I am beauty, I am greatness, I am strength, I am me

I'm Mercedes Jones, I am 28 years old and currently engaged to a really great guy. I am also a newly appointed Partner at Jones, Wade, and Bailey due to my 94% win rate. I don't really like talking about myself so if you have any questions just ask.

[gabriel-evans]

21 Bottles

The bar was particularly crowded for a Tuesday evening. People filled the place wall to wall causing Gabe to pull Mercedes close to him. They made way to the bar and took a seat. “I didn’t know it would be so crowded.” He yelled over the chatter rather than the music that seemed to have gotten lost in the noise.

[mercyajones]

For a Tuesday Night the bar was pretty crowded and loud. She allowed Gabe to pull her close and lead her to a chair. She shook her head. “Its okay, I am just glad to be here with you.” She yelled back. Moving closer to him she turned towards the bar. “I will take a Whiskey.”

[evansxsam-blog]

Wedding Bell Blues

[mercyajones]

Gabe winced at the mention of Sam’s name. “Let’s try to stray from talk of Sam, hm?” He suggested cooly. “…I missed you, Jones.” Gabe smiled over at her and nudged the woman’s shoulder. “ We kind of drifted after our careers took off, but I was always rooting for you and it isn’t at all a surprise that you’ve become as successful as you have. - I’m proud of you.” It was just a short drive from the restaurant to the bar, but he enjoyed being able to finally tell he all of this. “We’re here.” He stated as he turned into the semi-crowded parking lot.

“Yeah that is probably for the best.” she said honestly. Sam was not someone she wanted to spend her night talking about. Listing to Gabe she looked out the window. A smile came across her lips. “Believe it or not I missed you too. Kinda thought you would be my brother in law right now, with as much as Kenzie was feeling you.” She laughed teasing him. His words of being proud made her turn to him. “Really? Thanks, I mean I was always gonna be partner just no one thought it would be this soon. I am even younger than my mom was.” As they arrived at the bar she nodded taking her seat belt off as he parked. “Lets go.”

[evansxsam-blog]

Wedding Bell Blues

[mercyajones]

Gabe nodded at the idea then chuckled. “No, no date. I do however know of a bar close to the house, how’s that?”  They walked to his car and he made quick work of opening the door for Mercedes and giving a toothy grin when closing it.

Mercedes hesitated as she watched Sam drive by. Nodding she allowed him to walk her to his car. “I could use a drink thats for sure and its been a long time since we hung out. I never did thank you in person for those words of encouragement when I was in Paris after that guy played me I was ready to run home scared and you just were really sweet about it.” Getting in the car she put her seat belt on and forced her mind away from Sam. When Gabe got in she looked towards him. “I was uh surprised that you and Sam went into business with each other.”

[evansxsam-blog]

Wedding Bell Blues

[mercyajones]

Gabe was good at pretending to be present when he really wasn’t. He nodded, smiled and shook hands as he parted ways with the companies partners, all the while, his peripheral stayed focused on the intense scene just outside the restaurant. A mischievous smile stretched along his lips as he went to place a gentle hand on Gia’s shoulder, pointing out that Sam opted to wait for her. This night was making a turn for the better. Coming out of his suit jacket, he folded it and neatly and hung it over his arm as he headed outside just in time to watch Sam and Gia walk away, Sam looking back at Mercedes with his pitiful puppy eyes.

His hand found the small of Mercedes’ back as he cleared his throat. “I’d be happy to give you a ride home if you’d like?” The offer was a sincere one. He had absolutely nothing against Mercedes. She was his friend just as she was Sam’s, not as close of course. He’d became closer to her older sister Makayla and even dated her at one point in time. Mercedes was always the girl next door who was like the kid sister he never asked for, up until about a year ago when he saw her in passing. She’d become a full-blown woman and suddenly he began to see her in a whole new light. They talked regularly on Facebook and facetimed here and there, though most conversations consisted talk of Sam. It was a stupid childish crush, but he just couldn’t shake whatever feeling it was that consumed when being in her company on simply talking to her.

This was the right thing to do, that is what she told herself as Sam walked away with Gia. She sighed heavily as a hand touched her back, she knew it was Gabe before she saw him. Turning to face him she cleared her throat not wanting to show how upset she still was. “I would love a ride I just I can’t go home right now... I was just going to go for a walk or something. You can join me if you want.” She faced him completely briefly touching his shoulder, trying to take her mind off of everything that just happened. “But I gotta say Gabe, seeing you all dolled up is a good look on you. You always could hang a suit.” She placed her hair behind her ears. “So what do you say? Wanna keep me company? Or do you have some big date?”

[evansxsam-blog]

Wedding Bell Blues

[mercyajones]

All he could do was shake his head at her words. The fact that she was turning this situation on herself twisted something inside of him. He fought the urge to hold her. “Mercedes…That isn’t true -” Sam stopped abruptly and turned to look at Gia through the restaurant window. Truth be told he probably didn’t deserve either one of them. If he couldn’t quarantine his feelings to just one of them then how the hell was he going to move forward with marriage? Gia sat across from Gabe and a pair of buisnessmen, her legs crossed and hands neatly placed in her lap as she laughed along to whateveer joke that was being told. Sam sighed hanging his head down low and wondered just how in the hell did he let it get this far so soon. Not even a full day back. He wanted to so badly put all the blame on Gabe, but this was all on him and he needed to fix it somehow, someway. “You’re wrong. You are so wrong Mercedes. I wanted to be with you… Even now I-” He paused again and let out a groan. “ Can I please take you home so that we can talk on the way?”

Starring at him she followed his eyes. Could see him looking at Gia and Gabe and somehow she felt like being there with Sam was wrong. She hung her head low taking a breath. “I don’t think we really have anything to talk about. You are getting married, simple as that.” She moved towards him gently hugging him and kissed him on the cheek. Looking back towards the restaurant she saw Gabe standing. “I think I will just get a ride from Gabe. Pretty sure your Fiance is looking for you.” Giving him a small smile she turned to walk away.

[evansxsam-blog]

Wedding Bell Blues

[mercyajones]

“You’re mad, I know, I get it and you totally have every right to be but, Mercedes -” Sam pauses and pulls her to the side to get away from listening ears. “I planned on telling you once we got here, I promise you that. But when we started talking it was like old times and I couldn’t help myself… It’s not an excuse for me letting things get to where they did but please believe me when I tell you that I never wanted to hurt you. It wasn’t my intention.” Sam took a long drawn out breath and studied her searching for a resolve of some sort. It was wishful thinking and he knew it, but he needed her to know that he wouldn’t do anything to purposefully hurt her. He loved her.

He stood there in front of her, the silence deafening as green eyes stayed fixed on her. “- Look, let me at least take you home. Can I please just do that? You don’t even have to talk to me…I mean, unless you want to. And I totally get if you don’t, I’m just  putting it out there that talking is a very welcomed option.” He clears his throat and goes to scratch his head. “ Mercedes,please.”

He spoke and while she could hear the sincerity in his voice, she truly didn’t want to care. He hurt her and she had to accept it. Sam pulled her to the side and she folded her arms after wiping her eyes. This was her fault. She was angry with Sam but she was more angry with herself. She should have spoken up, could have and she didn’t. She was the reason Sam found someone else. And while she wanted to admit that to him she couldn’t.

“Married Sam, you are getting married. And shes... she beautiful and I can see she loves you. Which I shouldn’t be surprised I mean you are you. You are Sam Evans, my best friend. The one guy in my life other than my dad that I could count on. You were my first Sam, my first everything and I wanted to tell you before I just I didn’t think you saw me as anything but your best friend I mean all your girlfriends were beautiful and skinny just like Gia, how could I think.” She shook her head stopping herself.

“I am happy for you, and I know that you and she will be happy together, just like I know that on the day of your wedding I will be standing next to you watching you give yourself to her.” She paused, that thought broke her heart all over again. “But right now I just I cant deal with it.”

[mercyajones]

Sam needs to suffer, he was wrong!

OOC: Lol!

[mercyajones]

awww poor Sam, he didn't mean to hurt her.

OOC: Right now she is confused and embarrassed but anger might be next. 

[evansxsam-blog]

Wedding Bell Blues

He wasn’t sure what the hell just happened. First Gabe then Gia then Mercedes leaving. It all happened so fast that once everyone had parted ways it was Sam who was still sitting at his table for two all alone, dazed and confused. Blinking a few time and taking in the sights of the restaurant and the people who are actually enjoying themselves, he was able to catch a glimpse of Mercedes darting towards the parking lot. Where she was going he wasn’t sue given he was her ride.

“Mercedes!” He yelled barely stepping foot out of the establishment. “Mercedes wait! Wait -” The blonde panted. “I was going to tell you I swear.” His breath finally slowed. “ L - Look I’m sorry, you weren’t supposed to find out like that. I should have told you sooner but I didn’t know how. It’s…It’s like when I saw you I just forgot about everything else. You’ve got to believe…please.”

[mercyajones]

She was determined to leave and not look back, her heart heavy and her eyes burned. Sam played her, or at least that is how she felt. She put everything on the table, something she never did, and now she learned that Sam was engaged to be married. ENGAGED! 

It wasn’t just embarrassment that drove her, it was anger as well. He could have told her, should have told her. He had the chance, and let her make a complete fool of herself. She heard someone call her name but she didn’t care, her shorts legs were taking her to her place and she didn’t want to stop, but as always Sam was quicker than her. She heard him but it didn’t matter.

“Sam you need to go back to your Fiancee’.. shouldn’t be out here with me.” She said barely holding it together. Stopping in her tracks, she didn’t face him, too scared the dam would break. “You don’t have to explain, you are getting married, and you are happy, thats all that matters, now I need to get going.” She said as she started walking again.

[mercyajones]

Oh i understand now!! Thank you!! Love it so far!!

ooc: Thank you we are excited you all love it!

[mercyajones]

i don't really understand what is the plot for this RP! is this the one where Mercedes is gonna caught Gabe and her sister in bed and end in a coma? Is she engaged to Gabe like it's said in her bio? or is this a flashback? I love the RP so far but im just a bit confused!

OOC: Hi, sorry for the confusion, after we wrote the Bio, we decided to put a little bit of a twist on this old story, so we are starting from the beginning, from why Mercedes and Gabe get together, to why Samcedes didn’t. We wanted to dive in deeper and bring you readers in and show you the development. But I do apologize for the confusing bio.  

[mercyajones]

Welcome Home || Samcedes

[gialthompson]

Sam looked as if he swallowed a frog and Gabe was loving every moment of it. He found it particularly hard not to burst into laughter after being joined by Gia, Sam’s finance. “Well, I guess there’s no need little brother. Cats out the bag now.” He teased with a quirk of his brow and devilish grin. Though he found Sam’s pathetic face simply hilarious, it was a quite different feeling when adverting his attention back to Mercedes. The woman’s lips quivered for but a second but he caught it. Suddenly he didn’t feel much like laughing. “Well, Mercedes, Sam … Gia, I have a meeting to attend. Gia I’ll see you at the table.” He shoved his hands into his pocket and gave Mercedes a small smile “Always good to see you, Cedes.” Gabe finished as he turned to walk away. 

He was a dead man. A dead confused man. Gia approached the table and Sam’s jaw dropped impossibly lower. “Gia! Hey, yeah that’s cool. I’m so happy to hear that.” Sam stood to embrace the woman. “Baby this is my -uh Mercedes Jones. My best friend.” His voice dropped a bit.“Mercedes, um I was going to tell you under better circumstances but, I’m getting married.” He looked up to Gia and cleared his throat. “We’re getting married. That’s the other reason I’m back.” Sam loosened his tie and glared his eyes at a departing Gabe. “We would love for you to come.”

Gia glanced at the woman and nodded. “So this is your best friend? I have heard a lot about you from both Sam and Gabe.” She smiled widely. “Sam come on you wanted to ask her to be your best man well best woman remember? I swear his mind is in the clouds sometimes, but we would love for you to come like he said, his wedding party isn’t really that functional so having a women there to whip them into shape would be great.” She turned her attention to Sam. “You also need to get fitted for your tux…oh Mercedes you would probably want to wear a dress and not a tux but if you feel more comfortable in one I say you go girl, be proud for who you are.”

[mercyajones]

Mercedes bit her bottom lip, in order to stop herself from making an even bigger fool of herself. She watched Sam hug Gia and talk about their wedding and she forced a smile on her face. “You guys make a very cute couple.” she forced. “Sam, she’s beautiful, and I am sure just as smart. I can uh check my schedule and see if I can make it. If you both will excuse me I really should be going. Sam it was good seeing you again. Gia, nice to meet you.” She nodded politely before turning and heading right for the door. She needed to get away, needed to stop herself from feeling like a complete idiot. Tears streamed down her face as she made her way out of the restaurant, it was then she realized that she didn’t drive there, Sam did. There was no way she was going back in there so she turned on her heels and started to long walk home.

[mercyajones]

Welcome Home || Samcedes

[mercyajones]

Gia grabbed the papers from her car, she wanted to get the papers to Gabe and then find Sam, she had some news about the wedding. Walking into the restaurant she didn’t see him. Walking further in she saw Gabe standing next to a woman who looked familiar and Sam sitting in a booth. Walking over to them she smiled brightly. “Gabe! There you are, I thought you were waiting at the Bar.” She moved to stand next to Sam and bent down kissing him. “Baby! I am so glad you were here. I have great news we got the reception hall! The other couple bailed out so its all ours.” Looking over to the women next to Gabe she smiled. “I am so sorry you must think I am so rude. I am Gia, Sam’s Fiancee’.”

Mercedes noticed the woman immediately, she watched as she walked past Gabe and moved to Sam, kissing him and talking about a wedding. Mercedes looked on in horror as realization hit her. Sam was getting married. Not only was he engaged, but he was engaged to a beautiful, skinny, leggy woman. They might have been the same height, but she wore it so much better. Mercedes glaceed from Sam to Gia and back to Sam. “You’re engaged?” She felt her heart beat out of her chest and faster than before. “Sam...ummm.” She shook her head trying to put the tears at bay. “Congrats I umm guess.”

[mercyajones]

Welcome Home || Samcedes

[mercyajones]

Gabe sat at the bar occasionally checking his phone for the time as he waited for partners to show for their meeting. He wanted to ditch the whole thing to be perfectly honest given the older Evans brother had a nice bottle of chilled champagne and a beautiful companion waiting for him. Gabe gave out an annoyed huff, checking his phone once more before spinning in his stool. Looking around the Aurellio’s a familiar pair caught his eye and suddenly his night became more interesting. The blonde stood and gave his suit jacket and tug and pants a quick ironing with his hands before walking over, a mischievous smile growing wider the close he approached. “Mercedes? Is that you?” Gabe reached for her hand and helped her up so that he could give her a hug. “It’s so good to see you….I see you and my brother wasted no time in finding one another.” The eldest sibling looked at Sam with a knowing stare. At this point Sam was mouthing something and his eyes looked pleading. Gabe was well aware of what he was trying to signal but chose to ignore him. “I assume Sam has shared the good news with you?”

Mercedes stared at Sam, waiting for him to say something, anything. She pulled back but before she could say anything else, she heard someone call her name. Turning to see Gabe, she allowed him to help her up. She hugged him pulling away so she could get a hood look at him. “Look at you, think you got cuter with age. And yeah I was picking up some things at the house when I saw Sam.” She turned towards Sam fully. “News? If its your business then he told me.”

[mercyajones]

Welcome Home || Samcedes

[mercyajones]

Sam had to fight the urge to roll his eyes at the mention of Gabe. He’s his brother, yes, but their bond was anything but brotherly. The blonde sighed and gave a tight-lipped smile. “Ha, you know him. In control of everything. All the time.” There was no more hiding the annoyance in his voice so the change in conversation was more than welcome, though, that too was getting under his skin. How he wondered. How could someone be so self-absorbed. How could someone not want her to succeed in every little thing she decided to do.“Hm…” A baffled Sam leaned back in his chair, a fidgety finger tapping at the table. “Well for what it’s worth i’m glad it didn’t work out. He didn’t deserve you.” A more relaxed, genuine smile replaced the previous one. “You’ve put so much work into your career and deserve to accomplish and fulfill all your heart’s desire’s, Cedes.” Sam bit his lip, his eyes finding hers. “You know, I applied.” He took a healthy drink from his glass. “Harvard, I mean. I applied. Didn’t get in. Obviously, amirite?”

Mercedes reached over and grabbed Sam’s hand. “I know sometimes its hard for you and he to get along but at least you are trying. And as for that ass back at school, he ended up flunking out the next semester because as I said I helped him, did his work for him. I knew it wasn’t love but it was something, you know?” She raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you applied. I wish you would have gotten in, we could have had fun at school together. Maybe it wouldn’t have taken me this long to tell you how I really feel... about you that is.” She removed her hand and moved closer to Sam. “Sam I have spent years trying to do something for everyone and not myself. I... I really just..” She sighed taking a deep breath. “Sam I have been in love with you, since we were 16, maybe even before that. And please tell me that I haven’t waited to long. Tell me that I haven’t read the signs wrong, that you still love me too.” She leaned in and kissed him softly, pulling away and starring at him. “I love you Sam.”

[mercyajones]

Welcome Home || Samcedes

[mercyajones]

“Mayor Jones. Calling him that is still going to take some getting used to. Mayor Jones…Mr. Mayor Jones.” Sam looked off quizzically as he tried to come up with an acceptable formality. “I’ll figure it out.” The blonde shrugged and forked some spaghetti into his mouth.  

“Soooo…” Sam’s brow raised. “There was no one special back at Harvard? Like, at all?” Mercedes’ work ethic was no secret so it wasn’t much surprise when finding out that she would go as far as to put her personal life on hold, but for eight years - it was a little hard to believe. “I started out like that for my first couple of years away, but it got to the point where I needed human interaction or else I was gonna’ to lose it. Besides, Gabe pushed for me to have the ‘full’ college experience.”

Mercedes nodded. “Its still a change but I knew he would win, there is no other person more suited for the job then him.” She moved her chicken Alfredo around the plate as Sam spoke.

“That sounds like Gabe, always wanting to have fun and have others join him so he isn’t alone. And as for the full college experience I am glad you got to experience that. As for me, well there was one guy, We dated for about a year but when I was picked for an internship he wanted, well the pettiness came out and he and I just didn’t work.” She sighed. “Well to be honest he called me a backstabbing bitch saying I only dated him to steal the internship. I called him a delusional bastard who would have flunked out of college had it not been for me. But thats that way things go.” 

She chewed her bottom lip. “That doesn’t matter though, I mean he wasn’t the one I was meant to be with anyways.”

[mercyajones]

Welcome Home || Samcedes

[mercyajones]

“ - So how are things been since you’ve been back? I know your dad can be…intense when it comes to working and now that you’re at the firm I can only imagine.” Sam paused after taking a sip from his glass. “No offense or anything. I mean, he’s cool while not working but man when he kicks into lawyer mode it’s scary.” The blonde clarified with a smile. It felt nice being able to sit and talk within a known space, in a quiet familiar town, rather than in some cramped building in the busy city. “I’ve missed this. This town. This restaurant….You.”

Mercedes gave a hearty laugh. “Things have been good, I think having me and Kayla there make him feel like we are unstoppable or something. The moment I told him I was coming home, he set up my office. I promise I walked in there and he had balloons and streamers. It was like my fifth birthday all over again. He said the only thing that comes close to working with his girls is being Mayor.” She looked over to Sam, blushing again. He did that to her. “I missed the town and everything too. I missed you too Sam. You know I worked so hard in school, worked so hard getting my degree, getting my life together and I missed out on so many other things... like fun and love.” She looked up at Sam eyes full of words she wanted to speak but couldn’t.