Olivia was having an interesting week to say the least. She had been putting in extra hours making sure that she was attending to all her patients and spending as much time as she could observing Dr. Sloan during his lectures and physical therapy sessions he was conducting. She had even had the opportunity to observe Fitz during one of his surgeries to repair a spinal fracture for a patient who had been in a car accident.
Most of her interaction with patients was focused on recovery and came after the initial injury and possible surgical repair, so it was a treat for her to be able to witness and experience the process. She had seen several surgeries before but it was nice to get a refresher occasionally, and see the techniques of the lead surgeon she would be working with most of the time. Fitz was an innovator in his field and used quite a few techniques that she had never seen before.
After the surgery, she made it a point to tell Fitz how interesting it was and how much she had learned from the experience. She hoped to be able to observe him in the future but his response to her was less than what she expected. She expected him to be open to her observing him in the future but instead his response was to tell her that quote "I'm quite busy Olivia…can we talk about this later". She didn't expect their friendship to bridge the gap and reach the halls of the hospital but she expected a professional response. Still excited about her learning experience she pushed his curt response from her mind and carried on with her week.
It was now Friday and had been over a week since Olivia had seen Gerry and they were meeting up tonight so that he could introduce her to his girlfriend Jessica. They had been seeing each other for a few months and Gerry thought it was now time to start introducing her to some of his family and friends. They were meeting up at a local restaurant to have a few drinks. He had invited both of his parents but his mother was still in Houston and his dad was on shift at the hospital. Luckily Olivia was free for the evening and looked forward to meeting Gerry's new girlfriend.
Arriving at the restaurant she can see that Gerry is already there. "Hey mister...long time no see". Giving him a quick hug she motions for the bar tender and orders a glass of red wine. "Where is Jessica"?
"She's on her way...she should be here any minute...so catch me up Liv...how have you been...how's the new job and the new place"?
"Oh my god Ger...it has been crazy. I finally feel like I have my bearings and the hospital and have even met a few friends, and now that I am settled at my new place I feel like I can finally relax a little bit...it's just really good to be home".
"I know what you mean Liv...this semester is kicking my ass...I almost wish I didn't take the year after I graduated to travel...I could be in a hospital right now practicing medicine rather than having my nose stuffed in books".
Punching him in the arm Olivia can't help but laugh " I told you that you would regret traveling around Europe for 18 months while I was off to school...even your parents told you not to do it but you wouldn't listen".
"I know...I know Liv...I was just so eager to bust out and travel and get away from my parents that I left as soon as I could and didn't think about it...but hey, I had some amazing experiences and met some great people".
Gerry checks his phone, and has a message from Jessica that she will be there in ten minutes. " So Liv, how's having my dad as your neighbor...is he driving you nuts yet"?
Olivia isn't quite sure how much she should tell Gerry...should she just give him a few details or should she tell him the full story...that his father has quickly become one of her closest confidants and that she has started to have feelings for him?
Gerry has always been supportive of her dating life even if he didn't like Edison he, was still supportive but this isn't just some guy. It's his dad and she doesn't want to lose him as a friend over an inappropriate crush.
" It's been great...he moved in a few weeks ago and he has helped me out a few times moving things around my apartment...he's a nice guy Gerry...I enjoy talking to him, you're lucky to have him.
"Oddly enough Liv, I'm glad that he has you around. Since he filed for divorce he hasn't opened up to me about how he is doing, so I'm glad that he has you to talk to. I hope you don't mind if he talks your ear off".
Olivia can't help but think about the conversations that she has had with Fitz. He has been very open with her about his feelings on the divorce. From what he has told her he feels relieved to finally be moving forward with his life after Mellie, but he has some insecurities coming out of it. For a long time, their marriage had been void of any emotion and intimacy and she has noticed how a simple touch or hug from her seems to soften him.
"Well Ger I can tell you that he seems to be in good spirits. I don't think you have anything to be worried about, and I don't mind at all that he talks to me. He has been a great resource for me at the hospital and personally I like him as well, he is a good man Gerry, I just hope he finds what he is looking for".
Gerry catches on to her last sentence..."Do you think he's ready to date already? I mean it's only been a few months since they separated".
Olivia is on unchartered waters with this conversation but the only thing she knows how to do is be honest. " I don't really know…he has talked about it a little bit, to be blunt your mom did a number on him. Even though they have only been separated a few months, it doesn't mean that their marriage just ended, you know that better than anybody".
And she's right. Gerry knows better than anyone what it was like to live with his mother. She is a very talented, intelligent and a fierce woman but she can also be demanding, unappreciative and selfish which makes an interesting dynamic for a relationship. He loves his mother and her qualities but also knows that it was best for them to separate.
His father needs someone who understands him and supports him and will be a true partner in life, not someone who takes him for granted and wants to constantly be going 100 miles an hour towards the next goal.
The one thing he wishes for his mother is that she will learn to stop and appreciate people and her accomplishments for what they are. Instead she tends to sweep them to the side when she is done with them and then she is on to the next thing.
"Well I'm glad he has you Liv...I'm glad you have each other".
Before Olivia can acknowledge his statement a tall brunette approaches them and introduces herself as Jessica. After ordering another round of drinks they sit down and enjoy a nice dinner. Jessica seems like a great girl; she is a photography major and is set to graduate from NYU in the spring and is interning for Ken Jones Photography. It has been a long time since Gerry has been excited about a girl and Jessica is the first that Olivia has met since he was an undergrad, so she knows she must be something special.
Their conversations continue to flow and before she knows it the evening has passed them by and it is nearing 11:00. She has a bunch of errands to run in the morning and needs to get going if she is going to be of any use tomorrow. Exiting the restaurant, they begin to say their good byes.
"It was great meeting you Jessica... I am sure we will be seeing more of each other, just make sure you do a good job at keeping this guy in line" she says pushing Gerry.
Jessica can't help but laugh at the brother/sister relationship that Gerry and Olivia have, and she's relieved that she doesn't feel like their relationship is anything but friends. She was initially worried when Gerry wanted to introduce her to his "best friend Olivia". "It was great meeting you too Liv, I'm glad we finally connected with all of our busy schedules...next time we need do something fun".
Gerry is pleased with their evening together and can't wait for the next time they can meet up.
"Speaking of that...I wanted to ask you Liv if you would like to join Gerry and I for the new exhibit event at the MET tomorrow? Our studio has been involved with the exhibit and I have a few extra tickets if you are interested".
Olivia has always been a fan of art, and as a child she spent hours in the MET dreaming of the places in the paintings she loved so much. "That would be great...I actually have the day off tomorrow, just let me know what time to meet you and I will see you guys there".
Fitz was having a productive week. He had closed on the sale of his apartment and received his share of the profits from the sale. He and Mellie had come to an agreement on their divorce and division of assets, and were just waiting for the paperwork to go through and be finalized before he could finally consider himself a free man.
At the hospital, he was busier than ever. He had a few surgeries earlier in the week and Olivia made it a point to observe him in a spinal fracture repair as he used a technique she was not familiar with. He knew she wanted to educate herself on his surgical methods, as they may change her opinion and course for ongoing recovery with the patients she would eventually take over from him.
She was going above and beyond what any other intern under Mark was, and well beyond what he even expected of her. She was trying to bridge that gap between surgery and recovery. Not many doctors understood the importance of it and tended to stay in their own lane…she was going to be an amazing doctor. She had approached him later that day and asked him to observe him in the future, but all he could do when she spoke was look at her lips.
Since their evening together on the patio, as he found comfort in her touch as she combed her fingers through his hair while his head was on her lap, his thoughts had been consumed by her. He started to wonder what she tasted like and how it would feel to hold her, and that's when he realized he needed to stop. His thoughts were inappropriate and she deserved better…better than what he had to offer her so he did the only thing he know how, and that was to avoid the situation and so he responded with "I'm quite busy Olivia…can we talk about this later" …he felt horrible!
His three new interns were quickly getting up to speed but he noticed early on that his star was going to be Quinn Perkins. She seemed to have a photographic memory and was quick to catch on to anything that she was taught, and she reminded him a lot of Olivia. They shared the same passion for medicine as they did for their patients and didn't treat their patients as just their next test subject or learning experience, they cared about their patients and their surgical and recovery experience. He made a mental note to himself to introduce them as he thought they would be great colleagues who could possibly work together in the future.
It was 8:00 and he was wrapping things up for the for the evening, he ensures that all his case notes have been entered and filed for the week. He checks the schedule and verifies that someone is taking care of his rounds and his patients for the weekend before he leaves. Tiding up his desk he comes across the invitation to the opening of the new exhibit at the MET tomorrow evening. It had come months ago and he had his secretary confirm his attendance a few weeks ago but since then it had completely slipped his mind. Good thing he had all his suits dry cleaned after moving in to his new apartment he thinks to himself. Opening his calendar app, he confirms that he is available tomorrow evening and enters the details of the event. Usually he would ask Mellie to come to these types of events with him. She would usually turn him down and he would end up taking Gerry but at least he still asked. This time would be his first time attending such an event alone but lately he finds more comfort in being alone rather than being with someone like Mellie and feeling alone.
After finishing his shift a few of the other doctors were meeting up for a drink at Johnny's Irish Pub. Fitz was invited by his closest college Cyrus who also happened to be his Chief of Staff. He had been invited to work functions in the past but had always turned them down, but now that he was single and it was a Friday night he figured a few drinks with friends couldn't hurt.
Arriving at the pub he can see that a few interns and nurses are there along with Cyrus, Mark and Alex. Alex is a neonatal doctor who he had met through Mellie. They had worked on a few cases together in New York and from what Fitz knew, Alex was a great doctor. He just wondered what he was doing in the company of someone like Mark Sloan.
After ordering a scotch for Cyrus and himself thy rack up the pool table for a long-awaited rematch. Fitz had a habit of always kicking Cyrus' ass and Cyrus had been waiting for a rematch for months.
Cyrus broke the rack and began to make conversation. "So Fitz...tell me how is everything going with your new interns"?
"It's been a new adventure but so far worth every moment. At first I was hesitant but now a month or so in I am really glad that you convinced me to do it".
"I'm glad you finally caved Fitz...I just wish all of your colleagues understood that it is privilege to guide the next generation of doctors...Mark over there seems to think it's his own personal dating pool that he gets to pick from each year...if he keeps it up, he won't have the opportunity next year".
Fitz had heard of Mark's reputation and had even witnessed it a few times to the point that he mentioned it to Olivia, but he didn't know it that it was that serious. "I just hope he understands what a bright group he has this year and doesn't screw it up".
Cyrus hadn't caught wind of any inappropriate behavior since the new group of interns started but he was keeping his ear to the ground. He had pulled out all the stops to bring both Olivia and Quinn to Mount Sinai. They were both very talented, both at the top of their classes and had recommendations from their professors. They had both received several offers and Cyrus promised them top notch mentors if they came to New York. He knew Fitz would hold up his end of the bargain and hoped Mark would follow. " If you would talk to him and make sure he is on the same page I would appreciate it...I don't want him to screw things up with Olivia Pope...I think she's one in a million kind of doctor...she has it all".
Fitz can't help but agree with Cyrus in more ways than one. Olivia is something special alright. Sure, I'll talk with him...right after I finish kicking your ass again old man".
Three games later Cyrus had finally called it quits and headed out for the night. Fitz glances at his watch at its nearly 11:00 and as he's about to follow Cyrus' lead he sees Mark sitting at the bar and decides to take the opportunity to talk with him on behalf of Cyrus, but if he's being honest he is doing it for Olivia. "Hey man" he says approaching Mark.
Breaking his conversation with Alex he turns to address him..."Hey Fitz...it's been awhile since I have seen you out for a drink...what can I get you"?
"I'm good Mark, I was actually just headed out but wanted to stop and say hello and see how things are going with your interns"?
A smirk comes across Marks face and he knows that Fitz is newly single and thinks he might be looking for a few tips. "I knew you would be looking around for a new piece of tail soon…which one do you are you interested in…Grace or Olivia…I mean they are both gorgeous I can't blame you."
Fitz is appalled at Mark's response. "Listen Mark…I am not interested in either of them as a piece of tail as you say. I was just wanted to know how things were going with their training? I was also interested in talking to you about linking our two departments by connecting my intern Quinn with Olivia Pope and have them work with each other on patients but if all you see these intelligent capable women as is a piece of tail then I guess I am talking to the wrong guy".
"Whoa whoa whoa Fitz…I just thought you might be interested in getting back in to the dating scene…I didn't mean to insult you".
"You are not insulting me Mark…you are insulting these women…these doctors are not here to be a part of your personal dating pool, there are here to be trained and respected by the doctors that represent this hospital and you should be their champion but I see that the only person you champion is yourself".
The look on Mark's face is priceless…this is the first time someone has called him out on his chauvinist ways since his ex-wife did the night she asked for a divorce. "I guess I'll just talk to Cyrus about Quinn and Olivia. I think they could change the face of orthopedic surgery and recovery by working with each other and the patients would reap the benefits…and if I ever hear you speak of Quinn and Olivia that way again…or anyone for that matter…I won't hesitate to report you to Cyrus…get it together Mark".
Knowing that he should have stayed home for the night Fitz exits the pub and begins to make way home. He can't help but think about how his outlook on life has been so much better since he filed for divorce, and when something like this happens he is reminded that the world is filled with shitty people in high places. Thankful that the weekend is here he thinks maybe he just needs a vacation…it's been some time since he has taken any time off work, but tonight he will just have to settle for another glass of scotch and a good book.
Taking the elevator to the top floor, the doors open and he comes face to face with Olivia. She is searching her purse for her keys and Fitz can't help but notice how good she looks. She has her hair up in a ponytail, and even dressed in a pair of jeans and light sweater with a pair of converse sneakers she looks amazing. He has been fighting his attraction to her since the minute he laid his eyes on her but after the run in he just had with Mark, he doesn't want to put her in a situation where her reputation and career could be damaged. What he wouldn't give right now to just have her in his arms… that is if she would even want him.
"Hey Fitz" …. she says to him as she is still fumbling in her purse for her keys. "I have so much shit in here I can never find what I am looking for when I need it…how was your night". Glancing into his blue eyes she can tell it's been a rough one and she would like nothing more than to end her week with him over a glass of wine some good conversation and his kiss on her lips.
Watching her pull out her set of keys like they are a prize she has just won at the state fair he feels confined. If he doesn't get out of there right now, he is going to take her up against the wall like he has been wanting to for weeks. "I'm good Liv…just tired…I'll see you later" he says to her as he closes the door behind him, safely distancing himself from her and his impulses.
Olivia doesn't quite know what to think…he was cold and distant…. two things he has never been with her. After their discussion, earlier in the week about future surgical observations and now this…was he upset with her…did she do something wrong…or was he simply just having a bad week? He didn't even call her Livvie…he is the only person who has called her by that name since her grandfather, and she likes the way that it sounds coming off his lips. The things that man can probably do with his lips she thinks to herself. Closing her door to her apartment she scraps the idea of a glass of wine and decides to shower and succumb to the sleep that she knows she needs while dreaming of the man that has stolen her thoughts and her heart.
Saturday morning comes and as the light passes through the curtains and onto Olivia's face she opens her eyes to a new day. In this moment, she regrets not taking the time to pull the shades down before she went to bed last night. A few more hours of sleep sound amazing but she knows she needs to get up and get going if she is going to be able to get all the things done that she needs to and meet Gerry and Jessica at the MET on time.
Prying herself from her bed she throws on a pair of yoga pants, a tank and her Nike's. She brushes her teeth, grabs a bottle of water and makes her way down to the gym for her morning workout. Now that the weather is starting to turn towards the winter she is now more thankful than ever for the gym facilities in her building, and even more thankful that Fitz found the listing for her.
The gym is vacant for a Saturday morning, which she is just fine with her. She doesn't have time today to stop and chat with people…she is on a mission…operation find a dress. After finishing her workout, she makes her way back to her apartment for a quick shower. She needs to get out and find a dress for the evening.
Exiting her building she sees Fitz talking with the door man. He is dressed in a pair of black shorts and a light blue long sleeve zip up pull over. His gorgeous brown locks are covered with a Yankees baseball cap and he looks like he has just come back from a run in the park. She doesn't have time to get all caught up in Fitz land right now. She needs to keep her thoughts clear of him and stay on task. Exiting the building she brushes past him and decides not to stop and chat. She has no idea why he was so cold with her last night and doesn't have the energy right now to figure it out but damn he looks good.
After four stores and trying on countless dresses she finally comes across the perfect one. It is a white floor length dress that has an open back. The black straps cross in the back and provide an elegant black tie look. She has the perfect pair of black pumps to pair with the dress and she can't wait to enjoy her evening. She has the dress sent for delivery to her apartment after she decides that she is in desperate need of a manicure and pedicure. It has been months since she has had a chance to paper herself. Luckily she knows the owner of her favorite salon, and after a quick phone call she has secured an appointment for 2:00.
She decides to grab a quick bite to eat before her appointment and stops at a little deli for a sandwich and iced tea. Arriving at the salon she is greeted by her friend Angela who owns the salon. "Angela...I am so glad to see you…it has been years since I have had a chance to come in and experience the best salon in New York…how have you been"? After catching up for a few minutes Angela confirms that Olivia is scheduled for a manicure, pedicure and a trim. After looking at her hair this morning she knows she's in need of a deep conditioning and a new style. She is tempted to let her curls be wild and free but with the dress she has for tonight she wants to keep it up to accentuate the open back and her neck line. You never know who you might run into at one of these events and now that she is back in New York, it's time to get back on the dating scene she thinks to herself.
Sitting in her pedicure chair she begins to relax and after a few moments of catching up on her social media feed and emails her mind starts to wander to thinking about Fitz. She has tried all day to avoid thinking about him and what could be going on with him. She has an urge to text him to check in and see if he is having a better day than yesterday but refrains as she thinks that maybe she has done something to upset him. She also thinks of reaching out to Gerry to see if he knows what's going on but doesn't want to alarm him. Instead she messages Gerry to confirm that they are still on for tonight and that they are meeting at the MET at 8:00 as planned. After receiving conformation from Gerry, she decides to push all the negative thoughts out of her head and enjoy her spa like experience and her evening.
Fitz had a shitty night's sleep and now an even worse morning. As soon as he closed the door on Olivia he instantly felt regret. He knows he came off as curt, and he never wants to be that way with her. She deserves more than that from him…even if they are just friends. After going for a run in the park he briefly saw Olivia brush past him and out of their building. She hadn't even stopped to say hello or acknowledge him. He knows his actions the previous few days are likely the cause and wants to apologize next time he sees her. He is tempted to call or text her to see if they can grab lunch together but he resists thinking that maybe she needs some time to cool down and he knows he needs some time to get his feelings under control.
After showering and throwing on a pair of jeans and a Henley he collects his dry cleaning and makes his way to his dry cleaner four blocks away for his weekly drop off. He then decides to drop in on Gerry and they decide to go out for a nice lunch. Some of his favorite times are when he and his son can meet up and spend some time together. He knows that as soon as Gerry starts his internship he will see even less of him…that's if he even stays in New York. After ordering their lunch they find a table and settle in. "So Ger…what's new"?
"Well it was the week from hell…I had my last Mid Term yesterday and I am thankful to be done with them. I know I aced all of them but the prep for it was a bear. I am just glad to have a few weeks off to relax and spend catching up on things and with Jessica before the holidays hit…. Speaking of…what are you doing for the holidays…Thanksgiving is in just a couple of weeks".
Fitz hadn't thought much about the holidays usually they just stayed home for Thanksgiving and if they traveled at all it was usually to California to spend Christmas with his family. "I don't know really…I haven't thought much about it. This will be the first year that me and your mom are apart so I guess I will just wing it".
Gerry had been invited to Jessica's family's home for Thanksgiving. They lived in Upstate New York and they planned on going up to visit for the long three-day weekend. He didn't want to hurt either of his parent's feelings but now that he was getting more serious with Jessica, she had asked him to meet her family and he didn't want to pass up the opportunity. "Well I haven't talked to mom yet but I will be going Upstate for Thanksgiving to meet Jess' family and stay with them for a few days…so I won't be around".
This is the first time that he can remember since high school that Gerry was meeting the parents of a woman he was interested in. "Wow…look at you Ger…meeting the parents. You must be really serious about this girl".
"I am dad…she's amazing…I can't wait for you to meet her. Come to think of it, you might be able to meet her tonight if you are going to the opening of the new MET exhibit…I forgot to mention it to you but Jess works for a photography studio down town, and they are sponsoring the event so we are attending tonight. I know you high profile guys at the hospital always get an invite".
"I am going actually…I came across the invite again last night while I was cleaning up my desk for the week. I completely forgot about it but I'll be there.
"Well I can't wait for you to meet her. She is a great girl dad and I think I might be falling in love with her; I just hope mom likes her as much as I know you will…mom can be a bit of a judgmental person…especially when it comes to the women I date".
Fitz has never heard his son speak of a woman this way, and he also knows all about the high and mighty judgmental Mellie more than anyone and understands his son's concern. "Wow Gerry…I am glad you have found someone that you are that interested in. Now that I am a single guy again, I am finding that the dating scene is all too complicated and messy and as for your mom…I guess it's a good thing she is still in Houston and you won't have to worry about that tonight. Just focus on having a good evening with your girl and when the time comes you can introduce her to your mom, and don't worry, she will love her because you love her".
Fitz's words seem to calm Gerry's nerves a little bit as he finishes his slice of pizza. "Speaking of the dating scene…are you ready to get back out there? I mean I know it's only been a little over a month since you separated from mom but we all know it's been over for a long time…you guys could barely stand to be in the same room together let alone the same bedroom".
Fitz chuckles a little bit at his son's suggestion that he hasn't gotten laid in quite some time, and he's right. It has been quite some time but he doesn't just want to get back out there and have meaningless sex with a bunch of women. He has been having meaningless sex as a married man with his wife for so many years he has lost count. "To be honest Ger, I don't want to rush the whole thing. My relationship with your mom was very complicated, and I don't just want to get out there and jump at the first woman that shows me any interest. I want someone that I can connect with and fill in all of the things that I have felt I have been missing".
Gerry knows exactly what his father is talking about. Jessica is the first woman he has met that possesses the strengths that he admires in his mother but also has the warm and compassionate side to her. "I know exactly what you are talking about dad…speaking of connecting with someone, I hear that you and Olivia have been connecting".
The way that Gerry has put it leads Fitz to think that his son thinks he is simply hooking up with Olivia. "I don't know what you have heard son, but there has not been any "connecting" with Olivia as you put it".
Gerry laughs at his father's response once he has realized how his statement sounded. "That's not what I meant dad…I just heard that you guys have been able to help each other through the transition that you are both going through. With her moving, back to New York and starting at the hospital and with you and your new-found bachelorhood and all".
"Well I guess you are right about that…she has been a great person to talk to, we have even shared some of the same relationship problems which is sort of odd considering she has never been married, but from what she has told me her ex didn't treat her the way that she deserves to be treated".
Gerry's blood begins to boil at the thought of Edison. He knows how he treated Liv and if he could, he would like to punch that guy square in the teeth a few times. "That guy is a douche dad…he didn't deserve Liv then, and he most definitely doesn't deserve Liv now. I just want her to find someone who is going to treat her right".
"I agree Gerry, she is an extraordinary woman. She is the full package; she is creating a great reputation for herself at the hospital and has endless potential. She deserves to find the same success in her personal life".
Gerry can't help but notice how his dad seems to blush at the mention of her name, and he knows damn well that Liv has had a crush on his dad since the beginning of time. Granted she was a teenage girl but in the past few months since Liv has been back in New York and they have hung out, he has noticed that the crush she had as a teenage girl is still ever present.
When he thinks about it, it would be weird if his dad and Liv got together. A part of him would feel like he was losing his best friend, and if their relationship didn't work out he would be stuck in a bit of a situation. Not to mention he thinks his mother would hit the roof over Fitz dating Liv, but that is kind of the intriguing part. After years of his mother rubbing her relationship with Andrew in their faces he can't help but long for a bit of karma for his mother, but more than anything, he wants his dad and Olivia… two of the most important people in his life to be happy, and as he takes a moment to think about it, if that's means that they are with each other than that's fine with him.
"You know she has always had a crush on you dad".
Fitz stops chewing mid bite and almost chokes on his pizza. Taking a big sip of water, he swallows and doesn't quite know what to say. "I don't know what you're talking about Gerry".
"Oh come on dad…she has had a crush on you since we were in high school. Why do you think she was always over all the time? I can sure tell you she wasn't there for me". Gerry can't help but switch into a bit of a match making mode as he sees his dad attempt to deny what he can now see is so clearly there.
"Gerry…what would Olivia want with a 45-year-old divorced man with marital baggage? Come to think of it… in the place that I stand right now…what kind of woman at any age would want to deal with me"?
"You're selling yourself short dad…You have a lot going for you. You're successful in your career, you have a full life filled with family and friends…not to mention the best son on the planet, and you know how to treat people which is not something that I can say about my other parent…where do you think I learned how to treat a woman…not from mom…you have been in a 25 year marriage but it has been over for a long time and the baggage that you carry from that will lead you to a person that will fill the gaps that you were looking for all along"…..
Fitz can't believe that for the moment he is considering taking relationship advise from his son…but the thought of dating again interests him and in all honesty Gerry is 100% right in everything he has said…" How the hell did you get so wise? I should be the one who is giving you relationship advise…"
"You have dad…you set the example of what I want my relationship to be and not be. I learned from you and mom what I do and don't want from any potential relationship and marriage and the biggest thing of all is that I learned not to settle for anything less than what makes me happy".
It's one of those proud parental moments for Fitz, he can happily know that his son has learned from his mistakes and by some grace will not repeat those same mistakes in his life. "All I can tell you Gerry is that I am open to whatever happens in the future. I just want to make sure that whatever happens doesn't affect you in any way".
"Dad…don't worry about me…I have my life and have been living it to the fullest…you need to do the same with yours…you only get one you know…live it".
He's right…his son is 100% right…it was time for Fitz to start living his life and seize the opportunities that he felt he let slip through his fingers in the past. It was time for him to discover the next chapter in his life.
Never more than in this moment had Olivia wished for her brutally honest and sassy girlfriend Abbey Whelan to be here. Here she was getting ready for her first big social event since returning to New York and she wanted her friend there to talk her through it and give her advice and approval on her look for the night.
Olivia had so much on her mind, and lately felt like she was a bit trapped in her thoughts since most of them surrounded her job and Fitz. She couldn't seem to escape either one of them but she was determined to put it all out of her mind and enjoy her evening.
Pulling up to the MET on Fifth Avenue in her car service, she was eager to meet up with Gerry and Jess but was also excited to see the new exhibit. It was titled Fashion in an Age of Technology and from the previews of the event it looked to be spectacular. She also wanted to make time to view her favorite painting in the museum that she had loved since she was a young girl.
Since the exhibit was already packed with viewers she decided it would be best to make it up to and view her favorite painting…a Monet titled "Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies". It reminded her of her favorite place in Central Park where she would often go on a quiet afternoon She would spend hours lost in a book on the Hernshed and she would people watch as she sat on the Bow Bridge that overlooked The Lake. To visitors and tourists, they might not notice and appreciate the wonder that is Central Park but for Olivia it was a place where she could escape the hustle and bustle of city life and just be…be in her thoughts and enjoy the sights and the sounds of the park.
She took the elevator to the second floor and made her way to room 819. It was odd to be in such a busy place and have the entire room to herself. Usually the place was packed with people taking pictures and lurking at the paintings but thanks to the exhibit everyone else's attention was drawn elsewhere. Taking a few moments, she walked the perimeter of the room and viewed the other 19th century European paintings but none of them compared to her favorite. Taking a seat in front of her Water Lilies she sipped on her glass of Champaign that was handed to her when she arrived. Before she could get too comfortable a booming voice started her "Beautiful isn't it"?
Quickly turning around, she sees Fitz standing before here. She had been trying all day to push him out of her thoughts and in the one moment she was successful here he is standing before her. "You gotta be fucking kidding me" she thinks to herself as she looks at him. He is standing there with his hands in his pockets, dressed in a black tux and a bow tie. His hair is perfectly placed and his blue eyes are piercing through her looking for her response.
She doesn't quite know what to say. What she wants to say is…what the hell is going on with you…why have you been pushing me away… I thought we were friends…and now here you are here acting like you haven't been rude to me for the past few days…but instead she says nothing…she simply turns back and looks at her Lilies.
Fitz knows she is angry with him. He had seen the hurt and disappointment in her eyes; last night and earlier in the week when she tried to talk to him, and he knows he has been pushing her away…trying to escape his want for her…but it hasn't gone away…it's not going away. After his conversation with Gerry earlier that day he doesn't know how to do anything other than go after what he wants and what he wants is her.
Looking at the back of her head his eyes follow the wispy trail of hair that has escaped its place and down to the open back of her dress and down her spine. She is perfect…absolutely perfect he thinks to himself. "Liv…Livvie" he says as he is hoping that she will acknowledge his existence. She is pissed and has every right to be, and as her brown eyes bore a hole into his head he can't help but notice how sexy she is when she is angry. She stands up from her seat and begins to make her way past him and out of the room when she feels him grab her arm and pull her back to him.
"Livvie…I wanted to apologize for how I have been acting for the past few days. I know I have been shutting you out and I am sorry for that"
Thankful that he has acknowledged his behavior she can't help but search for a reason on his face, not finding it all she can focus on is his hand wrapped around her arm and his touch. The anger that she feels is beginning to slowly slip away but she still wants an answer… "Tell me why Fitz…what's the problem…what did I do…I thought we were friends".
He realizes that his actions have made her feel as if she has done something wrong…and that makes him feel even worse. "Livvie…you didn't do anything wrong…it is all my fault…it's my problem".
Puzzled by his response she takes a step closer to him. "I don't understand Fitz…what is your fault…what is your problem"?
He can't help but place his hand on her cheek and comfort her as he speaks… "The way that I have been acting…the thoughts I have been having…the way that I feel when I am around you…It's inappropriate".
In that moment, she realizes that he's been feeling the same way that she does…it all makes sense…they have both been fighting their feelings and pushing them to the side with the thought that they were wrong. That it was wrong to care for one another and want more. "What's inappropriate Fitz"?
He lets out a breath that he didn't realize that he was holding. "That I want you…I want more with you Livvie…It's in appropriate…. I know that".
"Then let's be inappropriate…I want you too Fitz…I want more with …" and before she can get the last words out of her mouth his lips crash on to hers.
With their lips touching he began to softly suck on her bottom lip. A moan escapes her mouth and before she knows it her arms were around his neck and her hands were wrapped up in his curls. She could feel his body as it pressed into hers and every gap that was once there was now filled. Filled with him…with the desire that had been coursing through their veins for weeks…with the realization that they no longer had any control over falling for each other…they had fallen and here they were...He let his hands wrap around her waist and he placed one on her bare back and the other on her backside. He could feel the heat radiating from her body and it caused his arousal to grow. He probed her mouth with his tongue and within no time her taste consumed him. He was so consumed with the touch and taste of her lips he barely noticed as she unbuttoned his jacket and placed her hand on his chest. She wanted to feel him…to feel his skin against hers. As he slides his hand back up her body he can feel her heart pounding through her chest and he knows he needs to get them out of here.
Breaking their kiss, he looks in to her eyes and he can see the need in them. She brings her hands to his face and runs her thumb over his lips to wipe away the evidence of her lipstick. He bites the pad of her thumb, and before he knows it he no longer in control of his movements and he is backing her up against the wall. Grabbing her face with both of his hands he probes her mouth again and she bites his bottom lip with force. Trailing his hand up the side of her dress he caresses her breast for the first time and she lets another moan escape her lips. Removing her hand from his chest she trails it down the front of him and rests her palm on the front of his pants. She can feel the evidence of his arousal and she wants him more than she has ever wanted any other man in her life. As she begins to massage him through his pants she knows that they need to leave before things get out of control…who is she kidding they are out of control. Breaking their kiss once more she looks at him. His hair is now a tousled mess from running her fingers through it, and his lips are once again stained red from her lipstick.
"We need to get out of here" he hears her say. The words piece his ears and a smile is the only thing that comes across his face. "You're right Livvie…you need to get back to the event".
"Are you kidding me…the last thing I want to do right now is look at fashion and art Fitz…I told you I want you…I you more than I have ever wanted anyone in my life".
Fitz removes his phone from his pocket and texts his driver. It's the shortest time he has ever spent at one of these events and he was supposed to meet his son's girlfriend, but right now he doesn't care. He wants to get out of here and get her back into his arms.
As they get into the elevator a fresh wave of desire comes over her and she is once again in his arms. She is tempted to pull the emergency stop button but knows it will just delay them in truly being alone, so instead she settles for reaching her arm up and under his jacket and feeling the muscles of his back. She has seen this man fill out a tee shirt and has wondered how he would feel beneath her fingers. "You're so sexy Fitz…you have no idea what you do to me" she says kissing him again.
Fitz lets out what can only be described as a growl and as they exit the MET and with their arms around each other they get into the car. Fitz places Olivia on his lap and once again begins to probe her mouth with his tongue. "I can't get enough of you Livvie…let me show you what I can do to you".
With that their car begins to travel towards their apartment building as in meanders the evening streets of New York, and with the promise that their lives will be changed forever as they have finally discovered what they both have been wanting…each other.