Hello Fan Fiction Readers. I am loving the comments and inboxes about this story. It's really taking off. Thank you so much for your support and love for it. Here's to hoping you are ready to ride this train till the end.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. Scandal and these characters are a product of Shondaland productions.

Olivia is in awe; as she watches Edison and his guests walk toward her. She shouldn't be surprised, but she is. She didn't expect he'd do this. He must be at an all-time low of desperation.

As they approach; she stands up as her emotions soon settle. She recognizes this attempt for what it is, confirming yet again why it's over between them. His deceitful, manipulative nature is terribly unattractive.

Which is the reason she's ecstatic to be done with him and his bullshit. Shaking off the emotions of the moment; she quickly gathers her bearings, as she takes a position of defense.

Regardless of who is present, this is going to end the same way she intended when she agreed to this meeting. With the makings of a plan in place in her head. She puts on her best fake smile as the hostess greets them, and leads them to the table.

As they near where she's standing, she sees Eddie grinning, as if he's pretty proud of the ambush he's put together. She wants to flip him the bird; but she isn't going to give him the satisfaction of knowing his stunt caught her off guard. Instead, she continues to mentally prepare for what's about to happen.

In a matter of seconds Olivia is face to face with the people who were to be her in-laws. They exchange pleasantries, as she shares friendly embraces with them. Despite the circumstances of them meeting today, she has great respect for his parents in general. They've always treated her kindly, and she appreciates their kindness.

Especially his mother. They've always had a really good relationship. Ergo, this was the only play Eddie could make, in hopes of saving their relationship.

As his parents head over to the table; she and Eddie are standing alone. Clearly they're on two different wavelengths though. While she is trying to maintain her cool, and not snap on him for his childish antics. He is thinking this is a great time to cash in on them being close in proximity.

As she prepares to discreetly read him the riot act. He attempts to hug and kiss her. But, she politely extends her elbow, stopping him in his tracks.

Instantaneously the bright, proud smile he was bearing a moment ago dims, as he says, "Really Liv." In response she now dons the same smile, as she smartly replies, "Yes. Really Petty Patrick." He backs off a bit; but responds, "That's no way to treat your fiancé." She shoots back, "I'll keep that in mind the next time I have one."

Her remark aggravates him, she can see his expression change after the fact, and it makes her chuckle. In response he scoffs, "Whatever. You're so damn dramatic." She quips, "Well, if that's your take about me. You're going to love me walking out on you and your parents." She turns to walk away, and he panics as he grabs her arm to stop her, but she pulls away from him as she sternly says, "Don't touch me." He puts his hands up as he responds, "Okay. But please Liv. Don't leave. Just have lunch with us. You know my parents adore you."

She agrees, his parents do love her and she respects and cares for them too. Which is why she's so irritated he brought them with him. He sees she's thinking, and is hoping his plea works.

Her mind is trying to process this, and her gut is telling her to run. But, she thinks about his mother. She's the sweetest woman ever, and this probably will be the last time she will break bread with her or his father. So, she apprehensively relents, as she replies, "Fine. It's just lunch. But, let's be clear. Having lunch with your parents doesn't change anything. We are done Eddie. To prove that, here is your ring."

He looks down at her hand, which is extended with the signature blue tiffany ring box in it. She sees the struggle in his eyes. But, she doesn't pay it any mind. She pushes him along as she says, "Take the box Eddie." He doesn't want to capitulate to her demands. But, he knows if he disagrees. She will likely leave. Foiling his plan for her to stay. So, he takes the ring from her and responds, "Okay Liv. Can we please go to the table before they come looking for us?" Despite again her feeling like she shouldn't accept this lunch date. She nods as she says. "Yes." And they proceed to the table.

As they reach the table Barron says, "I thought we'd have to send a search party for you two?" Olivia replies, "Sorry, we had to chat a second before we joined you. But we are here now." Eloise replies, "Indeed you are. And not a moment too soon."

As they have a seat at the table; Eloise sees the smile on Olivia's face, and the grimace on her son's. A dead giveaway that her grin was at his expense. As a mother, she wants to root for her son. And, she wants to take his side. But, inside. She knows this is a futile battle. Something her husband and son wouldn't concede too when they discussed their preconceived plan. She thinks to herself, they're about to find out just how right she was about Olivia.

As they all get settled in their seats, Olivia says, "I must admit I surely didn't expect to see either one of you today Eloise and Barron." Barron responds, "We know Liv. When we heard you two were having lunch, we had to tag along. We hope it's not a problem."

Olivia gives a comedic reply, "No. Not at all. One monkey doesn't stop a show. So why would two?" The expression on their faces shift around from inquisitive to confusion in response to her remark.

She knows his parents are pawns in his game, and perhaps her remark was rather mean in that regard. But, she's confident they're not completely innocent in this mess. They know something, if not everything, and are still trying to defend him and fix this for him.

Eddie is annoyed at her remark, and looks to check her. But, as he begins to comment, he's interrupted. As abruptly the wait staff come to the table, delivering plates and drinks to everyone. Yet, nobody has looked at a menu.