet. Everytime the song came on the radio, she would change it.

In case you didn't know

Baby I'm crazy 'bout you

And I would be lying if I said

That I could live this life without you

Even though I don't tell you all the time

You had my heart a long, long time ago

In case you didn't know

She held back tears, thinking about the words Sam was singing.

The way you look tonight

That second glass of wine

That did it, mmm

There was something 'bout that kiss

Girl it did me in

Got me thinking

I'm thinking

One of the things that I've been feeling

Mmm it's time you here 'em

Sam smiled at the camera as his soulful twang echoed the lyrics to the song

In case you didn't know

Baby I'm crazy 'bout you

And I would be lying if I said

That I could live this life without you

Even though I don't tell you all the time

You had my heart a long, long time ago

In case you didn't know

You've got all of me

But she didn't. Not while he was drinking and doing drugs knowing how it hurt them both.

I belong to you

Yeah you're my everything

A few tears escaped Mercedes' eyes, and she quickly wiped them away. She was really getting tired of crying more often than not.

In case you didn't know

I'm crazy 'bout you

I would be lying if I said

That I could live this life without you

Even though I don't tell you all the time

You had my heart a long, long time ago

Yeah you had my heart a long, long time ago

Mmm, in case you didn't know

No, no in case you didn't know

The audience applauded as the song finished. Mercedes stood up, swiping at her eyes again and leaving the room, ignoring her mother's calls.

xxxxxxx

Mercedes woke up to her phone ringing loudly as it vibrated against her night stand. She waited for the ringing to stop, but when it didn't, she picked up the device, not looking at the caller ID, and answered it.

"Hello?" She mumbled, tiredly with her eyes still closed. There was a short pause on the other end, and Mercedes was about to hang up so she could go back to sleep, until he spoke.

"Mercy, you answered!" Sam said a little too loudly into the phone, and Mercedes had to pull it away from her sensitive ears from just waking up. "I didn't think you would, sweetheart. I-"

"What do you want Sam?" She sighed, opening her eyes to check the time. It was after 1am, and she could tell Sam had been drinking with his Kentucky accent coming through. Any other time, Mercedes would have thought it was sexy, but not when he was like this.

"I sang for ya today." He drawled out quietly.

Mercedes closed her eyes again tightly, keeping the tears at bay. "I know."

"What did ya think?" There was another pause and what sounded like a bottle being placed on the table.

A stray tear ran down the bridge of her nose, and she cleared her throat. "It's a beautiful song, baby."

Sam smiled, his glossy eyes sparkling as he ran a hand through his hair. "I meant every word."

"I know you did, Sammy." A couple more tears cascaded across Mercedes' face, and she sniffled.

Sam let a few tears of his own fall before running a hand over his face and finishing his glass of whiskey. "Jus' come home, baby. Please? I can't function without you. I need you."

Mercedes needed him too, but not this way. This was the first time they'd talked in a month, and Sam wasn't even sober for it.

"You were high during that interview." Mercedes whispered, sitting up and leaning against the headboard. "And now you're drunk."

"Sweetheart, I wasn't-"

"Don't lie to me. You may be able to hide it from everyone else, but not me, Sammy." Mercedes silently cursed as more tears fell. She tried to focus on the picture of her and her dad from her high-school graduation, but that only made her cry more at the thought of him no longer being there.

She took a deep, shaky breath, slowly letting it out. "You need help, baby, I know there are some things that you're keeping bottled up inside about Stevie, and your mom and dad along with other things." She heard Sam clear his throat, knowing he was silently crying on the other end, hurt her more than anything. "You need to talk to a professional. Maybe they can help."

Sam shook his head, roughly swiping at his eyes. "I just need you to come home baby. You know I hate us being apart for so long. I love you so much."

Mercedes didn't like them being apart either, but things needed to change. "I love you too, baby, but I can't come home until you decide to get help for yourself. Until then, I'm staying in Ohio, but you call me when you do that, okay. And I promise I'll be on the first flight back home to you."

With that, Mercedes disconnected the call, letting herself cry for a while before she was finally able to settle down and fall back asleep.

This little story may actually end up being like five chapters. Sam and Mercedes have some things to work out. Especially Sam, coming to terms with his own issues.