Hi lovely readers! Back with another update. Sorry for it being a day late, this week has been kind of hectic. But I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
Also a big thank you to all who have added this story to your favs and alerts, and for all of you that have reviewed and let me know that you are enjoying this story, thank you. I truly enjoy reading your thoughts!
With that, read on!
Mercedes looked at the pregnancy test in her hands reading the results. It was there clear as day in bold letters staring back at her. PREGNANT. She bit her lip, looking at her best friend. Tina still had her eyes closed, and the darker woman was pretty sure she heard her mumbling a prayer to herself. A baby was coming. Mike and Tina would be the first of their friend group to have a child. In a way, it was fitting. They, no doubt, loved each other more than anything or anyone, and it wasn't like they couldn't provide for a child. With Mike's detective salary, and Tina being one of the best real estate agents in New York, they could more than provide for a child. However, she knew her friend wanted to get married first before having kids, though she was pretty sure Mike was getting ready to pop the question.
"Look ladies, I'm all for dramatic effect, but this is a bit much. Is she preggo or not,Cede?" Sebastian asked, tapping her foot on the hardwood floor.
Kurt leaned forward in his seat trying unsuccessfully to read the test results. Tina bit her lip, opening one eye and looking at Mercedes. The other woman gave a half smile, shrugging before reading the results aloud.
"You're pregnant T." It was quiet for what felt like forever, but was really only a minute before Kurt broke the silence.
"Yaaay…" He clapped his hands quietly trying to break the tension. Sebastian snorted, shaking his head.
"Fuck" Tina whispered to herself, running her hands through her light brown highlights. "This was not part of the plan." Tears came to her eyes as she turned, leaving the living room and going to her and Mike's bedroom. Mercedes followed with the test still in hand. She watched the other woman plop down on the bed, laying down and looking up at the ceiling. Mercedes did the same, laying down next to her. She grabbed Tina's hand, holding it tightly as silent tears fell from the Asian woman's eyes. "I promised her Cede."
"I know." Mercedes squeezed her friend's hand again, hoping to bring some form of comfort. Tina wiped her eyes, taking a deep breath and releasing it.
"I promised my mom I would get married then have kids. The one thing she asked me to do before she died, and I fuck it up."
"It could be a false positive."
Tina sighed again at her friend's words. It could have been a false positive, but she knew more than likely it wasn't. "I'll make a doctor's appointment to double check."
Mercedes nodded, kissing the back of Tina's hand letting the other woman know she'd be there if needed. "You should tell Mike."
"I will." She stated through a watery smile.
When a knock on the bedroom door came, both women turned their attention to Kurt and Sebastian standing in the doorway.
"Are you two done with the girly shit? I don't know how much more I can take of Kurt talking about how great babies are." Sebastian stated. Kurt rolled his eyes waving the other man off.
Both Mercedes and Tina sat up on the bed, looking at the two men. Tina wiped the remaining tears from her eyes, sighing again before giving a small smile to her friends.
"Do you guys wanna go out tonight? We could have a night out on the town, on me." Kurt suggested trying to get Tina's mind off of what she'd just found out.
"It's Monday Kurt." Mercedes stated. Nothing fun ever happened on a Monday night. Kurt shrugged before speaking again.
"We can still go out. Blaine will most likely be working late, so I don't have any plans."
"I have to work early tomorrow." Sebastian informed.
"I'm on night shift." Mercedes said with a shrug.
"You guys suck. What about you,T?" Kurt asked, looking at her. He wanted to help get her mind off the current matters at hand, but she shook her head at his suggestion.
"I don't really feel like going out. Besides, I have to show a couple houses tomorrow anyway."
"Boo, you guys seriously suck." Kurt pouted, crossing his arms.
"It's Monday!" The other three shouted in unison. Nobody ever went out on a damn Monday.
xxxxxxx
Mike and Sam made their way into the precinct with Ryder handcuffed and still shouting at the top of his lungs.
"I wanna press charges! I was assaulted!" He continued, struggling against Mike as he practically dragged him along to the nearest empty interrogation room. Sam was still resisting the urge to punch the shit out of Ryder again.
He followed his partner into the room, watching as Mike cuffed the other man to the table. Ryder tugged at the cuffs cursing some more. "This is bullshit, man. I wanna talk to whoever's in charge of you two. You fuckin' punched me. My nose is still bleeding!" He shouted, wiping the blood away with his free hand.
"Shut the hell up, Lynn!" Sam was getting riled up again. This guy was seriously working his last nerve. He hadn't shutup the whole twenty minute ride there, and what he'd said about Sarah Martinez and Brianna Thompson was still echoing at the back of his mind. Sam couldn't imagine ever truly wishing death on anyone and laughing about it after the fact. He would never understand how certain people thought, or why they did the things they did.
"If I don't shut up, you gonna punch me again asshole?" Ryder lifted up his chained hand. "How 'bout you take these cuffs off me, and we go toe to toe right now. I bet you ain't so tough without that gun on your belt and your little bitch to defend you."
Sam lunged over the table grabbing Ryder by his shirt forcing the man to his feet again, but Mike was quicker this time, grabbing the blonde and forcing him to let go of the other man. He led Sam out of the interrogation room, and into the hallway before letting him go.
"You need to chill out! Go take a walk!" Mike ticked his jaw. He could feel the heat rising to his face. He really wasn't in the mood for this shit. Dealing with a hot headed Sam along with a suspect who didn't know when to reserve his right to shut the fuck up. Mike could feel a headache coming on trying to deal with these two. The day had already taken its toll, and it was barely two o'clock.
Sam's own face was red with anger. He ran a hand through his hair before shoving his fists in the pockets of his leather jacket. Without speaking a word, the blonde turned, walking down the hall heading towards the exit.
Captain Washington stepped out of her office, stopping Sam before he could go far. "Nun uh Blondie, my office. Now!" She told him sternly. "You too Chang."
Sam followed the older woman into her office with Mike trailing behind. She closed the door, moving behind her desk to sit down while motioning for both of them to do the same. Mike took a seat without argument, while Sam stood posted up against the wall ticking his jaw. Captain Washington raised her eyebrows, placing her hands on her hips.
"It ain't an option, Blondie, sit yo ass down!" Sam fought the urge to roll his eyes, moving to take the empty seat. Once he sat down, the Captain took a seat as well before quickly changing her mind and standing back up. She looked between the two shaking her head. "Ya know, I don't know who's worse. Between you two and Hunter who acts like he's the damn Lone Ranger when it comes to cases, I don't know what to do with you all.
Mike opened his mouth to speak, but she held up a hand stopping him. "You all know I have two kids of my own at home, right?" Captain Washington looked paused, looking at them expectantly. Both men looked a bit lost with the direction this conversation was going. The older woman rolled her eyes leaning against her desk. "I got two teenagers at home, and I don't need this bullshit. Evans, you've been out for six months, and believe me when I say I'm thankful you were able to get back to doing what you love." She gave Sam a pointed look, not wanting to show any sympathy. These boys ran her ragged all the damn time. They didn't need to know about the soft spot she had for the three. They were like the sons she never damn well asked for.
"But you've got a temper, Blondie, along with that cousin of yours who never knows when to stop talking, always stickin' his foot in his damn mouth. Especially when it comes to all the DA's who despise him. I swear, I don't know why that Italian blood of yours runs so damn hot, but ya'll need to calm the fuck down! You too Chang cuz you're guilty by association."
She stood up straight, pacing a little. "And Blondie, you better hope to God that when Mercedes has your little swirly babies they don't have your temper, or you'll be in a whole other world of shit." Captain Washington opened the door again, motioning for them to leave. Sam and Mike stood up, the blonde did so a bit slower, however, as his back protested. "Now get your asses back to work and stop acting so damn crazy."
They both nodded, saying a quick 'yes ma'am' before exiting out of the office. Mike headed back to the interrogation room, and Sam informed he was going to grab a drink from the vending machine in the break room. He had calmed down for the most part, but still needed a minute.
As Sam made his way to the vending machine, his phone vibrated in his jacket pocket signaling a text was received. He pulled out his wallet, getting a Sprite and a Coke from the machine. He decided the Coke would be a peace offering for Mike as a silent apology for going off like he did. Grabbing the drinks, Sam pulled out his phone viewing the text he received.
A smile crossed his face, reading the text from his girl.
I love you, Detective. Always will.
Sam read it over again twice before typing a response with a smile still plastered on his face. Mercedes always knew what to say or do to make his day better.
Hunter walked into the break room heading for the coffee machine to grab a cup. He eyed his cousin, snorting at the goofy smile on the other man's face. He grabbed his coffee before moving towards the blonde.
"The hell you got that goofy ass smile on your face for Sammy? You sexting Cede or somethin'?" Hunter wiggled his eyebrows suggestive, and Sam shook his head, sending his text and placing his phone back in his jacket pocket.
"Naw man, nothing like that. Strictly PG." Sam looked up, and Hunter nodded, taking a sip of his coffee eyeing the other man once more, frowning at the noticeable bruise forming on his face.
"What happened to your lip?"
Sam shrugged at the question, not really wanting to get into it. Hunter rolled his eyes at his cousin's answer.
"Alright, fine, don't tell me. But if I find out who the hell hit you, he's gonna wish he hadn't."
Sam sighed, running his hand through his hair. "I hit him first." He confessed.
"I don't give a shit. You mess with one of us. You mess with all of us." Abandoning his coffee cup on the counter, Hunter headed for the door planning to make his way to the interrogation room where he knew that little bitch was hiding. Sam quickly followed, catching up to Hunter in the hallway, grabbing his arm.
"Stop Hunt. You're gonna end up getting yourself suspended. You're already on Cap's hit list. I know she spoke to you before pulling Mike and I in earlier." Hunter yanked his arm out of Sam's grip, letting out a huff of air.
"Please, Cap says that shit all the time, but never actually does it." Just as Hunter finished that sentence, Captain Washington walked by.
"You wanna try me Clarington? Cuz I've tried many a time today, and I'm daring someone to get on my last nerve." She stood face to face with the darker haired man, itching for him to try something. "Now, I don't care who you damn daddy is. Deputy Commissioner or not, I will suspend you, and I'll call Robert Clarington up myself, and let him know I did it. So you better rethink whatever it was you were about to do like Blondie said, or I swear you'll be out for at least a month."
Hunter ticked his jaw, not saying anything. At this point, his chest was heaving, and he was in desperate need to punch something, but thought better of it. When it came down to it, if he got suspended, he would have to wait it out. His dad was the Deputy Police Commissioner, sure, but the older man didn't play favorites, and if Hunter got suspended, it would stay that way and he wouldn't hear the end of it.
Without another word, Hunter turned on his heels, heading down the hallway and flipping a chair over in the process. Most of the precinct was used to his tantrums by now as they continued their tasks unphased. Captain Washington crossed her arms mumbling to herself about how she was getting too damn old for this shit.
"Take a walk Clarington, and calm the hell down! And when you come back, finish that paperwork for the collar you made this morning, and it better be on my desk by the end of shift!"
Hunter stormed through the exit doors, making his way outside without a response. Cap walked away mumbling about how she was on the verge of taking an early retirement.
Knowing Hunter would cool off on his own eventually, Sam headed down the hallway, making his way back to the interrogation room. Upon opening the door, he was surprised to see Blaine there as well sitting next to Ryder. Sam placed the drinks on the table, looking between Blaine and Mike, who was sitting opposite the other two.
"Seriously Blaine, you're this asshole's attorney? When did he even have a chance to call you?" Sam placed his hands on his waist waiting for an answer from his friend.
"I didn't call him. My mother did." Ryder spoke, reclining back lazily in his seat. "How long am I gonna be here? I've got shit to do, you know."
Mike snorted at that. If drinking yourself into a stupor counted as something important to do, then he'd been overworked and underpaid for the last eight years. Sam ignored the suspect, looking at Blaine expectantly. Blaine sat up straight, adjusting his suit jacket and looking back at the blonde.
"Ryder didn't call me. His mother did like he said."
"Okaay, that doesn't explain anything. How'd she know to call you? He hasn't used a phone to notify anyone of where he is."
Mike took the offered can of Coke, opening it and taking a drink. He welcomed the slight burn as it fizzled down his throat, needing some form of caffeine to carry on with the rest of today. The thought to call Tina crossed his mind, and he made a mental note to do just that after they were done here.
"Can I get one of those?" Ryder asked, tapping his fingers on the table. He needed a drink or a joint. Something, and if a can of Coke is all he got at the moment, he'd take it.
Mike looked at him like he was crazy, which he was about ninety-eight percent sure he was. "No, you can't get one of these. The whole reason you're in here in the first place is because you're a damn homicide suspect, and you assaulted an officer." Mike reminded.
Ryder sighed, crossing his arms as best he could with one handcuffed to the table. "Whatever"
"You didn't answer my question Blaine." Sam sat across from the shorter man raising a brow in question.
"Stephanie Chase called me after you two apparently showed up at her company. She said Ryder may be in trouble and for me to get down here as soon as possible." Blaine stated as both Sam and Mike looked on confused for a second before putting two and two together. Ryder smirked as they did so.
"Stephanie Chase from Lenova is your mother?" The blonde spoke looking at Ryder wanting to knock that stupid smirk off his face.
Ryder's smirk turned into a devious smile. "Yep, and mommy dearest pulled through as always. Kitty might wanna watch her back or she may end up dead next."
"Shut the hell up Ryder. You do know you have the right to remain silent, right?" Blaine looked at his client warning him.
"Yeah, yeah, I know my rights. Jackie Chan here made sure of that when he cuffed me, and dragged me in this dump."
Mike stood up leaning over the table, getting in the other man's face. "You know what Lynn, I'm getting real tired of your shit. I've been playing nice, but if you cross me again, I won't hesitate to beat the fuck out of you."
The two stared each other down for a minute until Ryder averted his gaze. Mike smoothly sat back down in his seat, grabbing his notepad and pen. "Now we've got some questions we need to ask, and you're going to cooperate. Isn't that right Lynn?"
Ryder shrugged, sighing loudly. "Yeah, whatever."
xxxxxxx
It was around 9:30pm when Sam made it home for the night. It had definitely been a long day. Fifteen hours straight working, trying to find any leads on the two connecting cases. Ryder may have been an ass who talked to damn much, but he wasn't a killer. The man did give them some info that may help moving forward. They would look into it tomorrow though. The two called it a night around nine after Tina called Mike letting him know they needed to talk. She sounded a little flustered on the phone, so both men decided to go ahead and head home, agreeing to an early start in the morning.
Sam closed the door to the apartment, letting out a deep breath. A sharp pain went through his back for what felt like the hundredth time that day since that morning after getting into it with Ryder. He cursed under his breath, just as Mercedes came from the bathroom.
She smiled upon seeing him, walking over to hug him. "Hey baby, how was work?" Mercedes wrapped her arms around her fiancé's waist, pulling him in for a hug. Sam tried not to flinch, but was unsuccessful. "What's wrong?" She pulled away with a frown looking up at him. Her eyes widened at seeing the bruise on his face. Mercedes grabbed his face in her hand to get a better look. "What happened to your face?"
Sam didn't meet her eyes as he spoke."Nothing Merce, I'm-"
"Don't lie to me Sam. If you say you're fine one more time I'm gonna scream." The blonde sighed meeting her eyes as he ran a hand through his hair. Mercedes placed her hands on her hips watching him. "Turn around."
"What, why?"
Mercedes eyed him, not backing down, and daring Sam to test her in that moment. Sam being the smart man that he was, thought better as he took his jacket off. Mercedes lifted his shirt, assessing the damage. Her frown deepened at the reddish bruise that was slowly turning purple along his lower back. She gently ran her fingers along the bruise. "What happened?"
"Got into it with a suspect today." Sam admitted. "It probably looks worse than it is. You know I bruise easily."
Mercedes did know that, but she also knew he wouldn't admit he was in pain if she didn't pry it out of him.
"Does it hurt?" She ran a smooth hand over it once more before lowering his shirt. Sam turned back around, pulling Mercedes into him wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Nothing I can't handle, bella." He placed a kiss to her temple, and she brought her hands up wrapping them around his neck, and looking up at him.
"Are you hungry? I can make you something."
Sam shook his head, immediately regretting it as another jolt of pain went through his body. Mercedes could feel him tense up. She hated seeing him in pain. The young woman stepped back, pulling Sam into the living room. She moved the coffee table out of the way before speaking again.
"Take your shirt off, and get comfortable. I'm giving you a massage. It'll help." Their bed was too soft, otherwise, Mercedes would have had him lay there, but the hardwood floor was level, so it would have to do. Sam didn't protest her instructions as he removed his shirt and gun, grabbing a pillow off the couch for his head before lying down face first on the cool floor. Once Sam got comfortable, Mercedes sat on his but straddling him.
"Ooo, this is kinda kinky." He joked getting a giggle out of her.
"What am I gonna do with you, Evans?" Mercedes ran her hands along his lower back as she started rubbing the tense muscles.
"You can do absolutely whatever you want to me, but you already know that." She playfully poke him in the side, shaking her head as she kneaded the particularly tense spot just over his scar. Sam let out a deep groan as Mercedes' magic hands eased the pain away. "Oh my god, right there. Stay right there."
Mercedes did as told, applying a bit more pressure as she worked the kinks out of her man's back. She massaged him for a while, making sure to get all the sore spots as she did so. Sam actually found himself on the verge of slumber when Mercedes stopped her actions. "No, don't stop." He quietly whined. She smiled, gently placing a kiss to his scar, then one to the bruise before moving to place a one at the crook of his neck.
"Does it feel better?" Mercedes whispered near his ear, and Sam nodded. She hovered over him as he turned around looking up at her with half lidded eyes, and a lazy smile. Mercedes bit her bottom lip, her gaze moving from his dark green eyes, down his nose to his full lips, then back to meet his green orbs. "Where else does it hurt?"
Sam brought a hand up pointing to his mouth. Mercedes smirked, bending down kissing the bruise on his chin, then to the corner of his mouth before capturing his lips with hers. He sighed into the kiss, moving his hands to rest on her thighs, thumbing the material of her leggings. They made out for a couple minutes each knowing just how the other liked to be kissed. When the burning in their lungs became too great, they broke apart.
Mercedes moved to Sam's neck, placing feather light kisses up his neck and along his jawline, just as one of his hands moved from her thigh up to her ass giving it a gentle squeeze. He moved his other hand cupping the back of her neck. Mercedes pulled away slightly, looking back into Sam's eyes again. He moved his hand from the back of her neck to trace his pointer finger along her collarbone. Her eyes danced brightly across his face. "Does it hurt anywhere else?"
Sam smirked, enjoying this little game of hers. He took her smaller hand in his, moving their joined hands between their bodies to the zipper of his jeans. Mercedes cupped him through his jeans getting a groan from Sam as the fabric brushed against him. She pecked his lips, then whispered in his ear again. "How 'bout I kiss it better?" Mercedes kissed his ear, leaving a trail of open mouthed kisses down his neck and chest, and running her tongue along Sam's stomach just above the waistline of his jeans.
Sam's lips parted as he let out a heavy breath, lifting his head up to watch his girl. Mercedes went to work on his belt before unbuttoning his pants. She motioned for him to lift up as she tugged his jeans and underwear off. Mercedes took his length in her soft, warm hand, pumping him a few times before taking him in her mouth. "Fuuuck" Sam moaned, leaning his head back against the pillow as the feel of his girl's warm mouth and hand clouded his thoughts.
Mercedes smiled to herself, humming slightly against him. Sam bucked his hips lightly in response to her actions. "You can't keep doing that, bella." She took heed of his warning, focusing on bringing him as much pleasure as possible without him coming early.
The blonde sighed when Mercedes released him from her mouth. She moved back up, kissing him again. Sam flicked his tongue against her bottom lip causing her to moan and grind her hips against him. He could feel the heat radiating from her core. Sam's hands moved to the waistband of her leggings pulling them down. Mercedes moved, pulling the offending fabric off and straddling him again. She let out another beautiful moan, taking all of Sam in. He groaned at the feel of them being connected, placing his hands on Mercedes hips to steady her. She rode him like a pro, knowing just how to swivel her hips getting him close to the brink. After a while, Sam felt the familiar tightness in his lower stomach as a warning.
"Shit" He cursed, and Mercedes knew what was coming, having just reached her own peak. They kissed with her swallowing the moan as Sam came.
The couple kissed lazily for a minute, letting the aftershock subside. Then Mercedes moved off of Sam, lying on the floor with a leg dropped over him cuddling into his side. Sam placed a kiss to her hair, raking his fingers gently up and down her side. They laid there cuddled together for a good ten minutes before Mercedes checked her watch. It was now 10:40pm, and she had to be at the hospital at midnight for her shift. She sighed sitting up. "I've gotta take a shower and get ready for work."
Sam frowned at that, having completely forgotten she was working night shift again this week. "Call in" He whispered, feeling slightly selfish in that moment. He moved to a sitting position, placing an arm around her. Mercedes ran a hand through his soft locks, letting her fingers dance at the nape of his neck. She would have loved to stay for the night, but she couldn't.
"We're short staffed, baby. I really have to go to work tonight."
Sam didn't like it, but he understood, placing another kiss to the spot just below her ear he whispered. "How you gonna put it down on me like that and then leave?"
Mercedes let out a loud laugh, shaking her head. "It'll help you sleep well tonight." She stated standing up.
"At least let me shower with you since you're abandoning me." Sam watched as Mercedes picked up their dirty clothes to put in the hamper.
"Fine, you can join, but no funny business."
The blonde nodded in response, reaching a hand out to her. Mercedes lifted a perfectly waxed eyebrow in question. Sam sighed, still holding his hand out. "I need help getting up Merce. I'm getting too old to be doing this kinda thing on the floor."
Mercedes playfully rolled her eyes helping him up. "Boy, you're only twenty-eight. I'd hardly call that old. That's only two years my senior, and I definitely ain't old." The two headed towards the bathroom.
"Oh I know, bella. After what you just got done doing to me on that floor, you definitely ain't old." Mercedes smiled pinching Sam's ass as he walked in front of her. He quickly turned around, eyeing her. "Watch it. Don't start something you can't finish." Mercedes giggled as they made their way into the bathroom.
The couple showered and brushed their teeth together before Sam left the bathroom letting Mercedes get ready for work. He headed to their room, making his way over to the dresser for a clean pair of underwear and basketball shorts to sleep in. Slipping them on, he looked up noticing the bouquet of mango calla lilies sitting in a vase on top of the dresser next to a picture of them that they'd taken on their fourth anniversary. In the picture,, Sam was holding Mercedes from behind as they both smiled for the camera. Mercedes came into the room as she finished rubbing lotion on her arms, moving to the dresser as well.
"Who are the flowers from?" Sam inquired as she put on her bra and panties. Mercedes looked at him like he'd lost his mind.
"They're from you silly." She reached up grabbing the small card that came with the flowers, handing it over for him to read. "Maybe you are getting old. Losing your memory, Detective." She pecked his cheek as Sam read the note. It sure as hell sounded like it was from him. He was the only one who called her bella. Maybe he had ordered the flowers a while ago, and just simply forgotten. He'd check the bank statement tomorrow to be sure.
Mercedes finished dressing in her light blue uniform scrubs before putting on a pair of earrings and the small cross pendant necklace that her granny had given her when she graduated nursing school. The young woman wore it every shift no matter what. She grabbed a clean pair of socks out of the drawer, sitting on the bed to put on her shoes. Mercedes had called a cab earlier to pick her up at 11:30, and the ding from her phone notified her they were now outside waiting. She quickly tied the laces to her all black Nike's, grabbing her purse and jacket, and making sure she had her phone, keys and hospital badge.
Sam walked his girl down to the front entrance of the apartment building, giving her a hug and kiss goodbye. "Be safe, okay." Mercedes nodded kissing him once more. "I love you."
"I love you too." She walked over to the cab, getting in, and Sam watched the yellow car until it was no longer in sight. For a split second, he had an uneasy feeling like someone was watching him, but shook it off as he headed back inside.
xxxxxxx
Mercedes thanked the cab driver as she got out, making sure to put a tip on her charge as she paid with her phone. He nodded wishing her a good night before driving off. She was just about to walk into the hospital, when she heard someone call out behind her.
"Excuse me, miss." A deep male voice spoke, grabbing her attention. Mercedes turned around, curiously. She was taken aback by how handsome the stranger was. His eyes stood out the most, an electric, cobalt blue is how she would describe them. He stood a distance in front of her not wanting to startle her. "I'm a little lost. I got turned around with directions, and my phone conveniently just died. Would you mind pointing me in the direction of Charleston and 1st?"
The diva nodded, knowing exactly where that was. "Sure, if you continue straight down this road and make a left at the stop sign, you'll come to an intersection, make a right and you'll end up on the correct road." She told him with a friendly smile. He returned it showing his perfect teeth.
"Thank you. I hope I didn't hold you up too long."
Mercedes checked her watch,11:55pm. "Not at all, and you're welcome. Have a good night." She smiled at him once more before turning around and heading into the hospital.
The stranger smiled to himself before walking away.
xxxxxxx
It was fairly quiet in the ER when Mercedes walked in, greeting everyone that was working for the night. She made her way to the nurses' station, clocking in just as Shane Tinsley and Dave Karofsky, two of the hospital security guards greeted her. They had both just come in for their shifts as well.
"How's it goin' Cede?" Shane asked leaning against the counter. Dave did the same, and Mercedes smiled at them knowing what they were expecting.
"Sorry boys, I didn't bring any baked goods tonight. Didn't know you two were working. You're both usually off on Mondays." Both men sighed in disappointment and she snorted. "I'll make sure to bake something and bring it next shift, deal?"
"Can you make that delicious red velvet cake again? Last time I took a piece home for my boyfriend, and he hasn't stopped asking about it since." Dave spoke, and she nodded.
"Sure Dave, that's actually my fiancé's favorite too, so I'll have to make sure the cake actually makes it here cuz if he sees it it'll be gone in a flash." Pinning her badge to her shirt pocket, Mercedes moved to head to the back to put her things in her locker.
"You're the best!" Both men exclaimed as they headed up front to their posts.
Mercedes made her way into the locker room, walking to hers and putting the combination in. Placing her purse and jacket inside, she grabbed her black cardigan that she left in there due to it always being cold in the hospital. She put on the cardigan, making sure to grab her phone and put it in her pocket. The room door opened, and the young woman smiled seeing her friend.
"Hey Sugar, I didn't know you were working tonight." The other woman waved in greeting as she put her own belongings in her locker.
"Yeah, I took an extra shift. Gotta make that shmoney." She laughed lightly. "Hopefully it'll be slow tonight, though."
"I think it will be." Both women put on their stethoscopes, closed their lockers before heading out of the room and back to the front of the hospital. "Soo…" Mercedes started as they walked together.
"Soo…" Sugar copied, already knowing where this conversation was going.
"Really, Sugar are you really gonna make me beg for info?"
The two women made their way behind the nurses station taking their respective seats. Sugar shrugged as Mercedes sucked her teeth. The smaller woman giggled at her friend, placing her brown hair in a ponytail before responding. "Fine, since you obviously just have to know. Hunter asked me out for Friday night, and I said yes."
The other woman smiled brightly doing a little dance in her seat. Sugar shook her head, a small smile still painted on her face. She had to admit, Mercedes was right when she said Hunter was really sweet, and he was definitely hot as hell. They'd been texting back and forth for the past couple days, and earlier that day, he asked if she wanted to go out for dinner on Friday night, and she happily agreed. Her ex hadn't once crossed her mind in the last couple days.
"Just be ready to give me all the details first thing Saturday morning girly cuz I will be calling you." Mercedes warned, and both women giggled as they got to work.
Soo, what do you guys think?