Action III
Fitz quickly pecks Olivia's lips, "Liv, I'll see you after the show."
"Break a leg," she states, as he hurries out the door. Olivia looks for a piece of paper in one of the drawers in his dressing room. She finds a blank white card and writes a note to Fitz:
Thank you for being my person. I am so happy for you!
Love always,
Olivia
She kisses the card, leaving an imprint of her red lips. She finds tape and seals it on the mirror. She hopes Fitz sees it when he returns. She grabs her purse and walks toward the door. It opens. She steps back, avoiding the door from hitting her. It's Melissa.
Melissa strolls in, unaware Olivia is on the other side of the door. She jumps when she notices Olivia, "I was looking for Fitz."
Olivia glances at her watch, "He's getting ready for the show, shouldn't you be doing the same."
Melissa rolls her eyes, crosses her arms across her chest, "I know when to go on stage, I don't need you to direct me."
Olivia counts to three in her head, trying to calm her anger, "Here's the thing Melissa, whatever fantasy you have in your head about you and Fitz, get rid of it! Fitzgerald Grant is mine and he is…unavailable."
Melissa looks Olivia up and down, sucks in her teeth, "We were fine until you showed up."
Olivia laughs, "There was never anything going on between the two of you."
Melissa steps closer to Olivia, waving her finger close to Olivia's face. "We had dinner every night after the show. There was definitely something going on."
Olivia steps back on her heels, "How many times did Fitz talk about me?"
Melissa pauses, thinks, and realizes their conversations were mostly about Olivia. "So, what!" She booms.
"Exactly, more than once, correct?" Olivia asks.
"I will go to the press and inform them about your so-called relationship. I will lie and say that you and Fitz were fooling around while you were with Michael." Melissa seethes.
"What!" Olivia shouts.
"I know how private you are Olivia. I could sell this story so fast, you wouldn't have a chance to spin it." Melissa smirks.
Olivia stops, attempts to control her breathing. She uses the name of the only person who will shut Melissa down. "Do you know who my father is?"
"Yes, Nathaniel Pope." Melissa answers.
"Hollywood's famous director and producer. Don't you want to act in movies and tv shows?" Olivia asks.
Melissa places her hands on her hips, "Yeah."
"Ding...Ding...Ding. If you sell this story to the press, you will never work a day in Hollywood. I will make sure of it." Olivia states.
"Are you threatening me Olivia?" Melissa asks.
"I'm not threatening you, I'm making a promise." Olivia declares.
Melissa lowers her voice, "You wouldn't do that, Olivia."
Olivia pulls out her cell phone, dials her father's number, and puts the call on speaker.
"Hey Livvie are you back in California?" Nathanial asks.
"Hey dad, how are you? I'm still in NY." Olivia answers.
"How is Fitzgerald?" He asks.
Olivia smirks at Melissa, "He's wonderful, but you know there is something I need to discuss with you."
Melissa's eyes widen.
"Go ahead," he says.
"Can you give me a second, dad?" She puts him on mute, holds up her phone. "Your choice, Melissa."
"Fine! I won't say anything. I'll leave Fitz alone." Melissa huffs, backing up.
Olivia opens the door, "Maybe I'll cast you as an extra in my next movie. It's been a pleasure, Melissa." Olivia slams the door.
Melissa kicks the bottom of the door, "I'll leave him alone for now."
Olivia hears her father calling for her on the phone, "Olivia, you there?"
Olivia takes him off mute, "Sorry, dad."
"You know I'm a very busy man, Olivia. I don't have time to be on hold. What did you need to discuss?" Nathanial asks.
She changes the subject, "Fitz and I want to go public with our relationship."
"Don't you think that's risky, Olivia." He states.
"Not at all. It depends on how we do it. We're meeting with our PR team tomorrow." She explains.
"Let me know what happens at the meeting. The announcement of your relationship with Fitz needs to be handled with care. There can't be any hiccups, Olivia. Your career is on the line. Have the PR team send me the specifics at the end of the meeting." He demands.
"Will do. Miss you…love you." Olivia says.
"Love you, gotta run," Nathaniel says, ending the call.
Olivia smiles at her accomplishment of getting rid of Melissa. Olivia walks out the dressing room, peeks from behind the stage, and watches the show for a little while. She smiles, watching Fitz perform on stage. He's a natural. She walks out the back entrance, slides in the seat of the black SUV.
She meets up with James, Cindy, and Reese at Carmine's restaurant. They are her glam squad. James has been styling her since she started her career. He was the first person she hired as part of her team. James introduced her to Cindy and Reese. She loved their work with other actresses and hired them immediately. They are in NY for a movie premiere event, so it was perfect timing to meet about award season. "Olivia," they chime in unison, when she arrives at the table, hugging her before she sits down. They show her countless pictures of dresses, hair styles and makeup options for award season. She picks a few options she likes and asks her stylist to bring the dresses to her apartment when they come in. She doesn't need any trial runs with her makeup and hair.
"Can I be honest?" Olivia sips her water, twirling the lemon with her straw.
"Sure," Cindy leans back in her chair.
Olivia sighs, "I'm not excited about award season this year."
"You love award season. Is it because of the breakup with Michael?" Amber asks, biting a piece of bread.
"It has nothing to do with Michael. I'm not in the mood this year. I have a lot going on." Olivia answers.
"Olivia Pope that is no excuse, you always have a lot going on. What's the real reason. Spill the tea." James demands.
"Honestly, I came to New York to be with Fitz. Now that we are a couple, I really want to walk the red carpet with him. However, that's not possible right now. We haven't told anyone about the relationship, including Michael." Olivia states.
"Well, it's about damn time!" Reese says, pumping her fist in the air.
"Wait…what." Olivia responds.
"I'm glad the chase is over." James states.
"How did you know Fitz wanted to be with me?" Olivia asks.
"Girl, a blind man could see that Fitzgerald Grant wanted Olivia Pope. The interviews, the kissing and sex scenes from the movie, the pictures in the magazine. Chile bye." James chuckles.
"Olivia we've known for a while." Cindy admits.
Olivia giggles, "This is news to me."
Reese smiles, dipping a piece of bread in the red sauce on her plate, "Fitz wanted you before the movie role. I remember your first play on Broadway. He came to your show 10 times. Who does that? Only a man in love."
Cindy interjects, "Don't forget your birthday. He flew halfway across the world just to see you. We had to keep Michael busy, so he wouldn't run into the two of you."
Olivia was speechless. She had no idea her glam squad knew about Fitz's feelings for her. Olivia could tell Fitz was falling for her during the filming of the movie. She never acted on them because of her relationship with Michael. She pushed away the feelings, trying to spend more time with Michael. After the kiss with Fitz, she felt horrible. She was grateful they never discussed it. "We've kissed before," Olivia admits.
"Oh, we thought you did way more than kiss. The way he held you during those love scenes, we swore you and him were sleeping together." James states, sipping his water.
"I would never have done that to Michael. The kiss just happened one night in my trailer when we were going over lines. We never talked about it. I never told Michael about the kiss." Olivia explains.
"Can I ask one question?" Cindy asks.
"During the love scenes, did he ever get aroused? Cause I've seen Fitz in jeans and…" Reese states.
Olivia interrupts, "He's very professional. Stop looking at his…"
James interjects, and rolls his eyes at Reese, "It's been a long time coming, sis."
"When are you making the announcement?" Cindy asks.
"We're meeting with the PR team tomorrow to discuss it." Olivia says, finishing her last bite of food.
"We're thrilled for you, Olivia. You finally got your man!" Reese laughs, raises her glass. They clink their glasses together for a toast.
X
The play ends. Fitz enters his dressing room to change. There was a difference in Melissa's behavior during the performance. Maybe she wasn't having a good day he thought. He notices the note from Olivia on his dressing room mirror. He runs his hand over it. "She's mine, finally." he whispers. Fitz changes, prepares to leave. Cyrus, the director of the play, opens the door and enters his dressing room.
"Cyrus so good to see you," Fitz says, changing out of his shirt.
"Melissa resigned." Cyrus blurts out, taking a seat on the black leather couch.
"What...why?" Fitz inquires.
"I have no idea that's why I'm here. Did you have anything to do with this?" Cyrus asks.
"No," Fitz responds.
"What about your girlfriend, Olivia? You had dinner with Melissa every night. Did she mention she planned on leaving the play? She was fine yesterday. Tonight, she resigns? I find that odd." Cyrus states.
"Cyrus, I had nothing to do with this. Melissa and I had dinner after the show as two professional colleagues, that's it. There was nothing between us. Use her understudy. She isn't the reason people are filling the seats...I am. She can be replaced. Don't bring up Olivia. I'm sure she had nothing to do with this." He seethes.
"Talk to Olivia. I think there is more to this story and she had something to do with Melissa leaving." Cyrus suggests.
Fitz throws his book bag over his shoulder, ignoring Cyrus' last comment. He walks past Cyrus. "Have a good night!"
X
Olivia unpacks her duffle bag at Fitz's apartment. She places her favorite things all around his apartment. She falls on the bed, smiles. This is what she always wanted. To feel safe, loved. She orders Thai food and has it delivered for when Fitz arrives. She checks the clock on the kitchen wall. The play should be ending soon. Fitz signs autographs for fans, then comes straight home. She pours a glass of red wine and sits at the kitchen counter, sifting through a magazine…waiting. The door opens and she immediately smells him, his cologne is invigorating, it tickles her nose. She hurries from the stool at the kitchen counter, greets him with a soft kiss to his lips. She grabs his hand, pulls him toward the kitchen. "I have food."
She observes his body language as he eats. Something is wrong, off with him. "I spoke to my dad today," Olivia tries to gage his mood.
"Oh yeah, how's he doing?" He asks, poking his fork around on his plate.
"He's doing well. I told him we want to officially announce our relationship to the public." She takes a sip of wine.
He dips his fork in the food, "What did he say?"
"He's supportive with some caution." She answers.
He can't hold it anymore and he wants to know. "Melissa resigned tonight."
"Shit!" Olivia whispers under her breath. Fitz watches her intently.
"I spoke to her earlier," she admits.
He puts his fork down, sits back in the chair, and waits for her response.
"She threatened to expose our relationship!" Olivia quips.
"When did you see her?" He asks calmly.
"She was looking for you before the show. I was in your dressing room. She was rude and nasty. I threatened to ruin her career by telling my father." Olivia explains.
"This isn't high school, Olivia. You can't threaten someone's livelihood by using your father as a pawn. Your interfering with my career!" He shouts.
She pauses, swallows hard, and tries to calm the anger that is boiling inside her. It doesn't work, she explodes. "Fuck you, Fitz." She stands, walks out of the kitchen, stomping upstairs. She throws her stuff back in the duffle bag, paces around the bedroom, and curses at the air. Fitz walks in, stands by the door with his hands in his pocket. He knows he messed up. His words were harsh.
She walks toward him, waves her finger in his face, "If you want to fuck Melissa…go do it. Stop pretending you want to be with me." She growls. He watches as she flings the drawers open, throws clothes in her bag.
"I don't want Melissa. You know that, Olivia. I could have handled things on my own. I didn't need you to step in." He states.
"That's where you're wrong, Fitz. It wasn't my plan to discuss anything with Melissa. She came at me, threatening to lie to the paparazzi about our relationship. She planned on making up a story about us fooling around, while I was with Michael. You know I have a very upstanding image. I can't risk her lying about me. What part are you missing?" She asks, walking in the bathroom. She grabs her shower gel and makeup, throws it in the bag.
"Stop packing," he says in a calm tone. She ignores him. "Stop packing," he repeats, raising his voice a little. She rolls her eyes, walks in the closet, and yanks her dress off the rack. She throws it in the bag. "STOP PACKING," he yells. She pauses, and stares at him.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have accused you of interfering with Melissa." Fitz explains.
He's sincere she can tell by his soft blue eyes. Tears prick at the side of her eyes. She dabs the corner of her eyes, so the tears don't fall. Fitz is quiet, and listens as she calms her breathing. She places her palms tightly around the handles on the bag and speaks softly, "Fitz, I don't want things to be this difficult. I had a tumultuous relationship with Michael. He was an alcoholic. I sobered him up and made him function for the red-carpet appearances. I made it look real and it wasn't. For years, I pretended to love him. I kept asking him why wasn't I good enough. I finally made him choose between the alcohol or me. He picked the alcohol." She states. Tears stream down her face. He walks toward her. She pushes her hands in front of her, stops him, "Don't." He stands in front of her with his hands in his pocket, trying not to touch her. He had no clue about Michael. She never discussed her relationship with him. She made it appear the relationship was fine. Whenever Michael visited the movie set, she seemed happy.
"Olivia, I had no idea about Michael. I don't want this relationship to be difficult for you. Loving you is the easiest thing I can do." He says.
"I don't want to hide our relationship Fitz. I'm done with the good girl image in Hollywood. If being with you wrecks my career, then so be it. I have to take a risk for once in my life. I love you. I'm in love with you." She declares.
He gathers her in his arms. She feels like putty, crying on his shoulder. "I love you too. I've always loved you." He whispers in her ear. She's waited a long time to hear those three words from Fitz. She hugs him tighter, resting her head on his chest. His shirt is wet from her tears. She runs her fingers over the wet spot. Olivia slowly wipes her face, steps out of his embrace, "I didn't mean to break down like that. I haven't talked about the truth of my relationship with Michael in a long time."
"It's fine," he assures. He begins to unpack the things she put in the duffle bag. "Where did you have this?" he asks, holding up a shirt and a pair of jeans.
"This drawer," she points.
"Nice dress," he says, taking it to the closet. He takes her shower gel, toothbrush and makeup, places it back in the bathroom. He tosses the bag to the floor. He sits on the bed, brings her between his legs, gazes up at her. "I am your person, Olivia. This relationship will work." He states.
She smiles and realizes he read her note.
X
Tina flops down on the black leather seat inside the conference room. She brushes her gold hair with her fingers, patting it down from the wind of New York City. Tina is Olivia's public relations director. She has managed her career since the beginning. She runs a tight ship when it comes to Olivia's career. She carefully selects each person who works around Olivia. They are vetted and must sign a non-disclosure agreement about not discussing Olivia's personal life. The only person she was unable to keep from Olivia was Michael. He was introduced to Olivia by a mutual friend. He was an upcoming actor and Olivia fell head over heels in love with him.
Olivia had a strong friendship with Fitz for years and Tina knew Fitz wanted more than a friendship. She tried on several occasions to sway Olivia toward Fitz, but she refused and hung on to her relationship with Michael. Once Olivia accepted the movie role with Fitz, Tina knew this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. Each day she saw Olivia falling in love with Fitz. She watched their chemistry on set and waited patiently for Fitz to make his move. She could tell Olivia was drifting toward Fitz and becoming tired of babysitting Michael and his alcohol addiction. At the end of the movie, Michael went on a binge with drinking and Olivia gave him an ultimatum between her or the alcohol. He chose the alcohol and she ended the relationship for good. When Tina received the tickets for Fitz's play, she begged Olivia to attend. Olivia was in a funk from the break up and she needed something to take her mind off of Michael. Tina also knew the play had a sexy scene that would ignite the fire Olivia had for Fitz. It was the perfect set up and it worked.
Tina glances across the table at Lindsey. "Do you know why we're here?"
"No clue. Fitz called and told me to meet him here." Lindsey responds.
"Well, where are they?" Tina asks.
Lindsey shrugs and returns to her phone.
"This is it," Olivia says. She steps off the elevator, hesitates as the door closes. Fitz turns to face her. "We can cancel and go back to the apartment." She shakes off her nerves, "No, we're doing this." Fitz nods and motions her toward the conference room. He intertwines his hand with hers.
Tina looks up from her phone and smiles, "Oh! This is why we're here."
Fitz pulls out the black rolling leather chair for Olivia. She drops her blue Prada purse on the table. Fitz takes the seat next to her. He places his hand on top of Olivia's, brings their clasped hands to his mouth and kisses the back of it, "I think you know why we're here."
"Now we do," Lindsey chimes.
"Are you and Fitz?" Tina asks.
Olivia interjects, "Together. We are."
Lindsey glances at Olivia and notices a bright smile across her face. Lindsey is Fitz's public relations director. She's known for years the deep desire Fitz has for Olivia.
"So, what do you need from us?" Lindsey asks.
Fitz gazes at Olivia, "We want to announce our relationship to our fans and the public."
Tina opens her notebook and writes a few things down…How, when, where.
"What is the time frame?" Lindsey asks.
"After award season," Olivia states.
Lindsey and Tina grab their phones off the table, looking up dates on their calendar. "Ok, award season ends in June with the Tony awards. Fitz are you attending?" Lindsey asks.
"I have to be there," Fitz states.
"Is that to soon?" Tina asks.
"No. I'm doing the other shows alone," Olivia answers.
"Ok. Any plans on how you want to tell your fans or the public?" Lindsey questions.
"Do you want a sit-down interview or just confirm it with a magazine article?" Tina asks.
"No idea. Whatever works best and has less of a negative impact." Fitz states.
"We can have you post pictures on social media. This will create excitement and speculation." Tina states.
"Will you be able to see each other before the Tony awards?" Tina asks.
"Not publicly. Liv has some things she needs to finalize in California." Fitz states.
"I will be back and forth from NY and California." Olivia responds.
"Liv you're comfortable with social media. Fitz what about you?" Tina asks.
"Social media is not my strongest skill," Fitz a.
"Fitz, we can get your assistant to help." Lindsey states.
"Do you want a sit-down interview?" Tina asks.
Olivia smiles, "Only if Robin Roberts or Oprah can do it."
Lindsey writes the two names in her notebook.
"I can reach out to their people." Tina states.
"Do you think your father and mother will want to be a part of the interview. They are Hollywood royalty and everyone will want to know their response." Lindsey states.
"My dad is supportive of the relationship, I'm not sure if he wants to be interviewed." Olivia explains.
"I'll reach out to him," Tina states.
Olivia's hand begins to sweat under the table. She rubs it profusely on her jeans. She tries to calm her nerves. Fitz can feel her other hand shaking in his hand. He turns and whispers, "Are you ok?"
"I just need some water," she states.
He reaches on the table for the pitcher of water and pours her a glass. He sets it in front of her. Olivia takes small sips.
"Let's drop clues on social media, show a little bit of flirting at the Tony awards, and then proceed with the interview." Tina states.
"Ok," Olivia and Fitz agree in unison.
Tina stands from the table, "We have our marching orders."
Lindsey closes her notebook, "We will work together to get it done."
"Please send everything to my dad." Olivia states.
They nod.
Lindsey smiles at Fitz, "By the way, we're happy this chapter is finally starting." Lindsey and Tina exit and arrange times to meet.
Fitz turns to Olivia. "Are you ok with all of this? You were shaking a few minutes ago."
"I'm fine Fitz. It was just a little anxiety." Olivia declares. She stands from the table, takes out her phone, and snaps a photo of the view from the window. It's a picture of the NYC skyline. She posts it on her Instagram.
So excited about my new adventure. Can't wait to share with all of you. #Happy. #Blessed.
She shows Fitz the post. He smiles, "We're in this together."
Olivia pecks his lips, "We're in this together."