AN: Thanks for reading and reviewing. This story is a slow build so if you like a faster pace this might not be for you. Please know that it will all come together. Pay attention to the dialog because that's where the bread crumbs are left. Maria I can't give you a hint about where Olivia is because the story will be over, for the most part, if I did. Sorry.
Guest, John is 38. Fitz is 35. Olivia and Bennie are 28. Nora is 22. Chapters 2 and 3 take place over a three-month period. There will be time jumps in upcoming chapters to get us back to present day.
BTW, a couple of reviewers have said this story is similar to two others on this site. I am unaware of those stories, however, I'm sure the similarities will be minimal. However, I think there is sufficient room in the Scandalverse for similar stories where the plots and outcomes are different. Hope you choose to hang in there. Tell me what you think. Here we go.
Chapter 3. A Lesson in Intimacy
Trying desperately not to drop the cake she spent all afternoon making, Olivia balances the baked dessert in one hand and inserts the key Fitz gave her for emergencies into the lock. She pushes the door with her foot and it swings open wide. The chattering in the room comes to an abrupt stop and four pairs of eyes stare at her. Bennie is red-faced, squeezing his beer bottle almost to the point of shattering. Nora smiles deviously, glancing from Olivia to Bennie. Mr. and Mrs. Grant stare at Olivia with their mouths hanging open.
"Flies mom and dad – flies", Nora says.
Her mother looks at her daughter angrily, more than a little weary of the young woman's immature remarks.
"Liv, let me take that cake off your hands", Nora says, jumping from her seat and walking across the room to relieve Olivia of the dessert.
"Thanks, Nora", setting her purse onto the table near the door.
"Hi everyone. Mrs., Mr. Grant", glancing around the room quickly. "Hey, Ben. Sorry I'm late but I just finished baking the cake. Can you believe Fitz just wanted to serve store bought?"
John walks into the living room from the kitchen with a bottle of beer in his hand and stops in his tracks when he sees Olivia.
"Olivia?" He says in surprise.
"Hey, John", Olivia says cheerily. "I better get in the kitchen and help Fitz finish. I did all of the prep work last night so all he needed to do –"
The eyes watch how familiar Olivia seems to be with Fitz' apartment.
"Fitz isn't here Olivia", John says, somewhat shocked.
"Isn't here?"
"He went to the store –"
"To get more beer", Fitz says, holding up the beer as he walks through the door.
"I told you yesterday we were going to need more beer."
"So you did", walking over and kissing Olivia on the lips.
All of the eyes in the room are about to pop out of their heads as they watch the two lock lips. For once Bennie wishes the hospital would call him in for an emergency. Nora smirks mischievously at the couple who seems to be oblivious to their slack-jawed guests.
"Okay, now that Fitz is back we can eat", pulling out of Fitz' arms and walking into the kitchen.
The diners eat in relative silence, not sure of what to make of Fitz and Olivia. Are they a couple? If so, why didn't anyone know?
XXX
It has been three months since Fitz moved back from California and John is disappointed he has not seen his brother as often as he would like. So John takes steps to correct the imbalance by arranging for him and his brother to go out, have a few drinks, and catch up.
"You're a hard man to track down these days, Fitz." John looks at his brother then sips his beer.
"Yeah, I guess. I've been pretty busy lately. The business is really picking up."
John nods and takes another sip of beer.
"So how's Olivia? Are you two now a thing?"
"I think we're becoming a thing", smiling proudly.
"Well you know you surprised the shit out of everyone when she showed up at your house-warming party. When she came in using a key …" He shakes his head.
"Why were they surprised? I told you I was interested in her."
"Well no one else in the family knew and I didn't even know things had gotten serious with the two of you. Bennie damn sure didn't know."
"I don't have to get the family's approval about who I choose to date", getting annoyed.
"It's just –"
"What?" Fitz looks at his brother, wanting him to say more.
"Well, it's just everybody always thought Bennie and Olivia would be the two who got together. Instead, you swoop into town and –"
"Hey, hey. There was nothing going on between Olivia and Bennie. If there was I would never have pursued her. She says they are just friends. Hell, I don't even think she knows he likes her. Besides, you told me to go for it."
"It's just –"
"It just what, John?" Now Fitz is really annoyed.
"Bennie looked hurt when you and Olivia were sucking on each other's face."
"What am I supposed to do, John? Am I supposed to stop seeing Olivia? Am I supposed to miss out on being with whom perhaps might be the love of my life because Bennie has a crush on Olivia and she doesn't know a damn thing about it? Because he's too shy or whatever the fuck to ever to tell a girl he likes her? He's in med school for Christ sakes." Fitz runs his hand through his hair in frustration.
"The love of your life, hunh?" John looks at his brother and grins, then sips his beer again.
When Fitz gets home from his dinner with John he is incensed. He needs to put this Bennie-Olivia thing to rest. He needs to talk to Olivia about her and Bennie, then he needs to tell his brother to get over the crush he has on her and to move on.
The Next Day
It is barely sunrise when Fitz grabs the phone from his nightstand and calls Olivia asking her to meet him today for lunch at Remy's. He and Olivia have been hanging out a lot, an awful lot really, for the past three months and they have become really close. He wants to make them official but first he needs to address this Bennie matter with her.
Fitz has been sitting in Remy's for the past 20 minutes waiting for Olivia to arrive. He drank two colas and rehearsed several times what he wants to say to her. When he looks up from his phone he sees Olivia hurrying into the restaurant.
"I am so sorry I'm late", she says somewhat out of breath. "My meeting ran longer than I expected." She slides into her seat across from Fitz, unaware he is upset.
"Tell me about your relationship with Bennie", he says tersely, tightening his jaw.
"Excuse me?" Looking at his tense face and wondering where this question is coming from.
"You heard me, Olivia. Answer the question. Were you and Bennie ever a thing?"
"First", raising her index finger. "You need to calm down and change the tone you're using with me. I am not one of those plaintiffs you interrogate at arbitration", glaring at him.
"Liv", he says slowly, trying to tamp down his anger. "I'm just trying to get to the bottom of this before …"
"Get to the bottom of what and before what?" Now she is annoyed because she rushed over to the restaurant after a meeting that went beyond the scheduled time only to be confronted with a series of vague questions.
"Did you and my brother ever date or anything?"
She closes her eyes and inhales deeply before responding. She is getting a little tired of the innuendo about her and Ben.
"No, we never dated or anything. I told you, Ben and I have been friends since high school – nothing more. Is that why you wanted me to meet you for lunch?" Now she is angry.
"Well it seems like you're the only one who doesn't know that he likes you – has liked you for a while apparently."
"Well I don't know anything about it. And I've never had those kinds of feelings for Ben and Ben has never said anything to me. And who this everybody you're talking about?"
He grins at her, which only serves to annoy her all the more.
"Listen, maybe we should just end whatever this is between us", wagging her hand back and forth. "I don't want to cause a rift between you and your family."
He is grinning like a Cheshire cat because he thinks she looks so sexy when she is upset.
"What are you grinning about?" She asks angrily.
"You look so sexy when you're angry."
"Shut up", laughing reluctantly as she tosses her balled up napkin across the table at him.
"But seriously, Fitz. If we are going to be friends then I don't want this thing with Ben to become a problem."
Fitz cringes slightly when she uses the friend word. He definitely does not want to end up in the friend category like his brother.
"I'll handle my brother – my family. Do you think you can get away this weekend?"
"Why?"
"I want to take you somewhere – to show you something."
"How do you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Pivot - shift so quickly?"
"You said you were never interested in my brother and I said I would take care of it. Now let's move on.
XXX
The drive up the canyon was close to majestic. The scenery of wildlife and colorful plant life is overwhelming to her senses. The further Fitz drives up the winding road the giddier she becomes. She is smiling so hard her cheeks hurt but she does not care. When Fitz stops the car, he jumps out and opens her door. Then he pops the trunk and pulls out a couple of blankets and a picnic basket. Olivia is oblivious to his actions because she is enthralled by the sight of the towering cliffs and the sound of the roaring water and the occasional chirping bird. She loves the stillness in the air.
"Come on", grabbing her hand. "I have the perfect spot for us."
"Yay", she exclaims.
Fitz lays a blanket on the ground and sets the picnic basket atop it.
"All right Ms. Pope, you may now sit down."
"This is such a beautiful view, Fitz. I can't wait", rubbing her hands together excitedly.
Fitz uncorks the wine then starts pulling out foodstuff from the basket.
"You've thought of everything Captain Grant."
"I have", settling on the blanket next to her.
"So how did this get to be the number one item on your bucket list?" Glancing at his watch.
"Ever since I was a kid I was always fascinated by sunsets. With the mind of a child I thought it actually went to sleep at night and woke up again in the morning – like me."
He chuckles at her childlike demeanor.
"But of course when I got older I learned the sun does not go anywhere or move. It actually stays in its position at the center of our solar system. It doesn't rise and set. But it appears to do so because the Earth rotates and the western horizon rises up to cover it. Twelve hours or so later, the eastern horizon lowers and reveals it.
"Wow, I didn't know you were an astronomer."
She nudges him slightly.
"Because the atmosphere varies around the world, sunsets look different from different locations. The colors are more brilliant in some areas than in others. And I want to see the most beautiful sunsets around the world. That's why it's number one on my bucket list."
"Well this location wasn't on your list but I wanted you to see it from here."
"How did you find this place, Fitz? It's so peaceful up here. I just love it."
"When my family came up here on our fishing trip I noticed the sunset one evening and thought it looked pretty amazing."
She smiles, nodding her head.
"Do you want children some day?" Pulling the blanket around them as they sit shoulder to shoulder waiting for 7:34 pm, waiting for sunset.
"I do. I've always loved children. Don't tell anyone this", looking around like she is about to reveal a secret. "But I really do like all of that housewife stuff. I love the idea of having a couple of babies, cooking, cleaning – maintaining a home for my family."
"Really?" He asks in surprise, looking at her profile. "I would think that a modern woman like you would not want to do those kinds of household chores."
"Don't get me wrong Fitz, I have absolutely no interest in being a full-time housewife. Never have and never will. But I do enjoy doing those domestic things, sometimes. But I need balance in my life. If I were ever to get married I would need to work outside of the home doing what I enjoy equally as much as I enjoy making a home for my family. I have worked too hard to build my business to just walk away from it. I would never do that. I love serving the community too much."
"And I would never want you to do that", kissing her on the cheek. "Be my girlfriend, Olivia", looking at her intently with those eyes.
"Your girlfriend?"
"Yes, my girlfriend. I want you – us to be in a relationship together. In case you don't know, I really, really like you – a lot", giving her that smile.
She takes a deep breath and assesses his face for a moment before responding. And he holds his breath as she begins to speak.
"Fitz, before I can think about being in a serious relationship with you – being your girlfriend - I think we have to discuss our beliefs, values, and priorities about things that are important to us. Because it would be pointless to get into a relationship if we don't share some of the same beliefs.
"Okay", exhaling slowly through his nostrils.
"First, my faith is very important to me – always has been since I was a child. Although as a child my parents required me to attend church, but as a teenager the choice became mine. And now that I am an adult I still choose to practice my faith."
"My parents are missionaries for our church. After I went away to college they decided to dedicate their entire lives to helping those who attend our church in Senegal. They have always gotten so much joy out of helping others. I guess I inherited that gene." She gives him a slight smile.
He smiles too.
"Fitz, I would never try to impose my beliefs on you. I just need you to understand what's important to me and what I won't compromise."
He nods for her to continue.
"Money and material things aren't that important to me. I'm not foolish, I know I need money to take care of my essential needs, but I don't get caught up with the need to have the biggest or shiniest anything. I even drive an eight-year-old car if you haven't noticed. But it gets me where I need to go."
He nods, thinking about when he walked her to her car the night of his Welcome Home Party.
"Liv, I would never ask you to compromise your beliefs and values. They are what make you who you are – what I like about you. But we are more alike than you think. We share many of the same values."
She looks at him unsure about what he said because she thinks the divide between them might be too great to have a serious relationship.
"Not true. You're a Republican and I'm not. Your parents almost had a stroke when I casually mentioned I wasn't a Republican."
"First, you won't be dating my parents – you'll be dating me. Second, while I am a Republican, I'm a moderate, not as conservative in my views as my parents."
She nods, still not convinced their political ideologies will not be a problem in the future.
"And, I'm a patriot and so are you."
Once again she looks at him confused.
"Liv, we both love our country. We both have a desire to serve – to give something back. I dedicated 15 years of my life to serving my country, and you started a nonprofit to do just that – to give back to the community – to serve and help people who are unable to help themselves. I really admire that."
"We both have a strong work ethic. We're not afraid of hard work and long hours. We do what it takes to get the job done. Find a way or make one." He smiles at one of his favorite idioms.
She nods, thinking about what he said.
"Fitz, I don't want to stereotype you or our military people, but I have some concerns since you were in the Navy for so long."
Now it is his turn to look at her curiously.
"Some believe military people are too rigid and formal – unwilling to change. I couldn't deal with that."
He nods, wanting her to express all of her concerns.
"Then there is the belief that military people are autocratic – that they have a do-it-because-I-say-so attitude. I couldn't deal with that either. I won't. I've been making decisions about my life for quite some time and I'm not interested in being told what to do. I don't need nor do I want another father. If you're looking for that kind of woman then I'm not the one for you."
He nods again, processing everything she just said.
"You are the woman for me, Liv", he says in earnest. "And in time I hope that you will learn I'm none of those things – none of those stereotypes. And I respect you too much to ever try to change you – to control you. I love your independence. As I said, I admire your work – how you sacrifice yourself for others – what you do for others."
"Fitz, there are going to be times when my work and my political beliefs are going conflict with yours. Can you handle that?"
"Liv, I think we just have to respect each other, understand we are independent people who had a life before we got together, and will have to compromise when our needs and wants conflict. But most importantly, we have to communicate – talk to each other about whatever is on our mind. Okay?"
She looks at him for a long moment before allowing the smile to spread across her face.
"So, will you be my girlfriend?" He looks at her seriously.
"All right – okay, I'll be your girlfriend. "Look!" She squeals, pointing to the orange ball being hidden by the horizon.
"This is such a beautiful sunset, Fitz. Thank you for bringing me here. I just loved it."
XXX
The Grant family have come to terms with the fact that Fitz and Olivia are dating, well everyone except Bennie, who has remained silent on the matter and family gatherings are somewhat awkward when Olivia attends with Fitz. Bennie usually finds an excuse to be absent. Tonight the Grants are having another family dinner and he planned for him and Olivia to ride together but said him she would meet him there because her meeting was probably going to run late.
"So will Olivia be joining us tonight, Fitzgerald or is she working again?" His mother asks.
"Olivia has a meeting so she'll be joining us later, mom."
"She sure works a lot", Gerry says.
"Well she has her own business dad and it takes a lot of work to get it going. I know what that's like."
"But that's different", Gerry says.
"Isn't it a nonprofit dear?" His mother asks.
"Yes it is, mom", sipping his scotch.
"Is a nonprofit considered a real business?"
Before Fitz can answer his father chimes in.
"Aren't nonprofits funded by the government? Is this just another way for taxpayers to get stuck picking up the tab for those who won't work?"
"What are you talking about, dad?"
"Does the government pay her salary? Does she make any money doing it – enough to support herself or is she looking for you to support her?"
"First of all, Olivia has supported herself long before I knew her and she does not need nor has she ever asked for any assistance from me. Second, a nonprofit is a business. The difference between a for-profit and a nonprofit business is the nonprofit uses its surplus revenues to further achieve its mission, rather than distributing its surplus income."
"So does she ever make any real money?" His mother asks.
"Why all the questions about Olivia's business?" He looks between his mother and father.
"Well, if she is going to run around doing community work and not get paid much for doing it then she might not be the kind of woman you want to get too close too. She'll never be able to contribute her share to the household."
"Unless", Maura interjects, "she plans on becoming a housewife and that would be contribution enough. Maintaining a house, raising children, cooking, cleaning – it's a lot of work – a full-time job actually."
"Aren't we getting a little ahead of ourselves here? It sounds like you have us married already."
"Who's getting married?" Bennie asks, walking into the family room.
"Hey Bennie", Fitz says, walking over to his brother and giving him a hug.
"Who's getting married?" Bennie repeats.
"Nobody's getting married. Mom and dad are asking me a lot of questions about Olivia's business as if we're planning to get married or something."
"Are you?" Bennie asks pointedly.
"No. We haven't even discussed it. But I wouldn't rule it out."
Bennie nods and walks to the kitchen to get a beer. In the meantime Fitz gets a text from Olivia saying her meeting is running later than she expected and she will not be able to join him for dinner with his family.
XXX
After leaving his parents' home, Fitz goes to Olivia's apartment because he really missed seeing her tonight.
"Everyone missed you at dinner tonight", he says.
"I'm really sorry, babe but my meeting with Councilwoman Briggs ran over. I couldn't just leave."
He nods.
"She seems to really like you a lot."
"Well she provides me a lot of insight into local politics. She's been on City Council for quite some time."
"I see."
"She's been a terrific mentor to me."
"I think she views you more as than a mentee."
"What do you mean?" Looking up from the papers on the small coffee table.
"I think she views you more as daughter."
"Well she doesn't have any children of her own, Fitz."
"Did I tell you I really missed seeing you earlier?"
"Aww, babe", setting down the papers she was looking at and sliding onto his lap. "I missed you too." She wraps her arms around his neck and pecks him on the lips. He deepens the kiss.
"May I stay with you tonight?" He looks at her intently with those piercing blue eyes and she tenses. She knew this moment was coming, she just did not expect it tonight. It is the natural next step in a relationship, in their relationship. But she is not sure if they are ready for this, if she is ready to take their relationship to the next level. She is definitely attracted to him physically, but she still has reservations about their different perspectives on political and social issues. She does not want sex to cloud her judgment and her thought process. She wants to appear cool so she inhales deeply to steady her nerves.
"Fitz –"
"Olivia, you know how I feel about you", rubbing his hand up and down her arm.
"I like you too, Fitz. I just don't want us to rush into anything."
"I promise to take my time", giving her that smile that weakens her every time. "Do you trust me?" Intertwining their fingers.
She studies his face for a moment before nodding.
"Say it", he insists.
She takes a deep breath before responding.
"Yes. Yes I trust you."
He smiles and slides her onto the sofa. Then he walks across the small living and opens the curtains, letting the moonlight stream in. There's a new moon tonight. He lowers the volume of the music playing on the entertainment system and she watches his movements with curiosity.
He lights the scented candles and turns off the lights and she folds her arms across he chest, not quite sure of what else to do.
He grabs a couple of pillows from the sofa and tosses them onto the floor. Then he extends his hand, and she eyes him suspiciously.
"You trust me, right?"
She looks up at him, nods, and reaches for his hand that guides her to sit on a pillow. He kneels in front of her and removes her shoes and trouser socks, and she arches a brow. He sits on his pillow across from her and removes his shoes and socks. This is not what she expected.
"Follow what I do, okay?" He says softly, eyes glowing in the dark. He sees that she is nervous so he quickly adds he will not hurt her.
He sits cross-legged on his pillow and she does the same. He looks deep into her eyes and she returns his gaze. He begins taking deep, cleansing breaths, sucking in air through his nostrils and slowly exhaling through his mouth. He repeats the movement several times and nods for her to do the same. And she does but her eyes dart nervously around the room. Staring into his eyes and breathing deeply feels uncomfortable to her. He gently turns her head so they are looking into each other's eyes again. The more cleansing breaths she takes the more relaxed she becomes. She is becoming aware of her body and the energy flowing through it and she smiles. And he smiles too.
The supply of fresh oxygen flowing through her body makes every cell feels absolutely amazing. She feels alive and giddy and every nerve in her body is tingling. She is also a little frightened because the feeling is so intense. She feels herself being drawn into him, like they are melding, like her heart is being drawn to him.
After a few moments of breathing in sync, he pulls her pillow toward him and guides her to sit in his lap and straddle him. And she does. She drapes her arms over his shoulders and he wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. And they sit connected, chest to chest, gazing into each other's eyes, and breathing in each other.
He rubs the tip of his nose against hers and she smiles. He brushes his lips across hers and she begins to return the kiss but he halts her movements and she looks perplexed.
"Just receive. Okay?" He says softly and she nods.
He brushes his lips slowly back and forth across hers again, enjoying the softness and plumpness. He traces her lips with his tongue and he smiles because he tastes her wine. His tongue seeks entry and she allows him in. And he spends an eternity traversing the landscape of her mouth, exploring the softness with his tongue – exploring every aspect because there is no hurry. She closes her eyes and moans softly, surrendering to his wonderful mouth. He returns to her full lips, nibbling softly. He traces his tongue inside of her bottom lip and she shivers in ecstasy. The feeling is intense, more intense than she can ever recall experiencing. She rests her forehead head against his and breathes heavily.
"Wow", she says breathlessly, not knowing what she just experienced but she liked it.
"Wow", looking into her eyes and smiling adoringly.
Her breathing is shallow so he places his hand over her heart to calm her and to share his love. He slides her off his lap and walks her to the bedroom and undresses her ever so slowly. He kisses the exposed skin revealed each time a piece of clothing is shed.
"Sleep time, now", he says.
"What?"
"Olivia, I want more than your body. I want us to have something deeper and more meaningful than sex."
She looks at him in wonderment.
"Don't get me wrong. I want to make love to you – have lots and lots of sex with you, but not tonight."
XXX
Olivia is scheduled to meet with the contractor today at noon to discuss the timeline for repairing the seniors' nonfunctioning wells. Unfortunately, most of these people have been without a working well for months, some much longer. She shakes her head as she sits in her office thinking about the humiliation and degradation they must feel not having access to water, and not having the money to fix the problem. In most cases the wells are not functioning because the pump is defective. In other cases the problem is more complicated. She plans to repair the defective pumps first for the half dozen families who have been without water for the longest. Then she will use the remaining funds for the families whose wells require more extensive work.
"Olivia", Mona calls to her as she taps on the doorframe with her red ink pen.
"Yes Mona, what is it?" Still looking at the work agreement the contractor sent over a few weeks ago.
"Charlie is here. He's waiting for you in the conference room."
"Thanks, Mona. I'm on my way."
Olivia slides her feet into her gun metal-colored pumps, grabs her mug, laptop, and the contract from the desk and walks to the small conference room.
"Charlie", she says cheerfully and smiling brightly. "It's so good to see you again. How have you been?"
"I've been doing just fine. And you?"
"I've been fine as well", setting everything onto the table.
"I can see", appraising her appearance. "There's something different about you since I last saw you, Olivia."
She looks at him strangely as she sits in one of the swivel chairs.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know", scrunching his face and tapping the side of his face with an index finger. "I can't put my finger on it, but something is different about you."
"Sit down Charlie and let's take care of business. We have a lot of people who need our help."
"Okay, but I'll figure out what's different about you by the time I leave here today."
Charlie sits in the chair next to Olivia and opens his brief case, pulling out a copy of the work agreement he sent Olivia a few weeks ago.
"So have you had a chance to go over the agreement, Olivia?"
"I have."
"And do you have any questions. It's your typical, straightforward work contract."
"I do have a question actually."
Charlie looks at Olivia somewhat surprised.
"Well, everything looks good except you did not include a date for completing all of the work."
Since she is not a lawyer, Olivia showed Fitz the contract when she received it a few weeks ago. She wanted to know if there were any clauses she should be wary of. And of course there were several minor points he discovered but one major point that could be a deal breaker. Fitz modified the contract and suggested Olivia not sign it unless the contractor agreed to the changes. And if he is unwilling to agree to the changes then she should walk away from the deal and find a new contractor.
"Oh don't worry about that, Olivia", waving his hand in the air. "You know me. You know I'll get the job done."
"Charlie, these seniors have been without functioning wells for months – if not longer. They need their wells up and running so they can resume a healthy lifestyle. Most of them have lived in their homes for 30 or more years. It's a shame at this stage in their lives they have to deal with something like this. Besides, I have a commitment to the city. If I don't have this work done on time then this could jeopardize any future grants I receive."
"Olivia, I got a couple of other jobs going on right now and they won't be wrapping up anytime soon."
"So are you telling me you can't give me a completion for this project?"
"Olivia, my other jobs are big. They have to come first. I'll get to your job when I can. What does it matter anyway? Those people have been without water this long, they can go a little longer."
"No they can't go a little longer, Charlie", she says angrily. "I guess I'll have to find another contractor."
"What?" Charlie exclaims.
"Charlie, I am here to help people. And you can't help me help them so I'll have to find someone who can."
"Olivia, the only reason I agreed to take on this project is because I like you. There's no money here to be made for me. The job is too small."
She looks at him stunned by what he said.
"This meeting is over, Charlie", standing from her seat and walking toward the door.
"So that's how it's gonna be?" He glares at her.
"That's how it is. Good-bye, Charlie". She holds the door open waiting for him to leave.
Charlie gathers all of his papers from the table and stuffs them into his briefcase. He snatches his jacket from the back of the chair, almost toppling it, and storms toward the door. He stops abruptly, turns, and looks Olivia up and down.
"I knew I would figure out what is different about you", he says with venom in his voice.
With her hand clutching the door knob, Olivia arches a brow and looks at Charlie.
"You're fucking somebody now, aren't you?" He looks at her for a moment before walking down the hall.
Olivia lets out the breath she was holding and shakes her head, thinking she has to find a new contractor. She gathers all of her things from the table and walks from the conference room, tossing Charlie's contract into the wastebasket on her way out. She passes Mona's office on the way back to her office.
"So how did it go? I saw Charlie leave."
"We have to find a new contractor."
Mona simply nods a few times as Olivia walks back to her office.
As Olivia is setting all of her things onto her desk she smiles because she hears her favorite ringtone.
"Hi", sitting down into her chair.
"Hi. What's the matter?"
"Why do you think something is wrong?"
"Because I know you. What's wrong?"
"I have to find a new contractor", she whines.
"He didn't accept the changes."
"No."
"That's fine. The way the contract is written, it only benefits him."
"I know, but I want to get those wells fixed like yesterday."
"You'll find somebody reputable to do it on your terms."
"I know, but it's just going to take so long. I'm really bummed about the whole thing."
"Well maybe I can cheer you up."
"How?" Still whining.
"How about we go away next weekend – make it a long four-day weekend?"
"Go away? I can't think about going away right now, Fitz. I have to find another contractor - and soon. I'm sorry - I can't."
"If I get you a contractor that will agree to your terms then will you go away with me?" Leaning back in his chair and planting his foot on the edge of the desk.
"I don't know, Fitz. This project is too important. The families need their wells fixed and the city is going to want a progress report soon. They're going to want to know how I'm spending their money."
"Consider it handled. Now will you go away with me?"
"I need to meet this person, Fitz."
"OK."
"And I need at least three references from people he has done work for."
"Anything else", he smiles.
"Yes", tucking a leg under her and twisting in the swivel chair.
"What?"
"I need to know where we're going", smiling for the first time.
"Now that's a secret", leaning forward in his chair and clicking the BUY button on the airline website to purchase their first-class tickets.
One Week Later
After they check into the resort and settle into their room Olivia quickly hustles Fitz over to Mallory Square for the Key West Sunset Celebration, the a nightly festival to celebrate the magnificent Key West sunset. Tonight, two hours before the sun sets, Olivia and Fitz will join locals and tourists from around the world at Mallory Square to enjoy local magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, musicians, artists, and food vendors that combine for an incredible cultural experience.
"I can't believe we are actually at one of the places on my bucket list", Olivia says excitedly as they walk through the plaza holding hands. "How did you know Key West was on my bucket list?"
"I sometimes listen when you talk", he smiles and Olivia punches him lightly on the shoulder. "Seriously, when you told me watching sunsets in various places around the world is what brings you joy I wanted to help bring some joy to your life."
"Aww, you're so sweet."
Olivia looks at her watch and squeals.
"Come on, Fitz", tugging on his hand. "We have to get down to the dock so we can get a good spot."
"Okay, okay", shaking his head, allowing her to pull him along.
Finally at the water's edge, Fitz stands behind Olivia with his arms wrapped around her waist, waiting for the show to begin.
"It's so beautiful, Fitz. Absolutely beautiful", she says in awe.
"It is", kissing the side of her neck.
"I just love it", bringing her hand to her mouth.
"I love you", he whispers in her ear as the glowing pink, red, and orange sun is covered by the Gulf of Mexico horizon. And she smiles, continuing to gaze at the disappearing sun.
XXX
The only sounds that can be heard amidst the crashing waves are those of two people engaged in passionate lovemaking. The crisp white sheet flows over Olivia's buttocks and down her legs as she lay on top of Fitz exploring his mouth with her tongue. He cups her ass and rubs her up and down his hardness and sucks on her neck, not caring he is leaving evidence of their passion. She gasps at the pleasurable pain.
"You're mine", he says. "All of you."
The warm breeze from the Gulf flows through the opened balcony doors and caresses their exposed skin. He flips her onto her back because he wants to devour all of her. His mouth caresses her heated skin, licking down her neck to her breasts that he loves so much. She gasps as he licks and sucks, running her fingers through the hairs at the nape of his neck. He cups her right breast and runs his tongue around the firm, brown nipple.
"Harder", she breathes out, letting her legs fall open.
He kisses across her chest, turning his attention to the other breast and she grabs his ass. He kicks the sheets tangled around his legs and trails his mouth down her stomach and she inhales deeply in anticipation.
"Tell me what you want", he says huskily.
She squirms.
"Say it", stroking her heat.
"I want you."
"What part of me?" Running his tongue in her navel as he continues to stroke her.
"I want you. I want your mouth."
And he slides to the floor and pulls her to the bottom of the bed and spread her wide.
"So beautiful. So good."
He licks long and slow and she screams in joy.
"Oh my god, Fitz. Please don't stop."
He darts his tongue in and out and she meets each thrust with vigor. He sucks her nub and her juices flow freely. He slides back up her trembling body and kisses her deeply.
"I love you so much", kissing her and stroking her sensitive nub with the tip.
She looks into his dark eyes and smiles and pulls him into her. He slides in slowly and they close their eyes because the feeling is amazing. He buries his face in her neck and pumps slowly, savoring the sensation of her slick walls.
"You feel so good, baby", picking up the pace.
And she lifts her bottom from the bed and he goes deeper.
"Deeper. Harder." She says through moans.
He thrusts deeper and harder and she squeezes him tightly when he hits her spot. He smiles as her trembling legs fall from around his waist. He kisses her hard and pumps hard and releases even harder.
"So amazing", he breathes out through his haze, and she giggles because she is vibrating all over.
"I'm going to miss you", wrapping his arm tightly around her. "I wish you could come to San Diego with me."
"I have work, Fitz. Lots of it", draping her leg across his stomach.
"You work too hard", kissing her forehead.
"I love what I do, Fitz. I don't think of it as work", kissing him on the chin. "Besides, you put in a lot of hours too."
"I do, but that's different."
She furrows her brow, not quite sure what to make of his comment.