Match Me If You Can
Olivia strolls down U street, bopping her head as her favorite song blasts through her air pods. Her luscious brown curls bounce as the sun beams down on her cocoa brown skin. She finally has a day off from her four-day night shift as a mother/baby nurse. Dipping her spoon inside her cup of ice cream, she relishes at the cold taste of vanilla gliding down her throat. She halts her steps when she comes to her favorite bookstore and sees a long line wrapped around the store. The line consists of only women. Curiosity gets the best of her and she taps a woman on the shoulder, asking, "what's going on?"
"Casting for a new dating show." The woman answers.
Intrigued, Olivia asks, "a dating show?"
The woman hands Olivia a pink and white flyer with information about the show.
Olivia glances at the top of the flyer and quickly reads the name of the show. 'Wait for Love.' She switches from her right foot to her left foot, eating more of her ice cream. "Anything else you can tell me about the show?" Olivia asks.
"You marry a complete stranger." The woman quickly answers.
"Legally?" Olivia questions.
"Yup."
The line begins to move and Olivia inches up with the woman. The woman chuckles, "you wanna get in line?"
Olivia shrugs.
"Are you in a relationship?" The woman asks.
"No, I haven't been in a relationship in five years. Kind of going through a dry spell." Olivia answers.
"Damn girl, you better get in line. Five years…that's a long ass time."
Olivia laughs and eases in the line, stepping in front of the woman.
"I'm Amanda, by the way."
"Olivia."
The line begins to move closer to the sign in table. Olivia nervously takes the pen and writes her name on the paper. Thoughts rush to her mind about the reaction she'll get from her parents when they find out about the show. She is certain her friends will be shell shocked by her impulse decision. The man behind the table points to the opened doors and instructs them to follow the crowd of women. Olivia takes the seat next to Amanda, cradling her purse on her lap.
"I hope they pick me." Amanda states, dabbing lip gloss across her lips.
Olivia takes a deep breath, "this is the craziest thing I've ever done."
"Really? It's time for you to live a little, Olivia." Amanda states.
Olivia smiles.
Each woman in the room is presented with an application and instructed to complete it. Olivia reads each question and answers honestly. Her hands shake as she walks up to the table and hands in the application. If selected for the next process, she'll receive an email with the relationship survey. She quickly writes her phone number on a piece of paper and hands it to Amanda. "Keep in touch." She mouths. Amanda smiles with a nod.
Olivia arrives home and constantly checks her email hoping to see something from the show. She sips a glass of red wine, while cooking chicken parmesan. She hears a ding on her phone alerting her to a new email. She lifts the phone from the counter and reads the notification. She opens her phone, and thoroughly reads the email. It's the relationship survey. She's been chosen for the next process. A broad smile etches across her face. She takes the food off the stove, plating it, and moves to the living room. After a few bites of food, she scrolls through the relationship survey. The questions are intense and she knows she will be up half the night answering them. She finishes her food and opens her email on her laptop. She glances at a few of the questions as soft jazz plays in the background.
I would feel fine with my partner and I having very different political opinions.
She glances at the screen and drains the rest of the wine in her glass, answering, "I would not feel fine. Absolutely not."
She twirls her pen around her finger and looks at the next question. How often do you need for your partner to tell you s/he loves you?
Olivia sighs and types, "Very often." She is a helpless romantic and an affectionate person. She would definitely want to hear her partner tell her he loves her multiple times throughout the day.
She scrolls down to another question. When I am in a relationship it is vital to me to be able to spend a lot of time on my personal interests.
She contemplates her answer and thinks about her personal interests. She does yoga several times a week and hangs out with her friends and family on a regular. She pours another glass of wine and answers. "It is vital that I spend some time on my personal interests. I would love to introduce my significant other to some of my personal interests, in hopes he will be able to join me and learn to love them."
After several glasses of red wine and a booming headache, the questionnaire is complete and submitted to the show. Olivia stretches and retires to the bedroom.
Over the course of a week, Olivia keeps silent about the happenings of the show. She goes through intense psych testing, a background check and the formal interview. She's in constant contact with Amanda and they are both still candidates. Days trickle by and she doesn't hear anything from the show. Disappointment settles in and she stops checking her email for updates. Needing a moment to relax, she attends a yoga class. On her way out of class, she's stopped by Dr. Janet Coles, the psychologist from the show. She smiles as butterflies form in her stomach.
"Hi Olivia." Janet smiles.
"Oh, hi Dr. Janet." Olivia responds.
"Guess what!"
Olivia beams with excitement, "please tell me."
Dr. Janet chuckles, "We found you a match and you'll be married in two weeks."
Olivia grips her yoga mat tightly, "really…I can't believe it!"
"You're off the market. You're engaged." Dr. Janet states.
Olivia smiles into the camera and she gives Dr. Janet a hug. Once Dr. Janet and the cameras are gone her smile quickly fades and her lip quivers at the realization that she'll be married in two weeks.
X
Olivia paces around the living room, gulping down the rest of the red wine in her glass. She needs it. Her nerves are shot. She pours another glass as she replays the conversation from Dr. Janet in her head. She's engaged to a stranger! She has no idea who her fiancé is. What he likes or dislikes. What he looks like. Thoughts swirl through her mind causing her to feel dizzy. The doorbell knocks her out of her trance and she rushes to open it. Her best friend, Abby is standing on the other side. She'll either tell her, she's crazy or she'll high five her and tell her it's about time she did something out of the ordinary.
"What's the emergency?" Abby asks, plopping down on the couch.
She doesn't wait for the pleasantries or beat around the bush. "I'm engaged." Olivia muffles out.
"You're what?" Abby asks, pouring a glass of wine.
"Engaged…shit…I'm engaged." Olivia states, easing down on the couch next to Abby, placing her hand on her forehead. "What did I do?"
Abby tosses her head back in laughter.
"Abby, I'm serious. I'm engaged." Olivia repeats.
"How? When?" Abby asks.
"I signed up for this relationship show a few weeks ago and they found me a match."
"Holy shit, Olivia Pope!" Abby states, shaking her head.
Olivia guzzles the remainder of her wine, laughing. "I know."
"What show?" Abby asks.
"Wait for Love." Olivia answers.
Abby turns to Olivia, "the show where they marry a complete stranger?"
"Yes, that's the one."
Abby walks to the refrigerator, opening it. "Good for you, Liv. I'm happy for you."
"You are?" Olivia asks.
"Yes. Finally, you're doing something for you and not what your parents want you to do. You've always been on the straight and narrow path, never bending or taking risks. I think this show will be good for you. Knock you right out of your comfort zone."
"I agree, Abs. I've always played it safe and where has it gotten me? Absolutely nowhere when it pertains to my love life. You took a risk and met David online and your relationship is solid. I met Edison at work…the traditional way." Olivia huffs.
"I told you he was no good. I still can't believe he had a whole baby with another woman while you were together."
"Please don't remind me." Olivia states.
Abby reaches over and hugs Olivia. "I'm here for you Liv. I can't wait to see how all this unfolds. I hope they match you with a hot, sexy, man who will rock you mentally and sexually."
Olivia laughs. "Girl me too. I haven't told my parents or Harrison."
"Well that's going to be a total shit show." Abby chuckles.
"I know." Olivia responds.
"Don't let them talk you out of it, Liv. This is your life. It's time you start living it."
"Truth." Olivia states, clinking her glass with Abby's. "Come with me when I tell them?"
"I got you, Liv. I'll be there." Abby agrees.
X
Olivia is nervous. She can barely concentrate as she whips her car through the DC traffic. She doesn't know how her family will respond to her news. Maybe they will be happy for her and shower her with hugs. That's a lie and she knows it. They are going to be shocked and probably pissed, especially her father. She grew up like a real-life kid from the Cosby show. Her father, Eli Pope, is a well-known judge in the community. Her mother, Maya Pope, is an OB/GYN doctor. Her brother, Harrison is a pediatrician with his own practice and married his high school sweetheart. As a little girl, Olivia spent countless hours at her mother's practice watching her take care of families. Her mother was the reason she became a nurse. Her parents tried to push her to go further with her career and become a doctor but after nursing school, she needed a break. Honestly, she has no desire to attend medical school. She's happy in her profession. She loves caring for people as a nurse. It's Sunday dinner at her parent's house. A tradition that has occurred since she was little. She didn't have the option to miss it…ever. Her and Abby exit the vehicle and Olivia grabs the pound cake from the back seat.
Olivia taps lightly on the wooden door before using her key to open the door.
"Let's do this!" Abby states as they enter the Pope house.
"Yes." Olivia sighs.
"Deep breaths and try not to act like you have a huge secret to tell. Your father will definitely know something is wrong."
"You're right. Act normal." Olivia states.
Olivia's seven-year old niece Harmony, rounds the corner and barges into her. "Hey Auntie."
Olivia hugs her and plants kisses on her forehead. "Hey beautiful girl. Take this in the kitchen to Nana."
"Ok." She states, skipping down the hallway.
Olivia walks inside with Abby, immediately looking for her brother, Harrison. He's always been on her side. He's her confidant and best friend besides Abby. Harrison is sitting on the couch, whispering in his wife's ear, as she nurses their new baby boy, Hayden. Olivia pauses for a moment before entering and watches them. She wants the same thing. A life full of love.
Olivia waves. "Hi Harrison and Patricia."
Harrison stands and tightly hugs her. Patricia attempts to stand with the baby in her arms.
"Let me take him." Olivia states, reaching out her hands for the baby. Patricia kisses Hayden on the forehead before passing him to Olivia. She places the blue receiving blanket over her shoulder and begins to pat his back.
Patricia smiles as she sits back on the couch.
Hayden begins to drift off to sleep as Olivia makes circles on his back. She looks over at Abby. "You remember my friend, Abby?"
"Hey Abby." Harrison and Patricia state in unison.
Abby waves, "Hi."
Olivia walks inside the kitchen, humming a soft tune in Hayden's ear. Her parents are sitting in the kitchen discussing the latest news from the day. She interrupts them with a slight wave.
"Give me my grandson." Maya states, reaching out her arms for the baby.
"Shhhhhh. He's sleeping." Olivia whispers.
Abby rounds the corner and speaks. "Hi Mr. and Mrs. Pope."
"It's good to see you, Abby." Maya states.
Maya motions for everyone to settle at the dinner table. She's prepared a huge meal which is typical for a Sunday meal at the Pope house. Olivia slowly eats and anxiously looks around the table, waiting for the right time to bring up her news. She pushes her food around on the plate, trying to calm her nerves with shallow breaths.
"Everything alright, Livvie? You're barely eating." Eli asks, observing her nervous behavior.
Olivia clears her throat and blurts out. "I'm getting married."
Eli drops the silverware on his plate. It makes a loud clinking sound interrupting the flow of dinner. Maya wipes the side of her mouth with a napkin. Harrison chuckles.
Abby leans over to Olivia and whispers. "I thought you were going to wait until dinner was over?"
Olivia shrugs. "I'm getting married in two weeks and I would like for all of you to be there.
"Married?" Maya questions. "Were you dating someone we didn't know about?"
"No. I signed up for a tv show called… 'Wait for Love.' They use professionals to match two strangers together based off a number of personality traits and a thorough relationship survey. The show documents the marriage for eight weeks. In the end, I'll have to decide if I want to stay married or continue to wait for love." Olivia answers.
"Call and withdraw your name." Eli demands.
"I can't. I signed a contract." Olivia responds.
"You can always get out of a contract, Olivia." Eli states.
Olivia stands, raising her voice. "I'm doing the show."
"Over my dead body. I have a reputation to uphold." Eli grunts.
"Dad, there isn't much you have to do except walk me down the aisle. I'd hope you would want to do that for me." Olivia states.
"I don't even know this person you are claiming will be your husband. He could be a killer." Eli states.
"Dad, you're being ridiculous. Everyone goes through an extensive background check." Olivia responds.
"Why didn't you tell us you were doing this?" Maya asks.
"I didn't want you to talk me out of it. I'm doing this for me." Olivia answers.
"Liv, you could have met someone the traditional way." Maya says.
"I've tried that, mom. It didn't work." Olivia points to Abby. "Abby met her boyfriend online and they're happy. I'm doing this my way."
"Let her do it." Harrison states, sipping water. "If dad doesn't walk you down the aisle. I'll do it."
Olivia turns to her brother and whispers. "Thank you."
The rest of dinner was uneventful and she knows her parents need time to process her news. She stays close to her brother and his wife, playing with her niece and nephew. Unsure if her parents will speak to her after tonight, Olivia dreads saying goodbye. She slowly walks inside the kitchen with Abby by her side.
"Mom…dad…I'm leaving." She states.
"Olivia we're not happy about this process but we want to support you." Maya responds, walking toward her, squeezing her hand.
Olivia nods. "I know. Thank you."
Eli hugs her. "I'm not interested in being on tv. Your mom has agreed to represent the both of us."
"Can you walk me down the aisle?" Olivia asks.
"Are you ok with Harrison doing it?" Eli asks.
"Yes."
Olivia hugs both of her parents before leaving with Abby.
X
Two weeks later…
Olivia sits on the edge of the bed, eyeing the wedding dress hanging on the door. The production crew records her every move. Her lip quivers as she walks inside the bathroom, hiding for a brief moment. Leaning against the cool porcelain sink, she takes several deep breaths. She gathers her strength and exits the bathroom. Abby quickly jumps from the bed and pulls down the mermaid style wedding dress and hands it to Olivia.
"I still can't believe you're doing this." Abby states, zipping up the back of the dress.
Olivia sighs, "say something positive. Tell me I'm doing the right thing."
Abby could tell Olivia was about to freak out. She glances at the cameras and pushes Olivia back inside the bathroom. "Hey." She lifts Olivia's chin. "The love of your life might be waiting for you at the altar. You won't find out unless you make the first step."
Olivia smiles and extends her arms for a hug. After their quick embrace, Olivia lifts her dress and walks out of the bathroom. Maya clips Olivia's veil in her hair and kisses her on the cheek before bringing the sheer material down over her face.
"This is one of the most important days of your life, Olivia. I didn't think it would be this soon." Maya proclaims, handing her a small black box.
"What's this?" Olivia asks, opening the box.
"It's the diamond necklace I wore on my wedding day." Maya responds.
Olivia takes the necklace out of the box and places it around her neck. Maya clasps it close. "Thanks mom. I love you." Olivia states.
Maya squeezes her hand. "I love you too."
Abby hands Olivia her bouquet. "It's time."
Olivia swallows hard, "ok."
Olivia stands in the hallway as the production crew films her speaking to the camera before walking down the aisle. "It's happening. I'm about to get married. I can't wait to meet my prince charming."
She looks over her shoulder and sees her father standing behind her. He walks up beside her and links his hand with hers. "I may not agree with what you're doing today, I couldn't let you take these steps without the first man you fell in love with."
Olivia smiles and tries to keep the tears from flowing. "I love you dad."
A soft tune plays and Olivia takes a few steps as the door opens, revealing a room full of people. She takes a deep breath and continues to walk down the aisle, tightly gripping her father's hand. She glances at the side of the room filled with her family and friends and smiles. She quickly glances at the groom's side of the room and realizes everyone is white. She grips her father's hand tighter. When she completed the application for the show, she'd mention she was open to an interracial marriage, but didn't think they would match her with a white guy. Her hands are sweaty and a small bead of sweat forms at the top of her forehead. It seems like the altar is so far away. She glances at Abby and she gives her a thumbs up. She lets out a deep breath when she finally reaches the altar. She instantly connects her eyes with the most beautiful deep blue orbs. The room disappears and she doesn't see or hear anything else but him.
"Hi." He nervously, speaks.
She takes it all in, let it wash over her. He's handsome and sexy. She can't help but smile and offer a simple. "Hi."
The officiant speaks, "Olivia Pope for the very first time meet Fitzgerald Grant."
"You look amazing." He whispers.
"Thank you." Olivia blushes.
The officiant opens her black notebook and reads. "We are here today as Olivia Pope and Fitzgerald Grant have pledged to commit themselves in marriage. There are no obligations on earth as sweet and tender than the ones you are about to make. Fitzgerald, Olivia's loved ones want you to know…She is driven, strong, and very loyal. She cherishes her family and friends. She doesn't like to cook but can make a mean bowl of buttery popcorn. She loves watching movies and cuddling."
Everyone laughs and offer smiles to the couple.
"Olivia, Fitzgerald's family and friends want you to know his favorite season is fall. He loves the outdoors. He is a hard worker. His smile is contagious. He is very compassionate and funny. He loves to cook. His favorite meal to cook is waffles with homemade maple syrup. Fitz is a little spoiled and likes things his way."
Fitz keeps his eyes on Olivia. She's shaking. He reaches out his hand for hers. She quickly links her fingers with his. An electric shock shoots through her veins immediately calming her. "I got you." He states.
Her mouth is agape as she gets lost in his blue eyes again.
"Olivia, you can recite your vows now." The officiant states.
Olivia removes a piece of paper hidden inside her bouquet. "To my husband, that I've only just met. Marriage is the meeting of two souls that are alike in so many ways. Supporting, caring, helping each other through good and bad times. At first, I may seem like the most independent woman in the world and in many ways, I am, but my family and friends know I can be incredibly vulnerable. Today I am committing myself wholeheartedly to this marriage and to becoming your wife. I vow to show you the best of me and I'm looking forward to learning about the best of you.
Fitz reaches inside his lapel and pulls out a piece of paper, reading it. "I give you everything that I am. My dreams and my fears. My triumphs and my fails. I give you me. I am ready to love and be loved in return. I vow to take you as you are today, standing in front of me. I give my heart, my mind, and my love. I am invested in this process, and I hope to fall madly in love with you. With my whole heart I promise to be faithful, supportive, and make your happiness a priority. Even though the start of our lives is not conventional I promise to be the best husband I can be and the husband you deserve.
Olivia swallows hard at his words. They are beautiful.
The officiant hands the rings to them. "You may exchange your rings."
"With this ring I wed you Olivia." Fitz states.
"For today, tomorrow and all the years to come." Olivia states.
"Please wear it as a sign of my commitment and notice to the entire world, that I am your husband."
"I am your wife."
The officiant announces, "by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife…you may kiss the bride."
Fitz is unsure if she wants him to kiss her. "Is it ok?" He asks.
"On the cheek." Olivia answers, pointing to her cheek.
He smiles before lifting her veil and lightly kissing her cheek. They both smile as they walk down the aisle hand in hand. The production crew immediately usher them to a small makeshift lounge area surrounded by white couches and flowers. A bottle of champagne and two glasses sit on the table in front of them.
Olivia holds up her left hand, flashing her silver wedding band. "Wow, we're married."
"Yeah, it's kind of surreal." Fitz states while pouring champagne in two glasses.
Olivia blushes, "are you happy with your match?"
"Very happy." Fitz answers.
"Me too." Olivia states, shyly. "You're very handsome."
Fitz sips the champagne in his glass. "Thank you." He raises his glass to hers. "You're very beautiful, Mrs. Grant."
Olivia smiles. "Thank you, Mr. Grant."
The camera crew moves them over to an area set up for wedding photos. Fitz stands like a statue, barely touching her. He wants to touch her, but he wants to respect her and give her the space to make the first move. They take a few photos and Olivia knows they are not going to look good. He's standing like a statue next to her. She wonders why he's not touching her. She's leaning into him, giving him the signs it's ok. She stops waiting for him and grabs his hand bringing it around her waist, melting more into his chest. It feels good, warm and comforting. His other hand wraps around her waist and she sinks deeper against him. He settles his head in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent. She smells like some sort of flower. A beautiful light scent that he gets lost in. He wants to kiss the side of her neck, but he doesn't. Their family and friends join them for the pictures. Once the pictures are complete, they're ushered inside for the reception.
Everything goes by so fast. Before they know it, the reception winds down and they are whisked off to their hotel suite for their first night together as husband and wife. Olivia opens the door to red rose petals on the floor and candles illuminating the hotel suite.
"Awwwww." She chimes.
"Very nice." Fitz states.
Olivia is unsure what to do next, so she pops open the bottle of champagne and offers him a glass, asking. "What made you do the show?"
He shrugs. "I've been unlucky in love."
Olivia pours the champagne in both of their glasses. "I find that hard to believe."
He eases down on the couch and takes a few sips of the bubbly liquid. "Why is that?"
"You're handsome and incredibly sexy." She admits.
He offers a crooked smile. "You're very beautiful. Why are you single?"
Oliva lifts the bottom of her dress and sits next to him, leaving a few inches of space between them. "I tend to find the wrong men. My last boyfriend had a baby with another woman, while we were together."
His eyebrow raises. "Damn."
Olivia shrugs. "Look at me now. I have a whole husband."
Fitz chuckles and places the glass on the table. "I like the idea of skipping the dating scene and going straight to marriage."
"Exactly." Oliva states, standing with a slight yawn. "I think I'm going to take it down."
He's not sure if he should follow her but when she asks for help with her dress, he's immediately on his feet.
"There are so many buttons on this dress. Can you help me?" She asks from the bedroom.
"Gladly." He responds, stepping to her, releasing each button one by one. Olivia holds the front of the dress carefully in place.
He runs his hand down the back of the dress making sure he's succeeded with undoing all of the buttons. "I think I got them all." He states.
She can't move. He's so close. His voice is deep, filled with sleep and sex. The same electrical shock from earlier shoots through her veins down to her core, making it throb. She fans herself while walking to the bathroom.
"I'll turn up the air conditioner." He states, watching her enter the bathroom.
He rambles through his suitcase looking for a pair of pajama pants and a t-shirt. He normally sleeps in the nude, so sleeping in clothes will be a first. She exits the bathroom and her hair falls in a ringlet of curls down her shoulders. A white silk tank top and shorts hug every curve on her body, leaving him speechless. He inhales her scent as she quickly moves past him. He wants to reach out to her and stop her with a kiss, but he doesn't. He holds his pajama pants in front of his dress pants, hoping to hide his erection. He showers quickly.
She waits for him. She watches for him. The door finally opens and he's a god standing in front of her. His chest protrudes through the white fabric of his shirt. His six pack is evident and his biceps are prominent. His hair is curly and damp from the shower. She wants to run her fingers through it. Her eyes roam down his body, until they linger at the imprint pressing against his white and black checkered pajama pants. Her breathing hitches and she pretends to fluff a pillow on the bed. He lifts the covers and slips under them.
"I put a pillow in between us. Is that ok?" Olivia asks.
"Whatever makes you comfortable." Fitz answers.
"I know we're married but we're still strangers." Olivia says.
Fitz props his head against a pillow. "I'll follow your lead."
"Thank you." Olivia states, resting her head on the pillow.
His blue eyes connect with hers and she can't look away. She licks her lips, wishing she could feel his lips against hers. It's too soon she thinks. It's not. He's her husband. They're married. She contemplates it over and over until she hears him whisper. "Goodnight Olivia."
She smiles. "Goodnight Fitz."
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. This story is based off one of my favorite tv shows, Married at First Sight. I'm really excited about starting a new story. Let me know what you think. Don't forget to leave a review. Thank you for reading.