While she would normally be annoyed, at someone ordering for her. She remains calm and simply begins eating. She figures, it's her last meal with them; why not at least enjoy the food? It's undoubtedly free. And free food always tastes the best.
Out of the corner of her eye, she can see Eddie looking at her; as if he was waiting for her to say something or react to what just happened. But, she doesn't. He's both relieved and puzzled at the same time. Because he knows she'd not the most receptive to others being in control.
Surprisingly, she says, "This looks delicious." And she takes a few bites, then comments on the tastiness of her meal. Eloise nods as she adds, "Yes. Their food is always very good indeed. Which is why I'm never scared to try something new when I come here." Olivia looks at her agreeably as she sips her tea. And looks at both Eddie and Barron, asking, "Is your food to your liking gentlemen?"
Barron feels the need to provide an explanation, despite not being prompted for one, as he replies. "Yes. It's quite good thank you. I hope you don't mind Liv. I had this set up in advance because I understand you're on your lunch break, and I know Rowan is a stickler for punctuality."
Eddie chimes in, "He and dad go way back; they were frat brothers in college." Eloise adds, "Further than that, they went to high school together too." Olivia now understands why she was given a two hour lunch break today. While grateful for the extra time, she could've spent it doing something better than being here.
Nonetheless, she clarifies her thoughts as she asks, "So I have you to thank for my extended break, huh?" Barron smiles as he replies, "Maybe to some degree. But ultimately you have Judge Rowan to thank."
Eddie chimes in, "Don't be modest dad. We all know it's all about connections. It's not all what you know. But who you know, if you want to get ahead in life. Everybody who's anybody knows that to be a fact."
His point is somewhat factual, and playing the game. While, also getting to the point of where this is leading. Olivia contributes to their line of thinking as she responds, "Or who you marry, right?"
There's a brief pause of silence. It's clear she hit the nail on the head by their nonverbal reactions. Then Eloise ends the silence as she mindfully adds, "That's not entirely true son. Who you know can be of great help for sure, but it can't trump what you know. Unless you're someone with zero integrity."
Eloise's comment lands hard; it even makes Olivia think, well damn. That was an uppercut from nowhere that just knocked somebody back a few steps at this table. In her head, she's cracking up, knowing that surely caught both Eddie and Barron off guard.
Eddie tries to play clean up as he says, "I don't know about that mom. If given the opportunity of a lifetime. Why not take it? If you're being offered it, regardless of the depth of your expertise. The person offering it must believe you have the ability to do the job without formal training." Olivia adds, "While that can be true in some instances, and even sounds good Eddie. That ideal is dangerous to the plight of equality." Eddie scoffs, "No it's not Liv. Nepotism isn't always bad. And people who think differently don't understand how the system works in the grand scheme of things."
Olivia finds herself getting seriously irritated with his stance, but manages to keep her composure as she asks, "Do you hear yourself? You're literally arguing for the premise of what created affirmative action. No wonder you're a politician, it's the one job where closed door deals and handshakes are common place."
Her words don't fall on deaf ears; in fact, she sees Barron's eyes perk up. And she immediately says, "I don't mean any disrespect Barron; I know all politicians are not the same. But politics are."
He kindly responds, "No need to apologize Liv. I can appreciate a passionate debate, and I actually agree with you to a point. I don't believe knowledge only qualifies you to do a job. It helps to have experience, as well as be put in the right position to succeed. Which can be said for knowing the right people."
Eloise smiles as she replies, "Exactly Barry. Well said. Liv. Think about it in terms of sports. Kobe was drafted by Charlotte, and ended up being traded to L.A. Now, ultimately his skills shined and he had a tremendous career. But, we all know he only ended up in L.A. Because of a favor of Jerry West."
Olivia nods as she adds, "Yes. And some people had an issue with him being put in the All-Star game over others, when he wasn't a starter that year. I get that. And yes. It worked out. But, despite me being a Kobe fan. I didn't like the way that was handled either. But, I understand your point. I just hope you all understand mine."
They all nod in agreement as they say, "Yes. We do." But Barron puts a bow on it as he says, "It just proves there are more sides than one to think about this issue. And when we really put thought into just about anything. We can find examples where having the right connections is an added benefit. No matter how educated or experienced a candidate can be. It's the marrying of those concepts that ultimately work best." On that they all have to agree.
The conversation ends with smiles, as they continue to make small talk and they finish their meals. Just as they finish, the wait staff shows up, interrupting what had become a rather spirited moment. The servers clear the table of their dirty plates, while serving dessert, refreshing drinks, and offering after meal coffee.
The mood is rather pleasant, and relaxed. It gives a moment of comfort that Olivia admits she use to revel in, when dining with them. It's during this period, Eddie decides to take advantage of Olivia's guard being lowered. He moves his chair to her side of the table, and places his arm around her chair, getting rather close and intimate.
Initially, she is somewhat confused by his actions, but not surprised. He's the ultimate opportunist. And, the more she thinks about it. To be fair. It's how their relationship has worked for so long. He does something stupid, they argue. Get worked up and then make up. Undoubtedly, he's doing what he's always done. And he thinks it's going to work the same way.
But, he couldn't be more wrong this time. In protest of his action, she wants to punch him. But, she knows despite being at a private table on the terrace. They're still in a public place, and this is LA. So, the odds of there being a reporter in the vicinity, or just someone with a cell phone who can post a viral video is quite high.