Chapter 36
Marcus' feet pounded heavily on the concrete floor of the hospital, circling the room, constantly glancing at the small bassinet standing next to Makayla. Huck looked inside the bassinet and shook his head, the infant's resemblance to Marcus was astounding. He sighed, opening the plastic bag and pulling out the white cotton swab, carefully opening the infant's mouth and rubbing it against his cheeks. He dropped the swab inside the plastic bag and turned to Marcus, "you might want to try sitting down."
"Dude, I can't." Marcus responded, placing his hands inside his pants pockets, then swiftly taking them out.
Huck pressed his hand on Marcus' shoulder, stopping his movements. "Well, I need you to sit, so I can get some DNA."
Marcus slouched down on the brown wooden chair, dropping his head inside the palm of his hands. Huck tapped him on the forehead and pointed to the white swab. Marcus opened his mouth and Huck stroked the cotton swab on both sides of his cheek. He dropped the swab inside the clear bag and sealed it.
"How long?" Marcus asked, curiously.
Huck patted him on the back. "Give me two hours and we'll know if you're a father."
Marcus sighed, watching Huck leave the room. His eyes shifted to the little boy squirming and whimpering inside the bassinet. He stood from the chair and started pacing again. The little boy yelped loudly.
"Do something." Marcus groaned, turning to Makayla.
Makayla huffed and rolled her eyes, picking up the little boy, rocking him until he settled. "How can you look at him and not see yourself?"
Marcus' eyes burned with hatred. "Don't."
"I wasn't with anyone else. He's yours." Makayla whispered under her breath.
There was no denying the little boy was his and Marcus knew it. It felt better to deny the obvious. It gave him the slim reassurance that the baby might not be his. He still hadn't spoken to Emily about his current situation. He didn't have the courage or the words to tell her the truth. She might have forgiven him for cheating on her, but adding a baby, made things more complicated. There was no way she'd give him a second chance. He'd scratched his head for the third time, scrunching up his face every time he looked at Makayla. His phone rung and Emily's name flashed across the screen. He sent the call to voicemail, the same thing he'd done for months. The only saving grace was Fitz didn't know about their relationship and he'd planned on keeping it that way. Once Makayla was out of the hospital and a financial agreement was reached about the baby, he'll settle things with Emily. His phone buzzed again and he silenced it cursing loudly, "fuck!"
"Marcus." Makayla said. "What is your problem?"
Marcus smirked. "This isn't how it was supposed to happen."
Makayla shifted on the mattress. "What are you talking about?"
"This…becoming a father." Marcus said, pointing to the bassinet.
Makayla shook her head. "Shit happens. Get over it."
Marcus took two steps toward the bed, glaring his eyes at her, "I'm fucked. I should have worn a condom."
Makayla rolled her eyes. "What about all of the stuff you promised me in Atlanta?"
"I lied, Makayla." He said sitting in the chair. "We were having a nice time and the drinks were flowing."
Makayla placed the little boy inside the bassinet. "I guess I was the dumb one because I believed you."
"Makayla don't act like you didn't have this all planned out." Marcus said.
"Have what planned out?" Makayla asked.
Marcus chuckled. "Trapping me with a kid."
Makayla sucked her tongue through her teeth. "I didn't have a plan, Marcus."
"Bull…." Marcus said before stopping himself.
"Look, you don't have to be here. I can do this on my own. I don't need you." Makayla stated, firmly.
"If he's mine. I'll be his father. Nothing more." Marcus demanded.
"Get out, Marcus." Makayla yelled.
The little boy's eyes shot open and he started wailing loudly. Makayla lifted him from the bassinet and rocked him back to sleep. "I asked you to leave." She said, picking up the remote to call the nurse.
Time seemed to stand still. Marcus walked the halls of the hospital, constantly glancing at his watch, begging time to move faster. Marcus pulled the handle on an empty room, walking inside toward the vending machine. Staring at the snacks through the glass, he contemplated his choice. He inserted a dollar and typed in the number for a bag of chips, reaching inside the bottom of the machine when the snack fell. He paused and looked at the door when it opened. A man walked inside carrying a bouquet of roses and balloons.
"Hey man, I'm assuming congratulations are in order." The man stated with a smile.
Marcus looked up from his snack. "What?"
"If you're in this waiting room it means you just had a baby, right?"
"Oh, I had no idea. I just walked in here for a snack."
The man walked over and extended his hand, waiting for Marcus to shake it. Marcus reached out his hand and shook it.
"Let me show you my little one." The man said, scrolling through pictures on his phone.
"Congrats." Marcus responded.
Noticing Marcus seemed slightly uneasy, he asked "Did you have a baby or are you here for something else?"
"A baby…" Marcus whispered.
"Oh. Ok." The man said, getting the hint that Marcus wanted to be left alone. "I hope things turn out ok for you."
Marcus nodded as his phone buzzed. His heart sank when Huck's name appeared across the screen. He listened, strolling back to Makayla's room, slowly opening the door, hanging up the phone. He stood at the door, feeling faint, he uttered, "he's mine."
Makayla took a deep breath. "I told you."
Marcus sat on the edge of the bed and shook his head. Makayla didn't feel sorry for him. She had succeeded in her plan. She smiled when Marcus looked away. "Do you want to hold your son?"
"Yeah." He answered, walking to the bassinet, lifting the infant in his arms. "I don't want to go through the courts. I'll take care of him. When you're discharged let's talk about an amount you think is feasible and I'll make sure you have it monthly. I want to see my son on a weekly basis." Marcus said, kissing the little boy on the forehead.
"How's that going to work when you live in Atlanta?" Makayla asked.
"I asked Fitz to transfer me back to DC. He's going to send Stephen to Atlanta." Marcus answered.
Makayla shook her head. "I'm sure Olivia really hates me now."
Marcus shrugged. "Do we have an agreement?"
"Whatever you want, Marcus. I'm not going to fight you on anything." Makayla responded.
"I'll visit him at your place for a month and then I want to introduce him to my family by myself."
"Ok fine. Anything else?" Makayla huffed.
"Just so we're clear. We…are…not…in…a…relationship. I'm taking care of my responsibility." Marcus explained.
Makayla blinked rapidly as tears welled in her eyes, falling down her cheeks. "It's fine. Whatever."
Marcus placed the little boy back in the bassinet. "What's his name?"
"Marcus Jr." Makayla answered.
"Welcome to the world Marcus Jr." Marcus said, looking down at his son.
X
Olivia couldn't keep still; her stomach was uneasy and she felt nauseous. Fitz had downed his third glass of scotch. Abby sat on the couch tapping her leg up and down while biting the sides of her nails. Stephen had looked at the same magazine for the third time that night. The elevator dinged and four sets of eyes darted to the doors as they opened. Huck, Marcus, and Quinn walked inside the apartment. Olivia could tell from their facial expressions that it wasn't good news.
"Well…" Abby said, placing her hands on her hips.
"I have a son." Marcus quickly answered.
"Fuck." Stephen shouted.
"Damn, Marcus." Fitz said, hanging his head.
"How accurate are the results, Huck?" Stephen asked.
"I used the best test possible." Huck answered.
Olivia bit the inside of her lip, easing down on the couch. "I feel sick."
"Sex is a hell of a drug." Abby glared at Marcus.
"How soon do you want to be back in DC?" Fitz turned to Marcus, pouring another glass of scotch.
"I feel really bad about all of this." Marcus said.
Fitz sighed. "Marcus, how much time do you need?"
"I would like to be back as soon as possible but I know that's unfair to you. Is a month too soon?"
"Hell yeah." Stephen blurted out. "I need more than a month to find a place in Atlanta, rent out my spot here, and make sure Abby is good."
"I need at least three to six months." Fitz said.
"Ok. I'll just drive back and forth on the weekends to see my son." Marcus said.
"You can use the private jet," Fitz suggested.
Olivia stood, waving her finger. "No."
Fitz looked at Olivia. "Baby, it's fine."
She wiped at her eyes and moved closer to Marcus. "No. This is your responsibility, figure it out. For the record, you and Fitz might be friends but Makayla and I are not. I don't want her or her baby around me so that means I don't want you around me either."
"Olivia." Fitz said, calmly.
"This was her entire plan. She wanted to ruin my life and you let her because you couldn't keep your dick in your pants." Olivia shouted.
"Fitz get your wife." Marcus said, taking two steps back from Olivia.
Olivia threw up her hands and walked back toward the bedroom. "I'm done. I have nothing more to say to you."
"I'll go and talk to her." Abby said, pulling on Quinn's arm.
Fitz turned to Marcus. "Olivia has every right to be mad and I'm not going to try and change how she feels. I'll do my best to prepare everything for three months. Stephen I'll need you to spend some time in Atlanta getting to know Marcus' contacts. I'll go with you."
Stephen gave a half-grin. "We had an agreement, Fitz. I'm not leaving here without my girl."
"It'll be a few short trips before the big move."
Stephen nodded.
Olivia paced back and forth across the bedroom while Quinn and Abby sat on the bed, watching her movements. She glanced at Abby, annoyed at her best friend's calm demeanor. "Abby what gives. Why are you being silent? I expected you to go off on Marcus."
Abby shrugged, standing, fiddling with the perfume bottle on the dresser. "What good is it going to do?"
"Come on Abs, he deserves it!" Olivia said, stopping her movements, standing in front of Abby.
"I can't think about it, Liv. I don't know what I'm going to do. My whole life is about to change and it scares me."
Olivia gave a half-grin.
"I keep telling myself it'll be a good thing for us. It won't be forever."
"It can't be forever…right?" Olivia asked.
Abby shook her head, "no."
Olivia sat next to Abby and leaned her head on her shoulder. Finally, the tears they'd been holding were released. Quinn joined them on the bed, gripping their hands tightly. All three friends held hands and cried together.
After several moments of sobbing, they walked inside the living room. Olivia strolled to Fitz, placing her hand on his back, she slowly rubbed it. He turned and instantly noticed her swollen eyelids. "I'm sorry, baby. I really am."
Olivia cupped his cheeks, kissing him softly, "This isn't on you. Abby and I talked. We're going to be fine."
"Yeah." Abby said, leaning her head on Stephen's shoulder. "We're putting on our big girl panties and being adults."
Fitz gave a lopsided grin, bringing Olivia against his chest, kissing her forehead.
Marcus sighed. "What if I ask Makayla to move to Atlanta?"
Abby laughed. "She won't do it. Don't waste your time."
"No. I'm serious. If I convince her to move to Atlanta, everything will stay the same."
"I'm not getting my hopes up." Olivia shrugged.
Stephen placed his glass on the table, turning to Abby. "I need to do something."
"What's up?" Abby asked.
"I've been carrying this around with me for weeks waiting for the right moment to ask you," Stephen said, pulling out a black velvet box, bending down on one knee. "I can't imagine making this huge change in my life without you by my side. I know everything is happening so fast and I appreciate you for standing by me and loving me. Abigale Whelan, would you do the honors and marry me?" Stephen asked, opening the box to a 7-carat diamond ring.
Abby looked around the room at her friends, then back at Stephen.
"Babe…Stephen…Yes…Yes…" Abby shouted with excitement.
Stephen slid the ring on her finger and stood, lifting her off her feet, twirling her around.
"I love you so much," Abby said, once Stephen placed her on her feet.
"Let me see." Olivia squealed, pulling on Abby's hand. "I'm so happy for you."
"That was a surprise, but a good one." Fitz chuckled, patting Stephen on the back.
"Yeah. I couldn't wait anymore." Stephen said.
"Congrats, man." Marcus said, shaking Stephen's hand.
"Congrats." Huck and Quinn chimed.
X
It was late and Olivia attempted to unwind with another glass of red wine. It wasn't working and her nerves were still on edge from earlier that evening. Fitz still hadn't come to bed. She strolled past Fitz's office dropping the glass inside the kitchen sink. On her way back to the bedroom, she paused and leaned her shoulder against the door frame. "Hey."
He rubbed his eyelids, yawning, and gave a quick smile.
"Coming to bed anytime soon?" Olivia asked., twirling the hem of her nightgown.
"In a few." He answered trying to stifle a yawn.
Olivia tip-toed inside the office, standing behind his leather chair, dropping her hands down his chest. "Is there anything I can help with?"
He sighed. "No. It's just a lot I need to figure out."
Her hands began to massage his shoulders as she kissed the nape of his neck, "How about…"
Fitz interrupted her, "baby, I'm not in the mood right now."
Olivia stopped her movements, "Fitzgerald, I didn't come in here for sex. I came to be with my husband and reassure him that everything is going to be fine."
He pushed his laptop further on the desk, "I need to go to Atlanta in a few days." Fitz twirled the leather chair around, facing Olivia. "I'll take Stephen with me so he can get acquainted with the office."
Olivia sighed. "Ok."
"While I'm gone, can you interview the candidates for Alyssa's replacement? She left the top three choices on my desk."
"No problem."
He wrapped his hands around her waist, bringing her on his lap, are you going to be ok, Livvie? I know this transition won't be easy."
"It'll be an adjustment, but I'll be fine."
Worry began to set in and his thoughts drifted to the fact that she still hadn't told him about her visit to Edison's house. "If it gets to be too much, promise me, you'll tell me. I'm going to do everything in my power to fix this."
She gently kissed his forehead, "I'll be fine, Fitz. Let's go to bed."
"You hate being away from me." He planted several kisses up and down her neck.
Olivia stood and brought his hand to hers, kissing it, "there's always phone sex, face time teasing and I can send you some naughty text messages."
Fitz chuckled. "I would like that."
"How about a massage?" Olivia asked as they walked toward the bedroom.
Fitz undressed and eased down on the mattress, burying his face in the pillow. Olivia clicked through a few songs on her cellphone before selecting Chrisette Michele's' A Couple of Forevers.'
I see it clear, my heart is here
We got each other, let's take it from there
And if I could, I'd love you a forever at time, oh, oh
What we've been through, no one else knows
'Cause all that matters is how far this goes
And it will go until it starts again, oh
Me and you are built like armor
Nothing can't stop love from loving on us
And I'm not asking for much
Her hands roamed across his broad shoulders, gently rubbing the tight muscles that had formed. Slow and steady her hands caressed his neck, moving down his back, pressing firmly across his smooth skin. She planted light kisses across his back, stopping at the band of his boxers. Sighing, she wished he had removed them before the massage. She glided her hands down his legs, circling her thumb over the heels of his foot. Satisfied, she rested her weight on top of him, whispering, "turn over."
Just a couple of forevers
A couple of forevers
I'm the only one, you're the only one
Together 'til never
I'm talking 'bout forever
Just a couple of forevers
I'm the only one, you're the only one
Together 'til never
He shifted on the mattress, turning and his intentions were made known by the bulge pressing against his boxers. His eyes locked with hers and he whispered, "I need you."
Olivia sat up on the mattress, quickly discarding her white silk nightgown. Fitz lowered his boxers, tossing them to the floor. No words were spoken as the music filled the room, he entered her, rotating his hips to the beat of the music, flesh on flesh, emotional and raw, they were lost in the moment. He thrusts deep inside her, filling her with every drop of his seed, Olivia comes undone in his arms. He feels drops of water against his cheeks and he realized she's crying. Fitz holds her close to his chest, whispering, "I'll fix it, baby."
X
A few days later…
Fitz pressed the alarm button on his phone for the third time, snoozing it again. Olivia nestled against his chest and he didn't want to move.
"Don't go, baby." Olivia whined.
His fingers danced up and down her arm, "I won't be gone long. A couple of days."
Olivia sighed, climbing on top of him, smiling.
His eyes met hers, "again?"
"Mmmmmhmmmmm." Olivia smiled, easing down on his erection.
He licked his lips, dropping his head against the pillow, watching her move up and down. Needing more, his hands gripped her hips, pressing her core deeper on him. "Fuck, yes!" He groaned. Minutes later, he'd filled her with his cum for the third time that morning.
"Livvie, I have to go." Fitz chuckled, easing off the bed.
"Stay." Olivia purred, crawling across the bed like a small kitten.
"No more." Fitz smiled, walking inside the bathroom.
Olivia followed him. He looked over his shoulder and grinned. He opened the glass door to the shower and stepped inside allowing the warm water to roll over his skin. He inhaled a deep breath and closed his eyes, thinking about how the next few months might take a toll on their marriage. He knew he needed to spend several days, possibly weeks in Atlanta. He was keeping the real amount of time to himself. Olivia wouldn't approve of his time away. His thoughts consumed him that he didn't hear Olivia enter the shower. He jerked back as a pair of warm lips covered his member. He sucked in a breath, dropping his hand to her wet curls, tugging on them. His hips moved slowly as she sucked him deep. Normally, he was the one that craved her and made sure to satisfy her before a trip, but this time was different and he wasn't complaining.
Olivia sighed watching Fitz slip on his navy-blue jacket. She had finally conceded to the thought that he wasn't staying. Olivia slid on her six-inch black high heels and stood from the ottoman inside the closet, straitening her black suit. She strolled to Fitz, tying the knot in his tie. Gently pressing her lips against his, she slowly pushed him against the wall, releasing the strap of his belt. He swatted her hands away, "I would love to stay and enjoy all of what you are giving, but I have to go sweet baby."
"I don't want you to go." She said, following him to the kitchen.
"Don't make this harder than it already is," Fitz said, snapping his fingers. "Damn, I need my keys to the Atlanta office." He moved swiftly back to the bedroom.
His phone buzzed on the kitchen counter and Olivia's eyes glanced down at the screen. "Unknown caller…Unknown number." Olivia had noticed the call several times before. Fitz always ignored it. She huffed, picking up the phone, sliding her finger across the screen. She immediately heard, "you have a collect call from…"
"Baby," She heard Fitz walking toward her.
"Shit." She said quickly ending the call, dropping the phone on the counter.
"Whatcha doing?" Fitz asked, curiously.
"Nothing." Olivia smiled, handing Fitz the phone.
"I'll call you when we land."
"Ok." Olivia said, pecking his lips.
"That's all I get," Fitz smirked. "Just a minute ago you were all over me."
Olivia wrapped her fingers around the back of his neck, tangling her fingers through his curls, kissing him deeply.
"Better." He smiled, smacking her ass before leaving on the elevator.
Olivia quickly grabbed her purse and work bag and rushed to her car, dialing Abby's number.
"Our plan didn't work." Olivia said.
"Nope." Abby laughed. "Stephen left a few minutes ago."
"Damn, my legs are killing me." Olivia chuckled.
"I can barely keep my eyes open." Abby yawned.
"Why did I let you convince me to try and use sex to keep my husband at home." Olivia asked, pulling out of the parking lot.
"Wasn't it fun?" Abby chuckled.
"Yes. Fitz enjoyed every minute of it."
"We handled the assignment!" Abby laughed. Dinner and drinks tonight. I'm not taking no for an answer."
"Fine. Only because you'll be leaving soon and I want to cherish all of our time together."
"Don't get all sentimental on me. Have a good day at work, bestie."
"Bye."
X
Fitz boarded the Grant jet and immediately plopped on the leather seat, exhaustion quickly setting in. He pressed the button on the side of the chair, lifting his feet, leaning his head back on the headrest. Stephen yawned and did the same. Chloe appeared from the entrance of the plane, "hello gentlemen, can I get you something?"
"A strong black coffee and a glass of scotch." Fitz answered without hesitation.
"Coffee light and sweet, and a glass of bourbon." Stephen responded.
"Sounds like you gentlemen had a rough morning." Chloe smiled and turned on her heels toward the small serving area.
Stephen and Fitz turned to each other with a knowing look.
"I normally don't talk about my sex life, but Liv wore me out." Fitz chuckled.
Stephen laughed. "Same, boss. Abby was non-stop. Shit, I'm not complaining, but damn I didn't get an ounce of sleep."
"I think they planned it, my friend." Fitz chimed.
"No way." Stephen chuckled accepting the drinks from Chloe.
Marcus stumbled on the plane, struggling with tucking his shirt inside his black dress pants. His suit jacket fell to the floor and he quickly picked it up, not making eye contact with Fitz and Stephen.
Fitz shook his head. "You're late."
"My bad, shit was hectic last night. I stayed at Makayla's and MJ wouldn't go to sleep."
Fitz sighed.
"You stayed at Makayla's?" Stephen asked, sitting his drink on the small table next to him.
"Yeah. I don't have a place in DC. My parent's house is off-limits. I haven't told them about the baby." Marcus answered.
Fitz signaled to Chloe they were ready for take-off. He turned to Marcus, "you're going to need their support and help. Don't be a fool, Marcus."
"I just need a break. I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster."
Fitz chuckled. "One that you put yourself on."
"If you need a place to stay, you can crash at my townhouse when we move out. Don't mention it to Abby and we're good." Stephen said.
Marcus nodded. "Thanks."
"Stephen you just secured your death wish." Fitz laughed.
Stephen shrugged.
X
Olivia stared at the bookcase in her office, sighing at the thought of leaving and returning to an empty apartment. Her thoughts wandered to the call Fitz received earlier in the morning. She had a feeling the unknown calls were from his father. She wondered if Fitz answered them. In her presence, he ignored the calls. Her calls to Fitz had gone unanswered and she began to worry. It wasn't like him not to answer his phone. Standing from her desk, she grabbed her purse and work bag, shutting off the light, and leaving for the evening. She waved goodbye to some of the teachers as she passed their classrooms. As she pushed the door to exit, her eyes darted to one of the students sitting alone on the steps. She quickly walked over to the little girl, tapping her on the shoulder.
She reached up to her ears, taking out her air pods "Oh, hi Mrs. Grant." The little girl said, scrolling through her phone.
"Sapphire, it's late did you miss the bus?" Olivia said glancing at her gold Movado watch.
"No, I don't take the bus. My sister was supposed to pick me up from school."
"Did you try calling her?"
"Yes, but she isn't answering her phone."
"Let's try calling her again." Olivia said.
Sapphire dialed the number and pressed the speaker button on the phone so Olivia could hear the call. It went straight to voicemail.
"Come with me. I'll take you home." Olivia started walking ahead of Sapphire, turning back when she noticed the little girl had stopped walking. "Sapphire, everything ok?"
"Mrs. Grant, I can't go with strangers."
Olivia smiled. "Sapphire I understand, but I'm not a stranger and if it makes you feel better you can call someone while I drive to your house."
"Ok." Sapphire said, skipping to the car.
Olivia eased inside the car and threw her bags in the backseat. "Type in your address and call whoever you want, ok."
"How about we listen to music instead," Sapphire said.
"Ok, you pick the station." Olivia said.
Sapphire flipped through the stations until she came to a station playing Cardi B 'Money.' She immediately started dancing in her seat, flicking the volume up. Cardi B wasn't one of her favorite artists so she didn't recognize the song. As soon as the first verse played, she quickly changed the station.
"Mrs. Grant, why did you change it?" Sapphire said, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
"That song is inappropriate, Sapphire."
Sapphire sucked her teeth, "your corny. It's a good song. My sister plays it all the time."
"You're eight." Olivia quipped.
Sapphire shrugged and pulled out her phone, inserting her air pods in her ear.
Olivia sighed.
After several minutes of dodging in and out of DC traffic, Olivia pulled up to a tall brick apartment building on E. Street. She looked out of the window and quickly texted Abby that she needed a rain check on their night out. She knew the neighborhood well. When she surveyed the different communities in DC for the school, she met with several residents seeking their input. She reached in the backseat and grabbed her sneakers, changing out of her six-inch heels. "Alright, let's go." Olivia said.
Sapphire led the way and Olivia followed her to the first floor. Sapphire knocked hard on the door until it flung open. She snickered at her sister. "Diamond, you were supposed to pick me up from school."
Diamond looked back on the couch and inched the door closed, "mom didn't tell me I had to pick you up today."
"My principal had to bring me home," Sapphire said, pushing the door open, pointing to Olivia.
"Hi, Diamond, I'm Mrs. Grant. Is your mother home?"
"Nope, she's at work." Diamond said, snapping her fingers.
"We have a strict policy about students being picked up late," Olivia said.
Diamond rolled her eyes. "Ok."
"Here's my card. Make sure your mom gives me a call tomorrow."
"Ok. Anything else?" Danielle asked, slipping the card in her jeans pocket.
"Yeah, I'm sure your mother isn't aware that you have company."
"Oh, Mrs. Grant please don't tell her. He was just leaving." Diamond begged.
"Funny how your manners just returned. Make sure your mother gets my card, Diamond." Olivia said, turning and leaving.
X
Olivia walked through the lobby of her apartment building and waved to Huck. She knew Fitz had specifically asked him to monitor the building while he was out of town. She leaned her tired back against the wall of the elevator, sighing before the doors opened. She pushed off the wall and stepped off. The aroma from the apartment caught her by surprise and she smiled hoping that Fitz had returned home. She walked to the kitchen, pausing as Ace turned to face her. "Hi, Mrs. Grant. Fitzgerald asked me to make sure you had dinner for the week."
"For the week?" Olivia questioned, dropping her purse on the couch.
"Yes." Ace said, plating her food.
Olivia reached inside her purse for her cellphone. "No…No…No…I'll be right back."
Before he could speak, she blurted, "you're going to be in Atlanta for a week?"
"Yes, Olivia. A lot has happened and I need to be here." Fitz answered.
Olivia huffed, placing her hand on her hip. "Why does our life have to be interrupted because Marcus didn't wear a fucking condom?" She boomed.
"Olivia I can't do this right now," Fitz said in a hushed tone.
"Fitz, I've been calling you all day and you haven't answered. Now that I have you on the phone you can't talk to me?" Olivia said, angrily.
"You're not talking to me. You're yelling and saying a lot of bullshit." Fitz groaned.
"What!" Olivia said, pressing the speaker button on her phone. "When did you decide you were going to be in Atlanta for a week?"
"Today! Act like a grown-up and deal with it."
"Fitzgerald, I don't know what the fuck is going on with you, but when you get your shit straight, call me back."
He didn't respond. He ended the call, tossing his phone across the room, cursing loudly. "
Olivia sat stoically on the bed, twisting her wedding rings. She had been in that position since she hung up with Fitz. He'd never spoken to her in that manner and she wondered what happened from the time he left to his arrival in Atlanta. Her stomach churned, reminding her that she needed to eat. She slowly walked inside the kitchen and sat in front of the plate of food that Ace had prepared for her. He poured a hefty amount of red wine into a glass and pushed it to her, "can I offer some advice?"
Olivia shrugged, picking at the food on her plate.
"Fitz is a good man. He loves you with everything in him. If you keep pushing him, he'll end up like his father."
"Did you hear our conversation?" Olivia asked.
"Some of it." Ace answered. "Sounds like he had a rough day and he doesn't have you around to make it better." Ace winked. "You know what I mean?"
"Yeah. I didn't think he would be gone that long."
"Marriage is a partnership and right now he needs you to be strong. His time away might not be ideal, but I'm sure if he can come home sooner, he will." Ace said, placing the remainder of the food in the refrigerator. "Enjoy your meal. I'll see you tomorrow."
Earlier that day…
Fitz hadn't been to the Atlanta office since he promoted Marcus. Not much had changed. It was a quaint office located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. When he arrived, he greeted employees and scheduled several meetings introducing them to Stephen. He allowed Marcus to take the lead and show Stephen around the office. Marcus had left his office in shambles. Papers were scattered on his desk. Fitz shuffled the papers around trying to tidy up the desk. He searched the desk for a pen and couldn't find one. He pulled open one of the drawers on the side of the desk and his eyes narrowed to a long red velvet box. Curiosity set in and he picked up the box, opening it. A two-carat diamond bracelet glistened inside the box. Fitz shook his head, sighing at the thought of the bracelet being for some woman Marcus was dealing with. Before placing the box back in the drawer, he noticed a small envelope with the name 'Emily' on it. He opened the card and read:
Dear Emily,
Please forgive me.
With all my heart.
Marcus.
He heard voices and tossed the box and envelope back inside the drawer. He looked up when Marcus and Stephen strolled inside the office, "how are things going?"
"Going well. The staff appears receptive to the change." Stephen answered.
"Let's brief over some drinks," Fitz said standing and walking toward the door.
Three hard knocks are heard on the door and then it swings open. Emily stormed inside the office and walked straight to Marcus slapping him hard across the face.
"Emily?" Fitz said, walking to her, yanking on her arm.
Emily's head snapped around at Fitz. "What…Why are you here?" She asked, blinking rapidly.
Marcus interrupted, darting his attention to Emily. "Can we go somewhere and talk in private?"
"Isn't this a coincidence?" Emily chuckled. "Nope! We can talk right here in front of my brother."
"Emily, this is between us." Marcus said.
This sounds like a lover's spat." Stephen said, easing down on the black leather couch.
"We weren't lovers, we were just fucking apparently!" Emily stated, harshly.
"Wait…what?" Fitz said, scratching his head.
Stephen pointed at Emily and Marcus, "Y'all were dating?"
Emily shrugged.
"I need to talk to you." Marcus said, moving closer to her.
Emily tapped her foot. "I'm listening."
"I have a son," Marcus whispered.
"Speak louder, I can't hear you!" Emily said.
"I have a son," Marcus yelled.
"You son of a bitch. You were still fucking her." Emily shouted.
"It was a mistake." Marcus said.
"I can't believe I listened to all of the lies you fed me."
Marcus slipped his fingers in hers, whispering so Fitz wouldn't hear, "Everything I told you was the truth, Ems. Please believe me. I had a moment of weakness."
"Fuck you, Marcus." Emily yanked her hand from his, slapping him again.
Disgusted with the spectacle he was witnessing, Fitz flung the drawer open and tossed the velvet box on the desk. "So, you're this Emily…my sister."
"You went through my desk?" Marcus asked, turning toward Fitz.
"This is my property." Fitz groaned.
Marcus picked up the velvet box and handing it to Emily. "Please, forgive me."
"Marcus, lose my number," Emily said, leaving the office.
Marcus plopped down on the leather couch, shaking his head in his hands. Fitz lifted his collar, forcing him to stand. "You have ninety days to prove to me that I shouldn't fire your ass."
"Fitz, you know I'm a damn good lawyer. Don't let my personal mistakes cloud your judgment."
"Fuck you." Fitz groaned, pushing Marcus back on the couch, walking out of the office.
Stephen chuckled. "You're a fool."
"Shut up, Stephen." Marcus said.
"You're fucked. You've pissed off the two most important women in his life besides his mother and grandmother. He's coming for you."
"Fitz has no grounds to fire me. He can't fire me because his wife hates me and my relationship with his sister ended. I'll fight back." Marcus said.
Stephen patted Marcus on the back and chuckled. "You have a crazy baby mother to deal with now. It won't be Fitz that'll destroy you."
"I'm not worried about Makayla," Marcus said.
"You should be. Oh, and the deal about my townhouse has changed. I think it's best you find your own living arrangements. I can't jeopardize my relationship with my fiancé." Stephen said, walking out of the office, closing the door behind him. Stephen searched the entire office building for Fitz, he was nowhere in sight.
X
Fitz removed his shoes, tiptoeing inside the guest room, showering. He strolled inside the master bedroom, pressing the small light on his phone to guide him, carefully shining the light against the wall. The light beamed and bounced off the wine bottle that sat on the nightstand, he lifted it and noticed it was empty. He placed it back on the nightstand and shook his head. He slowly slid under the covers, inching closer to her, bringing her body flush against his. The sweet scent of her shampoo and body lotion relaxed him. It was just what he needed. She turned in his arms, kissing him on the lips, whispering, "Hi, baby."
"Hi, beautiful." He responded in a deep tone.
Olivia's eyes popped open and she pushed off of him, leaping off the bed. She heard a loud thud and quickly grabbed the baseball bat from under the bed. Fitz quickly stood from the floor and turned on the light, "Baby…Liv…it's me."
Her eyes blinked rapidly, attempting to adjust to the light, "what…what are you doing here?"
"Perks of owning a private jet and missing you."
Olivia dropped the baseball bat and rushed over to him, hugging him tightly. She kneeled on the bed, bringing him next to her, "sorry about earlier, Fitz."
Fitz sighed. "I had a rough day and I took it out on you. I'm sorry, too."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Olivia asked.
"Not right now. I came home to be with you. I have to be back in Atlanta in a few hours."
"Ok." She said, playing with the band of his black boxer briefs. "Let's not waste any time."
"What do you have in mind?"
"I can think of a few things," Olivia said, sliding under the covers, lowering herself between his legs. Her tongue peeked from between her lips, lapping the clear droplet that formed at his tip. Her lips parted and she slid his erection fully in her mouth. "Damn, baby." He moaned, allowing the stress to dissipate from his body. His hips began to move, thrusting with controlled movements as his hands lifted from the mattress, finding their way to her loosened curls, fisting them in his hands. Olivia moaned and sucked him deeper.
"Feels good, baby." Fitz moaned, pulling Olivia up from the covers. "I want to cum inside you."
Olivia kissed him deeply and lowered herself on him, stilling for a moment, she looked down at her husband. "I love you so much."
He eased up off the mattress and circled his tongue around her hardened nipple, before sucking it through his teeth. Olivia rolled her hips, stroking her slick, hot flesh over his erection. They moved like a slow song with a soft beat until Fitz stopped.
"Baby." Olivia crooned.
His voice deepened, filled with lust. "I need more. Get on all fours."
Olivia eased off of him and obliged. Gripping her hips, Fitz plunged deep inside her, losing himself. He couldn't hold back, he couldn't take her slow and easy. He stroked her hard and deep, until she screamed, "Fitz!" She jerked and came apart in his arms, clenching around his throbbing dick as he spilled his seed deep inside her. Olivia fell onto the mattress, Fitz tumbling down on top of her, sweat connecting their skin. "I love you more," Fitz whispered in her ear.
X
Olivia slipped out of the covers, yawning. It felt like she had just closed her eyes. Her body ached from their lovemaking. Fitz was sprawled across the bed, snoring lightly. She kissed the nape of his neck, before heading to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. She walked to the kitchen, quietly toasting a sesame bagel and slathering vegetable cream cheese across it. She pulled his mug from the Keurig machine and sat it next to the plate. Fitz shuffled inside the kitchen, laying his suit jacket across the chair in the kitchen. "I have to get going before Stephen realizes I left Atlanta."
Olivia smiled. "I appreciate you."
Fitz smiled bringing his arms around her waist. "I appreciate you. Thanks for breakfast." He said, filling his mouth with a piece of the bagel. "Did you know about Marcus and Emily?"
Olivia dipped her teabag inside her mug. "She mentioned it at my bridal shower, but we didn't talk about it. I just thought they were hooking up."
"Well, shit hit the fan. She showed up in Atlanta yesterday." Fitz took another bite. "I think it was more than just hooking up. Apparently, Marcus hadn't told her about Makayla or the baby."
Olivia sat next to Fitz at the kitchen counter. "Damn."
"Needless to say, she was pissed. I had no idea they were even a thing." Fitz said.
"I don't know what to say."
Fitz dropped the plate inside the sink. "I gave him ninety days to prove himself to me. He has too much shit going on and I need someone who is going to be focused. I don't need any drama in DC."
"Is that why you were upset yesterday?" Olivia asked.
"Yes, but I shouldn't have taken it out on you," Fitz said, walking past the small oak desk next to the elevator. His eyes glanced down, noticing a postcard from his realtor. "You should give her a call." He said holding it out for Olivia.
"What's this? Olivia asked, looking down at the postcard.
"It's from my realtor. He said, scooping her up in his arms. "Start looking for a house while I'm gone.
"Really?" Olivia grinned.
He kissed the bridge of her nose and nodded. "It's kind of tight in here. Eventually, I want to start working on that little one."
Olivia smiled as her hand crossed the front of her stomach.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Surprise engagement for Abby. Do you think Abby and Olivia's friendship will remain strong while they are separated? Marcus has a lot to deal with at the moment. I really enjoy writing about how connected they are as a couple. Let me know your thoughts. Don't forget to leave a review.