He smiles at her as he responds, "You're such a smart ass." She chuckles as she replies, "Well it's better than being a dumb ass." He joins her in laughter as he responds, "Facts."
As their laughter settles; there's a pause broken by him admittedly saying, "I know I need to talk to him at some point. But It's tough talking to him Liv. I find myself getting so angry, when I do. And I don't like feeling that way. He's my dad. But I just can't stand to be around him most of the time."
Sweetly she responds, "I know. But, you know that's because of your unresolved issues surrounding your mother's death." She sees his eyes sadden, and it hurts her heart, as he replies, "I miss her so much Liv. You would've loved her. She was something special. And because of him being the untrustworthy asshole that only he could be, she's dead. He wasn't driving the car that took her life, but he put her in that car with his lies and infidelity."
Understanding his mother died on the night she was leaving his father, when a drunk driver hit her head on at a stop light. Something he didn't find out until the summer before they left for college. She is absolutely speechless, as she feels the weight of his emotions. And all she can do is say, "I am so sorry Fitz. I really am."
He sees the compassion in her eyes, and feels the empathy in her tone, as he manages to hold back tears, and replies, "Thanks Liv. I don't mean to be a downer. I can let you go."
Not willing to let him go so easily, she responds, "If you want to hang up, I am fine with that. But, if you want to stay on the phone. I'm here for you. No judgment, you know that." Her kindness makes him smile as he finds the strength to look into her eyes, as he replies, "What did I do to deserve having you in my life?" She grins as she responds, "You were born." They share a chuckle as he says, "Now who's the corn ball?" Their laughter settles the mood once again.
As they look at one another lovingly, he says, "Shifting gears if you don't mind. Tell me about the rest of your day please." She agreeably changes pace as she replies, "Uhm, let's see. Oh, to round out my luncheon from hell experience with the Davis'; I found out Eddie's attorney is sending me a non-disclosure agreement to sign, and it looks like Jasmine, the last girl Eddie cheated on me with is his new boo."
He now feels himself getting annoyed all over again concerning her ex. But he remains cool as he replies, "That's par for the course with his type. She's going to regret that later, i guarantee." She agrees with his sentiment, as he then asks, "Do you have someone reviewing the NDA for you before signing it?" She nods as she responds, "Of course. I'm going to take it to Cy this week."
Agreeing with her decision he replies, "Good. I'm sure it will be vetted properly." She nods as she responds, "I agree. And the sooner it's done. The sooner that chapter of my life is concluded." Her reply answers his next question, before he asks it, confirming she is trudging ahead beautifully, without regret.
Wondering how the break up news is fairing with others in her life, he asks, "Have you talked to your parents yet?" She nods as she replies, "Yes. I talked to them today. And as expected they're both delighted it's over. I think my dad may be planning a celebratory dinner or something." They both laugh as he says, "knowing your dad I don't doubt it. He doesn't need a huge reason to grill." She nods in agreement as she responds, "That's a fact. Or to throw a party."
As their laughter settles he replies, "I'm glad it's all working out for you. It's a hard step to take, and you're handling it very well. I'm proud of you." She smiles as she says, "Thanks. I appreciate all the support I've gotten from you, my parents, as well as Abby and Mel. You all have helped me tremendously. I can't thank you enough."
He smiles as he replies, "You're welcome. You know we've always got your back. I'm sure Abby was as giddy as your parents regarding you ending things with Eddie." She nods as she says, "Yeah. She was pretty happy. But, first I had to talk her down. Because she found your condoms on my nightstand and she thought they were Eddie's."
A look of shock fills his face as he asks, "Damn, what did you say?" She smiles as she replies, "It took me a second to think. But, I ended up telling her I was with someone other than him. I actually told both her and Mel since they were like a dog with a bone with their suspicions."
He agrees with how she handled the situation, but he's curious about how the condoms were discovered, so he asks, "What was she doing in your room anyway?" She shakes her head as she says, "She was being nosy as only she could. But, I still love her. Because she was trying to be a friend and save me from making a mistake."
He understands her point, but still conveys his take on the matter as he replies, "Sounds like her heart was in the right place. But damn. She really needs to exercise some boundaries." She nods in agreement as she responds, "Agreed. She apologized, which I appreciate. He acknowledges her admission of wrongdoing too, and relents with his judgment as he says, "That's a step in the right direction. Let's hope it holds." Again she nods as she says, "Yes. Lets."
They share a smile and she replies, "By the way. In talking with Mel today. I heard your day was pretty interesting too." His brow furrows with confusion as he responds, "I'm not sure I follow." She smiles as she replies, "I understand she met your girlfriend Nyemah today, when she ran into Harry and Drew at the gas station."
He sighs as he says, "Come on Liv. You know she's not my girlfriend." She smiles as she replies, "yes. I do. But Mel seems to think she is. Until you tell her otherwise. Which she made it a point to tell me you ignored her text. So you may want to get back to her before she blows a gasket."
He shakes his head as he says, "Damn, I saw it too. I just forgot to respond. I will take care of it. But I need her to stop telling people Nyemah is my girlfriend." Olivia teases, "To be fair, we know she wants to be. Even if you don't have any interest."
He abruptly responds, "I'm sure the part of me not being interested in her is a pretty significant factor." She grins as she replies, "You're right. But it appears to be a minor detail in her mind, until you set her straight."
He sees her point and says, "Understood. I've been meaning to chat with her. Drew and I just talked about that recently. I probably should've done it today when she popped up over here."
Olivia curiously asks, "She came over unannounced?" He sighs as he says, "yeah. It threw me. But, she only did it because she was with everybody who was at the beach waiting for me. And I didn't show. Because I fell asleep after my post work out shower."
She nods as she asks, "And she couldn't call you first?" He answers, "She did call, and text. So did Drew and Harry. But, I was sleep and the phone was on silent. So I didn't wake up."