A/N: This chapter is mostly told from Olivia's POV. Thank you for reading and supporting this story. Xo
Chapter 8: Top Priority
"You are not defined by your past. You are prepared by your past. ~J.O.
OPOV
"Mother, please continue."
Both Fitz and Olivia sat motionless waiting for Genevieve to speak. She looked distraught and Olivia could sense her presence made her future mother in law uncomfortable.
She continued explaining the relationship Fitz's father, Gerald Grant, had with Susan and parts of her story weren't making sense. It didn't take Olivia long to realize she wasn't being completely honest, and it placed her in an interesting position. Fitz remained silent and Olivia was somewhat afraid to look at him. Her heart hurt for the man she loved and she desperately wished there was something she could do to take his pain away. She eventually found the courage to peek a quick glance in his direction. His face was hard, almost numb, and showed very little emotion. She remembered seeing that look once, when she was in the hospital several months ago. It was a look she would go to great lengths to avoid seeing everagain.
"I'm feeling tired, dear. I think I'll leave you two alone now. My flight was long. I have a room booked at the Waldorf-"
"Mrs. Grant, please, stay with us! There's no need to stay in a hotel!" Olivia interrupted.
She turned to look at Fitz who didn't make eye contact with either of them. He didn't interject and she quickly realized it was because he didn't want his mother staying with them. Maybe he too questioned her honesty and needed time to process her visit. She regretted offering her a place to stay and made a mental note to not ever make a suggestion like that again without speaking with him first.
Another relationship lesson Olivia was quickly learning.
Genevieve stood and hugged them both goodbye, affectionately touching Olivia's stomach before she finally left. The moment the door closed, Fitz went to the wet bar in the corner of the living room. He was about to pour a drink when Olivia interjected, pointing out the time.
"It's not even 7am, Fitz."
His hand stopped in mid air and he turned to look at her...desperation covering his face. Olivia sat down again in the chair she once occupied and waited. She didn't bother hiding the concern on her face. It wasn't like him to drink this early in the morning and she knew this visit was already taking a toll on him. She watched Fitz carefully, hoping he would open up to her.
"I need some air."
Fitz placed the crystal top back onto the decanter and headed for the door. He turned before leaving and told Olivia he was going for a run, encouraging her to return to sleep. He didn't kiss her goodbye and barely looked in her direction, before closing the door behind him.
Olivia sat for a few minutes deep in thought, wondering what to do. It was obvious Fitz wasn't handling this well but she wasn't exactly sure if she should get involved. There was a lot going on right now and she worried if her involvement would do more harm than good. She didn't want to push Fitz too fast. One thing she knew about him was his need for space. He always took time for him to open up and it appeared this time would not be any different.
She eventually stood and made some breakfast, her appetite getting the best of her. She wasn't tired and honestly needed to keep herself busy. Her stomach growled and she smiled at the increase in appetite she now had. Although she still didn't really look pregnant, she certainly felt it, and it deep down excited her. She chose to make herself an omelet because it was somewhat of a process to prepare and she needed some think time. Olivia was in the middle of scrambling the eggs when the telephone rang. She glanced at the Caller-ID before answering it.
"Good morning, mom..." She said, placing the phone on speaker.
Maya began to speak about Emmie as if she were already born, suggesting they buy the baby this new toy she saw on a television advertisement. Olivia half listened while mixing the ingredients inside a bowl. They chit-chatted about the nursery for a while when Olivia decided to share the news about Genevieve visiting. The second the words left her mouth, she regretted mentioning anything.
For the next ten minutes, Maya drilled Olivia with questions, most of which she didn't know the answers to. She finally got tired of her mothers inquiry and was about to hang up when she said something that caught her attention.
"You just wait until Emmie is born. You'll understand the things parents go through in order to spare their children- they become your top priority and you'll do anything to protect them."
Olivia stilled and stared at mahogany cabinets ahead, deep in thought. Her mother continued talking but she had no idea what was being said. She suddenly understood what Genevieve was doing. And she realized if she was in her position she more than likely would try to do the same.
"Mom...I need to go." She exchanged goodbyes with her mother, promising to call her later on. Maya wanted to take advantage of Genevieve's arrival and have them over for dinner. Olivia spent little time entertaining the idea, hanging up the phone right away. She had the urge to call Genevieve but thought against it. After all she wasn't married to Fitz and she wasn't certain how Mrs. Grant would react to her getting involved. She thought back to the last time she saw Fitz's mother and again another memory of her being in the hospital came to mind.
Genevieve flew to Washington when she found out about Olivia's accident and the baby. Despite the fact Fitz was still married to Mellie, she urged Fitz not to leave her side. She knew her son was in love with her and she made it clear she would support whatever decision he ever made...at least that's what Fitz always shared with her. The more she thought about it, the more she was leaning towards paying a visit to the Waldorf Astoria. It would give both women a chance to be alone and it would also give Olivia the chance to see how her presence would be received.
The reminder of the morning consisted of Olivia cooking herself breakfast and eating alone. Her thoughts centered around Fitz and she replayed different scenarios of what she would say to Genevieve in her head over and over again. She was in the middle of washing her dishes when Fitz returned and came into the kitchen.
He was dripping with sweat and breathing hard and headed straight for the refrigerator. She couldn't help but feel sorry for Secret Service as she knew all too well when Fitz was stressed he ran, which meant so did the person on his security detail. She watched him down a tall glass of orange juice before turning his attention over to her.
"I thought you'd still be asleep," he spoke touching her stomach in a curricular pattern. Olivia covered his hand with hers and squeezed it lightly.
"We were hungry." She smiled up at him and reached for the baseball cap he still had on, gently taking it off his head. His hair was in a bit of disarray and she watched as he ran his fingers through it in attempt to smooth it out.
"I need to run a few errands this morning. I'm looking for a few things for the nursery and I really need some maternity clothes..." She purposely left out she also planned to visit his mother.
Fitz nodded his head and took another swallow of juice. He placed his glass in the sink before making his way into their bedroom. Olivia followed, watching him strip down getting himself ready for a shower. She began to change herself when she decided to text Harrison before heading out. The message said the following:
Genevieve Grant is staying at the Waldorf. I need the room number ASAP.
Olivia placed her phone inside her purse and continued to get ready. Fitz was quiet, as she expected, and she chose not to make small talk like they usually would during their morning routine. She finally picked out a loose fitting sun dress she hadn't worn in years and knew her wardrobe needed a complete make over...and soon. None of her pants fit and she was tired of the lack of selection her closet now offered her. After a final glance in the mirror she called a goodbye to Fitz over her shoulder and picked up her purse, placing it on her forearm.
"Livvie..." She turned at her name and saw him peeking through the shower door. His face was concerned and she knew he was worried about her going out alone.
"Don't over do it," he said sternly. She smiled and lovingly touched his cheek in response.
"You ok?" She asked, ignoring the previous statement. He cocked his head to one side and looked her over.
"Join me." His voice was low and somewhat strained.
Olivia could see the sadness in his eyes and knew this was his way of avoiding the issue. She thought for a few moments and before she could respond, Fitz took her purse from her hand and tossed it aside. The next thing she knew she was inside the shower, dress and all. She screeched loudly several times and heard Fitz laughing. His smile was so pure and so sincere she couldn't help but go with it. Her clothes were drenched and clinging to her body and her perfectly placed hair was now turning curly with every passing second.
FPOV
"You are so beautiful."
He couldn't help but smile hearing that sound coming from her mouth. It was childlike and carefree and he instantly hoped their daughter would inherent her laugh. Olivia kicked her shoes off and he helped pry her wet dress off her body. Her breasts were so full and he desperately wanted to touch them.
He didn't want to think of his mother or her lying or why she was there to begin with. The world was growing too dark for his liking and Olivia was the only thing that made any sense to him. Moving her dress down her body was so arousing he watched her every move and loved the way her face transformed before his eyes. She was no longer laughing, instead her eyes were closed shut, and Fitz could tell the moment was now filling her with desire.
Fitz positioned her back against the wall away from the cascading water and leaned in slowly for a kiss. Her tongue was soft and quickly invaded his mouth as soon as contact was made. He cupped one hand around the back of her neck and made his way down the front of her body with the other.
His first stop was her nipples which felt exactly to his liking. The warm water made them hard and elongated and his mouth salivated at the touch. He massaged each one carefully between his fingers and heard the approval radiate off her lips. Olivia quickly broke contact with him and Fitz watched her intently. He loved her facial expressions - lived for them really - and wanted nothing more than to keep the mother of his child happy.
Fitz pushed down all his fears and concentrated on HER, allowing his body to take full control. His hand soon left her breast and traveled south until it stopped in between her legs. Olivia grabbed onto him the moment his middle finger penetrated inside. The water made her tight and the friction surprised both of them.
Her walls eventually expanded the longer he stroked her clit, leaving his erection throbbing like never before. He ached to be inside her and decided the quickest way to prepare her body for him was through verbal communication. He slowly lifted a leg up bending it from behind the knee and sunk another finger inside. Olivia gasped loudly and Fitz immediately traveled to her neck, kissing the side of it up and down.
"You like that don't you, sweet baby?" He whispered in between kisses. Olivia's moans became louder and he felt his fingers slowly expanding deeper inside. He continued to speak in his deep whisper, coaxing her to fully orgasm. Once her grasp tightened around him he knew she was close.
"Fitz..."
Olivia's body exploded, swallowing his fingers, her fluid slowly coating his hand. He kissed her over and over again until she finally calmed, eventually removing himself from inside her. Within seconds, he lifted Olivia and entered her, burying his face into the side of her neck. The warm water continued to fall on them and it was a welcome sensation. He couldn't remember the last time they made love in a shower and the fact they were doing so while she was pregnant was all the more special.
She now spoke to him softly as if it was her turn to will him on. It drove him crazy and he unconsciously increased his rhythm until he was no longer able to control himself. His hands remained gripped around her bottom, pushing her aggressively into him and ultimately finding his own release.
"Fuckkkkkkk..." He moaned against her skin, his head slightly becoming lightheaded.
It was exactly what Fitz needed and a welcome release to his built up tension. They remained intertwined for a long while; each of them still breathing heavy. The water began to somewhat cool and Fitz knew the hot water wouldn't last too much longer.
He eventually pulled out and steadied her back onto the ground. Her hair was now completely curly, her make up smudged in several places. Olivia grabbed the nearby soap and Fitz stepped aside giving her room to take care of her own needs.
"I'm starving...you need anything?" He asked before eventually stepping out of the shower. Olivia smiled and shook her head no, flashing him such a pleasing glance. There was no doubt she took great pleasure in knowing she was responsible for changing his mood and the thought made him smile back at her. The truth was he did feel better. And he was grateful for the appetite he now had.
Fitz stepped out of the shower and dried off quickly, not bothering to dress. He wrapped his towel around his waist and headed to the kitchen anxious to eat. The refrigerator was stocked with plenty of choices and Fitz was in the middle of preparing his breakfast when the land-line rang.
It was Reed.
The next few minutes the conversation centered around his mother. Fitz informed him she was now in Chicago and apologized he traveled so far for no reason. His friend was quick to brush it off and Fitz appreciated his understanding. Before he ended the call, Reed asked him a question he wasn't expecting.
"Want us to pay your old man a visit?"
Fitz thought about this possibility for a second before answering. He deep down wanted Reed to threaten him, bring enough fear into him that all questions he had would be answered. But reality kicked in and he knew that would never happen. His father had no fear of anyone which deep down bothered him the most. He knew many men like that. Men who would risk losing it all in an attempt to look good or save face- men who found fear to be a sign of weakness.
And he spent most of his adult life avoiding becoming one of them.
"No. You've done enough. You can stay put. I'll be good here."
The two friends exchanged goodbyes and Reed informed him Huck wanted to return to OPA. Susan was still in DC and they both agreed that was best until they knew how exactly to proceed. A decision needed to be made regarding Gerald Grant and until then, Susan needed to be watched.
After hanging up the phone he made his way into the dining room and began to eat when Olivia retrieved from the bedroom. Her purse was in her hand and she was wearing a new dress, this one a bit shorter than the last. Her hair remained curly and she had minimal make up on. He admired her from afar, smiling in between mouthfuls.
"I'm heading out. Who was on the phone?"
"Reed...he's heading back home. Huck's returning to DC."
Olivia nodded at his words and made her way over towards him. He knew she had questions about Reed not returning but she didn't ask and he didn't offer any explanations. The fact he was in this predicament bothered him immensely and he loved Olivia for never pushing him to speak before he was ready to.
"Take Tom with you," he said before kissing her goodbye. Olivia smiled and eyed him suspiciously.
"Well, this is a first," she smirked looking over his attire. She playfully tugged at his towel and it instantly lightened the mood.
His morning was actually turning out way better than he anticipated and he had no one to thank but Olivia.
OPOV
Olivia sat in the back seat of the Lincoln Town car and took out her cell. Harrison replied to her text, informing her of the room number to Genevieve's hotel room. The inside of the car was quiet as Olivia studied the text message. After a few minutes, Tom looked at her in the rear view mirror and asked where they were going. She set her cell phone down in the seat next to her and caught his gaze, wondering if her reply would cause any friction. It was no secret both Tom and Hal were very protective of Fitz. She couldn't help but wonder if her seeing Genevieve would raise any question.
"The Waldorf Astoria," she finally replied evenly.
To her surprise, Tom simply nodded, placing the vehicle into drive. She stared out into the window and realized they treated her with the same respect they treated Fitz. It was a welcome feeling and she appreciated their loyalty more than she could ever express. She now understood why Fitz insisted they remain on his detail. He was purposely surrounding himself with people he could rely on and that in itself brought her so much peace.
Olivia knocked on room 9560 and waited. She wasn't certain if she was doing the right thing but she wasn't about to back down now. Maya's words replayed in her head and Olivia was certain if she could get through to Genevieve the truth would eventually come out. She knocked on the door again as her patience began to thin, pregnancy hormones getting the best of her. A few seconds later the door finally opened and Olivia unconsciously held her breath.
Genevieve's face was startled and her eyes quickly scanned the area as if looking to see if anyone accompanied her. Tom remained at the far end hallway and didn't make eye contact with either one of them. She couldn't help but wonder if he was planning on telling Fitz her whereabouts. Regardless, there was no turning back and she would have to deal with the consequences, if there were any, later.
Genevieve opened the door wide and invited Olivia in, immediately offering her something to drink. She surveyed the room and saw several large pieces of luggage against the wall. This may have been one of the reasons she didn't want to stay with them. It appeared Mrs. Grant was indeed finding new living arrangements.
"I apologize for showing up like this unannounced," Olivia began before she lost the nerve.
Genevieve motioned for her to sit down and Olivia thanked her. She watched Fitz's mother pour her a glass of water and place it in front of her before finally sitting down next to her. An uncomfortable silence took over and both women stared at one another for a short while.
"Fitz loves you very much, Mrs. Grant."
Olivia decided to begin in this manner hoping it would ease the flow of the conversation.
"Olivia, please call me Genevieve. Or Genny. Mrs. Grant is so formal."
Olivia smiled at her words and nodded her head in response. She looked around again for a brief moment and admired the room. It was lavish...the colors rich and formal. It fit her completely and she looked right at home in these type of surroundings.
"Fitz has shared many fond memories with me about his childhood, Genevieve. I know there were some hard times but he does also remember the good ones. And they all include you."
Olivia spoke slowly, choosing her words carefully and again hoped she was doing the right thing. Genevieve didn't respond and broke eye contact with Olivia.
"I spoke to my mother this morning and she said something that made me think of you." She paused and Mrs. Grant returned her attention to Olivia, as if her words suddenly captivated her.
"She said I will learn quickly being a parent means you will go to great lengths to protect your children...and they will become your top priority."
Olivia grabbed Genevieve's hand and squeezed it tightly. A range of emotions flooded her face and more silence took over. Olivia fought the urge to cry but made herself continue.
"I know you're not sharing everything with us. And I'm certain Fitz knows too- but I think you WANT to get this all out. You wouldn't have come all this way if you didn't."
Genevieve eyes began to water and she let go of Olivia's hand and stood. She walked over to the large bay window overlooking the city and stared out into the distance. Her mannerisms reminded her so much of Fitz...it was something she could see him doing. A long time passed but Olivia didn't speak; simply hoping she would eventually respond or at least share her thoughts on what had been shared.
"I could never have children, Olivia. We've never spoken of this but I'm certain Fitz knows I'm not his biological mother..."
"You ARE his mother, Mrs. Grant and nothing you say will EVER change that."
Genevieve turned around to face her and Olivia could see the weight of the world on her shoulders. She returned to the seat next to Olivia and began to pour her heart out.
"Part of what I told you IS true. Gerald was in love with Susan just as I shared. She did work for him and she did become pregnant. But she used the baby as a bargaining chip again and again until she finally got what she wanted...it was all about money for her. Fitz was days old when he came to us. I will never forget the day. He was perfect...plump...with the biggest set of blue eyes you could ever imagine."
Her face smiled at the memory and it was Olivia's turn to now fight the urge to cry. Her suspension was correct...Susan was Fitz's biological mother. She pictured Fitz as a baby and her heart ached. How could anyone use him as blackmail? How could anyone NOT want him? The thought made her feel sick and she pushed the image of him being given away deep down, hoping Genevieve would continue.
"She left town with the money Gerald paid her but as soon as it ran out, she would threaten to expose us all over again. It was a terrible way to live...and I had constant fear she would try to take him from us if she didn't get what she wanted. Gerald was also trying to make a bid at the presidency. It took a strain on our marriage..."
Her voice trailed off and Olivia urged her to continue, afraid she would lose her nerve if she didn't.
"Fitzgerald was almost five when Gerald was elected governor. Back in those days the Governor was expected to make an appearance at certain town events and we of course would travel as a family. Out of nowhere Susan appeared making threats. Her behavior was erratic, completely unstable, enough to drive Gerald to take drastic measures. He had her confined for some time, long enough to change her identify and erase any proof she existed. It was a terrible time in our marriage. Many rumors surfaced and Gerald lost the respect of many in the community. When he lost the reelection a few years later, he blamed me and often lashed out at us. I tried to shield Fitzgerald as much as possible. I never wanted him to know he was given away. She never wanted a child, Olivia. Never. And I will never be able to understand why. He is the single greatest gift I could ever have. And I would die before I ever let someone or something ever hurt him." Olivia could hear the desperation in her voice and she continued to fight the urge to cry. She understood all too well the depths one could go through to protect someone you loved. It was the sole reason why she resigned from the White House in the first place.
She wanted nothing more than to protect Fitz.
Silence took over once again and Olivia processed what Genevieve shared, remembering a conversation Fitz had with her not too long ago about his parents. He did remember their arguing and was old enough to make sense of the chaos. Things were beginning to make sense exempt she still didn't understand why Susan was in Washington at the time of her accident. She was about to ask when a knock sounded on the door. Genevieve quickly excused herself and opened it to reveal Tom waiting on the other end. He was standing at attention and looked directly past Genevieve and straight towards Olivia.
"The President is asking for you ma'am. I believe your cell phone was left in the car."
Olivia looked down into her purse and realized he was right. She stood and made her way out into the hall. Tom handed her his cell and she said hello into the receiver.
"What's going on, Olivia? Why is Tom reluctant to tell me where you are?"
Olivia looked at Tom and then at Genevieve. She walked back into the hotel room and Fitz's mother motioned for her to use the vacant room on the left. Once she closed the door behind her, she answered his question.
"I came to visit your mother. I have a few more things to do and then I'll be home. Is everything ok?"
Fitz was quiet for a moment and Olivia hoped he wasn't upset. She had good intentions and simply wanted him happy. That's honestly all she's ever wanted.
"Maya is looking for you. You didn't answer your phone and she called the house."
Olivia rolled her eyes. Of course her mother did that. It irritated her to no end but she knew deep down her mother had the best of intentions also.
"I'd like to invite Genevieve over for dinner soon. Would that be alright with you?"
"Yes. Of course." His reply was quicker than Olivia anticipated and she took that as a good sign.
"I should've told you. I was afraid you would try to stop me. Are you upset I came here?"
She heard Fitz inhale loudly at the question and she closed her eyes, trying to mentally picture his face.
"No, I'm not. I trust you."
Her heart filled hearing his words. They did trust one another and she appreciated him verbalizing it.
"Your mother loves you so much, Fitz. And I do too. We'll get through this."
"I love you, too."
Olivia hung up the phone and returned to the main living area. Genevieve was seated and smiled when she saw her.
"My son is lucky to have you, my dear."
She stood and reached her arms out, touching her stomach once more. The two women embraced and Olivia again apologized for showing up without notice. She invited Genevieve over for dinner later that night and encouraged her to be open and honest with Fitz.
"He deserves to know the truth. He's one of the strongest people I know. This won't break him, Mrs. Grant. I won't allow it to."
Genevieve kissed her fondly on the cheek and Olivia finally left. Despite her mothers overbearing nature, she was grateful for their conversation that morning. She knew in her heart, Genevieve loved Fitz as much as any mother would, biological or not. And it was that love that prevented her from being completely honest. She didn't want Fitz to hurt or feel pain and on some level she respected Genevieve more now than ever before.
Olivia placed a hand on her stomach and affectionately touched the skin that protected the life growing inside her. She couldn't imagine using this child the way Susan Dansberry used Fitz. The thought made her feel ill and she couldn't help but understand why Genevieve would want to hide this ugly truth from him.
"We love you, little Emmie," she whispered under her breath, looking down at her belly. They were now walking through the lobby and she didn't care that Tom was a few feet behind and could more than likely hear. She wanted her daughter to know.
And she planned on telling her every chance she had.
