Okay, so looking at my calendar, I basically have 60 days to finish this story before I go off to school. Therefore, I'm going to be churning these out as quickly as possible to cover what needs to be covered. This chapter is kind of all over the place, so try to keep up with the time jumps haha. Enjoy!
All Things Go—Nicki Minaj
Yo, I had to reinvent, I put the V in vent
I put the heat in vents, man I been competin' since
I look beyond what people sayin', and I see intent
Then I just sit back and decipher, what they really meant
Cherish these nights, cherish these people
Life is a movie, but there will never be a sequel
And I'm good with that, as long as I'm peaceful
JANUARY
Olivia unbuckled her seat belt and leaned across the console. Her hand pulled his face from looking at the parking garage wall to her wide eyes. She didn't say anything, instead, tilting her head and pressing her lips to his.
"It's going to be okay." She spoke those words half to him, half to convince herself.
"It's going to be okay." He nodded, rubbing his thumb across her cheek.
They walked into Anna's office building together to greet Anna and her team.
"So, how is this going to go down?"
"We are going to be set up in the conference room." Anna motioned for them to follow her into the conference room. One of her team member was standing on the table with her hands adjusting some wires in the lighting fixture. "Amber, explain what is going on."
Amber climbed down from the table gracefully. "So, we have two recording devices. One in the lighting. One under the table. The one under the table is the one we are going to pull in front of Wallace. After our initial negotiation, which he will refuse, we will pull the recording device out from under the table. We will threaten tastefully. Then, we will go from there."
"You two won't say a word, unless I tell you to." Anna warned. "Let us do the dirty work. Just sit there and look pretty."
Amber went into a side room to test the audio to make sure it was showing up. Then Gideon arrived.
"Hey. You guys wanted to plan out the details for the wedding photos? Let's get to it." Gideon shook their hands and went to sit down at the conference table. He pulled his laptop out to take notes.
"We want to renegotiate the deal." Anna started. "So, let's just cut the flower language and get to the base. Wedding photos are off of the table. An entertainment correspondent job at the L.A. Times, and a $3 million check."
"Entertainment correspondent? Really?"
"What department would you rather have?"
"I want my own column."
"I can make that work."
"5 million."
"Don't push your luck." Anna laughed to herself.
"5 million. I know they can pay it. Ms. Pope grossed ten million in her films last year. Mr. Grant grossed seven, but that is not counting the sale of his father's estate, as well as the various endorsement deals they have signed on to. 5 million isn't too much to ask. If you want to stretch it out: 3 million today, 2 more over the next three years, I'm not in any rush."
"These wedding pictures would go for $500,000 at the most. Realistically, somewhere around $300,000. We are here offering you ten times that amount. 4 million is the highest we will go."
Gideon looked Olivia in her eyes, but found nothing but cool indifference. She was an actress—probably one of the greatest of our generation—so he knew she was probably acting then. He really got under their skin with the wedding photos. He saw this window, and it was a golden one.
"Amber." Anna nodded, signaling for her colleague to go to the other room to get the recording. The true hardball was about to begin.
"I'll take it." Gideon surprised everyone in the room. The petite blonde woman who was headed out of the room stopped dead in her tracks. "I'll take the job, the 4 million, and I will leave you two to be."
Anna stared at him in slight disbelief, before composing herself. "Thomas, go draft up the new terms, and bring me the old one. After you sign, we are going to need to follow you to your apartment and do a sweep of your systems to make sure you have erased all evidence of the article."
"We will have to call our accountants, but you will have the money by the end of the week." Olivia sank into her seat a little bit in relief. Fitz's hand slid under the table to her knee. He squeezed it, comfortingly. After the new papers were signed, everybody rose to shake hands.
"Why now? Why didn't you take the offer before?" Olivia asked, purely out of curiosity.
Gideon smiled to himself. "Don't take this the wrong way, but you aren't as much of a hot topic as you were a couple of months ago. You were at the center of a political movement with the trial, and your engagement was at the top of every entertainment night show. Now, you are cold. The marriage buzz has died down some. I don't hold as much capital as I used to. It isn't personal. Believe it or not, I don't care about your marriage or personal life. I'm just out for the best cut I can get for myself."
"Fair enough."
Gideon left, taking with him a huge burden off of Olivia and Fitz's shoulders.
/
A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER
"It's cold."
"It's clean. Sophisticated."
"What is wrong with the first one I showed you?"
Olivia caught his eye as she rolled hers. "That one looked like something out of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine."
"It's classic."
"It's grandfatherly."
"Who knew that a bedframe could mean so much?" Fitz sighed.
Olivia was about to open her mouth to say something smart, but she heard a car stop outside of her house. She rose, shifting the laptop to Fitz's lap, to peak out of the window. It was the mail man. As she went outside to meet him for her mail, Fitz continued to scroll through the different ideas for their master bedroom. He heard her enter back into the house.
"Liv, I think I found one you might like." He didn't hear a response. "Liv. Come look. Olivia?"
He turned around to see her standing in the middle of the hallway frozen. Her face showed fear.
"Olivia," Fitz was immediately by her side. "What is it?" He looked down to the letters in her hand. There was a sealed crimson packet with a gold seal in the corner. He guided her to the couch, setting the rest of the mail aside.
"Liv, no matter what is in this envelope, it isn't going to be the end. You have other options, and I love you so it will be okay." It was true that she had gotten a string of acceptances to many other schools in the area. Pepperdine, Chapman, Loyola Marymount. Even as far south as SDSU. USC was just the prize to be won.
Olivia took a deep breath as she broke the seal.
Welcome to the Trojan family.
Olivia screamed, frantically flipping through to find the official acceptance letter. "Dear Olivia Pope: We are pleased to offer you acceptance to the University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts to pursue a Masters of Arts in Acting."
Fitz scooped her unto his lap, kissing along her shoulder to her face. "I am so proud of you."
"Thank you." Olivia met his mouth with a long, indulgent kiss, resting her forehead against his. "I have a phone call to make."
She pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. "Hello? Dad? Hey. You aren't busy are you? Sorry, this will only take a minute. Well I have some news. I got into USC's drama school! Yeah, I just got the packet. Thank you. Well, it's a twelve month program, so I'll start in June and graduate next May. Alright, well I just wanted to let you know. Get back to your class. Alright, I love you. Goodbye." Olivia dabbed a tear from her eye before it could completely form.
Fitz caressed her face with his hands, kissing her nose. Olivia got quiet all of the sudden, emotions flashing behind her eyes. Fitz noticed. "What are you thinking about?"
"When I was accepted to Julliard, I was ecstatic. It was an incredible day of my life. But it was so different from today. I was terrified. My dad and I were… a powder keg and this was the match. There was no support system. I didn't have your arms around me like this. I was scared that he would take it all away from me. It was an important catalyst for getting me to where I am today, but it was different. Now… Now I couldn't imagine this moment better if I wanted to."
/
FEBRUARY
Olivia slowly rotated in the mirror, taking her reflection in. She was wearing a long sleeved gown that was completely see through. Olivia wore a nude slip underneath. The navy blue tulle material skirted outwards in an A-line cut past Olivia's waist. The dress was adorned with exquisite gold doves with blueish green tints in the light.
Her stylist sprayed the final touch of hairspray to her head. She had two gold barrettes on each side of her face, pulling her hair back.
"Dress?" Her stylist began their usual quiz to make sure Olivia had all of the brands right.
"Valentino."
"Jewels?"
"Harry Winston."
"Shoes?"
"Prada."
"Clutch?"
Olivia smiled, "Valentino."
"Good girl. I'll leave now."
"Thank you. You can send him in."
Moments later, Fitz entered. He was wearing a sleek black tuxedo with a skinny black tie. "Hi."
"Hi." Olivia turned around to face him. "Wow, do I have a handsome fiancé."
He crossed the room, setting his hands lightly on her waist. "I am the luckiest guy in the world."
Olivia tilted her head back and closed her eyes, waiting to be kissed. He looked at her relaxed face for a moment. Her eye shadow was smoky, but not overbearing, with tiny gold flakes painted along her eyeliner. Her skin was flawless and her nude lips were plump.
"You are the most beautiful woman…"
"Shut up and kiss me already."
Fitz chuckled as he noticed the slight blush she tried to hide. He granted her the wish, carefully kissing her. Olivia wanted more, but knew to pull away before any aspect of her look was compromised.
"You are wearing the cuff links I gave you last year." Her hands held his, showing the shiny III cufflinks she gave him before last year's ceremony.
"A little tradition never hurt anybody." Fitz kissed her forehead.
"Alright. Let's go."
He led her outside to the car. Hal drove them to the Dolby Theater for the Academy Awards. In the car they went over what they would talk about on the red carpet. The car was stalling in the heavy event traffic for a while, so they discussed some wedding details. The house was slated to be finished in late May, so they settled on May 28th for the wedding. They would plan a 7 day honeymoon, and return to their new home. Olivia threw herself into the planning. Fitz would be tied up with his film for another solid month before it was finished. He was planning on it getting a Cannes release. So they would return from the South of France, get married, honeymoon, and then settle into their dream home. Something out of a fairytale.
Once they arrived on the carpet, they split up to do their separate press.
"So, Olivia. Tell us what you are wearing. You looks stunning."
"Thank you! It's Valentino."
"Well it is breathtaking. So how you are feeling? Last year, you were nominated. You went on to win, and now you are back to present. How is this year different from last year?"
"I'm a whole lot less of a nervous wreck." Olivia laughed. "The pressure is off, I'm just here to have fun. I can relax and enjoy the show. I look forward to watching everyone else have their moment. This is all a blessing."
"Do you have any favorites?"
"Yes, but I won't tell you what they are." Olivia smiled charmingly. "I have too many friends in this town, and I would like to keep it that way."
"Well, you've been with us before, so you know what to do with the Mani Cam. This time, however, you have a new addition of your finger. Show us the ring!"
Olivia laughed lightheartedly as she danced her fingers in front of the ridiculous camera.
"That is gorgeous. So you have some big plans in the future! Have you set the date yet?"
"Yes, we have." Olivia smiled, letting her know that that was all she would reveal about that subject.
"And we've been told that you are going back to school, tell us about that."
"Yeah, in the Summer I will be getting my Master's from USC. It's something of a dream come true, and I'm really excited about it."
"Well good luck to you in that, and have fun tonight!"
"Thank you." Olivia exited the platform to find Fitz, who was pulled away by a potential distributer of his film.
Olivia met up with Anna briefly, before finding Fitz. He was doing an interview with a small online podcast. She stood off to the side, watching him finish his interview.
"We should take some photos and then go inside to take our seats." She intertwined her hand in his as they walked over to the photo line. Fitz helped her adjust the train of her dress as they posed together. They had become pros at how to do the red carpet in sync. First Fitz would stand at her side with his hand resting on the small of her back. Then they would progress to Olivia turning into him with her engagement ring hand on his chest. After a few snaps, Fitz would so something adorably candid like kissing her cheek, making her blush, before moving up the carpet so they could do their independent pictures.
After mingling with a few other celebrities, they took their seats.
"This is weird." Olivia said as they sat down on the fifth row.
"What?"
"I'm not front row anymore. I feel so…inferior." She joked. The program started, and it wasn't long before the best actress category was approaching. She was ushered backstage and handed an envelope.
"Just follow the teleprompter and you'll be fine. They'll let you know when your cue is. Wait over there." The show runner patted her on the shoulder, leaving her by herself.
Nerves began to settle in, but they were manageable nerves. Relative to how she felt a year ago, she was floating on her back in the ocean somewhere. Nonetheless, being on stage at such an important event never failed to give her nerves. She didn't want to ruin the moment for the next recipient.
Her time came to waltz across the stage. After delivering a small joke at the teleprompter's direction, "And the Academy Awards for Best Actor goes to… Brad Pitt for By the Sea."
The crowd roared as the announcer listed off all of his accomplishments. He jogged up the stage, and Olivia handed him the statuette and envelope. She stood out of frame during his acceptance speech, then escorted him off stage. Fitz was waiting in the wings for her.
"Hi." He pulled her by her waist towards a corner, out of everyone's way.
"Hi." She laughed. "You are supposed to be in your seat."
"Yeah, but I'm not." He leaned in to kiss her. She pulled back, for a second, to make sure nobody was watching, before leaning in to meet him. "I figured it would be pretty hectic after the show, and I knew you wouldn't be able to make it back to your seat, so I came back here."
There was a thunderous applause from the stage as the Best Picture was announced. They watched one of the monitors as the producer gave the speech.
"Let's get out of here."
They went to a nearby hotel, where Olivia met her team of stylists and changed out of her Valentino gown into a velvety black Tom Ford gown for the after parties. They went out, enjoying the extravagant festivities. They danced and drank and visited with all of their friends.
The third party they attended was smaller and darker. It wasn't a tradition like Vanity Fair or Harvey Weinstein, but they decided to attend anyways. They stayed for a couple minutes, before deciding it was time to go. Fitz called Hal to pull the car around.
"I'm going to go to the bathroom, first." She kissed Fitz's cheek. "I'll be right back."
She went on the search for the restroom. She found a hallway with many doors that was decently crowded with people. She tried one room, but it was empty.
"Excuse me." She caught the attention of one of the caterers rushing by with a plate full of delicacies. "Where is the ladies' room?"
"Uh, fourth door down." He said in passing as he continued on his task.
She walked further, and found the door with the tiny lady symbol. When she opened the door, she wasn't prepared for the sight in front of her. There were a couple of girls sitting around a chaise lounge. There were tiny silver plates with cocaine in neat lines. Olivia immediately began to back out of the bathroom, not wanting to be around that. It's not like she felt in danger of doing it herself, but she didn't want a photographer capturing her in the same room or rumors getting out.
One girl who had her back to her was hunched over, obviously snorting the powder, turned around to see what everybody was looking at. Olivia made eye contact with her.
"Abbey?"
"Liv, wait!" she called out. Olivia was already out of the door. She quickened her step, wanting to find Fitz and get out of the club as fast as possible. She felt a hand grab her arm, and she turned around to see Abbey.
"Liv, it's not what it—"
"Abbey." Olivia pulled her into the empty room she accidentally explored earlier. "What the hell were you thinking?"
"It's honestly not that big of a deal!" Abbey began.
"You could go to jail, easily for that! It's a felony!" Olivia looked over Abbey in the dimly lit room. She was wearing a simple silver dress with capped sleeves. Her hair was in long curls, but it was slightly disheveled. That wasn't what unnerved Olivia, though. It was the look on her face. She looked different. On edge. Wired. Her makeup was smudged around the edges of her eyes. She must have been crying. Even in the low light, Olivia could see how dilated her pupils were.
"Are you okay?"
Abbey's face transformed through several different emotions that Olivia couldn't process. "Yeah! Yeah. I'm great." Her face tightened as she fought back her tears. "I'm fantastic."
"Abbey…" Olivia closed the space between them, but Abbey took a half step back. Abbey turned away, and began walking around the room. "What is wrong?"
"It's nothing. Nothing. David and I got into a fight before today. But it's nothing." Abbey began to pace back and forth, wringing her hands.
"Who did you come with? How did you get here?"
"I drove myself."
"Well there is no way I'm letting you drive home." Olivia said, half to herself. She pulled her phone out and dialed Fitz.
"Hey, where have you been? I was getting worried."
"I'm fine. Come to the first door on the right on the hallway where the bathrooms are."
"Olivia, are you—"
"Just come. I'm fine." Olivia hung up, turning back to Abbey. "Did you know those girls in the bathroom?"
"No."
Seconds later, Fitz entered. "Abbey?"
Abbey didn't respond, but her eyes wildly acknowledged him. She was pacing furiously.
"Livvie, what is going on?"
"I found her in the bathroom snorting cocaine with some strangers." Olivia dropped her voice even lower. "She's all alone. She had a fight with David, and she's fucked up over it. I don't know what to do, I've never—"
Fitz walked over to Abbey. "Abbey, I'm going to need you to answer some questions for me, okay?"
"Yeah, sure, of course."
"Is this your first time doing cocaine?"
"Yes."
"Have you had anything to drink tonight?"
"Champagne."
"How much?"
"I don't know. I can't remember. I don't know where the bottle is."
"Shit." Fitz muttered to himself. "How much have you snorted?"
"I can't remember."
"Shit" He repeated.
"Does she need to go to the hospital?" Olivia asked.
"Hospital?" Abbey's eyes widened. "No, no, no, no, no. I'm not going to a hospital. I'll be fine. I'm fine. I'm okay." She tried to walk past them out of the room, but Fitz held his arm out to stop her. She reacted like an animal, trying to fight past him. Fitz held her by her forearms, restraining her to some degree.
"Abbey, listen to me." Olivia stood in front of her. "We are taking you home with us. We aren't calling 911, and we aren't taking you to the hospital. Relax. We just want to make sure you are okay." Her voice was calm and comforting. Abbey nodded and relaxed. Fitz let go of her, still staying close to her.
"Hal is still waiting outside. He's ready when we are."
"Okay, let's go."
Fitz turned to Abbey. "Alright, we are going to walk you out to our car. I need you to act as normal as possible, okay? It is going to feel overwhelming with all of the lights and music, but Liv will be holding your hand the entire time. Just don't freak out."
Abbey nodded, taking Olivia's hand. They walked her out to the car safely. Olivia felt confident that nobody suspected anything, despite being photographed in depth by the paparazzi waiting outside. When they got to Olivia's house, Olivia changed out of her ball gown, giving Abbey a change of her clothes along with a hot cup of tea.
"What do we do now?" Olivia asked.
"We wait and watch her. Because she mixed alcohol and the drug, we need to periodically monitor her heartbeat to make sure she doesn't go into cardiac arrest or anything. The chances are decreasing, and I think she is going to be okay, but we still need to check. When she comes off of her high, it could get ugly. She'll feel awful. Especially if it is her first time. It's probably going to happen soon."
"Okay."
They went to join her on the couch.
"Abbey, how are you feeling?"
"I feel fucking great."
"Okay, let me know when that begins to change."
A little while later, Abbey began to sweat. "Okay, I'm not feeling fucking great anymore."
"You are entering the withdrawal. It's okay. It's normal. It means your system is washing the drug out of your system. It's going to feel like the flu. Just don't freak out. This is normal."
"Fitz, could you run and get me a cool washcloth and a bucket?"
He went into her bathroom to find the washcloth and bucket. When he returned, Abbey was laying with her head in Olivia's lap. Abbey looked sick, he hands clenched in fists against her stomach. Olivia dabbed the cool rag across her forehead, also soothingly brushing the tangles out of her hair with her fingers.
Olivia periodically checked her pulse, which seemed to be returning to normal. Finally Abbey began to drift off to sleep.
"Abbey, come on. Let's get you to bed." Olivia helped her stand in her exhausted state and walked her to the guest room. She tucked her into bed, setting a fresh glass of water on the night stand.
"Just focus on getting some sleep right now." Olivia turned the lights out and left her alone to rest.
Olivia found Fitz sitting in the kitchen with a glass of scotch. Olivia hugged him from behind, leaning her head against his back.
"Thank you. I don't know what I would have done without you tonight."
"I'm glad she is okay. Most of the time if you are drinking and snorting it isn't going to end well. Let alone if it is your first time." Fitz took a final sip before setting his glass down. He turned, pulling Olivia between his legs. He hugged her tightly against him. "Promise me something."
"What?"
"Promise me you will never touch that shit. I mean it. I don't think you understand how much it would hurt me if you became a user."
"I promise." Olivia kissed his ear. Fitz never really talked in detail about the downsides of his young, wild party life. She knew he did drugs, but she also knew that he wised up and removed himself from those dangerous situations. She pulled back, taking his face in her hands. "I love what we have too much to jeopardize it."
He kissed her softly, guiding his tongue to her mouth. They shared a long, comforting kiss before finally breaking it. Neither one of them moved their heads from each other. They stayed in each other's arms, eyes closed, silently comforting one another. Finally, Olivia spoke.
"Do you think she will be okay for the night?"
"Yeah, but I'll check on her one last time. We need to get our rest, though."
Olivia nodded, kissing him once more before leaving to brush her teeth. Fits went to the guest bedroom to check on Abbey. She was knocked out cold. He checked her pulse, which was normal. He looked at her peaceful frame, exhausted from the trauma it went through. He thought about Caroline, the girl that was talking to Nate, one of the boys that ran in his pack in college. He didn't know Caroline well, but she was pretty and kind to him. She didn't usually go out with them, because she was studying pre-med, and wasn't from a ridiculously wealthy family like they were. She unknowingly mixed drugs one night, and her heart stopped. She, of all people, was the least deserving of that fate. Fitz pushed those memories out of his mind, as he went back to the master bedroom.
He stripped down to his boxers and pulled Olivia against his chest, grateful to have her healthy against him like that.
/
Abbey woke up with a strong headache. She tried not to remember what happened the night before, but it hit her anyways. The fight, the party, the drugs, Olivia and Fitz taking her to Olivia's home and taking care of her. She relaxed against the sheets, trying to go back to sleep and avoid the entire thing.
"Abbey?" Olivia was sitting at the foot of the bed with a newspaper in her lap. "How are you feeling?"
"Mmmhfdhdfh." Abbey moaned.
"Here, drink this." Olivia handed her a cup of something orange that was a mixture of Vitamin Water, Emergen-C immune system boosters, and orange juice. She drank it greedily.
"Thank you."
"I've also got breakfast in the kitchen. You should eat."
After eating the eggs and bacon that Olivia managed to cook, they settled on the patio overlooking the beach with blankets.
"Do you want to tell me what happened with David?"
"It is all so foolish now. He was my date to the show last night, but he backed out last minute. He saw these photos with me and Leo from the movie I'm shooting. It was an innocent kiss while we were out for dinner one night, but the paparazzi caught it. Nonetheless, David saw it. He called me a whore and refused to go with me." Abbey fought the tears, "I think that was it. I think he's through with me."
Olivia rubbed Abbey's back comfortingly. "I don't think so. If he loves you, then it never is."
"What do I do?"
"Give him time. Communicate. Let him know how sorry you are. And please don't do anything stupid like last night."
"I'm sorry. About everything. I didn't mean to ruin your night. I feel awful about it."
"You didn't." Olivia smiled. "I'm just glad you are okay."
/
MARCH
"You are looking spiffy for a wedding planning meeting." Olivia kissed him briefly, taking in the suit that hugged his body perfectly. She found herself subconsciously licking her lips. They walked hand in hand towards the chic café. They were sharing lunch before heading to a meeting with their wedding planner.
"I've had meetings all morning."
"Important ones?"
"We are trying to sign some distribution deals. If we want this film to stick to the awards season panels, we need to make it accessible. Lacking a major studio doesn't help."
"You'll figure it out."
"I hope so. Do you think you could come to a dinner with me Thursday? I'm trying to romance a potential backer, so I figured having you and his wife at the dinner would help."
"Are you trying to use me?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"Of course, I'll be there." She brought his hand to her mouth to kiss as they walked along the sidewalk. "I have good news."
"Spill."
"I am the new brand ambassador for Bose headphones."
"Really? That's incredible!"
"Yeah, it is. We worked out all of the contracts in secrecy. I have some commercials and photoshoots to do next week in New York. That is when they are going to announce it. Their Spring marketing campaign is actually really cool, but I can't say a word about it to anyone."
"Or else you would have to kill me?"
"You know the rules."
"I'm happy for you." Fitz smiled as they sat down outside, ordering their food.
After they ate, they went into the office of the wedding planner they hired to make the day perfect. Since they waited until the finishing date was concrete for their house, they were in somewhat of a crunch for time to get everything perfect before May. Despite being swamped with the final stages of his film, Fitz made sure to show up to all of the meetings, and be just as active in the planning of their event as Olivia.
In the meeting, they finalized almost all of the details of the wedding. They found a beautiful old church 40 miles up the Pacific Coast Highway that hadn't been active in almost a decade. It was still kept up by a local historical committee, which made it the perfect location. They were to be married on the lawn overlooking the ocean, the reception was to be held in the renovated chapel.
They sent the finalized menu off to the caterers, made sure the DJ was set. They were scheduled next week to meet again with their photographer to discuss shots and concepts. Despite their plans to keep the guest list small, it was growing to nearly 300 people after college friends and the like were remembered. Mellie and Chase were to be the maid of honor and best man. Bridesmaids were going to wear varying shades of slate grey dresses.
The wedding planner had hooked them up with the best travel agent for their honey moon. They were to spend a week in Morocco, in a rented house on the coast that was close enough to Casablanca, but far enough for them to enjoy maximum privacy and quietness if they wanted.
After the meeting was over, Olivia walked with Fitz back to their cars.
"What are your plans for the rest of the day?" Fitz pinned Olivia against her car door, letting his hands settle on her hips.
"Some stuff that I can't tell you about." She smirked, loving how the secrecy irked him. "But I'll be finished by 5:00."
"Dinner at my place." He kissed her lips, "I'll cook." He kissed her again.
Olivia rested her hand on his chest, looking specifically at her ring. "I'll see you then."
After Fitz drove off, Olivia went to meet Mellie at Elle Reynolds's studio. Elle had designed Olivia's gown for the night she won her Oscar. Her gown had skyrocketed Elle's start up fashion business. They remained friends since then, and Olivia wanted her to custom design her wedding gown. They had met multiple times over sketches and measuring, but today was the first day she would see the final product.
Olivia allowed for her to button up the back as Mellie watched from the couch. She gasped at how well the dress fit her. Like a glove. It was quintessentially Olivia. Sophisticated, modern, and elegant. The dress started at the top with a crisp boat neckline and a form fitting silhouette that was flattering in the classiest way.
"Here." Elle beamed, guiding her to the little platform in front of a wall of mirrors. "Look at the back."
Olivia rotated herself so she could see the back. Where the boat neck ended at the end of her shoulders, it swooped down to reveal her with draping fabric. The front was minimalistic and the back had the perfect touch of romanticism. Olivia began to tear up as Mellie pulled her hair up to mimic what her wedding hair would be like. They added her jewelry.
Elle handed Olivia a tissue as she dabbed around her eyes.
"This is perfect."