Chapter 49: Center Stage
Fitz learned more about the entertainment business these last few weeks than he ever thought possible and with the Tony Awards finally here, he was looking forward to finally getting his wife back. Olivia was without a doubt the star Hollywood appeared to be rooting for and her hours away from home was taking a toll on Fitz...more than he cared to admit.
These past few weeks were a blur and often resulted in the same pattern of Olivia getting home late and leaving the condo early. When she was home, talk centered around the Tony's, her opening number and of course around Olivia herself. Fitz knew she was being interviewed everyday and more and more questions began to surface regarding their marriage.
Fitz decided last minute to meet Olivia for lunch in her dressing room while she was in between rehearsals. She sounded preoccupied on the phone and he wasn't certain what to make of their conversation. When she asked him to come by the theater he didn't hesitate, hoping his presence would somehow bring her any stability needed.
When he finally arrived, he walked into what felt like organized chaos and although he recognized several people, he didn't take any time to make small talk. He had come to actually like many of Olivia's colleagues he met since moving to the city but didn't think it was appropriate to stop and chat at a time like this. Nearly everyone he saw seemed overly stressed so he kept his head low and headed straight for Olivia's dressing room.
Fitz didn't bother knocking and let himself right in once he arrived. Olivia was seated and appeared to be reading something in her lap. Samantha was seated to her left and her agent, Mitchell, stood near the mirror. His face was serious and Fitz's presence didn't seem to phase anyone in the room.
Anyone except Olivia.
She stood the moment he entered and went to him, grabbing the Chinese takeout bag from his hands. They embraced like always and he didn't shy away from kissing her gently on the lips. He missed everything about her and even though he saw her earlier that morning he honestly had felt like it had been days.
"I'm starving," Olivia breathed out, shifting her attention to the food.
Samantha was first to excuse herself and shot Fitz a wide mischievous grin.
"How's Rick? Tell him I said hello."
Fitz immediately looked at Olivia in confusion and she shook her head at the comment, dismissing her friend altogether.
"Ignore her," she instructed, rolling her eyes.
While Samantha sashayed out of the room, Mitchell didn't seem to want to leave and it was Fitz's clue that something was definitely up.
"I'll touch base with you later, Mitch. Thanks for stopping by."
As soon as her manger finally left them alone, Olivia sat down with a bowl of noodles and chopsticks in her hand, motioning for Fitz to join her. He was sweaty and still in his work clothes and deep down wished he would've at least showered before stopping by.
"Thank you soooooo much for bringing me lunch."
Olivia kissed him again on the lips and began to eat watching him unpack his own lunch.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" She continued, rubbing Fitz's thigh with her legs. They were now positioned on top of his legs and he began to respond in between mouthfuls.
"About that...I was thinking maybe you should take your mom instead. She would love-"
"No," she interrupted him before he could finish his thought. "My parents have walked the Red Carpet with me before. And YOU are my husband which means your legally required to be there."
Fitz laughed and her explanation and grabbed a bottle water on the table nearby deciding to change the subject altogether.
"What's got Mitch worked up? Was something else written about us?"
Olivia stopped chewing and turned grabbing the paper from behind she was reading earlier.
"Yes, there has...but no, that's not what has him worked up. Me leaving the show does."
Fitz took the paper from her hand and read the title "Shot Gun Wedding," in large black letters at the top. He tossed it aside without any reading further and shook his head in frustration.
"This is ridiculous-"
"I'm not going there, Fitz. All of this is expected. All of it. I refuse to allow anything get to me."
Olivia dismissed the article without thinking twice and Fitz had no choice but to do the same. This was the second gossip article written this week focusing on the fact they eloped and if allowed it would seriously begin to drive him insane.
"I told Mitch about the movie and he's very much against it," she continued purposely focusing her attention on what was in her control. Fitz listened to her managers reasoning and tried to remain objective.
"Rus and Mason are unknowns and he thinks they're using me more for financial stability. When the money runs out, which it likely will, they will turn to me."
Although he didn't entirely understand what this meant he did trust Mitchell and wondered why he would be so against this move. Olivia seemed to be in the prime of her career and in his opinion it was as good a time as any.
They sat quiet for a few moments, the only sounds in the air now were of them eating. Olivia looked tired and knew deep down she wasn't taking care of herself like she should.
"There's one piece to this that doesn't work," she suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. "The location. If they don't move it...they'll need to find another lead."
"I didn't realize you even knew the location," Fitz replied in complete surprise.
"Mitch just told me- along with some other specifics he learned."
"Well, where are they filming?"
"In a small town near Houston. Filming could take months."
Fitz put his fork down and lost his appetite. There was no way he could leave his job for such an extended period of time but before he could respond, Olivia continued, almost as if she was trying to ease all worries from his mind."
"I already know what you're thinking and just STOP. They'll have to move it. And they will."
Olivia spoke confidently and Fitz was more confused than ever. He set his plate down and took the bowl of noodles from Olivia's hand positioning her body so she faced him head on.
"Liv, what's going on? Explain this to me in laments terms. Why on earth would they move locations just because you asked them to?"
She smiled and straddled his lap, pushing his body flush against the sofa. Her body was now pressed against his and he purposely grazed her breasts with his lips waiting for her to explain.
"You are so sexy," she whispered, kissing him on the lips. Her tongue eagerly entered his mouth and Fitz grew hard at the sensation, unable to control all body parts below the waist.
Olivia was first to come up for air and Fitz couldn't help but push her harder down into him against his ever growing erection.
"I'm meeting with Rus and Mason at the end of the week- once things die down and I can actually think. If I'm going to do the movie there are some things they will have to agree to...one of them being the location. I want it closer to home. After all, I'm still a newlywed and I can't run off and leave my husband who moved to the east coast just for me."
"Liv...wait, are we even going to discuss this?"
"No. This is my decision." She spoke definitively and within inches from his lips and he felt as if he couldn't properly concentrate.
"What makes you think they'll do what you say?" Fitz aggressively pulled her hair from behind and exposed her neckline giving him full access. Something inside suddenly sparked and the alpha within couldn't be contained any longer.
Olivia's body tingled uncontrollably. She loved this side of Fitz and knew it was only a matter of time before he barked back. It was something she had grown to love about him and she often found herself purposely pushing his buttons to get this type of reaction.
"I want to produce the movie and we both know I have the money to do it."
Fitz's eyes widened at her words and all at once everything became crystal clear. This explained why she brought up the idea of selling her condo a few days ago. She was planning on investing the money in this movie. His wife never ceased to amaze him and the fact she was willing to go to such extreme in order to stay near their home meant so much.
"My wife...actress AND producer. How the hell did I get so lucky?" Fitz spoke low and caressed her bottom lip in the process.
"You've got it all wrong, Mr. Grant," Olivia replied not batting an eye...the question is...how did I..."
The limousine ride to Radio City Music Hall was long and Fitz readjusted himself pulling Olivia closer into him. She wore a long black sequined dress and literally sparkled with every move made. It was strapless and fit her body like a glove leaving much to the imagination of what was hidden beneath.
Fitz wore a speciality tailored tuxedo and couldn't have felt more out of place. The long line of limos seemed never ending and the closer they inched their way towards their destination, the more nervous he became. His wife couldn't have looked more at ease and he wondered how she was able to block out all the chaos ensuing around them.
"The Red Carpet will take about an hour...and our host for the evening is Nicole. She'll be meeting us when we arrive."
Fitz nodded in agreement and tried his best to remain calm. Olivia had shared all this information before they even left the condo but he was grateful for the reminder. He found it odd they needed a "host" but didn't ask questions as this was just another example of him not really knowing anything about how these awards shows actually worked.
Once they arrived, Nicole as promised was awaiting for them, opening the door for Olivia. She wore a head piece and carried a small portfolio that looked more like a glorified notepad. Fitz grabbed Olivia's arm before she had a chance to get any further from him, grabbing her attention. She looked concerned and touched his chest searching his eyes.
"I should've told you this in the limo," he explained linking fingers with her. "No matter what happens tonight, I'm proud of you. Not just about being nominated...I'm proud to be your date tonight."
Tears filled Olivia's eyes and she smiled an a thankful grin, her burgundy lips plump and perfectly shaped. She mouthed the words, I love you, before turning on her heels and leading Fitz down the long line of paparazzi. The love of his life was definitely in her element and the honest truth was she amazed him in every way humanly possible. Her grace...her charm...her charism was infectious and he enjoyed seeing different people's reaction to his wife more than anything.
The next hour was beyond hectic, not to mention dreadfully hot and he honestky wasn't certain how anyone in Hollywood handled this type of fame. Olivia's name was screamed from every direction imaginable and watching her bask in the spotlight brought him sheer, inexplainable joy. She was loved and adored by so many and he more than anyone understood why.
Her arrival quickly spread and there wasn't an interviewer that didn't vie for her attention. Nicole kept Olivia on schedule and after a half hour into walking through the crowd he understood why someone like her was needed. Most of the questions were redundant and a few focused directly on her personal life. Olivia didn't shy away from acknowledging Fitz in the slightest and at one point shared very openly how much meeting him changed her life. They were photographed together many times throughout the night and Fitz could only hope him being here was the right decision.
When the time came to finally enter and take their seats, Olivia requested some time to freshen up in the ladies room before changing into her costume for the opening number. Nicole escorted Fitz to the front row where he eventually came head to head with Eli and Maya. They were seated directly behind him and Eli stood when he saw his son in law enter.
"How are you holding up? It's a lot to take in, isn't it?" He spoke from personal experience and Fitz smiled at the concern.
"It's definitely different," he confirmed.
They chatted for a few minutes and Fitz was grateful neither of them seemed to hold any type of grudge. He hadn't seen or spoken to Olivia's parents since they met for dinner announcing their big news. He knew he owed Maya an apology for his behavior that evening and hoped to somehow make it up to her in the future.
His mother in law looked incredibly beautiful and Fitz didn't hesitate in complimenting her. It was evident she was well known amongst Olivia's peers because several people stopped to pay their respects to someone so highly admired in the industry. They were both very cordial to one another and he deep down didn't expect anything different. All eyes were on Olivia's family, especially her mother.
After a few more minutes of small talk, Fitz eventually took his seat in front of Eli and took in his surroundings.
Stage crews were busy with last minute preparations and when Olivia finally returned both Eli and Fitz stood. She kissed her parents hello and thanked them for being here before bidding Fitz farewell. It was time for her to get ready and she reminded him once she returned it would be for good. The opening act was her only performance in the award show and they both were pleased she would be able to relax and enjoy herself for the majority of the night.
"Good luck...I love you, baby."
Fitz kissed his wife goodbye and watched her parents bid their daughter farewell. Both were very supportive and loving and it relieved Fitz to witness such ease between everyone. He knew it mostly had to do with the circumstance but it didn't matter- their acceptance truly meant the world to him.
Nearly an hour passed when the lights dimmed and Fitz's stomach instantly filled with butterflies. He never quite experienced anything so grand before and having a front row seat to it all was somewhat too much for him to take in. You could really sense how professional this show was when Olivia's "seat filler" sat down in the empty space next to him. Thankfully he had been prepped ahead of time this would occur but it still felt odd sitting next to a complete stranger.
The opening number itself was overly extravagant and something Fitz would never forget for as long as he lived. Olivia danced, briefly sang and even had a quick wardrobe change leaving everyone in the audience in complete awe. For that brief moment his wife transformed into something difficult to wrap his mind around...she seemed invincible and he couldn't help but feel a deep admiration to her as an artist. She was truly gifted and captivated everyone...especially him.
The energy in the room was palpable and many in the crowd stood when the number was finally over. He was so proud of his wife he wasn't able to refrain from whistling loudly gaining attention from all those nearby...including the cameraman. The people around him kept singing their praise and his cheeks began to ache from so much smiling.
What surprised him most was during the break when Maya mentioned Fitz by name introducing him to someone nearby.
"This is Olivia's husband, Fitzgerald Grant," she introduced to the brunette sitting several seats away. Apparently she worked with Olivia at some point in her career and seemed to know the Pope's well.
Fitz extended his hand to the woman and slightly stood in classic chivalry form. Maya continued to speak to the woman and he tried not to eavesdrop on the conversation. He expected Olivia to finally join him at any moment and he caught himself looking around periodically for her. The truth was he felt lost without her and continued to feel out of place. Other than her parents he really didn't know anyone and being surrounded by so many professionals was quite daunting.
By the time the next commercial break took place Olivia had returned to her seat next to him. She was now back in her original black dress and to his surprise looked exactly the same. It shocked him how she could transform so quickly back and forth from performer to Tony nominee. The moment she sat, Fitz kissed her several times, doting on her in every way imaginable. He gushed over her performance and she beamed with giddiness at his reaction.
For the remainder of the night he tried hard to pay attention to what happened on stage. Many awards were presented while both he and Olivia awaited anxiously for the ending categories to be announced. Olivia's play, Come What May, was nominated a total of five times, including best play. Although he selfishly wanted them to win all the awards, he couldn't help but focus on Olivia's category the most. He knew she had never won a Tony playing this particular character and according to critics, her time was past due.
Nearly two torturous hours passed before the moment everyone was waiting for finally arrived. Olivia grabbed Fitz's hand and squeezed but didn't make any other sudden movements. His heartbeat began to race as the list of nominees were read, their face one by one appearing on the big screen. It was as if everything around them grew still and for a brief second he could feel himself holding his breath.
Nothing could have prepared him when he heard Olivia's name called from the stage. A small group of people in their area stood while Olivia instantly went to Fitz, wrapping her arms around him. He could feel her trembling in his arms and tears welled up in his eyes hearing her whisper how much she loved him in his ear. The moment happened so fast and was so much bigger than him, the only words he remembered actually saying to her was, congratulations.
Both Maya and Eli also embraced their daughter and before he realized what was happening Olivia was making her way up the staircase to receive her award. She looked flawless and stunning and elegant and his breath caught watching the woman he loved take center stage directly in front of him.
The crowd around him went wild and cries of Blue could be heard from the true die-hards above shouting her rare signature performance she had become known for. The chanting made Olivia smile and she held up the Tony proudly, high into the air as if to signify winning this award was for them. Fitz whistled loudly to his hearts content until Olivia's face grew serious signaling she was about to speak. Everyone in his vicinity finally took their seats and his mind went numb listening to his wife pour her heart out during her acceptance speech.
"Thank you to the academy for this incredible honor...for acknowledging this character I've been so privileged to play these past three years. Thank you to my director and especially my cast mates AND CREW! They are the most hard working people on Broadway! And to the FANS who camp out early and stay late - THIS IS FOR YOU!"
Loud cheers and screams once again took over and Fitz tried his best not to cry. It was overwhelming to see how loved and adored she was and the fact he knew she was thinking of leaving it all suddenly made his heart break. This was going to crush many and her departure from Broadway wouldn't be taken lightly.
"And last, I want to thank some very important people in my life," she continued as the audience began to simmer back down. "I want to thank my parents for loving me and guiding me through my career...you BOTH are the reason I'm standing here right now. I love you Mom and Dad!"
Olivia focused her attention on Eli and Maya and as soon as the camera flashed her mother's face on the big screen the audience gave Maya a special round of applause.
"And I want to thank my husband...my better half-"
Olivia's voice softened and cracked at the mention of Fitz name and he froze, unable to move. She looked directly at him and he placed his intertwined fingers against his lips watching this angel address him in front of millions of people watching worldwide.
"You make me better...in ways I can't even explain. I love you so much."
Olivia was now fighting back her own tears and still looking directly at Fitz. He blew her a kiss into the air and despite the openness of the moment he couldn't help but feel as if they were the only two people that existed. Eventually the audience began to cheer and a signal was given letting Olivia know her time was over. He watched her turn and exit left and so much adrenaline ran through his veins he could barely sit still. Luckily, during the break Nicole appeared to gather Fitz and his in laws so they could go back stage.
When they found Olivia she was in the middle of talking with the press and she excused herself the moment she saw them enter. Her parents were first to hug and congratulate Olivia and when it was finally Fitz's turn he lifted his wife high into the air, spinning her around in the process several times.
"I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!"
Olivia held the Tony up for each of them to see and Fitz couldn't believe this was really happening. It felt surreal and he couldn't keep his hands off of his wife. He kissed her constantly several times listening to her parents and the people around them congratulate her. Before long, a member of the press approached Maya who graciously stepped aside to speak to the young reporter. Fitz couldn't believe all the commotion around them. It felt as if a million different things were happening all at once and he once again stood in awe at how at ease Olivia continued to carry herself.
Being backstage was louder than he expected and when the show continued he realized they were now announcing the big winner of the night. Olivia stopped to watch from behind the curtain and Fitz stayed close by as the winner was announced. A new up and coming play very popular on Broadway won the top award and the moment it was realized Come What May didn't bring home the Tony, Olivia returned her attention to the people around her.
"Thank you for being here, Fitz. Being able to experience this with you- its made all the difference..."
It was nearly 3 am when Fitz led Olivia back to their limousine. They were both tipsy from the after parties attended and Olivia couldn't wait to take her shoes off. She watched Fitz hand their driver a piece of paper and wondered what her husband was up to.
The back of the limo smelt like fresh leather and the second they were both securely seated Fitz closed the partition separating them from the driver. Olivia placed her Tony Award on the seat across from them and began to undress herself much to Fitz's surprise. Within minutes she was in her bra and panties on her husband's lap untying his bow tie.
"We're not going back to the condo, are we?"
Her voice was hoarse and her head began to spin once they increased in speed down the open road ahead.
Fitz shook his head no in response and cupped her breasts in his hand before devouring her exposed nipple. The alcohol between them was strong and Olivia didn't question their impending destination. She had one thing on her mind and that was getting fucked and nothing else honestly seemed to matter.
Their lust for one another took over and Fitz eventually released her nipple, allowing Olivia to take charge. Little was spoken during their long drive and she took her time undressing the man she was so proud to call her husband.
"I want to feel your lips around me," he suddenly blurted, admitted his inner thoughts aloud and unashamed.
There was something about having a visual of watching this two-time Tony Award winner giving him a blow job that sent his ego into a frenzy.
Olivia quickly obliged to his request and slipped her body down unfastening his belt below. His dick fell into her hands and she wasted little time massaging him in between her fingertips. Fitz instinctively widened his legs and threw his head back against the leather keeping his eyes directly in front of him.
Her lips did exactly what he envisioned and the visual alone was enough to make him cum on the spot. Olivia sucked hard and precise, intentionally keeping her eyes on him the entire time. Brown eyes stared directly into him and were so hypnotic he couldn't take the distance any longer. Fitz grabbed hold of her hair from behind just as he did the day before, pulling her mouth off of him.
"You drive me fucking crazy, he whispered into the air.
Olivia was now back on top of his lap and she secretly loved the power she held. She barely sucked him long and he was already pulling her up to get inside of her. She eased onto his shaft slowly tugging on his hair for leverage. They passed cars quickly in the night while making love and it was one of the most invigorating experiencing.
Their bodies remained one for most of the ride and before long their skin was sweaty and heated, sticking to the seats below. Making love that night wasn't about reaching a climax...it was more about the yearning they had for one another. It was pure and honest and real, making it all the more intimate.
Neither of them noticed when the limousine finally came to a halt and it wasn't until the driver turned off the ignition they began to finally dress. Olivia was slow to move and Fitz covered her with his tuxedo jacket throwing her dress over his shoulder. He lifted her like a bride from the backseat and practically jogged up the stairs and inside their house.
Olivia's mind was groggy as she slowly looked around. Their house had no furniture but was complete and she admired the beautiful built-in shutters that covered the windows floor to ceiling. A single king-sized mattress sat in the center of the living room with two small suitcases next to them. Fitz gently laid her down and disappeared, once again going back outside to retrieve the rest of their belongings.
Once Olivia found her bearings she noticed a dim light coming from the kitchen and spotted their favorite blanket nearby. She quickly grabbed it and wrapped up her body, taking Fitz's jacket off in the process. She was semi naked and memories of Troy instantly filled her mind. When did Fitz arrange this? Was their home equipped for them to actually stay the night? How would they get back to the city? She didn't notice a car in the driveway.
These thoughts surfaced around in her mind and because she was so tired she didn't try to analyze their arrival any more than needed.
Fitz returned moments later, his shirt unbuttoned and open at the chest. He looked disheveled and incredibly handsome and was carrying her Tony in one hand and her high heels in the other. She watched him walk directly to the fireplace and place her award on the mantle proudly on display for all to see.
Two steps later he was next to her undressing himself once again while emptying his pockets. She scooted over on the mattress and opened the large plush blanket making room for him.
"Water and lights were officially turned on yesterday," he whispered. "I brought some of our things over earlier. I thought it would be nice to spend the night here."
"This is perfect," she replied through a long yawn.
Fitz snuggled into his wife, kissing her neck while making himself more comfortable. She was too tired and closed her heavy eyes unable to keep them open any longer. Visions of being on stage entered her mind and her last thoughts of the night centered around her husband. The look on his face from the front row was priceless and her eyes began to water as she remembered how emotional he looked during her acceptance speech.
The last words she heard made her smile and her mind shifted once again, thinking of their ride home.
"I will never forget this night for as long as I live."
She wrapped her arms around him even tighter but didn't respond, her mind and body too weak from the day's events. Quiet finally settled in and she faintly heard Fitz speak again, willing her to sleep.
"Goodnight, Mrs. Grant. I have a feeling you're going to be very popular in the morning..."
