I hope readers aren't discouraged because of this chapter yall just have to remember that every chapter is important somehow. OLITZ ENDGAME always.


"Mmh," Fitz moaned, shifting over onto his back.

"I was wondering when you'd wake up." A sexy feminine voice said. She leaned over and kissed his lips before settling back beside him.

"I thought I dreamed you up," he said, cracking a small smile. "Jenny, what time is it?" The sun was barely in the sky, and it was a blu-ish grey shade.

Jenny glanced over her naked shoulder. "It's a little after 7 am, which is good because we should be getting up. You have a 9 o'clock at the bookstore in town." Jenny got out of bed and pulled her robe on, and tied the belt.

She was now in work mode. It's her responsibility to look out for Fitz while he's on tour. She's his handler, and although she isn't the first handler he's had, they definitely are closer than the others. Whenever he's on tour, the pair usually find themselves in the same bed by the end of a workday.

Fitz was still in bed, his head propped up by his forearm, smiling suggestively "how long were you planning this?"

Jenny had already retrieved her laptop from its case and began making moves. When he spoke up, she gave him a confused look. "I didn't; Jeff called and asked if I was available. But you've been here two weeks and have already found yourself in my bed. Did you plan that?" she stood to grab her blackberry.

Now Fitz is throwing the covers off his lower half and getting up. He circled his arms around her waist and whispered huskily, "I remember being invited in."

"And I stand by that; I enjoyed last night very much" she smiled with much enthusiasm. "But since we are back to being professionals…" she removed his hand from around her body. "I am off-limits until later."

Jenny is ten years older than Fitz, so it's easy for her to switch from pleasure to work. And clients were a no-no, but she couldn't resist the charm of Fitzgerald Grant. However, that isn't all she can't resist.

"Go to your room and get dressed, and we'll head out after breakfast."

"Ok, boss," He replied, then solemnly gathered his clothes and put them on. Once he fully dressed, he bid her a formal goodbye. He wouldn't want to break her rules.

Unbothered and now focused on the schedule for today, she didn't even so much as look up when the door slammed shut. Work mode trumped everything else, and she refused to be distracted any further.

Fitz often led with his heart, among other appendages. And even though this was their arrangement, Fitz's age prevented him from grasping that one important fact. Ultimately, he was a lust-struck teenager when it came to Miss Jennifer Miles.

When he got back to his room down the hall, he showered then dressed for today's event. Since today was a bookstore meet and greet, there wasn't any need to dress to the nine. So he threw on a pair of jeans and a casual white button-up and blazer.

A few minutes later, Jenny was at his door, knocking. "Fitz, let's go, or you won't have time to eat, and I don't wanna hear you complaining." She eerily had a way of sounding like a mother, and at times it was sexy, and other times, it was scarily reminiscent of his mother, Elizabeth.

"I'm 26- not 6. I know how to tell time." he snarked.

"Ok," she held her hands up in surrender, wondering what got him so annoyed.


Olivia was so occupied with her computer that she hadn't noticed her phone silently vibrating on the table beside her bed. It's Thursday afternoon, and she's working from home after explaining her situation to Mr. Jackson, her supervisor. He was considerably understanding and gave her the necessary days off, and days she could work from home. However, tomorrow she will need to be present for the board meeting.

The phone vibrated off the nightstand, and the thud caught her attention.

"Hello," Olivia answered after retrieving the device. "Yes,"

"Hello, Ms. Pope, I am just calling to deliver the good news. We sold the house today to the Mitchells, they are satisfied with their purchase, and I will fax over the signed paperwork."

"Thank you so much, and I greatly appreciate the call." Olivia was pleased as punch. This was the best news she'd gotten all week. She disconnected the call and quickly called her mother to relay the news.

"Hey, mama. I thought you'd be happy to know that we just finalized the sale. The house is officially someone else's problem."

"Thank Jesus," she exclaimed, Even though Olivia couldn't see her mother. She knew she was, pointing to the sky, smiling. "It's for the best, baby."

"Well, that's all I called for-"

"Oh wait, Livia. Your aunt Gina is coming down for the weekend, and I know she would love to see you. Do you think you'd be able to make it?" Maya asked.

"Um, how long is she staying for, because I have to work out of the firm tomorrow-"

"That's alright; you can just catch your flight afterward. She's flying in on Saturday morning,"

Maya was drowned out. Olivia was now contemplating the visit. She desperately wants to see her aunt because the last visit was over two years ago. Liv and her aunt are thick as thieves, so it's worth the trip. And besides, if she leaves Friday evening, she'll arrive the same night and be able to leave Sunday night and make it back before class on Monday.

"Livia, Livia, did you hang up."

Snapped from her thoughts, "No, I'm here, mama, and yes, I will come down for the weekend," Olivia replies.

"Good, so call us when you've arrived, and your father and I will pick you up from the airport."

"You sure? It's gonna be pretty late when I get there."

"Yes, Livia, don't forget to call me tomorrow. Goodnight, baby." Maya said, smiling.

Olivia hasn't been home in almost three years, so it'll be good to have her baby back at the house, even if it's only a weekend.

Since she was leaving from the office, she most likely wouldn't have time to pack and make it to the airport. It makes more sense to do it ahead of time. She and her mother got off the call, and Olivia packed a small duffle for the trip.

XXXXX

Fitz dropped on the bed with a heavy sigh. The event is finally over, and he's exhausted, to the point that he didn't even entertain Jenny and her suggestive body language and subtle hints alluding to sex. He took his phone out of his back pocket and noticed he had a missed call from Livvie. As he was getting ready to return the call, he recognized the lateness and knew it was even later in California. But she'd left him a voicemail.

"Fitz, I don't mean to disturb your time away, but I'm going out of town- only a weekend. I'll make sure everything is locked up, and the security system is set. Goodnight, sweet dreams."

He didn't want to leave her unanswered, so he sent a short text letting her know he received her message.

After he got ready for bed, there was nothing on the schedule for tomorrow. It was a great opportunity to sleep in and then venture around Toronto if that's what he decided to do.


Home Sweet Home

Olivia smiles placidly. The ride to the house is quiet, but it's a peaceful quiet. She appreciates her parents for not giving her the third degree as soon as they see her. Although the streets are dark, she still remembers every turn and checkpoint. In other words, it felt good to be home.

Eli pulled into the garage, and the family made their way into the house. The coat Olivia was wearing was as thick as sheep's wool, and her mother was wondering why she had on all those layers.

"Livia, get comfortable, take that big ole coat off." Maya held out her hand so she could put it away. "Wow, you've grown overnight. Elijah, come look at your daughter. Livia, you've been hiding all that under there," grinning. Maya was very excited about the prospect of a grandchild.

Her belly had grown quite a bit. To only be four months pregnant, the size of her belly, suggested twins. Yet, that was the only thing big on her. Olivia smiled at her mother's amusement. When Eli entered from the kitchen, he didn't share the same joyous grin Maya wore.

"Maya, what did you expect? She's pregnant. Of course, she looks pregnant" and turned and walked back to the kitchen. Maya and Olivia shared a perplexed look, which confirmed that her father isn't over their last argument.

"Don't mind your father; he's always like that these days." Eli was a stubborn man, and they both knew it.

"You sure it isn't me? I apologized. What else does he expect me to say?" Olivia asks, close to tears. Her pregnancy hormones were making her an emotional wreck. No surprise that a little comment would make her tearful.

"I'm sure, baby, now are you hungry. We have some leftover spaghetti and garlic bread. And I believe there's another piece of the pie in there." her mother endeavored, hugging her one-handedly as they slipped into the kitchen.

"Is it apple?"

"Cherry," she said. The bribe of food seemed to cheer Olivia up and take her mind off her irritable father.

Maya sat Olivia down at the dining table, then began warming the leftovers. And her father helped, probably so he would not have to sit awkwardly across the table from her. After the food was ready, her mother and father sat down.

"Let's join hands now" shockingly; her father extended his hand with no reluctance. "We thank you, Lord, for the food we are about to receive, amen."

"Amen," Eli and Liv repeated after Maya.

Olivia twirled noodles around her fork, then ate it.

"So Olivia tells us about this fellow you're living with," Eli says, taking small bites of his pasta.

Maya hit his leg under the table, morse code for leave Olivia be. Nonetheless, Olivia swallowed the food in her mouth and answered.

"His name is Fitz, and we went to UCLA together. He's an author, mama. You've read one of his books. And he lets me rent a room in his house. That's basically it." she announced and shrugged.

"I remember. You gave it to me for Christmas one year. But that is kind of him, to open his home to you, isn't it, Eli?"

"Mhm, I just don't understand why you didn't ask your family for help." Eli pressed. Family has always been important to him, and he would never deny his child. He might not ever admit it, but he's wounded by her decision to shack up with a stranger essentially.

"Daddy, I wanted to do something on my own. Fitz has been helpful and supportive-"

"And we haven't?" he raised.

"That's not what I meant. Excuse me for thinking you guys wouldn't want to keep holding me up...financially," Olivia emphasized

Maya sat helplessly, sensing the tension growing in the air. But each time she tried to get a word in, they cut her off. Rushing to defend their words, neither of them knew how to address each other, so everything came off as an attack even if it wasn't their intention.

"Why don't we bring- Listen to me stop this right now" Maya couldn't bear another second of their bickering. Two fire signs arguing were bound to burn down the house.

"Eli, listen to what your daughter is saying. She wants to hold her own, and that is perfectly fine. Now you," Maya said, wagging a motherly finger at Liv, "Your father is a man and is sensitive to the idea of other men taking care of his child. It's natural. I understand both of yall want a chance to talk, but I'm shutting it down now. It's been a long day for all of us. Let's get some sleep, and hopefully, you two will have some act-right in the morning."

Maya's water sign was always able to put out their blazes.

XXXXX

Olivia was still in bed, but she could hear everyone's voices downstairs, echoing up to her room. She hadn't heard her cousin, Harrison, or aunt Gina, which is why she's still in bed. Not to be misled, Olivia loves her family; she just isn't ready to be the topic of the conversation all afternoon.

"Should've known, mama would throw a damn party," she sighed as she got out of the twin bed.

Olivia showered, and while in there, she elected to wash her hair. It would take at least an hour to work some magic on these curls, but anything that kept her busy until inevitability her mother came looking for her. Her father was out in the garage with her uncles and two younger cousins, chopping it up. So she skipped the kitchen full of gossiping aunties and went outside.

"There's my baby right there," Eli bragged, pointing at Olivia. She was donning a pair of jeans and a hoodie that concealed her belly well.

"Hey, yall. Hi daddy."

"Chatty Cathy is all grown up now." Uncle Ricky laughed; Richard is her mother's oldest brother; he's the jokester. Surprisingly her grumpy old dad and fun-going uncle got along nicely.

"I'm not that talkative anymore. Where's aunt Gina?" Gina was the only of Maya's siblings who lived out of the country, so they saw her the least. Therefore whenever she came into town, it was a celebration.

"Her flight was delayed. She'll be here, though- did you speak to your aunt Darlene?"

"No, but I'm going in there right now." Olivia greeted the others then went into the house. Noticing her father was in a better mood.

"Livia, what a surprise. It's almost as if I didn't see you sneak down from your room," Aunt Darlene said, her words laced with sarcasm. "Come here, girl," smiling. It was no wonder she and Ricky were married; they naturally enjoyed messing with people.

"I just wanted to see daddy and say hi to uncle Ricky."

"Oh, chile hush," they laughed, and Olivia went around the table hugging the other ladies.

"So Maya tells me you're pregnant. Have you found out the sex? You know I gotta spoil my niece or nephew." Lena said from across the table. Maya looked in another direction because she could feel Olivia's eyes on the back of her head.

"19 weeks and 3 days, and I don't know yet; I will find out at my next appointment." Olivia hadn't expected her mother to keep a secret, not around this bunch at least.

"Olivia, don't be upset with Maya. She just slipped up and-" her sentence was truncated by the commotion of her aunt and cousins entering the house. Before Lena could find her words again, Olivia darted out of the kitchen, running into the arms of her favorite aunt Gina.

"Looks like I came just in time," Aunt Gina joked. "How have you been, Liv?" She asked as they started walking, still holding each other by the waist.

"much better now that you're here. Mama spilled all my business to the ladies in there," Olivia says exasperatedly.

"I'll talk to her" they settled in the backyard on the lawn chairs. The sun was out, so Olivia took off her sweatshirt. "Tell me what else has been going on?"

"Let's skip me and talk about you; how is life in Costa Rica?"

"Amazing, you have to visit sometime. Nevertheless, we cannot tell the rest of your cousins, especially Ricky's boys. Too rowdy for me" The pair laughed mirthfully.

They continued talking, and Olivia shared the news of her returning to college and seeking out a degree in psychology. Gina was very proud to hear; she always made sure to let Olivia know that her dreams were never out of reach. The reunion was blissful and blessed. A while later, Maya stuck her head out the door to announce the arrival of Olivia's cousin.

"Alright, Liv, I'm gonna go see what's going on in this house," Gina said, leaving the two to socialize.

"Olivia, damn, you got big," Harrison said, hugging her tenderly. She chuckled at his bluntness, but she honestly expected nothing less "Yo, mom said she needs us to go to the store; she needs more pie crust."

The duo went to the local grocery store; Olivia, of course, put her sweater on. They drove Olivia's dad's car, but he only trusted Harrison with the vehicle, something about him being the most responsible.

"Liv, have you heard from Will?" Harry asked as they walked into the store.

"No, and don't want to either, I haven't even thought about him." and she left it at that.

They strolled down the frozen aisle looking for Maya's pie crust. However, this store does not have it as they walk towards the exit. A raspy, unpleasant voice calls Olivia's name.

"Olivia, I know you hear me, little girl" she knew that voice, miserable and sad.

Olivia stopped in the middle of the aisle; she doesn't know why, but she felt this was pivotal.

"You and your family should be ashamed of yourselves," Pointing her wrinkly porcelain finger at Olivia, which made Harry defensive, and he shielded Liv with his body.

"I'm wasn't gonna hit this wench- you claimed to love my son but left him the minute it was convenient for you. What does that make you? I've always hated you; I will never understand my son wasting his time on you. You aren't worth the drama. You couldn't even respond to his letter; you are something else" Susan walked around the pair, scoffing and shaking her head.

"Why didn't you say anything, Liv?" he asked.

"Because she's been waiting a long time to say that, and now I won't feel guilty keeping my baby away from that bitch. Let's go."

They took another trip to a different grocery store and found the pie crust. When they got home, Olivia excused herself from the group and went upstairs to lie down. Strangely Susan's bitter words echoed through her brain.

Soon she started asking herself, "WHAT LETTER?

The sun had sunk half below the horizon when Olivia emerged from her childhood bedroom. Much of her family had gone home. Remaining was her aunt Gina, and she was in the kitchen with Maya; they were tidying up and gossiping from the sound of it.

Eli was watching television, and Olivia passed him on her way to the kitchen. Maya and her sister were so engaged in their conversation that neither heard when she came in, unaware of her presence until she spoke…

"Mama, did William send a letter?" Anger is evident in her tone.

"What, Livia?" Gina looked at her sister's face, and she detected it right away.

"Susan and I ran into each other, and she had a few choice words for me, but she mentioned a letter. So I'm asking. Did William send a letter?" It was written on her mother's face; she didn't need a verbal answer. "Mama, you're worse than daddy. At least he would own up to it. I guess that's asking too much."

"Olivia calm down and breathe" Maya tried moving closer, only for Olivia to recoil and walk out.

"I'll go talk to her," Gina said firmly.

Her shoulders fell defeatedly.

Upstairs, Gina tapped softly on the door. Though, Olivia didn't answer, so she went in regardless. Olivia didn't protest when Gina sat down, which was a good sign. She'd rather Olivia just listen.

"You know, my first husband beat me. And he thought that apologizing would negate the pain, the hatred he left me with. It took me a long time to get away from him, I wish I had my mother there to step in and protect me, but I never had that. Now what my sister did may not have been right in your book, but she did what she had to protect her baby as a mother. It was heartbreaking to see her only baby laid up in a hospital bed because a man decided you were his to abuse. So she did the right thing- and don't ask her to apologize because she'd do it again, in a heartbeat."

"I don't know how to feel," Olivia said quietly, rising up. "I think I should have been trusted to make the right decision for me," poking her chest with her index finger.

"And you are absolutely right. But you get nowhere with anger. You should go down there and hear her out and then offer your forgiveness and push forward. Because I spent 10 years going back, and in the end, I was left a broken woman until I found my self-worth," her aunt pushed off the edge and held out her hand, "What's it going to be? Go backward or look ahead. Let me tell you this; it gets worse before it gets better."

"What if my baby hates me because I kept them away from their father?" Olivia says. She's so vulnerable at this moment, and she genuinely needs a little guidance. "I had a father, and I can't imagine what my baby will feel like when they learn they don't have one."

"That won't happen, baby, because they'll have you and a village behind them no matter the distance. This child will never go without love and care; so many people already love them. And I know you're scared that you'll never love again or be loved. Just look at me, and your uncle is what I say to that. There is a man that you may or may not have met yet, and he's going to be extremely lucky when he finds you." Gina smiles encouragingly

"You believe that?"

"Yes, and deep down, you do too."


It's later that night, Maya and her aunt have already turned in for the night. However, Olivia is craving ice cream and hoping there is still some left. There's an unmistakable sound of the fridge door closing. None other; her father is up late getting the same snack she snuck down for.

"Daddy, what are you doing down here?" she asked, eyeing the ice cream tub in his hand and the spoon that is ceremoniously lifted to his lips. "Cani have some of that."

"Get a spoon, and sit down. I want your ear for a minute." Eli brings the tub to the table, and they sit together. "Sweetheart, I never want you to think daddy isn't proud of you. I am very proud, and there's nothing you can do that would ever change that. And even though my baby is having a baby, you'll always be my baby girl."

Damn hormones making her eyes leak. Olivia wiped her cheek with the sleeve of her shirt. "Thanks, daddy, I appreciate that."

"Livia also never goes to someone who isn't family for help. I'll always help no matter what. You wanna go back to school you ask me for help, homeless I hope you would come to your mother and me."

"I didn't want to give you the satisfaction of saying no, or I told you so," she admitted, honestly.

Eli grabbed her hand, holding it. "I couldn't be that cruel if I tried."

"I know that. I love you, daddy" Olivia leaned over, giving her father a bear-like, heartfelt hug.

"I love you too, chatty Cathy. Now let's eat this ice cream before we wake your mother up."


Toronto 2 weeks later

It's Fitz's last night in Toronto, all the events ran smoothly, and Jeff couldn't be happier. Fitz, on the other hand, isn't so cheery these days. After his and Jenny's argument, he decided that keeping things professional is what's best for them. What was the point? She couldn't see a future, so he was done trying. His heart's big, but it knows when to shut up.

While gathering scattered clothes and repacking for his jaunt home, tomorrow. There is a pattern of intentional knocking.

"What are you doing here?" Fitz asked, abruptly

Jenny's shoulders fell with relief; she worried she would've caught him in time. "Can I come in?"

"Why?" very aware of his petulance, yet he didn't care.

"Because I want to apologize and start over, Fitz, you are important to me, and I do care about us. I was foolish to think all this was, was sex. When you're not talking to me, touching me, it makes me crazy. I realize that now and I don't want to lose you."

Unable to hide his glee, Fitz stepped forward and kissed her passionately on the mouth. "I have one more thing to ask; stay here with me for another week; I promise I'll make it worth your time," Jenny smirked suggestively.

"That can be arranged," he smiled, pulling her into the room, letting the door fall shut.


Author note

I've read quite a few reviews where readers are worried or against Fitz's kind nature. I'm not writing Fitz to be some simple-minded, gullible character. There are layers to this man, and if yall are following the breadcrumbs, it will eventually lead yall to why Fitz is perceived that way. Everything will make sense, but it's no fun if I give yall, all the facts. Then there would be no story. At least not a good one. Like always, leave a review and let me know if yall have picked up some of the hints I've written in. And no, there was no mastermind plan to get Fitz away from Olivia, but there is something bigger going on.

Love and light- Skye-Anne