Enjoy

Book Twenty -Five: The Auction

As Mercedes stopped at the door, the man put the key card in and opened the door, practically pushing Mercedes inside and then shutting it behind her. She yelped at the actions and turned, almost crashing into a man.

"I'm sorry, I lost my balance," Mercedes said, trying to stand.

Sam had caught Mercedes in his arms and had to blink back a few times; yes, on the stage, she was beautiful, but this close, she was breathtaking. And he could see the innocence in her eyes. Thank God he got her away from Will.

Mercedes let out a breath as she stood; Sam's hands were still on her hips, gripping the silky material as she stepped away from him. "I um…Th-thank you."

Sam let her go as he stepped back, shoving his hands into his slacks as he did. He watched Mercedes stand fully, taking her in. Unsure of what to say, he looked behind her so as not to stare directly at her.

"This is just…" Sam started, but he wasn't sure exactly what he was supposed to say. This whole situation was surreal to him. Did she really expect him just to take her virginity?

Mercedes didn't know what she was supposed to do, so she just moved to the bed and sat down, but what if he didn't want her to sit down? She looked over to Sam, who just stood there staring at her.

"Umm, so…" She started but stopped. Taking a breath, she sighed. "Is this…is this okay? Me sitting here?"

Sam wasn't really paying attention; he hadn't even realized she had taken a seat. "Oh uh sure. I guess."

Mercedes chewed her bottom lip as she sat on the bed, tapping her foot and clapping her hands together as she checked out the room. This was not what she expected; from what Santana had said, she should have at least been groped by now, not that she wasn't glad not to be touched.

Though…she looked up, taking in Sam; if she had to be touched, there were worse men she could be stuck with. The man standing before her was gorgeous. She honestly couldn't understand why he needed to pay so much for sex, but this wasn't about her.

If she didn't do this, Carter was screwed, and she would do anything for him; he had been let down by everyone other than her, and she would not be the one to fail him.

Looking back at Sam, she figured he expected her to make the first move. Is that what men like him wanted? Mercedes closed her eyes; she could do this; it was just something to do. She tried her best to rationalize this whole situation.

Not wanting to say a word to embarrass her, she exhaled, standing. Moving towards the table, she removed the silk robe she had used to cover the lingerie and turned towards Sam.

Seeing that he hadn't moved, she closed her eyes before removing her babydoll top, leaving her topless in a thong and a pair of heels in front of him.

It was then that Sam fully comprehended what she was doing; for a moment, he was just mesmerized by her beauty before coming back to reality. "Shit… no, no, please stop, that's not why I'm here." He said, grabbing the throw off the bed and handing it to her.

Mercedes stared at him as he covered her with the throw, fear and tears burning her eyes; damn, was she that hideous that he was regretting buying her? Was he about to take his bid back? Could he do that? No, she could do this. "I'm sorry, I know I don't look…I can be what you need." She said, moving in front of him. "It's ok, you can touch me."

Sam ran his hands through his hair before sighing. "As amazing as that sounds, I'm really just here to make sure you're able to get the money and leave… this is not my scene."

"I don't understand," Mercedes said, looking at him.

He nodded before beginning to pace. "Look, I had a business meeting here, and I didn't know what this club was about until I got here. I heard how all of the other men were talking about you... cause… well, you're a virgin, and no one should have their first time be that… deranged." He blurted out.

Mercedes stared at him as he finished speaking. "D-Deranged? I don't understand."

Sam looked at her before sighing. "You mind if I sit down?" He asked; when she nodded, he sat on the bed and briefly dropped his head. "They wanted to… because you've never been with anyone, some of them wanted to show you how it's done so that next time you would know." He explained.

Mercedes listened and couldn't help but quickly say a silent prayer of thanks that he did that for her. "There wouldn't…there wouldn't have been another time…so you don't want…you don't want me?"

He looked up at her, seeing the fear in her eyes. "That's not how this works, from what I gathered… depending on the person, it could have been a two-time thing, but since it's me, there won't be anything happening." He paused for a moment. "It has nothing to do with how you look or anything because you are beyond beautiful, and I would be honored, but I don't pay for sex, nor do I believe a million dollars is sufficient enough to take anyone's virginity."

Mercedes stared at him, wrapping herself in the throw as he spoke. "God, I can only imagine what everyone here is thinking about me." She shook her head. " If you feel that way, why do you even care what they would have done to me?"

He smiled. "I saw you up there. I could see you shaking; unlike the other men, I didn't see a number. You deserve to be seen as more than what's in between your legs. And I have a little sister."

Mercedes nodded as she stared at the ground. "Gotta be weird being compared to your sister while I am practically naked on this bed."

Sam chuckled, letting out a deep breath. "I'll be honest. I'm a man first, and seeing you undressed made my brain melt for a moment. I don't think my sister has that kind of effect on me." He joked.

Mercedes looked over to him, offering him a small smile. "So this is very awkward…"

"Very…" He muttered, looking at his watch. "We need to figure out a plan. I have to get back to the office, but it hasn't even been thirty minutes."

"I'm sorry, this is not how this was supposed to go." She said softly, "I can give you your money back." That was hard to say, but she knew it was the right thing.

He looked at her before shaking his head. "No, you can't. As far as they know, we've… you know, and are just doing it again. Plus, you obviously needed it for something, so take it. Besides, I can write it off later."

Mercedes sighed. "It's not for me, but it's important." She breathed, thankful he was being at least cool about the money.

"What is it for, if you don't mind me asking."

She finally looked over to him. "My brother needs surgery." She said barely above a whisper. "He's really sick, and my boss is a dick, and I just… I had no other choice."

"Will it be enough? The money?"

Mercedes stared at him for a moment. "You paid a million dollars and don't think it's enough? It's more than enough; it's saving his life."

Sam nodded before standing up. He walked over and grabbed her robe. "Then I say you go and save him." He replied, handing her the robe.

"Take this too." He added, handing her his business card. "Not sure if you'd want another job, but a recommendation from anyone from my company will get you anywhere you want to go."

"Who are you? I don't mean that to sound mean; I just…no one is this nice. You just lost over a million bucks and are offering me a recommendation? This is a joke, right? Like that old show punk'd or candid camera?"

"Oh, right, I guess I should introduce myself. I'm Sam Evans, and to answer your questions, I didn't lose any money; that money will be pulled from the discretionary funds from my company. I'm southern, and you're a beautiful woman, so being nice is embedded in my DNA, and no cameras or Aston, just me." He answered, holding his hand out for her to shake.

Mercedes chewed her bottom lip, putting her robe on. "Mercedes…Jones. And thank you for this." She said tearfully as she shook his hand. "And for the record, you look better than Aston anyways."

He chuckled. "Well, now you're just trying to give me a big head. If-" He stopped when his phone went off. "Excuse me, I need to take this." He said, stepping away.

"Stevie, I don't have time for whatever it is that you need."

"Geez, I just wanted to tell you that I was crashing at your place tonight."

Sam sighed. "Are you asking or telling me?"

"Both?"

"Fine, whatever. Just for the love of everything, don't have that crazy chick at my place again. I just got over the nightmares." He said before hanging up.

"Sorry, being the oldest is… a full-time job."

Mercedes nodded. "Don't I know it? We'd do anything for our siblings.

He nodded, rechecking his watch, figuring enough time had passed now.

"Well, Mercedes Jones, it's been nice, and I wish you the best. And for what it's worth, a million dollars is a steal." He said, winking at her before walking towards the door.

"Sam…" She said standing and walking towards him. "You could've been an ass or jerk or one of those deranged guys you were listening to, but I am thankful that you turned out to be…you." She exhaled. "I wish you the best, too." She said, standing on her tippy toes and kissing his cheek.

Sam smiled. "You made it easy. Have a good life, Mercedes." He replied, exiting the room.

Watching him leave, Mercedes took a deep breath as she tightened her robe. "I really need to get the hell out of here." She said to herself, going back to the waiting room, hoping Santana was still in there. This did not go how she thought it would, but she was thankful it did.

Seven Months Later

"Are you seriously quitting like this?" Shane asked, watching Mercedes pack up her brother's room. "You have nothing and will be putting him in danger."

Mercedes nodded as she continued packing up Carter's clothes. "I guess that's no longer any of your concerns, considering he's no longer a patient here." She responded, moving around him.

"I'm willing to offer you a deal for you both to stay."

She stopped and turned to look at him. "Really? And what is your offer?"

Shane smirked, stepping into her personal space. "You let me take you out, and I'll let him stay for the next few months for free."

"Mhm, what do you get out of that besides taking me out?" She questioned.

"Well, we both know his treatments aren't cheap, and I'm sure we can figure out a way for you to return the favor." He answered, biting his lip as he looked her over.

Mercedes threw her head back, laughing. "You know, someone told me a million dollars would be a steal for me. Do you have a million dollars?"

Shane took a step back. "I mean, you're fine, but you're not a million dollars fine."

"It's funny that you say that because I do have a million dollars, and I got it without even spreading my legs. So when you can match that, then we can have a conversation, but until then, I think you should find someone in your tax bracket." She replied, grabbing the box of Carter's things and walking out.

Mercedes walked out to her car and loaded the last box into the trunk before walking over to the driver's side and getting in. She looked over at her brother and smiled. "Are you ready to start living?"

Carter looked over to Mercedes. "Is this real? No more places like this?"

She grabbed his hand and nodded. "You're getting your surgery, and then you're going to do whatever you want to do." She said, beaming at her little brother. "I got your room set up and everything for when you come home after your surgery."

"This is surreal." He said, squeezing her hand. "How did you do all this? I thought we couldn't afford any of this."

"Let's just say we have a guardian angel looking out for us. We don't have to worry about anything anymore."

Carter exhaled, letting off a cough. "When is my surgery?"

Mercedes smiled as she began to drive. "Three days."

Carter nodded thoughtfully, looking out the window. The landscape seemed a blur of colors and shapes, the world shifting in its orbit just as his own life was about to do so. "Three days," he echoed, savoring the words on his lips. They tasted like hope.

"That's right, Carter," she affirmed, her gaze returning to the road ahead. "We're meeting with Dr. Harper tomorrow afternoon to discuss the details."

"Will it hurt?" he asked quietly, his fingers gripping at the hem of his shirt. There was a vulnerability in his voice that made Mercedes' heartache.

She tried to keep her tone light. "Probably less than your usual treatments," she said, reaching over and gently squeezing his hand. "And after that, you'll finally be free of them."

He nodded again, turning his gaze back to the window outside. His reflection stared back at him, a ghost-like image superimposed on the passing scenery.

Silence settled between them, punctuated only by the soft hum of the car engine. The sky was a darkening blue overhead, with the first stars beginning to peek out from behind the veil of dusk. Eagerly, they pointed out constellations and distant planets, trying to lighten their hearts before the road ahead.

Mercedes glanced over at Carter periodically, his face illuminated sporadically by the passing streetlights. He looked different, not just physically due to his illness, but emotionally, too. There was a spark in his eyes she hadn't seen in a long time - a spark full of curiosity and excitement for what lay ahead.

"I'm scared, Mercedes," Carter admitted after a long pause, his voice only a whisper lost in the quiet purr of the car. "What if it doesn't work? What if..."

Mercedes cut him off gently. "Don't think like that, Carter," she said soothingly. He needed encouragement more than anything right now. "We should celebrate," Mercedes said suddenly, an idea blooming in her mind. She made a swift turn down a familiar street. Carter looked at her curiously, but she only winked at him.

"You'll see. I think we both could use a little pick-me-up."

They arrived at a modest-looking ice cream parlor they used to frequent when they were kids. The sight of it brought nostalgia washing over Mercedes like a tide. She felt Carter's grip tighten in response, a glimmer of recognition lighting up his eyes.

"I remember this place," he said, a weak smile playing on his lips as he looked out at the humble building with its old-fashioned signboard. "We used to come here all the time."

"And we still can." Mercedes retorted, unbuckling her seatbelt and turning to face him. His weary eyes met hers, and she saw a flicker of uncertainty pass through them.

"Carter, no matter what happens...we've got this. We've faced worse and always come out on top, haven't we?" Her voice was firm, resolute, willing him to believe.

He nodded slowly, drawing strength from her conviction. "Yes...we have."

She grinned broadly at him before getting out of the car. The brisk evening air swirled around her as she walked over to his side and opened the door for him. He stepped out, leaning heavily against her as they made their way toward the ice cream parlor. The familiar bell chimed as they entered, a wave of nostalgia hitting them both. The smell of waffle cones and rich ice cream brought a sense of normalcy, soothing Carter's fears if only for a moment.

"I think we should get our usual," Mercedes suggested cheerfully, leading her brother up to the counter. As kids, they always chose the same thing - strawberry for him, chocolate chip mint for her. They were simple tastes that bore significant memories.

Carter shrugged, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Sounds good to me."

Mercedes placed their order with the elderly gentleman behind the counter. It was comforting to see that some things never changed. He scooped the ice cream with the same meticulous care he'd always shown, piling it high onto brittle waffle cones.

They took their treats outside to one of the weather-worn picnic tables scattered around the small grassy area adjacent to the parlor. Carter stared down at his ice cream, the pink swirls contrasting starkly against the white of the cone. Mercedes watched as he delicately traced the edges with his finger, circling it around the top like a miniature sugary planet.

"I remember how you used to race me," she said softly, her eyes twinkling in the dim light. "You'd try to finish your ice cream before it melted all over your hand."

Carter looked up from his cone, laughter dancing in his eyes. "I always ended up wearing more of it than I ate."

Mercedes laughed along with him, her heart swelling at the sight. For a moment, they were just kids again, free from worry, illness, or the cruel march of time.

"Shall we have a rematch?" she proposed, her tone playfully challenging as she held up her own half-eaten ice cream cone.

He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment before a slow grin spread across his face. "You're on, Sis."

With that, they began to wolf down their ice creams, laughter bubbling up uncontrollably every now and then. It was a scene unmarred by the harsh reality they faced - of illness and surgeries and a life-or-death gamble. For that fleeting moment, they were simply Carter and Mercedes enjoying ice cream as the stars twinkled brightly overhead.

Carter finished first, chuckling triumphantly as he tossed his empty cone into a nearby bin. Mercedes huffed in feigned annoyance, scrunching her nose in a way that made her brother laugh even harder.

They sat there for a while longer, their laughter fading into comfortable silence as they looked up at the night sky.

"Remember when we used to make wishes on falling stars?" Carter began, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Seems like ages ago," Mercedes answered wistfully.

Carter looked at her thoughtfully before his gaze returned to the sky. "Do you think after my surgery… I could really go off to college?"

She beamed, nodding. "Of course, after you heal, we get the okay from your doctors. Plus, I came into a lot of money, so you won't have to worry about tuition. You can go anywhere you want."

Her brother looked at her. "You didn't sell your liver or eggs for this, right?"

Mercedes laughed, shaking her head. "No! I think I need my liver, and these eggs are mine… I might use them one day. I just-" She paused, thinking back to the generosity from Sam. "I was offered a really good job with a huge sign-on bonus, so I'm using it on you."

Carter nodded before coughing. "Well, I hope after all of this you start living too." He said, his breathing labored.

"Come on, let's get you home. We got a busy few days ahead of us." She replied, standing and walking over to help him up.

Sam walked into the ice cream parlor with Stacey, glad for a bit of a break and happy to get to spend time with his little sister. He hesitated for a moment as he caught a glimpse of Mercedes, or at least who he thought was Mercedes.

She had been on his mind these last few months; he was sure she would have used the card and called him, but she hadn't. However, He was happy to learn that she hadn't returned to the club. Will was particularly angry about that; while they were signing the paperwork, he made it known he still hadn't found out who took "his" virgin and how he hadn't seen her since.

It made him feel like his money was well spent.

"Sammy! Sammy, snap out of it. I want ice cream!" Stacey said, shoving Sam gently.

Sam looked at her and nodded. "Sorry. Okay, um, let's order so you can tell me about school."

After he ordered his cookies and cream and Stacey ordered her mint chocolate chip, Sam sat down and took a spoonful. "Tell me about school."

"It's fine. I made the dean's list again; it's no big deal." She said, waving him off with her spoon.

"It's a huge deal, Stace. The dean's list is a big deal. And I am very proud of you." Sam said, offering her a smile. "Are you taking summer courses?"

She shook her head no. "Actually, I was thinking about coming here and working for you this summer. Get some real-life experience and make some money for the school year. I don't want to keep taking your money; I want to earn it."

Sam smiled, looking at her. "I think we can make that happen. I know you like designing things, so maybe I can have you working there with Sugar."

Stacey nodded. "Yes, I would absolutely love that! And that way, I get to see this woman you are dating."

Sam raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, what now?"

"Stevie said he thought you might be seeing someone, and it's a good thing; you don't need to be single out here. Women and some men are ridiculous."

Sam rolled his eyes. "My love life is fine, thank you very much. How is yours?"

Stacey shrugged. "I have been dating a few men, some women, but nothing serious. I am a college student who likes her freedom. But I guess someday I would like to find someone and start a family, way down the line, once I have made it." She added, flipping her spoon upside down in her mouth.

Sam sighed. "I don't want to think about you having a family. I want you to enjoy your life. You need to be young and free and not in such a hurry to grow up."

"Okay, Dad, I get it." She teased. "Stevie still crashing at your place every chance he gets?"

Sam nodded. "Yep, which is funny to me that he isn't here this weekend. I swear he is taking college like a vacation, not for his future. I wish he had our work ethic, but he doesn't. You know he told me he would be happy driving an Uber and not having a care in the world?"

"Of course he did; he's a free spirit, Sam; it's what they do. We are the realists." Stacey smirked.

"That we are. And I think he knows that we got him." Sam added.

"Speaking of having someone…dad is in rehab."

Sam shook his head, finishing his ice cream. "No."

"I didn't even finish speaking." Stacey defended.

"I don't care about Dwight or anything that has to do with him. I let him go months ago, and you should, too. He will only disappoint you."

Stacey frowned. "He's trying Sammy. It's not easy for him, but he's trying."

"Good for him. But as far as I am concerned, it's a little too late. He's gonna relapse because that's what he does. No matter how we support him or how much money we sink into him, he is going to end up right back at the end of a bottle."

Stacey chewed her bottom lip. "He's our dad."

Sam stared at her for a moment. "Stace, Dwight Evans doesn't know how to be a dad. I don't want you to break your heart again because he will break it."

She nodded as Sam reached over and held her close. "You, me, and Stevie got each other, and I can promise you that we won't ever do to you what he did."

Stacey sighed, laying on his shoulder. "I know. I love you, Sammy,"

"Love you too, lil one."

Their paths are about to start crossing!