Fitz and Olivia arrived safe and sound in Denver, Colorado late Thursday afternoon for his brother's wedding.
Since Fitz was the bestman he had to be there for all the pre-wedding stuff hence their early arrival.
Margaret Grant insisted on Liv staying at their family home for the duration of the weekend.
"Hey. You're already dressed? It's not even eight a.m yet Liv."
"You know I'm usually up early Grant. Coffee?"
"Sure."
Fitz accepted the cup with a silly smile.
"What?" Liv asked with her eyebrows raised.
"I don't know..just-- I like that you're not unfamiliar in this house."
"Your parents instantly made me feel welcomed and at home, so you've got them to thank for that."
"We're going to the pre-wedding brunch later on."
"We? I'm pretty sure I'm just here for the wedding."
"Yes we. You're my date this weekend." He chuckled and winked at her.
"You're a funny man Fitzgerald Grant. And as your date, what is expected of me?"
"I go nowhere without you but most importantly I just want you to have fun. By the way, may I ask what you'll be wearing to the wedding tomorrow?"
"Why do you want to know Fitz. As your date, shouldn't I keep that little detail a surprise?"
He laughed. "You're probably right."
"C'mon let's go for a walk, I'd like to get a feel of the fresh Colorado morning air."
"I don't even have a shirt on."
"You won't die, come on."
Fitz let on a displeasing groan but Olivia gave him a strict glare and he quickly hopped up and followed her outside.
xxx
The brunch was in full swing.
The whole bridal party showed up along with most of the family members. It was a joyous mood all around.
Olivia leaned over and whispered into Fitz's ear. "The bridesmaid on the far left is shamelessly checking you out."
His eyes found the girl Olivia was talking about and he chuckled. "How long have you been eyeing her to know that she's checking me out?"
"Oh shush, I haven't been 'eyeing' anyone. She's just making it really obvious."
They share a good laugh. "She's beautiful though." Fitz said.
"She is. You should talk to her."
"I'm not here for hookups."
"So just keep her company. No harm done."
"No thanks. You on the other hand--"
Liv was quick to cut him off. "Ah no stop right there, I'm fine on my own thank you very much. Why don't you tell me how your speech is coming along instead."
"Well I haven't put anything down on paper yet but I'm not stressed about it."
"Yeah well you're his brother and you guys are pretty close so it should be easy to just speak from the heart. Just don't include too many embarrassing stories in your speech Fitz, he's gonna kill you."
"I can't promise you that I won't. We'll see how it goes."
"You're so petty sometimes."
"I'm not but as his big brother, embarrassing him is my job."
Just then the soon-to-be married couple approached them.
"Olivia, hi! I'm so sorry we haven't really had a chance to welcome you but we're so glad to have you here." Darin gave Fitz a pat on the back then said, "At least now I won't have to worry about this one's behavior."
Liv got up laughing and hugging both Darin and Laura. "I'm glad to take that stress off you."
"Hey little brother you're acting real cocky. It's almost like you've forgotten that I still have to deliver a very important speech tomorrow." Fitz had a smug grin on his face. "Don't make me roast you in front of all those people."
"You're gonna try and embarrass me regardless though."
"I don't even know what I'm gonna say yet."
Now Darin frowned. "What do you mean Fitz? The wedding is tomorrow. Literally just a couple of hours away."
"I'm going to do the speech Darin stop freaking out. Liv made me realize though that I don't necessarily have to come prepared with a piece of paper in my hand. I know you. I've known you forever. We're brothers. So if I'm gonna do a toast on you tomorrow it's gonna come from the heart. Besides, mom will probably kill me if I mess anything up."
Darin pulled Fitz in for a brotherly hug. "I love you man."
"And I'm your biggest inspiration yeah I know."
"You're so stupid. Olivia how do you put up with his stupidity?"
Liv, who enjoyed the wholesome interaction between the two brothers, replied, "Over time you just learn to live with it I guess."
"Ah well, we better continue with our rounds and see if everyone is still having a good time." Darin said, taking his fiancee's hand.
"Yeah man see you tomorrow. You two get a good night's rest. Tomorrow is gonna be..a lot." Fitz said chuckling.
After the brunch Fitz decided to show Liv around his hometown. They spent hours driving around before Fitz took her on a stroll through Larimer Square.
To many people they looked like a really cute couple - some even gave them that compliment. That's how Fitz and Liv were; unintentionally giving off 'couple vibes'. But in reality they were just really close friends.
"Hey! Where have you two been all day?" Margaret greeted them.
"I just showed Liv around town a bit."
"Oh that's lovely. So what do you make of our city honey, beautiful isn't it?"
Olivia smiled, "So beautiful. I don't understand how Fitz could've just left such an amazing place. It's so vibrant while other parts of it is so calming."
Fitz wrapped his arms around Liv's shoulders; casually hugging her from behind. "Technically I didn't just leave, I had to go and run a company. Plus, I'm glad I did because I got to meet my best friend."
Margaret looked at the two with pure adoration.
"It must be exciting knowing one of your son's is getting married tomorrow." Liv told Fitz's mother.
"It's very exciting but it's also kind of emotional for me. I guess it's just a motherly thing.. seeing your child getting married to a wonderful partner. You know, I always thought Fitz would be the first one to settle down."
Fitz dropped his head into the crook of Olivia's neck as he laughed.
"But he just can't seem to find the right girl." Margaret added.
"I have my girl right here though."
Olivia rolled her eyes, laughing. "Just because I feed you does not make me your girl."
"Sooo you're my homie then?"
Now she laughed wholeheartedly. "Sure. I mean I do got your back like a homie."
"See mom? I'm good as long as I have this girl right here in my life."
"Good. We could all do with a friend like Olivia. Oh by the way, your father and I had dinner with Laura's parents so if you guys are hungry you're gonna have to sort yourselves out."
"It's okay Margaret, Fitz took me to this place with the most delicious burgers I've ever tasted."
"Yeah so we're pretty full." Fitz added.
"Well okay then. Your father is in the study but I'm off to bed. I have to be well rested for tomorrow. Goodnight you two."
"Goodnight Margaret."
"Night mom."
Much later that night Fitz was laid out on his stomach, with his face propped up in his hands as he watched Olivia painting her nails next to him on her bed.
"I really don't know why you're still in here when you should be getting rest. I don't think Darin will find it funny if his best man showed up late because he overslept."
"I'm not tired yet."
"I thought old people are always tired."
"Ohh! I felt that one Liv."
"Well you are closing in on that big four-o."
"Still four more years. What are you getting me for my birthday this year?"
"You'll get a hug and a compliment on your hair. That should do it I think."
"The disrespect. Damn."
Olivia's laughter filled up the room. "Stop making me laugh I'm gonna mess up my nails."
"Why does it take so long though?"
"Excuse me I didn't ask you to sit and watch me do my nails."
"Can I try?"
"What?"
"Lemme do it."
"Grant don't be silly."
"Why not? Just one toe nail."
"You've got to be very precise and delicate otherwise you're gonna paint my whole foot."
He scooted closer to her. "Give me the brush. C'mon, you can just remove it again if it's not done right. You know I'm not going to stop bugging you until you actually cave in."
"Fine." She groaned and handed him the nail polish with the brush.
Fitz sat up and took her foot gently in his hands. A soft touch. He was so focused on the task at hand while Olivia on the other hand was focused on him doing it right. And all that could be heard was their breathing.
Her hand unconsciously pushed the loose curl, hanging over his forehead, back into place.
"There, what do you think?" His baritone voice eliminated the silence.
Olivia looked down at her foot and chuckled, "Well you didn't mess up."
"Just say I did a perfect job."
"You did well. Now leave, it's getting late."
Fitz laughed quietly as he got up. "Alright Pope, see you in the morning."
"Goodnight Fitz."
"Goodnight Livvie."
xxx
The next morning Olivia and Fitz just shared a brief good morning before Fitz was off to join the bridal party, leaving Olivia to get ready for the wedding.
She opted to wear her hair naturally in a curly updo. Dressed in a beautiful floral printed off the shoulder pencil dress which complemented her body really well. Her nude heels, matching her clutch, rounded off the gorgeous look.
"Olivia wow you look stunning."
"Thank you Margaret but I don't think I look as amazing as you do. I absolutely love the color and cut of that dress. It fits you perfectly."
"Oh thanks honey. Are you ready to go?"
"Yes."
"Great. Let's get this day started."
The wedding was great. The bride and groom looked incredible and so did their bridesmaids and groomsmen. Also, the couple had everyone emotional with their vows.
The reception was a mixture of laughter and tears. There were heartfelt and emotional speeches from the parents, while friends and other family members had people crying with laughter with old and embarrassing stories of the bride and groom.
Fitz, surprisingly, delivered a really serious speech in which he praised his brother and openly welcomed his new sister-in-law into their family.
"Hi."
"Hi, checking up on me?"
"Of course. Are you still okay, having a good time?"
"I'm genuinely enjoying myself. You did an amazing speech by the way. I loved it."
"Thanks. I barely got to see you today."
"Well you've been kinda busy."
"You look beautiful." He said casually.
"You're looking quite dapper yourself Grant."
Fitz chuckled. "C'mon let's go grab some food from the buffet."
"Please, because I'm starving."
"There's an after party tonight in honor of the newly weds. You wanna go?" Fitz asked as they walked across the room towards the buffet area.
"Sure, it should be fun."
"Cool."
xxx
"Liv." Fitz poked his head into her room. "You ready to go?"
Olivia wore a denim jacket over a crisp white tunic shirt dress while her medium length curly hair now cascaded down her neck - bouncing over her shoulders. She finished off her look with brown block heels which emphasized her toned bronze legs.
"I didn't bring a lot of clothes with me and I wasn't gonna keep that dress on all day so, is this outfit okay? And be honest."
"It's perfect. You look beautiful."
"Thank you."
"C'mon, we should hit the road."
"I think I'm just gonna leave my phone here since I'm not taking a bag or anything with me."
"Sure. Now let's move."
"Jeez what's the hurry Grant?" Liv asked jokingly.
Fitz had a big smile on his face when he said, "Stop teasing me Liv. Besides, the party won't wait for us."
The two friends arrived at the celebration in good spirits - letting the rhythm of the music lead them inside.
"I'm gonna get us something to drink." Fitz spoke loudly over the blaring music.
Liv gave him two thumbs up and a nod as she shimmied into the crowd of dancing people.
Olivia was a simple person. She hears music; she dances. It wasn't long until she attracted several partners to dance with.
"Hey Pope!" Fitz called out, holding their drinks up.
Her attention quickly reverted to him. "Oh c'monnn this is one of my favorite songs. Join me?"
Fitz wasn't a dancer. He would shift from one foot to the other - not necessarily on the beat but hey, he knew how to have a good time.
"Fine." He agreed as he took a swig of the golden liquor.
"Nothing feels better.. Nothing feels better than thisss.." Olivia sang with her drink in her hand while dancing. And all Fitz could do was smile and join in on her mood.
She looked carefree and happy and that's exactly the energy he wants to surround himself with.
Fitz locked his arms around Liv's neck as they sang to each other. And that is what made their friendship special. They could be however silly they wanted to be around each other. They fed off each other's energy.
"Hey bro, where have you been? Liv's been looking for you."
The party has been gradually slowing down as night turned into morning.
"Oh I just stepped outside for some fresh air." Fitz replied coolly as his face turned into a mischievous smirk.
"Bullshit man, you went smoking with our dumbass cousins. That's what you guys always do when you're together, plus your eyes are a dead giveaway and I can actually smell the weed you know. It's so obvious. Will you ever quit that stuff?"
"Probably not. And besides, they had some really good weed man. That's what I miss about this place."
"The good weed?"
'Yeah." His answer was nonchalant.
"How high are you right now?"
"Would you believe me if I told you that I'm not actually high but just in a really good mood?" Fitz winked then laughed heartily at his brother's facial expression.
"You're stupid. So Olivia is okay with your habit I assume?"
"Shut up about Liv. Hell I'm a grown man Darin. And what's so bad about enjoying a nice joint every now and then?"
"You know what, let's not even talk about this anymore. I don't wanna get into a fight with my brother after such an amazing day. "
"You said Liv was looking for me.. Where is she?"
"With my wife and the rest of the ladies."
"My wife." Fitz repeated, chuckling. "I'm happy for you D."
"Thanks man. And which lucky lady in here is leaving with you tonight?"
"Hey I'm just here to celebrate you and your woman. That's it."
Darin's silent reaction really piqued Fitz's interest. "What?"
"No nothing.. Well, I mean I just figured since you're single that you'd be putting yourself out there. Not that you really have to, you're Fitzgerald Grant, you attract females like magnets."
"So the girl you were dancing with earlier is not your girl?" A guy asked coming up behind them.
"Excuse me? Who the hell are you? Darin do you know this guy?"
"This is Enzo. Laura's boss's son who came because his father couldn't make it."
"So if the invitation wasn't directed at him why is he here?" Fitz asked with an attitude.
"I actually work for my father so Laura and I are colleagues. I'd say we get along pretty well."
"Enzo, I'm glad you could be here with us today and share our joy but my brother and I were in the middle of a private conversation."
"Oh yeah no of course, I was just coming over here to thank you for a really awesome day."
"I see."
"And hey man.." Enzo turned towards Fitz, "..I don't wanna overstep any boundaries but was that your girl or not?"
"Darin please tell this man to excuse himself."
"I can ask can't I? If she belongs to you then I'll back off for sure man." Enzo insisted.
"She doesn't belong to me. She's nobody's property. Do you get that?"
"Man what's the deal here? Is she like your side chick or something?"
"My-- My side chick?" Fitz asked with a humourless chuckle.
"Hey man I'm not judging. Sometimes a little something on the side is exactly what we need. And that girl is smokin. Damn!"
"That woman, is my friend. So you better stop talking shit and learn to fucking respect women."
"Whoa hey dude no need to get all sensitive. But if that's how you dance with your friends then please tell me where I can find myself a beautiful friend like that to ya know, dance with."
Fitz took a step back. He was starting to lose his temper. Darin watched his brother's reaction and decided to intervene.
"Enzo, come on man. Let's not do this right now. Not here. Not tonight. Please. Laura and I have great respect for your dad. He has really helped shaped her career and for that we're both grateful. So what I'm trying to say is, let's not let anything happen here tonight that'll lead to any bad blood between any of us."
Enzo lifted his hands in an act of innocence. "I hear you man. Anyway I already spoke to Laura but thanks again for today."
The Grant brothers watched him leave.
"I was this close to breaking his face." Fitz said, still looking annoyed.
"I'm glad you kept your cool."
"Talking shit about Liv like that? The fuck is wrong with him."
"Hey, calm down. He's an idiot. A spoilt kid who still needs to learn a lot about life. Don't let him get to you. C'mon, how about a drink?"
"A drink right now sounds perfect. Preferably guava juice or chocolate milk."
"What the hell is wrong with you. You know this is a party for grown ups and not a bunch of two year olds right?"
"Okay so maybe the chocolate milk was a stretch."
"That weed got you messed up." Darin laughed as the two of them approached the bar counter. "Luckily for you there's a variety of juice and soda's for the people who don't drink any alcohol. But guava though, really? That's nasty."
"Darin get your head out of your ass. Guava juice is freakin awesome and man that shit just hit different after you've had a joint."
"Whatever you say."
"One day you'll smoke with me, I just know it. And you'll enjoy it and the guava juice afterwards."
Darin laughed. "Not likely."
"It's not illegal D. Live a little."
"Fitzgerald get your damn juice and shut up." Darin then spotted Liv heading towards them. "Oh look! Olivia's coming over."
"Hey boys. Darin your wife is requesting your presence." Liv said with a smile.
"I guess that's my cue to leave. And just in case I don't see you guys again; it was really nice having you here for a fun evening. Tonight was a great ending to a special day."
"See you bro. Congrats again." Fitz said with a handshake.
With Darin now gone Olivia focused her attention solely on her best friend. "Juice?"
He chuckled as he shrugged, "I had a craving."
Olivia hopped up on the barstool next to his. "Give me your car keys."
"Excuse me?"
"I'm not letting you drive if you're high."
Of course she knew. Because she knows him unlike anyone else.
He took out his keys and held it out. "You've seen me high before. Do you think I'm high right now?"
"Don't get smart with me. You just love to boast about your tolerance to marijuana. Still though, I'm not taking any chances." She reached out to take the keys from him.
"People still do that?" He was staring at the pen written phone number on her arm. Smirking.
"Well I don't have my phone here and I wasn't just gonna give my number to a stranger so.."
"Cute girl?"
"Oh she's hot. Not my usual type but there's just something about her."
"Oh yeah? So what makes her not your type?"
"The tattoos and piercings and big personality. Oh! And she's a biker. But for some reason all of that makes her kind of hot you know."
"Sounds like you're definitely going to be using that number."
Olivia laughed. "I don't know. . Plus she's from around here and I'm in Philly so it's not like we could just meet up whenever."
"Hey you never know, she might be down to visit you."
"We don't even know each other like that Grant, why would she come all the way to Philly?"
"I don't know know if you're aware of this, but it's kinda hard to say no to you Livvie."
"That is not true."
"It is."
"Maybe I should get you and Abby to give me some dating tips."
"You don't need it. C'mon you'll be just fine."
"I've just recently gotten out of a relationship of three years Grant. And even before that I never really put myself out there. I'm shy when it comes to dating. I'm not saying I want to start seeing other women at this moment in time but eventually."
Fitz cupped her face with both hands. "Will you stop?"
Olivia smiled widely at his reaction to her mini rant and dropped her head on his chest. "I think this weekend's love fest is getting to me."
"Okay so maybe it was stupid of me to bring you to a wedding when you're still trying to get over your breakup."
Olivia straightened up, looking at him directly. "I'm over it."
"Okay. Should we head home or would you like to stay a little longer?"
"I had tons of fun tonight but I think we should call it a night."
xxx
"You going to bed?" Fitz asked as they entered his parents home upon returning from the celebratory party.
"Probably, why?"
"I'm gonna be up for a while."
"And you want some company."
"Yeah."
"It's.." She grabbed his wrist to check the time on his watch. ".. almost three a.m"
"I'm starving. If you stay up with me I'll make you a bacon and egg sandwich. Maybe I'll even add some cheese." He smirked. "Come on, you can't say no to that."
"You're a bad influence Grant. If either one of your parents come down here I'm putting all the blame on you."
"I'm okay with that."
Olivia kicked off her shoes as she hopped onto the chair by the kitchen island.
They made small talk while Fitz prepared their sandwiches.
"Want something to drink?"
"I'll take water." Liv replied. "But let me just run to the bathroom quickly before I dig into this yummy sandwich."
"Okay."
Olivia emerged ten minutes later. She was wearing sweatpants and a plain t-shirt.
"I thought you fell asleep on the toilet."
"I figured I might as well put on some comfy clothes and wash my face while I was upstairs. What happened to your sandwich?"
"I ate it. I told you I was starving. Plus you were gone a long time."
"I'm just glad you didn't eat mine as well."
"I was tempted but I knew you would've killed me."
"You got that right."
Leaning with his elbows on the counter top Fitz was going through a few texts on his phone. Mindlessly he looked up and was met by the image of his best friend happily enjoying her food. A minute went by and he didn't even realize that he was now just staring at her.
An epiphany. Commonly defined as a moment of sudden and great revelation or realization.
Yes. An epiphany. That thing that hits us when we least expect it. Those mental moments which provide instant clarity.
A wave of realization washed over Fitz. And in that particular moment he was looking at his best friend differently.
He knew he cared about her more than he ever cared about anyone else. She obviously meant a lot to him.
But now, during his moment of clarity, Fitz was overcome by her raw natural beauty. Her authenticity.
It was then that Fitz realized that he might actually have feelings for Olivia.
In his head, all he could hear himself say was "holy shit, holy shit, holy shit." Because he couldn't believe it. It took him by surprise.
Has he been in denial about his feelings for all this time up until this very moment? It couldn't be.
There was never anything there. He was sure.
He has always seen Olivia as his friend.
And there it was again. "holy shit, holy shit, holy shit."
This isn't right. And yet, the feelings are there.
He's struggling to decipher everything that just hit him all at once.
Why? Why now?
She's his best friend. Plus, she's gay. Oh, and she will probably laugh if she knew about his sudden realization.
"holy shit, holy shit, holy shit."
His grandmother used to say that epiphanies are good, but what mattered most was what you do with that newfound clarity.
He doesn't want to mess up their friendship.
"You okay?"
Her voice literally startled him back into reality.
"Uh yeah. Yes. I'm good."
"You look like you've just gotten the fright of your life. What's bothering you?"
"Nothing." He answered quickly. "I'm just.. thinking, that's all."
"Then think about something else. Because whatever is on your mind right now is obviously stressing you out. This sandwich is really nice, thank you."
She made life simple for him.
Fitz took a deep breath then continued to chuckle. "Anything you'll eat at three in the morning will be delicious."
He waited for her to finish her sandwich then the pair moved to the living room where they talked about the days events.
"When was the last time you attended a wedding?" Fitz asked Olivia.
"Oh man.. I can count on my one hand the amount of weddings I've been to."
"Ha! Me too."
Olivia yawned. "If I fall asleep on this couch you're carrying me to my bed." Exhaustion was creeping up on her.
"Wanna watch something on tv?"
"No, I don't want to disturb your parents sleep."
"So we're just gonna sit here in silence?" Fitz chuckled.
"Does that make you uncomfortable?" Her tone was teasing as she gave him a tired smile.
Her smile had always been contagious. So Fitz grinned back. "Not at all."
Olivia let out a quiet laugh as she relaxed back into the couch. Resting her the back of her head against it with her eyes closed.
He caught himself momentarily staring again. Taking in all the contours of her face.
"Hey Liv?"
"What."
"We can talk about anything.. right?" He asked a bit hesitantly.
She lifted her head to look at him. "Of course."
His shaky breath didn't didn't go past her. She caught on that he was nervous.
"This about that thing you were thinking about earlier?" Liv asked.
They now sat with their bodies turned to one another.
"Yes."
"Then talk to me Grant."
"I-- How do I even-- Oh man..."
Olivia crinkled her nose with worry. "Is it something bad? Maybe I can help."
Fitz brushed his hands over his face whereafter he made direct eye contact with her and made his confession. "I.. I think-- I know this is wrong but I have feelings for you Olivia."
She didn't know whether to take it seriously or as a joke which is why her words escaped her and she sat there with nothing to say.
"I might be falling for you and I don't know how to deal with it." He continued.
Her tired body now wide awake. "What are you talking about Fitz? Seriously. Are you sure you're not high?"
"Have you ever had an epiphany?"
"I guess. ."
"Well I had one earlier and I came to realize that I have these other feelings for you. I-- This is not a joke Liv. And I'm being open with you because I'm conflicted. I mean we're friends; have been for so long and between the two of us there's never been any uncertainty about the nature of our relationship."
"I just don't get it. You didn't forget about the fact that I'm gay?"
"I'm well aware of your sexuality."
"Then how can you have feelings for me?"
"Because you're beautiful and smart and funny and ao talented. You get me. You understand me and we crack each other up. I trust you and you trust me. You uplift me; driving me to be a better person. And even though we're different on so many levels we still connect so effortlessly. We also share this amazing chemistry-- Tell me I'm crazy. Tell me I'm wrong. Tell me anything, because I'm freaking out right now."
"We have a very close bond, you're right but that's where it ends. Hell, besides my preference for women, I'm not even your type. I've known you long enough to know that you have a type. We are two different people Fitz."
"I'm just trying to figure this out Liv. I really don't know what to make of it right now."
"I don't want to lose you as a friend. I really don't."
"Do you think that's what I want? I don't want to lose you either, okay. That's why I'm being honest with you."
"So Abby was right, is this why you always chose me above anyone else even your girlfriend and sometimes your work?"
"No. You were always important to me but not because of a crush, but out of appreciation for your friendship. You were always a true friend to me."
"I guess it's not uncommon for a friend to develop feelings for another friend. It happens, right?"
Fitz sighed as he took a hold of her hands "I don't want to complicate things between us or jeopardize our friendship Livvie."
"So how do we go forward knowing that you have these feelings?"
"What do you mean? We just maintain our strong, open and honest friendship since we both value it so much."
They sit in silence. Digesting everything that was said during their conversation.
After minutes passed Liv broke the silence. "Thank you for your honesty at least. I appreciate it. I can imagine how difficult that must've been for you."
"Why don't you get some sleep. You must be tired by now." Fitz said with a soft smile.
"Yeah. I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight Fitz."
"Goodnight Olivia."
Sitting alone in his parents living room at 04:15 a.m, Fitz decided that the joint in his shirt pocket would bring him a lot of relief from all his mixed up feelings and emotions. So he got up and headed out into the backyard where he lit up his joint and stared up into the sky full of stars.