It's just minutes later. Liv is still standing in her spot. Fitz's car has disappeared into the distance. Maya comes down the stairs to be exactly what Liv needs in that moment, Momma. She rubs her shoulders.
"I left that thug on the steps and looked out the window to find a Prince," Maya says.
"Curtis is not a thug momma. Fitz is definitely a prince," Liv says as she smiles.
"He flew all the way here to see you."
"Yes, he did. He wanted me to know he's having the papers filed," Liv says.
"He's divorcing his wife."
"And he flew here to DC to tell you," Maya says.
"Yes, he did," Liv repeats. "I can't believe he did but he did."
"When is he leaving?"
"Tomorrow," Liv says and Maya can see there is a bit of sadness on her face.
"Why didn't you go with him?" Maya says.
Liv looks at her surprised, "Go with him. To his hotel," Liv says.
"Yes! Why didn't you go with him?"
"I don't want us to go too fast. That's what I told him tonight. I want us to be truly free and clear."
"I am proud of you. That's a very mature decision. From what I saw, he's very good looking."
Liv turns to her, "He is," Liv answers. "I just don't want to need him. If that makes sense."
"I get it. The physical will make it much harder to do the right things or do what you need to do. But judging from the way you kissed him….," she lifts up Liv's head, "You already need him." Liv doesn't try to argue with Maya's assessment. She takes a deep breath.
The door opens and it is Eli, "You girls come in. It's a little chilly out there."
Liv and Maya go back inside. Liv goes to her room to change into her jammies. She sits on the edge of the bed thinking about what just happened. She wanted to stay in that moment forever. Her phone beeps. She looks down and smiles.
The text simply reads, "If you want me to send the car for you just say yes."
She hesitates. She walks around the room telling herself all the reasons why this is a bad idea. Naturally she has more reasons why it is bad than good. She plops down on the bed, knowing he's waiting for her answer. She knows it's all up to her.
"Yes!" She answers. She throws the phone down before she texts him back with rejection. She jumps up, calling her mom.
Maya comes running into the room. "What's wrong?"
"He's sending the car for me," Liv says.
Maya gives a sly smile but tries to act surprised, "Are you going?"
Liv sits back down on the bed, "I shouldn't. I shouldn't. I can't be that person. I can't do it." She begins to ramble, "I'm going to call him and tell him I can't. I have to stick to what I said."
"Okay, well at least call him and tell him that's your decision," Maya says.
"You agree with me right. This is the right decision."
Eli peeps his head in the door, "Everything okay in here."
"Everything is fine daddy," Liv says quickly.
"Fine," Maya says, closing the door on Eli. He realizes this is girl talk and abow faces to his room.
"You agree with me," Liv says again. She desperately wants her mother to tell her what to do.
"Olivia," she stops her and turns her to her. "You always get nervous when you have to make a decision and you already know the answer. You want to go, so go and don't hate yourself for it."
"But mom….," she says shaking her head.
"Get you an outfit for tomorrow and a change of underwear. The Popes don't do walks of shame," Maya jokes.
Liv buries her face in her hand, "Oh my God! There are a lot of conversations I've dreaded having with you. I am pretty sure the Walk of Shame was not on the list and it should have been."
Maya looks at her, "I am not telling you to do anything. I am telling you to go with your gut. Whatever happens tonight will be what you want. I trust you are going to make the right decision."
"Thanks Mom," Liv says.
"Now go! Your chariot will be here any minute," Maya says as Liv has the perfect bag to pack her clothes in.
Maya leaves and goes into the bedroom. Eli is doing a crossword puzzle. He looks up, "What's going on with her?"
"I'll let her explain but right now, a prince has come to take Cinderella away," Maya says as she goes into their bathroom.
"What?"
Maya peeks in the door, "I'll explain later."
Liv is like a little girl waiting for Santa to come down the chimney. She keeps looking through the window. She's almost shaking. She looks out and the car is there. She goes out and gets in the car. There's no turning back now. She's sitting in the car quiet.
The driver clears his throat, "This is from Mr. Grant," he says as he passes it to her. It's a note with one single rose.
She takes the rose and the note and reads, "What's most important to me is that we get it right!" She smiles and looks outside the window. Somehow DC looks like a fairytale right now. The car arrives at the St. Regis Hotel. The instructions in his note was to go up to the Caroline Astor Suite. She makes it to the door and gently knocks. She feels silly but anxious. Fitz opens the door to her nervous smile. She looks like her legs are gonna give way.
"Hi again!" He says.
"Hi!" She answers. She just stands there. She's afraid to cross that line….that threshold.
He takes the bag from her, "Come in."
"Should I?"
"I can't promise I don't bite," he says with a smile that just melts her.
She laughs as she crosses that threshold. She looks around the room. "I feel so silly," she says as she walks over to the sofa.
"Why?" He asks as he puts her bag down.
"You asked me over and I brought an overnight bag. I shouldn't have done that. What do you think of me?"
"I think you are a smart and beautiful woman who knows how late evenings can turn into early mornings. I just wanted us to spend some real time together. That's all. I have a confession."
"What's that?" She asks as she unconsciously takes off her shoes. She is comfortable but she's in her head.
"I told you I was staying in town because I was hoping for this," Fitz confesses.
She looks at the champagne on ice. It's simple. "I wanted to spend time with you too. It's just that the voice in my head is loud."
"We can do whatever you want. I don't care what that means. We can do a lot, a little, or nothing at all." He walks over to her, "Are you going to stand there the whole time?" He asks as he walks closer to her.
She stands there laughing, "I can't make my legs move. My head has sent the signal but my body can't," she says as she wills herself to sit. "I really am being ridiculous."
He sits down with her, "You make me nervous too." He pours them a glass of champagne and hands it to her. They both hold on to the glass.
"Do I?" She says surprised. She wishes she could tell her heart to stop beating so fast. Her stomach is doing somersaults.
They are both sitting on the couch turned to each other with one leg folded in front of the other, "You make me so damn nervous. That's why I couldn't talk in our sessions at first. I didn't want Mellie to figure it out."
"Why do I make you so nervous?" Liv asks.
"I told you. You always hear the words in my head before I say them. I look into your eyes and the answers to my questions are always there. It is magic. So, I started looking forward to our sessions because I knew I'd see you. It wasn't because it was helping my marriage."
Liv feels wounded as if she failed, "Was it something I did? Did I do something wrong?"
He brings his fingertips to her face, stroking gently. "I could tell you it's the way your skirts fall right above your knee and the way you cross your legs. Or, the way everything you wear hugs that amazing body you have. Or I could say it is the way I get so lost in those lips when you speak. I could tell you those things because they are all true but it's just everything about you is right."
"Fitz," she says softly. "I never meant to become the problem and not the solution."
"You were the solution Olivia. You did everything right," Fitz answers.
"How?" She says. "You are leaving your wife after I was supposed to help save your marriage.
"Remember the day you asked us to describe three things we thought a marriage must have to survive?" He asks.
"I do. You said that marriage must be full of love, passion, and honesty. I asked why honesty came last. You said if you have love and passion for that person, you would always be honest," she gulps her champagne.
"And I felt all those things for you and we never touched. We had never kissed. But I imagined it all and I imagined it was right. The truth was, if I didn't feel that for Mellie our marriage was doomed anyway."
"If it weren't for me, is it possible you two had a chance?" She asks. She needs to know her work was done. Before he can answer there's a knock at the door.
"Saved by the knock," he says getting up. He ordered a late night snack for them. The waiter comes in pushing the tray. "Right this way," Fitz says.
"What did you order?" Liv asks. The waiter leaves. Liv moves over to the tray.
"Well, I tried to think about what desserts you love," he says as he opens the tops.
Liv laughs, "So you ordered everything."
"I couldn't make a decision," Fitz laughs as he puts the plates on the table in front of the sofa.
Liv looks over the plates of chocolate covered strawberries, creme brulee, chocolate peanut butter cheesecake, strawberry mousse tart, and chocolate cake. "I'm particularly attracted to the creme brulee and the chocolate covered strawberries. Damn! The only thing missing is some popcorn."
"What the hell?" He laughs.
"I love popcorn and wine. If you can't handle that. We don't stand a chance Mr. Grant," she teases.
"Consider it handled, ," he answers as he finds himself wanting to ravish her lips with his.
"Now, speaking of chances. You still have to answer my question," Liv reminds him.
"What question is that?" he asks innocently.
"If it weren't for me, would you and Mellie have had a chance?"
He picks up a strawberry and brings it to her mouth. She softly takes a bite. He takes a bite of the strawberry after her, "I don't think we would have. I agreed to therapy because I felt I owed her that much." He gets lost in her sad eyes that just makes him want to take her in his arms and hold her as long as he lets her.
"And you don't want to hurt your kids," Liv finishes.
"No I don't but my kids are smart. They know things are changing," Fitz finishes.
Liv, without thinking, picks up another strawberry and feeds it to him. He gently holds her wrist in place as he kisses her fingertips. She closes her eyes. His touch is just that magnetic. "That's why I don't want to move too fast. Your kids are going to be affected but I don't want them to hate you or hate me. I don't want that."
"Down the road, my kids will fall in love with you."
Liv smiles bashfully. She takes a sip of her champagne. "How did this all happen?"
"When did you know you were attracted to me?" Fitz asks. "Or, when did you know you were falling for me?"
"Who says I fell for you?" Liv asks.
"Are you saying you haven't?"
Liv takes a deep breath. She rests her temple in the palm of her hand. "That is a trick question. One can't look at you and not be attracted," Liv smiles which makes Fitz's chest swell. "Don't let that go to your head," she adds. "In one of our earlier sessions I asked you what kind of woman you wanted. Your answer was a woman who wasn't afraid of the ocean and Mellie said that wasn't an answer because she can swim."
Fitz is surprised by her memory. "You remembered that."
"Yes, because I use a lot of swimming analogies with my patients and I felt you were listening to me. I knew what you meant. The ocean is far, it's wide, and it's deep. Most of all, it's a great unknown. You want a woman who is unafraid to let go of routine and dive into the unknown with you."
"That's exactly what I want," Fitz says, as he runs his fingers across her hand.
"Then you don't want me. I am afraid of all of this. I am afraid of you. It's one thing to dive into unchartered waters as two free people but we aren't. It's something to be afraid of," she explains as she gets up, putting her glass down and goes to the window. She looks out at DC's busy streets.
He comes behind her. He keeps his hand in his pocket, not wanting to bring her into a space that she's not ready to fill with him. The breath on the back of her neck makes her hair stand. "Listen, I know I shouldn't have come here. I know it was a bad idea and it wasn't very smart of me. I risked a lot doing it but I just didn't want you to decide the right thing to do was stay unhappy. I am not going to do that. Even if I can't have you. I can't stay in my marriage."
Liv looks at him relieved. Deep down, she knew their marriage was over. She could see Fitz's heart wasn't in the process early on. But she tried to do her job. "Now what?" Liv asks.
Fitz moves closer to her, "Hopefully, we figure out how to go forward," he says as he moves her strains of hair behind her ear.
"I want to figure it out," Liv says as she rubs her thumb across his lips.
Fitz moans softly, "We have to figure it out," he answers.
"Would you please kiss me?" She asks barely audible to his ears.
He moves closer. He traces her jawline while staring in her eyes. "I could," he says while gently kissing the center of forehead. "Kiss you," he continues as he moves his lips down to the tip of her nose. "And never stop," he finishes as his lips finally touch hers. It's very slow and very tender as she moves her hand to the nape of his neck. They both moan when their tongues touch.
Before she knows it, he's gently laying her down on the sofa. They fully immerse themselves into the kiss and the warmth of each other. She bites the bottom of his lip anxiously as she wants his tongue. She wants to taste it and taste him. Their lips can't be close enough for her. She pushes his mouth more into hers. He breaks the kiss moving down her neck. She's slowly scraping his back with her nails.
He stops with his face buried in her chest. Her hands are holding it there. He looks up at her, "You know how much I want you don't you," Fitz says. She shakes her head in agreeance. He travels down her legs with his hands. The only thing standing between them now is her skintight jeans and her approval. "Can I take these off?" Fitz asks.
She shakes her head that he can. She lifts her hips. Her body is hot all over. "Yes," she says as she lifts her hips.
He begins to unbutton her pants and slowly slides them down her legs. He is admiring every curve of her body. The creamy look of her brown skin is almost glistening. She sits up to unbutton his shirt which she brings down his arms and throws it to the floor. She admires the chiseled chest before her. She combs her fingers through his deliciously curly hair. She kisses him as he brings one of his hands to the apex of her underwear. He wants to taste her. She breaks from the kiss. "No," she says as he stops, looking at her.
"What's wrong?" He asks, out of breath.
"I said I wanted us to wait and I do. I want us to do that. I shouldn't have asked you to kiss me."
"Why?"
"Because I know better. I'm sorry," she says.
"Don't be sorry. I don't wanna pressure you. I'll only go as far as you want me to go and if you want me to stop. I'll stop," he says.
"I shouldn't have initiated it," she says as she straightens up and he moves his body. He reaches down and grabs her pants, giving them to her.
"I want to make love to you. I won't deny that and I feel it in your kiss. You want it as much as I do. But I told you, I want to do this right. If it means waiting then we will wait," he says.
Liv takes a deep breath, "We can't kiss then," she laughs.
"What?" He says, grabbing his shirt.
"We can't kiss because I can't trust myself," Liv finishes.
"Baby," he says. He stops, realizing how it just came out. "Don't take that from us okay," he finishes.
She laughs, "I have one more favor to ask."
"What is it? You are killing me here."
"Can I sleep in your shirt?" She asks with the eyes wide and sparkling with a smile on her face.
He's shocked by the request. "When you look at me like that, I can't say no," he says, handing it to her.
"Thank you," she says. She wants the feel of him to stay on her. She wants that smell of him just as much.
"I have a proposal," he says. She immediately looks intrigued. "We find a romantic movie to watch and until we fall asleep in the bedroom."
"Are you serious? Is that enough for you?" She asks.
"That's more than enough," he answers as he kisses her hand.
"One condition," she says.
He rolls his eyes jokingly, "Do you want my pants now?" He asks.
"No I don't," she laughs. "Soon enough I'll have what's in the pants," she finishes. Fitz is immediately flushed. "The creme brulee and the mousse tart comes with us."
"That's a deal," Fitz says. They start to get the plates of desserts and Fitz stops, "For your information, you have what's in the pants," he smirks.
They go into the bedroom with their decadent desserts to watch a movie and sleep.
The next morning. Maya and Eli are having breakfast. Maya's pouring him some coffee and putting his plate on the table.
"Let me get this straight. You encouraged our daughter to go spend the night with a married man."
"Not exactly Eli! I encouraged her to do what felt right," Maya defends.
"You helped her pack an overnight bag to go sleep with a married man."
Maya smiles, "Liv always made the right decisions when she was younger. Harrison was our problem kid, remember," Maya says.
"Of course I remember," Eli says. "But let's also remember, Liv lost her virginity to that thug that was outside our door last night. I wasn't too happy with that."
"But she also came to us, when she made that decision. She came to me but I told you, didn't I?"
"Yes and I'm glad she was responsible and wanted to be responsible but," Eli shakes his head.
"I know, it hurt a little bit. She was your little girl. She will always be your baby. Our baby is a 33 year old woman now. We just have to support her decisions," Maya explains.
"I do but she doesn't need another guy to hurt her, Maya. Stephen died. Jake was supposed to never hurt her but he cheated on her. And this guy, all we know is his name is Fitz and he's married. Oh, and she was their therapist," Eli threads through all this information.
"Eli, you didn't see what I saw last night. I don't know everything but I know the man I saw outside has fallen hard for our daughter. And he flew all the way from Chicago for her," Maya explains.
"I just want to protect her from the bad guys you know. That's what I am supposed to do."
"I think you and this man are going to fight a lot because he's going to want that job," Maya says.
"Did you speak to him?" Eli asks. "Is he ugly?"
Maya burst out into laughter, "No, he was not ugly by any means. He was very good looking and very pleasing to the eye. And he looked like money," Maya finishes.
"Should I be worried you think he's so good looking?"
"No, but he's attractive."
"I just worry about our girl that's all." Eli explains.
"I got a good vibe from what I saw. But let's just trust Livvie. Whatever happens with this relationship, let's just trust that she will do the right thing," Maya says.
"You are right! She's always been level headed," Eli shakes his head. "I don't know why I am going to ask this next question but I might as well. Is he..?"
Before he can finish, Maya stops him, "Yes, he's white."
Eli keeps drinking his coffee as Maya laughs.
The sun is peering through the window of the hotel bedroom. Olivia and Fitz are asleep. She's nestled into his chest with her arm wrapped around his leg is draped across his. He awakens to the weight of her beautiful body on top of his. He caresses her arm as he gently kisses the top of her head. He smiles. He looks at the clock beside his bed. It's 9am and he doesn't want to move from that spot. He just wants to stay in this moment.
They spent the night watching A Room With A View. They scrolled and scrolled until they found that one. It couldn't have been more perfect. It was old, classic, and most of all relatable. Fitz is the character George and Liv was definitely Lucy. Two people who know they should be together but they just have to risk it. A few times he and Liv laced hands, it was so natural and so right. Or, he would rest his hands on her thigh like it was always their norm.
He hates to but he knows he needs to wake her up. "Livvie," he whispers softly. "You have to get up."
She doesn't react at first. He whispers her name again and this time the sound penetrates her, "Mmmm," she moans. "I don't want to," she says.
"I don't want to either but I have to leave this afternoon, remember?"
"I know, I don't want you to," she says sleepily.
"I don't want to either but I have to," he says as he is caressing her back.
Liv takes a deep breath lifting her head to look at him. She pulls herself up and rests on the back of the headboard. "I wish you could stay with me and we leave together," she says as she turns her head away. "I shouldn't have said that."
Fitz turns her face back to his, "You absolutely should have said that."
"No, I shouldn't have," she says, breaking away to get up. He gently pulls her back. "Last night was one of the best nights of my life. I spent a very romantic night with a woman. We shared dessert with one spoon. We watched a romantic movie and we kissed. You fell asleep in my arms and I held you all night. I wish I could stay and do that more."
"Thank you! It was the best night of sleep I ever had too," Liv finishes.
"Me too," Fitz says. "Livvie, what happens when you get back to Chicago?"
"I have to deal with my mother in law and Jake. I have another month on his recovery and…"
"Where's he staying?" Fitz asks slyly in jealousy.
"In my house. Not in my bed," Liv answers. She looks at him. "Are you still in the guest house?"
"Yes, I am. We haven't had sex in weeks," Fitz says. He knows that's what she really wants to know.
"It's not my business," she covers.
"Liv, we've decided to move on from our dead marriages. We are each other's businesses now."
"I'm going to make it. I just feel bad asking him to sign the papers when he's recovering."
"I get it. Neither one of us wants to be heartless bastards. I don't want to discard my wife like she means nothing no more than you wouldn't want that for your husband."
"You are going to hate what I am about to say," Liv says, grabbing his hand to hold it.
"Then don't say it," Fitz answers.
"You can't come to my office. We can't meet. It's just gonna make it harder."
Fitz shakes his head, "I know I can't come to your office. I'll agree to that but I can't not see you. Don't ask me to do that."
"I don't want us to get caught. I don't want us looking over our shoulders. We can talk at night but we can't see each other."
"Just until the divorces are final," Liv explains.
"Which could take 3 months after filing. You know that."
"It will pass by so quickly," Liv says coyly.
Fitz is frustrated, "What if your husband won't sign?"
"What if your wife doesn't sign?" Liv asks.
"We aren't going to think like that. I don't want to get back today and have the papers in my hand tomorrow."
"I am going to talk to Jake when I get back. My lawyer is just waiting on me," Liv reveals. She looks at him sadly. "What time is your flight?"
"Whenever I want it to be but I need to be home tonight. We have dinner with her parents. So, I am going to leave at 3."
Liv breaks away from his embrace. He can tell she's bothered. "I better shower and get dressed."
He doesn't stop her. "How about we have lunch? I'll get you home and then get to the airport."
"No, you should probably go. We shouldn't do lunch," she says looking through her bag.
He gets up quickly from the bed, stopping her, "Look at me. What's wrong?"
"This is going to be hard," she answers, trying not to look him in the eyes. "I know we said we can't see each other but I don't want that," she blurts.
"I don't want that either," Fitz answers.
"But I meant what I said. I want us to wait. I am mad as hell right now that you have to leave and I shouldn't be mad. It'll be even worse when I get back and we are so close yet so far from each other."
"You don't think I feel the same way. We can still see each other, we just have to be smart about it and resist temptation," he says with a smile.
Liv drops her head, "Can we do it?" she teases.
"I don't know. Looking at you in my shirt is something I can definitely get used to even more so after we make love. Although, I'll prefer you not wear anything at all."
"Fitz," she says as he wraps his arms around her waist.
"We will figure it out," he reassures her as he reaches down and kisses her slightly.
"So, what do you want to do?"
"Since I'm being a good boy. I'll take you to lunch. Bring you back to your parents and I'll leave."
"How about we pick up lunch from my favorite place? And I know a quiet little place where we can eat it," Liv suggested.
"Sounds perfect," Fitz says as Liv goes to take a shower first.
While Liv is in the shower, he decides to make a few business calls when his phone rings and he sees it's Mellie. The door is closed to the bedroom, so the shower can't be heard.
"Hey," Fitz says.
"Hey," Mellie says. "Will you still be home by 7?"
"Yes, my flight is at 3. It might be a little later but I'll be home. Dinner with your parents, right?"
"Yes, please don't be late," Mellie says. She takes a moment, "Did everything go okay?"
"Yeah, it did," he says looking toward the bedroom.
"Fitz, I was thinking. How about we go away next weekend. Your mom can take the kids. We can talk and reconnect."
"Mellie, I can't go away next weekend but you are right we need to talk."
"We can still send the kids to your mom's or my mom's and stay home."
"We don't need to go away for the weekend just to talk," Fitz says.
"I wasn't suggesting that. I just think some quiet and no kids will do us some good so we can get clarity," she answers. She is sorting through papers on her desk.
Liv opens the door to ask a question, towel wrapped around her. His back is turned and she hears a bit of the conversation.
"Mellie if this is about the night," He says. "I already told you…" she interrupts.
"You told me you don't want to use sex to fix our problems. I think if we have some alone time we will see we don't have a problem we just hit a rough patch."
"Having sex is not going to fix that," he says as he turns to see Liv standing there. She's never looked more beautiful wrapped in a towel. She closes the door and locks it. "Damn," he says under his breath.
"What?" Mellie says.
"Nothing," Fitz takes a deep breath, "Mellie, I can't talk about this right now. We will talk more when I get home," he says.
"Well, you don't seem to want to talk about us." Fitz goes to the bedroom door and holds the handle. "Listen, I have to go, I have a client. See you tonight," she answers as she abruptly hangs up.
"Damn," Fitz repeats as he knows what Liv must be thinking.
Liv hasn't said much of anything since they left the hotel. He's tried to start the conversation but he doesn't know how. They went to her favorite lunch spot, Surfside for tacos. They are all named after famous countries and cities with beautiful stretches of beach. It fits her. She loves the water. Liv picked the Mykonos tacos and Fitz picked the Buck Island ones. She knew of a quiet little spot in the park.
She's eating quietly, occasionally glancing at him. "These are delicious," Fitz says.
She reacts, "Yes and it's always so fresh."
"Livvie," Fitz says.
"We don't have to talk about it. What you and your wife do is none of my business," she answers quickly, taking another bite of food.
"I want you to know what happened. You walked in on half of the conversation," Fitz explains.
"Fitz, you are married. You and your wife are allowed to have sex. Even couples divorcing have sex. You know that." She resolves, never looking at him.
"Mellie and I didn't have sex the other night. She wanted to. She wanted to..…" He stops, knowing those details aren't going to make it any better.
"She wanted to do what," Liv asks.
"Nothing, anyway I told her no and I know it hurt her feelings but I couldn't do it."
"No need to explain it to me. Seems like you need to explain it to her," she answers.
"I am not going to let you use this as an excuse to hide from me."
"I'm not, it's just so much right now and the intensity of all of this. It is just obvious we need to get our divorces. End of story."
"What did you tell me? 3 months will pass by before we know it," Fitz says.
"Maybe it will," Liv says sadly.
He scoots closer to her, "No matter what happens we are in this together. Do you believe me?"
"I don't have a choice, do I?"
"You always have a choice. I'll leave you here. I'll remember last night was one of the best nights of my life because I held you in my arms and I'll try to forget what could have been. I'll leave you alone. I'll never call you again. If that's your choice," Fitz says. The smolder in his eyes grab her.
Liv tries to gain her composure. "I don't want any of that." Fitz looks a little confused. "We are in this together."
He gives her a kiss, "I'll give you some space. I don't want to pressure you."
"Thank you," she says.
"Now, unfortunately, I better get you back home so I can go."
"I was thinking I will go back with you. April can have a car waiting for me. It's a private flight right. No one will know."
Fitz looks more than pleasantly surprised. "Are you sure? And yes, no one will know."
"I'm sure," Liv says. "I am completely insane for doing this but I am sure."
"I am glad you are insane," Fitz says as he kisses her.
They get back to Maya and Eli's house where Harrison just so happens to be there. The driver is parking the car.
"Oh no," Liv says.
"What's wrong?" Fitz asks.
"My brother is here," she says.
"The whole family," Fitz says quizzically. He doesn't know everything about her.
"Yes, my mom, dad, and brother," she answers.
"By the way, we still need to talk about Curtis," Fitz says.
Liv laughs, "Another day. I better go inside and explain why I am leaving."
"I'll wait here," Fitz says. "I need to call and add you to the manifest."
Liv gets out and goes inside with her bag. First one to meet her is Harrison, "What are you doing here?"
"Where have you been?" Harrison says jokingly.
"Nowhere, nosy! Where is mom and dad?"
"They are in the den," he answers. She walks past him. "You are safe weren't you. You had enough gloves."
"Shut up," she says as she goes into the kitchen. She walks in the den. They both look up at her. "Hey," Liv says.
"Hey," Maya smiles.
"Hey," Eli says.
"Mom, can you help me? In my room," she says.
Eli eyes Maya and looks back at Liv. "Sure baby," Maya says, getting up as she goes toward Liv.
They make it up to Liv's room. She can tell Liv is nervous. "He's outside in the car," Liv says.
"Okay," Maya says.
"I am going to go back with him," Liv says.
"Okay," Maya says again, stretching her eyes.
"I know. I am stupid and it's a bad idea. But he's flying private. We just…."
"So last night went really well then," Maya concludes.
"Yes, and we didn't do anything but we talked a lot. We needed to do that."
"And," Maya says.
"We are going to wait until our divorces are final. We agreed that's best. We are going to start the processes this week." Liv answers as she's packing her bags.
"That sounds good. It's solid and you'll feel good about that in the end," Maya says.
"I'm sorry I am leaving. I know I shouldn't."
"Baby, we are glad we had you for a couple days. You have to do what you have to do. It's obvious you care about him. It's obvious he cares about 'll regret it if you don't see what could be, once you are in the position to explore it."
"I just slept in his arms all night. It was romantic and simple and special," Liv says. Maya smiles because she can already see what her daughter can't see or won't say out loud. The look of love.
While they are talking, Harrison and Eli go outside and make Fitz leave the car. They bring him into the living room.
"You didn't have to sit in the car," Eli says.
"Well, I just didn't want to. I mean….I don't know how much you know but…" Fitz stutters trying to explain.
"I know that you are married and my daughter is married and this is bound to be bad."
"We don't even know your name. What is your name, son?" Eli says very fatherly.
"I'm Fitzgerald Grant," Fitz answers.
"Dad, this cat is cool. He created this piece for cars that was bought by General Motors and the word on the street is, you are working with General Electric," Harrison says. Eli is still lost on the importance. "Dad, he sold it for a billion dollars." Eli is shocked.
"You know your mechanical homework," Fitz says.
"I knew who you were as soon as I saw you. And, I own two mechanic shops. I love cars. I love it. Got my degree. . I still want to be under the hood," Harrison answers.
"My father would rather I take over the family business but I love putting pieces together," Fitz says.
"Well, I know you can take care of her financially. I guess I want to know. Do you care about my sister?" Harrison asks.
"Yes I do," Fitz says quickly. He doesn't stutter there.
"She's been hurt enough so if you hurt her. You'll have to deal with me," Harrison says.
"I am not trying to hurt your sister," Fitz says looking at Harrison. He turns and looks at Eli, "Your daughter is special. And I know this is a real fucked up..I'm sorry, screwed up situation but I never meant for it to be."
"Do you two have a plan? I can't tell her how to live her life but if you are playing some game, don't use my daughter for it."
"We have a plan. I am serving my wife with papers this week. And I know there's a situation with her husband," Fitz is squaring his shoulders letting them know he's in business.
"My daughter is not made to be anyone's mistress. She's made to be a man's one and only. That's what I've taught her. That's what I've shown her with her mother. So, you are on notice until you make this situation unfucked up," Eli says.
"I don't want her to be my mistress. I want her to be mine. I want to be hers. I know this is a confused situation and I respect her. I want you to know that."
"You came all the way from Chicago to see her. That's cool in my book," Harrison says.
"Don't make me hate the day my daughter ever laid eyes on you," Eli says.
"I promise you, I won't," Fitz answers as he extends his hand for Eli to shake. Eli does as they hear Maya and Liv coming down the stairs. Liv gets to the bottom noticing Fitz.
"What are you doing in here?" Liv asks as she walks over to him, studying the mood.
"You tried to hide him in the car Trixie so he wouldn't get the Pope treatment," Harrison says.
"No, I just…" she doesn't know what to say.
"We just wanted him to know where we would stand and where he cannot stand," Eli finishes.
"Are you okay?" Liv says to Fitz.
"Yes I am. Just a couple men having a good talk," Fitz answers.
"Well, I am not going to say I'm happy you are leaving but I am going to hope you are in good hands," Eli says as he gives Fitz a friendly glare.
"I'm sorry, Fitz, this is my mother, Maya Pope," she introduces her.
"It's nice to meet you Fitz," Maya says.
"Very nice to meet you," Fitz says. He looks at Liv and back at her. "Well, I certainly see where Liv got her beauty from."
She looks at Liv, "And he's charming," Maya says.
Liv looks at the clock, "You need to get going, right."
"Yes," he answers. "It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Pope, ," and he looks over at Harrison, "We should chat. I see some of your creations. You have a good eye."
Harrison shakes his hand, "Sound good."
Liv gives them all a hug and I love yous. Maya whispers in her ear before she leaves, "Remember something, you deserve it."
Liv looks at her mom, "Thank you. I love you."
"I love you too baby," Maya answers as they leave.
Eli looks at Harrison, "What you think?"
"I think he's whipped already," Harrison says with a laugh as he goes into the kitchen.
"What do you think?" Eli asks Maya.
"I think it takes a strong man to do what just happened under the circumstances. He's not going anywhere," Maya says as she goes to the kitchen.
They make it back to Chicago. Fitz insisted his limousine drops her off. She fights it but they figure they can do auspiciously. Plus, the truth is, they didn't want to break apart yet. She's lying her head on his shoulder as they go through the Chicago traffic.
"Are you going to tell me the story behind Trixie?" Fitz says.
"Absolutely not," Liv answers.
"Come on! You can trust me," Fitz says.
"No, because my brother is a block head and he shouldn't tell anyone that nickname," Liv finishes.
"They love you very much," Fitz says.
"I love them very much," She answers.
He lifts her head from her shoulder. "I'll tell you what I told them. I am not going to hurt you. I would never."
"I hope not," she answers as they kiss.
Liv goes inside to her reality. Fitz goes to his reality. The next couple of days are going to be intense. They have to bite the bullet or they will be on this merry go around a lot longer than they want to be.
Sooo, are these divorce announcements going to go off without a hitch?
