Welcome to Las Vegas Chapter 23, a scandal fanfic

Chapter 23

Fitz opened the back door of his Porsche, reaching inside for the brown paper grocery bags filled with food. After cradling the bags in his arms, he kicked the door closed with a swift kick from his foot. He pressed the alarm button on his key ring and waited until he heard the beeping sound, before walking off. The doorman held the glass door open as he swiftly moved through the lobby, waving to the security team behind the desk. He pressed his thumb on the elevator button, entering when the doors opened wide. He leaned against the wall for support, holding the grocery bags in place. His arms felt limp and he was grateful when the doors peered open. He rushed to the kitchen, dropping the bags on the countertop. He immediately shifted out of his navy-blue suit jacket, tossing it across the back of the couch, rolling up the crisp white sleeves on his dress shirt. He lifted his cell phone from his back pocket, attached it to the Bluetooth system. Jazz music blasted throughout the speakers and he clicked it off, changing it to a more upbeat playlist. He pulled the food items out of the bags, spreading them across the counter. He scrolled through his phone, locating the recipes from Ace.

Fitz was surprising Olivia with their first Thanksgiving meal. She was headed to NY in a couple of days for the holiday and he was leaving in the morning for California. He scrolled up and down on his phone, sighing at the enormous amount of preparation needed for the meal. He enjoyed cooking, however, preparing an entire Thanksgiving meal for his girlfriend was frightening. She had been distant with him, since reconciling with Abby. He wasn't sure what had changed. She spent most nights at her apartment, claiming she needed to study. He'd hoped they could talk over dinner and he could get clarity about her change in mood. Fitz let out an exasperated breath, glancing at the ingredients on the counter. He sprinkled garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder over the small turkey breast. He massaged a hefty amount of olive oil around the meat before placing it in the oven. The elevator dinged and he took two steps back from the counter, watching as Olivia exited, stepping out of her black heels. She held her phone in her hand, tilting her head toward the device. He could tell she was talking to Abby based on her conversation and laugh. "Bye, Abs. I'm here." She said, sauntering inside the kitchen.

Olivia walked behind Fitz, wrapping her arms around his waist, inhaling his manly scent, "Hi handsome."

"Hi, baby." He said, turning to face her, dropping his lips, brushing them across hers.

"What are you up to Mister?" She asked, stepping on her tippy-toes, looking over his shoulder.

He shrugged, "Thanksgiving, sort of."

She slid both her hands down his cheeks, "Awwwww, baby our first Thanksgiving."

Fitz picked up the clear bag of string beans, tearing it open, "I figured since we weren't spending Thanksgiving together, we could celebrate before we leave."

"You're so thoughtful, baby. Do you need help with anything?" She asked, glancing at the food on the counter.

"Yes, please." He sighed.

Olivia chuckled, walking over to the sink, washing her hands. "Ok let's see what we have." After surveying the ingredients, Olivia arranged the food items and spices on the counter.

Fitz held up his phone, pointing to the recipes, "I have the recipes from Ace."

Olivia grabbed the colander from the cabinet, dropping the string beans inside, rinsing them under the water. "Baby, I've helped my mom cook for years. I got this."

Fitz moved behind her at the sink, nipping at her neck, "I would like for us to do it together."

Olivia nodded.

"Can you take out a medium pot for the macaroni? Put it on the stove to boil and then drop the macaroni in it when it's ready. Can you rinse the yams too?" Olivia asked.

"The turkey breast is in the oven." Fitz said, pointing to the oven door, opening the box of macaroni.

"Mmmmmm, it smells yummy. I'll slice up the cranberry sauce…ok?" Olivia said.

Fitz dropped the macaroni in the boiling water and watched it cook. He took out the pasta and dropped it in the colander, draining the water. Olivia grabbed a glass pan from the cabinet above the microwave. Fitz opened the bags of shredded cheese, grabbing a few shreds in his hand and stuffed it in his mouth. "Baaaabbbbyyyy." Olivia giggled. He chuckled at the high pitch sound her voice made. She showed him how to lay the cheese over the macaroni before placing it in the oven with the turkey breast.

"That's it." She stated, clapping her hands together.

Fitz leaned his palms on the counter, eyeing Olivia as she stirred the string beans. "I saw your overnight bag, are you staying tonight?"

"Yes," Olivia answered.

He pushed off the counter, "You haven't been here a whole lot. I'm surprised you want to stay."

Olivia placed the top on the string beans, "I've been here some nights, Fitz."

"You use to stay here a lot more than you do now, Olivia. Things are different…You seem different. I know moving in is not happening and I'm ok with your decision. Is there something else bothering you?" He lifted her hand kissing the back of it, "I miss holding you in the middle of the night."

Olivia sighed, "Can we talk about it after dinner?"

He dropped her hand and nodded. He threw up his hands as he walked out the kitchen, moving swiftly to the bedroom. He returned dressed in a pair of gray sweat pants that hung low on his waist and a white t-shirt. "Can you take the macaroni and cheese out of the oven? I need to go change." Olivia said, handing him the pot holders.

Fitz walked over to the oven, removing the pan. The cheese bubbled over on the side and he swiped a small piece with his finger, inserting it in his mouth. He brought each dish to the dining room, placing each pan on the table. He grabbed a bottle of the 'Olitz' wine from the small wine rack, pouring the liquid in the glasses. Olivia walked in the dining room with her hair pinned up in a messy bun and his Georgetown t-shirt draped over her black leggings. He pulled out her chair, lightly kissing her cheek, "I love you." He whispered against it.

Olivia glanced up at him, "I love you too." She could see the sadness in his eyes, something she hadn't caught earlier. Fitz pulled out his chair, easing down in the seat. They passed the dishes to each other, spooning out the food, placing it on their plates. They talked about their upcoming holiday plans and work. Once they were done eating, they cleared the table and cleaned up the kitchen together. Fitz didn't want to push the conversation. If she had something she needed to tell him, he would wait until she was ready to talk. "I'm going to do some work in the office."

Olivia twisted the hem of her shirt, "Can we talk?" She motioned for him to come inside the living room. She disconnected his phone from the Bluetooth system and connected her phone. She scrolled to her favorite song, 'If I ain't got you,' by Alicia Keys, pressing play on her playlist. She'd played this song on repeat daily. It summed up their relationship and always made her smile. "Listen to the words, baby."

The soft beats of the piano played and she hummed to the beat. Her arms snaked around his waist, locking her fingers in place. She glanced up at his cerulean blue eyes, yielding for his attention. Olivia softly belted out the words to the song.

Some people live for the fortune
Some people live just for the fame
Some people live for the power, yeah
Some people live just to play the game

Some people think that the physical things define what's within
And I've been there before, and that life's a bore
So full of the superficial

Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you baby
If I ain't got you baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, yeah

Olivia slid her hands up his chest, circling her arms around his neck, swaying. She concentrated on his deep blue orbs, singing each word. His long arms wrapped around her back, pulling her close.

Some people search for a fountain
That promises forever young
Some people need three dozen roses
And that's the only way to prove you love them

Hand me the world on a silver platter
And what good would it be
With no one to share, with no one who truly cares for me

Her voice was melodic and it took everything in him not to interrupt her with a kiss.

If I ain't got you with me baby
So nothing in this whole wide world don't mean a thing
If I ain't got you with me baby

She belted out the last line before gently placing a kiss to his lips. His lips parted, circling his tongue around hers, moaning. Olivia pulled back from the kiss, licking her lips, "Can we talk first?" She eased down on the couch, centering herself on his lap. He shifted, stretching his long legs across the cushions. She pressed her back firmly against his chest, taking both his arms, wrapping them around her waist. Her finger trailed up and down his arm, sending shivers throughout his body. "I know I haven't been here a lot these last couple of weeks." She sucked in a deep breath. "When I started dating my father sat me down and said one thing to me." She deepened her voice mimicking her father, "Olivia why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free. I didn't date a lot, but he would constantly remind me of that saying whenever I started seeing someone new. It's embedded in my mind, Fitz. Do you know what it means?" She asked, turning her body so her chest was flushed against his, facing him.

"I do." He answered.

Olivia bit her bottom lip, "I feel…if we move in together, we will get too comfortable and end up playing house. There will be no reason for you to marry me."

"Olivia, I'm not dating you for the sake of dating. I have an end game in mind and it's asking you to marry me. I have it mapped out in my head when I'm going to propose." He glanced up at the picture on the fireplace mantle, the one they took the night of the foundation ball. "I shouldn't have asked you to move in with me. We're not ready. It was a rash decision on my part. I respect the values your parents instilled in you. They have made you into the woman you are today. The woman I fell in love with."

"You're ok with my decision?" Olivia asked.

"Baby, I'm fine. Don't push me away if something is bothering you. Talk to me about it." Fitz stated.

"Are you ok if I stay at my apartment sometime?" Olivia asked.

"Yes. Whatever makes you comfortable. I love when you're here with me, but I know you need a break from all this good loving." Fitz chuckled, holding her tighter.

Olivia smiled, "Thank you for being understanding, Fitz."

He pressed his lips to her nose, lightly kissing it. "I love you, beautiful."

Olivia slipped on her heels and stood in front of the mirror admiring her black and white pants suit. She sprayed a splash of Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue perfume on her neck. "Baby, do you have everything?"

Fitz nodded, grabbing his wallet and Rolex off the dresser, wrapping the watch around his wrist, clamping it shut. He dropped his wallet in his back pocket and placed his hand on the top of the suitcase handle, wheeling it to the elevator. He walked inside the kitchen and grabbed the last banana off the counter, peeling it, and popping a small piece in his mouth. "Liv," he called.

"Hmmmm," Olivia answered, strutting inside the kitchen, leaning against the refrigerator. She motioned him over to where she stood, rubbing her thumb over his lips, sucking in his bottom lip, tasting a hint of banana, "Last night…we didn't…are you ok?"

He knew exactly what she was talking about. They didn't make love. Instead they cuddled in each other's arms and discussed their future for hours, before drifting off to sleep. He didn't want to change the mood with sex. "I'm fine." He answered.

"But you always make sure I'm satisfied before you go away. It's your thing." Olivia said.

Fitz arched his eyebrow, "True." He gently pulled on her arm, "We can go back to bed if you want."

"I'm ok, baby. We needed last night to talk." She stated, kissing his cheek. They walked toward the elevator, entering when the doors opened. His lips peppered the back of her neck with gentle kisses, causing her hips to roll into his crotch. Her head tilted back giving him more access, "Don't start anything you can't finish."

The elevator doors opened and Olivia moved out of his embrace, he caught her arm, pulling her back inside, "I could press the emergency button, shutting down the elevator and fuck you right now. Just say yes."

Olivia swallowed hard, crossing her legs trying to ease the throbbing sensation from her clit. "Baby, I can't be late for work."

Fitz walked Olivia to her car, pinning her against the cold steel, devouring her lips, roaming his hands up and down her curves. Olivia broke the kiss, waving her finger, "You should have done all of this upstairs.

He chuckled, "I'll call you when I get to California. Try not to miss me too much." Olivia smiled, tilting her forehead against his, brushing his lips with hers. "I love you."

"I know you do." He said opening the car door, watching her slip down in the seat.

"Say it back." She yelled out the window as he walked to the limo. He laughed, sliding into the limo, rolling down the window, mouthing, "I love you."

It was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Olivia sat behind the desk in her classroom monitoring the students as they watched the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special. When the movie ended, she gathered the students, and walked them outside to their buses. She waved goodbye before turning to go back inside the building. She was grateful school was only a half day. It gave her enough time to hit the road early, before the holiday traffic bombarded the highways. Olivia grabbed her purse from inside the desk drawer and flicked the lights off. She dangled her car keys around her middle finger, moving swiftly down the hall, sauntering inside the main office, placing her index finger on the time machine, clocking out. She waved goodbye to the administrative assistant and wished her a Happy Thanksgiving. She dug inside her purse for her phone when Sally's door creaked open. Olivia gave a small wave and a faint smile, "Enjoy your holiday, Sally."

Sally peeked her head out the door, "Thank you Olivia. Do you have a minute?"

Olivia paused with a slight huff, "Not really. I'm leaving town and I wanted to beat the holiday traffic."

"Oh, this won't take long." Sally said, ushering Olivia inside her office.

Olivia sighed, checking the time on her watch. She snapped her neck around to face Sally, "Principal Langston, if this is about the Grant Foundation, please contact Mr. Grant's office."

Sally walked around her desk, smirking to the person in the chair, "I wanted to introduce you to Superintendent Hollis Doyle. He oversees the principal's exam and any new candidates."

Olivia nodded, knowing Sally was still attempting to persuade her to give the Grant Foundation money to the school.

Sally extended her arm, pointing, "Hollis."

Hollis eyed Olivia, cautiously, "Principal Langston tells me you're taking the principal's exam in the new year."

"Yes…yes I am." Olivia answered.

"Sally thinks you'll be a great asset to the district." Hollis said.

"I've been teaching since I graduated college and I just received my master's degree. I feel qualified." Olivia stated.

Hollis twisted his hands together, "Wonderful. I happen to oversee the process of the exam and the test scores."

"Ok." Olivia said.

Hollis stood, inching closer to Olivia, whispering, "Sally tells me you're in charge of the education component of the Grant fund. I think we can work together to accomplish both our goals."

Olivia glared at Sally.

"Superintendent Doyle, I've informed Principal Langston the process would be fair for all schools and I can't make promises about the funding." Olivia huffed.

Hollis laughed, eerily, "Quite the contrary Olivia. As I stated, I'm in charge of the exam. I think it would be wise for you to consider this school as one of the top candidates for the fund. If you don't, I'm really not sure how you will pass."

Olivia crossed her arms over her chest, "Wait, are you going to fail me?"

Hollis rubbed his calloused hand over his chin, "Let's just say your score might not meet the passing score."

Olivia chuckled, "I will report you to the school board. You and Sally."

Sally smirked, "I doubt that, Olivia."

Hollis snarled, "I am the school board."

Olivia sucked in a breath, gripping her fingers around her purse handles. Three knocks came on the door and Olivia jumped at the sound. Sally whizzed past her, opening the door, "Right on time." Olivia glanced at the door as it eased opened. Her eyes grew wide and her heart thumped loudly in her chest.

"Jerry!" Olivia whispered through bated breath.

Jerry smiled, "Olivia, it's so good to see you."

She felt light headed and dizzy. She held onto the chair in front of her, steadying herself.

"Olivia, are you ok?" Jerry asked.

"Excuse me." She stated, pushing pass Jerry and Sally.

Her hands shook as she pushed on the bathroom door in the hallway, rushing inside, gripping the edge of the sink. She splashed water on her face, grabbed a paper towel from the dispenser, and wiped her face. She pressed her back against the beige tiled wall, trying to steady her breathing and wobbly legs. She reached inside her purse, quickly dialing Fitz's number. It went to voicemail. She dropped the phone back in her purse, glancing at herself in the mirror, speaking to her reflection. "You're…from…Brooklyn." Olivia nodded, pulling on the bottom of her jacket, straitening it. She dialed Fitz's number one last time before walking out of the bathroom. No answer. She strutted across the hallway, swinging Sally's office door open. Jerry, Hollis and Sally stood in a circle, whispering.

"Look like you saw a ghost." Hollis chuckled.

Sally leaned on her desk, "I'm sure you know Jerry."

Olivia glared at Jerry, "What are you doing here?"

Sally interrupted, "Jerry is here to make sure we get the money we need for the school, Olivia."

"Is that right Jerry? I'm sure when Fitz finds out you're here, he won't be happy." Olivia snickered.

"Olivia this isn't what you think." Jerry stated.

Hollis chuckled, "Jerry will convince his son to give the school the money and I'll make sure you become principal. It's a win-win deal."

"What!" Olivia boomed.

Hollis smirked, "I've known Jerry a long time, Olivia. One hand washes the other."

"I am good at my job. I'm brilliant. I've worked hard to get where I am on my own and I'll be damned if I let one of you muddy my accomplishments with corruption." Olivia snapped.

Sally smirked, "Olivia this isn't a fight you want to have. We're very powerful people."

Olivia moved closer to Jerry, "Fitz will bury you alive when he finds out what you're up to." She stepped back, grasping the door handle. "I have to go."

"Olivia…Olivia!" Jerry yelled as her feet pounded heavily on the hard-concrete floor. She ignored him, opening the front door of the school, briskly moving to her car. She plopped in the seat, slamming the door, lowering her head to the steering wheel. She felt a single tear sting at her eyelid before falling down her cheek. Her phone rang inside her purse. She swiped her cheek, answering it.

"Hi mom." She answered.

"Did you leave Livvie?" Maya asked.

"Not yet. I'll be on the road soon. Something came up." She answered.

"Livvie, I don't want you driving late. Please leave soon." Maya said.

Olivia glanced out the window as a black limo pulled up to the entrance of the school, "Mom I need to call you back." She said as the cellphone dropped to the seat. She watched Fitz, Huck, and Cyrus step out the limo and enter the school. Her heart pounded in her chest and she took slow easy breaths, trying to calm down.

She waited for over an hour inside her car, watching the entrance, keeping her eyes open, not blinking. The door swung open and Fitz emerged with Cyrus and Huck. He stood on the top step, speaking to them before stepping back inside the black limo.

Olivia revved up her engine, putting the gear in drive. The limo circled the parking lot, moving slowly to her car, blocking it from moving. She placed the gear back in park and crossed her arms across her chest. Fitz emerged, walking towards the car, tapping on the window, with a smirk. Olivia pushed the car door open, jumping out, "You're supposed to be in California."

"I was in California until I received information that my father was headed to your school." Fitz answered.

"This entire school is corrupt, Fitz. Sally wants me to give the Grant Foundation money to this school without even working for it. Hollis threatened not to pass me on the principal's exam. Your father…I don't know his involvement." Olivia blurted, turning her head and banging her fist on the hood of the car. "Take me off as chairperson of the fund. I…don't…want…to…do…it. I've worked hard to get where I am, Fitz. This is bull shit. All of it." She shouted through her tears.

He placed his hand over her fist, caressing it, wiping her cheeks with his thumb, "I'm not taking you off of anything, baby. I want you to do it. We'll take them down together, including my father."

Olivia sighed.

"Sit with me for a minute." He stated, opening the limo door.

Olivia curled into his lap, nuzzling her head in the crook of his neck, massaging the small curls, "What happened inside the school?"

"I don't want to talk about it right now. I want to spend a few minutes with you before I leave. My mom will throw a fit if I'm not back before Thanksgiving." Fitz responded.

Olivia locked her fingers with his, bringing the back of his hand to her lips, kissing it. She leaned closer to his chest, engulfing his cologne. "Fitz, we're in this together…right?"

He lifted her chin, "Yes, baby. I will deal with my father, Sally and Hollis. They will not interfere with our happiness. I promise."

She slowly pecked his lips, slightly parting her lips for a deeper kiss. He obliged, circling his tongue around hers. His fingers caressed her long curls. Olivia gently gyrated her hips, softly moaning against his lips. Fitz cleared his throat, pulling back. "Are you ok to drive to New York? Do you want my driver to take you?"

Olivia smiled, "I can drive, but I would love a chauffeur." He tapped on the partition of the limo, alerting the driver to send another limo. Olivia straitened her suit jacket, fastening the buttons. Her brown doe eyes hung low, "I wish you didn't stop me, Fitz. I want you."

He pecked her lips, "I don't have enough time to fully satisfy you and I don't want to give you half of me."

The limo door opened and the driver informed them the other limo had arrived. He retrieved Olivia's suitcase from her trunk and placed it in the trunk of the limo.

"I'll have your car sent to your apartment." Fitz said.

Olivia nodded.

He kissed her forehead, slowly moving down to her lips, devouring them. Olivia sucked in his bottom lip, letting it go with a pop. He lightly trailed his thumb across her lips, "Call me when you get to New York."

"I will, baby." Olivia stated. He closed the door to the limo, tapping on the hood, signaling the driver to leave.

Fitz stepped out of the limo after arriving at the private runway. He called his mother, informing her he was on his way back to California. He jetted up the few steps that led inside the plane. Chloe met him at the door, helping him out of his jacket.

"Chloe, I need a scotch, right away." He demanded.

Chloe halted his steps, placing her hand on his chest, "Mr. Grant…your father…Jerry is here."

Fitz huffed, glancing over her shoulder. "Bring me the drink, please." He moved quickly to the leather chair, plopping down in the seat next to his father. "I left California alone and I plan on returning the same way. What do you want?"

Jerry raised his voice, "The stunt you pulled at the school was uncalled for and you know it! Hollis and Sally are very good friends of mine."

Fitz chuckled, "I don't care. What I did was harmless. I just showed them the possibility of their future. Sally has been stealing money from that school for a long time and Hollis is aware of it. I have enough evidence to have them arrested for fraud. Cyrus will make sure they rot in jail for a long time. You should be careful who you call a friend."

Jerry swallowed hard, standing from his seat, "Fitzgerald, I didn't come here to fight with you. I came to help you. Sally called me several weeks ago and told me she tried to persuade Olivia about the money. Olivia refused."

"I know." Fitz answered.

"Sally wanted me to intervene and convince you to give her the money. My plan was to tell her to go to hell." Jerry stated.

Chloe interrupted, "Mr. Grant, your drink."

"Thank you." Fitz sipped the brown liquid, placing the glass in the holder, "I find that hard to believe."

Jerry glanced at his shoes, then at Fitz, "It's the truth, Fitzgerald. I've missed the relationship we had, even if it was strained. I miss your mother. She won't accept my calls. I'm tired of being away from my family."

Fitz clapped his hands together, "Great speech, but I'm not buying it."

Jerry ran his hand through his snowy white curls, "Stop being so stubborn, Fitzgerald. Let me help you. Olivia has to return to work after the holiday. Sally will make her life a living hell. I will handle Sally."

Fitz gripped his hands tightly around the glass. Jerry was right. His threats against Sally and Hollis put Olivia in the crossfire. He ran his hand through his sandy brown curls in frustration, "Shit." Olivia had already expressed the different ways her life had changed since they met. She would reach her breaking point soon. He was sure of it. "Fine. This stays between us." Fitz huffed.

Jerry smiled, "It will, son. I'll call Sally and Hollis and butter them up. Put in a good word for me with your mother."

Fitz lifted his glass and watched Jerry exit the plane. He'd hoped he made the right decision.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Jerry is back! Do you believe him? Is he back for good? Can he be trusted? Fitz made a deal with him. More to come in the next chapter. Don't forget to leave a review.