+++++++++++++++++++++++ Oval Office ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Fitz placed his thumb on the small pad of his burner phone to activate its security chip. He had one of the most secure phones in the country and he was using it to call his former girlfriend. If he was lucky this bit of history would remain just a story told around Secret Service camp fires.
He managed to get Olivia on the phone but cut the line before responding to her greeting. He knew it would felt like a slap to Olivia. Nothing says mistress like a man dropping your call when someone enters the room. Fitz wanted to scream in frustration when Cyrus stormed in ranting about a hostage crisis. He hated hanging up but couldn't risk Cyrus seeing the Olivia phone.
Three hours later the hostage crisis had ended and Fitz was back in his office. Cyrus timing couldn't have been worse if he tried. Fitz sometimes wondered if his Chief of Staff carried a 'getting lucky' detector. Cyrus had certainly prevented his fair share of private moments with Olivia on the campaign trail.
Thankfully Cyrus had no idea Fitz and Olivia was lovers, well currently ex-lovers. Fitz was sure Cyrus would burn him at the stake if the truth came out. Olivia was like a daughter to Cyrus and deep down Fitz knew Cyrus saw him as a son. Fitz dragging them into a sex scandal would not be forgiven quickly.
He listened to the ringing phone waiting for her to pick up. After ten rings he heard it go to her voice mail. Sighing he closed his eyes wishing he had ten minutes alone with the hostage taker in New York. He would make sure he lost a few teeth. "Olivia it was not my fault, I tried," Fitz said softly. Sadly he was alone in his office, she was not there and her phone went unanswered. He wished he could just jump in a car and go and see her, he knew if they talked in person things could be different.
++++++++++++++++++++ OPA++++++++++++++++++++++++
Olivia heard the Fitz phone ring for the second time today. After a moment of hesitation she ignored it. He hung up on her without saying a word the first time. When she stood listening to a dial tone she almost felt grateful it happened. It was a reminder that she was a dirty secret and would never be the woman by his side in public, his wife Millie had that honor. Olivia was nobody in his official life and did not want to be the other woman, she wanted more than a secret fling.
She looked up and smiled when Stephen strolled into the front door carrying two coffees. He ordered their usual, a flat white with four sugars for her, and an espresso for him. "I come bearing gifts so put everything aside because this coffee demands your full attention. This is not just coffee it is a gastronomic experience."
Stephen pulled up a chair in front of her and handed her a large coffee in a travel mug.
"This is from Alanggio's coffee club?" Olivia asked in surprise. She love their blend but it was to far away from her office for daily trips.
Stephen grinned, "Correct, I drove over half an hour to get you the best coffee in the city."
Liv handed him back the coffee and moved to leave her office, "NO". She knew in her gut whatever he was about to say she wouldn't like it.
Stephen blocked her path clearly nervous, "What's wrong, you used to live on their coffee and popcorn when you were a student?"
Liv folded her arms and glared at him, "Stephen what are you playing at? I know if you drove for an hour just to bring me coffee you want something unpleasant."
Stephen stood in front of her twisting his coffee lid nervously. "I need you to be my plus one at a wedding."
Liv looked at him in confusion, "A wedding, well that's not too bad. I am not a big fan of weddings but if you need me of course I will go with you."
Stephen grinned giving her a tight hug, "Thank you Liv, you're the best."
Liv suddenly frowned moving from his arms, "Wait who is the bride?"
Stephen tried to smile but refused to meet her eyes, "I heard she has changed since becoming engaged, she matured and takes the world seriously now. I am sure everything between you two can be resolved over a very long lunch, Janice is settling down, it will be different this time."
Liv moved back from him in horror, "Janice Whelan, HELL NO, the last time I saw her she was remaking "Dirty Dancing' on my dates lap in the woman's bath room. I am not going anywhere near that woman."
Stephen groaned his eyes looking desperate, "We both know Janice is a thirsty beast that will claw anyone that's stands between her and a man with a fat wallet. However, I owe her a favor and she called in her chip. She insisted I bring you to the wedding. If I do this all my debts to her are paid in full."
Liv paced trying to calm down as memories of her drunken boyfriend with Janice riding him flashed in her mind. It was years ago but it still burned her. However Stephen is her Wing Man, she needed to be there for him even if it hurt.
Olivia nodded and smiled at him, "If you need me to do this then of course I will be there for you."
Stephen smiled and cupped her hands, "Thank you Olivia, once again you ride to my rescue and slay the dragons in my path."
Liv laughed and shook her head, "You know what this means, we need new outfits and I know just the place. You sir are going shopping with me."
Stephen ran a finger up her arm leaving goose bumps, "I would be delighted, oh did I mention after the wedding they are having a pool party for the guests, you can wear a one piece or a bikini."
Olivia grinned, "That is good to know, I will have to buy a new one today for the pool party."
Suddenly Stephen leaned close, his lips right below her ear, "most people consider me to have excellent taste, if you need help picking a dress or a bikini I would be honored to offer my assistance."
Olivia turned nuzzling his neck softly, enjoying the scent that belongs strictly to him, "Or I can call to check if bathing suits are optional, to save on money of course. Quality bathing suits can be expensive."
Stephen pulled her into his arms and nibbled her lips, "Such a tease Ms Pope." He kissed her softly being careful not to take things too far. He knew if he had any chance he had to go slow. He knew she was still in love with Fitz but he was prepared to wait.
They gathered up their things before heading to Stephen's car, they had a wedding to shop for. Stephen smiled maybe things work this way for a reason. He suddenly began to look forward to the wedding. He and Liv at a wedding, he could think of worse places to spend his afternoon. He linked his arm around Olivia's waist as they headed down the street.
