A/N: Just wanted to say Thank You to all of you for reviewing, following, and favoriting this story. I thought it would be fun do a light-hearted story in spite of all the drama that is Scandal haha.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Borrowed some quotes from the show and the movie because they are just too good. :)
Later that day across town at Beene Advertising….
Taking a break from running through strategies with Jake and Tom, up and coming political advertising executive Fitzgerald Thomas Grant the Third grabs the ball off his desk and aims for the small hoop on the back of his office door.
Jake begins to commentate the play-by-play, "He shoots. He scores. And the crowd goes wild!" Fitz laughs and high-fives his friends.
Catching a glimpse of the scene unfolding in front of him, Cyrus Beene shakes his head enthusiastically and says, "I swear I must run a sausage factory."
"Really, Cy? What does that make us…sausage?"
"Yes, actually. Handsome, highly qualified, idealistic, and energetic sausage."
"Thanks for your vote of confidence," Fitz yells out as Cyrus continues on to his office.
Turning back to Jake and Tom, Fitz says, "See I told you guys he loves us. Now let's get back to business. Did you guys know that politicians like Governor Nichols are a dime in a dozen? He has the potential to achieve greatness. Running the advertising account for his campaign could be the national exposure that we need."
Jake gives Tom a sideways glance, "Are you going to tell him or should I?"
"Tell me what?" Silence. "Tom?" Fitz questions.
"Cyrus, he gave the Nichols campaign to Mellie and Amanda. They are meeting in a few minutes to seal the deal."
Fitz groans and slams his left hand on the desk, "This is not happening. This is my baby. There is no way in God's green earth that I am not going to let lips and hips head this campaign."
A few moments later Fitz bursts through the doors to Cyrus's office. "Cyrus. Ladies," he says as he crosses his arms.
"Fitz," the three respond simultaneously.
"Let's skip the formalities here. I know you are giving them account for the Nichols campaign and I want to know why."
Before Cyrus can explain Amanda speaks, "Look, Fitz. Governor Nichols is being portrayed as cold and unloving towards his wife in his opponent's advertisements. We need to turn this image around. It doesn't help that him and his wife look like they wouldn't want to touch each other even with a ten foot pole. We just need the advertisements to tell their love story, which will help in all demographics. As women we feel we have more perspective to run an advertisement depicting love than the male persuasion."
"Please. Ladies, do not underestimate me. I am more than just a golden boy with a head of spectacular hair. I like women. I respect women. I know all about l-o-v-e and I am certainly more than capable of handling advertisements illustrating our client on that front. "
Amanda scoffs, "What could you possibly know about love? Have you ever been in love?"
"People. People. Calm down. I'll tell you what, Fitz, since you are so invested in this, let's up the stakes and make it personal. As you know the agency is hosting a fundraiser dinner for Governor Andrew Nichols campaign in 10 days. If you can get a woman to fall in love with you I will let you head all future advertising for his campaign. If not, it goes to Mellie & Amanda and you will be back to posting flyers for the Mayor of Small Town USA."
Mellie, who has been silent for most of the exchange interrupts, "One condition, Cyrus. We get to pick the woman."
"Dream on, Mellie," Fitz states incredulously.
"Do you want the deal or not, Fitz?"
"I think it is quite fair," Cyrus offers up.
"Fine. It's decided. But mark my words. I would, I will, I'm going to get any woman to fall in love with me," Fitz says confidently.
"Well then we will see you tonight for drinks at The Capitol Lounge," Mellie states concisely.
The Capitol Lounge is unusually crowded for a Monday evening. Waiting for their drinks in the corner booth Olivia, Abby, and Quinn scan the sea of faces for Olivia's "How To" guy.
"So ladies, Olivia begins, "once we find this poor, unfortunate soul what are some of the classic mistakes I can make to drive him away?"
Abby answers, "Well, for starters you can be clingy, needy, and touchy-feely,"
"Yes, guys hate that," Quinn agrees.
Taking their ideas into consideration Olivia checks the time on her phone again, "OK, we have waited long enough. I'm going to check on our drinks. I'll be right back."
On the other side of the bar Fitz, Jake, Tom, Mellie, and Amanda make the rounds and search for Fitz's potential love interest.
Suddenly Mellie pulls Amanda aside. "Look! It's her. That Olivia Pope woman from 'Scandal' Magazine. When we saw her this morning didn't her boss say she is working on some type of article on How To Lose A Guy In 10 days?"
The wheels start turning in Amanda's mind and she exclaims mischievously, "Mellie that is perfect."
Returning to the group Mellie says, "Fitz, how about her? The petite knockout in the black and white cocktail dress standing at the bar."
Fitz turns on his heels and for a moment time stands still. She is extraordinarily beautiful and the idea of spending only ten days with her could never be enough. Without saying a word he weaves his way through the crowd over to Olivia.
"We will take that as a yes," Mellie and Amanda laugh.
"Hi."
"Hi."
"Olivia Pope."
"Fitz Grant."
"Cute.
"Thank you."
"I meant your name. Cocky are we?"
"Confident. Not cocky."
"If that's what you want to call it."
"Single?"
"Currently."
"Likewise."
"Shocking."
"Psycho?"
"Depends on who you ask. Are you interested?"
"Possibly."
"Hungry?"
"Starving."
"Leaving."
"Now."
"I just need to tell my friends I'm leaving in case you really do turn out to be a psycho. Just a warning, I know a guy."
"You know a guy?"
"Yes and they would never find your body."
Fitz throws his head back laughing and then puts his hand on the small of her back, "Lead the way."
At Gettysburger Diner….
"So tell me about yourself, Fitz."
" Well, I'm in political advertising. I work mostly with small scale politicians but I'm trying to break into the big leagues right now."
"Saving the world one dirty politician at a time?"
Smirking Fitz asks, "What about you?"
"What about me?" Oliva counters coyly
"Have I seen your work?"
"Perhaps. I work as a columnist for 'Scandal Magazine'."
Fitz answers knowingly, "Only the fastest growing women's "Bible" in the country. I'm impressed. Saving the world one domestic diva at a time, huh?"
Outside Olivia's apartment….
"Do you want me to come up with you?"
"Well that would be quite inappropriate, Mr. Grant."
"Then let's be inappropriate Ms. Pope".
"Ha. You're shameless. You would be lucky to have me."
"You're right. I would be lucky. Goodnight Olivia."
"Goodnight Fitz."
Straddling his motorcycle Fitz stares at her as she makes her way up the stairs and says to himself, "Oh Olivia, you have already fallen for the 'Grant Charm'. These next ten days will be a walk in the park."
Turning around a final time to wave Olivia smiles deviously, "Oh Fitz, you have no idea what you are in for."