The next afternoon….
"So let me get this straight, this girl, Quinn Perkins is the illegitimate daughter of President Langston?" Cyrus asked confused. It was another muggy Washington morning. Olivia and Cyrus were having a delicious salmon brunch in her suite. They had been having a good time catching up on each other's lives alone, as Fitz had already headed to Capitol Hill for his testimony for the Grant World Initiative.
Cyrus was thriving has a professor at Georgetown University, as teaching had always been his first love. He seemed more relaxed, joked easier and had even managed to take a few vacations since Olivia last saw him. Olivia chatted about her work, life with Fitz and the change of pace that New York had given her.
However, like whenever they got together, the topic of politics often gave up. Not in the wonky policy sense but in terms of gossip. Cyrus still had many friends who worked for the Langston administration and on Capitol Hill, so their conversation revolved around who was dating with whom, which Congressmen hated each other, so on and so forth. This is how the topic of conversation had turned to Quinn Perkins at all.
Apparently there had been whispers in D.C about Sally's past. Her political opponents, eager make up for their failed attempt at impeaching Fitz, were doing serious operation research on the current president.
Olivia, a few days ago, had gotten an email from Stephen about this, hence her push for Fitz and her to come to D.C. Sure the state dinner was a reason, but it had more to do with who would be at the state dinner, and most importantly, in town. Julia Lopez, the bain of her existence from Stephen's investigation was planning another expose.
And this time, she would be naming names. She had already sent a transcript around and was in talk to reveal that Sally Langston had an illegitimate love child due to the unearthing of Quinn's original birth certificate, thanks to Derek Ramirez, who now worked as a lawyer for the justice department. She could not afford to meet with the girl alone, if the meeting was planned, just in case she decided to record one of their conversations for future reference. Or books.
"Yes. Look, I know this sounds crazy but it's the truth. I'm going to do as much damage control as I can while I'm in town. The girl is staying with some of my associates so we are going to have a sit down with one of Sally's people, Derek and try and reach an agreement. But I'm not taking her on as a case, that's my team's job but I will help out. The last time I took her on, years ago and I almost went to jail." Olivia said rushed, while taking a sip of white wine.
Cyrus was shaking his head as he cut into his poached egg. "You know, its times like this when I don't miss working in that building up the street. Does Fitz know?"
Olivia breathed in deeply as she helped herself to more salmon.
"No…he doesn't." Olivia answered hesitantly, Cyrus's eyes popped open.
"Liv! Why wouldn't you tell him about something like that?"
"Because Cy, I'm engaged! I'm in love and happy. And so his he, we are floating on cloud nine here. You think I want him dragged back into the drama? Especially with Julia and Derek. Every time he sees Derek's face on TV, he looks like he's going to punch something! There will be no dragging into anything. I like floating."
Cyrus's expression of was one of skepticism.
"Liv, the last thing he needs is another relationship where someone is lying to him."
"But I am not lying, I'm just not telling him about my work." She said unconvincingly as she cut into her salmon and shoved a fork full in her mouth to avoid further conversing about the matter at hand.
"Well, if you ask me, I say let Sally Langston sink. She's give us all a bad name. Did you see how she handled that entitlement reform bill? A disgrace…" Cyrus said, looking deep in thought. Olivia shot him a furtive look as she chewed.
"Sure but she's still one of us. She stood by Fitz last time around. And besides, we have dirt on Ramirez elder collecting dust. If he so much as steps out of line, his ass his grass. It's the girl I want to put a stop to."
"Tell you what; give me the contacts for everything and I'll handle the sit down, but you handle Julia. You don't need this mess on your hands. But deal with Julia and crush her like you know how Liv. And tell Fitz! Or I will."
Olivia sighed, sitting back in her chair and biting her lip. This was risky…but an idea popped in her head…crazy, nuts even but it could work.
Olivia and Cyrus spent the next few hours extensively planning. It was elaborate but it would work. Cyrus would have a sit down with Quinn, Stephen and Abby who would be defending Quinn, Derek and Louis Rothstein, the White House counsel. Derek would agree to not investigate if Quinn's paternity was made public in exchange for the Langston Administration placing her in the witness protection program. Or else, there would be extensive digging into the Ramirezs' again. They had made several phone calls, emailed the right people and were now sitting in the conference room of Pope and Associates, with Cyrus and the old team strategizing about their approach.
"Okay, so now that we have everything clear, the dinner party is a cover." Abby said business like. She had changed so much since Olivia had moved to New York. She seemed so much more happy, relaxed. Her marriage to Stephen had changed her.
"Right." Said Harrison who was pacing up and down the room. He was so much older now, Olivia had spent a few minutes before the meeting catching up with him. Still smooth as ever, but he too had matured.
"But what are we doing about Lopez?" Huck asked quietly, standing in front of the old I.S board. At this question, the whole room turned to look at Olivia.
She breathed a deep sigh. It felt odd, being back in this room in the swing of things. The nitty gritty of crisis management was something apart of her past. And while she loved it, she preferred handling corporate mergers and public relations for troubled celebrities, while raising money for charities. She did not miss the murder trials, the racing around Washington D.C in her Audi, shaking down corrupt politicians and criminals.
And yet here she was, dragged back into this by a simple email. A part of her, the part nervous about telling Fitz about all this over dinner later tonight wanted to jump on the plane, head back to New York and forget all of this. But she knew she needed to put this, most importantly Julia Lopez to bed once and for all if she was truly close that chapter in her life.
"Leave her to me. I know what to do." Olivia said focused.
"Liv, if you want, we can handle her too?" Stephen offered kindly.
"No, you guys handle the Quinn stuff. I'll unfortunately have to skip out on the party if I'm going to make this work. I cannot be seen coordinating with you guys. It will be a tip off to Derek who will probably tell Julia. I've got this." Or so she thought. As long as she could get Fitz on board, everything should work out as planned.
Julia Lopez was not looking forward to this White House State Dinner for a while. It was the first one she would be going to since "Phone-gate", where she would be in the same room with Olivia Pope and the former President.
While she had never been outed officially as the author of that expose, a lot of rumors had spread around town, and she had suspected Olivia was behind it. She had to cut off access immediately, much to her chagrin, with Mellie Grant who had been providing her a healthy feed of information that could have made for a sequel, or a future tell all book from the First Lady's perspective.
And what made it worse was the scandal had done nothing to really hurt any of the other parties. Derek had used it as a career making moment. Sure, they hung out at times, but the fact that he got notoriety off of her hard work had prevented them from going any further in her their relationship. They only were there for one another if the other person needed something professionally. Just thinking about it made her throw up.
Mellie Grant had not returned any of her phone calls for further information. The former First Lady was living quietly in Palm Springs and practicing corporate law, while doing charity work on the side. The media coverage had not been as positive as Julia had anticipated. Many people blamed her for the demise of the Grant marriage. "Ice Queen", "Dragon Lady" and "Devil in Chanel" were some of the cruel nicknames she was called, due to her perceived public indifference to her husband's passionate affair.
Julia was contractually bound so despite the handsome fees she received, she could not parlay the book into something more. She still had her job at Time, working long hours for her ancient editor who she hated. She still even lived in her tiny apartment seeing to avoid suspicion; she had to maintain her normal lifestyle.
And finally, there was the President and Olivia Pope. If it were even possible, they became members of the New York glitterati, a philanthropist power couple of epic proportions. How did this happen? How did she get the shaft? She was supposed to be the next Bob Woodward…
So she had another scheme up her sleeve. Derek, thanks to his job at the justice department had done some digging…and he had delivered the goods on Sally Langston. And this time, it would be going very public. With her name.
She stepped out of the limo and made her way up the walkway. There were flashing photographers but they did not dwell on her for very long. She was merely a reporter. There were actual Hollywood celebrities, state officials and the visiting delegation. Why would they focus on her for long?
Not to mention I'm bloated as hell. Julia thought bitterly. She hated how she looked. She had gained a lot of weight over the years, and the tight black Dolce and Gabbana gown was doing nothing to help her apple shape look more appealing. The only solace she could take was that her sandy blond shag had been styled into a pretty bun and her round apple cheeked face was professionally made up.
She walked down the a hallway and into the East Room, which was elegantly decorated for the night's event. White table clothes, center pieces filled with red roses and well-dressed guests littered the room.
Table 14…Table 14…she thought as she walked around trying to find her seat. At least that is what she remembered from her invitation.
But as she approached her table, she took a deep breath. The two people she probably hated the most, the Ex-President and Olivia Pope were seated at a table holding the Secretary of State, an A-List Actress, two banking CEO's and a prominent conservative talk show host. And all she could do was gulp.
To make matters worse, the couple looked incredible. Olivia was dressed in a gold sequenced number that was somewhat sheer. It was very Marilyn Monroe circa her "Happy Birthday Mr. President" performance. Her sleek mod bob was bone straight with thick long bangs and her eyes were heavily traced with black eyeliner. She looked like an Egyptian queen. Her date looked equally dashing in an extremely well-tailored tuxedo. It looked expensive.
"Hello." Julia said lamely as she sat at the table. Not that it mattered, seeing that the table was already swinging. Olivia Pope was the star, telling a story that had the whole table in stiches. But the president did the strangest thing. He greeted her.
"Julia! How are you?" He greeted brightly. He removed his arm from around his fiancé's chair and extended a hand. Why the hell is he talking to me?
Maybe he had someone brief him…yeah that was it. She thought as she reached out and shook his hand. But when she did, she felt a sense of electricity…his piercing grey eyes met hers.
Okay it all makes sense…why women loved him. She thought as his large, strong hand enclosed on hers. She shook it and released his hand as soon as she possibly could. Wow…
"Olivia, you remember Julia right? The reporter?" Fitzgerald said to his fiancé. Olivia turned her head away from the conversation and looked directly at Julia. She blinked slowly as her full nude lips spreading into a magnificent smile. It made her look more beautiful than it possibly could make any woman. She looked almost regal.
"Ah, yes of course." She said. But unlike her fiancé, she did not shake her hand. She merely nodded in her direction. "I remember you…"
The rest of the night had been the "Fitz and Liv" show. The couple was charming, funny and warm, holding court and the attention of the riveted table. Julia felt out of place seated among these power players….particularly when she had not much to contribute to the conversation. They were talking about European vacations, the stock market and which foreign dignitaries were the most annoying. So Julia was thankful when the music portion of the evening went into full effect and party had moved to the dance floor.
The one weird thing was at several points of the evening; she caught Olivia Pope staring intently. She could not read her expression but she seemed really focused…
The absurdity reached its height when Julia had been sitting by herself, having her ear talked of by the Secretary of State about his kids. It was then when she felt a tap on the shoulder. She looked up to see Fitzgerald Grant gazing intently at her.
"Hello" he said kindly. Julia had a hard time looking him directly in the eye. He and his ex-wife had that in common. It was as though he could read her thoughts…his eyes were out of this world.
"Hi." She stuttered. What was with this guy?
"I was wondering if you would like to take a walk with me. My fiancé is kind of dancing the night away and I could use someone to entertain me." He winked charmingly.
The rational part of Julia's brain was on high alert. What the hell? Was this guy a philanderer or what? But the curious part of her brain that was so entranced by his presence could not help but say yes.
"Of course, Mr. President." She excused herself from the Secretary and walked side by side with him out of the crowded room. He kept staring at her…
"So Ms. Lopez, I've read your work. Very impressive, precise and sharp. Almost like you're a fly on the wall." He said smoothly.
Well that was an odd statement…
She stopped walking and looked at him. He was smirking at her, his eyes glittering with…something. Did he know? Of course he probably did. He and Olivia were together. Maybe she didn't tell him…
"Umm…thank you, Mr. President." Why was she so nervous?
Maybe because this guy was almost 15 years older but could get me into bed with just one look. He was gorgeous….
"You're welcome. So, what do you think of the dinner?" he asked.
"Umm…it was-"
"Boring? He said. There was that smirk again. And his voice…it did things, naughty things to her.
What would that voice be like whispering in her ear?
She gulped deeply as they walked outside onto the White House grounds. Dear God! Julia, you are headed toward Amanda Tanner territory. It was a muggy spring night, with the contrast between the ink black night and the green grass as stark as ever. The Washington Monument was so beautiful at night from this vantage point.
"If you don't mind me asking, Mr. President, where are we going?" she asked nervously. They were approaching what looked like the Rose Garden.
"Having fun…" he whispered mysteriously. So this is how it went down. This could make for an interesting book.
He stopped and turned towards her, staring intently into her eyes. Julia felt the wind knocked out of her as he took her hand and led her toward the sitting area. Fitzgerald let go of her hand and did the most sensual thing she had ever had done to her. He leaned down and whispered in her ear.
"I've wanted this for a long time." He said deeply. But as he pulled back, someone else popped into view behind them.
"Olivia?" Julia said shocked. She could feel her brain fizzing and over working to form a rational explanation for why she was standing in the dark Rose Garden with her fiancé. But instead Olivia smiled widely and took a seat. She looked even more stunning in the dark; her brown skin was almost aglow with the reflection of her dress.
"Good job, Fitz." She said jovially as Fitzgerald walked toward the sitting area and had a seat, watching the scene unfold.
"No problem babe." He said smiling. What the hell?
Julia had never experienced the range of emotions she had in such a short period of time. Was this a set up?
But she had no time to dwell.
"So, what's this I hear about you writing another book?" Olivia asked coldly, blinking slowly. Julia's tongue was stuck? She could barely breathe. What was wrong with these people?
"Maybe you should just cut to the chase, Livy." Fitzgerald said, his eyes shining with a look of triumph.
Olivia smiled, cocking her head and pursing her lips.
"Great idea. Sit down." She commanded harshly. Julia could do nothing but follow her order. She sat down across from the couple, both of whom were staring at her in a way that made her feel like she was in a Law & Order style interrogation.
"Now…" Olivia said sweetly. "Here's what's going to happen. You are going to redact that sorry excuse of a transcript you have going around because your career in this town is over. I have had it up to my very fake eyelashes with you stirring up the pot. You ruin lives, Julia. You're not a journalist, you're a sensationalist and worse, you have no regards for people's feelings. Sally Langston, while kooky and flawed has a happy marriage with a husband who loves her. What you don't know is the child she had with Vincent Perkins was the product of a vicious and abusive relationship. It brings back bad memories. So for you to drudge up old wounds for this poor woman is low, even for you."
Julia could feel herself trembling. Why did she keep doing this? Why did these people keep destroy her life?
"It...was…just..." she tried to stutter out. But she could not form the words.
"Honey, I'm going back inside. I think you can handle this yourself." Fitzgerald smiled at his fiancé lovingly as though they were having a romantic picnic.
"Sure." Olivia said brightly. He got up, placed a kiss on Olivia's cheek and walked away into the night.
"Now where was I, ah yes, the ending of your career. You are going to turn in your letter of resignation, move, get out of D.C, or any major city. I don't ever want to see your face again. If I so much as hear a peep out of you again, I will have someone writing an expose about you. Is that understood?" Olivia said hissing out angrily. Her eyes were cold and focused.
Julia could not contain herself. She could not stop shaking…
Olivia got up and walked away, leaving Julia to cry and contemplate looking into real estate in Kansas when she got home.