"I'm not going to break her heart"

"Maybe not on purpose, but you will..."

It had been over 24 hours since Sam had left Mercedes' apartment but he could still hear Kurt's words ringing in his head. Was he right? Sam didn't consider himself a heartbreaker but he would have to be delusional not to admit that he did turn into the love 'em and leave 'em type after what happened with Quinn. He always prided himself on being upfront with every woman the he was with but even then he knew that some women took it harder than others when he ultimately left.

Sam rubbed his hand over his face. He desperately needed a shave but he couldn't be bothered to get off the couch. He wished he was still over at Mercedes' place and still in that little bubble they were in Saturday morning before Kurt burst it with his high pitched squeal. Sam wanted to be mad at Kurt for coming at him the way he did, but he couldn't blame him. No matter how much Sam hated to admit it Kurt wasn't wrong when he accused him of being the type of man that broke women's hearts. He had turned into that man after Quinn and he not reason to stop being that guy.

Until Mercedes.

He didn't believe in love at first sight or falling in love with someone after having sex the first time like in cheesy romance novels but he did feel different after being with Mercedes. Usually after sex he wanted to be as far away from the woman as possible because he didn't want her getting the wrong idea. With Mercedes leaving her apartment yesterday morning was one of the hardest things he had ever done. He knew that if Kurt hadn't shown up and she'd allowed it he would probably still be there right now.

Sam didn't know what to do in regards to Mercedes. It would be so easy to start something up with her. Too easy to start up some covert affair, but is that really what he wanted with her? Sure, the sex was amazing but was that all he wanted? Was it all she wanted? Sam had been asking himself that same question over and over again since he left her apartment and he still didn't have an answer. He didn't do relationships-he hadn't even attempted one since Quinn so he honestly didn't know if he would be good for Mercedes. He liked her a lot and she got under his skin in a way that no other woman ever had but he didn't think that was enough. Kurt was right, he would just hurt her eventually.

Sam squeezed his eyes shut at the thought and sighed. He didn't know what to do. The right thing would be to sit her down and talk to her but what would he say? That he wanted to be with her, but he didn't think it would work out because he didn't know the first thing about being in a relationship? Sam needed time to figure out what he wanted and more importantly what he had to give but he needed space to do that. In a normal situation it would be no problem, but this wasn't a normal situation. This wasn't some random woman he could just hold at arm's length while he got his shit straightened out, she was also his employee. Unless he planned on taking an undetermined amount of leave from work then he was going to have to see her every single day. Mercedes didn't seem like the type to suffer fools lightly and she also didn't seem like the type to sleep around so it he had no doubt that sleeping together meant something to her as well. But what? Did she want to have a monogamous sexual relationship but leave the emotions out of it, or did she want more? Sam was so confused and with every question he became even more so. Relationships were hard and this is why he didn't bother with them. Not only did you have to worry about your own crazy emotions and feelings but you had to take in consideration someone else's.

After what seemed like hours Sam was still at a standstill mentally and emotionally. He didn't know how to handle the thing with Mercedes just yet so he decided to take the cowardly route. If he talked to her now he would make things worse instead of better, but if he didn't talk to her at all he wouldn't have to worry about his foot inserting his mouth. It was a horrible plan and Sam knew it but it would have to do for now. He knew the impression he would be giving and he hated it but in his mind it would all work out in the end...at least he hoped it did.

Before Sam could go around yet again his cell phone rang. He looked down at the caller ID and groaned—it was Quinn.

"Hello." He said curtly, he wanted this conversation over as quickly as possible.

"Hi, Sam." Quinn said softly. "How have you been?"

"Cut the crap Quinn, you didn't call me to ask how I've been."

"Fine, you're right." She snapped back, "Did you talk to Stevie?"

Sam's mood instantly darkened as he played back the conversation with his brother. He still couldn't believe how dismissive he had been about a child that was possibly his.

"Yes, we spoke."

"And?"

"And, he admitted that the baby could be his."

"And?" Quinn asked impatiently.

"And...and he said he wanted nothing to do with you or the kid. I'm sorry."

There was silence on the other end.

"Quinn?"

"I don't accept that." Quinn said angrily, "I know it's a shock but I refuse to be cast aside like garbage. I didn't get pregnant by myself and I will not go through this alone. You have to talk to him again."

Sam sighed, "I can't force Stevie to be there for you Quinn and you can't force him either. If he doesn't want to be a dad to his kid then he's an asshole but don't stress yourself about it, especially right now."

"NO!" Quinn screamed, "NO! I am not doing this alone, I'm not!"

Sam sighed heavily again when he heard Quinn start to cry on the other end of the phone. He could have happily kicked Stevie's ass for getting caught up with Quinn Fabray of all people. If it had been any other woman then it would have just been his problem but since he decided to screw around with Sam's ex-fiancé then it became both of their problems.

"Look, Quinn—hey, listen! I'll talk to him again but I'm not making any promises, okay? At some point you're either going to have to talk to him face to face your damn self or just let it go. I'm not going to continue to be the go between with you two. Got it?"

"Fine," Quinn sniffed petulantly, "I got it."

After exchanging quick goodbyes Sam gratefully hung up the phone. He shook his head as he thought how close he'd come to having Quinn for his wife. Just the thought of that made Sam's skin crawl now, what had he ever seen in her? Sure she was a beautiful woman but she was about as deep as a teaspoon of water on a good day. There had to have been something that made him think she was wife-worthy material but for the life of him he couldn't seem to recall it. Sam pondered on it a while longer and he still couldn't come up with an answer. The only thing he was sure of was that talking with Quinn reminded him yet again how much he sucked at relationships and if he was going to get into one with Mercedes then he had better be damn sure he was ready for it.

On Monday morning Sam sat in his car and ran over all the reasons why ignoring Mercedes would be the right way to go. He had a long list of pros but he only had one con and it outweighed all the pros—he missed her. It had only been about two days so he didn't technically really miss her yet but he knew that if he ignored her then he would eventually. His plan sucked and he knew it but he was sticking to his guns.

As he made his way up the elevator to his office he worked to steel himself to walk past Mercedes. Once the doors slid open he took a second to look at her sitting at the desk. She had her hair pulled back in a ponytail that left her neck exposed and he groaned softly as the memory of what her neck tasted like came rushing back. All thoughts of the plans almost went out the window but Sam pulled himself back from that ledge. He marched past Mercedes' desk and tried his hardest to ignore the clench in his gut when he saw the look of confused disappointment cross her face. Once inside his office he leaned against his closed door and released a deep breath. This week was going to suck.

And it did.

By the time Friday rolled around Sam was ready to pull his hair out by the roots. He and Mercedes had settled into a stilted, curt work relationship that he absolutely hated. She was back to calling him Mr. Evans and she would barely make eye contact with him anymore. He knew this was all happening because he was an emotional cripple that couldn't even enter into a relationship like a normal person and he hated himself for it. He missed her terribly and he was at the point now where he was finally ready to let go of all his inhibitions when it came to relationships and just hope for the best. He wanted her desperately and he needed her just as much but he had fucked things up so badly between them that he wouldn't blame her if she never wanted to have anything to do with him again.

As the day wound down to a close Sam contemplated going to Mercedes and asking her if she would be interested in going to dinner with him to discuss things. He knew that he would probably give her whiplash with the complete 180° he was about to do but he hoped that maybe she missed him as much as he missed her and because of it she would give the emotional cripple a chance.

Sam's latest plan of action was thwarted when he heard voices outside his office before his little brother invited himself into his office.

"Well, what do you know? You didn't fall off the face of the Earth? I was beginning to get worried since I haven't been able to find you this past week." Sam said sarcastically.

"Sorry about that," Stevie responded back insincerely, "something came up, if you know what I mean."

Sam rolled his eyes, "what's her name?"

"Crystal. I want you to meet her so why don't you join us for dinner tonight?"

"First of all, I'd rather be dead than hang out with whatever bimbo you chose for tonight's entertainment. And secondly, why would I bother meeting someone that's not going to be around next week?"

It was Stevie's turn to roll his eyes.

"You don't have to come, asshole. I just thought I be kind and extend the invitation."

"Speaking of invitations, have you called Quinn yet?"

"What the hell...what does that have to do with invitations?"

"Nothing, just answer the damn question."

"No, I haven't talked to her and I'm not going to. Stay out of this Sam, you're not Dad, you can't order me around and expect me to do as I'm told."

"You're going to throw the dad thing at me Stevie? Really?" Sam demanded angrily, "What do you think Dad would be saying right now if he knew that you were denying his grandchild?"

"We don't know if that's my kid for sure and I'll be damned before I deal with Quinn's crazy ass for 7 or 8 months only to find out later she got knocked up by some pool boy again."

"So, you're just going to let her do this alone?"

"Yep." Stevie said coldly. "Are we done here? I gotta drop Matt off and get home so I can get dressed for dinner."

"Matt's here?"

"Yeah, he's outside with Merced—hey!" Sam heard Stevie yelp in surprise as he pushed past him and headed towards Mercedes' desk. When he got there he found Matt standing too damn close to Mercedes as she eyed him warily. Sam felt his blood began to boil, the last thing he needed today was to have to watch Matt's slimy ass put the moves on Mercedes.

"What the hell are you doing here, Matt?"

Well, hello to you too Sam. How have you been?" Matt asked sarcastically.

"Cut the bullshit, why are you here?"

"Sam!" Stevie called out, "dude, chill out, he's with me."

"Why?"

"We're heading to dinner, you remember the dinner right? The one I just invited you to but you said you'd rather die than come?"

Sam had the good grace to look sheepish and he muttered a quick apology under his breath that he knew no one could probably understand.

As Matt began to talk Sam gritted his teeth and tried to ignore how with every word Matt shifted a little bit closer to Mercedes. He was so fixated on trying to control himself so that he didn't snatch Mercedes away from Matt's grasp that he almost missed him saying that he had invited Mercedes to dinner and she had accepted.

Sam snapped his head towards Mercedes in disbelief.

"Actually no, I told you I couldn't come."

"No, you told me that Sam wouldn't approve but I don't think that he would have any problem with it. Would you Sam?"

Sam glared at Matt. That son of a bitch backed him into a corner yet again and he knew it. In that moment Sam realized that he hated Matt and he was pretty sure that the feeling was mutual.

"If you're worried about things being weird, don't be. You are more than welcome to join us, in fact I insist, my date would love to have another woman to talk to." Sam groaned under his breath as he listened to his brother attempt to help the situation.

Sam listened as Mercedes stuttered a response and his stomach dropped when he heard her accept the invitation. She was free to go anywhere with anyone but he had sincerely hoped that person wouldn't be Matt, or any other man for that matter. He knew he had no right to be possessive but he was and the idea of her going out on a yet another date with Matt when they haven't been on any burned Sam up inside.

Before he could question the wisdom of his decision Sam blurted out, ""I've changed my mind, I'd love to go out to dinner with you guys."

He looked at the varying reactions in the room. Matt gave him a challenging look while Mercedes looked alarmed but slightly relieved and Stevie seemed confused by the sudden change of events.

"That's great man, I'll call ahead and make a reservation at 7 for a table for 5."

Since today seemed like the day for bad decisions, Sam decided to make one more, "Actually, go ahead and make it a table for 6."

Sam tried his best to ignore the hurt look that blossomed on Mercedes' face at his words. He knew what that punch to the gut feeling felt like when you heard the person you were interested in was going on a date with someone else. He hated making her feel that way but in this instance he didn't have a choice. He didn't know when he would have the opportunity again and even though he hated throwing his date in her face ultimately his plus one didn't have anything to do with her and he hoped that he would be able to get that through to her at some point.

"Uh, well okay then...I didn't realize you were dating anyone."

Sam took his eyes off of Mercedes and focused on his brother's query. He could play along but he didn't want Mercedes to have any more ammunition against him, so he didn't confirm or deny.

"Well, we all have our secrets, don't we Stevie."

Sam watched as his brothers eye's narrowed slightly but his expression quickly cleared and he turned his attention to Mercedes. Stevie offered to have a driver pick her up but Sam quickly interjected and offered to pick her up himself. Even as the words left his mouth he realized how ridiculous they sounded. She was somebody else's date and he had one of his own but he wanted to go out of his way to pick her up when he didn't have to. Stevie was quick to point out everything Sam had already realized but he simply blew him off and turned back to Mercedes.

"I'll come and get you, okay?"

Sam held his breath as he waited for her response. She was looking at him as if he were crazy but she didn't turn him down, much to his delight.

Once he got her approval he shot a smug glance to Matt and asked him if it were okay. Matt glared back at him and started to say that he wasn't okay with it but Sam cut him off before he could.

After that quick exchange Stevie and Matt said their goodbyes before getting on the elevator and heading down to the parking garage. Once they were gone the silence in the room was suffocating. Sam didn't know what to say but he was saved the trouble by Mercedes soft voice saying something he didn't want to hear,

"You don't have to pick me up, I have a car."

"I said I would, didn't I?" Sam said more harshly than he intended.

"And why did you do that, huh? Are you so worried about what might happen between me and Matt that you feel the need to cockblock at every turn?"

Sam stared at Mercedes in disbelief, did she really just accuse him of being a cockblock between her and Matt? All the possessive, jealous feelings that Sam tried to beat back earlier came rushing back.

"Nothing is ever going to happen between you and Matt. Do you understand me?"

"Don't start that bullshit again, you don't own me Sam…I'm not yours."

Sam's heart clenched at her words. She was right, but it hurt like hell to hear it.

"You're right and I'm sorry. You're not…you're not mine and I'm not yours."

Sam choked the words out as he watched as Mercedes blinked rapidly and avoided his gaze.

"You really don't have to take me, you know." She said softly.

"I know. I want to." He whispered back.

"Why?"

"Because…I just…I mis…I don't trust Matt."

Sam stopped himself from telling her that he missed her because he didn't feel like it was the right time, especially now that they were about to go on a triple-date with other people.

"I can handle Matt."

Sam wished he could believe that, he really did but he didn't. The old happy-go-lucky Matt from college that Mercedes could handle with ease was long gone and Sam didn't even know why he didn't realize it sooner. There was something more going on there with Matt but he didn't have the time to figure it out. Sam just hoped Matt kept Mercedes out of whatever vendetta he had against him.

"Don't underestimate him, okay? He's different than when were in college…very different. I just don't want you to be hurt."

Mercedes muttered something under his breath that he didn't understand and considering that it was probably a dig against him he was glad he didn't.

"So is 6:30 good for you?"

"No. Look, Sam I appreciate the offer but I really have to decline. I promise I won't go with Matt but I don't need you to take me either."

Sam ignored his hurt feelings and took the bad with the good. She wasn't going with him but he believed her when she said she wasn't going with Matt either.

"Fair enough. I'll see you there." He said with a forced smile.

"See you." Sam watched as Mercedes gathered up her things before making a quick exit. Once she was out of sight he went back to his office and picked up his cell phone.

"Hello?"

"Quinn Fabray, I hope you don't have any plans tonight because I'm taking you out to dinner."

"Uh…okay," came the surprised reply on the other end.

"Will you be ready by 6:30?"

"Yeah, I can be ready, but what's with the sudden change of heart? A couple days ago you could barely have a conversation with me on the phone and now you want to have dinner with me?"

"Let's just say we have a common goal. The quicker you get your shit figured out with Stevie the sooner you're out of my hair."

"What does Stevie have to do with this?"

"He invited me to dinner and I told him I was bringing a guest."

"Is that a good idea? I wanted to talk to him privately and I can't really do that in a crowded restaurant."

"Look, Quinn, Stevie has no intention of talking to you in private or in public or anywhere else for that matter. You need to stop playing by his rules and create some of your own. Stop letting him make all the calls because I guarantee if you do you will be having and raising that baby all by your damn self."

"Okay, I'll come." Quinn said timidly.

"Good, see you in a couple hours."

Sam hung up and after making a few more work calls he headed home. After a quick shower he threw on a simple pair of grey slacks with a black button down tucked in it. He sent a text to Quinn to letting her know he was on his way and he headed out the door. 15 minutes later he made his way to Quinn's hotel and he found her standing nervously by the doorman.

"Why are you out here? I would've come up and got you."

"No, its fine I just…I didn't want to miss you."

Sam noticed the way Quinn was gripping her hands together and Sam realized if she didn't calm down she would be an emotional mess and an emotional Quinn was a crazy Quinn.

"Hey, Quinn, calm down. It'll be fine. Stevie may be an insensitive asshole but he hates to make scenes. He may want to freak-out on the inside when he sees you but he'll put up a front and nobody will ever suspect it."

"I don't want him to freak-out, I just want him to talk to me."

"Well, short of hog tying him to a chair and forcing him to listen this is your best bet."

"Okay," Quinn blew out a deep breath, "let's go before I change my mind."

On the way to the restaurant Sam listened as Quinn muttered to herself under her breath as she stared out the window. He hoped this plan worked because he needed Quinn off his hands so he could focus on Mercedes. Between the week of ignoring her and bringing a date to dinner he was going to have a lot of explaining to do but he hoped she gave him a chance. Sam promised himself that after the dinner from hell there would be no more games. He would tell Mercedes how he felt and hopefully she would feel the same.

Because of an unexpected detour they ended up a few minutes late for the dinner. Sam shot Steve a quick text to let him know that they were in the parking lot before turning his attention to Quinn. Her muttering had stopped but now she had taken to biting her nails which he knew she only did when she was extremely nervous. He once again gave her a quick pep talk before practically dragging her out of the car and guiding her into the restaurant. Once inside they were ushered to their table by the maître d, it wasn't until they first saw the occupants of the table and Quinn let out a small gasp did Sam realize that it probably would have been a good idea to mention the whole 'triple-date' thing to her. He was so worried about getting her there that he completely forgot about Stevie's skank of the week, Crystal. Suddenly it seemed that yet another one of his not-so great plans was about to go up in smoke.

Once they came in full view of the table Sam watched as Stevie's eyes widened before they quickly turned murderous. His busty date gave Quinn a bored look before looking at him and getting a speculative gleam in her eye. As they got closer he heard Stevie practically hiss,

"I can't believe that asshole would bring her!"

At that Mercedes head turned towards them and Sam was shocked by what he saw. Mercedes always looked good but tonight she looked downright sultry. Sam refused to believe that she got all dressed up for Matt but he wasn't confident that it was for him either. Her eyes lit up slightly when she saw him but they quickly dimmed when she got a glimpse of Quinn timidly trailing behind him.

Sam inwardly groaned as he heard Matt say, "This is going to be good."

Let the dinner from Hell commence.