Chapter 49: Final Countdown
"Livvie, it's time for me to go," Fitz said and rubbed her thigh. He was sitting on the couch with Olivia curled up on his lap.
"Five more minutes," Olivia whispered. "I'm not ready for you to go yet."
"And, I'm not ready to go. I'm going to miss you."
"I'm going to miss you so much," Olivia said. "It's crazy. I'm excited and glad that you're in the Super Bowl. But, I hate that you have to leave me. And, that you have mandatory bed checks you can't get out of. And, that you have a roommate this time."
"I understand. I feel the same way." He kissed her forehead. "What time is your flight Wednesday?"
"3:10. I'll get there at 5:05."
"We should be wrapping up practice then. You sure you don't want Cyrus to pick you up?"
"No. I want my own car."
"I wish you could fly out today."
"Me too. But, I have to make sure everything is taken care of at work. And, I have prenatal yoga with those chatty Cathys."
Fitz laughed. "They're just trying to be friendly."
"I know. But, I don't want to talk about my symptoms or feelings or you with them. I have our moms and Kasey and Abby for that."
"But, Abby and Kasey have never been pregnant."
"That's why I talk about you with them," she said with a smile and kissed him.
"I don't think I even want to know about those conversations."
"Only good things," she assured him.
She sighed and stood up so that he could go. Fitz leaned down and kissed her as he opened the door.
"I love you," he said.
"I love you too," Olivia whispered against his lips as he leaned down for another kiss. She wanted to say again how much she was going to miss him, but she knew he knew as she stood in the garage and watched him drive off.
/
Fitz walked out on stage to the sounds of applause, cheers, and fans chanting his name. He was almost vibrating with excitement as he waved at them. This media day was insane. And, he was excited to finally be experiencing it. He sat down in his designated seat and prepared to answer all of the press questions that ranged from serious to insane.
"Are you excited about the game?" Was the first question he got.
"Most definitely."
"What can we expect from you Sunday?"
"A great game. I'm just going to go out there and play to the best of my abilities and lead and lean on my team."
"There's a lot of talk about you retiring? Are you sure you ready for that?"
Fitz knew he was going to get that question. He grinned. "I definitely am."
"Why? You're having the best year of your career."
"So, that means I get to go out on a high note."
"What if you don't win? Will you come back and give it another try?"
"Not winning isn't even an option for me," Fitz said with confidence.
"That's a big statement."
"It's a big game," he replied.
"Time for a fun question. Who's your celebrity crush?"
"I don't have one."
"Come on. Everyone has a celebrity crush."
"I don't spend a lot of time watching TV or movies. So, I don't get to see a lot of celebrities to crush on. I spend most of my time looking at other football players. And, they aren't that cute," he said with a laugh.
"Fitz, we hear that you're quite the singer."
Fitz had to admit he was shocked to be getting that question. He laughed. "Who have you been talking to?" He knew they could only get that information from one of four people, Cyrus, his mom, Mellie, or her dad.
"Could you sing something for us?"
He knew he wouldn't be able to get away from that. He started to ask for a request, but he got an idea and decided to go with it. He cleared his throat and started singing.
"I'm thinking something like Olivia
Is what I need to find
There's only one man in this world
Who gets to sleep with her by his side."
Then, he looked at the camera and winked.
"And, that man is you," Olivia said softly as she sat on the bed, watching her husband be the charming man she knew and loved.
/
Admittedly Olivia liked therapy. It came as a shock to her, especially since she had been so against the idea. But, whenever she had something pressing on her, she could talk it out in therapy. But, at the moment, the only thing that was on her mind was how much she missed Fitz.
So, her therapist took over the conversation. "Let's talk about a couple of your panic attacks. Do you think you can do that?"
"Um...I guess," Olivia said and tugged on her sleeves, pulling them slightly over her hands. She didn't want to revisit those moments, but she knew she had to. She always had to.
"If you're not ready, we can do this another day."
"Today is fine. I'm ready," she said tentatively.
"The day your bras didn't fit. What was going through your mind?"
She thought back for a moment, trying to remember exactly what she was thinking in that moment. "At first, I was shocked, because it was like it happened over night. Then, I was annoyed because none of them fit, and I knew they wouldn't, but I kept trying. I was wondering if I had read it any of the pregnancy books, and I realized I did, so why wasn't I prepared. And, then all I could hear was white noise getting louder and louder, until I couldn't think or breathe," she explained. "It's such a stupid thing to have an attack about."
"That attack wasn't about the bras. Not really. It was about you and the number one reason why you've always had them."
"Control?"
"Yes."
"But how?"
"Your life and body are changing in ways that you can't control. But, you can be prepared. That is how you were planning to regain control of being pregnant. But, you weren't even prepared that time. Planning and preparation is one way that you try to exert control. You didn't plan and you weren't prepared, so you panicked."
"Hmmm. I never thought to look at it from that angle. I was just focus on the absurdity of having a panic attack because my bras didn't fit. But, I totally see the control issue. That makes so much sense."
"You have to learn to go with the flow, Olivia."
"I thought I was doing that."
"You are. In your love life. And, you're doing it in leaps and bounds. You got married on the same night that he proposed. That's huge for you."
Olivia smiled. "I just love him so damn much."
"I can tell. Now, let's talk about the one you had on Christmas day. What was going through your mind then?"
Olivia sighed. "Let's see. My cousin Harrison was bringing his girlfriend by to meet the family. And, I had to leave, because her brother is a client. And, it was okay, because I was with Fitz. I wanted that alone time with him. But, I honestly wanted to meet Harrison's girlfriend. He has never been that serious about a girl before to bring her to meet our family. And, I couldn't. And, then I started thinking about my family, and how they were leaving soon. And, how I want to be able to spend more time with them. But, I can't. Not like I want to. I was feeling frustrated about that. I remember lying in Fitz's arms thinking about us and the baby and our family in relation to our larger families. And, I don't know. I think I was thinking about too much at once, because the next thing I knew, I just heard my heart beating."
Dr. Miller was silent for a minute. "It all goes back to control. You felt like you had no control over meeting your cousin's girlfriend, or your family leaving, basically anything in general that related to your family."
"But, I could have stayed to meet her, I guess."
"Tell me what is it that you need to be happy," Dr. Miller said, flipping the script. "In a perfect world, what would be the perfect life for Olivia Grant?"
"That's easy. Being with Fitz and watching our family grow. Fitz winning the Super Bowl. Being with our extended families. My friends and family doing what they love with no worries."
"You know what you didn't mention? Your career."
"Oh. Do you think it was an oversight?"
"Do you? When I asked you that question when you were a teenager, you said, being a sports agent."
"What are you saying?" Olivia wanted to know.
"I'm not saying anything. What are you saying or not saying?"
"I don't know."
"That's what you have to figure out."
After talking with Dr. Miller, Olivia kept replaying their conversation in her head. So much of it made sense, while some of it didn't. But, the more she thought about it, the more it all made sense. She had to make some small changes in her life in order to have more control and give up control at the same time.
/
"What about the line?" Russ questioned. "Most of those guys only had contracts for this season."
"Don't worry. The team is keeping the line."
"And what about Kenny? His contract is up too. And, he's our best receiver."
"The team will probably franchise him. But, don't worry. We're keeping this team. Everyone knows what it's going to take to make it back here next year. So, don't worry."
Fitz knew he was going to do everything in his power to keep the team together for Russ's sake. The team was good with him. There were a few kinks to work out, but they all felt their chances for a Super Bowl repeat were good, if the team stayed together.
He smiled when he saw he had a text from Olivia.
Olivia: Where are you and what are you doing?
Fitz: In my room, talking to Russ.
Olivia: Can you go in the bathroom?
Fitz: Why?
Olivia: I'm horny and I want to have phone sex.
Fitz: He'll still hear in the bathroom.
Olivia: Turn on the shower.
Fitz: Listen at you, Miss I've-Never-Had-Phone-Sex-Before.
Olivia: Well, I haven't. But, my husband is over a thousand miles away and I'm horny. So a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. And, I want to do this with you. So, go in the bathroom. I'm about to lose my mind here.
Fitz went in the bathroom and turned the shower on. Then, he called Olivia.
"Hi," she answered.
"Hi."
"I miss you so much," she told him.
"I miss you too." He smiled. He couldn't believe he was about to do this, with Russ on the other side of the door. "So, what are you wearing?"
"Nothing. I'm lying in our bed, naked, thinking of you, wishing you were here, touching me."
"Mmm. I wish I was there to touch you, too, baby."
"Where would you touch me?" Olivia purred.
He pushed his pants and boxers off and sat on the side of the tub, allowing the water to spray his lower body as stroked his cock.
"Your breasts. You know how I massage them in my hands? Touch them baby. Move your hands over them like I do. It's my hands massaging them. They're so soft. They feel so good," he said as he continued to stroke himself. "Rub your thumb back and forth over your nipple. Imagine my tongue moving over each nipple."
He heard a low moan escape her.
"That's it, baby. How does it feel?"
"Good," she whispered.
"Are you wet, yet?"
"Yes."
"Touch yourself there. How wet are you?"
"Dripping wet. I'm so ready for you, baby."
"I need you to massage your clit for me."
Her breathing intensified. "Now, put your fingers inside you and massage your clit with your thumb.
He heard her moan.
"Is it good, baby?"
"It's good." She felt her orgasm building as her body started to quiver.
"That's it," Fitz said. "Keep pumping your fingers inside you."
"I'm so close," she whispered.
"Me too," Fitz said as he continued to stroke himself.
"Can I help you, baby? Can I take you in my mouth?" Olivia asked, her voice husky with lust and need.
"Yes," Fitz breathed.
"I'm touching you," she said. "Stroking you as I guide you in my mouth, moving my tongue all over you, as you...grow...in... my...mouth."
"Liv."
Her voice was shaky and Fitz could hear her faint moans.
"You...feel...and...taste...oh."
She clutched the sheets as her body arched off of the bed, and she cried out in rapture, her entire body tingling in pleasure.
"Shit," Fitz groaned as he came. He didn't expect such a strong orgasm from phone sex. But, he should have known any kind of sex with his wife was amazing.
After a few moments of listening to each other breathing, Fitz asked, "Are you sure you've never had phone sex before?"
"That was my first time," she said. 'I mean, I'm not completely clueless. I know what it is. I just had never done it before. But, we're going to be doing it a lot more, because that was incredible.
"That it was," Fitz agreed.
/
Olivia sighed as she finally sat down at her desk. She was exhausted. Work was beyond hectic. They had a couple of players with Cincinnati. So, there was the interviews, press stops, photo shoots, etc. that had to be arranged without fringing upon practice and team press, along with everything else that was going on.
She sighed and took a look around her office, before turning her attention to her laptop. She had an email from Cyrus. She quickly replied and forwarded him the information he needed. She had a couple of more emails that she forwarded to Harrison. Soon after, he stepped into her office.
"Are you sure about this?" He asked with concern.
"Yeah. You sure you can handle it?"
"You know I can. I just wanted a final check with you."
"I'm good with it as long as you are. If you think I need to stay a little bit longer, I will."
"No. Of course not."
She looked up when she saw Huck approaching her office.
"Everything's ready," he told her.
"Alright."
"Give me your keys, and I'll get your bags and put them in my car."
She glanced at Harrison.
"Don't worry. Everything will be taken care of before I make it there on Friday," he assured her.
"Okay." She shut down her computer and grabbed her things. "I have a plane to catch," she said, excitedly and said goodbye to Harrison, Abby, and Quinn.
She sent a text to Fitz to let him know she was headed to the airport. She was so excited to see him. The past couple of days felt like torture without being able to see or talk to him the way she wanted to. It probably wouldn't have been as bad if he didn't have a roommate and they could really talk to each other and sleep together over the phone. But, soon she would be in his arms, and that was better than anything.
Mentally, she was exhausted and she wanted to sleep on the plane, but the excitement of seeing Fitz wouldn't let her mind rest. She decided to scroll through the movie list.
"That's a great one," the older lady sitting next to her said.
Olivia looked over at her.
"I'm sorry. You looked like you were having a hard time deciding."
"I was," Olivia confessed. "So, thank you."
"Have you seen it before?"
Olivia looked back at the title. An Affair to Remember. "No, I haven't."
"Oh, it's a beautiful love story about love standing the test of time. I hope you've found that kind of love," She said and glanced down at Olivia's engagement and wedding rings.
"I think so. We haven't really had a test of time, yet. We had a whirlwind romance. Everything happened fast for us."
"Well, you definitely should watch this, then. The two leads had a whirlwind romance, even though they were engaged to other people."
"I definitely should," Olivia said.
"Don't tell me you and your husband were engaged to other people when you met."
Olivia smiled. "We were. But, everything obviously worked out."
"Well, I'm going to stop talking and let you enjoy the movie," she said as she picked up the book in her lap.
Olivia had to admit that she actually enjoyed the movie, because it did remind her of her and Fitz. The two leads, Nickie and Terry tried to fight what was happening between them, but their attraction and connection was real, making their love inevitable. And, that was wonderful to her. She was going to make Fitz watch it with her as soon as she could.
When Olivia got to the hotel, she went by Cyrus's room and got her key. She had him get her room, so that he could get the keys and give Fitz one.
When she got to her room, Olivia took a shower and laid down, spreading a sheet seductively over her body for Fitz to see when he got there. She just hoped it would be soon.
/
Fitz was so happy that things were getting back to normal, and they were actually practicing again. All the press and photos were fine for a while, but after a while, it started to feel like too much. And, it was exhausting in the worst possible way. He was usually tired after practice, but there was meaning and purpose behind it. He didn't mind pushing his body to the limit, especially if he knew he would get a payoff from it.
Not only were they back to practicing, but he was also back to being with Olivia. He had missed her so much. He never knew he could miss a person as much as he missed her. But, his days of missing her were over. She was about to be back in his arms, and he couldn't wait. He smiled to himself as he opened the door to her hotel room. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her, lying on the bed, naked with a sheet draped across her. But, she was asleep. And, normally he would let her sleep, but he hadn't seen or touched her in three days. He made his way to her and started kissing her. Kissing only the places of her body that weren't cover with the sheet.
She moaned and her tangled her fingers in his hair.
"Hi," he heard her whisper.
He looked up at her and smiled. "Hi," he said and kissed her, slipping his tongue in her mouth. But, he abruptly stopped.
Olivia frowned as she looked at him. "What are you doing?"
"I want to look at you," he said, moving the sheet from her body as he stood over the bed, allowing his eyes to caress her body. It was as if he was touching her with his hands. Warmth spread through her body and her body tingled, aching for his actual touch.
"Fitz, please touch me," she whispered.
He moved over her and settled between her legs. He kissed her and the sensation of their tongues entwined caused her to moan in his mouth. Her hands wrapped around his neck and moved to the expanse of his back. As they kissed, his hands traveled up to her breast, his thumbs grazing gently over her breasts. He feathered kisses down her neck and across the swell of her breasts.
"Now," she whispered.
"I need to taste you," he said as he moved down her body, until he was between her legs, kissing, touching, biting, and exploring, almost daring her body to succumb. And her body welcomed the challenge, trembling as the sensation fully engulfed her.
She could feel him over her and knew that he was watching her live in that moment of pleasure. She slowly opened her eyes and looked into his and saw the most beautiful look of love and longing.
She reached up and kissed him, moving her tongue against his as she moved her hand between them to his erection and ran her fingers over the veined skin, exploring every inch of him before she guided him into her. She moved her legs around his waist as he moved inside her, touching places that only he could as she moaned and whimpered in his ear. Their bodies were wet with sweat as they moved together rhythmically. Sensations of pleasure coursed through their bodies, until she was crying out in ecstasy. As soon as she came, Fitz let go and released his warmth inside her.
/
Olivia smiled as she gazed at her husband. She had missed him so much. The days and nights without him were almost too much to bear. She gently grazed her finger over his cheek. He unexpectedly grabbed her hand, startling her. A wide smile spread across his face as he opened his eyes.
She smiled and gently shoved him. "You scared me."
He laughed and put his arms around her. "Were you watching me sleep?"
"Yes."
"Does that make you creepy?"
She smiled. "No. It just means that I missed you terribly. Plus, I got the cute factor working for me. Remember that's what kept you from being creepy."
"I'm going to have to disagree."
"Oh?"
"Cute doesn't even begin to describe you. There are no words to describe how beautiful you are."
"Are you trying to get lucky?" She teased.
He smirked. "Always."
"I think we should get something to eat."
"Oh, I plan to."
"You haven't had enough yet?"
"Never."
"Well, I want food. And, we can share a meal before you have to get back."
"Fine." He gave her a fake pout. She grabbed him by his chin and kissed his pouty lips. She reached across him and grabbed the menu off of the nightstand. She laid back in his arms as they perused the menu.
"Do you know what you want?" Olivia asked.
"The grilled angus filet of beef," Fitz told her. "What are you getting?"
"I guess the blackened chicken Caesar salad. Can you call and order it?" She asked.
"Yeah." He grabbed the phone and placed their order.
/
When Fitz got back to his room, the door was opened. He went inside and saw some of his teammates standing around.
"What's going on?" He asked and then heard screaming coming from the bathroom. He rushed inside and saw some more players dunking Russ's head in a tub of water.
"What's going on?" Fitz demanded.
"Fitz, make em stop," Russ slurred his words as grabbed at the hand that had a grip on his hair.
"He took his ass out drinking. He was pissy drunk when we found him and harassing some girls. If we hadn't found him when we did, he probably would have gotten his stupid ass arrested for sexual harassment."
"Well, continue," Fitz said and turned to leave.
"Where were you?" He was hoping to avoid that question. "Russ is your headache."
"My mother just got here." It wasn't a lie. She had just called him to let him know she was in her room. But, she was tired and would see him tomorrow.
"Dude can't even go see his mom without you fucking up," Leonard who was the biggest of the defensive lineman said and dunked Russ's head back in the water.
Russ came up gasping for air, and trying release the grip on his hair. It looked like tears were in his eyes. Fitz felt kind of bad for the kid.
"I think he's had enough," Fitz said. "Besides, he needs to get cleaned up before room checks. I'll keep an eye on him," he promised.
Leonard released his grip on Russ, causing him to fall in the tub. "You know where we are if you need us."
Fitz closed and locked the door behind the guys, knowing he was going to have to keep a closer eye on Russ, which meant less time with Olivia. He wanted to kick Russ's ass for being so stupid and irresponsible, but he was so drunk, he probably wouldn't remember it anyway. And, Fitz wanted him to remember it.
He watched Russ stumble out of the bathroom, try to get dressed, and basically fall onto his bed.
Fitz locked himself in the bathroom and called Olivia.
"Hi," she answered.
"Hi."
"What's wrong?" She asked, immediately noticing the change in his voice."
"Russ fucked up. So, I'm going to have to keep a closer eye on him from now on."
Fitz waited for a response, but Olivia was silent.
"Liv?"
"I'm here."
"Say something."
"What do you want me to say? You gotta do what you gotta do."
"You're upset," he said, noting her tone.
"Disappointed," she corrected him. "Today was nice. I was looking forward to tomorrow."
"It was. And, I was too. I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault."
"I know. It's Russ's. With his stupid ass."
"He's just a kid. He's got a lot of growing up to do. Like you did."
"You're right," Fitz said, suddenly feeling empathetic.
"Where are you? Can you FaceTime?"
"Yeah. Hold on."
Fitz smiled when he saw her beautiful face. Just seeing her brightened his mood. But, he could tell she was sleepy.
"You're sleepy."
"Will you stay with me until I go?" She propped the phone up against the other pillow.
"Yeah."
"I love you," she said as her eyes drifted close.
"I love you, too," Fitz said.
"My bed smell like you," she whispered with her eyes still closed.
"Is that good or bad?"
"Great."
Fitz smiled as he watched her fall asleep.
The next morning, Fitz loudly called Russ's name and slapped his head to wake him up. Russ groaned and pulled the covers over his head.
"Wake up," Fitz yelled loudly.
"Why are you yelling?" Russ whined.
"Because I'm an ass. Get up."
Russ groaned and rolled out of bed.
"Take a shower and some aspirin."
"I don't have any aspirin," he said, softly as if speaking was actually causing him pain.
Fitz got his bag and got the bottle of aspirin, courtesy of Olivia. She had told him to pack them, just in case.
When Russ got out of the shower, he apologized to Fitz.
"Don't apologize to me. You're going to apologize to the team," Fitz told him.
"But, coach will know," Russ panicked.
"Yeah."
"But I -"
"Do you want this job?"
"What?"
"Do you want to be quarterback next year?" How many times was he going to have to ask him this question?
"Yeah."
"Then, act like it. No one is going to put up with that kind of behavior from you," Fitz warned him.
"You're still here," Russ pointed out.
"I was engaged to Phil's daughter. Plus, my father used to be part owner of this team. Phil has known me all of my life. You don't have that luxury. You're going to have to be on your best behavior," Fitz explained. He was well aware of the reasons why he was still on the team, considering how reckless he had been throughout his career.
"Okay," Russ said. "I get it."
"I won't make you apologize to the team."
"Thanks."
"What were you doing out drinking anyway?" Fitz wanted to know. "You should be spending your free time with your girlfriend," Fitz said. That's what most of the team was doing. Those who were in committed relationships were spending their free time with their significant others.
"She's not here."
"Why not?" No wonder he was out being stupid.
"I didn't invite her," Russ told him.
"Why not?"
Russ's shameful expression let Fitz know that why.
"Why do you have a girlfriend if you're just going to cheat?"
"Because I love her. And, I want to marry her one day," Russ said, not understanding the absurdity of his statement, considering his actions.
"But, you're cheating. Listen, these girls are looking for a paycheck. And, most of them have been in this game longer than you have. If you've got a girl who loves you for you, you better stay with her," Fitz tried to explain.
"I hear you," Russ said. Fitz didn't know if was actually listening or not. He hoped he was.
"Do you?"
"Yeah."
"Good. Get your girl a flight here," Fitz told him.
Russ looked up at him. "Seriously?"
"Yes," Fitz said with finality. "The earliest one you can find."
"Okay."
/
Olivia opened the door to leave only to find Fitz standing there.
"What are you doing here?"
"I could leave." He playfully turned to leave.
She grabbed his arm and pulled him inside. "Get in here."
"Where are you going?" He asked. She was wearing a soft pink dress that accentuated her beautiful figure. His eyes filled with lust as he admired her body.
"To have dinner with your mom," she told him. She finally looked up in his eyes. "...Stop...stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?" He asked as he took a step closer to her.
She turned to walk away from him, but he grabbed her by her waist, pulling her back to him. He took her cardigan and purse from her hands and put them on the nearby table.
"Fitz…"
"Hmm?" He kissed the exposed skin of her shoulders and moved his kisses to her neck as he took the straps to her dress and pulled them down and cupped her bare breasts.
She moaned and leaned back against his chest. "Fitz," she tried again.
"Baby, you just don't know what you do to me," Fitz said as he pushed her dress and panties to the floor. "Do you feel what you do to me?" He asked as he pulled her back against his erection.
Olivia simply moaned.
"I feel what I do to you," he whispered as he moved his fingers through her slick folds.
"Fitz," she whimpered as her body trembled.
He turned her around and backed her to the wall. He placed his hands above her head and looked down at her.
"Kiss me," he whispered.
She looked up in his eyes and she couldn't help herself. She hungrily kissing him, grinding her body against his as her hands roamed over his body. Soon, he had her legs wrapped around his waist as he moved deep inside her.
/
"That's your mom," Olivia said, as she looked at her ringing phone.
"Shh," Fitz shushed her, and kissed her lips. He kissed her again, and moved his hand to the towel she had around her body.
She grabbed his hands and pushed him away. "Answer my phone."
Fitz chuckled and answered Olivia's phone. "Hi mom."
"Well, I guess I know why Olivia is late," Edith said.
"Yeah. It's totally my fault," he said as he glanced at Olivia while she got dressed again.
"Well, let her go, so she can come spend some time with me. And, you should come too."
"I was planning to," Fitz told her.
"Alright. I'll see you two soon."
"Okay," Fitz said and hung up the phone.
He walked over to Olivia and kissed her bare shoulder. She stepped out of his embrace before he got too carried away.
"Go," she said and pointed to the door.
"What?"
"You're a bad influence. You have to leave so I can get ready. Go."
He grinned and turned to leave. "I'll see you in a few minutes."
/
Hearing Olivia's soft knocks, Fitz opened the door with a smile on his face. Olivia shared his smile when she saw him, and walked past him, only for him to stop her once the door was closed.
"Hi," he whispered.
Olivia smiled. "Hi."
"You look beautiful," he said, taking in her appearance.
"Thank you. But, I preferred the other dress."
He leaned down and kissed her. His arms circled her waist as her arms wrapped around his neck.
"I believe this is why you're late," Edith said, causing the pair to move apart.
Olivia blushed. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "This is totally Fitz's fault," she said as she wiped her lipstick from his mouth.
Then, she gave her mother-in-law a hug. "How are you?"
"I'm great. Happy to see my two favorite people again. I guess I don't have to worry about marriage problems with you two."
"We have our moments. But, we're pretty solid," Olivia said with a smile as she glanced back at Fitz.
"That's great to hear. I figured I would wait until you were here to order, even though Fitz assured me he knew what you wanted."
Olivia looked up at him. "He has no idea what I want. He's just hungry."
"That's what I figured," Edith said.
It was nice to sit down and enjoy a meal with Olivia and his mom. It had been too long, since they'd spent any time together as a family.
"Where's Russ? How did you get away today?" Olivia asked as they ate their meal.
"I made him fly his girlfriend in first thing this morning. She's here now. I think he'll stay out of trouble with her. At least, I hope so."
"Me too," Olivia said as she slid her hand in his.
"Your mom said they're arriving tomorrow," Edith said to Olivia.
"Yes ma'am."
"We're going to explore the city tomorrow."
"And, why wasn't I invited?" Olivia teased. Edith and Carol talked on the phone with each other all the time. And, she was glad they were finally getting to spend some time together.
"We figured you and Fitz would be busy," Edith said with a smirk.
"And, we will be," Fitz said and rubbed his thumb over her hand.
"Fitz," Olivia quietly warned.
"She also said Kasey's flying in tomorrow."
"We already have shopping plans," Olivia said, excitedly.
"What about me?" Fitz pouted.
"I'm going home with you, Monday."
"I'm getting ditched for Kasey," he said with a pout.
"Quit pouting. I'm still going to see you," Olivia assured him.
/
Olivia quickly opened the door and threw her arms around her parents.
"Mama. Daddy," she exclaimed.
"Hey Punkin." They both greeted her with warm hugs.
"Let me see if you're showing yet," Carol said, taking a step back to get a good luck at her.
Olivia could only smile, because she was doing the same thing, only daily.
"Nope. Just a little more hips."
"I've noticed," Olivia said.
"I still can't believe I'm going to be a grandpa," Oliver said.
Olivia smiled. "I can't wait to see you guys with him or her." She knew they were going to be great grandparents, because they were the best parents. And, she was so glad they were just as excited as she was.
"Have you had breakfast yet?" Carol asked.
"Not yet."
"Come on. Let's go downstairs and get something to eat."
It was amazing that something as simple as breakfast could make Olivia feel nostalgic and just appreciated her parents for always being there for her.
"I hope I can be as good to my baby as you guys are to me," she told them.
"Punkin, you're going to be a wonderful mom," Carol said.
"You had a perfect example," Oliver said, looking lovingly at his wife.
"Okay. I know I'm married and pregnant, but could y'all please keep those looks to yourselves," Olivia said, not missing the moment that her parents had just shared.
"How do you think you got here," Carol teased.
"We're really not about to have this conversation, are we?" Olivia asked as her phone rang. "Oh thank God, Kasey."
"Um...where are you and what's going on?"
"Having breakfast with my mom and dad downstairs in the restaurant. Please come join us and stop your aunt and uncle from talking about how I got here."
Kasey laughed. "We're on our way."
"Kasey's on her way down here," she told her parents. "So, stop it."
Olivia was more than thrilled to see Kasey and Tom enter the restaurant. And, it wasn't just to stop her parents from scarring her for life; she had missed her cousin more than she thought she would.
"Hey." She hugged Kasey and Tom. "How's the south treating you?" She asked Tom.
"It's great," he said. "It's the perfect place to raise kids."
"I can't argue with you there," Oliver said. "You and Fitz should consider that."
"We will," Olivia said with a smile.
"Seriously?" Carol asked.
"Yeah. Fitz said he's open to the idea. In fact, he's the one who suggested it. We weren't talking about raising kids. It was so I could be close to everyone."
"I like that," Carol said.
"So, what's the plan?" Oliver wanted to know. "Are you moving to Georgia? Or are we moving to D.C.?"
Olivia looked at both of her parents, realizing she didn't have an answer, because the possibility had only been mentioned rather than discussed.
"Honey, don't put that kind of pressure on her," Carol said. "You and Fitz take your time and weigh all your options, okay."
Olivia breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't realize until it was asked just how much anxiety came with that question. She wondered if that was why she didn't want to discuss it when Fitz brought it up. "Okay."
/
"So, it' seems you and Tom have settled on Georgia," Olivia said as she and Kasey walked through the mall.
"It's still not settled, but he loves Georgia. And, he does have a point. It's a great place to raise kids."
"So, what's not settled about it?" Olivia asked.
"The rest of my family is in D.C. His family is in Chicago."
"You can visit like you always do."
"Yeah. But, when I get my flexible days, they'll be spent with Tom and I won't be able to travel as much."
Olivia narrowed her eyes and looked at her cousin. Kasey refused to meet Olivia's gaze.
"You're getting cold feet," Olivia realized.
Kasey sighed. "I'm starting to feel like marriage will tie me down."
"Kase, you and Tom can travel together. Or he can stay home and you can travel without him. Whatever works for y'all," Olivia told her.
"I don't know."
"Do you feel tied down now?"
"No. I love coming home to him."
"Kasey, did you just hear yourself? That's your answer. You don't lose anything when you get married. Even if you do, what you gain is so much greater, that you won't even notice. Tom loves you. You love him. I don't see the problem."
"He keeps asking me when am I going to pick a date."
"I was about to ask you the same thing."
She sighed. "I'll talk to him, and we'll pick a date."
"Good."
"Now, come on. I want to help you pick out some baby stuff."
"Picking out baby stuff seems so pointless now. I don't even know the sex yet," Olivia pointed out.
"Fitz still wants a girl?"
"Of course."
"Have you told him you want a boy yet?"
"Not exactly."
"Are you going to tell him?"
Olivia shrugged her shoulders. "It's not really important. It's not like it's going to change anything. Besides, we'll be happy with a boy or girl."
"You're right. Now, come on. Baby stuff."
"Kasey, I don't think this mall even has baby stuff. I need maternity stuff first," Olivia told her. "Or at least bigger clothes."
"Fine. Let's go to Saks and get you some bigger clothes."
After browsing through Saks, Kasey convinced Olivia to venture to Riverwalk to at least look at some baby clothes. At first, they did more eating than shopping when Olivia noticed Café Du Monde and a pralines shop. Eventually, they found Motherhood Maternity. The sales girl was more than helpful, and sold Olivia more stuff than she probably needed, including a wedge pillow. Then, Kasey drug her into Carter's, where she couldn't stop herself from buying bear crocheted booties and a beanie.
"This is so darn cute," she exclaimed.
"I thought buying baby stuff was pointless," Kasey teased.
"Oh be quiet," Olivia said, looking at the armful of things Kasey had.
"Are you pregnant and using me as an excuse to buy baby clothes?"
"I'm not pregnant," Kasey told her. "I'm just getting an early start on being the favorite aunt. And, by the way, I know I'm technically a cousin, but I want to be Auntie Kasey."
"Fine with me," Olivia said as her phone rang. It was Fitz calling to let her know he was in her room.
/
"He's asleep," Kasey whispered, looking at Fitz sprawled out on Olivia's bed when they got back to the room.
"I know."
"We could have kept shopping."
"He told me he would probably be asleep," Olivia told her.
"And, you came anyway. What are you going to do? Watch him sleep?"
"Well yeah," Olivia replied as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
"Oh my god. If I ever get that sappy…"
"Oh come on. You mean to tell me you've never watched Tom sleep?"
"What?"
"Tell the truth, Kase," Olivia pushed.
"Yes," Kasey admitted. "But, if you say anything, I will deny deny deny."
"Hey Kasey," Fitz mumbled. "Bye Kasey."
"Rude," Kasey said as she turned to leave.
"I'll call you later," Olivia said as she closed the door behind her. She walked over to Fitz. "I'm sorry we woke you," she said with a kiss.
Fitz pulled her onto the bed with him and kissed her again.
"How much damage did you do downstairs?" Fitz asked.
"You're supposed to be sleeping," Olivia dodged his question.
"Mm-hmm." Fitz wrapped his arm around her. "The mall is why you picked this hotel, isn't it?"
"Sleeping," Olivia said with a giggle.
"I wish. I am tired," he said. "I didn't get much sleep last night."
"Why not? What's wrong?"
"I don't know. I think I'm starting to feel the pressure. But, it's weird. It's not how it normally is where I'm nervous. It's making me tired, but I can't sleep. It's like a weight or something pressing on me. Almost like I'm carrying something around."
Olivia opened her mouth, but quickly closed it.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"No. You were about to say something."
"I was going to ask if you wanted to talk to my therapist."
He smiled. "Thanks, but the person I need to talk to isn't here."
She looked at him to continue.
"My dad," he told her. "When I was young, he had a way of calming me before big games."
Olivia rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry," she whispered. She reached up and cupped his cheek. "Maybe you can."
"Maybe I can what?"
"Talk to him. Physically, he's not here. But, he's in your heart. So, just talk to him."
/
Fitz walked onto the field to the fifty-yard line. "Well, Dad, I finally made it," he said as he looked around. "There's no doubt that I wouldn't be here, if it wasn't for you. So, thank you for football, Dad. I know you figured I'd get here a lot sooner. But, I had to take the scenic route. Besides, I didn't think I could do it without you. And, I didn't want to. But, you know mom. She wouldn't let me quit." He looked at the football he had in his hands. "You remember the first time I wanted to quit? When I lost my first game? I was so depressed. You told me to remember that feeling, to carry it with me at all times, so I would never have to experience it again. And, you gave me this ball, the ball from that game, as a reminder. And, I never lost again. Until you died." Tears filled his eyes as he continued. "I..I wanted to feel it, again, because I felt empty. And, I just needed to feel something, even if it wasn't good, rather than acknowledge the pain of losing you. So, I tried to lose games instead." Tears rolled onto his cheeks as he remembered back on the days following his father's death. "I stopped being the player you taught me to be, hoping to lose, hoping to just feel again. And, I know I let you down each time," he choked back tears. "And, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he sobbed. He took a moment to gather himself and continued. "You know I never said goodbye to you. That would have made it too real. And, I was never ready for that." He took a deep breath. "I'm not ready now, but I know I have to. And, I have to do like you said. 'Always leave it on the field.'" He placed the ball on the fifty-yard line and took a knee beside it. "Goodbye Dad." He remained on his knee for a while longer and soon felt a hand on his shoulder.
"He's proud of you," Edith said.
Fitz simply nodded his head as a new wave of tears started. He reached up and clutched his mother's hand, finally able to grieve with her.
/
Fitz smiled at Olivia sleeping, before gently kissing her.
"Mmm," she moaned. "I missed waking up like this," she said as she ran a hand through his hair, her eyes still closed.
Fitz smiled. "You know I needed to see you today before my game."
Olivia opened her eyes and looked at him. "Are you okay? You sound…"
"I finally said goodbye to my dad," he said as he sat on the bed next to her.
Olivia got up and wrapped her arms around him. "Are you okay? Is there anything I can do?"
"I'm okay," he said as he rubbed her arm.
"I know that was hard for you. I wish I could have been there for you."
"I needed to do it alone, you know. But, afterwards, my mom came. She woke up with him on her mind, and when I didn't answer the phone, she figured I was at the stadium."
"That's good she was there with you." Olivia continued to hold him as her head rested on his shoulder, until Fitz grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap.
"Thank you," he said. "For reminding me that I could still talk to him.
/
It was finally the day of the big game, and surprisingly Fitz wasn't nervous. He had been expecting the feeling, but nothing. He was excited and anxious. Most importantly, he was ready. He believed in his team and their game plan. And, he was carrying his dad with him in a way he never had before. He was ready to go out there, have fun, and win
The sounds of the crowd were electrifying as the team ran onto the field. He stepped onto the field for the coin toss as a team captain. They won the toss, and elected to receive, deviating from their usual plan of deferring. Normally, they liked to let their defense set the tone. But, he wanted to establish their offense first.
"What is he doing?" Cyrus asked when the running back took position behind center with the number two back behind him and Fitz lined up as a wide receiver.
"Confusing the defense," Oliver said. He looked at Olivia and noticed her small smile. "Did he tell you they were going to do this?"
"I...might have suggested it." Olivia told him. Fitz was one of the few quarterbacks who was prone to pass on the very first possession, so Olivia knew a wildcat play would throw the defense off.
"Why is he on the field, then? He could get hurt," Cyrus pointed out.
"So they won't have to substitute players. Cincinnati's got their pass defense on the field. And, Fitz is running hurry up. They can't adequately substitute without taking a time-out," Olivia said.
On the next play, the running back handed the ball off to the other back for a successful gain. Then, Fitz took his position behind the center, and he ran the ball. Cincinnati finally had their safeties come up to help against the run. The next play Fitz was poised and confident as he passed for a touchdown. He looked up in the stands where he knew Olivia was sitting and touched his heart before running off the field.
For the rest of the game, they kept Cincinnati's defense on their heels. They never knew what defense to send out. Offensively Fitz controlled the game. He was playing the game of his life and having a good time doing it. As the last minute of the game ticked away, Fitz felt like his heart was going to burst from excitement. He took a knee as the last seconds ticked away. He jumped up as the confetti fell from the ceiling and celebrated his first Super Bowl win in the last game of his life.
He looked around as reporters and photographers circled him.
"Fitzgerald Grant, congratulations," Kimberly Mitchell congratulated him.
"Thank you, Kimberly."
"You finally did it. You've won the Super Bowl. How are you feeling right now?"
"I feel amazing," Fitz said. "It's unlike anything I've ever felt before. I'm so glad we were able to go out there and win as a team. I love these guys. Over this past season, the team has grown closer, and we've all been more focused on getting here to this moment, winning this game together."
"You've played in what you say is your last game, which was undoubtedly the biggest game of your career, what are you going to do now?"
"Well," Fitz began as he looked up over the heads of the reporters and cameras and saw Olivia running towards him, with Harrison at her side, and Cyrus lagging behind them. He grinned, "I'm taking my wife on a honeymoon," he said as she jumped in his arms and kissed him.
This is the very last chapter of The Game Plan. However, I am writing a sequel, titled First and Goal. Hopefully, you all will continue this journey with me as we embark upon a new chapter in Fitz and Olivia's life.
