Chapter 24

Olivia was sprawled across the black leather seat of the limo. Her eyes closed as the soft music played through the speakers. She wished she had a blanket or better yet Fitz wrapped around her body.

"Ms. Pope…Ms. Pope," the driver called, opening the limo door. Olivia's eyes fluttered open and she wiped the drool that had trickled down the side of her mouth. She hadn't realized how tired she was. She yawned, "Are we in New York?"

"Yes," the driver answered. "Your luggage is at the front door." He reached his hand inside the limo, helping her out. "Mr. Grant has instructed me to give you my card in case you need a driver while you're in town." He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small white card. Olivia took the card, glancing down at the name embossed in red, Thomas Larsen.

"Thank you, Tom." Olivia said, waving as he walked back to the limo.

Olivia used her key to open the front door. She dragged her suitcase behind her, leaving it at the front of the steps that led upstairs.

"Mommy," she yelled. The aroma of food tickled her nose and she felt a sense of comfort. She was home. Olivia rushed inside the kitchen, holding out her arms, wrapping them around Maya.

"Livvie." Maya said, hugging her tightly.

"Hey Auntie Carol." Olivia said, acknowledging her mother's older sister, who was stirring a pot on the stove.

"Hi Livvie." Carol said, kissing her on the cheek. "Looking more and more like your mother."

Olivia immediately went to the refrigerator, reaching inside for the juice container. She loved coming home. Her parents always stocked the refrigerator and pantry with her favorite food and snacks. "Where's Elaine? Doesn't she normally help you prepare the Thanksgiving dinner for the shelter?" Olivia asked, quizzically.

"Not this year, Livvie. Things are a little different. Hand me the butter from the fridge." Maya asked, trying to change the subject.

"What's different?" Olivia asked.

"Nothing sweetheart. I'm glad you're home. Go and unwind for a little. Dad is out back frying the turkeys." Maya stated.

Olivia sprinted out the kitchen, moving toward the den, opening the sliding glass doors. "Hey dad." She said, peeking her head out the door. She'd hoped to see Edison's dad, but he wasn't there either. This is weird Olivia thought. Every year, her parents and Edison parents prepare meals for the homeless shelter on the night before Thanksgiving.

"Hi Livvie." He said, tiredly, wiping the sweat off his brow.

"Everything ok? Where's Edison's dad? He normally helps out...right?" Olivia asked.

He grunted, "He's busy."

"Is there anything I can do?" Olivia asked.

Eli lifted a turkey out of the fryer, placing it in a large aluminum pan, "I have a system in place. I'm fine."

Olivia nodded, opening the glass door stepping back inside. Something was definitely going on between her parents and Edison's parents. They were always together, helping each other out. If Maya had to call her sister Carol to help, there was definitely a problem. Carol rarely helped out the family and visited. She wasn't going to push her parents right now. Her day was already stressful and she needed to relax. She knew the one person who would brighten her day and make her laugh. Harrison. She sent a simple text…Bring me food.

Within 30 minutes, she heard the doorbell ring throughout the house. She flew down the steps, swinging the door open.

"Pope," he said.

Olivia smiled, jumping in his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. "Harry."

He placed her on her feet. "Damn, girl. I am not your man. Chill."

She punched the side of his arm, laughing, "Whatever. Where's my food?"

"Do I look like a delivery man? I'll take you to get something to eat." Harrison answered.

Olivia sighed, "I didn't want to go out. I wanted you to bring me something greasy."

"Stop whining, Pope and get your shit." Harrison demanded.

"Give me a second. Go say hi to my mom." Olivia said, running up the stairs to her room.

Harrison walked toward the kitchen, veering around the corner, "Hi Mrs. Pope, how are you?"

Maya sprinkled a dash of paprika over the deviled eggs, glancing up at him, "Hi Harrison. I'm good. It's been awhile since you stopped by."

"Things have been a little hectic." Harrison answered.

Maya dried her hands on her apron, opening her arms for a hug, "Always so busy. You can stop by even when Livvie is not in town. You're family."

Harrison nodded, "I know. I'll do better."

Olivia rushed in the kitchen, "Come on knucklehead."

"I'll bring her back in one piece, Mrs. Pope." Harrison stated.

Maya nodded.

Harrison opened the door of his black Expedition, lifting Olivia inside the vehicle. He eased down on the black leather seat of the driver's side, revving up the engine. The music thumped through the speakers and the bass vibrated loudly. "Hell nawwww, Harry. I'm not listening to this rap shit." Olivia said, turning the dial until she found a station playing slow jams. Harrison swatted her hand away, "You know the rule, Pope. Don't touch a black man's radio. By the way, what is this shit?"

Olivia huffed, "Slow jams."

"You can listen to this bump and grind shit with your man. We can listen to one of Brooklyn's finest, Notorious BIG." Harrison said, changing the radio to the CD changer. 'Big Poppa' blasted through the speakers. Olivia rested her head on the headrest, nodding to the beat of the song. She looked over at Harrison, jamming, rapping to the words, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel to the beat. She missed him. She smiled as he pulled into their favorite restaurant, 'Chucks.' Chucks was their hang out spot after school, especially during high school. Olivia jumped out of the truck, shutting the door, not waiting for Harrison. She walked inside the restaurant, inhaling the scent of fried food. She tried to eat healthy when she was in DC, but whenever she came home, all bets were off. There were certain places she had to visit while she was home and Chucks was one of them.

She stepped up to the counter and ordered, "Five wings, cheese fries, and a Pepsi. Oh yeah, I want a piece of pound cake on the side, too." The cashier took the pen that was tucked around her ear, and wrote down the order. Olivia reached inside her purse, shuffling her hand around for her wallet. Harrison threw a $50 bill on the counter. Olivia snapped her head around, "I have money."

Harrison ignored Olivia, "Keesha put in my regular order." He moved quickly to the nearest booth, sliding on the red leather seat.

"Girl you better let Harrison pay for you." Keesha said, putting her pen back behind her ear, taking the next customers order.

Olivia slid in the booth on the opposite side of Harrison, "I could have treated you to dinner."

Harrison didn't respond. He looked down at his phone and sent a few text messages before putting the phone in his pocket. "How long are you home?"

"Until Sunday." Olivia answered.

Keesha walked over with the food and drinks, placing it in front of them. "You need anything else?"

"No, we're good." Harrison answered.

"Mmmmmmm, this looks sooooooo good." Olivia moaned, sinking her teeth into the fried chicken wing.

Harrison sprinkled hot sauce on his chicken tenders, "How are things with Fitz? Last time you texted me you were about to beat some girl's ass in California."

Olivia laughed, "I didn't have to beat her ass. I just let her know I was from Brooklyn and she fell back. Things between me and Fitz are good. She slightly glanced up at him, "I…um…I love him, Harry."

"Hmmmm, you love him. It's been only a few months, Liv." Harrison said.

"It's been six months." Olivia responded.

Harrison chuckled, "You think that's enough time to know someone and fall in love with them?"

Olivia rolled her eyes, "Yes I do! I know him Harrison. I've never felt like this about anyone."

"I can tell. Shit, you can't stop smiling." Harrison said, sipping his root beer.

"I'm happy. Very happy." Olivia stated.

Harrison wiped his fingers on the napkin in front of him. "He has zero chances to fuck up. If he hurts you, he'll come up missing."

Olivia snickered, "Whatever, Harry. Anyway, whatever happened to Edison?"

Harrison picked up a toothpick from the small silver container and placed it in his mouth, swirling it around his tongue, "I'm not telling you."

"Stop playing and tell me." Olivia whined.

Harrison laughed, "If I tell you, I'll have to kill you."

Olivia huffed, "Tell me, knucklehead."

Harrison leaned his elbows on the table, "I sent a few of my men to rough him up. He managed to leave in one piece, bloody, but still alive."

Olivia sat back in the booth and crossed her arms in front of her "I shouldn't have asked."

Harrison shrugged, "He deserved it, so I don't feel sorry for his ass. Not one bit."

His phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket, answering it. Olivia could tell the call was serious. "I need to get you home. I'll stop by your house tomorrow after I have Thanksgiving dinner with my mom."

"Who was that, Harry?" Olivia asked, sliding out of the booth.

Harrison ignored her, waving to the cashier as they left. Harrison stopped the Escalade in front of Olivia's house, putting the gear in park. He reached his hand over the console in the middle of the truck, squeezing her hand, "I can't talk about my job, Liv. You understand?"

Olivia sighed, "I know."

He walked to her side, opening the door, helping her out the truck. Olivia looked up at him, throwing her arms around his neck, hugging him as if she wasn't going to see him again. "Be safe, Harry."

"Always, Pope." He responded.

X

Thanksgiving Day in the Pope house was always busy. It was tradition to wake up early, eat a light breakfast and take the Thanksgiving meal to the shelter. They spent several hours at the shelter, feeding the homeless and assisting with clean-up. Olivia was exhausted when she arrived home. She showered again, dressing in a casual pair of black jeans and a red top. She helped her mother add finishing touches to the dishes. The doorbell rang and family members began arriving, filling the house. She spotted her parents smiling, enjoying themselves. Something she hadn't seen since coming home. Maya was the gracious hostess as usual and Eli entertained in the den, mixing drinks and watching football. Olivia spent time with her cousins playing games and catching up. Her phone lit up and Fitz's name flashed across the screen. She smiled. "It must be your boo." Her cousin teased.

Olivia nodded, "I'll be right back."

She skipped up the stairs to her bedroom, closing the door behind her. "Hi."

"Hi beautiful." He said.

"Happy Thanksgiving, baby. Are you having a good time?" Olivia asked.

"I am. I miss you." He responded.

"I miss you too." Olivia said.

She dangled her feet off the bed, extending them in and out, "Your father, did he show up?"

"Nope." Fitz responded.

She breathed a sigh a relief. "Good. I didn't want him ruining your time at home."

"Enough about him. How is your Thanksgiving going?" Fitz asked.

"It's ok…I guess." She responded in a low tone.

"Just ok? Something happened?" Fitz asked.

Olivia shrugged as if Fitz could see her, "Things seem different between my parents. I don't know, baby."

"Maybe their tired from all of the preparations from the holiday." He stated.

Olivia twirled the fabric at the end of her shirt, "Maybe…I don't know, baby. I have to get back to my family. I'll call you later."

"Love you." He said.

Oliva pressed her lips together, making the sound of a long kiss, "Love you too." She placed her phone in her pocket and headed back downstairs to her family. Harrison was true to his word and stopped by for dessert.

X

Olivia's alarm beeped loudly throughout her bedroom. She stretched, jumping out the bed, rushing into the shower. It was 4am and she needed to make sure her mother was awake. It was the day after Thanksgiving and time for them to go shopping. Olivia looked forward to spending time with her mother. It was something they did together every year. They would spend countless hours, perusing stores, getting a head start on their Christmas shopping. Olivia flew down the steps, turning on the oven, placing the leftover cornbread inside. She started the tea kettle on the stove, placing two mugs on the counter and dropped the tea bags inside.

She jetted back upstairs and leaned her ear to the door of her parent's room. She didn't hear her mother scurrying around in the room and darkness still surrounded the room, which was unusual. She knocked lightly on the door, pushing it ajar, "Mom why are you still sleep? Are you feeling ok?" Her father grunted, turning over on the mattress.

Maya settled her back against the headboard, "Come in Livvie. We can't go shopping this year."

Olivia sat on the edge of the bed next to her mother, "Mom, why? We always go." She whined.

Maya gave a half smile, "I'm really tired. I'll explain it to you later."

Eli groaned, "Listen to your mother and go back to bed."

Olivia sighed as her mother patted her leg, "Maybe we can do something else."

Olivia swiped a tear from her eye, "I don't want to do anything else."

"Go check the cornbread. I'll be down in a few." Maya answered.

Olivia sulked out of her parents' bedroom, taking one last look at her mom before closing the door and walking downstairs to the kitchen. She turned off the kettle and placed the cornbread on the counter. She wracked her brain trying to figure out what was going on. Her parents seemed fine yesterday interacting with family. She walked back up to her bedroom, swiping the tears that steadily fell from her eyes. She gave a slight yell into her pillow, banging on the mattress. She needed to talk to Fitz. He would know exactly what to say to make her feel better. She dialed his number, picking at her nails as the phone rang. She was silent when he answered, except for the soft sniffles.

"Baby, what's wrong?" Fitz asked.

Olivia tried to hold back her tears, "I'm…sorry…to…call…you…like…this."

He stood from the bed, ruffling his hands through his curls, "Baby, please calm down. Are you ok? Is your parents ok?"

She could hear him moving around on the other end of the phone.

"My parents. Something is going on with them and they won't tell me." She answered.

"Ok, did you try and talk to them?" He asked.

"I've tried, Fitz." Olivia answered.

"Don't cry, beautiful." Fitz said.

"I need you." Olivia whimpered.

Fitz looked at his watch and realized it was 1:00am. He wasn't sleep anyway. He hadn't been sleeping since he arrived in California. He needed her just as much as she needed him. "Hold on, baby." He whispered, knocking lightly on his mother's door. She didn't respond and he could hear light snoring on the inside. He slowly walked inside, trying not to startle her. "Mom." He said in a soft tone, louder than a whisper. "Fitzgerald, someone better be dead. Why are you disturbing my sleep?" She asked.

He chuckled, "I need to go to New York."

She pushed the covers down, removing her silk black eye mask. "Is Olivia ok? What happened?"

"She's fine. She needs me, mom. Honestly, I need her too."

Diana nodded, "Ok…Ok, Butterbean. Call me when you arrive in New York."

Fitz eased out of the room, silently shutting the door, "Baby, give me a few hours and I'll be there, ok."

"Thank you, Fitz. I love you." Olivia said.

Fitz ran to his room, throwing clothes, shoes, underwear, and socks inside his suitcase. He didn't care if it matched, he needed to move fast. He contacted the pilot who was annoyed about having to prepare the plane for an early departure. Fitz promised a hefty Christmas bonus and he obliged.

Olivia creeped in the hallway when she heard movement in her parent's room. She tiptoed to the door, standing outside, listening.

"Eli you need to tell Olivia. We can't keep this from her." Maya said.

"Maya, we agreed to keep it between us. We're not telling Olivia. This is grown folk's business and she is just a child. I'll deal with it. End of story." Eli quipped.

"She is going to keep pushing, until we tell her, Eli. You know she will." Maya said.

"Maya drop it." Eli boomed, slamming the bathroom door. Olivia jumped, dropping her phone on the wooden floor. "Shit!" She whispered, running back inside her room.

X

Olivia spent most of the morning inside her bedroom sulking and reading. Honestly, she didn't want to be around her parents or anyone. Fitz had texted that the plane was delayed and he would be later than expected. Harrison didn't answer her calls but sent a simple text…Busy. She needed a change of scenery. She slipped on her sneakers, closed the door to her room, and walked downstairs. She opened the closet door next to the stairs, slipping on her coat. "Livvie where are you going?" Maya asked from the kitchen.

"For a walk." She answered, abruptly. Once outside, Olivia wrapped her jacket tightly as the gust of winds, whipped around her. She walked to the park down the street, sitting on the bench, reminiscing about the kiss she shared with Fitz only a few feet away. She listened to music while texting Abby, Quinn, and Makayla. Abby was in Boston with her mother and Stephen. Quinn was in Delaware with Huck and his family. Makayla was in Atlanta with her family. Everyone seemed to be having a good time except for her. She sighed, sending a quick text…Having a great time in NY. She didn't want to ruin their holiday, so she lied. She knew if she told them the truth, they would send a mass amount of texts in the group chat and possibly call her. She walked the trail several times, thinking, overthinking, and trying to figure out the problem with her parents. Maybe they were getting a divorce. That was the only thing she could come up with. Tucking her hands in her pocket, she walked back toward the house, stopping mid-step as a figure stepped out of a car and walked to the front steps. He was limping. She vaguely recognized the person, and moved closer for a better view…Edison.

She inched closer to her house, keeping her distance. "Edison what are you doing here?"

"Hello Olivia." He responded.

Frustration crinkled her eyes, "What do you want?"

He waved a brown envelope in his hands, "I came to give this to your father."

"What is it?" Olivia inquired.

"It's about the court case." Edison responded.

"The court case? What court case?" Olivia asked.

Edison smirked, "The case between my dad and your dad."

Oliva's mouth hung open. "Care to elaborate?"

"I take it your father didn't tell you." Edison stated.

said.

"My father was pissed with Eli after the BBQ. He took my side and felt your father treated me harshly. They got into a huge argument and your father told him they needed to part ways with the business. My father told him he would have to buy him out. He's suing your dad for the business."

"What?" Olivia shouted.

"I would have told you myself, but you made it very clear, you didn't want anything to do with me. I left DC. I'm here, helping my father." Edison explained.

"You left DC because of me?" Olivia asked.

"Edison chuckled, "Don't flatter yourself, Olivia. I left because I was fired from the hospital and I wasn't able to find another job. Bills piled up and I couldn't afford to live there anymore. I came home."

"What happened to your leg? Why do you have a cane?" Olivia asked.

"I was robbed and beaten up pretty bad." He answered.

Olivia swallowed hard, "Oh." Olivia dropped to the step, placing her head in her hands, "I wish my father would have told me what was going on. I could have helped him."

Edison eased down on the step, sitting next to her, rubbing the lower part of her back. She jumped and squirmed at his touch. He removed his hand, placing it on his lap. "I think I know how we can fix things."

"How?" Olivia asked.

He lifted her chin, allowing his eyes to meet hers, "Maybe we can reconcile our relationship. It might bring our families back together."

Olivia closed her eyes, sucking in a deep breath, opening them wide, "Are you out of your fucking mind?"

Edison arched back at her response.

Fitz stood at the limo, watching as Edison placed his hand on Olivia's chin. He couldn't make out what was being said, but he didn't like the fact Edison was touching her. "Olivia!" He groaned. She jumped at his deep voice, pushing Edison's hand away from her face.

"Shit." Edison cursed.

She stood, moving quickly toward Fitz. "Baby."

His voice low, anger suffusing his face, "Why is he here, Olivia?"

"It's not what it looks like, Fitz." Olivia answered.

He pushed the white roses he held in his hand to her, "I'm leaving."

"Fitzgerald." Olivia said.

Fitz shook his head, "I came all the way from California because you needed me. I get here and you're hugged up with him. Tell me, Olivia, how does it look to you?"

Her voice, a broken plea, "Please, Fitz. Let me talk to you in the limo."

He lifted the handle to the limo, swinging the door open, following behind her. His eyes glared at her, "I'm listening."

Olivia inched closer to him and he shifted closer to the door. Her hand fell to his knee, "I figured out what's going on with my parents."

He trailed his hands through his curls waiting for her to speak again. "Edison's father is suing my dad for the business." Olivia said.

He sighed, "Why?"

"Apparently, they got into a huge argument after the BBQ, because of the way my father treated Edison."

Fitz punched the side of the door, "Are you fucking serious?"

"I didn't find out from my parents, Edison told me. He suggested, we reconcile our relationship, so our families can get back together." Olivia stated.

"He's out of his fucking mind." Fitz said.

Olivia chuckled, "That's exactly what I told him."

"Let's go talk to your parents." Fitz stated.

She tugged on his arm as he opened the limo door. "My dad might not be receptive."

"He smiled, "I'm a lawyer. I have a lot of charm."

They exited the limo, noticing Edison was gone. Olivia searched for her father, finding him inside the den sipping a glass of red wine. "Hey dad." Olivia said. Eli glanced up at her, "Livvie."

"Fitz is here." She said, pointing to him.

"You came all the way from California?" Eli asked, focusing his attention back on the tv.

"I did." Fitz answered.

Olivia cleared her throat, getting her father's attention, "Edison dropped this off."

"I told that little shit to stay off my property." Eli quipped.

"He told me everything, dad." Olivia said.

"Well now you know." He said, bringing the wine glass to his lips, guzzling down the red liquid.

"Fitz and I can help." Olivia said.

Eli clicked off the tv, and smirked, "How? Olivia this is grown folk's business. Stay in a child's place."

Olivia felt the anger boil through her veins. No matter how hard she tried, her father still saw her as this little girl. "Stay in a child's place. I pay rent at my own apartment. I get up every morning and go to a full-time job that pays me well. I drive my own car. I haven't asked you and mom for anything since graduating. I'm in a relationship with a whole man who gives it to…"

Fitz swallowed hard, eyes widening, "Olivia."

Eli stood from the leather chair, facing Olivia. "I don't care how old you are or what you have. I…am…still…your father. Don't ever disrespect me again."

Olivia sighed, lowering her voice, "I want you to treat me like an adult. I wasn't disrespecting you, dad. Fitz can help you. He's a good lawyer."

"Fitzgerald it's kind of you to want to help, but I have legal representation. If the both of you don't mind I would like to finish watching the game." Eli stated, plopping back down on the leather chair.

Olivia shrugged, storming out of the den. Fitz lightly grabbed her arm, "It's ok. Give him time."

"He's stubborn as a mule." Maya said from the kitchen.

Fitz quickly snapped his neck, not realizing Maya was sitting at the table. Olivia threw her hands up, "Fitz can help him."

Maya reached under the counter, handing Fitz a stack of papers. "This is everything. We've been in mediation for a while. The lawyer fees are eating up our savings. If there is anything you can do Fitzgerald, I would appreciate it."

He could see the worry in Maya's eyes. He flipped through the pages, quickly glancing at the information. "This is a close and shut case Mrs. Pope. The lawyer is scamming you by keeping the case in mediation this long. He's using that tactic so he can continue to make money. Since I practice in another state, I'll have to petition the court to represent Mr. Pope."

"Eli," Maya yelled.

Eli rushed in the kitchen, "Yes, Maya, what is it? Why are you yelling?" His eyes fixated on the papers spread across the kitchen counter. "What are you doing?"

"Fitz looked over the documents for the case." Maya stated.

"Why would you involve him in our business?" Eli asked.

"Eli, we need help. Our savings is down to almost nothing. Please let him help you. He thinks we are being scammed." Maya pleaded.

"How so?" Eli asked.

Fitz responded, cautiously, "Mr. Pope the lawyer is stretching out the case so you have to keep paying him. I can get the money you want from Ronald. The evidence is all here."

"I started this business on my own and made him a partner. I don't want to pay him a dime. "Eli stated.

"Understandable. I will do my best." Fitz said, folding up the papers and stuffing them back inside the folder.

Olivia placed her hand over her father's hand, "Dad, it's going to be fine. Fitz is good at what he does."

Eli extended his hand toward Fitz's, shaking it, "Thank you."

"Olivia, I'm sorry we kept this from you. We didn't want to worry you." Maya stated, hugging her tightly.

"I didn't know what to think, mom. I thought maybe you guys were getting a divorce." Olivia said.

Maya chuckled, "Livvie, your father would be lost without me. Who's going to feed him? These young girls don't cook. Y'all like to order food using those fancy symbols on your phone. The true way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

"True." Fitz chuckled, patting his stomach.

Olivia pinched his arm, "I keep you well fed."

Fitz leaned down, whispering, "Yes you do."

"Thank you again, Fitzgerald. I feel so mush lighter." Maya said, walking toward the den where Eli was sitting.

"I should go to the hotel." Fitz stated, walking toward the front door.

"One minute." Olivia said, pointing up to her room.

"What about your parents?" Fitz asked.

"They are preoccupied with each other now that everything is good in their world. I just want a moment with you." Olivia said.

He saw the need in her eyes and followed her up the stairs, hoping they wouldn't get caught."

Olivia opened the door to her bedroom, kicking off her sneakers, dropping down on the mattress. She eased her back against the headboard, patting the space next to her. Fitz slipped his shoes off, sliding behind her, cradling her in his arms. They inhaled and exhaled at the same time. Fitz slid the curls that draped her neck, nipping at her skin. "I'm exhausted, Fitz." Olivia sad.

"You want me to leave so you can rest?" He asked.

"I'm mentally exhausted." Olivia admitted, linking her fingers with his. "Take me away, Fitz."

"Where do you want to go? Somewhere warm, tropical?" He asked.

"No, Vegas. Where we first met." She answered.

"We can leave tomorrow if you want." He stated.

A/N: Originally this chapter was part of the last chapter but I split it up so it wouldn't be too much to read all at once. Now we know what happened to Edison and the fallout from the BBQ between their parents. I know some of you are upset at Fitz for allowing Jerry to help him with the scandal at Olivia's school. It will be addressed in the next chapter. They are going back to Vegas for some much-needed alone time and reconnecting.