Liv makes it over Abby's. She has to admit she's worried about why Fitz wants to talk to her but she wants to keep her thoughts positive. But her gut is telling her that something is wrong. Her gut is telling her that something is about to change their situation.
Abby opens the door, "What is going on?"
"I don't know. Fitz called me and told me he needed to talk to me and I could tell it was serious. I couldn't think of a safe place to go but here. I'm sorry," Liv has been talking at a fast pace.
"No problem! I wouldn't want to talk to him around her either. She already thinks you are cheating on Prince Jake," Abby says sarcastically. "You want something to drink," Abby asks.
Liv sits on the stool behind Abby's island. "I don't think I can drink right now. My stomach is in knots."
"Come on Liv, you don't know what it is going on. Maybe he wants to whisk you away to some romantic place and make love to you all day and night," Abby suggests.
"Somehow I don't think that is it," Liv says sadly.
"Well, if I have to kick his ass. I will kick his ass with my long and slender foot," Abby says as she gives Liv a bottle of water. "How about some popcorn?"
"Now that sounds perfect," Liv says as she kicks her shoes off.
"The sheets are clean on the bed," Abby says randomly.
"What?" Liv says turning her neck quickly to Abby.
"I am just saying. I put brand new bedding in there this weekend. In case you decide to christen it," Abby says with a smirk.
"He is not coming here for sex. I think he would have asked me to meet him at a hotel for that."
"It's when you don't plan sex that it is the best. Leo and I never plan sex when we grab a quicky in my office or in his car. It's the best. Unplanned sex in a bedroom is not so bad," Abby reveals.
"You and Leo have sex in your office."
"As if you've never had sex in your office."
"I am proud to say, I've never had sex in my office. I have a secretary who would hear it."
The popcorn has finished popping and Abby pours it in a bowl for Liv, "Damn shame then. It's something about office sex that very exhilirating."
Just then, the desk security guard buzzes in. "Ms. Whelan, there is a Mr. Grant here to see you."
"Send him up! Thanks so much Chuck!"
Liv lets out a deep breath, "Here we go!"
"Don't worry about it. Everything will be fine."
"Tell that to my insides," Liv answers as she puts a handful of popcorn in her mouth. A couple minutes later there is a knock at the door.
Abby opens, "Well hello," she says. "Come on in." She says as she opens the door wider, letting Fitz in. His eyes light up when he sees Liv sitting there.
"Hi," he says.
"Hi," she whispers. She's so happy to see him. It feels like it has been months even though it hasn't.
He walks over to her. He turns and looks at Abby, before he can say something, "Go ahead and kiss her. I know all about it. I'm her best friend."
Fitz laughs, relieved, as he reaches down and gives Liv a soft kiss on the lips, "Mmm salty on sweet lips."
Liv giggles, "You taste good too," she answers with a smile and pierces his heart to know this is going to hurt her.
Abby watches this interaction. She can see it. She can see in their eyes. Abby clears her throat, "Now that we've gotten the pleasantries out of the way. I am Abby Whelan and you are Fitzgerald Grant. It is very nice to meet you and see what the fuss is all about."
Fitz blushes, "Someone's been fussing about me," he smiles widely looking at Liv.
"All nice..," Liv teases as they stare at each other. Liv knows they can't put it off. "Abby has an extra bedroom. We can go in there and talk."
"Okay," Fitz says as Liv steps off of the stool. Liv reaches out her pinky finger, linking with his as he walks behind her.
Abby peeks as they walk down the hall, "They are in serious need of sexual healing," Abby says.
They get to the room and close the door. Liv stays planted with her back on the door as she holds her hand behind her and on the knob.
"I'm nervous," Liv says.
"I am nervous too," Fitz says. He doesn't know where to start. "Would you please come sit next to me?"
"Will I regret it?" Liv asks.
Fitz doesn't know how to answer, "Please do it for me."
Liv lets go of her grip on the door and walks over sitting next to him. Her gut is right and she knows it. "What happened? What's wrong?"
Fitz takes a deep breath, "I asked for the divorce," Fitz says.
"Okay…," Liv answers. "I know it's not a pleasant subject but you look anything but relieved."
"It wasn't pleasant," Fitz answers.
"She's not going to give up without a fight. Mellie is all about accomplishments. Her marriage failing doesn't work into her plan," Liv says.
Fitz grabs Liv's hand, "I don't want you to give up on me," he says.
"I'm not," Liv says confusingly. She looks in his eyes. She can see the fear and the pain all rolled into one. "Should I give up on you?"
"I am going to figure this out. I am going to figure it out," he says now squeezing her hand.
Liv turns to him, caressing his face, "Figure out what Fitz," she pleads.
"How to deal with this?" Fitz is talking in circles. He doesn't know how to say it.
"Now I'm really nervous," Liv answers. She now moves away from him.
Fitz rests his elbows on his thighs as he drops his head, "She's pregnant," he says so low she can barely hear him.
"What?" Liv says.
He keeps his head dropped, "She's pregnant." He says louder.
Liv just stares at him, "I guess congratulations are in order," Liv says with a deep breath.
"Liv," Fitz says as he turns to her.
"Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe this will save your marriage," Liv says getting up going to the window.
He doesn't know if he should hold her. If he should assure her everything will be fine. "Liv, I asked for her the divorce tonight before she told me. This doesn't change anything. I have to get out of my marriage. Baby or no baby."
Liv shakes her head looking out of the window, "You are a good man Fitz. You won't walk away, not now and I certainly wouldn't ask you to."
"I don't even know if it is mine. Like you said, I know she'll do anything to make this marriage work," Fitz says.
"I don't think Mellie has been cheating on you," Liv says, never turning to him.
"Livvie," he says and it's like he yanked her heart out when she hears him say it. "Please look at me."
"When did it happen?" She asks.
"What?"
"When did it happen?" Liv repeats.
Fitz is now standing, with his hands planted in his pockets. "She says she thinks she's about 4 weeks. I don't know if she's been to the doctor. I was so surprised. I just had to get out there to breathe for a second."
She turns to him, "Pity sex," she figures out.
"It was after our session when I basically told her I wasn't in love with her. We drove back home. We were in the garage and she basically jumped me. She wanted us to get the spontaneity back. She thought if we spiced up our marriage it would make everything okay. I just felt so bad that I had to admit the things I did in that session that I didn't want to reject her on top of that. I know it was a bad decision."
"You are a compassionate man. It's rare. It's attractive and it's a trait you should never lose," Liv answers.
"Is it going to be the reason I lose you before we even have a chance?"
"Fitz, you need to take care of your family. I won't stop you from doing that."
"I need to fight for you too," he says walking closer to her. She turns away from him again.
"You should go," Liv says.
"Not yet! Not until we figure out what we are going to do."
Liv turns around. She's trying to stop the tears from falling because she knows if she starts she won't stop. "What is there to figure out? Your wife is pregnant and you can't leave, not now."
"My wife is pregnant and I asked her for a divorce. I need some answers from her. I just couldn't do it tonight. I couldn't."
"Well, you should have done that instead of calling me," Liv says. Now she's just upset and she's snapping at him.
"I wanted you to know what happened. I didn't want to keep you guessing," Fitz says. He can tell she's upset and frustrated.
"Well, you need to get home to her," Liv pulls away.
"I can still be a father to my child, my children…," He starts to say and Liv won't let him finish.
"And still be with me. How?," she says.
"Liv, just give me some time. Let me figure this all out. I know this was a bomb that dropped on both of us but it doesn't mean it has to ruin everything."
"Fitz, if you leave your wife while she's pregnant and down the road we are dating. Do you know how she will feel? Do you know what she will think? She may be delusional when it comes to marriage but she can put 2 + 2 together and make 4."
"So, what does this mean?" Fitz says.
"This means after tonight we go our separate ways. You go to your family and I move forward with my life. That is the smart thing to do before we both get hurt….before we fall in…" She stops herself, not wanting to say it out loud. If she says it out loud it will be real. She knows it's real but she can't let it be.
"Before we fall in love," Fitz finishes. "You can't stop that Livvie. I have been falling in love with you for months. That's why I can't just let this be how it ends."
"Mother nature had the last say," Liv concedes. Fitz can see it in her eyes. He can see she's walking away and there is no coming back.
"She was on the pill. She is on the pill. I have to figure this out."
"People have gotten pregnant on the pill Fitz," Liv says.
"I know Liv. I'm just trying to make sense of it all," Fitz says.
"It's easy. The bird and the bee had sex and in 9 months the stork is going to drop off a baby. I think we know how it goes," Liv sarcastically.
He's now in her space. He grabs her waist and she tries to break free, "Would you listen to me?'
"Let me go," she says. "We don't have anything to talk about."
He gets close to her lips. He's pulled her so close. She couldn't break free, even if she wanted to. "I'm not leaving until you tell me we can figure it out."
She shakes her head, closing her eyes. She can't look at him. "Let me just remember the small things we shared and let that be special. We have some stolen moments that will always be ours to share. No one can take that from us," she explains.
"We don't have stolen moments. Every moment we had was destiny. You are my destiny. I just need you to wait for me."
"No," she says turning her face away.
"Yes," Fitz answers.
"No," she says again.
"Fitz this hurts too much and it shouldn't."
He brings her face and lips to his, "It hurts me too. That's why I had to come to you."
"Now you need to go to her," she closes her eyes and there it is. There's those tears she was so damned determined to not let fall.
Seeing her cry hurts him even more. He put those tears there. He starts to kiss her tears away as he moves up her cheek. "Don't cry," he says between kisses as he works both cheeks.
"Fitz," she whispers, "Please."
"Don't cry," he whispers again as he kisses the last tear stain and he slowly brings his lips to hers. She tries to resist the feel of his lips but she can't. She parts her lips slowly letting his tongue slowly slide into her mouth. The warmth of his tongue. The taste of his tongue on hers is the taste she's been craving since they DC. They both begin to moan into each other which makes the heat of their kiss that much more intense. They chase each other's tongue as they tug each other's lips. It's encompassing. It's taking their breath away. Their hands are now roaming each other's bodies as he pushes her against the wall. She can't get enough and she's now giving up. He pins her arms above her so their bodies are kissing each other.
Fitz begins to travel down her body. He places his lips down her neck slowly, "Fitz," she whispers. The little t-shirt she's wearing is begging for him. Her nipples are hard and ready.
"Don't say no," Fitz says as he slowly moves his lips inside the cup of her bra, kissing and sucking her nipple slowly.
"I can't," she breathes with her eyes closed as her fingers rake his hair.
He moves over to the other nipple and starts traveling down her stomach as his lips land on the belly button. He starts to easy her sweatpants down with such ease. She lifts her legs quickly to get them off and he finally does. He drops to his knees, lifting her leg over his shoulder. "I want you," he says. Liv is moaning. He kisses the inside of her thigh. He is ready to take off her panties.
"Fitz no," Liv says, "We can't!" She says it out of breath. Her chest rising and falling rapidly.
He looks up at her, his eyes are hooded and smoky with need. "Why not?"
"Because I'm not yours and you're not mine. We have to face that," she says, dropping her legs from his shoulder.
"That's not a stolen moment. This is us right here. This is real," Fitz says as he gets off his knees. He holds her face.
"You have to go before we do something we'll both regret," Liv answers.
"I will never regret it," Fitz answers as they stand and just look at each other to be a lifeline. He can tell she's not going to break, at least right now. "I'll go but it's not over," Fitz says as he goes toward the door. He turns to her, "You want me as much as I want you."
"Fitz," she answers. "Don't make this any harder than it is. Just go back home to your wife."
"I'll wait for you. I'll watch for you. One day, soon, you are going to come to me and say you are ready and on that day, I'll be ready too, Sweet Baby," Fitz says. He stares into her beautiful eyes one more time. He turns the knob and leaves.
Liv licks the taste of him off her lips and she sits down on the bed. She wants to run after him and tell him everything will be okay but she won't do it. She doesn't want to lie to herself.
Abby stands in the doorway. "I was hoping when this door opened the bed would be messed up and smell of good sex. But, from the look on his face and yours that's not even a possibility."
"No, it's not. I guess you and Sonya better settle your bet."
Abby can tell her friend needs a friend right now. "What happened Liv?'
"It's over. We broke up and we weren't even together," Liv says.
"Bullshit," Abby answers. "I saw you in that kitchen. I've never seen you like that. Even with Stephen, you didn't look like that."
"What are you talking about?"
"I saw you with Stephen and yes you were very happy but there is a twinkle in your eye that I don't recognize when Mr. Grant looks at you. When he smiled at you. I saw your heart. That sad man that just left here is the one and you are letting him slip away. You better have a damn good reason," Abby says.
Liv looks up at her, "His wife is pregnant," Liv answers with tears in her eyes.
Abby plops down on the bed, "Oh shit," she says as Liv lays on her shoulder. "Well that's a good reason or maybe not," Abby answers.
"Abby," Liv says.
"I am just saying, you said he was asking for the divorce. So, she's pregnant. He can still be a dad."
"I wouldn't want that Abby. I wouldn't feel good about it at all. I wouldn't want to be the person to take a father away from his unborn child no more than taking a husband away from his wife," Liv's eyes are filled with tears.
"Everything is gonna be okay Liv. It will be," Abby says
Liv drops her head and the tears drop, "My heart is and I don't know why," she says as she rests her head on Abby's shoulder.
"Your heart is broken because you fell for him," Abby answers.
"Well jokes on me," Liv answers as she cries and Abby holds her friend until she falls asleep exhausted from her own tears.
One Week Later:
Mellie and Fitz are sitting in the doctor's office. They got the first appointment they could. Mellie took another pregnancy test while Fitz watched. Both tests came out positive. He didn't want to be that guy to ask that question that is sure to send a wrecking ball down any relationship. But the question was eating away at him. The doctor comes in.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Grant. I was very surprised to see you two on the appointment book for possible pregnancy," Dr. Hill says.
"I was surprised to be making the call myself," Mellie says with that signature giggle.
"So the notes say you just felt a little nauseous in the morning and you weren't quite sure and you took two pregnancy test and both positive," Dr. Hill says.
"Yes! We thought we needed to be sure. I mean I am 38 years old it is possible it could be something else. I know."
"Nice to see you again Fitz," Dr. Hill says. He can tell that there is a distance in Fitz's eyes that wasn't there when he was in that very chair for Gerry and Karen.
"Nice to see you again too Dr. Hill," He answers.
"Well, we definitely need to get you on the table and do an examination so we can be sure."
"This would be amazing for us," Mellie says. "Fitz is a little frightened about being a daddy again at nearly 40 but we will be fine."
"And you think you are about 4 or 5 weeks," Dr. Hill asks.
"That's the nearest date I can think back to based on my calculations," Mellie answers.
"Let's take a look. Each pregnancy is different so you experience the symptoms differently. Sometimes you experience symptoms very early and it appears you are but let's get you in with a change of close and we can take a look," The doctor says getting and going out to get the nurse.
Mellie looks over at Fitz, "Fitz you okay," Mellie says. She already knows the answer.
"Mellie, we are possibly pregnant again. That wasn't exactly in our plans. Definitely not in my plans," Fitz says.
"Fitz, we may have made another life. We should be happy about it. Not looking like it is the end of the world."
"Mellie," Before he can say what he wants to say the nurse comes in.
"Are you ready Mrs. Grant," the nurse says.
"I am ready," Mellie says, jumping up excited.
"Mr. Grant, you can just follow us," she says as Fitz gets up, taking a deep winded breath and following.
Mellie changes into her clothes and the nurse helps her get on the stirrups on the table. They are waiting for the doctor to come back in. Mellie reaches her hand out for Fitz. Fitz grabs her hand. The doctor comes and begins his examination.
"Let's see here," Dr. Hill says. He's rubbing the wand over her stomach. "Judging on your cervix, you are right Mrs. Grant. You are about 5 weeks pregnant."
"We are pregnant Fitz," Mellie says happily. She can see the immediate dread that has come over Fitz's face.
"And there is the little gestational sac on the screen we are looking for. There's definitely a little baby in there," the doctor finishes.
"It would make your conception date around Labor Day weekend," the doctor finishes.
Fitz drops his head, he knows it's the weekend they went away. "Labor Day Weekend," he repeats.
"Congratulations are definitely in order," Dr. Hill finishes.
Fitz knows he needs to ask the necessary questions, "Does everything look okay?" He asks.
"Everything so far looks good. We will know more when she comes in for her 8 week check. We will have a clearer picture of any rising problems," He answers.
"I hope it's another girl," Mellie says.
"I am sure Mr. Grant may want another Grant man in the household," Dr. Hill jokes.
"Thank you doctor! I'll definitely need some help around the house," Fitz tries to laugh.
"Well, let's get you cleaned up. Make you an appointment for the next 3 weeks. You definitely need to get started on your prenatal medicine. So we will get your prescriptions for those," he announces.
"Thank you so much Doctor! Thank you so much," Mellie says.
"Thank you Doctor," Fitz says, extending his hand.
"I will send in the nurse. Congratulations again," Dr. Hill says as he exits.
Fitz just stands there in shock not just from the news but that he was so stupid. He knew he shouldn't have had sex. He knew the weekend wasn't going to change anything. But he's been feeling so guilty for wanting to hurt her, he's given in and now he's paying the price. He turns around to find Mellie rubbing her stomach. She hasn't gotten dressed yet.
"Mellie you need to get dressed," Fitz says.
"I know. I just can't believe it," Mellie says as she gets up and starts to get dressed. "Thank God we have a large house. It will be easy to convert a room into a nursery," She says as she puts on her clothes.
The nurse comes in, "Would you like to have photos of your first ultrasound?"
"Definitely! This is our miracle baby of sorts. We want a snapshot every moment," Mellie says.
"I will get those for you," the nurse says.
"Thank you," Fitz says softly.
"Thank you," Mellie answers.
They get the prescription and make the appointment. They leave and Mellie is nearly walking on a cloud and Fitz is just the opposite. He's walking in sorrow. They drive home in not silence but amped up infused excitement from Mellie. She's going a mile a minute. Fitz is trying to figure out what he is going to do. This is the worst possible news at the worst possible time.
Liv is working in her office. She is closing up her day. April is filing some papers when Liv hears her office door open. She hears April speaking.
"Hi sir! We are closing for the day," April says.
Liv steps out into the doorway to see Curtis standing there. "What in the world are you doing here?"
"Your brother said that someone broke my Mamacita's heart and I had to come do something about that."
"Curtis, you had to come all the way to Chicago," Liv says.
April is quite confused by the new male blood in the water. She knows something happened with Fitz but she doesn't want to ask any questions.
"Okay, to be honest. There is a convention here for car dealership owners. My father didn't want to go. They said Chicago and I figured it was the perfect excuse to come see you. Especially after Harrison told me," Curtis says.
"I am going to kill him for telling you about my personal life," Liv says as she comes closer. "April, this is Curtis," Liv says.
"Very nice to meet you," April says.
"The pleasure is all mine," Curtis flirts.
"You are still very ridiculous," Liv laughs.
"Can I take you to dinner?" Curtis asks.
"I thought you were here for a convention," Liv shakes her head.
"This was the last day for the convention. I have the whole weekend free. I wasn't planning on going back until Sunday. And well I have to eat."
"I supposed I could have dinner with you," Liv says.
"Too bad this is not DC. I could take you for a spin on my motorcycle. The riverwalk here is nice. The feel of the wind hitting you," he says.
"You don't have to sell me on it," Liv says. "Be nice to get out of my head for a few hours. And where are we going?"
"I found this spot by my hotel that we went to for lunch during the convention called Mezcalina. It was really good. I'm really interested in the dinner menu and it's right by the water. I figure you'd like that my little mermaid," Curtis explains.
"Sounds good," Liv says going through the mounding messages on her desk that April hasn't given her yet. Most are from him but she can't bring herself to go there.
"Well let's go," He says. "You have to drive. I took an uber."
Liv laughs, "Let me get my things and we can go," Liv says going back into her office. April follows right behind her.
"Who is that?" April asks.
"He was my boyfriend in high school. We broke up my senior year when he did something really stupid. My parents said I couldn't see him anymore. He's a good guy, in his own way," Liv says as she's gathering her things.
"Well he is certainly cute. He's no Mr. Grant but he's cute," April says.
Liv's face immediately turns sad, "No, he's no Mr. Grant," she says.
"Can I be nosy and ask what happened? I mean I am not really asking. I am dying to know," April says.
"We decided that it was best we go our separate ways. That's all!" Liv answers.
"I don't believe it," April says but I won't pry.
"Yes, do not pry," Liv says. "Can you lock up?" Liv asks.
"Sure! Have a good time!," April says as she watches Liv leaves. She sits back at her desk and her phone rings. "Dr. Olivia Pope's office," she answers.
"April is she there?" Fitz says.
"Mr. Grant, honestly, she just left. She was going to dinner with a friend."
"Abby," Fitz says.
"No," she answers. "An old friend from DC," April answers.
"I know I shouldn't ask this but I will. Is he a short guy with black hair. Totally not her type."
"Yep, that's him!" April answers. Fitz just holds the phone. April finishes, "Word on the street is, they are going to a restaurant by the pier. I can tell you where if you like?"
Fitz just laughs and of course April tells him where. Fitz hangs up. Mellie comes into the kitchen.
"Can we go to Giordano's?" Mellie comes in asking.
"What?" Fitz says.
"I love their deep dish pizza and I have taste for it."
Fitz is immediately disappointed but, he caves, "Sure! I am sure we can get a table and the kids love it," Fitz says.
Mellie stops, "Fitz, I know we decided not to tell the kids about the baby until after the next ultrasound but shouldn't we tell them. I mean…"
"Mellie, you've been avoiding me all week. We still have to talk about the divorce," Fitz says.
"Well Fitz, I don't see the point of talking about a divorce that's not going to happen. There is no way you are still thinking about the divorce and I'm pregnant with your child," Mellie says.
"Mellie this baby is not going to fix our marriage. It's certainly not going to save it," Fitz says.
"This baby...don't you mean our baby," Mellie corrects him.
"We aren't doing our children any favors by staying married for the hell of it," Fitz says.
"The hell of it is I am pregnant Fitz. I am this close to becoming a partner. I am not particularly thrilled about getting my new office pregnant and alone. This baby really is our miracle," Mellie says.
"You are going to make partner," Fitz asks.
"I am this close," she says.
"That's great Mellie. You've always wanted that. I'm happy for you."
She walks over to him, taking his hand in hers. "I am happy for us. You've been by my side through all."
"Yes I have," Fitz says. "I am going to be here for you always. You are the mother of my children. I just can't be there as your husband anymore," Fitz tries to explain.
"You know why I win my cases Fitz," Mellie asks him.
"You are damn good at your job. I know why," Fitz says with frustration.
"Because I don't give up until I get my guy. That's important to me. Our marriage surviving this little crisis is important to me. Will it be hard making partner and having a baby at the same time, yes it will but...I was always good at a challenge."
Fitz goes to her, "Mellie our marriage shouldn't be a challenge. We should want to be married. We should want to be in our marriage because we are in love and we make it work."
"I am not signing those papers Fitz, not while our child grows inside my belly. I can't believe you would even ask me to."
"Mellie, do you love me?" Fitz asks.
"Of course I do, that's a stupid question," Mellie says.
"Are you in love with me? There's a difference," Fitz says.
"I told you, we can learn to be in love. Thanks to Olivia we realized what was wrong with our marriage. We realized what we need to fix and in time we will," she says moving to the stairs. "Gerry and Karen, come on, we are going out to Giordano's."
"I think Olivia made us realize we need to move on," Fitz answers.
"She made us realize we had work to do and we will do it. We will have time to bond over this child and bond with each other. This baby is a gift," Mellie says.
"Is it mine?" Fitz finally asks.
"Is what yours?" Mellie says.
"Is the baby mine?" Fitz asks again.
"You bastard! Of course it's yours," Mellie answers. They can hear the kids coming down stairs. "I'm going to forget you even asked me that question," Mellie says as she starts going up the stairs.
"I'm going to get the car ready," Fitz says.
Gerry and Karen come running down the stairs fast, "Please stop running," Mellie yells.
"Yes, stop running," Fitz says.
"Dad, can we go fishing this weekend?" Gerry asks.
"Yeah, if you want," Fitz says.
His kids are totally oblivious to the storm forming in their house and all the rain it is going to bring. All he knows is, this is going to be an uphill battle.
Liv and Curtis have been having a great time. It feels good to have a laugh. It's better than crying all week.
"So your marriage ended after 3 years and 1 kid. What happened there?" Liv says.
"Well, she wasn't you," Curtis says.
Liv laughs and blushes, "You always knew how to make a girl smile," Liv says. "No really, why didn't it work out?"
"I was stupid. She was good. She was good for me. I cheated on her. I don't even know why I did it. I guess I did it because I could," Curtis answers.
"Like most men, when they do," Liv answers.
"What about you? What happened with you and Jonah?" Curtis says.
"Jake," Liv says, cutting her eye.
"Whatever! What happened?"
"He cheated...and I married the wrong guy," Liv says plainly.
"I would have never cheated on you," Curtis proclaims.
"You cheated on your wife. Why are you so sure you would have never cheated on me?" Liv answers.
"She was and is very beautiful but she wasn't you. I supposed I should have fought your parents for you. Things would be very different."
"I suppose," Liv says, "But I think they did the right thing. I think it was the right thing and you got your life together finally. In a way, I enabled you."
"I was good to you," he says sexily.
"You will always be special to me. You were my first," Liv says.
Curtis studies her face, "And what about that dude that showed up at your parents house? I figure he's the competition if I want to get you back. What's his name?'
"It's not important," Liv says.
"He looked like he wanted to knock my teeth in when he walked up. He was very important," Curtis answers.
Liv dips her chip in the salsa, "Well, that book has closed so. He won't be bashing your teeth in."
"That's a shame. I love a good fight."
"You are still the biggest flirt in the world. Thank you," she says.
"For what?"
"Making me laugh," she answers. She takes his hand in hers. "Listen, I wish I was in a better place. I think my parents would accept you now. I need to be alone for a while and let my divorce become finalized. And I really need to come to terms with Stephen. He was murdered and that's something you get over."
"No, it's not. I heard about that. I am sorry," Curtis says.
"Thank you! But alone time is okay," Liv says trying to convince herself.
"That guy lives here in Chicago doesn't he?"
"Yes he does," she answers.
"I saw the determination in his eyes. He's never going to give up on you. If I lived here, I'd fight the pretty rich boy for you."
Liv giggles, "He's not a pretty boy. He is a very nice and accomplished man who happens to be good looking."
"So where is he?" Curtis asks.
Liv takes a breath, '"Right now, he's where he needs to be."
"What does that mean?"
"Enough about me..can you still salsa?"
"The question is, can you?" Curtis responds.
"Let's get on that floor so I can show you," Liv says as they go and dance.
The rest of the evening is talking and laughing about old times. Liv brings him back to his hotel and goes home. She goes into Jake's room to find him asleep. The nurse comes out of her room.
"The doctor says he can take the cast off his arm next week. He wants to move back home," Audrey says.
"He does," Liv says with surprise.
"Yes, he says it is time for him to go home," she finishes.
"If that is what he wants," Liv says.
"His mom was here today. I made sure your bedroom was locked and the mail was put away. It's on your bed," Audrey says.
"Thank you Audrey! I am going to go to bed. I am exhausted. I am glad he had a good day. I am sure he's excited about the arm cast."
"He was," she answers.
"Okay, well we will set up for it, for Monday. To get him moved back to his condo," Liv answers.
"Well, I am going to make sure he has what he needs by his bedside and I will turn in. Have a good night ma'am."
"You have a good night too Audrey," Liv responds as she leaves and goes to her room.
Liv takes a shower putting on Fitz's shirt that she never gave him back. She feels stupid doing it but she's done it every night since what happened at Abby's. It makes her feel better or maybe it makes her feel worse but it keeps her warm. Most of all, it keeps Fitz close.
She turns on the television to watch another sad movie that will probably make her cry. She can't find the right movie but Titanic is on. She decides that will do. She feels like she's sinking anyway. She's fallen in love with a man she can't have. She's divorcing her husband. And to top it all off, the man she thought she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with was snatched away. She feels like a shipping sinking in her own sorrow.
Her phone rings. She looks down to see Fitz. She's been turning her phone off every night. She wants to talk to him but she can't. She decides to answer.
"You can't call me," She answers.
"I can't call you," He says. "Why?"
"Because you can't," She answers.
"I haven't heard your voice in a week. The voice message doesn't count. I haven't kissed your lips in a week. I haven't held you. It has been agony for me." Liv doesn't react to his words. "Livvie," he says softly.
"It's been agony for me too," she says.
They both just sit in silence, Fitz finally breaks it, "I don't know what to do. I am going to figure this all out."
"There's nothing for you to do Fitz. Our situation is what it is. We can't change that."
"How was your date tonight?"
"What?" Liv says, confused.
"How was your date? He came all the way from DC," Fitz finishes.
"How did you know he was here?," Liv says as she stops realizing he must have talked to April. "Nevermind. My secretary is the most talkative woman in the world and it wasn't a date."
"He took you out to dinner didn't he?"
"Yes he did. We will always be friends," Liv defends.
"I suppose I'm in no position to control who you see," Fitz acknowledges.
"Yes. I think that would be out of your hands but this was an old friend."
"How serious were you two?"
"We started dating our sophomore year in high school until my first year of college. He was my first," she admits.
Fitz tries to act like he doesn't know, "Your first to do what," he says.
"You know what first," Liv says.
"I hate that he was."
"We didn't even know each other then. How can you hate the past?" Liv asks.
"I hate it because we didn't meet sooner. I should have been your first in all things," Fitz says and it melts her like butter.
"You were the first to do a lot of things but I'll never tell you what that is," Liv answers. She knows the mystery is going to drive him insane.
"I'm going to be your first. I am going to be your first in everything."
"Well that's impossible to be my first," Liv says shaking her head.
"You've never been loved the way you should. I am going to be the first to do it." Fitz is so sure of his words. He follows up with, "I am up for the challenge. Are you?"
"How is Mellie?" She asks. She knows it will bring them both back to the reality of it all. .
"She's fine. She is five weeks pregnant," Fitz says.
"Well, congratulations!" Liv says.
"I told her I still wanted the divorce," he says.
"What?"
"I asked her for the divorce before she told me she was pregnant. This doesn't change that our marriage is over Liv. I can't stay just because she's pregnant. Monetarily I can take care of my kids and emotionally I'll be there for my kids," he explains.
"What about physically? That's just as important."
"I'll be there. Whatever that looks like, I'll do it. But I refuse for my children to grow up in an unhappy home."
"Fitz, you don't want to regret any of your decisions," she pleads.
"The only thing I am going to regret is letting you go. I'm not going to let Curtis or anyone else steal my second chance. You are my second chance."
"Maybe it was a good thing all of this happened. Maybe your thoughts were skewed. Maybe your feelings were skewed by me being able to understand you better than your wife could. You now have a chance to understand each other. You don't want to ruin your marriage for no reason."
"Why did we come to you?" Fitz asks.
"To try and save your marriage," she answers quickly.
"Our marriage was already in trouble. This is the right decision. I just need you to trust me."
"I trust you, but I can't be with you. You can't be with me," Liv says.
"The other night when we kissed, how did you feel? When my lips traveled the roadmap of your luscious body, how did that feel?"
"Fitz," she says, shaking her head thinking about that moment.
"How did that make you feel?"
She looks down at his shirt. The irony of his words is reality around her body, "It made me feel like I had never been touched before and I never wanted you to stop."
"So, I truly was your first," He says. He knows the secret.
"Yes. You were…," she answers breathlessly just thinking about that moment.
"Just imagine when I…..,"
Before he can get the words out, Liv stops him. "The physical is obviously there for us but we can't confuse that with the things that's most important.:
"I told you, we are real. Every night when you lie in bed with my shirt you want it to be me," he reveals.
"How did you know?" she says quickly, shocked that he knows.
"You didn't give it back to me," He says.
"But how did you know I was wearing it?" She asks.
"I know you just like you know me. Because we let each other in. We can't stop now. "
"We have to Fitz. We have to do what's right. Goodbye," she says as she hangs up the phone quickly. She holds the phone close to her chest. She looks down at his shirt. He was right. She wants nothing more than to be with him. But she has to do what's right for both of them.
Fitz sits and holds his phone. He wants to dial her again but he knows she won't answer. He has to find a way out this box he put himself in before he loses everything. How is he going to do that?
There's more to the story...stay tuned!
