"You're drinking tea?"

"Do you want some?"

"No, I'll have my scotch."

"I have to find another job."

"No you don't."

"How do you keep it together?"

"Someone has too."

"Is that an insult?"

"Of course not."

"Fitz, I'm trying to pull my weight around here."

"I don't need you to get a job. I need you to take care of our kids. Livvie I'm exhausted. I never get a break from work or parenting. Monday through Friday, you will have the house to yourself from 9am until 6pm. I need you to grocery shop, cook and clean during those hours. Can you be my wife Olivia, or do I have to work more hours so we can afford a nanny?"

"They're so wild. They run and throw toys all over the house. Fitz, they poured out my expensive perfume. I had to scrub food stains out the carpet."

"I deal with this every day Livvie. I know you have a head injury, but you have to meet me halfway. You don't get to be a childless woman with a spotless home anymore. I haven't pressured you for sex. I know you're not ready for that. I won't compromise on this."

"Okay."

"We can take shifts on the weekends. You take the mornings. I'll take the afternoons."

"I can agree to that. Goodnight Fitz."

/

Olivia poured herself another cup of coffee while her kids ate cereal. She was looking forward to sitting at home with tea and a book for a few hours.

"Are you taking us to school?" Lennox asked.

"Yes."

"Are you going to work? Nia asked.

"I quit."

"Why?"

"I need to be here when you get out of school."

"Can we buy a koala bear from the pet store?"

Olivia laughed at Mia. "The pet store doesn't sell wild animals."

"Can you get one from Australia?'

"No."

"Are you coming to my class today? Carissa asked.

"Why?"

"'We're having muffins with mom at our school."

"She doesn't want to stay at school with us." Nia said.

"What time do I need to be there?"

"It's after lunch."

"I'll be there."

"That's not fair. You're going to Carissa and Lennox class. What about me and Mia?"

"I'll come to both of your classes."

"You can't be in two places at the same time."

"Okay, we can get ice cream after school. You and Mia can have two scoops of ice cream.

"What about me and Lennox?"

"You can have more ice cream if I go to class with Nia and Mia."

"No, we want you to come to our class." Lennox said.

Olivia sipped her coffee with a smile. The day was starting without any fights.