Cyrus screams in his head, as her words float through the air. He immediately jumps in, when he sees the look on Fitz's face. Revealing he had no idea such documents were given to the parents.
Not sure if Abby would throw him under the bus for instructing her to have the agreements signed. He nervously says, "Thanks Red. That'll be all." Initially, Abby doesn't understand why Cyrus is being so quick to dismiss her. Until she sees the expression on Fitz's face.
She isn't sure what to do now. Or what to say. But she'd rather disappear in this moment. If she could. However, her legs don't work and apparently her voice has disappeared too. Because she can't speak. It's like time is frozen.
The air of silence and tension suddenly breaks, as Fitz firmly asks, "Abby, who do you work for?" She sees the simmering anger in his eyes, and finally finds the words after she gulps, and quietly says, "I work for you sir, and the Whitehouse." He leans forward in his seat, as he asks, "Really? Because I don't recall asking you to have the Walker's sign any documents. But yet, that's what you did. So can you explain why that happened?"
Abby almost feels nauseous, she's sweating, and nervous, and feels her heart beating a mile a minute. Why wasn't it till now that she realized taking Cyrus' advice without clearing the action with Fitz, was probably a bad idea?"
Not wanting to pass out, and seeing that Cyrus was remaining mute, during the contact. Completely leaving her out to dry. She takes a breath, and decides to take responsibility for her actions as she replies, "Sir, I apologize for not speaking with you before making that decision. I know it was unauthorized. But I felt it was a necessary precaution, in light of the sensitivity of the matter. We can't afford to have Karen involved in a scandal like this. She and Ericka have both been through enough, with this youthful indiscretion. This shouldn't follow them around for the rest of their lives publicly."
Seeing that Abby isn't looking to hang him out to dry. Finally Cyrus chimes in as he says, "I have to agree with Abby sir. The political fallout from this from your peers, and the press would be devastating for this administration. The talking heads would have a field day linking this situation to Karen coming from a broken home, and you publically being involved with Liv. Not to mention the negative press Mellie would receive, which would undoubtedly affect her bid for political promise. So by all accounts, its' a win, win for all parties involved."
After hearing Cyrus' response. Fitz thinks about what he's heard from him, and Abby. Despite his dislike for this being handled without his knowledge. He has to agree, that it was a smart action to take. It was a good judgment call. Remembering that as part of the divorce decree that he promised to help Mellie with her political career, by staying away from negative press. The action although not sanctioned by him keeps him in line with that promise.
So he manages to count down in his head to calm himself, before responding. He needs to make his point, but doing so in a calm manner. After standing up, and placing his hands in his pockets, a posture Cyrus knows all too well. Fitz walks to the front of his desk, where he stands before both of them, looing them in the eyes. The tension level has risen to the highest level, and neither Abby or Cyrus, are saying a word.
After finding a the words to convey his message. He calmly and authoritatively says, "Abby, you were right to think of the big picture here. By having the non-disclosure agreements signed. But, let me make one thing clear to both of you. You work for me, not the other way around. So if there's anything that needs to be done, even if it's for the greater good. I will be made aware of it, before it's implemented. Is that crystal clear for you?"
His response is controlled and firm; both Abby and Cyrus respond in unison, "Yes sir." Fitz nods as he says, "Very well. Now you both can go. Cyrus, I will be meeting you in the sit room in a half hour for the conference call, with China." Cyrus nods as he says, "Yes Sir." As he turns to walk out with Abby. Fitz's phone buzzes. And as he reads Liv's text. Thanking him for the flowers, making him smile.
He almost forgets what else he was going to say, until he hears the door open. Then sees Cyrus and Abby exiting, with Cyrus the last to walk out. Quickly, he says, "Oh, and Cyrus?" Cyrus stops and looks at him as he responds, "Yes." Fitz looks up from his phone, and locks eyes with him as he says, "The next time you go behind my back and tell Abby to do something, without talking to me first. That has the potential to negatively affect this administration. You and I will have a different conversation, of the exiting interview variety. Do you understand?"
Abby, standing in the hall. Hears him and wants to smile. Because the look on Cyrus' face is priceless. She had no idea Fitz knew this wasn't her idea. And she felt great satisfaction hearing Cyrus be reprimanded for his actions.
In response to Fitz's directive, Cyrus clears his throat with embarrassment being ever present, as he says, "Yes. I understand sir. My apologies." Fitz smartly responds, "Cyrus we both know that's how you operate. So I don't want an apology. I just want your cooperation. Long gone are the days of it being easier to ask for forgiveness, than permission. So take notice it's a new day in this administration, and either you're on board. Or you're gone." Cyrus nods as he says, "Understood Mr. President." Fitz appreciates his reply, and says, "See you in a few minutes." Cyrus nods as Fitz has a seat as his desk, and Cyrus closes the door behind him and Abby.
As Abby walks to her office, and Cyrus walks toward the sit room. Abby walks behind him, hearing him grumbling under his breath. Happily she turns to go into her office as they round the corner. Realizing they are away from the Oval. Cyrus stops and turns to her as he angrily says, "Thanks for the support in there Red. I guess I see where we stand, now."
Abby quickly replies, "Cyrus, you can blame me for the ass chewing you got if it makes you feel better. But the reality is, you deserved everything he said to you. You thought you could outsmart him, and you failed. So don't try to make this about me. Because this is about your history of going off the reservation, and doing things behind his back. Only to get caught later, with little reprieve being able to be offered after the fact. This my friend is your fault, not mine. But nice try, go sell that woe is me bullshit to someone who's buying. Because that's not me!"
He grows angrier in the wake of her words. As he turns away from her, and walks down the hall, before saying, "Go to hell Red!" Abby opens her office door, with a smirk on her face, as she yells, "No thanks. You've got that trip booked as a single, one way trip for yourself. But thanks for the offer." She laughs as she watches his angry march down the hall, and hears the door slam to the sit room.
Happy at how that turned out; Abby walks into her office, closing the door behind her, and laughing as she puts down her clipboard, and sits on the couch. She's feeling the urge to talk to someone, who'd appreciate the moment. So she picks up the phone and makes a call.
As Olivia relaxes on the couch after prepping for tonight's dinner and chilling the wine. She grabs the file of one of the candidates for hire. As she begins to read over the background information. Her phone rings. She looks at the caller id and smiles, as she says, "Hello there lady." Abby excitedly replies, "Hello there yourself!" Olivia instantly knows that something is up, by her tone. So she asks, "What's got you over the moon right now? Did Leo come by to give you a quickie?"
Abby giggles as she replies, "I wish. No he's still in Wisconsin till tomorrow." Olivia responds, "Ah, yes I forgot about that. So what's got you going if its not your new boo thang?" Abby chuckles again as she breaks down the story of what transpired in the oval and in the hallway. In the end, Olivia laughs too when she hears Cyrus' reaction. She knows all too well how badly he hates losing. And the idea of her man taking him down a peg or two, makes her proud.
As their laughter settles, Olivia shakes her head thinking about what she knows, concerning Fitz's investigation into Cyrus, and says, "Well, that's what Cyrus gets for trying to be sneaky. If he's smart he will heed Fitz's warning. Things are definitely changing with him. And he'd do good to take notice if he wants to remain employed." Abby agrees as she says, "I think you're right Liv. I've never seen him that way before. Fitz was quite presidential; it was very sobering."
Olivia smiles picturing her man unapologetically putting Cyrus on notice. She loves it when he's amped up. In fact, there's nothing sexier than his furrowed brow, and pursed lips as his face reddens from the coursing blood flow, and a slight hint of perspiration appears on his forehead, as his muscles tighten, and his veins begin to pop. Unconsciously, she licks her lips, as she pictures him in full rage mode.
But her thoughts are interrupted by Abby's voice. As she asks, "Liv, are you there?" She wakes herself from her trance, snapping back to reality as she replies, "Yes. I'm here. Sorry, I am looking over some candidates for hire." Abby responds, "Oh, looking to replace me huh?" She smiles as she says, "I could never replace you Abs. You know that. But it's clear with us being down three people. We have to do something. Quinn, Huck, and Marcus are strapped tight. As of late, I've had to enlist the services of Charlie."
Abby gasps, "Liv, are you sure that's a good idea?" Olivia replies, "No. Not really. But I am limited in choices. The one good thing is Huck has his eyes on him. So if he breathes wrong; I am sure he'll take care of him." Abby nods as she says, "Ain't that the truth? But what about his connection to your father?"
Olivia takes a breath: Abby hears her and says, "Liv I'm sorry. You don't have to answer that." Olivia replies, "No. It's okay Abs. Unfortunately, my father does always have a hold on people. Nobody knows that better than me." Abby, full of guilt for mentioning Rowan says, "Liv, you're not your father. And you're not your mother. You are the exact opposite of them. And you're not responsible for their behavior."
She hears her friend's reassuring words. But she has to admit the truth out loud. As shed says, "I'm not my parents Abby. But the reality is. I am their daughter. Biologically, they're my blood. And I have to accept that fact. Denying it doesn't make things any better. And acting like it doesn't matter is unrealistic." Abby nods as she says, "I know Liv. But I don't want you to blame yourself for their actions. They've both caused so much havoc in your life. Especially Rowan.
Instantly, Olivia reflects on the details of all that's happened from the moment she and Fitz went public, to now, and she says, "Looking back over everything Abs. I'm just grateful Fitz has forgiven me for all the chaos I've brought to his life. I don't know how he always does it. But he continues to love me inspite of all the drama that surrounds him being with me. And I don't know that I will ever be able to thank him for loving me this much."
Abby grins as she says, "He sees how special you are Liv. And while it's amazing that he does love you so much. It's important that you realize you deserve his love. You both have gone through hell to get here, and this my friend, is you and him finally getting your just desserts." Olivia appreciates her kindness and says, "Thanks Abs. I am accepting his love more and more every day. Things are really changing for us." Abby replies, "Uhm, when your man buys you a 110,000 dollar vehicle. I'd say so." Olivia jokingly says, "Shut up. Abs. It's not about the truck." They laugh together, and Abby says, "I know girl. I just couldn't resist bringing that up again. That was a very Merry Christmas indeed!" Olivia beams as she says, "I have to admit; it's a sweet ride. And I appreciate him for getting it for me."
Abby nods as she says, "As you should. So what are you doing to ensure the good times keep rolling for you two?" Just then, Olivia's timer goes off for the marinade for the chicken. So she gets up to turn it off, as she slides the chicken in the oven, and she says, "Good of you to ask. Tonight, we are having dinner at my place." Abby replies, "Yes honey. Home cooked meals are a great trick of the trade, that can't be denied." Olivia chuckles at her response and says, "Yes I have to agree. It's underrated for sure. I love cooking for him. It's all about quality time. After this week, we surely need it."
Abby kicks off her shoes and gets comfortable on her couch, seeing that quitting time is right around the corner, and says, "I agree. It's been hectic for us here. Making sure the situation with Karen stays quiet. Among other things." Olivia replies, "Yes. The incident with Karen has been a major stressor. Thank God it's blowing over. And Ericka is alright."
As Olivia sets a new time for the chicken to cook. Before going to relax in the living room. Abby says, "Agreed. They both dodged a bullet there. I just hope she understands how serious this was, how lucky she is." Olivia nods as she says, "I think she gets it. After Fitz and I talked to her; she seems to understand things better. When we had dinner last night as a family. She appeared to be in great spirits. So she's recovering nicely."