Chapter 2

She had picked herself up and gone about her life. It was not easy but she had done it. Crying until she was sure there was not a drop of water in her body, she mourned him. Every time she closed her eyes she saw him. If she just happened to turn on the television there he was. He was in every magazine she dared to read. She could not escape him. But she wanted to, how she wanted to. He had lulled her in and she honestly believed he loved her. She had been so sure of herself the day she gave Edison his ring back. Fitzgerald Grant was her future. The fact that he was married with children was immaterial. They were going to be together.

So she had gone to Verna's funeral and instead of being sad she was gleeful. She was so happy and in love with him. They had been together for about ten months and they had been wonderful. They were all stolen moments but she had cherished them. She was thinking of those stolen moments when she had approached him with her heart on her sleeve. He had turned around and burst her bubble. He was done with her because she had lied to him and conspired with his enemies. She still hurt inside but she had learned a valuable lesson. No one was to be trusted, eventually they will leave you, and she knew that from experience. She had let her guard down for a minute and this was the result. Never again would she fall in love and have her heart stomped on, never!

She buried herself in her work. She welcomed all the clients they had coming in. This was the nation's capital and bad things were happening hourly. And her job was to eradicate bad things for mostly bad people. But not all her clients were bad people some of them were good people involved in bad situations. They all came to Olivia Pope Associates because only she could help them. She was good at what she did; in fact she was the best. She was a "fixer" for them all. But she could not fix herself and she could not fix them. So they were over and she was moving on.

Her latest case needed some recon work done and she planned to do the job herself. It would be good for her. The trip to California would be good for her. She could relax and concentrate on something other than her failed relationship. Of course she had known it would fail. Who in the hell enters a relationship with a married man with children and he just happens to be the President of the United States? Every time she thought about her folly she could kick herself in the ass. Every single time she wanted to. Right now she wanted to kick herself.

She sat in first class sipping on airplane wine, yes it was mediocre, but she loved wine. And it was the best they had. She also had her own popcorn. She had popped it herself and plopped it in her purse. She had to bear the mediocre wine but she would be damned if she would eat second class popcorn. Old Orville had perfected popcorn and she did not eat anyone else's. Even cold it was delicious.

She closed her eyes and flashed back to the last time she had been on a plane to California. The last time she had done this she was on her way to Santa Barbara. His father had died and he had asked her to come to the funeral. He wanted her there he had said. So she had accepted the ticket he sent her and flew out to him. There affair was brand new and she wanted to please him, she loved him. She was hesitant after all Mellie and his children would be there. Fitz had the tendency to sometimes stare at her just a minute too long and she worried that someone may sense they were involved. But so far they had not been detected. Their affair was in full swing and she had gloried in it.

Cyrus had picked her up. She had asked what hotel chain she would be staying in; of course she knew Fitz would have her stay in the best the city had to offer. "Olivia the Governor has you staying at the compound he has some things he wants to clear up after the funeral and he doesn't want to have to go into town. He hopes you will not mind. The place is huge Olivia they rooms and suites everywhere. You will be fine," he had said.

She had not questioned it because she knew he needed her. Fitz had a troubled relationship with his father and she had often kept them from butting heads. And then he had died while they were on the campaign trail. Fitz and his father had a love-hate relationship. She recognized it from the failed relationship she had with her father. Fitz however refused to admit that any love existed between him and his father. He despised the man. But he had called her to his side and she had come, because she loved him.

As she and Cyrus rode up the winding hills to his childhood home she was amazed at the beauty she saw. He had roamed these hills as a child. His formative years were lived in the extraordinary house they were approaching. It was indeed huge. There were what, smaller houses surrounding the main house? The grounds were immaculately kept. It was a sight to behold. The man she loved had become the man he was after growing up here. It was daunting to consider. Well he had called and she had come. What else could she have done? She was deeply in love with the him.

They stepped into the foyer and her mouth dropped to the floor. This was the home of someone that had a lot of money. Everything one saw in that foyer spoke to that. This was the home of someone that was rich and famous. She thought to herself, "Girl you are out of your league."

Mellie greeted her. "Welcome to our home Olivia." The usual pleasantries were exchanged. She thanked her for coming. Fitz was not doing well she had said. Mellie was glad he wanted to jump right back into the campaign. The upcoming election should be his main focus. She was leaving here right after the funeral to continue on her three day sprint across the mid-west attempting to rev up votes. "Leave it to Big Jerry to die at an inconvenient time." she had said.

Olivia was taken aback by the statement, but not at all surprised. Mellie Grant was interested in only one thing at the moment; not consoling her husband, not her children or anything else but getting here ass to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It left a bad taste in Olivia's mouth. Mellie was not the woman she would have thought Fitz would have chosen for a wife and she had not been. She was Big Jerry's choice.

And now here she stood saying the man's death was an inconvenience. The woman was a piece of work. But that was none of her affair. Her affair was with her husband. She was not proud of what she had done. It pained her sometimes but not today. He had needed her here. She smiled sensing his presence.

His voice was like a balm to her soul. She had missed him. "Olivia I want to thank-you so much for coming here. This is a very trying time. But we must be diligent in what we are trying to accomplish. I have some very interesting avenues I want to travel following my father's death and quite frankly I need your valuable opinion. You have been the glue that galvanized this campaign and I would not think of making a move without your input. So with most of the team here for the funeral I wanted to strategize."

"Again Governor and Mrs. Grant I am deeply sorry for you loss but I can see your point. It is not a problem, I realize it is not the best timing but these things never are. You have hired me for a reason Governor and I intent to finalize all of your goals. You are going to Washington sir, never doubt it."

Mellie chimed in. "Thank you so much Olivia. I appreciate it so much and Fitz he really relies on your expertise. Cyrus thanks for picking her up. Olivia make yourself at home. I have to get ready for the event. See you there." Event! With that salvo she exited the room.

Cyrus finally spoke up. "Guys I am going to get me some breakfast. Do you two want to join me? I am so hungry. Cook had some wonderful stuff going on in the kitchen when I left to pick you up. I can't wait to dive into it. Are you hungry Liv?"

"No Cyrus I am not hungry, thank-you. Actually I would just like to get to my room. I was working for most of the flight. What time is the funeral? Maybe I could get a light nap in."

Fitz walked up to her then and said. "Olivia forgive my manners. You are tired and jetlagged no doubt. Let me show you to your suite. Cyrus help yourself, I may join you later." He picked up her bags and started walking down a long hallway. "Come with me Olivia."

She followed him down the corridor for what seemed like a city block and they got into an elevator. No sooner than the door closed he had pulled her into his arms. "Livvie you came to me, thank-you," he whispered.