Hello fanfiction readers, I'm back! Here's to hoping you're still interested in this story. Thank you so much to all of the inboxes; I promise not to make you wait this long again for an update. Now, let's see what's happening next in this installment of The Pathway to Vermont. Enjoy!
Olivia is diligently reviewing files in her office of the last cases OPA recently closed. She's encouraged by their close rate, which is undoubtedly connected to her pulling the trigger on the two new hires Sean and Alaina. As well as hiring an accounting firm to handle the financials of the business.
Initially, she didn't think she could bring in new employees, or turn over her books to someone else so fast; but with an influx of new clients, who were willing to pay top dollar for her help. Business was booming and there was no way she could keep up with handling cases, and balancing the books.
So, she went with her gut and made the decision. And, with a bump in pay she was able to provide everyone; the attitude around the office couldn't be better these days. It makes her heart sing to know that brighter days are ahead, and life is good. However, things haven't been all roses and sunshine till this point. How she arrived here in this moment wasn't without struggle or strife, and if truth be told. She is still a work in progress.
As Olivia works on the final case file of the day, her phone rings. She looks at the caller id, and sees it's her bestie. She happily answers, "Hey there lady. Are we still on for tonight?" Abby smiles as she responds, "Yes mam. I was calling to reconfirm. Sorry, I know I was supposed to call you back yesterday. But, I got so busy."
Olivia nods knowing exactly what her being busy referenced. So she says, "I bet Leo had you all kinds of busy, since he put a ring on it." Abby chuckles as she replies, "Girl, you know it!"
Olivia joins her friend in pure bliss, as she says, "I am so happy for you Abs." Abby replies, "Thanks Livie." Olivia smiles as she responds, "You're welcome. So what's the plan tonight?" Abby says, "I have my famous lasagna in the oven, and the home made garlic bread is on deck, while the wine and the salad chills in the fridge."
Olivia says, "MMM sounds amazing girlie. I can't wait to eat. I'm starving." Abby claps happily as she replies, "Yay! I'm glad. We can all pig out together." Olivia responds, "Agreed, when I told Quinn you were cooking she was ecstatic."
Abby nods as she says, "It's going to be great for us to get together tonight. I miss you both so much." Olivia says, "Awe, we miss you too Abs. It really has been too long since we had a girl's night. I am super stoked."
Abby grins as she responds, "Yes it has. So, no canceling. I expect to see both you and Quinn at 6:30." Olivia grins as she replies, "No worries, now that we're fully staffed. The work day actually ends on time." Abby responds, "Ahh yes. How's that going?" Olivia replies, "It's going well. Well enough for Quinn and I to join you for dinner on time."
Abby says, "Good deal. With Fitz still being in Beijing, I guess I can make sure I keep you out of trouble." They share a laugh as Olivia replies, "Agreed, thankfully he comes back tomorrow night. This sleeping alone thing is for the birds." Abby agrees with her as she says, "Tell me about it. Leo comes back tomorrow from NY. And I'm chomping at the bit."
Olivia smiles as she responds, "Well, we can keep each other preoccupied until our loves return." Abby nods as she says, "It's a deal." A timer goes off, and Abby says, "Hey Liv. The lasagna is ready. I have to go. See you soon okay?" Olivia smiles replies, "Okay. Bye."
When the call ends Olivia smiles at the idea of getting together with her friends. Friends, that is a word she's not sure she ever used to describe her relationship with Abby or Quinn.
She always viewed them as coworkers, even when it was clear they held a higher place in her life. It was in a recent session with her therapist, Dr. Baker, she realized this major factor.
Sure she'd go through a wall for them, and they'd do the same for her. But, she'd never verbalized to either of them how much their presence in her life has meant to her. Which is something her therapist thought was interesting. Especially since the core of the group is no longer together. Which indicated Olivia hadn't recognized any of the happenings that changed the dynamics of both her personal and professional life.
This caused Olivia to think deeply about how she'd navigated the changing aspects of her professional and personal life. Stephen and Abby leaving, and Harrison dying completely changed the dynamics of the group.
Even with the addition of Marcus and Charlie. Nothing was exactly the same. So, why was it she hadn't taken the time to acknowledge the changes, and process them?
She now recalls how the realization caused tears to flow from her eyes during the session. The guilt, pain, and shame she felt was overwhelming. She had so many questions about how she'd handled such important moments in her life. The tears fell faster than she could wipe them away. Before long, she simply allowed them to stream unbothered. Afterwards, she remembers taking a car service home, and going to bed because she was exhausted.