AN: I'm back again and I still do not own Scandal or these characters... I was honestly floored by how many people actually enjoyed the story and are looking forward to more. I appreciate all the constructive criticism, and because it was so motivating I revamped this chapter and I'm posting it much sooner than originally planned. To some of the reviewers:

realread: sorry for the lack of dialogue in ch 1, but I really wanted to give background. I think I made up for it in this chapter.

reema: I did specify OLITZ IS ENDGAME, but I want to attempt to portray things realistically not just they meet, they fall in love and live happily ever after. Just stick with me and hopefully you won't be disappointed.

Guests: Unfortunately Edison will be around for a few more chapters just for the sake of the story line, but believe me he will be long gone soon and very soon.

I won't be posting this often bc I'm studying for a big test and have a full time job, but I will try to stick to at least twice a week.

Here it is! Enjoy & review...and tell ya friends!

Chapter 2

When Olivia awoke the next morning she turned over to find that her husband's side of the bed was still empty and cold. Apparently Edison had never returned to their bed after his 4am call. She considered calling him to make sure everything was ok but thought better of it. She got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to complete her morning routine.

She noticed the nausea she had been experiencing the past few days was very present this morning but as she had done every other day, she ignored it. As Olivia searched her closet for one of her favorite sundresses, she began feeling very dizzy, but tried her best to ignore that as well as the nausea that had yet to subside. She reached for her shoes on one of the top shelves of her closet and the dizziness worsened and she began to feel faint.

Olivia had no idea what was going on with her, but she took a seat on the floor of her closet as quickly as she could and realized she was sweating profusely. The walls seemed to be closing in on her as she sat in the closet and her head felt like it was spinning. After a few minutes, the feeling slowly began to dissipate and she was able to stand up, shower, and dress to meet Abby in time for lunch.

On her way to meet Abby, Olivia decided she would give Edison a call to check in with him. She decided against mentioning her bout of dizziness in the closet, considering their argument last night. She didn't think there was any possibility of her being pregnant but knew the minute she mentioned nausea Edison would flip out. She called Abby to let her know she was on her way and by the time she was pulling out onto the highway she was dialing Edison. After 3 rings, she doubted he would answer, but he did just before she had the opportunity to hang up.

"Yes, Olivia?"

"Hey baby, how's your day going so far? I miss you."

"It's going fine, Olivia. I'm busy was there something you needed?" he said impatiently.

"No, I didn't need anything. I just wanted to make sure everything was ok, you didn't come back to bed last night."

"Everything's fine," he responded dryly.

"Baby, I hope you aren't still upset about last night. I'm sorry I mentioned anything at all. I mean I don't want us arguing about having a baby anymore. I understand how you feel now, I just want you to know that…" she said before being cut-off by Edison

"Olivia, I have to go, you will have to save this half-assed apology for another time," he said before abruptly hanging up without so much as a goodbye.

Olivia sighed and pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant hoping Abby hadn't made it yet. It would give her a few minutes to pull herself together from that disaster of a conversation she'd just attempted to have with her husband. I really don't know how much more of this I can take. Something has to give. For the last three months every conversation she tried to have with Edison would end either with him yelling, or he would dismiss the entire conversation. Olivia was tired of arguing about starting a family, about everything she did wrong, and she was most definitely tired of feeling like a worthless object to her husband.

Olivia sat silently in her car for about 5 minutes when Abby called to let her know she had arrived at the restaurant. Olivia suggested they sit out on the patio dining area since it was a pretty, breezy day out and she thought the fresh air would possibly help her relax a little. The waiter came to take their drink orders—Abby ordered a martini, while Liv chose a glass of Bordeaux.

"Liv are you sure you want to order wine? You don't look like you're feeling very well."

Damn, how does she know me so well? "Abby what are you talking about? I feel just fine, but thanks for letting me know I look a mess. I'll work harder to impress my date next time," she joked, looking her red-headed friend directly in the eye knowing that if she didn't Abby would see right through her façade.

"Oh whatever Liv, but seriously are you sure everything's ok? I mean I know work has been hectic lately but you shouldn't stress about it. We have the interviews for the receptionist next week so that should help us out a lot."

"Yeah Abbs, I'm sure everything is fine, and I really can't wait until we can hire a receptionist," she paused to smile and thank the waiter who had just returned with their drinks before directing her attention back to Abby. "So, tell me what's been going on with you? It seems all we have time to talk about lately is work. How are things with Stephen?"

"Things are going really well Liv," she said blushing and displaying one of the brightest smiles Olivia had witnessed her best friend wear in all the years they had known each other. "He's such a gentleman, he's thoughtful, he's kind, and I swear, with the way he kisses it will only be a matter of time before I grant him full permission to knock my socks off. "

"Abigail!"

"What Liv? Loosen up a little. You mean to tell me after 5 years of marriage you're shy about me referring to the mind-blowing sex I intend to have with a man you introduced to me? Seriously?" she laughed.

"It would be great to not have that visual. I've had enough nausea for one day. Besides, if you and Stephen are…"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Nausea you say? Please, elaborate. Is there a little Davis bun in the oven that you're neglecting to tell me about?" Abby said smiling, and never noticing the shift in Olivia's mood.

"Abby I'm not pregnant," Olivia responded dryly.

"But how do you know that? Did you even take a test? You've always wanted children and I know you guys have been trying. You said you had nausea, is that all? I've noticed you looking queasy at different times throughout the day for at least the last week, but I wanted you to say something. You have to take a test! This is so exciting! I mean should you even be drinking this? I told you not to order this damn wine. What the hell is wrong with you? You are going to bring my God-child into the world with grapes in the place of his or her eyes, so NO MORE DRINKING. I mean really Liv this could be…."

"Abby slow down and take a breath, please. I'm not pregnant. I know I told you we were trying, but I think…..I think we're putting things on hold. I'm not pregnant," she repeated to test her own reaction to her reality than her friend's.

She looked up to find Abby looking at her knowingly and decided it was time to say something before her friend read too far into the conversation and she had to divulge more information than she was comfortable sharing.

"I mean Edison is getting this promotion soon with the company and things are hectic for you and me at the office right now so we just decided that maybe we will hold off on trying …for a while….until some things settle down," she lied.

"Olivia, something is going on that you aren't telling me."

"Abbs really, it's nothing more than that. I was kind of bummed about it, but it's for the best right now," she said trying more to convince herself than her friend.

The waiter returned to take their lunch orders. Abby ordered grilled chicken and Liv ordered a seared tuna salad choosing something a little lighter since she really wasn't feeling all that great. No sooner than the waiter stepped away did Abby pick up right where she'd left off.

"You could still be pregnant, you know, even if you aren't actively trying. Well unless you two are using condoms, which I know you aren't, and you stopped taking your birth control 7 months ago. You could still be pregnant. I mean, unless he pulls out every time, but who does that? Everyone knows that doesn't work anyway," Abby continued rambling.

"I know, but I'm not pregnant," she said not looking Abby in the eye and hoping she would just let this conversation go. This entire conversation was embarrassing and she could feel a new wave of nausea coming over her and realized she was sweating again.

"Ok that's enough. Don't insult me or our friendship by telling me nothing is going on. If you don't want to talk about it, fine, but say that. Liv, I'm here for you. You know how we do this—no judgment. Whatever it is you can tell me," she said softly reaching across the table to touch her friends arm. "Liv, why are you sweating like that? Are you ok? Maybe we should let them seat us inside instead of out here" she said worried about her friend's appearance.

"No, I'm fine. I just need to go to the restroom," Olivia replied feeling a similar dizziness from this morning returning. "I'll be right back," she said as she excused herself, grabbed her purse and headed to the restroom.

"Fitz, you really need to rethink this. Your father is probably rolling over in his grave right now. There is no way we are going to keep the business of these multi-million dollar companies if you change the company name. They are going to think you are some young, fly-by-the-way boy who has no idea how to run a decent company, let alone represent them to the world. I swear I should have listened to James and retired when your father died and let you young people continue on in this company the way you saw fit, but no. I just couldn't leave you hanging and now I'm paying for it. So what are you going to do?" he sighed as he waived the waiter over for a refill on his glass of bourbon.

Fitz had stopped listening to everything Cyrus was saying about 10 minutes ago. He just wanted to eat his lunch in peace. He would rather not be spending the little time he had away from the office being lectured on the way his father had run the company and his expectations for how it should be run in the future.

"I'm changing the name Cy, and that's my final decision. You should really relax. These companies aren't going anywhere. Business has already increased 15 percent since I took over because they see how much we actually care now as opposed to when my father ran the company. Everything will be fine. You're going to give yourself a heart attack worrying so much."

"I don't think you fully understand the magnitude of the decision you are making. Grant Marketing has come a long way. Your father built this place from the ground up and for you to just change the name now just a year after he died could send the wrong message," Cyrus explained.

"The only message I'm trying to send is that we care. I refuse to allow my father's corruption and underhanded business decisions set a precedent for the way this company will run. I am in charge and I will change the name as soon as I can find a decent graphic designer to partner with. Hopefully I can convince them of a solid merger and they can contract full time with the company."

Cyrus went on into another rant and Fitz again allowed his attention to drift and that was when he saw her—the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in all his life. She was a goddess. Her skin reminded him of silky smooth caramel and her brown highlighted hair framed her face in soft curls that fell just past her shoulders. Even from the distance he sat, he could sense something was bothering her and couldn't help the overwhelming desire to make all her troubles disappear.

As she started in their direction he could see beautiful doe eyes the color of warm milk chocolate, but he witnessed sadness and pain in them and knew instantly that her eyes were the window into her soul. He studied her face and noticed her flawless high cheekbones and full lips. What I wouldn't give to see those eyes light up and those lips turn into the brightest of smiles.

He watched her walk toward the restrooms in a strapless sundress, white with large gold leaf designs and pockets on the sides, ending mere inches above her knees. His gaze dropped down her well-toned legs and stopped at her feet where he noticed she was wearing a pair of strappy black heels that matched the thin belt around her waist and increased her height significantly—without them he could only guess that she stood no taller than 5'4". He had to know who this woman was and more importantly what it was about her that had captured his full attention without her giving so much as a glance in his direction.

"Cyrus, excuse me for a minute. I need to go to the restroom," he said as he stood and walked briskly towards the restrooms. He couldn't have been more shocked at what he found as he rounded the corner.

Olivia walked as quickly as she could, but that faster she walked towards the bathroom the more she felt like the room was spinning and doubted she would make it to the restroom. She could feel the sweat dripping down her back as she rounded the corner and felt completely out of breath. She started gasping for air thinking she would pass out and before she knew it a strong pair of arms had wrapped around her.

"Hi, are you ok?" she heard a strong baritone voice say. She couldn't respond. She could only feel hot tears threatening to escape, so she just shook her head from side to side.

Fitz didn't know what possessed him to reach out to her, but she looked like she could have crumbled at any minute. When he'd rounded the corner she was shaking, sweating, and appeared to be struggling to breathe. He had never witnessed anyone have a panic attack before but he was almost positive that was what she was experiencing. He wasn't sure what to do but there was no way he would allow her to suffer alone, so he instinctively walked into the ladies' restroom with her still in his grasp and closed and locked the door.

"Hey, hey. What's your name?" he asked trying to grasp her attention.

"Olivia," she responded through her labored breathing.

"Olivia, I need to you to listen to me. Are you listening?" he asked and she nodded her head. "I need you to try to calm down. I'm going to help you sit and I'm going to go wet a paper towel to help you cool down, okay?" but when he went to release her, she wrapped her hands tightly around his shirt and refused to let go.

Fitz did the only thing he could naturally think to do; he picked her up and walked to the chairs set up in the corner. He sat, pulled Olivia into his lap, and began rubbing his hand up and down her back. He didn't know what else to do, but he would sit there all day holding her if it would help. "Everything is going to be fine," he said soothingly and continued rubbing her back and taking deep breaths for Olivia to mimic.

Olivia felt totally out of control of her body. When she came to realization of what was going on around her, she realized she was in the lap of a strange man, only he didn't feel strange. It was like her body fit perfectly in his. She didn't know who this man was, but to be in his arms at this moment and feel completely safe was comforting in a way that was difficult to explain.

Fitz noticed Olivia's breathing returning to normal and looked down as he felt her loosening her grip on his tear stained shirt—that was when he felt his heart drop. He noticed she was wearing a large wedding ring that had to be at least 4 carats. He tried making eye contact with her but she avoided his gaze.

"Olivia do you want me to step out and grab your husband for you? Or are you here alone?" He asked and immediately felt her tense at the mention of her husband. She sat up straight and nearly jumped from his lap.

"No. I'm fine. I'm so sorry," she said looking down.

"You have no need to apologize, but I really don't think you should be alone. I have someone waiting for me, and I would really prefer you not attempt to drive yourself home."

"I'm here with my friend and she can drive me home. I'm really sorry, but you shouldn't keep your company waiting," she stated feeling embarrassed about their current predicament.

"There is no need to apologize for something you could not control Olivia. I'm just glad I was here and able to help you. Let me at least help you…"

"No," she interrupted. "Thank you for everything but please, just go." Olivia said unsure of why this stranger was caring so much for her well-being. She was more disturbed that she liked the idea of being in his arms again and that she could have sat there for hours with him holding her. She needed space to gather her thoughts and she couldn't do that with him so near.

Fitz tried again to make eye contact with Olivia, but didn't want to pressure her after seeing the state she was in previously. So he reluctantly left the restroom checking to be sure she was okay one last time before returning to his table. He had been in her presence a mere five to ten minutes, and although she hadn't even looked him in the eye, he knew in that moment that he could spend eternity with her in his life and in his arms. If only she wasn't married.

Olivia touched up her makeup and hair as best she could and returned to the table just as Abby was finishing up a call. She didn't know how she would explain her appearance and really hoped Abby wouldn't ask too many questions. She had just watched the waiter bring their food to the table and hoped she could make it through the meal without having to endure an interrogation.

Lunch was going smoothly as she and Abby ate and brainstormed for a few of their upcoming projects including the interviews for a receptionist. Abby could tell Olivia was distracted and looked like she had been crying but decided not to pry—for now. Whatever it was, Olivia needed time to process it and she would give her the space to do so. Meanwhile, Olivia's mind was stuck on the man who had been so kind and so caring to her when he didn't know anything about her other than her name. She thought about the state of her marriage and how she could barely get Edison to look at her much less realize when she needed him.

Olivia was pulled from her thoughts by the feeling of two eyes effectively transcending the barriers she had placed around her personal life and staring straight into her soul. Abby was mentioning her phone call with Stephen and his suggestion that they go on a double date. As Olivia began to respond, she looked up from her friend and into the most mesmerizing set of ocean blue eyes. Her gaze locked with his and for a brief moment, time seemed to cease.

She could no longer sense any of the activity of the busy patio area of the bistro. She was in a trance and all she had seen were his eyes, but she knew it was him. She was certain this was the man from the restroom who had held her securely in his arms and soothed her as she felt her world shattering to pieces. She knew this was the man who in such a brief moment filled her with a feeling she couldn't explain but was more than sure she wanted to experience again. She was sure of it.

"Liv…Liv…. Liv…OLIVIA!"

"Huh? I mean yes? What, Abby?" she sighed exhausted from the day's events.

"Seriously Liv, whatever is distracting you, you don't have to talk about it, but you are taking a pregnancy test when we leave this restaurant."

Olivia had no idea where that request had come from—mainly because she hadn't heard a thing Abby said since she'd looked into the eyes of her mystery man. She broke her gaze from Abby in search of those eyes again, but when she looked up they were gone. She realized she didn't even know his name, but what she did know was she had never felt the safety and security she felt wrapped in his arms for those few minutes. She would give anything to feel comforted in his arms for just one more minute. If only she wasn't married.

"Okay," she answered.

Hope you enjoyed and spread the word. I love writing this!

Please review...thoughts on what happens now? Is Liv prego? Would you like to see the pregnancy test results first or a time jump? I have something planned but I want to hear from you all!

As always thanks for reading!