Fitz had slipped out of his own dinner party to take a call and instead of returning to the dinner he lingered in his office, buying himself some time. It hurt to know that she was moving on, but he pushed her there and he was selfish to think she wouldn't. Verna on her way to the bathroom saw the study door open,
"Mr President,"
"Judge," Fitz said snapping out of his Liv trance. Verna closed the door behind her and sat on the seat in front of him.
"It must be strange to look up and be surrounded by your closest council and not see her there." Fitz looked up to meet her gaze with every intention of looking bewildered but he could see that she would never buy it.
"As I said to Liv, I know you both. You breathe in sync."
"I let her go and now she's gone."
"Was she supposed to wait for you forever? Mr President with all due respect, what did you expect?"
"She's moved on,"
"Edison?" Fitz nodded showing her the surveillance photos
"He's a good man, he loves her. More importantly he can love her."
"I love her Verna,"
"And she loves you, but it is what it is Fitz. You're married and you have worked far too hard, and we have all made sacrifices to get you here, use it. Make the most of it."
"I just want her,"
"We can't have everything we want,"
"Now you sound like Mellie." Fitz replied with a chuckle.
"Is she okay?" He asked realizing that between Cyrus and Verna, she would be the one who would always have Olivia's best interest at heart. Verna loved Olivia like a daughter and unlike Cyrus, she protected Olivia.
"She struggling. You know how infuriating she is when she pretends all is well despite the fact that inside she's falling apart. For the record, this isn't a picnic for her either. She's so determined to do what she thinks is right, for you especially that she's willing to push you away, no matter how it breaks her heart. What you don't know is that wherever Olivia is, whoever she is with, her first instinct is always to protect you and quite frankly Mr President you don't give her nearly enough credit."
"I know. She just pushes so hard."
"Like poking a bear." She replied earning another nod from Fitz.
"It's hard for you to be in the receiving end of that, I get it. Imagine what it must be like for her."
"She deserves better,"
"She does and so do you, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Why else would you both be miserable?" Verna said softly.
