Chapter 10
'The ranch III
Fitz, his mother and Olivia all piled into the Cadillac Escalade, Fitz asked Olivia to drive since he and his mother would be on the lookout for signs advertising the different stands. Olivia was surprised that Fitz was giving her the wheel.
"You are letting me drive?"
"Of course, I'll drive back….. You remember you drove us from Washington to New York when Tom and I caught the flu and we both were too sick to fly or drive. You are a good driver. It will give mother and I time to talk without distractions. I don't care what dad said. I am determined to find out who CB Strong is, right mom."
"Yes …Fitz. …. You sit up front with Olivia and give her directions. I will sit in back, field your author questions and look for shops that may interest us. Olivia …. are you in the market for anything special?... You will see a great selection of arts and craft booths as well as vegetables and fruits one can only get here and only during this time of year."
The three headed out…. Olivia loving the feel of the vehicle. It is great for the open road, she is not sure about the handling in New York traffic.
Meanwhile at the golf course.
Cyrus climbed into the golf cart with Gerry … "Gerry, where is Fitz this morning?"
"He's spending the day with his mom and Olivia shopping along the coast. He said he was accompanying them for safety, but I suspect he and his mother wanted some time away from me to discuss how to unmask CB Strong."
"Are they both still at it?"
"Yes, and knowing those two they will be successful which is not good. Why can't they just leave it alone. I do hope the guys identify is hidden well. Send him a note telling him my wife and son are hot on his trail."
"ok…. I will do that" …. Cyrus said as he walked up to the first tee.
"Is he still working at Grant. I would think with the book sales he may have moved on?"
"Before I answer… do you really want to know?"
"that 1% of me says yes, but the 99% is happy not to know. The sales from his books are keeping the whole publishing division in the black. I understand Hollywood is interested in making a movie based on the first trilogy."
"Hollywood!"
"yes…., I'm not sure if more publicity will be good or bad. I really don't want to know, not really but if Irma and Fitz get really close I may ask you to tell me, maybe the three of us can help hide his identity from them."
"I promised the identity would go to the grave with me unless the author decided to tell."
"WOW, …Cyrus that's a big tell, which lets me know it's someone you really want to protect …..., even from me. There are a couple of other tells that I won't go into now, if my son and wife get close I will tell you what they are. I am not going to dwell on it because if I did I could narrow it down to maybe five people in the company … and neither of those five people I am willing to lose if the anonymity is lost. Plus, I would lose a lot of profit…. The five people I could immediately think of are smart enough to stay ahead of my son and wife. We can give him some help keeping the identity hidden… if necessary…... We came here to golf, lets golf."
On Pacific Coast Road
"What do we know about the author that's a fact Fitz?"
"It's a woman, probably between 35 and 45 and she's a college graduate."
"what makes you think the writer is a woman?"
"The language… men and women write about love differently. They also write about sex in a different manner."
"I never knew I would be having a talk about sex with my thirty-year-old son, but please, continue."
"women write about sex from an emotional point, there is always more emotional content, cuddling, kissing and hand holding. Men from a more physical point. ….. more physical feelings. For women sex is emotion for men it's physical."
"Ok, maybe…. I am from a different generation. Men were not encouraged to wear their heart on their sleeves in my generation. You think the author's age straddles between you and I…, I am not sure., Olivia what do you think?"
"What do I think about what?…...
"The age and sex of CB Strong, Fitz thinks the author is a college educated woman between 35 and 45,… men and women writing about sex differently."
"Do you guys really want my attention focused on thinking about that right now and how men and women approach sex or do you want me to prioritize keeping this car on the road and out of the way of these other awful California drivers?" Nice save Olivia
"Sorry, you drive we will talk which is the reason you are driving", Irma Grant continued. "Fitz, I agree with the author being a woman. The age, not so sure!"
"It's a guess, the language is more adult than someone in their twenties. The language seems to come from experience. experience comes with age."
"A twentyish person could have had as much experience."
"But the first book was published five years ago, which would have made the author a teenager when it was written. The language has not evolved much over the last two books, which makes me believe she was a full adult when she began writing them."
"Fitz, your first comment about the author was, if I recall, you said it was probably written by a frustrated high school freshman."
"That was before I read them, now I see things in a different light
…. much different"
"College graduate?"
"College graduate and probably not a full-time author. The language and some of the interactions are daily interactions that happen all the time between people. The author is drawing on ideas and actions she sees every day from the people she sees every day." Fitz turned in his seat to face his mother. As he talked he was talking as much with his hands as with his mouth.
Fitz continued… "The heroine of this last book has screaming red hair, she reminds me a little of Abby, but only because of her hair. Abby's disposition is nowhere near hers."
"Yes, the red hair…... It was just a matter of time before the heroine was a redhead. Two blondes and one brunette, a redhead would have appeared at some point."
"Olivia, are you listening… care to comment?" Irma Grant leaned forward in her seat hoping to get Olivia's attention but not distract her.
"from what I have heard, you guys seem to be on the right track but honestly, I am paying more attention to the traffic than your conversation. I'm just listening close enough to hear my name or if you give any directions." Another good save thanks to Cyrus, stay as neutral as possible.
Ok mother…..., 30ish, college graduate, who after making millions in book sales, is still showing up each day to her 9 to 5 job. Sounds about right."
"yes, that sounds about right"
"what's next?"
"the publisher"
"The publisher is listed as All Really Exclusive Selections Publishing, and a post office box address that has three other post office boxes listed as forwarding addresses. When you come to the last one it's a dead end."
"All Really Exclusive Selections, what kind of name is that for a publisher, sorry Fitz continue..."
"She is making it really hard to find her."
"which means she is intentionally hiding her identity?'
"really mom…isn't that obvious,"
"Fitz, this is giving me a headache, and we will reach the markets soon, lets table this for the ride back."
Olivia was doing all she could not to breathe a large sigh of relief. She had never been so happy to see signs advertising the Farmer's Market straight ahead. Cyrus was right, these two together were worthy adversaries. They were wrong about only one thing, the age of the author. The pegged the sex correct, the education level correct and the day job. She, and Huck, were going to have to put a couple more layers between her and this duo.
The three shopped along the highway for over an hour. Fitz became the runner who took their purchases back to the car. Irma bought enough fresh vegetables for the week and then some. . About noon they decided to stop at a roadside food truck that Irma said she had been waiting all morning for. They sat on a dusty road enjoying a food truck lunch. Fitz ordered a burger, the ladies had a combination salad with, so any different greens Olivia stopped trying to identify them and just enjoyed her meal. All three gave in and had a large glass of lemonade made from the locally frown lemons . After lunch they hit the craft stores filling the wagon with one of a kind finds.
About 4pm, they started home, Fitz changing places with Olivia. Irma decided she was happy with the back seat, but Olivia convinced her that her son could talk to her better if she sat in the front. He would not have to turn his head to the rear when he wanted to make a point. It was a small victory for her hoping she would not be drawn too deeply into their unmasking conversation.
"I'm going to ask Andrew if he knows anything about the publishing company. If he doesn't, I'll ask for ideas about finding anything he can about it."
"Fitz, are you bringing anyone else in, I thought the three of us could handle this little problem."
"It's not three, it's just you and me. I am not sure Olivia is interested. Am I right Liv, are you interested in finding out the identity of the author?"
"Fitz, Irma, …I am interested but I have not read the books and with my job schedule I don't think I will have the time to read them all. How many will I have to read to catch up?"
"Three, trilogies, 9 books plus 2"
"That leaves me out, no way do I have the time."
Irma Grant, turned her body to look at Olivia in the back seat.
"Why haven't you read any of the books Olivia?"
Olivia wished she could answer honestly… I have read them… I haven't read them along with the rest of you because I wrote them.
She knew any real answer was impossible, so she tried to create a believable comment.
'Irma…. Fitz …...I have been either working or in school for the past eighteen years. I now have a job that requires a lot of my time and energy, frankly I haven't had the time. I do read but it's usually Sci-Fi or Mystery. On out of -town business trips I always travel with my collection of Sherlock Holmes books, tv shows and movies and everything Star-Wars and Lord of the Rings. I probably know the dialogue better than the writers. I enjoy being able to escape and do battle with Vader hang with the Hobbits."
It was at that moment Olivia remembered the warning from Cyrus and her internal, "caution, watch it, danger ahead "antenna went up. Don't appear aloof.
"I understand finding out is important to my boss, Fitzgerald Grant and his mother Irma Grant, so I will take the time to read the stories and see if I can help. I am pretty good with puzzles. Is that ok, " I'll help with the puzzle, but I will make sure some pieces are always missing.
"Olivia, we don't want to put additional pressure on you, but if you can Fitz and I would love your input…. Right son."
"Yes, Olivia we would be happy if you would help."
"Ok, when I get back to New York I will get the books and get started."
"New York…, Olivia I have all eleven books in my library here and in New York, use mine while you are here."
"thanks Irma, I will read as much as I can here, but I will buy my own since I like to make notes in the margin of my books."
'no problem, Olivia we will be here a week. I'll have Tom pick up a set for you tomorrow." Fitz broke in..
DAMM These two are relentless.
"Fitz, thanks but not necessary. I'll read the ones at the ranch and pick up a complete set when I get back. Tell me guys what do you like about the books, Irma you first."
"To be honest, my daughter introduced me to the first one. She started reading Strong when she was pregnant with her first child. When she had the baby and I was visiting her I picked up her copy and I was hooked. I like the simplicity of the stories. You haven't read them so spoiler alert…. When Joan, who was in love with Andy saw him kissing Jan, it was written so well I could feel the ache in her chest in mine. That's what I like about the books. One can feel the pain but then one can also feel joy. The books are so beautifully written. I won't say any more I want you to have your own experience."
Olivia was floored. This is the reaction she was hoping for when she wrote the books. She was so sorry she could not talk to a fan about how the joy of her writing had transferred into joy for the reader. The explanation by Irma was very intense ….the car grew quiet for a time. Finally, Fitz broke the silence.
"My turn, what do I like about them. I hope when I have my first daughter she will have the strength and understanding that the heroines in these books have. The stories are about love. True love is absolutely possible and from a divorced male I have to believe finding true love is always possible…..one just have to look a little harder and have faith … even when disappointments occur."
"Guys, this ride has become very emotional, will we be home soon, I think we all could use a drink. What bottle so you suggest I liberate from Gerry's prized cellar."
I'm having white wine, a full bottle during and after a relaxing bath. How about you Fitz?"
"Scotch, need you ask?"
"Ok, surprise Olivia with a good red from a good year, I'll tell Marty to bring all the shopping into the kitchen we can figure out what belongs where and to whom tomorrow, it's been a long day. Marty made a pasta dish for anyone who is hungry. Olivia, what are your plans?"
"Like you a relaxing bath and maybe I'll sit on the patio and read while enjoying my liberated surprise bottle."
"You know you can enjoy the book in the bath'"
"Nope, water and books, not a good match, especially if the book is a loaner, I'll wait. "
"Olivia do you mind if I join you on the patio. Maybe you can start reading tomorrow, is that ok."
"Of course, boss we don't have a lot of down moments, this would be a perfect time to do absolutely nothing, see you in about an hour."
"Fitz took his few purchases to his cabin for packing then took relaxing shower, his mind on Olivia the entire time. He was going to spend an evening alone with Oliva and the excitement was creating a wonderful sensation in his chest. Could this be the love C.B. is writing about. His feelings for her had slowly developed into something very strong and soothing . He knew when the attraction began he did not fully realize how deep his feelings were until his father started talking to her about her personal life. He wasn't sure when it happened or how it happened but he was glad it had happened…... Could Olivia be his redemption. He really hoped so because he was determined to give it a try. The only way for her to know, he had to tell her how he felt..
He was feeling torn….. if he tells her, is he willing to jeopardize her as a valued employee …. Is he willing to jeopardize losing her to someone else if he does not tell her?. There was only one way to find out, tell her and tell her tonight. It may be one of the few times they would be alone together and he had to speak frankly.
Both Olivia and Fitz returned to the patio at the same time. He excused himself to get that bottle of wine, hoping she would enjoy his selection ..
Olivia kept saying to herself,…. keep it steady girl. You must guard against two things as you enjoy what she knows will be a great bottle of wine…. ,guard against , letting Fitz know how she feels and guard against giving anything away about CB.
The first sip of the wine was heavenly the second was even better and before she knew it her glass was empty which Fitz refilled, immediately.
"Olivia, we spent Friday and Saturday discussing Grant Enterprise. We spent today playing detective, what can we talk about now."
"you choose Fitz, you are the host I will let you lead."
"First, will I be allowed to call you Olivia once we leave the ranch?"
"Easy answer… NO…once we leave here you will become Mr. Grant I will become Ms. Pope. Your dad suggested it and he is correct. You refer to me as Ms. Pope which does not give anyone else an opening to refer to me as Olivia."
"I understand, that said I've enjoyed calling you Olivia, even better when I called you Liv. I do understand why it's necessary, but it's nice and we still have five more days."
"Not quite, we will be away from the ranch for most of the week where it will be Mr. Grant an Ms. Pope".
"It's been nice being informal … Liv. . My dad gave you a lot to think about. If you choose to follow through on the track to COO you will be asked to make a lot of personal sacrifices, are you willing?"
"Yes I am, I understand some people can't have it all I may be one of those people."
"Olivia, I am, going to start a conversation about your possible sacrifices, if I step over your boundary let me know. There is so much in the news about sexual harassment so please let me know when this conversation becomes uncomfortable."
"Is it that serious Fitz?"
"It could be."
"Go ahead, I am sure there will be circumstances where the boundaries will be crossed, and I must be able to forge through without breaking down in tears."
"My father brought up husband, children…...family. Do you see your future with a family. My dad strongly suggested that you find contentment outside the job. Do you see a future that would include a husband and children,….. your prince charming…. do you want children ?"
"To be honest, I don't know. I really enjoy my job, …what did you say, I love solving problems. As a woman one would think I also dream of prince charming and a house full of perfect children."
Olivia wanted to say, I thought I found him when I was 16 but it was just a teenage crush that I wrote out of my life. When I met you I realized you are my prince charming because, no matter how hard I try I can't write you out of my life.
She continued," Some people have to settle for less. I can have a full cup with a job I love or a ½ a cup while I am looking for something personal that isn't there, well isn't there for me."
"Liv, what do you want from your prince charming, , ….what kind of man do you want, what are you looking for in a husband?"
"Men always ask that of women, few women ask men what do they want in a woman. Maybe it's because women are expected to be chased with men doing the chasing."
"I'm going to turn that question around …Fitzgerald Grant III, what do you want in a woman, what are you looking for?"
"Fitzgerald Grant III,…. with the full name spoken in such a serious tone I know you expect a serious answer."
"Olivia Pope, I married Mellie because , I liked her….. I did not love her,…. I liked her. I thought she would be the suitable wife for me and a suitable mother for my children. I never looked for or ever believed in the storybook love. I never expected to find that stars in my eyes woman, heart beating fast with a warm feeling whenever I saw her,…. missing her when she is away, my mind often wandering thinking about her,…. filling her jewelry case with jewelry because every time I saw a new piece I envisioned how she would look wearing it."
Fitz drained his glass and turned in his chair to look at Olivia.
"what!
"What I want in a woman is everything I see in Olivia Carolyn Pope."
The two kept looking at each other
"If I have stepped over my boundary, please let me know. I am your boss. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable knowing that I like you, I like you a lot and have since the first time we met. Please say something,….. have I gone too far. I want you to remain at Grant, but I don't want you to stay if you are uncomfortable, Olivia, Liv…. Ms. Pope please say something."
"I asked you a question , and you answered. I was being catty when I asked, I never thought I would be part of the answer. As for my boundary, we are ok you answered the question I asked. . There isn't any way I could take offense at what you said. Let's walk, I need to clear my head and I would like this conversation to stay between us."
With that Olivia emptied her glass and started to walk off the patio. When she looked back, and Fitz was still seated she walked back over to him pulling him up indicating he should follow. They had walked nearly to the ocean before either said anything.
"Olivia, are you offended, if so I'm sorry I answered truthfully. If you want a do-over I will give you the same answer, I will not lie. "
"Fitz…...I'm glad you chose not to lie."
"I know a relationship between us is a catastrophe waiting to happen. No way could we date and work together…... but we could just go straight to marriage."
"now you really have lost it, Mr. Grant."
"If it works my dad will dance himself into retirement. If it doesn't work out one of us will lose a job, we love. Don't think for one minute my dad would not fire me and keep you. How do you feel about me, do you like me a little?"
Now is the time for an Olivia Pope countdown
Hell, yes, I like you,… more than a little
How am I going to square this with his dad?
How am I going to square this with his mom including his moms quest to unmask CB?
How am I going to square this with Fitz when he learns I am C.B.?
How in the hell am I going to be able to maneuver being COO, dating the CEO and writing love stories under a pseudonym that I am keeping secret from him.
Olivia, you have a problem, a big problem. You have what you want but what will it cost you to keep it.
That was fun to write. I decided there needed to some Olitz joy during the winter break so I tried. .
What happens now, do they openly date?
How will they separate office from home?
Should they tell his parents, if so when will they tell his parents?
How will Olivia keep writing without Fitz finding out?
Fitz will find out, it will be a while the story must have some chapters of mystery and drama….right now I am conflicted , I have written three different endings about how CB is outed….. any suggestions there may be a 4th and 5th way ,.
Lots of problems and each problem has several possible answers. Until next time
Part III posted tomorrow.