Olivia sat at a table surrounded by her coworkers, listening intently to the conversation. She's a 23 year old recent college graduate starting into her career with the bowden accounting firm. It isn't the most well known of firms but it was a foot in the door. Olivia had recently broken up with a guy named Stephen. It had been the worst relationship of her life. She had only been in two others before and they weren't serious, pretty off and on. She thought Stephen was it, she had even given him her virginity. Olivia had promised herself she would wait for marriage, not for religious reasons but because she wanted something special. Well with Stephen that went out the window. He treated her like trash, compared her to other women to her face, told her she should workout more and eat less. But she stayed because she was convinced she loved him. Luckily after she finally ended things, catching him in bed with their mutual friend had finally broken her, she understood her feelings for what they were. She had been lonely when he came into her life and he took advantage of that. She takes responsibility for it and now knows what she doesn't want her life.
As the meeting began to wrap up, she took the time to take in her surroundings. They were sitting in a conference room that was walled with glass. She could see the hustle and bustle of the office around them. This was a small merger meeting with another firm, Ackerman Account, the office in which they now sat.
It was obvious that Ackerman Accounting has a much bigger profile. Everything here was nicer, there were more employees as well as clients. She couldn't help but become a tiny bit envious.
Olivia continued to scan the office when her eyes caught a familiar form in the distance. "It can't be." She mouths to herself. The person looked just like a guy she had a huge crush on in college.
His name was Fitzgerald Grant. They had met as freshmen and Olivia fell hard. They were in the same biology lecture and lab combo, before long they became acquainted and fast friends. Olivia can still remember the day he walked into class. He wore a simple white tee and jeans. Without even trying he was handsome. The two grew closer over time, finding out they had a lot in common.
Weeks passed before Olivia confided in a friend that she was interested in Fitz. Quinn had encouraged her to ask him to hang out after class one day. So she not only mentally prepared herself, she had also physically prepared herself. Quinn has helped her get dressed. She looked good without being over the top or trying to hard. Her hair was in long waves, jeans that fit just right and a cute off the shoulder tee.
After class, many of the students gathered in the fall to discuss the lecture and plan study sessions. Both Olivia and Fitz were typically part of this group, she would use the opportunity to see if he wanted to hangout with her and her friends. Taking a calming breath she stepped out of the classroom and into the hall. Olivia instantly noticed Fitz standing with a pretty brunette. She internally screamed abort mission, her body's response was flight. She pretended she didn't see him and tried to make a quick exit.
Unfortunately, he spotted her and called out her name. She awkwardly paused before turning to him and walking his direction. "Hey Liv! I want you to meet my girlfriend, Mellie." Crushed, she plastered a smile on her face and shook hands with the other woman.
"Hi, it's so nice to meet you, I'd love to stay and chat but I'm in a hurry. See you guys later!" She kept the smile on her face as she left the building before hiding her face in embarrassment. Of course he wasn't single. They didn't speak much after that, on occasion maybe but Olivia kept her distance.
About a year later, they ran into each other at a small bar which was hosting a concert. They spoke briefly before parting ways. Later that night Fitz text Olivia to see if she wanted to join his group to the next bar. She was annoyed because Abby had been over the top drunk and they had left before she got the text.
Over the next few years this would happen over and over. They would run into each other and the connection was there, a spark. And each time, there was something in the way. Either she was in a relationship or he was. They were never on the same page. Like two ships passing in the night, they never seemed to be on the same path.
Oliva shakes her head, bringing herself to the preset. She focuses back on the conversation at hand. Five minutes later, the group gathered their things to leave. People trickled out, leaving Olivia behind as she back her bag. As she slings her bag over her shoulder, she is startled by a voice behind her.
"I knew it was you."
She quickly turns, face to face with Fitzgerald Grant himself.
"Hi." She says.
"Hi." His grin not only melting her heart but her panties.
"I thought I saw you earlier. How are you Fitz?"
"Can't complain. You work here?"
"No I work for Bowden, just here for a meeting." She relies.
"Oh wow. Me too, I work at Langston Accounting. I have a meeting here." He checks his watch "actually I have a meeting right now. I hate to run but it was really good to see you Olivia." He hugs her, then turns and leaves just as quickly as he entered.
Olivia stood there just watching him walk away.
"Damn he still looks good." She whispers, leaving the conference room and the building.
She spends the next few days trying to get over seeing Fitz again. The last time she had laid eyes on him was over two years ago.
That Friday Olivia was surprised, she received a text from her ex John asking how she was doing. It had been a while since they spoke. She honestly didn't expect to see him again, intentionally at least. Yet here they were chatting about life and how their love lives had gone since parting ways.
Abby had insisted they go out that night. They didn't hit the club or anything like that, just a simple bar in town. It had a cozy feel and the drinks and food were great. They spent hours talking, laughing and checking out the guys. They would never act on it but it was fun to look.
In the midst of their fun, Olivia received a text from a number she didn't recognize.
"Hey. What are you up to?" She thought maybe it was her friend Elizabeth she had invited out from work.
"Is this Elizabeth?" She responded.
"Ouch. You've forgotten me. No it's not Elizabeth, it's Fitz."
Olivia was dumbstruck. Fitz was texting her, and she no longer had his number saved. It was then she was taken back to the dark days of Stephen. One night he had taken her phone and deleted every male number from her phone that wasn't related to her. He had even deleted her boss from her phone. Yet another sign she should have seen that she was not in a healthy spot.
"Fitz! I'm so sorry! what are you up to?" For some reason she was nervous. It's just Fitz right?
"Well I'm out with my college roommate and his wife. I was just mentioning how we ran into one another the other night. It got me thinking. I want to take you on a date. Please tell me you're single."
All thirty two teeth were now on display.
"As a matter of fact I am"
"Awesome. I'm taking you out soon. I'll be in touch!"
"Sounds good."
Abby noticed the smile on her friend's face and wanted answers.
"What has you all happy over there?"
"Oh, um there's this guy. I've known him a while. He just asked me out." Olivia blushed. What the hell was happening. How old is she? But it is Fitz.
Olivia spent the next little while filling Abby in on their history. Now she just had to wait for the invite.
Days passed and she didn't hear from Fitz, so when John asked her to dinner, she accepted. They had a good time and she broke down and asked him to join her for her work Christmas party. She didn't want to be the only one there without a date.
As the weeks passed she spoke to John often and a few times she heard from Fitz. Every conversation was catching up and he apologized for his busy schedule. It had been a month since he had asked her on a date and they had yet to go.
While she was disappointed in the lack of date with Fitz, she continues to spend time with John. One night he even accompanied her to game night at her mom's house. They had known him for years, so it wasn't awkward. Maya was a fan of John. He was always polite, she never understood why Olivia and John hadn't worked out in the past. What her mother didn't know was that John had broken Olivia's heart more than once with childish excuses. Maya loved John and Olivia never had the heart to tell her the truth.
That night as the both walked to their cars, something felt different. They hadn't slept together, not recently or ever. Olivia had only been with one person and it was traumatic to say the least. The last few weeks the most they had done was hold hands and goodbye kisses. Not tonight though, Olivia said goodbye and left in her car without another thought.
The same night Olivia wrestled with her feelings. She knew John wasn't the one and she decided in that moment that she was done. So she decided to take comfort and complete her weekly bible study. She read
"As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.'"
Acts 13:25
As she finished the last line she received a text from Fitz asking her to be his New Year's Eve date. Olivia was frozen in place. She looked from her phone back to her bible. Olivia believes in God but she wouldn't consider herself a super religious person but in this moment a feeling of peace washed over her. This was it and there was no doubt in her mind, she felt it was some kind of sign. She quickly accepted his offer. The funny part is that she never heard from John again.
They had another week before New Year's Eve. Olivia took the time to buy a new outfit and scheduled a hair appointment for New Year's Eve afternoon. This was her first date with a man she has had a crush on for years. She was going to go all out.
The only downside was that Fitz had a business trip and wouldn't be returning until 9:00 that night. Olivia offered to meet him, Fitz didn't feel right about her meeting him out and asked if she would mind coming to his house and they could still ride together.
Olivia spent New Year's Eve day pampering herself. She got a mani/pedi, a massage and then hit the salon to get her hair styled. She wanted to feel good and look good for tonight.
She wore a sexy but classy black dress with heels. Her hair flowed down her back in loose waves. She decided to be bold and wear a red lipstick. As she finished getting ready, she received a text from Fitz letting her know he had landed and was on his way home to shower and change. They lived about thirty minutes apart so he told her to head his way. They would be joining his friends at someone's house before heading out.
She didn't want to seem to eager so she took her time before getting in her car. As she put her car in park outside of his house her nerves spiked. She noticed the front door open and Fitz stepped out, making his way to her car door. Lord was he sexy. He wore black slacks with a grey button up and black tie. He could be on the cover of GQ.
Fitz opened her door and helped her out. Without hesitation he pulls her into a hug. He smelled so good, this hug was perfect.
"I'm so glad you're here. I can't apologize enough for having you meet me here and not picking you up. I wish my flight had landed earlier."
"It's no problem. I don't mind."
He smiled in response, taking her hand leading her in the house.
"Would you like anything to drink?" He asks, being a gracious host.
"I'm okay. Thank you."
A few seconds later a man walks out a room.
"Hey, I'm Huck."
"Olivia" she shakes his hand.
Without another word he leaves, she assumes for his own night out. After finding his keys and phone, Fitz leads Olivia to the garage to his car.
Their first stop is his friend Cyrus' house. It's James' birthday so they wanted to celebrate there a little before partaking in the New Year's festivities.
As they enter the house, a handsome man approaches Olivia, taking her hand spinning her in a circle. He surveys her appearance. It was almost comical.
He whistles "damn, what are you doing here with Fitz? You should be here with me." He smiles.
Fitz steps in between the two, "alright Harrison, back up. She's taken."
Olivia's cheeks flush and she laughs at their interaction. They have a great time, she meets a lot of his friends and they are all extremely welcoming. They toasted the birthday boy before all setting out for a local club called Nova.
Fitz paid Olivia's cover and they were led to a VIP section along with his friends. The night was young and the music was great. They both enjoyed a few beverages, feeling a little tipsy.
Olivia dragged Fitz to the dance floor where they moved as one, song after song. It was hot and crowded but all they saw was each other. They were in their own little world.
The DJ came over the music, informing the patrons they were thirty seconds out for the new year. Everyone held their drinks high and counted down in unison once the countdown reached ten.
When the clock hit midnight, confetti filled the air. Everyone shouted happy new year and before Olivia could think, Fitz pulled her into a life changing kiss. It started gentle and sweet. Olivia melted into Fitz's embrace. He slid his tongue along her lips, silently requesting entry. She happily granted him access, her hands taking refuge in his curls. The whole world just slowed and they were completely consumed by the moment. They pulled apart looking into one another's eyes. This was worth the wait.
Nothing was said but the couple carried on as if everything was as it should be. They danced and drank, sharing the occasional kiss. They ended up calling Uber to end their night. The whole ride home they giggled and cuddled as they recounted the various scenes they had witnessed throughout the night.
When they arrived at Fitz's house, Olivia wasn't quite sure what to do. She didn't want to night to end but also didn't want to assume anything. Luckily for her, Fitz grabbed her hand and walked her inside.
"Have a seat, I'll get use some water."
She did as she was told and cuddled into his comfy oversized couch. She didn't see any sign of his roommate. As Fitz returned with two ice cold waters, he took his seat next to her, wrapping his arms behind her back pulling her in close.
They talked a while before Olivia got tired. A soft yawn escaped her mouth and Fitz found it adorable.
"Let's get you to bed, Livvie." He said standing and holding a hand out for her to grab. He escorted her to his room, then dug out an oversized t-shirt for her to wear. She graciously took it and retreated to his en-suite bathroom to change.
While she changed in the bathroom, Fitz used his room. He didn't want to pressure her or make her feel uncomfortable.
When the door opened his jaw dropped. She was gorgeous. Something about seeing her in his shirt made him snap. He crossed the room in record time, kissing her hard. She didn't resist, joining in his frantic need.
He gently laid her back on the bed, sliding his hand between her legs. Everything slowed, every touch was more sensitive, every noise was music to their ears.
Olivia pulled his hand from her legs and sat up, lifting the shirt off her body leaving her in nothing but her panties.
Fitz's breath caught as he took her in. "Are you sure?"
She only nodded in response. Fitz quickly rid himself of all clothing and Olivia's panties. He kissed her lovingly, looking straight into her eyes.
"I've waited for this for years." He couldn't stop the words from falling from his lips.
It was all the confirmation Olivia needed that she was making the right decision. This was so unlike her but everything about this felt right.
With a mutual smile of reassurance, Fitz slid deep inside her. It was reckless to be intimate without a condom but the moment took them away. Luckily, she was on birth control because neither gave protection a thought.
They made slow, sensual love over and over that night. Olivia fell asleep wrapped in Fitz's arms. This was everything she had ever dreamed of. It was perfect. He was perfect. He was worth the wait even if it was just for this one night.
The next morning Olivia woke to Huck peaking in the room like he was coming to talk to Fitz. Once he noticed her in the bed he turned slamming the door shut. She was mortified. She buried her head under the covers and prayed he wouldn't be there when they got up. A couple hours later they woke. Fitz made breakfast and they ate together before she made her exit. She didn't regret what they had done but now she was unsure of crossing that line so quickly. No, she wasn't unsure she was happy. She just feared Fitz wouldn't call her again.
The whole drive home she worried that they would only have one night together. She got home and showered before taking the longest nap of her life. She woke late in the afternoon to a text from Fitz.
*is it too soon to see you again?* Fitz
Thank God, she wasn't crazy. He felt what she did.
*never* Olivia replied.
She expected a response but nothing came. Nearly forty five minutes later there was a knock on her door. She made her way to answer, not expecting anyone.
Throwing the door open she was shocked to see Fitz' crooked smile and bright blue eyes on the other side. She had forgotten she had told him where she lived and here he was.
"Hi."
"Hi."
AN: happy new year! I hope you enjoyed. Let me know what you think.