Hi, everyone. Thank you for being extremely patient while I took some time off from writing. Hope you enjoy. xo

Week one of the Los Angeles trip was going very well. She and Harrison met with both parties, laying out what was at stake, what could be salvaged, and when the plans could be executed. Even with some opposition, they were able to connect with Chelsea, but still give the Agency and Mr. Reynolds advice to stand their ground as the employer. On Monday, there was a press conference and the OPA team was well represented.

Olivia was determined to make a great impression on her clients and learn about the scene in L.A. When she and Harrison weren't inside the hotel conference room, drafting press releases and rehearsing speeches to give, they were researching the other PR firms and publicists who were mainstays. Knowing it was important to not be complacent, no matter how much success she had obtained. Olivia was reminded of what her father had told her time and time again: always having to work twice as hard to be twice as good. While googling, she discovered a workshop nearby, registering immediately.

"Do we have to attend this, Liv?"

Olivia took a sip of her coffee, before swinging the door open; Harrison was dragging his feet. "We need to stay on the top of our game. Stay current, above the fray."

"We should be relaxing when we're not working. There's so much to see!"

Giving her friend a playful jab, Olivia said, "Get outta here, Harrison. That's what Thanksgiving and Christmas are for."

Harrison sighed.

"Listen," Olivia turned around. "Just attend this one workshop with me and you'll be off the hook whenever we're not on the clock."

"Ok, Liv."

The two found seats to the right of the stage. There were about 75 individuals in attendance, listening to this hot-shot guru named Leo Bergen, about the ins and outs of current public relations tactics.

Olivia didn't skip a beat, furiously writing notes, taking into consideration the information Leo gave. Every so often, she glance over to Harrison, who yawned, or just looked very bored. When the session was over, Olivia introduced herself to the main speaker, thanking him for the speech.

It felt great to network with others. There weren't as many minorities represented, which was a little discouraging, but Olivia made efforts to meet each one.

But one in particular, Marcus Walker, looked around their age. He was passionate when he discussed his mission to help, cutting down any bullshit, and yet very affable. Someone she could make connections with in the future.

"Hi, I'm Olivia Pope."

"Nice to meet you."

After shaking Marcus' hand, she introduced him to Harrison."

"Where are you located? You don't give me a California vibe."

"D.C."

Marcus smiled, "That's great. You know, LA could use someone like you. Your work ethic is beyond amazing and you have this grit that publicists here wished they could have. I've heard about you - you're working on the Chelsea Williamson case."

"We are."

"You're doing a great job," he continued. "I'm serious. You could do great here. You have the experience of working with big names and we have our fair share of celebrities."

Quickly, Harrison interjected, "We're needed in Washington."

"I appreciate your kind words." Olivia smiled, lifting her eyebrows slightly at Harrison.

With another smile, Marcus said, "Think about it. I'll gladly fly you out, show you around, and connect you with other big players here."

Olivia accepted his business card, placing it inside her folder. Marcus had a point. With her time in the hardcore government environment she was accustomed to, she could always spread her wings. There was potential in the West Coast and ways to expand.

"Are you crazy?"

"What?"

Harrison made sure to stay in time with Olivia's fast-paced footsteps.

"You like it here that much?"

Olivia gave him a wink, shrugging one shoulder. "I don't know. I like how it's different here."

Harrison suggested to get a quick lunch at one of the small restaurants a few blocks away from the Record building. He wanted to give Olivia time to clear her head. The long hours were catching up, and she was trying very hard to mask the deprivation. Very thankful that her confidant was observant, knowing when she was on and when she could use a break.

After they ordered, Olivia noticed that her phone was chiming. After three rings, she tapped on the screen.

Hello, Sweet Baby. I just saw a link online about your client. Saw your beautiful face. Damn. You look as gorgeous on the screen as you do in person. I miss you. Call me when you get a chance. 3

Olivia locked her phone, returning to her lunch. She didn't respond to the text; the influx of emotions would overwhelm her. Because she knew she was already homesick. Being away for months at a time made her callous to her former surroundings. But this time around, it was odd. The butterflies, the heartache of being apart from him. He was a reason why she couldn't just up and leave.

Damn feelings.

"Thank God we can do this."

"Why?"

"Because I can see you."

Olivia stuck out her tongue at her computer screen. Another bedtime video chat with Fitz. While she worked on another proposal and her dinner, Fitz was sitting in bed, with a lazy smile plastered on his face.

"C'mon, you love it."

"I do," she grinned.

"Teddy asked about you."

"He did?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"That's cool."

"Does that freak you out?"

"What do you mean?"

"That my son asked about you."

"Not as much," she replied. "It's nice to know I'm missed. What have you been up to, Mr. Grant?"

Fitz cracked a smile. "Well… I found a class for Teddy. It's at the community center on Wednesday afternoons. Gives him some time to socialize without Rachel nearby."

"Awesome. What about you?"

"Just work. Missing a lady so much."

Rolling her eyes, scribbling a correction on her paper, she mumbled, "I'm sorry. I'm doing my best to get back as soon as I can."

Olivia returned to the screen; Fitz back in his comfy position, head cradled beneath his hands. He sure looked sexy like this. But because he was far away, it made her heart beat faster.

"Don't you worry. You have a job to do and I couldn't be prouder."

"Going on any dates?"

Fitz's eyes widened, while scoffing. "Olivia! I wait patiently after work, waiting for your calls. I don't have time to go on dates."

Giggling, Olivia replied, "I'm just teasin' ya."

"God," Fitz sighed with glassy eyes. "I cannot wait for you to get home."

"Me too."

Olivia checked the time. "I should let you go."

"Oh, no," he wagged his finger. "I'm not going anywhere because you will ask me to stay. You always beg."

"No, I won't."

"Yes, you will. Trust me," Fitz taunted. "Give yourself five minutes."

That sounded like a challenge so Olivia went back to her work, taking a few more sips of her wine. Acting as if Fitz was not looking back at her.

"Okay, Livvie. It's getting late."

"Don't hang up!"

Olivia squeezed her eyes shut. He was right. Of course, when she opened them to see what kind of mocking response she would receive, Fitz was chuckling.

"I won't."

"I love you, Fitz."

"I love you too, Sweet Baby."

"Liv…Liv."

"What?"

"You're zoning out."

Leaning back with a puzzled face, Olivia narrowed her eyes at Harrison, only to receive a "told you so" look. She used the pause to re-tie her hair into a ponytail. Holed up in the room working on a deadline could create some tension.

"Sorry."

"Are you alright? We've been working since 8. It's 4 now and you haven't eaten much. We should call it a night."

Olivia brushed him off with a "fine", and continued typing.

A 6am call startled her out of sleep. The one day she could stay in bed without an alarm and now she was awake. Was it Mr. Reynolds? A fucking beat reporter who wanted scoop? If so how did they get her number?

Aimlessly feeling for her cell phone, Olivia snatched it off of the nightstand, cleared her throat, and pressed the button. Hoping the irritation in her voice would not carry through.

"Hello?"

"Hi!"

The voice didn't sound familiar. Why would the Agency have someone call so early? Olivia specifically told Quinn to forward all inquiries to the work extension and then for it to be a Saturday? This made no sense. Her brain was still muffled.

Olivia sat up and spoke louder. "What?"

"Livia, is that you? It's me, Teddy. Do you see me?"

Rubbing her eyes as if she was still dreaming, Olivia discovered she wasn't. Sure enough, she was on a video call. The jovial tyke was waving at her, in his pajamas, with a smile so big. It almost softened the blow of being so rudely awaken.

Almost.

"Good morning, Teddy. How did you get my number?"

"Daddy's iPad was unlocked and I clicked on FaceTime and your name was at the top. Livvie. But that's his name for you. You're O-livia. I call you Livia. So, I thought maybe you could talk because I want to talk to you."

Teddy's brain worked so well, full of reason. But still not at that point of knowing the concept of time zones.

"You're so sweet," she encouraged. "But next time, I want you to ask your Dad first before you use his things.."

"Okay!"

"How are you?"

"Fine. I'm glad you're here."

"Yeah?"

Teddy smiled. "I can see you and that makes me happy. Because I miss you so much!"

How could a child make her heart flutter like this? She was still on the fence about how she felt around kids, but Teddy constantly adjusting her thinking. Olivia caught a glimpse of herself through the little box in the corner. Strands of hair framing her face, while in a messy bun. Lips puffy. Eyes tired. Basically looking a hot mess. She quickly cleared her throat, not wanting to create a scene. "What are you going to do today?"

"I'm going to play with my toys. I think we're going to the grocery store. Play in my room while Daddy does work at home. And then, my mom's calling me tonight."

"Oh yeah?"

"Mmhmm."

"What are you going to talk about?"

Teddy responded with the cutest, most confused face. "I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"Hmm."

"Have you talked to your mom about school?"

"Sorta."

"Okay, how about your artwork? I remember you showing me paintings you made."

"Livia."

"Yes?"

Teddy pouted. "I really don't want to talk to her."

"Why not? Did your Dad say something?

"No. He doesn't say bad things about her in front of me. He says that all the time to his friends. 'I don't talk poorly about her. Not in front of him.' Him is me."

Olivia nodded, "Well that's good. Some adults aren't always nice like your Daddy."

"I don't understand why she had to leave me."

"Teddy…"

Olivia watched her face crumple. She wanted to get to the bottom of this. As soon as he spoke of his mother, Teddy's demeanor would plummet.

"What's wrong, bubba?"

"My friends' mommies all hang out together and my mom doesn't come to parents' night. I'm lonely. I stick out."

"Do any of your friends like you?"

Teddy was chewing on his lip. "Yeah, most of them do."

Olivia reached over to grab her water bottle. After taking a long swig, she answered, "That's good. Do any of them only have one Mom or Dad?"

"Sometimes."

Olivia began to think like she would with a client. Just easing in with questions, figuring out what was making them tick. "Why do you think you stick out?"

"Everyone as a Mommy and I don't have one here."

"But you have Daddy."

Teddy sighed, clearly in exasperation. "I knooooow. But he can't always come. Because of his work. That's why I have babysitters. They subb-a-tute. Like teachers."

"I'm sorry. I bet your other friends have babysitters and nannies that step in when their parents can make it."

She heard Teddy click with his tongue. Olivia decided to give him some time to think things over and let him lead the conversation.

"Livia?"

"Yes?"

"She's replacing me. With Andrew. She likes him a lot."

"But what about your Dad? I'm dating him. Is he replacing you with me?"

Teddy emphatically answered, "No! Daddy would never do that to me. He loves me too much, he would never leave me. You're not trying to pretend that I'm not here, Livia. He promised."

"Oh," she commented. "Why do you feel lonely?"

Teddy abruptly lifted the iPad, and began to walk. Olivia gathered that he stopped in the family room. "I'm going to color, okay?"

"That's fine."

Olivia smiled as she watched him tilt the iPad, so she could see what he was up to. He opened a book. "I'm coloring leaves, Livia.

"Yeah?"

"Yes. It's fall time. Did you know that the leaves turn different colors? Sometimes it depends where you live."

Olivia sat up, realizing she wasn't going to back to sleep. "That's great. Teddy, you're so observant."

He colored for a few more minutes.

"How's school?"

Teddy shrugged. "Ahh, it's different here. Kindergarten is very...different. At preschool, we just played and talked about our toys and dolls. Now, all the kids talk about what they do at the home. And I don't talk. Because… I'm different."

"Who is telling you this, Teddy?"

"Zachary. Parker Elizabeth Davidson. Owen," Teddy explained. 'They live in the nicer neighborhood. They think I'm weird and different because I only have a Dad."

Olivia firmly stated, "No, you are not. You're just as important as the others. Everyone has different stories to tell. There is nothing to be ashamed about. Guess what?"

"What, Livia?"

"I didn't always have my Mom around."

Teddy looked up with wide eyes and a dropped jaw. "Really?"

"Really. She and my Daddy fought a lot and they were busy. They were always out of town. So… one day she left and didn't come back for a long time."

"She left you too?"

"Yes."

Olivia was certain Teddy was going to cry - his bottom lip poked out and was quivering. "Did she stop loving you?"

"I don't think so. But sometimes, parents don't always know how to love."

"Oh. Ok. Maybe that's what happened with my Mommy," Teddy slowly replied, with a little hope in his voice. "She gets angry when I'm messy. Or when I run around. I think she likes it more if I'm quiet."

"I see."

"She talks extra high on the phone but when it's just the two of us, it's like she doesn't want to talk to me. I think I bore her and she doesn't know how to talk with me," he giggled. "I don't think she's around kids my age."

Olivia couldn't help but smile; Teddy has such optimism that could brighten anyone's day. She witnesses pieces of herself in him. Only hoping that he would never change and life would never jade his view.

"Well, I think you should talk to your mom, and tell her how you feel."

Teddy wiggled his eyebrows, moving closer to the screen. She could see some of the freckles on the apples of his cheeks. "But I hope you can be my new Mommy soon," he whispered. "That would be so cool!"

"Theodore! What are you doing? Why do you have my iPad? What did we discuss, buddy, about using other's people things? Wait, who are you talking to?"

Olivia refrained from laughing as she heard Fitz's heavy footsteps approaching and frantic questions.

"Livia."

"Liv?"

Fitz came into view, but only in his sleep pants, so that was a view to behold. Along with his ruffled hair and reading glasses, Olivia kept her mouth shut, not wanting to say something very inappropriate to his son. She waved, while covering her face, still very tired from the lack of sleep.

"Hi."

"Hi," he smiled, but asked, "Did he call you?"

Olivia nodded.

"I am so sorry, we will talk about time zones and being considerate."

"It's okay. We got to talk."

Fitz pursed his lips, slowly turning to his son. Teddy shrugged, giving a cheesy grin.

"But Daddy, it's Saturday and I just needed to talk to Livia. I didn't want to wake you."

"It's alright, Teddy. If you ask, you can call Olivia, if she is okay with it. We will have to ask her before you call. Okay?"

Teddy nodded, giving his father a hug. "I'm sorry. And I'm sorry, Livia."

"I forgive you."

Fitz scratched the back of his head, inadvertently revealing a toned arm, with the tight muscles and veins that popped out. Maybe a perk of this early morning call.

"Kids. They keep learning new things and sooner than we did."

"I bet."

"How are you, beautiful?"

Olivia groaned. "Ridiculously tired."

"You're not sleeping."

"What?"

Fitz lowered his face, so that his glasses would shift down against his nose. "You heard me. I don't think you've been sleeping well. Will you be able to rest today?"

"Maybe," she sighed. "Today is an 'off' day. But I need to take care of some things."

"I'm sorry that he woke you. It won't happen again."

Olivia brought her phone closer as she reclined. "It's okay. You don't wear clothes on Saturdays?"

Fitz's shoulders rose as he laughed. "No. I try not. Especially in the mornings. I gotta wear my suit every day, it's nice to let loose."

The settlement between the record label and Chelsea was resolved in 10 days, faster than was projected. Everything worked out as Olivia predicted and they were paid well. But Mr. Reynolds referred her to another friend with another case.

Peter Caldwell was a popular actor working on resurrecting his career. Coming from a large acting family, he was used to the spotlight and getting whatever he wanted. But because of late nights and distasteful events, his star was dropping. Several years after his fall, he was getting tired and needed help. Mr. Reynolds knew Olivia and Harrison could help Peter.

After three days, Olivia was able to craft a proposal no one could refuse. With the help of Peter's agent, Olivia and Harrison could get started. It didn't take long for the transition to begin. Peter's name was creating positive attention on social media and on the entertainment channels. Olivia stayed on the phone, making more connections, and persuading local news channels to have Peter on their shows.

She met with Peter's team. When the meeting was over, everyone was filing out. Except for Peter.

"Miss Pope, thank you so much. I am very appreciative."

Olivia curtly stated, "You're welcome. That's our job. To make you look good and rise above whatever issues you got yourself into."

"We both have East Coast roots, you know."

"Oh?" Collecting her papers, Olivia crossed to the door.

Peter strutted towards her. "Yes. I'm always in awe of a woman who is no-nonsense about her work. It's a great look."

"Are you flirting with me?"

"That would be affirmative. Is that wrong?"

Olivia tried to wipe the disdain off her face. Crossing her arms, she reminded, "I don't mix business and pleasure."

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Who is the lucky fellow?"

Smirking, Olivia replied, "That's my business and not yours."

"I see," Peter lowered his eyes to the floor as she left him in the office.

Thirty minutes later, Harrison teased about the conversation over popcorn and wine.

Olivia covered her face with her hands. "I can't believe he was flirting with me."

"You're a strong, beautiful, and an accomplished woman. Men appreciate that." Harrison consoled. "There's nothing wrong with that."

"Oh, come now. Let's be real."

Harrison gave a strong side-eye. "You must love being this way. Do you make yourself more difficult to love as the days go by?"

"Watch it."

"Peter Caldwell had no clue you weren't single."

"I don't need to talk about him with anyone."

"Do you act like you're unavailable?

Olivia had to recall since she went on the first date with Fitz. It was like she was hiding her relationship from everyone. Not that they needed to know, but Harrison had a point. She was still thinking like an unattached woman. Someone who could wander anywhere she pleased, without thinking of how it could affect others. Now, there was more than herself and work. L.A. may be a good second home, a new and exciting business opportunity. But maybe not. There was more to consider.

Olivia didn't dare call Fitz to tell him about the shenanigans, because she knew he would flip his shit. So she thought of the next best person.

Gabrielle Nunez, her roommate in college, always seemed to be available to chat. Olivia could tell her almost everything.

"How's L.A.?"

"It's alright. I don't know if I like it as much as I thought."

"You're a lucky lady, getting paid to walk down Rodeo. Do something new. Cross paths with gorgeous men."

"Okay, well next time, I'll send you."

Gabrielle laughed heartily. "Perfect. Are you homesick?"

"A little. I'm digging it here."

"Do you miss him?"

Hearing Gabrielle's mocking tone made Olivia roll her eyes. "A little."

"Girl, you know you're in deep for that man. I can tell you've never been like this. Not even with Jake and Edison."

A sharp chill cut Olivia to the bone, having the same effect as hitting an elbow against a hard surface.

"Don't you dare mention them. They did such damage to me. It's taken me so long to move past them."

"And that's why I did say their names. To remind you of the contrast," Gabrielle reminded. "Your personality has changed. For the better, Liv."

"I hope so."

"But you love him?"

Olivia scrunched her nose while crossing her legs. It felt like when she was a teenager, gushing about the boy who caught her eye.

"Yes. I do."

"Do you see a future with him?"

It would be the first time Olivia could vocalize to anyone how she truly felt about Fitz.

"I do."

Gabrielle hummed with approval. "Good. Now, I need to ask. Is he respecting you and your boundaries?"

Olivia answered with a huff, "Of course. I wouldn't waste my time if it was anything less than respect. I learned that the hard way."

"Just asking. How about the loving department?"

"Gabrielle."

Her voice was deep and serious. There was things she never discussed with her friends. She never talked about her sex life; it was incredibly embarrassing.

"Oh, come on! He's tall, gorgeous, charming. He probably looks at you like you hold the mysteries of life inside -"

"Stop it."

"Olivia. Carolyn. Pope."

Feeling a deep blush on her cheeks, Olivia sighed again. "He's wonderful. On all levels. I'm not lying. He's the best thing that has happened to me."

"That's all that matters, Liv. That you love him and he loves you. Whatever comes along, just rely on love and be honest with each other. Be honest with yourself."

Gabrielle's advice was timely, bringing more clarity to Olivia's mind. More importantly, her heart.

"Shit," she gasped. "I need to wrap this sucker up."