Chapter Thirty-Nine: New Day, Old Problem
"Livvie… Liv… Olivia." Fitz shook Olivia harder each time he called her name. It was Sunday morning and they needed to get on the road to be able to make it to church by 11 am. Today Jordyn was getting baptized at Olivia's old church. It was currently 6:30 in the morning and they had an almost three-hour drive to make it to Olivia's parent's house.
Everyone was out of bed except for Olivia. Tabitha was downstairs with Theo and Jordyn dressed for the drive. They were ready, but all three of them had fallen back asleep on the couch waiting for Olivia and Fitz. Fitz was now dressed in a jogger suit for the drive and Olivia was still stuck in the bed.
"Olivia get up." He pulled the covers back and picked her up fireman style. She groaned at the cool air on her naked body.
"Fitz." She whined. "Why did we leave last night?"
"What happened to all that energy yesterday?" Fitz teased her. "You're not going to yell at me if we're late to the service. Fitz sat her down in the shower, he'd already had it running. You've got five minutes to shower let's go."
It took Olivia fifteen minutes to get showered and throw some clothes on for the car. They were all going to get dressed at Olivia's parent's house. Fitz was sure they were all going to be late, and somehow Olivia would find a way to blame Fitz.
It was a little before ten when they made it to Dianna and Eli's. Fitz was going over the speed limit the entire time, and they'd gotten lucky because there wasn't that much traffic on the roads. It was a chaotic scene the moment they walked in the house, with everyone trying to get dressed and ready before 10:30. Alex had come by the house to get ready with them as well and they would all travel to the church together. Alex and Olivia were in their old bathroom getting ready. She had already set her mint green dress and matching jacket to the side, now she just needed her hair done. Olivia was sitting on her old vanity chair and Alex stood behind her loosely curling her hair, while Olivia did her makeup. Alex was giving her a recap of running into Quinn the day before.
"So she basically chases me down on the street and she's like 'why didn't you stop by and say hi? I was upset when you didn't say hey'."
"I thought she didn't want to see you anymore?"
"Right! That's when I'm thinking the entire time. Like I wanted to say something to her in the restaurant, but after our last meeting and Chance and Trey telling me it wasn't a good idea I decided not to." Alex focused curled another piece of Olivia's hair and pinned it into place to hold it.
"So then she introduces the girl she walked in with. And she kept calling her a friend and like really stressing the word friend. Like she was trying to make sure I knew she was a friend. Anyway, so when I went to leave she like grabs me by the arm and would not let go. I had to like pulled my arm from her grip. And she invites me to go hang out with her and her friends."
"Did you?"
"Of course not. I'm just confused as to why she invited me in the first place. I mean she's the one who said she needed space from me."
"Well maybe she's had her space. Maybe she wants to be friends now, isn't that what you wanted?"
"No. No, it's not. I've changed my mind, if I can't be her girlfriend then I don't want to be her friend either. It's impossible for me to be her friend when every time I see her all I want to do is fuck her. Chance and Trey were right, once you scissor with someone, you can't be just friends."
"Okay, TMI." Olivia made a face. "And if that's the truth then just tell her that. Because at this point you two are getting on my nerves. Either you're going to be friends, friends with benefits or a couple. Stop making it so complicated."
"She's the one making it complicated. She broke up with me, she said she needed space. And when I give her exactly what she wanted she doesn't want it anymore. You know she'd called me like five times since yesterday."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "The both of you are annoying. And you both need to grow up, stop with this back-and-forth silliness."
"It's not me this time." Alex defended.
"Whatever. You two just better not make things awkward today, because she's still coming."
"Olivia! Why would you do that?"
"She's still Jordyn's godmother Alex, I can't not have her there. So, you two need to be on your best behavior."
Alex didn't say anything else. She'd almost forgotten Alex was Jordyn's godmother. But it made sense that Quinn would be there, and that meant she would probably be at the after-party as well. The church service and ceremony was one thing, Alex could handle that. Mostly because there wouldn't be much talking involved, maybe a quick hello. But then they would take their seats for the service and the short baptismal. But the after-party meant mingling and she didn't want to mingle with Quinn right now. But good thing Marilyn and Gerry lived in a mansion, with plenty of space to avoid people.
"You also need to make nice with Patrick." Olivia said, breaking Alex out her thoughts.
Alex made a face. "Oh please, he is ancient history. I'm indifferent to that man now." Alex said honestly. "You need to tell yourself to be nice to Patrick."
"What? I am nice."
"No, you're passive-aggressive and snarky."
Before Olivia got a chance to defend herself, Fitz walked in the bathroom. "Hey ladies, you're mother is threatening me with a switch if she is late for church." Alex and Olivia both laughed at the look of confusion and worry on Fitz's face. "Not funny. Besides, I don't know why I'm the one being threatened. I'm dressed, you two are the hold-ups."
Olivia kept on laughing. "I'm sorry baby, we're almost done."
"You better be Olivia, because if I get spanked, you're getting it too." Fitz winked at her.
"Mmm, you promise?" Olivia smirked.
"Okay, gross. You're not alone you know." Alex pushed Fitz out the room so they could finish getting ready.
X
They made it to church, but late. Dianna jokingly smacked Fitz on the hip when they finally pulled into the parking lot. When she smacked him, he looked at Olivia and smirked, she'd get hers later tonight. They found Marilyn, Gerry and Patrick already in the sanctuary and sat in the seats they'd saved for them.
Olivia loved being back at her home church, she hated to admit that it had been quite some time since she'd been here or to any church. She made a note to find a new church in Connecticut. She knew Fitz wasn't big on religion, but she was, and she wanted it to be a part of Jordyn's life as well.
She caught Fitz checking his watch a few times as the service went along. She couldn't blame him, it was almost 1 o'clock and the preacher hadn't even given her sermon yet. This was why Olivia and Alex both loved going to the children's church when they were younger. They ate snacks, played, and colored in a Noah's ark coloring book.
When the service was finally coming to an end, Pastor Robbins called them all to the front for the baptismal. The Grants, Popes and Quinn, who arrived later, all made their way to the front. the pastor called for the godparents, Quinn and Jonathan. Jonathan was one of Fitz's oldest friends. Olivia had only met him a handful of times because he lived in North Carolina. But the few times she did meet him, he seemed like a genuine guy with a beautiful family. Fitz was also the godfather to John's first-born daughter. Quinn and Jonathan both were holding Jordyn, while everyone else stood around them.
"Today is a beautiful day." The pastor said. "Today this child will be given back to the lord. I've always loved this part of my duties. Saving and dedicating new souls in the Lord's army. It seems as if it was just yesterday that I was dedicating to baby girls and now one has come back to dedicate her child in the very same church. God is good."
"Amen." The church all said collectively.
"And how fortunate is baby Jordyn to have such fine examples of leadership and commitment to our Lord and savior." The pastor dipped her hand into the water. "Jordyn Marie Grant. I baptize you in the name of the father, The son and of the holy spirt. Amen."
"Amen."
X
"Jordyn won't remember today. She won't remember her godparent holding her and her family surrounding her with nothing but love. And I hope she won't remember the angry phone calls her grandmother made to us as we raced down the road this morning. Or the temper tantrum she threw when she thought we would be late for the service today." The crowd laughed.
"It is however etched into my memory and hip." Fitz said, catching the cloth napkin Dianna threw his way. And again, everyone laughed.
They had all made it back to Marilyn and Gerry's home for the small after party. It was mostly just family, friends and a few of the people from church including the pastor. Olivia and Fitz were standing at the front of the room giving a toast.
"She won't remember, but I hope all of you will remind her. Not about the tantrum, but by how she was surrounded by love. Thank you all so much for coming and thank you Marilyn and Gerry for opening your home for us." Olivia held up her glass. "To Jordyn. To family."
"To family."
"Give me my precious grandbaby." Dianna took JoJo from Fitz and kissed her cheeks over and over.
Olivia took another glass of champagne from one of the waiters passing by. Olivia had stopped breastfeeding after JoJo got her first tooth and bit her nipple. She almost launched the kids across the room it hurt so bad. It had been hard to ween JoJo off breastfeeding, especially at night since she was so used to falling asleep on Olivia's breast. And even now, JoJo would sometimes cry and pull at Olivia's breast when she was tired or cranky.
"Thank you again Marilyn for doing all of this. And you too Gerry."
"Oh honey, anything for my grandbabies."
"Oh please, she can never pass up an opportunity to throw a party."
The party went on, some people had already left and others were still content mingling around, enjoying the hors d'oeuvres.
Olivia had gone to find Quinn and found her talking to one of her church friends.
"Thank you again for coming." Olivia said, giving Quinn a hug. "I know you and Alex are… whatever you two are at the moment. But that doesn't mean you and I aren't still friends."
"I'm really glad to hear you say that Liv." Quinn was so glad Olivia was not icing her out, just because she and her sister were no longer together. Quinn had known Olivia just as long as she'd known Alex. Quinn felt as if she was part of the family.
"Nor does it mean you're exempt from godparent duties."
"I know! And I know it's been too long since I've seen my goddaughter-"
"Way too long, I think she's forgotten what you look like."
"I promise I'll come by to see her soon."
Olivia smiled. "You know I really do miss you, Quinn. You're basically my other sister."
"I've missed you too Liv."
"How have you been?"
"Uh good… I guess. It's been an adjustment, but I'm good. Working a lot more, spending more time at bars and clubs. Anything really to keep my mind from wondering." Quinn's eyes caught Alex from across the room. She was talking to someone and laughing hard at whatever they were saying.
Olivia noticed where Quinn's attention had gone and the sad look that now adorned Quinn's face. She felt so badly for her, for the both of them. They were two complicated, confused and hardheaded and hopelessly in love people. They were infuriating.
Olivia looped her arm through Quinn's. "Alex may be my sister, but I'm still your friend. You can talk to me about anything."
Quinn sighed. "I thought this was what I wanted. To be away from her, to be free from being the burden of her dirty little secret."
"And now?"
"I didn't think about how lonely I would be. I thought I'd be relieved that I could go out, meet new people, date new people. But in reality, I'm lonely. I went on one date and I left it early because I kept comparing her to Alex. Now I don't even give anyone the time of day. Apparently, my coworker has been trying to get at me for months and I'm completely oblivious to it. All I can think about is… Alex."
"You both are pussy whipped idiots." Quinn looked at Olivia like she had two heads and laughed. "Look I'm going to tell you the same thing I told my sister. You two are getting on my nerves." Quinn looked at her offended. "Either you're going to be friends, friends with benefits or a couple. Stop making it so complicated. You both know what you want, but you're too scared to tell each other what it is."
"But I was the one who broke it off Liv. I can't go back now after six months and say 'oh I changed my mind'."
"Why can't you? If that's what happened then tell her that." These two were really getting on her nerves. "You two idiots are obviously still in love with one another, and you just need to tell each other that. Stop playing games, life is too short for that." They both watched Alex from across the room. It was very obvious to Olivia that Alex was deliberately trying not to look their way. And whatever conversation she was having was not that damn funny.
"And another thing."
"What?"
"You can't avoid my parents forever."
"What? I'm not."
"Quinn you've been holding up this wall for the better part of an hour."
She absolutely was avoiding the Popes. Quinn has been a nervous wreck all week waiting for this day. Not only was she going to be in the same room as Alex, but she was also going to be in the same room as Dianna. She of course hadn't seen her since Dianna saw literally all of her. That was a very embarrassing day. And although Quinn knew Alex had finally told them the truth, she didn't know how they took it. They seemed to be fine today, but that could all just be an act. What if they were secretly fighting, what if they now hated her? Quinn didn't want to take any chances, so she was steering clear of them both.
"What if they hate me now?"
"They don't hate you."
"How do you know?"
"Because I know." Olivia looked up. "And speaking of my mother, here she comes now."
Quinn looked in the opposite direction in horror. Dianna was indeed making her way towards them at a brisk pace.
"I'll catch you later."
"What? No!" Quinn pulled on Olivia's arm. "Liv don't leave me!"
"You'll be fine." Olivia pulled her arm away and went to go sit with Fitz and a few others in the living room.
"Hello Quinn." Dianna smiled.
"Dia- Mrs. Pope. Hi."
"You know I have to admit, it feels as if you've been avoiding me. I've been trying to talk to you all day. Then when I saw you talking to Liv, I just came right over." Dianna could tell Quinn was uncomfortable. "You know I understand if you were avoiding me, given the last time we saw one another."
"Mrs. Pope, I really want to apologize for that. I never meant for that to be how you found out about Alex and I. And for basically deceiving you and Mr. Pope for all those years."
"Thank you for saying that Quinn. And I too feel that I should apologize to you as well." Quinn looked confused. "For putting you in that situation. I have to admit I've had my suspicions about my daughter for a while now. Not so much about you two together, but looking back now, there were signs. I tried to ignore it for a very long time and push what and who I wanted on her. And in the end it only hurt her and you. She felt like she couldn't tell me and her father her biggest secret for fear that we would disown her." Dianna reached out and rubbed Quinn's shoulder. "Alex told me what happened between you and your parents, which was why she was so afraid to tell me. I never wanted my daughter to feel that way and I'm so sorry that you had to feel that from your parents. But I just wanted to let you know that you don't have to feel that way here. You don't have hide and pretend anymore with us. I'm still adjusting to everything, but I've come to terms with you and my daughter."
Alex was lucky was all Quinn could think about. What she would do to have a redo with her parents. Just to get the same love and support Dianna was giving her child now. Alex didn't know how lucky she was to have Dianna and Eli. Quinn didn't realize she'd been crying, until a tear fell on her shirt.
She wiped her face clear. "I'm sorry. You don't know how relieving it is to hear you say that. I wish my mother had said anything close to…" Quinn stopped herself from going down that road. "Thank you for saying that, but you Alex and I aren't exactly together right now."
Dianna sighed. "I figured as much, since I haven't seen you around in quite some time. I've gotten used to you raiding my fridge just as much as Alex does." Quinn laughed. "Just don't be a stranger okay."
"I won't be." Quinn was shocked when Dianna leaned in a hugged her tightly. It felt more than just a goodbye hug and more of a comforting hug. Quinn just melted into her embrace, dreaming that these were her mother's comforting arms.
X
"Olivia this child is a doll baby." Pastor Robbing gushed over Jordyn. She, Olivia, Fitz, his parents, and Eli were all in the living room. They were sitting around one of the coffee tables eating some desserts and talking.
"Thank you. I think she's pretty cute too."
"Except for when she has one of her blowouts. No one is cute after that." Fitz said, making everyone laugh. Jordyn had had one of her legendary blowouts just this morning. Luckily she hadn't been dressed yet.
"You know Eli still I remember when you and Dianna first joined the church. Dianna was as big as two beach balls, pregnant with Olivia and Alex. I watched them grow up from birth and now look at them, having babies of their own." Olivia smiled. "I've been a part of your lives since the beginning. And when the time comes, I better be the one to marry you off." Olivia's smile fell and she picked her glass back up. "And speaking of weddings, when do I get the pleasure of marrying you two off."
Pastor Robbins was looking to Olivia for an answer, but she didn't have one. And the sudden change in topic was irritating Olivia. She looked over at Fitz, who seemed just as annoyed as she was, and for some reason that annoyed Olivia even more. "I don't know. Why don't you ask him."
Everyone picked up on the edge in Olivia's voice and the daggers Olivia was sending Fitz's way. Fitz held her gaze for a moment, before he turned to the pastor.
Fitz cleared his throat. "Uh. If Olivia and I do decide to marry one day, you'll be the first on the list to officiate."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "You'll be waiting for a while Pastor. Fitz doesn't believe in marriage anymore. Isn't that right babe." Olivia spoke so sweetly.
"You don't believe in marriage?" The Pastor asked.
"I never said I don't believe in it, I just-"
"He doesn't see the point." Olivia cut him off.
"Olivia." Fitz warned, but she ignored him.
"You see Fitz was married once before, and it was awful and soured him against marriage." Everyone around the table sat awkwardly on their chairs quietly eating.
"Sometimes marriage can be rough, believe me I know. There were plenty of times in my own marriage where I thought about not going through with it. But there's something about having that one person in your corner. That one person who no matter what you can always depend on, lean on and trust. That person who's there for you through thick and thin, in sickness and in health."
When did this turn into a marriage counseling session? Was all Fitz was thinking in the moment.
"And son, remember what the bible says. He who finds a wife finds a good thing and receives favor from the lord."
Fitz nodded. "So in order to receive favor from the lord, I have to get married. Got it." Fitz stood, gathering the empty plates around the table. He was done with this conversation, and he was pissed at Olivia for starting it. "Anyone else done?" No one answered, but he took Olivia's plate of food out her hand anyway.
"I didn't mean to upset him." Pastor Robbins said.
"He's fine." Olivia got up to follow behind him. He was in the kitchen throwing trash away.
Fitz knew she was standing behind him, but he ignored her. He was pissed and she knew it. He also had plenty to say right now, but he did not want to have an argument with her in his parent's kitchen at a celebration for their daughter. This was not the time or place to have this conversation.
"Look Fitz I didn't mean-"
"You knew what you were doing Olivia." Fitz cut her off. He turned around with a hard expression on his face.
"I'm sorry."
"You know I'm not surprised, you're used to me saying yes. You're spoiled. I've given you everything you've ever asked of me and now the one time I've said no, you're throwing a tantrum."
"I'm not a child Fitz. I wasn't throwing a tantrum." Olivia defended herself, although there was some truth to his words. "Look, she asked a question and-"
"And you turned it into a fucking marriage counseling session!" Fitz didn't mean to yell, this was why he didn't want to have this conversation now. "In a room full of people, in front of my parents, at our daughter's baptism. Is this really how you want to remember this day?"
"Okay so I shouldn't have said all that I said. But I was just tired of correcting people all day about what we are, every single time someone called me your wife or asked if we were married. I'm sick of saying oh no, we're only dating. And you don't help matters when you introduce me as just your girlfriend!"
Fitz shook his head. He was tired of having this same conversation with Olivia over and over again. "I'm not doing this with you. I'm going to try and enjoy the rest of my daughter's day that you've ruined. You can stay here and have another drink, loosen you up even more."
Olivia didn't try to stop him. She'd successfully pissed him off and there was no fixing it right now. She sat her glass on the table, she'd had enough for the day. The last thing she wanted to do right now was go out and entertain their guest, but she put her best smile on her face and played the dutiful host.
Neither of them knew Marilyn was standing outside the door of the kitchen listening to their conversation.
X
Five Months Later…
Another five months had passed, and life was moving on. Fitz and Olivia celebrated the holidays together and Jordyn celebrated her first birthday. Jordyn was obsessed with the show Bluey, so they had a Bluey themed birthday party. It was Jordyn's first birthday and of course her parents had to go all out.
Fitz and Olivia were doing alright. They hadn't had another conversation about marriage since Jordyn's baptism. Though it never left Olivia's mind. Every time Fitz introduced her to someone new as just his girlfriend, she felt a pang in her heart. She never thought marriage would mean this much to her, it hadn't before. Now until she met the man she knew she wanted to marry. She desperately wanted to be Fitz's wife and she desperately wanted him to be her husband. She tried to convince herself that it didn't matter, that they didn't need to get married. That just being with him, having their family was enough. But it wasn't. She could spend the rest of her life with Fitz, and she planned to, but she knew she would never be completely happy.
On the other hand, things between Alex and Quinn were better. They weren't officially a couple again, but they were back on speaking terms. After the baptism, Quinn took Olivia's advice and called Alex. She invited her to lunch and the two had an actual conversation. It was easier for the both of them to talk as friends than it was as lovers. They were finally able to be honest with one another without the distraction of sex. They both spoke freely, and they both listened to one another. And in the end, they both came to the realization that they still loved one another, but they did agree that their separation had been for the best of them both. And that while they both still loved one another, now wasn't the time to rekindle their relationship. But there was a chance in the future.
But that was four months ago, four months of being just friends. And all the reason they gave for being just friends four months ago, were beginning to escape both their memories.
They were currently having lunch at one of their favorite spots. It felt nice to have an easy lunch with easy conversation with no strings attached or expectations.
"I still can't believe you did that." Quinn laughed.
"What? I wanted to see than band play! Besides I did a lot of stupid things when I was younger."
"We all did." Quinn looked up from her food to find Alex staring at her. "What?" She smiled.
"This is nice. I like this."
"What?"
"This. You and I. We haven't had this much fun with one another in a very long time. It's just easier I think."
"Yeah I know what you mean. It was hard, but I honestly think our time apart was good for us. We both had a lot of growing up to do and it's made us better."
"In general, or made us better for one another?"
Quinn took a moment to think. "I don't know." She answered with a shrug. "But we both agreed that we're better as friends for now."
"Yeah we did." Alex sipped her drink. She didn't want to push the subject and make things awkward, but she had to know if Quinn was on the same page as her. She was about to ask another question when someone called Quinn's name. They both turned in the same direction and saw Taylor coming their way.
They both collectively sighed internally. Alex wasn't a fan of Taylor's because she was convinced she wanted Quinn. They met up a few times since she was a friend of Quinn's and each time, Taylor made it a point to always be in Quinn's space. Touching her arm and she laughed, casually putting her hand on her waist, and following Quinn everywhere she went. Alex thought of her as a little gnat.
Alex wasn't too pleased to see her either. Their relationship wasn't the same, they weren't work wives anymore, and hardly work friend's period. Quinn had done something she regretted and now she was trying to quietly distance herself from Taylor, but Taylor wasn't catching the hints.
"Hey girly." Taylor said oh so cheerfully and Alex had to stop herself from rolling her eyes.
"Hey Taylor." Quinn answered with much less enthusiasm.
"What's up Alex. Fancy seeing you two here."
"Yeah."
Taylor sensed some tension between she and Alex. She could always feel it, and she knew it was because Alex still had feelings for Quinn. But Taylor didn't care, she wanted Quinn now, and she wasn't going to let Quinn's fresh-out-the-closet ex stop her.
"I was just picking up some takeout and saw you, thought I'd stop by and say hello. Even though we work together, it feels like I haven't seen you in a long time."
"Really?" Quinn said.
"Yeah. You hiding from me?" Taylor said it as a joke, but she was very serious.
"Nope, not hiding."
Alex watched them closely from her seat. She could tell they were acting differently. Taylor was trying her hardest to get Quinn's attention and Quinn was trying her hardest to avoid looking at Taylor. She hadn't even glanced at her. Her demeanor and posture had changed as wee, she looked on edge.
"You should probably get home before your food gets cold."
Taylor knew she was trying to dismiss her. She caught that hint. "Yeah, guess I should. Good seeing you Alex, you two enjoy your meal. I'll call you later." Taylor directed that last part to Quinn and she sighed.
Alex watched Taylor leave and then turned her attention back to Quinn. She was slowly sipping her drink, looking out the window. Doing everything but looking at Alex.
"You alright?" Alex asked.
Quinn nodded. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
Alex shrugged. "You're just acting a little different from a few short moments ago."
"My drink must be getting to me." Quinn nervously laughed.
Alex could tell she was nervous about something. And whatever it was it had to do with Taylor. Her demeanor didn't change until she showed up. Alex could probably guess what happened between the two of them, but she wished she was wrong.
"Can I ask you something?"
Quinn could sense what Alex was about to ask her. She wanted to say no, but she nodded anyway.
"Look I know I have no right to even ask, and I can't be mad. And I'm not, I just I gotta know." Alex really didn't want to ask, because she didn't want to truth. "You and Taylor." Quinn looked back down at her plate. "Anything ever happen between the two of you?"
At first Quinn wanted to tell Alex a lie. She didn't want Alex to know the truth, but then she thought about the consequences of her telling a lie right now. She also thought about the fact that she didn't have to lie, she didn't nothing wrong. Although she did regret it.
"Once." She said quietly. "It was one drunken time at her Christmas party. It didn't mean anything, to me at least. I don't even know why I did it. I-"
"You don't have to explain yourself to me." Alex cut her off. "You're a single woman. I didn't even have to right to ask in the first place. Wish I didn't ask now." Alex nervously laughed.
Quinn could tell Alex was hurt by what she'd just learned. She was right, they were both single and she didn't have a right to ask or be mad by the answer. But why did Quinn still feel as if she'd somehow wronged Alex.
"I don't have feelings for her."
"Really, you don't have to explain yourself." Alex smiled at her, trying to find a way to change the subject. "Hey how about we get out of here. Walk off this food or something."
Quinn smiled back, "Okay."
X
"Oh that is gorgeous Raya. Perfect hold that pose. Now dad I need some wind effect, fluff the train of her skirt. Yes, perfect. Alright mama take a break, we're going to change the background and get into our second look."
Olivia passed her camera off to her assistant so she could change out the lenses. She was at a photo shoot for an expectant mother and her husband. Olivia had started her photography business back up and opened a studio in Connecticut closer to home. Just like her business in Sag Harbor, she'd been very successful in Connecticut as well. She was book up months in advance from all sorts of people for every type of event you could think of. She has also been booked for some major shoots as well. Last month she booked an Essence magazine shoot with Angela Bassett for the new Wakanda Forever movie. It was the first time Olivia had been star struck by anyone. It took a while for her to fully comprehend that she was photographing her favorite actress. In the end she got herself together and managed to finish the shoot, and of course she got several selfies and autographs before she went home.
Olivia was glad that she decided to go back to work. Jordyn was over a year old now and Olivia finally felt comfortable enough to leave her at home with a nanny. Although, even though they had a nanny, most of the time Jordyn was with her father or Olivia would bring her to work. Olivia enjoyed having Jordyn around and she loved to help her mama by bringing her different props and she always made Olivia's clients smile.
The real reason Olivia decided to go back to work was because she was losing her mind being at home all day. When she lived in the city, she always had her sister and friends she could easily meet up with. But out here in Connecticut she didn't have the same group of friends. She had friends here, but it wasn't the same as back home. She loved her home in Greenwich and had no intentions of leaving for the city, but she did miss it.
Fitz has been working less and less in the city as well. Lately he's been working from home, delegating jobs to others. Olivia liked having him home more often and Jordyn was ecstatic. Olivia didn't think Fitz would like staying at home with Jordyn most days, being the semi stay at home dad, but he seemed content.
Olivia finished up her photo shoot and left to her office to let her assistant clean up and reset for her next appointment. Olivia was so glad she'd hired some help. She use to do everything on her own and always found herself rushing and completely worn out by the end of the day.
Olivia was in her office answering some emails and eating her lunch when her personal assistant, Rochelle, came in.
"I have your mail and your smoothie."
"Thank you."
"I also have a few phone messages. Mrs. Clark called, apparently some of her prints were missing from her package. But I can handle that."
"Thank you."
"Also, an editor from Rolling Stone magazine called, they are interested in you doing their next cover shoot. I set up a video conference for tomorrow at 11 am. And another editor from Hustler magazine called… again."
"No." Olivia said simply. She refused to shoot for a magazine like Hustler. She had no judgment toward the women who modeled for that magazine, she just wouldn't be a part of it.
"And I relayed that message yet again."
"And lastly your mother and Fitz called, twice."
"Thanks."
Rochelle left and Olivia returned Fitz's calls as she checked her emails.
"Hello?" Fitz answered.
"Hey Rochelle said you called twice, is everything okay?"
"When are you coming home?"
Olivia laughed, "Really Fitz. I thought something might be wrong. I have a full day today." Fitz sighed. "What you missing me already?"
"We always miss you. And Jordyn and I wanted to go out tonight for dinner."
"Really what'd you have in mind?" Olivia asked, as she opened an email from a good friend of hers. It was an RSVP for her upcoming wedding and Olivia couldn't help but roll her eyes. She was happy for her friend, but it seemed that everyone around her was getting married all of a sudden. This wedding would mark the fourth wedding she'd attended. Olivia sighed as she pushed the RSVP button on yet another wedding.
"I was thinking that Korean BBQ place that just opened up." Olivia was half listening to Fitz now. "Liv? Did you hear me?"
"What?"
"Tonight, Korean BBQ?"
"Yeah that sounds good."
"What's the matter?"
"Nothing." Olivia saw Rochelle motion to her that her next clients had arrived. "Listen I have to go my next appointment is here. I'll try to be home by 7. Love you."
Olivia had rushed him off the phone, he didn't get a chance to say I love you too.
"I'm going to have to talk to mommy about her phone etiquette." He said to Jordyn who was sitting next to him on the couch eating craisins. They were her new obsession, although her parents hated giving them to her, because they made her extra regular. Her poopy diapers were becoming hell to clean up. Fitz couldn't wait until she was potty trained.
The doorbell rang and Fitz left Jordyn on the couch to see who it was. He was expecting any visitors, so he was shocked to see someone was at his door. He was somewhat relieved when he saw it was Alex at his door. At least it was someone he could tolerate an unexpected visit from.
"Alex hey."
"Hey Fitz. Don't mean to just show up announced like this."
"Well you're on the short list of people I will accept an unannounced visit from."
Alex laughed. "Well lucky me."
"Come on in." Fitz walked ahead of Alex back to the living room. When Jordyn saw he Aunt she jumped up off the couch.
"T-Lex!" Olivia had tried to teach her daughter how to say Auntie Lex, but it didn't quite work. Now when she called her aunt's name, it sounded more like T-rex instead.
"I swear it just sounds like she's calling me a dinosaur." Alex said, hugging the little girl before she sat on the couch.
"She'll get it eventually." Fitz said, sitting on the opposite side of the couch. "You know Liv isn't here, she's working today. Won't be home until around seven."
"Yeah, I didn't really think about Liv possibly not being here until I was already halfway here."
Fitz watched Alex. He could tell something was bothering her, and he really wished Olivia was here to ask her about it. Fitz didn't do well in these situations, he didn't know how to help someone with their problems, that wasn't his expertise. Alex clearly came here to talk to her sister about something that was bothering her. Fitz didn't know if he could help her, but he was a great listener.
"Something bothering you?" Fitz asked, not sure what else to say. Alex looked at him, unsure of whether or not she would share. "I know you came to have one of your hen sessions with your sister." Fitz joked. "But I'm here. Can't promise I'll be of any help, but I can listen."
Alex smiled. He was right, he wasn't who she came to talk to, but he was also all she had right now. "So I'm sure my sister has to you everything that's happened between me and Quinn."
"I'm up to date." Fitz didn't want to make it seem as if Olivia shared all her business with him.
"Well lately we've been spending a lot more time with one another. We've been getting closer in the past months."
"That's good."
"Yeah. It's been a lot easier. Being friends…"
"But?"
"But I'm not sure that's all I want anymore. It was never my decision to break things off with Quinn, but I have to admit that our breakup has made me a better person. And I tried to do the whole friend thing and move on, but I don't think I can. Nor do I want to."
"Why can't you just tell her that?"
"Because, we have something good right now. We're friends. We can hang out with one another, go out to eat, bowling, movie night we can chill without there being conflict. This is the best our relationship has ever been since we first met. And I don't want to ruin it by becoming intimate again."
"Why would it be ruined? You said yourself that you've changed, you're not the same person you were before. Maybe now it's time you show her."
"I don't know."
"Let me ask you something, why the change of heart? What made you decide you can't be friends anymore?"
Alex sighed. "I've been feeling this way for a while. But yesterday I found out Quinn slept with another woman from her job. Someone I've met and know has feelings for Quinn. Although Quinn said it was a one-time thing and it meant nothing to her, I can tell it meant something to the other woman."
"So you're jealous."
"Well wouldn't you be? I've seen how you get all caveman over Olivia." Fitz chuckled because Alex was right. "I didn't have to right to ask, nor can I be mad at her. But it just makes me angry knowing that she was with someone else."
"So again let me ask something, do you want her back because you love her and want to be with her? Or because you're jealous and don't want anyone else to have her?"
"Is it terrible if I say both?"
"No, not if it's the truth." Fitz answered. "Look, I know I'm not the sentimental guy, but thanks to your sister, I do know what it feels like to be in love. And I also know what it feels like to lose that love. When I lost Olivia I almost lost my mind. I don't know what I would have done if I didn't get her back, and I don't ever what to think what if I hadn't? And I'm pretty sure you don't want to live life wondering what could have been, if only you had been honest with Quinn. So If I were you, I'd get off my ass and go get my woman back."
Alex thought about what Fitz said. "I do love her. And if this separation has showed me anything is that I love her more than I thought." Alex pulled a small ring box out of her pocket. "I've been carrying this around for a while." She opened it to reveal a gorgeous two-carat teardrop engagement ring."
Fitz was shocked. "You plan on using it?"
Alex shrugged. "I'm scared. When we broke up, she hated me and understandably so. She didn't even think I ever loved her."
"Then you just need to prove her wrong."
"What if she says no?"
"You'll never know until you just go for it. Just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. Show her in a big way that you do love her, that you're not ashamed, that she's the one and you know it. She's spent way too many year in the dark, now she needs a grand gesture."
"Grand huh?"
"Huge." Fitz replied.
"You know you're a lot wiser about this love thing than you give yourself credit for. Thank you." Alex smiled. This was very helpful. In a way she as glad she missed Olivia and spoke to Fitz instead.
"Anytime."
X
I know a lot of you don't like Alex's and Quinn's relationship and just want Alex to leave Quinn alone. And honestly, they get on my nerves too and I'm the one writing this story! lol But I also love messy and dramatic love stories...