DISCLAIMER: I own no rights to glee nor it's characters.
Enjoy.
Waking up Monday morning isn't as exciting as other Mondays. I mean no Monday is exciting, but I have a feeling that this one is going to be unbearable. Siting up, l check my phone and see a picture message from Marley. Unlike Brittany's risqué picture messages, Marley is simply a picture of her in one of the new dresses she bought.
I shoot her a quick text before checking my email. Today wasn't going to be very busy. However. we were getting some new equipment in today that I was going to end up signing for. There are no specific messages from Sam, not that I thought there would be.
Getting out of bed, I shower and pull on a Navy blue dress and slightly oversized black cardigan with a pair of flats.I wasn't in the mood for heels. Checking my hair in the mirror, I smile at the fact that I actually had it cut. I pull it over my shoulders to look at before putting in a high ponytail, letting some pieces frame my face. With the weather changing a bit, I opted for glasses instead of contacts.
Looking like a sexy librarian, I grab my things and head out. As I'm riding the elevator, I can't help but become nervous about riding to work with Sam. Would he say something? Maybe hell just give me the silent treatment. The answer becomes blatanty clear when I get to the car and Sam isn't there. When I ask the driver, he says that Sam will be running late. Yeah right.
When I get to work, I go through the usual steps of getting things started. I turn on my computer, check my messages, check Sam's messages, get coffee, and start working up files. However, adding an extra task, I make my way across the office to see Marley. We talk briefly about some weekend plans and for some reason, I feel a lot better having a real friend in my corner to take my mind off of Sam problems.
As l'm typing an email, my mind drifts to Friday night. Sex with Sam was amazing and a part of me missed it so much. However, the following events that occurred leave a bitter taste in my mouth like wine that's been in the fridge too long without a cork. The great sex is clouded by the look on Sam's face as he walked about like I was nothing to him.
Maybe l'm not anymore. Maybe all that talk about caring for me was bullshit, because this could have been handled with a simple conversation had he given me a chance to speak. Getting angry isn't going to fix anything.
Because I'm sure as hell used to people pretending they care and then throwing it in my face. I shouldn't be surprised that Sam did the same. I'm not saying he and Brody are the same, but they both hurt me. And yes, I lied to Sam. I went behind his back, but had I not I would have never found out what he was into. I would have cuddle and eventually had sex with a man who goes out on Fridays to anonymously have sex with other woman.
I was just saving myself the trouble of finding out down the road. Throwing myself into work, I send emails, answer falls, and file things. All the while, Sam still isn't here and it's almost 10am. Frustrated and irritated, I can't think about that because a delivery guy shows up with three oversized boxes. Signing for them, I take them in Sam's office and sit them on the floor.
Grabbing an envelope cutter, I slide the tape on the boxes and see that it's some shelves that need to be put together:Will nothing else to do, but waste time, I kick off my shoes and spread the pieces out of Sam's carpet. Playing music on my phone, sitting in the middle of the floor, I sing along to bleeding in love by Leona Lewis. l get so into it, I end up singing into a small screw driver I found in Sam's desk. l completely stop working and starting singing out loud, thinking l'm alone in this office.
The songs fills me with an overflowing amount of joy for some reason and I sit up my knees, singing louder. Suddenly from behind, I hear someone singing too. Turning around, Marley has her own air microphone as she comes to me. Taking my hand, she pulls me to my feet and we start dancing. As Marley is twirling me, I catch sight of someone at the door. My feet plant and Marley turns.
Sam is standing at the door, leaning against the frame. Staring at us, Marley clears her throat.
"Well, I left some lunch on your desk. I'll talk to you later." And with that she walks out, slipping past Sam like he has lava on his skin. I don't blame her.
He looks pissed. Here we go.
"What are you doing?" He asks. Finally, words. His eyes scan over me for a moment, stopping on my shorter hair.
"Uh, you got a package and I've been putting it together"
He nods. "Looks like you were dancing around my office like a child. This is an office, Ms. Jones."
Seriously? Now he can't he use my first name. "Sorry. I just got a little into the song" Sitting back on my knees, I pick the instructions up and resume what I was doing.
Walking around me, Sam takes a seat at his desk. I don't look at him. I just pretend like he isn't here. Unfortunately, that's harder than it seems. Tension grows between us and it becomes increasingly hard to keep up this calm front. I'm nervous and on edge, wishing we could just talk about that stupid club. As I finish putting together- the tall shelf, I shoot Sam a look and he points to an empty wall space.The shelf isn't heavy, but it wouldn't kill the man to help. Getting it in place, I notice a large box of things and I assume they are going on this shelf.
Looking over my shoulder, I look at Sam and he's observing me while talking on the phone. I start with the lower shelves, putting books and things on them, making my way up to the bigger items. Picking up a heavy glass bowl, I figure it could look nice on one of the higher shelves. On my tip toes, I try to get it up there, but I'm just shy of an inch or so. As if karma is biting me in my ass, I lose my footing and the bowl slips from my fingers. I manage to turn my face and it hits me right in the temple. Hissing loudly, I somehow catch it, before taking a step back.
Behind me I hear, Sam hang up the phone. The bowl hurt, but not enough for tears so imagine my surprise when l start crying.
Mercy, are you okay?" Sam asks and I notice him reaching for me.
Holding my face, I flinch away from him. "Don't touch me! I'm fine." I spit at him.
"Mercy, just stop and let me..."
"Just please leave me alone." My voice cracks and I turn, storming out of his office.
In the bathroom, I stand in the mirror, face slightly red as I assess the small bruise forming over my temple. What I can't seem to figure out is why the fuck am I still crying? Why?! Nothing good is coming from standing here sobbing like my heart's been fucking broken or something Snatching a few napkins, I dry my eyes and splash some water on my face.
When I'm at an emotional level safe enough to continue working without bursting out in tears, I make my way back to the office.Walking in, I don't look toward Sam, but I can feel him watching me. I sit at my desk and go through some new emails, eating the chicken tacos Marley left on my desk. Thankfully they are still hot.
For the rest of the day, I'm pretty numb to everything going on around me. I do my work and keep quiet. If Sam needs something he ask and I do it. Nothing more or less. As the evening rolls in, I think I'm about to go home when Sam requests that I stay late, because he needs help a project.
Can't say no to the boss. At 9 that night, the office is mostly empty give or take a few janitors. Siting at Sam's desk, I'm rearranging a seating chart for some charity even coming up for the magazine. Apparently it's a big deal to the company though I don't know what charity they are giving to. I want to ask, but I don't.
Sam is siting across from me, going through some files for the project. Neither of us is saying anything. but silence speaks volume. Or so I've heard. After an hour of placing names on little sticky notes, my wrist is sore. I shouldn't have put so much pressure on it from typing, shelf building, and now this. Stopping for a moment, I rub my wrist a bit, sighing deeply. I'm so ready to go home.
"Something wrong?" Sam mumbles from behind a piece of paper.
"I'm fine."
"Sure you are." He says under his breath and I frown.
What's that supposed to mean"
Putting the paper down, Sam looks at me. "You're not fine.You're in pain, but you're too stubborn to say anything, If you're ready to go then just say so. The rest can wait till tomorrow. I just wanted to get a head start."
"I'm not stubborn."
Sam snorts."Yeah, sure."
"And coming from you that's real rich" I say as I begin gathering the multiple colors of markers I was using. Sam doesn't reply to my statement and I take that as a sign that I should go. When I'm done straightening things for the night, I go to grab my things when Sam called my name.
"Mercedes, wait"
"What Samuel!" I turn and he is standing
"Can we talk about this?"
"Talk about what?"
"You know what" He rolls his eyes.
"When I wanted to talk about it. you treated me like some whore you didn't even know. So no, I don't want to talk to you right now." Not giving him a chance to speak again, I storm out of the office. I understand that we should talk about things, but Sam isn't allowed to walk around having mood swings all day. He can't treat me like crap one minute and then pretend to care the next. It doesn't work like that.
At the car, the driver tells me that we have to wait for Sam before we can go. Wanting to be as far away from Sam, l decide to just walk until I catch a cab. Sounds like a shitty idea considering I just walked away from a private driver, but l just really need some air to think.
After walking a few blocks, I get tired of walking so I dip into a bar for a few drinks. By few I mean a lot. Enough to make me stop thinking about Sam. Fun fact about alcohol. You never know when you've had enough until you already drunk. Like really drunk and the fact that it's only Monday makes it worse. Around II,I pull myself away from the bar to leave.
By the time I catch a cab, the soft sound of thunder lets me know that I rain is close behind. After a 20 minute drive, it starts pouring. From the cab to the lobby door, I manage to get soaked from head to toe. Just great. More Karma l suppose. On the elevator,I lean against the wall, closing my eyes.
As l'm reaching for my floor button, I stop and suddenly. I press the button for Sam's floor. Why? don't know. I don't know what l'm going to say or do, but the alcohol says
"Go for it, girl!" So why not?
When I get to his floor, I march up to his door, my shoes making a weird slushing sound as left over water soaks into the carpet. Stumbling up to his door,cI bang on it a few times before bending down and taking off my shoes, dropping them by his door. I'll get them later. Maybe. I'm about to bang on the door again, it swings open and l end up knocking Sam's chest.
"Mercy, what are you doing here!"
"I have something to say to you, bud. I lied and I know that's bad. I know it is, but you lied too. You lied every time I asked about your plans on Fridays. Business dinners? Really? You lied about what happens at the club. So yes, I got Brittany to get me in, but only because I was tired of you lying to me! l'm tired of feeling guilty for doing something you've been doing all along! And then having the nerve to pretend to have feelings for me. It's not like you'd every quit going to the club for me.
I just...I just...Oh God"Vomit begins rising in my throat and I cover my mouth, pushing past Sam to get to his bathroom. I don't even make it past the kitchen, but thankfully there's a trashcan. Chunking up my life, tears stream down my face and my throat burns as acid rips through it. With my head in the trash, I feel my hair being swept out of my face.
"Get away from me."I cough out, still half dry heaving
"No, I'm not going to get away from you, Mercy. Your head is in my trash can. You're obviously drunk because the whole time you were yelling, your breath smelled like vodka."
His calm rational voice just makes me angrier at him. When I'm finally done, I straighten and step away from Sam.
"I should go. l'm sorry I even stopped by'" I go to step around him and he grabs my arm.
"Mercedes, wait"
Stopping. I turn to him, his eyes driving into me like an 18 wheeler. The way he's looking at me now isn't the same as the other night. I"l never get that look out of my head. I'll never get the way he treated me out of my head or off my skin. It wasn't Sam.
"Sam, I can't."
"Mercy. please let me explain."
"Explain what? There's nothing to explain."
"Yes, there is and if you just be quiet for a second, I can tell you. Look, I was angry, but I'm not anymore. I shouldn't have lied to you about it. I should've just told you from the start. It was complicated and I didn't know if you'd accept it, but I never lied about my feelings for you. What I did that night was...unforgivable and I know I hurt you.
I did it on purpose because I assumed the only reason you were there was for Sex.And I didn't hear you complaining in that hallway"
I cringe at his words, stepping further away from him."Is that how little you think of me!"
"I mean, I didn't know it then, but you let Brittany spread you out for the world to see and you loved it. What was I supposed to think"
I feel more vomit try to come up, but this time it isn't from the alcohol. Tears swell in my eyes and I shift my weight from one foot to the other.
"I never planned that. It just happened and here you are letting it define me. And honestly, you're one to talk. You go there every weekend. Don't tell me you just stand around and converse while everyone else fucks around.'"
Sam doesn't reply and I know l'm right.
"Wow. So if l'd never found out, you'd just be sleeping with me every day then fucking your brains out on Friday nights while I sit at home thinking you're having a business meeting? That's just rich.
Look, just forget it. We aren't getting anywhere with this. Whatever we were starting to have is over. Go back to your club and fuck whoever you want."
When I go to leave this time, he lets me.I feel lower than low and it isn't from the drinking. I just feel like stt now and all I want is to take a shower and go to sleep. The days following the "talk", if you can call it that, Sam and I barely even look at one another if it doesn't involve work. I don't blame him and I'm sure he doesn't blame me. However, I don't hate him. I just don't see anything coming from having feelings for him. He clearly doesn't want to give up the club and I just..well I don't know.
When Marley picks up on the tension, I crack and tell her everything expect for the parts about the club. I simply say, Sam doesn't want to commit. She buys it and all is right in the world. In her opinion she says that we should just give it time for Sam to see the error of his ways, claiming that Sam has liked me from the first day we met. I find that hard to believe.
However, I wish she were right. I wish there was a possibility of restoring what we had, but I can't settle for a man who isn't satisfied with me being able to fully please him. No woman should have to feel like they aren't good enough.
By Friday, we've fallen into some cold plastic routine of meetings and awkward eye contact. To top it all off, I have this date with Travis that I never really wanted to go on in the first place. I could cancel, but for what?I have nothing holding me back or stopping me. I've already told Marley about it and she wouldn't let me back down if I wanted so I might as well go. After work, I fix myself something to eat before even thinking about getting ready.
God, why did I agree to this? After taking my precious time getting dressed and somewhat cute, I gather my things to head to the lobby. As if sensing my hesitation, Marley texts me to make sure I'm actually going. As much as l'd wish to just sit on the couch and eat ice cream, I understand Marley's pushiness. She doesn't wanting me moping around about Sam. They are close, but she's still a girl and must relate to pining over a guy. When I get down to the lobby.
I see Travis getting out of his car.A very nice car. When he sees me coming out of the bilding, his eyes light up a bit.
"Wow.You look amazing" He smiles as he opens the passenger door.
"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself" I eye him in a shirt that doesn't have a band on it. Thankfully he's casual or l'd feel under dressed in my black skinny jeans and flats. I made sure the shirt was nice so I didn't look too laid back. As I'm puting on my seat belt, Travis gets in and looks at Me.
"So where are you taking me?" l ask
"it's a surprise."
I think I've had about enough of surprises, but I'll bite.
Travis drives about I5 minutes before pulling up to a rather tall building, When I ask what the building is, he simply says that it's not important. Hm, I'm not so sure about this one, but instead of saying anything. I go along with it. If I get a bad vibe then l'll kick him in, the nuts and flee.
We walk up to the door and there's a security guy standing there."Hello, Mr. Marks"
"Larry" Travis says, shooting him a smile and what looks like a 100 dollar bll. I take it that these two know each other. Inside the empty building. Travis takes my hand in his, leading me to the elevator.
"Okay, really, where are we going?" I force a laugh when I'm actually getting quite nervous.
"Trust me, Mercedes. You're going to love it"
Ha! Trust him. A guy I've only met once. ONCE! Yeah right. I'd trust a junkie on the corner telling me the world is coming to an end before I trust this man.
Travis gives my hand a firm squeeze as we get on the elevator and che doors close. Silence falls between us, but on Travis face there's a satisfactory smile. I can only wonder what he has up his sleeve.
Speaking of up, after a few seconds, I realize we are passing every floor in this building. What the heck? "Um, aren't we supposed to get off eventually?"
"Yup"
"Well!" I raise an eyebrow and finally the elevator stops and the doors open. When I look, I'm greeted by a woman with a tray and two glasses of wine on it.
"Mr. Marks." She says with a smile.
"Amy. Is everything ready!" Yes, sir."
Okay, who the fuck is this man?
Travis takes the two glasses and passes me one. Taking a sip, the sweet wine greets my taste buds with open arms. Nothing beat expensive wine. Placing my hand in his again, Travis tugs my arm for me to start moving again. The room we're in is surrounded by glass and you can see the skyline. It's freaking gorgeous.
"Are we having dinner in here?"
"Nope.We're having it out there." He points outside and I take notice of a table with candles on it.
My heart drops and I feel like Cinderella, but I don't think Cinderella was a little afraid of heights. "I've never been up this high before. I think I may pass out if I go out there." I tilt the glass to my lips, letting the wine pour into my mouth.
"You'll be fine. Come on, beautiful"
Letting my guard down, I let him lead me to the door and when he opens it a cool breeze hits me, sending my hair flying a bit. I quickly sweep it down and when my vision is clear, I gasp softly.
"Holy cow." From here everything below seems
" love coming up here." Travis says as we get to so small and unimportant.
the table that's set up. He pulls out my chair and I take a seat, still marveling over the view.When Travis sits down, he can't stop smiling at me.
"Why did you bring me up here? It seems a little big for a first date." I finally ask.
"Yeah, I know, but I've always wanted to bring a girl up here. When I saw you in the lobby, bags falling. girl falling, I thought you were ridiculously gorgeous.
"Ridiculously clumsy you mean." l giggle.
"Yeah, that too, but you seemed like you weren't from around here. You didn't act snobby or entitled when we spoke and that attracted me to you."
"I'm neither of those things so thank you for noticing. Not many do. So you've never brought a girl up here before?"
"Nope." He smiles proudly."Just you. I was due to come up here anyways so I figured why not bring you to share my spot"
"Well, thank you for sharing it with me." Travis is about to say something when suddenly food is being brought out. It's nothing fancy just teak and veggies which l'm totally fine with. As we at, we make small talk in between bites and Travis manages to make me laugh. He tells me that the reason he has access to this building it because his father owns it. When I asked about him joining the family business, he said he didn't like it and wanted to follow his dreams of being an artist. Painting to be exact.
When he asks question about myself, I give him the watered down Lifetime version about how I come from a small city and had a rough start when i first arrived to New York. He doesn't need to know everything about me considering we just met.
however, the man knows how to take a woman on date. Half way through the meal, I realize that this is the best date I've ever been on. Hell, I haven't been on a date since I first met Greg and that was to a baseball game. By the time the date wraps up, I'm seriously in like with Travis. I'm glad I didn't cancel. After a small dessert, we bring it to an end with a small yet rewarding kiss on the cheek before heading down.
Back at the car with a smile on my face, Travis opens the door for me. As I'm climbing in a cool brisk wind hits me, causing me to shake.
"Oh, if you're cold I have a cardigan in the back." He says before closing the door.
I reach in the back seat, letting my hand feel around until I find it. Pulling it to the front, something falls into my lap with it. As Travis is climbing into the driver's seat, I lift the cardigan and see what in my lap. My eyes nearly pop out when I see that it's a mask. Not any mask.
THAT mask.
What Fucking hell!!!
please excuse any grammar errors that may occur.
