Careful optimism.
That was the perfect phrase for how Olivia was feeling at the moment. She was able to single-handedly convince the First Lady of the United States to relinquish this hold on a man who wanted to be free, and return with the signed documents. Of course, this was the closest she had been to any project she accepted. Too close to the sun, emotionally torn, but this was a step in the right direction.
With her confidence at an all-time high, she made the trek to the West Wing. It felt like an eternity to reach her destination, but it paled in comparison to the time she and the OPA team spent working to get to this point. Sixteen weeks in the making - transforming an embarrassing series of events, and being able to downplaying these private moments of the Nation's most visible couple, while reinventing the image of the President.
Olivia was able to reach her office, without getting interrupted by Jake or the likes of him. Cyrus standing against the wall, hands in pockets, staring at the ceiling, already looking frazzled.
"Ah! There you are. What's the good news? Because the Joint Chiefs of Staff are on my ass and reporters are bugging me as I walk down these halls, so I could use it right now."
Olivia asked him to follow her and told him to shut the door. Reaching into her purse, Olivia handed over the manila folder.
"Is that what I think it is?"
Feet planted, she kept her face stoic, while Cyrus nearly ripped the claps apart to read the document, noticing the dark pen marks at the bottom of the fourth page.
"Holy shit!"
His roar of laughter erupted against the walls. "Liv!"
Olivia could feel the excitement, receiving Cyrus' approval. Her nods were enthusiastic as she began to smile.
"Yes! Yes! We did it!"
Cyrus planted a big kiss on her cheek. "This is why we hired you! I knew you would crush this. Putting pressure—, I mean resolving this situation. Slay the dragons… what do you call yourself again?"
"Gladiator in a suit," she confirmed proudly.
Clapping his hands, he answered, "That's it! So appropriate. I'll leave you to tell Fitz the good news."
"Oh?"
In that middle ground of shocked and well pleased, Olivia was not expecting to be the announcer. Always willing to do the dirty work, but never eager to stand in the limelight.
Cyrus confidently replied, "You're the one who got this done. I just pushed you along. Besides, I have to meet some genius in five minutes. His phone conference should be done shortly. Give him a ring in a few. Thanks again. I'll start making calls about how to get this official in the next month. Yes, I have friends in low pieces who will do my bidding. I'll talk with him to keep you on retainer. Now off to move bigger mountains."
What a whirlwind.
The door closed and Olivia finally allowed herself to express how she felt. A few twirls. Three hops in place. One deep breath, in and out. But back to work. She cleared her throat and pulled out her cell phone, dialing the office.
"Hey, Harrison. I'm at the White House, submitting paperwork, but we should be done. I know, right? Finally done with all of this. I'll text you when I leave. Okay, bye."
Olivia switched gears, taking a seat. Propping the receiver on her shoulder, she pushed the only shortcut number that had been saved.
He picked up on the second ring.
"Hi."
"Hi."
"Are you busy?"
"No."
She paused, unsure of how to break the news. Was it appropriate to do it over the phone?
"You okay?"
"Yes," she slowly announced, "I need to give you an update."
"Really?"
"Yes."
Fitz added, "Great. My schedule is clear for another hour or two, so you can come over. I'll inform Charlotte."
Olivia gave a clipped "No."
"What?"
"No, thank you."
"Umm, then where, Livvie?"
She fiddled with the phone cord, "I don't know. Just. Somewhere private. I don't think your office would be the right place."
"Okay..." Fitz was confused, but went along with her line of logic. "Do you have time to come upstairs? Or meet me by the service elevator?"
"Okay."
Without getting any further confirmation, Olivia ended the call. It would be the first time she would see Fitz in a week, so naturally, she took out a small mirror, to reapply her lipstick, untangle the long necklace she had on, and make sure her hair looked as well as it did when she left the apartment.
She wasn't going to publicly admit it, but watching the clips of him with his date, Teresa, over the past week, made her a little jealous and she wanted to step up her game.
Tapping her fingers on the most important envelope she could hold, Olivia began to get into the mindset that catapulted her to numerous victories.
Gladiator in a suit.
When the motto ran in her head, she walked taller, her hips swayed powerfully, and no one was going to tell her no.
Olivia Carolyn Pope was ready to talk to Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III, and make progress in their relationship.
One of the agents gave a curt nod when she approached — already knowing that she was allowed to enter. Ten seconds later, the bell rang of the elevator's arrival. Olivia lifted her chin, letting her loose curls move, while her hand on hip, waiting.
The door opened, with Fitz standing inside, in a dark grey suit, hands in his pocket. Having that strong confidence and the matching smile that made Olivia fall for him all over again. Her skin pebbled. Goosebumps all over. It didn't matter how long it had been since the last time she laid eyes on him. The reaction would remain the same. Excitement, nerves, an explosion of amorous feelings.
"Come on in."
Acting like everything was normal, she entered, then stared off into space until the door closed. Then, turning slightly, Olivia finally made eye contact with him.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
His eyes were reaching into her soul, she felt. Breath heavy with desire. Olivia wanted to melt, but she had to finish her agenda. Quickly, she handed him the envelope.
"Here."
Fitz looked at her skeptically, folding the metal back, pulling the document out. When his eyes skimmed over the content, he gasped. "Oh my God," his deep whisper bounced off the walls. "How?"
Her lips twisted mischieviously. "You let me do my job. I handled it."
The papers fell to the floor. Fitz's hands were at her waist, pulling her close.
Olivia couldn't breathe, locking eyes with him, not knowing where to go next.
"Fitz."
Her whisper led him to lean forward and giving her a sweet kiss of gratitude. A different kiss than the ones at Camp David, in his room.
This was a kiss of freedom. It made her heart beat faster, her cheeks flush.
"How can I thank you?"
She didn't want to talk. Her hands cupping his face, trying to silence him momentarily. Her moans got louder as Fitz's hands traveled down her sides, to palm her ass.
"When can I have you over?"
"Hmm," she slurred, hungry for more of his lips, mouth, whatever he could give. "When the coast is clear."
"We need to celebrate."
Olivia laughed, pulling back to see his face. Fitz's ears were beet red, his eyes bright and hopeful.
"Soon."
She slammed the button for the elevator to get to the Residence. Just so that their conversation would be a tad more private. "Cy is fast-tracking this one. He has some connection, how, I have no clue. I would say six weeks, everything will be done."
"Finally," he sighed, lowering his head. "Three years."
They were didn't say anything for a minute. Just looking into each other's eyes, smiling, living in the moment. Finally, a moment to breathe, and just be.
"I thought I'd never be able to do this."
Olivia asked, "Do what?"
Fitz shook his head, commenting, "I knew my ratings would go down and everyone would view me as a fraud. Self-proclaimed family man filing divorce? What kind of shit is that? I didn't mean to hurt anyone. That's my fault. But I need to find some peace. I don't mind being the President. But I lost myself years ago, and I want to find Fitz again. I still want to be myself somehow, I'll deal with the aftermath later. So, thank you, Livvie."
Stroking his cheek, she smiled. "You're welcome."
"Perfect."
Fitz blindly pressed the elevator door to open. "You're more than welcome to come up."
Knowing how slick he was trying to be, Olivia quipped, "After last time? I'll wait." Twisting her lips, she batted her eyelashes. She felt comfortable again to tease, not thinking that she had to choose her words carefully.
"Okay. I trust you. Just tell me when."
Olivia rose onto the balls of her feet and softly kissed Fitz. When she released, his face had become a little red.
"You weren't expecting that."
"No," he chuckled sheepishly, with his hand behind his head.
"I'll call you."
Fitz winked, before strolling out. "I'll be waiting."
Olivia pressed the button, blowing him a kiss. "Bye."
The rest of the week went by smoothly. Olivia received calls from Mellie's lawyer and publicist, working on a seamless rollout for the news about the Grants. Everything would trickle down in a three week span.
"Red alert," Quinn announced, "First Lady press conference is on."
Olivia rushed out of the conference room to her office, turning on the screen. She had to watch this by herself.
Mellie was looking poised and beautiful, a huge pair of sunglasses covering her eyes. Waving to constituents in front of a middle school in Arlington. Strange location to make an announcement for a divorce, but okay...
"First Lady Grant?"
"I would like to thank everyone for respecting my privacy. In recent weeks, I have chosen to take up residence outside of the White House until all has been settled with our dissolution of marriage. Yes, we have decided to go our separate ways. I still love my husband. We have come a long way from law school in the Northeast and the Governor's Mansion in California, and now to the Nation's Capital. There have been extreme highs and intense lows. But country first. No matter what happens, I know that our love for each other and for our country will prevail. Thank you."
"Mrs. Grant!"
Over the last four months, Olivia could pinpoint Mellie's go-to moves and cues. Smiling a certain way that was almost always disingenuous; the timbre of her laugh would tell what kind of mood she was in. The colors she wore.
The smile was there but her eyes were hidden. Nodding to the reporter, she stated, "No further questions."
She felt bad but knew this was for the best. As she collected her thoughts, Olivia overheard everyone in the conference room, analyzing.
"She is acknowledging a separation has occurred!"
"Fuck that, we heard the golden words. Dissolution of marriage!"
"Hallelujah. About time they end this," a relieved Quinn commented. "They looked miserable together. And now we won't have to focus so much on them."
Harrison exclaimed, "Fuck yeah!"
Olivia heard Abby shout from her office, while the others applauded.
"It's done! Liv!"
Trying not to do a blatant happy dance, her cheeks rose. Olivia appeared and lifted her hands. "We did it, guys. There are a few more steps but we've gotten over the hump. Shall we pull out champagne flutes?"
One month later.
Through smart planning, the Grants flew to California, to finalize the divorce. Cyrus, somehow, was able to fasttrack all the paperwork, which was settled.
Olivia still had work to do to carefully divert the news outlets about their whereabouts.
Under Cyrus' supervision, Rob was able to craft an official statement.
From the White House: After much thought and prayer, with heavy hearts,The President and First Lady have decided to end their twelve-year marriage, after a short separation. The Grants will continue to work together to build strong programs for education, among other important issues for the Nation. They would like to seek privacy at this time. Thank you for your support. God bless, Fitzgerald and Melody Grant.
News dropped at 10am, was at the top of the news cycle, for two days straight. Thankfully, the team were able to book Fitz for several events at the White House that did not include Q&A's or being harassed by the media.
It got to a point where Fitz couldn't wait much longer; he was ready to get out, show his face, and just say something so he could move on. But there was a process, and they didn't want him to look like he was too enthusiastic. The next step was to organize how he would be presented as a newly divorced, single man, who happened to be the President of the United States.
Olivia was sitting in another boring meeting with Cyrus, Rob, and their new communications team.
"He needs to participate in several events that will make him look humble, but also optimistic for his future."
"Another date," Rob asked.
Cyrus shut that down. "We're considering all options, but I think it should be as private as possible."
"What about a vacation," a staffer interjected. "It gives him time away from Washington, he can clear his head."
Olivia nodded, writing down notes. "That's not a bad idea."
Cyrus announced, "This sounds great, everyone. I will present all suggestions to him tomorrow and we will reconvene over the phone."
The meeting adjourned and Olivia needed to leave. Back on her phone, reading an email, and shooting off instructions to Abby, she received a text.
Meet me at the Rose Garden.
Did she have enough time? Because of the influx of attention on the Grants, Olivia kept a low profile, and stayed clear of being at 1600, if she wasn't needed. It had been a difficult few weeks, because she hadn't been able to see Fitz. Only resorting to phone calls and Skype chats on private lines. They had more time to get to know each other, ask deep questions, and talk about life in Washington. Even hinting at what their future would look like.
What the hell, she thought, why not?
She wandered off to the side door, finding Daniel — one of the head agents — and asked, "Hello, can you point me into the direction of the Rose Garden."
He replied, "Yes, ma'am. Follow me."
It felt odd, sneaking around. Mellie wasn't living there anymore, but still, she was treading on new ground, and it was awkward to wander around to find him. When they arrived, no one was present.
"Thank you," she quietly replied. Placing her oversized purse down, she began to wait, texting Abby that she would be at the office in an hour. In the corner of her eye, two more agents walked to their posts, then pivoted away. Fitz strolled into view, waving at Olivia.
"There you are."
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I couldn't get out of the meeting fast enough."
Olivia asked, looking at him curiously, "What's going on? Are you alright?"
"I wanted to see you," he said, as he came closer, keeping his eye on her. "Talk to you, without making you feel nervous about your surroundings. It's been so long."
He gave her a sweet embrace. Taking a deep breath, she hugged him back. All of the negative energy was melting away. It amazed her how beautiful it was to stand here, among the roses, with this man, whom she was falling in love with.
"Hi."
"Hi," he echoed.
"Why here?"
"It's my hiding place. I tend to think better, and I don't know... Do you like it?"
Olivia nuzzled against his chest. "Yeah. It's beautiful here. I'm seeing it a different light now."
"And why is that?"
She stated, "The President comes here for special occasions. Press conferences. Everything's so official."
Fitz rubbed her back, and answered, "Well, I only bring people I love here, so that is special. Also, here really isn't a place where I can 'hide'. But this is the closest without leaving and I didn't want to go on the Balcony."
It was adorable hearing him talk so candidly, sharing how he felt about her, over and over again.
They began to rock back and forth, taking in every second of touch and alone time.
After a minute, Fitz led Olivia to the bench.
"How has your day been?"
"Alright, just work. Met with Cyrus and Rob. About you?"
He teased, "What else is new? I'm fine. Busy day. I'm better now."
Olivia appreciated his humor, being able to have a conversation, without being interrupted. To actually study his face and look at him, for more than 30 seconds, without turning around, for fear of being caught.
"I like you."
Fitz's eyebrows lifted. "You do?"
"Mmhmm," she smirked, reaching for his hand. So comforting to be so close to him. "I think about you a lot."
"Me too."
By this time, they were angled towards each other and their smiles brightened. His nose touched hers and she could sense the same nerves that transformed into butterflies back in Italy. Olivia couldn't wait any longer. Inching closer to Fitz, she focused on his lips, hoping that he would catch the hints she was providing.
Fitz understood.
Her mouth met his, slowly melding. Time stopped again as they reconnected. Olivia delicately pushed her tongue as Fitz opened his mouth slightly, inviting her. Her hand on the nape of his neck, digging her fingers through his hair. Just inhaling him. As she continued to kiss him, she thought about how this could happen more often. It would be sooner than later. Fitz pulled on her bottom lip, stirring a fire inside. Olivia lifted herself, straddling him, pressed her hips against him, wanting more. She was aching. If only they were inside, she would ask Fitz to take her to bed, sweetly, roughly. Whatever the mood called for. But reality sinked in and she stopped.
"Fuck," she sighed, breathing heavily, with his lips on the crook of her neck, "I'm doing too much."
Fitz chuckled, touching her hair, "You're amazing. Wow, Liv. And with my guys nearby? If you had kept grinding on me, I would have gotten a little too excited, if you know what I mean."
After he wiggled his eyebrows, Olivia looked down, catching the peak in his pants, she gasped. "Oh my God, Fitz, I'm sorry."
"It's fine. But before I embarrass you even further, I'm already thinking about where I'm taking you out for dinner. Our first real date."
Fitz bit his lip playfully, and Olivia began to giggle.
"What's so funny?"
Playing with his tie, Olivia replied, "I think it's endearing that you're making a such big to-do about this."
"You're my Livvie. I want to do right by you. I don't want to miss any steps."
"Sir?"
Olivia jolted back, trying to create as much as space as possible, even while on his lap. When she glanced back at Fitz, he looked hurt, but shrugged, knowing their visit would end soon.
"What is it?"
"The Vice President needs to speak with you."
Olivia scooted over to find her previous spot on the bench. Fitz grunted, massaging his forehead. Okay, just give me a minute."
"Thirty seconds, Sir."
"Oh, oh, okay," he quickly spoke, helping her rise to her feet. "Think of dates, alright?"
Olivia smirked, nodding. "Mmhmm. Absolutely, Mister."
Fitz stepped forward, kissing her temple. "Bye, Sweet Baby."
It finally dawned on her as she walked to her car, that the simple brushes of his lips on her skin, was the first time they had showed affection in public. Exhilarating but still a let down, because they still had to go their separate ways.
Waiting periods were a bitch, but Olivia needed to do the right thing.
The countdown had started.