One Week Later:

Liv is sitting at her desk, recording some notes from her last session. She's been busy since she got back. She and Fitz have talked every night since they got back from Chicago. She finds herself sometimes whispering because she's not sure if she's being watched.

April calls in on the phone, "Boss, someone is here to see you."

"I'm almost ready for my 12pm," Liv answers.

Mellie is sitting on the sofa. April decides to go into her office. She knocks. "Boss, can I come in?"

Liv looks confused, "Come in," Liv says as she files her notes. "What's going on?"

"It's Mellie Grant," April says.

"What about Mellie Grant?" Liv says.

"She's here to see you," April reveals.

"What do you mean?"

"She's out there waiting. She doesn't have an appointment, of course," April explains.

Liv is immediately nervous. "What in the world does she want?"

April looks at her. "You will know in a second," April says as she goes out.

Liv takes a deep breath as she gets up from her seat. She straightens her skirt and clothes and takes another deep breath. She steps in the doorway, "Mellie, come on in."

Mellie walks in. Liv looks at April and closes the door. "Dr. Pope, thanks so much for seeing me."

"You can still call me Olivia," Liv quickly says. "Have a seat," she instructs Mellie. She sits down and her leg starts to shake. "What brings you here today?" Liv asks.

"I know you didn't expect to see me. I just didn't know what else to do," Mellie says.

"About what?"

"Don't get me wrong, Elizabeth North is very good at her job. She's very efficient in her sessions with us. We are talking to her but she's…"

Liv interrupts her, "Would you like bottled water? I can have April make you some tea and coffee," Liv suggests she doesn't know where this conversation could be going.

"No, I am good thank you," Mellie answers.

"What's wrong with Elizabeth?" Liv asks.

"I just think we made more progress with you. I think as good as Elizabeth is, we did better with you."

Liv takes a deep breath, "How many sessions have you had with her?"

"We've had two technically," Mellie says.

"Two is just the beginning, Mellie. I mean, you two didn't warm up to me as fast. I am sure it will be okay."

"I responded to you better and Fitz responded to you better. I just don't want to lose progress."

Liv is dancing around Mellie, "Mellie, I told you it would be better if I referred you. I am booked solid these days and I have some personal things going on at home. I want to make sure you are properly treated. Elizabeth is in better proximity for you and she is good. You have to give her a chance."

Mellie looks away, "I don't think my husband wants to," she says slowly.

"I'm sorry," Liv says.

"I don't think Fitz wants to give us a chance."

Liv is immediately hit with guilt having to sit across from Mellie and feel the reason, "Why do you think that?" Liv asks, taking a deep breath.

"I think he wants to be out of the marriage."

"Mellie, maybe you should talk to him. Ask him what's going through his head," Liv suggests.

Mellie nervously laughs, "I don't think that's something I want to know."

"What do you mean?"

"I think I know what's going on through his head. I'm not a quitter Olivia and I am not going to let just give up on what we've created."

Liv studies her. She has always tapped into why Mellie is so determined to fight for her marriage. She's been chipping at the shell Mellie is carrying for a while. "Mellie, it's not giving up."

"You wouldn't understand," Mellie says.

"Why do you think I wouldn't understand?" Liv asks.

"I don't know. He's not acting like a man who's cheating but I feel like there's someone else. I don't know if it's there or what," Mellie says.

Liv just stares, "Okay," is the only answer.

"So, you wouldn't understand," Mellie repeats.

"Yes I do," Liv answers. She didn't intend to lay her personal laundry on the table but she does. "My husband and I have been separated for a year and we are getting a divorce. For a year I've been trying to talk myself into fighting for my marriage. I can't fight for marriage because there's nothing left to fight for. Sometimes lovers are better as friends."

Mellie is surprised, "I am sorry. I didn't know."

"You couldn't have," Liv answers. "I'm a marriage therapist. My marriage should be perfect right. It's not but I've made the decision to let go."

"So, that's your advice for me. Let go of my marriage," Mellie asks.

Liv realizes how this unscheduled session is going. "No, I am not telling you that. I am telling you that you and your husband need to talk about things. That's all I can say," Liv finishes as she looks at her watch.

"Can you consider it?" Mellie starts.

"I really can't Mellie. I am sorry. I hope you understand," Liv stresses.

"Okay," Mellie says disappointed as she grabs her purse.

Liv gets up, "I do hope everything will be okay and you all can do what's best for yourselves and your family."

Mellie tries to make a joke, "Maybe we can catch lunch sometimes. There's a chance we will be without our husbands soon," Mellie laughs.

Liv looks at her taken aback by her cavalier joke. "Well, you were once my patient so that wouldn't work."

Mellie stops, "I guess that was a bad joke. It's too bad. I think you and I would have been great friends."

Liv just shakes her head. Not exactly knowing what is the right thing to say, "It was good to see you Mellie."

"I need to get to an appointment. It was good to see you too. Thank you for all your help," Mellie says.

"I just tried to do my job," Liv says. Mellie smiles at her and leaves.

April waits until the air is clear, "Everything okay?" she asks.

Liv shakes her head, "No, it's not okay." She turns around and closes her door.


Fitz is sitting in Antonio's office. He has all the paperwork drawn up for Fitz. Fitz is going through the papers.

"I've prepared 3 different documents. I took into account all of your assets and properties and these are 3 scenarios that are fair," Antonio says.

"I think I am being more than fair. I mean I am in no position to be a bulldog here. I want out of the marriage and she doesn't, "Fitz says.

"Well, lucky for you Illinois is now a no-fault divorce state. If it were, she could hang you by the balls," Antonio says.

"I am not trying to be mean to her. I am not trying to cheat her out of anything. I just don't think we have to be married anymore," Fitz says.

"But she can't get a whiff in her nose that you are with someone else," Antonio answers.

"I am not with her. We aren't sleeping together. She wants to wait until our divorces are final. I hate it but I understand it. It makes me respect her more."

"I hate to tell you this, and this is something to think about. You have two scenarios that can happen here. If she signs then the proceedings will go off without a hitch."

Fitz knows what the other scenario is but he wants to hear it anyway, "And the other scenario?"

"If she refuses to sign, you will have to be separated at least 6 months before it can become final and the judge will then grant the divorce petition," Antonio explains.

Fitz gets up walking to the sprawling window, "If she refuses to sign she can trap me in the marriage that long until the judge gives me my freedom."

"Listen, I know it's not what you want to hear but at least the state is no fault," Antonio reminds him.

"I can't chance it," Fitz says.

"Chance what?" Antonio asks.

"If Mellie won't sign those papers, I could lose….Oli…" he stops from saying Liv's name.

"Listen, I am not trying to be the bearer of bad news. I want to be as candid as possible about your situation. I can't make Mellie sign and your wife is a lawyer. She's not a divorce lawyer but she knows the law," Antonio says.

"So, the rest of my life depends on my wife," Fitz acknowledges.

"Yes it does," Antonio answers.

"A lie would have been good there," Fitz jokes.

"I just want you to be realistic about how this can go or not go. You need to be prepared for this. Just have yourself a backup plan," Antonio suggested.

"Thank you!," Fitz says getting up from his seat. "Poker on Friday right," Fitz says.

"Yeah, I always enjoy taking money from you Grant," Antonio laughs.

"That should be your retainer," Fitz jokes as he leaves.

Fitz gets down to his car. He takes out his cellphone and calls Olivia, while sitting in his car.

"Hi," Liv says.

"Hi," Fitz answers. "Can you talk?" He asks.

"Yes I can. I have about 30 minutes to spare. I was just thinking about you," Liv says. She gets up and closes her door.

"All good thoughts I'm hoping," Fitz says.

"I had a visitor today," she says.

"Yeah! Who was it?"

"Your wife," she says point blankly.

"Mellie," he says surprised.

"Unless you have another wife I should be worried about," she laughs.

"Why did she come to see you?"

"She doesn't like Elizabeth. She wants me to be your therapist," Liv says.

"You can't," Fitz says quickly.

"I know that. I told her that I can't give you all the proper time that you need and that I have personal things to deal with. That was the truth," Liv says.

"I can't believe she came to see you. She said she was going to ask. I didn't think she would actually do it."

"I hated doing that. I felt like I was lying to her. I know I wasn't but it felt like that. I just…."

"I am going to give her the divorce papers tonight. I just wanted you to know what is going to happen," he says.

"You are. You are really going to do it."

"I told you I was. I just have been working with my lawyers. I want to make sure that I'm fair. I want out and I want to be fair in what I'm offering."

"You are always fair. A least you try to be," Liv answers.

"What about you?" Fitz asks.

"What about me?"

"Your husband. When are you going to tell him?" Fitz asks.

"Well I am waiting for the right time," Liv says.

"Which is? Fitz pushes. Liv is silent. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to push. I just talked to my lawyer today and he warned me of the possibility that Mellie won't sign. What if your husband doesn't sign?"

Liv is still silent, "I need to go Fitz. My next appointment is in a few minutes and I need to get ready."

Fitz rested his head on the back of his seat, "I'll call you. I'll text first to see if you are awake."

"Okay! I really do hope it goes as well as it can go. I do."

"I hope so too. And Livvie, I know your situation is a little different than mine and I'm not trying to rush you. We are ending our marriages. This is not easy for either of us," He acknowledges.

"Thank you," she says.

She is about to hang up, "Dr. Pope," he says.

She laughs, "Yes," she sings.

"I need to see you sooner rather than later."

"You know it's not possible. Not right now."

"I know I probably shouldn't say this to you so soon but I miss being around you."

"Fitz," she says.

"Okay, I know. I shouldn't say that. I'm gonna go," he finishes.

"I miss being around you too," she surprises.

He doesn't answer. He just smiles. They both hang up.


Mellie has gone back to her office after her appointment. She needed to put some extra hours in on a case. She's sitting at her desk, staring off into space. There is a knock at the door.

"Come in," she says as she drops her pen.

"It's Friday! You aren't planning to burn the midnight oil are you. I am sure you've got this in your sexy pocket," he says.

"Richard," she answers.

"I know that's not proper work etiquette," he says.

"No, it's not!" She answers, still blushing.

"It still got you to smile," he says.

"Well, there's not a lot to smile about these days but hopefully that will change."

He closes the door, 'What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong! What are you up to this weekend?"

"I've got my kids this weekend and the last thing I want to do is reschedule. Trudy will raise hell."

"I am sorry things didn't work out with you two," Mellie says.

"Well, she cheated on me," Richard says.

Mellie raises her eyebrow. "Your wife thought that you and I were screwing and you were never home Richard and you cheated too."

"I never got caught. She cheated on me with the pool boy, really!" He says. He studies Mellie. "You were never home either sometimes. You didn't come home to find Fitz with the maid or the nanny."

"Doesn't mean he didn't do it," Mellie says as she catches herself.

"Oh is Grant finally clearing the way for me. Although I doubt it. He's pretty straightlaced," he says.

"Richard I know we've flirted but I am trying to fix my marriage."

"Why?" Richard asks.

"Because I have to. I have a lot of reasons why I have to. And I don't shy away from a challenge. I play to win," Mellie says.

"If you have to look at your marriage as a challenge Mellie, it's time to let it go."

"Our old therapist almost said the same thing to me today. Although I feel like that's exactly what she meant."

Richard walks over and kisses her hand, "The hardest thing to do is to admit it's time to let go. The second hardest thing is actually doing it."

Richard walks to her door and leaves. Mellie sits and looks at her screen a little longer. She knows it's time to get home. She needs to talk to Fitz. She gets her purse and coat and leaves.


Liv makes it home and is greeted by a very pissed off Nancy waiting for her. Liv rolls her eyes at the woman who's meeting her with icy eyes, who's a guest in her home. She's reached her limit of niceness for her mother in law.

"Good evening Nancy," she says as she comes into the kitchen.

"Good evening Olivia," Nancy says with utter disdain.

"How was Jake's day today? How was his therapy?"

"Do you care?" Nancy says. "Do you care at all about my son?"

"What?" Liv says but she looks over to see there's an envelope with papers out. She can see what they are. "Did you open my mail?" Liv says.

"You shouldn't have had it delivered here."

"Excuse me Nancy! This is my damn house. I can have mail delivered here. You had no right to open it," Liv says angrily as she goes over to pick up the divorce papers. She's beyond angry. She asked them to have them couriered to the office and they screwed it up.

"Excuse you for wanting to divorce my son when he's recovering from an accident. What kind of a woman are you?"

"You had no right Nancy. This was private business."

"I have to protect my son," Nancy answers.

"From what? From me, the woman he cheated on. I needed protection. Where were you to tell your son what he did was wrong."

"You had an abortion," Nancy throws in her face.

"Which was my right to have. Every day that you've been here I see more and more why that decision was a good one. I wouldn't want my child growing up around you," Liv claps back.

"My son knows," Nancy says.

"Knows what?" Liv responds.

"That the papers are here," Nancy answers.

"Well of course he does. You are a nosy woman with no business of your own," Liv says. She is walking with the papers, she stops and turns around. "I want you out by morning."

"What?" Nancy answers.

"You have to move out. I let you live here because I did it for Jake. I knew you would help him along with the nurse and I owed him that much. It is still our house until the divorce is finalized. But I don't owe you a damn thing. I never have. I want you out."

"I can't leave until Jake is better," Nancy announces.

"You have to go. He has a few more weeks here and I will just hire 2 nurses if I have to. But I won't have you here. You've invaded my privacy in more ways than one after bombarding your way in here. That's it," Liv says.

"My son is here," Nancy says.

"Thanks to you, he's here. But you have to go. I've put up with your remarks. I've put up with your judgements and your stares."

"Those papers prove I have a reason to judge you."

The nurse comes down the stairs, realizing that she walked in on something. "I am sorry, I just wanted to get him a snack."

"No, that's fine Audrey," Liv says as she gathers her things.

"Olivia, my son needs me here."

"He's doing much better. He doesn't need you here," Liv answers.

"Well, I think it should be his decision if I stay or go."

"Nancy, you are the reason he is the way he is. You spent more time babying him than letting him be a man. You can visit but only when I'm here. I'll find him a daytime nurse. I'll take off tomorrow to call for some daytime nurses but you have to go," Liv says as she takes her purse and the papers and starts upstairs.

Audrey is frozen in her spot. Nancy stops Liv, "It should still be Jake's decision."

"It's my house," Liv says as she continues up the stairs and goes to Jake's bedroom. She stands outside and looks at the divorce papers. She knocks, "Jake it's me."

"Come in," Jake says.

Liv goes in. She just takes a look at him. "Can I sit?" she says.

"Of course you can," Jake answers as he sees the papers in her hands.

"I don't know where to start," Liv says softly.

"It's okay Liv. You had already started the process."

"But your mother had no right to show you like that. She didn't have a right to do that to me or to you," Liv answers.

"My mom just wants to protect me," Jake says.

"I know that. Every parent wants to protect their child. But that was for me and for you to discuss. That was for me to bring to you. I know she hates me and I know she's probably called me every bitch there is. But we've been separated a year. We were either going to get back together or we weren't."

"Is she right tho?" Jake asks.

"Right about what," Liv says confusingly.

"That you don't want to fix our marriage because you are seeing someone else," Jake picks.

"Why is she filling your head with that?" Liv says nervously but confidently.

"I don't know," Jake answers.

"I know why. She is overbearing and pushy," Liv says getting up.

Jake watches her. She is still the most beautiful and sexy woman he'd ever seen. "I've always noticed how men looked at me with jealousy and looked at you with want in their eyes. You are gorgeous and sexy and smart. I had you and I fucked it all up."

Liv takes a deep breath. She turns to him, "Jake, it wasn't just you. We both messed up our marriage in different ways. I am sorry for that but you are right, you fucked up by cheating on me. I never should have kept that abortion from you. But, we weren't going to work. We never were in the long run."

Jake moves uncomfortably in his bed. "I want you to be happy Liv. I do. If I make you unhappy then I understand…."

Liv goes and sits by his bed. She takes his hand. "It's not that you make me unhappy. You were good, when you were good. The point is, I don't want to make you unhappy. I suppose my haze of Stephen and wanting to be happy, I made myself believe you and I were that answer and we weren't."

Jake studies her. He can see she's choosing her words carefully. "Unlucky for me your haze wore off."

"I am sorry Jake. I really and truly am.."

"I'm sorry that my cheating ultimately took you away from me."

Liv looks at him with those sad doe eyes, "I'm gonna let you rest. And I am sorry about your mother. I am sure she will tell you that we had words. I told her that her meddling into our marriage and how we end it is none of her business."

"I will talk to my mother, I promise."

"I asked her to move out in the morning. You might not like that idea but she can't stay here," Liv explains.

"I understand," Jake says. 'I will move out too. I understand if you want us both out."

Liv takes a breath, "You only have a few more weeks. You can stay." She looks at him. She's never seen him like this. She's never seen him this calm. She's never seen him this understanding.

"What's wrong?" He asks.

"You are so calm and so understanding. Is it the pain meds?" Liv jokes.

"No, it's just that I've had a lot of time to sit here and think. And a lot of women wouldn't have done what you did. I do appreciate it," Jake finishes.

"I did it for you but more so for me," Liv says. She gets up from her seat. She's ready to go out.

"Are you going to let me sign?" Jake says.

"Sign what?" She asks.

He points at the papers in her hands, "Those," he says.

"You can sign them before you leave. I don't want you to feel like me and your mother pushed this on you," she answers.

"No, I don't. I'll sign them," he says, reaching for the pen.

It's in that moment she feels like the worse person but she knows it's right. "Are you sure?"

"Yes I am," Jake answers. Liv hands him the papers. "I need a pen."

Liv doesn't have one. Tears begin to fall in her eyes. She's hurting for so many reasons. She can hear Whitney Houston in her head, Why Does it Hurt So Bad. "Jake," she says softly.

"It's okay. We are good," he says.

She finds a pen and hands it to him. He signs the lines. Liv watches as he does. He looks at her and she softly says, "Thank you."

"I'm sorry," he says.

Liv gets up with the papers, "I'm sorry too," she finishes. She walks out closing the door softly behind her. Nancy is coming up the stairs and stops when she sees Liv. Audrey is not too far behind.

"Is he okay?"

"He's fine Nancy," Liv says icy as she walks by her and goes into her room.

Liv goes into her room, putting the papers down. The ink is drying on their divorce and she's left feeling happy, relieved, free, sad, and hurt all in one. She sits on the side of the bed. For the first time she feels like she's catching her breath. She picks up the phone to call Abby, "Are you free?"

"Yep, I am." Abby says.

"I'll call Sonja. I need a real drink. Jake signed the papers."

"You are shitting me," Abby says.

"No, let's meet at Three Dots and Dash at 8pm," Liv says.

"Okay! Call Sonja," Abby answers.

Liv hangs up the phone, looking at Jake's signature on the papers. She takes a pen and she puts her signature on it. It's official. Now all she has to do is get them filed. She places them in the nightstand next to her bed. She takes a quick shower and changes her clothes. Sonja is in for drinks. Liv desperately needs this girls night.

She sends Fitz a text: I hope everything goes well tonight.

Fitz looks at the text and smiles. He responds: For you too.

She can't wait to tell him that Jake signed but she doesn't want to tell him in text. She wants to see his face. Of course, it's just an excuse for her. She wants to just see him.


Fitz is ready to leave his office. It's a little late but he wanted to have the weekend completely free. He got a text from Mellie saying she sent the kids to her parents for the night so they can have dinner and finally talk. He was relieved she decided she wanted to talk. He's gathering his papers. His office is small but it's all he needs. His secretary Jeanette buzzes in.

"Mr. Grant, your father is here," she says.

Fitz closes his eyes. He's in no mood for his father's judgments. Fitz already knows what his latter years will look like. He's just like his father in looks, stature and the Grant charm. But in personality Fitz is much softer and much more compassionate. Fitz shakes his head, "Send him in."

Fitz just sits in his chair and waits for the hurricane that is his father. Big Gerry comes in, "I caught you."

"Lucky you," Fitz says sarcastically. Gerry takes a seat, "What brings you by dad?"

"Well, my son hasn't been talking to me. He talks to his mother and Uncle Cyrus more than me.I have to hear from his mother that he's asking his wife for a divorce," Gerry says.

"Okay," Fitz says.

"Why?" Gerry asks.

"Why what?" Fitz asks.

"Why are you trying to bust up your family? You are doing extremely well for yourself. You don't need this right now. You have two big deals on the table," Gerry says.

"How do you know about those?" Fitz asks.

"Son, I don't poke my nose in your business but I make sure the Grant name looks good. I keep tabs on people you are dealing with."

Fitz takes a deep breath, "I guess I should say thank you."

"You are my son! What else would I do? I know you think I am disappointed in you but I'm not. You didn't take the path I wanted but you continued the Grant name in a different way. And you are doing damn well," Gerry says.

Fitz is surprised by his dad's words, "Have you been drinking dad?"

"No, I haven't had my nightly two glasses of scotch yet," Gerry jokes.

"Mom sent you to play nice," Fitz says. He can't wrap his head around Gerry being this nice and accepting of his choices.

"No, she just told me that I needed to be less business like with you and more fatherly like with you. I suppose she's right. You are my namesake. I want you to be proud of that and me," Gerry says.

"I am making the Grant name proud, believe me. I have to divorce Mellie. I am just not happy and I'm just not….I am just not in love with her," Fitz says.

"I just don't want you to regret your choices. You have a beautiful little family. Be sure this is the right thing," Gerry says.

"I am positive this is the right thing," Fitz says.

Gerry gets up, putting his hands in his pocket just like Fitz, "Do you want to go for a drink?"

"I have to meet Mellie for dinner. She wants to talk," Fitz says. "I wanted to talk to her. There's no good time to tell your wife you want a divorce."

"No I suppose there isn't," Gerry says as he starts out of the door. He turns to Fitz, "Tell me something. Is she worth this big leap of faith?"

Fitz realizes that his mother must have told him the whole story, "Yes, I believe she is."

"Then do what you have to do. I know you will do the right thing," Gerry says as he pats his shoulder.

"Thanks," Fitz says.

Gerry stops, "Please come have dinner with me and your mom so I can stop hearing her say you are too busy for now."

"I will come by tomorrow. I may be asked to leave tonight anyway," Fitz jokes. Jeanette looks confused.

"All is fair in love and war," Gerry says getting on the elevator.

Jeanette looks at Fitz, "Is everything okay sir?"

"Yes!," Fitz answers as he goes back into his office to gather his things.

"I think I am going to head out if that's okay," Jeanette asks.

"Yes, have a good weekend!" Fitz says as he stops and stares at her.

"Sir," she says.

"You know I don't leave you in the office by yourself. Tom is gone and Marcus is out. You have to go," Fitz says. He's always the protector of his office and always gentlemen.

She just smiles. She gets her purse and they both leave.


Liv, Sonja, and Abby are sitting at their table. They are filling up on appetizers and drinks.

"I can't believe he signed it," Abby says.

"Me either! I would be afraid the sky was falling," Sonja jokes.

"Well, he said he didn't want me to be unhappy. And to be honest, he knows how much I've been fighting with his mother."

"I can't believe that old wretch had the nerve to open your mail," Abby says.

"I tried to be as nice as I could. I tried to be as nice and civil as I could while I was asking her to move out."

Sonja shakes her head. "I am so damn proud of you. I don't know how you ever put up with her. You are way too nice."

"I made a conscious decision to tolerate her," Liv explains.

"You are way too nice," Sonja repeats.

"Too fucking nice," Abby echoes.

Liv laughs and then stares into the distance. She zones into her water lapping outside the window.

"Liv you okay," Sonja says.

"I'm good. I guess I'm trying to let it sink in. I honestly didn't think he would sign so easy either," Liv says.

"Have you told Fitz?" Abby says.

"I texted him and told him I wanted to talk to him. He said he's going to tell her tonight," Liv says.

"Ask her for the divorce," Sonja says.

"Yes! Somehow I don't think this is going to go as easy for him," Liv suggests.

"Why do you think that?" Abby asks.

"She came to see me today. She wanted me to take them back as clients. I told her I couldn't but she was nearly begging me to. She said she didn't like who I referred them to. She felt I knew them better and could help them more."

"That must have been one hell of an awkward conversation," Sonja says.

"Yeah, it was. I am standing there trying in the most professional way possible to tell her why I had to do what I was doing. And then she told me she was scared there was someone else and that's why he wants out of the marriage," Liv reveals.

"And what did you say?" Abby says.

"I told her she should talk to her husband about their problems and I am no longer their therapist."

"I suppose that was professional enough under the circumstances," Sonja responds.

"I still can't believe you two spent the night together and didn't spend the night together," Abby says.

"Abby, it was a beautiful night."

"You had that very sexy, well endowed man with his arms wrapped around you in bed all night and you watched a movie."

"And she wore his shirt," Sonja adds.

"Would you two shut up?"

"No, I am serious. How did you actually practice abstinence?" Abby asks.

"I don't want to be Jake. I don't want to be the people that come into my office every day. You know, a husband cheating on his wife or a wife cheating on her husband. I shouldn't be a marriage therapist if I am guilty of the same problems," Liv explains.

"But you want to screw him don't you?" Sonja asks.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't. I would be lying if I said I wasn't wildly attracted to him because I am. But I just can't," Liv answers.

Abby speaks up, "You can't or you won't."

"It's not about what I want. It's about what's right," Liv says. They start to work on their second bottle of wine.

Sonja looks at Abby, "$500 they can't hold out. Her panties are soaked for him."

"Would you two pipe down? Everyone can hear you. And I can't believe you would take a bet out on me."

Abby looks at Sonja, "You are on."

"You are both going to lose that bet," Liv says.

"We will see," Abby says. "We will see."

Liv smiles. "By the way, my panties are dry as we speak," Liv announces as she laughs.

Sonja and Abby burst out into laughter.


Fitz makes it home and he changes into something more comfortable. Mellie has gotten take- out from one of their favorite restaurants. She has everything set up at the table for them. He called her and told her he would be home a little late.

She's sitting at the table waiting on him. "You made it," she says.

"I'm sorry. I didn't expect my dad to show up," Fitz says as he looks at the perfectly set table in front of him.

"That's okay! We have all night to talk," Mellie says as she pours him some wine.

"Mellie we really need to talk," Fitz says.

Mellie smiles, "We certainly do," she says happily. She can see that Fitz is anxious. "You should go first."

"No, you should," Fitz says.

"You go," Mellie insists.

Fitz takes a deep breath. He feels like he's been doing that a lot today. "I know things have been strained. And I know you wanted to do these therapy sessions to help us but they aren't going to help us Mellie."

"It will help us if you stop fighting it."

"I am not fighting it Mellie. I just can't lie to you. I can't keep putting our family through this," Fitz pleads.

"Putting our family through therapy. I would think that's a good thing. We are trying to save our marriage. I know you think you aren't in love with me. We just need time to put our family together. We need to work at it," Mellie forces.

"Mellie, I can't do it. I am not in love with you. I can't keep faking that. In the end I am hurting our family by faking this."

"You will learn to be in love with me Fitz. You have to," Mellie says delusionally.

Fitz shakes his head. He sits back in his chair. "Mellie do you see how utterly ridiculous that is. I shouldn't have to learn to be in love with you. I already should be."

"You know what I learned in law school. I learned to never give up," Mellie says.

"You have to know when it is time to let go Mellie. I want a divorce," he says as he puts the envelope with the papers on the table. "We owe it to our family to do what's right for it."

Mellie looks at the envelope. She knows what it is. "That's not what I think it is, is it?"

"You know what it is," Fitz answers.

"Are you having an affair?" Mellie finally asks point blank.

Fitz takes a gulp. His chest tightens from the immediate anxiety that comes with the question. He's not having an affair but there is someone else. "Mellie, I am not having an affair," he answers.

"I never thought you would be the kind of man to do this," Mellie says, which she knows tugs at his guilt.

"What kind of man am I?" Fitz asks.

"You are a man that takes care of his family. You don't do things to hurt your family," she answers.

"That's why I am doing this. I am doing this to take care of my family so I won't hurt them. I don't want to hurt you or my kids."

"So divorcing me won't hurt your kids," she asks.

"You know what our daughter asked me a few days ago. She asked if we were going to be like Molly's parents," Fitz explains. Mellie is surprised by his admission. "I told her that no matter what we would love her, whether we were like Molly's parents or not. Our kids aren't stupid Mellie," he finishes.

"She really said that," Mellie says surprised.

"Yes she did. If she can see it. I am sure Gerry can see it. I don't want our children growing up with parents who are tolerating each other just for the sake of them. They'll know how miserable we are."

"I have never failed at anything in my life Fitz. I won't fail at this," Mellie says pushing the papers back.

Fitz gets up. He walks over to the island. He leans on and looks at Mellie, "We didn't fail Mellie. We are only going to fail if we try to hold on to what's dead."

"I'm pregnant Fitz," Mellie says.

Fitz just stares at her. It doesn't register at first. He looks up at Mellie in shock and disbelief. She couldn't have said what she just said. "What did you say?"

"I said I'm pregnant," Mellie repeats.

Fitz's state of calm has turned into a storm in his head, "How?"

"Fitz," she says as if his question was ridiculous because they both know it is.

"I know how. I just mean when," Fitz says calmly.

"That night in the car when we came back from the session," she answers.

"I thought," Fitz says.

"I was on the pill. This happens."

"When did you find out?" He asks. His heart is sinking into the pit of his stomach. This is the worst possible news. A child is not bad news. A child is a blessing but this is something he can't explain right now.

"Today! I found out today. The doctor said about 4 weeks." Mellie explains.

Fitz is now in a sweat. He goes to the fridge and opts for a beer that he needs to drown himself in immediately. The wine is not going to help him at this moment, "4 weeks," he says.

"I was shocked. Then I was happy. I mean maybe this is a sign," Mellie says as she gets up walking over to him.

Fitz pulls another beet. He turns to Mellie, "A sign."

"Yes, a sign. Maybe this baby is a new beginning for us."

"Mellie," he says strained.

"I know. I know. We didn't plan on this but…maybe just maybe life had another plan for us. This is a gift to us," Mellie says, taking his hand. "Say something Fitz. I know it's a shock but we will be fine."

"We won't be fine Mellie. Don't you get that?" Fitz asks.

"I know this is a lot to process. I was shocked too. I guess I am still in shock but it's going to be okay."

He looks at Mellie and down at her stomach. "I need to take a drive."

"What?" She says.

"I need to take a drive," he says again. "I'll be back in a little bit," he finishes as he gives her a comforting kiss on the cheek. He knows he can't be a dick and treat her poorly. Not right now.

"What about dinner?" She says.

"I'm not hungry right now. I'll be back," he says getting his jacket.

He sits in his car and thumps on the wheel repeatedly, "Damn," he says. Right as he says this, a text from Liv comes through.

Liv: You were right earlier. We need to see each other sooner rather than later. I know I shouldn't text you that but I am a little drunk so my filter is gone. Also, I want to hear your voice.

Fitz looks at the phone. His heart hurts. How is he going to tell her this? How is he going to explain it? He can't even explain it to himself. To add more pain to his aching heart, she sends one more text.

Liv: Jake agreed to the divorce. He signed the papers.

He shakes his head looking at her words. "How am I going to fix this?" he says as he stares at the phone. He calls her number, waiting for her to pick up.

"Thank you," she answers.

"For what?" He smiles. He's just as happy to hear her voice.

"For letting me hear you voice," she answers.

"I wanted to hear your voice just as much," he responds.

"How did it go?" Liv asks.

"I need to see you. We need to talk," Fitz says.

Liv waits. She thinks he's going to say more but he doesn't. "I don't like the sound of that. Is something wrong?"

"Not exactly. Can you meet me somewhere so we can talk? I really need to see you. I really need to talk to you."

Liv looks at her watch. "Yes, but you can't come here. How about my friend Abby's house?"

"Will she be okay with it?"

"I think she will. I'll text you the address," Liv says.

"Sounds good. I'm on the way," he answers as they hang up.

Liv calls Abby, "I need your help," Liv says to her.

"What's up? Did you make it home okay?"

"Yes! But Fitz needs to talk to me and it sounds serious and we can't meet here."

"Sure, your extra bedroom is always available," Abby answers.

"Thanks Abby, I really do owe you one."

Liv gets dressed and lets Audrey know she has to go to Abby's. The drive over there is agonizing. She wonders, what does Fitz want? What is going on? Did he change his mind? Whatever the case she will know soon enough.

Fitz rushes out like a bat out of hell. He gets a ticket on the way. He wonders how he will make Liv understand that this is not the end. It's just a roadblock. Will she see it that way? Or will she just give up on the dream that is being deferred.


Well now it really gets complicated. Have no fear! It will work itself out...