I know this story is moving too slow for some of you and I apologize. I guess I haven't quite figured out what needs be told and what needs to be glossed over. Either way, I'm telling the story the way I want. Some will like it, some wont. And remember, "Slow and steady wins the race." Thanks again for reading.
Enjoy
8:00 a.m. Monday morning
The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air of the large country kitchen in the Oaks Bluff vacation home of Elijah and Maya Pope. Never having acquired a taste for coffee, Olivia lifted the mug of Lapsang Souchong tea to her lips, sipping slowly and savoring the smoky flavor. Lunch with her mother had been changed to breakfast since Olivia was scheduled to take the noon ferry to Woods Hole in order to make her four o'clock flight from Boston to Washington, D.C.
She watched from her perch at the kitchen island as her mother prepared their meal. Maya had turned down Olivia's numerous offers to help, so she sat and observed. The table had been set with china, silver and crystal glassware. There was even a large vase of orchids, Olivia's favorite, being used as a centerpiece.
Olivia smiled as her mother flitted around the kitchen. Fabulous. That was the only word to adequately describe Maya Elliott Lewis-Pope. It was an overused term, for sure, but nothing else fit. Looking at her, Olivia knew what she'd look like in twenty-five or thirty years. She was petite and shapely, and it was easy to see where Cecily and Olivia got their good looks and style. Her perfect caramel skin was smooth and lacked any lines. She'd pulled her long thick hair, with the auburn highlights, back into a neat ponytail, and she was stylishly attired. Even now, cooking breakfast, she was wearing a pair of black slacks, tailored to perfection, a white silk sleeveless blouse and leather ballet flats. Everything about her was perfect. She looked nothing like the well known cardiothoracic surgeon that she was, just a beautiful woman, preparing breakfast for her family.
As her mother began placing covered dishes on the table, Olivia scooted off the chair and went to wash her hands in the powder room near the kitchen. When she returned, Maya was seated at the head of the table, pouring orange juice into their crystal goblets.
"Oh, there you are. Come and sit before everything gets cold."
Pulling out a chair to her mother's right, Olivia took a seat. Looking around she asked, "Where's everybody?"
"Well, your father and August went for an early morning swim with The Polar Bears at Inkwell Beach and then a short run, and Cecily Marie was out late last night, she's probably sleeping in. So it's just you and me for now, my darling daughter," she said, smiling at her sensitive child.
Olivia knew that her sister was probably sleeping off the two and a half bottles of wine they'd consumed last night while sitting and talking on the deck of her cottage. Unlike Olivia, Cecily was a lightweight when it came to consuming alcohol, wine specifically. They'd spent the evening talking and drinking good wine.
Olivia opened the door to her cottage early Sunday evening to find her sister standing there, holding a large covered basket. "Bless your heart Cissy, you brought food! That's why I love you." She hadn't really eaten anything all day and it looked as if dinner was going to be popcorn and wine…again.
"What did you bring me?"
Cecily gave her sister a kiss on the cheek before saying, "You need to turn on your phone" and walking to the cottage's small kitchen. "I figured you probably hadn't eaten anything and I knew you weren't going to go out and subject yourself to prying eyes, so I went to Nancy's and picked up Mediterranean. Let's see, we've got grilled lamb rib chops with tzatziki, hummus, spinach pie, pita bread and tabbouleh. For dessert, homemade chocolate brownies."
She reached for a wine tote that Olivia hadn't noticed before, and removed two bottles of wine. "And to drink, I picked up two bottles of a 1995 Chateau Pichon. The guy at the wine bar said it was a good vintage. You know that's yours and daddy's territory, so I took him at his word."
Smiling, Olivia walked over to her sister and kissed her cheek, before saying, "He's absolutely right, it's an excellent vintage."
"Good, now tell me how much you love your big sister," Cecily proclaimed.
"You're the best big sister a girl could ask for," Olivia answered, laughing at her sister's antics.
Cecily grinned at her sister and then turned to wash her hands before plating their food.
"How would you like to eat on the deck?" Olivia asked when she walked back into the kitchen after washing her hands in the cottage's lone bathroom.
"That's fine," her sister responded.
Olivia moved toward the small pantry where she removed a tablecloth, placemats, votives and scented pillars. She then grabbed silverware and stemmed wine glasses, before walking towards the deck. When she returned for the water goblets, her sister was finishing up their plates.
"Grab the wine and the water from the fridge, I'll bring the plates."
Minutes later they were seated on the secluded deck with the rays of the setting sun coming through the trees, the flickering candlelight providing illumination and a satellite radio station playing soft music.
They were both silent as they ate their dinner, both deep in their own thoughts. As time went by, Cecily noticed the somber look on Olivia's face and knew something was on her mind. She laid down her fork and wiped her mouth before speaking.
"What's the matter? You look like someone stole your puppy, Libby. Is it Garrett? Have you spoken to him? Or, is it Fitzgerald Grant?"
She waited for a response but when Olivia didn't say anything, she picked up her fork and began eating again while watching her sister push the food around on her plate. She would give her time.
After several minutes of silence, Cecily had had enough. "So are you thinking about Mr. Sexy?" Because I hope this look isn't about Garrett Davis. He is so not worth your sadness or your tears, Libby."
Cecily's words had their intended effect.
Olivia sat up straight at her sister's comment.
She knew that she was right, and yes, she was attracted to Fitz. But she couldn't let herself think these things or feel this way. She was the faithful one. Olivia Pope. Miss Reliable, Miss Trustworthy, Miss Never Let You Down. She played by the rules, didn't hurt others or run after trouble. She was the "good girl," whatever the hell that meant.
Get control of your emotions Olivia, that man is off limits. Way off limits.
She couldn't let so many people down just because a handsome, sexy and nice guy had turned her head. The kind she'd dreamed of when she was a little girl.
"Did you hear me?"Her sister's voice brought her back to the moment.
"Wha…what did you say?"
"I said, I've told you too many times that you could do better than Mr. Davis. I said the same thing to Mr. Sexy at brunch this morning, after you left."
Olivia spun on Cecily and glared. "You did what? I cannot believe you."
"You can't believe me? Really? I'm not the one who spent the day, on a boat, with a man who's not my fiancé. Even if it was the very hot and sexy Fitzgerald Grant."
She wished fiery darts could shoot out of her eyes and blast her sister to bits.
"You shouldn't have said anything to him about me at all, Cecily" Olivia said.
"Libby I saw the looks the two of you were giving each other this morning when you thought no one was watching. Hell, I saw something between you at the rehearsal dinner. Neither of were good at hiding your emotions. He likes you and you obviously like him, which would explain that conflicted look that you've been wearing on your face since yesterday."
"Would you stop? Garrett and I are the consummate couple, a perfect match. We're made for each other. We have mutual goals and dreams."
She didn't sound convincing which is why Cecily gave her a sardonic look.
"Hmm, you didn't mention love."
"And love. Lots of love."
Sighing heavily, Cecily stood and walked over to lean against the deck railing. She was getting tired of talking about a certain someone with her sister. Olivia had always been a people pleaser. She'd do anything for her friends and family if it would make them happy or proud, especially their parents. She didn't want to let them down. It's why Garrett was able to walk all over her. He was slowly crushing her sister's spirit and it pissed her off.
She looked out and inhaled deeply before turning around to look at her sister.
"Libby, I don't think Garrett's the one for you." She said it softly.
Olivia held up her left hand. "I've got four carats right here that say he is."
"Yeah, and five hundred miles between Oak Bluffs and D.C. that say he isn't."
Olivia stood and went to stand beside her sister, resting her head on her shoulder. She knew Cecily had her best interest at heart, but she had to figure this out on her own. She needed to get back to D.C., sort out her feelings for Garrett. Repair whatever was broken, before she really did something stupid. Something like fall in love with another man. That would be the most irresponsible thing she could do.
"I'm taking the noon ferry tomorrow. My flight leaves Boston at four and I should be home by seven."
Olivia walked over to the table and started stacking plates and flatware. Cecily walked behind her and removed the placemats, tablecloth, blew out the candles and followed her sister inside
Later, as they sat on the deck, drinking very good wine, Cecily tried again.
"Are you sure about this Libby? Because it's not too late to change your mind. You don't need to rush into this."
"Cis, why do you keep asking me that? I thought you'd be excited to help me plan my dream wedding."
"Of course I'm excited about the wedding part, I was just hoping you'd find a dream groom to go with those nuptials."
"Don't start Cecily, "Olivia said, "Don't spoil this for me. You know how I feel about Garrett."
"Do I? I know how you used to feel but after this weekend, I'm not so sure." She looked at Olivia sympathetically before continuing. "That's not the problem. It's how Garrett feels about you that has me concerned."
Her sister had a point. She had been feeling out of sorts lately, when the moment should have been one of her happiest. She heaved a deep sigh. Why aren't I happy?
They talked and drank until two in the morning. Olivia tried to get her sister to stay the night but Cecily wanted to get home to her husband. At the door, they hugged and Cecily left Olivia with words to think about.
"Little sister, the man you think is the love of your life, isn't a man worthy of your heart." With that, she kissed her sister and left.
X
A wide smile lit Olivia's face when she removed the lid to one of the dishes and saw the eggs Benedict with smoked ham. There was also bacon, scrambled eggs, grits, croissants dusted with confectioner's sugar with slivered almonds and a large glass bowl filled with diced cantaloupe, apples, orange sections, green grapes and strawberries.
Maya didn't cook often but this morning she went all out which is why Olivia had prepared herself for her mother's version of an intervention. She knew it was coming. There were usually no preliminaries, her mother just plunged in head first. This morning was different.
"Hand me your plate baby and I'll serve you."
Olivia passed her plate to her mother and watched as she filled it with enough food to feed three people. After saying grace, they dug into their cholesterol laden breakfast.
They ate in silence for a few minutes, before her mother spoke. "Jackie and Carolyn Marie came over for drinks yesterday evening. I had no idea that Garrett was back in D.C. I thought he just skipped the brunch yesterday, I didn't know he'd left the island. Why didn't you say something? Is that why you disappeared during the wedding reception? Are you and Garrett having problems?"
Olivia continued to eat, waiting for her mother to finish her inquisition. Finally, she laid down her fork and looked at her before responding.
"Mother, Garrett and I are just fine. Sure, we've hit some rough spots, but we've managed to work through them. Yes, I was upset that he had to return to D.C., but he had a work related issue that needed his immediate attention." She knew her mother wasn't buying it, but this was all The Maya was getting on this subject.
"He had a work related issue that could've been handled by someone else. I'm married to a lawyer Olivia. Not trying to be mean baby, but it seems you're always making excuses for him."
Instead of responding, Olivia picked up her fork and began to eat again.
It wasn't long before Maya started again. "What happened to you yesterday? When Mr. Grant walked into the brunch, you looked like the cat that caught the canary." She hadn't missed the looks that passed between her daughter and Fitzgerald Grant, when neither had thought anyone was watching. Every time Olivia moved across the room, Fitz's stare followed. Her child had feigned disinterest, but her face had been flush with color. She wasn't aware of her mother's eyes on her each time she stole a glance in his direction.
She had watched them both with much interest. There was definitely something about Fitzgerald Grant that she and everyone else had liked. From their brief conversations at the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception, she'd gathered enough information to know that he'd make a good catch for the right young woman. A woman, who, unlike her daughter, was available. But a mother could wish.
"Mother, what are you talking about? I did no such thing." She knew her mother was right. She'd felt Fitz's presence before she saw him. She was sitting in the living room of her aunt's home, talking to her sister.
"You know you haven't mentioned Mr. Davis once, since yesterday." She leaned closer and grinned. "I must admit, I would have forgotten about him too if I was sailing with Mr. Sexy."
"I haven't forgotten about Garrett," she responded.
"I wouldn't blame you if you did. It seems he doesn't have a problem forgetting you."
Olivia turned to her sister. "Why do you hate that I'm with Garrett?"
"Because Libby, you can do so much better," her sister responded, glancing in Fitz's direction.
"Has it occurred to you that I love him and I'm the one marrying him, not you?"
Cecily shook her head. "Honestly, I don't hate it. I just don't think you're happy."
"I'm very happy," Olivia countered."Why do you think I'm not?"
"Because you never talk about your wedding. Or your honeymoon. Or lately, your fiancé."
When Olivia remained quiet, Cecily asked, "Does Garrett know about the sailing excursion you took with Mr. Grant yesterday?"
Olivia's heart constricted. "Definitely not."
Cecily crossed her arms and sighed, "Libby when are you going to muster the courage to call off this farce of a wedding?"
"Why, so you can throw it in my face and say I told you so?"
A frown came across Cecily's face, but only for a few seconds. She took a deep breath and it blew it out. "You're not in love with him Libby." She took Olivia's hand and leaned her head against hers."Please believe me little sister, I would rather cut off one my surgeon hands than watch you get hurt by Garrett Davis."
"I know. I'm sorry. I don't know what's happening to me." She squeezed her sister's hand. "And you're right, I've been avoiding Garrett. Maybe it's just a case of cold feet. Running scared."
Cecily whispered, "Libby, you're infatuated with another man,"
"Am not." She definitely was, and needed to stop it. There was only one way, she had to leave.
"Yes you are. So what are you going to do about it?" Cecily went into the big sister/counselor/life coach mode that Olivia always relied upon. Her thoughtful questions helped Olivia make up her mind. She couldn't let herself get carried away by what she was feeling for Fitz.
"I need to go home."
"When?"
Soon. It was time for her to close the distance between her and Garrett.
"Tomorrow?"
"Is that a question or a decision?"
"Decision. I'm leaving tomorrow."
Having made her decision, she stood and walked in the direction of the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Harrison E. Wright, oblivious to the piercing blue eyes following her.
X
"Is there something going on between you and Mr. Grant, Olivia?"
"Mother I'm too old for you to be interrogating me like you did when I was a teenager. I love and respect you, but I'm old enough to handle my own business." Olivia said, politely, but firmly.
Maya had her answer.
After the conversation with her sister, Olivia avoided Fitz the rest of the morning. She stayed as far away from him as possible.
Nothing had prepared Fitz for this version of Olivia Pope. Her facial expression could freeze hell. He'd had no intention of attending the Sunday morning brunch in honor of Harrison and Veronique. By now he should've been halfway to Seattle but had changed his flight plan in order to see Olivia one more time.
She'd been sitting at a table with Hayes and Tamara when he walked over to say hello. She sat up, her back ramrod straight, and never once acknowledged his presence. It hurt like a blow to the chest.
Hayes invited Fitz to sit with them and he happily accepted. They made small talk, laughing at Hayes' wedding weekend commentary. Olivia didn't join in the laughter. She seemed indifferent, an attitude he hadn't observed in her. But behind her mask, Fitz saw a spark of determination. Olivia was determined to do something she didn't want to do. Clearly, she had decided to forget about him.
She stared at him before saying, "I'm going home."
Hayes' brows shot up. "When?"
"Tomorrow afternoon."
Fitz found his voice. "Is everything okay?" He knew she was supposed to stay until Friday. Olivia looked between Hayes and Tamara, ignoring Fitz.
"Everything's fine. Garrett's working, but we still have some planning to do. So, I've decided to surprise him."
Fitz forced his face to remain neutral, while the small glimmer of hope in his heart died a slow death. Something had scared her. Maybe I moved too fast, he thought. The words he spoke, his actions, all too forward. This woman belonged to another man. What was he thinking? Of course she would run.
Tamara interrupted his thoughts, "I hear you designed most of the Upper East Side."
Fitz laughed before responding. "Well I don't know about that but GNA has designed and built a lot of building in NYC." He glanced at Olivia, but her face held disinterest. The conversation around the table continued without her. Fitz forgot about the trouble with Olivia and spoke with the other occupants.
After a few minutes, Olivia abruptly stood and pushed her chair back. "Please excuse me. I need some air." She left the table without a backward glance.
Fitz watched her leave, stunned. "Excuse me." He stood and followed her.
"Olivia," he called after her but she was already out of the front door and didn't turn around when she heard her name. "Wait. Olivia. Please. Give me a second."
He followed her across the lawn, toward the street, before she stopped and took a seat on bench under a tree. She felt Fitz's presence but didn't look up at him. She had to get away from him before she did something out of character, wild and reckless.
"Olivia you don't have to say anything, just listen. I can't begin to understand how you're feeling right now. You're engaged to one man and have feelings for another. Don't try to deny it because I know you do. After only one day together, it feels like you belong to me." She still didn't look at him. Fitz took a seat on the bench next to her and continued talking.
"When we were together yesterday, everything just felt right." Fitz gently turned her head so she could look at him. She seemed defeated and he just wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her, giver her everything she ever wanted. All the love she needed.
"I know you don't really know me, but I want you to get to know me and I want to get to know you, Olivia."
"Fitz why are you out here bothering me?"
"Because you're the one, that's why."
"No! Please leave me alone."
"Look Olivia, all I want to do is to spend time with you. That's it."
She was about to speak when he raised his hands. "I know that can't happen right now or maybe ever, but at this point I'll take whatever you're willing to give. If that means 'friendship,' then I'll have to take it."
"Fitz, honestly, I've known how you feel about me from the beginning, but this," she pointed from her to him, "this can't happen. Ever."
He stood and reached for his wallet. "Here's my card with all of the numbers and ways to reach me. If you need me, just say the word."
He was surprised when she smiled and reached for the card with a trembling hand. Sliding it into her purse, she looked at him again. She was about to speak when she heard a notification from her phone. The car had arrived to take her back to the Inn.
"Fitz, I have to go."
He walked her to the Hybrid waiting at the curb. After assisting her into the backseat, he stooped and looked her in the eye before saying, "I don't know why our paths crossed this weekend, Olivia, but I'm glad they did." Fitz closed the door and stepped away from the vehicle. He stuck his hands deep in his pockets and watched as the car drove away. He didn't move, couldn't move, as he stared in the direction of the car as it disappeared into traffic.
A small, feminine hand touched his shoulder. He turned and looked into the solemn face of Cecily Pope.
"Looks like the love bugs have been busy this weekend. Come on, let's talk." Fitz followed Cecily back to the house, too numb to object.
They took a seat in the sunroom away from most of the guests. "You obviously knew Olivia was engaged." It was a statement.
His shoulders slumped. "I know. But I thought there was something there. Something between us." He didn't mention any of the conversations he and Olivia had had the previous day. "I don't know what I thought would happen. I guess I just let myself hope,"
"Don't worry, I have a feeling that things will change, soon." She took a sip of the mimosa she'd lifted from a passing waiter.
"How do you know?"
"Because she knows in her heart he isn't the one, and she could do so much better. I just hope she's strong enough to call it off before it's too late."
He nodded in agreement.
"How can Olivia go forward with this marriage?" Fitz asked. "From what I've gathered, he's never happy with anything she does, and is possibly seeing someone else. She isn't even sure she's in love with him. So how could she even think about marrying him?"
"Olivia always does the right thing. She's the most reliable person I know, sometimes to her own detriment. She prides herself on that. When she accepted Garrett's proposal, it meant forever…to her."
"Do you think Davis loves her? I mean really loves her?"
Cecily stared at the handsome man who was making her sister's belly do flip flops and wondered how much she should tell him. "Garrett only loves Garrett. Deep inside, he's nothing but a troubled little boy who can't stand losing. If Olivia breaks their engagement, he'll find a way to get her back because he can't lose."
Fitz shuddered. Definitely not love.
She stood. "Well Mr. Grant, it's been nice talking to you." Fitz stood as well, looking down into the face that resembled Olivia's so much.
"It's Fitz, and I've enjoyed our conversation as well." He stuck out his hand and Cecily shook it. Before letting his hand go she had one more thing to say.
"My sister genuinely smiled more in the past thirty-six hours than she has in the last six months and I know that was because of you. Thank you."
Fitz squeezed her hand and released it."Honestly Cecily, I've never felt more alive than I did when I was with her. So I guess you could say, we're good for each other."
What a silver tongue charmer, Cecily mused.
"Well I've got a plane to catch. I hope this won't be the last time we see each other." He turned and went in search of the guests of honor, before leaving.
X
"Do you love Garrett, Olivia?"
Olivia almost choked on the piece of cantaloupe she was chewing. She grimaced. Her mother's question was quite unexpected. They had talked about her consideration for partnership, Harry's wedding, Fitz, and Garrett's disappearance. The question had come after the fifth time Olivia had apologized for her behavior at the rehearsal dinner. Although both parents had assured her that she was forgiven and loved, Olivia couldn't let it go.
Getting over her shock, Olivia asked, "Mother why would you ask me that?"
"Because it's apparent that you're having a hard time choosing a date and when we questioned you about it, you changed the subject to avoid answering."
Olivia took a deep breath. "Yes mother, I love him. He's special and makes me feel special. Or at least he used to, she thought. "I love him a lot."
"And how does Garrett feel about you?"
"He tells me he loves me all the time, and I believe him."
Maya stared at her youngest daughter before speaking. "I'll be honest with you baby. Your father had some concerns when the two of you started dating again. You were apart for almost four years and in that time he saw you blossom into a beautiful young woman and a brilliant attorney. Now it seems that the young woman from four years ago is hiding behind Garrett. What happened to your confident, free spirit? The genuine smile that never left your face. Where did that young woman go? The confidence you had then has slowly dissipated."
This wasn't news to her. She knew that her father never really liked Garrett, didn't trust him said he was a charmer, and not in a complimentary way. Garrett was his best friend's son but that didn't mean that he couldn't have reservations about them getting married. Especially when he felt his beloved 'baby girl' was settling.
"You sound as if you're looking for reasons for me not to get married."
"That's not true. We want you to be happy and not jump into something like marriage because you think it's expected. Your father and I have never pressured you to marry Garrett, or anyone else for that matter. We just worry that you trying to do what you think we want is going to keep you from having the happiness you deserve."
"I don't do that. I don't…"
Her mother shook her head. "Libby, since you were a little girl you've been a people pleaser, always did what others expected. You never wanted to be judged or to disappoint your father and me. You've always been afraid that we would disapprove. I've been telling you your whole life to just be yourself and stop worrying about what people think or what they'll say. We will always love you, no matter what."
Olivia looked up and saw her sister standing on the first landing of the stairs in the kitchen. She was behind their mother and neither had heard her descent. She put a finger to her lips and quietly went back up.
"Now if Garrett's behavior is what has you snapping at your father and me, and spending time with another man, then you need to say that. Don't make it about us, and how we feel about it."
"But it doesn't bother me. Not really."
"Then Libby, baby, you need ask yourself what's going on that has you out of sorts. And be honest with yourself."
Maya took a sip of her coffee, still eyeing Olivia.
The silence in the room was interrupted by Cecily's cheerful, "Good morning."
Olivia's grin was wide. She was grateful for the interruption.
Walking across the room on her way to the coffee pot, Cecily dropped a kiss on her mother's upturned cheek. Standing at the island, as she poured herself a cup of coffee, she gave Olivia an everything okay look. Olivia nodded 'yes,' discretely.
Shortly, after Eli and August returned and joined the ladies in the kitchen. Cecily volunteered to take Olivia to ferry which didn't surprise her sister.
"So, what were you and The Maya talking about earlier?" Olivia laughed at her sister's use of the nickname they'd given their mother years ago. The name 'Queen,' just didn't seem like enough.
Ignoring her sister's question, she asked one of her own. "Did you know that daddy doesn't like Garrett?"
"Does that really surprise you Libby? I mean he's said on more than one occasion that he doesn't see what you see in him. His best friend's son."
She looked away. In reality she knew this, but leave it to her sister to remind her once again that no one, not her, their father or her few friends were actually happy about her marrying Garrett.
The quick trip to the ferry was completed without Olivia answering her sister's question. She leaned over and kissed her cheek before telling her that she loved her. "I'll call tonight and tell you what The Maya and I talked about." They were both laughing as Olivia exited the car with a huge smile on her face.
As she boarded the ferry, she was unaware that today would be the last time that she would wear a genuine smile for quite some time.