Thank you kind people.
Standard disclaimer.
Sam and Mercedes were having a wonderful night out.
They were enjoying a sumptuous dinner in one of New York's finest restaurants, in an alfresco setting, situated high above the streets, whilst listening to great music from the restaurant, which offered lavish entertainment, from its exclusive club nights.
At first, Sam had found it hard to concentrate on their conversations and anything else, for that matter, because, as expected, the two of them caused a stir, turning heads in their direction, well after they were seated.
All through dinner, he'd caught men ogling Mercedes, blatantly staring at her.
This caused him to go into full protection mode, by drawing his chair closer and even kissing her, as he ran his hand sensually up and down her back.
Even when they were on the dance floor, there was an incident with one particular guy, who did all manner of things to catch Mercedes' attention, as if Sam wasn't there.
Well, he soon found out who the alpha male was in that instance, because Sam's pretty green eyes turned stormy and as he brought Mercedes possessively into his muscular arms, the guy raised his hands in defeat and backed off.
Mercedes too, showed her jealous side, when their waitress for the night, tried to flirt with Sam, ignoring her in the process.
The claws came out on their third course, when said waitress, touched Sam on his arm, as she was removing their empty plates.
She went as far as to lean over the table, very close to Sam, in an attempt to rub up against him.
Mercedes just stood from her seat, held Sam's handsome face in her hands, sweetly kissed his lips and then his nose, before taking her seat again.
Needless to say, the waitress took the hint, and finished her job professionally.
After those two incidents they took their leave and decided to take in a late show, seeing as it was still too early to go back home.
They drove to the nearest show hall, where the musical, Disney's Aladdin was the main event.
Mercedes suddenly became apprehensive and Sam sensed it.
"Are you okay, Merce?" he asked. Mercedes fiddled with her hands nervously and said,
"I'm fine, Sam. It's just…this show…is directed and part choreographed by…Brody. I'm not sure, if he'll be at the door greeting patrons…and I shouldn't really care…but…"
She was cut off by Sam pulling her into his arms.
"I'm sorry, baby. I didn't know…"
"That's okay Sam. You couldn't have."
"We don't have to do this if it makes you uncomfortable, you know. We could go somewhere else, or go back to my place and watch a movie," he kindly said.
Absentmindedly, she kissed his chest, sending shivers through him. Pulling back slightly, she said,
"I'm not uncomfortable Sam. I haven't seen him in months and I'm not looking forward to seeing him. Be that as it may, I took your words to heart, about not letting what he's said, or done to me, keep me from living my life and it has worked thus far. I'll continue to heed them and show him I've moved on and I'm extremely happy."
Sam's face morphed into a smile, when he heard those words.
He smiled wider, when she steeled herself, lifted up on her toes and kissed him, just before she said,
"Let's go."
"There's my girl," he said, taking her hand in his, as they headed for the door.
The two entered the foyer and went to the ticket booth.
There, Sam purchased two front row tickets and they made their way to the entrance.
"We were very lucky to get those tickets. I think the attendant recognized you, that's why…" Mercedes said.
"Maybe," Sam replied, as they entered through the last set of glass doors.
Brody Wesson was at the main entrance of the seating area, flirting with a young lady, who was there helping him.
He was so into what he was doing, he didn't notice Sam and Mercedes at first. It was only when he heard Mercedes' laughter, that he looked around and saw them.
He was completely entranced…shocked and rendered speechless.
With his mouth agape, he stared at the beautiful couple approaching him and his heart sank.
His eyes remained on Mercedes.
He couldn't believe the way she looked.
The very last time he'd seen her, was the night they'd had it out, over the call from the mysterious lady…the night he chose to leave.
Old feelings reared their head and he forgot all about the woman he was flirting with, a few moments ago.
Instead, he stared at the captivating woman who was his ex, in every sense of the word, as she walked confidently, holding Sam's arm.
In trying to keep up with protocol, he schooled his features and said,
"Goodnight, welcome to Amas Musical Theatre. You guys are in for a treat. Not only is Aladdin a Disney classic, it is an award nominated one and the actors will leave you wanting more. I hope you have an enjoyable time…and don't forget to check out our well stocked canteen at intermission…in case you need something…um…refreshing. Have a good night."
Sam felt the moment Mercedes stiffened and tightened her grip on his arm.
It happened, just as Brody stumbled on his words, when he spoke about the canteen.
"Thank you very much, I'm sure we will have a good time," Sam said stiffly. Mercedes nodded her head and looking pointedly at Brody, she said in a clipped tone,
"Yes, thank you, I'm sure we will."
They moved off and headed for their seats.
Brody's assistant watched the exchange between the three people, picking up on the tension around them.
Without a second glance at Brody, she took off behind the couple, with the intention of showing them to their seats.
Brody was a mess.
He couldn't believe what he had seen…rather, who he had seen.
He was so intent on living his life without Mercedes in it, he never gave a thought to her, what she was doing, or how she was doing.
He cursed himself inwardly, as his thoughts drifted to some of the mean, degrading things, he's told her and her beautiful tear-stained face, flashed before him.
'She looks fantastic…even more glamorous than before…and really happy too. Not too happy to see me…but happy with Sam. I wonder if they are together. Looks that way…he's certainly in love with her…and I think she's fallen for him. God! I was such a dick to her. I'd do anything to get a second chance with her.'
His eyes traveled to the front row of the theatre, where he saw Sam kissed Mercedes' lips and she, snuggle into his embrace, resting her head on his chest.
He stared dejectedly at the stage, just as the lights dimmed, indicating he should leave his position and head backstage where the actors were.
He suddenly remembered his assistant…really, his under-study, and not seeing her, he left to go backstage.
On his way there, he signaled someone else to fill his position at the front for him.
Sam sat happily with the woman he loved snuggled up to him, as they took in the show.
He was immensely proud of her, for the way in which she'd handled herself, in the presence of Brody.
Even as he thought it, the name left a bitter feeling, so he resolved there and then, to forget him for the rest of the night.
His only concern was for Mercedes, to be happy, with the night ending on a high.
He pulled her closer to his sturdy body and kissed the top of her head.
In that moment, he knew, he'd do anything in the world for her.
With a contented sigh, he sat with her in his arms and continued to take in the show.
Mercedes smiled to herself.
She was so happy.
Her mind went back to a few seconds ago, when Sam had kissed her head.
At that very moment, she felt as though, she could've shouted from the roof tops, she was in love with the gorgeous man sitting beside her.
Her thoughts drifted to Brody next and his reaction, when he first saw her and Sam…the way he'd drank in the sight of her.
She had to place her hand over her mouth, to keep herself from laughing out and disturbing the show.
She grabbed Sam's fingers and started playing with them, but she knew without a doubt, she had conquered her demons and came out victorious.
Her heart was contented, and Brody would never be able to belittle her again.
She turned her head and in a loving gesture, kissed the side of Sam's chest.
She felt him shiver and a mischievous smile crossed her lips, so she did it again, just to see his reaction.
Sam didn't disappoint, his reaction was the same as before, but he quickly caught on to what she was doing.
He shifted a bit and ran his fingers gently up and down her rib-cage, in an attempt to warn her.
She heeded it immediately, and reverted to playing with his fingers, as she turned her attention to the stage.
The show lasted two and a half hours in total, counting the thirty minutes for intermission.
It was during said break, that Brody tried to corner Mercedes, as she left Sam, to go to the ladies' room.
He'd watched closely, as she kissed Sam, just before pointing to the area where the restrooms are.
With his eyes transfixed on the couple, he watched, as Sam held onto her hand, until he couldn't any longer and then, at the way he stood and watched her, until she disappeared into the bathroom.
He continued watching, and slithered away, just as Sam turned around, to take in his surroundings.
Brody waited patiently, until Mercedes exited the restroom and said to her,
"Mercedes…I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw you tonight. You look fantastic…in fact…I don't think I've ever seen you looking more beautiful, than you do tonight."
Mercedes had stopped dead in her tracks, the moment she saw Brody and remained silent, as he extolled her virtues.
Anger boiled within her.
She took a quick glance in Sam's direction and realized he was taking in the scenery and atmosphere around him.
He was close enough for her to call out to him, but also far enough for her to deal with Brody.
She took a long, hard look at the man in front of her, remembering he was a constant thorn in her side.
He'd caused her unbearable pain, so much so, that she'd almost given in to it, by entertaining thoughts of ending her own life.
"You have some nerve, Brody Wesson. I threw myself into our relationship and gave you my love…my heart…my everything and the first chance you got, you stomped all over me. You made me feel lower than the dirt beneath your shoes, with your constant belittling of me and my persona…but you didn't stop there.
You went and had an affair and when I confronted you…you know what you did? You left me…but not before you had completely broken me, to the point, that I actually considered taking my own life. You are a bastard, but tonight, you have met the bitch in me, " she said in a raised voice, just before she slapped him hard and shouted,
"Stay the hell away from me, Brody Wesson. I have forgiven you…but I will never forget what you have done to me."
Sam, on hearing Mercedes' voice, turned his head in the direction of the restrooms, just in time to see his sweet girlfriend, slapping Brody, speaking to him harshly and stomping away, leaving him in stunned silence.
Sam began walking towards her.
He met her midway and she threw herself into his arms and kissed him.
His eyes widened, when she swiped her tongue across his lips, asking for entrance.
He complied, though a bit apprehensively and broke the kiss after a few seconds, much to her dismay.
He took her smaller hand in his and bending to her level, asked,
"Do you wanna talk about it, baby?"
Mercedes searched his loving green eyes and melted at the contents therein.
This is a man who truly loved her.
She could see it, feel it, even taste it.
He wore it like a medal, proudly, for all to see, plain as the nose on his handsome face.
She wasn't sure how to respond, because she didn't want what had transpired between her and Brody, put a damper on their night. But she couldn't be less than honest with Sam, so she told him,
"There's not much to talk about Sam. Brody cornered me, as I exited the bathroom and proceeded to speak to me, as if all was well between the two of us. He had the gall to say I look fantastic, yet, just months ago, he called me the opposite. I couldn't take his patronizing any more…so I let him have it…both ways. I don't know how much you saw, but he had it coming. I'm just glad I was in a generous mood, to give it to him."
She ended with a chuckle, which turned into a laugh, as Sam threw his head back and barked a laugh.
After a while, he looked at her and said,
"Okay, my pocket-sized warrior, let's go. The second half is about to start."
Mercedes giggled and proceeded to lead the two of them back inside.
Just before they reclaimed their seats, Sam whispered to her,
"Remind me, to never upset you. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of your tiny hand."
She chuckled and swatted his arm, just as they reached their seats.
They sat as they were before, with her plump body snuggled into his muscular frame, as they focused their attention on stage.
Stay safe and stay blessed.