So I know we are late considering Christmas was last week but hey I love Christmas stories so here you go! Enjoy Cee and I want to wish you guys the Happiest of Holidays and thanks for reading our works.

Mercedes Jones stared at the final batch of cupcakes and sighed. "We did it, 750 cupcakes for the Middle School dance."

Quinn Fabray smiled taking one of the extra's and licking the Christmas Tree Icing off. "I knew you all could do it. And I gladly came by to support you all."

Mercedes looked up at her and nodded. "Uh huh. So tell me what's on your mind because I have a few more orders to finish before I hand over the reigns and go on that stupid Christmas trip with Faith and my family."

Quinn beamed. "Okay so first off I wanted to tell you that Mike asked me to marry him... but like seriously you still don't wanna go?"

"No I mean I just found out Preston is gonna be there with his new wife..like what the hell did I- wait! Mike asked you to marry him?!"

Sam sighed and took a seat on his parents' front porch, coat pulled tight around himself. He pulled his phone out and scrolled through it. He hated that he had to do this, but his options had run out. So he called Quinn as he adjusted the hat on his head.

Quinn nodded showing Mercedes her ring. "Yes he did I thought he was gonna wait for Christmas but the fool surprised me."

Mercedes sat down taking a breath. "Mike is a good one, I am happy for you."

"Is he really bringing his wife? Why is he even gonna be there?"

"You know our parents still live next door to each other and he is gonna be home so my parents said we were all adults and its about Faith having a great Christmas. I can't show up there and see him all happy with the woman he left us for. But I tried to get out of it already mom ain't having it."

Quinn nodded as her phone rang, seeing Sam calling she held up a finger at Mercedes and answered. "Sam. what's up?"

"Heeeeey! It's my favorite cousin!" Sam exclaimed, not in the least bit subtle. "How are ya doing?"

Quinn was immediately alerted by his tone, she knew he needed something. "I am just sitting here with my bestie ruining my diet. Whats up?"

"Please, like you need a diet. You're gorgeous," Sam replied with a grin. "And so kind and caring to your family... when they lose their job and have no place to live."

Quinn smiled but sat up straight at his words. "You what? When?"

"A couple of weeks ago," Sam sighed. "And my heartless, ice in his veins roommate immediately kicked me out before I could even look for another job. I hate that guy. I've been staying with Mom and Dad, but it's not... ideal."

"Sam, why didn't you call me sooner?" She said frowning.

Mercedes looked at her. "Everything okay?"

Quinn shook her head but went back to the call. "What do you need?"

"Could I maybe crash at your place for a little while?" Sam asked hopefully. "I promise I'll pick up after myself and I will be looking for a new job every day. You know I hate asking for help, but I'm a little desperate here."

Quinn nodded. "Of course, though Mike and I are leaving tomorrow to visit his family..."

Mercedes sighed. "Quinn what's up?"

"My cousin lost his job and is in need of a place to stay and a job."

"Oh I. Sorry."

"Yeah he can work here right?" Quin. Asked hopefully.

Mercedes sighed. "I can always use some help. To bad he can't be my date for the holidays I'd pay whatever he wanted." She said bitterly.

"Even better! I can house sit!" Sam offered. "Free of charge for you, cuz. Just a roof over my head that doesn't have a mom in it is payment enough for me. Are you... still listening to me over there?"

"Merce that's a great idea!" Quinn squealed. "Sam needs a job, and you need a date."

Mercedes shook her head. "I wasn't serious."

"Maybe you should be."

Sam's eyebrows went up as he held the phone away from his ear for a moment. Girls were so loud. "Um... I'm sorry. Hello? Are you pimping me out over there?"

"Mercedes it's perfect and in our pictures you said he was hot."

"Yeah ok s you want me to take a jobless, homeless guy, no offense to your cousin, but how is that helping me?"

Quinn sighed. "He can say he has a job or whatever. Come on." Hearing Sam she put the phone back to her ear. "Sam I am trying to help you out here!"

"I can hear you both, you know?" Sam shouted in frustration. "And I'm not a gigolo!"

"Sam will you hush. I am working as your lawyer here." She turned back to Mercedes. "Look you can afford to hire him as your boyfriend. He's great with kids so Faith will love him. And you won't have to be embarrassed to be there alone."

"Q I don't even know him!"

"But you know me Merce and trust me Sam is a great guy, he is funny and sweet and not to be inappropriate but his abs can give Preston's a run for their money."

"No." she said unconvincingly.

Quinn shook her head. "Look you said it yourself showing up alone will be embarrassing, so take Sam, and I promise it will be worth it."

Mercedes sighed heavily. "I cant believe I am actually considering this."

"Uh, still sounds like you're working as my pimp to me!" Sam insisted with a huff. "And why are you looking at my abs?"

"I am just going off of what Amber said to me Sam now be quiet!" Quinn looked at her. "Just let Sam come here and talk to him, see for yourself that he is perfect for this."

Mercedes sighed. "I don't know."

Quinn held the phone back up to her ear. "Sam you need the money and Mercedes needs the help so you are gonna do it."

"Why... why? Why were you talking to her?" Sam sputtered, his hand gesturing a little wildly even though no one was around. "And what am I doing?!"

"She was talking to me there is a difference. I told you that girl had a mouth on her." Quinn sighed as Mercedes gestured no. "You are pretending to be Mercedes boyfriend for the Holiday. It comes with a free trip to, free food, free free free and you get paid."

"And you were not wrong about that... in any sense," Sam recalled, grinning to himself. He sighed as she continued. "I do like free," he admitted. "Is she cute?"

Quinn rolled her eyes. "Really that's the question you ask?"

Mercedes looked at her. "What did he ask."

"If you were cute, he's such a guy I swear." Quinn went back to the phone. "Look I am gonna text you an address. Meet me there and you can see for yourself. How soon can you get here?"

"It's a valid question!" Sam insisted. "I don't know. I mean, I'm at Mom and Dad's, so it depends on how far away it is, I guess."

"Oh okay so about six hours away, and what does it really matter if she is cute or not, you aren't really dating her."

Mercedes grabbed a cupcake and broke it in half, placing one piece on top of the other like a sandwich. "I am cute tho."

"You are gorgeous but its not a real date." Quinn said smiling. "Sam just talk to her and then tomorrow you can come up here...hold on. Merce when is Faith coming back?"

"Tomorrow night."

"That's perfect you and Sam can talk and come up with a plan when you get here and before Faith gets back.."

"Oh, yeah, cool. I'll just jog right over," Sam sighed. He would've had to make the trip to get to Quinn's anyway, but she was annoying him so he had every right to be smart about it. "Are you gonna be there?"

"Funny." Quinn smiled triumphantly. "I will for a bit but then I gotta go. But trust me it'll be okay."

Sam sighed heavily. It couldn't hurt to head out there and meet the woman. If he hated the whole thing he'd just crash at Quinn's like he planned in the first place. "Fine."

"Great! See you in the morning and dress nice. Love ya." She hung up looking at Mercedes. "He will meet us here tomorrow. "

Mercedes just looked at her wondering how this was gonna go.

Mercedes paced the bakery floor as Quinn ate one of the Danish. Sam was to meet them at 8am. Today was already starting out bad, she woke up to her mother calling and asking for the millionth time is she was bringing a plus one, and if not she would be the only one without someone.

So she impulsively said yes and now she had to make a good impression on Sam. That meant dressing the part which considering she was a baker and pretty much only wore jeans was a problem.

Wearing a pair of form fitting jeans and a purple and pink off the shoulder hoodie, she added a pair of white kswiss and threw her hair into a messy bun. Quinn was not impressed.

"I told you to dress up."

"Girl this is me dressing up. I put makeup on."she said plating the Danish and putting out coffee and orange juice. Quinn sighed.

"Well I mean this is you so he better get used to it now."

Sam had already been awake far too long for how early it was. He drove a little the night before and found a cheap motel to crash at before making the rest of the journey this morning. He checked himself in his car mirror just to make sure there wasn't any schmutz on his face and then headed inside.

Mercedes couldn't help but feel nervous, but somehow Quinn being there made things better.

Quinn drank her coffee. "Still can't wait for you to tell me how right I was about this."

"Uh huh well I told mom I was bringing someone so if this fails I am taking Mike."

Sam pulled the door open and heard the little jingle of the bells attached to it. He smiled as he stepped up to the counter. "Hey, Q. Long time no see." He hugged his cousin in greeting.

Quinn hopped up the moment she saw Sam, he was one of her favorite people and she was truly happy to see him. "Sam! How was the drive?" She asked pulling him into a hug.

Seeing the two Mercedes chewed her bottom lip nervously as they hugged. She shook her head. Why was she nervous it's not like they were really together.

Quinn pulled Sam over to Mercedes and beamed. "Sam this is my absolute best friend Mercedes. And Merce this is the best cousin in the world Sam."

Holding out her hand she gave a soft smile. "It's nice to meet you Sam."

Sam highly doubted a guy looking for a couch to crash on would be up for best cousin of the year, but he'd let her talk him up if she wanted to. He smiled as he took Mercedes hand and shook it gently. "Nice to meet you too. Forgive me if I'm a little foggy. I didn't get a ton of sleep."

Mercedes nodded trying to think of something to say. "Well I have fresh coffee and Danish if you are hungry." She said pointing at the counter.

Quinn followed behind them. "So let's get right to it because I have to go. Sam needs money and Mercedes needs a date. Discuss."

"Ooh, yes, please. I would love all the coffee," Sam chuckled as he sat on one of the stools. His face was straight and staring as he turned to look up at Quinn. "Ma's right, you do need to calm down."

"Excuse you I am a Lawyer we got to the point." She sat next to them.

Mercedes laughed shaking her head. "Quin doesn't know how to calm down she has two speeds fast and supernova fast." she teased.

Sam nodded in understanding. "Oh, I know. That's how I broke my finger," he told her, accepting the cup of coffee gratefully.

"For one you were clumsy that's how you broke your finger and two we are not bonding over how amazing I am, though I am." She teased. "Now Merce you should tell him what you need."

Mercedes nodded. "Oh right. Well okay I just need someone who can fool my family into thinking we are in love. I know this is unconventional but Q wouldn't take no so here we are. Just need a doting boyfriend who loves me and uh, gets along with my daughter. That's it."

Quinn looked at Sam. "Told ya, simple."

"You ran into me," Sam insisted, pointing said finger at her. He sighed and listened to Mercedes, his eyes widening slightly. "You have a daughter?"

"I did not!" Quinn defended. Mercedes smiled seeing how they were together. It was nice. When Sam looked at she nodded. "Uh yes I have a six year old named Faith...is that a bad thing?"

Sam just gave Quinn a look before turning back to Mercedes. "No! No, I mean... that's a wonderful thing for you. And explains why you have to be around your ex at Christmas. It's just, in my experience, children are way smarter than any of us."

Mercedes sighed. "Trust me I know and Faith is no exception. She will put your through the ringer more than my parents would. So if you are even considering it you should think it through. This is just really weird. Like really really weird."

Sam didn't love the idea of lying to a kid, especially when he's pretty sure it wasn't going to work anyway. "I can't argue with that. And I'm guessing I'd have to come up with some kinda story so your parents don't think you're dating a homeless, jobless man. Oh, God, it hurts more when I say it out loud."

"My parents care more about who you are as a man then what you have." Mercedes looked at him sadly. "What exactly happened with your job?"

"The bar went under," Sam said simply, shrugging his shoulders. "It was a family owned and all these chain restaurants have been popping up with happy hour specials. They couldn't keep up."

Mercedes felt that deep in her soul, because when she first opened the bakery she didn't know if she was going to make it. "It sucks people don't have respect for Mom and Pops places like that." Mercedes took a breath and sighed. "You don't have to do this, I can offer you a job here and I can just go to Vermont alone."

Sam looked around. He could probably do pretty good here. He was guessing the tips weren't exactly as good as tending bar, but he was a good customer service. Still... His eyes met Mercedes' again. "What do you want me to do?"

She grew confused. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... what would help you the most?" Sam explained. "Me being here or there with you?"

Mercedes looked at him. "Honestly. If you come with me you would be saving me from a lot of drama and embarrassment. But it's a lot to ask and you don't know me or my situation."

Sam sipped at his coffee, setting it down carefully and resting his hands on the counter. "Then... I'll come with you," he decided. She seemed nice enough and he was never one to back down from helping someone out. "We could tell your parents we met when you hired me at your bakery... and if you really did, that part wouldn't even be a lie!"

Mercedes smiled. "Well then, welcome to "Have Mercy's Treats.". She held her hand out for him to shake it. "Typically we would be open but due to the Holiday's and having so many orders coming in, we only open from 12pm to 4pm. But normally it's 7am to 6pm."

Quinn was excited they agreed to do this, it would be good for both of them. "Well how about you guys go back to the office and get to know each other, while I steal these Danish for Mike and head out ."

Sam smiled brightly and shook Mercedes' hand. He was happy to help her with her family and make some money along the way, but knowing he'd have something steady afterwards gave him a little more peace of mind. "Thank you." He grabbed his own danish and eyed Quinn. "You're not taking mine."

Mercedes laughed shaking her head. "I have more, I have learned that Quinn is greedy."

"Girl when your sweets are as good as yours of course I am greedy."

Mercedes gathered her things as her second in command Tina walked in. "What's going on Boss Lady?! Quinn." She eyed Sam as Mercedes smiled.

"Tina hey perfect timing! I have to get something together but all the orders are done. First shift should be coming in shortly and this is Sam, he is going to be coming on after the new year."

Tina nodded, "Nice to meet you Sam you couldn't be working at a better place. Mercedes is a great boss and well she has us taste test her creations so thats my favorite time of the week."

"Ooh," Sam cooed, laughing gently. "Something tells me the free samples are gonna be harder to resist here than my last job. Of course they won't get me drunk either, so that's a perk."

Mercedes laughed. "Oh, before I forget, Tina, do not let Mrs. Campbell tell you that she gets half off. She pulled that last week with Jeff."

Tina nodded. "Got it. Well let me get everything together." She moved away from them and that is when Mercedes realized Quinn had snuck out. Smiling she looked at Sam. "We can go to my office upstairs. There is gonna be a lot of noise soon and we should get to know each other."

She grabbed her things and made her way upstairs. The building had a two bedroom apartment attached to it and on days Mercedes didn't have her daughter and had to do late night baking she would stay there so it was fully furnished and she used one bedroom as her office.

"Oh. Yes... right." Sam looked around as he followed her, his hands tucked into his pockets. This whole thing was still fairly awkward. Okay, really awkward. But at least everyone seemed relatively nice. "This is cool. Do you live up here?"

Opening the door and leading him into the office. "When I first started it was a lot of late nights here, but after I had Faith and I bought the house I pretty much just use it as an office or space to use when I have a lot of late nights and my daughter is with her dad."

The modernly decorated place smelled like Vanilla and Brown sugar. Sitting in the desk chair she took a breath. "Okay, so what are some things I should know about you?"

"I guess I'm gonna have to find a place when we get back," Sam mused. "I doubt Q will want me on her couch forever." Nor did he want to stay there. "Oh, right. Um... I'm 28. Grew up in Nashville originally, but we moved around some. I have a little brother and sister who are both in college right now."

Mercedes chewed her bottom lip thinking. "You are helping me out big time and if Q trusts you then I trust you, so if you want, you can move in here." She listened to him and nodded. "Well I am 30 I have been divorced for almost two years, and a 6 year old light of my life. I have built this bakery from the ground up and have a degree in Business."

Sam's eyes widened once again. "Wait, seriously? Is there a real bed here?" he asked hopefully. "Cause that would be... amazing!" He took a breath as he listened to her. "Sounds like you're doing better than me. The place seems awesome. And this danish is great!"

Mercedes nodded. "Yeah in the other bedroom. I mean it would still have to be my office but every other space is yours." Mercedes smiled at the compliment. "Danish are good but I am known for my pies. "

Sam nodded slowly. "Well, I can't wait to try those too. So when would be leaving? Quinn said Vermont, right?"

Mercedes nodded. "Friday so four days. And we will be there for two weeks. Christmas and New Years. I just... okay here's the deal when it comes to all this, us, we can't just say that we are together we have to actually act as if we are together. Holding hands, flirting and well kissing and I just want to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into."

Sam leaned forward on her desk and smiled widely at her. The combo of bright smiles and shining eyes usually did pretty well for him. "Are you questioning my ability to romance the hell out of you?" he asked teasingly.

Mercedes laughed. "Well I mean I don't know you or what you are capable of. S yes I am questioning you and your ability.

Sam licked his lips slowly, letting the bottom one drag through his teeth ever so slightly. "Then I guess I'll just have to prove myself."

Mercedes had noticed that Sam was very good looking but the way he was looking at her was down right sinful. SHe had no idea what to say so she just nodded.

Satisfied that he'd gotten his point across, Sam back in his seat again, still smirking. "If there's mistletoe, I'll knock your socks right off," he promised.

Mercedes swallowed. "So you will only kiss me if there is mistletoe? So if there isn't then I don't get to find out?"

"I didn't say that," Sam insisted, shaking his head. "But there's kissin' and then there's mistletoe kissin'."

Mercedes looked at him. "Okay but what is the difference between kissin' and mistletoe kissin'?" She asked using her version of his accent. Why was she getting hot just from talking?

"I'm not sure it's something I can really explain. I think you're just gonna have to wait to experience it," Sam told her, leaning on one arm of the chair. A little genuine flirting couldn't hurt too much and it would only make the relationship even more believable.

Mercedes raised an eyebrow, she could have asked him more on that but she really didn't know him to be on him like that. "Well then I suppose I we will have to see." She chewed her bottom lip as she did when she was nervous. "Sam this is, this is something that I really just." Taking a break she pulled out her family photos. "My dad is a Plastic Surgeon. My mom, she is an Interior Decorator. And they both have given me everything. When I told them I was getting a divorce it didn't matter that I was top of my class from Kindergarten until I graduated with my Masters in Business. It didn't matter that I won Varsity Volleyball in College and High School Nationals. It didn't matter that when I was 12 I came in third place at the National Spelling Bee. Just incase you think I am bragging, I am letting you know cause they will question you on this. None of that mattered because to them I failed the worst way. For the last two years all I have heard is how much I should have tried harder and fought and I just don't want to deal with all that this year. That is why I agreed with Quinn. I can't take one more year of disappointment you know?" She wiped her eyes trying not dwell on it any more.

Sam frowned, his instincts telling him to go hug her. But they really didn't know each other all that well yet. "If I can ask... and feel free to tell me to butt out, but... why didn't things work out?"

Mercedes glanced at him, it wasn't something she really wanted to get into but if Sam was going to be her date then he had to know. So Preston and I met in college he enthralled me dared me to come out of my shell and I fell in love with him and I think a part of him fell in love with me but his heart was with his ex and I knew it deep down. They grew up together, broke up when he went to college and stayed in touch. He never cheated but his heart just wasn't into me and instead of staying for Faith like he wanted too,I left. Why stay married and have more kids when you are never going to love me like that."

Sam nodded slowly. "Well, forgive me again for talking out of turn, but it sounds like your parents need to mind their own business. I get that they want what's best for you, but... way I figure, that's up to you. I promise I won't say that to 'em though."

Mercedes sighed. "I know that as the 30 year old business owner sitting before you, but as the only daughter and youngest in the midst of four boys, I never wanted to be a disappointment and my family doesn't believe in divorce." Mercedes gave a wry smile. "So that is what you are getting into, still wanna do it?"

Sam just shrugged. "I think I can handle a couple weeks of them. All our families are a little messed up in their own ways. And, hey, I love my parents and they love me... but they aren't exactly thrilled that I'm broke and sleeping in their basement either."

Mercedes nodded as she handed him a few more photos, one of her and her four older brothers and one of her and her daughter. "If you are sure then we should talk about money. I know I am offering you a job and a place to stay, I can also offer to pay your way and for anything that you would need. We would have to get you some clothes as there are some traditions I need you prepared for."

Sam nodded along again, raising an eyebrow at that last part. "Traditions? There's no sacrifices involved, right? Cause I'm not sure that's worth the money."

For the first time Mercedes burst out laughing, "No, no, we just have to dress up for dinners, there will be some events like a play and we have cookies baking contests which I unfairly win every year. Things like that."

Sam smiled, glad that he finally got her loosened up a little. "Gotcha. Since we're dating, I get to be on your team in the cookie contest, right?"

Mercedes nodded still smiling. "Yes you are my partner in everything. Also just so you know they watch everything. So if sometimes you feel like you should touch me, then I say go for it. But just don't make it look forced."

Sam still thought it was kind of sad that her parents were that concerned with her every move, but that's none of his business. Instead he just smiled sweetly. "Shouldn't be a problem. I can't imagine touching you to be a burden."

Mercedes shook her head. "Yeah you say that but you ain't never touched me before so yeah you never know I just don't want us to be awkward or you know people seeing through us."

"Unless you punch me when I do it, I think I'll be okay," Sam chuckled. "And I wouldn't worry too much about it. Except... maybe your kid. Cause I'm telling you... they're geniuses."

She smiled. "Well Faith is due here a little later so we will see."

Mercedes phone buzzed and she looked at it rolling her eyes as it was from Quinn.

Q: You guys making out yet?

M: Shut up!

M: No we are talking about whats gonna happen. Leave me alone love ya.

Looking back up at Sam she cleared her throat. "Okay so is there anything else you wanna ask me?"

Sam sighed, scratching at the back of his head. "I'm not really sure. This is all kind of a whirlwind, you know? It's like when you're in a job interview and your mind goes blank. Which would explain my lack of job."

Mercedes nodded understanding. "Well we have time you know? We don't leave until Friday. I have to be here until we open at 12 but we can go shopping around 2 if that's okay."

She heard Sam's phone buzz and already knew it was Quinn, the girl was nosy.

Q: So what do you think?

Sam glanced at his phone. "She's annoying," he declared. "Why do we put up with her? Let's see... how shall I respond. I know... 'I think... you're annoying'," he said as he typed.

Sam: I think you're annoying

"And that sounds fine. Would you mind terribly if I took a shower and freshened up?"

Mercedes giggled. "She means well Sam. She is trying to be considerate to both of us." When he sent the text she snorted. "Yeah the bathroom is right down the hall. I will just be in here working.

Q: I meant about Mercedes you doofus

Sam gasped as he read the text. "She called me a doofus. See? I told you we all had difficult family members," he reminded her with a knowing nod. "And thanks. I'm just gonna grab my bag out of the car."

Sam: I said what I said!

Mercedes laughed. "Well I mean that's what family does." Grabbing the orders she needed she smiled. "I am going to head back down there are a few orders we still need filled." Standing she chewed her bottom lip. "Thank you Sam." With that she made her way down and headed to the kitchen.