I don't own anything.
A/N: It's time for another update but first off I want to thank my reviewers from last time; Princess976, shanti-noel03, WickedSong, QUEENADDEK and LadyLuckAJ. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter and please don't forget to Review.
Baby S
Chapter Nine
"So big bad Sam is gonna come and take you out today huh?" Micah asked as he leaned into Mercedes' room the next morning to see her getting dressed up. "Wow, you're looking nice."
"Would you prefer I dressed down?" Mercedes asked as she turned and gave her a brother a look which only made Micah laugh while raising his hands up in the air in mock surrender.
"Look I'm just pointing out the obvious, sis. Is something wrong with that? Cause if some you're gonna have to tell me what's what." he said with a tired sigh. "I hope you have fun today with whatever is that Sam planned for you two to do." Mercedes could tell that he meant it so she graced her brother with a smile, one he hadn't seen all week.
"Thank you for that, Micah."
"No problem. . .I just want to repair our relationship and try to get to know your man." he said softly as he looked at her with a smile. "I'm really sorry about everything and to be truthful I guess I wasn't ready to see you dating much less a white guy," he paused as he saw Mercedes frowning at his use of words. "But I'm slowly getting over that especially now that I see that he's treating you right." Micah said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Especially when I was treating you so wrong."
"Micah-."
"No, that's okay you and I both know that's true Cedes. I'm just glad you have someone like him who makes you happy cause that's what matters. Love shouldn't be about making other people comfortable."
"I'm glad you're finally coming around but you aren't out of the doghouse yet." Micah just smiled at that and nodded his head as he looked at his little sister.
"I'd expect as much, Cedes. I know how protective you can get and I really should have stopped what I was doing from day one." he said as Mercedes nodded her head in agreement. "Now I also wanted to talk to you about well your record and recording, you know stuff like that."
"School's about to start soon." Mercedes stated as she fixed him with a look.
"I know and I promise not to work you to hard when it really does start but you are gonna come to the studio later on this week right."
"Why?" Micah rocked back on his heels for a brief moment before sighing and sending his sister a quick smile.
"Well Victory. . .you remember her right. She's your producer, she's been having a blast picking out beats for someone of your songs. I think you sparked her creativity when you came by. She's been in the studio none stopped making up beats and arranging and stuff," he paused and shook his head with a laugh. "Her husband Alejandro has been fussing at me because she's been working none stop and-."
"Hold up. . .Victory's black and you're okay with her dating interracially."
"Well. . .she's not my sister first of all and secondly he's hispanic. I know it doesn't make much sense but it did to me at the time." he said with a sigh. "But seriously, Victory keeps asking me where you've run off too cause she really wants to work with you again. She thinks you two can be some type of wonder team." Mercedes smiled at that, she had to admit she liked working with Victory, the woman was very into her music.
"Alright well you can tell her that I'll be seeing her later on this week."
"Cool, well enjoy your date. I'm about to head out to the park so I can play some basketball with some old high school friends." Mercedes nodded her head and watched till her brother closed her bedroom door. Once he was gone, she released a sigh and looked back over herself. Sam had told her to dress for comfort but that didn't mean she couldn't put some sexy into that. Giving herself one more look, she headed downstairs to wait on Sam. She didn't have long to wait though, as soon as her foot touched the bottom of the stairs the doorbell rang.
"Hi Sam." she said as she opened the door and looked up into the bluish green eyes of her boyfriend. Sam gave her the once over and his mouth almost literally dropped to the floor. She smiled shyly under his gaze. "You like?"
"Love it, baby. You look fantastic." he murmured as he placed his hand around her waist and pulled her towards him with a small smile playing across his face. "Absolutely breathtaking." he added on with a smirk.
"You look good too." Mercedes said as she leaned back in his arms and slowly pulled at his black button down shirt, and dark blue jeans. He looked comfortable and sexy and she was loving it. It was during moments like this she realized just how lucky she was to have met a great stand up guy like him.
"Why thank you my Vitra. . .now we should probably be on our way. We don't want to be late." he said as he grabbed her hand just as Micah came barreling down the stairs talking away on his cell phone. He gave them both a quick nod and disappeared into the living room, Mercedes looked up at Sam and saw him watching Micah silently.
"He's changing Sam." Mercedes supplied softly as she looked up at him. Sam glanced back down at her and slowly nodded his head. He really wanted to believe that the guy was changing but Micah was bit much to just have changed his tone because of one tongue lashing from his lovely diva.
"Sure if you say so," he murmured. "But I don't want to spend our day together focusing on him and his issues. Come let's go I can't wait to see your face when we get there." Mercedes just nodded her head and followed Sam outside. "My Dad let me have the truck for the day, mom has the other car and since she's doing some shopping she'll be able to pick up Dad once he's done." Mercedes nodded her head as Sam helped her into the truck. She watched as he rushed around and quickly hopped inside. A minute later they were off.
"Okay so you have to tell me what is it that we are doing cause you know I can't handle secrets for long." Mercedes gushed as she looked over at Sam, who gave her a quick smile before focusing his attention back on the road.
"It's a surprise my Vitra. A good one too so no I won't be spoiling it. You'll just have to wait." he murmured with a chuckle as he turned and headed towards the downtown area while resisting the urge to laugh at the excitement that was currently coming from Mercedes. The feeling was quite infectious cause he was excited to show her what he had picked out.
"We're headed to Columbus?"
"Yep!" he said as he settled back in the driving seat and gave her a look. "Oh stop with the pouting, there is no way I'm gonna tell you before it's time. Absolutely no way." he stated with a deep chuckle as he shook his head quickly from side to side. He ventured another look at Mercedes and sighed.
"I'm serious, I'm gonna be strong and not tell you a thing." He said with a smile on his face as he looked Mercedes over. "I think I know what will make you get that pout off your face. . .some Eric Roberson." he said as he reached out and turned on the car radio.
"You really know me to well if you know playing some Eric-," she paused as the song came on through the speakers, she released a quick squeal and laughed while placing a hand over her heart. "Oh my gosh, I love this song so much." she gushed as he just shook his head and smiled.
"I know baby." They continued driving and Sam enjoyed the fact that Mercedes decided to sing along with every song on the Eric Roberson CD that was currently playing. She didn't even noticed when they pulled up at Columbus Park. "Hey baby we're here now you can stop with the concert." Sam said over a laugh as he looked at her. Mercedes stopped and leaned back in her seat with a smile on her face.
"Sorry Sam, you know how I get when-." she paused as she looked at where they were, Sam laid his arms across the steering wheel and watched as she took in the sight. "Sam. . .Sam. . .oh my God. . .Sam did you-oh my God." Sam watched as she covered her mouth with her hands and looked at the sight before her. Sam just smiled as she started fangirl squealing in the cab of his truck. If it had been anything else, he might have been jealous but he felt sort of good being able to bring Mercedes this type of happiness. All summer they had been going on dates that wouldn't cost too much because of his situation so he was happy that they first date that he could afford was one like this.
"What? What is it?" Sam asked playfully as Mercedes turned to give him a look before pointing at the park.
"It's an Eric Roberson concert." she exclaimed in excitement as she smiled and waved her hands in front of her face. Sam looked back at the park and saw a few people headed inside. The park itself had been closed off for the Eric Roberson summer tour.
"Oh really. . .well do you want to go in there or do you want to sit out here." Mercedes gave him another look but quickly moved to the door handle. Sam reached out and stopped her, he waited till she turned around to look back at him. "So do you like it?"
"I love it, Sam. Thank you so much." she cried as she leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. Sam just chuckled and kissed her back.
"Now let me come over there and help you out. I don't want you skydiving from the cab." he said with a wink as he opened the door and got out. Mercedes watched as he ran around the front of the truck and then opened her car door. "Your afternoon and evening of Eric Roberson awaits you my Vitra." he said as he held up his hand towards her. Mercedes slipped her hand into his grasp and allowed him to help her down. With that said, they quickly headed in towards the entrance where a man was standing with a clipboard.
"Are you here for the concert and the dinner," he paused and gave them the once over. "Or just the concert?"
"Both. . .um we should be under Evan's party of two." The man looked down at the board for several seconds before nodding his head.
"Of course. . .under that tent you should be able to find your table. If you want to enjoy the music up close a little more well. . .just go on out there. The front row area is reserved for our dinner guests." Sam nodded his head as Mercedes literally bounced on her feet at what the man had just said. Her mind was practically swirling. Front row area. . .dinner. . .Sam and Eric Roberson. This night was probably going to be one of the best of her life, she just knew it. Sam led her inside a large white tent and a waitress quickly located their table. Sam helped her sit down and then settled himself down in a chair beside her.
"You know I'm glad you like all this."
"I really can't imagine not liking this, Sam. Thank you so much for this but are you sure that-." he quickly held up his hand cutting off her question.
"Everything's fine. My father gave me a bit of money to take you out. He wanted us to have a good time. Said we deserved it. . .and I think he was partially right, you certainly do deserve a night out and I'm just happy I could take you out." he stated softly as he looked at her. Mercedes smiled at that and nodded her head.
"Thank you so much for this, Sam. I didn't even know that this was going on." Mercedes said as she looked over at him and reached out for his hand which he gladly gave her. He just nodded his head, he had figured as much. For some reason Columbus hadn't really displayed the fact that Eric Roberson was coming to town maybe they wanted to keep it to themselves but Sam had found out because his a customer had told him about it during one of this delivers.
"I don't think a lot of people from Lima knew about this but once I found out I knew I'd have to take my girl out to see her favorite singer." Sam said with a smile, as the band started to play some instrumental versions of the Eric Roberson's songs. Mercedes smiled and looked towards the stage while allowing her head to rest on Sam's shoulder. About an hour into the concert, Sam asked Mercedes to dance just a slow song began. Mercedes smiled as they walked out from under the tent and headed towards front of the stage where several other couples currently.
"I love this song so much." Mercedes sighed as Sam pulled her into his arms and they slowly started to sway as the man sang 'Softest Lips,' Sam found himself agreeing with the majority of the song. He was most certainly in love with the girl who God had graced with the softest lips he had ever had the pleasure to feel against his own. They continued to dance to the music and Sam had to admit that he was so happy that he had chosen to do this for their date. The best thing about the whole night was seeing Mercedes' eyes when she realized that they were at a Eric Roberson concert. He considered himself a lucky man to be able to make someone like Mercedes Jones happy. Seeing that look of disbelief and then extreme happiness on her face was something he could live off of for days. Finally it was time for the dinner portion of the evening and Sam and Mercedes reluctantly made their way back to the table upset that they had to stop dancing. Sam quickly pulled out Mercedes' chair and helped her seat down before moving to his chair.
"So how was the concert was it everything you imagine it to be?" he asked as he draped his arm around the back of her chair. Mercedes just sighed and nodded her head.
"I've always heard that he was great in concert and well they were right. He was wonderful and I'm so glad that I got to share this evening with you Sam."
"I'm happy I could share this evening with you too. You know some of his stuff is pretty good since I only know about the songs you gave me on that CD you made. He's pretty great."
"You know I can make you another CD with some of his newer songs. . .he just came out with an album." Mercedes supplied as she looked at him.
"That'll be great baby." he murmured just as their waiter came up with their orders. Once he was gone, Sam sighed and looked down at his plate. Mercedes watched him silently before reaching down to pat his thigh gently.
"What's wrong?" she asked softly. Sam looked back up at her for a moment and then back down at his plate.
"Nothing."
"You know you're an awful liar, Sam."
"Yeah, but I was hoping this time it would work," he looked back up at her and smiled. "You know just this once." Mercedes frowned as she studied him and then shook her head as she continued to look into his eyes.
"What's wrong really Sam?"
"Nothing, I'm just glad I could take you out like this. I know my situation has been challenging and a girl like you deserves the best and sitting here watching you enjoy yourself like this just makes me happy," he paused and took a deep breath while shaking his head. "God, now I sound like a huge sap."
"You don't sound like a sap, Sam." she replied with a small smile. "You just sound like a loving boyfriend. I can't thank you enough for doing this for me. Really I can't, I'm so happy that I'm sharing this with you."
"Well I'm happy to be sharing this with you." he said with a bright smile as he looked at her. "Now I think it's time for to get jealous." Mercedes frowned at that and looked at Sam as if he had lost his mind.
"Boy what are you talking about?" she asked in confusion, all Sam did though was point over her shoulder just as a deep voice sounded behind her.
"Hello you two are you enjoying your evening." Sam watched in amusement, Mercedes turned around and looked up at the one and only Eric Roberson. Sam had learned that this was apart of the Dinner and Concert ticket and he quickly bought it. He couldn't pass up the chance of having Mercedes met one of her favorite singers even if the initial meeting would make him a bit jealous. Sam almost laughed as Mercedes sagged against him in shock. Eric Roberson just smiled down at her and held out his hand.
"I take it you're a fan."
"Yep Mercedes is one of your biggest fans." Sam supplied while Mercedes remained silent beside him. Eric Roberson looked from him to Mercedes and his smile grew bigger.
"Really well I'm glad you came out to see me today." When he said that Mercedes seemed to break out of her shock and graced the older man with a smile.
"I'm glad my boyfriend brought me here too."
"Good man," Eric said as he looked over at Sam. "Good music and good food," he looked back at Mercedes. "You've got a good one there young lady."
"Oh I know." she said as she turned towards Sam who just pulled her closer to him. "Your concert was the best I've always wanted to see you perform live." she gushed finally coming out of her shyness. Eric smiled at that and just nodded his head.
"Good, I'm glad you enjoyed the show Mercedes." He said giving her a wink. "I love pleasing my fans." Sam had to bit his tongue as he looked at the singer. That last line as far as he was concern was completely unnecessary.
"Sam can you take my picture with Mr. Roberson."
"Eric please babygirl. . .I'm not that old yet." Eric said with a laugh as Mercedes jumped up and headed Sam her cell phone. Standing up as well, Sam pulled up the camera and took a picture of Mercedes and Eric Roberson. "Alright now you two enjoy the rest of your evening okay." he said as he walked off to greet the next table. Mercedes smiled as she sat back down and looked over at Sam who was watching her closely.
"Wasn't that just wonderful. . .I really and I really didn't think I'd meet him but wow, Sam this night. . .this day. Oh my goodness baby you are forever in my good graces all you have to do is mention this date and whatever trouble-." she just trailed off and shook her head as she looked over at him. Sam smiled and nodded his head.
"I'll keep that in mind."
It was nearly an hour before Sam and Mercedes were pulling up outside the Jones' household. Sam turned off the car and looked at the dashboard light for a moment. "Geez, I hope your parents won't be to upset with how late it is."
"It's just eleven. . .fifty-nine." she mumbled as she looked over at Sam.
"That look is so not helping me feel better right now." he mumbled as he gave her a look. Mercedes just smiled and leaned over and kissed him quickly before shaking her head.
"There's nothing to worry about." As soon as the words left her mouth, the front door the Jones' household opened and Mr. Jones stood in the doorway looking at Sam's truck glaring into the headlights. Sam groaned and tore his eyes off her father and looked back down at her. "Well if your father tears me apart all I have to say is that everything I've done tonight has been completely worth it. Know that my Vitra." he said as he opened his car door and climbed out of the car. As he made his way around the front, he gave Mr. Jones a smile wave. "Good evening Mr. Jones."
"Sam do you realize what time it is?" Mr. Jones asked as he gave the boy a look as he stepped out of the house and headed down the driveway.
"I know. . .I know the curfew is eleven but we seriously lost track of time." Sam stated as he opened the door for Mercedes and helped her out of the truck.
"You're parents were worried about you. . .you should come inside and call them." Mr. Jones stated with sigh as he jerked his head towards the open front door. Sam and Mercedes exchanged a glance and then started walking towards the house. "Did you two at least have fun?"
"Dad, he took me to an Eric Roberson concert!" Mercedes said as she slipped her arm through Sam's and leaned against his side. Mr. Jones smiled at that and just shook his head as he looked over at Sam.
"Boy you have too much game. . ." he trailed off then as they entered the house, he pointed towards the hall phone and disappeared into the living room. Just then, Micah made his way up from the basement.
"Glad to see you guys made it back. . .how was the date?" he asked Mercedes since he knew Sam wasn't going to answer him.
"We went to an Eric Roberson concert, Micah."
"Oh really. . .damn then I know you had a fun day." Micah replied with a shake of his head as he looked over at Sam. "But did his concert really last all day?" Mercedes and Sam both shot him a look but he merely laughed it off.
"It was a concert and dinner deal. . .oh and I got to meet him. Sam took a picture with my phone and everything."
"Then why weren't we able to reach you guys."
"It died around eleven." Mercedes said sheepishly. Micah just smiled and looked between the two of them and shook his head.
"Well I'm off to bed peace out." Mercedes watched as he exited the hallway and disappeared up the stairs, she glanced back at Sam and saw him on the phone with family. Reassuring them that everything was okay and that he and Mercedes were safe. After a few more minutes he hung up the phone and looked over towards her.
"I guess I better head home."
"I guess." Mercedes whispered as she looked up at him, Sam smiled and walked over towards her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her close and rested his forehead against her. He softly started humming one of Eric Roberson's songs while they gently swayed to the music, he slowly trailed off till they were doing nothing but dancing to the music in their heads. Mercedes rested her head on his chest while Sam rested his head lightly on top of hers. They both continued dancing silently for a few more minutes until Sam reluctantly pulled back from her. He could see the question in her eyes and he just smiled.
"I just wanted one last dance with you, Mercedes. But I better get going," he bent and gave her a quick kiss. "See you tomorrow my Vitra."
"Bye Sam."