Thanks for all the great reviews and support for the story. More on the way, since we are starting hiatus for the summer and we all need some Olitz.
She looked up into the rays of the California sun with her white plastic sunglasses . He had his arm draped around her bare shoulders. Fitz's grey slate eyes had been shaded with the help of a pair of tortoise shell Ray Bans. She couldn't wait to see all that California had to offer. Seeing the blue Pacific, Olivia just had to run into the surf. He loved to see the happiness in her face as she ran from the water because of the temperature.
"Oh it's cold! It's cold." She squealed.
Fitz just laughed. He could see the state he grew up in through her eyes. After a short stay in the hospital, the doctor released him . He had made a promise to her that they could spend the time together. The timing was perfect because Fitz's family always hosted a large gala to raise money for political campaigns and charity. Celebrities and politicians looked forward to the event The event was truly the Southern California event of the season. Fitz just tolerated it, but this time he would actually have a good time because he would have a date he picked without any help.
"You have never been in the ocean?' Fitz asked.
"Down in Florida and Coney Island." Olivia admitted.
"Well how would you like to not only go swimming ? But see a world you won't believe." Fitz explained.
Olivia didn't understand what her boyfriend was talking about. She just loved to hear him talk about science and outer space.
"You told me that you were an excellent swimmer. You said that you sometimes practically lived in the pool in high school and college. I know you can do this and I want to share some of my experiences with you. I may not be able to take you to space with me yet, but I can share another world with you." Fitz said as he pushed a lone hair behind her ear.
"I would love you to share anything about you with me." Olivia smiled. "It will unite our souls."
"I want to take you skin diving. I want you to see all the fish and colors. You may never get to feel the same way I do when I am looking at the stars and dependent on my oxygen and tethers, but it will change you as you move through this secret world and you are the intruder in your gear. "
Olivia looked at him as if he had been speaking a foreign language. She had swam in the water and did enjoy diving, but she had never imagined doing something like this. It sounded exciting but also terrifying.
"I don't know , Fitz, I mean it all sounds so righteous, but you were in the Navy and specially trained. " Olivia said unsure.
He took her hand and then squeezed it. "It will be righteous babe. I mean we will be entering this world together and sharing this experience. It may be the only way I get you to see how I feel when I go into space. "
"Okay, it sounds so cool." Olivia admitted.
"Trust me." Fitz said with a smile. The two of them continued to walk the length of the beach. The waves rolled in and out. They were lulled by the quiet cawing of the seagulls. In front of them was a sky that was painted with pastel colors. Pink, red, and purple streaked the evening California sky as the sun was setting.
They headed back to the house where Big Jerry and a few others were gathered for cocktails. It was a nightly ritual that the Grants would gather before dinner for drinks. Even though they were casually dressed, they strolled through the parlor as people socialized. Big Jerry rushed over with a scotch in his hand to Fitz and whispered in his ear.
"Go upstairs and change for dinner. There are a few influential people you need to meet." He said.
"I am not playing your games." Fitz said deliberately.
"No games, Fitzgerald. There are some high rollers from North American and I know that could help with the space program." Big Jerry replied. "Now you and your girlfriend , go change and come back down here."
Fitz took Olivia 's hand and then said. "Dad said that we need to change for dinner. I forgot to mention that we were having company tonight. Put on something pretty ."
"Okay babe." Olivia turned to kiss him and went into her room.
Unbeknowst to them, Jerry had a late comer to the party. Mellie showed up wearing a pearl necklace and a floral dress with large red flowers. Chanel pumps covered her feet and her hair was in a scanned the room to see if Fitz was there as promised. Jerry took a swig of the scotch and then hurried over to her.
"Glad you could come, Mellie." Jerry smiled as he put his arm around her.
"I am only sticking to the plan." She admitted. "Where do you want me?"
"Don't be so obvious. The last thing I want is a scene. He can't think we are in cahoots. You have to be the guest of someone else. Blend in and start talking. That way you can bump into each other before we have dinner. I will have you seated by Fitz and that way he will realize that you have a lot in common and we will be right on target." Jerry knew his plan would work.
Suddenly , every conversation stopped as the dinner guests looked toward the grand stairway. There they were dressed to the nines for dinner. Fitz cut a dashing figure in a white dinner jacket and black bow tie. His unruly hair had been slicked back and the jacket left very little to the imagination. All the females in the room could do nothing but drool at the astronaut. But to the right of him was Olivia in a lavender strapless gowns and pearls around her neck. Her hair was spiraled up on her head. Her small hand was wrapped around his biceps as the two descended the stairs toward the party.
A female guest came up to Big Jerry and exclaimed. "My, is that Fitzgerald? He grew up to be quite handsome."
"He'll make a fine President some day." Jerry said with pride. "Everyone why don't we go into the dining room now. Dinner is served." He also decided that he couldn't avoid talking to the woman if his plan was going to work. He had to admit it, she was quite a looker. The Grant genes didn't fall from the old man. His son also knew a good looking woman.
"Olivia is it? Welcome to our home. I am so glad that Fitz found such a woman like you ." Jerry leaned over and put a kiss on her cheek. Fitz had a look of shock on his face. He also knew not to trust him. Dad was up to something.