35. Three Little Words, 8 Little Letters
Friday couldn't have come quick enough, Elliot was ready for a night out with Olivia and time alone for just the two of them. Olivia on the other hand, was just glad that it was going to be the weekend soon. She was ready to have a few days away from school and day care to just spend time with Chloe. She hoped that maybe this weekend, there would be time to be with Elliot and the kids again but she wasn't entirely sure if they were prepared for that, when his mother was still in town. Tonight though, was going to be all about them.
Elliot wasn't entirely sure where he was going to take Olivia for dinner but thankfully, he still had time to work that out. He didn't know exactly what type of cuisine she liked either, so he couldn't use that as a starting point. He didn't want to be the one to pick something that she didn't like though as that wouldn't lead to a good evening. When he thought about it, there was still so much to Olivia that he didn't know. He knew about her past, or at least the bits she'd told him. But that was really it as he only knew what Olivia had felt comfortable telling him.
When he dropped Elizabeth and Richard off at school, he made sure to make a quick stop by Elizabeth's classroom. He'd been hoping to see Olivia and ask about her favourite cuisine, but she'd not been there. Clara told him that she was in a meeting and it would likely run till the time school started and she could take a message. Elliot had declined the offer, simply saying that he would talk to her later, it wasn't urgent.
El: What type of food do you like? Elliot sent Olivia a message as he walked back to the car. He knew she likely wouldn't get it till later but at least this way he may be able to get some kind of answer before tonight on where he should take her. Now though, he had other places he really needed to be and things to get done. He would come back to this later.
The next stop on Elliot's journey, was the police precinct. He had an appointment with Detective Amaro and he didn't want to be late. Elliot was meeting with the detective to follow up on how everything was proceeding and to make sure there was nothing else he still needed to do before court. He would not let Dani get away with what she did but he was getting to the point where he just wanted it all to be over with, so they could finally move on.
The minute he walked into the precinct and said his name to the officer at the desk, detective Amaro quickly came out to the waiting area and greeted him before taking him back to an interview room where they could talk.
"Elliot, so good to see you again" Detective Amaro greeted properly when they entered the interview room.
"Thank you for agreeing to see me on such short notice" Elliot replied.
"Anytime, I'm guessing you came to talk about your case though?" Detective Amaro asked, it was really the only realistic reasoning behind Elliot's arrival.
"Yes, I wanted to come down and see if we're any closer to a court date yet? Or if there is any chance we really didn't have to go to court?" Elliot asked and Detective Amaro took a deep breath before responding. Elliot knew this type of reaction meant it wasn't good news he was about to hear.
"Yes, well...I have some good news and I have some bad news in relation to that. I don't know how much you and Olivia have talked about this or what she has told you. But Dani had the conditions laid out to avoid court and they couldn't be met which has resulted in no deal being able to be made and also a second court case for Olivia separately with an additional party. So that means that we will be taking this case to court unfortunately. Now, as it involves such a big name like yourself, I believe that Olivia's legal team are really trying to fast track the processing time to get this to court but we don't have a date as of yet. There is good news though. Given how young your children are, they will not have to go to court or testify to what happened. We have the video from their statements from a few weeks ago which will be more than enough. So, you won't really have to be in court at all unless you want to. The only person who will really be required is Olivia as the charges involve her" Detective Amaro explained and Elliot nodded. There was no way that he would actually miss being in that court room though as he would be there with Olivia. He was glad that his children didn't need to go anymore and he could save them that stress.
"Well, I suppose that is a small relief, as I really didn't want ot have them experience that if they didn't need to" Elliot replied.
"Of course, not and most cases that I've worked with and involve children, haven't required them to be in the court room as everyone agrees that it's a big stress for them. I just hope this will all be resolved for you soon" Detective Amaro said as he started to escort Elliot out to the entrance again.
"That would be ideal. Thanks for the update" Elliot replied as he shook Detective Amaro's hand.
"No problem, if you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to give me a call, you have my number" Detective Amaro replied before the pair went their separate ways. This meeting hadn't given him all the news he'd been wanting to hear but it had made progress and that was something.
Friday's were a long day for Olivia, but today felt especially long as she'd had two meetings before school and a late-night call with Elliot last night. This wasn't helped by her lack of sleep and a million things to get done. But the fact it was lunch time now meant that there was only a short time left in the school day and then she could relax. Well, relax as much as she could with a toddler and a date tonight. Olivia was really looking forward to the date with Elliot tonight, being able to catch up with him properly after his busy trip away and spend time together. She had discovered one slight problem though, he said he was going to pick her up and he didn't know where she lived. She'd intentionally kept that from him but was now the time to let it go? Was she in the position with him now that she could be comfortable with Elliot knowing where and how she lived? It certainly wasn't as lavish as he was used to, but she didn't have a bank account as big as he surely did or the same income. There was no way she could afford such a nice penthouse that he lived in and if Elliot really wanted to be with her, then surely, he'd accept that.
Liv: I like pretty much anything really. Also, I realised last night when you said you'd pick me up tonight, you don't actually know where I live? Olivia quickly responded to Elliot's message on her break.
El: Ah, yes that's a problem. Would you possibly mind changing that? Elliot replied, almost instantly. Olivia hesitated for a moment more before typing out her address and sending it through to Elliot.
El: Thank you xx Elliot replied once again and Olivia just smiled before sliding her phone back into her pocket as her lunch break was almost over. Only just over an hour to go Olivia thought as she made her way out to the staff room and back to the classroom once more.
Elliot stood on the doorstep to Olivia's building. He had got her address earlier today and he'd buzzed up to the number she'd told him was her apartment. He'd expected to be able to make his way inside and greet her at the door, but she'd stopped him outside, telling him that instead of coming up, she'd come down. He still didn't understand her hesitancy behind him going to her place, but the fact she'd let him pick her up was a start and a start he'd take. He'd not turned up empty handed tonight though, he had brought a bouquet of flowers for her, just like any decent gentleman would.
However, his breath was taken away the minute Olivia appeared towards the door, she looked stunning. She was wearing a deep blue dress and Elliot could tell she'd curled her hair. Elliot really liked her with curled hair like this, down flowing over her shoulders. He was definitely one lucky man tonight, to be the one again with her on his arm. Olivia smiled back at him softly and Elliot knew he'd been spotted checking her out. But he had to admit, he couldn't help it when she looked that good and surely, she'd been checking him out too.
"Hey" Olivia greeted as she opened the door.
"Hey, these are for you" Elliot replied, handing Olivia the flowers which she took graciously.
"They're beautiful thank you" Olivia accepted.
"Just like you" Elliot flirted which he knew was the reason for Olivia's slight smile as she breathed in the fragrance of the flowers.
"You realise, I'm going to have to go back upstairs again now and put these away. Was that the intention?" Olivia asked, choosing not to reply to his sweet comment.
"Well, I had been intending to meet you at your door...so we wouldn't of had this problem. But I can wait here if you want to go back and put them in water" Elliot replied to which Olivia thanked him and disappeared inside again to put her flowers in her apartment. Once she returned, the couple made their way to the car and Elliot gave the driver the nod, he clearly already knew where they were going tonight.
Tonight's cuisine of choice was Italian, to follow up on the French that had been their first date. Elliot had booked a table in the restaurant right down by the water, where he already knew the owner. The restaurant had a beautiful outlook over the water and Elliot made sure to make it clear that he wanted the booking to be in a secluded area, to which the owner agreed. The pair were shown to a table by the window that overlooked the water and Olivia couldn't quite believe how beautiful it was. Elliot was really going all out for her on these dates and she was very touched by it. Once the drinks had been ordered and the pair had decided on what they were going to get to share, the waiter disappeared and Elliot took Olivia's hand in his over the table.
"This is an absolutely beautiful spot" Olivia said as she stared out at the view through the window. She could tell this restaurant was very popular in the warmer weather as it would be beautiful to sit outside and eat in the warmer weather.
"A beautiful spot for a beautiful lady" Elliot replied as Olivia just smiled at him in return. Elliot was really big on the compliments, which made Olivia's heart soar more than it ever had before. He knew the best way to bring a smile to her face and make her feel good about herself. She couldn't say that about other men she'd been with.
"So, how's Chloe going? I feel like we've not really spoken about her much lately, always about my kids" Elliot asked when the drinks had arrived. The pair spent most of the time since arriving enjoying the view and each other's company, with a few kisses in between. Elliot knew that every time they'd spoken whilst he was away, they had mainly spoken about his children or how their respective days were. They hadn't spoken about Chloe and Elliot really felt a connection to the little girl, so he wanted to make sure he asked about the little girl and spoke about her with Olivia too. Chloe was just as special and just as important as his twins and she deserved to be talked and thought about.
"She's doing really well thank you. I can't quite believe it's only a couple of months now till she's going to be a big 2-year-old. But she's really starting to show that toddler behaviour too. She's developed quite the personality with her talking and will ask a million questions about everything you tell her" Olivia replied as Elliot saw her eyes sparkle in the thought of her daughter.
"I remember those days"
"Since the weather is getting rather cold now though, we can't really get out as much as I'd like us to. So, I'm having to find all these new ways to entertain her indoors where I can – which with her endless energy, is a challenge"
"Have you taken her to any indoor play centre type things yet? Lizzie and Dickie love them and I know a few that have sections for younger children too" Elliot asked.
"I haven't, but sounds like it could be fun" Olivia replied, she'd never even head of a type of indoor playground for children before.
"We could, go together sometime?" Elliot suggested but noticed Olivia's hesitation to the suggestion. A child play centre, where there are lots of people and children around – someone might know her and notice her with him.
"I know of one, it's just north in the city, it's quite big and the twins love it. I doubt anyone we know, would go that far when there is another one closer, we should have no problems" Elliot added, trying to get through to Olivia that they could make this trip work. Olivia took a deep breath, trying to decide if she could really agree with this. She did want to spend more time with Elliot and the twins where possible, but was this the way? And what about Bernie?
"Without your mother?" Olivia asked which made Elliot laugh a little, he definitely wouldn't be bringing his mother if he was going out with Olivia and Chloe. That would simply cause too much chaos.
"Without my mother. I don't really want her around when I'm with you" Elliot remarked as he gave Olivia's hand a squeeze.
"Good. No offense but neither do I" Olivia added which caused Elliot to laugh again.
"She knows where she stands with you now though, I made things very clear to her and I don't see there being anymore problems" Elliot replied.
"My hero" Olivia teased as she leaned in closer to him, lips just barely touching.
"Always" Elliot replied, before closing the very small gap and sealing his lips over hers in a soft but passionate kiss.
Dinner was incredible, yet again Elliot had chosen a fantastic restaurant and refused to let Olivia even contribute to the meal. He then helped her put her coat on over her dress, before they went outside to the car. Winter was definitely on it's way, as the weather in New York had taken a dive in temperature over this past week and a winter wardrobe was becoming a necessity.
"Thank you for dinner" Olivia remarked as the pair sat in the back of the car and the driver started heading in a homeward direction.
"Your welcome, you don't need to thank me though" Elliot replied.
"Well, tomorrow is my treat" Olivia replied, she was determined, if they went out tomorrow to this playcentre, which they ha talked about doing over dinner, she would be paying for him.
"What are we doing tomorrow?" Elliot teased, he already knew where this conversation was going but he wasn't going to make it easy.
"The child play centre? Did you not want to go tomorrow? I th-"
"Relax, the play centre tomorrow sounds perfect. Don't worry baby, I'm just teasing" Elliot gave her hand that he was holding across the backseat of the car a slight squeeze. He was never going to not be teasing where possible. But that was part of him that Olivia really liked, she loved his humour.
"Baby?" Olivia questioned
"Should I not call you baby?" Elliot asked, suddenly starting to panic to which Olivia just broke into a smile. She didn't mind what he called her.
"You can call me whatever you want – just make sure it's clean" Olivia teased before leaning in and kissing Elliot. She's going to be the death of me Elliot thought but it was death he could take.
"You know, we've made it through almost an entire night out without mentioning anything about Dani or the case" Olivia stated after the couple had broken apart from the kiss.
"Well almost...why'd you have to bring it up?" Elliot questioned, leaning back against the headrest of the seat. He'd been hoping that tonight would go without mentioning Dani.
"El, I'm proud of us" Olivia remarked giving his hand a squeeze. Elliot had to admit, he liked the way she called him El and he wanted it to be her pet name for him, and only hers.
"Soon enough, everything will be over and done with and we can just focus on us. You, me and the kids – all three of them" Elliot clarified.
"I like the sound of that"
"Me too, now can we not talk about any of that for the rest of the night? I don't want the thought of her or your ex ruining tonight"
"Now who's the one to bring it up?" Olivia teased which caused Elliot just to roll his eyes. She had a point but he wasn't going to bite.
"Ok fair call, but I have a better idea...How about we just don't talk?" Elliot questioned before leaning over and kissing Olivia softly. Her kisses were like some kind of drug to him and he was going to steal as many as he could at every opportunity.
"I like this idea better" Olivia replied before the lips were locked again. They stayed like this, almost the entire remainder of the drive back to Olivia's apartment. There was underlying heat in the kiss but neither were pushed to act on it just yet.
"I love you" Elliot said softly as the pair pulled back and Elliot looked Olivia straight in the eyes. Olivia was taken by surprise and didn't know how to respond.
"It's ok, you don't have to say it back. I just...I just wanted you to know how I feel about you" Elliot quickly dismissed.
"I love you too and this past month, despite all the extra challenges, has been the best month I've had in a very long time' Olivia replied with a slight smile.
"I couldn't agree more" Elliot replied before stealing another kiss once again. He loved her and she loved him, this was progress and things could only get better from here.
A/N: They've finally said it, they've finally admitted to being in love with each other! I mean, we all knew they were but it's important that they verbalise it. Next chapter: Family play date and a court date. What could this mean? Hmm guess you'll have to wait and see. But what I want to know now is, did you like this chapter? I personally was very happy with it and really liked the little banter between Elliot and Olivia, done in a way that I think is very them. But let me know your thoughts by leaving a review, I love to read them all and they really help with motivation – when I don't have the motivation to write or am stuck with an idea. So, let me know your thoughts on this chapter in a review and hopefully I'll have another update for you all soon. As always, I hope you are all staying home (if possible), staying safe and knowing that we'll all get out of this soon, things will get better soon.
Until Next Time :D
