Georgia on my Mind {Part IV}
Two weeks later
Huck, Abby and Harrison wait in a modest, non-descript banquet room of a local restaurant. "Does this even meet the minimum standard for coffee? I don't even think this is Sanka," Harrison complains and grimaces.
"This pie crust does not have enough butter, the filling came out of a can, and does someone have to die before nutmeg is used," Abby scolds.
Olivia opens the door barking orders into her phone with Governor Grant on her heels chuckling and shaking his head. Is there nothing she cannot do? She drops her tote into a chair, ends her call and smiles at her team, "What you got?"
They glance at the Governor hesitating to speak freely. "Look Guys…we're The Team…the inner circle…give up the goods," she directs.
Huck does not make eye contact, "Governor Grant, are you sure you want this?" he asks quietly. Every head turns to Huck; their eyes glazed with apprehension.
Fitz inhales deeply, "I need this…I have to know, he looks at Liv. I plan to spend the rest of my life standing in my truth; reaping the benefits of the freedom only truth allows."
Never looking up Huck opens the file on his laptop and projects the content onto for the whole group to view. A word document and plethora of pictures cover the plain white wall. "Mellie is writing a tell-all book that paints her as a victim of a political family. She shares all of the Grant family details and secrets in the worst possible way, including your mother's death. (Huck begins highlighting grainy pictures detailing who Mellie has been during their marriage.) I don't know if toe sucking counts as an affair but if definitely happened. She also had affairs with the Lieutenant Governor and Senator Grant. Based on the on the times I suggest paternity tests," Huck's voice lacks sympathy or empathy.
Olivia motions toward the door with her head as everyone makes a hasty retreat. "This is never getting out so the paternity tests are not necessary. You don't have to stay for the rest of this…I meant what I said. I will eat, sleep and breathe Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III which means I will protect you-especially your heart." This bitch is dead. I am putting her ass six feet under.
His entire existence is a myth, a lie, an orchestrated fantasy. All of the ways he defined himself are not real. He knew the marriage was a sham, but now he is forced to admit he was living in an alternative universe. In this moment he feels as if he could evaporate because there is nothing holding him together. Fitz is frozen in his chair with his eyes fixed on the table in front of him.
Olivia strides over and stands behind him. She gently places her hands on his shoulders and slides them down his chest resting one hand over the other covering his heart. "You are their father and I cannot wait for our babies to meet you," she whispers in his ear. She kisses the top of his head and waits patiently.
Her declaration and the comfort of her loving touch pulls him back together. "Protect Jerry, Karen, and my mother's legacy at all costs. We will use this information plus the pre-nuptial agreement to expedite and finalize the divorce before the general election. Our first date will be the Inaugural Ball," he rasps out with his voice gaining strength. He rises from his seat and turns to her. His loving gaze absorbs every inch of her. This is the beginning of the rest of our lives. Fitz steps past her and opens the door, "Let's get back to work," he calls.
They re-enter the room and return to their seats. Harrison clears his throat, "Mellie agreed to give Jerry early access to half his trust fund and a Maserati for his 16th birthday. In exchange, he will request his mother be granted sole custody and he will back up her story in print and televised interviews…No real reason other than-and I quote, 'Big Jerry said never walk away from any deal empty handed'."
This is why I hate Republicans. "I guess I'm up," Abby inserts herself into the discussion. "Elizabeth North negotiated with two publishers for the manuscript and they are currently in a bidding war. Every network and cable outlet has extended an offer for the exclusive with their franchise anchor."
Huck chimes in, "Big Jerry sent the blonde lady based on Mellie's demand and I corrupted the manuscript if anyone tries to open or distribute the file."
Olivia paces back and forth, "Abby let the networks and cable outlets know the consequences of ruining their relationship with the probable Republican nominee and potential President-Elect. Tell the publishers their chance to bid on an upcoming memoir will die."
"Liv, schedule a high profile campaign event for my sperm donor and me. I will leverage the event for his silence and cooperation from this day forward," Fitz directs with a menacing tone.
"I will handle Elizabeth North," Olivia responds crisply.
Fitz turns to the others, "I don't know if this is the appropriate or best way to demonstrate appreciation but would you be interested in becoming Senior Advisors for the Grant campaign?"
They glance at one another before responding in chorus, "Over a cliff."
Three weeks later
Elizabeth North strides down the hallway of the Grant campaign headquarters for her meeting with Olivia Pope. When she received the call she could barely contain her excitement. She had all the ammunition she needed to guarantee membership within the inner circle or leverage her way to the RNC Chairmanship she coveted. Bringing Olivia down several notches would be icing on the cake. She opens the office door without knocking. "Olivia, so nice to see you again," she states smugly.
"Actually it's not, but let's handle this matter," Olivia snaps from her seat behind her desk.
Elizabeth places her hand on the back of the chair in front of Olivia's desk to slide it back before sitting.
"Stop…you will not be here long enough to warrant a seat. Random House and Regnery Publishing have retracted their offers. The networks and the cable outlets are no longer taking your calls. We aren't hiring and the RNC will never be interested. I hope you budgeted Big Jerry last payment because you are officially unemployable in politics." Olivia folds one hand over the other on top of her desk. Her eyes fixed on the viper standing in her campaign office.
Elizabeth's mind races: What the fuck just happened? She is bluffing. "Olivia I have no idea what you heard or think you know, but I am completely in the dark," she responds in faux innocence.
"Elizabeth, we are both too intelligent for this level of bullshit. You want to be a Big Dog? Strap on your big girl thong and step into the arena. Big Jerry sent you to help Mellie spin her way out of the destruction she created. You thought you were smart enough to play both sides and come out as the RNC Chair or with a seat at the Big Kids table. Unfortunately for you I am Olivia Pope and you are not equipped to survive a caged match with me. Now, be a good little girl…take your spanking and retreat to a modest size law firm where you will never make partner and do your best to stay out of my way. Are we clear?" Olivia directs forcefully.
Elizabeth nods her head up and down, "I see your uppity ass if feeling yourself. I have the goods and all I have to do is walk outside and start singing like canary to the pool of reporters I passed in the lobby. So, why don't you come up with an offer that better meets my needs," she spits back.
Liv smiles sweetly, "Go for it…I will not stand in your way," gesturing toward the door.
Elizabeth pauses…She is too calm. She has to have at least one of my skeleton's bones. Damn! "Wait…why don't we try and reach a mutual beneficial deal…we are both powerful women making a place for ourselves in the old boys club. Surely our feminism allows for solidarity."
Olivia laughs, "Wow…I have only ever been a Black woman so I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that your feminism only includes me when it is convenient for you and your outcomes. I think the best deal is for me to maintain my autonomy and keep winning. Please excuse yourself and enjoy your day and whatever is left of your mediocre life." She stands, crosses the floor and opens the door for Elizabeth to exit.
Elizabeth enters the elevator and descends to the lobby. She exits and pauses near the pool of reporters. Don't be stupid. Olivia Pope owns your ass.