Sorry for the delay. Enjoy!
Chapter 4
"Fitz, are you ready?" Olivia calls from her bedroom.
"Olivia, I've been ready and waiting for the last 30 minutes," Fitz states, guzzling down the last drop of his scotch.
Olivia's bedroom is set up like a small salon. James steams her Prada pink gown, pressing the wrinkles out. Reese finishes the last touches to her makeup. The manicurist is painting her nails and feet. Cindy styles her hair, wrapping her tresses in an updo hair style. She clasps the strap on her green heels and rushes from the bedroom when they finish.
Her heels click on the marble floor of her apartment. "Ok all done," she twirls in front of Fitz.
"Grace personified," he states, wrapping her in his arms.
"No kissing...lipstick," she states, points to her lips.
He chuckles. "Ok, but later tonight, I'm going to hike this dress up and not give a damn about lipstick."
Olivia blushes, "Come on, sexy."
They rush out the back entrance of her apartment building. The limos are waiting to take them to the Tony award show. "One minute," Fitz calls out. Olivia pauses. She remembers the famous words he uttered in the movie. She turns and walks toward him, reaches for his hands, wraps them around her waist. She's careful not to lay her head on his crisp white shirt, she looks into his baby blue eyes, "I love you."
He smiles, "Love you more."
"I know this is a lot, Fitz." Olivia states.
"I can handle it." He reassures.
She trails her hand over his cheek, "We should go."
They step toward their separate black stretch limos. Two black limos wait at the front entrance of the apartment building as a decoy for the paparazzi. Photographers wait with cameras in hand, ready to snap pictures of Olivia as she leaves the building. She informed Tina she didn't want to do a lot of press for the Tony awards. This was the only show she was attending with Fitz. She wanted the night to be simple.
"I'll be five cars behind you," she states, easing inside the limo. He nods and dips his head low, entering his limo.
He doesn't understand the reasoning for all of the semantics. They can't arrive together. They must keep several feet away from each other. No touching. He was reminded of all of this from Lindsey. He will be glad when they announce their relationship and they can finally be free. Fitz sighs when the limo stops. The driver opens the door. He steps out, buttons his tux. The cameras immediately start flashing. He blinks several times adjusting his eyes to the bright lights. Here we go he whispers to himself. He glances down the row of limos and sees Olivia's limo pull up. She steps out, flashes a simple wave to him with a broad smile.
Olivia's a pro. She loves award shows. She hoists up her long flowing pink dress and steps on the red carpet. She poses for a few pictures. She stops at several of the entertainment news reporters and answers questions.
"Your movie husband, Fitzgerald Grant is a few feet away. He's looking very dapper. Have you seen him this evening?" Jenna from Entertainment Weekly asks.
Olivia smiles, "I haven't seen him yet." She glances to the left. He's deep in an interview. "Wow," her lips form. She acts like she hasn't just left him a few minutes ago.
"Handsome…right?" Jenna asks, knocking Olivia out of her trance.
"Yes, very handsome." Olivia states.
She whizzes past the next couple of reporters, stops briefly for more pictures and quick interviews. She knows the reporters she needs to speak to. They are her favorite. They respect her private life and don't ask questions that will lead to suspicions. Fitz notices Olivia deep in an interview, he steps next to her. His hand slightly wraps around her waist. He's done pretending for the night. "What are you doing?" She asks in a low tone, still smiling.
"Go with it," He states.
The interviewer eyes his arm and smiles, "Will there be a sequel to the movie, 'Love on the Horizon?'
"I hope so. I would love to make another movie with Olivia." Fitz interjects.
His hand is still around her waist. She feels her anxiety beginning to rise.
"What about you, Olivia?" The interviewer asks.
"Yes, I would love to work with Fitz again. He's an amazing actor." Olivia states.
"Your chemistry in the movie was amazing. Honestly, it was smoking hot. It would be great to see that again." They offer a soft smile.
His arm drops from her waist, he reaches out his hand to help her up the red carpeted steps. When they reach the top of the steps, he intertwines his fingers with hers.
Olivia turns to him, "Fitz we can't do this. You can't hold my hand in public."
"Olivia why are you nervous? We're fine." Fitz states.
"We talked about waiting. We need to follow the recommendations from our PR team." Olivia reminds him.
Fitz sighs, releasing his hand from hers. "I've waited so long for you. I hate this, all of it, Olivia."
"Fitz, please. Let's just stick to the plan…ok?" Olivia asks. He agrees. He doesn't want to push her.
The Tony award show starts and they sit through countless awards before it's finally Fitz's turn to announce the next award. He walks to the back of the stage during a commercial break. Olivia follows him to the waiting room. She straightens his bow tie, glances up into his blue eyes. He looks down at her brown doe eyes, "I wish I could kiss you."
"Soon," Olivia responds, finishing his bow tie.
"Hi Olivia," she hears a familiar voice. Her body stiffens. Fitz focuses his eyes on the figure moving toward them.
"Hi Michael," Olivia responds. She stands closer to Fitz, wishing she could hold onto his hand. She needs his support right now. She feels faint.
"How are you?" Michael asks.
"I'm ok and you?" She utters.
"Better," he states.
Fitz wraps his arm around Olivia's waist and she squirms a little from his touch. "I could use some water." Olivia asks, looking up at Fitz.
Fitz offers a slight smile. He doesn't want to leave her with Michael. Why is he here? Fitz questions in his mind. He is a D-list actor and not up for an award. He knows he is here to see Olivia. He can feel himself getting angry. He grabs the water from the table, untwists the cap, bringing the bottle to Olivia. "Thank you," she states.
Olivia's anxiety surges, her hands become sweaty and her throat feels like it's going to close. She drinks the water slowly. Sip after sip.
"Are you doing another movie together?" Michael asks. Michael is unsure what is going on between Fitz and Olivia. He watched Olivia fixing Fitz's bowtie and it made him sick to his stomach. She appeared mesmerized by Fitz. They seem very comfortable and cozy with each other, more than co-workers. A little to close for his liking.
"Are you getting an award?" Fitz asks, trying to strike up conversation. He already knows the answer is no.
"Oh, no, I wanted to see Olivia." Michael admits.
"I see,"
"Can I talk to you, Olivia?" Michael asks. Olivia turns to Fitz, unsure of what to say to Michael.
"Do you want to talk to him?" Fitz asks.
Olivia nods yes.
"I'll be over here, if you need me." Fitz states. He walks to the blue velvet couch, takes a seat, and watches the rest of the show on the monitor, but keeping an eye on Olivia.
Michael immediately begins to speak as soon as Fitz leaves, "I'm much better Olivia. I've stopped drinking. I started going to the AA meetings you recommended. I haven't had a drink in months. I have a sponsor and I am working on my sobriety. I didn't sell the house. I want you to come back home." Michael reaches out his hand, attempts to touch her. She takes two steps back. She looks around the room for Fitz, desperately needing him at this moment. His eyes are glued on her. "I want you back. I still love you. I know I messed up but let me fix it. I was such a fool. I'm so sorry, Livvie. I'm ready to work on the baby you wanted. Remember Livvie."
Olivia's breathing quickens, the room starts to spin. She looks for Fitz, again. He's already on his feet, catching her as she feels herself faint. He brings her to the couch, sits her down.
"Liv are you ok?" Michael rushes over to her.
"I got her," Fitz states, pushes his hand in front of Michael, daring him to touch her.
"She's my woman...I got her," Michael demands.
"Don't touch her," Fitz states, ignores Michael, cradling Olivia in his arms. Her eyes flutter open and she glances at a pair of deep blue eyes.
"Fitz," she whispers.
"I'm here Liv. You fainted." He states.
The producer walks over to Fitz and lets him know its time to present his award.
"Fitz, I'm ok…go." He doesn't want to leave her with Michael. "Fuck," he whispers under his breath. "I'll be right back," He eases off the couch, rushes to the stage to present his award.
Her mouth feels dry even after all the water she just drunk. She finds her voice, "Michael I'm happy for you. I really am. I'm glad you're finally getting the help you need."
"I am better, Olivia. That's what you wanted. Come home." He states. His hand rests on hers. She lets it stay there. Fitz watches the exchange from the entrance. Olivia glances up and catches his eye. She quickly removes her hand. Fitz walks over to her, stands in front of Michael. He extends his hand to Olivia, helps her off the couch. "Are you ready?" Fitz asks.
"Give me time to process everything Michael." Olivia states.
"Have dinner with me tomorrow." He states.
Fitz turns and looks at Olivia, waiting to hear her response. "I need to look at my schedule." She answers. He's shocked at her response.
"Ok," Michael responds.
The award show ends. Fitz swiftly moves them through the crowd to the outside. They reach his limo. "Get in," he quips.
"What's wrong?" she asks, easing into the limo.
Fitz drops his head in his hands, "You're not over him, Olivia."
"Yes I am. He's sober, Fitz. I was being nice to him." Olivia explains.
"Does it look like I care that he's sober?" Fitz snaps.
"Fitz you're not being fair." Olivia states, resting her head back on the soft leather seat.
"Did you tell him you're in a relationship with me?" He asks.
"I didn't. I will, tomorrow at dinner." She states.
"Dinner?" He shakes his head, unloosens his bowtie, snatching it from around his neck.
"Fitz, you're blowing this way out of proportion. Please, calm down." Olivia states.
"Calm down. I am calm, Olivia." He states.
"I was with Michael for five years. I need closure." She whispers.
The limo stops and the driver opens the door on Olivia's side. He rounds the corner to Fitz's side. He doesn't get out. Olivia bends her head down. "Fitz, please."
"I'll be back. I need a minute." He states.
She doesn't push him. She lifts her head from the door. She blinks back the tears that start to form at her eyes.
X
Olivia undresses. She hangs the dress inside the garment bag and places it on the rack in her closet. She takes a hot shower and slips on her cream-colored night gown. She glances at her phone to see if Fitz called or texted. Nothing. She pours a glass of red wine, swirls the liquid in the glass, before bringing it to her lips. She hums her favorite song and walks to her balcony. She takes a seat, softly singing the words to 'If this world were mine.' She watches the street lights below her flicker from red, to yellow, to green. One of the reasons she bought this apartment was because of the balcony. She needed a place where she could go and unwind. She could tell it was getting late, the traffic slowed and the number of cars lessened. She still hadn't heard from Fitz.
The glass door slides open. She looks up at him, before glancing back at her wine glass. Fitz walks to the railing, leans his elbows on it. He can't look at her. His thoughts are racing. They have been ever since he saw Olivia's hand placed on Michaels. "When did the anxiety start?"
"Two years into my relationship with Michael. When he started drinking heavily. I had to cover up his drinking. I was always anxious about someone finding out and it wrecking my career." Olivia explains.
Fitz swallows the lump that is forming in his throat. "Are you getting help for it?"
"Therapy once a week. I've been off medication for two years. My anxiety is at its worst when I'm under extreme stress." She explains.
"Tonight, what triggered it?" He asks, unsure if he really wants to know.
She walks to him, stands next to him, rests her head on his arm. "He brought up the baby."
He quickly turns to her, "Were you…"
Olivia cuts him off, "No, I wasn't pregnant, but we were trying. I wanted a baby, Fitz. He started drinking more and more when it didn't happen right away. I refused to get pregnant while he was drinking heavily. I thought it was me, so I went and got checked, but everything was fine. When I told him, he blew up at me. He dangled the fact that I wanted a baby the entire relationship. He would get sober and promise he was done drinking. I would be happy for a while because I thought we could start trying again and then he would start right back drinking. Her speech is slow, "He knew that was the one thing I wanted. I was stupid for staying but I believed the promises he made to me."
"Do you still want a baby?" Fitz asks.
Olivia shrugs.
Sadness washes over him. He would love to have a baby with her. He closes his eyes for a minute and visualizes Olivia cradling a baby in her arms. Their baby. He smiles.
She glances at him as his eyes open, "What are you thinking about?"
He reaches out for her hand. She takes it, squeezes it. "The future," he says.
"Come with me to meet Michael?" She asks. His eyes widen. "I'll tell him about us. You should be there."
"Ok," Fitz agrees.
He steps behind her, nuzzles his head in the crook of her neck. "I can get jealous at times. I'm sorry about earlier. I went to my apartment to calm down."
She needs him. She wants him desperately, "Make love to me, Fitz." She whispers.
He steps back, trails his fingers down her arm until they reach her fingers, he interlocks his hand with hers, slightly pulls her toward the bedroom. "No, here." She states.
"Here?" He questions.
She shakes her head up and down signaling yes. He moves behind her again, slowly lifting her gown. He stops before her gown completely exposes her. "Liv, I think we should go inside." He responds. "I want to stay here." She answers. He lifts her gown higher, unbuckles his belt. His tuxedo pants drop to the ground. He lowers his boxer briefs. He dips his fingers around to the front of her pussy, toying with her clit. Olivia jolts forward on the railing. He slips two fingers inside, feeling the juices form around her swollen clit. He peppers her neck with soft kisses. Olivia bends more on the railing, arching her back, pushing her ass into his crotch. She looks back at him… "Please," she begs. He lines his dick with her center, enters her, slowly. Olivia moans at the contact. He strokes her, widening her. She's tight. He pushes further inside her pussy, until it swallows him whole. He stills for a moment as she adjusts to the sensation. "Please, move." She cries out. He pushes in and out, stroke after stroke. Slow. Fast. Olivia moans with each thrust. She moves in sync to his rhythm. She grips the railing of the balcony when her orgasm hits. He reaches his hand in front of her, caresses her breasts, pinches each nipple. Olivia whimpers a soft cry. "You're so wet," Fitz moans against her neck. "You make me wet." She whispers. He thrusts faster, watches as his dick slides in and out of her pussy. He feels the sensation as his balls tighten, her pussy clenches, and he explodes deep inside her.
She lifts from the railing, nuzzling against him. He's still hard. She turns and pushes him down in the chair. She centers herself over his erect member, she eases down. Fitz leans his head back, "Fuck," He groans. Olivia gyrates her hips on him as if she is dancing. She squeezes her breast together, flicking her nipples between her fingers. Fitz swats her hands away and takes over. She lets out a loud whimper, bends over, allowing her hands to touch the ground. Fitz watches her ass lift up and down on him. He smacks her right ass cheek, causing Olivia to cry out. He does the same to the other side. He lifts off the seat, pumps into her with a forceful speed, she convulses in his arms from her orgasm. The sound of his balls smacking against her skin, sends him over the edge. He explodes, pressing deep inside her. Olivia leans back on his chest, until her breathing stills, she stands, feeling his seed trickle down her leg. Her gown falls and covers her body. He takes his boxer briefs and wipes up her leg, "I'll be back," He hurries inside the apartment, slips on a new pair of boxer briefs. Olivia is leaning on the balcony when he returns. She pushes off and sits on his lap. She reaches over on the table for her wine glass and takes a sip. "I love you, Fitzgerald Grant. There is no one else who has my heart."
He listens, responds, "Love you more."
X
They stay in bed most of the morning, kissing, nipping, touching. They finally emerge from the bedroom, eating a light lunch and watching a movie. They take a short nap before getting dressed for the dinner with Michael. Olivia chooses a simple black dress with a pair of black stiletto heels. Her hair is still curly from her shower with Fitz. Fitz wears a baby blue polo shirt with a pair of navy blue slacks. "You look beautiful," Fitz says. "Thank you," Olivia responds. They exit the apartment and head to the black SUV that is waiting for them. Olivia is silent. She holds Fitz's hand throughout the ride. He brings her hand to his lips, kisses it, right before the limo stops. The driver opens the door and they exit the vehicle. Olivia takes a deep breath, pats down her dress. Fitz senses Olivia needs something to hold onto, he interlocks his hand with hers.
Olivia immediately spots Michael sitting at a table in the back. Michael stands when he sees her. He pulls her in for a hug, attempting to kiss her right cheek. Olivia leans her head back, breaks from his embrace. Fitz watches Olivia intently. He pulls Olivia's chair from underneath the table, gliding his arms down hers as she takes a seat. Fitz takes the seat next to her, places his hand on her leg to comfort her. Michael glances between the both of them, "Why is he here?"
"Michael, I'm in a relationship with Fitz," Olivia confesses.
He sits up in his chair, places his elbows on the table, "What type of relationship?"
Olivia sighs, "Michael, we're not getting back together. I'm in love with Fitz."
"Oh really," he chuckles, eases back in his chair, stroking his chin.
"I wanted you to hear it from me," Olivia explains.
"Motherfucker," he snarls, glances at Fitz.
Olivia shifts uncomfortably in her chair, Fitz reaches for her hand on the table, his blood is boiling and he is ready to reach over the table and punch the shit out of Michael. "I'm happy, Michael." She says.
Michael bangs on the table, the glasses shake, making a clinking sound. "I knew there was something going on between the two of you. Every time I came to the movie set, he was around you, sniffing like a lost dog. I should have known. I should have told Olivia to leave that movie. She would have done it."
"Nothing ever happened on the set of the movie, Michael." Olivia states.
"Michael, look, we came here as a courtesy. Olivia wanted to tell you in person about us. She respected her relationship when she was with you." Fitz interjects.
"Don't say shit to me," Michael snarls, pointing his finger at Fitz.
Fitz pushes his chair back, Olivia grips his leg, shaking her head no.
"I wish you well, Michael. Please try and stay sober."
She moves her chair back and stands. She know it's time to leave. She can see the discord in Michael's face. It's not going to end well if they stay any longer. Fitz rises from his seat, takes his hand in hers. Olivia passes Michael, "Liv," he whispers. She stops, glances at him. "I'm sorry for everything." He states. She nods and exits with Fitz. Michael places his head in his hands. The waitress returns to the table, "Are you ready to order?" she asks. "Yeah, I'll have a glass of bourbon."
A/N: Do you think it was wise for Olivia to tell Michael in advance? Don't forget to leave a review. Thank you for reading.