A/N: Dearest Reader – I hope this update finds you safe and healthy. I sincerely appreciate your reviews and well wishes :) With everything going on right now in my personal life, writing this story has been a pleasant distraction. XO

Chapter 12: No Promises

Olivia lost all track of time. Maybe an hour passed. Maybe less. They sat side by side overlooking the ocean, both too emotionally drained to even attempt a conversation.

The longer she sat in one position, the more her leg throbbed to the point she had no choice but to slowly stand and get something for the pain. Her movement caused brought Fitz to stand, immediately wanting to assist Olivia back inside.

"Please let me help. What do you need?"

Too tired to argue, Olivia instructed Fitz to find some aspirin in her medicine cabinet. She reached for a glass of wine and poured herself a generous amount waiting for his return. Being in his presence was taking some getting used to and she turned to alcohol hoping it would relieve the anxiety she felt within.

"You may need to get your leg looked at. Is there a place in town we can visit?"

Fitz wanted more than anything to get past the awkwardness between them. He was hoping keeping the focus on her health would make things easier.

Unfortunately, Olivia could've cared less. She was still replaying her mental breakdown in front of Fitz repeatedly in her mind. Being so vulnerable wasn't her style but now they were here, and she couldn't change the past.

"Thank you for these."

She took the two aspirin he placed on the counter and swallowed them down with a gulp of wine avoiding his question. And the fact he used the word 'we'.

"I'm going to take a hot bath. Would you like to stay for dinner?"

She truly didn't want their evening to end this way.

Fitz smiled at the invitation and agreed to dinner, offering to pick up something in town for both to enjoy. He wanted to change and needed time to think about all that transpired in such a short time. He was supposed to return to the states tomorrow but couldn't even contemplate leaving without finally settling things with Olivia.

His offer to get food left Olivia with no choice but to doubt his return. She honestly had little faith in him, which only made the pain in her heart worsen. Despite her fear, she pushed on, leaving him alone in her kitchen while she locked herself in her bathroom eager to take a hot bath.

Fitz quickly made his way back into town focusing on changing and finding something suitable for dinner. He figured he would call the airline in the morning and investigate rescheduling his flight. By the time he returned to his villa there was no sign of Pit or Nicole as they were both likely enjoying their honeymoon by now.

In less than 10 minutes he was showered and changed rummaging through his suitcase for his cell phone. There was a text message from Pit that was short and to the point. It was just like him not to mince words:

I'm MIA with my bride for the next few days. I hope you get your shit together and make things right with Liv before you return back to Montana.

Fitz inhaled at the message, re-reading it several times before returning his cell to his bag. When he finally arrives into town, it was dark with most places closing for the night. He saw Mama Two's daughter from a distance and got her attention, thankful for a familiar face. After explaining his predicament, she was more than helpful to assist in his request.

To his relief, he wouldn't be returning empty handed.


Olivia soaked in her large tub and place a hot towel directly over her eyes. She cried freely allowing the towel to serve as her tissue, soaking up her tears with ease. How could she ever forgive Fitz? The more she fixated on the question, the more she craved wine. Luckily, her glass was within arm's reach providing her easy access to the Cabernet.

Once her glass grew empty, she had no choice but to get out of the tub and dry herself off. Her leg hurt somewhat less which was likely due to the amount of alcohol she consumed with the aspirin. She slowly dressed, choosing black loose-fitting pants with a matching tank top.

By the time she returned downstairs a knock sounded. She slowly opened the door and stepped aside, allowing Fitz to enter. In one hand he carried a large bag that smelled delicious and in the other a large bouquet of beautiful flowers.

"Part of me didn't think you'd actually come back."

The snarky comment was not kind and from the look on his face, Olivia could see Fitz's disappointment.

He placed the large takeout bag on the counter and handed the flowers to Olivia.

"I know this isn't much, but they reminded me of you."

The flowers were the exact ones she wore in her hair at the wedding. She took the bouquet and smelled them for a moment before searching for a vase to put them in. Fitz took this as a good sign and began to upload the bag spreading several white containers across the large granite island.

"Would you like a glass?"

Fitz declined and requested water instead, taking a seat at the island. Olivia eventually joined him sitting on the opposite end with another large glass of wine in hand.

"How do you eat this?"

Olivia looked at the spread of food and stood, reaching over Fitz. His cologne was strong, the same scent she recognized from long ago. She took the small tortilla like bread and scooped a handful of meat inside folding it like a taco. When she handed it to Fitz it nearly dropped causing them both to fumble their hands. A giggle escaped her bringing a smile to his face.

God, he loved that sound.

Eventually, awkwardness set in and she quickly returned to her seat and slowly began to eat studying Fitz from across the island. He had facial hair now and his hair was longer than she remembered. Dark circles indicated he'd gotten little sleep and from the way he was eating she wasn't certain when was the last time he had a good meal.

"When are you flying back home?"

She wanted to make small talk and it was the only question that came to mind.

"I'm supposed to fly back tomorrow," he responded in between bites, purposely leaving out his plan to extend his trip.

"Well I guess, that doesn't leave us much time."

She frowned and contemplated not bringing up the past. A good part of her simply wanted to fuck him once more, for old times' sake. He was the best lover she'd ever been with and in that precise moment, feeling that level of lust again was almost more important than forgiveness.

"So, what have you been doing this past year?"

Fitz noticed her eating very little and figured the question was more the wine talking.

"I returned to Montana after Pit was released from the hospital and have been there ever sense. I have a house on the lake. It's small but plenty."

"Have you been protecting any other celebrities? Any stories you can share?"

Her question forced him to look away.

"No... I haven't worked since..."

He stopped and felt ashamed to even admit it. This was NOT him. It was in his DNA to hunt for criminals, solve mysteries, protect people at all costs. But for the past year he's lost himself and truly had no idea if he would ever get his life back to normal.

"What about you?"

He thought it was a fair question.

Olivia laughed as if he should already know the answer.

"As if you don't know."

Fitz looked at her inquisitively and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"I don't own a television."

Olivia's eyes widened and she burst out laughing at his honestly.

"Why is that so funny?"

Her laughter was contagious making him slightly giggle.

"After James was shot, the media had a field day. I bet you're the only person in the world that doesn't know I was hospitalized for nearly having a nervous breakdown."

Fitz felt the blood drain from his face and instantly lost his appetite. So much for the rest of his dinner.

Olivia felt pleased with herself for making Fitz feel uncomfortable. Deep down it's what she wanted and although it was deliberate, she didn't care.

"Olivia... I ..."

Fitz paused at a loss for words.

Olivia continued drinking her wine while more tears formed in her eyes.

"I was really falling for you."

Her words were steady but filled with so much sadness. Suddenly the idea of returning home seemed like a better option.

"I don't know how to make things right. I know apologizing doesn't make any of this better. My behavior. What you went through. I can't change any of it. What I do know is that I've spent the past year hating myself for what happened. Hating the fact, it wasn't ME that was shot. It should've been ME."

"Yeah, maybe you're right. Maybe it should've been."

Olivia downed the rest of her glass of wine and stood, desperately needing fresh air. She left Fitz sitting at the island alone for a few moments until he found the courage to join her.

"I was thinking of postponing my flight," he began, stopping a few feet behind.

She was facing the ocean, her small figure outlined from the moonlight.

"I don't want to leave until we're okay. I know we missed our chance. And I don't expect forgiveness but I'm hoping we can get to a place where we can at least be friends."

Olivia faced the calming water and closed her eyes at his request. Her mind wanted nothing more to do with Fitzgerald Grant, but her heart wouldn't ignore the strong pull she felt between them. She honestly didn't know if she could ever forgive him, but it sounded as if Fitz wasn't asking for that. He appeared to mean well so she decided to meet him halfway.

"No promises, Fitz. But if you decide to stay, you're welcome to come back tomorrow. Beyond that I have no idea."

She turned her body halfway towards him when she spoke, unable to fully face him. If she did, more tears would surely follow.

"Okay."

He stepped forward and gently kissed the back of Olivia's hair goodbye, wishing with his entire soul he could take her into his arms. Once Olivia heard her back door close, she finally turned and plopped herself onto a comfortable chair continuing to watch the waves from the distance.

Hoping she was one step closer to making peace with her past.