2 months later. .

"Men are trash."

Olivia, Quinn and Harrison each gave Abby a questioning look after her abrupt statement.

Liv invited them all out for drinks and these kinda nights usually ended in great fun.

"What? It's true isn't it?" Abby asked while finishing her second cocktail of the night.

Harrison perked up in defense when Olivia and Quinn silently agreed.

"So just because you don't know how to pick the right guy, all men are trash?" He asked.

Abby was ready for a fight. "The fact that you really gotta go on a hunt for just one good guy proves my point. In general, men are just assholes who think they can do whatever the hell they want and treat women however they please because they're men and in their crazy little world that means they're more superior than us women. Honestly, it's disgusting."

"Don't you see how hard you're making it for us if you're going around with that notion of all men being the same? Yeah there's some real scumbags out there but there's also real men in this world who wants nothing more than to uplift women and to let them know that we appreciate them."

"How many of those men do you know Harrison because I don't know a single one of 'em." Abby hit back.

"Abby.. Just stop saying that all men are trash when you know that's not true."

A light chuckle could be heard from Olivia and Quinn.

"Aww you're hurting his manly feelings Abby." Liv joked.

"Girls, tell this man that he's fighting a losing battle."

"You've both made some valid points." Liv shrugged then continued, "And on some points I can agree with both of you but that doesn't change the fact that there are more shitty men than good guys in this world. It's kind of unfortunate actually."

Harrison swirled his glass of whiskey with a sigh. "Everything must be working out great for you then since you're not even into guys. Because women are soo unproblematic." He said in a mocking voice while rolling his eyes.

"Really Harrison you're gonna bring my sexuality into this? You actually think that because I'm gay that I haven't been on the receiving end of a sexist, misogynist pig who thinks nothing of women? Fucking hell have you ever felt your chest tighten up from worry just by having to walk past a group of men who thinks being inappropriate and calling you all kinds of names is just harmless fun?"

Harrison immediately felt nothing but regret at his comment. "Look, Liv I shouldn't have said that. I took it a too far and I'm sorry, I really am so genuinely sorry."

"Well you went there and maybe you do regret saying it out loud but hey, at least you got it off your chest right? Shit if you rate yourself as one of the good guys then let your actions speak for itself and teach the next guy to be more gentle and kind. My god, why don't you walk in the shoes of a woman for just one day and see how much we get judged, mistreated and disrespected by other men."

Abby looked around the table at everyone. "I should apologize for starting this whole.. discussion, and letting it get out of hand. I'm sorry. We all came here tonight to have a good time.. Please, let's just do that."

"Harrison why don't you go and see what they have in the buffet area and maybe put something together for us." Quinn suggested, knowing everyone needed a little breather before things got out of hand.

"Sure."

xxx

Monday came and it was back to work.

"Hey Liv?" Harrison jogged after Olivia, catching up with her as she entered her office.

"Yeah?"

"Are you still mad at me?"

"You've been blowing up my phone all weekend with apologies Harrison. How many times do I have to say that we're okay, that you're forgiven?"

"I-- Are you really okay? It's just-- I keep on replaying that conversation over and over in my head and what I said to you was totally uncalled for. And honestly it just proved Abby's point."

"Seriously stop, breathe, and move on." She laughed. And he joined in.

"Okay."

"Hey by the way can you make room for a thirty minute session just after 4p.m this afternoon?"

"I guess so yeah. We have a new group coming in?"

"No just a worried bride who swears her fiancè has two left feet and she wants the perfect wedding so we've gotta choreograph their wedding dance and make him look good."

"Ooh my favorite type of clients." Harrison said jokingly.

"I would've suggested that we prepare something beforehand for their session but I'm thinking that maybe we should wait and see what falls into their comfort zone. I don't want them to stress about a dance on their special day."

"Yeah you're probably right. Anyway, I gotta bounce. I've got to get the music ready for my next group."

Olivia's day ended at around 6:30pm. She drove home listening to a playlist of Leon Bridges' music which always made her unwind and calm down. She sang along. Thoroughly enjoying the drive home.

Her phone beeped just as she stopped at a red light.

A text from Fitz; "Cooking lesson for tonight still on?"

Her feet and legs felt tired from the day's activities but she couldn't cancel. Their cooking lessons were taking shape and he was just starting to get the hang of things.

"Yep. 7:30 as usual."

Olivia switched lanes to begin her timing drive to Fitzgerald Grant's house.

A stop at the gas station and pulling over to answer Abby's phonecall had her at Fitz's place exactly on time.

"Hey tiny dancer, come on in."

Olivia returned his smile as she walked into his arms for a quick, friendly hug. "How was your day?"

"Not too busy. Yours?"

"It was a good day with the exception of Harrison practically crawling after me to forgive him."

They headed straight to the kitchen. "You two had an argument?"

"Somewhat. Wanna try making the Chicken Piccata? I thought we could do something light tonight."

Fitz leaned against the counter as Liv washed her hands. "Something that happened at work? Chicken Piccata sounds fine. I guess I'll just have to wait a little longer to try your casserole recipe."

"No, outside of work. It's really not important." She turned to face him. "I know I said we'll try the casserole today but--"

"It's okay. And are you sure you don't want to talk to me about your argument with Harrison?"

The two of them fell into routine. Getting the ingredients out and prepping for their cooking. Well, Fitz's cooking.

"To summarize; we went out Friday night. Abby had an opinion about men, and Harrison strongly disagreed. I also had my own opinion and so Harrison figured that since I'm gay I don't get to have an opinion. I set him straight and he felt bad for saying what he said." Liv smiled up at Fitz who wasn't smiling at all. "There. Now you're all caught up on that story."

"He actually said that to you? He's got some nerve."

"Not as directly as that but yeah.. He implied it by saying I'm not even into guys."

"You're his boss. Does he know that you can make him unemployed in a matter of seconds."

"Grant, relax. I'm over it. He was being emotional and passionate, and he really did feel bad for what he said. Yes he works for me but he's also my friend. And friends have disagreements. They say things in the heat of the moment. It happens."

"Still, he's an ass for coming at you like that."

"Let's get cooking, okay?"

"Alright."

Olivia hopped on the counter. Fitz offered her, her favorite snack; popcorn. And they start a light conversation in between Liv throwing instructions at Fitz.

"Ooh that smells so nice. Way to go Grant."

Fitz chuckled and wiped his hands on his apron, "Hey you still gotta taste it so ease up on the compliments."

"Your last two meals were very good though so I'm not worried."

"It helps having a great teacher."

"Let's just say we make a great team then."

"Indeed. Wanna help me set the table?"

"Sure."

On the first bite Olivia was impressed. The chicken piccata turned out really well. Not perfect, but neither one of them can call themselves a top chef so, who cares.

"Guess what?" Fitz said with a hint of laughter in his voice.

"What?"

"Leah texted me yesterday out of the blue."

With a confused frown Liv replied, "You've been over for a month now."

"I know." He laughed.

"So what did she had say?"

"Asked me if I wanted to grab a drink or something which of course I declined."

"Why?" Liv asked, placing a piece of the creamy chicken in her mouth.

"Why did I decline?"

"Yes, why?"

"Uh, because I don't go for drinks with exes."

"But you two didn't have a bad break-up. Maybe it would've been harmless. Just two friends hanging out?"

"Really? Okay first of all, we're not friends. Livvie c'mon you know she would've expected something else. I'm not that cruel to use her just to throw her to the side again. That's not cool."

"Aw I'm proud of you. You did the right thing."

"Darin's wedding is next weekend. You're going with me, right?"

"You just assume I'm going?"

"Well no but why not? Come on it'll be fun."

"You're the best man, what am I supposed to do there if you're gonna be occupied with your best man duties. I don't really know anyone except your parents who will also have their complete focus on the wedding and everything that goes with it."

"Livvie please..I don't want to go alone. Plus you could do with a little break from work and this place."

"I don't even have anything to wear to a wedding. Come to think of it; what kind of wedding are they having? Like, is there a theme? A specific dress code?"

"An outdoor wedding at Daisies Estate. And no, they didn't specify a dress code."

"Wait why didn't you give him a bachelor's party?"

"I couldn't find time for that. Unfortunately I had a lot of important meetings lined up these past two weeks which I just simply couldn't postpone. He did seem to have a good time though because they had a joint affair. One big bachelor's and bachelorette party."

"Maybe that's a good thing because you would've dragged him into places he ain't never seen before." She joked.

"Oh that's what you think of me?"

"You took Abby and I to a strip club once in case you've forgotten."

"Only because of Abby's curiosity. And we didn't even stay long, plus I don't remember neither of you complaining at the time. Anyway, the wedding.. Will you go with me? Mom will be delighted to see you, you know."

With a hearty laugh Olivia pointed an accusatory finger at Fitz. "Don't you use your mother on me Grant."

He laughed along, "Just say yes Livvie."

"Okay fine, I'll go. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to even catch the bouquet."

"Be careful what you wish for. By the way how's your dad doing?"

"He's doing pretty great. Ever since he started that reading program at the library he's been in good spirits."

"It's really cool what he's doing, helping young underprivileged kids to read and not just that but to help them to understand what they're reading. And doing it for free? He's such an awesome guy."

"Yeah, I told him he should've been a teacher because I've seen him in action and he's doing a proper job with those kids. But he's just such a lover of literature, he can literally make the words come alive when reading a book. I remember being a kid and story time with my dad would always be the most exciting part of my day."

"That's amazing."

"I want him to find someone though. I mean I know mom was his true love but still, I don't like seeing him so alone. She's been gone for five years now and yes we both still miss her every day but I want him to move on and find someone that'll make him happy again."

"Have you told him this?"

"It has come up a few times yes."

"And? How does he feel about it?"

"He says he's too old to be looking for love and that I'm the only and most important woman in his life. Why don't you talk to him?"

"Me??" Fitz asked with a surprised chuckle. "I don't think that's a good idea Liv. Look, don't force it. Who knows, maybe he'll meet a nice lady at the library."

"Yea you're probably right. ."

Fitz smirked. "I'm always right."

"Ha! You wish."

The two of them stayed and chatted for a little while longer before Liv eventually decided to head home.