Note: I'd like to again thank you all for reading my story, leaving reviews and PMs. Many of you have questions that I've thought about addressing, but I'm just going to keep writing and let it all unfold. Thanks again for taking the time to read my version of Olitz.
TBOT
December 2013
"Liv, running away never solves anything."
Olivia turned from her open suitcase, to look at her sister standing in the doorway of her bedroom. Cecily thought she knew Olivia better than Olivia knew herself. Unfortunately, sometimes she actually did.
"I am not running away." But Olivia's tone could not convince anyone, especially her sister that she wasn't getting the hell out of Dodge, because seeing her ex and his pregnant girlfriend at every holiday party she had attended was just too much. When he'd broken their engagement, she knew they were bound to run into each other due their families and their mutual friends, but what she hadn't expected was how seeing the couple together in public would make her feel. She'd tried to ignore the whispers from her "friends." Some of them, especially those coupled off, acknowledged her with pitying looks and body language that said "don't get too close." That still hurt.
"Then please explain what you're doing if you're not running?"
Olivia sighed and tossed aside the blouse she was about to pack. "I am going to L.A. to complete the merger our pregnant associate, Lainey Britt, was working on before she was placed on bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy."
"But Liv there are four days left in the year, do you have to leave tonight?"
"Cis, when Valerie called me, panicking about not meeting the deadline, I volunteered to go and manage the Massey merger until the final agreement page is signed. I just closed the file on that investment bank merger and now that we're deep into the holiday season, there isn't a lot happening at the firm."
Cecily raised a perfect eyebrow. "And your leaving has nothing to do with seeing your ex and his very pregnant and glowing girlfriend at all of those holiday soirees you dutifully attended?"
Olivia avoided Cecily's gaze. "I wish I could say one has nothing to do with the other but you and I both know that that wouldn't be the truth. Valerie's phone call gave me the out I needed, and I'm taking it. I'm getting out of D.C.
Cecily walked over and took a seat on the bench at the foot of Olivia's bed. "I understand why you feel so much dislike and anger toward the guy but running away isn't going to make the situation better."
Olivia sat next to Cecily on the bench. "No Cis it probably won't, but putting some distance between me, the ex and the pregnant girlfriend, for the next three months is exactly what I need." She sighed before resting her head on Cecily's shoulder, and neither said a word for a few minutes.
Cecily broke the silence. "Did you know that Hayes and Harrison confronted the ex at Butch and Ava Toussaint's holiday party/toy drive?" At Olivia's perplexed look, she continued. "I was on my way to the powder room when I heard them. Hayes had him hemmed up against a wall in the mudroom."
"You know you've got a beat down coming, right?" Hayes asked.
Garrett just held up his hands in submission and said, "Aw man, let's not do this. No harm, no foul right."
Hayes shook his head and took a step closer. "Shut up. If you don't talk, the chances that I won't slam my fist into your face are in your favor. I mean, it would give me great pleasure to hurt you, but I don't have to. You've hurt Libby for the last time. "
Garrett shrugged. "Look, I don't know what Liv told you, but…"
Harrison interrupted him. "You need to shut up before I lose all of my patience. Hitting you might make me feel better, but it won't change anything. I really would like to body slam you into a deep hole, but you're not worth me losing my law license and getting disbarred."
"I'm not a lawyer." Hayes said. He knew that Garrett understood what he meant. "You don't speak to Olivia. You don't look at Olivia. You don't even think about Olivia. As a matter of fact, just forget you ever knew Olivia Pope."
"Look Davis, are we clear?" Harrison asked in an exasperated and bored voice. He was tired of this game and wanted to get back to his wife and the party.
Rolling his eyes, Garrett responded, "Yeah guys, we're clear." He looked at both brothers before nodding and walking out of the room. Hayes and Harrison followed behind him.
"Are you serious? They did that? Two grown men? That's so immature!" Olivia was trying to keep from laughing.
"Yes they did." Cecily joined Olivia, laughing at the absurdity of it all. "I never mentioned to either of them what I saw or heard. They take being your "big brothers" very seriously, always have."
"Yeah. I love those guys."
They were silent again.
"When you get to L.A. find someone to take the edge off."
Olivia sat up abruptly, "What? Where did that come from?"
"Hear me out Liv. It's been five month since he broke your engagement, and understandably, you haven't looked at a guy since. I'm not saying you should to go to L.A. looking for a serious relationship but you definitely need to find someone to take the edge off."
There was that phrase again. "Cis, I do not have an edge," Olivia said, laughing.
"Yes you do, and we both know it."
"Are you really suggesting that I engage in a fling with a random guy in L.A.?" Olivia asked incredulously.
"Yep, sounds like a good plan to me."
Olivia stood, walked over to the window and looked out. Not that she was counting, but it had been a while since she'd had sex. Long before her broken engagement. Yes she had an edge all right, and she definitely needed to work off a lot of pent up frustration. Swimming was great but it didn't bring the release that good sex did. Sometimes she thought about dressing up in one of her sexiest dresses, going to a bar and using the alias 'Alex,' meeting a guy, taking him home and having her way with him. Is that what Cecily was suggesting?
"Liv?"
She turned back to Cecily. "You know I've never been the love-and-leave-them type."
"Yes but Liv you're twenty-nine years old, you know what's up. You only have to answer to yourself for your actions. I think you and some lucky guy in L.A. are spontaneous combustion just waiting to happen. Do yourself a favor little sister, get laid."
They both laughed at Cecily's statement.
"I'm not ready for love, Cis."
"I agree."
Olivia raised an eyebrow as she smiled.
"But I think you're ready for some fun," Cecily said with a wink.
"Okay, okay," she laughed, "Will it help matters if I promise to give it some thought?"
"Yes!" Cecily stood from the bench and walked over to Olivia's closet. "Now let's get you packed. And don't forget to take something sexy to wear when you meet your 'Mr. Right' or your 'Mr. Right Now,' and have the best sex of your life!"
Olivia could only laugh and shake her head at her sister as she continued folding items and placing them in her suitcases.
"Hurry, before the car arrives to take you to the airport."
X
January, 2014
Fitz downshifted the classic silver 2005 Porsche 911 Carerra S convertible, maneuvering down Beachwood Drive in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of L.A., on his way downtown. Traffic had slowed to a crawl. With the top down, he could hear the horns and profanities from the other drivers.
A smile spread across his face as he listened to the vulgar comments and watched as drivers gave one another the middle finger. Times like this made him miss New York City. Actually, by New York standards, these drivers were tame.
Traffic in his lane had come to a complete standstill. Probably construction, he thought. Fitz reached over and tapped the screen on the dash of sports car to raise the volume of radio. A classic Rolling Stones song was playing and he began to sing, almost at the top of his lungs.
"Sing it, gorgeous!" a woman called out as she cycled down the hill past his car. Nodding, Fitz winked at her as he continued to sing.
As Fitz sang, the honking continued, until traffic began to move again. He slowly moved past the road construction crew who were going about their business without a care in the world. It was a few more minutes before he was able to make it through the line of traffic and merge onto the 101 south, towards the Staples Center.
Living in L.A. temporarily for the past two months, Fitz was quite familiar with the notorious traffic. He'd left his leased home high in the Hollywood Hills early enough to make it to the arena before tip-off. His brother, Ford, was in town for a few days and they were attending a Lakers game. They rarely got to see one another since Ford had been officially named President and CEO of Grant Holdings. He had called Fitz this morning and invited him to attend the game with him as guests of an old friend, Ryan Sugarman, whom he'd met while attending Wharton. Ryan's father was a media mogul who had a suite at the arena for the night's game. Fitz accepted the invitation, excited to spend a little time with his brother.
Like Ford, he'd been busy since completing his last project in Seattle. From Seattle he'd gone to New York City to spend the holidays with his family before going back west, to L.A., to begin a new project. He was burning the candle at both ends, but he loved his career. Grant North America was building luxury condos in downtown L.A., and most of the units in the fifteen story building were sold before they'd raised the steel beam. As busy as he was, a certain doe eyed, pouty lipped beauty was never far from his mind. It had taken sheer willpower for Fitz not to drive down to D.C. while he was home. There was something about Olivia that made him less confident than he normally was around women. The way she ignored him, as if he didn't exist, at the brunch. And, she never called. Even though he'd wanted to ask Harrison about her, he decided it was best to let her tell him herself, when she was ready.
Fitz drove into the Premium Seating Members preferred parking lot where he was greeted by a valet attendant, who opened his door. Grabbing his jacket from the passenger seat, he exited the low slung vehicle. A Premium Services Manager was waiting at the VIP entrance in a cart to drive him to private elevator and take him to his host's suite. Slipping his arms into the sleeves of his jacket, he walked over and climbed onto the cart, excited to share a relaxing evening with his brother and the other guests.
X
Olivia loved her job and sometimes she loved the perks that came with her job. Tonight was one of those times. Since arriving in L.A. two weeks ago, she'd immediately thrown herself into her work. She made no time to get out and explore the city. She'd even spent New Year's Eve alone in her hotel room, to the chagrin of her sister. How are you going to take the edge off Libby, if you don't go out?
It was all work and no play. She worked nonstop, liking the pace because it didn't give her time to think about anything else. On those nights after yet another long day at work, when she was alone and not too exhausted, she thought about the last time she was genuinely happy. It was almost six months ago, on a sailboat with a sexy, blue eyed, blonde haired man with a generous and caring heart who'd made her feel alive again, if only for a few hours. Thinking about him, she thought of her sister's suggestion to find someone to "take the edge off." Every time she spoke with Cecily, the first question her sister asked was, "have you gotten laid yet?" She was disappointed every time Olivia responded, "no."
Tonight she'd accepted her client's invitation to accompany him to a Lakers basketball game. They were in a suite high above the court. Their host, Reese "Sugar" Sugarman, was a very good friend of her client, Brett Massey. Although she wasn't a huge sports fan, she'd agreed when he told her she needed to get out of her hotel. Now that she was here, she was glad she came. She'd left the office early in order to get to her hotel and change. Although she used a car service to take her to and from the office, Brett had sent a car to bring her to the arena. So far she was enjoying the suite's amenities.
Olivia was standing with three other women watching the live player introduction show. Like the other women, she was getting caught up in all of the fanfare.
"More wine, Olivia?"
She turned to look at Brett, who'd walked over to stand next to her, and smiled. "No, Brett, I'm fine."
"Sure?"
"Positive."
He stood for a few minutes watching the introductions before speaking. "Ah, here comes Sugar now. I'll bring him over and make introductions."
"Okay," she responded absently.
As he turned to walk back up the steps to the top of the suite where a luxurious buffet was laid out, she had to admit that he wasn't a bad looking sixty-year old man. He had polish, a dry sense of humor and dressed very well. Brett reminded her of her father, and like her father, he had been looking out for her since she arrived in L.A. and since the first day she met him.
A few minutes later Brett returned accompanied by an older gentleman with perfectly coiffed snow white hair. He gave her a broad smile showing perfectly straight white teeth.
"Reese Sugarman, I'd like you to meet Olivia Pope."
She extended her hand to the man before greeting him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sugarman."
Smiling kindly, he said, "Pleased to meet you too Ms. Pope. And call me Sugar, darling."
Olivia nodded her assent. "Thank you so much for your hospitality."
"Brett here has told me a lot of good things about you, Ms. Pope."
"I'm sure he probably exaggerated." They all laughed.
"Well, the game's started. Help yourselves to the buffet and the bar. If there's something you want or need, and don't see, ask the attendant and he'll get it for you." He looked at Olivia again before taking his seat. "Enjoy yourself, Ms. Pope."
X
Fitz had been standing inside the suite for only a few minutes talking to Ford, Ryan and a few other guests, when Reese Sugarman walked in. He was introduced by Ryan, and they made polite conversation before another guest walked up. He introduced himself as Brett Massey and asked if he could speak to his old friend for a minute. The men walked down the stairs toward a group of women who were standing and looking down at the court. Brett Massey tapped one of the ladies on the shoulder and she turned around.
Fitz's smile faltered. His chest pounded. He shook his head. He was losing it. Had he conjured her up? He would've recognized her anywhere. The curls had been replaced by a long, straight sleek look with a soft middle part and one side was pushed behind her ear. He preferred the curls, but the new hairstyle in no way took away from her beauty.
She smiled and said something as she shook Sugar's hand. He didn't need to approach her to know that her voice was warm and husky or that her honey brown skin smelled like the soft scent of her perfume. It was a feminine scent that suited her to perfection.
"Fitz, would you like…?"
He nearly jumped, having forgotten his brother was standing next to him. He forced his eyes away from the beautiful woman he had thought about on a daily basis since the first time he saw her, on Martha's Vineyard. She'd taken a seat behind Sugar, next to Brett Massey. He frowned. Was Brett Massey her date? His stomach clenched at the possibility. He stared as she turned and began carrying on a conversation with the woman sitting on her left.
"Sorry. What did you say?"
Ford looked at him strangely, then glanced in the direction of his brother's gaze and saw the object of his stunned expression. A beautiful woman, he mused. Fitz always did have good taste.
"The attendant asked if you wanted another drink."
"Oh. Sorry. I'll have a single malt scotch, on the rocks."
The attendant nodded then left to fill Fitz's drink request. When he returned with his drink, Fitz thanked and tipped him, before taking a long sip. A few minutes later, he excused himself saying he was going to actually watch the game. Still in shock from seeing her for the first time in six months, he moved to stand at the top of the stairs, content to watch her for a while.
Olivia sensed she was being watched. Brett had gone to get her a bottle of water and for the moment, she was sitting alone. Glancing over her shoulder, she instantly froze as she stared into the face of the man who had been occupying her thoughts a lot more than she cared to admit.
Seeing him again stole her breath and brought up a myriad of emotions. His smile was pure confidence and she could see the laughter in his eyes even from across the room. She'd kept his business card but knew that she would never contact him. She'd also asked Harrison about him when she saw him over the holidays. Her cousin had smiled at her slyly before answering her question, but not once did he disclose if Fitz had asked about her.
Fitz paused the moment Olivia looked up and saw him. His eyes registered the emotions that flashed across her face. Surprise. Confusion. Disbelief. He could feel his heart racing as their eyes locked, and that simmering chemistry they had months ago was still there. He moved down the stairs towards her.
Olivia's throat tightened. Before she could utter a word, she watched as that familiar crooked smile touched the corners of his lips right before he spoke.
"Hello, Olivia." That voice still did things to her.
"Fitz." She finally said in disbelief. "What are you doing here? I mean, I didn't expect to…" She stood and smiled before saying, "it's good to see you again." Then she surprised them both when she hugged him."
When she pulled back out of his arms, Brett was standing behind Fitz with a knowing smile. Had he noticed the chemistry too? Olivia wondered. He was holding a chilled bottle of water and a glass.
"Olivia, I didn't know you and Fitz knew one another." He said as he sat the bottle and the glass on the tray in front of her seat.
She looked at Fitz nervously before responding. "We met last summer on the Vineyard. It's a shock seeing him here tonight."
Fitz smiled. I'll bet.
To Olivia's dismay, Brett invited Fitz to join them and Fitz happily accepted. They watched the rest of the first half of the game and engaged in small talk. He learned that her firm was representing his company in a merger, and that she was the attorney assigned to the case. Fitz sensed her nervousness even though she'd tried to mask it conversation. He had answered Brett's question regarding why he was in L.A., but Olivia hadn't been very forthcoming regarding the reason she was there. Fitz didn't have to worry because Brett was happy to share why. That is, when he wasn't feeding them tidbits of information about the other guests in the suite. He had also innocently revealed where she was staying while in the city. Twelve Wilshire. A Grant owned property.
Fitz couldn't believe his luck. Did she know that his family owned that hotel before making her reservation? He had so many questions, like what happened to that big rock she was wearing the last time he saw her. But he would wait until they were alone, in another setting. For now, he would just enjoy the game and seeing Olivia again. Call it coincidence, serendipity chance, karma or whatever. It was all good.
X
At halftime Olivia stood, as did Fitz and Brett, excusing herself and practically ran up the steps of the suite to the ladies room. She didn't breathe easy until she'd locked the door behind her. She leaned against the sink and turning away from the mirror, she covered her face with her hands. She felt them tremble; in fact she was trembling all over. She was a mess. Her life had fallen apart six months ago and she was determined not to let it happen again.
For a while, after what Garrett had done to her, she didn't want a man to touch, look at or even smile at her. She knew she was being irrational but she was just that turned off by the opposite sex. Of course Fitz would be the man to change all of that. Leave it to him to make her realize that she was still capable of feeling desire. She almost laughed out loud. Cecily would be ecstatic. Sighing, she moved into the stall and took care of her business.
A knock on the door caused her to jump, and her heart raced.
"Yes?"
"Can you hurry it up? There's a line forming out here," a female voice said through the door.
"Sorry. I'll be right out."
She washed her hands, then took out her lipstick and applied a fresh coat. Cautiously opening the door, she mumbled an apology then made her way back to the suite. She wasn't surprised to see Fitz standing at the entrance waiting for her. She averted her eyes, unable to stand his intense gaze. There was no way she could deny there was still a very strong attraction between her and Fitz. She turned around, not sure of where she was going. But before he could take a step, Fitz was there, standing behind her.
"Olivia."
His voice, deep and husky, made goose bumps rise on her arms. He was standing so close to her that she detected the faint scent of his cologne. She remembered it vividly. She knew it would be rude to walk away from him now, so she was forced to turn around and face him.
"Fitzgerald."
"How have you been Olivia?"
She looked into his face but tried not to gaze directly into his eyes. "I've been fine. What about you?"
"I've been doing okay, considering."
Olivia looked at him with a raised brow. But before she could say anything, Brett came rushing towards them.
"Oh there you are." He was flustered and out of breath. "Olivia, my daughter just called from the ER at Cedars Sinai. My wife tripped over the stupid cat and possibly fractured her ankle. I'm sorry Olivia, but I have to leave."
"Oh Brett don't worry about me, go, go." She started to walk him towards the elevator.
"No, I can't leave you here alone."
"Brett I'll be fine." She assured him.
It was Fitz who put him at ease. "She'll be okay Brett. I'll keep her company, and make sure she gets home safe and sound. Even if I have to drive her myself." He turned to Olivia with that charming smile.
Olivia looked at Fitz as if he'd taken leave of his senses.
"Fitz that's not necessary," she was saying before Brett grabbed his hand and shook it, thanking him profusely.
Turning to Olivia he said, "The car is ready whenever you are. I'll see you in the office on Monday."
"Goodbye Brett, go take care of your wife."
They watched as he entered the elevator and the doors closed.
Without a word, they both turned to walk back to the suite. When they entered, Fitz lightly touched her elbow. She gave him a questioning look. He took her hand and led her over to two men who were sitting in club chairs, deep in conversation. They both stood when Fitz and Olivia approached.
"Guys, I'd like to introduce you my friend, Olivia Pope. Olivia this is Ryan Sugarman." She stepped forward and shook his hand.
"It's nice to meet you, Ryan. I met your father earlier." Fitz noticed that he held onto her hand like he didn't want to let go. Olivia noticed it too. She discretely removed her hand from his and turned to Ford Grant.
Fitz placed his hand on Ford's shoulder. The resemblance between the two men was noticeable. Both were tall with blue eyes. Fitz's were clear, the color of blue topaz, while Ford's were more blue green. The same color as their mother's.
"And this guy is Ford Grant. Younger brother, friend and overall pain in the ass." They all laughed.
"It's my pleasure." She said. Olivia extended her hand and was rewarded with a light kiss on her fingers. So this was the wunderkind now in control of Grant Holdings. She mused. The woman who managed to get Ford to commit was more than lucky. She was blessed.
"I'm honored." He responded. Ford stared at the petite woman smiling at him and standing next to his brother. He silently congratulated his brother on having exquisite taste in women. He'd observed him earlier and knew that he had an interest in this beautiful woman. Fitz had dated his share of women over the years, but none had surpassed Olivia Pope. He knew he was staring, but so were the other men in the room.
"You're Harrison Wright's cousin, right?" He asked.
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Yes I am. Our mothers are sisters."
"Great guy."
"Yes he is. And congratulations on your new appointment."
"Thank you."
"Liv the second half is starting, would you like anything to eat or drink before we take our seats?" He took her hand again. "It was nice meeting you Ford and Ryan." Both men nodded as Fitz and Olivia moved toward the bar to order drinks before the second half began.
Ryan waited until they left to take their seats to say, "I think Fitz is smitten with Olivia." Ford didn't respond, but he also didn't disagree with Ryan's observation.
X
The second half of the game was different, emotionally, for Olivia. Fitz's presence was unsettling, and having him seated next to her without Brett as a buffer, made her even more aware of his presence. She felt his every move, his every breath. And his arm casually laid across the back of her seat didn't help. They hadn't said much, both lost in their own thoughts. He would occasionally ask if she needed anything, and she politely declined each offer. Despite their earlier camaraderie, Olivia preferred the uncomfortable silence between them. Their earlier chatter had begun to feel too comfortable. She felt safer in silence. It was less intimate. Although he had been the perfect gentleman, he still made her nervous. Period.
Fitz tried to concentrate on the game but Olivia Pope sitting next to him was making that difficult. He had tried to start several conversations but when he'd ask her questions, she either answered in monosyllables or not at all. He finally gave up and just enjoyed being in her presence after so long.
When the final buzzer sounded, almost everyone in the suite stood and began walking toward the exit. Fitz and Olivia thanked their host one last time for the invitation.
"Did you enjoy the game?" He asked as he helped her on with her coat.
"I did," was her only reply.
"I'll ride with you downstairs to your car." He took her hand and led her toward the exit.
"I'll be alright."
Fitz gave her a pointed look. "I said I'll ride downstairs with you."
Their eyes met and held for almost a full minute. It was a stare-down. Finally she looked away from his intense stare. "Okay. You can ride down with me to the car."
"Thank you."
Olivia rolled her eyes at him and smiled.
They arrived at the elevator. He punched the button and the doors opened. Fitz allowed Olivia to precede before he walked in behind her. "What are you doing tomorrow?"
She eyed him suspiciously before answering. "Why?"
"I thought maybe we could have lunch…or dinner tomorrow.
"Excuse me?" She was trying to focus her attention on Fitz and what he was saying.
"Lunch? Dinner? Tomorrow? I was thinking that if you're not busy, we could go out to eat."
"I'm sorry Fitz," she said. She repeated herself a second time. "I'm really sorry but…"
He held up his hands, still smiling. "No pressure. I just want to see you again. See what you've been up to since the last time I saw you. So think about it, and if you change your mind or you just feel like spending some time together. I'm available."
Olivia nodded. "I appreciate that."
She released the breath she was holding when the elevator reached the main concourse.
Fitz followed Olivia through the lobby and out to the VIP lot where the black SUV was waiting. The driver got out and came around to open the passenger door, but Fitz stopped him and helped Olivia as she slid onto the leather seat.
Leaning in, he stared at her face. From out of nowhere he produced another business card. "Since you seemed to have misplaced the last one, here's another card. Use it."
Olivia smiled, her gaze moving slowly over the lean face with the blue topaz eyes. "Goodnight, Fitz." Placing two fingers to her lips, she touched her fingertips to his slightly parted lips. They stared at each other until she spoke. "Close the door Fitz."
Blinking as if coming out of a trance, Fitz stepped back and closed the door with a thud. He stood and watched the taillights from the SUV disappear into the downtown L.A. traffic.
"You want to talk about it?" Ford had been watching his brother all evening. We can go to the bar at my hotel and have a drink."
Clapping his brother on the back, Fitz smiled and said, "I'll drive."
X
The men sat at a table in the back of the dimly lit bar, catching up. Fitz told his brother about his and Olivia's brief history. He'd also revealed to his brother that at the age of thirty-five, he had sown his last wild oat and was now ready to settle down. Of course Ford had tried to convince Fitz that he was still too young to talk about marriage and having kids. He couldn't process what his brother was saying.
"So, does this sudden desire to settle down have anything to do with Olivia Pope?"
Fitz stared at his brother. "What are you talking about?"
"Come on Fitz, you couldn't keep your eyes off of her the entire evening."
"That's because she's beautiful."
"That she is. But your feelings go deeper than her looks."
"How so?"
"You took her out on the boat and you haven't done that for anyone in years. You stayed an extra day on the Vineyard just to see her again when you knew you needed to get back to Seattle. You were very attentive to her tonight, even though she tried her best to ignore you. All the while knowing she was engaged. And, she's still not falling for your million dollar charm." He said before signaling the waiter to bring them another round.
"I'm not trying to charm her, Ford. I know when a woman doesn't want anything to do with me. But on the other hand, I've spent the past six months thinking about her. I don't know what it is, but I can't get her out of my head."
"Have you at least been seeing someone else in the meantime?"
"No. And I don't want to."
He was not surprised by the look his brother gave him. Women loved Ford and Ford loved women. He insisted he wasn't ready to settle down because he didn't have time to seriously date anyone and why should he when he had women throwing themselves at him. Why give that up? But he was always honest with the women he dated, to let them know upfront that there was no future to what they doing. He'd told Fitz years ago that he was going to do every wild thing he wanted to do before he settled down and he was very unapologetic about it.
Fitz on the other hand had grown tired of the merry-go-round of women a long time ago, and was ready to get off. He'd stopped going to the non-stop, never ending parties where he woke up feeling worse than when he'd gone to sleep. It had gotten old.
He continued. "I knew the first time I saw Olivia that she was the one."
"Wow!"
"Yes wow. She's the first woman I've known that I want to love and protect."
"Well the only thing I'm going to say is be patient and take it slow. Maybe you should spend time together before you think about sleeping with her."
"That's not even a thought at this time. The lady hasn't even given me her phone number. I mean I could go to her law firm's web site to get it, or through other means, but I want her to feel comfortable enough to give me the information herself."
"Good. Then take it slow, brother."
The brothers spent another hour talking about the new L.A. project and then decided to call it a night. Fitz's thoughts were on Olivia while driving to his temporary home in the hills. He would give her a few days to call him and if she didn't, he would go to Plan B.
Once home, he showered before climbing into bed. Within minutes he fell asleep, and for the first time in six months, he wasn't disturbed by the erotic dreams of making love to a faceless woman he knew was Olivia Pope.