A/N: Thanks everyone for continuing with me on this journey. Reader575, Jon has led everyone to believe he's more interested in the back office side of the business – like Fitz. Cyrus probably has something to do with that. Diamondprencess, love all of your speculation. Allaboutpassion, you crack me up. I never want to cross you. Just to be legal, these characters belong to Shonda. Now back to our story.
Chapter 13
While Olivia is putting fresh linens on their bed, Fitz sits at the desk in the living, in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, and logs into his laptop. Anxious to get back to work, to be productive again, he starts to review the GranPo financial reports. It's been two weeks since he was discharged from the hospital and, although his strength is slowly returning, his doctor and wife (not exactly in that order) won't allow him to return to work until after his one month follow-up appointment, which is in another two weeks
He studies the latest financial reports and is elated GranPo is finally becoming profitable. He clicks on the Accounts Payables tab to check if there are any outstanding invoices for their vendors. He smiles as he scrolls through the spreadsheet. Liv had finally convinced him to move all of their business documents online, especially his beloved financial reports. She said it was impractical to carry around all of that paper.
Liv comes into the room and plops down onto the sofa.
"Boy am I pooped."
"I told you to slow down, babe. You've been going at it non-stop around here for the past two weeks. Maybe we should think about getting some help?"
"What are you doing over there?" She asks while putting her feet onto the coffee table.
"Reviewing our financials", not looking up from the screen. "Liv, I am so glad I let you talk me into moving all of the paper files for the business onto my laptop. This is so much more practical. I can review and update the data any time and anywhere."
"Told you, babe", she says, resting her head on the sofa cushion.
"Well, when I get back to the office I have to shred all of those old files in my desk drawer. That data is so obsolete."
He walks over to the sofa, sits next to his wife, and places her feet into his lap. He begins to massage her tired feet, eliciting a moan.
"Fitz, that feels so good. You're putting me to sleep", yawning as she curls into his side.
"Tired?" He asks, rubbing her arm.
"I guess I overdid it today. Do you mind if I take a nap? Dinner is on the stove", she says, standing and walking to the bedroom.
"We're getting some help around here. You can't expect to run GranPo and take care of this place, too", he yells after her.
XXX
It's mid-September and Fitz has his follow-up appointment with Dr. Joshi. He's hoping the doctor clears him to go back to work because he's getting cabin fever sitting in their apartment all day. He wants to get back to the office and interact with the staff - even Amy. He smiles because the young woman has actually grown on him. They gave Amy a handsome bonus after the business started making a profit, as modest as it is, it's still a profit. If Amy hadn't posted the video of their wedding on the Internet he doesn't know if GranPo would be as successful so quickly.
He wants to play racquet ball with his best friend. It's been ages since he kicked Leo's butt on the court. He needs to talk to Liv about scheduling dinner with Leo and Abby. He wants to thank them for being there for Liv - for them - over the past month. He is grateful for their friendship.
He wants to make love to his wife. It feels like it's been forever since he was inside her. God he misses her body, tasting every part of her. The thought of being with her begins to stir him so he jumps into the shower to calm down. I must be feeling better he thinks, looking down at his hardening member. He hadn't gotten a rise in weeks. The doctors said the pain medication was the culprit. He would have to talk to Dr. Joshi about when he can be intimate with his wife because Olivia wasn't willing to entertain his attempts to make love.
Fitz walks into the bedroom after showering - drying his hair. He smiles because Olivia is still sleeping. She's been working too hard lately. He'll take her to her favorite sushi place for lunch, after his doctor's appointment.
"Liv, babe, you gotta get up", sitting on her side of the bed, rubbing her arm.
"OK. What time is it?"
"7:42, we have to be at Dr. Joshi's at 9:30."
She sits up, stretches, and yawns.
"Good morning, baby", giving him a kiss on the cheek. I feel like I've been bitten by a tse-tse fly. Did I fall asleep on you again last night?"
"We'll talk about that later. Get dressed while I make us breakfast." He kisses her on the forehead and pats her butt before going to the kitchen.
A half hour later Olivia comes into the kitchen completely dressed. She walks to the island and picks up the mug of her favorite tea Fitz has steeping.
"I thought you could you use a little pick-me-up", pointing to her mug.
"Thank you, baby. This is just what I need. What are you cooking -? Fitz, what did you put in this tea? Did you add that flavoring you like? This tastes awful", pouring it down the sink.
"Scrambled eggs and toast. That's all we have time for. I'll bite the bullet and take you to lunch at your favorite sushi place after our appointment."
"Yay, I haven't had sushi in like, forever", she smiles in anticipation.
He gives her a peck on the lips, sitting down to eat his eggs. "Anything for you, Livvie. By the way, I didn't put anything in your tea."
XXX
Fitz comes out of the examination room buttoning his shirt. The exam seems to have gone well, but Dr. Joshi will have to give him the clean bill of health. With his legs crossed, Fitz and Olivia sit in the uncomfortable chairs in front of Dr. Joshi's desk holding hands. Nervously he rubs the back of Olivia's hand with his thumb while the doctor reads the chart on his desk. Olivia squeezes his hand gently, holding her breath.
"Well Mr. Grant", Dr. Joshi begins. It seems that you're recuperating nicely. All of your vitals look good - your numbers are all within the normal range. You are a healthy man, sir."
Fitz and Olivia smile and he squeezes her hand. He knows how anxious she's been about his health for the past month and hates she's become a nervous wreck because of him.
"Mr. Grant, I see no reason why you can't resume your normal activities. You can go back to work whenever you like. You own your own business so it's up to you when you decide to return. You can begin your normal physical activities - the gym - you play racquet ball correct?"
"I do", nodding his head and smiling.
"Then you can resume playing whenever you like." Standing from his desk, Dr. Joshi extends his hand to Fitz, then to Olivia, indicating the appointment is over.
Fitz is getting anxious because Dr. Joshi is ending their appointment and he hasn't given Fitz the most important clearance. He needs the doctor to say it in front of his wife because she won't have any part of it unless she hears it from Dr. Joshi.
Olivia grabs her purse and begins to stand. "Thank you, Dr. Joshi, for taking such good care of my husband."
"You're welcome, Mrs. Grant."
Still sitting while Olivia and Dr. Joshi are standing, they both look at him, silently encouraging him to get up.
"Is there anything else, Mr. Grant?" Looking at Fitz curiously.
Olivia watches her husband run his hand through his hair. He's nervous about something she thinks. All eyes are on him as he begins. "Doctor, you talked about all the activities I can resume ... uh, you didn't, uhm mention - well you didn't mention if it is okay to resume relations with my wife", he says quickly - turning a deep shade of red.
Olivia rolls her eyes and Dr. Joshi smiles.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Grant, I didn't mention that specifically. But yes, you're cleared for that activity as well."
On their way to the sushi restaurant Olivia decides she doesn't want sushi after all - she wants Mexican food instead. Fitz does an internal jig because his day is getting better and better. He doesn't have to eat sushi and he can have sex with his wife. Life is good, really good.
XXX
He's leaning back against the bathtub and she relaxes against his chest. It's been a while since they could bathe together. He's happy the sponge baths are over.
"I missed this, Liv. I miss being with you", licking the water from her right shoulder then planting kisses along her neck.
"Me too, Fitz."
Silence.
"What's the matter, babe? You sound kind of sad", wrapping his arms protectively around her.
"Fitz, I know you're better now, but when I found you like that - in our bed, I was so scared", she says softly.
"I know. But I'm all better now. Dr. Joshi confirmed it", massaging her breasts and sucking on her ear.
"But, Fitz, you don't know how frightened I was when I found you like that. Honestly, I've been on pins and needles for the past month. My stomach has been in knots. I can hardly keep anything down."
"Turn around."
She turns and straddles him, looking into his loving eyes, tears ready to fall. He cups her face and kisses each eyelid, then gives her a deep kiss on the lips.
"No more crying, okay? I'm fine."
She nods, leans into him, and lays her head on his shoulder. "Fitz, I thought the universe was conspiring against us - mocking our love. Do you realize it's been a little over a year since we first met at Preggio's?"
He nods, kissing down her neck.
"Fitz, we have come a long way since that horrible day. Hell, we're even married and have a new business. So many wonderful things have happened in my life since I met you. So when you got so sick I thought it was all a cruel joke."
He slides her down his chest, until they are aligned, and kisses her - roaming his tongue in her mouth. He massages her butt and rocks her on his hardening member. She grazes her right hand through the damp hairs at the nape of his neck and opens her legs, letting the warm water wash over her pocket. She strokes his rod and he moans, lifting his buttocks to give her more access. She smiles and lathers soap on her hands and begins to massage slowly up and down his length. He twitches in her hands. She flattens her palm on the head and rubs circles ever so slowly. He's bucking wildly, water splashing over the sides of the tub, onto the floor.
"I need to be in you, Livvie", he pants raggedly. "I've missed you so much."
She takes him in her mouth and begins bobbing her head, sucking him gently then with more fervor. The veins in his rod feel like they're going to burst. She runs her tongue along the veins on the underside, looking up at her husband as he relishes in the pleasure she's bestowing. A little water splashes in her mouth as she takes him in fully.
"Oh my god, Livvie. You're gonna ..."
Closing his eyes tightly, mouth hanging open, he runs his hand through her wet hair that is starting to curl. He grabs the sides of her head and guides her mouth up and down while he pumps. Her mouth feels wonderful and the friction of his balls scraping the bottom of the tub is all so exquisite.
"Make me come, baby. Please, I need to come."
Olivia sucks him hard while he pumps in her mouth.
"Oh, god, Livvie. You feel so good. It's been too long, baby."
She is turned on because he's turned on. She slips her hand between her legs and begins to ride, pleasuring herself while she pleasures him. Fitz thinks it's hot she's taking care of both of them and it causes him to explode in her mouth. His buttocks tense as he continues to release. She moans in sheer delight as she falls over her peak.
Olivia releases him from her mouth with a final lick to his sensitive head, then collapses onto his taut abs. Arms hanging from either side of the tub, Fitz collapses against the back of the tub, completely and thoroughly worked over.
He pulls her up against his chest and kisses her passionately. "I'll love you forever, Livvie."
XXX
Today is like the first day of school for Fitz because he's going back to work after being out for a month, and he is excited. Up at the crack of dawn he showers and dresses quickly. Not wanting to disturb his wife, he tip-toes from their bedroom, down the long hall, and into the kitchen. He starts the coffee maker then goes to the refrigerator to get his favorite jam. Liv has not let him eat it since he got sick. Still not sure why she thinks jam has anything to do with a ruptured appendix, he looks at the jar and smiles. He drops a couple of slices of bread into the toaster and scrambles a few eggs. He glances at his tablet, checking the latest news reports while waiting for the toast. The toast pops up and he grabs them, scrapes the eggs from the frying pan and sits down to feast. He spreads an extraordinary amount of jam on his toast, telling himself he's making up for lost time.
Olivia drags into the kitchen, not looking like she's had a good night's sleep, although she has slept for nine hours.
"Why didn't you wake me, babe? I would have made you breakfast."
"You looked too cute sleeping. Besides, you need your rest."
"I don't know if you noticed, but I was up a couple of times throughout the night. I don't think that Mexican food agreed with me. I'm sticking with my sushi next time."
"You should stay home today and make sure it's all out of your system before going back to work."
"I think you're right", leaning in for a kiss. "Ooh, Fitz. What kind of cologne are you wearing today? It smells awful."
He looks at her like she just sprouted two heads. "Liv, this is the cologne you insist I wear, like every day. You bought it remember?"
"That can't be the same cologne because I love that scent on you. Does cologne spoil?"
He shakes his head. "Go back to bed, baby. I'll call you later." He leans in for a good-bye kiss but Olivia pulls away, unable to tolerate his cologne.
XXX
Abby comes over to the apartment later to check on Olivia because Fitz said she wasn't feeling well. The doorbell rings and Olivia opens the door and sees Abby standing in the hall holding up two bags from Olivia's favorite sushi restaurant.
"Abby, what are you doing here?"
"Oh my god, Liv, you look awful! Fitzgerald called me and said you weren't feeling well and asked me to pick up some of your favorite sushi since you haven't had it in a while."
They walk into the living where Olivia sits on the sofa. Abby takes the bags into the kitchen and sets them on the island. She walks back into the living room where Olivia is sitting and feels her forehead.
"Well, you don't seem to have a temperature. What's going on?"
"I don't know, Abbs. It seems like all I'm able to do these days is sleep. I'm tired all the time", she says weakly.
"What else?"
"Well, my stomach has been in knots ever since Fitz got sick. I can't seem to shake this nervous stomach. I know he's better, but my stomach doesn't seem to know it."
"What else?"
"Abby, are you now a doctor?"
"What else, Liv? I have a lot of experience with sick people around my house. Leo – the boys …"
"Well, all kinds of scents seem to bother me, like your perfume. I want to …." Liv runs to the kitchen sink and releases what little she has in her stomach. Leaning her forearms on the sides of the sink, her stomach continues to retch.
Abby rushes into the kitchen, pulls Olivia's hair up, and rubs her back.
"Liv, you said you've been feeling weird since before Fitzgerald got sick, a little over a month now?" Placing a cold compress on the back of Olivia's neck.
"Yes. I started feeling a little strange a couple of weeks after we got back from the lake. Then Fitz got sick a couple of weeks after that, so I just pushed it all aside."
"You're pregnant", Abby says bluntly.
"What? How do you know?"
"Because I've been down that road a couple of times. Sleeping all the time, annoying odors, can't keep your favorite foods down", looking over at the bags of sushi sitting on the island.
"How could this have happened, Abby – when?"
Abby looks at Olivia, who's still slumped over the sink, like she's crazy. "Liv, I don't need to explain to you how it happened, but I can tell you when. It probably happened when you and Fitz went to that damn cabin we have at the lake. Every time Leo takes me there I come back knocked up."
Olivia looks up at her friend and shakes her head. "You should have warned me, Abby", fighting another surge of nausea.
XXX
Olivia stands in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the city. The sun is still shining brightly, not a cloud to be seen. It's such a beautiful day. She shakes her head because she cannot believe it. She cannot believe she is actually pregnant. Abby went to the store and bought three different pregnancy tests. She even watched as Olivia used each one, getting the same result each time - positive.
She sips on her ginger tea as he slides his key out the lock, places them into the crystal bowl on the little table in the foyer, and slips off his shoes. She smiles because she loves his routine. She wonders how he's going to respond to the news.
"Honey, I'm home", walking behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, and kissing the side of her neck. "Feeling better?"
"A little", she musters a weak smile. "How was your day? What's happening at the office?"
He walks her over to the sofa and begins telling her all about his day. He's so excited.
"You know, Liv, Amy has become such an asset. I can't believe how well she managed things while we were out. She's not the same young woman we hired months ago. I would like to give her an increase if next month's numbers continue to look good."
Olivia nods.
"And Jon is also doing a great job. We need to determine if we can offer him a full-time position in the future. He's been so helpful to Amy over the last month - he's a quick learner. Amy is really impressed with him."
Olivia now remembers what she wanted to tell Fitz about Jon. It seems so long ago, but she still wants him to know.
"Babe, do you remember the first day you were sick and I told you there was something I wanted to tell you about Jon?"
He looks at her blankly. "Honestly, I don't remember, Liv."
"Well …"
She tells him everything she remembers about her conversation with Jon and the strange comment he made about The Beene Group.
"So, do you think it's kind of odd that he would mention Cyrus' company?"
"Not necessarily, Liv. Cyrus does have one of the largest entertainment companies in the world. Jon would know that since he's trying to break into the business."
"Maybe so. It just struck me as being odd when he said it. Let's hold off offering him a position until we know more about him, okay?"
"OK."
XXX
"Well, he's out of the hospital, sir; he's now back in the office."
"How does he look? How does he seem?" Still caring about his old friend.
"He looks fine, sir. He said he was happy to be back in the office – something about cabin fever."
Cyrus nods his head. He knows Fitz enjoys working and cannot stay out of the game for too long.
"But Mrs. Grant, Olivia, didn't come in today. Fitz said she isn't feeling well."
Cyrus is disinterested.
"Do you have more information about the GranPo financials? I need to see what the numbers look like since the last reports you gave me."
"I don't have any new information, sir. It's difficult to get into Fitz' office now that he's back to work. And Amy is always around."
"Well you're going to have to find a way, Jon. I need those numbers and I need them fast!"
"I'll do my best, sir."
Cyrus leans back in his chair thinking about his plan. Based on the last financial reports he got from Jon, GranPo doesn't seem to be turning a profit. Their pipeline of talent doesn't seem to be paying off. Cyrus wonders if Fitz is using his inheritance to keep that little business afloat. He might be crazy enough to go broke for Olivia Pope. Cyrus unlocks his desk drawer and pulls out the photographs of the GranPo financial reports. Based on the numbers, things aren't looking too good for GranPo, not looking good at all. Cyrus returns the documents to the drawer and locks it. He leans back in his plush leather chair and smiles, thinking his plan might work after all.
XXX
They are on their way to meet Leo and Abby for dinner. Fitz made the reservation at The Union Club a few days ago and forgot to tell Olivia. He was so anxious to see his friends, and with everything going on at work, he simply forgot.
"Pull over, Fitz!"
"What?"
"Pull over, now! I'm going to be sick."
Fitz pulls the car over to the curb when it's safe, and Olivia flings open the door and begins to hurl everything she's eaten all day, which wasn't much."
Fitz runs around to her side of the car, trying to avoid stepping into her puke. With a worried expression, "Liv, are you all right? What's the matter? I didn't realize you were still sick - this sick", rubbing the back of her neck.
Liv continues now with the dry heaves, there's nothing more in her stomach to give. She leans on his shoulder and begins to cry.
"Livvie, what's the matter? What's wrong?" He asks with concern, rubbing up and down her back.
"I wanna go home, Fitz."
"Should we go to the hospital?"
"No, I just wanna go home", she cries.
Fitz takes Olivia home, puts her in bed, and gets her a cup of the ginger tea she requested. Then he calls Leo to explain what happened and says they will make it up to him and Abby at another time. Fitz removes his clothes and climbs into bed behind his wife, rubbing her stomach."
"Is your stomach still upset? Can I get you anything?" He asks sweetly.
Olivia shakes her head 'no'. Then she turns on her side to face him. He kisses her forehead and nose.
"I hate seeing you sick like this, babe."
"Fitz, I don't know if I can do this. If this is going to last forever…"
"What are you talking about, Liv? It's just a tummy ache", squeezing her butt.
She begins to cry and can't seem to stop. She doesn't even know why she's crying. She doesn't even want to cry.
"Fitz, I don't know if I can do this four more times. I feel awful all the time."
After a few moments of processing what she said, it hits him. He sits up straight in the bed, almost knocking her over.
"Are you …? Do you mean …? How …? When …?" He's gesticulating and pacing around the room.
She rolls her eyes playfully. He's so happy.
"We're having a baby! I'm going to be a father!"
XXX
Olivia and Fitz sit in the waiting room of Dr. Reyes' office anxiously anticipating their first prenatal checkup. Dr. Reyes has been Olivia's gynecologist for years so the doctor was happy when one of her dearest patients scheduled an appointment to confirm her pregnancy.
Olivia scans nervously the wall displaying the poster of a fetus in various stages of gestation. Her breathing becomes shallow as she thinks about the harm she might have done to their baby before knowing she was pregnant. Between Fitz getting sick and working hard to get GranPo up and running, Olivia has been under a lot of stress lately. They've been working long hours and eating a lot of take-out food for lunch and dinner. Hell, that can't be healthy for anyone, let alone a baby. Of course there is the wine, although she didn't have much desire for it even before she found out she is pregnant.
Olivia wonders if she would be a good mother. She doesn't know anything about taking care of a baby, and neither does Fitz, but he's so excited. She slides her hand out of his and starts wringing her hands, a telltale sign she's nervous.
"Liv, what's the matter? Are you feeling nauseous again?" Turning in his chair and looking at his wife who is clearly distressed about something.
The waiting room is full with parents-to-be so she takes a couple deep breaths before whispering to her husband.
"Fitz, I didn't know I was pregnant."
He looks at her curiously.
Speaking softly, she continues. "We've had a lot going on over the last month and a half and I haven't been at my best - not taking care of myself as I should. I'm afraid I could have harmed our baby", tears pooling in her eyes.
"Liv, don't do this to yourself. You've done nothing wrong. Our baby is going to be fine. Okay?" Dipping his head to look into her frightened eyes.
"OK", she nods meekly and wipes her nose with his handkerchief.
"Fitz, I don't know anything about babies - how to take care of them. I don't know if I would even be a good mother."
"You're going to be a terrific mother, babe", draping an arm around her shoulder. "You are so kind, caring, and loving. And what we don't know we'll learn together. Look at all the baby magazines and pamphlets in this room", he points to the table in front of them. "There's a lot of information available for first-time parents. I've already begun to do some research online."
"Oh, Fitz", she says weepily.
"Mrs. and Mr. Grant?" Lila, the technician, calls as she stands by the receptionist's desk wearing purple scrubs covered with multi-colored babies and a stethoscope hanging around her neck.
The couple follow Lila to Examination Room 2 where she directs Olivia to sit on the examination table. Fitz sits in the small chair against the wall, across from his wife, holding her purse in his lap. After asking Olivia a few questions, Lila takes her vitals and updates the chart. On her way out the door Lila asks Olivia to remove all of her clothing from the waist down and says Dr. Reyes will be in shortly.
Dr. Reyes confirms they are six weeks pregnant with an approximate due date of May 10. She also eases Olivia's fears about the harm she might have done to their baby before she knew she was pregnant. Dr. Reyes helped the couple to understand since Olivia is generally a healthy woman, a few bad meals were not going to be detrimental to their baby. She advised Olivia to manage her stress and eliminate her wine consumption.
After leaving the doctor's office they head to the pharmacy to pick up Olivia's prenatal vitamins. When they get back to the apartment Olivia takes a nap because she is exhausted from her first prenatal exam. Dr. Reyes was thorough. While Olivia naps Fitz starts a pot of homemade chicken soup. He hasn't been doing much cooking since GranPo activity has increased. As he slides the chopped vegetables from the cutting board, into the chicken stock, he wonders if he can convince his wife to join him in his yoga and meditation practice to help reduce her stress.
XXX
They decided Olivia would work from home until her morning sickness is over, and that doesn't seem like it's going to happen any time soon. She's living on broth, dry crackers, and ginger tea. She's bored with her new diet and tired of feeling nauseous all the time. She no longer has the energy to manage GranPo and their household so Fitz contacted a housekeeping agency to get them some help cleaning the apartment and doing some light cooking for Olivia. He's responsible for shopping for groceries and whatever else they need.
Fitz is a little surprised when he enters the apartment and Liv isn't sitting at the desk as usual, looking at her computer screen with eyeglasses down on her nose. He looks around and is happy to see Mrs. Hazelton is doing a good job keeping the apartment in order. He walks into their bedroom and sees his wife curled up in the bed.
"Liv …?" He walks around to her side of the bed and sits down. He looks at her lovingly, rubbing her arm up and down. "Is your tummy bothering you again?"
Trying to sit up, her head snaps and she glares at him. "I don't have a tummy ache, Fitz! I'm pregnant and I have morning sickness all day", she yells, grabbing her phone off the nightstand and looking at the time. "It's 6:15 at night and I still have morning sickness." The tears begin to fall.
Fitz pulls her to his chest and strokes her hair, trying to comfort her. He knows her hormones are all over the place. He read online that some pregnant women can experience dramatic mood swings because of their heightened hormones, so he was ready for these kinds of outbursts.
"Shhh. Shhh. Don't cry sweetheart. I know you feel awful right now, but I researched -"
"Don't tell me any more about your research, Fitz!" She snaps and the tears increase. "I just ... I ... I just…"
"You just what, sweetheart?" Rubbing her leg and trying not to laugh because he wants to live to see their firstborn.
"I don't know", she whines. "I just don't know. I don't even know what I want to say, Fitz. I feel like – like I am in a fog all the time."
"Lay back down, okay? I'll get you some more of that ginger tea. Okay?" Trying to sound empathetic.
She nods, looking utterly confused. He smiles as he walks down the long hall thinking, three more to go.
XXX
After everyone left GranPo for the day, Jon sneaked into Fitz' office again to photograph the documents Cyrus Beene wants. Looking over his shoulder before opening the door, he turns the knob and enters the sparsely decorated office. He walks over to Fitz' desk and pulls on the desk drawer, which still slides open without hesitation. He shakes his head, still not believing the man doesn't lock his desk. Jon pulls out the hanging file folder labeled GranPo Financials and removes all of the documents and places them onto the desk. He pulls out his phone, photographs each page, returns the documents to the folder, and closes the drawer. Looking around the room one more time, he turns off the light and closes the door. Mr. Beene should be really happy with these documents he thinks, smiling to himself.
XXX
Olivia called Fitz at work and asked him to bring home Chinese food for dinner – Chicken Pad Thai is her latest craving, not that she ever eats much of it or anything else lately. They sit at the island eating dinner, well he's eating and she's talking.
"Fitz, there are 80 million millennials in the US alone who spend $600 billion a year. That number is projected to grow to $1.4 trillion by 2020."
"Wow", he says, eating another forkful of Pad Thai.
"If we want to capitalize on the millennial economy, babe, we have to deliver smarter services, which means we have to deliver a better experience for those who visit our website."
"What do you mean?" He stuffs another forkful of food into mouth.
"Jeez, Fitz", astonished by how much he's eating. "Are you really that hungry? One would think you're the one who's pregnant", rolling her eyes and taking a sip of her ginger tea.
"You know I love Chinese", taking a swig of his Elf Life beer. He looks at her tea mug. "Was Junior behaving today?"
"Junior? What makes you think we're having a boy?"
"First we're having a boy, then three girls - all who look like you - then another boy", he says as a matter-of-fact.
She looks at him like he's lost his mind. "Fitz, no one can decide the gender of their children and the order in which they're born."
"Trust me Liv, I know these things", he says nonchalantly.
She rolls her eyes.
"The research I've done about online shopping suggests millenials and GenXers want a personalized experience when they interact with us online. They don't want to re-enter their preferences every time they come to our site. They want their music preferences remembered when they come back, and they want suggestions for new artists and new music. They also want to pay easily with things like , babe."
"Wow, how do we make all of that happen?" He asks, twirling more noodles with his fork.
"Of course I'm no expert in this area, but I think we're going to need a web designer. Do you think we afford one?"
"We need a web designer", he repeats, nodding his head. "Liv, I don't know the going rate for a website designer, but it seems like we can't not afford one. Our current website is basic- none of the bells and whistles you mentioned. People are willing to give us a pass for a while because we're new and they like what we're selling. But their generosity isn't going to last too long."
He's in full business mode and she smiles.
"We can look into hiring a consultant instead of a full-time employee. With a consultant we don't have to worry about the ongoing expense associated with a full-time person."
Olivia gets up and walks around to Fitz' chair and kisses his ear and down the side of his neck.
"I love my smart, Harvard-educated husband." She runs her tongue around the shell of his ear and whispers, "I never agreed to five babies."
He pulls her into his lap and kisses down her neck and rubs her breasts tenderly, while snaking his hand inside her yoga pants.
"Fitz ..." trying to escape his attempts to be amorous.
"Please, Liv", trying to slide his hand into her panties. "It's been weeks, baby", sucking on her ear lobe.
"Fitz ..." She whines, trying to peel his hand from her waist - not feeling a bit turned on by his advances.
His eyes are closed as he places soft bites on her neck while sliding down her panties.
"You're not feeling sick now, are you?" He asks huskily, voice laced with desire. His member is getting harder as her naked bottom squirms in his lap.
"No, babe, I'm not feeling nauseous right at this moment. I just don't feel like it tonight", pulling away and looking into his disappointed face. "How about tomorrow?" She gives him a quick peck on the lips and jumps from his lap. She pulls up her pants and walks over to the sink to wash the dishes.
He drops his chin to his chest, looks at the bulge in his pants, and mumbles, "You said that last week."
"What?" Turning from the sink. "Did you say something, babe?" Looking at him curiously.
"No - nothing. I'm going to the gym for a while", running a hand through his hair as he walks out of the kitchen.
Olivia scrunches her face as she watches her husband walk out of the kitchen and through the living room. She shakes her head thinking he's been going to the gym an awful lot lately.