Hi. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all of the favs, and follows of this story and my writings on here. It means so much to me that you are enjoying this story and my mental musings on these two characters (here and in some of my other stories). And thanks so much to my reviewers for weighing in on the direction and tone of the story. I really appreciate your comments.
So here is another update.
As always Read, Enjoy, and Review.
Thursday Afternoon:
Mercedes spent the first hour of their car ride singing along with the songs on her "Road Trip" playlist she downloaded onto her iPhone, which was hooked up to both a charger and the auxiliary outlet in her car. The playlist consisted of mainly Beyoncé and Adele songs, but Sam still enjoyed listening to her belt every melody out as they drove. He smiled at her wistfully as he listened to her sing every lyric that played through her speakers, viewing it as a solo concert, a performance just for his listening pleasure. He concentrated on her lips as they parted, allowing one of the most beautiful voices he's ever heard escape from her lungs. After a beautiful rendition of Adele's "He Won't Go" Mercedes looked over at Sam and noticed him staring at her.
"Oh my goodness, Sam I'm sorry" she genuinely apologized, noticing she had been monopolizing the radio. "I'm just singing, and not paying any attention. You can look through my library and find something you like" she blushed embarrassed when she realized just how long she had been going on.
"No, you're fine" he sighed. "I love listening to you sing. You have an amazing voice" he grinned.
"Thank-you" she grinned, touched by his compliment. "You just looked bored listening to me, that's all"
"I was actually thinking how I would love to sing with you" he blushed "You know like a duet"
"Well, find a song we can sing together" she instructed as she handed him her phone.
"No not now. You know when glee starts up again" he looked down at his lap. "I figured since by the time school starts back up again we will still be together, and I would love to perform with you"
"You mean like you and Quinn at sectionals?" she smiled. "You want to sing with me like that?"
"Yeah" Sam shrugged "I mean, I know I'm not nearly as good as you-"
"I love your voice" Mercedes interrupted taking her eyes off of the road for a second to glance at him.
"Thanks" he said in a low tone, noting how he adored the word "love" at her lips even if it was only about his singing voice. "I'm okay. But my voice is no where like yours"
"And mine isn't like Rachel's, who's isn't like Arties, or Kurt's or Tina's" Mercedes noted. "We all sound differently. That's what makes us so… great" she smiled "We're all strong in our own ways. But you have a great singing voice. I mean you helped us win sectionals last year. And you sing with me when we sing Stacy and Steven to sleep with no problem"
"Yeah, but that's us just joking around" Sam waived off "But I want to sing with you in a competition. And I would have to be perfect or you would blow me out of the water"
Mercedes furrowed her eyebrows as she thought in silence, allowing Sam's words to sink in. "Don't let me then" she finally stated after a moment.
"What?" he questioned turning his attention towards her.
"Don't let me blow you out of the water" she clarified. "I was told last year that I was a star, I just had to believe I was one. And if I want something I have to go for it. I fully intend on doing that this year, and I expect you to do the same Sam" she explained glancing at him from time to time. "So if you want a duet with me and you think I will blow you out of the water don't let me. Sing to the best of your ability. Don't let fear hold you back from going for what you want. Okay?"
Sam smiled at her as she looked out to the road ahead of them, a serious gleam in her large doe eyes. "Yes Mz. Jones" was all he could say, impressed with her pep talk and confidence.
"So, now that that's settled, what song do you want to sing?" she smiled figuring if they were going to attempt to claw a duet out of Finn and Rachel's hands they'd have to start practicing it as soon as possible.
"I don't know yet" Sam shrugged.
"Well, we can find one this weekend to work on later" she smiled, excited at the prospect of having an opportunity to perform with her boyfriend. "Just make sure you don't make out with me on stage and we should be great" she giggled.
"Oh trust me, after Finn and Rachel I have learned my lesson" he smiled back "Although it will be very tempting" he added with a wicked grin.
Sam began scrolling through her music library on her phone in an attempt to gain an idea for a song for them to sing together. "I miss my MP3 player" he sighed as his finger moved along her screen. Mercedes looked over at Sam as he quickly added "I pawned it when I pawned my guitar and a few other things" he shrugged.
"What music did you have on it?" she questioned.
"Oh, I had an outstanding library" Sam smiled "I had some classics, you know Beatles, The Stones, things like that" he smirked as he remembered his beloved catalogue and how when he needed to shut out the rest of the world he would just get lost in it, and allow the rest of the world to melt away. "I also had a large country list. Everything from songs by Patsy Cline that my mama would sing to me when I was little, to newer stuff like Blake Shelton"
"I don't know much about country" Mercedes shrugged.
"Oh then I have to work with you on that" Sam sat up in his seat excited that he had something he could teach her. "By the end of the summer you'll be begging me to take you to the Grand Old Opry" he drawled in his native accent.
"Oh really?" Mercedes laughed at his tone and enthusiasm.
"Yep" Sam grinned already compiling a list of songs he wanted to hear.
"Okay, well what else did you have?"
"Well the rest were recent pop and rock music. You know like Cold Play, The Shins, um… Of course Justin Beiber… Michael Jackson"
"Really, you listen to Michael Jackson?" Mercedes smirked in an unconvinced tone.
"Yeah, who doesn't listen to "The King of Pop"?" Sam questioned. "I love his music"
"Really?" Mercedes smiled "Well name one of his songs". Sam opened his mouth to take her challenge easily coming up with five within the first few seconds, when she quickly added "That wasn't one of his top hit singles"
Sam sat back stunned. He thought silently contemplated the songs he knew from Michael. Everyone he came up with was a hit single. He looked over at the confident smirk on Mercedes face positive she had him stumped, when the perfect song hit him. He grinned as he turned down her radio, licked his lips and leaned in close to her right ear. He softly sang:
So listen to my heart,
lay your body close to mine.
Let me fill you with my dreams,
I can make you feel alright.
And baby through the years
Girl I'll love you more each day
So I promise you tonight
That you will always be the lady in my life.
Mercedes mouth dropped open impressed, as Sam sat back smirking. "How was that?" he grinned knowing by her expression that she was surprised.
"That was… great" she chuckled as she licked her lips "and you think you're only okay" she shook her head, attempting to go unnoticed as she shifted in her seat from the instant pool that had formed in her panties.
"Well I had to show you I am a real MJ fan and not just a poser" he smiled, as he continued to flip through her library, finally settling on In Side Out by Fiest. He set her phone down on her console and gently took her right hand off of the steering wheel. Lacing his fingers through hers, he pulled her hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss to the back of her hand. She glanced over to him and smiled sweetly, returning the one he was sending her as they rode in silence, enjoying the music that played around them.
Twenty minutes away from their destination, as he gazed out of the passenger window, Sam spotted something that excited him. "Oh look" he smiled "A fair" he pointed as they road past a crew of people setting up rides. "We are so there tomorrow" he grinned.
"I don't know Sam, I think they said it was suppose to rain tomorrow" Mercedes hesitated as she glanced into her boyfriends large eyes.
"Rain? I ain't worried bout no stinkin rain" he joked in his best Scarface impression. "Oh it'll be fine" he smiled once he saw the concern on her face "We have to go"
"Okay" she relented as she internally melted at his child like enthusiasm. "Well go tomorrow"
Her compromise was met with a fist pump by Sam that made her laugh.
As they got closer, both admitted that they were hungry, and Mercedes knew with the amount of things they had to do once they got to the house, nether one of them would feel like cooking. Mercedes quickly recalled a great burger place near by called Joe's. It was a mom and pop restaurant that sold some of the most amazing burgers and sandwiches. She pulled into the parking lot of the small building, and turned off her car. "I'll go get us some food" she smiled as she began to open her door.
Sam grabbed her arm saying "I got it" as he headed out of his door.
"No I got it" she insisted.
"Look Mercedes, let me buy the burgers please" Sam sighed. It was one argument they seemed to maintain through out the time they had been together. Who would pick up the check.
"Look Sam its no problem" she sighed, already exhausted over the argument.
"If its no problem then let me pay for it" he rebutted. At that moment, Mercedes phone range. It was her mother calling. "See and you can't order while you're on the phone" he grinned "so let me go in and tell your parents I said hi" he quickly hopped out of the car, before she could argue his logic and headed inside.
Sam strolled into the little burger shop, walking straight to the counter. Behind the register a petite brunette stood with light green and hazel eyes and a cluster of freckles across her nose. She smiled broadly at the new blonde adding "Hey, what can I get you?"
Sam glanced up to the menu above her head quickly before smiling "Hey, can I have two burgers, one without onions, add pickles, the other with everything on it. Can I also have two orders of fries, and two strawberry shakes" he smiled at the girl as he reached in his back pocket for his wallet.
The girl, getty from getting a full view of the handsome boy in front of her, grinned "Got it" after she finished scribbling his order down. She flitted over to the cook handing him the paper. She quickly moved over to the blender near the front counter. As she scooped ice cream into the machine she called out "You're not from around here are you?"
Sam turning his attention back to the brunette, surprised by her instant conversation shrugged "Oh no, why?"
"Because I know all of the boys out here, and I've never seen you before" she cooed as she added the milk and frozen strawberries.
"Nope, I'm from Lima" he said before thinking how so much can change in a year. He now felt really at home in Lima, where before he would have easily said he was from Tennessee.
"Oh, so what are you doing out here?" she grinned, batting her long eyelashes.
"I'm going on a vacation, with my girlfriend" he smiled "she's in the car"
"Oh" she pouted as she turned the blender on. She craned her neck in an attempt to look out of the large picture window to locate the car that could possibly hold his girl. Sam smiled, looking directly at Mercedes, who was by this time off of the phone with her parents, and obvious into her music library. She rocked and sang, smiling brightly, fully enjoying whatever song had her captivated, totally oblivious to the audience of two.
" That's her?" The girl questioned as she carefully poured the blended drinks into two cups.
"Yep, that's her" he smiled chuckling a bit at the faces she was making as she sang.
"How long have you two been together?" The girl questioned, like an animal testing an electric fence, testing just how close she could get to it without suffering the consequences.
"A month and a half" Sam smiled astonished that when he verbalized it, it seemed like such a short amount of time. But when he though about how he felt about her, it seemed much longer.
The girl went over and wrapped up the two's burgers, and began to bag their food. She walked over placing the order on the counter. "So is it serious between you two?" she smiled mischievously, giving seduction one last try before he left.
Sam looked at his woman, happy, strong, without a care in the world at that moment, and he smiled. He looked over at this stranger giving her a boyish grin, saying three simple words "I love her" He reached over and grabbed their food and drinks and nodded adding "Thank-you" as he winked and headed for the door. It felt so freeing to finally admit his real feelings for Mercedes to someone, even if she was a complete stranger.
He made it to the car, placing the drinks on the roof so that he could open the car door. He grabbed everything and slid into his seat, handing Mercedes the bag. "Got everything?" she questioned as she turned down the radio. She looked into the bag as Sam closed his door. "Mom said "Hi" and my Dad said don't be over late" she chuckled. "He's so-"
Mercedes was cut short by the feel of Sam cupping her face and kissing her lips sweetly. Her eyes shuddered close as she sunk into him. When he pulled away he gently placed a kiss to her nose. He looked into her eyes and caressed her cheek with a smile.
"Wow, what was that for?" she smiled, the apples of her cheeks flushing red.
"Because you're you" he smiled as he settled into his seat.
"Well okay" she laughed as she gently backed out of the parking lot Joe's.
The two drove five minutes, turning off onto a secluded road. The road twisted and turned, randomly revealing a well hidden house every few feet. Mercedes finally pulled into a driveway of a house and turned off her car, grinning "We're here!"
Sam stared out of the window to the place he will be calling home for the next few days. It was simple, a raised cabin like Ranch style house, covered in dark wood finish, and a large porch. The door was green to off set the sea of brown that welcomed him. It was a house, something Sam hadn't lived in since his was taken by the bank. He smiled, when it finally hit him, this house is where he would be laying his head for the next few days. And although it wasn't permanent by any means, the prospect of sleeping in a real house gave him a small sense of normalcy that he had missed.
He stood, getting out of the car, as he followed Mercedes to the trunk to retrieve some of their belongings. He grabbed his bag, her bag, and his guitar case, while she grabbed one of the smaller coolers, having been relieved of her bag by him. She headed up the stairs, finding the house key she swiped from her father's office drawer. She unlocked the door, pushing it hard to allow both of them into the house.
When he walked in, he was instantly in a den like area, complete with a couch, love seat and large chair all surrounding a stone set fireplace. Mercedes smiled, as a bevy of memories flooded her. "So this is it" she confirmed looking around, somehow astounded that it hadn't changed one bit since the last time she was there, which was almost three summers ago. "This is the den" she pointed to the sitting area Sam was examining "This is where, if we come up here during Christmas my father tells the "Night Before Christmas" while we sit around the fire place" she giggled as if she could see her family there in front of her. "Oh and this is the T.V room" she smiled walking to a small room to the left of the front door. The room was small and contained a small television and an old VHS cassette player under a newer DVD player. "We have some movies up here, but I brought some just in case" she smiled at Sam as he looked around. "Come on, let's get the rest of our things, and I'll show you the rest of the house" Mercedes smiled as she took her bag off of Sam's shoulder, placing it behind the couch. Sam followed suit and followed her outside to the car.
Once the last of their belongings were out of the car and in their possession, Sam followed her to the back of the house to the kitchen. The room was a mix of country meets contemporary with its classic wooden cabinets, and counter tops, and an island in the center of the room, which had stools near it. However, the room also contained a newer gas range, a stainless steal refrigerator, and a new faucet and sink that gleamed. It was the perfect balance of old meets new.
The dining area of the kitchen contained the highlight of the whole house, which was a large bay like window that reviled a breath taking view of the lake. Sam's eyes widened as he set their burgers and fries on the table, taking in the scene outside. The sun gleamed off of the water as the trees lightly swayed in the mid summer breeze. "Wow" was all he could whisper as he looked out to the body of water.
"Yeah" she smiled, not even looking out the window, but stealing a long glance at Sam, happy to see the look on his face. In that second she saw the younger boy that she first was introduced to when Finn first dragged him into glee, and not the stressed, overworked adult that he was forced to become due to his families financial woes. "Come on, lets go outside" she grinned, unlocking the back door. The two stepped back outside, walking down a small flight of steps to a grassy area which slowly turned into a sandy beach front, from years of the lakes waters lapping at its shores. Sam followed her towards the left, to a dock area, that was obviously meant for boats and other water crafts. They walked along it, to the end, getting an even better view of the lake.
Sam stood in silence at the end of the wooden dock, taking in what was in front of his eyes, happy he had chosen to stay in Ohio with his girl, and secretly excited he would have the chance to spend the next three days alone with her in such an amazing setting. "Thanks 'Cedes" he whispered loud enough for her to hear her.
"Your welcome" she smiled, leaning slightly into his side staring out into the water with him. "I just need you to do two things for me" she giggled.
"Anything" he smiled looking down into her eyes, which were a lighter shade due to the light bouncing off of the water, into her large orbs.
"Come one" she smiled pulling him back towards the house. Once inside she showed him the fuse box, where he had to hit a few of them, to restore the house to its full electric capacity. She them took him inside, and had him light the hot water heater, to ensue they would have hot water at their disposal.
The two of them sat at the table, eating their burgers, allowing for the fridge to cool enough so they could place their food inside. Mercedes gave Sam a quick rundown of the history she shared with her family in the house, including the time she found a possum in the back shed that nearly frightened her to death, or the time her older cousin Cory nearly drowned in an attempt to show off for some girls he had met.
In the middle of their dinner, Sam's phone rang. It was his father informing him that they had made it in alright. Sam told his father at that time that he had actually ended up getting the weekend off, but by the time he found out they were well on their way to Kentucky without him. When his father relayed the information to his mother, Mary quickly got on the phone to ensure her eldest was okay. Sam reassured her he was okay and that he would be safe for the entire weekend by himself. He spoke quickly to his younger siblings who winded about how much they missed him. His heart broke a bit as he promised that he would see them in a couple of days and he begged them to be good for their parents. He then was put back on the phone with his mother, who he informed that Mercedes said hello. She said hello, and warned him not to do anything too "rash" while they were gone, which was a polite way to tell him to take things slowly with her. "I know mom" Sam sighed before he told her he loved her and hung up the phone.
When they were finished, they went back to the den to retrieve their bags, and Mercedes lead him to the area where the bedrooms where located. The house held only two rooms, the master suite and a guest room down the hall from it. They were relatively the same in size, however the suite had a bathroom attached to it, while the guest room had a bathroom next door. They both decided to sleep in the suit, since it was the larger bed.
"No funny business Mr. Evans" Mercedes grinned as she sat her bag down. It was the first time she would be sleeping in the bed with a male who wasn't either a relative, or a gay best friend. She had to admit to herself she was a bit nervous about the sleeping arrangement.
Sam smiled and winked replying "I was about to say the same thing to you Ms. Jones"
Mercedes showed him where the house linen closet was, which held all of the towels and any additional toiletries they would need. She grabbed a set of sheets, and headed to the suite. They worked together to make their bed. They then moved all of their toiletries into the bathroom which contained a large claw foot tub slash shower, and a large counter with two sinks and a large mirror.
Finally, after an hour and a half or so the two finally put all of the food they packed from Mercedes house away in the kitchen. Sam dumped the water mixed with ice onto the grass in the back of the house. He slid off his shoes and socks, leaving them by the back door. He walked out towards the lake, taking the time to enjoy the feel of the grass and then the sand on his toes. He then stood right at the edge of the water, gong only ankle deep. He stood silent as he watched the sun set over the large cluster of trees and houses across the lake, enjoying the peaceful sound of nature around him.
When he came back into the house, Sam tip toed into the kitchen in an attempt to not make a mess. He quickly washed off his feet in the guest bathtub, and joined Mercedes who was resting in the television room sprawled across the large green sofa in front of the television. He crawled behind her, snuggling into her and the couch. They laid quietly as they watched the first Twilight, which was obviously one of the movie choices Mercedes brought from home.
When the credits began to roll, Mercedes stretched and yawned indicating she was tired, as the fact that she had been up since six that morning to help her mother pack, began to take its toll. She slid off of the couch. Sam sat up after her, and followed her into their shared bedroom. She unzipped her bag, and retrieved her pajamas, taking them into the bathroom to change in private. Sam stayed in the room, and quickly slipped into his pajama pants, while he took off his t-shirt revealing a ribbed tank that was under it. When Mercedes emerged from the bathroom she was in an adorable pajama capri set, that was lavender and white. Her hair was tied with a silk scarf that matched, which made Sam chuckle, astounded that even when she was going to bed she had to be coordinated.
They slid into bed together, both attempting to maintain a respectable amount of distance between each other. They lay there silent and on their backs, staring up at the ceiling above them. "Good night" Mercedes sighed as she got used to having the weight of him shift on the opposite side of the mattress.
"Night" Sam repeated. He paused as he watched her shift, turning on her side, facing in the opposite direction of him. "Screw it" he sighed after a moment, done fighting the urge to be close to her. He slid next to her, and cuddled behind her, wrapping strong arms around her waist.
"Sam" she warned with a giggle, secretly happy he'd been the one to make the move as she cuddled deeper into his hold enjoying the warmth of his body on her back.
"I know, I know, no funny business" he smiled as he planted a soft kiss to the side of her neck as he snuggled in close to her while shifting his hips back a bit from her ample behind which he knew if he didn't he was his "mini me" would end up waking both of them up. With a smile on both of their faces they both drifted off to sleep in preparation for the long weekend ahead of them.
The song Sam sang in Mercedes ear: Lady in my life (such a beautiful song! one of my favorites from the legend that is MJ) And I had to bring up the Rachel pep talk she got last season. Which shocked me that Rachel was so shocked that she went for the lead in WSS. I mean Rachel told her to go for what she wanted. Well whatever (I still remembered it). And yes there is a fair... all I'm going to say ;0)
Finally they are at the house! (I'm excited for that lol)
And no hanky panky that first night... but they have three more days and two nights left :0)