It's been a week since Fitz called her. She hated herself because she loved the sound of his voice and how it made her calm and it made her hot. God help her, depending on how his tone dropped or what he was speaking of, his voice had the power to make her aroused. That phone call, why did he call her? She knows why and she has to stop it. She can't let it go on. And then there's the other guy in her life, her husband. What is she going to do about him? Right now, she's trying to plan this last minute birthday party for her dad.

"Mom, dad is going to hate this party, no matter what."

"I know he is, but we are going to do it anyway. I know it's last minute but with my physical therapy. I forgot about it and I wanted to do more than have a family dinner."

"Mom, I understand. I will do whatever you need and I'll come in early. You talk to the family and I'll work on all the details. It will be hard to find a venue on such short notice but I'll try."

"Thank you Livvie!" Maya answers. She hesitates, it's been a touchy subject for a while now. "How is everything going? How's your practice going? How is Jake?"

"Everything is going good. My practice is doing better than I could have imagined," She answers wanting to avoid the subject of Jake.

"And Jake," her mom asks again.

She shakes her head, "Jake wants to come home. He wants to stay in the basement while we try to work things."

"He has a lot of balls to ask you that. I hope you told him hell no," Maya answers.

"No, I am going to tell him this week."

"Good, for a minute there I thought you were thinking about it."

"I was going to think about it. But I can't deal with all of this if we are occupying the same quarters."

"He cheated on you and you should never let him forget that."

"And I have been lying to him. The guilt has been eating me up."

"What have you been lying to him about?"

"Mom, I really have to go. Can I call you later?"

"What have you been lying to him about? Have you been cheating on him?"

Liv is surprised she would ask that but as of late, Fitzgerald Grant is making her feel like a cheater, at least an emotional one. Like they are this secret . "No, I didn't cheat on Jake."

"Then what you lied about can't be all that bad. We never taught you to lie, so you had to have a good reason."

"At the time I thought I had a good reason. And to be honest, today, my reasons were right."

Maya slows her scolding. She can hear the strain, "Okay, I've always trusted your judgement. I'm gonna trust you now. But Jake, he brought another woman into your marriage. He doesn't get a pass."

"I love you very much mom. I gotta go," she answers.

"I love you too. Call me later," Maya answers.

"I will! I'll have April look for some venues while I am in my session. Mom, we are limiting this to 100 people."

"But Livvie," she protests.

"No! 100 people and that's it."

Maya pouts, clearly where Olivia gets it from her, "I shouldn't have put you in charge."

"Well you did. Give daddy a kiss for me."

She hangs up the phone to see the unread text from Abby, "Are we still on for shopping and lunch?"

She texted back, "Yes, I am getting dressed. I'll be out of the door in an hour."

Abby responds, "Shop till we drop."

Liv responds, "6 bag minimum!"

Abby answers, "I can't promise it, see you in a bit."

Liv gets up from her kitchen table. There is a ring at her door. She presses her intercom button looking at the camera. It's an amazon delivery guy, "Yes," she says.

"I have a delivery for Olivia Pope," he says.

"Yes! Give me just a minute." She looks confused. She checks to see if her pajamas and robe are presentable. She goes out and signs for the package. "Thank you," she says.

He tips his hat, "Have a good day ma'am!" he says as he leaves. She goes back inside, wondering what the little box is all about.

She sits it on the table. She's hesitant to open it. She texts Jake, "You can't send me gifts Jake," she says. She places the phone down, waiting for him to answer.

After a few minutes, he answers back, "I didn't send you a gift." Her eyes then grow big. She realizes that will just make things worse. He's going to have more questions than she's willing to answer. He responds again, "You received a gift from someone."

She tries to recover quickly, "No, it's Amazon. I forgot I ordered some things. Sorry!"

He decides to take advantage of the moment. "Can I come by tonight?"

"Yeah, you can!"

"Should I bring an overnight bag?" He asks. She doesn't answer. She's now weary of this package. She tries to have anything she orders go to her PO Box because she doesn't want her address out there.

"You are just coming over so we can talk," she answers. She eyes the box more times than she should. She decides to open, thinking maybe it's from her mom or dad or maybe even Harrison, although they would have at least warned her. She opens the box and it takes her breath away. She doesn't take it out, she just stares at it. She picks up the gift note.

The note reads: After our talk, I wondered if you ever read the book. The movie is bar none amazing but the book gives you another insight into Oliver and Jennifer and their love. It's a must have for a book shelf and an avid reader. ~~ Mr. Grant

There is a PS on the note that makes her smile and before she knows it, she is lost in the words he wrote. She picks up the anniversary edition book of Love Story out of the box. She takes a deep breath. She knows she is in trouble and this is a Pandora's box she needs to close quickly.


Saturdays are usually for the kids. Fitz usually takes Gerry on a father and son outing and Mellie usually takes Karen to spend time with her grandmother. They usually go shopping and have lunch. It's ballet season, so Mellie is going to take Karen for her classes and spend time with her mom there. Mellie's mom where Mellie gets her features. Vivian Johnson is very modest in her dress but a subtle picture of wealth. She's a brunette with bright brown eyes and a smile that brightens the room.

Karen is dressed in her leotards and tutu. She's ready to go out. "Can daddy come next time?" Karen asks.

"Yes, sweetheart. I am sure he would love that,"

"He sure would. I am going to take some pictures so he can see you in action today. How about that?" Vivian says.

"Thanks grandma! Mom, I don't like this tutu, it's too itchy."

"We will look for something else. Can you get through today?"

Before she can answer, one of Karen's friends, Sarah, comes by. "You ready Karen!" She shrugs in agreeance and leaves. Mellie is smiling. Her little girl is getting so big and before long, she won't be a little girl anymore.

"She's got the best of you and Fitz," Vivian says.

"Yes she does. And sometimes she gives me that crooked smile of his and I can do nothing but laugh at it."

"How's Gerry?"

"He's good! He can't figure out what sport he wants to play. Some days it's baseball, which he's good at. Other days it's Soccer and other days it's hockey. I just wish it wasn't hockey, it's so rough."

"He's a boy. He's supposed to pick a tough sport."

"Well, I wish he would become the next great tennis player. What's the worst that could happen, he breaks a leg."

"Well, let him pick what he will enjoy," Vivian advises.

"I will, I will." Mellie answers as she pulls out her notebook.

"How's therapy going?" She asks, noticing the notebook.

"Good! We had to cancel this week, since Fitz had to fly to meet with General Motors concerning that injector thing he's been working on."

"This Olivia Pope, you seem to like her and she's easy to talk to. Are you seeing a change?"

"I think he and I are talking more and I like the exercises she's giving us. It's good to remember everything."

"And does he participate in the session? I know you said he was resistant at first."

"He responds now. I think we just have to keep at it."

"You two are good for each other, so you can't give up. That's for sure."

"I won't. I don't want my marriage to fail. It would be like fighting so hard for a case and then losing. I don't lose."

"That's my girl," Vivian says as she hugs her shoulder.


Fitz and Gerry are fishing. Fitz loves to do it this time of the year, in the fall. Gerry doesn't necessarily like it but he loves spending time with his dad, no girls allowed. They are on their own boat and Fitz let's him be like one of the guys with him. They put bait on the hooks and talk.

"How's school going bud?" Fitz asks.

"Okay, I guess. Some of kids are dumb but I like my teachers."

"Listen, I know when we moved to this house 2 years ago, you had to leave your friends. I'm sorry about that.."

"It's cool dad! I've made new friends and I still talk to Jonah and Cameron. They think it's cool we have such a big house and we have our own boat and stuff."

"You're ready to catch some fish," Fitz says.

"Dad I never get anything," he answers sadly.

Fitz studies him for a minute. "Remember when you wanted to learn to ride a bike and remember how upset you used to get when you couldn't get it."

"But dad, it's different. It's fish, not a bike."

"But you don't like it cause you don't feel you are good at it. You kept riding and falling off that bike until you got it right. That's all you have to do here."

"But what if I don't catch anything?"

"Then you keep baiting the hook until they bite. You remember that in life, if there is a fish in the sea you want it. You don't give up on it. That fish could be a job, a game, or even a girl. If she's the one, keep baiting your hook."

"Dad, I'm never having a girlfriend. Girls are gross."

"And girls think we are gross too until they get older and we get older. Then you realize, girls are cute. Just like they eventually realize we are cute. It might be awhile before you realize that."

"What's that?"

"That boys and girls, men and women are imperfect but there is a woman out there that is perfect for you."

"Did you hook mom, dad?"

Fitz can't help but laugh at how quick Gerry put it together. "I didn't have to fish for your mom, she was kind of there and it worked out at the time."

"Was there ever a girl you tried to hook?"

"Yes there is…" He realizes what he says, "Yes there was."

"What happened?"

"I didn't cast my line in time.

"What if that happens to me?"

He pats his son on the back. "Don't give up." He answers as they cast their lines in. His words were more for himself than it was Gerry. The only problem is, Fitz is limited by circumstance and that can sometimes be harder than anything.


Abby and Liv are not having lunch on the Miracle Mile after shopping until they literally dropped.

"Did you honestly need that bag Abby?"

"Of course I did, did you see how it wrapped around my arm like a glove. It was waiting for me."

"Every purse is waiting for you, LOL."

"Oh come on, every pair of shoes is waiting for you. You bought a pair of Jimmy's and I saw 's."

Liv rolls her eyes, "I sit in front of my patients and my shoes are always front and center. Even if my outfit is subpar, my shoes never are."

"You aren't wearing those tugging skirts are you that hugs your ass?. You have a great ass, men stare probably doing your sessions."

"Men do not stare at my ass in the sessions. I'm sitting remember.," Liv says, knowing that it's a lie. She's caught staring at her on more than one occasion when she's wearing a skirt or pants. She feels like she's being undressed and usually that would make her angry and objectified but with him, it's provocative and exhilarating. And she hates herself for it.

"Like hell, that is how you met Jake. He was staring at your ass. Some of your patients are probably doing the same thing." Abby stresses. Liv shakes her head. "By the way, if I could wish for a new body part, it would be your ass or Jennifer Lopez's," she jokes.

"You are soo…..," Liv can't find the words.

"Crass? I know. I can't help it." She pauses, not wanting to push her friend. She knows this whole situation has been hard on her. "Speaking of a total ass, what's going on with Jake?"

Liv laughs, "He's coming over tonight."

"God, why?"

"He asked and I invited him."

"You are going to take that fucker back, aren't you?"

"I was and I don't even know why but I'm not. I can't live like that."

"Live like what? I don't care what your reasons are. I'm just glad you aren't going to do it. You deserve better than that. He fucked up and that's on him."

"I feel guilty about lying to him but imagine where I would be right now if I hadn't done what I did."

"You are doing the right thing Liv. The moment things got rough, he got horny. I know you say he's pretty decent in bed but there are men out there who are better. There is probably someone out there, right around the corner who can make your toes curl just looking at him. That can make you wet with the sound of his voice. He's gonna be someone who deserves you and you deserve him."

Liv takes a deep breath. In her mind, Abby is describing someone specific. It's always like she knows what's going on inside her mind. "You are right," she sighs. "I just never saw myself divorcing at 33 years old."

"Better now so you can enjoy the better man when he comes along," Abby decides.

"Thanks Abby! You've always know how to make me feel better, no matter what."

"You've done the same for me. Now, make me a promise," she says, holding Liv's hand.

"What's that?"

"Promise me you won't sleep with that snake tonight. I know it's been a LONG TIME and I'm sad for you but don't do it."

"He's coming to talk Abby!"

Abby swirls the olive in her fresh martini, "Talking can lead to sex."

"It won't, I want to talk to him. I want to tell him why I can't take him back."

"You shouldn't have to explain it, but Jake is Jake," Abby finishes.

"No sex...now can we order? I am starving." Liv says burying her head into her menu.

Abby eyes her, she knows this can go either way.


Mellie is back home with Karen. Mellie is in her office, working on her exercise for their session, which they changed to Monday, since they had to reschedule. Fitz and Gerry make it back with a load of fish. She hears the commotion of them in the kitchen. She goes in to greet them.

"Mom, we caught 8," Gerry says. He's more excited than she's used to seeing him when they go fishing.

She looks at Fitz, "He caught 5 all by himself," Fitz says as they go toward the mud room.

"What kind?"

"We got Salmon and Bass. It was nice to get some time to talk, father and son."

Mellie is staring at him with hooded eyes, "Well, I'm not cleaning them."

"I know," he smiles.

"I am glad you two had a good time."

"Yeah," he says as he keeps glancing at his watch. "Umm, how was Karen's practice?"

She watches as he takes the booths and puts them in the wash tub that's there. "It was great and she had a great time with my mom who fed her too much candy and bought her whatever she wants."

"That's your mom," he laughs as he looks at his watch again.

"What's wrong?" Mellie says.

"Nothing, I am just expecting some info," he says. "We are gonna clean the fish and then we will figure out dinner." He quickly gets out of that space that confines only the two of them. He knows that look in her eyes and he's in no mood to have sex but he doesn't want to have to say that. He goes to the kitchen and calls for Gerry. They go outside and clean the fish. About an hour and a half later he and Gerry come back with completely cleaned fish. Mellie is now sitting at the table. She's written down notes for Olivia that she wants to discuss.

"You are back," she says. Karen is watching television in her room

"Yes, how about Salmon for us and burgers for kids, with a salad and veggies of course," he says.

"That sounds great," she answers.

"I want to try Salmon," Gerry says.

Fitz looks surprised, "Okay! Okay!,"he says as he looks at Mellie. They both recognize their young son is slowly growing into a young man. Fitz looks down at his watch again, which Mellie notices.

"Dad, can I help?" Gerry asks.

"You can," he says, with a lot of pride in his eyes. "How about we make the ladies dinner? Women like when men do that. You can hook a fish that way," Fitz winks.

Mellie is confused, "What?"

"Guy stuff," Fitz says as he and Gerry get started.

"Well, I'll leave you guys too it," Mellie says as she leaves with the biggest smile on her face. This is what she loves. This is what makes her happy. Although she's not sure what to box to place this happiness in.


Liv has decided to use the kill em with kindness approach with Jake. She knows he's not going to take this well but she wants him to understand and really listen to everything she will say to him whether he accepts it or not. She can cook but she is always more inclined to get take out. But tonight, she will fix his favorite. An all american meal, meatloaf wrapped in bacon, garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans. She cheats on the gravy but the meal is complete. She's been thinking about Fitz all day and his gift…..and that PS note. What should she do?

She pulls out a bottle of wine and has it ready. She's cutting bread on the cutting board when the doorbell rings. She wipes her hand, looking over at the camera. She buzzes for him to come in. She opens the door waiting for him. He comes in with a bottle of wine in hand. It makes her smile that he thought of it.

"Great minds think alike," he says when he notices the open bottle of wine.

"Well, we have a backup," she answers. She's a little fidgety and he can see it. She looks down and notices the bag in his hand.

"What's that?" she asks.

"I asked should I bring an overnight bag and you didn't answer so, I thought…"

She takes a deep breath. "Jake….I…."

He stops her, "Is that bacon wrapped meatloaf and garlic mashed potatoes I smell?"

She takes a long hard gulp. "I thought I would make your favorite. Are you ready to eat?"

"I am," he says. "How about I set the table?" He asks as he steals a kiss on her lips. She bristles a little. "You okay."

"I'm fine. I just got a little chill," she finishes.

"Later on, I'll start us a fire," he answers, moving away, not giving her a chance to protest.

She shakes her head in disappointment in herself. She never should have let this go on, not this long when she just prolonged the inevitable. "Jake, remember, I invited you here to talk."

"I know, but a fire is not a bad idea. We can talk and cuddle. We haven't done that in a long time," he says dismissing her and getting the plates and silverware.

"Jake, we….," Liv's cell phone beeps, she's gotten a text. She rushes to see who it is, it's Abby. "Did you tell the fucker it's over yet?"

"Who is that?" He says, noticing her haste to see who it was.

"Abby. She was just checking in."

"I would ask you to tell her hi but she made it very clear she hates me."

Liv responds, "We are starting dinner. I'll call you tomorrow." She looks at Jake, "She doesn't hate you. She just hates what you did.."

"No, she told me she hates my guts." He responds.

She gives him a delayed smile. "She's my friend. She has my back," she answers. Abby sends another text, "Remember, NO SEX," Abby text back.

"I guess I have to earn her back and earn you," Jake says.

"Yes mother," she responds with a smiley face. She looks over and Jake is fixing the plates. "Jake, I need you to listen to me."

"Right now let's eat," he says as he is placing the plates on the table.

"Jake, you didn't have to do that," she answers. She's getting frustrated. She realizes that ripping the band aid off is the only way to go with him right now.

"No, you sit and I'll serve you," He answers as she takes a seat. She studies him. She can see the hope on his face. She can see the effort he is making. She can see the regret in his eyes every time he looks at her. And she feels like she should stop him dead in his tracks and just rip off this band aid now. She is in a bit of daze. "Liv…" he says. He says it again, "Livvie," he says.

That brings her out of her thoughts, "You aren't supposed to call me that."

"What?" He says

"Livvie..you know that. My dad calls me that."

"What's wrong with your husband calling you that?"

"Just don't call me that," she answers shakily.

He can see she's a little edgy, "I'm sorry. I won't do it again." He pours the wine as the plates are in front of them. "It smells delicious."

"I hope it tastes the way it smells," she says, taking a sip of wine. In fact she just chugs it down without stopping and pours another glass.

He notices it but he doesn't say anything. "So, I know I seem to start every conversation with I'm sorry but I am and I want nothing more than to be home with you again. I miss you Liv, I really do."

"There are moments I walked through this house and I have a memory. While I was cooking tonight, I remembered when you tried to surprise me with Thanksgiving dinner. We cut the turkey and it was still raw because you baked it frozen. The memory brings a genuine smile to her face.

"I want a redo this year. This year I will surprise you with the most beautiful turkey you've ever seen."

She drops her head in a mixture of emotions that he can't quite read. She decides to eat and drink because she has every intention of drinking her way through this evening. She tries to bring laughter to it, "You have to thaw the turkey first."

"I will! I've already been studying recipes already," he says as he gets up to get seconds.

She decides to cut through the clouds hanging above them, "Jake, was I that dismissive of you when my mom was sick?" She asks.

He puts his plate down and sits, "Your mom came first. We didn't discuss it. We didn't talk about it. You said your mom needed you and that was it."

"My mother needed me and that was important."

"You scheduled everything but us when you left. You even carved out a way to still see your patients over the phone. We were still dealing with the miscarriage and you left. I don't know. I felt left out."

"The miscarriage," she trails off.

"Yes, the miscarriage. You know how important kids are to me and my family. I wanted to try again right away. You forgot all about that."

"I didn't forget about that. I couldn't think about getting pregnant when my mother was going through what she was facing. Getting pregnant seemed more important to you than.."

"I never meant for it to feel that way. I just want to have babies with you. I love you."

"You love me so much you cheated on me."

"I'm going to fight like hell to get you back. I am not giving up on us."

"Jake I've thought a long time about everything. You cheated on me and I lied to you."

"Did you cheat on me?" He says.

"No, I didn't."

"Then I don't care what you lied about. It's not important."

"I have to tell you something Jake. I need to clear my deserve the truth before we end our marriage. I can't talk about what you did and not talk about what I did."

"We are not ending our marriage. We are going to figure out a way to get through this," Jake insists.

"I didn't have a miscarriage Jake," she says slowly.

He puts his fork down, "What do you mean?"

Liv takes a long drink of her wine,"It wasn't a miscarriage. I didn't have a miscarriage."

He takes a deep breath, "You weren't pregnant."

"I was pregnant and I decided to end it," she says slowly, moving her potatoes around her plate.

"End it how," he says when he knows what she means but he doesn't want to entertain the notion.

"I had an abortion. And…"

He pushes his plate back, "You had an abortion and then lied to me about it."

She takes another drink of her wine, "Yes, I did. I am not proud of that."

"Why Olivia?"

"I wasn't ready. I was scared to death. I had just gone out on my own with my practice. You had just decided to go out on your own. It just wasn't a good time for us."

"You didn't think it was something we should have discussed. I agree it wasn't a good time. But you know how much I want kids and how important it is to me."

"I wasn't ready Jake and to be honest…"

"Please, let's be honest for a change," Jake says sarcastically.

"It didn't feel right," she says as she pours another glass of wine. "So I made a choice."

"What didn't feel right?" He asks as she gets up behind her slamming his plate on the island.

"I can't explain it in a way that won't hurt you. We've hurt each other, let's just leave it here, in this room tonight and go our separate ways."

"Don't you think I deserved to know why you didn't want to carry my child."

She shakes her head. The tears in her eyes are hard to hold back. She never wanted to admit this to him but he's pushing. And she has to treat this like one of her couples, no matter how the truth hurts, you have to do it. "I wasn't sure having children with you was what I wanted."

She knows Jake. She knows angry Jake and she can see it swelling inside of him, the anger, the hurt and even to a degree the betrayal. "Is being married to me what you want?"

"For a time I would have answered that without hesitation but the last year, I've thought about what drew me to you and we both know I was between rebounding and pain when we met."

"I know that, but we fell in love."

"I love you but I wonder if the distraction of you was just enough when I needed it the most."

"What happened to trying to fix your marriage no matter where you went wrong?"

"You have to want to fight for it Jake. I am not sure our marriage was what it should have been from the start. Since we've been apart, I've had a lot of time to think about everything. Think about what you've done. Think about what I've done," she shakes her head.

"And you've figured our marriage is not worth the fight."

"No, I know that if you love someone, a little thing like your wife taking care of her mother shouldn't push you to cheat or me having an abortion wouldn't have been a thought if I was truly and deeply in love with my husband and we were in a good place..And I don't even know.."

"Know what," he says.

"If this was truly the first time. How can I be sure of that? You cheated once. You could cheat again."

He doesn't answer. He doesn't clarify, he just answers, "Let's just start over Liv. That's what we need to do. We were happy once and we can be again."

She's keenly aware he dodged the question. Before she can answer, her cell phone rings and she wants to get it. "We can't make our marriage about being happy. Two people that get married, should also be in love. I love you and I always will but I don't think I'm in love with you."

"You don't know what you are saying."

She looks at Jake and grabs the phone, "Hello," she says quickly. "Mom!" She looks over at Jake, "Yes, Jake and I are having dinner and talking," she turns her back to Jake. "Yes mom, everything is fine. It's fine." Just as this happens, the house phone rings. Liv's eyes grow wide, knowing what could possibly be on the other end. "Mom, I need to get that…"

Before she can, Jake decides to answer the phone himself, saying, "Ballard residence," he answers as he glares at her. Trying to remind her of their union.

Fitz is taken aback to hear this guy's voice, he's quiet for a moment. "Hello," Jake says.

"Mom, I have to go, I'll call you in the morning," she says as they hang up quickly.

Finally the voice speaks, "Is Olivia Pope there?" His question is very businesslike in its tone.

"Olivia Ballard is here. May I ask who's calling?" Jake says with distaste.

Liv goes over to Jake, reaching for the phone in haste, "Hello," she says breathlessly.

"I guess this truly was a bad idea," he says into the phone. "Mr. Ballard, I presume."

"Yes, I think it was and yes it is," she replies.

"The PS," he says.

"I couldn't but thank you so much. You've been a great help."

Fitz bites his bottom lip, "I didn't mean to cause trouble although I'm sure I have."

"Oh, it was no bother. We just finished dinner," she covers.

"Have a good night, Mrs. Ballard!"

"You as well. Thank you again. I'll make a decision."

She turns to hang up, closing her eyes slowly, he says quietly, "I'm sorry."

"Thank you, goodnight!" She hangs up the phone looking directly at Jake..

"You are going by Olivia Pope now," he recognizes. Then he looks at her finger, "And you took off your band."

"Jake."

"Who was that? Is that why you aren't in love with me anymore?" He says getting in her face.

"A mechanic," she recovers. That wasn't a lie. Fitzgerald Grant is a mechanical engineer and that's how she will rationalize it. That's the only way she can.

"Why do you need one?"

"Not a big problem. I drive a BMW and some parts have to be ordered. He was highly recommended. I might just trade the car." Now she feels even worse. She's outright lying to him and she's not that person. But the truth is, how does she explain a situation even she can't define.

"Why don't I take a look at it in the morning?" He's not completely convinced of the explanation for the man on the phone.

"Jake," she answers.

"I'm not leaving until we've talked this through."

"Jake, you have to leave."

He doesn't answer her. He lifts up her hand, "That wedding band will be back on your finger." He kisses her hand and then grabs her, pulling her into a kiss. At first she entertains the thought, stupidly so as he holds her so tight she can't break free. He's traveling down her neck with his lips, it's wet and sloppy. "Jake," she says, trying to push him away.

"I miss you," he says, as he lifts her dress, placing his hands on her ass. He wants to take her right there.

She's dizzy from the wine and dizzy from the force of him covering her, "Jake, no."

He works his way down between her breasts, "I'm gonna make you remember," he says as he pulls at her underwear.

"Jake, stop it," she says, hitting his shoulders. Her voice is heightened.

The yell of her voice and the fear he hears makes him stop. He looks up at her face, "Liv, I'm sorry. I just.."

"Go, go now!" she says.

"You know I wouldn't," he can't even say the words.

"Go Jake!" She says again. He steps back. He knows he's royally fucked up now. He looks around getting his overnight bag.

"I'm sorry," he says as he goes out of the door and she locks it quickly. She hears him outside the door, "Damn," he says.

She's trying to calm herself. She is shaking a little. She thinks to herself, would he have done it? Would he have hurt her? He's never been like that, was he just reacting to reality of what she told him tonight. It is in fact over. She doesn't want to think about it. She looks at the clock, it's only 9:30pm. She needs to wash it all off. She decides to take a bath to wash off everything. That's what she decides to do.


Fitz and Mellie are lying in bed. They are both reading a book. Mellie has been wanting to talk to him all day. Not exactly talk but they kind of talking she has taken a liking to lately.

"Fitz, do you think our marriage became stale?"

He puts the book down. As he looks from under his glasses, "I supposed every marriage goes through something stale."

"I don't know if our marriage became stale. You just, a year ago you really became different and more engaged in work and..is it me? That's why I thought we needed help, counseling."

"Mellie, I have had a lot of ventures taking off and people pulling for my work."

"Yes, but it's like you want to avoid me sometimes like tonight."

"I wasn't avoiding you, I just didn't think disappearing from our kids and having sex was a good idea."

She looks at him shocked but then she has a smile on her face, "I'm flattered you still know the look."

"Mellie," he says.

She puts her book down and takes his book. "Well since you know the look, you won't object to the feel." She says as she starts tugging at his drawstrings.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" She wants to take him in her mouth and that's the last thing he wants.

Just as she gets between his legs, his phone looks over and sees the message that says. He looks down and reads the text, the text simply reads, "The pain of not knowing what to do was exceeded only by that of knowing what I had done." He wants to smile but how do you do that reading a text with your wife in between your legs wanting to blow you.

"I need to respond to this."

"Right now," she says annoyed.

"Yes, I have to. I'll be back."

She's irritated but she can't deny he's been busier since his deal with General Motors but she hates it at the same time.

He goes into his office. He sits in his seat. He plops down, he simply answers, "I suppose Oliver spoke for a lot of us. I imagine we have to figure out the right thing to do."

Olivia smiles at the response. "I'm using my PS, this one and only time. Thank you for the book. But, we can't do this again. It's not right. I am your doctor. I took an oath and right now, I'm not doing that. I'm betraying that."

"We haven't done anything?"

"No, but this can lead to everything! Goodnight Mr. Grant," she finishes.

"Goodnight," he simply responds but he smiles. He knows that means that Mr. Ballard is not lying beside her. In this moment he knows the pain of that quote. He doesn't know what to do. He just knows right now he's living a lie..

Olivia puts her phone down. She looks at the note that came with the book that simply read, "PS: if you need to talk about the book, I'm one text away." He left his number there. She knows this would be just a step away from sneaking around, cheating, and lying. She crumples the note and deletes the text and his number. "I'm doing the right thing," she says to herself.


What are these two going to do? They share this magnetism that neither one of them understand. In a different time and place, this would be kismet. Truth is, this is kismet and she's sure it's dangerous.