Enjoy babes!


Chapter Seven

Mercedes stared down at the bed, trying to figure out what she should pack for this outing with Sam, when her phone rang. Seeing it was Santana, she braced herself for whatever the latina had to say, since she wasn't playing up her relationship with Sam, she was certain it was something along those lines.

"Hey San, I don't have much time to talk right now."

"Girl! Let me tell you, I thought you were stalling, or at least trying to get out of posting about you and your boo thang, but you two look good together."

"What are you talking about?" She asked, tossing a pair of sweats into her suitcase.

"I just sent you something."

As if on cue her phone vibrated. Putting Santana on speaker, Mercedes gasped seeing her and Sam kissing on her front porch. "What the hell!"

"They got your good side and everything Mercedes, can I assume he is the plus one to the Gala?

"I don't know how they got this photo!" Mercedes said taking a seat, Sam was probably gonna be very upset, he hadn't really agreed to photos.

"I don't care how they got it, you look amazing, and he looks like he adores you. This is great buzz. You two are already trending.

Mercedes groaned, dropping her head. "Trending? This… this is not good. I have to call him, he's gonna think I did this on purpose!"

"Why would he think that? Y'all are dating, he should've expected it to happen eventually."

She bit her nail, slowly pacing. "I mean… he's just so private and has important business people in his circle so image is everything." She improvised.

"Then he understands, this isn't a bad thing. It'll improve both of your public standings, you with the sexy businessman and him with the even sexier celebrity."

Mercedes groaned again. "Just… don't release any comments yet… please!"

Santana sighed. "I will eventually need to say something so do whatever you need to do to get him comfortable so I can confirm this relationship and release his name."

"Yeah, I'm not giving you his name."

"HA! I already know his name, the whole world knows his name. You're trending under Samcedes, also good catch with this one- Sam Evans is a billionaire and has not been connected to any woman, so there's no chances of crazy ex's coming out of the woodworks."

"FUCK! I gotta go!" Mercedes said quickly hanging up and started to text Sam but he was already calling. "Fuck, fuck, fuck…"

"H-hello?" She said after answering but there was only silence, she waited a few more moments before sighing. "Sam I didn't do this, I don't know how anyone got that and I promise no one on my team hired anyone because they didn't know and-"

"Mercedes, stop rambling. It's fine, just give me your team's information so we can coordinate some type of response to this." Sam finally said but she could hear his annoyance.

"I can text it over… my manager doesn't know it isn't real. So-"

"You're rambling again. I'll be there at six." He said before hanging up.

She looked at her phone, frowning before texting over the contact information he requested. "Guess old stuck up Sam is back." She mumbled, tossing her phone down.

"Merce, there's a delightful delivery waiting for you." Her mother shouted up to her.

She threw a few more items into her bag before zipping it up and carrying it downstairs where she was met by several large bouquets of red roses and what looked like goodie bags. She placed her bag by the door and slowly walked over towards the flowers.

"What in the actual hell?"

"Language." Kerry said, grabbing the note from flowers in the center. "It says they're from a Mark McNeal… thanks for the pictures, can't wait for more!"

Mercedes took the note from her mother reading it over. "This is from my label? Why are they thanking me for… right, they can finally put me with someone. I hate this so much."

Kerry walked over to her and took her hand leading her to the sofa. "Merce, talk to me."

Mercedes looked at her mother and sighed heavily. "I don't like being forced to out my relationship, I don't like that my privacy doesn't matter to them."

Kerry nodded, giving Mercedes a side hug as she moved closer. "Babygirl, sometimes there are things we can't control, like what the label wants you to do, but there are things you can control. You want privacy in your relationship, then find a way. Give a little so you can get a lot or something like that."

Mercedes smiled looking at her mom. "Or something like that? Really?"

Kerry shrugged. "It made you smile. Now, tell me about this boy."

"Oh you are good. Get me to put my guard down then get the information." Mercedes laughed.

"Where do you think you learned it from? Now tell me, I don't care what the tabloids or people say, I want to know what you think."

Mercedes chewed her bottom lip, she couldn't tell her mom this was all fake, so she decided to just be honest.

"Sam is…unexpected in the best way, he gets me out of my head. Which normally I would hate. He's smart and hardworking, he sees me. Not for what I am doing but for who I am."

Kerry beamed. "He sounds like a really good guy who you really like."

"Don't get me wrong, the man gets on my last damn nerves." She laughed. "But I don't seem to care as much as I would think."

Kerry smirked. "Is that why you have a bag packed? You two going somewhere… romantic?"

"I'm not exactly sure, he told me to pack a "light" bag and be ready for him to pick me up."

"Who said that?l he father asked, frowning at all the flowers. "Some boy trying to woo you?"

Kerry snickered. "It appears our child has a boyfriend."

Jonah shook his head. "Where is my shotgun?"

Mercedes playfully hit her dad's arm. "He's harmless…"

"No man is harmless, baby girl. I taught you that a long time ago. I want to meet him."

Her eyes grew wide and she began shaking her head. "No daddy! We just started dating and I don't want to scare him off… it's not really necessary." She said, biting her nails again.

Kerry and Jonah shared a knowing look before looking at their daughter. "What aren't you telling us?" Jonah asked, folding his arms.

"Nothing." She answered, avoiding eye contact. "Besides, when he picks me up you two will be gone so it'll have to be next time."

"That doesn't work for me, we can adjust our plans." Jonah said, taking a seat. "If this man wants to take my daughter out, then he needs to ask, it's only right."

"I am an adult and I have some say in this, so until I am ready for you to meet him, it's not happening."

Kerry looked at her husband before nodding. "That's fair, we can respect that decision." She said and Mercedes started to let out a sigh of relief. "But when the time comes, we expect him over for dinner."

Jonah looked at his wife and then his daughter. "You two been gaining up on me since the girl could talk. But I understand."

Mercedes giggled, walking over and hugging her father. "I promise that he's a good guy and you two might actually get along."

Jonah squeezed her tightly. "I know he at least has to be a good guy, because I taught you what to look for in a man."

Kerry rolled her eyes. "She still has you wrapped around her little finger, come on let's move all these flowers. People are gonna think someone died."

Jonah grabbed a bouquet. "So how long are you gonna be gone? Need to know if I can put the moves on your moma or not tonight. You being here is cramping our style." He teased.

Mercedes gagged. "Daddy… we've talked about this. I was brought down by an angel and you two sleep in separate beds. I don't need to know about anything else." She said, trying to force her mind to erase what he just said. "Also, I'm not sure… I just know that he'll be here in a few hours."

"Girl the lies you tell, me and your daddy done did the nasty all up and through this house." Kerry laughed. "That table, the counter, both couches."

Mercedes dry heaved. "What is wrong with you two? I am your child! Wait.. the kitchen table?"

"Mmm you almost got a brother on that table." She teased.

"Okay, okay… I want to cry now. This is too much information! And I've been eating on that table since I was six! Shame on you both!"

"We are grown, and in love. And don't act like you and that boy ain't doing the nasty."

"Whoa! She better not be doing nothing with that boy!" Jonah defended.

She felt her skin grow warm before laughing nervously. "No, we actually aren't… we just kissed." She said, though it wasn't a lie it wasn't the truth either. They hadn't had sex since last year so it counted… mostly.

Jonah side eyed her. "Yeah well he better keep his hands off of you, you too good to be getting caught up."

Kerry shook her head. "You are sitting here acting like she's a virgin."

"Moma!" Mercedes shouted, furrowing her brows. "Why would you tell daddy! Ugh!" She said before storming upstairs to her room.

Jonah looked at his wife. "And I thought she was an adult." He said, chuckling. "She's been doing that since she was born, I feel for that boy."


Sam stared at the picture, shaking his head. "How bad is this for the upcoming projects?" He asked.

"Well, honestly… it's not as bad as you think, sure there's a few people who are against this relationship but it's more because they're bigots. I will say, whoever took these pictures sold them so it wasn't anyone connected to her. She would be outed if it was." Artie replied.

"But?" Sam asked.

"Your mother. She called and since she technically has a few shares in the business, her opinion actually matters and she thinks you getting with Mercedes, as fine as she is, is a horrible look for you company."

Sam nodded, leaning back in his chair, exhaling. "She doesn't really have any shares in the company. I just let her think she does so her point is actually irrelevant. What about Cooter and Howard?"

Artie huffed. "Cooter hasn't said anything… yet but Howard seems to be a fan of Mercedes so there's that one upside." He answered, reading the comments under the leaked picture.

Sam eyed his friend. "But?"

"Well, you do have an ex… remember?" He asked. "And she's also in the music industry…"

Sam sighed. "She was not my ex and I don't know why she's being brought up now."

Artie flipped his phone around, pointing at a comment for him to read. harmsamuels seems he likes him a little songbird.

Sam's nostrils flared as he let out a huff. "I… she's implying that I'm only with Mercedes because she can sing? I didn't even know that until… well shit until she became famous."

"I don't think that's what she's saying but then again you were very private with Harmony and now this thing with Mercedes… I don't know how you want to handle it but you might want to get ahead of it before people start making assumptions."

Sam knew what he was saying but he didn't like it. "So basically, keep feeding them images of me and her… my relationships are mine and I don't feel the need to share them."

"I won't argue that. But this is what you have to do, to keep the peace."

Sam closed his eyes scratching at his goatee. "So I have to basically parade her around just to get people to back off? That's bull shit."

"That's the price you pay for dating someone like Mercedes Jones, which again, she's all kinds of sexy so I get it."

"Artie, Ima need you not to lust after my girlfriend."

Artie shrugged. "I am a man and she is definitely a woman, and one who can sing, just don't screw it up, there are a lot of men who wish they were in your shoes."

Sam rolled his eyes as he stood checking his watch. "I need to get going."

"Ah yes the getaway you planned, she must be special because you don't take off from work, you didn't even take off for Harmony's birthday party."

"Artie, you know that was a crucial time for us! Had I taken off we would have lost at least a couple million. It was vital I stay."

"Yeah and you didn't want to meet her parents." Artie smirked. "When will you be back?"

"Monday, I have that meeting with Beck and Hall on Friday, so we will go to that too."

"We?" Artie asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I want to spend time with my girl so yes we will go on our trip today and tomorrow, and then Friday we will be in Miami for the meeting."

"Do I need to have the jet waiting in Miami for your return?"

Sam nodded. "Yeah, and please make sure the staff doesn't include anyone who will snap photos of us or try to come onto either of us. I want this to be a fun time."

"Damn I was gonna be a flight attendant." Artie teased.

Sam rolled his eyes standing as she grabbed his suit jacket. "Take a few days off and get laid, Artie."

Artie laughed as Sam walked out of the room, and headed towards his car. He needed to change and then head to Mercedes. Even though doing this was a means to an end, he really wanted to see her again, there was something about her that just pulled him to her. Sam pulled out of the parking garage and headed towards his house when his phone started ringing.

"Sam Evans." He answered.

"Sam Evans." His sister said mockingly. "You really need to check before answering."

"Stacey, what do you want?"

"Hold on, I'm gonna add in Q!" She said and he heard some shuffling before a click. "Q, you there?"

"Yes! Sam what the actual hell? You know your mom is shitting bricks right now, right?" Quinn asked.

Sam let out a long breath. "Is there a reason for this phone call?"

"Of course it is! You're back with Mercedes and kissing her in public! We have questions!" Stacey said. "Like when did this happen? Why didn't you call me? You know I liked her!"

"Yeah, I liked her too and you made all of swear we wouldn't contact her after she left. Dick move by the way…" Quinn chimed in.

Sam turned left, shaking his head wishing he could just hang up but he knew they would just call right back. "I never made you do anything, I just wouldn't give you her information." He replied, checking the time on his clock. He wanted to stop by the florist shop near his house and the winery before picking up Mercedes.

"Well that's basically the same thing! Anyway, we're off topic… How long has this been going on and can you get us tickets to her first concert?" Stacey asked, making Quinn laugh.

"Jesus, is that why you two called? To get free shit? No, I can not get you tickets and it's none of your business how long we've been dating." He said, parking and grabbing his phone. "I don't have time to finish this amazing conversation, I will see you all in a few weeks."

"With Mercedes?" The women asked in unison.

He sighed. "Yes, with Mercedes. Good night!"

Walking inside of the flower shop, he looked around, trying to figure out what he wanted, typically when he needed to send flowers, he let his assistant handle it. And for good reason, as he wasn't sure what to get. Roses spoke love, but sunflowers spoke friendship. And he wasn't even going to touch whatever babys breath was.

Eventually the florist took pity on him and helped him. She asked what he was looking for and after he fumbled over himself they came down to Peonies or Lilies, he went for Lilies after she said they meant starting again.

Once he had the flowers in hand, Sam headed home to change into something other than a suit. He told Mercedes not to dress up, because he wanted it to just be them, no hiding behind anything and no forcing each other to do anything other than try to get to know each other.

Throwing on a pair and jeans and a green henley tee shirt, he packed his bag, grabbed his toiletries and headed back out. The last thing on his list was to grab the bottle of wine and head to her place.

He was uncharacteristically happy about getting to spend this time with her, initially he was upset about the photo, but even he could admit they looked good together.

As he pulled into the Rose's Winery, he smiled seeing Marley, Jake's wife walking over to him. "Well, let me just say, you seem to be the talk of the hour." She said teasingly.

"Hello to you too Marley, did Jake tell you I would be stopping by?"

She pulled him into a hug. "He did. But he wouldn't tell me what the wine is for."

Sam accepted her hug before pulling away and walking towards her wine selection. "I have a trip and wanted to have a good selection for me and my guest." He answered.

Marley smiled. "Oh, your guest? Nobody in particular?"

He smirked, looking over his shoulder at her. "You know, you were always my favorite. Don't ruin it for me." He joked.

Marley threw her hands up surrendering. "Ok, well I think for you and your guest, you might like something in red." She said moving towards the heart of her vineyard. "Follow me, I have just what you want."

Marley led him to the back where she smiled, finally finding what she was looking for. "Pinot Noir is the best and you deserve the best, since you are my favorite I will even give you a discount." She teased.

He chuckled. "Thanks, I'm not sure I could afford it without the discount." He said sarcastically while pulling out his credit card. "Three bottles, send one to your parents."

Marley beamed, taking his card. "I am not saying I know what has gotten into you, but whatever has gotten into you, I hope it stays. Its good to see you smiling again."

Sam smiled, thinking about the trip ahead. "Yeah, well don't let Mary hear you talking like that. I gotta still seem cold and hardened."

"You do realize I have met your mother before, I know. Just don't let your mom dictate who you love, Sam because at the end of the day, when you live for your parents, you end up alone." She said handing him his card back, after ringing him up.

"Thanks, I gotta run but send Jake my best." He said, taking the bag and heading out.

"Send Mercedes mine." She said as he walked away.

Sam didn't say anything, just kept heading to his car. Once on the road, it didn't take him long to arrive at Mercedes' place. Flowers in hand Sam stepped out of the car, going to her door and ringing the doorbell looking around at her parents place.

Though they lived away from the city, it was still close enough to get to within thirty minutes. The quiet neighborhood was pretty secluded, which just made Sam question who exactly took that photo of them.

Mercedes heard the doorbell and ran her hands over her jeans as she went to open the door. Smiling as she came face to face with Sam, she cleared her throat. "Hey Sam."

Sam smiled, looking her over. "Hey, you look nice." He said, presenting the flowers. "I like your hair like that."

She absently ran her hand through her hair, it wasn't done in any type of way. "I just brushed it." She replied, taking the flowers. "These are pretty but I can't take them inside…"

Sam raised an eyebrow. "Why can't you take them inside?"

She let out a nervous laugh. "My label sent over a lot of flowers and my parents are already suspicious so it's best we just take these with us."

Sam smirked. "Your parents are suspicious? Are they inside now?"

"No! NO! They're… you are not about to meet my parents! They're nuts!" She scrambled, trying to move him but he didn't budge.

"I think it's only right, as your date, I should meet the parents. You did meet mine after all."

Mercedes shook her head. "I was dickmatized… doesn't count." n

Sam snorted. "Dickmatized? That's a thing? Well maybe I am the make version of that. Where are they? Mr. and Mrs. Jones?!" He said smiling as he looked beyond her.

She pushed on his chest, trying hard to get him to stop moving but failed and stumbled back inside where her parents stood with bright smiles.

She groaned in defeat. "Fine since you're forcing this to happen… Sam these are my parents, Jonah and Kerry."

Sam smiled, extending his hand to theirs. "It's a pleasure to meet you, I know you probably hear this alot, but Mrs. Jones, you and Mercedes could practically be sisters."

Jonah eyed Sam staring him down, though they were the same height, he was stockier than Sam and used to impose an intimidating stance. "So you are the boy that wants to take my daughter out." He said arms crossed over his chest. "What makes you think you are worthy of my only daughter?"

Mercedes rolled her eyes. "I am your only child period." she mumbled.

Sam stood taller, offering a smile to the man in front of him. "I'll be honest, I'm not worthy but I hope in time I will be. If you would like to know where I'm taking your daughter, I can send over the itinerary but I ask that you don't share it with Mercedes."

"I am standing right here." She said, shaking her head.

Jonah nodded. "Okay, you pass, I'll keep my shotgun locked away for now."

Sam chuckled. "Shotgun is only effective at a close range, I suggest a rifle."

Jonah raised an eyebrow. "Oh I like you, and I only said I would lock away the shotgun, not the others." He laughed.

"A smart man always has one ready and aimed."

Mercedes looked at the both of them like they lost their minds before looking over at her mother who seemed impressed as well. "Oookay, now that that is done… we gotta get on the road." She said, grabbing Sam's arm and pulling him away from her father. "Bye mommy, bye daddy."

"Let's get together when you get back Sam, I take a hunting trip a few times a year, I think you would enjoy it."

Kerry smiled, shaking her head. "We will see you later Mercedes, you two have fun."


Mercedes grabbed her bag and quickly pushed Sam out the door before sighing. "Great, now he wants to take you hunting… he likes you. Gross."

Sam smirked, grabbing her bag from her. "It's cute that you don't like that fact. I am a likable person, you know?" He said, guiding them to his car.

"That's debatable."

He opened the back, placing her bag inside before opening the passenger door for her. "You like me." He quipped, leaning in close. "Admit it."

Mercedes inhaled as he moved closer to her, she licked her lips staring at him. "Nah, the jury is still out."

He watched her tongue, placing his hands on each side of her. "Mhm, anything I can do to hurry that decision along?"

"Just look at them… on a public street acting like teenagers." Kerry said, looking out the window.

Jonah frowned. "Don't make me start hating the boy already."

"From the way she's looking at him, we have about three seconds to stop a show."

"Nope, nope, nope… I'm going to hammer something. She's grown… she's grown.. LORD SHE IS GROWN! KERRY WHERE IS MY PISTOL?" He shouted, running upstairs.

Kerry turned, shaking her head. "YOU DON'T HAVE A PISTOL!" She shouted after him before looking out the window. "If she don't just kiss that man!"

"She better not!" He yelled from upstairs.

Kerry smiled looking at Mercedes and Sam, happy that her daughter found someone who seemed to match her.

"My mom is watching us." Mercedes said and Sam looked over his shoulder before looking back at her.

"Well we should make sure it's good, right?" He asked, brushing her lips with his. "Gotta be convincing and all."

Mercedes shook her head. "You are getting very comfortable kissing me Mr. Evans." She said, nipping his lips.

"Mmm, I love when you call me Mr. Evans." He said, kissing her tenderly. "Say it again."

She smiled softly. "We really should get going…Mr. Evans…"

Sam smirked. "We should but this conversation isn't over." He said, stepping back, letting her get inside.

Mercedes kissed him quickly as she stepped into his car, allowing him to shut the door before she grabbed her seatbelt.

Sam moved to the other side and started the car looking at her. "Ready to go?"

"You gonna tell me where we are going?" She purred sweetly.

"Nope." He laughed while putting his seatbelt on.

"Then I guess I am as ready as I can be."


Sam pulled out the driveway and headed towards the train station, he looked over to her as he drove. "So how exactly did you go from waitress to superstar?"

"Well, I went to a party and got drunk then started singing random songs. I didn't know people had recorded it and wouldn't have known if the videos hadn't gone viral."

"That's amazing. Though had I known that's all it took to give you your shot, I would have recorded those high notes you hit when you…well you know." He teased.

Mercedes blushed. "You got lucky… but after the videos went viral, I started getting dm's from a lot of people and it was all overwhelming at first. That's how I met my manager, she was the only one that came looking for me."

"She saw your talent and came for it, I respect that." He said, nodding.

She looked at him, biting her lip. "It's been a crazy ride and it's just getting crazier but I'm excited. What about you? How's the billionaire's life?"

"Its…just life. I have a few projects I have been working on, honestly I have just been working." He confessed with a shrug. "Its what I do best."

"What kind of projects?" She asked, adjusting so that she was facing him.

"Okay well you remember when I asked you about helping with the charity? The one in Tennessee that works with kids and music, I have just secured a grant for the brand new instruments, as well as teachers for lessons." He beamed. "I want to help them find a way to live their dreams."

"I didn't take you for someone heavily invested in the arts but I have to admit it, it's a turn on."

Sam winked at her. "There are a lot of things you don't know about me Ms. Jones."

She shook her head, giggling. "Laying it on thick for someone that's not getting any… ever."

"You just told me I turned you on, I am already halfway there beautiful."

Looking out the window, she noticed they were getting further and further out of the city. "Where exactly are you taking me?"

"You will see." He said with a shrug, reaching over and pulling her as close as he could. "You can get a nap, we have about an hour before we're there. I'll wake you up."

Mercedes raised an eyebrow. "I'm good…" She said before a yawn escaped her lips. "So along with the charity, what other projects do you have going on?"

"Rest and I'll answer everything later." He bounced back.

Mercedes sighed leaning back against the seat with a nod. "Okay."


The trip is a mess and a half but will be filled with Samcedes gooooodnessss!