Chapter 29
Olivia chanced a glance in Fitz's direction as she sat on a patio chair talking to Karen and Gerry. She smiled at the sight of him talking intimately with his mother. She saw him smile and could have sworn that he glanced in her direction several times. Olivia thought of something her mother always used to say to her, if you want to know how a man will treat a woman watch how he treats his mother. If her mother's adage was true Olivia knew that Fitz would always treat her like a queen. Olivia's fingers absently touched her lips then trailed down her neck as she recalled Fitz's lips following that same path.
"Olivia what do you think?" Gerry asked touching Olivia's arm lightly.
"Sorry Gerry" Olivia turned her attention back to the little boy, "What did you say?"
"I was asking if you thought Grandma would let Karen and I stay up late."
"I bet she will," Olivia replied with a gentle smile, "You know it's important for you to get some pictures with your Dad for the campaign."
"Can you be in a picture with us?" Karen asked.
"I'd love to have a picture with you and Gerry" Olivia affirmed.
"I'm going to ask Dad" beamed Gerry.
X-X
"Mellie" Fitz was surprised at her quick appearance, "Did you need something?"
"What is that?" Mellie gestured towards the box Fitz held in his hand.
"It's a family heirloom that I'm giving to Fitz," Elizabeth answered for her son, "One day he will give it to Karen, when she's old enough to take care of it."
"May I?" Mellie asked again gesturing towards the box.
Fitz gently opened the box revealing a nearly flawless, colorless radiant cut two-carat diamond in an antique pave setting. Mellie gasped audibly at the sight of the ring.
"It's beautiful" she breathed, "It must have an amazing story behind it."
"It was Fitz's grandmother's ring" explained Elizabeth, "It has been passed down to the oldest child in each generation."
Mellie felt her temper flare slightly as she considered the implications of Elizabeth's story. She knew that Fitz's mother didn't think that she was the best choice for her son but she had no idea that she had disliked her enough to keep her from having this gorgeous ring.
"How nice" managed Mellie through gritted teeth, "Honey, they are ready for your little speech before dinner. Go gather the children and meet me over by the band."
"Where are Karen and Gerry?" Fitz asked, though he already knew the answer.
"They're with your whore" spat Mellie turning on her heel to walk away.
Elizabeth caught Mellie's arm, holding her in place. Mellie turned in surprise at the impediment.
"Mellie, you will not speak that way in my house" Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at her daughter-in-law, "Olivia is one of my guests and a guest of Fitz's. She is a member of his campaign staff and is kind enough to entertain your children. We are all very fond of her and she has done nothing to deserve you calling her names."
"Elizabeth, surely you aren't in a position to comment about Olivia Pope" the name left Mellie's lips like venom, "If you knew the whole story you wouldn't think she was so wonderful."
"The whole story?" Elizabeth refused to back down from Mellie, "I know that my son is happier than I ever seen him. I know that my grandchildren are happy and all they can talk about the last few days is their new friend Olivia. I know that my daughters think the world of her. And I know that I like her."
Mellie decided now was as good a time as any for her to use her ammunition, "Do you know that he is sleeping with her? Do you know that he wants to divorce me and marry her? Do you know that he thinks he can be President without me? Do you know that he thinks the American people will support him moving into the White House with that home wrecker? Do you know that he wants to have children with her?"
"Yes" Elizabeth's response caught Mellie off-guard.
"What?"
"I know all of those things, Mellie."
Mellie felt her hands shaking and acid rising in her throat, "And what do you have to say about all of that?"
"I want Fitz to be happy and I want my grandchildren to be happy," Elizabeth began, "and Olivia makes them happy. I want more grandchildren and from what I know of her Olivia would make a wonderful mother, certainly better than you've managed to be to Gerry and Karen."
"No" Mellie's voice was almost a shriek, "She has all of you fooled. She is just as calculating and ambitious as I am. She is just being nice to the children to get on everyone's good side. I made your son successful and there is no way she is going to reap the benefits."
"That's where you're mistaken Mellie," Elizabeth smiled, her voice much more relaxed, "I made my son successful. I taught him that he could do anything he put his mind to. I taught him to be kind to everyone and not to discriminate. I taught him that money doesn't make you better than anyone else. Money doesn't buy the most important things in life. And I taught him that true love exists."
"True love," Mellie snorted, "Give me a break. She's got him conned. From the second she started with the campaign all he could think about was her thin, perfect body. Love has nothing to do with it. She's a good lay and that's it."
Fitz could hear the blood rushing in his ears. He swallowed hard mustering every ounce of restraint he had to keep from grabbing Mellie. He looked in Olivia's direction in an attempt to calm himself. Their eyes met and she instantly knew the heated conversation must be about her. She offered a weak smile, fighting the urge to run into the house or out into the gardens. The sight of her brought him strength and he turned back to his mother and Mellie.
"Let's go do the welcome, Mellie," he grabbed her arm and moved towards the microphone at the far end of the dance floor. His mother looked on in surprise before he added in a hush to her, "I'm taking care of it, Mom."
The crowd quieted as Fitz and Mellie approached the microphone. Olivia watched them move thinking it was obvious that they had a far from harmonious marriage. Part of her took pleasure in their discord but the other, the media relations side, thought they had to do better faking a good relationship if Fitz wanted to get elected. That's why I have to leave she thought. Fitz reached the microphone and immediately commanded everyone's attention.
"Before I start I'd like my two children to come up so that everyone can meet them," Fitz beamed, "Karen? Gerry? Where are you?"
"Go ahead guys, "whispered Olivia with a grin.
Karen and Gerry joined their parents at the microphone as flashbulbs flashed across the expansive lawn. Olivia considered what a perfect family they appeared to be and she stood to get herself a drink from the bar. Fitz sent the children inside to play with their cousins before he continued.
"Well, first off, I'd like to welcome everyone. We hope that you enjoy yourselves and that you will consider supporting us as we begin our run for the White House" Fitz spoke into the microphone, "You all heard my speech tonight so I won't bore you with more facts and figures. After all, this is a party." The crowd laughed at his quip. "I would like to introduce you to the important people on our team. First, my campaign manager, Cyrus Beene." Fitz paused as Cyrus stood and made his way to the microphone. "Cyrus has big plans for us and I'd say his best plan thus far was bringing this second person aboard."
Olivia felt goose bumps forming on her arms and pulled her wrap a little tighter around her shoulders knowing full well it wasn't the temperature that had her feeling this way.
"She is my media relations director and has become a trusted friend and confidant" he began to explain, "Olivia Pope would you please come join us up here so everyone knows the force they will be dealing with."
The crowd chuckled again while Olivia slowly walked towards the dance floor feeling every eye on her.
"Olivia is an attorney from New York and was nice enough to take a leave from her position to help us out" Fitz's eyes gleamed as he spoke about Olivia.
"Before dinner is served I do want to let you know about some changes that will be going on with our campaign" stated Fitz looking from Olivia to Mellie and back again. Olivia took a deep breath preparing to hear Fitz tell the guests that she would be returning to New York. Mellie couldn't help but smile because she felt she had won this battle, she had managed to separate Fitz and Olivia. Fitz continued, "As you know running for office isn't easy and it certainly takes its toll on those involved with the campaign. As a result, I feel I should inform you that my wife, Mellie, and I have decided to divorce."
A loud gasp rose from the crowd followed by hushed conversation. Both Olivia and Mellie stood stunned, neither able to look at Fitz or speak.
"I hope that you'll allow our family some privacy during this difficult time" Fitz continued unfazed, "and please, enjoy your evening."
The caterers began serving dinner while Fitz, Mellie, Olivia, and Cyrus walked in the direction of the house. Fitz reached into his pocket and gripped the ring box tightly, knowing he did the right thing. Olivia concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other and not looking at Fitz or Mellie. Mellie silently raged next to her husband, waiting to rip into him as soon as they were out of view of the reporters who were present. Cyrus felt his grip on reality slowly slipping away and he headed to the bar.
X-X
Olivia walked through the French doors and into the kitchen hoping for just a moment of solitude.
"Hey Liv," said Lorelei approaching from the family room.
"Hi" whispered Olivia on the verge of tears.
"Are you okay?" Lorelei asked with concern in her voice.
"I don't think I am," Olivia turned her eyes to Lorelei. They were filled with tears ready to tumble down her cheeks, "I feel totally out of control of my life right now."
"Come sit in the family room, it's just the kids and I in there, we can talk" Lorelei guided Olivia by her arm.
When they reached the couch Olivia collapsed against the cushions weary with the weight of the day. She had wanted to talk to Fitz's sisters about her concerns but now that they were there she didn't have the energy to broach the topic. Lorelei, sensing her trepidation, began the conversation.
"Is this about you and Fitz?" she asked.
"He would make the most amazing President, he's brilliant and thoughtful and he really wants to change the way things are in government right now," Olivia began, "I feel like I have to choose between what would make me happiest in this world and what would be best for the country."
"He loves you" Lorelei stated simply, "We all see it. You two are incredible together. I don't know why you feel your two choices are mutually exclusive. Fitz could win the election and be with you too."
"Cyrus thinks it's best for him to run with Mellie by his side," Olivia said the words in a whisper.
"Well obviously my brother has other plans," Lorelei motioned towards the door, "He just told the entire world that he isn't going to run with Mellie."
"What if he doesn't win?" tears again threatened to fall, "He will never forgive me."
"He just announced he's divorcing his wife" Lorelei reiterated her previous point, "You gave him the courage to do that."
"He isn't thinking long-term," Olivia was matter of fact; "If he doesn't win he will always have the lingering doubt as to whether our relationship is the reason."
"But he loves you enough to take that chance," Lorelei smiled, "Why don't you talk to him? Or do you need me to track down another Grant woman to convince you that Fitz is crazy about you?"
Olivia hugged Lorelei and allowed herself a small smile. She had heard everything Fitz's sister had said and knew that Fitz didn't make the decision to divorce Mellie lightly but there was a part of her that didn't believe Mellie would let Fitz go so easily.
X-X
"Fitzgerald," growled Mellie as soon as they were out of view of the reporters.
"Mellie, I told you to leave Olivia alone," Fitz stated, "You continue to debase her and I refuse to stand idly by while you do it. We are getting a divorce and there is nothing you can do about it."
"Ahhhh," yelled Mellie, "You are so crazy and infatuated with Olivia that you can't see what is right in front of you."
"And what would that be?" Fitz asked, amused at Mellie's frustration.
"You can't win without me," jeered Mellie, "You can carry the moderates but the far right voters want to see you married, and not to her, but to a put together blue blooded woman."
"The American people want leaders that are bold and decisive," Fitz explained feeling a weight lifted from him, "What I just did was bold and decisive. You don't run my life, I run my life. Say what you like but I am going to run for President and I'm going to win. Now if you'll excuse me."
"Going to find your whore?" Mellie hissed.
Fitz spun back to Mellie, his rage springing to the surface, "You will not call Olivia a whore again in my presence" he was holding her upper arms tightly, "You will not say another negative thing about her. What has happened between the two of us is not her fault."
"Really, Fitz?" Mellie was unconvinced, "You and I were ready to win this election, together, before she came along."
"I don't love you Mellie," he thought saying the words again might convince her, "I don't know if I ever did. It's not fair to you or to me for us to stay together. You have found someone who cares about you and I have found…"
She cut him off, "Your precious Olivia."
"Mellie, I know you're hurt and I'm sorry for that," he allowed his approach to soften, "I wish things didn't happen the way they did but that doesn't change the way I feel about Olivia."
"I don't understand" Mellie's voice was a mere whisper, "Why do you have to throw away our future?"
"I'm not throwing anything away, I'm reaching for what I'm meant to do and who I'm meant to be" Fitz replied, "You need to go be who you were meant to be. Go find Robert and be happy."
"I don't want him," Mellie was blunt, "I don't want to be a senator's wife, I want to be First Lady."
"I can't help you with that Mellie" he walked back towards the house leaving her alone in the dark to consider her options.
X-X
Fitz approached the table struck by the sight of Olivia talking closely with his sisters. She was so beautiful and at ease when she thought no one was watching. The protective façade of Olivia Pope was nowhere to be seen and she was simply his Livie. He cleared his throat as he walked up behind her chair.
"How is dinner, ladies?" he asked allowing his fingers to brush against Olivia's back.
"Delicious," smiled Taylor, "Where have you been?"
"Talking to Mellie" Fitz replied betraying no emotion, "She's a little upset."
"Oh to be a fly on the wall when miss high and mighty got knocked down a few," Sarah laughed.
"She's still the mother of my kids, and this isn't easy for anyone," Fitz contended, "Give her a break, will ya?"
"We're just glad that you found someone who makes you truly happy," Lorelei explained, "And someone who will be one of the girls with us."
Olivia blushed as they spoke of her. She felt so blessed to have met not only Fitz but his family as well. To experience a family so fiercely loyal was a joy.
"She is pretty darn special," Fitz beamed, again skimming his fingers lightly over Olivia's shoulders.
"And she's sitting right here and isn't deaf," Olivia laughed, "You're making me self-conscious."
"Sorry, beautiful" Fitz breathed in his most seductive tone.
"Oh yeah, that's so much better" Olivia smiled; "Now I'm totally not self-conscious."
Fitz loved when Olivia allowed herself to be carefree and natural. She possessed such a natural beauty and grace. He caught himself staring at her a little longer than was appropriate and reminded himself that though they were at his mother's home there were reporters present who would like nothing more than to break a potential scandal involving a presidential candidate.
"I'm going to go check on Karen and Gerry" Fitz said then made his way into the house.
X-X
Everyone finished their meal and the band began to play encouraging everyone to dance. Slowly the dance floor filled with couples. Olivia smiled over her wine glass at the nearly perfect scene of people dancing to beautiful music in the moonlight amid the most spectacularly manicured lawn and lush gardens.
"Olivia" whispered Karen from next to her, "Can you see if James will dance with me?"
"Go ahead and ask him Sweetie," she squeezed the little girl's hand for encouragement, "You can do it. Don't be shy."
Olivia watched as Karen sheepishly approached James and asked him to dance and couldn't help but chuckle when Karen's face lit up as she and James moved towards the dance floor. Then she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Gerry standing beside her.
"Olivia, will you dance with me?" his cheeks were crimson.
"It would be my pleasure Gerry," she beamed and took his hand. Fitz could swear that he saw his son's heart skip a beat when Olivia's hand touched his. He chuckled as he recalled having a similar response the first time he had held her hand. Fitz watched them move to the dance floor and begin to move to the music.
"He's got a crush, Fitzy" Lorelei chuckled.
"I can't believe how sweet she is with Karen and Gerry" said Fitz in reply, "They're absolutely crazy about her."
"They're not the only ones, huh?" Taylor chimed in, "How long are you going to let your son show you up out there with your girl before you cut in?"
"It might not be the best idea…" began Fitz.
"Oh, hell no," Sarah cried, "You are going to dance with Olivia. After all the trouble we went to to pick out that dress. You are going to dance with her. That dress she's wearing is for you. That's all she could talk about when we were looking for dresses, whether you would like it."
Everyone at the table laughed at Sarah's response.
"Okay then, I guess I'll go cut in" Fitz stood up, "No time like the present to break your son's heart."
Fitz strode confidently onto the dance floor and approached Gerry and Olivia.
"May I cut in Buddy?" he asked, "I need to talk to Olivia for a minute."
"Sure Dad," replied Gerry, "but no funny business."
"What?" laughed Fitz nervously, did Gerry know something was going on?
"I heard it in a movie Chris was watching," replied Gerry innocently.
Fitz allowed himself a small laugh before he reached his hand out for Olivia's. The passion between them ignited immediately when Fitz slid his arm around her waist.
"Stop staring at me, Governor," she whispered.
"I can't," he breathed, "You're perfection."
"Why didn't you tell me that you were announcing your divorce tonight?"
"I didn't know I was until she pushed me too far," he was candid; "I love this dress."
"Thank you" she blushed.
"My sister told me that you picked it especially for me" he beamed.
"I wanted you to like what I was wearing" responded Olivia, "I'm glad you like it on me."
"I do like it on you" he confirmed, "but I'll like it even more on my floor."
She playfully hit him as they continued to talk and dance to the music. Olivia tried to think of a time that she was happier….she couldn't.
A/N: Thank you again, everyone for reading. I hope you're enjoying the story. Let me know what you think. If you like it what do you like best? If you think something should be different or I could do something better, let me know that too. Read, enjoy, and comment away!
