AN- It has been awhile since the last update. I hope there a still more than a few interested readers out there. To make up for the lack of updates, this chapter is extra long. Enjoy and send some encouragement my way in the form of a review if like where this story is headed.

The Challenge Part 6

Wedding Date

On the Cheek

Once Fitz and Olivia clear the air after their squabble, relaxed quiet takes over the ride home. Olivia, somewhat edgy, taps her French manicured nails on the steering wheel. One question is gnawing at her mind. How did Fitz go from complete stranger to welcomed guest in an afternoon? What does her family find so appealing about him? Her family never found any of her boyfriends charming or worth getting to know. In fact, they so disliked her last boyfriend they didn't invite him to her surprise birthday party even though she had been dating him for over a year. Who is she kidding, she was relieved he wasn't there, he could dampen the hardiest of festive spirits and suck the very life out of a good time within minutes.

Yes, Edison Davis is a true prick and her family spotted his trifling ass day one. At the time, he and Olivia were dating she didn't care what anyone thought. Edison portrayed himself as a modern day poet, an astute observer of societal dysfunction and institutionalized conformity. He was a dark and brooding nonconformist opening her eyes to the social injustice, both subtle and overt, happening around her on a daily basis. Edison was the perfect temptation for a rebellious young girl wanting to flex her independent adult muscles. He'd quote Voltaire and stress the importance of being a freethinker. Olivia fell for his act, ignoring her gut because she thought her uneasiness with parts of his character the result of being pushed out of her comfort zone. Although their relationship ended on a sour note, Edison provided the impetus for her ultimately learning to trust the reliability of her bullshit detecting gut.

"How did you do it? I don't understand".

"What is there to understand Pope?"

"You're not in the wedding".

"I know".

"Then how did you get invited to the rehearsal dinner? You're not in the wedding. The rehearsal dinner is for family and the bridal party. Neither which category you fall into. Get my point".

"Uncle Bobby said"...

"Uncle Bobby? Uncle Bobby? He told you to call him uncle Bobby?" Her voice rising an octave.

"Yes, is that unusual, I assume he tells everyone to call him by that name, he's a very friendly guy. Why are you surprised?"

"He nev...nothing, never mind, you were saying".

"Uncle Bobby said one of the groomsmen, Denzel, Hansel, Damsel, something or other, has to work on Thursday night and won't make the rehearsal. He asked me to stand in to avoid Candace having a meltdown".

Olivia clears her throat. "His name is Hershel and he's the groomsman I'm paired with".

"Oh, he didn't mention that". Fitz turns to look out the window to hide a mischievous grin.

Olivia sighs deciding for the moment to surrender to whatever cosmic force keeps throwing them together. The comfortable silence resumes and remains for the duration of their ride home.

Olivia turns down fraternity row and pulls up in front of Fitz's frat. As usual the brothers are out front smashing beer cans against their skulls, bumping chests and hanging out the windows with scantily clad giggling bed nymphs. The smell of beer invades her car's interior before Fitz even opens the passenger door.

"Well this is my stop", Fitz whispers looking out the window at the typical Saturday night kegger.

"Really, I could have sworn this was Starbucks", Olivia jokes.

Fitz, a little embarrassed by the revelers, reaches for the door but turns back to face Olivia. "Are you picking me up or should I meet you at the church?"

"Um", Olivia forgets for a moment Fitz is attending the rehearsal dinner.

"I guess I'll pick you up".

"I can pick you up if you'd like, remember I do have challenge sanctioned mode of transportation".

"Um, maybe the optics will be more convincing if you drive. My family may find it peculiar me always chauffeuring you around", she jests. "Plus, if I want to cut out early you can be my excuse".

"The excuse being?" Fitz asks raising his eyebrows.

"I don't know, we'll play it by ear".

"I won't lie to your family Pope, I like them".

"I wouldn't ask you to".

They sigh together.

"Well, I guess I better get going, I have need to get some studying done".

"Yeah, so do I. Thank you Pope".

"For what, the ride? How else were you going to get home?"

"For today. I really had a nice time. You come from good people".

Olivia smiles. Despite being uncomfortable with the interaction between Fitz and her family she enjoyed herself as well. Clearing her throat, "I'll see you on Thursday then".

"Until Thursday", Fitz says. He starts for the door again but decides on impulse to lean in to kiss Olivia on the cheek. He then quickly exits the car with the speed of a purse snatcher before she can react.

Olivia grins touching her cheek without ever acknowledging Fitz. Fitz on the other hand, watching from the top the frat house steps smiles from ear to ear seeing her reaction.

Olivia checks her side mirror and drives off. She's barely a block away before panic sets in. She's falling for Fitz. No, no, get a grip Olivia! Why are you smiling? Focus, you cannot fall victim to the Fitzgerald Grant charm. He's undermining your sensibilities and weakening your resolve to win the challenge. Her gut is not giving off warning signals. Damn it! No, you have to limit your exposure to Fitz, regain your objectivity and you have to keep him away from your family.

"Arrgh", she screams, banging her hands on the steering wheel.

"Nope, he can't come to the rehearsal dinner". Uncle Bobby can stand in for Hershel. What can I do, what can I do…say I have stomach flu, food poisoning, an allergic reaction, an emergency appendectomy- ugh, can't use that one. Car trouble, no then someone will want to pick me up and wonder why Fitz isn't around to help me. Held at gunpoint during a bank robbery, no too easy for Karina to check out. Fitz taken ill? Nah then I'd owe him. Twisted ankle running to class, completely plausible and only requires an evening to recover. Think Olivia, think how can you still make it to the wedding and avoid the rehearsal dinner?

She stops for a red light resting her head on the steering wheel. Lying is only going to make matters worse. It is what is, Fitz is a part of her life. Unscrupulous maneuvers will always end with the perpetrator being found out. It's just a rehearsal dinner, what's the worst thing that can happen? Honking horns snap her out of her inner debate. She decides to put her worries aside and focus on her bridesmaid duties. As long as her gut is in agreement, she will go with the flow.

I'm smart, resourceful and strong-willed. Succumbing to my slight attraction to Fitz is easily overcome with focus and determination. Yes, focus and determination are my allies. I can do this!

Olivia drives into the garage of her apartment complex and parks in her designated space. She can still feel Fitz's lips on her cheek.

"I can do this, I can do this", she repeats the mantra. She looks at herself in the rearview mirror. God please don't let him touch me or kiss me somewhere else, or I'll fold like a cheap chair.

Rehearsal Rescue

Fitz arrives promptly at six to take Olivia to the wedding rehearsal. He's nervous, he changed clothes three times and brushed his teeth four times prior to leaving the house. For some reason having fresh breath, wearing the perfect outfit and having perfect hair matters to him. He wants he and Olivia to look like a couple, to feel like a couple, to interact like a couple despite the fact they're not. He hasn't spoken to Olivia since the cheek kiss. Fitz wonders if Olivia will take him to task, admonishing him to never do it again or whether she'll see it as purely a friendly gesture and think nothing of it.

Ten minutes away, Olivia stands at the curb in front of her apartment building fidgeting and contemplating whether she should greet Fitz with a kiss on the cheek or a simple hi. She adjusts her jacket and combs her hair behind her ear.

"Hey Olivia, how are you?" George her next door neighbor for last year approaches her from behind. She turns to greet him.

"Hi George. I haven't seen you in weeks, where ya been?"

"My mom needed help settling my grandmother's estate".

"Oh I'm sorry, I wasn't aware you suffered a loss".

"It happened rather unexpectedly and I left with basically the clothes on my back. My grandma was the best, I miss her", George chokes out. Olivia moves closer to give him a hug.

"When Fitz pulls up in front of Olivia building he sees her hugging some guy and immediately gets jealous. He gets out of the car and slams the door startling Olivia and the guy.

"Fitz, I didn't hear drive up".

"It's a Prius, the car is nearly silent. Are you ready to go, we don't want to be late", he says in a slow even tone just shy of snarky.

"Don't let me keep you Olivia we'll catch-up later".

"Sure thing George. Again I'm sorry for you loss". Fitz feels like a jerk for being jealous after hearing about George's loss.

"Hi I'm George, Olivia's neighbor". George says extending his hand to Fitz.

"Nice to meet I'm Fitz". Before Fitz or George can say anything further, Olivia grabs Fitz by the hand.

"We better get going. By George".

Fitz opens the passenger door for Olivia. He places one hand on her back and takes hold of her hand to help her into the car. He skips kissing on the check, even though the urge is great.

The moment Olivia and Fitz enter the church Candace practically tackles Fitz. "Oh, thank god you're here!" She grabs his arms extending then out to the side like an airport security agent. Fitz, how tall are you?"

"Um, six-two?"

Candace exhales in relief.

Olivia apprehensive asks, "Dace, what's wrong?"

"It's Hershel. He broke his leg".

"What...how…when?"

"He left his kitchen window open and his neighbor's cat got in and wreck the kitchen. He started to clean up but slipped on some olive oil, did a slip 'n side dance across the kitchen floor, tumbled down the service steps, landed at the bottom of the staircase with his body twisted like a pretzel, his shoulder dislocated and his right leg broken in two places".

Ouch!" Fitz cringes.

"How's he doing? Is he okay?" Olivia asks out of concern.

"He's on heavy painkillers. Uncle Bobby said he'll be out of commission for six weeks".

"Has Aunt Sophie made in yet? Who's with Hershel now?"

"Grandma Minnie volunteered to take care of him. So we won't be celebrating her birthday at the rehearsal dinner tonight".

"What are you going to do? The wedding is in two days".

"Well, obviously I'll have to find a replacement, that's where you come in Fitz".

"Excuse me", Fitz and Olivia exclaim in unison.

"You are the same height and build as Hershel. I will forever be in your debt if you'd do me this solid and take his place".

Olivia stands with her mouth agape. Did she hear Candace right? Did she just ask Fitz to be in the wedding? This cannot be happening again? Sheshakes her head, convinced she completely misheard her cousin.

Once again Fitz has somehow managed to gain more yardage into her family end zone. He's the human equivalent to kudzu; once he gets a foothold he spreads everywhere.

"Candace, I don't know", Fitz hesitates. "Shouldn't the honor go to a friend or relative?"

"Aren't you my friend? And you're practically family already". Candace bumps shoulders with Olivia.

"Fitz what size suit do you where? Never mind, Sterling get the tux".

Realizing she hasn't introduced her future husband, Candace stops Sterling from leaving. "Oh, by the way, this is my fiancé Sterling Leonard. Sterling and Fitz shake hands. Sterling then goes to foyer where the freshly pressed tuxes are hanging on a clothing rack. He flips through the garment bags until he finds the one labeled Hershel.

Returning with the jacket he hands the jacket to Candace. "Here Fitz, try on the jacket".

Fitz puts of the tux jacket, pulls down the each sleeve, and adjusts the collar and lapels. Candace is right, the tux looks tailormade on Fitz.

"Perfect, it fits. Fitz can you do us this favor and be in the wedding. It's too late to for alterations or to find another tux for one of Sterling's relatives. You and Hershel are the same build and since he was walking Olivia down the aisle you're the perfect substitute".

"Sterling don't you have a friend or relative who can step in?" Fitz suggests in search of an excuse.

"Please, all of Sterling's male relatives are short. He comes from a long line of vertically short-changed descendants". Candace replies dismissing the idea.

"Hey!" Sterling exclaims.

"Sorry babe but you know it's true. You're an anomaly. Who else in your family is over five-three besides you?"

"You got me there, I think my ancestors were pygmies. Remember those photos I showed you of my great great-grandparents who were a sideshow attraction for the Barnum and Bailey circus".

"Babe stay on topic".

"Olivia don't you think this a great idea. Fitz fits the suit and he's already here to rehearse; it's like fate or something. Right?"

"Or something", Olivia mumbles under her breath.

"Right Candace, it's fate".

"Okay let's get this rehearsal over with, I'm hungry", Candace booms clapping her hands.

Everyone heads out to the vestibule. Fitz grabs Olivia by the arm.

"Are you okay with this?"

"Does it matter? You fit the suit, you're here", crisis averted.

"That's hardly enthusiastic endorsement Pope".

"Can we talk about this later, everyone is watching".

Fitz takes Olivia by the hand, "okay we'll talk later".

Holding Olivia hands, they join the others. His touch, his voice, the look in his eyes, it all makes her body warm and tingly. This damn Fitz affect is disrupting her nervous system, making her involuntarily squeeze certain lower muscle groups. Her only way of keeping him off balance about the effect he's having on her is to appear bothered or aloof.

For the hour and a half, she and Fitz walk down the chapel aisle arm in arm. Their synchronous gait flows naturally, their statures complement one another perfectly. They move like a couple, they look like a couple, they exude the familiarity of a couple and Olivia is worried because she's beginning to feel like they are a couple.

He Fits the Suit

Olivia storms into the apartment she shares with Abby heading straight for the liquor cabinet. Ignoring Abby who is sitting at the breakfast bar, Olivia grabs a bottle cabernet from the cabinet and ransacks the nearest kitchen drawer looking for the corkscrew. Once she finds it, she makes quick work of opening the bottle and guzzles the wine with of the grace of a street wino.

Abby watches Olivia chugging wine like water. Whatever is bothering her is serious because Olivia is not an emotional drinker.

"Olivia what's wrong, what happened? Is the wedding off?"

"Olivia rattles off some incoherent jabber Abby can barely decipher.

Abby snatches the bottle out of Olivia's hand.

"First of all, calm down. All I've been able to make out is numb cat, flicks the soup and in the wedding. Who's in the wedding?"

Olivia grabs the bottle of wine back, bangs the back of her head against the refrigerator, then takes another swig of cab. Olivia leans back on the refrigerator and slides down to the floor.

"He fits the suit. He fits the damn suit. First the salon, then the rehearsal dinner now this. How? Can someone just explain how to me?" Liv continues to bang her head against the refrigerator door in between mumbling questions.

Abby joins Olivia on the floor. "Liv what's wrong? Who fits the suit? What are you talking about?"

"Fitz", she grouses. "He fits Hershel's suit. Candace put him in the wedding to replace Herschel who somehow managed to break his leg 48 hours before the wedding. I mean who does that? Have you ever heard of someone breaking their leg two days before a wedding?"

"Fitz is in the wedding? How does Fitz know Candace?"

Olivia recaps the events of the last few days in exacting detail, including her feelings. Abby has not been home much because she's working on a major project for one of her classes. Tonight, is the first chance she and Olivia have had to talk all week.

"How did he get invited to the rehearsal dinner?"

"I have no idea. One minute my uncle is talking about beans pies and tightwads, the next thing I know he's inviting Fitz to meet the rest of the family. I've lost control and I don't know how to get it back. I feel as if I'm always two steps behind him. He's winning Abby, he's in control".

Abby is in tears from laughing so hard. "This is not funny Abby. Fitz has wormed his way into my life and is going to take the jaws of life to extricate him. I can't tell my family about the challenge. What do I when this over? I can't tell my family this was a contest. I'll never hear the end of it. I'll be the butt-end of every joke for the next 20 years. What am I going to do? Oh god, I just thought about my parents! At least they're out of the country but I'm sure Uncle Bobby has filled them in on Fitz". Olivia is completely flustered. She never anticipated her family becoming a part of the challenge.

Abby tries to hold in her laughter but it's useless, she can't help herself this challenge gets more amusing by the day.

"I'm sorry Liv, I know it's hard for you see the humor in all this right now but this situation is hilarious", she chortles through tears of laughter.

"I'm glad you find the drama in my life funny. Some friend you are Abby".

Abby laughter continues unabetted for a minute or two until she can get a hold of herself. Wiping her eyes away, she sits down next to Olivia on the floor in front of the refrigerator. She takes a sip from the wine bottle and lays her head on Olivia's shoulder.

"I'm sorry Liv but you have to admit this damn funny. What do you want to do? Is Fitz stepping over the line?"

"No, he's actually been a good sport and fit in really well with my family. I keep expecting him to be cocky or rub all of this is my face, yet all he's done is be supportive and genuine. My family really likes him and I'm sure my parents will too".

"I see the problem. You and he are not a real couple and once this over, it's going to be difficult to explain to you family, especially your parents, why he suddenly is not around. He's not Ed..." Olivia cuts Abby off.

"Don't speak his name. They never liked him and I should have heeded their warnings".

The Reception

"I need a drink", Olivia huffs plopping down next to Fitz. Already anticipating her need for tranquil libation, Fitz hands her a glass of champagne. She smiles at him, grateful for the alcohol refreshment.

"If I have to take one more staged candid photo I'm going to lose it".

"I thought Candace took the bulk of her pictures before the wedding".

"She did, so what does that tell you?" Olivia, Fitz and the rest of the wedding party have spent the last hour posing next to trees, fountains, half a dozen strange paintings and aligning themselves along four different staircases. They're both tired and hungry.

"Candace must be planning on her wedding album being a full-length motion picture. I still see floating white dots from all the camera flashes". Fitz hands her his sunglasses. He can tell the well lit ballroom is adding to Olivia's visual discomfort.

"Thanks. I should be okay in a few minutes. I really want to lie down for a good half hour. My feet and my head hurt, plus I got very little sleep last night. Grace thought it would be hoot to see if our exes were on Tinder or Gaydar". Olivia sighs massaging her temple. She doesn't elaborate realizing she shouldn't have brought the subject of the prior night up, the memory is adding to her headache. Her ex Edison was on Tinder and someone bearing a strong resemblance to Professor Beene from school was on Gaydar.

Picking up on Olivia's rather abrupt ending statement Fitz decides to push her for the hell of it. Anything bringing Pope to silence is definitely something he needs the 411 on. He stares at her waiting for her to take note he's expecting details.

"What?" She tries innocently.

"Spill it Pope, you're practically bursting at the seams to share. Besides, you wouldn't want me to accidentally say something inappropriate to one of the bridesmaids".

"I haven't told you anything so how could you say anything inappropriate?"

"Power of suggestion Pope, you've mentioned Tinder, Gaydar and bridesmaids in one sentence along with a change in your demeanor. My mind is racing Pope and my tongue is sure to follow."

"You can't be serious. What are you a child with no filter or discretion who can't wait to repeat what he's heard the grownups say?"

"Yes, it's a habit I've never outgrown. Why just the other day I chatted with my frat brothers about bald headed females and ..."

"Fitzgerald, you did not! How could you? Hair salon discussions are sacred confidential communication. Did you learn nothing from hanging out with me?" Fitz looks down at the floor, a look of shame covers his face. Olivia shakes her head in disappointment.

Fitz starts to grin. "Pope you are so easy. How is after all the time we've spent together you still can't tell when I'm pulling your leg".

"Now look who's turned the tables. I knew you were lying. Candace and Grace put the fear of angry black women in you. You'd have to be bat shit crazy to cross them".

"Touché Pope. Candace promised to and I quote " blab what you hear in this salon and I will kick your pasty white ass and make you eat your own shit through a straw".

"Ouch", Olivia chuckled.

"I was fine with everything she said except the pasty white ass part. I can't help it if my people fade. That was a low blow".

"Did you seriously just say fade".

"What else would you call? Lighten, wash out, grow faint, vanish, dissolve, lessen, diminish over time".

"You could always go to a tanning salon or buy the spray on stuff". Olivia offers between giggles.

"Yeah great choices, increased risk of skin cancer or walk around with an orange tinge".

"Sorry I can't relate".

"You don't realize how lucky you are Pope".

"Really, how so?"

"No fading, cracking or peeling".

"What!" She pops not sure she understands what he is implying.

"I'm serious. You don't have to worry about your tan slipping away day by day just because you change geographical location or the weather changes. At home in California I maintain a tan year round. Going to school out here on the east coast, by October I'm damn near porcelain". I peel with over exposure and don't get me started on the cracking".

"Cracking?"

"Don't play dumb Pope, black people aren't the only ones to realize black don't crack. The sun is not a friend to white people even though we practically worship it. We have to slather on moisturizer and use sunscreen by six months of age or run the risk of wrinkles by eighteen and Botox by twenty-one. You think it goes unnoticed that most sixty-year-old black people don't have wrinkles?"

Olivia has no words, at first, "Are you saying white people are jealous of the dark skinned?"

"Not jealous, highly envious is more accurate. The melanin in your skin is like a force field against ravishing environmental elements".

Olivia gathers her thoughts, she needs a minute for a snappy comeback.

"First of all Grant, there are African American people with wrinkles. At some point everyone gets a wrinkle, it's inevitable".

"Notice you said a wrinkle, not wrinkles", Fitz smirks and Oliva frowns before continuing.

"Second, anyone and everyone peels if overexposed to the sun".

"Third, everyone needs to use moisturizer and sunscreen; even people with darker skin.

"Fourth, I agree with you, some white people tend to wrinkle early and lot with age, however, neither you nor I can say categorically it's a general rule, nor can we say it happens to all white people".

"Pope are trying to give me hope?"

"I didn't you say you fall in the does not happen to category".

"Get to the point Pope, is there compliment or another insult coming?"

"Neither, my point is you can protect against the impact of the elements if you take the time and effort to care for your skin".

"In other words, I should cancel my botox appointment, head over to the drug store and stock up on Neutrogena products".

"Yes, and..", Olivia does a double take, "how do you know about Neutrogena products?"

"I hear things".

"You hear things? Like voices?"

"Ha, ha, very funny Pope. I've been around enough women to learn a few things".

"Of that I have no doubt" she smirks.

"Hey you two".

"Hey Uncle Bobby", they say together.

"Save me Uncle Bobby, Olivia is forcing me to discuss the merits of sunscreen and moisturizing skincare products", Fitz pleads jokingly.

"Oh my, we can't have that, come with me son before your testosterone level drops and she invites you to join her for a mani and pedi".

"Uncle Bobby!"

"Right behind you sir".

"Later Livie". Fitz kisses Olivia on the apple of her cheek, then bolts to join the rest of the men on the other side of the ballroom.

She dramatically wipes her cheek with the napkin from the place setting, "whatever, just leave".

After Fitz leaves, the other bridesmaid, except for young Sydney, join Olivia at the table. Karina and Grace tease Olivia about how irresistibly sexy Fitz looks in his tux. Keisha and Willow talk in vivid detail how they would love to be Fitz's post wedding hook-up if he wasn't already taken.

"Yes, he is, so keep your paws off you thirsty bitches", Olivia warns without even thinking.

The ladies are laughing, having a good time, when Olivia suddenly stops laughing and her eyes go ablaze.

"Damn, double shit, triple fuck. No he did not show up here today with that two-faced, capped tooth, fake boobs, lying, no good, boyfriend stealing, backstabbing trollop. Why the hell is he here? Who invited him", Olivia steams through gritted teeth.

Karina, following Olivia's line of sight, "Oh hell, girl, I'll be right back, I have my brass knuckles, mace and stun gun in my room, we can take care of this fool and the hussy here and now", she says coming to stand next to Olivia.

Onika, never taking her eyes off the two unwelcome guests, deadpans with maniacal subtlety, "Let's push them in the tank at the Sea Bar, I hear they rotate the fish every few months, as luck would have it, the tank is full of piranhas.

"Wishful thinking but no such luck, it's the pedi-pool at the spa and it's full of those fish from Singapore that like to eat dead skin", Cynthia sighs regretfully.

"Great, those two scaly ass punks should disappear after a few seconds".

"Wait, oh see, he's about to commit a dick chopping offense and that shrew is going to have her double DDs ripped out with my chipped thumbnail. Are they seriously walking over here? Grace sneers, more pissed than Olivia about the present situation.

Olivia cannot believe Edison Davis is walking towards her with his arm around her former friend Abbra. What gall! Did he seriously bring his cheating ass and Judas fuck-buddy to a Pope family event? Crazy dipshit must have a death wish. Look at him strutting like he's the cock of the walk. Arrogant bastard! Apparently, he thinks I won't make a scene and rip him a new one. He forgets I'm Pope, I can rip his smug ass to shreds with eloquent locution, a faux smile and a saccharine sweet tone of voice. Olivia stands up, pushes her back her chair and squares her shoulders. The bridesmaids stand as well and move in a protective formation around her.

"Okay Olivia, how do you want to handle this, mace, a beat down or castration? I'm down for all three after what those pricks did to you", Patrice sounds off pulling a metal nail file from her purse and her mace keychain.

"I'm in", Willow says.

"Me too", Keisha adds, coming to stand behind Olivia.

As Edison and Abbra continue to approach Olivia's resolve weakens. Deflated, she announces, "None of the above, look who else is with them". Everyone takes a closer look and sighs along with Olivia. Abbra is holding a toddler in her arms.

"Damn it", Olivia mutters under her breath.

Meanwhile on the other side of the ballroom. "Oh shit, what the hell. I cannot believe they actually came". Sterling sprints to Candace at the same moment her eyes land on Edison and Abbra.

Out of breath and apologetic, "Babe I'm sorry, Edison's dad had lunch with my dad yesterday and my dad invited the family to the reception. I didn't mention it earlier because I never for one second thought those two would have the nerve to show up".

"Sterling what was your father thinking? Is the man crazy or going senile? Inviting the Davises to our wedding is a slap in the face to my family. How could you keep this from me?"

"Babe, my dad doesn't know anything about how things ended between Olivia and Edison. He would have never invited them had he known. This is an innocent mistake. I'm sorry I kept this from you".

"Innocent or not, mistake or not, Edison and Abbra are not wanted or welcome here. The fact that both of them have the audacity to show up here after what they did to Olivia is beyond insensitive, it is contemptible, and completely disrespectful. Did those two forget she's my cousin and friend and I'm the one who brought her home that day. Fix it Sterling or my family will".

"I will baby. I'm sorry. Do you forgive me?" Sterling reaches for Candace's hand.

Candace lets Sterling hold her hand and kiss her cheek, then she abruptly pulls back. She pats his cheek, smiling sweetly, delivering her answer to his question through clenched teeth.

"Oh sweetheart of course you're forgiven, I love you, you're my husband". Sterling breathes a grateful sigh of relief. "But Ling-ling, for ruining my wedding, don't expect any loving tonight or on our honeymoon and if those two are not out of here in the next five minutes you'll be using your hand and a suction cup for the next six months". She pats his cheek again, though this time the pats are closer to slaps. "Am I understood baby?" Sterling swallows hard and nods obediently.

Candace nods to the bridesmaids surrounding Olivia, who are standing with their hands braced against their battle-ready hips, letting them know she's on top it.

"What happening? Fitz asks intrigued by everyone's visceral reaction to the couple talking to Olivia.

Uncle Bobby sighs, giving Fitz the abbreviated version of the story.

They watch Olivia stand up with her hands on her hips. 'You better get over there before your girlfriend skewers her ex".

Fitz seeing the look of Olivia's face disappears in a flash to be by her side.

Flashback 2 years

"Olivia Edison isn't answering his phone and neither is Abbra, I'm here, I can take you home. Knowing Abbra she probably has him hanging streamers and blowing up balloons for your welcome home party".

"How do they know I'm being discharged a day early?"

"They don't, Abbra told me she was going draft Edison to help her with the last few party arrangements today".

"I hate surprises".

"No duh, we know, we know. Abbra just thought it would be a nice idea to have a little welcome home gathering because it's been a while since we've all gotten together as a group.So you're ruptured appendix is the perfect reason throw a gettogether".

"Glad to hear all I had do was have an unexpected brush with death for my friends to have a reason to stop by and have snacks".

"Okay drama queen lets go, you're cranky, time for a nap".

"Fuck you Candace, I nearly died!" Olivia snaps.

"First of all, I don't think you can do that, I'm pretty sure you fucking me is illegal in every state except Utah and West Virginia. Second of all you did not almost die. You came to the hospital thinking you had food poisoning, only to find out your appendix was inflamed not ruptured". Olivia sits back in her wheelchair, arms across her chest pouting. Candace laughs, kisses Olivia on top of the head, grabs her cranky cousin's discharge papers and pushes her out the hospital room door.

Twenty minutes later, they arrive at the apartment Olivia shares with Abbra. The front door is unlocked but unopen. Thinking nothing of it, Candace helps Olivia in and settles her on the living room couch. A few decorations are up on the walls, most are strewn all over the floor. Grocery bags full of food line the kitchen counter but Abbra and Edison are nowhere in sight.

"Abbra and Edison are probably downstairs getting the rest of the party supplies. I'm going to get your meds and overnight bag from my car. I'll be right back".

'Okay, thanks Dace".

Olivia lays her head on the crest of the couch and shuts her eyes. Her pain medication is wearing off and she's tired and hungry. She eyes the grocery bags sitting on the counter and decides to look for something light to munch on. She manages to get up unassisted with minimal pain. Rummaging through the bags she finds some yogurt and a bottle of green ice tea with honey. She retrieves a spoon from the sink tray when she hears bumping noises coming from the down the hall. Not wanting to increase her pain, she decides to forgo shouting out to Abbra in favor of going down the hall to let her know she's home. The noise gets louder as she gets nearer to her bedroom. Her door is ajar. She opens her door and covers her mouth. She can't believe what she's seeing. Abbra is in her bed holding on to her headboard while Edison pounds into like an animal from behind. Their both moaning, apparently thoroughly enjoying themselves oblivious to her presence.

"Eddie baby, Olivia has no idea what she's missing. Oooh, you give it so good baby, deeper, go deeper, fuck me harder! Make me scream!"

Olivia hears Candace return. Holding her in side from pain, Olivia rushes back to the living room before Candace has a chance to call for her.

"Olivia what are you doing up? Why didn't you wait for me to help? Is Abbra back?

Olivia shakes her head, tears stream down her cheeks.

"Olivia what's wrong? Is it Abbra? Is she alright?" Olivia shakes her head more vigorously. Are you in pain?" Candace holds up the white bag in her hand. "I have your meds, hold on while I get you glass of water".

"Bedroom", Olivia whimpers pointing down the hall.

"Oh, you want to lie down?" Olivia shakes her head vigorously. She keeps pointing down the hall hoping Candace will get a clue.

"You want me to go to the bedroom, Candace asks confused. Olivia nods.

Candace, concerned her cousin is in tears dashes to the bedroom. The door is still open so she immediately sees and hears what has Olivia upset. Candace turns on heels, goes to kitchen and fills a pot full of cold water, she then marches back to Olivia's bedroom and tosses the water on the backstabbing fucking buddies.

"You disgusting assholes. Are you seriously fucking like dogs in Olivia's bed while she's in the hospital? Edison, you son of a bitch and Abbra you two-faced, double-crossing, slut are complete low-lifes. All right, scum and cunt you have thirty seconds to get the hell out of this apartment!"

Edison and Abbra scramble to put their clothes on. Neither offers an excuse or protests their eviction.

Abbra attempts to go to her room to get a few things but Candace tells her she'll send her crap to her parent's house later today. Edison takes Abbra by the hand to leave. When they reach the living room they see Olivia standing by the front door with tears in her eyes. They stop and stare at Olivia offering no apologies, no looks of shame, just expressions of surprise. Olivia shakes her head, opens the front door and motions for them to leave, then walks back to the couch to lay down.

End flashback

Edison and Abbra reach Olivia's table.

"Ladies", Edison greets with a conceited smile.

"Hi everybody, Abbra chimes amiably, while at the same time prominently displaying the toddler in her arms like a trophy.

Karina is quick to voice the sentiments of the group. "You have some nerve showing up here. Either you both lost your damn minds or you've came looking to start something we're all going to finish".

"We were invited, take it easy", Edison explains.

"Take it easy! Take it easy! Boy I got yo' easy right here", Karina blasts giving Edison two middle fingers.

Abbra covers her daughter's eyes. "Karina please, the baby".

"Edison, what do you want? Shouldn't you two be congratulating the bride and groom instead of exchanging unpleasantries with people who think you are scum of the earth?"

"Olivia we've apologized for our indiscretion, why can't you let this business be water under the bridge?"

"Edison, I agree the whole sordid affair is water under the bridge and as such, you two pieces of debris should continue to flow downstream and never come ashore to speak or come near me or my family again".

"Olivia don't be bitter. We simply weren't meant to be. Look we've moved on, started a family". Edison sweeps his daughter's bangs to the side proudly exposing more of her face. "I'm sure you'll find someone. I want you to be as happy as you can without me".

Olivia's eyes narrow and her neck cranes. "Negro what the fu…!"

Fitz, who has been listening to the heated exchange taps Karina on the shoulder and winks. She steps aside so Fitz can have access to Olivia. He carefully wraps his arms around Olivia's slender waist then kisses her on the temple. Startled she twists her head to look at Fitz. He kisses her forehead, whispers, "I got this", spins her around, draws her flush against his body and lays a wet toe-curling smooch on her. Olivia immediately folds, channeling her anger into the kiss, matching Fitz's passionate intensity with equal fervor.

"Oh for the love of mike, get a room", Grace wisecracks.

The rest of the bridesmaids sounds off in agreement rolling their eyes and grinning.

Releasing his lip-lock, Fitz smirks, "What does it look like I'm trying to do".

"Babe, I'm ready for our alone time". Fitz grins reveling in Olivia's befogged state.

Olivia still in a daze stammers, "Huh…wha…ugh…o…o…okay". Fitz slowly drags the tip of his nose along the bridge of Olivia's, simulating a lick.

Edison clears his throat. He's ticked because it appears Olivia has not only gotten over him but is in a sexual relationship with a white devil.

"Oh, Edison I forgot you were here", Olivia says, looking over her shoulder noting the jealousy in Edison's eyes. She pats Fitz on the chest and turns to face Edison, keeping Fitz's arms around her waist. Edison is about to make a snide comment when Sterling joins the group.

"Edison, I hear you failed to enlighten your family to the reason for your break-up with Olivia. You know damn well my father would have never invited your family to a Pope wedding if he had known the truth".

"Not you too Sterling. Abbra and I made a mistake, we apologized and kept our distance. Hasn't enough time passed for everyone to let bygones be bygones".

Candace and Uncle Bobby suddenly converge on the group of former friends. Candace is livid. "Forgive and forget, is that what you expect Edison. Forget you screwed Olivia's friend in her bed. Forget both you and Abbra betrayed her while she was in the hospital. Really? You want us all to overlook that instead of being a caring supportive boyfriend you were a horny dipshit who never even brought Olivia flowers or card during her hospital stay. Oh, and that you reneged on your promise to pay for the replacement bed and end table you christened with your fuck juice. Is the check still in the mail? Just leave, you may have thought coming to my wedding was a way to say f-you to the Popes but you have actually given a really nice present. Olivia gets to set you straight, I get to tell your disgusting ass off and throw you out in front everyone, all at the same time; thank you for such a lovely gift".

Olivia looks pass Candace and sees Edison senior briskly walking towards them. "You better leave now Edison your father is coming this way and he doesn't look at all happy".

"Ladies, Mr. Bobby", Edison purposely does not acknowledge Fitz, which Fitz and Olivia find comical. "Olivia, I honestly wish you the best and when you're ready to resume our friendship, you know where to find me". Abbra jerks his hand, "I mean us", Edison corrects.

"Olivia has enough friends", Fitz replies.

"I'm not talking to you white boy. I'm talking to Olivia, who is perfectly capable of speaking for herself".

"Yes, she can and has been but for some inexplicable reason you don't seem to be listening or comprehending her point. Olivia has clearly articulated her disdain of your presence and her desire to forgo any future communication with you, yet and still you keep insisting she remain in contact with you. Apparently, you need to hear her sentiments from another perspective, a more direct less polite perspective. So let me clarify things for you. Olivia does not want to see, hear or occupy the same space with you. She has moved on, upgraded, found someone who respects and appreciates her. Olivia has no room in her life for people she cannot trust or who lack basic moral sensibilities or integrity".

Fitz stands toe to toe with Edison. "Olivia has made her point clear, now I have made mine; any questions?"

The group's eye bulge, their heads snap back and muffled "dayums" fly from their lips. With no need to verbalize it, Fitz has proven he's one of them now and the family silently welcomes him to the fold.

"So, have I", Candace adds moving next to Fitz. Within seconds everyone at the table repeats the same tag line and stands behind Olivia, Fitz and Candace.

Unflinching and cocky, Edison looks directly look at Olivia shaking his head. "Olivia, I see you have yet to learn how to think for yourself. First you let your family influence your life choices, now you've taken up with some white boy with jungle fever", Edison scoffs shaking his head.

"Edison, you truly are delusional. What gives you the impression you have any right to comment on my life? For the record, my family tried to warn me about you but I didn't listen. As for this white boy, his name is Fitzgerald and in the short time we've been together he has done more for me, treated me with more respect and showed me more appreciation than you ever did. And get this, after only one day with him I never gave you another thought. He has wiped the very memory of you out of my mind until today. No worries though, I'm sure one more kiss from him and I'll forget you the moment you leave". Fitz reaches for Olivia's hand. "Let's be clear, after today I have no intention of ever seeing and speaking to you again" Olivia chuckles.

Edison grimaces, "what's so funny?"

"How irrelevant you turned out to be in my life. Tsk, go figure".

"Edison may I have a word with you please", a booming voice asks making the hairs on the back of Edison's neck stand on end. Edison sheepishly turns to see his father standing with his mother. His father tilts his head toward the exit unmistakably communicating Edison should follow him out. Edison swallows hard, takes Abbra by the hand and trails his parents out of the ballroom.

The inside breast pocket of Fitz' s tux begins to vibrate. Ignoring the vibrating notification, he continues to talk to the group giving them his undivided attention. Olivia initially ignores the pulsating hum emanating from Fitz's chest until the vibrating hum continues unabated for several minutes.

"I think you may want to answer your phone, whoever it is seems anxious to contact you, Olivia says".

"Yeah, I guess I better take this. I'll be right back".

Fitz makes his way out of the ballroom in search of quieter surroundings. He grabs a flute of champagne from a passing waiter as he exits. He walks a few feet away from the ballroom, opens his jacket and pulls out his phone. Looking at the caller ID he groans. He's about to press ignore and block future calls when he catches a whiff of a familiar perfume. He shakes his head thinking just the thought of the caller affects his senses.

"Fitz what are you doing here?" Fitz spins around locking eyes with his caller.

"Mellie your powers of observation are incredible. Let's see, I'm wearing a tux, holding a glass of champagne and I just walked out of ballroom clearly marked Mitchell-Pope wedding reception. I don't know, I guess I'm here studying the migratory habits of the North American red tail fox. What do you think I'm doing here?" Fitz makes no attempt to hide irritation. "How did you know I was here? Are you stalking me? Why did you call me? I believe my last words to you were, do not call, write, email, or tweet me. Do not send an intermediary or try to make contact in any way whatsoever. So, you understand I'm at a loss as to what you found unclear about where we stand. How did you get this number anyway?"

Mellie, as usual, completely ignores Fitz's protestations. She refuses to accept that Fitz dumped her. She has pinned her entire future on being Mrs. Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III and she's going to do anything and everything necessary to make it happen.

A few minutes after Fitz steps away, Olivia excuses herself. Her bladder is screaming for relief from all the coffee and champagne she's consumed. She lifts the front of her dress so she can quickly walk to the nearest exit without tripping. Once she's out the door she looks up and down the hallway for a restroom sign. She sees a sign with an arrow pointing down the hallway where the main entrance to the ballroom is. As she rounds the corner in search of the ladies' room she sees Fitz talking to a tall brunette. She doesn't recognize the woman but she can tell from Fitz's demeanor the woman is not friend. Not wanting to eavesdrop on their conversation, Olivia begins to leave until she hears the woman question Fitz. She hides behind the corner concealing herself but remaining close enough to hear what is being said.

"Fitzgerald what are you doing here and who is that black girl I saw hanging off your arm earlier?"

Bitch, I got your black girl, Olivia growls.

"Mellie what I do or who I'm with are none of your concern, it never has been and never will be".

"Fitzgerald this carefree college student act of yours is getting tiresome. We need to get our relation on track, you know our fathers have specific plans for our future. You need to stop dicking around and get with the program, I'm tired of making excuses for you".

"First of all, Mellie let's get one thing straight, you and I will never be in a relationship. I don't like you, you don't like me. We're not attracted to one another in the slightest and neither of us can stand sharing the same oxygen for more than five minutes, which means this conversation needs to end in about ninety seconds. Please save yourself continued frustration and move on, find one of your blue-blooded southern cousins to inbreed with and leave me out of this ill-conceived master plan our fathers cooked up. I have no desire to follow in my father's footsteps or fulfill his unrealized pipe dreams. And let's be clear, if I ever have political ambitions, and that's a big if, I'd be crazy to associate myself with any of you".

"Fitzgerald do you honestly think you have a choice in this? Big Gerry holds the purse strings to your inheritance, so unless you plan on working for a civil service pension, I suggest you put on your big boy pants and suck up your pride. Look we only have to be bitch babies until we make it to 1600 Penn. You can call your own shots after that darling", Mellie says smiling with fake southern sweetness.

"Ten seconds Mellie".

"Fitzgerald..."

Not giving Mellie the opportunity to say anything else Olivia waltzes over, steps in between Fitz and Mellie and gives Fitz a long probing kiss. Fitz drops his flute, splashing champagne on Mellie's shoes. Eager to follow Olivia's lead, he is quick to reciprocate her lip action and cradles her face in his hands while she snakes her arms around his waist. They breath in each other and let the unspoken attraction they both feel take over. Somehow the kiss moves from rescue Fitz from the mean brunette to damn I want you.

Mellie jumps back and shrills looking at her wet ankle and red Balenciaga's.

Coming up for air from second best kiss either one of them has ever had, the first one occurring minutes ago, Olivia coos tenderly, "Here you are babe. I've been looking all over for you. I was beginning to think you went to our room and got stated without me. Is everything okay?" She gives Fitz a wink letting him know she heard everything.

"Fitzgerald", Mellie bristles through clenched teeth.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't notice you", Olivia says brightly to Mellie.

Mellie is ticked. Who does this pint sized future social worker think she is?

Mellie, hands on her hips, eyes glaring, "How is that possible not seeing as I'm standing right in front of Fitzgerald".

Olivia taking an equally defensive stances retorts, "When I see my honey bear nothing else exists. Inanimate objects, annoying inconsequential people, flora, fauna, everything disappears except him, that's how it's possible. Does that answer your question? Sorry, I didn't catch the name".

"Mellie Thorne, Fitz and I are..."

Fitz breaks in, "Are acquaintances through our fathers' business relationship".

"Oh, okay, well nice to meet you Nellie Thorne".

"It's Mellie not Nellie".

"Oh, okay, it you say so". Olivia replies, causing Fitz to snicker.

Olivia turns to face Fitz completely ignoring Mellie. "Babe it's time for dinner and you know how you get when you haven't eaten", Olivia teases seductively, running her hand up and down Fitz's chest. "Food I mean", Olivia's voice laced with innuendo.

Mellie huffs aghast. Fitz growls and hungrily attacks Olivia's mouth again. After a couple of minutes Olivia pulls away to breathe patting Fitz's chest.

"Later cowboy".

Fitz looks up at Mellie. "Why are you still here? Don't you have some morally questionable self-indulgent activity to engage in? You're at a hotel which can only mean the rugby team has a new player".

"How dare you!"

"How dare I what Mellie? Call you out on your bullshit! Go away Mellie and stay away".

Olivia takes Fitz by the hand leading him away from a stunned Mellie. Once they're out of view Olivia pokes Fitz in the chest. 'You owe me Grant. I saved you from a fate worse than death back there".

"Yes, you did. Thank you. I was forced to go on two dates with Mellie two years ago and ever since then she's been obsessed with me".

"Is she a stalker?"

"Possibly, she always shows up in unexpected places".

"Okay confirming she is definitely a stalker".

"Hey wait minute, how do I owe you one? I saved you from committing homicide in there with Edison, we're even".

"Whatever Grant, let's go, I'm hungry and in no mood to deal with anymore of your stalker groupies".

They laugh until their laughter wanes into silence. Looking down they realize they're still holding hands. Neither speaks a word. Eyes locked in a mutual gaze, they can tell the dynamic of their relationship is changing. Their kisses feel real, not staged. Their defense of one another natural and their touches warm and comforting. For the rest of the evening they're inseparable. They dance, they joke, they complete one another's sentences and steal food off each other's plate. Tonight as an undeclared couple they decide to suspend the challenge until after the wedding.

TBC

AN- Don't worry Mellie has maybe one more appearance to make. She and Edison served a purpose which I'm sure all of you guested.

Do you think Olivia will continue to give into fate or do you think she will revert to type and try to win the challenge?

Next up, Birthday Date. Fitz will meet Olivia's parents and Grandma Minnie in the next chapter. Any ideas how the meetings will turn out?

I hope everyone is enjoying the start of the holiday season. Until next time, take care and thank you reading.