INVOLVED: Samuel Evans and Miranda Ramirez.
LOCATION: Evans’ Penthouse - Nashville, Tennessee.
TIME FRAME: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026.
NOTES: Samuel goes back to the penthouse since moving out to have a conversation with Miranda about their shared business and the future plans he has for the penthouse.
Samuel turned the key in the lock, only mildly surprised when the door gave way. He stepped inside the penthouse and called out to its sole occupant, “Miranda. We need to talk.” Pushing the door closed, he walked over to the dining room table and thumbed through the folder on the table top. He should check but her many disappearing acts had made him an expert. She was certainly not home. Going over to the refrigerator he took out a bottle of water, thanking the space appreciatively. If Miranda were too stubborn he could make a tight profit off this place.Stark rays of sunlight poured in, trying to gain dominance over the tint that calmly helped to keep its harsh light at bay. He moved into the center of the light and looked out over the city. He could admit it to himself now. He’d always hated this penthouse. It was never a home; it was a place he returned to time and time again, simply because he thought he would never be able to go to his actual home. God, he was happy this chapter of his life was finally coming to an end.
Miranda examined her freshly manicured nails, perched on the bench in front of her vanity she held her painted nails out in front of herself. Hearing her name she smirked, she knew that voice and she found it amusing that it was back echoing through the rather quiet penthouse he’d left a while ago. Licking her lips, she stood up slowly from the vanity and moved through the large bedroom. She needed to change the locks or demand her key back one or the other. Samuel shouldn’t be allowed to just walk in whenever he wanted, he’d left and he should remain that way. Though part of her longed to be near him again, so despite her annoyance she would keep her attitude at bay. Opening the bedroom door she rounded the corner and stood at the top of the steps, folding her arms over her chest. “About?” she replied, watching him as he gazed out of the window.
So, she was home. Samuel's head moved, eyes moving up to meet the Latina’s eyes. He waited for a long moment before speaking, already annoyed that she was playing games. He sighed and let his eyes return to the Nashville skyline. “The penthouse mainly” he said, then turned to face her full on. “And you, making ideal threats.” With that, Samuel strode over to the dining room table and pulled out a chair for Miranda before rounding the table and sitting in the one across from her.
Her eyes gazed into his, she stilled her face although inside she was chuckling to herself. She thought about begging him to come back, fighting him on the separation but her new plan was much more entertaining to her. She wanted half of everything he owned, partly, she had a funny idea of how she could fight for it too. “Hm” Miranda said at the mention of the penthouse she moved down one step, he spoke again. She couldn’t help herself; she had to smirk at that last comment. Fixing her face she continued her trek down the steps reaching the landing. “Bueno” she breathed as she moved to the table sitting down beside him.
Samuel slid his chair over a bit, clearing his throat. He pulled the folder over to himself, hand resting on top of it. “Miranda,” he started finger tapping, then he shook his hand, deciding better. An apology wasn’t going to help this situation. It was better to keep it strictly business. “I have signed over complete control of your business to you.” His hand stilled on the folder as he pushed it across the table. “You are welcome to take a look? Outside of that, we need to discuss this penthouse.”
Miranda watched him eyes moving up and down his frame slowly, was that guilt she was sensing? She doubts it. But his demeanor was different, she guessed it should be they were not together he didn’t care about her anymore. She pulled herself out of her own thoughts and looked at the folder as he slid it her way. “How thoughtful of you?” she said sarcastically as she opened the folder and looked down at the documentation. He was being so cold with her, it was as if the last seven years meant nothing to him. He was acting as if he didn’t used to love her. “It was the least you could do,” she said, closing the folder and pushing it away from herself. She would have a lawyer properly look over the documents on her own time, but she knew Samuel well enough to know he wouldn’t actually try to screw her over. “What about the house?” she said next with a raised brow, moving her eyes to finally look into his again.
Samuel licked his lips, intentionally keeping his face passive. The little quips were, after all, to be expected. He leaned back in the chair, “the HOA fees, all the bills, everything is in my name. I propose I sell the penthouse and transfer you half of its value.” He had toyed with the idea of paying for her upkeep for at least a year. But Mercedes… No, if she found out he’d done that, he was sure she’d be upset. “That seems fair. Don’t you think so?”
Tilting her head Miranda took in the macho way he leaned back in the chair as he spoke. She pursed her lips as he stated the obvious, explaining all that he had control over in regards to the home she was inhabiting. “Hm” she said again to herself “well” she added leaning back in her seat “you seem to have it all figured out” she told him. It didn’t matter if she was in this penthouse or not, if he planned to give her money towards the sale or not. She knew very soon she would get more than that anyway.
Samuel watched Miranda. Her expression gave away nothing. Which was unsettling, but what else did he expect? It was better in this moment to push on. “I am trying to be fair,” he said honestly. “I will continue to pay the bills and you can stay here until the place sells. Okay?” He stretched his long frame, then stood. “It will be a couple of million easy” he said pleased.
“Trying to be fair?” Miranda repeated a chuckle leaving her, she let her mask slip for a moment and rambled “He desperdiciado siete años con el mayor idiota de este planeta” to herself with a huff. “Do whatever you need to do Samuel” she said, “but don’t pretend like you are doing me a fucking favor. No soy estúpida. I don’t know if you have forgotten that in the time you packed up and left here.”
Samuel's head swiveled, his cold eyed glare holding the woman to the spot. “And what would you want from me, Miranda? Tell me what you expect from this idiot?” It was Samuel’s time to chuckle. “I am not doing you a favor. I am trying to be equitable to my ex-girlfriend.” Breaking up with a woman was not a divorce. He was starting to believe Miranda didn’t understand this notion at all. “I haven’t forgotten anything, Miranda. If I thought you were a fool, I would not be here at all. I assure you of that.”
“I want you to give me what I am owed, what I deserve…” dripped from Miranda’s lips like venom. “And it’s a lot more than this” she told him, snatching up the folder before she slammed it back down against the table. “And money from this penthouse you fucking prick” she breathed bitterly. “Seven years of lies and you pretending to fucking love me. Me taking care of you, of this house, I deserve more.”
Typical… Samuel crossed his arms under, the corded muscle showing under the cashmere sweater he was wearing. “I see. You didn’t say what that more was. Be specific” he asked, placing weight behind each word. He truly wanted to know what their time together was worth to her.
Miranda’s eyes darkened as she watched the man, she smirked to herself she couldn’t lay all of her cards out on the table just yet. She couldn’t indulge him by alluding to what she wanted or she’d never actually get it. “It doesn’t matter, because I know you,” she said, a disgusted look painting across her face. “Are we done?”
Samuel could see the fire building behind Miranda’s eyes. It was the same one that he’d stoked so many times before. Like always, she controlled it, twisted it. Then opted for an answer that was more moderate, something that would placate him instead. Only this time he knew her control was not for him. It was all for herself. Which sent a cold chill up his spine. “Maybe,” he said, mulling over her reaction. “We might be done, but I asked you a direct question and I really think you should answer,” he urged.
“We aren’t together, I don’t have to answer to you anymore” Miranda rebutted. “Now…” she breathed looking at him blinking slowly “if we are done here, you can go” she told him matter-of-factly. She could have formulated an answer to give to him, to appease him of course. But she liked the idea of him being a little ruffled by her dismissiveness.
She was opting out of this negotiation. So be it. Samuel nodded, “Understood. So, I’ll say this before I leave.” His mouth crooked up at the corners into a sad smile. “I know this isn’t worth much, but it's not that I didn’t or don’t love you. I did and in some ways I still do. I never meant for any of this to happen,” he rubbed his hand over his face. But left the rest unsaid. It was true. He never intended to hurt Miranda. It was the reason, he’d stayed past the point where he should have left. None of that was going to be received or understood by her. So again, he buried the words and moved back to truths. “Don’t overestimate. You have been well taken care of. Even when you had your tantrums and went on your siesta, it was on my dime. You have amassed a small fortune in clothes and jewelry, again on my dime. All the money you have made in your business over the last seven years was yours to do with what you pleased. Miranda, I don’t owe you anything. We have had a mutually beneficial relationship. But let me be clear, we are not married, we don’t have any kids, and I was already established when you met me. So let me say this again, I don’t owe you a got damn thing.” He let the words settle, then turned to leave. But stopped raising his finger. “Oh and Miranda, I know you are very upset with me” he shrugged, accepting that in this case he was the bad guy. “Me. Well you can say whatever you want. But don’t you ever threaten my family. I promise you will not like the outcome.”
INVOLVED: Samuel Evans and Miranda Ramirez.
LOCATION: The Evans’ Penthouse - Nashville, Tennessee.
TIME FRAME: Friday, February 27th, 2026.
NOTES: A drunken Samuel returns home to Miranda after leaving Mercedes house upset. The two share words and Samuel leaves.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Trigger Warning Alcohol Abuse.
Samuel stumbled across the threshold. He caught himself on the door jam, shaking his head and immediately regretting his decision. He lunged for the waste pail closest to the front door and retched. The sour taste of bourbon and gin mingled in an unholy concoction that only numbed the edges of his raging emotions. He dragged his hand over his mouth, “Fuck it.” He cursed before stumbling and then sliding down to the floor. Instead of getting up, he just leaned against the wall hugging the trashcan to his chest. “Excuse after excuse…” He mumbled, head hung low.
Miranda tied the silk robe tightly against her frame, looking herself over in the bathroom mirror. She reached for some facial cream and pumped a little into her hand before she massaged it into her skin gently. When she was done she turned the bathroom light off and exited it, moving into their bedroom. She thought she heard something downstairs, she moved out of the bedroom listening closely. With a deep sigh she moved to walk down the steps slowly, looking towards Samuel resting on the ground with a trashcan in his hands. “Sam?” she breathed with a raised brow.
Samuel flinched, Miranda’s voice pulling him from his slow fall into despair. He took her in. From head to toe, she was gorgeous. She loved him in her own way. It was love mixed with familiarity. But at least she was sure she wanted to be with him. He blinked slowly, his heavy lids refusing to open all the way. “What?” He asked, setting the trashcan on the ground.
She was starting to see a pattern here, she continued to walk down the steps watching him. He seemed to leave their home, go to some unknown place and return to her looking like shit or otherwise acting like someone just killed Bear. She rolled her eyes over him, she didn’t reply back, she walked towards the kitchen instead. Opening the fridge she grabbed a bottle of Perrier water, she opened it and moved back towards him handing it over to the man. He was obviously drunk and in need of a little help.
Samuel drifted back to his thoughts. Miranda hadn’t bothered to answer and actually he decided he didn’t want to talk anyway. It felt good when she was upset with him, it eased his guilt. He felt her approach, her shadow casting over him as if she was blocking out the sun. He opened one eye and pecked at her. The bottle of water she offered made him frown. He opened his other eye then, before climbing to his feet. “Thank you.” He mumbled, taking the bottle. He moved across the living room, twisting the cap off the water. Then he fell into the couch, guzzling the whole bottle down.
Miranda watched him get to his feet, she licked her lips stepping backwards allowing him space. She folded her arms over her chest, her eyes following him as he moved for the couch sitting down. She looked down at the trash can, rolling her eyes to herself seeing the contents inside. She walked away from him thinking of something to say, ideally she would have comforted him. But the last few weeks had been utter shit, their relationship was diminishing and nothing that she did or tried seemed to help. She was still trying to recover from the disappointment she felt over the Bahamas trip. She could have used a drink herself right now but it did not feel appropriate. “Samuel, what is going on with you?” she finally asked him, she was now standing in front of their staircase, deciding against leaving for their bedroom without saying anything to him at all.
Samuel took the empty but still cool bottle and laid it on his forehead. He hoped she would just leave him alone. But no. He sighed, trying to decide what to actually tell her. ‘Hey Miranda, I have been sleeping with Mercedes. Hey Randa, my ex is pregnant and I’m the father’. It was all too harsh and it was all the truth. “This doesn’t work, Miranda, not anymore.” He closed his eyes, “You know I am right.”
She turned his head to look at the back of his, she swallowed hard trying to ground herself once more. “Well of course you are too busy working against it” she said in rapid succession behind him. She knew what he meant even if he didn’t have the balls to come right out and say it. She squinted as she walked away from the stairs. Up until December of last year her relationship with him was fine, she hadn’t changed in the least bit she was the same woman he’d known for the last seven years. “What changed? Because it wasn’t me…” Miranda said, her voice low. She rounded the couch gazing down at him “I am the same woman you have always known and now magically we don’t work?” she asked him.
Samuel opened his eyes, his green eyes boring into her brown ones. He was exhausted. He was tired of lying to her. “No, you didn’t change. I suppose I did.“ He removed the bottle from his head and sat up. “I'm not good enough for you. I’ve never loved you the way you deserved to be.” He rubbed his temples, his voice pleading. There was truly no need to argue; she had to admit he was right. He truly didn’t want to hurt her; however, he was starting to believe there was no other way.
She stared down at him as he spoke, squinting her eyes at him. She moved her hand to her forehead, rubbing it gently as he continued saying anything he could think of, in her opinion. “What are you even talking about?” she asked him. Her anger was flaring up, he was infuriating her. “So you just woke up and decided one day I deserve better and you need to free me from you? Is that the shit you are going to try and sell me right now Samuel?” she asked him honestly. “Do you think I am estupida?” Miranda asked him genuinely wanting to know if he found her to be dumb.
Why did all women need everything spelled out for them? As if any answer was going to make this better. He dropped his hand side-eyeing her. His aspirated sigh was heavy carrying the weight of his anguish. “I love you. But I’m not in love with you. Honestly, I don’t know if I am capable of loving anyone” Samuel growled, jumping up from the chair. “You don’t love me either and you know it. Stop lying to me. And Christ Almighty, stop lying to yourself. That is why you hate Mercedes so fucking much, because you know I’m still stuck on her. I am a fool for being so stupid.” He said, two fingers stabbing his head. “Didn’t you say? I’m always making a fool of myself?” He paced, “you can’t fix that. You can’t change it and you shouldn’t have to.” He hissed, shaking his head as he started moving towards the stairs.
Miranda tilted her head at his words, she blinked a few times. In her mind he made it very hard to do but she did love him, she could never admit she had fallen in and out of it. Because he was right about that and she hadn’t really admitted it to herself. Though she did have other men who adored her far more, she just couldn’t accept the possibility of Mercedes taking her place. She actually wouldn’t allow it. “Yes and you are making a fool of yourself right now, we are made for each other” she tested, she might as well try every trick in the book. “I am made for you and you made for me, stop arguing these crazy points. We are in love with each other” she said. “It’s just the alcohol talking you need to rest, you are just upset… is it work?” she asked him, ignoring all else. He wasn’t leaving her and she wasn’t leaving him. “Let’s get you in bed..”
Samuel stopped short. The sudden movement, causing his stomach to turn. He steadied himself, taking a deep breath waiting for the room to stop spinning. Swallowing, “No. It’s the fact that I know for a fact Mercedes doesn’t want to be with me. And despite knowing that I know I don’t want to be with you.” He said flatly. “We are over. I’ll leave in the morning.”
At the mention of Mercedes not wanting him she furrowed her brows, confusion written across her face she did not understand the point or connection. She rested her hands on her hips. She could not believe he out of all people was breaking up with her? His words had her fuming, she was willing to do anything possible to keep him in her grasp but he was not worth the fight. “Why wait until the morning, get your pathetic ass out right now!” Miranda argued.
Samuel laughed humorlessly. He nodded, holding out his arms. “That is me, a pathetic asshole.” He chuckled, “that’s right an asshole.” He nodded, then staggered towards the front door. “Being kicked out twice in one night has to be a record.” He pulled the front door open and crossed the threshold slamming the door behind him.
Miranda shook her head perplexed by his last statement, what did he mean getting kicked out twice in one night had to be a record? Who else had kicked him out and why? She squinted as different ideas rolled around in her head, she was too wrapped up in her own thoughts to consider the fact that he’d just left clearly drunk off his ass. When the thought did occur to her it was too late, she walked to the door yanking it open but the man was gone. She huffed agitatedly, slamming the door shut and she scurried up the stairs to their bedroom in pursuit of her phone. She could call him back here and try to talk some sense into him.
INVOLVED: Samuel Evans and Drew Evans.
LOCATION: Four Seasons - Nassau, Bahamas.
TIME FRAME: Saturday, February 14th, 2026.
NOTES: While Mercedes and the girls are at the spa on Valentine’s Day, Samuel and Drew go play a round of golf together.
Samuel yelled “four,” driving the ball down the fairway. He watched the ball soared and just caught the bounce as it landed on the green. The putter slid down into his hand as he nodded to himself. “Alright, you are up.” He said, handing his putter to the caddy. He grinned, a small challenge to his linky son.
Drew stood back twirling his golf club in his hand playfully, his father took golfing far more seriously than he ever would. It wasn’t his favorite sport of choice but he liked playing it with his father, it gave them some much needed alone time. It was his favorite excuse to steal the man away from his busy lifestyle. He watched the ball as it flew and he licked his lips, the older man was too good to even compete with him to begin with. “Alright” he said, nodding his head as he looked towards the caddy as he placed a ball down on the tee. Drew moved into position and he raised his putter driving the ball forward as hard as he could. He stood back watching the ball, blocking the sun out of his eyes with his hands.
Samuel held his breath as Drew tee’d up the ball. While golf wasn’t his son’s favorite sport, the young man did indulge and that was good. It actually made him a better player and best of all, the golf course was a place where deals were made and broken, for that matter. Samuel stood back admiring his son “nice form,” he acknowledged before Drew sent the ball whisking through the air. “Not bad,” he said, moving in the direction of the ball before it even hit the ground. “I can’t believe you dislike golf. You are so good at it” Samuel laughed, “I am jealous.”
Drew looked at his father with a smirk on his face, he handed his putter over to his caddy. His long legs caught him up to his father with ease. “I am only good because I learned from the best,” he said honestly. “I don’t know Pops, I just love basketball more” he said without thought. He felt he was born to play basketball, it was second nature to him.
When Drew caught up to Samuel, he looked over to the teen. “I know. Remember it is okay to cultivate many talents. That being said, next time we'll go find a pickup game. How does that sound?” It had been a while since he played basketball, but he should be able to manage. “How are your early practices going? Is this going to be another championship year for the team?”
Drew nodded his head at the man’s words, he thought that was what he had been doing by playing both baseball and basketball but perhaps his dad was right. He guessed he could add more to his plate, why not? “Sounds like I am going to beat my old man” he said smartly with a smirk on his face. “With me on the team no doubt. Who else is going to drop threes but me?" he asked the man, playfully wrapping his arm around the equally tall man’s shoulders. “It is my last year, I have a lot to prove,” he admitted.
“We shall definitely see,” Samuel said, with a dry chuckle. “Your old man still has a few tricks up his sleeve.” He nodded, giving his son a once-over with a chuckle. In his mind recalling being Drew’s age. Where had the time gone? He felt an unexplained pain in his chest. “That is my boy. Email me the game schedule so that I can add it to my calendar. I don’t want to miss any of your games this year.” He said, voice more serious than he intended. “What else is going on with you? I haven’t heard of you dating anyone lately.”
That was a challenge and Drew had just accepted it in his mind “okay” he said amusement lacing his voice. “Okay” he repeated again. “I’ll ask mom for it so I can send it to you” he said absently. Drew shrugged his shoulders, stopping short as they reached his father’s ball. “Nothing much” he lied. He’d been up to a lot actually. Sneaking out, sleeping with various girls, plotting to get his parents back together with his twin sisters. The list was long but he obviously could not tell his father that. “Dating?” he said, offering up a snort and chuckle to his dad. “Dating sounds so pointless right now… I’ll be going off to school and life’s too unpredictable” he said slyly. “Besides, I am too busy with school, sports, admissions prep, state tests, and looking out for mom.”
The caddy moved forward, handing Samuel his 9-iron. “Thank you,” Samuel said, absently setting up his shot. He looked down at the iron, lining the ball up with the hole. “Hmm, no time for girls?” Sam questioned. Twisting his lips. He looked over at Drew. “You are interested in girls?” He asked, keeping his voice neutral. “If you aren’t, you know that’s okay, right?” Not wanting to make a big deal out of what he just said, he stood nodding satisfied. Feet shoulder-length apart and he made his swing. He listened to the boy hand him a laundry list of excuses as the ball rolled down the green. The ball stopped short, only a few yards from the hole. Samuel turned to look at Drew, his forehand creased. “What's going on with your mother?” He asked, wondering just what Drew was talking about.
Drew watched his father, he grabbed his own club using it as a cane, leaning against it. At his dad’s question the boy brows furrowed, stitching tightly together. “Dad I am not gay” he said, he was almost insulted. Not because he felt like something was wrong with being gay, but because he happened to pull way more girls then his friends did. He was the top dog in that arena. “I have interest in girls, I just don’t have to date them to get what I want from them,” he blurted. He regretted doing so as soon as it left his lips. He knew his father would not ignore that comment. He watched his father’s ball fly and he licked his lips, he wasn’t making that but he’d try. Drew’s eyes moved to meet his dad’s at his next question, “it’s my job to protect her isn’t it?” he asked, repeating the man’s words back to him. “Besides, I don’t think it’s anything important, at least she doesn’t act like it is. If she was really sick I am sure she would tell us….” he told the man.
Samuel didn’t feel any particular way about his son’s confirmation that he was straight. He was married to his children having a legacy, but the Evan's name could burn in hell for all he cared. However, at his next comment he turned slow and deliberate towards his son. He raised his eyebrow, the innocent face was one thing but… “Is that so? And what might I ask, do you get them to do?” he asked his son, his tone clipped. He nodded, yet his heart raced in his chest. With a shrug he asked, “Mhm, so she has been sick lately? Is it often or just every once in a while?” He kept his tone conversational as he walked away so his son could have his turn.
Drew scratched at his chin “they give me a little attention here, a little attention there” he said to his father, saying nothing at all really. He could not expand upon what he meant, he was too scared to even repeat himself. “Yes and no” Drew said, unsure if he should even be telling his father this, he’d promised to keep it between the twins and himself. “I might have caught her throwing up once at home, she doesn’t know that though. She was throwing up on the flight here” he breathed “she told Harper it was the tubelance, so I think maybe I am just paranoid for no reason at all” he told him. “Right?” He asked his father, needing the reassurance, just the thought of something being wrong with Mercedes was causing his hands to sweat as he gripped the handle of his nine-iron.
Samuel mimicked his son's posture, leaning on his golf club. “Is that right?” He said, pursing his lips. He stood and pointed his nine-iron at his son’s chest. “An innocent face and slick tongue will carry you a long way with women, right up until it carries you too far. You have a mother and three sisters. Next time you are receiving all this ‘attention’” he said, lowering his nine. “Remember, a guy just like you could be doing the same thing to them. And I hope you are using protection,” he finished, shaking his head. “I can’t believe my son thinks he is a gigolo." Samuel fought the urge to bite his lip. He kept his face neutral as he handed his club back to the caddy. He walked over to Drew and placed his hands on his shoulders. “Your mother is fine. You are hundred percent correct. If something was wrong, she would have told your aunties and do you think for a second they would have let her come on this trip? NO way.” He gave his son’s shoulder a squeeze, “I know I said it was your job to take care of your mother, but son, I’m here to help.” He told the young man, searching his eyes. “I love your, Mom. And I’ll always be here to protect her and you guys. You know that, right?”
Drew moved to stand before his ball, he looked up at his father again as he raised his nine-iron up at him. It was leveled with his chest and it made the young boy swallow hard. The older man was not present in their home everyday as he had been in the past but that did little to diminish how scared of him Drew would remain. “Y-yes sir” he said barely above a whisper, he guessed his dad did have a point he didn’t think about. He would hate to find out that a man or boy, treated or could be treating his mother and sisters the same way he’d been treating young girls. The idea was actually making him physically sick to his stomach. He looked into his father’s eyes as he offered the reassurance he desperately needed “you are right” he told his father nodding his head. His mother would have gone to her sisters first, she always did. Samuel mentioned love and the young boy had to fight back a wicked smirk, he knew his father loved his mother but he couldn’t remember when the last time he’d heard it leave his lips and with so much passion behind it. “I know pops, you’ve always protected us and taken care of us” he said honestly to the guy. “I just get worried about her sometimes, I hate to hear her cry sometimes even though she doesn’t think I hear her. And I can’t bear to see her sick again” he confessed in a soft whisper.
This was all new information to Samuel and most of it he didn’t know how to take. He didn’t want to give away anything to his son. At the same time he didn’t want him worrying about his mother so much. He pulled Drew into a hug, “That is not going to happen. She is fine” he reiterated, biting his own lip. She’d seemed fine to him. What had he missed; “I’ll talk to your mother. If it would help you to ease your mind. I don’t want you keeping stuff like this away from me. You gotta promise to tell me. But I know she is fine. Trust me.” He said, pulling away and offering his son a crooked smile.
Drew fell into her father’s hug with ease and he nodded his head again “you are right” the boy repeated. He felt he shouldn’t even think of the possibility of there being anything wrong with his mother. Drew didn’t know if he wanted his dad to rat him out to his mother just yet, the prospect made him nervous. He said “but don’t tell her that, that came from me” quickly. He didn’t know what his father could tell his mother to cover up where he got his information from but he just knew he couldn’t tell her it came from him. “But I will tell you from now on, I promise, ” he said honestly.
Samuel chuckled, covering his mouth with his hand. “I am not. I have my ways to approach your mom. She’ll never know we had this conversation.” He was lying of course, but he and Mercedes already knew Drew was more preceptive then they knew. They had already talked about it. “I am going to hold you to that?” he gave Drew a stern look, “A man’s word is his bond. I expect you to keep your word.” He was adding pressure to make sure he overrode this kind of secret keeping. It was healthy for Drew. He also knew Mercedes would not want the boy to worry about her the way he was.
The man’s words relaxed him immensely, he was the one in the family holding every secret known to man, his cover could not be blown now. He liked being the family mole. “I promise pops” he said holding up his free hand “scouts honor” Drew breathed.
INVOLVED: Mercedes Jones and Samuel Evans.
LOCATION: Blue Lagoon - Nassau, Bahamas.
TIME FRAME: Monday, February 16th, 2026.
NOTES: After the explosive dinner the family had, Mercedes and Samuel are ditched by the kids and go to lunch with each other. They talk about Mercedes symptoms.
They’d ditched them, deciding that paddle boarding with their tour guide was far more fun then having lunch with their parents. Mercedes wasn’t in the least bit upset, a relaxing lunch with Samuel was what she preferred anyway. When she wasn’t fighting off nausea, she had done nothing but fought off sleep this entire trip. Naps and none drowsy Dramamine had become her life on this trip. Maybe she was overworked or stressed? Anxiety ridden? She pushed that to the side and looked across the table at Samuel “I hope you are enjoying the Bahamas…” she spoke after having been in her own mind for the last few minutes. When her mind didn’t consume itself with her symptoms it had been consuming itself with the dinner from hell they endured. She sat her fork down, she wasn’t enjoying her meal in the least bit anyway. She however, was thankful for the glass of water in the warm sun picking it up and holding it to her full lips, she took a long sip from her glass before she sat it back down.
Samuel sat hunched forward, fingers steepling. She looked fine. Better than fine, she was ravishing. Except right around the eyes, was she tired? The conversation with Drew had him more unsettled than he let the young man see. She’d been crying and throwing up. Again, she didn’t look sick. Maybe a little tired, but not sick. He sighed. Since the kids were off having fun, he stood and pulled his chair over to sit beside her. “Umm, it’s been fun and eye-opening.” He smiled. “I am still in awe of how efficiently our children shut your sister down. It was a joy to watch.” He leaned over, pulling Mercedes' face to his. He kissed her, deliberately, savoring her flavor. After adding a few more pecks, he placed his arm over the back of Mercedes’ chair. “You are, in fact, trying to kill me. Aren’t you?”
She raised her brows in a manner to signal she knew all too well what he meant by his usage of the word eye-opening. She licked her full lips and she looked into his eyes “well, though flawed I believe we are excellent parents” Mercedes breathed, a simple but true statement in her mind. “We have taught them well” she added, thinking to herself how she preferred her children to be confrontational then not, the latter would leave them like her. Being walked on by the people she loved the most. He pulled her face close to his and she looked down at his lips before she looked back into his eyes again and leaned into his kiss. “In what way Samuel” she said tiredly, “I’m not doing anything” she said to him honestly as she leaned back in her seat, she crossed one leg over the other giving him her undivided attention.
“I second that! You know I love your sister’s, but they need to remember our children are not babies. They’ve been through a lot in their lives and above all else they love their mother.” He said, shaking his head, as he thought about his kids. He raised an eyebrow, side eyeing her while watching her through his lashes. “Mhm. Sure,” He chuckled. He was stalling and he still was trying to figure out how to start the conversation he needed to have. “Other than getting to spend some alone time with you. I'm happy the kids ditched us. There are a few things I wanted to talk about.” He told her, sitting up straight, he removed his arm from the back of her chair and placed it on her thigh.
“They need to do more than that” Mercedes said to him seriously “but we don’t have to unpack that right now” she added with a heavy sigh. Was she bothered by what Camila said at the dinner table, of course, but she knew who her sister was. At his words her brows raised again “I was going to agree…but this sounds serious, what’s wrong?” she asked, her heart racing a little in her chest. She hoped he wasn’t second guessing what they were building, she would not let her sisters run him away again.
Samuel squeezed her thigh, “it’s nothing crazy.” He shifted, “I want to talk about our son.” He trailed off, squinting. “Before we get into that, what is this I hear about you getting sick on the plane? What, is flying commercial making you ill now.” He chuckled deep in his throat. Waiting to hear what she was going to say.
“Oh” Mercedes said, talking about a child was easy enough. She didn’t have anything to worry about if that is all he wanted to discuss. She tilted her head at his question, she should have known by now that that incident would have gotten back to him by now. “No” she snorted, shaking her head at him “I think it was the turbulence” she said, she’d been using the same excuse this whole time she might as well keep doing so. “You have spoiled us way too much but I haven’t quite hit gold digger status yet” she said playfully back to him.
Samuel threw his head back and laughed, “There is no such thing as spoiling you too much.” He let the laugh die down, then he touched the side of Mercedes face. “Okay, okay, but what about the dinner. Why were you so late?” it was a small push, there was something. He had to find out even if he didn’t really want to know.
Mercedes smirked at him, she did fear that if he kept spoiling her he would spoil her rotten. Normality would be all forgotten, she’d want to bathe in what his money could do. Ignoring that thought she honed in on his question. “Oh” she said, her eyes moving away from his face for a moment before she looked at him again. “I don’t know” she said and that was the truth “I was pretty sick for most of the day, but I told you guys. I think it’s something I ate that day” she said, he was fishing for something and what she didn’t know. She did have a good idea. There was a pattern, she wasn’t ignoring it, the prospect was just too overwhelming.
Samuel rubbed his hand over his stubble. He’d tried to convince himself that she was fine, but something was definitely off. “Sugar, I need to say something but I need you to A, not overreact and B, keep this between us.” He said to her, reaching to take her hands in his.
She watched him closely, taking him in as he spoke “okay” Mercedes said to him, it was all she could offer. Her heart rate was starting to pick up again and he was making her nervous once more. She allowed him to take her hands into his.
Samuel took a deep breath, “I know you don’t want anyone to worry, but the plane, and dinner? Listen, you know Drew and I went to play golf. A little father son bonding; he’s worried about you. Really worried. According to him you’ve been getting sick at home, Mercedes.” He licked his lips. “This isn’t a one off thing is it?”
Mercedes' eyes danced around Samuel’s face as he continued to press her for a further explanation. She shifted in her chair dropping her foot back down to the ground. “I see” she said, she looked into his blue-green eyes. “No” she shook her head “I thought it was at first” she confessed. “I know what you are going to say you don’t have to say it; I am not ignorant to it Samuel” she said, lifting a hand up to him. “I’m not sick” she said shaking her head at him, “I can’t be” she smirked as her eyes watered. “We are sending Drew off to college, the twins are going to graduate from Vanderbilt. Hopefully Harper gets engaged to this dream guy and makes me a glam-mother. I can’t afford to be sick” she said, swallowing back tears and a cry in the back of her throat. She shook her head “I can’t go through that again, if that is what you are thinking stop thinking it” she exhaled a ragged breath.
Samuel cupped her precious face in his hands. “I’ll claim that with you and for you. We have so much happening. I know. I do,” He used his fingers to brush away her unshed tears. “I am not thinking anything.” He lied, “I just want you to take care of yourself and be upfront with me.” He ran his hand over his face, he was losing his mind. He needed to gather himself. “Sugar, you are going to be fine. I promise you.” He said, finding strength he didn’t feel. “I am thinking that if you are feeling unwell we just need to find out why. That is it. That is all.” He grabbed her hands and crushed them with him. “I am here. We got this.”
The weight of the tears brimming her eyes, forced her to squeeze them shut as he cupped her face in his hands. Tears rolled down her cheeks slowly and he wiped them away. She nodded her head “okay” she breathed softly, unsure if she actually believed him but she would bask in the lie anyway. “Of course I am, I wouldn't ignore my health Samuel, it is too important to me” Mercedes said to him as more tears fell down. “Sorry” she said sniffling, wiping more tears away before he grabbed her hands in his. She nodded her head again at him “I know you are, thank you” she said to him.
Samuel kissed the top of her head. “There is nothing to be sorry for. I know you know how to take care of yourself, babe.” He pulled her into his arms and rocked slowly. She was scared. Which terrified him. He’d just got her back. There was no way in the world he could lose her now. “Just tell me what you need.
Mercedes willingly moved into Samuel’s arms, welcoming it in fact. She leaned into his embrace, closing her eyes gently as she tried to calm herself down. “I don’t know” she breathed softly. “I was going to wait until we got home from the trip and see my GP, I just wanted to enjoy you guys here and not think about it for now…” she admitted.
Samuel ran his hand up and down her back. “Mhm… alright then, you just call me when you make the appointment and I’m there.” He told her kissing her forehand. “However, in the meantime, we’ll enjoy this trip. Okay? We can do as much or as little as you want.”
Mercedes leaned up slightly and looked at him nodding her head “okay” she told him quietly. She leaned into the kiss he placed on her forehead. “Thank you” she breathed again “for always being there for me, taking care of me, being a shoulder to lean on” she said as she began to cry again wrapping herself around him, hugging him tightly.
INVOLVED: Mercedes Jones, Samuel Evans, Drew Evans, Willow Evans, Sage Evans, Harper Ford, Calvin Jones, Valentina Jones-Williams, Dennis Williams, Elijah Williams, Hope Williams, Camila Jones-Austin, Grant Austin, and Grace Austin.
LOCATION: Dune Restaurant - Nassau, Bahamas.
TIME FRAME: Sunday, February 15th, 2026.
NOTES: The entire family gathers together for a dinner to celebrate Camila and Hope’s birthday during the Bahamas trip.
Camila looked at her father expectantly, there was no way the older man thought that it was fair that she or anyone else should have to continue to wait for Mercedes to show up to dinner to begin it. Mercedes and everyone else on the trip knew the itinerary, she had gone over it time and time again. Dinner had been planned for tonight at 6:30 pm. Yet here it was going on 7 pm and Mercedes was nowhere to be found. “Daddy” Camila breathed annoyance oozing from her.
Willow gazed at her father with concern written across her face, her mother really wasn’t the type of woman to be late for important things. She tore her eyes from her father to look at her twin sister sitting next to her. Her mother had already started the vacation off concerning them, she brushed her vomiting off on the plane as nausea caused by turbulence. However, she, Sage and Drew had talked last night over ice cream and movies in a suite and they had learned that Drew had caught their mother doing that before. To say it made her worried was an understatement, she was hoping with high hope that her mother was not really sick. Even though Drew had told them their father would speak to their mother and that he’d reassured them that she was fine, Willow still had a nagging feeling.
Drew sat next to his father expecting the man to do something, clearly his mother was either experiencing some trouble or she wasn’t going to show. The latter was not plausible. His cousins loved his mother, she would never stand them up. His eyes moved to his sister's swapping glances as everyone sat at the table patiently waiting. He had pinky promised Sage to not tell anyone that he’d caught his mother vomiting at home. However during their golf date he let the truth slip out to his father. And while all three of them were hanging out together late last night they both let it slip to Willow and the sinking feeling it gave them all made them sick. They didn’t speak on it for the rest of the night and he would not have thought about it again if it were not for their current dilemma.
Mercedes quickly fastened the strap on her heels, she sighed heavily after completing the task. She had taken a nap and woke up with the most intense nausea, she had spent the afternoon hunched over the toilet. Now, she was late for dinner and she knew Camila and Valentina were going to be grade A bitches about it. She stood upright and looked herself over in the mirror, she should not have taken the extra time to do her makeup and hair but when she was in Samuel’s presence she always wanted to look her very best. Grabbing the Birkin bag he gifted her for Valentine’s Day she tossed her phone in it and her room key before rushing out the door and towards the restaurant they were set to meet up at the restaurant together. “Shit” she barked as she turned around and moved back into her room, earlier she had stopped to buy Camila and Hope something from the Gucci store on the island. She grabbed the bags and rushed back out the room door and down the hallway. She made sure the birthday cards were there for them both as clicked her way towards her destination. She lifted her wrist up and looked at the time checking it. She was almost 30 minutes late, she hoped everyone had started without her. She would hate to find out that they were actually waiting on her to arrive. Moving to the front desk she said “hi, is there anyway I could get a lift to Dune?” to the staff, she knew that there were staff providing golf cart rides to and from the places they desired to go. She was not walking to Dune in her red bottoms that was out of the question. The staff assisted her by calling for a cart and she thanked them as she moved out front waiting for a staff member to meet her for a ride.
Samuel’s foot tapped under the table. If Miranda called him one more time, he was going to throw his phone in the ocean. His nostril flared as he covertly checked his watch for the fifth time. Mercedes valued punctuality more than he did most of the time; her being late was rare. He finished sending his message, then shoved his phone into his pocket. “Harper, have you heard from your mom?” He asked, following the looks his children kept throwing at each other. “Ummm, did your mother say anything about being late?” He leaned over, asking Drew, noting the concern on his son’s face. His conversation with Drew the other day was plaguing his mind. Was she actually sick again? NO! He thought, correcting his negative thoughts. They had a long day and Mercedes just overslept. Or better yet, she was taking the time to look extra nice, just to drive him crazy.
Calvin looked to his right at Camila and sighed “when the waitress returns again start ordering” he said just as annoyed as anyone else. He would have sent someone after Mercedes but he didn’t want anyone going through the hassle of trekking back towards their resort just to get Mercedes. They were all hungry after a long beach day, he knew Mercedes mentioned being tired and that she was going back to her room to take a nap but there was no way she would sleep through the dinner. Well that is what he was hoping she was doing, the idea of anything else scared him.
Harper looked down towards Samuel and shook her head “I text her phone but she hasn’t read it or replied” she said to him honestly. She had managed to lick the lipstick right off her lips as she anxiously waited for her mother to show.
Sage nibbled her bottom lip, she grabbed her glass of water and guzzled some down before sitting it against the table again. Her eyes moved between Drew and Willow. Their father now knew what they knew, his slight concern and the concerns of her sibling only made her more anxious. If her mother didn’t show soon she was going to go after her.
Drew looked at Samuel shook his head “no sir” he said quietly his eyes moving to Harper as she typed out another text on her phone. He pulled his own out and checked his mother’s location. He did that over and over, she was in the same spot at the resort but now he had noticed she had moved. “Wait, I think she’s coming” he announced “I see her moving on the map” he said holding his phone up to his father.
Camila looked down the table at Drew sighing heavily, part of her was actually starting to worry about Mercedes. But hearing she was okay meant she got to confront her about this later. “Grant, can you find the waitress honey, the kids are getting antsy” she said as she reached for Grace picking the little girl up from her high chair. She watched her husband quietly excuse himself to do as she asked.
“Sure thing” Grant said, he was eager to leave the table after spending the better half of last night bickering with Camila yet again. He guessed their shared words at lunch were not enough, this would turn out to be a very long vacation. He was also well aware Mercedes' little stunt was only going to add fuel to the fire.
Valentina looked at Drew as he announced that Mercedes should be on her way, grabbing the silverware from Hope quickly “no” she said shaking her head at the child. She didn’t have the energy to be mad at Mercedes. She was tired, hungry, and ready to put her rambunctious children to sleep. She would be leaving the chastising for Camila, however she did hope that whatever had kept Mercedes was worth the trouble she was causing.
Mercedes happily thanked the staff member as she was dropped off at the entrance of the restaurant. She offered a gracious tip from her bag and moved to walk into the venue. She told the hostess that she was looking for a large party and the woman knowingly escorted her back to where her family was. Approaching the large table she quickly said “I am so so sorry I am late” as she handed Camila over her gift rounding the table and then Hope, sitting the bags before them. “It won’t happen again I swear” she said, grabbing Hope’s face and kissing her cheek lovingly. “You guys should have started without me!” she exclaimed as took her seat next to Samuel, shocked to see they hadn’t started dinner.
Samuel nodded at Harper. “This is not like her,” he said more to himself. He brought out his phone, scrolling to find the hotel manager. He could have him send someone to check on Mercedes. He nodded absently as Harper explained that she’d already tried to contact her mother. Samuel moved to push back from the table when Drew announced that she was on her way. He relaxed and slid his phone back into his pocket. She slipped into the seat beside him and he bumped her with his leg. “Sugar, are you alright?” He asked, concern coming through in his voice.
“Well look at what the cat drug in” Camila said as Mercedes pranced into the room dripped down in designer, a full face of makeup, pinned up hair and bags with gifts in them. To hate her younger sister truly was to love her, it was if she was in her own little world most of the time. Camila eyed the Birkin bag in her hand as Mercedes sat down and raised a brow. “What happened to 6:30 pm, where have you been?” Camila pressed plucking the Gucci bag up off the table and she sat it on the ground between her and her husband’s chair.
“I found our waitress,” Grant announced, returning “oh Mercedes is here, good” he said neutrally as he grabbed his seat again.
Mercedes looked towards Camila at the other end of the table, it was as if she were sitting before a spotlight. Her children were staring her down, Samuel was tapping her beneath the table and Camila was putting her on the spot. She would have expected nothing less from either of them. She looked at her father but he looked down at his menu, he would not be saving her from this and that was fair. “I am fine” she offered Samuel first before she turned to Camila. She could lie or tell a half truth. “I think I ate something that didn’t really agree with me earlier but I am fine, thank you for asking Camila. And since the waitress is here we should all order and eat” she said trying to change the subject, she couldn’t dwell on her unusual symptoms right now. It would fill her with anxiety and they were here to have fun. She would handle this ‘thing’ as soon as she got back home.
Willow looked at Mercedes and then she looked at Drew, her eyes growing in size. She turned to Sage thinking to herself that maybe her mom had caught a bug before they flew in and it was all just a big coincidence. Though in her heart she knew it was more to it than that.
Squinting his eyes at Mercedes, Drew looked towards Sage and Willow. Perhaps he should confront his mother in private about what he heard a couple weeks back. The likelihood of her getting recurring stomach bugs was not likely at all. But he reminded himself that his father would handle it all. “Great, I'm starving,” he said, accepting her excuse and picking his menu up. If no one else could get the truth out of her it would be his dad and he hoped he did.
“But you are good now, right?” Valentina asked concerned “we don’t need to find a pharmacy or something. Get you something for your stomach” she asked her curiously. “If it's any consolation you don’t look like someone who was just puking her guts up you look good!” she complimented. “And what do you say?” she asked Hope as she picked the gift bag up and hung it on the back of the little girls chair.
“Thank you TT Sugar!” Hope smiled widely at her favorite aunt.
Samuel gave Mercedes a visual once over, trying to gauge if she was telling him the truth or not. Finally he nodded, assuming she had no reason to lie to him. He didn’t need to look at the menu again, he knew a steak and lobster was in his near future. He looked up in time to catch another weird exchange between his children. “Is everything okay?” he asked the young man again, “Anything going on with between you and your sisters?” The last time he saw them swapping glances between each other, they were quite upset with him.
Picking up her menu Mercedes looked it over idly, she didn’t want to think about food honestly. Her stomach still felt upset even now, she would get a salad and some water to drink. There was no way she could throw that back up. “No I am fine” she said, not making eye contact with Valentina “I am sure it’s over with” she lied through her teeth. Looking up at the sound of Hope’s voice she smiled “of course pumpkin” she beamed back at the little girl happily. Her head turned to the side catching Willow and Sage staring at her “I am fine” she whispered to them again.
“Excuse me, I am going to take this really quick” Dennis said standing up from the table with his phone in his hand. “Baby you know what I want” he said hastily as he moved to walk away from the table fully.
Drew watched the waitress as she started collecting orders starting with his grandfather. At his father’s words he swallowed hard “yeah” he nodded his head looking at the bigger man. “No” she shook his head rapidly “everything is all good pops” he lied moving his eyes back to the menu.
Calvin looked between Camila, Valentina, and Mercedes. He could feign concern for the woman but his children were far too grown for him to smother them with concern. If Mercedes said she was fine then he would accept that. As the waitress approached him first to order he smiled to her “yes, um, can I get the pork chops” he asked her “with mashed potatoes” he told her as he handed the menu over thereafter. The older man watched Dennis leave the table and he cut his eyes towards Valentina knowingly.
Camila looked Mercedes over and then turned her eyes to Valentina. She pursed her lips. She wasn’t sure she actually believed Mercedes but she would put a pin in it for now. Licking her lips she handed her daughter over to her husband “for me, the local lobster and broccoli” she told the waitress. “And could I get another glass of pinot grigio?” she said handing her menu over to the woman as well. “He will have the” she said pointing to Grant “lamb chops and mashed potatoes” she said, picking Grant’s menu up and handing it over as well.
Samuel gave his son a pointed head shake, there was a story here, but this didn’t seem like the time to probe deeper. He would have made a note to question Drew further in his phone, but the damn thing was hot against his leg. Even on silent he still knew Miranda was texting him. Once he told her Mercedes and her sisters were on the trip as well, she went a little loco.
Valentina looked Dennis up and down out of the corner of her eyes as he moved to walk away from their table. It was as if everything they talked about last night during dinner went through one ear and out of the other. She wondered if he was actually going to spend the entire trip working instead of enjoying his family. Pushing her annoyance away she looked to their waitress as she rounded towards her “for my husband the half chicken and mashed potatoes, for me the salmon and broccoli, for both of my kids” she said pointing “the cheese burgers and fries” she said happily handing the menu over “can I get another pineapple mojito and a tropical old fashion for the Mr.” she added.
Drew looked at the young waitress with a smirk on his face as he checked her out for a moment. “Can I get the New York strip, medium, fries, and brussel sprouts?” he said as he handed the menu over with a smile.
Samuel waited as Valentina ordered for herself and her husband, Drew was next and he quite liked the young mans’ taste. “I’ll have the same with the addition of the lobster tail.” He handed over his menu and nudged his son’s arm. “Leave nothing but gristle behind.” He told the kid, with thoughts of the hundred plus dollar steak he just ordered.
Mercedes looked at the menu over once more, her stomach churn at the mere sound of some of the items, she swallowed the nausea back down again. Inhaling deeply she shut the menu closed and looked up at the woman “can I please just get a glass of water with a few lemon wedges in it and to eat perhaps a simple house salad with some kind of vinaigrette?” she asked her. “That would be all” she added as she handed the menu over to the girl. She moved her eyes to Drew “what your daddy said, a hundred dollar steak is crazy!” she added.
“No mama, it's just greedy!” Willow said, looking at Drew before she looked at the waitress. “Can I get the Campanelli pasta?” she asked the woman before handing the menu over. She looked at her mother, a salad and water was bird food at best she couldn’t believe that was all she was going to eat.
Sage snorted looking at Drew, her head shaking at the boy, he’d do anything to test their parents it was so amusing. “Can I get the tomato basil pizza” she ordered next in the line up. She picked up her cup and said “and a refill” she asked politely.
Harper sighed, closing her menu shut she would get something simple to eat. She needed to maintain her figure and good looks for Michael, at least that is what he always seemed to suggest to her. Licking her lips she smiled at the girl taking their orders “um, can I get the shrimp salad” she asked her softly “and a refill of my coke?” When the girl walked away she turned to the table. “So, aunt Camila, what did you do on Valentine’s Day, you too aunt Val?” she was curious to know they hadn’t spoken about it yet.
Drew looked between his parents, he squinted his eyes at Willow “I am a growing boy, ain’t that right pops?” he asked, bumping shoulders with his father. “Trust me, I will clear the plate,” he said, very assured of himself.
Mercedes looked down the table at Harper and nodded her head “yeah what were you two doing while I was watching y’all kids?” she asked snarkily. “I would love to hear all about it…” she said with a tinge of bitterness in her voice. She found it funny that neither of her sisters had even so much as to ask her about Valentine’s Day and how she felt. They didn’t know about her and Samuel, for all they knew she was single and lonely, they hadn’t even checked in with her. Not to mention watching Valentina’s children resulted in her not being able to enjoy Samuel company last night. It annoyed her.
Camila turned her head towards Harper, then to Mercedes. She furrowed her brows “I went to the spa yesterday morning and then to a nice lunch with Grant mid day” she smiled. “Mercedes you watched Grace for like 2 hours, please” she said brushing her comment off. “And thank you for that. Grant and I enjoyed our lunch” she lied boldly to the table.
Dennis swiftly walked back towards the table taking his seat, he tucked his phone away. He wouldn’t answer any more calls for the night they were supposed to be celebrating birthdays, he focused in on the family bopping his son's nose playfully.
Valentina tucked her lips in, she looked at Harper then towards Camila as she spoke. “Oh that was nice” she commented “I went shopping after breakfast and Dennis set up a romantic dinner on the beach last night” she said to them. “I appreciate you watching them for me last night, it gave me and Dennis a little time alone” she said looking towards her husband knowing the dinner was anything but romantic. “You didn’t have them all day, TT sugar” she said her last words, a playful mock of her pet name.
Mercedes rolled her eyes at Camila leaning against the table with her elbow, she rested her chin against her hand. “How lovely, I'm glad you too got to spend time with your husbands,” she said, her eyes moving from Camila to Valentina. “Well yes thank you, Samuel sent me and the girls for a mid day spa date. I am glad someone thought of me” she said cutely.
Camila furrowed her brows “of course the great Samuel Evans did” she said playfully. However Mercedes' next comment caused her to look over at Valentina. “Now what is that supposed to mean?” she asked Mercedes.
Samuel shrugged, chuckling as Mercedes took his side in warning Drew. There was no heat in what he or Mercedes said to his son. He just liked picking on Drew from time to time. His eyebrow shot up when Willow chimed in “leave your brother alone, he can handle it. And if he can't, your mother can. A salad?” he shook his head. Leaning over, close to Mercedes’ ear, “You better not be watching your figure. I got it covered.” He said low enough for only her to hear.
“Thought of you?” Valentina repeated catching the shade immediately. She didn’t think she needed to check on Mercedes on Valentine’s Day, she didn't really think her sister cared that much. “Well what were we expected to do?” the woman asked with a slight chuckle. “You could have a Valentine year after year… you choose to stay single. I’m having déjà vu, we have had this conversation before” she acknowledged. Which they didn’t, Mercedes and Camila had but Camila always ran back to tell Valentine everything and Valentine just let that slip.
Mercedes looked towards Samuel and shook her head “no I’m not” she told him discreetly with a smirk on her lips. The woman looked towards Camila “I don’t know you tell me” she quipped. At Valentina’s words she tilted her head “no we haven’t actually” she said before she looked at Camila again. “You told Val what we talked about? Damn! Is any of my business my own in this family?” she said next.
“Mercedes,” Calvin said before he picked up his glass of whiskey taking a long sip.
“Sorry daddy” Mercedes added, the idea of her being chastised in front of her own kids by the man was really starting to piss her off. Especially when her outbursts were brought on by Camila, he never seemed to see the issue in her confrontational demeanor anytime they were all around.
Willow looked to Samuel and then to Drew who was sporting a shit eating grinning. She rolled her eyes at her father’s mere twin and sat back. She looked between her mother and her aunts instead. The impending war was already beginning, she had to give it to them, they lasted 3 days before they got started.
“I mean what more could you need is the better question” Camila said. “Veneers, fake boobs, liposuction, a Birkin bag, a expensive car, a big house, dripped down in designer, your kids are spoiled rotten, Harper has veneers, Harper just got a new BMW, the twins go to a Ivy League school and drive around in Tesla's like all the other little white kids they hang around do, Drew hangs out with millionaire kids, your white friends cheering him on while he drop threes. Why are we whining about Valentine’s Day?” she asked.
Samuel licked his lips to hide the smile that wanted to split his face, he was already plotting on how to sneak into her room. Where there was a will there had to be away. He just needed one little kiss, he thought lying to himself. He lifted his glass and sipped a bit of water. Ears perking up as he glanced at Mercedes the mirth leaving her body, which he knew was being replaced rapidly with annoyance. The sister were at it again, he glanced at the other men at the table, each one seemed to be leaning back now. Trying to distance themselves from the coming storm. Samuel followed suit. He used to be married to a Jones’ girl, he knew how to bob and weave. He was about to tune them out. Getting involved with the sisters was not a great idea, except Camila’s comment caught him off guard. Before he could stop himself, or set his glass down, he barked a laugh, spitting a bit of water in the moment. He put down the glass and picked up his napkin quickly, covering his mouth. He choked a bit on the water, still laughing, floored by Camlia’s words.
Mercedes and her four kids' heads whipped in Camila’s direction. “Excuse me-” Mercedes began but was quickly cut off by Camila.
“And another thing, this is a birthday dinner for Hope and I but somehow yet again you have managed to make something about you by showing up late with that weak ass, sorry ass excuse!” she charged forward. “Somehow you managed heels, makeup, and a new hairstyle. Yet I’m supposed to extend some sympathy and care, as if you grant us any” Camila said gazing into Mercedes eyes.
Mercedes smirked to herself she never once thought Camila was actually jealous of her until this very moment. Hell, she was lonely and they were married. If anyone had been jealous she thought it was her own self. But this happened to amuse her greatly despite how vile the jabs actually were when you thought too deeply about them. Before she could even respond Willow took the floor, which Mercedes pictured her doing anyway. She would have asked them to stay out of it, that this was between 3 grown women but considering Camila directly threw jabs at them she felt they were old enough to speak their mind without judgement from her.
“What an odd thing to say aunt Camila. A very misogynistic approach to how you handled that. A woman’s body is her own. My mother shouldn’t be shamed for wanting to look and feel her best in her own skin” Willow said one brow raised at the woman. “To hear you speak on any work she has had done is so-”
“Disconcerting,” Sage said, finishing her sister's sentence for her. “I never really pinned you for the mean girl type aunt Camila. It's 2026… women tend to uplight one another now. We may want to reevaluate a black woman putting another black woman down to inflate one's own ego?” she said, biting her lip.
“Now, why would my mother make up a story to appease you?” Drew asked seriously. He took offense to Camila’s last statement he wouldn’t let a secret slip at the table but he did not think Mercedes was lying nor did he think she was feigning an illness. “When has sickness and my mother being in the same sentence ever been a one-liner. That was nonsensical.”
Harper looked at Camila with furrowed brows. She knew how quickly they could go for each other’s throats but it still surprised her how low Camila could go sometimes. “And, to be politically correct here, Aunt Camila, mother nor father bought me that BMW. But I am eternally grateful for the backbreaking work they have done throughout my life which has provided a comfortability I wish upon every black woman. So that maybe they could get new boobs, new teeth, and lipo? If they so desire…”
Samuel wiped the water from his lips. The smile still planted on his face as his children dismantled Camila’s words in real time. His chest puffed up with pride. He leaned back in his seat and placed his arm across the back of Mercedes chair. Silent support in the battle his children had already won for their mother.
There was a moment of silence provided around the table, Mercedes still smirking to herself. Her children had defended her better than she would have defended herself. She allowed the waitress to sit her glass of water before her and she grabbed it taking a sip, looking at Valentina over it.
Valentina looked at Camila and then over at Mercedes, she may have been a little annoyed that she was late but the manner in which Camila handled this was so far off from what she would have done. When she and Mercedes swapped glances she averted her gaze down at the table instead.
“I don’t why we can’t do anything as a family without an argument starting about this nonsense or that” Calvin sighed heavily. “Now that everyone has gotten everything they needed to say off their chest I would like to go back to enjoying one another. I thought that was what this trip was about…”
INVOLVED: Mercedes Jones and Samuel Evans.
LOCATION: The Jones’ Residence - Nashville, Tennessee.
TIME FRAME: Friday, February 27th, 2026.
NOTES: Mercedes calls Samuel over to her home to tell him that she is pregnant after hiding out herself on Wednesday. Emotions are high and words are exchanged.
Having sent Drew to Harper’s house for the last two days Mercedes lied and told them both she’d been asked to work an unusual schedule this week. The truth of the matter is she had been holed up in her bedroom wearily trying to decide what to do next. She knew she needed to tell Samuel, to keep him nervously waiting to see what was on the other side of this strange illness was heartless. He needed to know there was no illness at all, just two babies making their presence known to them. Having called him over and hearing his voice had not settled her nervousness however. She felt like she was going to be sick. Her head was hurting from the constant crying she’d been doing and her stomach was doing flips. “Just calm down” she spoke softly as she paced the living room waiting for Samuel’s arrival. “Calm down” she repeated to herself, her hand protectively rubbing her bloated midsection.
The drive to Mercedes’ home was an absolute blur. He slammed the car door and dashed up the path to her front door, key already in hand. Samuel paused at the door, finger trembling as he pulled ragged breaths into his body. He shook out his arms and legs and ran his hand through his curls. Cracking his neck, he put the key in the lock and let himself into Mercedes house. “Sugar.” He said, shutting the door behind him. “Mercedes?” He called as he headed towards the stairs.
She kept pacing in the living room trying to come up with words to say, everything she thought of scared her a little more. Her eyes began to water again, she was well aware now it was just hormones. Again, she just needed to calm herself down. Hearing the front door open she turned to see Samuel, usually he brought about a warm fuzzy feeling but in the moment her eyes instantly became glossy again. “I’m right here” Mercedes said, hoping her voice would carry in the large empty home. Her hands dropped immediately and she moved around the couch covering the distance it took to meet him half way.
Samuel stopped in his tracks, taking in Mercedes' appearance. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy. She must have been crying for hours. He approached her, his legs threatening to give way at any moment. His arms were already open and he caught her up in a crushing hug. “I got you.” He said, holding her to his chest. “We can do anything we put our minds to.” He coached, rubbing her back. His voice cracked on the words but he covered it with a cough. He needed to be strong. He didn’t want to add to her stress.
Mercedes allowed the taller man to engulf her with his large frame. She hugged him back, she could really use a hug and he always supplied the best of them. Tears managed to roll down her cheeks once more, she was shocked she had more tears to cry. Hearing his words she pulled away from him slightly “oh no Sam, it’s not what you think” she said shaking her head at him. She needed to correct that point immediately “my cancer has not returned, my labs were extremely good” she said to him honestly. “It’s something else…” she managed to croak wiping her eyes with her finger tips.
Samuel inhaled, refusing to let Mercedes go. His mind refused to believe what she was telling him. “You don’t have to be strong for me.” He told her, shaking his head. His hands dropped from her waist. “So, it’s not cancer?” He needed her to repeat the words. He took her forearms in his hand, bending so he could look her straight in the eyes. “What is going on? No cancer should be great news. Clearly, something is wrong. Talk to me.” He rushed out. What the hell could be worse than cancer, he thought. “Is something wrong with one of the kids?”
Mercedes shook her head at him “no Samuel it’s not cancer” she repeated to him quietly. He bent down gazing into her eyes “I didn’t think when I called, I didn’t mean to scare you like that. I am so sorry” she apologized quickly. “Nothing is wrong with the kids,” she said, inhaling and exhaling slowly. She just needed to come out and say it to him. “I’m pregnant” she said, it left her lips and as soon as it did she began to cry again. She was petrified of what he would say back to her in response.
He shook his head, “I don’t understand.” Samuel said as she apologized for scaring him. He closed his eyes and doubled over, hands going to his knees. “The kids are fine.” He repeated, something like relief flooding his body. His eyes popped open and he rose to his full height. She said, pregnant. He stood frozen, staring down at Mercedes; a baby. He touched his forehand, staring at the feel of his own fingers. ‘Pregnant…’ he thought, before walking over and dropping onto the couch. “We are old…” he said, in disbelief.
Mercedes watched his face, her hands fidgeting for a moment before she wiped away tears again. As he walked away moving for the couch she watched him frozen in the same place he had left her. After a second she walked towards the couch herself trying to gather the strength to tell him the rest. She lowered herself down on the couch next to him. She didn’t comment on their age instead she said “you don’t want anymore kids, you are with Miranda, and we are divorced” not that her list of complaints outweighed his but she felt they were important too. She pulled the sonograms out of her robe pocket and held it out for him to see. “It’s twins,” she said, dropping another bomb on him.
Samuel watched Mercedes cross the room. The sofa dipped as she joined him and he tried to calm his racing heartbeat. He stared straight ahead, while she listed off all the things wrong with their lives right now. His life with Miranda, their divorce; all true and none of it helping the very real issue of being starter parents. “I know…” He said, voice absent and distant. In the brief silence, he looked down as she handed him the black and white photo most parents dream to see. She said something; however, the words were muffled as if she said them underwater. His long fingers took the sonogram. No, this wasn’t a baby. A chuckle came from him like a cough. Then another. Followed by a snort. He licked his lips, then the dam burst and he laughed out loud, tears coming from the corner of his eyes. “Twins” he managed to say, before more laughter took over him. “Oh my Godl” he said, unable to stop laughing.
Mercedes watched, drying her eyes and face further as he took the photos from her hand. His response made her nervous, with each offered laugh she sunk into herself further. She felt stupid, despite how she felt about them both he would not want these children. He told her time and time again in the past, she had no choice but to believe him. She looked away from him, folding her arms over her chest. Besides it was not ideal for them to have them, they were not together and he had not rid himself of Miranda for reasons she did not know and he had not offered willingly. “I am sorry” she said and added “this was not supposed to happen, I thought I was menopausal Samuel. I hadn’t been with anyone else in the last ten years. I thought children were out of the question for me. Our youngest is eighteen…our oldest is twenty-five” she said, sighing softly as she slowly began to convince herself perhaps she was silly for wanting these kids herself.
Tears were coming from the corners of Samuel’s eyes. He leaned back in the chair, spasms of laughter breaking through. He looked over at Mercedes, she was hurt. He inhaled and tried to get control over himself. “I don’t blame you.” Samuel said, coughing to stop from laughing. “Sweet Jesus. Twins?” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Well this was unexpected.” He grabbed Mercedes by the shoulders and pulled her to lean against him. “Just hush.” He breathed, still reeling from this whole situation. “Shhhhh” he repeated, quieting the woman. Chuckles braking though. He lifted the sonograms again and looked at them, shaking his head. “Look” he told her, holding the pictures where she could see them. “What do you see?”
His words brought little comfort; she still felt horrible for how this had panned out. She wanted to respond but she did not know what to say to him. He was right, it was unexpected. He grabbed her and pulled her close, she went willingly dropping her arms in the process. She laid her head against her broad chest, silencing herself as he’d asked. He needed a moment to process and she was making it worse by talking to over compensate. She looked at the sonograms as he held them for her to see, she sniffled wiping a fresh tear “I don’t know” Mercedes cried. She didn’t know the right answer, she could not guess what he was thinking at all right now, she’d never seen him like this before. And she was fearful she was going to say the wrong thing in the moment. “Two miracles if you ask me” she said honestly “a blessing…” as told him, repeating the words of her doctors days prior.
Samuel rubbed her side. He didn’t know how to feel. He’d told Miranda on a hundreds of occasions he didn’t want any more children. Sitting here holding Mercedes in his arms, he knew that wasn’t true. He didn’t want to have children with Miranda. And never did. However Mercedes was different. Rather together or not, if she wanted the kids he’d be a proud dad. “They’re a celebration of life.” He added, completing her thought. “We’ve spent the last few weeks worried sick. Why don’t we just take a few moments to enjoy God’s sense of humor.” He nudged her, “Come on you have to admit this is funny,”.
Mercedes looked at his face as he spoke and then she looked at the sonograms. She guessed he was right, here they thought something was wrong with her and it was just two tiny bundles of joy. She smirked at him “of course I think it’s a little funny” she told him “I was lying there shaking just like I was when we learned about Willow and Sage” she admitted to him. The idea of two babies scared her then and it absolutely scared her now.
“I never seem to make it to these appointments,” Samuel sighed, “I think it’s your fault. You are friends with your doctors.I should have been there. I wish I could have seen your face. Was it like mine?” He asked, still looking at the two little hell raisers.
“I’m sorry Samuel. I had made William so nervous he moved his schedule around immediately for me” she said honestly. “Yes it was” she nodded smiling at the photos “I made Jennifer run the test over again. I couldn’t believe it” Mercedes told him. “As soon as I heard that my hGC levels were high I just knew there were two. I didn’t want to believe it but I knew and I looked at the screen and there they were” she breathed. “I am so sorry you weren’t there” she told him honestly. “But you will be right? At every one of them in the future? I mean if you really want to do this….” she breathed, hinting at the obvious. “I know I want to have them but your opinion matters as well.”
Samuel laughed again, “You made her run the test again? I don’t blame you.” He shook his head, “please stop apologizing. You were taking care of businesses.” She was asking him for more than just the kids. This was his time to buy in completely. To set aside his fears and do what he always preached. “Of course." He licked his lips, “We need to talk to the kids. You will be showing in no time.” He adjusted his position. “I’ll take care of things with Miranda. After that’s done we can talk about living arrangements. What do you think?”
Mercedes hugged herself closer to Samuel, smirking again at his words, “I was in utter disbelief” she said, chuckling to herself about it now. He confirmed he was all in, a huge weight had lifted off her shoulders immediately. She felt like she could breathe again, there was no way she could rid herself of his children, it was beyond her religious beliefs. Everything she and Samuel shared was sacred; she could never taint it. She leaned up looking at him fully ”you are right” she nodded, she hadn’t thought about the kids yet, she was so worried about what he would say. His next statements took her by surprise, she was overwhelmed by the prospect of telling the kids everything and them moving in together. Of course everything he was saying was a strong desire in her heart, she was just shocked he was willing to jump into the deep in so quickly with her. He should not want to after all she’d done. “Really?” she breathed shocked. “Samuel, don't think we have to do this if you have any doubts, I don’t want you to have any doubts about us at all. I am all in if you are, but I don’t want you to feel pressured. I know I don’t deserve your trust” she told him truthfully.
Samuel's eyes jumped to Mercedes face. He wet his lips and the lines of concentration deepen across his brow. “Don’t.” He said, the muscles in his body tensing. “I know your emotions are running high but you are deflecting. And I don’t deserve that.” He told her, raising an eyebrow.
Mercedes furrowed her brows at him, confused. She shook her head lightly “what do you mean?” she breathed. She didn’t understand what he meant; she wasn’t deflecting from anything she simply wanted him to know that he did not have to be with her just because she was pregnant. She could hardly comprehend what he meant right now.
Samuel’s face went blank. He sat up and pushed himself to the edge of the couch, placing the sonograms in his hands down on her coffee table. “Nevermind. At least you asked me this time instead of just assuming. I should never have said anything.” He let out a cleansing breath, burying his emotions. Yes, this time returning to her he had his doubts. The babies had nothing to do with it. It was her. She was going to run and he was sure of it.
She so easily unraveled herself from his embrace as he pulled away from her. She stared at him as he spoke, a small part of her wanting to release a chuckle. She was not amused, the laugh would not have come from a joyous place had she released it. A million things danced around in her mind as she stared at him silently. “But you did” Mercedes said, her words sounded murderous to her own ears, the bitterness shocked even her. Her eye twitched and she rolled her eyes moving to stand up from the couch. She folded her arms over her chest and rounded the couch, an argument forming on the tip of her tongue she had to swallow it down angrily. It clicked in her mind what he was implying and she was offended to say the very least.
Samuel ran both of his hands through his hair, groaning. “It’s nothing.” He reiterated, his voice strained. Her blossoming anger only proved to fuel his own frustration. Yet, he stood and grabbed her shoulders, stopping her to face him. “You shouldn’t be working yourself up.” he said exhaling sharply. “It's not good for you or the twins.”
The feel of him grabbing her shoulders made her spine shiver out of repulsion. She looked up at the tall man, her eyes piercing his, her face was stone. She pushed his hands off her shoulder and tried to test the words on her tongue before she said them. It was infuriating for her to teeter between wanting him and between desiring to push him away. Her inner self kept repeating ‘make him leave’, there was an actual war raging in her subconscious. “Mhm” she finally breathed walking away from him, folding her arms over her chest again as she thought about what she could say instead of what she felt. She was not David and he was not Goliath; she didn’t have to tear him down. The comparison amused her and she divided the space between them in the house further by entering her kitchen.
Samuel's hands dropped to his side and he took a step back. Something ripped between them. An invisible separation that mirrored the physical space Mercedes had just placed between them. He swallowed the emotion, bubbling up in his gut as she walked to the kitchen. He closed his eyes and exhaled, the exiting breath doing nothing to focus the turmoil he felt at the moment. He walked toward the back patio and stepped out into the cool of the night. Hoping the crisp bit would calm him down.
Mercedes inhaled and exhaled deeply, she was fighting to keep her emotions at bay. She wanted to be with this man, they were expanding their family, and everything in between had been pure bliss even with Miranda looming. She watched as he moved to the back patio, she gazed at him through the large windows covering the back wall. She didn’t know what to do, what she could say, she guessed it was always going to end this way. Them not properly taking the time to hash out the past was not healthy. But she was trying to take accountability for what she’d done. But what did that matter if he was going to hold a grudge against her no matter what any how? And now there were two babies wrapped up in all of this. Nevermind the fact that she had to willingly ignore the fact that he was actively choosing to have her and Miranda both. She settled on what she wanted to say and she moved towards the back patio to say it, “I think you should get back to Miranda, I am sure she is wondering where you are…” she told him as she opened the sliding glass door, she leaned against it.
Samuel stood taking in the horizon. Praying for calm to replace annoyance. The patio doors slid open and he stayed still, primed to apologize for his short falls. He was just tired of trying to prove himself to someone who was determined to push him away. Her words hung in the air, a strange twisted ultimatum, he’d suspected but still hadn’t prepared for. Now he turned to take her in, the glow of what he now knew as pregnancy, lighting her face. He walked towards her and placed his hand on her shoulders, then dropped a quick peck on her forehead. “Thank you.” He breathed a hint of a sad smile on his face. Without another word he left the patio, his long legs, never breaking stride. He slammed the door on his way out. Cutting off the life she clearly never wanted.
Mercedes looked at Samuel, an apology on the tip of her tongue. All she’d just offered was a low blow, it was immature, she should have been begging for reconciliation. He planted a kiss on her forehead and she held a groan in internally. She hated when their fate was sealed with one of his forehead kisses. Her jaw clenched as he walked away, she jumped slightly at the sound of the door slamming shut. She closed the patio door with a shake of her head. She prayed to God to give her the opportunity to stop him and make it right, she didn’t want to leave it like this, after such beautiful news. The twins did not need to be tainted by their past. “Shit” she breathed as she moved for the front door yanking it open watching his tail lights retreat from her driveway. “Shit” she repeated the gravity of the situation settling in as she slammed her front door shut herself, her hand was still gripping the doors knob as the tears returned.
Mercedes: "I was squeezed in Wednesday" she confessed. She knew she promised him and she felt bad she'd gone alone. "Uh" she said pausing again, "I h-have something to tell you" she said sniffling hard. "But I don't want to tell you it over the phone" she broke.
Samuel's: Jaw tightened. "I'll be there in 30 minutes." He shoved the phone in his pocket without disconnecting the call. His fingers trembled as he stood, snatching his keys from the desktop, and ran out of his office.
Mercedes: "Hi" she replied exhaling softly trying to suppress a sniffle. Biting her lip she stalled for a moment, wiping some stray tears "hi" she tried again "we need to talk" she said her voice hoarse.
Samuel: "Hey," he repeated, picking up the phone and pressing it to his ear. He swallowed, "Okay," he said, now sitting up straight. "This sounds serious. Did you make a doctor's appointment?"
Samuel: glances at his phone sitting on the desktop. He hits the answer button before the third ring. "Hey Sugar. You, okay?" He rattles, wincing after thinking about his tone.
INVOLVED: Mercedes Jones and Samuel Evans.
LOCATION: 1224 North Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee.
TIME FRAME: Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
NOTES: Mercedes early Valentine's Day Celebrations.
Their one-bedroom walk-up just happened to be vacant. The chipped paint, single-pane windows, and busted heater had all been repaired. If not for the layout, it didn't resemble the hellscape he, Mercedes, and three kids used to share. That had to be a sign, right? Samuel's shoes tapped lightly across the wooden floors as he absently paced. This was supposed to be the surprise for tomorrow morning; however, his plans had changed. His gut twisted. When had he become so selfish? Mercedes was no one's mistress. Yet, wasn't that what he had made her? "No." He growled through gritted teeth. Yet until he separated himself from Miranda, there was a painful bit of truth to his thoughts. He felt the phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and returned the driver's text, 'bring her up and then wait on us in the car, we shouldn't be too long.'
Mercedes didn't know what Samuel had up his sleeve but she had done what he asked. She prepared herself to be whisked off at 12 am in the morning, she was nervous about leaving Drew alone at home. But she did have the necessary security in place; she had his location, no one could come in or out of her house without her being alerted of it. It would be fine. Drew was not a baby anymore he was growing into a man and he would be okay. And if she repeated that enough to herself she would actually start to believe it. Watching both the driver and her surroundings change outside of the window she twisted the diamond tennis bracelet Samuel gifted her around her wrist nervously. The car turned a corner and she moved her eyes down to her fingers. She felt bad for the phone call she and Samuel shared. She had no right to be so cold with him, the way that things were going were not his fault alone. She would have to convey that to him when she finally saw him. Looking up again, her eyes moved to look out the window scanning the area around her, it was familiar to her. As they approached the building it hit her immediately, the building housed their old home and a mountain of memories she would never forget. She was stunned, why were she here and where was Samuel? The man parked the car and moved to her side of it opening the door. She grabbed her phone and climbed out, she had nothing else with her and that made her feel naked but Samuel said he had the rest covered. At the driver's request she followed him towards the building her brows creasing with every step, she knew what direction they were going in. The trek up to the unit she lived in for years was ingrained in her mind. She could have found it in her sleep.
The knock came almost 15 minutes later, two light raps as the driver pushed the door open. "Thank you," Samuel said to the man as he stepped inside, holding the door open for Mercedes. All his misgivings faded, like long-forgotten memories. "Happy Valentine's Day." He said, extending his hand out from Mercedes. "I trust you remember this place."
Mercedes followed the man nervously, her stomach doing flips as uneasiness settled over her. When she saw Samuel she calmed herself a little. She walked inside and then looked up at him shock written across her face "very well" she breathed, she didn't know what to think. Memories were flooding her in quick succession, she was overwhelmed by them. She hadn't even fully grasped what he had said to her as she walked into the small apartment further. She looked around the space, a few things had changed here and there but it was the exact same. This is where it had all started, the history they had built together had come alive in these four walls. She toyed with the bracelet around her wrist once more she needed something to distract her racing mind. To ground herself even as she swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She didn't need to cry, instead she needed to distract herself by asking him the questions her mind could not answer. "What are we doing here?" she asked him with a shaky voice as she turned to look at him with glossy eyes, she swiped a lone tear away before it could roll down her cheek.
Samuel's eyes followed Mercedes. He smirked, then moved over to shake the driver's hand, "Give us about 15 minutes." He said, shutting the door as the man walked away. He folded his hand over his chest and watched as Mercedes took everything in, How times had changed; they both seemed too big for this tiny apartment. This place had once been the entirety of their world. He tilted his head taking a moment to tease, "The fifty-dollar couch was right here." He said as he pointed to the little space that stood between him and Mercedes. "You used to put that Charlie Brown Christmas tree over there in that window. I remember, Harpo got sick because I let her eat too many candy canes." He chuckled at the memory; he inhaled the fresh paint, a grounding aroma. "You made this place a home." His face fell. "I used to hate this place. It was the reminder of everything I could not give you and the kids. Then the building went up for auction," he shrugged, "I was going to fix it up and sell it, but I couldn't let it go. I reminded me too much of us."
Mercedes moved her eyes towards each space he listed where things had been, visualizing where the items would have been back then. She tucked her hands away in her coat pocket, a sad smile gracing her face. This placed did not bring her sadness, she felt it was pivotal to their development to have endured this small home together. Their were happy memories here, she just hated she ruined it all by overshadowing them with a divorce. "Mhm" she nodded her head looking down at the ground, she had not stepped foot in this place since they left it. It reminded her more than anything that she should have never let him go; both times would always be her biggest regret. As he mentioned that she made this space a home she looked up, her eyes moving to his. "You bought this place?" she asked, being shocked by him for the second time tonight. "Whoa" she said looking around the space again, a small chuckle left her lips as she swiped another tear away "that is such a you thing too do" she told him sniffling. "I can't believe you are just telling me now" she admitted softly.
"I thought I was buying it as a good investment property." Samuel argued, shaking his head, "clearly I was wrong, but I could have you think I was being a sentimental fool." He took a step back, truly thinking about himself. He was buying things to control the pain from his past. "A professor once told me to start with what I know. I know the people in this building, and I know there was a time when a young couple was happy here. So,,, I buy a building or two. What is so wrong with that? Seriously, do you think I'm a fool?"
Mercedes looked Samuel up and down as he spoke, she raised a brow at his comment. She wanted to protest but then again she was so unaware of his dealings to say if it were poor judgement for him to have purchased this place. She wasn't knowledgable enough when it came to properties and what would be a good or bad investment to offer him a response back. So she allowed him to talk and she tilted her head when he finished his rant. "I didn't say it was wrong" she corrected perhaps he took her being shocked as bad thing. "I don't think you are a fool" she told him shaking her head. "The idea of you owning this is just so surreal for me is all" she said resting her hand on her chest "it's like a full circle moment when you think about it" she told him moving to close the gap between them finally. "You own the building the vision started in Samuel, you should be so proud of yourself. You should be full of pride" she admitted. "I have so much gratitude" she offered as she looked around the space again. "Is that why you brought me here, to ask me if this were a silly idea? To purchase this? Because that I would never agree too" she said grabbing his hand to hold in hers.
Samuel laughed, folding at the waist, "Let me correct myself. If I told you back then, you would have seen straight through my bs and known why I purchased this place." He said, through chuckles. Warmth spread through his chest where her hands lay. He couldn't help but caress her cheek. Before his practiced control could stop him, he kissed her lips, nibbling on her cupid's bow, "It's midnight, and you are positively glowing." He said, holding her chin, surveyed her face. He missed some of what she was saying. She hadn't aged at all, and in this moment, he saw the woman who used to live in this apartment. The reason he'd pulled himself up day after day to try and make a decent living. Time snapped back into place, and she held his hands in hers. She was trying to smooth him. He thought, overwhelmed by her tenderness. Taking his large hands from hers, one hand went to her waist. "Sugar," he breathed, kissing the tip of her cute button nose. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I don't own this building. You do. I put it in your name five years ago," he stood opening the deed so she could see it for herself. "Not only that, but all the rent I've collected are in an account waiting on you. You are correct because my dream was to make sure you would be comfortable and taken care of. I only ever wanted to be the man you deserved."
She kissed his lips back a small smirk gracing them as he complimented her. "Thank you" Mercedes said warmly back to him as she gazed into his eyes lovingly. He was lost in his own thoughts she wished she knew what they were, but he broke away from them before she could ask him and he kissed her nose. He pulled something out of his pocket and presented it to her, her brows creased as he explained what it was. "What?" she breathed shocked as he went on to lay it all out in the open for her. Her eyes moved to scan the document as she went over what he just said her her head, eyes searching for some clear understanding. He did not have to do this for her, as a matter of fact he should not have. Five years ago she was finding herself accepting the idea that he was with another woman and she would never be his again, yet he was still secretively devoting some of his life to her betterment. It was overwhelming to her to think about. She began to cry again and she didn't know why, she was a bag of puddles these days. She sniffled as she wiped the tears pooling from both of her eyes. "You didn't have to do this" she cried to him softly. "And the truth of the matter is I never deserved you" she said shaking her head at his words as she pulled away "I will pride myself on being a good mother but I was a horrible wife" she broke.
Samuel used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. "Hush, with that nonsense. You deserve this and so much more. " He said, cupping her face with both hands. His intrusive thoughts flooded his mind, 'Like a man who belongs to her and her alone.' He shook those thoughts away, "I keep telling you, everything I have accomplished is because of you. You are my muse." he smiled, "Happy Valentine's Day."
Mercedes inhaled deeply trying to suck her tears back up as he silenced her. Though she did not feel like it was nonsense, she was a horrible wife obviously - no other woman would have left him like she had. She sniffled at his words a sad smile gracing her lips again "thank you, really, I appreciate you for having done this. This is an amazing surprise Samuel" she told him thoughtfully.
Samuel kissed her forehead, "Don't thank me yet. Let's wait until our 24 hours are up," he smiled. He'd wanted to blame her a thousand times for leaving him. Sometimes, it worked. However, most of the time, he just couldn't. No matter what she said, she was a great wife; he just wasn't a good husband. He was going to keep working to be a better partner. That was the least he could do. "We should get going. You are going need your beauty rest."
She leaned into his forehead kiss gently, at the mention of the next 24 hours she chuckled a little "okay" she said sweetly. "You told me you had everything handled I hope that's true" Mercedes told him playfully. She was nervous; she was very particular about her hair, makeup, and style of dress. Leaving everything up to him was a huge gamble though she guessed he out of all people should know just what to buy her if he ever needed to. "Okay" she told him again with a head nod, no matter what he had up his sleeves she were sure she was going to have a good time. Any moment stolen with as of late was just that.
Samuel took Mercedes' hand and led her from the building. The driver had the engine running, and he wasted no time taking them straight into the heart of Nashville. At almost 2 am, Samuel was far from sleepy. His hand, intertwined with Mercedes ', was sending electric shocks through his body. He kissed the back of her hand, despite his mind yelling for him to distract himself. "This won't take long." He told Mercedes. He then caught sight of the little black bear sitting on the seat. He was a last-minute addition to her gifts, there to take the place of the other teddies he'd purchased. The strappy, lacy outfits had to be tossed. His resolve would have broken if she had worn any one of those outfits. Until Miranda was out of his life, he promised he would not touch Mercedes inappropriately. He was a man of his honor, and he kept his word. As they pulled up at the hotel, he didn't wait for the driver to open the door. He was out of the car, holding out his hand to Mercedes. Memories flashing of the last time they were alone in a hotel room. This was going to be harder than he thought.
Mercedes looked over at Samuel offering him another smile as they sat fingers locked together in the back of the car. She should not still be reeling from the display of love he'd offered to her, he had always taken care of her no matter their status throughout their lives. He always said he would and he never broke that promise. She wouldn't know how to address the past with him fully but she hoped that one day soon they could, she was desperate to truly apologize for having ended what they had by divorce. Even if nothing really came from this current fling they we enthralled in he needed to know he was worth the fight and she were just a coward. She nodded her head at his words watching a hotel come into view. She grabbed his hand once more, she reached for her bear and moved to climb out of the car with the large man's help. He had mentioned beauty rest earlier but something told her she wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight and she was perfectly fine with that idea.
Samuel intertwined his fingers with Mercedes and nodded to the driver. "See you tomorrow morning at 10." He told the man with a friendly nod. He strolled into the hotel, unhurriedly moving to the elevator. "I have everything prepared for you upstairs. It's late, but we can order room service if you like." He told Mercedes, pushing the elevator's up button. The elevator opened immediately, and he gestured for Mercedes to enter 1st. Walking in behind her, he pushed the button for the penthouse floor. "I am sorry I've been off the radar lately. I don't want to say it was work, but for the most part, that is true. I wanted to make sure everything was in order, so I would not have to worry while we are away. I know that's not a very good excuse," he said, looking down at his hands.
Mercedes followed Samuel into the hotel taking in the place fully as they walked, the hotel was beautiful. As they approached the elevator she looked at him again "oh no" she said shaking her head "no room service necessary" she assured him. She held her bear close as she walked into the elevator before him, he climbed in behind her and pressed the penthouse floor she tucked her lips in trying not to show her amusement. "I prefer that excuse verses no excuse at all" she told him "I know you had a lot of rearranging to do. I know it was probably a lot for you to do and you are leaving the business in the hands of others for a week. You don't have to apologize for those things. I know that the business was a point of contingency between us in the past. But perhaps I had to realize that I was too immature to see what all that time away was going towards and who would benefit from it. You take amazing care of our babies, they want for nothing and your hard word is a direct cause and effect of that" she said honestly. "You don't have to apologize to me for that anymore Samuel, I should not have ever made that a issue between us" she breathed looking at his face.
Samuel's head rose, and he watched the number climb as the elevator ascended. He exhaled. Mercedes was excusing his behavior. Explaining it away as if she had been wrong for desiring a husband who wasn't a workaholic. It made him feel sick to his stomach. He didn't want that from her. He had it with Miranda, and despite what she told him, he knew she should actually live without him. He didn't want that with Mercedes. He looked over to her, brushing her hair away from her face. She looked so damn cute clutching her little bear. He chuckled and pulled out his phone, "Stay just like that," he said, snapping a picture of her. He moved in front of her, taking another photo, as the elevator doors opened behind him. "Wait one more." He told her, then stood in the doorway. He reviewed his photo, "Okay. These will work," he told her, stepping out of her way so she could get off the elevator, "this way."
Samuel said nothing and Mercedes tucked her lips in, he asked her to stay just as she were and he pulled his phone out instead. "What are you doing?" she chuckled at him moving her hand to cover her mouth. She stayed in place smiling at him despite herself, she was trying to fight the huge grin she was sporting as she dropped her hand. She tucked her lips in as he snapped a final time. "Will work for what?" she asked him curiously as she stepped out the elevator before him, turning to face him again. He showed her the way and she followed behind him, grabbing his arm to hang on to as they went.
Samuel glanced at his subject. "Taking a picture of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." He told her, serious as a heartache. He held her hand as they made their way to their one-bedroom suite. "The pictures are for my collection, my dear. I'm going to do an exhibition and show nothing except a picture of you." Looked straightforward, yet trying to keep a straight face, while watching her in his peripheral vision. He handed her the eye card, then stood to the side while she opened the penthouse door.
His words caused her to gush, a blush forming on her face, butterflies swarming her stomach. She was teleported to their high school days all over again, she was smitten with him and he didn't have to put in much effort. She was in love with this man anytime she told herself in the past that she was not and their time had ran it's course she had been lying desperately to herself. "Sam please" Mercedes said sheepishly. He granted her entry to the room and she didn't hesitate to open it, she walked into the space and gasped. "Sam!" she exclaimed moving her hand up to her mouth as she walked in fully. She expected a typical hotel room not what he had on display before her. Shit, she was going to cry again she thought even as the tears beat her to the completion of her thought. "This is so sweet" she said turning around to face him again, she wiped a few tears. "I'm sorry I am a bag of water today" she chuckled lightly. "I can't believe you did all of this" she said turning to the decor again, taking in all the candles and the flowers adorned in many places in the room. "Thank you" she breathed as she moved towards him leaning up for a kiss.
Samuel walked in behind Mercedes, shutting the door. He leaned against it, watching her. The look of awe on her face took his breath away, while the candlelight made the tears on her cheeks sparkle like diamonds. "Seeing you happy is all the thank you I need, Sugar." He swallowed. This was going to be the hard part. He kissed her back, measuring the pressure his lips exerted on hers, trying to receive her physical thank you, without getting lost in the moment. He pulled her close; these few weeks had been too long, and the hunger in his body was already clawing its way to the surface.
She released a soft moan against his full lips, cupping his face with her free hand gently. She pulled away looking up at him "I love you" she said confidently, "so much" she added wiping her eyes dry for the second time tonight. "I know there is a lot going on between us both right now, but you have made me the happiest woman alive these last few months. And I really appreciate all that you have done for me, so us, our family especially" Mercedes admitted to him, her hand still caressing his face. She pulled her hand away from him, resting it against his hip and she said "how could I possibly repay you for all that you have done" she asked him seriously. He was more than likely going to tell her she didn't need to but that wouldn't stop her feeling like she did.
Irritation and relief filled Samuel in equal measure when Mercedes pulled away from him. His arms remained in place around her waist. He knew he was not physically capable of letting her go. He concentrated on her eyes, and in those windows to the soul, he saw truth. She did love him. After all these years. He rested his forehead against hers. He inhaled, a shaky, ragged breath, swallowing thickly. He backed her deeper into the suite, straight to the bedroom door. "Payment will never be required. I want what you give freely and fully." He whispered, pecking her sweetly on the lips. He rose to his full height in the bedroom doorway. Terrified at the moment of taking a step beyond this point. "go get comfortable. We have a long day tomorrow. I don't want you to miss anything, because I've kept you up all night." He smirked, turned her around, then smacked her on the butt to send her on her way.
Mercedes smiled between closed lips as Samuel leaned his forehead down against her. The action was so subtle but feel of it was all-consuming, she felt the things he did not say this close to him. He began to back them into the direction of the bedroom. The action was causing her heart rate to pick up quickly, she would love nothing more than for him to strip her bare and make love to her, she yearned for it actually. She nodded her head gently at his words, she would remember them. She pecked his lips again melting into them and the feel of her body against his strong one, when he pulled away she looked up at him again. "Okay" she said taking in his words, it was late and she was sure he had a lot planned for them tomorrow, she needed to put a pin in what she was picturing him doing to her. He turned her around and sent her on the way with a pat to her butt, she looked over her shoulder at him offering another smirk as she moved into the room. She moved around room seeing that he had in fact taken care of everything down to her clothing for the night, she smiled to herself. She had never experienced this before it was new, it was fun, entertaining even. She guessed this is what she had been missing out on all these years. This type of catering to was something she could get used to. She tried to decide which set of pajamas she would wear, he'd offered her to very different styles, she chose the top and bottoms and moved towards the bathroom to change into them.
Samuel smoothed his hand down his shirt; the black-on-black outfit was dressy without being overdone. Thank God he and Mercedes actually enjoyed each other's company outside of sex, because if they didn’t, he would have been in big trouble. The only issue was that he’d leaned in heavy to romance, so as not to spoil her experience. Which created its own problems. Namely, the more attentive you were, the more you wanted to make love. “NO!” He scolded himself, you respect her too much to make her feel like less. He straightened his back, “Get your shit together, Sam. Fuck your carnal needs.” He inhaled, “Sugar,” He called, “The car is waiting on us.” He rubbed his hands together. He could do this. He thought, shaking out the nerves rushing through his body.
Mercedes looked herself over in the mirror in the bathroom, she would not have picked this look for herself but she would admit it looked good against her curves. She turned around and looked herself over from behind taking in her ass in the thong that was provided to her. She smirked to herself, hearing Samuel she said "okay I am coming" quickly, she brushed some powder over her face and she sprayed her makeup setting it for the night. One thing that did bother her was how large her breast looked in the bra she had on, it barely contained them which was odd to her because it was the right size but it would be fine. She came out of the bathroom "sorry" she said to him as she emerged before him. "I am ready" she told him confidently as she moved to grab her coat and her purse. "You look amazing" she said to him, he did he didn't look half the age he was, still youthful and handsome as ever.
Samuel checked his phone, pacing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Sandra had sent an update about a contract he needed to sign. He did so and smiled as he heard Mercedes. He slipped his phone into his pocket as Mercedes emerged from the bedroom. Suddenly, breathing had become optional. He’d told the stylist, sexy, -risky even. There was a version of Mercedes who had peeked out from behind her prim, proper facade, and he wanted to play with her for a bit. Well, he had before he decided to keep this celebration PG. “Got damn…” He uttered, walking over to her cautiously, as he tried to take in every inch of her at once. “Damn.” He uttered again, holding out his hand to Mercedes. “Got damn. You look…” He spun her around, “Jesus.” He exhaled. The sight of her ass was magnificent. “Sugar, you look like a walking felony. How do you feel?” He asked, worried she might not want to go out in the outfit.
Mercedes bit her lip gloss painted bottom lip as he moved towards her. She gave him her hand, he spun her around and she turned in a full circle. "A walking felony?" she asked him, that made her nervous a little. "I feel..." she breathed looking at him, she looked down taking her self in again "sexy" she told him happily. "I think I look good" she said being honest with him completely. "Do you think it's too much?" she asked him next, though he had chosen it so he had to know how revealing it was unless seeing her in it now fully gave him pause.
Samuel almost missed what she said as he stood there drooling over her figure. Almost in a trance, he absently nodded his head, running his tongue over his lips. He caught up with time, clearing his hand with a shake. "That is exactly how I wanted you to feel. Sexy and unstoppable. Bold." He smirked. "Hell no." He lied. He was going to give himself blue balls, and after dinner at the night club, he was sure he was going to have to fight a few people. "Damn." He said out loud once more, then pecked her on the lips. There was no way in hell he could kiss her in earnest. They would never leave the room.
Mercedes smiled happily at his words "that is exactly how I feel" she said running her hand down the see through dress again. She pecked his lips gently, he had not made love to her last night and he had not tried to make a move on her this morning. His sweet and simple pecks were telling, she didn't know what had changed but she told herself not to think to deeply into it. He still desired her, it is obvious in moments like this and she refused to allow herself to think that he hadn't been touching her because of Miranda. That would only prove to piss her off. "We should get going" she told him offering him another smile as she pulled her coat onto her arms. "We don't want to be late right?"
"Late is relative," Samuel smirked, slyly. The truth was they could be late. The dinner was a private one just for the two of them. He shifted uncomfortably in his pants. "You're right. We'd better get going." Before I break my own damn room. He thought, cursing himself. He led her to the door, letting her pass through first, feeling sick to his stomach.
Mercedes looked him over smirking and she headed for the door walking out of it before Samuel. She held her bag in one hand and reached for his with the other lacing their fingers. "So... can I have a hint about where we are going next?" she asked him cutely. She didn't want to spoil the surprise for herself but she was also nervous and desperate to know what else he managed to put together for her.
INVOLVED: Mercedes Jones and Samuel Evans.
LOCATION: 1224 North Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee.
TIME FRAME: Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
NOTES: Mercedes early Valentine's Day Celebrations.
Their one-bedroom walk-up just happened to be vacant. The chipped paint, single-pane windows, and busted heater had all been repaired. If not for the layout, it didn't resemble the hellscape he, Mercedes, and three kids used to share. That had to be a sign, right? Samuel's shoes tapped lightly across the wooden floors as he absently paced. This was supposed to be the surprise for tomorrow morning; however, his plans had changed. His gut twisted. When had he become so selfish? Mercedes was no one's mistress. Yet, wasn't that what he had made her? "No." He growled through gritted teeth. Yet until he separated himself from Miranda, there was a painful bit of truth to his thoughts. He felt the phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and returned the driver's text, 'bring her up and then wait on us in the car, we shouldn't be too long.'
Mercedes didn't know what Samuel had up his sleeve but she had done what he asked. She prepared herself to be whisked off at 12 am in the morning, she was nervous about leaving Drew alone at home. But she did have the necessary security in place; she had his location, no one could come in or out of her house without her being alerted of it. It would be fine. Drew was not a baby anymore he was growing into a man and he would be okay. And if she repeated that enough to herself she would actually start to believe it. Watching both the driver and her surroundings change outside of the window she twisted the diamond tennis bracelet Samuel gifted her around her wrist nervously. The car turned a corner and she moved her eyes down to her fingers. She felt bad for the phone call she and Samuel shared. She had no right to be so cold with him, the way that things were going were not his fault alone. She would have to convey that to him when she finally saw him. Looking up again, her eyes moved to look out the window scanning the area around her, it was familiar to her. As they approached the building it hit her immediately, the building housed their old home and a mountain of memories she would never forget. She was stunned, why were she here and where was Samuel? The man parked the car and moved to her side of it opening the door. She grabbed her phone and climbed out, she had nothing else with her and that made her feel naked but Samuel said he had the rest covered. At the driver's request she followed him towards the building her brows creasing with every step, she knew what direction they were going in. The trek up to the unit she lived in for years was ingrained in her mind. She could have found it in her sleep.
The knock came almost 15 minutes later, two light raps as the driver pushed the door open. "Thank you," Samuel said to the man as he stepped inside, holding the door open for Mercedes. All his misgivings faded, like long-forgotten memories. "Happy Valentine's Day." He said, extending his hand out from Mercedes. "I trust you remember this place."
Mercedes followed the man nervously, her stomach doing flips as uneasiness settled over her. When she saw Samuel she calmed herself a little. She walked inside and then looked up at him shock written across her face "very well" she breathed, she didn't know what to think. Memories were flooding her in quick succession, she was overwhelmed by them. She hadn't even fully grasped what he had said to her as she walked into the small apartment further. She looked around the space, a few things had changed here and there but it was the exact same. This is where it had all started, the history they had built together had come alive in these four walls. She toyed with the bracelet around her wrist once more she needed something to distract her racing mind. To ground herself even as she swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She didn't need to cry, instead she needed to distract herself by asking him the questions her mind could not answer. "What are we doing here?" she asked him with a shaky voice as she turned to look at him with glossy eyes, she swiped a lone tear away before it could roll down her cheek.
Samuel's eyes followed Mercedes. He smirked, then moved over to shake the driver's hand, "Give us about 15 minutes." He said, shutting the door as the man walked away. He folded his hand over his chest and watched as Mercedes took everything in, How times had changed; they both seemed too big for this tiny apartment. This place had once been the entirety of their world. He tilted his head taking a moment to tease, "The fifty-dollar couch was right here." He said as he pointed to the little space that stood between him and Mercedes. "You used to put that Charlie Brown Christmas tree over there in that window. I remember, Harpo got sick because I let her eat too many candy canes." He chuckled at the memory; he inhaled the fresh paint, a grounding aroma. "You made this place a home." His face fell. "I used to hate this place. It was the reminder of everything I could not give you and the kids. Then the building went up for auction," he shrugged, "I was going to fix it up and sell it, but I couldn't let it go. I reminded me too much of us."
Mercedes moved her eyes towards each space he listed where things had been, visualizing where the items would have been back then. She tucked her hands away in her coat pocket, a sad smile gracing her face. This placed did not bring her sadness, she felt it was pivotal to their development to have endured this small home together. Their were happy memories here, she just hated she ruined it all by overshadowing them with a divorce. "Mhm" she nodded her head looking down at the ground, she had not stepped foot in this place since they left it. It reminded her more than anything that she should have never let him go; both times would always be her biggest regret. As he mentioned that she made this space a home she looked up, her eyes moving to his. "You bought this place?" she asked, being shocked by him for the second time tonight. "Whoa" she said looking around the space again, a small chuckle left her lips as she swiped another tear away "that is such a you thing too do" she told him sniffling. "I can't believe you are just telling me now" she admitted softly.
"I thought I was buying it as a good investment property." Samuel argued, shaking his head, "clearly I was wrong, but I could have you think I was being a sentimental fool." He took a step back, truly thinking about himself. He was buying things to control the pain from his past. "A professor once told me to start with what I know. I know the people in this building, and I know there was a time when a young couple was happy here. So,,, I buy a building or two. What is so wrong with that? Seriously, do you think I'm a fool?"
Mercedes looked Samuel up and down as he spoke, she raised a brow at his comment. She wanted to protest but then again she was so unaware of his dealings to say if it were poor judgement for him to have purchased this place. She wasn't knowledgable enough when it came to properties and what would be a good or bad investment to offer him a response back. So she allowed him to talk and she tilted her head when he finished his rant. "I didn't say it was wrong" she corrected perhaps he took her being shocked as bad thing. "I don't think you are a fool" she told him shaking her head. "The idea of you owning this is just so surreal for me is all" she said resting her hand on her chest "it's like a full circle moment when you think about it" she told him moving to close the gap between them finally. "You own the building the vision started in Samuel, you should be so proud of yourself. You should be full of pride" she admitted. "I have so much gratitude" she offered as she looked around the space again. "Is that why you brought me here, to ask me if this were a silly idea? To purchase this? Because that I would never agree too" she said grabbing his hand to hold in hers.
Samuel laughed, folding at the waist, "Let me correct myself. If I told you back then, you would have seen straight through my bs and known why I purchased this place." He said, through chuckles. Warmth spread through his chest where her hands lay. He couldn't help but caress her cheek. Before his practiced control could stop him, he kissed her lips, nibbling on her cupid's bow, "It's midnight, and you are positively glowing." He said, holding her chin, surveyed her face. He missed some of what she was saying. She hadn't aged at all, and in this moment, he saw the woman who used to live in this apartment. The reason he'd pulled himself up day after day to try and make a decent living. Time snapped back into place, and she held his hands in hers. She was trying to smooth him. He thought, overwhelmed by her tenderness. Taking his large hands from hers, one hand went to her waist. "Sugar," he breathed, kissing the tip of her cute button nose. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I don't own this building. You do. I put it in your name five years ago," he stood opening the deed so she could see it for herself. "Not only that, but all the rent I've collected are in an account waiting on you. You are correct because my dream was to make sure you would be comfortable and taken care of. I only ever wanted to be the man you deserved."
She kissed his lips back a small smirk gracing them as he complimented her. "Thank you" Mercedes said warmly back to him as she gazed into his eyes lovingly. He was lost in his own thoughts she wished she knew what they were, but he broke away from them before she could ask him and he kissed her nose. He pulled something out of his pocket and presented it to her, her brows creased as he explained what it was. "What?" she breathed shocked as he went on to lay it all out in the open for her. Her eyes moved to scan the document as she went over what he just said her her head, eyes searching for some clear understanding. He did not have to do this for her, as a matter of fact he should not have. Five years ago she was finding herself accepting the idea that he was with another woman and she would never be his again, yet he was still secretively devoting some of his life to her betterment. It was overwhelming to her to think about. She began to cry again and she didn't know why, she was a bag of puddles these days. She sniffled as she wiped the tears pooling from both of her eyes. "You didn't have to do this" she cried to him softly. "And the truth of the matter is I never deserved you" she said shaking her head at his words as she pulled away "I will pride myself on being a good mother but I was a horrible wife" she broke.
Samuel used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. "Hush, with that nonsense. You deserve this and so much more. " He said, cupping her face with both hands. His intrusive thoughts flooded his mind, 'Like a man who belongs to her and her alone.' He shook those thoughts away, "I keep telling you, everything I have accomplished is because of you. You are my muse." he smiled, "Happy Valentine's Day."
Mercedes inhaled deeply trying to suck her tears back up as he silenced her. Though she did not feel like it was nonsense, she was a horrible wife obviously - no other woman would have left him like she had. She sniffled at his words a sad smile gracing her lips again "thank you, really, I appreciate you for having done this. This is an amazing surprise Samuel" she told him thoughtfully.
Samuel kissed her forehead, "Don't thank me yet. Let's wait until our 24 hours are up," he smiled. He'd wanted to blame her a thousand times for leaving him. Sometimes, it worked. However, most of the time, he just couldn't. No matter what she said, she was a great wife; he just wasn't a good husband. He was going to keep working to be a better partner. That was the least he could do. "We should get going. You are going need your beauty rest."
She leaned into his forehead kiss gently, at the mention of the next 24 hours she chuckled a little "okay" she said sweetly. "You told me you had everything handled I hope that's true" Mercedes told him playfully. She was nervous; she was very particular about her hair, makeup, and style of dress. Leaving everything up to him was a huge gamble though she guessed he out of all people should know just what to buy her if he ever needed to. "Okay" she told him again with a head nod, no matter what he had up his sleeves she were sure she was going to have a good time. Any moment stolen with as of late was just that.
Samuel took Mercedes' hand and led her from the building. The driver had the engine running, and he wasted no time taking them straight into the heart of Nashville. At almost 2 am, Samuel was far from sleepy. His hand, intertwined with Mercedes ', was sending electric shocks through his body. He kissed the back of her hand, despite his mind yelling for him to distract himself. "This won't take long." He told Mercedes. He then caught sight of the little black bear sitting on the seat. He was a last-minute addition to her gifts, there to take the place of the other teddies he'd purchased. The strappy, lacy outfits had to be tossed. His resolve would have broken if she had worn any one of those outfits. Until Miranda was out of his life, he promised he would not touch Mercedes inappropriately. He was a man of his honor, and he kept his word. As they pulled up at the hotel, he didn't wait for the driver to open the door. He was out of the car, holding out his hand to Mercedes. Memories flashing of the last time they were alone in a hotel room. This was going to be harder than he thought.
Mercedes looked over at Samuel offering him another smile as they sat fingers locked together in the back of the car. She should not still be reeling from the display of love he'd offered to her, he had always taken care of her no matter their status throughout their lives. He always said he would and he never broke that promise. She wouldn't know how to address the past with him fully but she hoped that one day soon they could, she was desperate to truly apologize for having ended what they had by divorce. Even if nothing really came from this current fling they we enthralled in he needed to know he was worth the fight and she were just a coward. She nodded her head at his words watching a hotel come into view. She grabbed his hand once more, she reached for her bear and moved to climb out of the car with the large man's help. He had mentioned beauty rest earlier but something told her she wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight and she was perfectly fine with that idea.
Samuel intertwined his fingers with Mercedes and nodded to the driver. "See you tomorrow morning at 10." He told the man with a friendly nod. He strolled into the hotel, unhurriedly moving to the elevator. "I have everything prepared for you upstairs. It's late, but we can order room service if you like." He told Mercedes, pushing the elevator's up button. The elevator opened immediately, and he gestured for Mercedes to enter 1st. Walking in behind her, he pushed the button for the penthouse floor. "I am sorry I've been off the radar lately. I don't want to say it was work, but for the most part, that is true. I wanted to make sure everything was in order, so I would not have to worry while we are away. I know that's not a very good excuse," he said, looking down at his hands.
Mercedes followed Samuel into the hotel taking in the place fully as they walked, the hotel was beautiful. As they approached the elevator she looked at him again "oh no" she said shaking her head "no room service necessary" she assured him. She held her bear close as she walked into the elevator before him, he climbed in behind her and pressed the penthouse floor she tucked her lips in trying not to show her amusement. "I prefer that excuse verses no excuse at all" she told him "I know you had a lot of rearranging to do. I know it was probably a lot for you to do and you are leaving the business in the hands of others for a week. You don't have to apologize for those things. I know that the business was a point of contingency between us in the past. But perhaps I had to realize that I was too immature to see what all that time away was going towards and who would benefit from it. You take amazing care of our babies, they want for nothing and your hard word is a direct cause and effect of that" she said honestly. "You don't have to apologize to me for that anymore Samuel, I should not have ever made that a issue between us" she breathed looking at his face.
Samuel's head rose, and he watched the number climb as the elevator ascended. He exhaled. Mercedes was excusing his behavior. Explaining it away as if she had been wrong for desiring a husband who wasn't a workaholic. It made him feel sick to his stomach. He didn't want that from her. He had it with Miranda, and despite what she told him, he knew she should actually live without him. He didn't want that with Mercedes. He looked over to her, brushing her hair away from her face. She looked so damn cute clutching her little bear. He chuckled and pulled out his phone, "Stay just like that," he said, snapping a picture of her. He moved in front of her, taking another photo, as the elevator doors opened behind him. "Wait one more." He told her, then stood in the doorway. He reviewed his photo, "Okay. These will work," he told her, stepping out of her way so she could get off the elevator, "this way."
Samuel said nothing and Mercedes tucked her lips in, he asked her to stay just as she were and he pulled his phone out instead. "What are you doing?" she chuckled at him moving her hand to cover her mouth. She stayed in place smiling at him despite herself, she was trying to fight the huge grin she was sporting as she dropped her hand. She tucked her lips in as he snapped a final time. "Will work for what?" she asked him curiously as she stepped out the elevator before him, turning to face him again. He showed her the way and she followed behind him, grabbing his arm to hang on to as they went.
Samuel glanced at his subject. "Taking a picture of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." He told her, serious as a heartache. He held her hand as they made their way to their one-bedroom suite. "The pictures are for my collection, my dear. I'm going to do an exhibition and show nothing except a picture of you." Looked straightforward, yet trying to keep a straight face, while watching her in his peripheral vision. He handed her the eye card, then stood to the side while she opened the penthouse door.
His words caused her to gush, a blush forming on her face, butterflies swarming her stomach. She was teleported to their high school days all over again, she was smitten with him and he didn't have to put in much effort. She was in love with this man anytime she told herself in the past that she was not and their time had ran it's course she had been lying desperately to herself. "Sam please" Mercedes said sheepishly. He granted her entry to the room and she didn't hesitate to open it, she walked into the space and gasped. "Sam!" she exclaimed moving her hand up to her mouth as she walked in fully. She expected a typical hotel room not what he had on display before her. Shit, she was going to cry again she thought even as the tears beat her to the completion of her thought. "This is so sweet" she said turning around to face him again, she wiped a few tears. "I'm sorry I am a bag of water today" she chuckled lightly. "I can't believe you did all of this" she said turning to the decor again, taking in all the candles and the flowers adorned in many places in the room. "Thank you" she breathed as she moved towards him leaning up for a kiss.
Samuel walked in behind Mercedes, shutting the door. He leaned against it, watching her. The look of awe on her face took his breath away, while the candlelight made the tears on her cheeks sparkle like diamonds. "Seeing you happy is all the thank you I need, Sugar." He swallowed. This was going to be the hard part. He kissed her back, measuring the pressure his lips exerted on hers, trying to receive her physical thank you, without getting lost in the moment. He pulled her close; these few weeks had been too long, and the hunger in his body was already clawing its way to the surface.
She released a soft moan against his full lips, cupping his face with her free hand gently. She pulled away looking up at him "I love you" she said confidently, "so much" she added wiping her eyes dry for the second time tonight. "I know there is a lot going on between us both right now, but you have made me the happiest woman alive these last few months. And I really appreciate all that you have done for me, so us, our family especially" Mercedes admitted to him, her hand still caressing his face. She pulled her hand away from him, resting it against his hip and she said "how could I possibly repay you for all that you have done" she asked him seriously. He was more than likely going to tell her she didn't need to but that wouldn't stop her feeling like she did.
Irritation and relief filled Samuel in equal measure when Mercedes pulled away from him. His arms remained in place around her waist. He knew he was not physically capable of letting her go. He concentrated on her eyes, and in those windows to the soul, he saw truth. She did love him. After all these years. He rested his forehead against hers. He inhaled, a shaky, ragged breath, swallowing thickly. He backed her deeper into the suite, straight to the bedroom door. "Payment will never be required. I want what you give freely and fully." He whispered, pecking her sweetly on the lips. He rose to his full height in the bedroom doorway. Terrified at the moment of taking a step beyond this point. "go get comfortable. We have a long day tomorrow. I don't want you to miss anything, because I've kept you up all night." He smirked, turned her around, then smacked her on the butt to send her on her way.
Mercedes smiled between closed lips as Samuel leaned his forehead down against her. The action was so subtle but feel of it was all-consuming, she felt the things he did not say this close to him. He began to back them into the direction of the bedroom. The action was causing her heart rate to pick up quickly, she would love nothing more than for him to strip her bare and make love to her, she yearned for it actually. She nodded her head gently at his words, she would remember them. She pecked his lips again melting into them and the feel of her body against his strong one, when he pulled away she looked up at him again. "Okay" she said taking in his words, it was late and she was sure he had a lot planned for them tomorrow, she needed to put a pin in what she was picturing him doing to her. He turned her around and sent her on the way with a pat to her butt, she looked over her shoulder at him offering another smirk as she moved into the room. She moved around room seeing that he had in fact taken care of everything down to her clothing for the night, she smiled to herself. She had never experienced this before it was new, it was fun, entertaining even. She guessed this is what she had been missing out on all these years. This type of catering to was something she could get used to. She tried to decide which set of pajamas she would wear, he'd offered her to very different styles, she chose the top and bottoms and moved towards the bathroom to change into them.
Samuel smoothed his hand down his shirt; the black-on-black outfit was dressy without being overdone. Thank God he and Mercedes actually enjoyed each other's company outside of sex, because if they didn’t, he would have been in big trouble. The only issue was that he’d leaned in heavy to romance, so as not to spoil her experience. Which created its own problems. Namely, the more attentive you were, the more you wanted to make love. “NO!” He scolded himself, you respect her too much to make her feel like less. He straightened his back, “Get your shit together, Sam. Fuck your carnal needs.” He inhaled, “Sugar,” He called, “The car is waiting on us.” He rubbed his hands together. He could do this. He thought, shaking out the nerves rushing through his body.
Mercedes looked herself over in the mirror in the bathroom, she would not have picked this look for herself but she would admit it looked good against her curves. She turned around and looked herself over from behind taking in her ass in the thong that was provided to her. She smirked to herself, hearing Samuel she said "okay I am coming" quickly, she brushed some powder over her face and she sprayed her makeup setting it for the night. One thing that did bother her was how large her breast looked in the bra she had on, it barely contained them which was odd to her because it was the right size but it would be fine. She came out of the bathroom "sorry" she said to him as she emerged before him. "I am ready" she told him confidently as she moved to grab her coat and her purse. "You look amazing" she said to him, he did he didn't look half the age he was, still youthful and handsome as ever.
Samuel checked his phone, pacing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Sandra had sent an update about a contract he needed to sign. He did so and smiled as he heard Mercedes. He slipped his phone into his pocket as Mercedes emerged from the bedroom. Suddenly, breathing had become optional. He’d told the stylist, sexy, -risky even. There was a version of Mercedes who had peeked out from behind her prim, proper facade, and he wanted to play with her for a bit. Well, he had before he decided to keep this celebration PG. “Got damn…” He uttered, walking over to her cautiously, as he tried to take in every inch of her at once. “Damn.” He uttered again, holding out his hand to Mercedes. “Got damn. You look…” He spun her around, “Jesus.” He exhaled. The sight of her ass was magnificent. “Sugar, you look like a walking felony. How do you feel?” He asked, worried she might not want to go out in the outfit.
Mercedes bit her lip gloss painted bottom lip as he moved towards her. She gave him her hand, he spun her around and she turned in a full circle. "A walking felony?" she asked him, that made her nervous a little. "I feel..." she breathed looking at him, she looked down taking her self in again "sexy" she told him happily. "I think I look good" she said being honest with him completely. "Do you think it's too much?" she asked him next, though he had chosen it so he had to know how revealing it was unless seeing her in it now fully gave him pause.
Samuel almost missed what she said as he stood there drooling over her figure. Almost in a trance, he absently nodded his head, running his tongue over his lips. He caught up with time, clearing his hand with a shake. "That is exactly how I wanted you to feel. Sexy and unstoppable. Bold." He smirked. "Hell no." He lied. He was going to give himself blue balls, and after dinner at the night club, he was sure he was going to have to fight a few people. "Damn." He said out loud once more, then pecked her on the lips. There was no way in hell he could kiss her in earnest. They would never leave the room.
Mercedes smiled happily at his words "that is exactly how I feel" she said running her hand down the see through dress again. She pecked his lips gently, he had not made love to her last night and he had not tried to make a move on her this morning. His sweet and simple pecks were telling, she didn't know what had changed but she told herself not to think to deeply into it. He still desired her, it is obvious in moments like this and she refused to allow herself to think that he hadn't been touching her because of Miranda. That would only prove to piss her off. "We should get going" she told him offering him another smile as she pulled her coat onto her arms. "We don't want to be late right?"
"Late is relative," Samuel smirked, slyly. The truth was they could be late. The dinner was a private one just for the two of them. He shifted uncomfortably in his pants. "You're right. We'd better get going." Before I break my own damn room. He thought, cursing himself. He led her to the door, letting her pass through first, feeling sick to his stomach.
Mercedes looked him over smirking and she headed for the door walking out of it before Samuel. She held her bag in one hand and reached for his with the other lacing their fingers. "So... can I have a hint about where we are going next?" she asked him cutely. She didn't want to spoil the surprise for herself but she was also nervous and desperate to know what else he managed to put together for her.
Samuel took her hand and closed the door behind them. Walking up the hallway, he kissed the back of her hand as they moved. "Let's see. You want a hint. Well, let's say this surprise links into the cruise today nicely." He finished, sure he had not given a hit without giving away the game. "Don't worry, you will see soon enough."
INVOLVED: Mercedes Jones and Samuel Evans.
LOCATION: 1224 North Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee.
TIME FRAME: Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
NOTES: Mercedes early Valentine's Day Celebrations.
Their one-bedroom walk-up just happened to be vacant. The chipped paint, single-pane windows, and busted heater had all been repaired. If not for the layout, it didn't resemble the hellscape he, Mercedes, and three kids used to share. That had to be a sign, right? Samuel's shoes tapped lightly across the wooden floors as he absently paced. This was supposed to be the surprise for tomorrow morning; however, his plans had changed. His gut twisted. When had he become so selfish? Mercedes was no one's mistress. Yet, wasn't that what he had made her? "No." He growled through gritted teeth. Yet until he separated himself from Miranda, there was a painful bit of truth to his thoughts. He felt the phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and returned the driver's text, 'bring her up and then wait on us in the car, we shouldn't be too long.'
Mercedes didn't know what Samuel had up his sleeve but she had done what he asked. She prepared herself to be whisked off at 12 am in the morning, she was nervous about leaving Drew alone at home. But she did have the necessary security in place; she had his location, no one could come in or out of her house without her being alerted of it. It would be fine. Drew was not a baby anymore he was growing into a man and he would be okay. And if she repeated that enough to herself she would actually start to believe it. Watching both the driver and her surroundings change outside of the window she twisted the diamond tennis bracelet Samuel gifted her around her wrist nervously. The car turned a corner and she moved her eyes down to her fingers. She felt bad for the phone call she and Samuel shared. She had no right to be so cold with him, the way that things were going were not his fault alone. She would have to convey that to him when she finally saw him. Looking up again, her eyes moved to look out the window scanning the area around her, it was familiar to her. As they approached the building it hit her immediately, the building housed their old home and a mountain of memories she would never forget. She was stunned, why were she here and where was Samuel? The man parked the car and moved to her side of it opening the door. She grabbed her phone and climbed out, she had nothing else with her and that made her feel naked but Samuel said he had the rest covered. At the driver's request she followed him towards the building her brows creasing with every step, she knew what direction they were going in. The trek up to the unit she lived in for years was ingrained in her mind. She could have found it in her sleep.
The knock came almost 15 minutes later, two light raps as the driver pushed the door open. "Thank you," Samuel said to the man as he stepped inside, holding the door open for Mercedes. All his misgivings faded, like long-forgotten memories. "Happy Valentine's Day." He said, extending his hand out from Mercedes. "I trust you remember this place."
Mercedes followed the man nervously, her stomach doing flips as uneasiness settled over her. When she saw Samuel she calmed herself a little. She walked inside and then looked up at him shock written across her face "very well" she breathed, she didn't know what to think. Memories were flooding her in quick succession, she was overwhelmed by them. She hadn't even fully grasped what he had said to her as she walked into the small apartment further. She looked around the space, a few things had changed here and there but it was the exact same. This is where it had all started, the history they had built together had come alive in these four walls. She toyed with the bracelet around her wrist once more she needed something to distract her racing mind. To ground herself even as she swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She didn't need to cry, instead she needed to distract herself by asking him the questions her mind could not answer. "What are we doing here?" she asked him with a shaky voice as she turned to look at him with glossy eyes, she swiped a lone tear away before it could roll down her cheek.
Samuel's eyes followed Mercedes. He smirked, then moved over to shake the driver's hand, "Give us about 15 minutes." He said, shutting the door as the man walked away. He folded his hand over his chest and watched as Mercedes took everything in, How times had changed; they both seemed too big for this tiny apartment. This place had once been the entirety of their world. He tilted his head taking a moment to tease, "The fifty-dollar couch was right here." He said as he pointed to the little space that stood between him and Mercedes. "You used to put that Charlie Brown Christmas tree over there in that window. I remember, Harpo got sick because I let her eat too many candy canes." He chuckled at the memory; he inhaled the fresh paint, a grounding aroma. "You made this place a home." His face fell. "I used to hate this place. It was the reminder of everything I could not give you and the kids. Then the building went up for auction," he shrugged, "I was going to fix it up and sell it, but I couldn't let it go. I reminded me too much of us."
Mercedes moved her eyes towards each space he listed where things had been, visualizing where the items would have been back then. She tucked her hands away in her coat pocket, a sad smile gracing her face. This placed did not bring her sadness, she felt it was pivotal to their development to have endured this small home together. Their were happy memories here, she just hated she ruined it all by overshadowing them with a divorce. "Mhm" she nodded her head looking down at the ground, she had not stepped foot in this place since they left it. It reminded her more than anything that she should have never let him go; both times would always be her biggest regret. As he mentioned that she made this space a home she looked up, her eyes moving to his. "You bought this place?" she asked, being shocked by him for the second time tonight. "Whoa" she said looking around the space again, a small chuckle left her lips as she swiped another tear away "that is such a you thing too do" she told him sniffling. "I can't believe you are just telling me now" she admitted softly.
"I thought I was buying it as a good investment property." Samuel argued, shaking his head, "clearly I was wrong, but I could have you think I was being a sentimental fool." He took a step back, truly thinking about himself. He was buying things to control the pain from his past. "A professor once told me to start with what I know. I know the people in this building, and I know there was a time when a young couple was happy here. So,,, I buy a building or two. What is so wrong with that? Seriously, do you think I'm a fool?"
Mercedes looked Samuel up and down as he spoke, she raised a brow at his comment. She wanted to protest but then again she was so unaware of his dealings to say if it were poor judgement for him to have purchased this place. She wasn't knowledgable enough when it came to properties and what would be a good or bad investment to offer him a response back. So she allowed him to talk and she tilted her head when he finished his rant. "I didn't say it was wrong" she corrected perhaps he took her being shocked as bad thing. "I don't think you are a fool" she told him shaking her head. "The idea of you owning this is just so surreal for me is all" she said resting her hand on her chest "it's like a full circle moment when you think about it" she told him moving to close the gap between them finally. "You own the building the vision started in Samuel, you should be so proud of yourself. You should be full of pride" she admitted. "I have so much gratitude" she offered as she looked around the space again. "Is that why you brought me here, to ask me if this were a silly idea? To purchase this? Because that I would never agree too" she said grabbing his hand to hold in hers.
Samuel laughed, folding at the waist, "Let me correct myself. If I told you back then, you would have seen straight through my bs and known why I purchased this place." He said, through chuckles. Warmth spread through his chest where her hands lay. He couldn't help but caress her cheek. Before his practiced control could stop him, he kissed her lips, nibbling on her cupid's bow, "It's midnight, and you are positively glowing." He said, holding her chin, surveyed her face. He missed some of what she was saying. She hadn't aged at all, and in this moment, he saw the woman who used to live in this apartment. The reason he'd pulled himself up day after day to try and make a decent living. Time snapped back into place, and she held his hands in hers. She was trying to smooth him. He thought, overwhelmed by her tenderness. Taking his large hands from hers, one hand went to her waist. "Sugar," he breathed, kissing the tip of her cute button nose. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I don't own this building. You do. I put it in your name five years ago," he stood opening the deed so she could see it for herself. "Not only that, but all the rent I've collected are in an account waiting on you. You are correct because my dream was to make sure you would be comfortable and taken care of. I only ever wanted to be the man you deserved."
She kissed his lips back a small smirk gracing them as he complimented her. "Thank you" Mercedes said warmly back to him as she gazed into his eyes lovingly. He was lost in his own thoughts she wished she knew what they were, but he broke away from them before she could ask him and he kissed her nose. He pulled something out of his pocket and presented it to her, her brows creased as he explained what it was. "What?" she breathed shocked as he went on to lay it all out in the open for her. Her eyes moved to scan the document as she went over what he just said her her head, eyes searching for some clear understanding. He did not have to do this for her, as a matter of fact he should not have. Five years ago she was finding herself accepting the idea that he was with another woman and she would never be his again, yet he was still secretively devoting some of his life to her betterment. It was overwhelming to her to think about. She began to cry again and she didn't know why, she was a bag of puddles these days. She sniffled as she wiped the tears pooling from both of her eyes. "You didn't have to do this" she cried to him softly. "And the truth of the matter is I never deserved you" she said shaking her head at his words as she pulled away "I will pride myself on being a good mother but I was a horrible wife" she broke.
Samuel used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. "Hush, with that nonsense. You deserve this and so much more. " He said, cupping her face with both hands. His intrusive thoughts flooded his mind, 'Like a man who belongs to her and her alone.' He shook those thoughts away, "I keep telling you, everything I have accomplished is because of you. You are my muse." he smiled, "Happy Valentine's Day."
Mercedes inhaled deeply trying to suck her tears back up as he silenced her. Though she did not feel like it was nonsense, she was a horrible wife obviously - no other woman would have left him like she had. She sniffled at his words a sad smile gracing her lips again "thank you, really, I appreciate you for having done this. This is an amazing surprise Samuel" she told him thoughtfully.
Samuel kissed her forehead, "Don't thank me yet. Let's wait until our 24 hours are up," he smiled. He'd wanted to blame her a thousand times for leaving him. Sometimes, it worked. However, most of the time, he just couldn't. No matter what she said, she was a great wife; he just wasn't a good husband. He was going to keep working to be a better partner. That was the least he could do. "We should get going. You are going need your beauty rest."
She leaned into his forehead kiss gently, at the mention of the next 24 hours she chuckled a little "okay" she said sweetly. "You told me you had everything handled I hope that's true" Mercedes told him playfully. She was nervous; she was very particular about her hair, makeup, and style of dress. Leaving everything up to him was a huge gamble though she guessed he out of all people should know just what to buy her if he ever needed to. "Okay" she told him again with a head nod, no matter what he had up his sleeves she were sure she was going to have a good time. Any moment stolen with as of late was just that.
Samuel took Mercedes' hand and led her from the building. The driver had the engine running, and he wasted no time taking them straight into the heart of Nashville. At almost 2 am, Samuel was far from sleepy. His hand, intertwined with Mercedes ', was sending electric shocks through his body. He kissed the back of her hand, despite his mind yelling for him to distract himself. "This won't take long." He told Mercedes. He then caught sight of the little black bear sitting on the seat. He was a last-minute addition to her gifts, there to take the place of the other teddies he'd purchased. The strappy, lacy outfits had to be tossed. His resolve would have broken if she had worn any one of those outfits. Until Miranda was out of his life, he promised he would not touch Mercedes inappropriately. He was a man of his honor, and he kept his word. As they pulled up at the hotel, he didn't wait for the driver to open the door. He was out of the car, holding out his hand to Mercedes. Memories flashing of the last time they were alone in a hotel room. This was going to be harder than he thought.
Mercedes looked over at Samuel offering him another smile as they sat fingers locked together in the back of the car. She should not still be reeling from the display of love he'd offered to her, he had always taken care of her no matter their status throughout their lives. He always said he would and he never broke that promise. She wouldn't know how to address the past with him fully but she hoped that one day soon they could, she was desperate to truly apologize for having ended what they had by divorce. Even if nothing really came from this current fling they we enthralled in he needed to know he was worth the fight and she were just a coward. She nodded her head at his words watching a hotel come into view. She grabbed his hand once more, she reached for her bear and moved to climb out of the car with the large man's help. He had mentioned beauty rest earlier but something told her she wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight and she was perfectly fine with that idea.
Samuel intertwined his fingers with Mercedes and nodded to the driver. "See you tomorrow morning at 10." He told the man with a friendly nod. He strolled into the hotel, unhurriedly moving to the elevator. "I have everything prepared for you upstairs. It's late, but we can order room service if you like." He told Mercedes, pushing the elevator's up button. The elevator opened immediately, and he gestured for Mercedes to enter 1st. Walking in behind her, he pushed the button for the penthouse floor. "I am sorry I've been off the radar lately. I don't want to say it was work, but for the most part, that is true. I wanted to make sure everything was in order, so I would not have to worry while we are away. I know that's not a very good excuse," he said, looking down at his hands.
Mercedes followed Samuel into the hotel taking in the place fully as they walked, the hotel was beautiful. As they approached the elevator she looked at him again "oh no" she said shaking her head "no room service necessary" she assured him. She held her bear close as she walked into the elevator before him, he climbed in behind her and pressed the penthouse floor she tucked her lips in trying not to show her amusement. "I prefer that excuse verses no excuse at all" she told him "I know you had a lot of rearranging to do. I know it was probably a lot for you to do and you are leaving the business in the hands of others for a week. You don't have to apologize for those things. I know that the business was a point of contingency between us in the past. But perhaps I had to realize that I was too immature to see what all that time away was going towards and who would benefit from it. You take amazing care of our babies, they want for nothing and your hard word is a direct cause and effect of that" she said honestly. "You don't have to apologize to me for that anymore Samuel, I should not have ever made that a issue between us" she breathed looking at his face.
Samuel's head rose, and he watched the number climb as the elevator ascended. He exhaled. Mercedes was excusing his behavior. Explaining it away as if she had been wrong for desiring a husband who wasn't a workaholic. It made him feel sick to his stomach. He didn't want that from her. He had it with Miranda, and despite what she told him, he knew she should actually live without him. He didn't want that with Mercedes. He looked over to her, brushing her hair away from her face. She looked so damn cute clutching her little bear. He chuckled and pulled out his phone, "Stay just like that," he said, snapping a picture of her. He moved in front of her, taking another photo, as the elevator doors opened behind him. "Wait one more." He told her, then stood in the doorway. He reviewed his photo, "Okay. These will work," he told her, stepping out of her way so she could get off the elevator, "this way."
Samuel said nothing and Mercedes tucked her lips in, he asked her to stay just as she were and he pulled his phone out instead. "What are you doing?" she chuckled at him moving her hand to cover her mouth. She stayed in place smiling at him despite herself, she was trying to fight the huge grin she was sporting as she dropped her hand. She tucked her lips in as he snapped a final time. "Will work for what?" she asked him curiously as she stepped out the elevator before him, turning to face him again. He showed her the way and she followed behind him, grabbing his arm to hang on to as they went.
Samuel glanced at his subject. "Taking a picture of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." He told her, serious as a heartache. He held her hand as they made their way to their one-bedroom suite. "The pictures are for my collection, my dear. I'm going to do an exhibition and show nothing except a picture of you." Looked straightforward, yet trying to keep a straight face, while watching her in his peripheral vision. He handed her the eye card, then stood to the side while she opened the penthouse door.
His words caused her to gush, a blush forming on her face, butterflies swarming her stomach. She was teleported to their high school days all over again, she was smitten with him and he didn't have to put in much effort. She was in love with this man anytime she told herself in the past that she was not and their time had ran it's course she had been lying desperately to herself. "Sam please" Mercedes said sheepishly. He granted her entry to the room and she didn't hesitate to open it, she walked into the space and gasped. "Sam!" she exclaimed moving her hand up to her mouth as she walked in fully. She expected a typical hotel room not what he had on display before her. Shit, she was going to cry again she thought even as the tears beat her to the completion of her thought. "This is so sweet" she said turning around to face him again, she wiped a few tears. "I'm sorry I am a bag of water today" she chuckled lightly. "I can't believe you did all of this" she said turning to the decor again, taking in all the candles and the flowers adorned in many places in the room. "Thank you" she breathed as she moved towards him leaning up for a kiss.
Samuel walked in behind Mercedes, shutting the door. He leaned against it, watching her. The look of awe on her face took his breath away, while the candlelight made the tears on her cheeks sparkle like diamonds. "Seeing you happy is all the thank you I need, Sugar." He swallowed. This was going to be the hard part. He kissed her back, measuring the pressure his lips exerted on hers, trying to receive her physical thank you, without getting lost in the moment. He pulled her close; these few weeks had been too long, and the hunger in his body was already clawing its way to the surface.
She released a soft moan against his full lips, cupping his face with her free hand gently. She pulled away looking up at him "I love you" she said confidently, "so much" she added wiping her eyes dry for the second time tonight. "I know there is a lot going on between us both right now, but you have made me the happiest woman alive these last few months. And I really appreciate all that you have done for me, so us, our family especially" Mercedes admitted to him, her hand still caressing his face. She pulled her hand away from him, resting it against his hip and she said "how could I possibly repay you for all that you have done" she asked him seriously. He was more than likely going to tell her she didn't need to but that wouldn't stop her feeling like she did.
Irritation and relief filled Samuel in equal measure when Mercedes pulled away from him. His arms remained in place around her waist. He knew he was not physically capable of letting her go. He concentrated on her eyes, and in those windows to the soul, he saw truth. She did love him. After all these years. He rested his forehead against hers. He inhaled, a shaky, ragged breath, swallowing thickly. He backed her deeper into the suite, straight to the bedroom door. "Payment will never be required. I want what you give freely and fully." He whispered, pecking her sweetly on the lips. He rose to his full height in the bedroom doorway. Terrified at the moment of taking a step beyond this point. "go get comfortable. We have a long day tomorrow. I don't want you to miss anything, because I've kept you up all night." He smirked, turned her around, then smacked her on the butt to send her on her way.
Mercedes smiled between closed lips as Samuel leaned his forehead down against her. The action was so subtle but feel of it was all-consuming, she felt the things he did not say this close to him. He began to back them into the direction of the bedroom. The action was causing her heart rate to pick up quickly, she would love nothing more than for him to strip her bare and make love to her, she yearned for it actually. She nodded her head gently at his words, she would remember them. She pecked his lips again melting into them and the feel of her body against his strong one, when he pulled away she looked up at him again. "Okay" she said taking in his words, it was late and she was sure he had a lot planned for them tomorrow, she needed to put a pin in what she was picturing him doing to her. He turned her around and sent her on the way with a pat to her butt, she looked over her shoulder at him offering another smirk as she moved into the room. She moved around room seeing that he had in fact taken care of everything down to her clothing for the night, she smiled to herself. She had never experienced this before it was new, it was fun, entertaining even. She guessed this is what she had been missing out on all these years. This type of catering to was something she could get used to. She tried to decide which set of pajamas she would wear, he'd offered her to very different styles, she chose the top and bottoms and moved towards the bathroom to change into them.
Samuel smoothed his hand down his shirt; the black-on-black outfit was dressy without being overdone. Thank God he and Mercedes actually enjoyed each other's company outside of sex, because if they didn’t, he would have been in big trouble. The only issue was that he’d leaned in heavy to romance, so as not to spoil her experience. Which created its own problems. Namely, the more attentive you were, the more you wanted to make love. “NO!” He scolded himself, you respect her too much to make her feel like less. He straightened his back, “Get your shit together, Sam. Fuck your carnal needs.” He inhaled, “Sugar,” He called, “The car is waiting on us.” He rubbed his hands together. He could do this. He thought, shaking out the nerves rushing through his body.
Mercedes looked herself over in the mirror in the bathroom, she would not have picked this look for herself but she would admit it looked good against her curves. She turned around and looked herself over from behind taking in her ass in the thong that was provided to her. She smirked to herself, hearing Samuel she said "okay I am coming" quickly, she brushed some powder over her face and she sprayed her makeup setting it for the night. One thing that did bother her was how large her breast looked in the bra she had on, it barely contained them which was odd to her because it was the right size but it would be fine. She came out of the bathroom "sorry" she said to him as she emerged before him. "I am ready" she told him confidently as she moved to grab her coat and her purse. "You look amazing" she said to him, he did he didn't look half the age he was, still youthful and handsome as ever.
Samuel checked his phone, pacing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Sandra had sent an update about a contract he needed to sign. He did so and smiled as he heard Mercedes. He slipped his phone into his pocket as Mercedes emerged from the bedroom. Suddenly, breathing had become optional. He’d told the stylist, sexy, -risky even. There was a version of Mercedes who had peeked out from behind her prim, proper facade, and he wanted to play with her for a bit. Well, he had before he decided to keep this celebration PG. “Got damn…” He uttered, walking over to her cautiously, as he tried to take in every inch of her at once. “Damn.” He uttered again, holding out his hand to Mercedes. “Got damn. You look…” He spun her around, “Jesus.” He exhaled. The sight of her ass was magnificent. “Sugar, you look like a walking felony. How do you feel?” He asked, worried she might not want to go out in the outfit.
Mercedes bit her lip gloss painted bottom lip as he moved towards her. She gave him her hand, he spun her around and she turned in a full circle. "A walking felony?" she asked him, that made her nervous a little. "I feel..." she breathed looking at him, she looked down taking her self in again "sexy" she told him happily. "I think I look good" she said being honest with him completely. "Do you think it's too much?" she asked him next, though he had chosen it so he had to know how revealing it was unless seeing her in it now fully gave him pause.
Samuel almost missed what she said as he stood there drooling over her figure. Almost in a trance, he absently nodded his head, running his tongue over his lips. He caught up with time, clearing his hand with a shake. "That is exactly how I wanted you to feel. Sexy and unstoppable. Bold." He smirked. "Hell no." He lied. He was going to give himself blue balls, and after dinner at the night club, he was sure he was going to have to fight a few people. "Damn." He said out loud once more, then pecked her on the lips. There was no way in hell he could kiss her in earnest. They would never leave the room.
Mercedes smiled happily at his words "that is exactly how I feel" she said running her hand down the see through dress again. She pecked his lips gently, he had not made love to her last night and he had not tried to make a move on her this morning. His sweet and simple pecks were telling, she didn't know what had changed but she told herself not to think to deeply into it. He still desired her, it is obvious in moments like this and she refused to allow herself to think that he hadn't been touching her because of Miranda. That would only prove to piss her off. "We should get going" she told him offering him another smile as she pulled her coat onto her arms. "We don't want to be late right?"
INVOLVED: Mercedes Jones and Samuel Evans.
LOCATION: 1224 North Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee.
TIME FRAME: Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
NOTES: Mercedes early Valentine's Day Celebrations.
Their one-bedroom walk-up just happened to be vacant. The chipped paint, single-pane windows, and busted heater had all been repaired. If not for the layout, it didn't resemble the hellscape he, Mercedes, and three kids used to share. That had to be a sign, right? Samuel's shoes tapped lightly across the wooden floors as he absently paced. This was supposed to be the surprise for tomorrow morning; however, his plans had changed. His gut twisted. When had he become so selfish? Mercedes was no one's mistress. Yet, wasn't that what he had made her? "No." He growled through gritted teeth. Yet until he separated himself from Miranda, there was a painful bit of truth to his thoughts. He felt the phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and returned the driver's text, 'bring her up and then wait on us in the car, we shouldn't be too long.'
Mercedes didn't know what Samuel had up his sleeve but she had done what he asked. She prepared herself to be whisked off at 12 am in the morning, she was nervous about leaving Drew alone at home. But she did have the necessary security in place; she had his location, no one could come in or out of her house without her being alerted of it. It would be fine. Drew was not a baby anymore he was growing into a man and he would be okay. And if she repeated that enough to herself she would actually start to believe it. Watching both the driver and her surroundings change outside of the window she twisted the diamond tennis bracelet Samuel gifted her around her wrist nervously. The car turned a corner and she moved her eyes down to her fingers. She felt bad for the phone call she and Samuel shared. She had no right to be so cold with him, the way that things were going were not his fault alone. She would have to convey that to him when she finally saw him. Looking up again, her eyes moved to look out the window scanning the area around her, it was familiar to her. As they approached the building it hit her immediately, the building housed their old home and a mountain of memories she would never forget. She was stunned, why were she here and where was Samuel? The man parked the car and moved to her side of it opening the door. She grabbed her phone and climbed out, she had nothing else with her and that made her feel naked but Samuel said he had the rest covered. At the driver's request she followed him towards the building her brows creasing with every step, she knew what direction they were going in. The trek up to the unit she lived in for years was ingrained in her mind. She could have found it in her sleep.
The knock came almost 15 minutes later, two light raps as the driver pushed the door open. "Thank you," Samuel said to the man as he stepped inside, holding the door open for Mercedes. All his misgivings faded, like long-forgotten memories. "Happy Valentine's Day." He said, extending his hand out from Mercedes. "I trust you remember this place."
Mercedes followed the man nervously, her stomach doing flips as uneasiness settled over her. When she saw Samuel she calmed herself a little. She walked inside and then looked up at him shock written across her face "very well" she breathed, she didn't know what to think. Memories were flooding her in quick succession, she was overwhelmed by them. She hadn't even fully grasped what he had said to her as she walked into the small apartment further. She looked around the space, a few things had changed here and there but it was the exact same. This is where it had all started, the history they had built together had come alive in these four walls. She toyed with the bracelet around her wrist once more she needed something to distract her racing mind. To ground herself even as she swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She didn't need to cry, instead she needed to distract herself by asking him the questions her mind could not answer. "What are we doing here?" she asked him with a shaky voice as she turned to look at him with glossy eyes, she swiped a lone tear away before it could roll down her cheek.
Samuel's eyes followed Mercedes. He smirked, then moved over to shake the driver's hand, "Give us about 15 minutes." He said, shutting the door as the man walked away. He folded his hand over his chest and watched as Mercedes took everything in, How times had changed; they both seemed too big for this tiny apartment. This place had once been the entirety of their world. He tilted his head taking a moment to tease, "The fifty-dollar couch was right here." He said as he pointed to the little space that stood between him and Mercedes. "You used to put that Charlie Brown Christmas tree over there in that window. I remember, Harpo got sick because I let her eat too many candy canes." He chuckled at the memory; he inhaled the fresh paint, a grounding aroma. "You made this place a home." His face fell. "I used to hate this place. It was the reminder of everything I could not give you and the kids. Then the building went up for auction," he shrugged, "I was going to fix it up and sell it, but I couldn't let it go. I reminded me too much of us."
Mercedes moved her eyes towards each space he listed where things had been, visualizing where the items would have been back then. She tucked her hands away in her coat pocket, a sad smile gracing her face. This placed did not bring her sadness, she felt it was pivotal to their development to have endured this small home together. Their were happy memories here, she just hated she ruined it all by overshadowing them with a divorce. "Mhm" she nodded her head looking down at the ground, she had not stepped foot in this place since they left it. It reminded her more than anything that she should have never let him go; both times would always be her biggest regret. As he mentioned that she made this space a home she looked up, her eyes moving to his. "You bought this place?" she asked, being shocked by him for the second time tonight. "Whoa" she said looking around the space again, a small chuckle left her lips as she swiped another tear away "that is such a you thing too do" she told him sniffling. "I can't believe you are just telling me now" she admitted softly.
"I thought I was buying it as a good investment property." Samuel argued, shaking his head, "clearly I was wrong, but I could have you think I was being a sentimental fool." He took a step back, truly thinking about himself. He was buying things to control the pain from his past. "A professor once told me to start with what I know. I know the people in this building, and I know there was a time when a young couple was happy here. So,,, I buy a building or two. What is so wrong with that? Seriously, do you think I'm a fool?"
Mercedes looked Samuel up and down as he spoke, she raised a brow at his comment. She wanted to protest but then again she was so unaware of his dealings to say if it were poor judgement for him to have purchased this place. She wasn't knowledgable enough when it came to properties and what would be a good or bad investment to offer him a response back. So she allowed him to talk and she tilted her head when he finished his rant. "I didn't say it was wrong" she corrected perhaps he took her being shocked as bad thing. "I don't think you are a fool" she told him shaking her head. "The idea of you owning this is just so surreal for me is all" she said resting her hand on her chest "it's like a full circle moment when you think about it" she told him moving to close the gap between them finally. "You own the building the vision started in Samuel, you should be so proud of yourself. You should be full of pride" she admitted. "I have so much gratitude" she offered as she looked around the space again. "Is that why you brought me here, to ask me if this were a silly idea? To purchase this? Because that I would never agree too" she said grabbing his hand to hold in hers.
Samuel laughed, folding at the waist, "Let me correct myself. If I told you back then, you would have seen straight through my bs and known why I purchased this place." He said, through chuckles. Warmth spread through his chest where her hands lay. He couldn't help but caress her cheek. Before his practiced control could stop him, he kissed her lips, nibbling on her cupid's bow, "It's midnight, and you are positively glowing." He said, holding her chin, surveyed her face. He missed some of what she was saying. She hadn't aged at all, and in this moment, he saw the woman who used to live in this apartment. The reason he'd pulled himself up day after day to try and make a decent living. Time snapped back into place, and she held his hands in hers. She was trying to smooth him. He thought, overwhelmed by her tenderness. Taking his large hands from hers, one hand went to her waist. "Sugar," he breathed, kissing the tip of her cute button nose. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I don't own this building. You do. I put it in your name five years ago," he stood opening the deed so she could see it for herself. "Not only that, but all the rent I've collected are in an account waiting on you. You are correct because my dream was to make sure you would be comfortable and taken care of. I only ever wanted to be the man you deserved."
She kissed his lips back a small smirk gracing them as he complimented her. "Thank you" Mercedes said warmly back to him as she gazed into his eyes lovingly. He was lost in his own thoughts she wished she knew what they were, but he broke away from them before she could ask him and he kissed her nose. He pulled something out of his pocket and presented it to her, her brows creased as he explained what it was. "What?" she breathed shocked as he went on to lay it all out in the open for her. Her eyes moved to scan the document as she went over what he just said her her head, eyes searching for some clear understanding. He did not have to do this for her, as a matter of fact he should not have. Five years ago she was finding herself accepting the idea that he was with another woman and she would never be his again, yet he was still secretively devoting some of his life to her betterment. It was overwhelming to her to think about. She began to cry again and she didn't know why, she was a bag of puddles these days. She sniffled as she wiped the tears pooling from both of her eyes. "You didn't have to do this" she cried to him softly. "And the truth of the matter is I never deserved you" she said shaking her head at his words as she pulled away "I will pride myself on being a good mother but I was a horrible wife" she broke.
Samuel used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. "Hush, with that nonsense. You deserve this and so much more. " He said, cupping her face with both hands. His intrusive thoughts flooded his mind, 'Like a man who belongs to her and her alone.' He shook those thoughts away, "I keep telling you, everything I have accomplished is because of you. You are my muse." he smiled, "Happy Valentine's Day."
Mercedes inhaled deeply trying to suck her tears back up as he silenced her. Though she did not feel like it was nonsense, she was a horrible wife obviously - no other woman would have left him like she had. She sniffled at his words a sad smile gracing her lips again "thank you, really, I appreciate you for having done this. This is an amazing surprise Samuel" she told him thoughtfully.
Samuel kissed her forehead, "Don't thank me yet. Let's wait until our 24 hours are up," he smiled. He'd wanted to blame her a thousand times for leaving him. Sometimes, it worked. However, most of the time, he just couldn't. No matter what she said, she was a great wife; he just wasn't a good husband. He was going to keep working to be a better partner. That was the least he could do. "We should get going. You are going need your beauty rest."
She leaned into his forehead kiss gently, at the mention of the next 24 hours she chuckled a little "okay" she said sweetly. "You told me you had everything handled I hope that's true" Mercedes told him playfully. She was nervous; she was very particular about her hair, makeup, and style of dress. Leaving everything up to him was a huge gamble though she guessed he out of all people should know just what to buy her if he ever needed to. "Okay" she told him again with a head nod, no matter what he had up his sleeves she were sure she was going to have a good time. Any moment stolen with as of late was just that.
Samuel took Mercedes' hand and led her from the building. The driver had the engine running, and he wasted no time taking them straight into the heart of Nashville. At almost 2 am, Samuel was far from sleepy. His hand, intertwined with Mercedes ', was sending electric shocks through his body. He kissed the back of her hand, despite his mind yelling for him to distract himself. "This won't take long." He told Mercedes. He then caught sight of the little black bear sitting on the seat. He was a last-minute addition to her gifts, there to take the place of the other teddies he'd purchased. The strappy, lacy outfits had to be tossed. His resolve would have broken if she had worn any one of those outfits. Until Miranda was out of his life, he promised he would not touch Mercedes inappropriately. He was a man of his honor, and he kept his word. As they pulled up at the hotel, he didn't wait for the driver to open the door. He was out of the car, holding out his hand to Mercedes. Memories flashing of the last time they were alone in a hotel room. This was going to be harder than he thought.
Mercedes looked over at Samuel offering him another smile as they sat fingers locked together in the back of the car. She should not still be reeling from the display of love he'd offered to her, he had always taken care of her no matter their status throughout their lives. He always said he would and he never broke that promise. She wouldn't know how to address the past with him fully but she hoped that one day soon they could, she was desperate to truly apologize for having ended what they had by divorce. Even if nothing really came from this current fling they we enthralled in he needed to know he was worth the fight and she were just a coward. She nodded her head at his words watching a hotel come into view. She grabbed his hand once more, she reached for her bear and moved to climb out of the car with the large man's help. He had mentioned beauty rest earlier but something told her she wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight and she was perfectly fine with that idea.
Samuel intertwined his fingers with Mercedes and nodded to the driver. "See you tomorrow morning at 10." He told the man with a friendly nod. He strolled into the hotel, unhurriedly moving to the elevator. "I have everything prepared for you upstairs. It's late, but we can order room service if you like." He told Mercedes, pushing the elevator's up button. The elevator opened immediately, and he gestured for Mercedes to enter 1st. Walking in behind her, he pushed the button for the penthouse floor. "I am sorry I've been off the radar lately. I don't want to say it was work, but for the most part, that is true. I wanted to make sure everything was in order, so I would not have to worry while we are away. I know that's not a very good excuse," he said, looking down at his hands.
Mercedes followed Samuel into the hotel taking in the place fully as they walked, the hotel was beautiful. As they approached the elevator she looked at him again "oh no" she said shaking her head "no room service necessary" she assured him. She held her bear close as she walked into the elevator before him, he climbed in behind her and pressed the penthouse floor she tucked her lips in trying not to show her amusement. "I prefer that excuse verses no excuse at all" she told him "I know you had a lot of rearranging to do. I know it was probably a lot for you to do and you are leaving the business in the hands of others for a week. You don't have to apologize for those things. I know that the business was a point of contingency between us in the past. But perhaps I had to realize that I was too immature to see what all that time away was going towards and who would benefit from it. You take amazing care of our babies, they want for nothing and your hard word is a direct cause and effect of that" she said honestly. "You don't have to apologize to me for that anymore Samuel, I should not have ever made that a issue between us" she breathed looking at his face.
Samuel's head rose, and he watched the number climb as the elevator ascended. He exhaled. Mercedes was excusing his behavior. Explaining it away as if she had been wrong for desiring a husband who wasn't a workaholic. It made him feel sick to his stomach. He didn't want that from her. He had it with Miranda, and despite what she told him, he knew she should actually live without him. He didn't want that with Mercedes. He looked over to her, brushing her hair away from her face. She looked so damn cute clutching her little bear. He chuckled and pulled out his phone, "Stay just like that," he said, snapping a picture of her. He moved in front of her, taking another photo, as the elevator doors opened behind him. "Wait one more." He told her, then stood in the doorway. He reviewed his photo, "Okay. These will work," he told her, stepping out of her way so she could get off the elevator, "this way."
Samuel said nothing and Mercedes tucked her lips in, he asked her to stay just as she were and he pulled his phone out instead. "What are you doing?" she chuckled at him moving her hand to cover her mouth. She stayed in place smiling at him despite herself, she was trying to fight the huge grin she was sporting as she dropped her hand. She tucked her lips in as he snapped a final time. "Will work for what?" she asked him curiously as she stepped out the elevator before him, turning to face him again. He showed her the way and she followed behind him, grabbing his arm to hang on to as they went.
Samuel glanced at his subject. "Taking a picture of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." He told her, serious as a heartache. He held her hand as they made their way to their one-bedroom suite. "The pictures are for my collection, my dear. I'm going to do an exhibition and show nothing except a picture of you." Looked straightforward, yet trying to keep a straight face, while watching her in his peripheral vision. He handed her the eye card, then stood to the side while she opened the penthouse door.
His words caused her to gush, a blush forming on her face, butterflies swarming her stomach. She was teleported to their high school days all over again, she was smitten with him and he didn't have to put in much effort. She was in love with this man anytime she told herself in the past that she was not and their time had ran it's course she had been lying desperately to herself. "Sam please" Mercedes said sheepishly. He granted her entry to the room and she didn't hesitate to open it, she walked into the space and gasped. "Sam!" she exclaimed moving her hand up to her mouth as she walked in fully. She expected a typical hotel room not what he had on display before her. Shit, she was going to cry again she thought even as the tears beat her to the completion of her thought. "This is so sweet" she said turning around to face him again, she wiped a few tears. "I'm sorry I am a bag of water today" she chuckled lightly. "I can't believe you did all of this" she said turning to the decor again, taking in all the candles and the flowers adorned in many places in the room. "Thank you" she breathed as she moved towards him leaning up for a kiss.
Samuel walked in behind Mercedes, shutting the door. He leaned against it, watching her. The look of awe on her face took his breath away, while the candlelight made the tears on her cheeks sparkle like diamonds. "Seeing you happy is all the thank you I need, Sugar." He swallowed. This was going to be the hard part. He kissed her back, measuring the pressure his lips exerted on hers, trying to receive her physical thank you, without getting lost in the moment. He pulled her close; these few weeks had been too long, and the hunger in his body was already clawing its way to the surface.
She released a soft moan against his full lips, cupping his face with her free hand gently. She pulled away looking up at him "I love you" she said confidently, "so much" she added wiping her eyes dry for the second time tonight. "I know there is a lot going on between us both right now, but you have made me the happiest woman alive these last few months. And I really appreciate all that you have done for me, so us, our family especially" Mercedes admitted to him, her hand still caressing his face. She pulled her hand away from him, resting it against his hip and she said "how could I possibly repay you for all that you have done" she asked him seriously. He was more than likely going to tell her she didn't need to but that wouldn't stop her feeling like she did.
Irritation and relief filled Samuel in equal measure when Mercedes pulled away from him. His arms remained in place around her waist. He knew he was not physically capable of letting her go. He concentrated on her eyes, and in those windows to the soul, he saw truth. She did love him. After all these years. He rested his forehead against hers. He inhaled, a shaky, ragged breath, swallowing thickly. He backed her deeper into the suite, straight to the bedroom door. "Payment will never be required. I want what you give freely and fully." He whispered, pecking her sweetly on the lips. He rose to his full height in the bedroom doorway. Terrified at the moment of taking a step beyond this point. "go get comfortable. We have a long day tomorrow. I don't want you to miss anything, because I've kept you up all night." He smirked, turned her around, then smacked her on the butt to send her on her way.
Mercedes smiled between closed lips as Samuel leaned his forehead down against her. The action was so subtle but feel of it was all-consuming, she felt the things he did not say this close to him. He began to back them into the direction of the bedroom. The action was causing her heart rate to pick up quickly, she would love nothing more than for him to strip her bare and make love to her, she yearned for it actually. She nodded her head gently at his words, she would remember them. She pecked his lips again melting into them and the feel of her body against his strong one, when he pulled away she looked up at him again. "Okay" she said taking in his words, it was late and she was sure he had a lot planned for them tomorrow, she needed to put a pin in what she was picturing him doing to her. He turned her around and sent her on the way with a pat to her butt, she looked over her shoulder at him offering another smirk as she moved into the room. She moved around room seeing that he had in fact taken care of everything down to her clothing for the night, she smiled to herself. She had never experienced this before it was new, it was fun, entertaining even. She guessed this is what she had been missing out on all these years. This type of catering to was something she could get used to. She tried to decide which set of pajamas she would wear, he'd offered her to very different styles, she chose the top and bottoms and moved towards the bathroom to change into them.
Samuel smoothed his hand down his shirt; the black-on-black outfit was dressy without being overdone. Thank God he and Mercedes actually enjoyed each other's company outside of sex, because if they didn’t, he would have been in big trouble. The only issue was that he’d leaned in heavy to romance, so as not to spoil her experience. Which created its own problems. Namely, the more attentive you were, the more you wanted to make love. “NO!” He scolded himself, you respect her too much to make her feel like less. He straightened his back, “Get your shit together, Sam. Fuck your carnal needs.” He inhaled, “Sugar,” He called, “The car is waiting on us.” He rubbed his hands together. He could do this. He thought, shaking out the nerves rushing through his body.
Mercedes looked herself over in the mirror in the bathroom, she would not have picked this look for herself but she would admit it looked good against her curves. She turned around and looked herself over from behind taking in her ass in the thong that was provided to her. She smirked to herself, hearing Samuel she said "okay I am coming" quickly, she brushed some powder over her face and she sprayed her makeup setting it for the night. One thing that did bother her was how large her breast looked in the bra she had on, it barely contained them which was odd to her because it was the right size but it would be fine. She came out of the bathroom "sorry" she said to him as she emerged before him. "I am ready" she told him confidently as she moved to grab her coat and her purse. "You look amazing" she said to him, he did he didn't look half the age he was, still youthful and handsome as ever.
Samuel checked his phone, pacing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Sandra had sent an update about a contract he needed to sign. He did so and smiled as he heard Mercedes. He slipped his phone into his pocket as Mercedes emerged from the bedroom. Suddenly, breathing had become optional. He’d told the stylist, sexy, -risky even. There was a version of Mercedes who had peeked out from behind her prim, proper facade, and he wanted to play with her for a bit. Well, he had before he decided to keep this celebration PG. “Got damn…” He uttered, walking over to her cautiously, as he tried to take in every inch of her at once. “Damn.” He uttered again, holding out his hand to Mercedes. “Got damn. You look…” He spun her around, “Jesus.” He exhaled. The sight of her ass was magnificent. “Sugar, you look like a walking felony. How do you feel?” He asked, worried she might not want to go out in the outfit.
Mercedes bit her lip gloss painted bottom lip as he moved towards her. She gave him her hand, he spun her around and she turned in a full circle. "A walking felony?" she asked him, that made her nervous a little. "I feel..." she breathed looking at him, she looked down taking her self in again "sexy" she told him happily. "I think I look good" she said being honest with him completely. "Do you think it's too much?" she asked him next, though he had chosen it so he had to know how revealing it was unless seeing her in it now fully gave him pause.
Samuel almost missed what she said as he stood there drooling over her figure. Almost in a trance, he absently nodded his head, running his tongue over his lips. He caught up with time, clearing his hand with a shake. "That is exactly how I wanted you to feel. Sexy and unstoppable. Bold." He smirked. "Hell no." He lied. He was going to give himself blue balls, and after dinner at the night club, he was sure he was going to have to fight a few people. "Damn." He said out loud once more, then pecked her on the lips. There was no way in hell he could kiss her in earnest. They would never leave the room.
Mercedes smiled happily at his words "that is exactly how I feel" she said running her hand down the see through dress again. She pecked his lips gently, he had not made love to her last night and he had not tried to make a move on her this morning. His sweet and simple pecks were telling, she didn't know what had changed but she told herself not to think to deeply into it. He still desired her, it is obvious in moments like this and she refused to allow herself to think that he hadn't been touching her because of Miranda. That would only prove to piss her off. "We should get going" she told him offering him another smile as she pulled her coat onto her arms. "We don't want to be late right?"
"Late is relative," Samuel smirked, slyly. The truth was they could be late. The dinner was a private one just for the two of them. He shifted uncomfortably in his pants. "You're right. We'd better get going." Before I break my own damn room. He thought, cursing himself. He led her to the door, letting her pass through first, feeling sick to his stomach.
INVOLVED: Mercedes Jones and Samuel Evans.
LOCATION: 1224 North Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee.
TIME FRAME: Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
NOTES: Mercedes early Valentine's Day Celebrations.
Their one-bedroom walk-up just happened to be vacant. The chipped paint, single-pane windows, and busted heater had all been repaired. If not for the layout, it didn't resemble the hellscape he, Mercedes, and three kids used to share. That had to be a sign, right? Samuel's shoes tapped lightly across the wooden floors as he absently paced. This was supposed to be the surprise for tomorrow morning; however, his plans had changed. His gut twisted. When had he become so selfish? Mercedes was no one's mistress. Yet, wasn't that what he had made her? "No." He growled through gritted teeth. Yet until he separated himself from Miranda, there was a painful bit of truth to his thoughts. He felt the phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and returned the driver's text, 'bring her up and then wait on us in the car, we shouldn't be too long.'
Mercedes didn't know what Samuel had up his sleeve but she had done what he asked. She prepared herself to be whisked off at 12 am in the morning, she was nervous about leaving Drew alone at home. But she did have the necessary security in place; she had his location, no one could come in or out of her house without her being alerted of it. It would be fine. Drew was not a baby anymore he was growing into a man and he would be okay. And if she repeated that enough to herself she would actually start to believe it. Watching both the driver and her surroundings change outside of the window she twisted the diamond tennis bracelet Samuel gifted her around her wrist nervously. The car turned a corner and she moved her eyes down to her fingers. She felt bad for the phone call she and Samuel shared. She had no right to be so cold with him, the way that things were going were not his fault alone. She would have to convey that to him when she finally saw him. Looking up again, her eyes moved to look out the window scanning the area around her, it was familiar to her. As they approached the building it hit her immediately, the building housed their old home and a mountain of memories she would never forget. She was stunned, why were she here and where was Samuel? The man parked the car and moved to her side of it opening the door. She grabbed her phone and climbed out, she had nothing else with her and that made her feel naked but Samuel said he had the rest covered. At the driver's request she followed him towards the building her brows creasing with every step, she knew what direction they were going in. The trek up to the unit she lived in for years was ingrained in her mind. She could have found it in her sleep.
The knock came almost 15 minutes later, two light raps as the driver pushed the door open. "Thank you," Samuel said to the man as he stepped inside, holding the door open for Mercedes. All his misgivings faded, like long-forgotten memories. "Happy Valentine's Day." He said, extending his hand out from Mercedes. "I trust you remember this place."
Mercedes followed the man nervously, her stomach doing flips as uneasiness settled over her. When she saw Samuel she calmed herself a little. She walked inside and then looked up at him shock written across her face "very well" she breathed, she didn't know what to think. Memories were flooding her in quick succession, she was overwhelmed by them. She hadn't even fully grasped what he had said to her as she walked into the small apartment further. She looked around the space, a few things had changed here and there but it was the exact same. This is where it had all started, the history they had built together had come alive in these four walls. She toyed with the bracelet around her wrist once more she needed something to distract her racing mind. To ground herself even as she swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She didn't need to cry, instead she needed to distract herself by asking him the questions her mind could not answer. "What are we doing here?" she asked him with a shaky voice as she turned to look at him with glossy eyes, she swiped a lone tear away before it could roll down her cheek.
Samuel's eyes followed Mercedes. He smirked, then moved over to shake the driver's hand, "Give us about 15 minutes." He said, shutting the door as the man walked away. He folded his hand over his chest and watched as Mercedes took everything in, How times had changed; they both seemed too big for this tiny apartment. This place had once been the entirety of their world. He tilted his head taking a moment to tease, "The fifty-dollar couch was right here." He said as he pointed to the little space that stood between him and Mercedes. "You used to put that Charlie Brown Christmas tree over there in that window. I remember, Harpo got sick because I let her eat too many candy canes." He chuckled at the memory; he inhaled the fresh paint, a grounding aroma. "You made this place a home." His face fell. "I used to hate this place. It was the reminder of everything I could not give you and the kids. Then the building went up for auction," he shrugged, "I was going to fix it up and sell it, but I couldn't let it go. I reminded me too much of us."
Mercedes moved her eyes towards each space he listed where things had been, visualizing where the items would have been back then. She tucked her hands away in her coat pocket, a sad smile gracing her face. This placed did not bring her sadness, she felt it was pivotal to their development to have endured this small home together. Their were happy memories here, she just hated she ruined it all by overshadowing them with a divorce. "Mhm" she nodded her head looking down at the ground, she had not stepped foot in this place since they left it. It reminded her more than anything that she should have never let him go; both times would always be her biggest regret. As he mentioned that she made this space a home she looked up, her eyes moving to his. "You bought this place?" she asked, being shocked by him for the second time tonight. "Whoa" she said looking around the space again, a small chuckle left her lips as she swiped another tear away "that is such a you thing too do" she told him sniffling. "I can't believe you are just telling me now" she admitted softly.
"I thought I was buying it as a good investment property." Samuel argued, shaking his head, "clearly I was wrong, but I could have you think I was being a sentimental fool." He took a step back, truly thinking about himself. He was buying things to control the pain from his past. "A professor once told me to start with what I know. I know the people in this building, and I know there was a time when a young couple was happy here. So,,, I buy a building or two. What is so wrong with that? Seriously, do you think I'm a fool?"
Mercedes looked Samuel up and down as he spoke, she raised a brow at his comment. She wanted to protest but then again she was so unaware of his dealings to say if it were poor judgement for him to have purchased this place. She wasn't knowledgable enough when it came to properties and what would be a good or bad investment to offer him a response back. So she allowed him to talk and she tilted her head when he finished his rant. "I didn't say it was wrong" she corrected perhaps he took her being shocked as bad thing. "I don't think you are a fool" she told him shaking her head. "The idea of you owning this is just so surreal for me is all" she said resting her hand on her chest "it's like a full circle moment when you think about it" she told him moving to close the gap between them finally. "You own the building the vision started in Samuel, you should be so proud of yourself. You should be full of pride" she admitted. "I have so much gratitude" she offered as she looked around the space again. "Is that why you brought me here, to ask me if this were a silly idea? To purchase this? Because that I would never agree too" she said grabbing his hand to hold in hers.
Samuel laughed, folding at the waist, "Let me correct myself. If I told you back then, you would have seen straight through my bs and known why I purchased this place." He said, through chuckles. Warmth spread through his chest where her hands lay. He couldn't help but caress her cheek. Before his practiced control could stop him, he kissed her lips, nibbling on her cupid's bow, "It's midnight, and you are positively glowing." He said, holding her chin, surveyed her face. He missed some of what she was saying. She hadn't aged at all, and in this moment, he saw the woman who used to live in this apartment. The reason he'd pulled himself up day after day to try and make a decent living. Time snapped back into place, and she held his hands in hers. She was trying to smooth him. He thought, overwhelmed by her tenderness. Taking his large hands from hers, one hand went to her waist. "Sugar," he breathed, kissing the tip of her cute button nose. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I don't own this building. You do. I put it in your name five years ago," he stood opening the deed so she could see it for herself. "Not only that, but all the rent I've collected are in an account waiting on you. You are correct because my dream was to make sure you would be comfortable and taken care of. I only ever wanted to be the man you deserved."
She kissed his lips back a small smirk gracing them as he complimented her. "Thank you" Mercedes said warmly back to him as she gazed into his eyes lovingly. He was lost in his own thoughts she wished she knew what they were, but he broke away from them before she could ask him and he kissed her nose. He pulled something out of his pocket and presented it to her, her brows creased as he explained what it was. "What?" she breathed shocked as he went on to lay it all out in the open for her. Her eyes moved to scan the document as she went over what he just said her her head, eyes searching for some clear understanding. He did not have to do this for her, as a matter of fact he should not have. Five years ago she was finding herself accepting the idea that he was with another woman and she would never be his again, yet he was still secretively devoting some of his life to her betterment. It was overwhelming to her to think about. She began to cry again and she didn't know why, she was a bag of puddles these days. She sniffled as she wiped the tears pooling from both of her eyes. "You didn't have to do this" she cried to him softly. "And the truth of the matter is I never deserved you" she said shaking her head at his words as she pulled away "I will pride myself on being a good mother but I was a horrible wife" she broke.
Samuel used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. "Hush, with that nonsense. You deserve this and so much more. " He said, cupping her face with both hands. His intrusive thoughts flooded his mind, 'Like a man who belongs to her and her alone.' He shook those thoughts away, "I keep telling you, everything I have accomplished is because of you. You are my muse." he smiled, "Happy Valentine's Day."
Mercedes inhaled deeply trying to suck her tears back up as he silenced her. Though she did not feel like it was nonsense, she was a horrible wife obviously - no other woman would have left him like she had. She sniffled at his words a sad smile gracing her lips again "thank you, really, I appreciate you for having done this. This is an amazing surprise Samuel" she told him thoughtfully.
Samuel kissed her forehead, "Don't thank me yet. Let's wait until our 24 hours are up," he smiled. He'd wanted to blame her a thousand times for leaving him. Sometimes, it worked. However, most of the time, he just couldn't. No matter what she said, she was a great wife; he just wasn't a good husband. He was going to keep working to be a better partner. That was the least he could do. "We should get going. You are going need your beauty rest."
She leaned into his forehead kiss gently, at the mention of the next 24 hours she chuckled a little "okay" she said sweetly. "You told me you had everything handled I hope that's true" Mercedes told him playfully. She was nervous; she was very particular about her hair, makeup, and style of dress. Leaving everything up to him was a huge gamble though she guessed he out of all people should know just what to buy her if he ever needed to. "Okay" she told him again with a head nod, no matter what he had up his sleeves she were sure she was going to have a good time. Any moment stolen with as of late was just that.
Samuel took Mercedes' hand and led her from the building. The driver had the engine running, and he wasted no time taking them straight into the heart of Nashville. At almost 2 am, Samuel was far from sleepy. His hand, intertwined with Mercedes ', was sending electric shocks through his body. He kissed the back of her hand, despite his mind yelling for him to distract himself. "This won't take long." He told Mercedes. He then caught sight of the little black bear sitting on the seat. He was a last-minute addition to her gifts, there to take the place of the other teddies he'd purchased. The strappy, lacy outfits had to be tossed. His resolve would have broken if she had worn any one of those outfits. Until Miranda was out of his life, he promised he would not touch Mercedes inappropriately. He was a man of his honor, and he kept his word. As they pulled up at the hotel, he didn't wait for the driver to open the door. He was out of the car, holding out his hand to Mercedes. Memories flashing of the last time they were alone in a hotel room. This was going to be harder than he thought.
Mercedes looked over at Samuel offering him another smile as they sat fingers locked together in the back of the car. She should not still be reeling from the display of love he'd offered to her, he had always taken care of her no matter their status throughout their lives. He always said he would and he never broke that promise. She wouldn't know how to address the past with him fully but she hoped that one day soon they could, she was desperate to truly apologize for having ended what they had by divorce. Even if nothing really came from this current fling they we enthralled in he needed to know he was worth the fight and she were just a coward. She nodded her head at his words watching a hotel come into view. She grabbed his hand once more, she reached for her bear and moved to climb out of the car with the large man's help. He had mentioned beauty rest earlier but something told her she wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight and she was perfectly fine with that idea.
Samuel intertwined his fingers with Mercedes and nodded to the driver. "See you tomorrow morning at 10." He told the man with a friendly nod. He strolled into the hotel, unhurriedly moving to the elevator. "I have everything prepared for you upstairs. It's late, but we can order room service if you like." He told Mercedes, pushing the elevator's up button. The elevator opened immediately, and he gestured for Mercedes to enter 1st. Walking in behind her, he pushed the button for the penthouse floor. "I am sorry I've been off the radar lately. I don't want to say it was work, but for the most part, that is true. I wanted to make sure everything was in order, so I would not have to worry while we are away. I know that's not a very good excuse," he said, looking down at his hands.
Mercedes followed Samuel into the hotel taking in the place fully as they walked, the hotel was beautiful. As they approached the elevator she looked at him again "oh no" she said shaking her head "no room service necessary" she assured him. She held her bear close as she walked into the elevator before him, he climbed in behind her and pressed the penthouse floor she tucked her lips in trying not to show her amusement. "I prefer that excuse verses no excuse at all" she told him "I know you had a lot of rearranging to do. I know it was probably a lot for you to do and you are leaving the business in the hands of others for a week. You don't have to apologize for those things. I know that the business was a point of contingency between us in the past. But perhaps I had to realize that I was too immature to see what all that time away was going towards and who would benefit from it. You take amazing care of our babies, they want for nothing and your hard word is a direct cause and effect of that" she said honestly. "You don't have to apologize to me for that anymore Samuel, I should not have ever made that a issue between us" she breathed looking at his face.
Samuel's head rose, and he watched the number climb as the elevator ascended. He exhaled. Mercedes was excusing his behavior. Explaining it away as if she had been wrong for desiring a husband who wasn't a workaholic. It made him feel sick to his stomach. He didn't want that from her. He had it with Miranda, and despite what she told him, he knew she should actually live without him. He didn't want that with Mercedes. He looked over to her, brushing her hair away from her face. She looked so damn cute clutching her little bear. He chuckled and pulled out his phone, "Stay just like that," he said, snapping a picture of her. He moved in front of her, taking another photo, as the elevator doors opened behind him. "Wait one more." He told her, then stood in the doorway. He reviewed his photo, "Okay. These will work," he told her, stepping out of her way so she could get off the elevator, "this way."
Samuel said nothing and Mercedes tucked her lips in, he asked her to stay just as she were and he pulled his phone out instead. "What are you doing?" she chuckled at him moving her hand to cover her mouth. She stayed in place smiling at him despite herself, she was trying to fight the huge grin she was sporting as she dropped her hand. She tucked her lips in as he snapped a final time. "Will work for what?" she asked him curiously as she stepped out the elevator before him, turning to face him again. He showed her the way and she followed behind him, grabbing his arm to hang on to as they went.
Samuel glanced at his subject. "Taking a picture of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." He told her, serious as a heartache. He held her hand as they made their way to their one-bedroom suite. "The pictures are for my collection, my dear. I'm going to do an exhibition and show nothing except a picture of you." Looked straightforward, yet trying to keep a straight face, while watching her in his peripheral vision. He handed her the eye card, then stood to the side while she opened the penthouse door.
His words caused her to gush, a blush forming on her face, butterflies swarming her stomach. She was teleported to their high school days all over again, she was smitten with him and he didn't have to put in much effort. She was in love with this man anytime she told herself in the past that she was not and their time had ran it's course she had been lying desperately to herself. "Sam please" Mercedes said sheepishly. He granted her entry to the room and she didn't hesitate to open it, she walked into the space and gasped. "Sam!" she exclaimed moving her hand up to her mouth as she walked in fully. She expected a typical hotel room not what he had on display before her. Shit, she was going to cry again she thought even as the tears beat her to the completion of her thought. "This is so sweet" she said turning around to face him again, she wiped a few tears. "I'm sorry I am a bag of water today" she chuckled lightly. "I can't believe you did all of this" she said turning to the decor again, taking in all the candles and the flowers adorned in many places in the room. "Thank you" she breathed as she moved towards him leaning up for a kiss.
Samuel walked in behind Mercedes, shutting the door. He leaned against it, watching her. The look of awe on her face took his breath away, while the candlelight made the tears on her cheeks sparkle like diamonds. "Seeing you happy is all the thank you I need, Sugar." He swallowed. This was going to be the hard part. He kissed her back, measuring the pressure his lips exerted on hers, trying to receive her physical thank you, without getting lost in the moment. He pulled her close; these few weeks had been too long, and the hunger in his body was already clawing its way to the surface.
She released a soft moan against his full lips, cupping his face with her free hand gently. She pulled away looking up at him "I love you" she said confidently, "so much" she added wiping her eyes dry for the second time tonight. "I know there is a lot going on between us both right now, but you have made me the happiest woman alive these last few months. And I really appreciate all that you have done for me, so us, our family especially" Mercedes admitted to him, her hand still caressing his face. She pulled her hand away from him, resting it against his hip and she said "how could I possibly repay you for all that you have done" she asked him seriously. He was more than likely going to tell her she didn't need to but that wouldn't stop her feeling like she did.
Irritation and relief filled Samuel in equal measure when Mercedes pulled away from him. His arms remained in place around her waist. He knew he was not physically capable of letting her go. He concentrated on her eyes, and in those windows to the soul, he saw truth. She did love him. After all these years. He rested his forehead against hers. He inhaled, a shaky, ragged breath, swallowing thickly. He backed her deeper into the suite, straight to the bedroom door. "Payment will never be required. I want what you give freely and fully." He whispered, pecking her sweetly on the lips. He rose to his full height in the bedroom doorway. Terrified at the moment of taking a step beyond this point. "go get comfortable. We have a long day tomorrow. I don't want you to miss anything, because I've kept you up all night." He smirked, turned her around, then smacked her on the butt to send her on her way.
Mercedes smiled between closed lips as Samuel leaned his forehead down against her. The action was so subtle but feel of it was all-consuming, she felt the things he did not say this close to him. He began to back them into the direction of the bedroom. The action was causing her heart rate to pick up quickly, she would love nothing more than for him to strip her bare and make love to her, she yearned for it actually. She nodded her head gently at his words, she would remember them. She pecked his lips again melting into them and the feel of her body against his strong one, when he pulled away she looked up at him again. "Okay" she said taking in his words, it was late and she was sure he had a lot planned for them tomorrow, she needed to put a pin in what she was picturing him doing to her. He turned her around and sent her on the way with a pat to her butt, she looked over her shoulder at him offering another smirk as she moved into the room. She moved around room seeing that he had in fact taken care of everything down to her clothing for the night, she smiled to herself. She had never experienced this before it was new, it was fun, entertaining even. She guessed this is what she had been missing out on all these years. This type of catering to was something she could get used to. She tried to decide which set of pajamas she would wear, he'd offered her to very different styles, she chose the top and bottoms and moved towards the bathroom to change into them.
Samuel smoothed his hand down his shirt; the black-on-black outfit was dressy without being overdone. Thank God he and Mercedes actually enjoyed each other's company outside of sex, because if they didn’t, he would have been in big trouble. The only issue was that he’d leaned in heavy to romance, so as not to spoil her experience. Which created its own problems. Namely, the more attentive you were, the more you wanted to make love. “NO!” He scolded himself, you respect her too much to make her feel like less. He straightened his back, “Get your shit together, Sam. Fuck your carnal needs.” He inhaled, “Sugar,” He called, “The car is waiting on us.” He rubbed his hands together. He could do this. He thought, shaking out the nerves rushing through his body.
Mercedes looked herself over in the mirror in the bathroom, she would not have picked this look for herself but she would admit it looked good against her curves. She turned around and looked herself over from behind taking in her ass in the thong that was provided to her. She smirked to herself, hearing Samuel she said "okay I am coming" quickly, she brushed some powder over her face and she sprayed her makeup setting it for the night. One thing that did bother her was how large her breast looked in the bra she had on, it barely contained them which was odd to her because it was the right size but it would be fine. She came out of the bathroom "sorry" she said to him as she emerged before him. "I am ready" she told him confidently as she moved to grab her coat and her purse. "You look amazing" she said to him, he did he didn't look half the age he was, still youthful and handsome as ever.
Samuel checked his phone, pacing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Sandra had sent an update about a contract he needed to sign. He did so and smiled as he heard Mercedes. He slipped his phone into his pocket as Mercedes emerged from the bedroom. Suddenly, breathing had become optional. He’d told the stylist, sexy, -risky even. There was a version of Mercedes who had peeked out from behind her prim, proper facade, and he wanted to play with her for a bit. Well, he had before he decided to keep this celebration PG. “Got damn…” He uttered, walking over to her cautiously, as he tried to take in every inch of her at once. “Damn.” He uttered again, holding out his hand to Mercedes. “Got damn. You look…” He spun her around, “Jesus.” He exhaled. The sight of her ass was magnificent. “Sugar, you look like a walking felony. How do you feel?” He asked, worried she might not want to go out in the outfit.
Mercedes bit her lip gloss painted bottom lip as he moved towards her. She gave him her hand, he spun her around and she turned in a full circle. "A walking felony?" she asked him, that made her nervous a little. "I feel..." she breathed looking at him, she looked down taking her self in again "sexy" she told him happily. "I think I look good" she said being honest with him completely. "Do you think it's too much?" she asked him next, though he had chosen it so he had to know how revealing it was unless seeing her in it now fully gave him pause.
INVOLVED: Mercedes Jones and Samuel Evans.
LOCATION: 1224 North Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee.
TIME FRAME: Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
NOTES: Mercedes early Valentine's Day Celebrations.
Their one-bedroom walk-up just happened to be vacant. The chipped paint, single-pane windows, and busted heater had all been repaired. If not for the layout, it didn't resemble the hellscape he, Mercedes, and three kids used to share. That had to be a sign, right? Samuel's shoes tapped lightly across the wooden floors as he absently paced. This was supposed to be the surprise for tomorrow morning; however, his plans had changed. His gut twisted. When had he become so selfish? Mercedes was no one's mistress. Yet, wasn't that what he had made her? "No." He growled through gritted teeth. Yet until he separated himself from Miranda, there was a painful bit of truth to his thoughts. He felt the phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and returned the driver's text, 'bring her up and then wait on us in the car, we shouldn't be too long.'
Mercedes didn't know what Samuel had up his sleeve but she had done what he asked. She prepared herself to be whisked off at 12 am in the morning, she was nervous about leaving Drew alone at home. But she did have the necessary security in place; she had his location, no one could come in or out of her house without her being alerted of it. It would be fine. Drew was not a baby anymore he was growing into a man and he would be okay. And if she repeated that enough to herself she would actually start to believe it. Watching both the driver and her surroundings change outside of the window she twisted the diamond tennis bracelet Samuel gifted her around her wrist nervously. The car turned a corner and she moved her eyes down to her fingers. She felt bad for the phone call she and Samuel shared. She had no right to be so cold with him, the way that things were going were not his fault alone. She would have to convey that to him when she finally saw him. Looking up again, her eyes moved to look out the window scanning the area around her, it was familiar to her. As they approached the building it hit her immediately, the building housed their old home and a mountain of memories she would never forget. She was stunned, why were she here and where was Samuel? The man parked the car and moved to her side of it opening the door. She grabbed her phone and climbed out, she had nothing else with her and that made her feel naked but Samuel said he had the rest covered. At the driver's request she followed him towards the building her brows creasing with every step, she knew what direction they were going in. The trek up to the unit she lived in for years was ingrained in her mind. She could have found it in her sleep.
The knock came almost 15 minutes later, two light raps as the driver pushed the door open. "Thank you," Samuel said to the man as he stepped inside, holding the door open for Mercedes. All his misgivings faded, like long-forgotten memories. "Happy Valentine's Day." He said, extending his hand out from Mercedes. "I trust you remember this place."
Mercedes followed the man nervously, her stomach doing flips as uneasiness settled over her. When she saw Samuel she calmed herself a little. She walked inside and then looked up at him shock written across her face "very well" she breathed, she didn't know what to think. Memories were flooding her in quick succession, she was overwhelmed by them. She hadn't even fully grasped what he had said to her as she walked into the small apartment further. She looked around the space, a few things had changed here and there but it was the exact same. This is where it had all started, the history they had built together had come alive in these four walls. She toyed with the bracelet around her wrist once more she needed something to distract her racing mind. To ground herself even as she swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She didn't need to cry, instead she needed to distract herself by asking him the questions her mind could not answer. "What are we doing here?" she asked him with a shaky voice as she turned to look at him with glossy eyes, she swiped a lone tear away before it could roll down her cheek.
Samuel's eyes followed Mercedes. He smirked, then moved over to shake the driver's hand, "Give us about 15 minutes." He said, shutting the door as the man walked away. He folded his hand over his chest and watched as Mercedes took everything in, How times had changed; they both seemed too big for this tiny apartment. This place had once been the entirety of their world. He tilted his head taking a moment to tease, "The fifty-dollar couch was right here." He said as he pointed to the little space that stood between him and Mercedes. "You used to put that Charlie Brown Christmas tree over there in that window. I remember, Harpo got sick because I let her eat too many candy canes." He chuckled at the memory; he inhaled the fresh paint, a grounding aroma. "You made this place a home." His face fell. "I used to hate this place. It was the reminder of everything I could not give you and the kids. Then the building went up for auction," he shrugged, "I was going to fix it up and sell it, but I couldn't let it go. I reminded me too much of us."
Mercedes moved her eyes towards each space he listed where things had been, visualizing where the items would have been back then. She tucked her hands away in her coat pocket, a sad smile gracing her face. This placed did not bring her sadness, she felt it was pivotal to their development to have endured this small home together. Their were happy memories here, she just hated she ruined it all by overshadowing them with a divorce. "Mhm" she nodded her head looking down at the ground, she had not stepped foot in this place since they left it. It reminded her more than anything that she should have never let him go; both times would always be her biggest regret. As he mentioned that she made this space a home she looked up, her eyes moving to his. "You bought this place?" she asked, being shocked by him for the second time tonight. "Whoa" she said looking around the space again, a small chuckle left her lips as she swiped another tear away "that is such a you thing too do" she told him sniffling. "I can't believe you are just telling me now" she admitted softly.
"I thought I was buying it as a good investment property." Samuel argued, shaking his head, "clearly I was wrong, but I could have you think I was being a sentimental fool." He took a step back, truly thinking about himself. He was buying things to control the pain from his past. "A professor once told me to start with what I know. I know the people in this building, and I know there was a time when a young couple was happy here. So,,, I buy a building or two. What is so wrong with that? Seriously, do you think I'm a fool?"
Mercedes looked Samuel up and down as he spoke, she raised a brow at his comment. She wanted to protest but then again she was so unaware of his dealings to say if it were poor judgement for him to have purchased this place. She wasn't knowledgable enough when it came to properties and what would be a good or bad investment to offer him a response back. So she allowed him to talk and she tilted her head when he finished his rant. "I didn't say it was wrong" she corrected perhaps he took her being shocked as bad thing. "I don't think you are a fool" she told him shaking her head. "The idea of you owning this is just so surreal for me is all" she said resting her hand on her chest "it's like a full circle moment when you think about it" she told him moving to close the gap between them finally. "You own the building the vision started in Samuel, you should be so proud of yourself. You should be full of pride" she admitted. "I have so much gratitude" she offered as she looked around the space again. "Is that why you brought me here, to ask me if this were a silly idea? To purchase this? Because that I would never agree too" she said grabbing his hand to hold in hers.
Samuel laughed, folding at the waist, "Let me correct myself. If I told you back then, you would have seen straight through my bs and known why I purchased this place." He said, through chuckles. Warmth spread through his chest where her hands lay. He couldn't help but caress her cheek. Before his practiced control could stop him, he kissed her lips, nibbling on her cupid's bow, "It's midnight, and you are positively glowing." He said, holding her chin, surveyed her face. He missed some of what she was saying. She hadn't aged at all, and in this moment, he saw the woman who used to live in this apartment. The reason he'd pulled himself up day after day to try and make a decent living. Time snapped back into place, and she held his hands in hers. She was trying to smooth him. He thought, overwhelmed by her tenderness. Taking his large hands from hers, one hand went to her waist. "Sugar," he breathed, kissing the tip of her cute button nose. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I don't own this building. You do. I put it in your name five years ago," he stood opening the deed so she could see it for herself. "Not only that, but all the rent I've collected are in an account waiting on you. You are correct because my dream was to make sure you would be comfortable and taken care of. I only ever wanted to be the man you deserved."
She kissed his lips back a small smirk gracing them as he complimented her. "Thank you" Mercedes said warmly back to him as she gazed into his eyes lovingly. He was lost in his own thoughts she wished she knew what they were, but he broke away from them before she could ask him and he kissed her nose. He pulled something out of his pocket and presented it to her, her brows creased as he explained what it was. "What?" she breathed shocked as he went on to lay it all out in the open for her. Her eyes moved to scan the document as she went over what he just said her her head, eyes searching for some clear understanding. He did not have to do this for her, as a matter of fact he should not have. Five years ago she was finding herself accepting the idea that he was with another woman and she would never be his again, yet he was still secretively devoting some of his life to her betterment. It was overwhelming to her to think about. She began to cry again and she didn't know why, she was a bag of puddles these days. She sniffled as she wiped the tears pooling from both of her eyes. "You didn't have to do this" she cried to him softly. "And the truth of the matter is I never deserved you" she said shaking her head at his words as she pulled away "I will pride myself on being a good mother but I was a horrible wife" she broke.
Samuel used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. "Hush, with that nonsense. You deserve this and so much more. " He said, cupping her face with both hands. His intrusive thoughts flooded his mind, 'Like a man who belongs to her and her alone.' He shook those thoughts away, "I keep telling you, everything I have accomplished is because of you. You are my muse." he smiled, "Happy Valentine's Day."
Mercedes inhaled deeply trying to suck her tears back up as he silenced her. Though she did not feel like it was nonsense, she was a horrible wife obviously - no other woman would have left him like she had. She sniffled at his words a sad smile gracing her lips again "thank you, really, I appreciate you for having done this. This is an amazing surprise Samuel" she told him thoughtfully.
Samuel kissed her forehead, "Don't thank me yet. Let's wait until our 24 hours are up," he smiled. He'd wanted to blame her a thousand times for leaving him. Sometimes, it worked. However, most of the time, he just couldn't. No matter what she said, she was a great wife; he just wasn't a good husband. He was going to keep working to be a better partner. That was the least he could do. "We should get going. You are going need your beauty rest."
She leaned into his forehead kiss gently, at the mention of the next 24 hours she chuckled a little "okay" she said sweetly. "You told me you had everything handled I hope that's true" Mercedes told him playfully. She was nervous; she was very particular about her hair, makeup, and style of dress. Leaving everything up to him was a huge gamble though she guessed he out of all people should know just what to buy her if he ever needed to. "Okay" she told him again with a head nod, no matter what he had up his sleeves she were sure she was going to have a good time. Any moment stolen with as of late was just that.
Samuel took Mercedes' hand and led her from the building. The driver had the engine running, and he wasted no time taking them straight into the heart of Nashville. At almost 2 am, Samuel was far from sleepy. His hand, intertwined with Mercedes ', was sending electric shocks through his body. He kissed the back of her hand, despite his mind yelling for him to distract himself. "This won't take long." He told Mercedes. He then caught sight of the little black bear sitting on the seat. He was a last-minute addition to her gifts, there to take the place of the other teddies he'd purchased. The strappy, lacy outfits had to be tossed. His resolve would have broken if she had worn any one of those outfits. Until Miranda was out of his life, he promised he would not touch Mercedes inappropriately. He was a man of his honor, and he kept his word. As they pulled up at the hotel, he didn't wait for the driver to open the door. He was out of the car, holding out his hand to Mercedes. Memories flashing of the last time they were alone in a hotel room. This was going to be harder than he thought.
Mercedes looked over at Samuel offering him another smile as they sat fingers locked together in the back of the car. She should not still be reeling from the display of love he'd offered to her, he had always taken care of her no matter their status throughout their lives. He always said he would and he never broke that promise. She wouldn't know how to address the past with him fully but she hoped that one day soon they could, she was desperate to truly apologize for having ended what they had by divorce. Even if nothing really came from this current fling they we enthralled in he needed to know he was worth the fight and she were just a coward. She nodded her head at his words watching a hotel come into view. She grabbed his hand once more, she reached for her bear and moved to climb out of the car with the large man's help. He had mentioned beauty rest earlier but something told her she wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight and she was perfectly fine with that idea.
Samuel intertwined his fingers with Mercedes and nodded to the driver. "See you tomorrow morning at 10." He told the man with a friendly nod. He strolled into the hotel, unhurriedly moving to the elevator. "I have everything prepared for you upstairs. It's late, but we can order room service if you like." He told Mercedes, pushing the elevator's up button. The elevator opened immediately, and he gestured for Mercedes to enter 1st. Walking in behind her, he pushed the button for the penthouse floor. "I am sorry I've been off the radar lately. I don't want to say it was work, but for the most part, that is true. I wanted to make sure everything was in order, so I would not have to worry while we are away. I know that's not a very good excuse," he said, looking down at his hands.
Mercedes followed Samuel into the hotel taking in the place fully as they walked, the hotel was beautiful. As they approached the elevator she looked at him again "oh no" she said shaking her head "no room service necessary" she assured him. She held her bear close as she walked into the elevator before him, he climbed in behind her and pressed the penthouse floor she tucked her lips in trying not to show her amusement. "I prefer that excuse verses no excuse at all" she told him "I know you had a lot of rearranging to do. I know it was probably a lot for you to do and you are leaving the business in the hands of others for a week. You don't have to apologize for those things. I know that the business was a point of contingency between us in the past. But perhaps I had to realize that I was too immature to see what all that time away was going towards and who would benefit from it. You take amazing care of our babies, they want for nothing and your hard word is a direct cause and effect of that" she said honestly. "You don't have to apologize to me for that anymore Samuel, I should not have ever made that a issue between us" she breathed looking at his face.
Samuel's head rose, and he watched the number climb as the elevator ascended. He exhaled. Mercedes was excusing his behavior. Explaining it away as if she had been wrong for desiring a husband who wasn't a workaholic. It made him feel sick to his stomach. He didn't want that from her. He had it with Miranda, and despite what she told him, he knew she should actually live without him. He didn't want that with Mercedes. He looked over to her, brushing her hair away from her face. She looked so damn cute clutching her little bear. He chuckled and pulled out his phone, "Stay just like that," he said, snapping a picture of her. He moved in front of her, taking another photo, as the elevator doors opened behind him. "Wait one more." He told her, then stood in the doorway. He reviewed his photo, "Okay. These will work," he told her, stepping out of her way so she could get off the elevator, "this way."
Samuel said nothing and Mercedes tucked her lips in, he asked her to stay just as she were and he pulled his phone out instead. "What are you doing?" she chuckled at him moving her hand to cover her mouth. She stayed in place smiling at him despite herself, she was trying to fight the huge grin she was sporting as she dropped her hand. She tucked her lips in as he snapped a final time. "Will work for what?" she asked him curiously as she stepped out the elevator before him, turning to face him again. He showed her the way and she followed behind him, grabbing his arm to hang on to as they went.
Samuel glanced at his subject. "Taking a picture of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." He told her, serious as a heartache. He held her hand as they made their way to their one-bedroom suite. "The pictures are for my collection, my dear. I'm going to do an exhibition and show nothing except a picture of you." Looked straightforward, yet trying to keep a straight face, while watching her in his peripheral vision. He handed her the eye card, then stood to the side while she opened the penthouse door.
His words caused her to gush, a blush forming on her face, butterflies swarming her stomach. She was teleported to their high school days all over again, she was smitten with him and he didn't have to put in much effort. She was in love with this man anytime she told herself in the past that she was not and their time had ran it's course she had been lying desperately to herself. "Sam please" Mercedes said sheepishly. He granted her entry to the room and she didn't hesitate to open it, she walked into the space and gasped. "Sam!" she exclaimed moving her hand up to her mouth as she walked in fully. She expected a typical hotel room not what he had on display before her. Shit, she was going to cry again she thought even as the tears beat her to the completion of her thought. "This is so sweet" she said turning around to face him again, she wiped a few tears. "I'm sorry I am a bag of water today" she chuckled lightly. "I can't believe you did all of this" she said turning to the decor again, taking in all the candles and the flowers adorned in many places in the room. "Thank you" she breathed as she moved towards him leaning up for a kiss.
Samuel walked in behind Mercedes, shutting the door. He leaned against it, watching her. The look of awe on her face took his breath away, while the candlelight made the tears on her cheeks sparkle like diamonds. "Seeing you happy is all the thank you I need, Sugar." He swallowed. This was going to be the hard part. He kissed her back, measuring the pressure his lips exerted on hers, trying to receive her physical thank you, without getting lost in the moment. He pulled her close; these few weeks had been too long, and the hunger in his body was already clawing its way to the surface.
She released a soft moan against his full lips, cupping his face with her free hand gently. She pulled away looking up at him "I love you" she said confidently, "so much" she added wiping her eyes dry for the second time tonight. "I know there is a lot going on between us both right now, but you have made me the happiest woman alive these last few months. And I really appreciate all that you have done for me, so us, our family especially" Mercedes admitted to him, her hand still caressing his face. She pulled her hand away from him, resting it against his hip and she said "how could I possibly repay you for all that you have done" she asked him seriously. He was more than likely going to tell her she didn't need to but that wouldn't stop her feeling like she did.
Irritation and relief filled Samuel in equal measure when Mercedes pulled away from him. His arms remained in place around her waist. He knew he was not physically capable of letting her go. He concentrated on her eyes, and in those windows to the soul, he saw truth. She did love him. After all these years. He rested his forehead against hers. He inhaled, a shaky, ragged breath, swallowing thickly. He backed her deeper into the suite, straight to the bedroom door. "Payment will never be required. I want what you give freely and fully." He whispered, pecking her sweetly on the lips. He rose to his full height in the bedroom doorway. Terrified at the moment of taking a step beyond this point. "go get comfortable. We have a long day tomorrow. I don't want you to miss anything, because I've kept you up all night." He smirked, turned her around, then smacked her on the butt to send her on her way.
Mercedes smiled between closed lips as Samuel leaned his forehead down against her. The action was so subtle but feel of it was all-consuming, she felt the things he did not say this close to him. He began to back them into the direction of the bedroom. The action was causing her heart rate to pick up quickly, she would love nothing more than for him to strip her bare and make love to her, she yearned for it actually. She nodded her head gently at his words, she would remember them. She pecked his lips again melting into them and the feel of her body against his strong one, when he pulled away she looked up at him again. "Okay" she said taking in his words, it was late and she was sure he had a lot planned for them tomorrow, she needed to put a pin in what she was picturing him doing to her. He turned her around and sent her on the way with a pat to her butt, she looked over her shoulder at him offering another smirk as she moved into the room. She moved around room seeing that he had in fact taken care of everything down to her clothing for the night, she smiled to herself. She had never experienced this before it was new, it was fun, entertaining even. She guessed this is what she had been missing out on all these years. This type of catering to was something she could get used to. She tried to decide which set of pajamas she would wear, he'd offered her to very different styles, she chose the top and bottoms and moved towards the bathroom to change into them.
Samuel smoothed his hand down his shirt; the black-on-black outfit was dressy without being overdone. Thank God he and Mercedes actually enjoyed each other's company outside of sex, because if they didn’t, he would have been in big trouble. The only issue was that he’d leaned in heavy to romance, so as not to spoil her experience. Which created its own problems. Namely, the more attentive you were, the more you wanted to make love. “NO!” He scolded himself, you respect her too much to make her feel like less. He straightened his back, “Get your shit together, Sam. Fuck your carnal needs.” He inhaled, “Sugar,” He called, “The car is waiting on us.” He rubbed his hands together. He could do this. He thought, shaking out the nerves rushing through his body.
Mercedes looked herself over in the mirror in the bathroom, she would not have picked this look for herself but she would admit it looked good against her curves. She turned around and looked herself over from behind taking in her ass in the thong that was provided to her. She smirked to herself, hearing Samuel she said "okay I am coming" quickly, she brushed some powder over her face and she sprayed her makeup setting it for the night. One thing that did bother her was how large her breast looked in the bra she had on, it barely contained them which was odd to her because it was the right size but it would be fine. She came out of the bathroom "sorry" she said to him as she emerged before him. "I am ready" she told him confidently as she moved to grab her coat and her purse. "You look amazing" she said to him, he did he didn't look half the age he was, still youthful and handsome as ever.
Samuel checked his phone, pacing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Sandra had sent an update about a contract he needed to sign. He did so and smiled as he heard Mercedes. He slipped his phone into his pocket as Mercedes emerged from the bedroom. Suddenly, breathing had become optional. He’d told the stylist, sexy, -risky even. There was a version of Mercedes who had peeked out from behind her prim, proper facade, and he wanted to play with her for a bit. Well, he had before he decided to keep this celebration PG. “Got damn…” He uttered, walking over to her cautiously, as he tried to take in every inch of her at once. “Damn.” He uttered again, holding out his hand to Mercedes. “Got damn. You look…” He spun her around, “Jesus.” He exhaled. The sight of her ass was magnificent. “Sugar, you look like a walking felony. How do you feel?” He asked, worried she might not want to go out in the outfit.
Mercedes bit her lip gloss painted bottom lip as he moved towards her. She gave him her hand, he spun her around and she turned in a full circle. "A walking felony?" she asked him, that made her nervous a little. "I feel..." she breathed looking at him, she looked down taking her self in again "sexy" she told him happily. "I think I look good" she said being honest with him completely. "Do you think it's too much?" she asked him next, though he had chosen it so he had to know how revealing it was unless seeing her in it now fully gave him pause.
Samuel almost missed what she said as he stood there drooling over her figure. Almost in a trance, he absently nodded his head, running his tongue over his lips. He caught up with time, clearing his hand with a shake. "That is exactly how I wanted you to feel. Sexy and unstoppable. Bold." He smirked. "Hell no." He lied. He was going to give himself blue balls, and after dinner at the night club, he was sure he was going to have to fight a few people. "Damn." He said out loud once more, then pecked her on the lips. There was no way in hell he could kiss her in earnest. They would never leave the room.
