Chapter 2

Back and Forth

"It's not like Liv to be late," said Harrison, walking to the credenza for another cup of coffee. "You want me to top you off?" He looked back at Abby sitting at the conference room table.

Abby threw up her palm, head bent over the tablet, flipping through the screens. "I'm having some serious stomach issues since this major monkey wrench was thrown into our plans for Spa Bliss," she said.

Harrison returned to his seat. Lowering his voice, he said, "Don't let this leave the room, but I wasn't exactly on board with Spa Bliss. It's really a glorified brothel but with women receiving instead of giving the pleasure. Like that book...what was it?…Sexual Healing? My wife read it with her book group, and I made the mistake of not getting out of the house before they began their discussion."

"If you weren't so good at your job, Harrison, I'd recommend you be fired. You've never understood the mission and goals of this company. You stick with making sure we stay in the black and let us handle everything else," Abby said, angrily.

"I understand Euphoria, and attribute the longevity of my healthy marriage to many of its products, but bringing people together for pleasure instead of selling them toys, online for said pleasure is an entirely different beast. People are unpredictable. There are too many variables to account for. In case you've forgotten, financials and risk management fall under my umbrella. Spa Bliss is a catastrophe waiting to happen. Maybe we produce some instructional videos on orgasmic meditation instead of providing the service," said Harrison forcefully, "It's going to bring out the crazies."

"I respect your opinion, Harrison. We obviously disagree, but having a variety of perspectives around my table will only make Euphoria better," Olivia said, "Please forgive my tardiness. I've been playing phone tag with the governor's office all morning."

Abby and Harrison stood to their feet as Olivia made her entrance into the room. She gave each of them a firm handshake, her standard greeting. Abby and Harrison forgot about their argument. Olivia's appearance had their full attention.

She looked like a muted version of herself. Usually, her color palate was vibrant, matching the season, pastel and floral in the spring, earth tones in the fall, whites in the winter, and a combination of bright colors in the summer. Her wardrobe was very feminine, skirts and dresses mostly, in rare cases slacks. So when she walked in sporting a dark blue suit and boxy wedges, along with a severe bun and large eye glasses, adding insult to injury, Abby and Harrison stared, dumbfounded.

"No comments about my clothing? I'm shocked," said Olivia evenly.

"Are you in mourning, Liv?" Abby said.

"There is no need for mourning. Spa Bliss will open on schedule, perhaps ahead of schedule, if I have my way. Today, I have-"

Harrison frowned, not hiding his resistance. "But how? I thought Grant and that group squashed it-" he rushed in.

"Let her explain. We know how you feel about this-"

"You don't know anything. I am just looking out for our interests-"

Olivia interjected, raising her hands to halt the argument. "Both of you, stop this childish bickering. We are all adults in the room who can disagree without being disagreeable."

"Thank you," she said after a few seconds, beginning her characteristic stroll around the room. "I've been trying to get a meeting with the governor since yesterday morning. His chief of staff, Cyrus Beene, won't take my calls. He must be expecting calls from businesses after the moratorium because they've already prepared statements posted on Secretary of State website and on the phone recording-"

"I'm sorry you have to do this Olivia. As a contingency, I've been looking at sites in New Jersey and Philadelphia to see-" said Abby.

"As I said, Abby, I'll handle this. Looking for other sites is not necessary. The first Spa Bliss location will be in New York as we-"

"First location? Are we really trying to open more of these?" Harrison added.

"I will not have this discord at the heart of Euphoria!" Olivia railed, slamming the desk.

Abby and Harrison quieted immediately. Olivia's deliberate show of force was also characteristic.

"I'm sorry, Olivia," said Abby.

"I am too," said Harrison.

"Since our ten o'clock appointment should be here any moment now, I won't go into details. I was able to get a meeting with the governor for later today, hence my unfortunate attire. I'll explain why later. I guarantee that Spa Bliss will be back on track after this meeting. Okay, give me the highlights of this candidate? Ms. Abiba Mashalaba?"

Abby wanted to push Olivia further for information on how she secured a meeting with the governor, but thought it better not to now. "Yes, Abiba Mashalaba. She has worked at Lotus for five years after working as an independent licensed sex therapist for the previous ten. She specializes in orgasmic meditation, sex therapy, and tantra yoga."

"What job are we considering her for again? I'm apologize for not preparing this morning," said Harrison.

Abby took a deep breath. "Program Director and Chief Practitioner. She would create our spa program and train our practitioners. The position is flexible and we want someone who is creative enough to build our program offerings."

There was a knock on the door.

"That must be Ms. Mashalaba. Five minutes early," said Olivia.

Abby walked to the door and opened it. "Hello, Ms. Mashalaba." She extended her hand and tilted her head up in greeting to the extremely tall woman gracing the door dressed in a wrap skirt and a voluminous scarf expertly draped around her neck. There was a regal quality about her. Perhaps it was her locs pulled up in an ornate style or the thin gold bangles from wrist to elbow on each arm that conveyed her strong presence.

"Hello, Ms. Pope. Call me, Abiba, please. This is my associate, Ms. Perkins," she said in a deep melodious voice with a hint of an accent.

A second woman about Abby's height sauntered in behind Abiba. "Hi, I'm Quinn…Perkins," she said. The perky lilt of her voice, loose pony tail, and blue and white polka dot shirtwaist dress set the perfect contrast to Abiba.

Abby mouthed a silent thank you to the receptionist who escorted them in and closed the door. "I'm Abigail Whelan, chief operations officer, but you can call me Abby. This is Harrison Wright, chief finance & risk management officer, and this," Abby continued, leading them to Olivia, "is Olivia Pope, CEO and Founder of Euphoria, Incorporated."

"Welcome, Abiba and Quinn, please have a seat. Would you like coffee, tea, water?" Olivia offered.

"Chamomile tea for me," said Abiba.

"I'll have the same," said Quinn.

"I've looked over your resume and portfolio so I know you are more than qualified to direct our programming at Spa Bliss. Tell me something about yourself that is not on the resume," asked Olivia after they were all settled. Flanked by Abby and Harrison on either side, she sat across from Abiba and Quinn.

Abiba took a sip of her tea before clasping her hands together. Olivia didn't know if she was stalling, searching for the right answer to a question that didn't really have a right answer or if she was taking her time, as an experience person would do. Finally, her gaze trailed from Harrison to Abby and then Olivia.

"I identify as asexual and have for the last 7 years. It is what distinguishes me from any other person you are considering for this position. This is not an assumption. I've done my homework. Since I've been doing this work, which I consider a ministry, I've brought over 5,000 women to single and multiple orgasms. I've helped them unlock this power to connect with themselves and their partners, male and/or female. I've instructed others in my methods as well," she explained.

Harrison smiled. "So…based on that, you think asexuality, not experiencing sexual attraction to any gender, is essential to this work? Why? Is it because performing it, being in that space, makes it just plain old sex?"

"No, no, no…with the proper training and intention anyone can do it therapeutically. My asexual orientation gives me a special insight that is unsullied by sexual desire. I can see beyond the cluttered desire of it and become the guide that pulls others forward," Abiba explained.

"Why did you leave, Lotus?" asked Abby.

"I have a follow up question," said Olivia, finally looking up from her notepad and stopping Abby, "So, have you ever experienced an orgasm in any context, whether therapeutic or with a sexual partner?"

"Yes and yes. Asexuality doesn't mean one can't be sexually aroused or brought to orgasm," she said.

"Interesting…ok as Abby said, why did you leave Lotus?" asked Olivia.

"It was for creative differences. After a change in management, the entire culture of Lotus changed, a better word is devolved. Profit became king. I was there to work with each woman according to her needs or the couples' needs. They on the other hand wanted me to quantify everything. Women could only have multiple orgasms if they bought the most expensive packages. But I couldn't control that. If a woman had a multiple then she had a multiple. They adopted a sort of fast food drive thru mentality. I couldn't work under those conditions," she said.

"So you let the woman's body dictate the number of times you help them get off…"

"Harrison…" said Olivia.

"I'm sorry…I don't see how this is any different from what a brothel would offer," he said.

"That is understandable, Harrison. You are a man. Orgasms for men are all together different, more straight forward, not as complex. I educate men and women on these matters. When a man understands the power of the female O, then he can fully embrace his own and eventually experience his own orgasm without ejaculating. The men I've worked with report more intensity when they orgasm sans ejaculate," she explained.

"Really," said Harrison, looking more interested and engaged. "Will this be offered at the spa?"

Abiba frowned. "Well, I would not recommend this be advertised unless the mission and vision of Euphoria has changed. When couples come and work with me, I can ascertain if this is something they both could benefit from. I would never work with a man who came alone looking to receive or learn this method of orgasm without ejaculate."

The room fell silent as they all digested her words.

"What role does Quinn play in your practice?" asked Olivia.

"Quinn is my apprentice. She was a client who became interested in learning orgasmic massage. She agreed to come today to help me show you how a session might go. We can do a role play," said Abiba.

"You will perform OM here, now in this i-interview?" asked Harrison.

"Yes, if that is permissible. Perhaps you, Harrison, might have more respect for the practice. I can tell you are doubtful," Abiba predicted.

"We've had product demonstrations, but they are usually viewed on tape, not real time, but I am on board…if it is okay with Olivia and Abby," he said, with a self-satisfied grin.

"I think that is a great idea, Abiba. But I want to propose a change...a modification that will give me a better chance to observe you in even more authentic conditions. If it is okay with you, Abby, I'd like Abiba to guide you through an orgasmic meditation session, in brief," suggested Olivia.

"Well, I don't see why not," said Abby.

"I'll leave the room if you'd like. I need to make sure you updated your release form," Harrison said, standing and making his way to the door.

"You can stay, Harrison. I think you're scared to watch. And yes, I've signed the form. I won't sue Euphoria now or in the future for sexual harassment," Abby said.

"Ok. Quinn can help me set up? We can use the area there by the flip chart," said Abiba.

Fifteen minutes later, Abby reclined on a large fluffy pillow clothed only from the waist up. A towel covered her mid-section. Abiba knelt beside her.

"I would begin by asking the client about her concerns. If her partner were present I'd involve them in the conversation. Let's pretend she is alone and feeling disconnected or perhaps it is hard for her to achieve orgasm," proposed Abiba.

"I-I have a question," said Harrison who sat the farthest away. "What if a client doesn't have a concern? They have no trouble sexually or otherwise. Would they need this?"

"Why would anyone go to a spa, Harrison? Does everyone who gets a facial need one or are they looking to feel better, get rejuvenated, or perhaps treat acne. Every person is different. Let's say that Abby simply needs rejuvenation. The scenario will be this: We've already talked. She's comfortable with me. Once she is calm. I would ask for final permission to begin. I will put some lubricant on my fingers-they are sanitized-and place it just above her clitoris. Abby, you may close your eyes or keep them open. I need you to focus on that place, a place where you feel whole and free. Now I will stop talking and commence," said Abiba.

Abby kept her eyes closed. Although she trusted Olivia's judgment, she felt uncomfortable agreeing to do this, especially with Harrison in the room. She'd tested her share of Euphoria products, but at home alone. Despite the pleas of whatever guy she was dating at the time, she never used any of the paraphernalia with them. Abby accepted that she might be a prude that way. When she was with a man, she only wanted man. When she was alone, she wanted her products and never the twain should meet. But here she was ass bare while a possible job candidate was massaging her secret parts. Abby made a decision. She took a deep breath and imagined that those fingers were slightly meatier, that the person rubbing her clitoris now, was Harrison.

Harrison began to question why he was still working at Euphoria. He'd turned down several job offers in the last 5 months that would have paid him significantly more than he made now. He didn't want to admit that his resistance, those arguments with Abby, were mostly manufactured. He enjoyed working at Euphoria and was looking forward to this next venture. Was it the sex? He wasn't getting any sex other than from his wife, but working at Euphoria brought him into contact with some form of sex every day. It was the proximity he liked, whether it was the product release videos, bringing home toys to try on his wife, or being in the inner circle, on the executive team, of the company. It felt good and gave him a level of sexual excitement he wouldn't get anywhere else, with his wife's approval. There was something else he didn't want to admit as he began to hear Abby's breathing slow and deepen. She began grasping for something unseen until she reached back and pulled on the pillow, her nipples strained against her blouse. When he saw her hips lift off the floor he looked away just before seeing Abiba's arm under the towel and between Abby's legs. He reasoned Abiba didn't have to see what she was doing. The uncomfortable fit of his pants signaled his hardness. He couldn't witness this anymore without wishing he could trade places with Abiba.

Quinn was happy to observe. She hoped one day she would be as skilled as Abiba. She felt the obvious sexual energy crackling in the room between the woman on the floor with Abiba and the man at the table trying to pretend he didn't want to watch the woman orgasm. Quinn wanted to be more like Abiba, shunning drama and negative energy, but that was a difficult path. She, however, would bet her stipend that it was only a matter of time before Harrison and Abby were having very non-therapeutic sex. This made her smile, and by the dampness in her own panties, aroused as well.

Olivia thought about many things as she watched Abby respond to Abiba's touch. She made a mental note to ask Abiba to create a mock up of the various programs she would offer at Spa Bliss. She realized she would need to have fluffier pillows in every Spa Bliss room. Thoughts of design, work flow, product placement, and web design crowded her mind. But her body was basically numb. She pushed the details aside realizing she should let Abby, Abiba, and others on her team worry about that. She would have the final approval of course. Sometimes she got bogged down in the details that were better suited for those below her pay grade. But she had made one decision. She would hire Abiba. As she heard Abby's moans increase, a sliver of doubt clouded her. Was this the success she had clamored for? Was this really her calling or was she an imposter? How could she, who had never experienced an orgasm herself, nor had a desire to, be at the helm of a company like this?

"Oh damn, oh damn, ohhhhhhhh…"

Sound proofing. We need to sound proof the rooms. This wasthe next thought that entered Olivia's mind.

Fitzgerald Grant read over the same sentence three times. His brain could not register the words into a coherent thought. After a day of meetings and briefings, he was ready to go home, but it was just 2:30. He'd let Mrs. Hanley retire early. With his schedule free for the remainder of the day and Cyrus gone he had planned to lock himself in his office to finish reading a 3rd draft of a proposed bill. With Mrs. Handley's desk empty, and his office door closed, everyone would think he was gone.

He flipped the papers back to the first page and begin to reread. Two swift knocks on the door brought a confused scowl to his face. He stiffened and held his breath waiting for the unknown intruder to step away. Confusion turned to anger when the door opened.

"Governor Grant, I'm sorry to bother you, but-"

"Are you lost?" he said, training his scowl on the young woman in the doorway. It wasn't having much of an effect because she walked into the office brandishing a smile.

"No, Governor Grant. I have a meeting with you at 2:45, sharp. I'm Mary Joseph from Morality Watch. It's so nice to make your acquaintance, sir," she said extending her hand. Olivia took a seat in one of the chairs facing his desk.

"I don't have any more meetings scheduled for today. Mrs. Hanley isn't here…wait did you say Morality Watch?" Fitz asked. His interested was piqued now. Hadn't he dealt with them? Why would they send a fresh faced intern to meet with him? Instantly, something didn't feel right. He locked eyes with her and walked around the desk.

Olivia rose and smiled, her face beginning to hurt from the exertion. She hoped she was coming off as authentic with her manufactured southern accent. In her mind religious and southern went hand and hand. She sprinkled in a healthy dose of deference and smiling to complete her feminine southern belle persona. She was an agent of the bastion of conservative Christianity. They intensity of his gaze when he came around the desk and stared down at her caused her to second guess her plan.

"Yes, Morality Watch. I have some important information to share with you, sir. The Director, um…" Olivia tried to explain, but the name of the director slipped her mind as she looked into his deep blue eyes. Is he trying to intimidate me, she thought? Keeping her smile, she tried to stand taller, leveling her gaze and smile, hoping it wasn't too artificial. "Charles Sanders couldn't make it so he sent me."

"I still don't understand how you got on my schedule and why Mrs. Hanley didn't inform me. But you might as well have a seat since you're here," Fitz directed.

Olivia sat down and he took the seat next to hers.

"So, what is it?" he said with less of a scowl. In truth, he wondered why she was wearing such ridiculous looking frames. They covered the majority of her face.

"Well, sir, it's regarding the moratorium you kindly agreed to enact-"

"You all forced my hand with that petition and Sanders knows that. I've done my part so…"

Olivia pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, becoming impatient with his overall demeanor. She could tell he was used to being in control, calling the shots, setting the agenda, all the things she was used to as well. I am in control, she reminded herself.

"Yes, governor and we thank you for that. The people of New York thank you, even those countless families you saved from the scourge of immorality. But I am here to ask you to lift the moratorium immediat-"

"What!? This makes no sense. I just enacted it yesterday. My staff sent out notifications and press releases to that end. Now your group wants me to undo it...like magic? You have to leave. Tell Sanders to contact my chief of staff about this on Monday. This is a major breach of protocol…you coming to me directly…"

Olivia lost her cool. She stood. "Listen just...listen. Yesterday after the moratorium was enacted. The leaders of Morality Watch and the owners of the businesses targeted by the moratorium met via conference call to broker a deal. Praise the Lord! A deal was reached! If the moratorium is lifted and the businesses are allowed to open on schedule, proceeds from the sales, for as long as the business are functioning, will go to a cadre of religious organizations and churches, and outreach programs chosen by Morality Watch. You must lift the moratorium for this purpose. This benefits all parties concerned."

"No. I'm not going to do it. It always comes down to money. What is it the good book says? The love of money is the root of all evil? Morality Watch is willing to get in bed with these business so long as they get paid? Morality Watch couldn't stomach the adult industry so now it's going to take money from it to fund religious programs? It sounds more like if you can't beat them join them to me," Fitz said with a smirk. He had to admit that this felt good. The shoe was on the other foot. He could jerk them around like they had jerked him around.

Olivia sat back down. "Are you a religious man, sir?"

"Not in the way Morality Watch would define religion. I don't use it to lord my views over people."

"Well, I know you are a political man who wants to win an election. If you don't lift this moratorium, you'll be seen as the man who stood in the way of progress and the historic collaboration between saints and sinners. Those holding up the banner of Christianity and Capitalism, but in the final estimation Christians and Capitalists are on the same team, governor. Do you want to be seen as being on the opposing team?" Olivia waited 10 seconds to see if he would believe the humongous pile of bull she was shoveling. "I guess not, sir. I'll tell Mr. Sanders you aren't willing to work with us. Good day," she said, rising to make her grand exit. Part of her hoped he would be swayed. The other part of her was already shifting strategy, calling this visit a loss.

"Wait…" he said.

Olivia's hand had clasped the door knob. She almost shivered in relief. She closed her eyes, stealing a second to exhale.

By the time she exited his office 30 minutes later, he had agreed to lift the moratorium.

"Cheers!" screamed the crowd of excited on lookers as Olivia finished delivering the final toast of the night. The atmosphere crackled with excitement at the Spa Bliss launch celebration capping off the release of the Vanity Fair article and the ribbon cutting that morning. The article was a major marketing tool with a feature length article, "Olivia Pope, The Woman, The Power, The Pleasure."

"Olivia, these photos of you are delicious. I can't believe you let them dress you up like a dominatrix in this one. And this one like the sexy librarian? Really except for the cover photo, they've pretty much covered every man's fantasy with with these photos," said Maxim, one of the lingerie designers for Euphoria, Inc.

Tonight, Olivia was dressed in a simple red sheath dress and a pair of gladiator style stilettos. "I know," she said with a sigh, "Of course the media will embellish and play to the mainstream audience. The article reads like Wall-Street Journal article and doesn't go into all that we will offer at Spa Bliss. Hopefully, the hint of pleasure will get the customers in and drive sells to the website so they will understand our brand."

"I think these pictures will do the job, darling. But they're going to draw in the men more than the women you're looking for, but everyone's money is green right?" he said.

"Yes, of course, Maxim," Olivia said half-heartedly. She gave him kisses on each cheek and continued greeting her guests.

"Abiba! So glad you could come. Thanks for hitting the ground running. You only had a month, but you have the place fully staffed and ready for our opening tomorrow. I knew you were the right choice," said Olivia.

"Yes, I will do great work here. I must tell you that I was a little surprised by the pictures in the Vanity Fair issue. I think it gives the wrong message about the mission of Spa Bliss. I fear I may have to spend a great deal of time educating those, particularly men, who come to the spa looking for, well frankly what you were projecting in those photos, Olivia," Abiba explained.

Olivia sighed. She felt admonished like a little child by her employee. "I understand your concern. Yes, this may present a small messaging problem with our brand, but we'll deal with that as it comes. You've done a great job of communicating our programs on the website and in all printed materials. Do your job, Abiba. I'll do mine. Please continue to enjoy your evening."

Olivia felt twinges around her eye. One of her pernicious migraines was beginning to form. The twinges would morph into a weak ache and then into a full blown episode of pain. She needed to go home now, but first she needed to find Abby and Harrison. She walked to the back offices of Spa Bliss. When she turned the knob, the scene that met her eyes made her forget to breathe.

There was Abby, Harrison, and Abiba's apprentice, Quinn, entangled together on the floor in various stages of undress, writhing together, each giving and receiving one from another in a grand ménage à trois. They moved together with the synchronicity, smoothness and familiarity of ones that had done this many times before. Fresh realization flooded Olivia's mind. She had thought Harrison and Abby stopped their bickering because of a new willingness to work together. Now she knew the reason. What role had Quinn played in all this? she wondered.

Olivia didn't want to, couldn't bear to, deal with this personnel issue now. She stealthily locked the door and backed out of the room.

"Ms. Pope, why are you leaving your party so soon?" asked Ben. "Everything is going okay, right. The governor hasn't thrown any more fire bombs at you, I hope?"

Olivia sank into the welcome quiet and darkness of the sedan.

"Oh, Ben. That seems like such a long time ago. Resolving that wrinkle was easy, but running a business is never without some controversy. It's like playing wack a mole…as soon as you smack one, another one appears. My political problems are long resolved. Looks like I have some personnel issues now, but nothing I can't handle…now, I need rest so I can fight off this migraine," she explained, closing her eyes and reveling in the calm.

"Aww, I'm sorry to hear about that, Ms. Pope. I was talking to my Vera about your migraines. She thinks this tea from McKinney's Pharmacy might help you. Would you mind if I stop by and get if for you before I drop you off?" asked Ben.

Olivia smiled, grateful for Ben. She realized that he was quite possibly the only friend she had. He was her employee, but he was also her friend. That's what she needed now, a friend. "I'd like that. I'm sure Vera knows best," Olivia murmured. She surrendered herself to the car, feeling it maneuver her down the city streets.

"Ms. Pope, I'll be right back," said Ben after they pulled over a couple of blocks later.

"'Kay," she mumbled.

Minutes after Ben's door shut, another one opened, the back passenger door. A gloved hand put a vice like grip on Olivia's wrist and pulled her out of the car. Another hand pressed hard into her lips, muffling the scream escaping from her throat. She was dragged to a black SUV parked behind where she and Ben had stopped. The man she had yet to see because he held her against his body facing away, opened the back passenger door and threw her inside. When she got her bearings, preparing to scream, the sound caught in her throat at the sight of Governor Grant sitting in the seat on her opposite side.

"Oh my God," she whispered. For the second time tonight, she was totally and completely flabbergasted.

Fitz chuckled. "That's about right. You traipse into my office with your southern belle manners and your plain holy Jane exterior and lie your way into forcing me to lift the moratorium that would have prevented you from opening your new...business. You have a lot of explaining to do, and I want the truth."

"But you can't do this. I'll come to your office tomorrow, talk to your chief of staff. I'm sure we can work something out. I-I understand your obvious anger, but you can't take a citizen against their will," she pleaded.

"Watch me," he said, as they drove off.

OOOO! It was extremely fun writing this. I hope you had as much fun reading it.

Until the the cursor stops blinking and words appear

~BP