Hello my Darlings.
This is a brand spanking new TOTAL AU Olitz fic. Yes completely alternate universe. Your eyes are not deceiving you. I am not crazy. I trusted my gut deciding to post this very special first chapter just before Valentine's Day. (I have my reasons.) ;-)
I was highly motivated to begin this new Olitz journey, out of my comfort zone, due to Tony being on Broadway. So #BlameTony. It's all his fault.
If you're eager for more of this (new Me's) please drop a #ValentineCandyHeart (review) and give me your honest opinion. Because seriously loves if no one is interested and wants more I'll just keep this as a one shot. It's cool.
If my notifications go crazy, well then, I'll have to hook my loves up. Something tells me you'll enjoy this "New Me's," and version of Olivia and Fitz.
Enjoy and Thank-you for reading…
ME's
/
Heart of Midtown…
Chapter 1: Once In a Lifetime…
"You meet someone who takes your breath away not because you want them too but because they were meant too. And that person will change your life forever." – Unknown
Valentine's Day 2019
Newsreel…
"Does anyone else hate Valentine's Day," Fitz wonders to himself as his SUV with driver putters and weaves through the busy Manhattan traffic which would give any sane person a migraine. The days leading up to February 14th he dreads. Valentine's Day never worked in his favor before so he just pretends it's like any other day.
But it's NOT just any other day. It's the day used to celebrate everlasting love across the globe after Saint Valentine of Rome for courtly love. He's never felt like a knight setting out an adventure performing various deeds to win a fair maidens favor. In all the centuries that have passed, nothing has changed.
His sharp blue eyes pass by businesses in the area making him want to gag. Every flower, candy shop adorned their windows with oversized hearts, cupid, and slogan in order to entice a man to enter. Every other store he spots, a man young and old ventures out with cards, flowers, and some type of confectionary.
He turns on his television, commercials flash across his screen from Kay's, DeBeers, Helzberg, and Jared's promising they have the best sale on diamonds, other priceless gem stones to take her breath away. "Why can I find someone to take my breath away," he scoffs narrowing his eyes at his tablet. As usual he has no "someone special" to buy for.
As the black SUV turns onto 5th Avenue, he sees many couples walking hand in hand enjoying the sights and sounds of New York City. It's a brisk chilly day. The high will reach forty degrees. Lows will drop to the lower thirties. The sun is shining brightly in the sky but there's a small threat of snow this evening. This winter has been fairly mild so Fitz longs for snow.
On Valentine's Day happy couples head to the Empire State Building, One World Observatory for breathtaking views of the city. They also visit Broadway to see a show. Some lucky individual will have their partner – love of their life drop to one knee presenting an engagement ring. He hopes for the person proposing, their partner says yes.
He's lost in his mind as his SUV passes Rockefeller Center. His driver Georgie (George) brings him this way on occasion. He doesn't care for this area of New York City much. If he can he avoids it. Yes he works in the area but he keeps himself close to his job, avoiding everything else.
His eyes travel upwards to the Rockefeller Center tower around him. He must admit, this is a beautiful area - the Heart of Midtown.As an actor he's been in many of "The Rock's" famous tourist sites except one, The Top of the Rock.
He sighs deeply recalling the last time he came here. He interviewed on Seth Myers and Jimmy Fallon before his character's exit from one of Thursday night's most popular TV shows. There had been speculation of his character's departure. Fitz never confirmed it. He appeared on Late Night and morning talk shows the next morning.
He played the character an adored leading man for 8 seasons, and needed a change. His ending was left open giving him the ability to return to the small screen if he desired. He had acted in movies, TV pilots, which helped his career but none could have prepared him for the role he left behind. Playing a leading man, turned him into a sex symbol in his thirties. As he grew older, more women found him attractive. It's totally unexpected.
Fitz was not bad looking but the fans never paid attention to his looks until he took this role. Fans on social media ached to stare into his cerulean blue eyes, run their fingers through is hair, wish for a night in his arms, and just to meet him. Never had he been this popular. He took it all in strides. Deep down he was still the down to earth man he'd had always been. He remained passionate about politics, his charities, close friends, and cast mates who remain in his inner circle.
It changed his life professionally, just not personally which he longed for most of all. Being on the side lines observing his cost-stars, and fellow actors marry, having children, he believed wasn't in the cards. He's not an old man, but now nearing 40 he feels as if there is no one out there.
He of course had dates but the women only saw him for his GRANT name and celebrity status. Fitz grew tired of the dating game and threw in the towel. He was "content" being a bachelor living in New York City. He had siblings on the West Coast and New England. He loved The Big Apple and all it offered especially Broadway, which is where he career began as an actor.
Almost two decades later, after exiting a successful TV series, it's where he finds himself - on Broadway staring in Newsreel. Newsreel is a fast-paced Broadway play taking place in today's world at a made up Television Network. It challenges the audience to be held accountable for their posts on social media, not believe fake news and not allow what you see on TV, and the internet to take over your life.
Newsreel core messages: "Don't let one heated, mad as hell post on Social Media ruin your life. Say NO to mean tweets. Engage head before fingers. Think before you post."
"Don't assume before you upload. One wrong post, can make an ass out of you and me. Fact check before you post."
"Wrong facts = fake news."
"Hurtful messages on social media can't just ruin a person's day, but they damage their life, ruin careers and families. Being mad as hell, and tired of bull shit, gets you nowhere."
"One text - tweet - post is not worth your life or someone else's."
"Don't text and drive. It can wait."
All Newsreel's themes are current the times and needed.
With Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and countless others on almost every electronic device in the World, it's time to take a step back to evaluate how much we post, and why we feel a need to inform every single one of our friends our business on a daily basis. He finds is fascinating his fans want to know his life's comings and goings and daily basis.
Newsreel is that play.
Its fictional TV network, Goldwyn Howard Coe Broadcasting (GHC-b) receives its headlines straight from social media. The reporters don't head out into the world to find stories, conduct interviews, or meet with their subjects in person. It's all done through a screen leaving the personal aspect of their jobs behind. It created a lazy environment.
Children in school instead of having to go to the library to check out books for reports or look in a card catalogue, can just ask "Okay Google" and voila here is the answer you seek before your eyes. You don't have to leave the house. Many books only libraries would have, can be found in an e-book and read on an electronic device.
Newsreel makes you think, what would happen if all this technology just up and quit locking everyone out.
The lead anchor Peter Finch played by Phillip Hugheswho delivers the news in the play loses his shit on the air, vowing to unplug not only himself but the entire station from the sites in order to get news the old fashion way. Right before his broadcast, he hid all their phones, tablets, locked their computers with help from crafting stagehands.
He even challenges parents, educators to unplug and make your students complete classwork without. Bring classes to the libraries, teach them to do research the old fashion way. Pick up a book instead of screen.
"Every teacher, school who's willing to do this, he'll send a donation your way to help further your class and school," he offers. The station goes into a frenzy on the air starting a catalyst affect across the nation. The schools, business across the country reach get the attention of the fictional news station making the daily newsreel.
/
Lady in Red...
Fitz glances down at his watch as he drives past Radio City Music Hall and Ice Rink. His vehicle comes to a halt. "There must be a lot of people skating with their Sweethearts today Mr. Grant," his driver and security guard George comments meeting Fitz' eyes in the rearview window.
"Yes I'm sure," Fitz replies barely glancing out the window. He hasn't skated in a long time. He still remembers how it's just been a while since he's put on a pair of skates. "Do you know how to skate George?"
"Unless holding onto the wall counts so I don't fall, no Mr. Grant," George answers with a chuckle. As the light turns red, "SHIT. THAT ASSHOLE," he hollers alerting Fitz something is wrong from the back of the car.
"George?"
"The car," he shows Fitz. "Almost hit the young lady now screaming at the driver." Fitz eyes follow George's fingers. The petite African American woman is unscathed. She's wearing a bright red coat with white fur on the rim of the hood. It's covering her head. A small smirk graces Fitz's face observing her bang on the car's hood then stomp to the passenger window. Her hands smacks on the glass cursing him out at the top of her lungs.
Before she's dragged off the street she gives the driver the middle finger.
"Liv are you crazy," her best friend Nina yanks her off the street. "You can't just yell at people on 5th Avenue."
"It's New York Nee. I can't do whatever I want," Olivia rolls her eyes at her unfazed. "That fuck-tard was jerk and nearly hit us."
A gust of wind blows knocking the hood off her head showing her beautiful natural curls. She shivers. They bounce and fly in the wind's direction moving her trestle's from her face finally giving Fitz unobstructed view.
"FUCK ME," Fitz gasps in the back of his car finally seeing the young lady now walking in his direction with her friends. Her skin radiates, sparkles in the light from the sun. She is the sun.
"Mr. Grant are you all right," George inquires noting Fitz's empty hands.
"Yes I'm fine just," his eyes widen as she approaches his car. Everything about her is perfect. She cannot see him but it doesn't help the rapid beating of his heart. He feels like he's about to have a heart attack. "George miss the light."
"What?"
"Do not make this light change," Fitz eyes never leave the breathtaking woman, walking in his towards his car in high heeled boots accentuating the swaying motion of her hips covered by her red winter coat. Fitz's is lost in her strut. It's confident. Powerful. Unafraid. This petite woman knows what she wants.
She struggles to place her hood over her head but the wind is powerful. He's mesmerized by the tiny movements of her white gloved fingers wrapping a scarf over her hair, attempting to keep it out of her face. Then her tiny gloved hands patting her curls down.
"Holy Mother of God," Fitz gulps between heated breathes. "She's stunning," he murmurs struggling to breath. His hand flies to his chest to calm his erratic breaths. He's never imagined a woman could be THIS beautiful. Her baby-face with the smallest of dimples connecting to her pink plump lips deepen his inability to look away.
His heart aches to leap out of his chest as she encroaches on his car. He's grateful she cannot see him. His mouth falls open totally lost IN her. Her friend says something funny to her causing her to laugh loudly. It's the sweetest song he's ever heard - the lost love song in his heart.
This unknown woman is the epitome of grace and feminism. From her walk in her heeled boots, to her toned legs in her skinny jeans, to her bright smile. The brightness of it could cure any illness a man is suffering from healing them from within. Her smile would brighten his day from the second their eyes met.
She removes her sunglasses finally permitting Fitz to see her eyes. His hand squeezes his scarf. "Those incredible molten rich hot chocolate eyes. Are they always this deep brown color with hints of gold leaf paper shimmering in the light," he whispers powerless to stop being lost in her.
They are the sexiest pair of eyes he's ever seen on a woman. She's alluring, drawing him into their depths. He sees her soul – a mirror of his returning his heated gaze. It shine's forth with her every movement enchanting him further. He's rapid pulse slows when she stops by the passenger window. He's watching her intently.
"You okay," her friend Lauren questions. She's taller than Olivia and closest to Fitz's car. Nina urged her to walk there to prevent their friend from rushing after the car that nearly ran them over.
"It's just I feel as if someone really sees me," Olivia utters glancing around her. "I feel like I'm being watched." She's got goosebumps. "I'm shivering."
"It's freezing out silly," Lauren chastises. "Did you think it was going to be in the sixties today? It's Valentine's Day. We're lucky we're not in a blizzard."
"No shit Sherlock," Olivia hisses narrowing her eyes. No one is paying her attention. Her eyes zone in on Fitz's car. George is looking in another direction but his passenger isn't. She cannot make out who it is. "Nee, Ferra, Lauren" she nudges her friends.
"He's got a passenger," Ferra suggests. "There's someone in the back. I just can't make out who it is."
"It's probably some old fart late for work," Nina cackles. "
"You want me to roll the window down for you Mr. Grant so you can say Hi," George chastises as rolling the window down.
"NO," Fitz snaps loudly, making the petite young woman jump and her friends jump. His heart beat thumps loudly. The window is open only an inch.
"What is it," her friend Nina questions her as Olivia stares into the black SUV's window. Her eyes zero in focusing on George. He waves.
"Someone in that car just screamed NO really loud," Olivia steps closer. She can't see much through the dark windows. Only a dark silhouette of a man in the back. She's has no idea none other than Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III is inside. She's attracted his undivided attention. Many women, including her friends would love to be her in this moment.
"It's New York City," her friend chastises. "I'm sure he's pissed about something. Maybe his girlfriend bit his dick as she's blowing him in the back seat."
George covers his mouth to stop himself from laughing. Fitz eyes widen.
"SABRINA," Olivia heckles shoving her friend towards the opposite side of the sidewalk. Her back is turned to Fitz's open window. "That's just nasty. Get your mind off the poor man's shlong. He probably can't get it up."
Fitz's eyes widen. That's definitely not the case. This is first.
"Maybe he's giving his lady a happy ending. He's not done eating her out," her other friend announces peeping in Fitz's car windows.
"Ferralynn," Olivia whacks her with her purse getting her away from Fitz's car. She sees the window partially open. "HOLY FUCKING SHIT I COULD KILL YOU TWO RIGHT NOW. WHO'S EVER IN THERE JUST HEARD US TALKING ABOUT HIS DICK GETTING SUCKED," Olivia bellows.
Fitz bites his lip to stop himself from laughing. This woman's voice ignites something with in him. It's sexy, full of confidence. "Come on before we're late," Olivia hisses. "Sorry," Olivia bashfully waves before dragging her friends up Fifth-avenue. "I swear do you two always have to think about the next time your man's going to nut you."
Ferralynn and Sabrina double over in laughter. They love getting a rise out of their dearest and closest friend. Lauren hangs on to Olivia to stop herself from falling down.
Fitz spins observing her walk away. She stops dead in her tracks as his eyes seek her out locating her in the crowd. She faces him sensing his eyes. Whomever is in this vehicle she obviously has gotten their attention. It's unnerving yet makes her mind wonder who it could be.
"BYE MISTER," Olivia yells waving then blows a kiss at Fitz's car. Her three friends join in blowing Fitz's car a kiss. She giggles with her friends as she disappears into the crowd.
His gaze is unwavering until George must move their car. "Mr. Grant do you want me to go around the block and make another pass."
Fitz eyes George in the mirror. "No. We don't have time and why would I want you to do that." His driver, friend, and long-time confidant narrows his gaze. "I am already late. George I'm not interested."
"If you say so," George smirks.
/
Don't Have A Type…
"Can you please get me to the Gatsby Theatre please?" The car turns the corner. He mutters, "It's not like I'll ever see her again anyway."
"As you wish Mr. Grant," George replies driving him to the theatre. He stops the SUV ten minutes later in front of the black stage gate. Fitz is let out of the car passing through gate quickly. He's inside the theatre, greets some of the company before heading to his dressing room.
He's changes into his first suit, before heading out towards the stage. It is thirty minutes to show time. It is here he's met by fellow co-stars Phillip Hughes who plays Peter Finch, and Stella DeRusso, his love interest for Newsreel.
"You running late today Fitz," Phillip questions glancing down at his watch.
"A little. Got stuck in some traffic," he smiles. "You know the traffic is always heavy and a pain in the ass."
He grins when Stella comes for a hug. She's thin, 5'6', shoulder length dirty blond hair, with green eyes. A veteran Broadway actress lending her talents in other plays and musicals before Newsreel. Earlier in her career she appeared on television and enjoyed it. She had various guess appearing roles and a few jobs where she was a serious regular.
However one day an offer arose bringing her to New York City. A play right was adapting a movie to Broadway. She was a fan of the movie and leaped at the chance to be on Broadway. It's where she's been since.
"Hey," Fitz utters giving Stella a quick side hug. She lingers in his arms for a few extra seconds, enjoying the feel of him next to her and his arms around her small frame. She has had a thing for Fitz since before they got cast together in Newsreel.
She was thrilled to learn at the first reading they'd have a kissing scene which lead to a hot sex scene. They discuss the scene before every performance. Fitz always the gentlemen ensuring nothing he's done in past performances has upset her. He never has gotten aroused. She hopes he has feelings for her and just not acting on them.
"Hey," Stella greets Fitz. He releases her much to her chagrin. She notices a slight change within him. There's a lightness about him. It's in his eyes. "You all right?"
"Perfect," Fitz sighs squeezing Charity's hand walking backstage. "Do we need change anything with our kiss or love scene Stella?"
Stella thinks for a moment. Phillip smirks aware of her "thing" for Fitz. "Um…maybe we kiss more outside. Then after I push you in the chair you run you hand up my dress to my thigh. Then you lift my hips as I ride you in the chair. The director says he wants us to increase the passion."
"Really," Fitz questions Phillip chuckles doing his best to keep his thoughts to himself. "Does he want me to scream louder when you're riding me in the chair? I think I get my ears red."
"He didn't say but I don't have a problem with it," Charity sashays to Fitz fiddling with his tie. "He wants the audience to believe we're both coming. That I'm not using you just to get my rocks off. We want to make the first few rows have to look away because we getting it on so good." Phillip notices Stella's flushed cheeks and pink in her ears.
"It's still previews so why not. I'll check with our director and if he's cool with it we'll try it." Fitz smiles as Stella saunters to her make up chair with an extra sway in her hips. Phillip shakes his head. "What," he calls out to Phillip not paying her the attention.
"I don't get how you don't see it," he gaffs still not understanding why Fitz has not pursued her. "Like are you blind?"
"See what?"
"On come on," he hisses. Fitz stares at him. "She has the hots for you Fitz," Phillip chastises. The irritation in his voice is evident. "Each love scene she wants to do more."
Fitz scoffs. "Come on Phil you're crazy. We have to pretend to have sex in front of an audience. She's just fully in character. You are reading into this way too much. Stella and I are only co-stars. I don't have those kind of feelings towards her. We're just colleagues. Only."
"Yes I know but does she," Phillip eyes Fitz. Fitz's hands go into his pockets. "I'm not blind. I see how she looks at you." Fitz releases an exasperated sigh. "She more than just likes working with you Fitz. When this is over, ask her out."
"I don't have those feelings for her Phillip. Why would I lead her on? She's not my type," Fitz utters. An alluring, wistful smile appears on his face thinking of the Lady in Red from Fifth Avenue he found himself mesmerized with on the way to the theatre. He memorized every tiny detail from that encounter, stirring emotions within he didn't think existed.
"But there is type," Phillip counters noting the aloft look in Fitz's eyes. Fitz is lost in his memories of her. He's totally zoned out. "And I'd wager you've met her already."
"Met who," Fitz questions as he walks to his make-up chair unaware of the change in him.
"The woman who just gave you're the dreamiest look on your face I've never seen," Fitz side eyes him before his make-up artist arrives. "This incredible woman must have given you serious heart palpitations and be awfully special to do this to you."
"You're nuts," Fitz deadpans wanting to drop this conversation. He's known Phillip a long time, not just from Newsreel. They not just actors working together, they're friends.
"Am I," Phillip counters. "Then why do you have boner?" Fitz covers his lap quickly with a towel not wanting anyone to see his problem. "Wow if only her memory does this, I wonder if you saw her again what would happen."
"Stop it," Fitz grouses willing himself to calm down. He rubs his crotch hoping to elevate the problem. He didn't even realize it. It's like he's in high school all over again.
"Maybe she'll be here tonight." Fitz heart quickens but calms knowing it's not possible.
"Don't bet on it. She's probably married or has a boyfriend. No one that breathtakingly gorgeous is single on Valentine's Day Phillip," Fitz voices with conviction and a hint of sadness in his tone. A smug smirk appears on Phillip's face. "Ah Fuck."
"So there is a she," Phillip chastises. His curiosity is spiked.
Stella and their make-up artists stroll towards them. "I want details after the show" Phillip winks as they get prepped. The two hour performance passes quickly. Their director meets with the company to remind them even though they have been sold out in previews, their opening night is in two weeks – February 28th.
Fitz is handed opening night tickets for close friends and family. All of them are taken accept one. The director stops Fitz on the way out. He loved his performance but he feels his still missing that spark. He's not concerned but ensures Fitz it will happen when the time is right.
In his dressing room gathering his things Phillip comes by itching for information on the mystery woman. Phillip won't allow him out the room until he spills the beans. Fitz relents but only tells what he can, her beauty, and how her eyes left him powerless. He says nothing of the conversation he overhead with her friends just outside his car.
"Did you get her name?"
"No Phil. I didn't," Fitz sighs slipping into his jacket. "I'll never see her again so it's no big deal." He walks to his door to leave but Phillip blocks his path. "What?"
"Go back there tonight?"
"What? Where?" Phillip's arms cross in defiance. "Fifth Avenue."
"Yes. Seriously Fitz Go. Back. There," Phillip urges. He huffs defiantly walking to his jacket. "To Rockefeller Center. Maybe you'll bump into her."
Fitz whips to face him. "I can't just wait out on the street like some love stuck teenager. For fuck sake's I'm turning 40 in May. How do I know she wasn't a tourist just passing through?" His long-time friend and co-star releases a labored sigh. "She's much younger than me, in her early 20's. I'm an old fart compared to her."
"Chicken!"
"I am not…," he snips.
"Bok. Bok. Bok. Bok," Phillip clucks waving his arms like a dying chicken.
"Cut the shit," Fitz hisses throwing a jacket towards his friend. Phillip begins to laugh. "I'm not going. The fans will probably bother me and want selfies."
"So," he deadpans. "Just go and take it all in stride. Why don't you finally go up to Top of the Rock," he suggests. "The view is beautiful and just maybe the view alone will help clear your head. Grab a hot chocolate on your way. You never know you could find her."
"What do you think she'll just be up there waiting for the man in the SUV from this afternoon who couldn't take his eyes off her," he snips indignantly. Phillip eyes raise at his admission. He's known Fitz a long time and he's never heart him utter these words before.
"Couldn't take your eyes off her huh," he jabs with an eye wink.
Fitz paces in circles. This mysterious woman has possessed his very soul. Fitz eyes snap in Philip's direction. He's grinning rather smugly. "WHAT!" She's been in his mind since he left fifth avenue.
"You need to go back there," Phillip insists.
He exhales deeply. "The chances of me seeing her again are slim to none. Hell Phillip she couldn't even see me. And if she did, and is a fan, she'll be like all the others. I'm in no mood especially because of today," Fitz grumbles growing frustrated. "You know I hate Valentine's Day."
"Suit yourself but I'd go if I were you because the way I see it you're at crossroad." Fitz eyes narrow. "You saw an incredible woman today who turned your world upside down. Now you can go there and try to meet her or let her go. But think on this, what if SHE IS YOUR ONE."
"Stop," Fitz pleads walking to the opposite side of the room. He feels his blood pressure rising.
"I don't think so. For once in your life, stop thinking with your head," he points, "and follow your heart. This woman has been in your mind since you got here. Even when you were in character on stage." Fitz gulps. "You forget how well I know you Fitz Grant. I think it's worth a shot. Hell SHE is worth a shot. Trust your gut and go."
Phillip winks and heads out for the night.
Fitz sits for a few minutes absorbing Phillip's words. He steps out of his dressing room. On his way out he's stopped by Stella. "Got any Valentine's Day plans tonight? Any lucky lady waiting for you at home?"
"No just Rogue," her eyes narrow. "My Siberian husky." He rescued her after he was done filming his TV show in Los Angeles from a Siberian husky league. At the time she was six months old. Now she's fifteen months old. He's grateful for George who walks her if he can't, and his close friend Henry who lives in his building.
She glances at her watch. It's almost five. "Oh. Can I temp you into dinner, maybe a drink. I hate for you to be alone on Valentine's Day." Fitz gulps swearing she's asking him out. "It's not a date. Just me wanting to give you a home cooked meal."
Fitz sees her struggling hiding her feelings from him. He's never noticed it until now. Maybe it's just because it's February 14th and love is in the air. "Stel," he begins. "I CAN cook, quite well. I definitely can hold my own in the kitchen. I appreciate it and thank you for the offer. I'll be fine."
"You sure," she steps towards him pleading he'll reconsider.
"Positive. I'll see you tomorrow," he gives her a quick hug hoping he's not reading too much into this and letting her down easy. He's not interested. "Happy Valentine's Day Stella."
"You too Fitz," Stella responds wondering what she can do to get him to make a move on her and their relationship. He slips into his SUV heading home to his apartment on the East Side of Manhattan. Rogue greets him and George at the door. "Hey darling," he coos just as she jumps up for attention.
"Will you need my services the rest of the evening Mr. Grant," George questions observing Fitz walk into kitchen to prepare himself dinner.
"Actually yes," Fitz explains with George struggling keeping a straight Face. "George?"
"I'll see you in two hours Sir," he responds leaving Fitz to finish preparing dinner. His meal is fairly simple not wanting to overdue do it. He's eating by 6. Fitz tidy's up his mess then precisely at 7pm George arrives. They head out the door to their destination.
Over thirty minutes later because of heavy traffic, George parks their car in the underground garage at Rockefeller Center. Fitz sighs deeply before getting out of the car to walk to a special elevator for celebrities. When he enters the main floor, guards escort him through the downstairs lobby where he passes the shops.
He stops for photos and autographs with fans on the way. He passes a hot chocolate store. He stops purchasing one with heavy whipped cream. He leaves a generous tip, before heading to the elevator.
The ride takes less than a minute before he reaches the top. He steps outside into the cold night air. "Holy Hell," Fitz grouses tugging is jacket closer as the wind whips through him and his down jacket.
"It's February Sir," George teases remaining stoic keeping his poker face. He's not use to New York City and these temperatures.
"Yes Georgie," Fitz hisses as another gust nearly shoves him backwards. Fitz's eyes open once wind's strength lessens. The skyline is quiet beautiful. "Come on let's take in this specular city. The air is so clear you can nearly see The Statue of Liberty."
"Lead the way Mr. Grant," George replies following Fitz around the Top of the rock. George steps off to the side as fan tentatively approach Fitz for selfies and to speak to him. Fitz takes it all in stride engaging in conversation with whomever walks over to him. After some time he's left alone to enjoy the view.
He stops to gaze out into the cold night air. In front of him in the Empire State Building. Behind him the One World Observatory. He makes a mental note to one day head over too "See Forever" as the new tower is known for. He's heard nothing but fantastic things. Behind it, just off to the right, a small light is scene from the Statue of Liberty.
He sighs deeply sipping his hot chocolate taking it all in. He'll definitely thank Phillip. This was certainly worth the trip. He mind travels back to the Lady in Red he lost all thought in earlier. He cannot explain it, not even try but she will not leave his inner most thoughts. Fitz hopes she's happy with whomever she's spending tonight with.
"There is no way she's alone like me," he thinks to himself.
He sips his cocoa then turns around to leave. At that exact moment someone slips and fall into his arms knocking him into the wall behind him and sending his hot cocoa all over his puffer jacket. He's not upset, just stunned. The wind literally was knocked out of him.
"Shit," he hears a timid voice whisper. "I'm so sorry."
"No worries," he utters opening his eyes noting the person is still in his arms. He gasps when his eyes see the red coat with white fur. "It can't be," he creaks only a voice he can hear.
"Can't be what Mister," the woman lift her eyes meeting Fitz's. "Are you all right?"
A massive gust of wind passes through him jolting him into her. It's so powerful she's nearly forced out of his arms. Her hair bounces free of the hood blowing in every direction. He clings to her desperately not wanting her to disappear.
"This can't be happening," Fitz speaks in his mind staring into the sparkling pools of dark cognac with hints of honey, amber and gold shimmering in the light. She peers into Fitz's blue eyes, beholding him as if he's just a man holding her not a famous celebrity.
The Lady in Red only sees Fitz the man not the actor.
He's normal.
Just a guy holding a girl.
He's waited so long for this.
It's real. She's is…stunning. He's lost in her.
"Did I hurt you," she questions meekly regarding Fitz's welfare. "Are you injured?"
"You're beautiful," he coos unable to stop himself. Her breath hitches unprepared for his response. Her orbs turn from amber to of a doe, vulnerable, and sweet. She blushes noting the softness and love in his tone. She buries her face into her scarf shielding her face from his penetrating gaze.
"I found you," he musters barely audible to the Lady in Red. His lips curl into a gentle but assuring smile. She's light headed until the rhythm of his heart syncs with her own. His hands draw her closer molding her just right against his frame. He cannot seem to release her.
She's so right – perfectly made only for Fitz.
His gloved hand lifts from her back to cradle her cheek. Quick breathes leave her lungs as their eyes never leave the others. She drawn to him just as much as he is to her. She shivers as her mind recalls this feeling from earlier in the day.
"Can't be," she tells herself.
Mindful of the turmoil in her eyes in deep baritone voice Fitz utters, "Hi."
"Um…Hi…,"
/
TBC…(Pinky promises – maybe)
Well what you all think of the "New Me's?" I hope it meant you expectations and left you hankering for more.
Fitz on Broadway in New York City. Meeting his Lady in Red – Livy.
My goal is to challenge myself and write this as differently as possible. Still going to be true to myself but with a new outlook and twist on things. Like I've been told, you can still be new and true to you.
If you would like Chapter 2 please drop those #CandyHearts. I for one would like to know how the rest of Fitz's (& Olivia's) Valentine's Day turns out, wouldn't you?
Take care and thank you for reading…
Me's
