AN – Last update I asked for date suggestions. This date was suggested by Scandalonica. I hope it meets with her expectations. Enjoy!
The Challenge Part 4
Hair Date
"Will you stop touching my hair". Olivia swats Fitz's hand away for the third time.
The two are sitting at a sidewalk café near campus waiting for Stephen and Abby. They're a third of a way through the challenge and it's time to give a progress report.
Three weeks ago, Fitz conned his way into accompanying Olivia to her hair appointment for a weave and ever since he's become obsessed with her hair.
"Doesn't it bother you to have the hair of a dead person on your head?"
"That's morose. It's not dead people's hair, what makes you say that?"
"What makes you think it's not dead people's hair?"
"Fitz women have been selling their hair for use by others for thousands of years. It's hardly a new trend".
"How can you be so sure it's not dead people's hair? If you think about it in terms of cost, why pay a live person when you can clip the dead for free? Just saying". Fitz remains quiet for a bit but curiosity gets the better of him.
"Why do you get hair sown to your head in the first place? I don't get the point. I think the length of your real hair is fine".
"So do I and you know darn well why I had it done".
"Natural is better. I've never dated a woman with extension or who wore a wig".
"Fitzgerald you cannot be this clueless. Your blonde ambition sorority types are flaunting more follicle extensions than Rapunzel. You've just never noticed because your main concern has never been above the neck".
"Hmm, you got me there, he chuckles. Do you pull a string like a slip knot or something or does it just fall out at some point?"
"No, I have to go have it cut out".
"Ouch, can I..". Olivia cuts him off before he finishes his sentence.
"And before you ask, the answer is no. You cannot come with me".
"Why the ladies at the shop love me".
Three Weeks Ago
Olivia stands at her apartment door, purse in hand impatiently trying to rid herself of Fitz. She is on her way to get her hair done for her cousin's wedding taking place the following week.
"Where are you going?"
"Isn't it obvious I'm going out".
"I can see that, the question is where?"
"Fitzgerald how are my plans for the day any of your business?"
"I thought we could hang out today?" There's a vulnerability in Fitz's voice overlooked by on Olivia because she's in a rush.
Fitz is nervous, he's standing with his hands in his pockets, seesawing between the balls and heels of his feet. To his surprise he's suffering an unexpected side effect of the challenge. The more time he spends with Olivia, the more he enjoys her company. He's never really spent time getting to know someone of the opposite sex, he's never even had a real girlfriend; not because he's a carbon copy of his womanizing father, it has more to do with never encountering anyone that kept his interest beyond three dates or a couple of lays. Olivia is different from any woman he's known. She intrigues him, challenges him and always leaves him wanting to discover more about her.
"Am I missing something? Where in our agreement does it say anything about hanging out or doing anything outside of the date schedule?"
"I'm not here because of our agreement. I just thought it would be nice to spend time together maybe not as friends, at least not as enemies, you know acquaintances". He leans in placing his hand on the doorframe.
Olivia looks at Fitz with suspicion. Her gut may have gone haywire when it comes to him but her deductive reasoning remains intact.
"State your real purpose Grant, I have an appointment and your ill-timed visit is making me late".
"No ulterior motive Pope, simply want to see you under circumstances not requiring a scoresheet. Given your reluctance to disclose your destination and snippy attitude I can only surmise your appointment is of a female nature".
Annoyed, Olivia shakes her head. "Why is it when a woman simply wants to be alone or god forbid go somewhere or do something without a man she's hormonal, has female problems or is trying to hide something?"
"Because nine times out of ten one of those things is the reason", Fitz replies with confidence.
"A pox upon your house Grant for your medieval chauvinist beliefs".
"Did you just curse my family? That's low Pope even for you".
"Whatever Grant, I need to leave so if don't mind", Olivia says sarcastically brushing past him. Fitz, is flustered by Olivia's dismissive attitude, he honestly wants to get to know her. Unwilling to give up, he quickly brainstorms a way to salvage his plan to spend time with her.
Olivia is half way down the brick steps in front of her apartment building when Fitz catches up to her and points out, "You know Pope, I've been letting things slide because of your paper schedule but now that you've decided misfortune should befall me simply because I want to spend time with you, I think it's time to get technical because if the fates decide to send some cataclysmic mishap my way, I want you right by my side as collateral damage".
Olivia stops in her tracks. She cranes her neck before twisting her body to face Fitz. Convinced Fitz is hellbent on making her late to her appointment out of spite or because he derives some kind of perverse pleasure out of inconveniencing her, she resigns to deal with his nonsense. But before she can shut him down with extreme prejudice he throws her for a loop.
"Need I remind you you've cancelled two schedule dates and under the terms of the challenge you cannot refuse again or I win by default".
Why did she let him add the clause? In the damn spirit of fairness that's why. Shit, now it's going to bite her in the ass.
Looking upward, Olivia exhales deeply, and stiffens her spine. Damn it he's got me again.
"So, am I going with you or am I renting a room and having you every possible way I can this evening?"
"Arrgh"...she shouts in frustration. God, I'm going to regret this. Exasperated she finally yields and let's Fitz accompany her to her hair appointment.
"That's what I thought, he smirks. So where are we going?"
"To the hairdresser", she groans.
"Interesting", he grins.
"Why interesting?"
"Pope even though I have a mother and a sister, I never had any exposure to female grooming practices. I'm curious".
"Grant, African American and Caucasian hair are different, hair grooming technics aren't exactly universal for all women".
"Do you wash your hair?"
"Of course".
"Condition it?"
"Yes".
"Curl it, die it, straighten it and cut it?"
"Yes, but the process is different. I don't have time to explain it to you".
"Does it take you hours?
"Yes, it can but…"
"Well good, I can observe for myself. Maybe I'll learn the secret to why women disappear for hours to have their hair done".
"Why uncover the mystery? You don't care what goes into creating the sexy female look, you're only interest is whether the below the neck package is equal to the above the neck shiny wrapping. Admit it Grant, men are only interested in the end product, the nitty gritty details of what goes into obtaining supple lips, arched brows, long lashes and lustrous hair is superfluous information to your gender".
"Pope, in all honesty there is some truth to what you're saying. Men in general are only interested in the fairer part of the fairer sex. Wait, correction, we are interested in the sex too. Men are visual creatures Pope, blame evolution not the men. But you are right, it kind of puts a damper on the romance if you have images of your woman being plucked, waxed and permed in your head".
"Well then you'll definitely want to skip this trip because I having the entire package done".
"Nice try Pope, since you're not my woman it's not a problem. Shall we go, I wouldn't want you to be late".
They begin to walk to Olivia's car when she abruptly stops. "Is there a problem? Fitz asks almost bumping into her.
"Before we go I need to set the ground rules".
"Ground rules? Seriously Pope, it's a hair appointment not a treaty negotiation".
"Look where we're going I'm pretty sure you've never been. There are rules of conduct you need to follow".
"Pope I'm not an oaf, I fit in wherever I go. I'm very personable and charming, you've said it yourself".
"Yeah right. Look do not embarrass me or this challenge is over. My family is going to be at the salon and I don't want your presence to generate more questions than necessary, so we need a plausible cover story to shut down my more inquisitive relations immediately".
"Oh, this is getting better by the minute Pope". Fitz rubs his hand together enthusiastically. "I get to meet your family, this is perfect".
Olivia adjusts the purse on her shoulder, cracks her neck and gives Fitz the death glare.
"Nervous Pope, I can see beads of sweat forming on your upper lip", Fitz teases.
"Just get in the car. Follow my lead when we get there and say as little as possible".
As they drive through the neighborhood, Fitz is like a little kid on an adventure, he's fascinated by the music, the colorful storefronts and the children running around playing games. Olivia thinks to herself his excitement is kind of cute. May I won't have him meet with an unfortunate accident before this day ends.
"Olivia what are those kids doing?"
"What kids?"
"Those girls with the two ropes over there".
"Double-dutch".
"Never heard of it".
"Why should you? It's black folk's version of jumping rope".
"Look at the skill, the athleticism, that is so cool. Can you double-dutch Pope?"
"Of course I can!". Olivia says indignantly, almost insulted by the question. What little black girl didn't double-dutch?
"Prove it, it looks like it takes a great deal of skill".
"It does. I would show you but we're late".
"Then what difference does it make if we arrive a few minutes later. Late is late, right". Olivia parks the car and they run across the street to where several little girls in floral print dresses and brightly colored capris are jumping rope.
Fitz speaks up immediately, gesturing his thumb over his shoulder at Olivia, "my friend here says she can double-dutch but I don't believe her. Will you let her show me?" The girls giggle and form a quick huddle. The presumed leader, a slender girl with afro puffs emerges from the huddle giving a yes nod. The rope turners resume their positions and begin turning the ropes in the standard eggbeater fashion, waiting for Olivia to jump in.
"Hold this".
Olivia shoves her purse into Fitz's stomach. She bobs forward and backward gauging the perfect moment to jump in between ropes. She jumps in and swiftly moves from side to side, hops on one foot, turns around and invites one of the little girls with beaded braids to join her. The girl jumps in and they both start turning around. They spin around on one foot, crouch down to touch the sidewalk and do speed skipping. The clickety clack of the girl's hair beads syncs with the scuffing sounds of the ropes beating against the concrete sidewalk. Olivia and girl even add playing Mary Mack to their repertoire of jump rope dexterity. Fitz is speechless, Pope's playful side is truly a sight to behold. After a few minutes Olivia jumps out without tangling the ropes and snatches her purse away from Fitz. She thanks the little girls, grabs Fitz by the hand and runs back across the street to the hair salon.
"Pope that was incredible. Who knew you had a hidden talent".
Olivia smiles. "That was fun, I haven't jumped rope in years".
When they walk into the shop conversation ceases and all eyes fall on them. Fitz leans down to whisper in Olivia's ear, "why are they staring at us?"
"Not us, you. Do you notice any other six foot white boys in here?"
"Oh", Fitz notes, finally realizing the obvious.
Olivia's cousin reserved the salon for the day so all the bridesmaids could have their hair done at the same time. Her cousin greets her at the door.
"Hey Liv, you're late".
"Yeah sorry about that Dace I had...".
Fitz steps forward. "I'm sorry it was my fault I delayed her departure". He wraps his arms around Olivia and kisses her on the cheek. Olivia is stunned. What the hell is he up to?
Her cousin grins, "Oh, I see".
Olivia peels Fitz arms away from her waist.
"And you are?"
"This is Fitz", Olivia answers before Fitz can saying something inappropriate.
"We're dating", Fitz beams proudly. Olivia cringes then quickly smiles. She'll kill him later, for now she wants to avoid an endless stream of questions from her interrogator cousin and her equally meddlesome friends.
"Really, how long? Olivia I've talked to you off and over the past few weeks and you've never mentioned this handsome specimen". Candace shameless inspects Fitz's body from head to toe.
"We haven't been dating long". Olivia prays her cousin doesn't expect her to elaborate.
"I see. Nice to meet you Fitz, I'm Candace, Olivia's cousin and the bride". Candace shakes Fitz hand and winks. "Will you be attending the wedding. I'm sure I can squeeze in one more".
"That won't be necessary Fitz will be visiting his parents that weekend". Fitz is enjoying watching Olivia squirm.
"Oh Liv, I haven't had a chance to tell you, friends my parents haven't seen in years invited them to Pensacola next week so I'll be in town after all".
"Perfect. It's settled, I'll tell my wedding planner to plus one Olivia's RSVP". Olivia glares at Fitz out of Candace's view.
"Liv, Emmajean is ready for you. She's at the first station. Why don't you head over while I introduce Fitz to the ladies?"
"Uh...sure. Can you give us a second?"
Olivia takes Fitz by the arm and moves out earshot of everyone. She plasters a fake smile on her face and places her hand affectionately on his chest. Whispering in a silky sweet voice laced with lethal promise she warns Fitz.
"Grant, I don't know what game you're playing but this is my family. If you embarrass me or make me to have to come up with a bunch of counter excuses for whatever nonsense dribbles out of your mouth, this challenge will be over and I win, end of story".
Fitz, in keeping with the affection charade, places his hands on Olivia hips. "Now Pope is that any way to talk to your plus one?"
"Fitz, I swear if…".
"Olivia, Emma is waiting".
"Coming".
Olivia grabs Fitz by the arm and points with her head to a chair in the front of the shop away from everyone. "Take a seat in the corner and don't talk to anyone".
"Olivia, you need to get started" Candace repeats, her tone becoming more demanding.
"Of course, I'm sorry. Just wanted to get Fitz situated".
"Nonsense, you're not going to leave your man sitting over there all alone. Olivia go park yourself in Emmajean's chair. I'll take care of Fitz". Olivia gives Fitz one final intimidating glare then leaves.
"Come on Fitz, time to meet the family".
The elegantly appointed salon has eight hair stations, three pedicure chairs and a waxing room. All except one of the hair stations is occupied. Candace has eight bridesmaids, five are cousins and three are friends.
Candace locks arms with Fitz, playfully pulling him along as she makes introductions.
"Fitz this Karina, my sister and maid of honor. Karina, Fitz is Olivia's plus one".
"Since when, she asks genuinely surprised? What's your story frat boy? Where are you from? How did you meet Olivia? What are your intentions?" Fitz extends his hand along with flashing his trademark disarming smile.
"Nice to meet you Karina. Olivia and I haven't been dating long".
"Kay, stop being rude. Ignore her, she's a cop. Kay recently promoted to detective and she's been driving us all nuts giving us the third degree every time she talks to us".
"It's called honing my skills".
"No, it's called not being able to your separate work from your private life. It's called tie to get some outside interests not involving interrogation tactics before your family disowns you".
Candace drags Fitz over to the next cousin, Sydney, she's the youngest and doesn't resemble the other cousins at all. She has an olive complexion with freckles, a lanky build and is six-one. Sydney is nineteen-years-old and an avid gamer who has little desire to interact with anyone or anything not resembling an avatar.
"Sydney, this is Fitz, he's dating Olivia. Sydney get off the iPad, time to join us in the real world. Say hello to Olivia's friend".
"Hi, nice to meet you, she chirps sheepishly not looking directly at Fitz.
Fitz wanting to put the young woman at ease asks, "Are you playing a MMO?"
Sydney's eyes light up. "Yes, it's called Order and Chaos 2".
"Wasn't the twist wicked at the end of O & C 1? The heroes kill the Primal Heart, end up destroying the world, dying in the process and evil wins; well at least in the first round. I guess since time doesn't exist and eternity is for learning from you mistakes, the heroes have a chance at redemption".
"Yeah, now that 600 years have passed, the world is being reborn and so are the heroes. We have to defeat evil this time".
"I agree, I don't think the Primal Heart was really destroyed, because nothing in the world of Haradon is ever truly lost".
"Right, right, right, if Khalin's Hammer killed the Primal Heart, there has to a counterbalance to the Hammer that restores".
"Okay you two, enough with the geeky gamer talk. Moving on". Candace gives Fitz a gentle shove forward. Fitz winks at Sydney before leaving, making her blush and snicker.
"Your young man is quite a charmer Olivia".
Olivia is so focused on Fitz she doesn't hear Emmajean speaking to her. Fitz catches her gaze and returns a boyish smile as he's taken in tow by Candace to another hair station. With each introduction Olivia's apprehension lessens somewhat and is replaced by a modest tinge of appreciation. Fitz is indeed charming, genial and proving her embarrassment concerns may have been unfounded.
Candace introduces Fitz to the other Pope cousins Grace, Patrice and Onika and her friends Willow and Cynthia. Arriving at the last station, Candaces realizes she's still one bridesmaid short. She excuses herself and pulls out her cell phone.
"Okay, Olivia let's get you shampooed". Olivia eyes are still locked on Fitz. "Girl you've got it bad, Emmajean jokes and taps Olivia on the shoulder to get her attention.
"Sorry did you say something".
"Olivia I've been talking to you for five minutes while you've been making googly eyes at your man over there".
"He's not my man. We're just dating for now, nothing serious".
"R-i-i-ght, if you say so, I just find it strange you can't seem to take your eyes off your nothing serious, but who am I to judge". Emmajean pats Olivia on both shoulders, "Okay time to shampoo and condition".
After shampooing, conditioning and drying Olivia's hair, Emmajean starts cornrowing Olivia's hair. With all the introductions complete, Fitz takes a seat across from Olivia. He watches intently as Emmajean braids Olivia's hair and sows in the extensions. Wanting to see the weave process close up, Fitz walks over to Olivia to observe Emmajean's technique. For the next half hour, he inundates Emma with questions. "Why braid in a circular pattern? Why braid at all? Where does the hair come from? Why is it called weft? Why start from the bottom up? How many colors does the hair come in? Does the hair turn gray when it gets old? How much hair is needed for the average head? Is Olivia's head considered average or large?" His onslaught of queries is only quelled temporarily by well-timed periodic thigh pinches from Olivia. He's sure to have black and blue marks on the back of his thighs compliments of Olivia.
The other bridesmaids and hairdressers find Fitz's curiosity adorable. Emmajean finds his questions cute but exhausting and Olivia just finds him annoying. She's ready to duct tape his mouth shut and strap him to a chair. He's about to ask his millionth question when the salon doors suddenly swing open and in rushes the last bridesmaid.
"Keisha it's about damn time. Late as usual". Candace goes to hug her friend but stops short stunned.
"What the hell Keisha, where is your hair? When did you shave your head? Are you trying to ruin my wedding?" Keisha gives a shameless smile and strokes her close shaven head with her fingers.
Candace is livid. Not quite a bridezilla, Candace does have a definite vision for her wedding and she'll be damned if she lets anyone or anything detract from that vision.
"Dace, I've been sporting this look for months. It's too hot in Arizona for long hair, plus you will not believe how much play I've gotten from going Amber Rose. Ladies, we have been fed a lie in regards to men and long hair. I'm telling you men love the almost bald look. The day I shaved my head I was asked out by three fine brothers".
"No way", Cynthia croons in disbelief.
"Hand to god, I swear, I'm not kidding". Keisha takes off her jacket, lays it on one of the empty chairs in the reception area, along with her purse. She sashays back to the group, turns on a large fan in the corner, raises her arms and spins around to dry off. She's sweaty and hot from running all four blocks from the metro station to the salon.
Shaking her head, Onika decides to enlighten her naïve friend. "Girl you're dealing with conflicted brothers".
Patrice, Willow and Grace co-sign with Onika by adding confirming "um-hmms".
"Conflicted?"
"Yes conflicted. They're want to be on the download but are too afraid of getting caught or too weak to commit to the lifestyle, so they hook-up with androgynistic women to satisfy their non-hetero desires".
"Onika you're crazy".
"Am I? Tell me, have you done the do with any of these men?"
"Why?" Keisha asks with an edge to her voice.
"We'll take that as a yes", Willow chimes.
"I…I…didn't say…"
"Ding, ding, ding, she's with a pretender now", Patrice cackles tapping her nose with her index finger and pointing at Keisha.
"Ya'all have no idea what you're talking about", Keisha dismisses with a wave.
"Really, I bet he only wants you from behind and probably even asked you to wear a strap-on and use it on him. What, did he say a friend of a friend told him pegging would be fun? Or did he tell you he wanted you to dominate him, be in control, because in his professional life he has to be that way all the time…always in control and he just wants someone else to take the reins sometimes".
Keisha is silent, her face expressionless. All the ladies in the shop hoot and holler.
"Girl I've been there. My advice, enjoy it while you can, go on a trip or two then break it off before his make-do substitute, which is you, no longer is enough. Believe me, the itch never leaves a man straddling the sexual identity fence. At some point the urge to scratch will overwhelm him and you do not want to walk in on his confusion someday".
Fitz eyes are as big as saucers, clearly women are as candid as men in the sex talk department. He glances at Olivia who gives him a "don't even go there" glower.
Candace watches the interaction between Olivia and Fitz all morning, something didn't add up. Knowing Olivia's propensity for keeping most things in her life to herself, Candace decides to try prying loose the details of Olivia's relationship with Fitz in a group setting, thinking Olivia will feel pressure to be more forthcoming. The cousins love Olivia but have always felt she was a little too guarded when it comes relationships. All the family wants is for her to be happy.
"Hey Fitz, I ordered lunch and it's ready for pick. Will you be doll and go pick it up? The restaurant is only a couple of blocks over the salon".
"It would be my pleasure".
Olivia starts to panic. "Candace, I don't think that's a good idea, Fitz is unfamiliar with the area, besides doesn't Mama Kay's deliver".
"Not on the weekends, they're too busy".
"Oh...oh...okay. Uhm...I'll drive him over".
"Nonsense, Fitz is a grown ass man. He doesn't need GPS to walk two blocks. Do you Fitz?"
"No, I'm pretty sure I can manage not getting lost".
"But...", Olivia protests.
"But nothing".
"Fitz the order is already paid for, here are the directions". Candace hands Fitz a piece of paper with a map scribbled on it.
"Order is under the name of Pope".
"Got it". Fitz takes the map and walks toward the door.
Olivia asks Emma to take a break. She rushes to catch Fitz before he walks out the door.
"Are you really okay with this?"
"Pope I think I can walk two blocks unchaperoned. Why are you so concerned?"
"I'm not, it's just you're unfamiliar with the neighborhood and..."
"And what Pope?"
"Nothing, fine just go". Olivia takes Fitz by the arm leading him to the door.
Fitz can tell Olivia is anything but fine. Her demeanor and voice scream nervous discomfort. He instinctively caresses her face with one hand, she doesn't recoil from his touch confirming something definitely is wrong. Looking up into his eyes, she sees the unspoken, "Tell me what's wrong". She takes his hand, her touch and eyes sending the silent message, "don't go".
"Olivia", he whispers her name warmly. Do you need me to stay?" To the uninformed onlooker Olivia and Fitz appear a typical loving couple sharing a tender moment.
"Olivia", he repeats.
Candace interrupts, "Olivia I'm beginning to think you consider this a dangerous neighborhood. Trust me everyone out there has seen white people before".
"Stop it Dace, you know that's not it".
"Then what is it? Why are you being so overprotective?"
"What!" Olivia immediately drops Fitz's hand and takes a step away from Fitz.
Taken aback by Olivia's mood swing, Fitz echoes Candace's question. "Yes, Olivia why are you being overprotective?" Is she concerned about my safety or is it something else? Fitz suspect the later.
Candace stands with her hands on her hips, "What, you think someone is going to attack him?"
"No, will you let this go".
"No, you seem to have a problem with where you grew up".
"No, I don't. This has nothing to do with the neighborhood or me being ashamed of where I grew up. This has to do with the fact that the minute he walks out the door all of you will grill me relentlessly about my personal life".
"Oh damn, busted". Candace murmurs shamefaced.
"Yes busted", Olivia snaps.
"Liv, we're family, is it wrong to want to know what's going on with you, whether you're happy and doing well? We love you Olivia. Is that so awful?"
Olivia senses she may have hurt her family's feelings. The Popes are a close-knit group.
"No, it's not that Dace…I…I…".
"Candace, Olivia and I agreed to keep our relationship to ourselves for a while because we are both working towards a specific endgame with our dating. Damn, I'm good, truthful yet poignant. Fitz holds Olivia's hand assuring her he's got this.
"You can understand right. We don't want the pressure of providing explanations or contemplating answers to questions we haven't even asked or considered ourselves. This is all new and we'd prefer not opening ourselves up to the critiquing of others".
Olivia is speechless. Fitz has saved the day and didn't tell a lie to do it. Impressive. She stares at him with thankfulness. "Yes, we're still getting to know one another" she adds retaking Fitz's hand.
The other cousins swoon at Fitz's comments. "Oh how sweet". "We hear you". "Keep it real and keep it quiet".
Fitz wraps his arm around Olivia's shoulders and walks her to the front door.
"Grant, thank you. Just when I think I have you pegged". Fitz presses his finger against Olivia's lips.
"Pope never mention the word pegged to me ever again". They both laugh.
"Honestly Fitz, you keep surprising me".
Fitz caresses her jaw. "You do the same to me Livie".
"Hey, we're hungry. Olivia will you let the man out of your sight for ten damn minutes".
Olivia asks Fitz one last time if he's sure he can find the place.
"Duh Pope, enough already".
"Yeah Olivia leave him alone and let him get our food".
He walks out the shop and turns right instead of left. Olivia and Candace run out behind him and find him leaning against the light post grinning.
"Gotcha! Where is the trust, he asks feigning hurt?" He walks past the two cousins laughing and headed in the right direction.
AN – Hope you all enjoyed this installment, especially Scandalonica who suggested this date.
Who would have thought Olivia Pope could double-dutch?
What do think will happen now that Fitz has managed to ingratiate himself with Olivia's family?
Stay tuned there is a part two to Hair Date.
Have a great week and send some motivation my way in the form of a review.