Ellie says, "Girl I plead the fifth; you know your father, and that's all I am going to say about that, because I am a Christian." She says with laughter and they both laugh. Liv jokes as she asks, "You haven't caught them in any compromising positions have you?" Ellie replies, "No, thank goodness. I have them in the farthest bedroom from mine anyway, because I don't want to hear anything either." Liv agrees that is best knowing their parents.
Ellie asks, "So when will you be here?" Liv replies, "I am not sure yet; but I will let you know when I figure it out." Being funny; Ellie asks, "Why not bring the governor with you?" Liv replies, "funny Ellie; I'm sure the family will love hanging with secret service all over the property." Ellie laughs as she says, that's right. He will have secret service assigned after tonight. I'm sorry bad idea on my part."
Liv replies, "No worries, I will figure something out, and let you know for sure by tomorrow okay?" Ellie replies, "Well, okay sissy. Let me get up. I have to get lunch ready for the boys. They will be inside soon." Liv asks, "Where are they?" She replies, "Outside in the backyard playing. That jungle gym is the best buying choice; I have ever made." Liv laughs at her sister as she says, "Yes, it can be the ultimate baby sitter at times." Ellie responds, "Girl, yes. It helps me greatly with keeping them entertained as I take care of Jaylen."
Liv says, "How is my favorite niece?" Ellie replies, "She is great Liv, and so cute. It's amazing how much she looks like me." Liv replies, "Yeah, she does. She even has our widow's peak." Ellie laughs as she says, "Yes she does. Poor child." They share a laugh as Liv says, "Before you go. How is Jayson doing?" Ellie replies, "He is doing well. He's going through physical therapy, and improving more daily."
Liv responds, "That's great sissy. I am glad he's recovering well." Ellie responds, "Me too sissy. That was scary and I pray to never go through that again." Liv nods in agreement, as she says, "I agree, that was rough. He's very blessed to have survived that." Ellie responds, "Yes honey; I thank God every day that he didn't take him from us." Liv says, "Amen girl." Seeing it's getting later, Liv knows Fitz will be back soon. So she says, "Well okay sissy. I will let you go, so you can tend to the kiddies." Ellie replies, "Okay, I will talk to you later; good luck with the governor." Liv replies, "Okay thanks sissy. Love you." Ellie replies, "Love you too."
After ending the call. Liv sits for a moment in wonderment about her and Ellie's conversation. She's thankful Jayson is okay, and doing well. She's also happy to hear that her niece is thriving, and her nephews are also doing well. She finds herself thinking about domestic life, and how different her life and her sister's life are in comparison. She can see her and Fitz having that life, she wants that with him, and she hopes this situation is merely a bump in the road to them getting to that place. She grows tired in the moment. Feeling like she needs some rest. She decides to take a nap, apparently crying has tired her out. Before lying down, she grabs the card from the roses, and lays down to rest in the bed.
After the final question is asked and answered; Fitz shakes hands with a few reporters, and walks out of the room to a waiting Cyrus, who is bothered by his relationship question responses. As Fitz approaches him he says, "You looked and sounded great Fitz, but was it really necessary to elude to a relationship, if things are not going well with you and Liv? I mean you could break up, and talking about her would be all for not."
Fitz looks at Cyrus and says, "Cy you don't know what the hell you're talking about, and are not in a position to talk to me about my relationship. So back off, and mind your own damn business!" After making this statement; he loosens his tie and walks away. In response Cyrus says, "Fitz wait a minute." But he continues walking and says, "I'm going back to the hotel Cy. I will see you tonight." Cyrus thinks to himself; this is why you don't mix business with pleasure.
As he walks to his truck; he feels his phone vibrating in his pocket. He looks at the screen and takes a breath. He feels obligated to answer this time; despite not being in a very chatty mood. He gives in and he answers, as he hears "Hey there cousin." He smiles as he says, "Hey Jamie; sorry about earlier. I was busy so I couldn't take your calls."
Jamie replies, "I understand Mr. Presidential nominee," She says as they both laugh. She always makes him laugh, she is quite the jokester. Fitz gets into his truck, and continues his conversation as he heads back to the hotel. "So what can I do for you Jamie?" He asks. She replies, "I was calling to invite you to mom and dad's for dinner this Wednesday; it's going to be the whole family even Andrew may show up." She says gleefully, and hopeful he will accept the invitation.
Fitz replies, "I don't know Jamie. I will have to check; I'm not sure what the campaign schedule looks like, but I can let you know later tonight." Fitz is not sure if being around family is what he needs right now; especially, since the last time he went to a family event. They'd invited several eligible women to meet him. It was a nightmare. Jamie can tell he's politely blowing them off; so she says, "Fitz I know your busy; but it would be great to see you, and I promise we won't have any women there to meet you." She says as they both laugh.
Fitz pulls into the parking lot of the hotel, and parks as his cousin says, "Hey cousin; you sound a little off. Is everything okay?" He doesn't want to burden anyone with his emotional issues; so he says, "Not really, but I am working it out." Jamie replies, "Fitz I can tell you're hiding something. What's going on? You used to tell me everything." He remembers they were quite close growing up; he is close to all of his cousins, because they grew up like siblings.
Feeling the need to unload the stress that is on his heart, and also to get another point of view. He explains that he is in a new relationship, and he thought their path was clear, but he found out she hadn't officially broke things off with a casual relationship she had before they met. After asking a few questions of Fitz, which he answers honestly. Jamie says, "Fitz you need to remember that Liv isn't Mellie. So she shouldn't have to pay for her transgressions. It sounds to me like this brought back those bad memories. But the circumstances couldn't be more different. I think she deserves the benefit of the doubt don't you?"
Fitz listens to Jamie and he hears her words; it makes sense. Perhaps he is punishing Liv for Mellie's behavior, and that isn't fair. "I just don't like secrets, lies, and deception; that drives me crazy." He says in a serious tone. Jamie looking for a way to lighten the mood says, "Then how the hell are you a politician?"
Fitz was having a serious moment; but had to admit her joke was funny. He laughs with her. Jamie says, "Sorry I had to walk through the door you just opened with those words." Fitz says, "You're fine. Thanks for the laugh. I needed it." She replies, "You're welcome. But seriously Fitz, I think your feelings are valid. But you two just need to effectively communicate, and you will be fine." Fitz smiles and appreciates the advice.
He says, "Thanks Jamie I appreciate your encouraging words." Jamie replies, "No problem; just make sure you bring Liv with you if you come to the house. We would all like to see the one who has stolen your heart." Fitz replies, "I will do that Jamie; I will call you later." He says as he gets out the truck, and they trade good-byes.
Liv wakes from her nap feeling better than she did when she laid down. She sees it's after 1pm and he's not back yet. She gets up and goes to the bathroom; she sees her eyes are puffy and red. So she washes her face and places a cool compress on her eyelids for a few minutes. She notices an immediate affect; she feels like she needs some tea to calm her nerves.
So she orders some and sits out in the living room, watching television and waiting for Fitz to show up. She considers calling him, but decides against it. A few moments later; after her tea is delivered. Fitz walks in the door with his overnight bag in hand. He looks calmer, but also looks tired. She's sitting Indian style on the couch, and she is unsure of how to greet him. Their eyes meet, and she says, "Hi." He responds, "Hi." As he sits on the couch and says, "You didn't answer my text." She looks at him and says, "I wanted to talk in person."
The room goes quiet, as he adjusts his body toward her on the couch. He notices her body language, she's all huddled up, and her eyes are red and a little puffy. He knows she's been crying a lot. It hurt him to see her suffering; that wasn't his intention at all. He just needed space to think. She looks up at him, and he looks back at her. They sit quiet for a few minutes, before he says, "Livy the situation with my ex hurt me deeply. The secrets, the betrayal, the deception. All of it damn near killed me, and I will not do that again. That's why you lying to me brought all of that back."
He pauses and takes a breath, as he notices her reaction to his words. He knows she's remorseful, he can see it clearly in her eyes. He continues as he says, "With that being said. I know you didn't mean any harm, and it's unfair for me to dump my baggage from my old relationship onto you. You don't deserve to pay for someone else's mistakes. You can only answer for your own actions. So for that I am very sorry."