Chapter Seven
Olivia's POV
"Liv, Liv, we're here," I can here Fitz saying as he is gently shaking me trying to wake me up. I groan. I feel like I just barely closed my eyes but I slowly open my eyes to see a pair of blue eyes staring back at me.
"Hey. Sorry I had to wake you but I found a diner where we can eat if you want or we can just head straight to the farmer's market," he says softly.
My stomach at that time decided to growl which answered his question. We both laugh at that moment and we get out of the car. After being in a car for so long it felt great stretching out my legs. I check the time and notice that it's already 9:30 in the morning.
"Good morning! Table or booth?" the blonde hostess/waitress asks. She looks like she is in her late teens and is clearly eyeing Fitz with no shame. I hold my giggle in because I totally understood.
"Booth will be fine thanks," I answer for both of us. She walks us over to an empty booth and gives us the menus.
"My name is Brittany in case you need anything," she says before turning around to help another costumer. When I know she is out of earshot, I turn to Fitz.
"She was totally checking you out," I say with a giggle and start looking at the menu.
"She's like 17! She can look but I'm nowhere near interested," he says looking at his menu. I laugh at his response but say nothing else.
"What are you getting?" Fitz asks breaking the silence.
"I think I'm going to get the blueberry pancakes with a side of fruit and some coffee. After this early morning, I am in need of it."
"I'm probably going to do the same but add some bacon to that too."
At that moment Brittany walks up to our booth and takes our orders. As she walks away, my phone starts to ring and we both notice that Edison was calling me. Fitz tenses in his seat. I clear my throat and get up from my seat. I didn't want to subject Fitz to this phone call and I didn't want to be around him as I answered it.
I walk outside and answer the phone.
"Hey babe!" I say to him trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Hey you. I can't believe it's been two days since we last talked. I miss you," Edison says but I can hear people in the background so I know he isn't alone.
"I miss you too. When are you coming here? We haven't seen in each other in so long."
"I know Liv but it's been so busy."
I think about what Fitz said about not leaving my side if I were his. I clear my throat and push those thoughts away.
"Maybe I should come up there and take a break from all the wedding stuff."
"No!" Edison says quickly but before I can question him about it, he clears his throat.
"I mean it's okay Olivia. You just stay there. I have it covered here. I should be able to see you in two weeks once things are more settled. Let's see if we can FaceTime tomorrow."
"Yeah sure Edison. Look I gotta go so we'll talk tomorrow," I tell him wanting to be done with this conversation.
"Olivia don't be like this," he says.
"I'm not doing anything. I just need to go."
He sighs in frustration, "fine we will just talk tomorrow. I love you."
"Me too. Bye."
I hang up the phone and walk back to the booth. I notice that another waitress is dropping off our food. I slide into the booth and give Fitz a small smile trying not to show my emotions.
"Wow these pancakes look really good," I say as I take a sip of my coffee.
Fitz looks at me but doesn't say anything. He decides to just start eating and I follow suit. It's quiet and tense between us. I hate this feeling and I hate knowing that the phone call was the reason Fitz had shut down on me. We had finally taken a couple steps forward only to take a step back.
Fitz clears his throat, "are you okay?"
I avoid looking at him before answering, "yeah I'm fine. Edison just wanted to say hi."
"Does he know where you are?"
"No he doesn't. The only people who know I'm with you are Mabel and Abby. My parents think I'm with Abby. Are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm okay. Let's just finish up here and head to the farmer's market."
I nod and continue eating. We don't say anything else but just continue to eat. Before I knew it Brittany came over with the bill. Before I could even check the amount, Fitz snatches it up real quick.
"Hey! Let me see. I'll pay for breakfast," I tell him.
"Don't worry about it Liv. I got it. My treat," he says taking out a couple of bills before sliding out the booth. He holds his hand out for me to grab. I look at him and then his hand before slipping my hand into his. He helps me out of the booth and doesn't let go until we get in the car. Holding his hand felt so natural and as much as I shouldn't like it, I do.
"So where exactly is this farmer's market?" I ask when we drive away.
"Just another ten minute drive. I have bags for us in the car in case you want to buy some items. My mom actually gave me a list of some things that she needs."
"Your mom knows where you are?!" I say in a panic. The less people who knew about this the better and if Eleanor knows then maybe others will too.
"Yes she does but don't worry you know my mom well enough that she won't say anything. She was awake when I left so I had no choice but to tell her."
I sigh because realistically I know he is right. Eleanor is not one to gossip around town especially not about her own son.
"I know and I'm sorry for the slight panic," I said.
"It's okay Livvie. I understand why you panicked but you don't need to worry," Fitz said as he placed his hand on top of mine.
We don't say anything else and before I know it he is pulling into the market which seems to be in full swing. There are so many people walking around. I notice couples with their kids and it makes me smile. I hope one day to have my own kids that I can do things like this with them. My parents never really made time for me and for fun family activities and I vowed to be different.
"Ready to go Livvie?" he asks.
"Yeah let's go," I give him a smile and open the car door. He grabs the bags from the back and the two of us walk in the direction that everyone else is. It's starting to warm up and I'm so glad I decided to wear shorts today. Not only were people selling fruits and vegetables but I also saw people selling different items such as handmade bags, soaps, and jewelry.
"Where to first?" Fitz asks shaking me from my thoughts.
"I'm not even sure but why don't we start off with getting the items off of your mom's list?" I suggest.
"Alright. My mom said she wants to make some pies so she gave me a list of fruits that I need to buy for her. First on the list is boysenberry."
I groan, "I love your mom's boysenberry jam and the pie she makes! It's been a while since I've had some."
"You'll definitely need to stop by then," he said giving me a smile. We continue walking until Fitz spots a stand where this old couple is selling several types of berries. Everything was beautifully displayed and so inviting.
"Look it seems like we might only have to make one stop for my mom's stuff," Fitz says leading us to the couple who was currently talking to another couple. They had raspberries, boysenberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. The other couple wrapped up what they were doing and left.
"Hello, may we help you with something?" the older woman asks us when we walked up.
"Hi, I'm Olivia and this is Fitz," I said greeting her with a smile.
"I'm looking for some boysenberries, strawberries, and raspberries," Fitz said as he was reading off his list.
"Well you came to the right place," said the older man.
"My name's Betty and this is Theodore but I like to call him Teddy," Betty says and winks as if she was teasing her husband.
"Everything looks so good. I feel like I should take one of everything," I tell Betty.
"Well thank you dear. We try to make sure we bring our best out here. There's just so much competition," Betty said with a playful tone.
"How much do you need of each?" I turn to ask Fitz who has been looking around.
"Probably one of each and probably the bigger baskets," he responds.
"Great! Would you want to try some of the berries first?" Teddy asks.
"Oh we can?"
"Definitely little lady," he says giving me a plate with a couple of berries on it. I decide to go for the boysenberry. I moan as soon as bit into it.
"Oh god this has got to be the best boysenberry I have ever tasted," I exclaim.
"Fitz you need to try this," I tell him and without thinking I feed him the boysenberry. It was as if time slowed as I slowly removed my fingers from his lips. I could tell that I had shocked him in doing that because his eyes were wide as he chewed the berry.
"Oh goodness y'all are too cute! How long have you been dating?" Betty says snapping us out of our moment.
"Oh we –" I start saying but Fitz cuts me off.
"We've been dating for a year and a half now," he says with a smirk on his face.
My eyes widen in shock. What the fuck is he doing?!
Fitz's POV
What the fuck was I doing?! I think I have lost my mind. But if I was being honest with myself I really just wanted to believe Olivia was mine even if it was just pretend. I really had nothing to gain but the shock on Liv's face was worth it.
"You guys remind me so much of Betty and I," Theodore says as he grabs his wife's hand. They seemed like a sweet old couple and I felt bad but today was a day for adventures and I considered this part of the adventure. Time to take a leap.
"Oh you guys are still in the honeymoon stage. That's beautiful and that ring on your hand! When are you getting married?" Betty asks when she notices Olivia's engagement ring.
Olivia still seems shocked so I answer for her, "Probably next summer. Our families are trying to plan a big wedding but we keep trying to tame them down. We want something small and intimate."
"How sweet. We also had a small wedding. Couldn't afford a big one at the time," Betty explains.
"How long have you guys been married?" Olivia ask finally snapping out of the shock.
"Forty-five years. We were twenty years old when we were married," he answers with this look of love as he stares at his wife.
"What's your secret for lasting as long as you have?" she asks.
"No big secret but communication is key and never go to bed angry."
"Seems pretty simple to me," I say.
"It is but many people tend to complicate things especially in your generation so always listen to each other and never to others," Teddy says.
Olivia and I smile to each other. They seem so in love even after so many years. It's what I picture my parents would've been like if my dad had survived.
"I'm sorry y'all. You guys were here for some shopping and we distracted you. How about you pick what you guys want on the house?! Think of it as wedding present," Betty says.
Olivia shakes her head, "no that won't be necessary! We will gladly pay for it all. Just talking to you guys has been a gift."
"You're so sweet. Fine y'all can pay for what you were going to buy but at least allow me to give you guys a free berry basket of your choice."
Knowing that she wouldn't take no for an answer we agreed. We paid for the things my mom wanted and said our goodbyes. We continued to make our way around the market.
"They were a sweet couple don't you think?" Olivia said breaking our silence.
"Yeah they were. I do feel bad about lying to them," I say running my fingers through my hair.
Olivia laughs, "yeah what is that about fiancé?!"
I laugh, "So you aren't mad about that?"
"I mean I was a little shocked at first but today is about having an adventure and I guess pretending we are engaged counts as an adventure."
"I guess it does," I say laughing again. We smile at each other and make our way to different vendors. Olivia ended up buying some new jewelry from another woman who looked to be about my mother's age as well as some handmade soap that smelled amazing.
As we were walking towards another vendor who was selling ice cream a little girl crashed into Olivia. She couldn't have been more than six years old. Her hair was in pigtails and had beautiful caramel skin. Her eyes widened when she realized what happened.
Olivia smiled, "Hey there. Are you okay sweetie?"
The little girl nods and smiles shyly. "I'm sorry."
"Maddie! Maddie!" I hear a woman call out. She runs in our direction and behind her is a man who looks to be the father of the little girl.
"Honey please don't leave without us again okay!" the mother falls onto her knees holding Maddie tightly.
"I'm sorry mommy but I want ice cream," she says looking at her feet.
"It's okay but don't run from mommy and daddy. I'm really sorry she bumped into you. Once she gets her mind on something she takes off running," the mother says.
"It's really okay. She's adorable," Liv said giving her a smile.
She bends down to the height of the little girl, "why don't I buy you your ice cream if that's okay with your parents."
She looks at her parents who nod their head. Liv grabs her hand and the two of them walk to the vendor. Seeing Olivia with a little girl gives me thoughts I shouldn't have. Thoughts of her and I with our own kids and going home together. But as quickly as those thoughts come to me I quickly shake them away. I can't be thinking about that, not when she has someone else, someone she is going to marry.
We walked around some more before we decided it was time to head to the carnival. Today has been as perfect as it could be. Besides the phone call from Edison, Liv has never looked more carefree. She was constantly smiling and laughing. I wish I could stay in this moment forever with her.
"This has been so much fun. Thank you for bringing me here. This has probably been the most relaxed I've been in a while," she says with a bright smile on her face.
"Well we still have the carnival we have to go to. The fun isn't over yet unless you want it to be," I reply.
"I don't. Let's head to the carnival," she responds and places her hand on top of mine. Before I can stop myself, I lift her hand and place a kiss. She looks away from me but has a smile on her face.
We say nothing more as we continue our drive. We still haven't let go of each other's hands and I don't want to. I don't think I have ever felt so at peace in the past ten years and the one person who does that to me is not even mine.
By the time we made it to the carnival it was already 3pm. The carnival was already in full swing. We see a familiar scene of families, couples, and friends. I park the car and look over to Olivia who's eyes had widen at the scene playing out in front of her and I'm transported back in time where she would be with our family at these events. It brings a smile to my face.
"You ready?" I ask her.
"Yeah let's go. I believe there is a funnel cake calling out my name. Maybe even a turkey leg," she says giggling.
"Let's go."
I get out of the car and open her car door. Without even thinking, I slip my hand into hers. She doesn't do anything but give me her big smile. God that smile was going to be the death of me. I would do anything to keep that smile on her face. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I was really starting fall for her and I didn't know what to do with those feelings.
Olivia's POV
As we walk towards the entrance, I look down at our hands. My hand fits so perfectly in his and today has just been perfect. Not once did I think about Edison and our phone conversation or the upcoming wedding; I was just in the moment. Fitz has been a welcomed surprise today. I don't know what exactly what I was expecting with him but it was not this. This was the Fitz that I remember when I was a kid. The one who smiled, laughed, and didn't seem like the world was on his shoulders. My only hope for him is that he continues to be this way once we get back home.
"So where to first?" Fitz asks.
"Mmm…well I'm getting hungry so let's find something to eat preferably a turkey leg. I saw someone walking around with one now I have a craving," I say smiling up at him.
He laughs and nods. We finally found the place that was selling the turkey legs that were almost the size of my head.
"Are you sure you're going to be able to eat that Livvie?"
"Don't underestimate me and my appetite! But fine we can share," I say playfully shoving him.
He shakes his head playfully but takes a bite out of the turkey leg. I laugh and do the same. We decide to sit on one of the tables to eat.
"So I know I shouldn't ask but I'm going to anyway. You were upset after your phone call with Edison. What was that about?"
I look away from him. It's just like him to be nosey and ask.
I sigh, "He didn't say anything out of the ordinary other than him not wanting me to make a trip down to see him. In fact he practically shouted in my ear telling me not to go. I don't know. I would think we would get closer but in reality I've never felt more distant from him."
Fitz reaches for my hand. It's becoming second nature to feel his hand in mine.
"I'm sorry Livvie. I wish there was more I can do or say to help you. All I know is that if he doesn't want you by his side than that is his loss. Anyone would be lucky to have you by their side. I'm lucky to have you."
I give him a small smile as I feel my cheeks heat up. My heart is beating so fast. When he says things like this it makes my world stop but I have to shake these feelings off. I can't go there, not with him.
We finish up eating and I take out a couple of handwipes to clean off our hands then for the third time today, we are holding hands. Anyone would mistake us for a couple and I didn't have a care in the world.
"Alright so what's next?" I ask.
"Well I do so the water gun game. How about some friendly competition?"
"That's fine by me and what does the winner get?" I ask as we sit in our seats. Fitz pays the operator and I get comfortable in my seat.
"Loser pays for dinner for the winner," he says and sticks out his hand. We shake on it and get ready for our game. The operator gives everyone the okay to start. I press on the buttons as quickly as I could. There was no way I was going to let Fitz win. I quickly take a look at how Fitz is doing and we are neck and neck.
"Scared you're gonna lose to me Livvie?"
"Nope not at all!. You should be scared to lose to me."
Before I know it the bell rings to announce the winner, I look up and notice that I had won! I jumped out of my seat and did a little dance which makes Fitz laugh.
"I won! Now dinner is on you! Ha!"
"Okay little lady what would you want?" the operator asks me. I look around and find the perfect pink unicorn. I point to it and he hands it over.
"Great choice Livvie and congrats on the win," Fitz says.
"Thank you and since I'm in a giving mood, I'll even let you keep the pink unicorn as a reminder of your loss," I tell him handing over the unicorn.
He laughs and grabs the stuffed animal.
"Wow thanks Livvie. I really appreciate this gift."
"Well I am a thoughtful person so you're welcome," I say with a smile. We continue walking around and that's when I notice a photobooth. I grab Fitz's hand and pull him towards the booth.
"Come on! I want us to take pictures to remember this day by," I tell him. I open up the curtain and slide right in. Fitz follows right after me. Being in such a tight space with Fitz makes my stomach go crazy. My heart is racing even more and I hope that he can't hear it.
The timer starts the countdown and I get ready for the first pose sticking my tongue at the camera. Fitz notices what I'm doing and does the same. The picture makes us both laugh which the camera captures. I then decide to put bunny ears behind Fitz's head and he pretends to stick his finger up his own nose. For the last picture, he does something that surprises me. He pulls me into him closer and gives me a kiss on the temple. I close my eyes savoring the moment that is over too soon.
Fitz clears his throat and says nothing as he walks out to look at the pictures. There are two sets and he hands one over to me. God it really did look like we were a couple.
"These are great. I love them. Thank you for bringing me here Fitz and I know I've said that a lot today but I really do appreciate it."
"You don't need to keep thanking me in fact you should probably thank Mabel for basically forcing us to do so," he chuckles.
I laugh, "she knew exactly what we both were needing. Come on let's go do some more exploring."
I put my set of pictures in my purse then hold my hand out. Fitz gives me a look but just slips his hand into mine. For the rest of the day we walked around, laughed, played various games. The sun was starting to set and we made our way to the little pond that was in the area.
We had grabbed a funnel cake on the way out and we sat down on the grass. It was a comfortable silence between the two of us as we watched the sunset. The day was over and reality was starting to sink in that we would go home and be living to separate lives again.
"What's on your mind Livvie?" Fitz asks breaking our silence.
"How do you know something's on my mind?"
"You have that look on your face."
I let out a small laugh, "I just don't want this day to end."
"Me neither Livvie."
I sigh and place my head on his shoulder. He places a kiss on top of my head and then puts his head on top of mine. I close my eyes and for that moment I let myself be at peace and allow myself to think that Fitz is mine even if it is all just pretend.
AN: Hope everyone is still with me! So sorry I missed last week's update, life happened! But it's good to be back and hope that this chapter was the worth the wait. Both Olivia and Fitz are breaking down their walls and any guesses on who will give in first?! Until next week!
XOXO