Hey everyone. I would like for you all to listen to the song Kissing You by Faith Evans as you read this chapter. It is from the Waiting To Exhale Soundtrack and it inspired this update. I hope you all enjoy.
"Liv what is taking so long? Everyone is waiting for us at the restaurant!"
After the kids had been put to bed, Karen by Liv and Jerry by Fitz, Abby had called and finally gotten through. After Fitz caught Abby up on how the children were doing and the events surrounding Mellie's departure, Liv entered the room.
"Ok, KareBear and JerryBean are asleep. Do you want to... I am so sorry Fitz, I didn't know you were on the phone." Liv said extremely embarrassed in the moment.
"It's ok Livvie. I'll be finished soon."
Meanwhile Abby who still on the phone is listening to the conversation while trying to figure out who "Livvie" is.
"Fitzgerald Grant! I know you don't have some random hussy in that house with my niece and nephew sleeping in the other room!" Abby spat not believing what she was hearing.
"Abby, Liv is a very good friend. We've known each other since kindergarten." Fitz said as he smiled at Liv who was taking a seat across from him.
"Oh, well, look, Quinn James and I are going out and decided to go to Mio Dolce Oooooohshit, it's the girl you named the restaurant after!" Abby said feeling slightly flustered in the moment.
"Yes Abby, she is. But she doesn't know about that particular one just yet."
"Well shit, we're on our way there now, me, Quinn, and James. Why don't you bring her with?"
"Abby, I have a feeling that 95% of the reason you are calling is because your drinks will be free if I come with."
"Well, maybe 75%. The other 25% wants to see you and meet the woman who this fine establishment is named after. Seeing as how it is the only one that is not called Little Italy. It is also the hottest, sexiest, yet classiest establishment you own. So, we'll see the two of you here in an hour ok, or we're coming to your house and I will not be sober when I get there."
"Fine Abby, we'll see you in an hour."
"Yassss!" Abby yelled into the phone before hanging up. Fitz smiled as his eyes locked on Liv.
"How quickly can you change? We're going out."
"Fitz, it's late. Besides,there are two kids upstairs. We can't just leave them."
"We can just leave them Liv, Marta, their nanny is here. Besides, a few of my friends want to meet you. I also have a little something I want to show you."
Two hours later, Liv and Fitz arrived at Mio Dolce Olivia which was the most exclusive restaurant in DC. The waiting list to dine there on a normal night had people calling two months in advance for reservations. The establishment was split into two sections, the restaurant and the night club. On the weekends, lines would wrap around the corner for people to gain access into the exclusive club. Liv looked up and the name hit her immediately.
"Fitz... Is this -"
"One of my restaurants? Yes, and he's it is named after you. There is the sweet, innocent, and charming restaurant side which as you can see is very pleasing to the eyes and does not disappoint when we guarantee to satisfy your taste buds. Then... Then there is the night club side. Sexy, elegant, alluring, sensual, and has the ability to bring anyone out of even the crappiest of moods. The complete package can only be found in one restaurant and one woman, which is why it's only right you share a name."
Liv sat in awe of the man who was sitting next to her. He always knew the right things to say and do to make her feel like she was the most important person in the world.
What kind of a coward was I to not follow my heart and go after you Fitz...
The sexual tension that filled the car wasn't lost on either of them. Fits cleared his throat as he took in Liv wearing a simple black bodycon dress with a pair of silver 4" heels. She wore platinum earrings and bracelets to set off the look. Just like his establishment, she looked so classy, yet Fitz knew men would be all over her a sigh, Fitz exited the car and handed the keys to the valet before opening Liv's door and helping her out.
Liv walked in awe of the people that were standing in line cheering and yelling Fitz's name. Word had spread around town that Fitz was back on the market, and Liv counted at least 12 numbers he had been given, all by women wearing too tight clothes and way too much makeup. Security finally noticed Fitz and Liv making their way towards the entrance and quickly escorted them inside.
Once they entered the building, Fitz walked up to Gino who quickly showed him to the VIP section he had reserved. He smiled as he saw everyone had already been escorted in and they were waiting for the duo to arrive.
"Oh my God! Fitz! Is this Olivia? Like the Olivia this place is named after?" James asked as he ran over to Liv and began gushing over the woman instantly.
"It is. Livvie, this is my business partner's, well you remember Cyrus don't you?"
"Of course I remember Cy as well as all of the migraines we used to give him." Liv said as she began reflecting on their times in college.
"Well, this is his fiancé, as well as my dear friend James Novak. Over there you have Abigail Whelan, and Quinn Perkins, also two very dear friends of mine." Fitz said as he pointed to each one respectively.
Liv waved to the woman and smiled politely as she saw Abby measuring her up. She silently prayed they weren't very fond of Mellie. Before Liv had a chance to speak, and Fitz had a chance to finish the introductions, Abby stood up and walked in Liv's direction.
"What are your thoughts on Millicent Grant?" Abby asked with a judgmental tone.
Liv cleared her throat nervously before responding. " I don't particularly care for Mellie, but she is Fitz's wife and the mother of my Godchildren so I have no choice but to respect her. Doesn't meant I don't want to shove my size 5 shoe up her ass right now." Liv said before quickly covering her mouth. She hadn't meant to say that much but there was something about Abby that made Liv feel ok with being completely honest. Liv watched a smile creep up on Abby's face and felt at ease.
"Fitzy, I like her. Welcome to the gang..."
"Olivia... Pope."
Just like that Abby's face dropped. "You're Olivia Pope? As in thee Olivia Pope, as in the most feared crisis manager in the entire world? The same one who just relocated to DC?"
Liv nodded as Abby became even more flustered standing in front of Liv.
"I'm supposed to be interviewing with you on Monday at your firm. I can't believe you are a FOF!"
"FOF?" Liv asked as she looked at Fitz.
"Friend of Fitz... Actually Abby, she is the best FOF as she has put up with my shit longer than anyone else." Fitz said as he escorted Liv to her seat. Fits sat next to her and ordered drinks for the ladies, and a bottle of his most expensive wine for Liv.
When the wine arrived, Liv looked at Fitz with her mouth wide open. "Fitz, this is a $1,800 bottle of wine!" Fitz leaned in so his lips were almost pressed against Liv's ear.
"Don't worry, I can afford it."
The five of them fell into an easy stride as everyone learned more about Liv and Fitz's friendship as well as more about Liv. Liv was on her third glass of wine when a tall man with gorgeous hazel eyes walked up to them and approached Liv.
"Hi gorgeous." The man said as he looked Liv up and down like she was Sunday dinner at grandmas.
"Hi." Liv replied back as she took in the man standing before her. He was gorgeous she had to admit, but she wasn't normally in the habit of dancing with strange men. Abby and Quinn glanced over at Fitz and was shocked to see his jaw clenched tightly.
"I didn't catch your name beautiful." The man said as he continued taking in Liv's heavenly appearance.
"I didn't give it to you." Liv replied matter-of-factly.
Liv giggled as the man placed his hands over his heart as if he were wounded. "Dance with me?" The man asked sweetly as he extended his hand.
Liv hesitated for a moment, wondering actually secretly hoping Fitz would object. They were seated right next to one another and for most people it would seem as if she was his date. When Fitz said nothing, Liv took the man's hand and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor.
Fitz downed his scotch and barked at the server to bring him to more. After Abby and Quinn watched him down those threw effortlessly, all while keeping his eyes locked on Liv and the mystery man, it was finally time for someone to speak up.
"She's the one, isn't she Fitz?" Abby asked as she watched her friend shooting daggers at the man who was dancing with Liv.
Fitz downed another Scotch before replying with a broken voice "She's the one. She's the one I let get away." Fitz couldn't help the tears that were burning his eyes as he slipped into yet another memory.
Flashback
After spending two months touring Europe, Liv and Fitz were nearing their last days in Italy. It was a high school graduation gift from their parents, one their fathers had hoped would bring the two closer together as a couple. Their fathers were joint partners at Pope & Grant law firm, one they hoped their children would take over together someday, maybe even readjusting the name to Pope-Grant.
Liv had been unusually quiet as their time was coming to an end and Fitz decided to take this time to get to the bottom of the issue. Fitz took a seat on Liv's bed and stared at her intently. He knew if he sat there long enough Liv would speak what was on her mind.
"These past two months have been amazing Fitz." Fitz nodded as he urged Liv to continue. "Soon we'll be going off to college, one step closer to being on our own and well, I... There is something I feel like I need to do."
"What do you need Liv?" Fitz asked not quite sure he knew where this was going.
Liv repositioned herself on her knees and began to unbutton her shirt. Fitz's mouth gaped open as he realized exactly where this conversation was going.
"Livvie?" Fitz whispered, not believing what Liv was silently asking.
"I can't go to college a virgin Fitz. It's pathetic enough that I was the most popular girl in high school, captain of the cheer squad, swim team, and debate team, as well as prom queen, and I managed to graduate high school with my V card still locked up in my purse. I want you to make love to me Fitz. I want you to be my first." Liv said shyly as she unbuttoned her jeans and began to shimmy out of them.
"Why me? I mean don't get me wrong, I want that more than anything... I mean I would love to... I.."
Liv placed a finger on Fitz's lips silencing his stammering. "Because I know you'll be gentle, because I know you have my best interests at heart, because I lo... Because I trust you Fitz and I know you won't hurt me or run and tell everyone we know."
Fitz didn't respond, instead he slowly laid Liv down and began kissing her passionately, just like that night under the stars. He took his time with her and made sure she was as comfortable as she possibly could be in that moment. After Liv disclosing that her mother had placed her on birth control her first day of high school, Liv experienced yet another First with Fitz, and once she rode through the initial pain, it was magical.
Once Liv got the hang of it and pain and discomfort were no longer associated with sex, Liv and Fitz went at it multiple times a day until it was time for them to leave their bubble and venture back to the states. Their parents had noticed a change in their demeanor almost as soon as they returned. They knew something had happened between the two of them, but being parents, they'd rather not know for certain. Fitz had never told Liv to this day that she was his first as well.
Present
"Fitz!" Abby yelled, effectively pulling Fitz from his thoughts.
"What? I'm sorry Abbs, I was-"
"Completely zoned out Fitz! I don't know what has you so sprung on this one, but if it's bothering you that she's dancing with that man so much, go get her away from him!"
Suddenly Fitz's face took on a sad look, one none of his friends had ever seen before. "I can't Abby, not yet. I'm not even divorced yet. Can you imagine the message that would send regardless of whether of not Mellie left me for another man. The message it would send to Liv? She's not some rebound Abby. Liv, is the love of my life. I need to do this right. For now, I have no choice but to sit back and pray she doesn't find someone else." Fitz said, his voice trailing off at the end as he watched Liv grinding against another man. Fitz felt a tightening in his pants as he realized that Liv's eyes never left his. She was dancing with another man, but her thoughts were with him. He smiled as he saw her lips move as if she was speaking directly to him.
"I've never left your side." She mouthed letting Fitz know she was waiting for when the time was right. Not just for him, but for them. He couldn't just go out there and stake his claim on her, right? Fitz shook off the thought and continue watching the love of his life on the dance floor.
"Do you see this?! They are eye fucking across the room!" Abby yelled, causing Fitz and Quinn to turn in her direction. James had turned in as Cyrus had ended his shift and wanted to spend some alone time with his fiancé.
"Fitz, go dance with her. There is no harm in a dance." Quinn said as she watched Fitz's head turn back in Liv's direction. Fitz watched as Liv motioned sensually for him to come to her. She was finished dancing with this man and wanted nothing more than to spend some time with Fitz.
Fitz stood and made his way out onto the dance floor and over to Liv.
"Yasss! Get it Fitz!" Abby yelled, proud of her friend.
"Don't hurt anybody!" Quinn added just as equally proud.
Fitz halted his strides and turned to his friends. " Trust me, this will be a hurt she wants." Fitz said with a wink.
Fitz took the longest strides he had ever taken in his life and soon the dancers seemed to have parted like the red sea. Fitz seemed to pick up his pace as he watched the man whisper something in Liv's ear.
"Excuse me, but I think you've held my date up long enough." Fitz said as his eyes were piercing into the slightly shorter man's eyes.
"So, what are you going to do? Throw me out?" The man said as he took a step closer to Fitz, completely invading his personal space. Seeing what was going on, bouncers immediately flocked towards Fitz.
"Gentlemen, please escort this clown out of here." Fitz said so calmly it sent chills down Liv's spine.
"And who the fuck are you?" The man challenged back.
"The owner of this establishment. Oh, and my date, the woman you are so hesitantly trying to prevent me from dancing with... Her name is on this building, by my orders." Fitz said with a smug grin on his face as his security escorted the man out of the club.
Fitz turned his attention to Liv and noticed Abby and Quinn return to their seats. Those were his girls, ready to cut a bitch for him in a second. Fitz heard the song that began to play, and turned to Liv with a smile.
"Dance with me." Fitz said as he wrapped his arms around Liv's waist. Liv smiled as she realized the song that was playing. She had told Fitz their last day in Italy that this would always be their song. Liv slid her arms around Fitz's neck while Fitz's hands gripped tighter on Liv's waist as they swayed back and forth to the music.
And I can't believe it's real
Can't believe it's you
I can't believe it's happening
I can't believe it's true
And I can't believe that you are here with me
And I am here with you
(Kissing you) Softly kissing you
(Kissing you) Forever kissing you
(Kissing you) Kissing you
Fitz's hands began roaming Liv's neck as Liv began tenderly stroking Fitz's cheek. Her eyes drifted from Fitz's eyes to his lips and back, willing for him to kiss her.
I can't believe my eyes
I don't know what to do
I can't believe you are mine
Nor that I'm lying here with you
And I can't believe you're making love with me
And I'm making it with you
(Kissing you) Softy kissing you
(Kissing you) Forever kissing you
(Kissing you) Kissing you
Fitz watched as Liv's eyes focused in on his lips as he couldn't help bit do the same. He hesitated for a moment before tilting Liv's head upwards and pressing his lips gently against hers. Immediately the crowd of onlookers seemed to disappear and it was now just the two of them with their lips pressed together, gently swaying to the music.
Through the night I feel you fire
And there's nothin' but you in my mind
As you quench me of all my desires
And I melt in ecstasy, oh I
Fitz's tongue darted out of his mouth and swept gently across Liv's lips, begging for entrance. Liv parted her lips, and moaned as his tongue sought hers out slowly and sensually. The fire that was coursing through their veins only intensified as Fitz deepened the kiss, and Liv returned it with equal fervor.
I can't believe it's real
I can't believe it's true
I can't believe that you chose me
When I was choosing you
And I can't believe that you are here with me
And I am here with you
(Kissing you) Softly kissing you
(Kissing you) Forever kissing you
(Kissing you) Oh gently kissing you
(Kissing you) Kissing you
(Kissing you) Kissing you
(Kissing you) Oh, kissing you
As the song came to an end, Liv and Fitz reluctantly pulled apart, both in much need of oxygen. Quinn and Abby had been sitting at the table and decided to place a little wager on how long it would take the two of them to get together.
"I say six months, tops." Quinn said, keeping in mind that Fitz was still after all going through the divorce.
"I give them 45 minutes." Abby said as she realized Fitz's hand had drifted down to cup Liv's ass missing, and he had yet to remove it, nor did Liv ask him to.
Liv looked up at Fitz through hooded eyes. There was nothing she wanted more than to have Fitz take her home and make love to her all evening long, but of course fear stepped in the way once again.
"Fitz..."
"Yes Livvie?"
"How about we call it a night and head home to watch a movie?"
"I say lead the way."
The two of them said their goodbyes to Quinn and Abby who had been joined by two men a short while before, before making their way back to the house. When they returned to the house, Liv and Fitz both opted to take separate cold showers before watching a movie in the living room. Liv positioned herself between Fitz's thighs and rested her head on his chest.
Halfway through the movie, Fitz felt Liv's breathing regulate and knew she had fallen asleep. He carefully lifted her up, and carried her up to her bed and tucked her in. He stood there for a moment, watching his perfect angel sleeping peacefully before him. He leaned in and placed a kiss on for head before retreating to his room foe the evening. Fitz laid in bed and allowed thoughts of a future with Liv to fill his head as he drifted off to sleep.
I don't know if I can hold out much longer...
