Hey everybody, y'all all right? I'm slowly getting into the holiday spirit and trying to enjoy it. Hope you're all doing the same. I would like to apologize for not issuing a trigger warning for those who have survived sexual assault, and are still dealing with the aftermath. The next chapter will be the last that I mention what happened with Malcolm, and we'll move on.
Wow! Wow! That's all I could say when I read your reviews and PMs for Chapter 24. That ending surprised a lot of you. It was time to throw some real drama into their story, and Malcolm was the rightful catalyst. If Fitz pissed you off in the previous chapter, I'm not sure if he redeems himself in chapter twenty-five. Olivia also has some culpability in what happened. Will our fave's relationship survive? We shall see.
To the those reading sisters who are still here with me, twenty-five chapters in, thank you so much. To all of those leaving reviews and sending PMs, as always you are appreciated. Only one chapter this week. Read it and let me know what you think. Enjoy.
TBOT
Wear a mask!
Week Eleven…
Olivia watched Sunday's game alone. Joey had begged her to come over to hang with her and Julian, but she wasn't in the mood. Lying on her sofa, she turned down the sound in the middle of the first quarter. The analysts talked more about the charges against Malcolm than what was happening on the field.
It didn't matter anyway because the game was a disaster. Fitz fumbled twice and was sacked three times. He looked so angry with himself during the entire game and Olivia prayed for a miracle that didn't happen. The Football Team lost their first game of the season, twenty-eight to three.
Olivia's stomach had been nervous since the first quarter when the Panthers quickly scored two touchdowns, and it did not end as she watched Fitz try to keep his composure as he spoke to reporters on the field about his team's performance.
Later, during the post-game press conference, she listened to Fitz talk again about missed opportunities, turnovers and penalties. As anyone could have predicted, a reporter asked if their lackluster performance was due to the situation with Malcolm. "Will the issue become too much of a distraction for the team? Is this first loss the turning point in the season?"
Olivia raised the volume to hear Fitz's response. "We have one goal this year, to win a Super Bowl. Whatever happens off the field shouldn't affect what we're trying to do on the field. Our team is committed to put all these distractions aside as best we can, and win games. We made some mistakes today, but we also made great plays. We have a week to work on correcting those mistakes and turning things around."
The next several questions were more of the same and Fitz's frustration level continued to rise. But because he was eleven years into this, he knew how to handle the media and maintained his composure. When time was called, he seemed all too happy to make a quick exit.
Olivia turned off the television and sat thinking about what he'd said. Was he too focused on her, and on Malcolm's legal issues, and not on the game? She knew how important it was for athletes to stay focused during the season, and obviously with all that was going on, his attention was not where it should've been. Maybe she needed to step back a little to allow him to focus on what he needed to do for the Team, and for his game.
X
Monday morning…
Olivia arrived at her building and wasn't surprised to see several reporters stationed near the parking garage. With a high-profile case like the La Blue case, it was expected that each time he was scheduled to appear in court, the media would be there. As she exited her vehicle, they yelled questions in her direction.
"Ms. Pope, how long have you been dating Fitzgerald Grant? "Are you going to recuse yourself from the case?" "Did this case have anything to do with yesterday's loss?" "Was Mr. Grant there the night of the party?" "What did he see?" "Was he with another woman as well?"
She gave the customary "no comment" response and headed inside. She hadn't heard from Fitz since she left his home a week ago and she missed him so much. But, she'd deal with that later. Her first stop was Marc's office.
"What time is he coming in?" she asked.
"Eleven."
"Do you think he'll deal?"
"Absolutely not. He's entering a plea. Not guilty."
Olivia nodded and walked away, toward her office.
X
By Friday, Olivia still hadn't heard from Fitz. She'd texted and called him, and when he didn't respond, her pride wouldn't allow her to try again. They were both stubborn, but Olivia didn't think she'd done anything to warrant this silent treatment. So instead, she immersed herself in work and got back into the gym. She'd neglected her fitness routine because of Team events and activities, which all directly or indirectly involved Fitz.
X
Week Twelve…
The Football Team was on the road again playing in Chicago. Olivia watched the game from the comfort of her sofa in her pajamas, wrapped in a crimson and cream throw. Seeing the snow fall on Soldier Field made her shiver, even though she was in her warm living room. Aside from going to work and working out, the sofa had become her second home. She'd attempted to do a little work while she watched the game so there were file folders everywhere.
The media coverage had only died down a little, and some of the fans still booed each time Malcolm ran onto the field or when he touched the ball. By the fourth quarter, she'd watched Fitz throw an interception and get sacked twice, but he'd still managed to hit Malcolm in the end zone late in the quarter for the winning touchdown. The analysts called it an ugly victory, but the win put Fitz and the Team closer to their ultimate goal: winning the Super Bowl. The Team would clinch their division next week with a win against the Giants, and she couldn't be happier for him.
After the game and press conference, Olivia waited for Fitz to call. Whenever he played on the road, he would talk to her before he boarded the team plane for the flight home. But like last week, he didn't. The thought that their relationship could be over broke her heart. She had given up crying and just moved on to constant sadness. The worst part was that she wasn't sure why they weren't together.
X
Tuesday morning…
Olivia drove up to the black iron security gates and pressed her remote. She was relieved when the gates started to open. She had been on her way to her workout with Joey when she got the idea to drive to Great Falls instead. She'd called Joey to tell her she wasn't coming and headed for I-495. Not quite seven, she didn't want to risk him not being home.
When she drove into the circular drive, she was half expecting him to be standing on the porch waiting for her like he'd done so many times before. She was also surprised to see T.C.'s SUV. Sitting in her car, she wondered if she'd done the right thing by just showing up, but since he wasn't answering her calls or texts, she felt she didn't any other options. She hadn't heard from him in two weeks. Now she was having second thoughts.
She exited her car just as T.C. came out the front door.
"Liv!"
Olivia smiled at the young woman's excitement at seeing her, before giving her a hug. "Hey, T."
"It's so good to see you, Liv. We live in the same city. We should see each other more often."
"True. How are things with you?"
"Great. I had dinner with Fitz last night and decided to spend the night. I got some studying done, and finished a project due before Thanksgiving break."
Olivia smiled, nodding. "I remember those days."
"Are you here to pull my brother out of his funk?"
"I didn't know he was in one."
T.C. nodded. "He's been in a mood lately, and I think it has something to do with Malcolm La Blue, and you."
Apparently Fitz hadn't shared anything about what was going on between them with his sister, which didn't surprise Olivia. But she'd done a good job of guessing. "Well, I'll see what I can do."
"Please. I don't want any other sister-in-law, so whatever you need me to do to get you two back on track, I will do."
Olivia chuckled, thinking T.C. sounded just like her mother, who'd told her that she didn't want anyone else to be her daughter-in-law.
"He's stubborn, but he loves you."
Olivia nodded, wondering if that was still true.
"Well, I've got to get back to the city to change for my first class. See you later, Liv," T.C. said as she jogged to her SUV.
"Bye, T."
T.C. drove off and Olivia smiled. At least his sister was still in her corner.
Figuring she'd stalled long enough, she climbed the steps and rang the doorbell.
X
After a minute, Fitz opened the door and his tense body relaxed. He'd seen her on the security video when the doorbell rang and rushed to the door. Just seeing Olivia gave him a sense of peace. No matter what they were going through, he still missed her. He stood staring. She wore grey Nike workout leggings, white long sleeve t-shirt that she'd thrown a grey Nike fleece crewneck over, and of course, Nike sneakers. Her hair was pulled into a loose ponytail and her face was freshly cleansed. As always, her natural beauty took his breath away.
"Bert made breakfast," he said instead of a greeting, and stepped aside so she could enter, before closing and locking the door. She followed him to the kitchen but when they entered the large room she chose to stand while Fitz took a seat at the island, where platters loaded with egg whites and chicken sausage were waiting.
Neither said a word, they just stared at each other. Fitz really didn't know what to say. He knew she was there because he hadn't reached out to her in two weeks. He'd thought about calling her before he left Chicago on Sunday, like he usually did, but his pride wouldn't let him. His heart hadn't been in that game, and they'd barely eked out a win. His heart hadn't been in anything really for the past two weeks. Not since Olivia had walked out of his home. And now, she was back.
Olivia took in her love. He was handsome as ever wearing a burgundy long sleeve dri-fit Football Team t-shirt, which stretched across his muscular chest and black sweats. His hair had been cut but he still had the mustache and beard. God, she missed him.
"So what brings you to Great Falls this early, Livvie?" he asked.
"I had no choice since you aren't returning my calls or texts. It's like you just disappeared. If I didn't see you playing these past two weeks, I would've believed that you'd gone into hiding."
"Yeah, well, sorry about that."
He spoke to her as if they were strangers.
"Fitz, do you know how it feels to have someone you love ignore you over and over again? Not knowing what was going on with them, or if they're okay?"
He sighed but looked directly into her eyes. She could see the fight to remain indifferent in his eyes.
"Is it because you lost the first game of the season after our disagreement? Do you blame me for that? Or the situation with Malcolm? Because I've said what happened doesn't involve us."
"No," he said, finally speaking. "It does not, but that game was terrible, and we lost because I wasn't focused. I couldn't stop thinking about you, wondering if you still believed in me."
Olivia brought a hand to her chest. "Fitz, I believe in you so much."
He didn't respond to her admission. "Yes, I blamed you for that loss and wondered if with everything going on with Mal, and us, is any of it worth risking going all the way this year."
That stung, but he was being honest.
"When I cut all communication with you, we won our next two games. I can't help but think that it's because I kept my head in the game, remained focused. That is why I don't think it's a good idea for us to see each other until after the season is over." It hurt him to say those words, and he wasn't sure he could follow through.
Olivia felt as if someone had gut punched her.
She nodded. "I get it, I really do. But why not just say that? Why shut me out?"
"It was easier this way."
"Easier for who? When did we stop being able to talk to each other? You could've told me that you needed space, to take a break from us, instead of leaving me hanging, wondering."
"Would it have made a difference? I'm not going to change my mind," he said with finality.
Her heart broke at his words.
"Maybe not, but no matter what, you owed me that much."
He stood from the island and walked over to the window to watch as the first rays of sunlight filtered throughout the room.
"I don't know what I was thinking getting into a new relationship during the season." He had picked one hell of a time to fall in love, he thought to himself. "I'm the team captain and I'm trying to do all that I can to keep that group of guys together. The allegations against Malcolm are taking a toll, but we're going to stand by him while he prepares to prove his innocence."
Olivia remained silent. Discussing Malcolm's guilt or innocence is what got them here. She was still trying her best not to allow her personal feelings to invade her professional space.
"We're just under enormous pressure right now, Livvie, and our success depends on my performance. We have a clear and definite purpose, and it begins with me. I have to help the guys stay calm and focused, and mentally prepared, which isn't easy. What's going on between you and me is just adding additional pressure."
Olivia crossed her arms over her chest. "Did you forget that it was you who pursued me, Fitz, even though I told you that I didn't date athletes? But you chased me and I fell hard for you. I went against everything I'd believed about athletes, let down my guard and fell in love with you.
"And did you forget everything I did to change your mind about me?"
Olivia glared at him and continued. "At some point, I became everything for you. I spent most of my time here in your home, and was at your beck and call. I put up with women leaving notes everywhere, women showing up at the games, women who act as if I don't exist as they rub up on you while I'm standing right next to you. Although you never said it, I knew you hated when my work interfered with whatever was going on with the Team."
"Livvie, what does this have to do with Malcolm's case?" Fitz knew that everything she said was true, and he felt guilty for it.
"Everything. You're ready to throw what we have away because you're upset, and can't handle the pressure your teammate's alleged actions has put you under. And, because I said something about him and you didn't like it. Yes, it may have been for personal reasons, but after all I've been to you, and done for you and your career, you suddenly need time away from me? You're punishing me for not agreeing with you."
He shook his head. "No, I'm not."
"That's exactly what you're doing. But we allowed something we have no control over to come between us. This should be about you and me. Not about Malcolm or the Football Team."
"But Livvie, when I needed you to just be my girlfriend, and listen, you couldn't do that. I got a prosecutor. You weren't thinking about me, you were thinking about your job."
Olivia frowned. "What? These last few months have been all about you, Fitz. No matter what, I was at every game, went to every Wives Club meeting and event that I could, even though I don't have a lot in common with most of those women. I went to other Team gatherings with you, even when I would have rather stayed home." She finally took a breath. "Oh, how could I forget? I made sure I gave you my body whenever you wanted." She shook her head. "I just realized that I have been consumed with doing everything to make you happy. But that's on me, I could have said 'no' and I didn't. Then you refused to talk to me when you lost that game because in your mind, it was my fault."
"I'm so sorry, Livvie. I didn't know you felt this way. And yes, I should have communicated with you about how and what I was feeling. I'm sorry about everything. You didn't deserve the way I treated you."
"No, I did not."
Olivia stared at his face, remembering all they'd become to each other over the past seven months. They'd opened their hearts and souls to each other, sharing their pasts and their hopes for the future. They'd also fallen hopelessly in love. Why had she not just supported him? He had a right to be upset. From the moment she'd read the report, she hadn't considered that Malcolm might be telling the truth. Fitz's defense of his teammate had meant nothing to her.
"Fitz." Olivia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry," she said. What else could she say at this point? "I can see that you're angry and I'm fine with that. You have every right to be."
"I'm not angry," Fitz interjected. "I think enlightened would be a better word. I now have a clearer picture of exactly what you think of me, and guys like me."
"That's not fair, Fitz. All I had to go on was the police report."
"Exactly," he said, stepping closer to her. "You wouldn't even give the man the benefit of the doubt. You're a prosecutor, what happened to due process and innocent until proven guilty? You just assumed the accuser in the case is telling the truth. Maybe you should get the entire story before you hand down a guilty verdict. But I guess it was too much to ask for you to believe that all athletes are not entitled assholes."
Fitz was angry and his voice was tight with emotion as he tried to use his head, not his heart. "From the very beginning, you've had doubts about me. Is it too much to expect that you could just believe in me? I thought we'd gotten to that point, Olivia." He took a step back. "But I guess I was wrong."
He leaned against the counter. "You want to know what isn't fair, Livvie? You, still making assumptions about me after everything we've been to each other."
Damn. Was she still judging him?
"The media has already labeled Malcolm as a sex offender. Like you, they didn't even bother to wait for the facts, to get the entire story first. They just assumed Malcolm La Blue was up to his usual troublemaking ways, so he has to be guilty. You don't want to believe that Malcolm may just be innocent."
"I'm in the AUSA's office," she pointed out. "I can only go on the facts that I have before me."
"That's my point, Livvie. If you're honest with yourself, you had Malcolm guilty from the start, not because of the evidence, but because of who he is. Just as you believed that I would want Dana Rogers after I had committed to you. And you're not even the prosecutor on the case," he said, his voice slightly rising.
Olivia thought back over their time together and relived every assumption she'd made based on who he was. Over and over again she professed to have learned something each time. Obviously, she hadn't. "I love you, Fitz."
Fitz looked at her and his face softened, but he didn't say the words she wanted to hear. He stared at her for several moments, feeling conflicted. He wanted to go to her, tell her that she was his world, and she was. But could he continue the season playing at his best when he would constantly have to prove himself to her? Turning away again, he said, "You still don't believe in me. In the back of your mind, you still have your doubts. Well I don't have the luxury of proving myself over and over again to you."
Olivia held out her hands, pleading. "Fitz, I believe in you and who you are. It was wrong of me to jump to conclusions. I know that and I'm sorry. But…"
"But what? What else is there to say? "You don't believe in me. I've been trying to prove to you that I'm not a bad guy. By now you should know that, Livvie."
She exhaled deeply. "So where does that leave us?"
"I don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know?"
"I don't know, Olivia. And I don't think it's wise to make any decisions about us until the season is over."
"We can't allow this situation with Malcolm to destroy what we have, Fitz."
He didn't respond. With nothing left to say, Olivia grabbed her purse and turned to walk away before she lost it and he saw her cry.
"Olivia!" He called out to her. She stopped and slowly turned to face him.
Fitz hesitated before he spoke. "Our relationship is not just about you and me. We are bigger than just Fitz and Olivia." He took a deep breath. "I'm asking you to keep this…not to tell anyone that we're…" His voice caught, "…taking a break until the season is over. You mean too much to the team."
Olivia stared at him, her heart beating wildly in her chest. Deep down, she knew he was right. Any negative news about their "break" would be another big diversion, something the Team didn't need right now, especially when they needed to be focused on winning. She nodded. "I won't say anything until the season is over, for the Team. I'll also attend the last home games, but I'm not going to Dallas with you next month. We'll be a happy couple in public, but in private we won't see each other. Please arrange for someone to pack my belongings and have them sent to my place. Once the season is over, we'll revisit this, us."
Fitz simply nodded. "Whatever you want."
She wanted to scream, No! This is not what I want!
Instead she said nothing and turned to leave before she did something stupid like run into his arms. She was proud of herself for not breaking down in his presence. A tear escaped her eye and she quickly wiped it away. Her heart was already broken into a million little pieces.
X
Olivia decided not to go into the office when she left Great Falls. She had too much on her mind. The thought of Fitz not being in her life hurt too much. He was done with her and she had no one to blame but herself. But he was right, she hadn't had any confidence in him or his teammate. From the moment Marc had entered her office, and gave her the news, she had tried and convicted Malcolm in her mind. It had never occurred to her that the man could be innocent. She'd believed the worst about all athletes, Fitz included.
Wiping her tears as she drove back to D.C, Olivia didn't want to go to her condo where she'd be alone, so she made a phone call.
X
Wednesday evening…
Olivia heard a knock on the door, waking her. She'd been doing a lot of sleeping.
"Baby sis, it's me, J."
"Yes?"
"Dinner's ready."
"I'm not hungry." She pulled the duvet over head and tried to go back to sleep.
"Liv you should eat. You have to take care of yourself."
"I'm tired, J." Her voice was muffled from underneath the cover.
"Liv, may I come in?"
She sighed, realizing she wasn't going back to sleep. "Yes."
Julian opened the door with one hand while the other held a beautiful arrangement of purple orchids. He had a sheepish grin on his handsome face.
Olivia sat up. "J, they're beautiful, but you shouldn't have."
"I didn't."
At her confused look, he continued. "I had to tell him, Liv. He knew you'd talk to me, and he sounded so pitiful." Julian set the arrangement on a small table and took a seat in the overstuffed chair in his fiancée's spare bedroom, where his sister had been holed up, sleeping, for the last twenty hours.
"You told Fitz I was here? When did you speak with him? Why?"
"When Josephine called me yesterday morning and told me that you were here and was very upset, I knew it probably had something to do with him. So I called him to find out what the hell happened."
Olivia shook her head. "J, you didn't."
"Liv, I told you if he ever did anything to hurt you, I would track him down and kick his ass. I meant that."
She smiled for the first time in while. Her big brother was always her protector.
"The first thing he wanted to know, when I called, was if you were okay. I told him that you were upset about something, and that you were here. He wouldn't tell me what happened, just that the two of you decided to take a break so he could focus on football, and finish the season."
"Yeah, well between you and me, we are taking a break, but to the public, we're still together."
Julian looked at his sister in disbelief. "What happened?"
Olivia gave her brother the abbreviated version of what had been going on with her and Fitz, up until her leaving his home the previous morning, and he listened attentively.
"Wow. So you're going to home games and will still be a part of that Wives Club thing?"
Olivia nodded.
"Can you really fake it, Liv? I mean, you wear your emotions on your face except when you're in the courtroom."
She sighed. "I have to try. We both want the focus to be on the Team, and winning the Super Bowl, not on our problems."
Julian looked doubtful. "If you say so, but I hope you're right." He settled back in the chair. "I've been watching the news coverage, they're being pretty rough on Malcolm. I think they're speculating too much, when they should allow the man to testify in front of a jury of his peers first."
Olivia nodded. "Maybe. But his accuser's feeling a thousand times worse, J."
"I don't doubt that, Liv. It's an ugly situation all around, and you should have removed yourself completely. The fact that you don't like the guy greatly affected your objectivity. You viewed it through a prosecutor's lens, never giving him a chance."
Olivia silently agreed with her brother. She definitely still had implicit biases when it came to professional athletes.
"Your relationship with Fitz was a conflict, and you know it. You couldn't be objective in the case, a case that you weren't even assigned to. Marc did the right thing. It would have been unethical. Your personal feelings for Malcolm La Blue were quite obvious. At least this way, he can assure everyone of transparency. "
"Please, J. Give me a little credit. If Marc had given me what I wanted, to prosecute the case, the accusations of ethics violations would've been swift and loud because I'm dating Fitz. It's why Marc took the case."
"All right," he said a bit defensively.
Olivia knew her brother was only responding to the bite he'd heard in her voice, and she immediately regretted her harshness. "I'm sorry, J. I didn't mean to snap. It's just…Fitz and I aren't in a good place right now, and it is not a good feeling at all."
"It's okay. But Liv, it seems that Fitz had more faith in his teammate than you had in him, and I respect him for that."
"Why?"
"Liv, the man's life has been turned upside down. Those accusations, if untrue, can hurt that brother's reputation forever. If the charges are dropped, it won't matter because there will always be people who believe he raped her, and that is the ugliest and most vile accusation anyone can pin on a Black man."
"It's why the AUSA's office will prosecute this case by the book and allow it to work its way through the legal system."
"You mean the same system that destroys so many people who look like you and me," Julian said.
Olivia glared at her brother. "Let's not go there. Every day, I work with hundreds of victims who look exactly like me. The majority of people I come in contact with in the system are Black and people of color. My job is to keep the systemic racism in check and to protect our communities. As a prosecutor, I'm constantly pursuing justice for the victim, the community, and the defendant. I am an advocate for truth."
"Since when does the truth ever help Black men?"
Olivia nodded. She knew her brother spoke the truth because she'd witnessed it. But being an AUSA, she also held all the cards, deciding where, when, and what charges should be filed, if any at all. Having her in that position certainly helped more than hindered. She glanced at her brother and thought of something like this happening to him, and Julian ending up in the system; her brilliant, kind, charismatic, overprotective, annoying, loyal and supportive brother.
"That man's life is on the line, Liv. I'm not arguing whether he's guilty or innocent, I just understand how something like this could ruin him either way. And you've already convicted him. Have you given any thought that he may actually be innocent? I know it's rare, but false accusations of rape do occasionally happen."
"J, the vast majority of women who say they were raped, were raped. I just want them to be given the same benefit of the doubt as men, and treated fairly when they make the accusation, so that more women will come forward."
"And when men are accused, I want them to be given a fair opportunity to defend themselves as well, whether they go to court or not."
"On that, big brother, we agree.
Olivia glanced at the beautiful flowers. "I haven't heard from Fitz and I don't know what to do, J." She looked at her brother, with unshed tears in her eyes. "Never did I think my career would have an effect on my personal relationship. But I also never thought I would date someone like Fitzgerald Grant either. I just don't want someone else's drama in my personal life."
"The bigger question is, do you want him in your life, Liv?" He sat up so he could look directly into his sister's face. "That's what you have to ask yourself."
Olivia didn't respond, but Julian already knew the answer.
"You're going to have to look deep and listen to your gut. If you want Fitz in your life, you'll believe in him. Nothing else matters."
Julian stood. "Are you going to join us for dinner, or would you like me to bring dinner to you?"
"No, I'm going to join you and Jo. It's time for me to shake these blues." She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood. "Give me ten minutes."
Julian kissed her forehead. "I love you, baby sis."
Olivia lightly tapped his chest. "I love you too, big brother."
He chuckled and left the bedroom.
X
Later that evening…
After dinner, Julian cleaned up while Olivia and Joey sat in the living room, sharing a bottle of wine. Olivia had poked at the food on her plate, which looked anything but appetizing to her dismal soul.
"Go ahead, girl," Joey said. "Let go of that anger you're holding."
"I'm not angry with him anymore. I don't know what came over me when we argued. I guess I was pissed because I'd put him on this pedestal after thinking that he was lower than the dirt on the bottom of my shoe, and..."
"And now you're learning he's just like the rest of us," Joey finished.
Olivia looked at her best friend. "Right. But he should've told me what was going on with him two weeks ago. Not wait for me to confront him." She took a sip of wine. "I just love him so much," she said, her voice catching as emotion filled her throat.
Joey reached out and squeezed Olivia's hand. "I know you do, Liv. And I have never seen you happier. Seeing you and Fitz together makes my heart happy," Joey said.
Olivia smiled and swiped at the tears rolling down her cheeks. "Fitz just does something to me that I can't explain. Even if our relationship doesn't survive this break, I don't regret any time I spent with him. He is the love of my life."
Joey turned her body to face Olivia. "Liv are you sure the two of you can't work this out before the end of the season?"
Olivia shrugged. "I honestly don't know. I still love him, so there's that." She stretched out on the other end of the sofa. "That's what scares me about being with Fitz. I love him so much that I had to fight hard not to lose myself. His life became my priority, when in reality, our lives should have been equally important. We were together every day since our relationship began, so this break will be devastating for me. But I'm going to give him what he wants, and not contact him. Maybe this is all a sign I need to focus on me."
Exasperated, Joey threw up her hands. "Now you're being stubborn and prideful. You should've stayed and discussed all of this with Fitz."
"There was nothing left to discuss."
"You were supposed to be his woman and be there for him. The man needed you, Liv. And because of your pride, and personal feelings, you left. Sometimes you have to humble yourself, too. And not be afraid to be vulnerable."
"What about him being there for me? Lately, my life has revolved around him."
"He's a football player. You knew that going in." Joey refilled both their glasses. "Don't give up, because you love him. You two together are couple goals for a lot of people. You should see what they're saying about you on social media. Some fans call you guys, Olitz."
Olivia frowned. "Really?" She sighed. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised that so many people are interested in our relationship."
"It's obvious how happy you make each other. Everybody can see it. You upgraded him, Liv." They both laughed.
Julian entered the room. "Do you ladies need anything else?"
"No, thank you, baby," Joey said, while Olivia shook her head.
"Okay. "I'm going to head to bed. Good night." He leaned down and kissed Joey.
"Good night, Josephine. I love you.
"I love you too."
He moved to his sister. "Good night, baby sis."
"Good night, J."
They watched as he left the room.
"It's amazing how he practically lives here with you and that's okay, but Maya Pope had to take to her fainting couch when I only mentioned that Fitz asked me to move in with him."
Joey chuckled. "Well I'm not her daughter."
"True," Olivia nodded, agreeing. "Hey, Jo, my being here isn't preventing you and J from doing what you usually do, is it? I mean, I'm leaving tomorrow."
"Girl, no. You know I like having you here, though you haven't left that bedroom." Joey smiled. "Stay as long as you want."
Olivia returned her smile. "I do have a home, you know." She'd been grateful for this escape. It helped to be here at Joey's instead of her condo with all the memories of Fitz.
"Well at least consider staying until Sunday, and Julian and I can attend the game with you."
"I'll think about it."
Joey stood. "I'm going to bed. I have an early client tomorrow morning. It's actually with the wife of a Football Team position coach. You should join us. You might feel a little better."
Olivia looked up at Joey. "Okay."
"Goodnight, Liv."
"Goodnight, Jo."
X
Friday morning…
Olivia sat in the conference room with her colleague, Anita Wilson, after their meeting. She'd left Joey's home the day before in order to prepare for the meeting she had scheduled with Anita and a defense attorney. The women had sat first and second chair in trials together, with a winning record. They were friends, and also Spelman Sisters. Anita was talking but Olivia wasn't really listening. Her thoughts were on Fitz. What was he doing right now? Was he feeling okay?
"We used to talk about how shallow professional athletes were. I can only imagine what being in a relationship with one is like."
Anita's voice broke through Olivia's thoughts. She began shuffling the papers in front of her, on the table, and then responded. "Well I was wrong in how harshly I judged them."
"Is it because Fitz Grant pursued you relentlessly and showered you with his wealth and fame?" Anita didn't wait for Olivia to answer. "Well, take all that away and what do you have?"
Something about Anita's words didn't sit right with her. Yes they'd had that conversation about athletes, politicians and celebrities, but being in a relationship with Fitz had changed her opinion. However, she still understood where her friend was coming from.
"One, Fitz has never showered me with his wealth, fame or anything else." Anita knew nothing about Olivia's personal wealth, other than what could be found on the internet, which wasn't much. "And two, Fitzgerald Grant is more than that. He is an intelligent, loving, giving, charming and handsome man. That is why I fell in love with him. He is far from shallow."
Anita picked up on Olivia's tone and sat back, raising her hands defensively. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
Olivia sighed. "Anita, I really don't want to talk about Fitz, and our relationship."
Anita nodded. "Noted."
"I will say this, though. I should've kept my distance from the Malcolm La Blue case and not gotten caught up in my personal feelings. I know better."
Olivia didn't like how she was feeling about the whole case, and she only had herself to blame. She'd allowed her own personal feelings about Malcolm to interfere with her relationship with Fitz, and now she may have lost the one man she loved with her entire heart, for good. She had to do something to keep that from happening.
X
Great Falls…
At the same time, in Virginia, Fitz sat in his kitchen across from Dre. The Team had an afternoon practice, so after their morning run, Fitz had invited his friend to breakfast.
"How's your baby girl?"
Dre couldn't stop the huge smile from spreading over his face. He was proudest papa Fitz had ever seen. "India is perfect. Jada tells me I'm spoiling her, but hey, that's what Daddy's are for."
Fitz smiled at his friend. "Glad to hear that." His thoughts immediately went to the day he and Olivia had visited the Cruz's and met their infant daughter for the first time. He'd watched as Olivia held the baby. It seemed so natural, and his heart swelled at the picture the two of them made. He'd been thinking a lot about marriage and parenthood lately, and imagining Olivia as a mother, holding their baby in her arms.
"You played a good game in Chicago on Sunday," Dre said, bringing Fitz out of his musings. "It was a little sloppy, but you still found a way to win."
"Their defense caught us sleeping, but the guys kept pushing and we got the 'W.'"
"Yeah, Malcolm ran a perfect fade route and you hit him just in time. Regardless of what's going on with him off the field, the man's playing each game as if it could be his last. He's having a monster season."
Fitz nodded. "He's taking out his frustrations on the opposing team's secondary and linebackers."
Dre crossed his arms, leaned back in his chair, and stared at the guy who had come into the league a green and unpolished young rookie, and who had matured into the man sitting across from him.
"How's Olivia?"
Fitz glared at Dre, warning him with the expression on his face.
"I'm not going there." When the charges were filed against Malcolm, Fitz had filled Dre in on what happened and why things with Olivia weren't going so well. "I told you…"
"I know what you told me. What I want to know is when you're going to stop lying to yourself?"
"She doesn't trust or believe in me," Fitz said. "And right now, I can't deal with that. I'll focus on it and her when the season is over."
"You think she's going to wait around while you work through your shi-, crap?"
"You don't understand, Dre. Malcolm's arrest didn't really affect me, it was dealing with her that did. I can't have any distractions this year."
"Seriously, Fitz," Dre said, no longer playing the nice guy. "How long are you going to sing this same damn song? You've played ten seasons with no distractions and you still haven't won a Super Bowl. Maybe the two aren't related."
"Let it go, Dre."
"Look, man. It's okay to be scared. Falling in love can shake you to your core, but it can also be worth all the pain and heartache. Don't use football as an excuse to remain that way."
Fitz sighed and stood. "I have to get ready for practice."
Dre didn't move. He sat and stared across the island at Fitz. "I guess Olivia was right."
"About what?"
"You. When she first met you, she said you were spoiled and only thought of yourself, that your attraction to her was only about the chase. She was a challenge to you. Looks like she was correct. You're not with her because the chase is over," he shook his head. "You're not with her because you realized that chasing her was the easy part. It's the loving her part that has you fuc-, screwed up. Maybe you should stop worrying about whether she believes in you, and start asking yourself if you believe enough in the love the two of you have for each other."
Fitz shook his head. "No. I'm good for now."
Dre wiped his hand down his face and shook his head. "Man, please. Stop this."
"You're not listening, Dre. Right now, Olivia and I are on a break from whatever it was we had, for a reason."
Dre sighed heavily. "Every relationship gets tested, Fitz. But the question is, can it be fixed? I mean, everything else aside, Olivia is the only woman you've ever opened yourself up to, and the only one to ever have you all tied up in knots. I saw the way she looked at you when you guys came over to meet India. Clearly, she loves your knucklehead."
Fitz's clenched jaw relaxed a little at Dre's comments, but he was still ready to end this conversation. Dre ignored him and continued.
"I'm just saying, there's no such thing as perfect, Fitz. Some things are said or done that lead to regrets, even in love. What about you just taking a step back before making a decision that you can't reverse?"
"What about her just letting go of all the assumptions, doubts and fears that she has when it comes to having a relationship with me. I've worked so hard, day after day, to prove that I am not that guy," Fitz said. "She's supposed to be my biggest supporter, but how can she be when she doesn't even believe in me? Apparently my words and actions mean nothing to her."
"Fitz, get over yourself. Walking around here acting as if your dog died. You love that woman, everybody can see it. You feel she's not supporting you, or she doesn't believe in you? Well tell her that and work that shi-, stuff out. Don't just run away from the problem, and don't throw away what the two of you have over someone else's drama. I get it, Malcolm's your teammate and friend, and you want to support him. Do that, but also keep that away from your personal relationship."
Fitz listened intently to his friend.
"I've known you since before you were the Fitz Grant, and I've never seen you like this over a woman."
"So."
"So pull your head out of your as-, butt and go get your woman," Dre said. "Olivia's a beautiful woman and fine as hell. If I wasn't married…"
Fitz shot daggers at his friend. "Don't play with me, Andre."
Dre chuckled. "Yep, thought so," he said with a satisfied grin on his face.
Fitz flipped him the bird and both men laughed before being interrupted by Dre's ringing phone. It was his wife.
"Hey, baby. Yeah, I'm still at Fitz's. No, but he's working on it," Dre said, glancing at Fitz. "Yes, definitely a knucklehead."
Fitz couldn't hear the other side of conversation but he knew they were talking about him, and he was okay with that. Dre and Jada were two of his closest friends, and they both loved Olivia. There was never any doubt that they would both take her side in all of this. He just smiled.
"She misses her daddy? Well tell her Daddy's on his way," Dre cooed and Fitz tried not to laugh. "Don't start without me. I'm leaving right now."
Dre ended the call and stood. "Daddy duty calls. I've got to go." He looked at Fitz. "Look, call Olivia, talk to her and listen. Who knows, maybe your night will be as fulfilling as mine. Good luck."
Fitz threw back his head and laughed at Dre's speedy departure. His friend's words stayed with him though. He reached for his phone and pulled up several photos of Olivia. She was the woman he wanted, the woman he loved with everything in him. And seeing her leave his home four days ago felt like he'd watched his future walk out of the door, along with his heart.
TBC