Please forgive the length of this chapter. I got runaway fingers. Thanks again for continuing to read, follow, review, and favorite this work. The encouragement helps me push through to edit this after a long day of work.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Most of this is borrowed from Glee, the author, Twyla Turner, role plays, and other sources. I am just the juggler keeping all these perspectives in the air as this story is told for our fandom.

Chapter Eight

July 8, 2023

Mercedes spent the next several Saturdays bonding with Chelsea. Their relationship had improved so much, and she got to witness Chelsea breaking free from her cocoon. She had opened up to Mercedes about school, her friends, and even the boys she liked. The two of them did cute TikTok videos of them doing the latest dance crazes. Mercedes also broadened her horizons by taking her to the theater to see musicals, concerts of popular and classical musicians, museums, and art galleries to immerse the young girl in some culture. They were quickly becoming friends.

For the most part, Mercedes was able to observe that the girl was getting along a little bit better with her father even though there were still some undercurrents of tension. Chelsea surprised both Sam and Mercedes when she had even started hugging her father goodbye before they left for the day.

Mercedes and Sam hadn't gotten any time to openly speak to each other since that dinner several weeks ago. Today, Sam seemed to want to rectify that.

"Chelsea, can you wait in the car while I talk to Mercedes for a minute?" Sam asked.

"Sure, Dad."

The two adults looked at the teen and then at each other with raised brows. It was quite impressive that she did what she was told without a single question asked. And she called him dad. She was doing it more often now. But they just never knew what to expect from the teen.

"Mercedes, if you don't mind, I just want to show you a room I was thinking about renovating. I was wondering if you could give me some professional advice." Sam said as they stood by her vehicle.

"I'd be glad to. Show me the way."

Mercedes followed him inside the two story home as she admired his physique. The man was fine as hell. His home was also beautiful, outside and in. Even if it could use a feminine touch because it veered too much on the bachelor pad side.

"You have a beautiful home." Mercedes said as Sam closed the door.

"Thanks, I do like it. And I know many parts of my home could use some renovating because it's a little too masculine for a teenaged girl to live here." He said as if he'd read her mind. "But I'm not actually asking you for interior design or decorating advice. I'm sorry. I just didn't want Chelsea to hear what I really wanted to ask you."

"Okay. What exactly are you wanting to ask me, Sam?" She gave him a flirty look.

"Well…" He glanced down no longer meeting her eyes as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck.

When he looked back up at her, the green of his shirt made the green in his eyes pop. He could ask her anything and she'd do it. That's just how mesmerized she was by his eyes.

"I have this formal fundraiser event that I have to attend next Saturday. And…I was wondering if you wouldn't mind going with me?"

"Are you asking me out on a date?" Mercedes looked at him skeptically.

"Yes and no." He cringed. "While I'd love to take you on a date, I know your feelings about it. But it's actually more about the fact that this is a thing you want to bring a date to because these things can be awkward and a bit lonely without a plus one. And to be honest, you're the only woman in my life right now. At least you are the only one that I see on a regular basis, and I know you'd be the most fun plus one to bring."

He smiled and chuckled softly.

"Well, since you put it that way. I don't think I could turn you down." Mercedes smiled brightly.

His delivery was sweet. But she said 'yes' for a few other reasons as well. One, it had been a long time since she'd been to an event as a plus one. And two, it gave her an excuse to spend time with him without considering it a date, and she was hoping for a very happy and satisfying ending.

"Fantastic thanks. I really appreciate you doing this."

"You are welcome. I really can't wait."

Sam smiled and then shoved his hands into his pockets. "Don't forget it is a black-tie event. So, you'd have to wear something formal. I hope that's not a problem."

"Ha! Absolutely not. I have lots of formal clothing."

"Good."

"What about Chelsea? How will we go without her finding out?"

"Oh, yeah. She has a big slumber party next weekend. It's gonna be an all-day thing. She'll probably tell you sometime today. So, instead of spending time with her next Saturday, you'll be spending time with me."

"Lord help you. It sounds like you have it all figured out. Just tell me what time and where, and I'll be ready."

"It begins at around seven in the evening. If you can be ready by six-thirty, I'll pick you up if you give me your address."

"Whoa. I thought this wasn't a date?"

"Do you want to drive in heels and a dress and deal with parking?"

"You got me at parking." Mercedes conceded. "I'll text you my address."

"I look forward to seeing you then." Sam said and opened the front door once more.

Mercedes smirked and walked out to her car. She practically rubbed her hands together like a Disney movie villain.

I am so getting some pierced dick next weekend. She thought as she walked on air to her vehicle.

On Saturday night, Mercedes heard a knock at her door without have to buzz anyone in. She frowned as she walked to the door. She wasn't expecting Sam for another two hours. She looked through the peephole and saw Tina's eye staring back at her. Mercedes choked on laughter.

"What the hell?!"

Mercedes unlocked the door and Tina burst through with a bottle of wine.

"What are you do–"

Mercedes started to close the door, but it stopped midway. Next, walked in Santana with a bottle of wine.

"Okay. I see what's happening here. Kurt? Are you out there too with a third bottle of wine?" Mercedes peeked around the door.

Kurt appeared with a huge smile on his face. And a pretty fancy charcuterie board of meats, cheeses, olives, and other goodies in his slightly muscled arms. Mercedes closed the door after Kurt walked in. She tightened the belt to her black silk dressing gown as she turned to face her friends.

"So, what's all this?" Mercedes asked and gestured to their offerings.

"We come bearing gifts." Tina announced.

"I can see that. My question is why?"

"Because you're going on your first date in almost a decade." Santana looked at her like she was an idiot.

"It is not a date."

"Sure." Kurt looked at her skeptically. "Let's state the facts. Black-tie event. You are the plus one. He is picking you up, old-fashioned style. And you're nervous as a teenager on her first date. Ergo it's a date."

"I am not nervous at all! What in the hell are you talking about?"

Kurt looked at Tina and Santana to back her up.

"You appear to be nervous." Tina agreed with Kurt.

"Yep. I have known you since you were fifteen years old, and you are doing the same thing you did when we sang Girl's Trio at State with Tina. You have a tell. Sorry, chica." Santana confirmed.

"And what pray tell is my tell?"

"You're biting your bottom lip like you're chewing beef jerky," Santana said.

Mercedes froze. Her bottom lip was indeed between her teeth. She quickly popped it out. It was definitely something she did when she was nervous.

"I can't stand y'all!"

They all started laughing uncontrollably.

"I'm not nervous about going out with Sam. I'm worried he thinks it's more than a date."

"Sure Jan. Just keep telling yourself that." Tina said while she rummaged through Mercedes's cabinets to find wine glasses.

"So, anyway. Not only are we here for moral support. We are also here to see what you're wearing." Santana sat on the couch and bounced her legs in happy anticipation.

"I could've taken and set you guys a selfie."

"Definitely not the same." Tina shook her head. "We already know you. You're going to kill it. Kill him, in whatever you choose. We need to see the murder weapon. Now…show us, woman!"

"Can I finish my hair and makeup first, Little Miss Dictator?"

"I'll allow it." Tina nodded and waved her away.

"Here." Santana handed Mercedes a glass of white wine. "Drink this to calm your nerves as you get ready."

"For the last time… I. AM. NOT. NERVOUS!"

"Right. Well, drink it because it's damn good wine and wine should never go to waste," Santana said.

"And let us know if you need any help." Tina offered.

"You all do remember I'm the one who taught you how to put do you both how to do your hair. That ponytail that you were because you were a cheerleader made you in particular lazy as hell; whereas, Tina had to be bribed to try highlights and curl to add body to her straight hair."

"Whatever." Santana stuck out her tongue.

Mercedes escaped to her bedroom and into her master bath. She'd already showered and gotten her skin baby soft with a moisturizer. Now, it was time for hair and makeup.

An hour had passed and her friends started to get antsy. Mercedes shook her head and smiled as they started to voice their complaints from the other room.

"What are you doing in there?"

"Please don't tell me you are in there indecisive on whether to wear your hair up or down curly or straight!"

"Yeah Mercedes. It's been forever! We've now moved on to your glass of wine."

"We do have lives, you know?"

"And I have a flight back to New York and I need to be at the airport in an hour."

"No one asked you to come over!" Mercedes shouted back.

"Touché!

Mercedes spritzed her favorite perfume in the air and walked through it. Then she stepped into her heels and finally sauntered out.

"So hot!" Tina shouted.

"You the shit, girl!" Santana gasped. "That whole look is fire. You have to let me know where you got that gown, so I can have Dani wear that on our next Red Carpet event."

"Sam's brain is going to short circuit." Kurt added.

"Aww…thanks, besties. You're the best hype crew a woman could ask for."

Mercedes's dress had an edgy vibe to it. It stopped at her knees. It was all black, sleeveless, and fit like a glove against her curvy body. It had the illusion of a plunging neckline. A large V dipped down to just above the belly button. Except it had a rhinestone studded mesh overlay that tone that sexy nature of the gown. The sparkle of the rhinestones probably drew the eye even more if she were being honest.

Because of the edginess of the dress, she styled the rest of her look to match. She'd braided her hair back into five braids going down the back of her head. She added some braiding hair and braided her own into it for more exaggerated length and fullness to the one big braid. Then she pinned the large butterfly braid down the center of her head to give the appearance of a mohawk and added some rhinestone tipped bobby pins down the middle for sparkle. The tail of the braid landed just at the top of her behind. It looked good straight down her back or over her shoulder.

Mercedes added a shimmery smokey eye. An ombre look with glittery silver towards the inner eyelid and faded to black towards the outer lid. She'd added some false lashes for a more dramatic look. A little highlighter added shimmer and contour her face. And she finished the look with a dramatic, red lip.

And to finish it all, she wore sky-high heels. The top was black with an ankle strap. The heels were sparkling silver.

"Now, we're going to have one more glass of wine. And after that, you don't have to catch a flight or go home, but you got to get the hell outta here." Mercedes finished with an air kiss.

"We see how it is when you get the opportunity to get some new booty. I do believe this is the first white guy you have ever dated." Santana fake pouted.

"I am not listening to you, and I'm not having y'all here when he shows up."

"Oh hell." Tina sighed. "I really wanted to see his reaction. Mainly for the book version of this."

"You already know I'm good at details. I'll let you know his reaction. And you're not writing a book version of this, because this ain't turning into a romance. Got it?"

"Got it." Tina saluted her. Then she turned and winked at the other two.

"I saw that." Mercedes said as she poured herself a glass.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Mercedes rolled her eyes and then leaned against the counter to sip on her wine. She wasn't about to sit and get wrinkled before Sam could even see her.

It's interesting how much you care, her conscience said. Oh, shut up.

Sam stepped out the back of the SUV he'd ordered for the night. He adjusted and then buttoned his tuxedo jacket. It was a deep blue with a satin finish. The left side had a shimmery design like snaking vines from shoulder to hem and down the one arm. Under it he wore a black dress shirt and black tie. On the bottom, he wore classic black tuxedo pants. But his shoes, like his jacket, showed off his flare for fashion. They were blue, suede Oxfords.

He nervously tugged at the jacket one more time before taking a deep breath and walking towards Mercedes's door. He pressed the buzzer for M. Jones. The speaker crackled.

"I'll be right down." She said over the intercom.

Sam turned to face the street as he waited. He figured it would be better to focus on cars passing by and checking out her neighborhood, instead of staring at the door. He heard the door open moments later and he turned.

"OMG!" He hissed.

"Wow!" Mercedes said at the same time.

They both sized the other up. Sam could see in his date's eyes that she thought he looked good. But he was too distracted by how gorgeous and fierce she looked.

Mercedes was all fire. A passionate woman who wasn't afraid to show it. And Sam loved everything about it. He was a man after all. He was used to thick passionate women after growing up in the South and then moving to California when their family's whiskey business tanked and Sam started to strip to help them pay bills in a place where they used to be so wealthy he went to boarding school. His foray into sex work inspired his father to take an inheritance that he received from a dying relative to invest in the porn business using his own son as a star that he could barely pay and beach bunnies who were willing to sleep with his son for little or no pay until his father's name in the industry began to grow and his porn kingdom was made with a drop out son who was little qualified to do anything else.

"Mercedes," he whispered, "you take my breath away."

"You clean up very well yourself, Sam. I'm impressed."

"Thanks. Our chariot awaits." Sam offered his arm and gestured towards the black SUV waiting for them.

Mercedes took his arm, and he helped her down the steps and to the vehicle.

"Hello," she said to the driver then turned to Sam. "Very nice touch, ordering a car."

"I try to do my best." Sam winked at her.

He ran around to the other side to get in.

As the driver took them to their destination, Sam used every ounce of restraint he had not to touch Mercedes. For one, he didn't want to scare her away. This wasn't supposed to be a date. And the way he wanted to take her hand, entwine their fingers, and stroke his thumb over her skin; that was definitely in the 'this is a date' realm.

Two, if he touched her. Even something as innocent as holding her hand. He knew it would escalate quickly. Her red lipstick would be smeared on her face and all over his lips.

Slow your roll.

He had a goal in mind. And he refused to deviate from it. Especially the more time he spent with her. Not to mention how well she got along with CeCe. He saw a future with her, and he was not about to mess it up because his cock jumped every time she was around him. Anytime she was near him, he either had a chub or full erection. Now, was no different. Hell, the moment he turned and saw her in that killer dress and sky-high heels that made her legs look a mile long, he'd had a full erection. Thankfully his jacket hid his desire.

"So…what's this fundraiser for, anyway?" Mercedes asked just as the car pulled up to the venue.

"It's to raise money for the homeless crisis in the city," Sam said.

"Oh, nice!"

He jumped out the car and walked around to her side to help Mercedes out. He offered his arm once more and Mercedes took it.

The building was an old historical building that had been turned into an events venue. As they walked inside, it was even more elegant than outside. Marble flooring, more pillars, and ornate walls and ceilings with glass domes featuring views of the night sky.

Beautifully decorated tables for dining were set up throughout the large space. A stage was set up front and center. A podium in the middle.

"I take it this will be an auction?"

"Yes, you are right."

"Ah, yes. Rich people doing rich people nonsense to raise money for the homeless, instead of using all the money to hold this event to feed a couple hundred of them instead." Mercedes shook her head.

"Welcome to capitalism."

"Welcome to America."

"I know it's not the best way. And all of this is more for show and a way for the rich in this city to give themselves a congratulatory pat on the back for 'doing some good' for the homeless community. But it is something, I guess. I try and do more separately from this. Since I own a restaurant and there are a lot of hungry people, I try to help where I can."

"Really? I didn't know."

"I think it's a bit disingenuous to do charitable things and then brag about it. 'Oh, look at me. I'm such a good person.'"

Mercedes chuckled at his joke.

"Well, I'm asking. It's not disingenuous to answer. So, what do you do?"

"Since my restaurant is mostly busy at night, in the afternoons on slower days, those in need come to have a free meal. No questions asked. If you're hungry, you can come eat. And then, I've started something in the last two years, where I hold a block party. I cater it. There's music and just little games for kids. Nothing big. I'm so busy with the restaurant, I can only do it a couple times a year. But each time, it gets bigger and bigger. So, people must like it." Sam shrugged.

"That's truly amazing, Sam. Don't downplay it."

Sam looked at Mercedes. She smiled at him sweetly. Her normally guarded light brown eyes, softened as she looked at him. With every interaction they had, it felt as if they were getting closer. Becoming more bonded. If he had to tear down her walls brick by brick, he would.

A waiter with a tray of champagne came towards them. Sam held up a hand and the young man came over.

"Champagne?" Sam asked Mercedes.

"Yes, please. I have a feeling I'm gonna need it."

He grabbed two flutes off the tray. The waiter walked off, leaving them alone once more.

Sam looked around the room. No one had sat down yet. Everyone was still mingling and sipping on their champagne.

As the room filled, he noticed that while there were some older men with young bombshells on their arms, Mercedes was by far the most gorgeous and blatantly sexy woman in the room. Her curves could not be ignored. And many eyes found her and stayed for longer than was appropriate. Many were gazes of appreciation. Others oozed with contempt or jealousy.

But Sam also knew that most of the people in attendance knew about his sordid past. He wouldn't doubt their opinion of him extended to his plus one.

One such couple Sam spotted and accidentally made eye contact with. They said something to each other and started heading his way.

"Here we go." Sam said low enough so that only Mercedes could hear him.

"What's up?" She immediately stiffened at his tone.

"Jesse St. James. An asshole financier who wouldn't back my restaurant because of my former career choice." Sam informed her.

Mercedes choked on the sip of champagne she'd just swallowed. She pressed a hand to her mouth and nose as she giggled.

"And I wonder how his family's fortune was made. I am sure slavery or something questionable contributed to his family's blue bood line.

"Exactly. And honestly," Sam leaned in closer to whisper in Mercedes's ear, "he's only mad because his wife tried cornering me at a party, and practically begged me to have sex with her. And he caught her in the middle of cupping my dick with her man sized hands."

Mercedes snorted even harder. She only had seconds to pull it together before the couple stopped in front of them. The St. Jameses looked them both up and down with disdain. Mrs. St. James raised a lofty eyebrow at Mercedes.

"St. James." Sam said by way of a greeting.

"Evans." Jesse said back just as blandly. "So, I see you haven't left your…disreputable beginnings."

The man looked Mercedes up and down. His meaning was clear. Clear enough that Sam felt Mercedes bristle next to him. Sam stepped forward, placing his date slightly behind him.

"You forget yourself, you rich prick." Sam stepped closer and stood over the shorter man. "I don't care if you insult me, but don't open your yapping jaw to say shit about my date. She's a college educated interior designer who runs her own successful design company. She has nothing to do with my past."

Mercedes poked her head around Sam's shoulder.

"And even if I did, what does it matter? Don't be in your feelings because his restaurant exceeded expectations to become a Michelin-starred establishment, and you aren't getting a piece of the pie."

Jesse stepped back, adjusted his jacket and straightened his spine.

"The nerve." His wife said. "You're both lucky to even be invited here."

"Lady and I use that term loosely because you were so happy to see Sam, I could see your lady boner from a mile away. Please don't act like you wouldn't jump him like a bitch in heat the minute your husband's back was turned." Mercedes said.

Mrs. St. James gasped and pressed a hand to her chest. Her mouth flapped opened and closed for several seconds. The guests closest to them had quieted their conversations to overhear the heated exchange.

"And another thing, because I wasn't finished before you so rudely interrupted me…" Mercedes turned to Jesse once more. "You're not only jealous because his business is soaring. But also, because he's better looking and your wife wants him. It's a condition you may not have heard of before. It's called Big Dick Envy. Not to be confused with Big Dick Energy. Which Sam has plenty of. Right, Mrs. St. James?"

The couple both gasped in disgust and stormed away. The surrounding crowd reacted in various levels of shock and glee.

Sam looked at Mercedes. He tried to keep his face and voice stern when he finally spoke.

"Mercedes, you don't have to get involved in my mess. I wouldn't want you to lose any clients because of me. They're powerful people in the city."

"Okay, now, say what you really want to say." Mercedes raised a brow and folded her arms across her middle.

Sam couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face.

"That was so awesome!"

They both fell into each other and laughed.

"Your tongue is as sharp as a katana blade."

"Truthfully, I was holding back."

They burst out with more laughter. Mercedes dabbed at her eyes with her fingers in an attempt to not smear her makeup.

"I have a visceral reaction to bullies. I don't care how wealthy or important someone is. They couldn't possibly be that important if they act like that. Because I won't allow people like that in my life. I don't care what fame and riches they can give me. I wouldn't lower myself." Mercedes said the last sentence as if she was imagining a cockroach she was about to step on. "So, don't worry about my clients. My work speaks for me."

She was confident as hell. Sam was so completely charmed and turned on by her. Someone who stood up for others. Didn't suffer fools. Ran her own business. And went after what she wanted.

Sam took a deep, calming breath and guided her to the table they were assigned. Old Sam would've taken her in the coat closet or wherever they could've found privacy in the building. New and improved Sam refused to let his desires for her get the best of him.

Just a little longer. She's softening. If you take her now, she's gonna run afterwards.

They found their name cards. Evans and Evans plus one. Sam pulled out Mercedes's chair and helped her slide forward. Then took his place next to her.

The table, like all the others, was big and round. The decorations were gold and white. The plates were white and trimmed with gold. The tablecloth was a pristine ivory and the centerpiece sparkling gold.

The table began to quickly fill. Sam recognized a few. One was a wealthy guy, Biff MacIntosh, who'd come to his restaurant a few times. He was another St. James a trust fund baby who never had to work for anything in his life. He didn't dislike Biff; it was who was on his arm that made Sam internally shake his head in defeat.

"This night just keeps getting better and better." Sam said and swallowed the rest of his champagne.

"Oh, Lord. What now?"

"An ex. Lucky for me, she's sitting at our table." His voice dripped with sarcasm. "And now, she's apparently dating a guy who is in line to inherit a billion dollars. I heard he only has friends because of his family's wealth that most people think he is a deviant simp?"

"Ooh! Where are they?!"

"She's the blonde at ten o'clock and he is next to her." He jerked his chin in her direction.

"Hmm… Interesting." Mercedes said thoughtfully.

"In what way?"

"She seems very reserved like she was president of her high school's chastity club. Just doesn't seem like your type. But…" Mercedes cocked her head to the side, "I don't really know your type, do I? I just figured that if you're… You know what? Never mind."

"What? You figured that since I find thick black women attractive that I couldn't find someone like her attractive?"

"Honestly? Yeah," she admitted.

Sam looked over at Quinn. Her blonde hair had been curled in big, soft waves for the evening. She was almost shockingly thin. Her eyes were big and hazel. Her face was pretty. She looked sweet but had the dirtiest mouth in bed he'd ever experienced outside of porn. Which, of course, for him was saying a lot.

She represented the last of his wholesome phase.

"I was looking for something. Someone. You know? Wholesome. Respectable. Someone to help me fit in, in this world. Someone who I could love and maybe she could love me and my daughter." Sam played with his glass' stemware.

"As much as you want that life, it just doesn't seem to fit you. Not that you're some one-dimensional guy who sleeps around and has a new bimbo on his arm every week. But you seem like a guy who needs passion in his life. Spontaneity. And to be surrounded by good people regardless of their status or occupation. People who are making a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Not saying she can't be that type of person. But she just oozes fakeness behind the prim and proper future Stepford Wife."

"She actually has a filthy mouth in bed."

Mercedes turned and gave him a shocked face. "You don't say?!"

"I do." Sam chuckled.

"Well, there I go being just as bad as the couple I just shamed. Judging a book by its cover."

"Oh, you're actually not that far off. The book cover is accurate, maybe just a different title."

"Ha!" Mercedes laughed.

The outburst drew a few eyes. Quinn's in particular. Her eyes widened a bit. Just by the look on her face, he could tell that she'd expected to see him, just not at the same table. Her eyes moved to Mercedes. Her lips pinched with jealousy.

"Yeah, the dirty talk was about the only exciting thing. She definitely plays performative Christianity. And tries to uphold a squeaky-clean reputation in the hopes of finding a wealthy husband. Which is why she dumped me. I wasn't sanitized enough for her. My past a little too messy. Can't exactly bring a former porn star home to mom and dad." Sam shrugged.

"I think it's about time you find a more accepting crowd. You need to find successful people who are salt of the earth types. Those who weren't born into it, but worked their asses off for it. I have a strong feeling they'll be more accepting of you and your past. Which, again is nothing to be ashamed of. It got you here, didn't it?" Mercedes nudged his shoulder with hers.

"It did." Sam nodded. "And you're right."

"Mercedes waved him away as if being right wasn't a big deal. "Get used to it. I think I'm always right."

It was his turn to shout out with laughter.

"Why do I believe that?"

"Because it's true. You might as well accept it now." She sighed as if it was such a heavy burden to bear. "But in all seriousness, Sam, you don't even like these people. You haven't mentioned one redeeming quality about any of them. Why surround yourself with them?"

"I don't know. A stupid dream from right after my family lost it all. To once again be accepted by the wealthy and be among the wealthiest in America. Dumb. I know."

"Well, maybe not for a teenager. But definitely now for a…"

"Forty-five."

"…for a forty-five-year-old man. You've seen behind the curtain. And it isn't worth it."

"What's so funny?" Quinn said from behind them.

She must have gotten up at some point, maybe to use the bathroom. And then made a point of stopping to speak.

Mercedes looked back at her and raised an eyebrow.

"Noneya." Mercedes said under her breath.

Sam choked and then started coughing.

"What?!"

"Quinn, I thought you didn't want to have anything to do with me?"

"I was just trying to be friendly."

"No you are not or you would've just said 'hello' and then moved on. There's no need to force unnecessary conversation. That's what your new man is for." Sam was quick and to the point.

"Ugh! Fine." She threw her hands up. "I just came over to congratulate you on finding someone from your world."

"I'm sick of y'all uppity white ignoramuses assuming I'm in the porn industry. You do know if you take that big stick out of your ass, you could be sexy, too. But thanks for thinking I am sexy enough to be in porn. I think you are a bit bicurious. It's probably why you with that pretty boy rich dude with no dick game over there. He looks like he literally screws fish and get blowjobs from squid with his tiny pecker. I bet you wear a strap on when you have sex and you enjoy making him feel just like the little bitch you are."

"You're classless and disgusting." Quinn hissed at both of them.

"And you look constipated. Go to the bathroom and see if you can push that log out."

Quinn huffed and walked away.

She'd probably never been insulted like that in her whole privileged life.

Mercedes leaned into him, drawing his attention back to her.

"You said the night couldn't get any worse. Honestly, I'm having a blast." Mercedes shrugged.

Sam hooted out in laughter and then shoved his fist to his mouth to stifle it. He drew the whole table's attention. He quickly held up his hand in the universal sign of 'sorry, don't mind me.'

And Mercedes was right. He was having a blast. Because of her.

She is a dream come true. A woman who challenges you, supports you, stands up for you, arouses you in more ways than one, and makes you laugh. This is what I want. And I'll get it.

Even if I have to fight her for it. Sam thought to himself knowing the battle he had to prove to Mercedes that he was willing to fight and persevere to tear down all of her walls. He would be her hero. He would take away her pain and stand by her forever.