For Once in My Life

One day or day one, it's your decision

"Are you nearly ready Miss Jones?" her PA, Rachel, asked holding out her mascara for her to take

"As ready as I always am for these things" she smiled at the woman

"Hopefully this will be the very last one" Rachel smiled

"There's a lot stored in that word, hope" Mercy looked at Rachel's reflection in her mirror "I'm the richest woman in Hollywood I shouldn't be vetting men from a dating agency, should I?" she giggled "Surely they should be falling at my feet"

"It's because of who you are, as to why this is necessary"

"I guess it sucks to be me" she looked at her PA's reflection "I guess money can't buy you everything" a tear came to her eyes

"It will happen Miss Jones, I know it" Rachel hugged her

"I just wish for once in my life something good would, you know?"

"I'll give you a minute" Rachel rubbed her back and walked out the room, leaving her with her thoughts

Mercedes had been afforded a privileged childhood, with her mother and grandmother already in the limelight, life was always glitter and bright lights, so when it came to her turn, the Jones name was already a brand name in every household. That was somewhat stressful, but she didn't disappoint when it came to belting out big powerful ballads, rocking everyone to the next rhythm and blues hit or even collaborating with some big names in the pop world.

Fame suited her, so much so she managed to buy her first home outright by the time she was twenty two and life got fast for her after that, by the time she was twenty five she had not only become one of the top names in the music industry, with two Grammy's, a MOBO Award, MTV Award, World Music Award, just to name a few. As if that wasn't enough, she'd also started her own fashion line, marketed two unique parfums in three exclusive shops, and had a makeup brand that had gone through the roof in sales.

She went on to buy properties in whichever country took her fancy and spent a lot of time in Europe and Africa, but even though most of the time she was single, she wasn't alone. Wherever she went she brought with her, her two housekeepers, the butler, and her trusted PA who between them kept her in line professionally.

So, with all the good things she had going on in her professional life it was hard for her to understand why her private life was such a failure, she'd tried various ways to find Mr Right and so far, all had failed enough for her to have recently signed up to an exclusive dating agency.

"I hope this one is better than those other idiots" she snapped, smiling at her misfortunes over the past few months or so

Flashback from Mercy's POV

Date One

I'd dated this guy who's opening line had been something like, my ability to love is limited because I'm damaged, it was a crap opening line, but it triggered the carer in me, and I spend the next two dates trying to fix the man. By date three Rachel had talked me into giving up on that ghost, reminding me that I couldn't save everyone.

That hook up turned out to be a big mistake on my part, the man started turning up all over the place, always in the crowd at every event I attended, it was like he had access to my schedule.

"Knowing you has changed me" he yelled at me while I was on stage doing the last show of my mini tour, he was so loud the crowd went quiet for a second, I didn't know where to put my face I was so angry at him, he'd never talked before just watched and smiled, those smiles letting me know he had thoughts he'd like to act out

"It changed me too stranger" I fired back at him making the crowd laugh, little did they know I didn't mean it in a nice way

"You're in my mind, my heart and my soul Mercedes Jones" he screamed, it was so random it gave me chills enough to make me shudder, I'd never had anyone stalk me like that before.

"My music tends to have that effect on people" I quickly responded, laughing with the crowd again, but I was nervous

I finished the concert, said my goodnights, and locked myself in the hotel room until it was time to catch my plane home, relaxing only when the thing lifted off and I finally felt free of him.

That guy didn't stop there, he became fixated on me and over the next few weeks he turned up at my home and followed me everywhere. He went as far as to tell my staff and the security that I was the glue that kept him together, he even started giving the tabloids stories about us being together, talking about our future together.

I had to put an official stop to it when the letters started coming asking for money to shut him up, the bastard was blackmailing me, lucky for me Rachel was privy to everything and could back up my story. When the police finally caught him, he cried like a baby, asking for my forgiveness, still professing his love for me, and insisting we had a future, needless to say, we never dated again.

Date Two

It took a while to get over that one, and it might have been quite a few months later, when the next inappropriate guy came into my life. I think this guy studied the antics of the other guy that had plagued my life and did the opposite. I went into this next one with rules, no kissing till the third date, exclusivity after that, no talking to the press about our relationship, I thought I had everything covered, and within the first three dates he'd broken every one

I really don't know how we got to date three to be honest, he really wasn't my type, yes, he was everything you'd want to see in a man, strong, devastatingly handsome, witty, threw cash about like it was going out of fashion, but the traits you couldn't see here ugly. He was a sulk bunny if he didn't get his way, stubborn as hell, his attitude towards people was terrible, and he ate with his mouth open and talked with it full.

"I think you're good for me" he mumbled with his mouth full of food, I didn't even want to look at him to see all that and go off my own meal

"And I don't think this is working, funny how we see this differently, isn't it" my eyes focused on my plate

"What's not to work?" he stopped chewing to ask, food flying out of his mouth and landing only God know where, enough to put me off my meal

That plus maybe my recent experience, made me decide on date two that I didn't want to claim him, tame him or make him mine, before we left the bar that night, I'd already decided that was it for us.

Later that evening he'd made date three impossible when he started telling me these weird and frightening stories about his family, there was maybe one of the seven he talked about that hadn't been shot, stabbed, or died of an overdose. I thanked him for the meal, allowed him to kiss my hand, and told him that he needed to lose my number

Date Three

Then there was the random I met at a party, it was the end of summer, everyone around me was closing on tours from all over the place, and those of us that finished up in Los Vegas met at the Four Seasons. The room was full of talent from all areas of the arts, singers, dancers, actors, musicians, photographers, supermodels, everyone who was anyone and available was there.

I, like everyone else, had drank more than I'd needed to, I'd been talking to this guy all evening, I don't recall as to whether, we'd been mutually talking, or if I'd taken the floor and forced him to listen, but I do remember we laughed a lot, and that was attractive to me. As someone called midnight it was clear the party was out of control, alcohol was flowing, the music was pumping, and couples were in deep conversations around the room. Everyone knew what these things were for single people, and some married to be honest, and of course the unsaid words were set in stone 'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas'. The night finally drew to a close around two, and I was so bold as to ask this man to see me home, I knew what my intentions were, so when he came at me with "Can my brother come with us?" I was taken aback

"Your brother?" I asked frowning

"Yeah" he nodded behind me "We go everywhere together, plus you've been talking to him half the night too"

"The night can be as young as you want it to be?" the identical guy stood behind me smiled

"To be honest, I'm thinking it's pretty old right now" I frowned at him "That's not me guys, sorry" I grabbed my purse and left them looking at each other, with what looked like shock or disappointment on their faces

"You sure?" the guy stood in front of me called after me

"Yeah" I giggled at the thought "Absolutely sure" I shook my head wondering when I was going to find someone for me, or even if that was destined to ever happen

Date Four

There must have been something in the water around that time, because I literally bumped into this next guy, I wasn't looking, I was minding my own business to be honest, and he just turned up. He was handsome, affluent, I could tell by his attire, and he had the smoothest, dare I say, sexiest of English accents, it wasn't the typical Queen's English, it turned out to be a dialect from Manchester up north of the country. I felt comfortable with him we were definitely like for like on the finance front, we understood each other, we went to places I expected to be taken, he paid, we connected.

Our third date, which I looked forward to, was at Maddison Park, a favourite of mine, we ordered the finest food, had some of the best conversation, and just as I thought my luck was in, the bomb hit

"Hi" some well-dressed woman stood at our table smiling, tall, blond, perfect hair, makeup, and nails flawless, this woman looked after herself, she was exquisite, even if I said so myself

"Hi" I smiled back knowing I didn't know the woman, politely hinting she was rude for interrupting us

"And this is?" her lips pursed with anger

"Mercedes Jones" he quickly snapped back; I felt a bit uncomfortable in that second "She maybe our next Jenny, if she says yes" he told her

I sat wondering what the hell was going on, and moreover who the hell Jenny was "Oh" she held her hand out for me to shake smiling now "He never tells me when he's doing business, but then again why should he, I'm only his wife" she laughed "Room for a small one, I was eating alone" she looked at who I now knew was her husband

"Please" he waved for another place to be set, all this time he hadn't made eye contact with me

I wanted to shout what the hell is happening or at least tell this woman I wasn't any sort of client to her husband, but we were in Maddison Park, I had a reputation to uphold, there were familiar faces around us, and I'd ordered already

"I'm sorry about the frost earlier" she smiled at me as she sat down "He has a bit of a reputation for sleeping around, I can't say I'm totally innocent in the whole thing, but we've made promises to try and keep it at bay, it's only been two weeks" she laughed "I thought... never mind, sorry"

"It's fine" was all I had, there was no way I was telling her anything after that revelation. I actually felt sorry for the two of them, they'd found themselves settling for this dysfunctional relationship, it was obviously falling apart right in front of them, and it seemed none of them were willing to call time on it.

For that night I was so pleased I didn't have anyone in my life to have to think about that kind of stuff, betrayal, lies, infidelity, and of course I wasn't up for seeing that idiot again.

She on the other hand turned out to be more than decent, as well as being beautiful, she was from an affluent background it seemed she was the one that brought him on board, and he was a British bad boy that had captured her heart, she'd rolled with him despite her family's disapproval, and now she or they felt stuck.

"I mean" she looked into my eyes and all I saw was desperation "How many loves does one get in any lifetime?"

I didn't know the answer, I'd thought I'd had a few until the crap hit the fan, but to love someone because of all their faults like this woman did, I didn't want it, those faults were too much "Once I guess" I smiled as she grabbed my hand "Two if you're really lucky"

"He's my second" she frowned "So, you see why I can't let him go"

"Yes" was all I had, inside everything logical was bubbling up, but to blow him up would be to blow myself up, I'd be labelled as a home wrecker, so for once in my life I kept my mouth shut. The food was exquisite, the company wasn't half bad and by the end of the night, not only had I had a lucky escape, I'd made a valuable acquaintance, she had clothing outlets across the world that could prove to be of some advantage to me in the future.

Date Five

The last date was with someone I met while I was on vacation, I'd just had my thirtieth birthday which started off as a few drinks on a Friday night with some well-chosen friends but ended up being a weekend marathon. My friends had set up a surprise party for me, which was good, but a bit of a free for all. Then on Saturday we'd had a cookout in the gardens of some mansion they'd rented, it was nice, but again too many unfamiliar faces, and even more appeared when some guests decided to put on an impromptu mini concert in the evening. I admit that all round, it was a good weekend, but I had to get away for some soul searching and reflection, hence the three-day holiday alone.

It wasn't anything special, I hadn't planned it well in advance, it was just I needed a break, Rachel found me a place where I could get some solitude, and within two hours I, and my entourage were ready to leave for the airport. The thought of sea, sangria, and sun excited me and after filming for my guest spot on the number one chat show for a whole week, finishing off my new album, and reading a script I'd been offered, finished off with a weekend of partying, I needed the break.

I was sitting on the secluded beach smiling to myself, because as a youth I'd often wondered what it would be like to reach the ripe old age of thirty and now it was here it had crept up on me like a thief, and in all honesty, I didn't feel at all old.

If I'd ever had to describe myself I'd say I was sensitive, caring, willing to make sacrifices for things that I want in my professional life, always willing to help others, sometimes to the extreme of neglecting my own needs, and I knew self-neglect was my major downfall, but I didn't do it on purpose, I really just didn't know what I wanted in my personal life.

So, there I was spread out on this secluded beach my face covered by a flappy orange sunhat, swimsuit to match, cool bag holding my chilled wine, I was set for the early evening, having just finished an early dinner.

"Good evening" I heard the voice of a man, and I knew he was standing over me, although my sun hadn't been disrupted

"Evening" I took my hat off my face

"Lovely evening" he looked up at the clear blue sky, the sun still as hot as it had been at five in the evening three hours later

"It is" I smiled shading my eyes to look up at the sun, before putting my shades on, I couldn't help checking him out, he was stood there with the tightest surf suit covering his lower body, I could see he was carrying a decent package. It took me a few seconds to realise he wasn't saying anything, "Can I help you?" I forced my eyes to pull themselves away from his groin

"Yeah" he smiled "I was wondering if you could be so kind as to point me in the direction of the coconut bar?"

"Oh" I sat up and looked around "I..."

"They say it's attached to this resort" he told me "I'm in the private villa about four doors away"

"Oh" was all I could find again, I felt attracted to this man he was stood there with some solid rippling muscles, brilliantly white teeth, large hands, sexy eyes and well, I don't need to go any further just yet

"They said there was a sign, I've looked but..." he looked around again "Nothing"

"I'm sorry it's my first day, I don't know..."

"Maybe we could look for it together, I could get you a refill" he pointed at my half empty glass, my body was already jumping to attention, the wine in the cooler could drink itself

"Sure" I told him, getting up quickly, with his help, to find the coconut bar

We found the bar with ease, had a few drinks, decided to hit the nightclub on site, and ended the night in his villa. We talked over the next two days, but not about anything I'd care to share, I laugh blushingly as I remember some of those conversations, and I am truly happy I learned things about myself, and men.

The morning of my last day, I lay in his arms smiling wondering if I had so easily found the man of my dreams, he was a billionaire, unattached, self-made, ambitious, attentive and romantic, finally my happy ever after had come to me and I knew in that moment what or who I wanted for myself.

That evening, just hours before my return flight, we were eating from the barbeque on the beach when he turned to me, grabbed my hand and smiled "This has been so..." he looked up at the sky "Energetic" he laughed "I'm sad for it to end"

"End?" I asked shocked, there had been no warning, or sign that this wasn't something we'd want to follow through, admittedly we hadn't spoken about anything futuristic but end, I felt used, "So" I looked around to see if anyone was in ear shot "What was this?"

"This was a holiday romance" he smiled "And I enjoyed every bit of it, but we could never be more" he frowned "I'm unofficially engaged, it's a money thing for the family"

"I thought you were a billionaire?"

"I will be, once our two families are united"

I couldn't help it, I didn't care who was watching, I stood up parted my legs, and gave the man the hardest slap across the face I'd ever delivered, he'd taken me for a fool, a toy, and I wasn't having that, I was Mercedes fucking Jones. And just like that my solitude, fine food, and great sex was over. I hadn't sworn off men, that one had taken me by surprise, I was just weary that I would never be caught out like that again.

End of Flashback

"Are you ready Miss Jones?" Rachel walked back into the room asking

"No" Mercy looked up at her "I hope this one's a bit better I mean I deserve a break"

"You do that" Rachel rubbed her shoulders in sympathy

"You think I might get what I want?"

"I'm going to use that word hope again Miss Jones" Rachel smiled at Mercy's reflection in the mirror "The car's waiting"

"Okay" she took one last look in the mirror smiled at got up "I'm ready, nervous but ready"

"Got everything?" Rachel asked looking around the room "Have fun Miss"

"Wish me luck" Mercy got up and grabbed the shawl Rachel was holding "If you get a message make the call and get me out of there" she smiled "What's his name again?"

"Christopher" Rachel smiled "And please remember to answer to Coral"

"Gosh" she opened the door and left

She was on her way to an open mic night event, something different to her usual dates, and of course this time she'd chosen the venue. She attended these things with her agent sometimes, entertaining herself while he scouted for talent. Tonight, she wasn't meeting him there she was hoping to meet her one, someone who didn't care about who she was, what she had, or even what she could do for them, someone who was just interested in her, for who she was, a tall order for someone in her position, but nevertheless an order. She took the time to skim over her set of questions once more, before reaching her destination.

The room was as she'd expected, full to the brim of budding artists waiting for their break, she looked around the room trying to find her date, all she had to go on was top to toe denim and some cowboy boots, but in a city where everyone wore t-shirts and straight pants she thought he'd be easy enough to spot. She'd got a picture of him on her phone which she thought might have been shopped, but hell, hers wasn't even someone of colour let alone any other accuracies, even if he didn't turn up at least she'd have a good time.

"Bottle of your best Chateau and two glasses please" she ordered as someone led her to her table, she smiled at the crowd getting excited at her presence. Sitting there listening to the budding artists, it suddenly dawned on her that she hadn't made any plans past this date "Hi" a voice invaded her thoughts

"Hi" she smiled taking a second look there were no denims "Can I help you?"

"Just honoured to have you in the house tonight" he smiled a cute enough smile, but no denims

"I'm not scouting"

"You want to be here, even better" he laughed "Enjoy" he looked at the stage and walked off

"Hi" another voice attacked from behind "I noticed the emerald, green purse, but you're not Coral?" he asked

"Christopher?" she looked at the man dressed in denim from head to toe with cowboy boots on "You're..."

"Yes" he laughed

"The Sam Evans?"

"I suppose we could say this was a good or a bad start?" he laughed, sitting in the chair opposite her as he looked around "Agreed, I'm not up there in your realms, but I'm close, and I guess like you, I didn't want people to jump at me for my money, or where I could get them"

"We have to be so careful" she giggled "And I need to set the records straight, I'm not quite in your realm"

"Too kind" he laughed "May I?" he pointed at the wine and the empty glass

"Of course," she smiled

They sat having comfortable, conversation, talking about the shared pressures of work, the difficulties in forming a meaningful relationship due to work and dishonest people, commitment to a relationship, what they wanted, what they were able to give, until well into the night

"Oh" he looked up "I love this song" they both looked at the guy Mercy had spoken to earlier singing 'If You're Not the One' by Daniel Bedingfield

If you're not the one, then why does my soul feel glad today? If you're not the one, then why does my hand fit yours this way?
If you are not mine, then why does your heart return my call? If you are not mine, would I have the strength to stand at all?

I'll never know what the future brings, but I know you're here with me now
We'll make it through, and I hope you are the one I share my life with

I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am?
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?...

"And on that note, what do you say we find somewhere a bit more private, to carry on this conversation?" he asked

"I must stress this is not a sex on the first date thing" she laughed

"You know what" he laughed "That's one mistake I've decided I'm not making after the last time"

"Me neither" she laughed "For once..."

"In my life" they both finished that sentence

"I think this feels like a day one, what do you think?" he grabbed her purse

"We live in hope" she smiled