Unwilling to allow her to be so hard on herself; he interjects, "Liv, you're not being fair to yourself. There are a myriad of emotions a person goes through when they're facing infidelity. Even blaming outside parties."
"I get that Fitz. I really do. But my point is it wasn't about Eddie or Jasmine or anybody else. It was about me and my behavior. I'd become complicit in his infidelity. Because I stayed with him, knowing he was never going to stop, and forgiving him when he got caught, despite knowing better. That's when I realized I needed to let him go, and choose myself. Because being with him is no longer worth it. If I am going to lose track of my moral compass. I can't and won't be that person. I deserve better."
He allows her words to settle on both of them, and then replies, "I'm so sorry you're going through this Liv. But, I'm also very proud of you." She appreciates his kindness, but inquires, "Why?"
"Because you decided to walk away, instead of staying the course with him. It's much easier to stay, than to leave. Especially when it involves the type of lifestyle you'd be afforded as his wife."
She understands his point, and says, "Well, thanks. I am just glad to be turning the page." He agrees with her as he asks, "So how's he taking it. I'm assuming not well." She sighs as she says, "That's an understatement. I've already blocked his number from my phone and removed him from the visitation list at the gate."
He replies, "Damn, I can't say that's subtle." She shrugs her shoulders as she responds, "I know. But, when dealing with him. I can't be subtle. Or he will take advantage."
"I'm sure you know best how to deal with him. Have you given back the ring yet?" She sighs as she replies, "No. Not yet. If he doesn't show up at the courthouse in the next few days, I will fed ex it to him."
"Wow, so you're completely done with him, huh? No more conversations or meetings or anything?" She confidently responds, "Nope. When it comes to Edison Davis, I've got nothing else to give."
Seeking a chance to lighten the mood, he replies, "Remind me to never get on your bad side woman. Your cut off game is vicious." She laughs as she replies, "For the record, I don't see you getting on my bad side. At least not to his level." He smiles as he says, "I would have to concur with you on that one. I want to always be a party to your happiness. So you can always count on me to be here for you, no matter what."
She feels a sense of comfort in his tone, and says, "Thanks. I appreciate that. You're always a sense of calm for me. But, enough about me. What's going on with you?"
He feels a change in the air. He knew his turn was coming. So he fesses up as he says, "Ironically, I too had an epiphany of sorts a little earlier today." She readjusts her position, and despite her movement. His hand is now on her leg, as they sit somewhat facing one another. And, she asks, "What did you discover?"
"I've discovered that I have spent way too much time giving energy to relationships that don't matter as much as the ones that do. You know, investing in people who don't invest in me. And, for the sake of my sanity, that's got to change."
She's blown away by his response as she says, "Wowsers, that's deep. Did something happen to bring you to this conclusion?" Momentarily, their interaction from earlier today pops into his head. While it wasn't the be all end all for his change of heart. It certainly encouraged what he was already thinking. Not looking to give it too much weight in his decision, he keeps it to himself as he says, "Yes and no. I just decided to start seeing things with certain people for what they are, and not for what I want them to be."
In her head, she's doing backflips. Because, she is almost certain his response is relating to his situation with Mellie. But, he's not giving direct info. So, she simply says, "Good for you. I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself, and protecting your heart. But, where does that leave you with the person, or people this new attitude affects?"
Feeling like he owes her a specific answer, and not wanting to speak in generalities anymore. He says, "You know I've never really talked to you about my continued failed pursuit of Mellie, right?"
She almost falls over when she hears his question. She's definitely screaming in her head, but replies, "Right, and I understand talking to me about it can be awkward due to all of us being friends." He nods as he says, "True. And I don't want to put you in the middle of anything. But, with you being so open with me. It would be disingenuous for me to keep my emotional turmoil under wraps. So, you'll hear it from me first. I'm pulling back where she's concerned."
Intrigued by his response, and wondering if their brief moment earlier played a part in his decision, she asks, "When did you decide to pull back as you said?"
He sighs as he replies, "Today, after I dropped her off after the game. I can't explain it. But I felt like it was time to let go. No disrespect, but I just felt annoyed and just kind of over it, if that makes sense." She nods as she responds, "It makes perfect sense. When someone is fed up. They want to turn the page and begin to make moves that signify it, both emotionally and physically."
He nods in agreement as she says, "Yes. That's how I felt. Like I just needed to turn the page. And when I went to shoot hoops with the fellas. We got to talking, and by the end of it. It was clear that stepping back from her was best thing to do."
Wanting to get an idea of how he's feeling, she asks, "So how does that make you feel? Are you angry?" He pauses and then says, "No. I'm not mad at her, more like a bit irritated with myself. Because in the end, I can't be upset with her for being who she is. She's always been consistent with her behavior toward me. I honestly see now that it was me that saw things differently between us, not her. So this is more about me, than her. Kind of like your situation was more about you, than Eddie."
She nods as she says, "Damn, until you made that connection. I never thought about the similarities of our situations. We both were entertaining relationships with people who wanted something very different from what we wanted." He agrees as he continues, "Exactly. Which is why, just like you're not upset with Eddie. I'm not upset with her. I'm just done."
Curiously, she asks, "What about your dad? He's always talked about you two marrying and even making it to the Whitehouse." He shakes his head, and to her surprise, he replies, "I wanted to be with Mellie, that part is true. Until recently, it was a thought of mine since we were young. But, when I think about it. I never really wanted to be a politician, let alone president. That was his bag, not mine. I just showed interest in politics because I wanted to spend time with him. He was always gone and busy so much when I was growing up. I wanted to see what was dominating his attention over me and mom."
Understanding how badly his statement is going to play with his dad. She says, "Fitz, I don't know that your father is going to accept your position, at least not without pushing back hard. You know he holds the purse strings." He sighs as he responds, "Yeah. I know. But, because I am already eligible for my trust. He can't disinherit me, so I really don't care what he says or does."
"Wow, you've really thought this through, huh?" He replies, "Yup. I keep telling you I'm more than a pretty face." They chuckle at his comment, as she responds, "Am I ever going to live down that remark?" He quickly replies, "Nope." She shakes her head as she says, "Well, I am proud of you for standing up for yourself with your dad. That takes allot of courage." He replies, "Thanks. I feel like if I don't do or say something now. I never will."