Plus One

Olivia had dated five men in six months. They were labeled as dates no matter how successful or unsuccessful they had gone because that was how it was supposed to appear to the public. The President of the United States was getting back into the dating game while she ran the country. Everyone had an opinion on that, and they ran the gamut from bold and interesting to pathetic and needy, depending on which channel you were watching.

Each man typically got one date, but there had been a few exceptions. Some dates didn't make it all the way to the end of dinner, and some of them flew by and were over before she even realized it. Two of the men got a second date with Olivia, but that had just been for optics. To make sure her dating life looked real and not like the well planned out thing that it was and fed to the public.

Alex and Olivia had gone to dinner three times. Olivia really enjoyed being in his company. Just like she enjoyed the easy and natural way the conversation flowed between them as if they had known each other for years instead of months. He was a genuinely good person who understood the circus that Olivia's personal life had turned into. He made her laugh freely, without reservation. Olivia knew if she wasn't the President of the United States, the two of them could easily become good friends who spent a normal amount of time together as friends do.

Alex also challenged her mentally and made her think. But he never made her feel small or that her opinion didn't matter. He had a way of putting Olivia completely at ease when they had dinner together. Their time together never felt like the thing is was projected onto the American public. An awkward date. At the end of each and every one, Olivia would call Fitz and the two of them would talk about any and everything.

There had also been Lorenzo Thomas, the software developer. He had been pompous and self absorbed. His opinion of himself was higher than the space station. He had so much to say about himself that eventually Olivia stopped talking altogether, besides a few nods or sounds of agreement at the appropriate times. She was polite throughout the beginning of the evening, but one touch of her elbow had Tom heading towards their table. He apologized profusely and told Olivia that she was needed at the White House immediately. Lorenzo had risen to his feet to tell her goodbye. He held her hands in his and leaned forward in her direction with his lips puckered. She didn't know how to tell him that was not going to happen, and instead, at the last minute, she apologized once again before Tom whisked her to the waiting limousine. She had never been so happy to be out of someone's presence.

"You're a life saver, Tom. Thank you." She was grateful that he had come up with the secret code for get me the hell out of there now!

"Just doing my job ma'am." he replied, looking straight ahead. Tom never wanted to punch a man in the face more than the one who had taken his boss to dinner tonight.

Marcus Jordan had been another once around the block kind of date. He was dashingly handsome. He had black hair and brown eyes and was easily over the six ft tall mark. Marus had made jokes in the car that had actually made Olivia laugh. He was doctor at a nearby hospital with a thriving practice. The two of them were seated at a table in the middle of the restaurant with all eyes glued to them.

She was wondering how this successful, funny, and handsome man was still single when his phone dinged. It was face down on the table in front of him. At first, he ignored it. But it wasn't long before Olivia noticed that Marcus' anxious gaze kept shifting from her down to his phone. Knowing his profession, Olivia knew it could be important and that maybe he didn't know how to tell her he needed to interrupt their date to see what it was. "If u need to check that, it's completely..."

He snatched his phone from the table before Olivia could finish her sentence. "Thank you for understanding."

"Of course." she told him. "It could be a patient or the hospital. Something really important."

He smiled at her as his fingers moved across the screen at lightning speed. "It's not a patient or work. It's my mother."

"Oh." Olivia replied, putting her glass down. "Is she alright?"

"She's fine. Just checking up on how my date with the president is going." he said with a smile.

"Awww, that's nice. What are you telling her?"

"That you are a little nosey."

Olivia giggled. And then realized that wasn't kidding.

"She said that's not a lady like quality." Marcus informed Olivia with his eyes still on his phone.

"Oh." Olivia touched her elbow repeatedly. She was in the car in under two minutes. Dating was brutal these days and she was glad that she was almost at the place where she could begin to date Fitz. A smile covered her face at the thought of it. All of the touches and smiles would be the real deal when the cameras caught them. Only a month to go.

"Madam President?"

Cyrus' words cut through her fog filled brain. She flicked her bored eyes up to his and apologized. "I'm sorry Cyrus. What were you saying?"

Had he just caught her day dreaming? Cyrus resisted the urge to sigh loudly, and in a barely contained voice said, "Mr. Contreras' is due to arrive this week. We were going over the itinerary for his visit."

"Right. He will be here on Thursday and will stay until Sunday morning." Olivia recalled from memory. She and Cyrus were in his office discussing the upcoming week and what her schedule looked like.

"Correct. We are hosting a dinner in the East Room in honor of his visit on Saturday evening at seven. You will need to have a date for that. Maybe you could ask Mr. Coleman. The press can't get seem enough of the two of you together." Cyrus commented as he studied the schedule in front of him.

The truth of the matter was, Cyrus was secretly cheering for Mr. Coleman to be the one to take up residency in the President's heart. They were perfect together, and the Chief of Staff just knew they would poll well together with the public. Hell, America was well on its way to being in love with him already. She seemed more like herself when she was with him, or talking about him. She deserved to be happy, as long as her job came first. Snapping himself out of his own daydream he added, "also, you'll need to make a few remarks about the visit and how talks are going between the two of you. Keep it light and entertaining. Just like the visit itself..."

His voice droned on, but Olivia's attention had stopped on the one aspect of Cyrus' monologue that looked like a window. A window she was planning to crawl through. "He's out of town this week."

Cyrus lifted his head and scowled at his boss. "I'm sorry. Who is out of town this week?"

"Alex." The more her brain ran with the idea, the more confident Olivia was feeling about it. "He's out of town this week for work."

Cy waved a hand dismissively in front of his face. "That's fine. Just choose someone else to go with you to the dinner. Someone who has already been vetted."

"I have someone in mind, and he's certainly been vetted." Olivia commented under her breath.

"Okay, I heard that. What are you up to?" he asked with an eye roll.

"Nothing" Olivia said dismissively.

"Madam President, my job is to manage the flow of information and protect your interests. You're up to something and I need to know what it is in order to do my job effectively. Who has been vetted?" That sounded professional instead of nosey. The woman was definitely up to something.

One day she would remember to keep her mumbling silent around her Chief of Staff. Perhaps it was time to let him know she was moving her own time line up a bit. "I was referring to Mr. Grant. I'm going to ask him to be my plus one to the dinner in honor of the Prime Minister's visit."

"No ma'am. You're not!" he bellowed.

"I think you need to calm down, Cyrus. That vein in your neck is bulging. That can't be a good thing."

"Listen to me ma'am..." Cyrus began.

"No! You listen. I'm not some lackey you can order around whenever the whim strikes you. I am your boss. I know that you aren't one hundred percent on board with the idea of Fitz and I dating publicly, but that's not my problem. It's yours."

Cyrus shoved his chair back and got to his feet. He yanked on his hair while his boss rambled about her dating life.

"I have done everything that was asked of me when it came to my personal life. I hated it, but I did my part because we were on the same page that the endgame was Fitz and I being a couple out in the public eye. Now that the reality of that is almost here, you think you are going to drag your feet? I won't have it!"

Was that a chest pain? She was going to be the death of him. "The plan still has four weeks until that ridiculous notion can even begin."

"It's called an adjustment. I make them every single day on my job. All I'm asking is for you to make one for me."

"Fine! But if the American people don't accept your new leading man, it won't be my fault. There is a right way to introduce the man you plan on spending the rest of your life with to the nation." Cyrus hoped if he pumped enough negativity into her idea that she would doubt herself and drop it.

"Cyrus, I'm not going to begin dating Fitz this week. I'm simply talking about asking him to be my plus one to this dinner. We will refrain from kissing at the table if it makes you feel better?"

"Ohhhhh, this is funny to you?"

"No."

"It's your legacy! You don't get to skip all over that and act like it's no big deal. You are the first female president. Every single thing you do or say is written down or photographed and picked apart by hundreds of people. Something as important as moving up your dating status is important, Madam President."

"I'm well aware of how my life is dissected and discussed by strangers who don't know me. But it's MY life! And I will NOT live it in a bubble to make other people happy. I deserve to be happy too, and Fitz makes me happy. So, I will be inviting him to join me to the dinner on Saturday night. I don't want to hear another word about it."

Cyrus clamped his mouth closed and took his seat once again until the meeting was over. He'd throw something across the room later. Or yell at someone. He had to release this frustration somehow!

Once Olivia left Cy's office, she made a beeline to her own. She picked up her cell phone from on top of her desk and scrolled through her contacts until she got to the letter F. She touched the word Fixer and waited for him to answer. Her heart beat a little faster when she heard that deep rich baritone voice of his say, "Fitzgerald Grant. Can I help you?"

The flirty smile was on her face before she could even think up a comeback. "I'm sorry I think I have the wrong number. I was trying to reach a man named Huck."

"You'd think the President of the United States would have better jokes."

"I'm not kidding. I need a date to a fancy dinner this Saturday and I was going to ask Huck to join me." Olivia replied. When he didn't answer, she asked, "are you still there?"

"Hullo?"

Olivia covered her mouth with her hand. Fitz had given his phone to Huck. "Hey, Huck. This is Olivia. How are you this afternoon?"

"I'm fine, Madam President. What can I do for you?"

"Do you have eyes on Mr. Grant?"

Huck flicked his gaze over to his boss who was pacing while watching him like an eagle. He smiled at him and answered her question. "I do."

"I called because I wanted to invite him to a dinner we are having at the White House this Saturday evening, but he thought he'd be funny instead."

"Humor isn't his strong suit" Huck said plainly.

"I agree." Olivia chuckled. "Let's let him think I have invited you to go with me instead."

"I'd be honored to be your plus one." Huck replied, playing his part, as his boss went ape shit.

"Oh, Huck. There's a reason why you are my favorite man at Grant and Associates."

"I'll see you at precisely six forty five, Ms. Pope. I have to go now. Mr. Grant is trying to snatch the phone out of my hand." Huck's laughter faded as Fitz must have gotten the phone away from him.

Olivia covered her mouth again to stifle her laughter.

"What the hell was that, Liv? Do you know how big of a pain in the ass he's gonna be to work with now?" Fitz whined.

"She said I'm her favorite man at Grant and Associates." Huck said laughing in the background.

"You said that?" Fitz accused.

"Stop being so immature." she teased.

"Immature? If I was immature, I wouldn't be able to make you moan my name repeatedly while I played your body like a violin."

Okay, that came out of nowhere! He needed to stop talking. He was going to get her all worked up with no way to release it. "You don't know how to play the violin."

"I know how to play your body though, don't I" he murmured.

"You really shouldn't be talking like that with Huck standing right there." she reminded him.

"I would never disrespect you by talking about our personal life and the things we do to each other in front of anyone. Huck included. I've locked myself in my office away from his precious ears." He put his feet up on his desk and leaned back in his chair. He missed her more than he realized. "Just one month left to go until our first official date. Are you ready?"

"The question is are you ready?" She challenged.

"I've been ready. You want to go out tonight? We'll go. There's a bowling alley I've been dying to check out." He was tired of waiting for their time to arrive.

"Really?" she asked in a doubt laced voice. "So, if I said there was an event this week that I needed a date for, you'd be good to go with me?"

"Absolutely."

"Perfect. I have an event at the White House on Saturday night, and I need a date. Cyrus suggested I ask Alex, but I thought it felt like the perfect opportunity for a formal friendly dinner. There won't be any chance of the two of us making out in a coat check closet or sending lusty glances at each other."

"That's too bad. You know how I love to get you worked up in that big White House." he told her with a smirk. "If I get to be your date this week for an official White House dinner it must be for Mr. Contreras's visit."

"That's the one. It's formal, but not black tie. You know the drill."

"You want me to wear the navy suit?" He asked, even though he was confident in the answer.

"I was thinking a black suit this time. But you do look very handsome in blue."

"It makes my eyes pop too, I've been told." he said with a grin.

"Have you? Someone is very observant."

"It was Huck." he told her with a chuckle.

"It was not!" Olivia argued.

"Swear to God. The night I left you at the hospital to address the press corp. That's what he told me when I was trying to pick out a suit to wear."

"I think I love Huck a little more than I did five minutes ago." she admitted.

"You are taken."

"I'd like to be." she told him breathlessly.

"Name the surface and I'll be there, but be careful what you wish for Madam President." Fitz warned. "The moment you name it I will be there to take you. Just the way you like it too."

She was practically biting her tongue in half. She really didn't have time to be playing come and get me with Fitz tonight. She had an early morning meeting tomorrow and she needed to get some sleep. The other half of her brain could practically feel his hands on her overheated skin, and the lust almost took over her sanity. Damn him! "I have to go, Mr. Grant. I'll see you Saturday night. Come prepared. You just might find yourself on a surface of my choosing before the week is over."

"I'm always prepared to come." Fitz threatened in a low threatening voice. He ended the call before her conflicted voice had him breaking the speed limit on his way to the White House.

***********
Fitz exited a shiny black town car at the south portico at precisely six thirty on Saturday night. He buttoned the jacket of his black suit, as requested, as he briskly made his way up the stairs towards the door. As soon as he made it to the first landing, he took a moment to look around. The flowers looked beautiful as they grew on the other side of the stairs. Their scent made him want to pick a pretty handful for Liv. Telling himself there would be plenty of time for that soon enough, Fitz continued on his way.

He was greeted by an armed guard and Secret Service before he was led toward the Oval Office. Once there, Fitz was told by Charlotte that the President would greet him in her office momentarily. He grinned before sitting down on a surface he had already had Olivia on. The sofa.

Two minutes later, Olivia stepped inside her office. She watched Fitz immediately rise to his feet and button his jacket before his eyes took her in. When it came to Fitz, Olivia didn't have a shy bone in her body, and after a minute under his laser like gaze, she did a slow spin in front of him. She heard a low growl when her back was too him. She took that as a sign that he liked what he saw.

She looked like perfection in that dress. It was a sleeveless ivory that went just past her knees. There was a wide band of black lace at her waist that drew his eyes there instantly. Well, when he wasn't checking out her ass. Fitz was already wondering how he was going to keep his hands off of her during dinner. It was going to be a long night, but at least they'd be together. It was a start.

When she was looking him again, Olivia watched the inner conflict play out on his face. "You look very handsome."

"Thank you. As do you."

"Are you alright? The expression on your face says something is off."

"I'll be fine. You look absolutely stunning in that dress. I'm just trying to figure out how I am going to refrain from touching you tonight."

"You'd better figure out something quick because I have had enough of terrible dates lately."

"Oh, I'm not a terrible date." he said confidently.

"No?"

He shook his head back and forth. "I am a fantastic date."

"If I close my eyes, I could swear you're a doctor with a thriving practice who loves his mother above all else."

"I apologized for that one already, Liv. I can admit that a bad apple slipped past my rigorous inspection."

She shot him a look and asked, "how's my friend, Huck?"

"Uh uh! We are not talking about him. He has been the biggest pain in my ass all week."

"What has that sweet man said to you?"

"He's only sweet when you're around. And he's teased me about being your back up date. He's reminded me an infinite number of times that he is your favorite man at Grant and Associates."

Olivia giggled.

"I'm thinking of getting rid of my only associate."

"Don't you dare!"

"Let's not talk about terrible previous dates or irritating co-workers anymore tonight." Fitz said, looking down at her with a grin.

Olivia wound her arms around his neck wearing a grin of her own. "Deal. Now kiss me."

He wasted no time dipping his head and connecting their lips in a soft gentle whisper of a kiss. He was trying very hard to keep it that way. To not mess up her lipstick or her hair or whatever else women worried about. He was failing miserably, and quickly broke the kiss, taking a step back from her.

She took a step forward, closing the gap and smiled up at him. "I hate that we have to be careful, but the day is quickly coming when we won't have to be. Since that isn't today, we should get out of here."

Fitz grinned back and offered her arm. "Shall we?"

The two of them walked into the East Room side by side. They were photographed by a swarm of reporters who were quietly buzzing about the two of them. Fitz heard some of it. You'd have to be deaf not to. They whispered about what the two of them looked like together, if they were a couple, to how beautiful Olivia was. It all mattered to him because it reflected on her.

He kept a polite smile on his face as Olivia led them to their table. Everyone in attendance stood in front of their chair and watched as Olivia went to the head of the table and stand in front of hers. She glanced around the room with a smile on her face. "Gostaria de dar as boas-vindas a todos voces na Casa Branca, especialmente nossos amigos do oeste de Angola."

The Prime Minister of West Angola let out a sound of unexpected surprise and nodded his head once in Olivia's direction. Fitz began to applaud, and the rest of the room, with the exception of Mr. Contreras followed his lead.

Olivia lifted both hands for a moment, palms out, before clasping them in front of her. "That was my attempt at the beautiful Portuguese language. What I said was, I'd like to welcome you all to the White House, especially our friends from West Angola."

She looked at her guest, the Prime Minister and added, "I hope I didn't botch it too terribly?"

Her words were translated by a man who sat near the Prime Minister. The guest of honor locked eyes with the President and spoke in his native tongue. The translator's smile faltered and he appeared hesitant, but then turned to face the petite woman in charge of the country he was visiting. If he didn't say exactly what his boss had just spoken to him, he would likely be killed. If he did repeat it, he would offend the President. He had no choice. "The Prime Minister said your Portuguese needs work. With a few lessons you should have a much better grasp of the language, Madam President."

Fitz flicked his blue eyes over to the visiting Prime Minister who had just effectively embarrassed the leader of the free world. Not only had he done so in front of other guests, he had done it in the White House. Fitz wanted to kick Mr. Contreiras' smug ass. Instead, he kept his facial expression blank and waited for Olivia to take care of it herself. She would be much more effective anyways.

Olivia hadn't been surprised by the Prime Minister's words. Since his arrival late Thursday evening he had been full of condescending words to her, he had cut her off in the middle of more than one sentence, and he had been downright rude to her. She had a feeling it was because he wasn't comfortable with a woman being in power. That was too damn bad. She had had enough of his attitude. Since he was going back home early tomorrow morning, she decided it needed to be dealt with.

Knowing all eyes would be on her right now to see how she handled herself, Olivia chose her words carefully. Mr. Contreiras was known for comments such as these and for that reason Olivia had learned a whole lot more than one welcoming phrase since she had heard of his visit. "Suas maneiras tambem preisam funcionar, senhor."

The translator wiped his forehead with his napkin. It seemed Ms. Pope was no shrinking violet when it came to the male chauvinistic ways of his boss. His loyalties were with the Prime Minister, but he was secretly cheering on the US President. She was tiny in stature but she was a big force to be reckoned with.

A small smile crossed the Prime Minister's face. Mr. Contreiras believed women had no place in politics. That it was a job for men, who thought rationally and clearly but the fiery little woman who stood before him could very well be the exception. She was the most powerful person in the world and she happened to be a woman, and while that rubbed him the wrong way, she didn't back down from a challenge. It was an important trait in a leader, and one he respected. He had to give her credit for directly addressing his rudeness too. Most men wouldn't have said anything to him.

Olivia kept her eyes on her guest of honor, as did her Secret Service agents around the room. She hoped he was done being a rude ass. They just had to get through this dinner he would be gone tomorrow morning. She planned to have a word with him in private before he left and warn him about his actions and the consequences they would bring. Until then, she had to play hostess. Looking around the room she addressed the attendees.

"I am eager to learn more about West Angola and the people who live there from Mr. Contreiras. I'm sure our time together will be productive and beneficial to everyone involved. Tonight's agenda is a little less intimidating. Dinner is served. I hope you all enjoy yourselves."

Servers entered the large room and placed beautifully plated meals in front of everyone.

When dinner was out of the way, Fitz waited for a slow song to start before getting to his feet and holding out a hand in Olivia's direction. "Madam President, May I have this dance?" He was only her plus one to this dinner, but he wasn't missing out on an opportunity to get Olivia in his arms.

She looked up at him. She was about to be held by the man she loved, and it was going to happen in public. In front of a foreign Prime Minister, no less. There would be countless pictures of the two of them from every angle imagined. Later, it would be picked apart and discussed as if they were a meal to be graded by a food critic.

Maybe she should she have listened to and taken Cyrus' advice and waited that extra month before doing anything remotely in the public eye with Fitz? Maybe this was a bad idea? Maybe it would blow up in her face politically? Maybe...maybe...maybe...

All of those fears and concerns and questions slid right off her shoulders and out of her mind. She had people who were well paid to make sure the world continued to spin in spite of what she did or said wrong. This was as good a place as any for the rumor mill to start about the two of them. Olivia showed no fear at all. Instead, a smile crossed her face and she slid her tiny hand into his larger one. "You may." she told him and received a smile back from him.

Everyone with a camera took countless pictures as they made their way to the center of the room as well as when they actually started dancing. Fitz barely noticed all of the devices held up towards them as flashes could be seen every few seconds and murmurs could be heard. His eyes were for the woman in front of him. The visiting foreign Prime Minister was watching them with great interest too.

Through his smile, Fitz asked, "what the hell is wrong with that guy?"

"I don't want to talk about him." Olivia replied curtly, knowing Fitz was referring to the visiting Prime Minister.

That was just fine with Fitz. He ignored everyone and everything around him with the exception of the vision of beauty in front of him. The music was slow, full of soul and meaning. It made him want to hold Olivia a hell of a lot closer than he currently was. Instead, he looked down at her and said, "I didn't know you could speak Portuguese?"

With a small smile on her face, she leaned a little closer and told him, "I didn't know I could either. I've been trying to learn some Portuguese ever since I heard that he was coming for a visit." she admitted.

"It was flawlessly spoken, Madam President."

"You are too kind."

"Are you okay with this?" he asked. "That I asked you to dance in front of everyone."

"I am. Cyrus is probably in a padded room losing his mind right now, but..."

"But that's what Cyrus does best." He supplied.

"Exactly." she chuckled. "I'm kind of surprised that you did though. If I'm honest."

"Really? Why is that?"

"Because you are always about the long game."

"MmmHmm."

"And as a huge supporter of my political career, I'm sure you thought about this from every single angle of how this would affect that." She couldn't wait to hear his answer.

"To be perfectly honest, I didn't think twice about it. I wanted you in my arms, and the only way I could accomplish that was to ask you to dance with me during a slow song. Are you disappointed?" He already knew her answer, but he still waited for it.

With one eyebrow raised in a challenging fashion, Olivia nodded and said one word. "No."

"Well, aren't we a pair of rebels?" He asked grinning down at her.

As the music played, Fitz took his eyes off Liv and glanced around the room. They were no longer the only two people dancing. The center of the room was full of other couples enjoying the song in the same way that he and Olivia were. It probably should feel strange to him, having Olivia in his arms in plain view of other people. To know that his name would be mentioned whenever any news anchor covered the story of the visiting Prime Minister's visit. Photos too.

But it didn't feel strange to him. It felt normal. This was where he belonged. With Olivia. Side by side, taking on the world. So, he kept his smile in place, his grip around her waist light, and a respectable distance between them. But a day was quickly coming when they wouldn't always see his smile. Because he'd be kissing her. His grip would be possessive, because everyone would know that she was his. And any distance between the two of them would be nonexistent.

The song ended and everyone clapped for the band before another song started. "Thank you for the dance." she told him.

"It was my pleasure." Fitz replied smoothly, his eyes trying desperately, and failing miserably, to not linger on her lips.

She smiled up at him, turned around, and walked away. Rather quickly. Out of habit, and because she really wanted to, Olivia had almost leaned closer and kissed Fitz right there in the East Room. A moment was needed to clear her head. The press corp caught her eye and she made her way over to them. They were sure to get her mind off of Fitz for a minute or two.

They snapped to attention when they saw her walking their way and began asking questions. "Are you enjoying your evening, Madam President?" someone asked.

"Very much so, thank you. It's been a fun night so far. I hope you all are enjoying yourselves as well."

The small group murmured in the positive before someone else asked a question. "Your dress is beautiful. Can you tell us about it?"

Olivia hated that question. Who was she wearing was always more important than what she was doing. Her smile never faltered as she patiently explained, "Thank you. It's a Michael Kors dress. I fell in love with the gorgeous black lace. All of his dresses are stunning so it was difficult to choose just one. I might have purchased two." She told them with a grin.

"Is Mr. Grant your date for this evening?"

She wanted to say yes and just end the façade. Proclaim to the press that she was indeed dating Fitzgerald Grant III. That she was in love with him in fact. Fitz's words from the hospital floated through her mind. Sometimes waiting is necessary. Taking a deep breath while keeping her smile in place, she said, "Mr. Grant is my plus one this evening. As you all know, my dating life has been a bit hectic and very public. I needed someone with me tonight who has attended these kinds of events before and doesn't get nervous or overwhelmed. He seemed like the perfect choice."

"That was quite a conversation with the Prime Minister." someone remarked.

Olivia knew it would be mentioned. She would have to tread lightly while getting her point across in a firm manner. "It was."

"Have the two of you had good talks while he has been at the White House?"

"We have accomplished quite a bit during his visit. For the most part, things have been great."

"But?" Someone prompted.

"But, being the first female President, I know that some won't see that as a good thing. Some will be intimidated by it and some will think I belong in a kitchen." She had almost said barefoot and pregnant, but caught herself in time. "I am learning how to manage all the different hats that I wear while doing
this job, and I think so far I have done fairly well. So, if I let another leader think it's okay to publicly humiliate me, the women who will come after me will have a target on their backs by men like Mr. Contreras. That is unacceptable, and it has to be dealt with."

"What about...?" their loud voices blended together as they called out questions in unison, creating confusion.

"I think that should just about cover everything." Olivia aid politely. It was her way of saying she was done.

Mr. Contreiras stepped closer to Olivia before the crowd of reporters dispersed. He spoke to her in his native language and his interpreter relayed what he had said as the press watched and recorded it all. "The Prime Minister would like to present you with a gift, Madam President."

Olivia smiled. "Oh? That is very thoughtful of you, Mr. Contreras."

The translator continued conveying his boss' message as the Prime Minister handed her a beautifully carved ivory scepter. The press took countless photographs of the two leaders. Olivia looked closer at the scepter as the Prime Minister explained it's meaning. "This scepter was made by the Yombe peoples in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Scepters were carried by chiefs as instruments of power. This carved ivory tusk used to contain medicines inside. The chief being held up in this carving is chewing on a bitter root that was said to have warded off danger. The lower part of the carving reinforces the position of the chief as society's protector.

I owe you an apology for my earlier words. You represent the American people well. You are strong and wise, and you carry your power naturally, but don't laud it over others. You are firm when it's needed and you stand up for yourself. I never thought I would be working with a female leader and like it, but I have enjoyed my visit with you. I hope that you will enjoy this gift, and remember my people fondly whenever you see it, Madam President." A feeling of great pride swelled up within the translator at the kind words of his boss to the President.

As camera flashes continued to go off, Olivia studied the amazing attention to detail the people who carved this had put into their work. It was like nothing she had ever seen before, and probably without the aid of equipment that could do the job much easier. "Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister. For the apology as well as the gift. The scepter is beautiful. Please extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of your country for their generosity and gifted craftsmanship." The two of them shook hands, and the camera flashes caught every moment.

Fitz fully relaxed as he continued watching the two leaders smile for the cameras from across the room. He felt that the evening as a whole had been a success. For the White House, hosting a guest from another country. For the two leaders who seemed to have buried the hatchet for the greater good. And for him and Olivia, to have been seen by the public for the first time as something other than co-workers.

I tend to write ahead for my stories. It gives me breathing room to not stress over a self made deadline to update. While that works for me, with this story it made me doubt what I had written and the first few re-writes didn't seem right. With that said, I'd like to say thank you to SarahWalka for being a listening ear and a helpful guide to get it where I wanted it to go. While I had others who reached out to help, she hit me up first so please don't feel left out. I'll always need help! I apologize for any errors in the translation. It came from Google. Thank you all for your patience and generous reviews xoxo