He adores her passion for the game, and agrees she has a sound argument. He could talk to her all day about sports and never get tired. But as they have a seat in the living room, he replies, "I agree with you, Kobe is the man. I respect his game, much like I respect MJs, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate Magic or King James. Again, especially since other than Jordan, they all play or played for the Lakers."
She has to admit he too is making a great point she can't dispute. So she relents as she says, "Okay. Okay. You got me there. Laker nation rules." They share a smile and a laugh in agreement, ending their sports debate and beginning to chat about work.
He transitions by asking, "Hey, are you going to be clerking for Rowan this term?" She nods as she replies, "Yeah, I start tomorrow. I heard you're clerking for Madison now, right?"
He nods as he says, "Yes." She smiles as she replies, "Congrats. That's a dream appointment; it's awesome to get a federal selection so early in the rotation." He nods as he responds, "Thanks, I appreciate that. I just have to make sure I don't screw it up."
They share a chuckle as she encouragingly replies, "I'm sure you'll be fine. You're more than capable of handling the pace. And, it doesn't hurt that you happen to be a member of his political party, as well as attend his alma mater." He responds, "Good point. I appreciate the encouragement."
She caringly says, "No problem. Oh, and by the way; he's a Clippers fan." He exclaims, "Really?" She laughs as she replies, "Yeah he is. So, do yourself a favor and don't wear any Laker gear to work. Even on dress down Fridays." He agreeably replies, "Dually noted. Thanks for the tip." She smiles as she says, "Sure thing. That's what friends are for."
He nods in agreement as he says, "True. Rowan isn't too bad. Just make sure you're on time, he's a stickler for punctuality. Never forget his tea, and he has an affinity for apple and cherry pastries. If you have at least his tea on his desk when he arrives every morning. It will save you a good ass chewing every now and again." She smiles as she replies, "Thanks, good to know." He smiles at her as he says, "My pleasure. You wash my back, and I'll wash yours."
After his response he winks at her, allowing his words to hang in the air, as a shift occurs in the moment. But it's not an uncomfortable change, it's one of intrigue; as they share a gaze in silence, with her slightly biting her bottom lip. Suddenly, Abby and Mellie join them, interrupting their moment.
Predictably, Mellie comes out rushing Fitz, telling him he's going to make them late. He's somewhat preoccupied initially, before snapping back into the moment. It's obvious he was in thought before the interruption. But, he manages to get out of his head, as they both say goodbye to Abby and Olivia, and he and Mellie leave in a flurry.
Once they're gone Abby notices an alteration in her friend's demeanor. But she doesn't say anything because she can't put her finger on what seems different. Instead, she puts it in her pocket for later. She restarts Lucifer and they continue to watch the final season of their favorite show. With a lineup of others they need to catch up on too. It's set to be a good time between her and her roadie. It's been a while since they've had a moment like this to chill and reconnect.
Four hours, some popcorn, and two green salads later. They're deciding to continue Mind Hunter or save it till next weekend. Suddenly, Mellie comes through the door, surprising both of them.
She speaks as she comes in, and asks "What are you two up to?" Abby replies, "Just finishing Mind Hunter." Olivia asks, "How was the date? You're back rather early."
She plops down in the chair opposite them as she responds, "It was cool. We went to Pink's first, and the food was really good. Our waiter Nick, was great! He was very attentive and fine as hell! I even got his number." Both Olivia and Abby share a look, while listening to her.
For clarification Olivia asks, "So you got the phone number of the waiter who tended to you and Fitz on your date?" Melissa nods as she responds, "Yeah. Girl he was too sexy to walk by." Olivia puts her hand on her head as she replies, "Oh my God. You can't make this up." While Abby gasps, "Oh damn. You're for real."
Melissa sees the looks on their faces and takes exception to their judgment, as she asks, "What's wrong with you two? I'm single and I can date whoever I want. I don't deserve to be judged for living my life."
Abby smartly quips, "Mel stop it. Only people who do dumb shit, worthy of being judged think that way. Be better. Not ignorant." Olivia can't hold in her laugh at Abby's comment. As she says, "Preach girl. Preach."
Melissa gets more aggravated by their comments, and both of them laughing. Angrily she says, "Screw both of you. I didn't do anything wrong. Fitz and I are just friends, period. Just like I'm friends with you two knuckle heads as well as Harrison and Andrew. The only people making a big deal about this, is you two lames. Besides, I got his number while Fitz was in the restroom. So it's not like he saw us exchanging numbers."
Olivia replies, "I don't know what's worse. The fact you did that, or that you said it out loud as if it makes it better." Mellie rolls her eyes as she says, "Whatever. I've had enough of this badgering. I'm going to bed. I have a long day at work tomorrow and I need my rest."
Olivia again can't resist as she responds, "Is that code for, you're going to go call Nick now?" Flustered beyond belief, she rolls her eyes as she walks off saying, "Eat a dick!"
Her storming off has both Olivia and Abby cracking up as they shake their heads. When the laughter dies down Abby says, "She's crazy." And Olivia follows with, "Nah, she's Batshit crazy! There's a difference. She knows that was wrong. That's why she got his number behind Fitz's back. Who is she fooling?" Abby chuckles as she replies, "Herself. And only herself. But you and I both know she's blind to seeing her own missteps. So this is par for the course with her.
Olivia nods in agreement as she replies, "Well, I sure hope he didn't see her get the waiter's number." Abby shrugs her shoulders as she says, "If he did and he still took her to the game. That would be his fault Liv. She's literally showing him who she is, and it's his responsibility to see it and accept it." Olivia agrees but feels bad because she sees him as such a cool guy. And thinks he deserves much better. What he sees in her has her completely baffled.
Abby sees her friend pause and asks, "Hey, what's got you in thought?" Her mind shifts as she replies, "I just don't like seeing good people mistreated that's all. Also, we are all friends. So if she screws him over, it's going to kill the dynamic of the group. How fun will game night be without Harrison, Drew, and Fitz?"
Abby jokingly replies, "Game night would be just fine without Harrison." Olivia laughs at her as she replies, "Girl, let it go. It's not his fault you kissed him under the mistletoe last Christmas in front of everybody." Abby groans as she shakes her body, and says, "EEEWWWW Please don't remind me. That's just one more reason my drink of choice from now on is wine only."
Olivia chuckles as she replies, "I really need you to stop acting like alcohol had anything to do with that." Abby replies, "Girl bye. Now you're going all off topic and into some foolishness. I'm going to bed. Are you staying up?" Olivia looks at the time again, as she replies, "Nah. I guess I'm turning in too, party pooper." Abby responds, "Whatever, you killed it with that Harrison nonsense. Good night." Olivia, still laughing at her gathers her things and heads to her room, as she says, "Night."
By the time Olivia makes it to bed, post shower, its 11:30. As she attempts to settle in. Her mind begins to wander. She can't stop thinking about the Mellie and Fitz situation. Her admission was mind-blowing, and she can't believe she doesn't see the harm in her behavior.