xoxo.
X
Olivia stands before the mirror in her trailer, going over her lines for her latest movie. It's the final scene, so she wants to make sure the delivery of each line is flawless. Immersing herself into her character, each word she speaks is conveyed with the sheerest of conviction and emotion the scene needs to feel whole, and she's proud. Her lifelong dream of becoming an actress has paid off, and she's moving on up.
Content with her performance, she sets the script aside and fixes her floral blouse and her middle-parted, wavy tresses. Call time is in less than five minutes, but there's one thing she needs to do before she forgets, and that's to call her parents. With her traveling around the world shooting most of the year, she rarely gets a chance to see them— let alone speak with them over the phone. But it's time.
Retrieving her blue Prada bag, she reaches inside and collects her phone. There're a few missed calls from her best friends Rose and Abby, as well as a missed call from her brother Ryan and, of course, her mother and father. She's been out of the loop, but now that her movie is coming to completion, she'll have ample time to catch up with everyone on their own time. Still, her parents deserve a call first.
So, she dials them up.
It rings a few times before her father answers.
"Olivia! What a pleasant surprise." His laugh can be heard through the speaker. "How are you? When can we see you?"
"Today is the last day on set, so I should be able to see you guys within a few days." Taking a seat on the couch, crossing her legs.
"How have things been there?"
"Good. Your mom is still doing her lawyer thing, and I'm cheering her on from the sidelines while attempting to get this bakery idea off the ground."
"You can't bake."
"I know the basics."
She laughs, as does he.
"I'm sorry I've been gone for so long."
"It's okay. You're a big-time actress, and we're proud of you. However..."
She knows where this is going. "No. Dad, we're not having this conversation right now."
He doesn't care. "When are you going to settle down?"
"Would you ask a man who's living his lifelong dream when he's going to settle down?"
He ran into that one. "Yes. I have. Your bother Ryan. Though he's more secretive with his affairs, he's been with someone for almost a year now, all while living his dream."
"Really? What's his dream?" Leaning forward. "Who's he seeing?"
"Talk show host is where he wants to be, but he currently has the highest rated segment on the news. And I have no idea. He doesn't talk to us about that."
She chuckles. "I can see why. You're very overbearing when it comes to our love lives."
"True! But I think it would be beautiful to see you happy and in love like your mother and me."
"Gross." Rising to her feet. "Look, Dad, I know you and mom mean well, but relationships aren't for me, and that's okay."
"I respect you— you know that, but in the end, sharing your life isn't a bad thing. You just haven't met anyone yet, which leads me to this."
"Not happening." She laughs. "I don't want my parents setting me up."
"Olivia..."
"Dad. It's a no." A knock on her trailer attracts her attention, a crew member entering, letting her know it's time to shoot the final scene.
"And I have to go. They're calling me back to set. I love you. Send my love to everyone, and I'll see you soon."
She ends the call before he can speak and tucks her phone back into her bag— steps departing from her trailer.
X
The tall, short-haired hunk stands in front of the bay window in the kitchen, flipping a few pieces of bacon from the pan to the paper-towel covered plate. He hums 'Young' by the Chainsmokers, his foot tapping a cadence to the melody, and best of all— he's utterly nude underneath the black apron. His arousal pressing against the loose fabric. All a part of his surprise for his boyfriend, Ryan.
After discarding the pan to the sink, he transfers the bacon to the plate decorated with two perfect pancakes and fluffy eggs. From there, he moves the plate to a tray that has a single rose in a vase, a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, and a bottle of syrup. He takes a second to look over it, and it's perfect, so perfect it makes him smile in delight.
Carefully, he grabs the tray and heads upstairs to the bedroom after discarding the apron, hoping that this makes his boyfriend's morning. It's a big day for Ryan, and he wants to make sure it starts off the right way. Reaching the door, he gently kicks it open with the tap of his foot, entering quietly. The bed is a mess, and underneath that mess, he can see Ryan's head peeking from under the covers. Perfect. He's still asleep.
Approaching Ryan's side of the bed, he leans down and kisses his temple.
"Wake up, sleepyhead." The richness of his voice causes Ryan to stir underneath the puffy white blanket that slowly inches down to his shoulders. And when he opens his eyes, he receives a face full of hard dick.
"Jesus Christ." Pulling the covers back over his face. "Smith. Why is your dick in my face?"
"He missed you, same as me." A chuckle leaves him.
"Is he out of my face yet?"
"Not until you give him a kiss." Flexing his arousal just as Ryan uncovers his face. The display making him laugh.
"I know you're going to stand here until I do it, so let's get this over with."
And just like that, he plants a soft kiss upon the tip of Smith's arousal before locking his brown orbs with Smith's greens.
"Happy now?"
"Indeed I am." Leaning down, kissing his lips. "I made you breakfast for your big day."
The audible moan Ryan releases pleases Smith, watching as Ryan sits up in bed.
"Let me admire you first." Browns wandering over Smith, who stands confidently in his appearance.
He's that of a modern-day Adonis. Beautiful to look at as his muscles flex with each movement he makes. A physical marvel of pure dedication to the gym, casting his dominance over any and everyone. And in this instance, he's standing before Ryan, the tray of food in his hands still hot to the touch and the sunlight beaming off his nude physique.
"You're blessed." Closing his eyes, taking it all in. "Okay, food me."
"With pleasure." Placing the tray over Ryan's lap, he joins him in bed. With a few kisses to his cheek, he lays on his side, propping himself up on his elbow. Ryan wasting no time to dig in.
"It's a big day." Gracing Ryan's forearm with a gentle grip, thumb brushing the skin. "Are you excited about the possible promotion?"
"Mhm." Taking a sip of juice. "With the numbers I bring in; I feel like I have this in the bag."
"You're so cute when you're humble." The comment makes them laugh.
"Being serious, I know you're going to get it, babe. You're fucking amazing on camera, and they're lucky to have someone like you."
He can't help but to blush when Smith compliments his work.
"You're so sweet to me."
"You want to know what else is sweet?"
"What?"
Smith's orbs drop to his arousal, as does Ryan's. It's still flexing, but involuntarily and he's in a mood that only Ryan can satisfy.
"Maybe when you're done with breakfast, I can have mine."
X
"And that's a wrap, folks!" The director states, garnering a series of screams, cheers, and continuous clapping.
"The work you've all put into this movie has made my dream come true, and I can't wait for the finishing product to grace movie screens across the world." Clasping his hands together.
"I'm the meantime, there's a buffet waiting for you in the lounge, and I'll speak to you all in a bit."
Everyone basks in the excitement of finishing the movie they've been working on for years now while heading to the exit. Olivia's busy having some 'girl talk' with her friend Mya who also doubles as an actress. They're so busy going back and forth that they don't realize the director is heading their way.
"So, what are you doing to do after this, Olivia? We have some time before we start the sequel. Plan on taking on any more roles?" Mya asks.
"Oh no." A faint chuckle leaves her. "I'm going back home for some much-needed R&R. I miss my bed and my family. You?"
She understands wholeheartedly. "There are a few casting calls I'm interested in, but I'm not sure if I want to take them just yet. The last thing I need is to be overworked."
"Amen, sister." They share a laugh, their attention shifting to the director.
"Sorry to interrupt, ladies, but I was wondering if I could borrow Olivia for a moment."
"Sure." She hugs Mya before walking in the direction the director gestures her to.
Director Kevin Bass. A regular Tom Cruise in the looks department. Since they started filming, he's had a crush on Olivia— never acting on it to keep things moving forward, but now he sees this as an opportunity.
"So, what did you need?"
"Just as direct as your character— I love it." Tucking his hands into his pocket. "I was wondering if you wanted to grab a drink now that filming is over."
"I probably shouldn't. My flight leaves in a few hours." Folding her arms across her chest. "Why did you wait so late?"
"I didn't want to change the vibe on set by crossing a line."
She hums. "That's disappointing. You— a man; wanted me when you laid eyes on me and chose not to ask me out. It's sad."
Talk about a crush to his ego. "Shit, really?"
She can't help herself, bursting into laughter immediately. "No. I'm kidding, but I can't have a drink with you. You're working on the sequel to the movie, and that would be strange."
"Why?"
"The same reason you hesitated to ask me out is why I can't." A gentle pat on his shoulder, she proceeds to the exit, a smile gracing her lips.
"Because we don't date coworkers!"
X
"Babe. Red or blue shoe?" Ryan asks, rushing out of the closet attracting Smith's attention. His all-black Balmain ensemble and black and white checkered, double-breasted cape bringing a smile to the man's lips.
"Red shoe. That speaks promotion more than anything, but from your boyfriend's perspective, I think you'd look better naked."
"Please." He laughs, disappearing into the closet to grab the other red shoe, slipping them onto his feet as Smith enters from behind. "I think you had enough of me for the day."
Smith pulls him closer, careful not to mess up his attire. "I could never have enough of you. Just so we're clear on where I stand on that front, but you look amazing. The camera is going to love you today."
"Thank you." A chuckle leaves him, hands resting against Smith's chest. "You know? Eventually, you're going to have to make yourself known. All these segments about love, and they don't even have a visual of the man making me happy."
"I know, but it's not my fault, remember. I don't match the description your dad provided."
A scoff. "Anyways, don't care about what he wants." Departing from the closet, Smith following. "We've been together for two years, moved in together after one. You're my life, and I want people to know who makes my heart flutter and my knees weak."
"Amongst other things." He teases, grabbing Ryan from behind and spinning him around, pressing a kiss to his lips.
"Amongst other things." A quick repetition. "So, what do you say? Do you think you can move some things around for me? I know being a chef is hard work, and with you trying to expand—"
"I'll do it whenever you need me." His smile beaming. "I just hope your viewers are ready to see you squirm."
Lips pressing against Smith's left ear. "You do that, and I won't do that thing you like that incorporates two hands and lots and lots of chocolate syrup." A faint whisper, grabbing his red leather tote bag from the dresser and departing from the bedroom, leaving Smith in a state of dismay.
"Hurry up! You're driving!"
"Damn right I am." Grabbing the car keys and quickly following after Ryan, "but you're not serious, are you?"
Silence— though a smile graces Ryan's lips.
"Ryan? You're not serious, are you?"
X
Home sweet home. It's safe to say she missed her apartment more than she should have— the quiet, the organization, her bed— heaven on Earth. Being away for almost half a year took a toll on her, but now she's back and exhausted. She closes the door behind her, sets her suitcase aside, slips out of her heels, and discards her coat, tossing it onto her couch.
A content sigh follows, and then a smile. To her room, she goes, and the first thing she does when she enters is jump on the bed. Not a muscle moves, for she falls asleep not even minutes later, enveloped by the warmth and softness of the bed she missed dearly.
For hours she sleeps, only to be woken up by the most annoying sound in the world: her phone ringing. Lazily searching underneath her pillows, she locates her phone and answers it without checking to see who it is— hoping that it wasn't anything relating to her working.
"This is Olivia Pope."
"Livvie, dear. Where are you?" Her mother's voice comes through the speaker. "You're late."
"Late? For what?"
"Dinner with your family. We scheduled this a few months back, remember?"
Groans, shifting onto her back. "Shit. That's today?"
"Tonight, dear. It's six in the evening."
She jolts up. "I'm sorry! I lost track of time."
"It's okay, baby." Laughter ensues. "Just get here. Dinner is almost ready."
"Okay. See you soon."
The call ends, and Olivia stretches her limbs before sliding out of bed. A hot shower is needed. Undressing, she grabs her towel and heads to the bathroom. The first thing she does is look in the mirror. Shit. Bags. She's exhausted, but for the sake of family, she sucks it up and turns the shower on— giving it a moment before stepping inside. Relief. The perfectly heated water cascades over delicate skin.
Almost half an hour later, she steps out feeling refreshed, wrapping the towel around her wet skin. Approaching the mirror, she wipes the steam away and smiles when she sees her natural curls and decides she's going to wear her hair just like that now that she isn't Olivia Pope, the movie star, but Olivia Pope, the daughter, and sister. Now the excitement is kicking in, and it's time to find something cute to wear.
Entering her bedroom closet, she scans the clothes— fingertips brushing along the various fabrics. That's when she sees the perfect outfit. An ivory and red 'Marta Ferri' X Pierre Frey Tyrolean Toile-de-Jouy cotton dress with a pair of red 'Saint Laurent' Sue chain-embellished leather heeled sandals to match. With those items in mind, she dries off, lotions up, sprays her favorite 'Dior' fragrance, and gets dressed.
One last check in the mirror, she spins, finding herself pleased before collecting her purse, phone and keys. On her way to the door, she dials her dad up, and he answers.
"Hello, Liv. Are you on your way?"
"I am. I'll see you soon."
X
"You have got to be kidding me," Ryan says from the kitchen of his parents Eli and Maya's home, a dinner roll in hand.
"How many times are you going to watch this?"
On the television is Ryan's first segment from his new talk show With Love on the world's most extensive network. The promotion he's been fighting to get was handed to him on a silver platter the moment he entered the building, and he started immediately drawing in millions of viewers with his charismatic charm and character. He's a natural, and it's clear his mom and dad are very proud of him.
"As many times as we want," Maya responds. "My baby is on national television doing what he does best, and you think we aren't going to support? You're out of your rabid ass mind if you think that."
"Mom, please." A laugh leaves him, breaking a piece of the roll into his mouth. "I appreciate the support, you guys." Entering the living room, taking a seat on the arm of the couch next to Eli, who's glued to the television.
"You're going to be a big hit at this network, son." He assures confidently. "I can just tell. You're a star, but I'm curious to know who's making you happy and why we haven't met him."
Here he goes. "How do you know someone is making me happy?"
Both Eli and Maya revert their gazes to him, staring as if he lost his mind.
"You're glowing, one." Maya answers.
"And two, the way you speak of love is like you're experiencing it firsthand."
"Please don't start." He retorts.
"It's too late. I think it's about time we—"
The doorbell rings, and that's Ryan's cue to disappear to the kitchen while mom and dad answer the door. Guess who it is. Olivia!
"My baby! Come on in, give your momma and daddy some sugar."
With a smile, she enters and immediately embraces her mom and dad with the biggest hug.
"I hope I'm not late. Traffic was a mess."
"No, no. You're fine." Eli closes the door. "We were just asking your brother about his love life, but he's—" when they look for him, he's gone.
"— somewhere. Probably in the kitchen eating all the rolls. Anyways, how are you?"
She knows they're about to start. "I'm good. I slept like a log as soon as I touched down, and now, I'm here and starving." Placing her purse on the glass table beside her, making her way to the kitchen with the parents.
"How are you two?"
"We're good, baby. Just watching your brother on the television. He got that big promotion, and now he has his own talk show." Maya answers.
"We're also thinking about taking a family trip one day soon. It's been ages since we've done anything together since you and your brother followed your dreams. Could be nice."
"That's good." A genuine laugh leaves her. "You'll have to let me know when. I'm
shooting the sequel for the movie in a few months, so I have a little time."
"Yes!" Eli clasps his hands together excitedly. "I'll start some research tomorrow."
Before Olivia can respond, Maya bombards her with that question. "So, are you seeing anyone, baby? As an actress, I'm sure you have lots of options."
"Tonight is about Ryan." Orbs fixating on him eating a roll with a smug grin on his lips while she silently screams for help.
"So, let's eat and celebrate him."
"But—"
"Mom, dad. Olivia just got here. Let's not go crazy." Approaching them with a smile, pulling Olivia into a hug. "It's nice to see you, big sis. I glad you could make it."
Smile beaming, she reciprocates. "Likewise. Congratulations on the promotion. That's big news."
The hug ceases. "Thank you. The same goes for you, movie star. How was filming?"
Before she can answer, Eli steps forward. "Okay, before we get into all of this, let's eat! Food's ready, and Ryan ate half the rolls your mother made."
"So? They're good rolls." He retorts with a laugh.
"And we like them, too." Maya chuckles. "Dining room, now."
X
Laughter surrounds the table. For the first time in what felt like years apart, the family can enjoy each other— reminiscing about the good times, manifesting even better ones. However, the tides are about to change because Eli and Maya can't stop poking their noses into their children's lives.
"Memories." Eli exhales. "So, when are you going to make memories with a nice man, Olivia."
Her face practically falls off. "Dad…"
"What? It's a simple question. You and Ryan both have ways of avoiding these questions, and I want to know."
"But you don't have to pressure us." Ryan retorts, eating yet another roll. "It's every two seconds with you."
"Is that a bad thing? Wanting to know what my children are up to?"
"In this instance, yes." Olivia answers. "Maybe we're just not ready to date, maybe we are dating and can't bring ourselves to speak about it just yet, maybe ask us about our careers that we put so many years into."
"We always ask about work," Maya speaks.
"As a general question, yes, but not in detail." Olivia counters. "You go from how is work to who are you dating or when are you going to start dating, and it's tiring."
"And why is that?" Rowan asks.
"Because there's more to life than being in love."
Maya and Eli exchange indifferent looks before the matter takes his daughter's hands in his.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, but without love, there's no balance. I know that's something you don't want to hear, but it's true."
"He's right, Olivia," Maya adds. "Your father and I had our separate lives, careers and still do, but when we came together, everything was amplified. We want that for our children."
Olivia sighs, pulling her hands away. "I'm going to clean the kitchen." Collecting their plates, she proceeds to the kitchen— Ryan following behind.
"I just don't get it." Placing the dishes in the sink. "Why does it matter so much to them?"
Ryan leans against the counter. "That's how they've always been. They just want the same for us."
"Don't you have that?" Turning to face him. "You and Smith?" Her voice is a tad lower for their parents don't know.
"I do, but I don't think we've reached that point of coming together that our parents did." Arms folding across his chest. "Also, he's a white man. Dad would flip if he found out."
That's not right. "Why?"
"He told me serval times verbatim that he wants me with a black man." Shoulders rising to a shrug. "That's why I haven't said anything about my love life."
"You've always been an I'm going to love whoever loves me how I deserve kind of person— even as a child."
"Exactly." A chuckle leaves him, head shaking, "but with you, I do think they want you happy, but they don't know what happiness is to you. A man has never been your focus because you've always done for yourself. Yes, it would be nice to see my sister with a nice guy, but maybe the cards have something different in mind, and that's okay. You know that, and I do, but we also know that they won't stop."
"So, what should I do?" Arms folding across her chest. "I'm tired of this topic."
"I have a coworker who did this thing."
"Thing?"
Reaching into his pocket, he retrieves a card, holding it out to her. Taking it, she examines it.
"The Gold House. What is this?"
"The end to all your troubles. It's a service where men and women can rent men or women to be their beards. Keeps the overbearing away."
"And you want me to—?"
"Absolutely. A fake boyfriend would be perfect for you because there's no attachment."
She's considering it. "This is unlike something I'd ever do, but with the current situation of being bombarded with questions about my relationship status, it seems beneficial."
"While the thought is fresh in your mind, let's go now before they close."
"What about dessert?" Brows knitting, smile beaming.
"We'll be back in time." He assures.
Taking a few moments to process the information, she turns back to the sink and rinses the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. Once the machine starts, she spins on her heels to Ryan.
"We'll take my car."
X
The downtown strip is the most beautiful in the city. Bright lights, crowded sidewalks, music blasting. It's everything they missed seeing as Olivia's always working on movies elsewhere and Ryan works further out, but it's safe to say home isn't so bad after all.
The drive was long due to traffic but fun for Olivia, and Ryan was able to catch up without the interference of their parents. They love them with all their heart, and they know that their hearts are always in the right place, but sometimes they can be a bit much, and they needed to escape that. And what better way to do that than to shop for a man?
There's an empty parking space that Olivia parks in before another car does. Shutting the engine off, she and Ryan get out of the car and cross the street, proceeding to walk up the crowded sidewalk.
"Are you nervous?" Ryan wonders.
"Yes and no." The truth. "I just don't know what to expect."
"Don't go into this with expectations. This is something fun and unexpected." A hand graces her shoulder. "Don't ruin it with your overthinking." He chuckles, as does she.
"Okay, okay." Orbs cutting to him. "I missed this. Us— hanging out. I hope we can do this more now that I'm back home for a while."
"I would love to." His smile beaming, both he and Olivia stopping in front of their destination.
The Gold House. The outside of the place is beautiful, something like a palace only seen in movies. It's well decorated, white with gold trim, and many men and women in gold bikinis and speedos decorating the stairs. With a look to Ryan, Olivia heaves a sigh before leading the way inside.
"Holy shit." Ryan's surprised. "It's like Hugh Hefner's playboy mansion on steroids."
Olivia laughs. "Please remember you're taken and happy."
"I'll try." He jokes, not hesitating to check out a few of the men walking past them. "It's official. I'm getting railed tonight."
"Ryan, please." They burst into laughter, approaching the gold marble counter in the center of the room.
"Hi. Welcome to The Gold Room." The beautiful older woman speaks. "My name is Madam Mera, and I will make sure your desires are met."
"Hi. I'm Ryan, and this is my sister Olivia."
"Lovely to meet you. First-timers?"
"Yes." He answers, "and we're here to find something for my lovely sister here."
"May I ask the reason why?"
"Overbearing parents," Olivia answers quickly. "I need them off my back and—"
"A man in her bed." Ryan jokes, prompting Olivia to laugh nervously.
Madam Mera chuckles, snapping her fingers. Men of all colors, shades, and ethnicities, shirtless in nothing but speedos descending from the spiral staircases to the left and right.
"You've come to the right place, darling. All men go for five hundred a week and will do whatever you want them to do."
"Can they all do me?" Ryan wonders, joking— somewhat.
"You're taken." Olivia nudges him with her shoulder, orbs wandering over the selection of men. She's impressed at how good they look and even more impressed with what they appear to be packing in their speedos. Mm.
"Now, which one of these men do you think would fit a queen like you?" Madam wonders.
Taking a closer look, Olivia and Ryan approach the men. One by one, she passes them by making a mental note for her final decision. It wasn't until she came across a man that made her knees slightly buckle upon entering his orbit.
Cerulean orbs sending shivers down her spine; a head full of gorgeous dark gray and brown hair complemented by a light stubble beard that also enhances his splendor, attraction and squared jaw, and a perfect smile.
And his body? The man is a virtual image of ancient Greek fantasies, a herculean figure of immense strength that showed in each strand of taut muscle and sinewy. He casts a shadow that nearly fills the room.
The finely haired chest leading down to the perfect happy trail and trimmed pubes only visible due to the size of his bulge pressing against the thin fabric of his speedo. Talk about being enamored.
No one else mattered to her, and the closer she got to him, the more she felt inclined to pick him. She's never felt anything like this before.
"I think she found what she came here for." Ryan glances over at the Madam, who smiles, snapping her fingers to send the other men away.
"Hi. I'm Fitz." Holding out a hand to Olivia, his voice so rich it makes her entirety tremble. "And you are?"
"Olivia." Clearing her throat, orbs fixating on his as she extends a hand to shake his.
"Olivia Pope."
"Nice to meet you, Olivia Pope." Stepping closer, almost towering over her. "You and I are going to have lots of fun."
She swallows hard. "Is that a promise?"
"A promise? No. It's a fact."