A/N: I really get a kick out reading the varied perspectives in the reviews; you all are too funny and insightful. Some of you are ready to come after our Fitz with pitchforks. Fitzy4Scandal, I love the word meddlesome, and Olivia's parents are Americans. Alexindigo, glad you picked up on how Fitz ignores/dismisses Olivia's concerns. What's up with our Fitz? You're right Reader575, what decade is Fitz from? We'll see a bit more of this later. Guest said Olivia better start using her power like Fitz used his to get that house. He sure uses his powers. Kamccarthy426, Oceans00711girl, RegalT, Abigail is ride-or-die.
Chapter 7. Juggling Acts
Olivia and Fitz have been married for four years and recently they have been struggling to find the right balance between pursuing their careers and spending time together as a family. Sometimes they feel like they are constantly moving through revolving doors because they are so busy with their work obligations. Fitz' client list has grown, which requires him to travel more often than either of them likes. And since The Pope Foundation has been recognized by Charity Watch as one of the top-rated charitable organizations in their city, Olivia's workload has increased significantly. While she is definitely happy about and proud of the recognition, the publicity has definitely generated more work for her. Various community leaders have begun to contact her wanting to learn more about the kind of the services her foundation provides.
In addition to her already long list of work activities, Olivia, at the behest of her mentor and friend, Council President Marla Briggs, has begun to network.
'Olivia, creating well-written grant proposals is only part of what makes a charity successful. You must begin to network – to build relationships with the officials who are soliciting grant proposals as well as the wealthy donors who help to fund your programs', City Council President Marla Briggs advised.
'Dear, people like to be able to put a face with the person who is asking for their money. And they don't want to just see you when you want something from them either. It's about relationship building. People, especially the wealthy, are more apt to give you their money if they have a relationship with you – if they know who you are as a person. Go and show them who you are.'
So Olivia has begun to leave the confines of The Pope Foundation to interact socially with city officials and the donor class. She has frequent lunch dates or cocktails with her growing circle of contacts, not to discuss business per se, but to develop a relationship. Over lunch or drinks she talks with them about their families, upcoming vacations, fashion, sports, or whatever topic might interest her new associates. She is building a broad network of contacts to whom she can go whenever she needs a favor and funding, of course.
Olivia is really enjoying this new aspect of her work, meeting people with whom she would not normally interact. However, networking requires her to get out of the office more, which has created another problem for her, what to do with Cena while she is out of the office. Fitz has been against enrolling Cena into daycare since Olivia returned to work after six weeks of maternity leave, and that was two years ago. He is also resistant to having a nanny, a stranger as he likes to refer to them, in their home to watch Cena during the day while they are both at work. So two years ago the only acceptable compromise was for Olivia to take Cena to work with her at The Pope Foundation. And bringing her daughter to work with was fine, in fact, she enjoyed having her baby girl with her all of the time. But two years later it is no longer practical to have Cena at the office. Cena is no longer content to be confined to the playpen surrounded by her toys, she wants her mommy to play with her all day. Unfortunately, Cena does not realize that her mommy has to work and cannot spend all of her time playing games on the floor and chasing her around the small office. When Olivia gets home in the evenings she is exhausted and most nights she has to spend a few hours in the study working so she can catch up on what she did not get done during the day. And Fitz has said more than once that he does not like that she works at home in the evenings because it detracts from family time.
As Olivia stands at the stove preparing breakfast, she thinks now would be the ideal time to raise the topic of enrolling Cena into daycare again with her husband. It is November and she knows in the next few month things are going to get really busy at the office and she won't have time to play with Cena at work.
"No Olivia, my position on this has not changed. I don't want Cena going to one of those prisons they try to pass off as a daycare. They're not appropriate for her."
"Prison?" She says in disbelief. "Calling a renowned learning institution for children a prison is hardly a fair assessment, Fitz. You're being extreme."
"I don't want my daughter to be raised by a bunch of strangers. She needs to know that she is loved."
"How would Cena going to daycare be a reflection of our love for her?"
"I'm not having this conversation now", he says with finality.
He does not have time to deal with this old issue this morning. He looks at his watch and huffs.
"I have to get going or I'm going to be late.
He stands from the island and walks over and picks up Cena from her high chair and lifts her in the air, causing the little girl to squeal.
"Higher daddy, higher", Cena demands and Fitz lifts the laughing girl in the air higher.
"Daddy loves you Cee", he smiles before kissing his daughter on her oatmeal-covered face. "Mmm, that's good oatmeal, Cee."
"Daddy eat oatmeal too, mommy", the little girl says as she wipes her sticky fingers across his lips.
"Daddy has to go, Cee. Be a good girl for mommy until I get back home. Okay?"
"OK daddy."
Fitz sets Cena back into her high chair, kisses the top of her head, and turns to get his jacket.
"Where are you going? We haven't finished talking about this", Olivia says with indignation as she stands from her seat.
"This is not a discussion we're going to have today or any other day", he says definitively.
"What?" she says in shock.
"Olivia, Ce –"
He looks over at Cena who is playing happily with the creamy mixture in her bowl then looks back at Olivia. Not wanting his daughter to hear what he knows is going to be another argument, he lowers his voice and speaks in a hushed tone.
"Our daughter is not going to one of those places, and that's final Olivia."
"Well she is two and she is too big to continue coming to work with me. I can hardly get anything done with her at the office. Mona helps but it's not her job to babysit our daughter", she says in an equally hushed tone.
"I have to go, Olivia."
He grabs his jacket from the back of the stool and kisses Cena once again on the forehead and starts to walk from the kitchen.
"Fitzgerald", Olivia screams out in anger.
Cena stops playing with her oatmeal and looks over at her mommy because she never hears her mommy yell.
"Stop. Walking!"
She is tired of being ignored. She is tired of him dismissing her concerns as if they are frivolous and unimportant. Her chest rises and falls in anger as she glares at his back. Fitz turns and sees how upset his wife is and looks down at his watch.
"I don't have time, Olivia", he says tiredly.
"You will make time, Fitzgerald. You will make time for me and you will make time to discuss our daughter."
He stares at her for a moment, closes his eyes, and sighs heavily.
"Fine", he says in exasperation. "What is it that you want to say?"
"I can no longer do it. I can no longer take our daughter to work with me every day. It's no longer feasible. I have a business to run Fitz and I cannot do that with her wanting to play throughout the day. She needs to go to daycare."
"I said no, and that's final." His nostrils flare as he glares at her.
"Then you need to come up with another solution because I won't do it any longer."
He huffs and looks at his watch again. He knows if he doesn't leave within the next five minutes he is going to be late for his meeting, and he hates being late. He rakes a hand through his hair in frustration and looks at Cena then back at an angry Olivia.
"Fine, my mother will watch her during the day. I'll call her from the car to make the arrangements. We will talk about this later", he says as he turns to leave.
"Have you even discussed this with your mother? You can't just spring something like this on her, Fitz."
"It doesn't matter Olivia, she isn't doing anything else - she'll do it." He walks to the foyer and grabs his brief case before slamming the front door.
XXX
The first quarter of the year has always been a busy time at The Pope Foundation for Olivia and Mona. With World Water Day and Women's Day both occurring in the same month Olivia is beginning to feel somewhat overwhelmed by everything that still needs to be done to prepare for the two major events, and it's already January. To add to her stress, Olivia has been asked to speak at the Women's Day event and she has not even thought about a topic for her speech. While she is honored to have been asked to speak at the event, writing a 15-minute speech is just another thing on her ever-growing list of things she has to do.
She still has to order the brochures and giveaways for the booth she plans to have at the World Water Day event, which is being held this year at the Convention Center. She and Mona always spend weeks designing the materials to be distributed at the event. She has been revising the brochure's design on her laptop all morning when she glances down at her watch. She frowns because she has a 2:00 appointment and needs to leave now if she is going to be on time. Olivia turns off her buzzing phone, grabs her purse, and heads out for her meeting.
"Olivia, it's so good to see you. How is married life treating you?"
"I love being married and I really love being a mom, too."
"Good – good", Rev. Walker says. Have a seat, Olivia", motioning for her to sit in one of the chairs situated in front of his desk.
Olivia sits in one of the chairs and sets her purse in the other chair. Rev. Walker reclines in his squeaky leather chair and she smiles because the sound reminds her of the many times she and Fitz sat in the office for their pre-marital counseling sessions. She wonders why Rev. Walker does not oil the chair.
"And Fitz - how is he?" The man asks, twirling his eyeglasses in his right hand. "We haven't seen him around here in a while."
"Fitz is just fine, Rev. Walker. He's quite busy these days."
"Well tell him I said hello and that he is always welcome here."
"I will." Olivia smiles politely.
"Can I get you something to drink Olivia – coffee, tea?"
"No, no. Thank you, I'm fine", waving her hand in the air.
"Okay, so what can I do for you today, Olivia? What brings you here?"
"Well, as you know World Water Day is in a few months."
"Yes, yes", the reverend smiles reflectively. "Olivia, you have done a fine job over the years educating the members of Triumph Tabernacle about the need and methods to conserve water. I – we greatly appreciate you giving up your time to host the educational sessions."
"Thank you, Rev. Walker. I always enjoy sharing information about the water-related issues that face our communities. And I appreciate you allowing me to use the church's facilities to for my classes."
"Well that was the least we could do. You know the church has always been at the forefront of social change and bringing information to the community."
"Yes, and each year the attendance has grown. However, I believe we have outgrown holding World Water Day events at Triumph. Last year the turn-out was spectacular and I'm sure this year more people will want to participate now that the word has gotten out."
Rev. Walker nods thoughtfully and Olivia looks at the man closely before continuing.
"As you know Rev. Walker, the citywide World Water Day celebration will be held at the Convention Center this year."
Rev. Walker nods, listening carefully to Olivia.
"And because the Convention Center is where all the day's activities will take place, I would like to move our event to the Convention Center so we can have a presence there."
Rev. Walker nods again, waiting for Olivia to continue.
"Well …" she continues. "There will be a cost to organizations who want to participate in the event."
Rev. Walker nods.
"Well, I'm hoping that Triumph can support my foundation having a presence at the Convention Center."
"So what would this support look like – what kind of support are you looking for, Olivia?"
"I am looking to partner with Triumph. I would like Triumph to sponsor my foundation's information booth in the main hall of the Convention Center."
"So how will this partnership benefit Triumph, Olivia?"
"Triumph Tabernacle will be listed in the official event brochure as a proud sponsor of World Water Day and The Pope Foundation. And, Triumph will be recognized, on a broader scale, for supporting community awareness about water-related issues."
Rev. Walker's mouth curls down as if he is in deep thought.
"There will also be signage on and around the booth promoting our church.
"I see", Rev. Walker says."
"And …" Olivia continues quickly. "I was hoping that we could use Triumph's buses and vans to shuttle members of our congregation downtown to the Convention Center. I wouldn't want any of our members to be left out of the event just because we are moving downtown this year."
Olivia has finished presenting her proposal so she sits back in the chair and waits for Rev. Walker's response. She has learned from her attorney-husband to never over-speak, to stop talking once she has made her case.
Rev. Walker puts on his eyeglasses and leans forward, and the chair squeaks again. He opens his tablet and scrolls through the calendar application, nodding his head.
"I think a partnership between Triumph and your foundation sounds like an excellent idea, especially for such a worthy cause Olivia. With everything happening out in Flint, Michigan I think we need to do all we can to keep our community informed about issues related to our drinking water."
Olivia begins to smile but her smile is halted quickly as the reverend continues to speak.
"Of course I will have to run this by our Board."
"Of course", Olivia agrees.
"We meet this Thursday. I'll have Katie get it on the agenda for discussion."
Olivia smiles again.
"Olivia", Rev. Walker begins while looking at his calendar again. "I think we just might have the opportunity to expand our partnership."
Olivia tilts her head and looks at the man curiously.
"The bishops from the local churches meet once a month to discuss how to improve the lives of our congregations – of our communities. And I think we might be able to get other churches to contribute to your event. If we can, then you'll be able to expand our presence at the Convention Center", the man says smiling kindly.
Olivia's smile is wide again.
"Don't get too excited", he raises his hand in caution. "I have to sell these men and women on the idea first."
"If anyone can sell them on the idea it will be you, Rev. Walker."
"I appreciate the vote of confidence, but some of those bishops can be quite tough. They will want to know what's in it for them – but I'll help them to understand that part."
Olivia nods.
"I will call you next week and update you on both decisions", Rev. Walker says as he stands from his seat.
"That will be terrific and thank you so much for your help Rev. Walker. I really appreciate it."
"Olivia, you have a genuine heart for helping others and I like that."
Olivia gathers her purse from the chair next to hers and walks toward the door.
"And Olivia …" Rev. Walker calls after her.
With her hand on the doorknob, Olivia turns and looks at the smiling man. "I'll see you on Sunday morning.
As Olivia leaves Rev. Walker's office she turns on her phone and sees that Fitz texted that he is taking Cena to the pediatrician. His mother called saying Cena has a slight fever and thinks the girl might be coming down with the flu. Before going home, Olivia stops at the market and buys chicken noodle soup and juice. As she walks toward the check-out line she sees a colorful stuffed monkey with a long curling tail sitting atop a display of peanuts. She grabs the monkey and places it into the shopping cart with all of the items for her baby girl.
When Olivia gets home she drops her purse and the grocery bags onto the foyer floor, grabs the small bag, and dashes upstairs to her daughter's bedroom. When she reaches the bedroom she sees Fitz pacing back and forth with Cena in his arms.
"Shhh, Cee. Everything is going to be all right. Mommy will be here soon."
With her head laying on her his shoulder, Cena wraps her arms and legs around her daddy more tightly.
"How is she doing?" Olivia asks as she rushes into the room.
When Cena hears her mommy's voice, she lifts her head and reaches for her mommy. Fitz kisses her warm cheek before handing the little girl to Olivia.
"She's still running a fever. Dr. Jordan called in a prescription that I have to go get. I wanted to get her home first and make her comfortable after we left the doctor's office."
"I have it", Olivia says, brushing Cena's curls away from her forehead. "I called Dr. Jordan after I talked to you. He told me everything and said he had already called in the prescription to the pharmacy. I knew you couldn't stop with Cee not feeling well."
He nods.
"Dr. Jordan wants us to keep her hydrated."
"I stopped at the market and picked up more juice and soup."
He nods again as he looks at the two most important people in his life.
"Let's give her a dose of the medicine and get her pajamas on so she can get comfortable."
Fitz walks over to the dresser and picks up the bag containing the medicine and colorful monkey. He smiles at the silly looking monkey when he pulls it out the bag. He opens the medicine and pours the prescribed amount into the small plastic cup, grabs the monkey, and walks over to the bed where Olivia has Cena on her lap and is putting on her pajamas.
When Cena sees the familiar plastic cup she pokes out her bottom lip and shakes her head no.
"This will make you feel better Cee", Fitz says soothingly.
Again she shakes her head from side to side and closes her mouth tightly.
"How about if daddy gives monkey some first, then you can have some. Will that be okay, Cee?"
Cena thinks about her mother's proposition as she looks back and forth between the monkey and the medicine her daddy is holding in his hand. Cena finally nods and Fitz pretends to give the monkey some medicine, then she reaches for the monkey and pulls it close to her chest.
"Open Cee", Fitz says. And she does, scrunching her face when the awful tasting medicine makes contact with her tongue.
"Take a sip of water Cee", Olivia says when Fitz hands her the small bottle of water from the nightstand.
Olivia slides against the headboard with Cena still sitting on her lap.
"I'll stay with her until she falls asleep", Olivia says, looking worriedly at Fitz.
He nods and pulls the comforter over his girls and kisses Cena on the cheek.
"Feel better Princess, okay?"
Cena nods her head lethargically, the medicine has already begun to do its job.
"I'm going downstairs to make a few calls", looking at his wife sadly.
Olivia nods and continues to rock Cena. After about a half-hour Cena is in a deep sleep so Olivia slides from the bed and goes downstairs. As she walks toward the foyer to get the bags she left there earlier, she hears Fitz on the phone in the study on what sounds like a business call.
"Okay David. I will see you in the morning at 8:45."
When Fitz disconnects the call, a call comes through from his mother.
"Cena is going to be fine mom. Thank you for calling me. Dr. Jordan says she has the flu and prescribed some medication."
"I'm sorry I had to disturb you at work but I couldn't get ahold of Olivia."
"Olivia is with Cee now, mom. Everything is fine."
"I'm glad to hear that my granddaughter is going to be fine, Fitzgerald. But …"
"But what mom", running his hand through his hair. He is not in the mood for his mother's advice about his wife.
"Fitzgerald, you should speak with Olivia about turning off her phone during the day. It's problematic when these kinds of emergencies occur and I cannot contact her because she has shut off her phone."
In exasperation Fitz slides his palm down the side of his face.
"Thanks again mom for everything and have a good night", he says before disconnecting the call.
Fitz walks into the kitchen where he sees Olivia putting away the soup and juice she bought from the market.
"How is she doing?" Fitz asks walking over to the pantry and taking the can Olivia is trying to set on the top shelf.
"She's sleeping now. And she is still a little warm and has a runny nose."
Olivia opens the refrigerator and sets the bottles of apple and orange juice on the shelf. She realizes she needs to go grocery shopping when she looks at the sparsely populated shelves.
"The medicine will help her sleep for awhile."
Fitz finishes setting the cans of soup on the top shelf in the pantry, steps back, and looks up at the items on the shelf. He wonders how she is going to get them down later.
"Dr. Jordan says she will need to stay home in bed for two to three days", he says, walking over and opening the refrigerator. He frowns when he sees the almost empty shelves.
"Okay", Olivia says, holding the globe grapes she bought from the market under the running water. She turns off the water, pats the grapes dry, and places them into a blue glass bowl.
"There's nothing in here to eat", he says, still peering into the refrigerator.
She pinches a few grapes from the bunch and walks over to the refrigerator where her husband seems to be trying to will food to appear.
"Open", she says, plopping a couple of grapes into his mouth. Then she pulls open the meat bin and grabs the package of chicken breasts. She opens the vegetable crisper and pulls out the broccoli.
"Dinner will be ready in a half-hour", she says, taking the items over to the sink. Olivia looks over her shoulder and sees her husband popping more grapes into his mouth as he sits at the island.
"You know you're going to ruin your appetite."
"Not a chance, I'm too hungry to do that", he says with a mouthful of grapes. "So you'll be staying at home with Cee for the next few days", looking down at his tablet.
Holding the chef's knife she is using to cut the broccoli crowns from the stalk, Olivia turns from the cutting board and looks at her husband.
"What?"
"Cee is sick. She can't go back to my parents for a few more days."
"Fitz, I can stay home with Cee on Thursday and Friday but I have to be in the office tomorrow. Mona and I still have lots to do for Women's Day and World Water Day in March. You'll have to stay home with her tomorrow."
"You're joking, right?" He says, turning around with a look of incredulity spread across his face. "I have an important client meeting in the morning - I can't stay home."
"Well can't you reschedule the meeting?" She asks, absently waving the chef's knife back and forth. "I'm sure your client will understand if you tell them you have a sick child at home."
"Liv, I'm not going ask my client to reschedule a meeting that has been planned for weeks just so I can stay home and babysit."
"Babysit? I hardly call staying home to comfort your sick daughter babysitting, Fitz."
"Liv, you know what I mean."
"No I don't know what you mean, Fitz."
"It's just you have more flexibility to change your schedule because of the kind of work you do."
"What does that mean?" She asks, gripping the knife tightly.
"I just mean the demands of a non-profit are not as pressing as those of a for-profit business."
He does not realize she is getting angry and with each word he is only digging himself deeper and deeper into a hole.
"So what are you saying your work is more valuable than mine?"
"What? I said no such thing."
"So you'll stay home with Cee tomorrow?"
"No, I already said I can't do it Olivia", he says firmly. His anger is obviously rising.
"You can't or you won't?" She fires back, and they glare at each other from across the room.
"I have to get that", he says tersely as he walks from the kitchen to retrieve his ringing phone.
Olivia slams the knife onto the granite countertop and screams silently.
After she and Fitz have a relatively quiet dinner, Olivia calls Mona and asks her to come to her house in the morning to work because Cena is ill and she will have to work from home for the next few days. She tells Mona everything she should bring from the office so they can progress the work on the two upcoming events.
XXX
Mona arrives at Olivia's house the next morning at 9:45 carrying all of the supplies they will need for the day. She is out of breath as she rings the doorbell.
"My goodness Mona", Olivia says when she opens the door. Let me take some of those things from you."
Olivia takes the portable flip chart and the bag of supplies from Mona.
"Olivia, I never realized how many different kinds of supplies we use every day."
"Have a seat Mona while I get you some coffee. The two women walk to the large family where they spread the supplies on the floor, sofa, and coffee table.
"So how is Cena feeling this morning?" Mona asks as he sits onto the sofa.
"Well she doesn't have a fever any longer, but she is still sleeping a lot."
"It's tough to see them sick when they're so young."
"I know. She was crying last night because she had a headache."
"Poor thing", Mona says as she starts to organize the supplies. "Olivia, you've done wonders with this place. It feels so warm now."
"Thank you Mona" Olivia says, walking from the kitchen with two mugs of coffee. I still think it's way too much house for just three people." Olivia glances around the family room that will serve as a makeshift office for the day.
"Just enjoy it, Olivia. There isn't anything wrong with enjoying the finer things in life." Mona advises. "Besides, I'm sure you and Fitz will be filling this house with lots of babies real soon."
"If Fitz had his way we would have three children by now", Olivia says as she sits on the sofa.
"Compromise, Olivia. Remember, marriage is all about compromise and communication."
XXX
Aside from taking a couple breaks to feed Cena and give her medicine and to eat their lunch, Olivia and Mona worked straight through the day.
"I think we got everything done that we needed to do today, Olivia", Mona says, leaning against the back sofa cushion.
"There was no way we could afford to lose a day's work. I really appreciate you being so flexible and coming over here to work for the day, Mona."
"Think nothing of it, Olivia. We're able to do so much more this year since you got Rev. Walker and the other bishops to partner with the foundation."
"That was all Rev. Walker's doing. I just planted the seed", she smiles triumphantly.
As the two women wind down for the day the alarm chimes and Fitz enters the foyer and sets his brief case on the table. He wonders whose car is in the driveway as he walks toward the voices coming from the family room. He stops mid-stride when he sees that his family room has been converted into a mini Pope Foundation.
"Ladies", he says walking slowly into the room.
"Honey", Olivia jumps from the sofa to welcome her husband home. "You're home early today", pecking him on the lips.
"I wanted to get home a little early to check on Cee. How is she doing?"
"She's getting better. Thank goodness she no longer has a fever. I was able to get her to eat a little soup for lunch."
Fitz nods and glances around the room again.
"Hello Mona", walking over to shake the women's hand.
"Hello Fitz. It's good to see you again."
"You as well", he smiles trying to figure out what's going on in his family room.
"Honey, Mona is a real godsend. She agreed to work here today so we could stay on track to meet our deadlines."
"I see. Well I'll let you two get back to work. I'm going upstairs to check on Cee. It was good seeing you again, Mona."
"You too, Fitz."
Fitz looks in on his sleeping daughter who is clutching the colorful stuffed monkey under her arm. He kisses her cool forehead and turns on the lamp before quietly leaving the room. He walks down the hall to their bedroom, takes a quick shower, and changes into a pair of sweatpants and a tee shirt. For the next half-hour Fitz sits on the side of the bed checking and responding to email. After responding to the last email, he goes downstairs and sighs heavily when he sees all of the papers, pens, and the flip chart still scattered around the family room.
"Mona is gone?" He asks pressing his body against Olivia's back as she stirs the contents of the pot that has been simmering all afternoon.
"Yes. She left a few minutes ago."
"Homemade spaghetti sauce?" He asks, reaching around her and dipping his index finger into the bubbling red liquid."
"You're going to burn your finger", she says, continuing to stir the sauce.
"I love you", he kisses down the side of her neck.
"I wanted to make your favorite for dinner tonight."
He gives her another peck on the cheek and walks over and sits at the island.
"It looks like you and Mona were busy today", watching as Olivia turns on the pot filler above the stove. Now he sees why she insisted on having one installed. It is more convenient to fill large pots with water at the stove than walking back and forth from the sink to the stove.
"I didn't want to lose a whole day of work. We have so much that still needs to be done."
He nods.
"You should think about moving your operations here, Liv. You and Mona can use our study, it's more than big enough."
"What?" Turning and looking at him in disbelief.
"I think it makes sense. You can work from home and Cee can stay here with you. That way we don't have to get her up so early in the morning and drag her over to my parents' every day. I've noticed how cranky she's been in the mornings lately."
"First of all, I'm the only one taking Cee to your parents' home every morning. Second, it's not practical for me to move my operations here. I'm just working from home the rest of the week until Cee feels better. Besides, we have clients coming and going throughout the day at the foundation. I don't want that for our home."
"Well maybe you can structure your schedule so you can meet with your clients two days a week and you can work from home on the other days."
She flinches when he emphasizes 'clients'.
"Fitz, I have regular meetings outside of the office that I need to attend. Besides, I couldn't get a thing done with Cee being home all day. That's why your parents are watching her. It will work for the next few days because she isn't feeling well, but once she has her energy back she is going to be a handful."
Fitz frowns as he watches her slice the garlic with the large chef's knife.
XXX
Fitz is elated he will be home for the next few days to spend some quality time with his family. He feels like he is missing out on so much when he is away. Each time he comes home it seems like Cena has grown or changed in some way. When he came home yesterday he noticed she was missing a bottom front tooth, which means he missed seeing her expression when she woke up to find what the Tooth Fairy had left under her pillow. Although Olivia recorded the whole scene, it is not the same as being here in person.
"Liv, we need to start thinking about planning our spring vacation", Fitz says, watching his daughter play on the floor with her toys.
"Okay", not looking up from her paperwork. "What did you have in mind?"
"Do you think Cee is old enough for Disneyland?"
"California? I guess so. They have a pretty extensive toddler section."
"Let's do it. Let's book a trip to Disneyland. Maybe we can stop in Monterey while we're there. Do you want to go see Mickey and Goofy, Cee?"
"Yay. I want to see Mickey, daddy."
Fitz scrolls through the work schedule on his phone.
"How about the week of March 15?" He asks Olivia who is engrossed in whatever she is reading.
"No, that won't work", once again not looking up from her paperwork.
"How do you know? You haven't even checked your schedule."
"I don't have to. The whole month of March is off the table."
"Why?" Looking at his wife in disbelief.
"Babe, March is a busy month for me. Don't you remember?" She says, looking at him as she sets the pen on top the papers in her lap. He gives her a clueless look.
"Fitz, Women's Day is in March and so is World Water Day. Mona and I have been preparing for those events for quite some time now. And this year I've been asked to speak at the Women's Day event and I have lots of educational sessions planned for World Water Day."
"But Liv, if we don't go in March then I don't know when we're going to be able to get away. My schedule gets crazy after March."
"Well can't you move some things around so we can go sometime in April?"
"No, I can't just move things around. These are some important people – corporate CEOs who have already blocked off time to meet with me."
"Babe, I'm sure they'll understand if you have to reschedule because you want to spend time with your family."
"Liv, I'm sure Mona can handle whatever needs to be done."
"Fitz, it's my business and I need to be at those events."
He huffs in frustration and throws his phone across the sofa.
Year 6 - Two Months before Olivia Leaves
Fitz rifles through his hanging shirts in their walk-in closet looking for his white, French cuff shirt. He walks over to the shelf where his laundered shirts are folded and grows frustrated. He has a meeting with a group of important clients this evening and he wants to wear his "lucky" cufflinks Olivia bought for his birthday.
"Liv", he calls, walking from the closet and into their bedroom.
Olivia is in the family room playing with Cena on the floor. Now that Cena is four years old Olivia likes to spend more time playing educational games on her tablet with the little girl. She is proud how Cena learned so quickly how to use the tablet.
"What a big girl you are, Cee. Are you mommy's big girl?" Olivia crawls to Cee and tickles her stomach and Cee laughs and laughs.
"Are you mommy's big girl, Cee?"
Between tickles and laughs Cee denounces being a big girl. She still likes being her mommy and daddy's baby.
"Olivia!" Fitz yells over Cena's laughter.
Olivia picks up Cena and walks upstairs to their bedroom carrying the girl on her hip.
"Must you yell, Fitz? I'm right here."
"Where's my shirt?"
She rolls her eyes.
"Which shirt, Fitz? You have lots of shirts."
"The one I wear with these", opening his hand to display her birthday gift. "I want to wear them tonight."
She closes her eyes and waits for the onslaught of words because she forgot to pick up his dry cleaning after work today. After she picked up Cena from his parents' house. And after she stopped at the health food store to get his protein powder.
"I'm sorry …"
He huffs and walks into the closet to find a different shirt to wear.
"We have dinner at my parents' tomorrow night - it's Nora's birthday. Did you remember to get a gift?" He calls out in frustration from the closet.
"I'll pick up one tomorrow at lunch."
XXX
"Well, if it isn't the other Grants", Nora says greeting her brother and Olivia. "Hello Captain. I'm glad to see you, Liv." She sticks out her tongue at her brother.
"Happy Birthday, Nora", Fitz grimaces as he pushes past his annoying sister while carrying a sleeping Cena.
"Happy Birthday, Nora", Olivia says, hugging her sister-in-law.
"I don't know how you tolerate him, Liv."
"We got you something special - I hope you like it", Olivia says holding up the gift bag.
"You mean you got me something and I'm sure I will love it. Come on in and let's get a drink, we're going to need it with this crowd."
"Nothing for me tonight, Nora. I've been battling this headache all day and I have an early morning."
Nora looks at Olivia suspiciously.
"Well, being married to my brother I'm sure you have headaches quite often."
The entire Grant family sit around the dinner table enjoying the wonderful meal Maura prepared for Nora's birthday. Olivia sits next to Fitz, who is holding Cena on his lap. John is sitting next to his wife Abigail. Bennie is sitting next to the birthday girl. And the parents sit at either end of the table.
"I just love when the whole family gets together like this", Gerry says. "But I think it's time to start expanding the family.
"Well Abigail and I are contributing to the cause with this one in the oven", John says, patting his wife's five-month pregnant belly. It's time for Bennie and Nora to get on the bandwagon."
"I don't want any crumb snatchers anytime soon", Nora says. "Besides, I'm still young and have way too much living to do", flipping her hair in dramatic fashion. She is obviously a little tipsy.
"And Dr. Bennie needs to find a girlfriend and stop mooning over –"
"Let's have cake, shall we?" Maura says, interrupting her daughter's inappropriate comments.
"Oops", Nora says giggling.
Fitz and Bennie glare at Nora as their mother passes cake around the table to everyone. Fitz feeds Cee a forkful of cake as Olivia sips water.
"So Olivia", Gerry starts with a mouthful of cake. "When are you and my son going to give us another grandchild? Everybody knows Fitzgerald has always wanted a large family like his old man", he laughs heartily.
"You can't make babies if you're working all the time", Maura says snidely.
"We're working on it dad", Fitz says.
Abigail frowns at Fitzgerald as Olivia excuses herself from the table.
XXX
Olivia is running late for her meeting so she walks quickly down the hall to the small conference room where Mona is waiting with Council President Briggs. She plasters a smile on her face before swinging open the door. After having dinner with her in-laws last night she is not in a good mood this morning.
"Marla, good morning. It's so good to see you. My apologies for having you wait."
"No worries, Olivia", the older woman says as she stands from her seat to give Olivia a hug. "Mona and I were just catching up."
"Good morning, Mona. Thank you for working with the Council President until I got here."
"Good morning, Olivia. Can I get you some tea?"
"Yes, please. And Marla, would you like more coffee?"
"No, I'm fine. Mona just gave me a refill."
"I'll get you that tea, Olivia", Mona says as she scampers quickly from the room.
"Sit down, Marla. How have you been?"
"Are you feeling all right, Olivia? You're looking a little peaked this morning." The woman eyes her carefully.
"I'm fine, Marla. It's just been a hectic morning."
Mona returns to the conference room and sets the mug of steaming tea in front of Olivia.
"Thank you, Mona", Olivia says as her assistant leaves the room.
"Marla, I really appreciate you pushing through my last proposal. Those funds are going to help a lot of people. Here is the list of families who we selected to participate in the program."
Olivia give Marla a copy of the report showing how the funds have been distributed. Marla glances at the report and sets it aside.
"You're doing good work, Olivia. By the way, how is that beautiful little girl of yours?"
"She's wonderful – growing every day." Olivia beams proudly.
"And that handsome husband of yours? He's become a real mover and shaker around these parts, and in DC."
"Fitz is fine. He's in DC today actually. He'll be back tonight."
"Well tell him I said hello", Marla says as she gathers her purse and report from the table and walks to the door. With her hand on the doorknob she stops and turns around.
"You know Rev. Walker has been asking about you."
"I'll be there on Sunday, Marla. Save me a seat."
Marla nods.
"Drink your tea, Olivia. You might want to put a little ginger in it." Marla smiles as she leaves the conference room.
XXX
A month later Olivia leans back in her chair after reading an expose' on the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. She thinks about what she just read and wonders if her city has the same problem with its water source.
"What's on your mind, Olivia?" Mona asks, standing in the doorway carrying her purse and lunch bag, getting ready to go home.
"I was just wondering how safe the drinking water is in our city. I just finished reading an article on the Flint fiasco and my heart breaks whenever I think about those people, especially children.
"Olivia, first we have to determine which side of our city you're talking about."
Not understanding Mona's comment, Olivia furrows her brow and looks at the woman somewhat perplexed.
"Olivia", Mona says, walking into the office and setting her purse and Bette Boop lunch bag onto the desk. "If we're talking about where you live in the suburbs where all of those big, beautiful homes are less than five years old, then no, you don't have a water problem. If you're talking about my side of the city where the houses are less than 50 years old, then I probably don't have a problem." Mona sits in the hard chair next to Olivia's desk. "But if we're talking about Springfield Heights, the part of the city where my sister and her children live, then they definitely have a water problem. Maybe their problem isn't for the same reasons as in Flint, where government officials changed the water supply, but they have a problem nonetheless."
Olivia leans forward in her chair and looks at Mona with curiously.
"What do you mean, Mona?"
"Olivia, my sister lives over in Springfield Heights – has lived there for quite some time - and everybody knows about the water problem. It's been a problem for years. People in the neighborhood believe that's why there is such a high level of lead poisoning in the children that have been tested."
"What?"
"I guess I'm going to miss my bus", Mona says now taking off her coat. Olivia looks at her watch because she wants to get home early tonight. She has been putting in a lot of late hours at the office for the past few weeks and Fitz does not like it.
"Olivia, the city has been telling those people over in Springfield Heights that the elevated lead levels found in the children tested are due to the lead-based paint used in those old homes. That might be true in some cases, but it's also the water."
Olivia looks at Mona and nods, waiting for her to continue.
"Most of those houses in Springfield Heights are over 50 years old and still have the original plumbing – pipes in them. Lead was used to solder those pipes back then."
Olivia is astonished.
"People in that neighborhood think that's why some of the children and adults have so many health and mental issues."
"This is unbelievable", Olivia says, looking at Mona incredulously.
After Olivia drops off Mona at her home she drives to the beautiful home she shares with her husband and daughter. For a few minutes she sits in the car staring at their recently built house. She thinks about how fortunate her family is and she thinks about the unfortunate families that live in Springfield Heights and vows to do everything she can to get those families access to safe drinking water. She wipes the tears from her face and gets out of the car.
Fitz grimaces as he looks at his watch and takes another sip of scotch when he hears the alarm chime as the front door opens. Olivia sets her purse onto the table in the foyer and her brief case on the floor next to Fitz' brief case. When she walks into the family room she is pleasantly surprised to see that her husband is still awake. Her adrenaline is still pumping through her veins because of what Mona told her about Springfield Heights and she wants to tell him about what she just learned. She walks over to where Fitz is sitting with a foot planted on the edge of the coffee table, leans in, and pecks him on the cheek.
"You missed dinner", he says flatly, swirling the ice around in the glass.
"That's okay", missing the irritation in his voice. "I'm not very hungry any way."
Olivia sits next to him on the sofa and he gets up, walks over to the bar, and pours another drink.
"Missing dinner is not about your hunger, Olivia", he glares at her from across the room.
The use of her full name and the tone of his voice get her attention immediately.
"Is there something wrong, babe?" She turns around on the sofa and sees that her husband is staring at her with dark eyes.
"How long is this going to go on?" He asks tightly.
She looks at him perplexed because she has no idea what he is talking about. She hates when he does this shit to her, interrogating like she is a plaintiff in one of his cases.
"How long is what going to go on?" Tossing an open-ended question back to him. She has learned a few things from her attorney-husband.
"You haven't had dinner with Cena one night this week. Nor have you been here to tuck her in and to say good-night."
She groans silently because now he is going to list every negative about her behavior as a mother. She is quite familiar with his tactics.
"It's only been a few nights, Fitz. I'm sure Cee hardly notices."
"Well I've noticed", taking his battle stance where his fingers rest on his hips.
"Apparently so", she responds tiredly. Olivia decides to stand up to him tonight, no backing down this time.
"So answer my question", he demands.
"You don't get to interrogate me like I'm one of those helpless people you beat into submission in favor of your wealthy clients. I know your tactics, Fitz."
"My tactics keep a roof over this family", he growls.
"I didn't need all of this house – didn't want it actually. You're the one who had to have it. This was all you", she snaps.
His eyes darken and his lips curl down. He is red-faced and mad as hell.
"So are you going to answer my question?" He insists.
She does not want things to escalate so she walks over to him and tries to diffuse the situation before they both say something they will regret tomorrow.
"I'm sorry", she says softly, caressing the side of his face. She feels the stubble against her palm and smiles slightly. She has always wondered what he would look like with a beard.
"Babe, I was getting ready to leave over and hour ago when Mona stopped by my office to say good night." She pecks him on the lips and tastes the scotch she hates. He does not relent.
"She started telling me about the water problem the residents over in Springfield Heights are having - have been having for years apparently. I needed to hear because –"
"Could you solve the water problem in Springfield Heights tonight?" He asks tightly, cutting her off, checking her.
"What – no", she stutters. "Of course I couldn't solve the problem tonight."
Now he is going in for the kill. He enjoys this lawyer shit too much for her tastes.
"That's the point", knowing he just checkmated her. "Whatever the problem is over there has been going on for years, Olivia. You couldn't do a damn thing about it tonight, but you chose to listen to a story about Springfield Heights rather than come home and be with your daughter."
"You know better."
He gulps down the last of his scotch and sets the glass on top of the fireplace mantle.
"I'm going to bed now", he says, walking to the foyer and climbing the stairs to their bedroom.
She looks at his retreating back in shock then walks into the kitchen to wash his glass and put it away.
XXX
Feeling guilty about having missed a few meals with her family lately, Olivia gets up early the next morning to prepare breakfast for Fitz and Cena. As she starts the coffee maker she hears Fitz talking to Cena as they walk through the family room toward the kitchen.
"Mommy!" Cena yells, bouncing up and down in her daddy's arms and reaching out for Olivia to take her.
"How's my baby girl doing this morning?" Olivia asks, lifting Cena from Fitz' arms. She gives her husband their usual morning kiss on the lips.
"I have your breakfast ready", she says softly, looking up at him apologetically.
He kisses her again and walks over to the island and sits down. Olivia sets his breakfast in front of him and he begins to eat immediately.
"Ready for breakfast, Miss Cee?" She says in her most chipper voice.
"Yes, mommy."
"Okay, sit next to daddy while I get your breakfast."
"Okay, mommy."
"Liv, I have a dinner meeting with Bob Burns tonight. I won't be home until after 10:00."
"OK. Miss Cee and I will just have to manage things around here tonight without you, babe. Right Cee?"
"Without you daddy", Cena repeats after taking a sip of milk.
"Well don't get too used to it, Princess. Daddy wants to be home with his favorite girls more than anything." He taps Cena on the nose and she giggles.
Fitz finishes his breakfast then walks over to the stove where Olivia is scrambling her eggs. He wraps his arms around her waist and kisses down the side of her neck and she smiles at the feeling of his warm lips pressing against the sensitive skin. She turns and give him a real kiss.
"Are we good?" She asks softly, looking up at her husband with uncertainty.
"I love you more than anything - never doubt that - no matter what. Okay?" He looks into her eyes sincerely.
"Stay home today", looking at him through her lashes as she runs her knee slowly up and down his crotch.
His face grows flush with desire and he is getting aroused.
"Livvie. I – I …" He stammers because this is the effect she has on him.
"Stay home with me today", seductively gliding her lips slowly across his.
He backs her against the stove and runs his hand up her thigh and under the short nightgown. He is pleasantly surprised when his hand discovers she is not wearing any panties. She spread her legs slightly and smiles.
"Stay with me today, please", she says again breathlessly. And he nods repeatedly as he cups her face and devours her mouth. She kisses him in kind as she runs her fingernails through the hairs at the nape of his neck. Moans of pleasure fill the room as they get lost further and further in their sexual haze, until Cena interrupts their tongue battle.
"Mommy kiss daddy. Daddy kiss mommy", the giggling girl sings from her seat at the island.
Their daughter's giggling brings them to their senses and they pull back from each. Breathing heavily, they rest on each other's forehead and burst out laughing.
"Mommy kiss daddy. Daddy kiss mommy", Cena sings again.
"And mommy and daddy now kiss Cee", Olivia says as she and Fitz walk over and plant wet kisses all over the face of the laughing girl.
After family time of all sorts is over in the kitchen, Olivia and Cena walk Fitz to the front door to say good-bye.
"Bye daddy", Cena shouts as she looks up to the man who towers over her.
Fitz swoops up Cena and kisses her pajama-covered stomach and she laughs out loud.
"I'll see you tonight, Princess. Okay?"
"Pucker daddy."
Fitz puckers and Cena pecks him on the lips and Olivia smiles as she watches the two. Fitz kisses Olivia again and whispers they will finish what they started in the kitchen when he gets home tonight. She nods and smiles expectantly.
After cleaning the kitchen, giving Cena a bath and getting her dressed, then taking her own shower and getting dressed, Olivia drops Cena off at her in-laws. She arrives to work much later than she had planned.
Once she gets her coffee she settles into her chair and thinks about Springfield Heights. The information Mona shared with her last night has been weighing on her mind and she wants, no she needs to do something. But first she needs to find out if the problem is real. She needs to discuss the matter with some of her contacts, to get their perspective on what is going on. So she calls Dr. Marianne Harris, director of the city's Health Department. She calls Water Department Commissioner Amelia Carlson. She calls Councilman Darius Moton. And she calls Council President Marla Briggs. After she confirms that each is available for lunch next Thursday she asks Mona to make the reservation at Restaurant 52 for a party of five.
"This lunch is going to set you back by a pretty penny, Olivia. You know how much that Darius can eat, especially when it's free."
"I know", and the two women burst out laughing.
Olivia looks at her watch, she needs to pick up Cena on time tonight so she plans to leave the office at 4:00. Since Fitz will not be home for dinner she and Cena can have a mommy-daughter night. She misses not spending their special time together. Olivia continues to work on a new proposal when Mona rushes to her office out of breath.
"What is it, Mona? What's the matter?" Looking up from her paperwork with concern.
"Olivia, the residents over at Springfield Heights are having a meeting tonight in a little over an hour", Mona says looking down at her watch. "They're going to meet at the community center to discuss the water problem and all the illnesses they've been having."
Olivia's eyes widen.
"If you want firsthand information about what's going on over there then you need to go to that meeting."
Olivia looks at her watch, balls her hands tightly, and inhales deeply. She knows she cannot be late picking up Cena tonight. But if everything goes as scheduled she can go to the meeting to hear what is going on and get to her in-laws in time to pick up Cena.
"OK", grabbing her purse and car keys from her desk drawer. "Let's go."
Olivia and Mona have been sitting on the hard metal chairs for the past 20 minutes waiting for the meeting to start. People continue to filter into the small room and take their seats, but the community organizer who called the meeting still has not arrived.
"Mona, I'm going to have to leave to pick up Cee if they don't get started soon."
"Give it a few more minutes, Olivia. With all of these people here they should be getting started soon."
Olivia nods and looks around the room, which is now completely packed with standing room only. Fifteen minutes later Mona nudges Olivia and motions her head toward the front of the room.
"That's Marcella Andersen. She's the one who organized the meeting. She's the president of the neighborhood organization.
Olivia nods and looks at Marcella who has begun to take control of the room.
"This meeting is now in order", Marcella shouts, banging her hand on the rickety metal table and causes it to wobble.
The room continues to rumble.
"I said this meeting has come to order", Marcella shouts again and everyone glares at the curvy woman but grows quiet nonetheless.
"We are not here to socialize", Marcella begins. "We're here to save our babies - to save our babies from the poisonous water flowing into our homes."
The crowd cheers.
"This has been going on for too long and the government keeps denying there is a problem."
"My Juwan was born healthy", a frail women yells from the front row. "But when he started pre-school I was told he couldn't keep up with the lessons and I should have him tested. They ran all kinds of mental and physical tests and the results came back that he had lead in his blood."
The woman breaks down and cries. For the next hour various residents stand and tell their story about the health and mental problems their family members have experienced over the years.
"We're going to take this to the streets", Marcella shouts. "We're going to march on City Hall and maybe then we will finally get some attention", and the crowd goes wild.
Olivia has heard enough and whispers to Mona that she has to leave. Mona nods and says they will talk tomorrow.
XXX
After making a quick exit from the Springfield Heights community meeting, Olivia arrives 15 minutes late to her in-laws to collect Cena.
"Olivia, you finally made it", her mother-in-law whines as she opens the door. "Gerry was just getting ready to call Fitzgerald. We have our bridge game tonight with the Tolson's and we don't want to be late."
"I'm so sorry Maura, traffic is horrendous today. I'll get Cee so you and Gerry can be on your way."
Olivia and Cena are having a fun night of making tacos while Fitz is at his dinner meeting. They chop avocado, tomatoes, and romaine lettuce and place them into little bowls. Olivia sautéed chicken breasts for Cena's taco and shrimp for hers. Cena likes the hard, crunchy taco shells while Olivia prefers the flour tortillas.
"Mommy, I like when we make tacos. They're my favorite."
"I know they're your favorite, that's why we're making them tonight."
"Can I make one for daddy?" Cena asks excitedly.
"You sure can. But daddy won't eat it tonight because he has a dinner meeting. Okay?"
"OK. He can eat it for breakfast", topping her daddy's taco with avocado.
Olivia smiles thinking Fitz is really going to enjoy eating a cold, soggy taco for breakfast.
After eating their tacos, Olivia and Cena play a few games before it is time for Cena's bath. As the little girl splashes around in the warm, bubbly water Olivia thinks about the children in Springfield Heights and shakes her head in sadness.
Once Cena is in her pajamas and in bed, Olivia begins to read Cena's favorite story. And before she can finish reading the first page, the little girl is fast asleep. Careful not to waken the little girl, Olivia slides out of the bed and goes back downstairs to clear the toys from the family room floor. She assesses the downstairs space, making sure everything is in order before going to take a hot shower. As she rinses the conditioner from her hair the shower door opens.
"Hi", he says.
"Hi", she says smiling brightly.
Fitz bends down and kisses his wife deeply, pushing his tongue into her mouth. And her hand flies to the back of his neck. He reaches down and slowly strokes her wetness and she gasps, opening her legs wide.
"Right there, Fitz. Oh, right there." She rides his hand as he swirls his tongue inside her mouth.
"You like that, Livvie?" He asks teasingly.
Unable to speak, she shakes he head from side to side.
"No?" He asks somewhat surprised. "Do you want me to stop?" He asks huskily.
Still unable to speak she shakes her head from side to side. He inserts a finger and she stiffens, then begins to ride up and down his hand. She closes her eyes as he thrusts deeper.
"Are you going to cum for me, Livvie", knowing she is on the verge of exploding.
She nods her head up and down and his finger thrusts deeper and she screams out in pleasure. The water runs into her mouth as she gasps for breath. Fully spent she slides down the slick tile wall and onto the shower floor.
"We're not finished yet, Livvie", he says, sliding her back up the wall.
Wobbly and unable to stand on her own accord, she wraps her arms around his neck, hanging on. He pushes her leg open with his knee and rubs his hardness up and down her slickness, and she quivers again.
"We're gonna fuck tonight, Livvie. Okay?"
She nods vigorously because she loves when her husband gets aggressive. He slides into her slowly, inch by inch, and they look at each other and smile. The sensation is almost unbearable. Resting his arms against the wall he starts to pump, slow at first. And she presses her hand on his taut ass, pulling him in deeper. And they ride each other nice and slow, finding their groove, as the water rains down over them. He reaches over and changes the water setting, allowing the streaming water to pulsate over the heated skin.
"Damn, Livvie", closing his eyes tight and pumping harder. "You feel so good, baby. I can never get enough of you."
She kisses him hard and his ass tightens as he releases, moaning in pleasure. They are both breathless and their legs feel like jelly. He caresses her face and looks at her like she is the only woman in the world, because for him she is.
"I love you, Olivia – more than anything – more than you can ever know."
She smiles happily because things have been somewhat tense between them lately.
"I love you too, Fitz – more than anything. You have my heart forever."
As they lay in bed thoroughly worked over and completely relaxed, Olivia snuggles into her husband's side.
"I've missed you babe", she says, "I know I've been putting in a lot of hours lately but this won't last much longer. Okay?"
He nods and kisses her on the temple.
"Fitz, sometimes I forget how fortunate we are – take it for granted really."
He kisses her again.
"Whenever I give Cee a bath it makes me think about those children in Springfield Heights who are exposed to contaminated water every day – who can't take a safe bath or drink clean water. They shouldn't have to live like that."
He wipe away the tears rolling down her face.
"It's not fair, Fitz."
"Life isn't always fair babe", tightening his arm around her shoulder.
"I have to try to help them, Fitz. I have to do something."
"It's a big job, Liv."
"I know, but I just need to try."
"Get some sleep babe", he says, kissing her again.
As Olivia sleeps Fitz lay awake thinking about the amount of time his wife's latest project is going to take away from the family. He wants Olivia to start spending more time at home, more time being a mother to their daughter. He does not like that his parents have to watch Cena during the day. He does not like that on some days Cena only sees her mother for a few minutes because Olivia leaves before Cena gets up and comes home late in the evenings. He will have to talk to her about priorities.
XXX
A week after attending the Springfield Heights community meeting, Olivia sits in Restaurant 52 waiting her lunch guests to arrive. She sips water and reviews her notes as Councilman Moton walks up to the table.
"Hello Olivia", the portly man says as he extends his hand and smiles broadly.
"Darius, it's so good to see you. It's been a while. Thank you for coming. You're the first to arrive."
"I wouldn't miss this lunch for anything."
Olivia smiles.
"So how's the family – how's Yvonne?"
"The family is doing well - Yvonne is doing well. She made partner with Chambers, Naylor, and Kressner. I'm very proud of her."
"That's terrific, Darius. I'll have to give her a call and congratulate her."
"And your family? How is Fitz and that beautiful little girl of yours?"
"Fitz is fine - busy as usual. And Cena is growing every day."
"Well you tell Fitz I said hello. I haven't forgotten the fantastic job he did negotiating that deal for the city.
Dr. Marion Harris, director of the city's Health Department; Water Department Commissioner Amelia Carlson; and Council President Marla Briggs all walk up to the table together. Olivia wonders if they all drove together or if they saw each other on the way in the restaurant.
After everyone is seated and exchange pleasantries and inquiries about each other's families and the lunch orders are taken, Olivia repeats the purpose of the lunch meeting as the waitress walks away.
"Olivia, protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. The effects of lead exposure cannot be corrected", Dr. Harris says.
"The children are what really concern me, Marion. They already have two strikes against them. Add the side effects from drinking lead-tainted water, well we'll never break the cycle of poverty in Springfield Heights", Olivia says passionately.
"I can, without a doubt, assure you that the water we provide to the Springfield Height homes and other city residents is safe and clean", says Water Department Commissioner Amelia Carlson."
"And you know that how?" Darius questions the commissioner.
"It's my job to know these things, Darius", Amelia says smugly.
"They told the people in Flint the same thing", Darius says, stuffing the buttered bread into his already full mouth.
"Don't you dare go there, Darius." Amelia says, turning her attention to Olivia. "Olivia, our drinking water is lead-free, and there are clear differences between Flint and our city. Flint's problems stem from the city changing its water supply, which we have not done', she glances at Darius. "The city's water main, which distributes water to homes, is indeed lead-free."
The waitress returns pushing a cart loaded with their food. After setting the entrees in front of each diner, she asks if anyone needs anything else before leaving the diners to their meal. Darius digs into his salmon and risotto immediately.
"There is a higher incidence of lead in the blood of the Springfield Heights residents than there is in other city residents", Dr. Harris says. "More than 10 percent of the Springfield Heights children tested in 2014 showed elevated blood lead levels.
"Well it's not because of the water. All of us in the city drink the same water", Amelia says smugly, lifting the water glass to her lips. "The problem is in some homes throughout the city, especially those built before 1950, where water is funneled through the lead pipes in the homes.
"So are you saying the problem is with the plumbing inside of the homes?" Olivia has learned from Fitz to ask open-ended questions rather than make statements that reveal what she knows or her position on a matter. She just hates when he does it to her.
"Yes, that's correct Olivia", Amelia says.
"This sounds like a significant issue", Olivia says. "How can the problem be fixed?"
"In the short term we're telling residents to flush their faucets — by letting the cold water run for three to five minutes before drinking — that can fix the issue."
"Three to five minutes?" Darius says in disbelief while reaching over to snag a shrimp from Olivia's salad, which she has yet to touch. "That seems like a long time, Amelia. I think you're sending mixed messages about the city's water, considering residents have also been told to turn their faucets off whenever they're not using them in order to conserve water."
"That's only part of the problem", Dr. Harris says. "Those houses, because they are old, have lead-based paint in them. While the FDA has banned the use of lead-based paint years ago, many of these houses still have this paint in them. The children eat the paint chips, Olivia. That's another reason the lead blood levels are high."
"We have a water problem in our old schools too", Darius says, scraping the remnants of his meal from his plate.
"Let me provide a little context on this water issue", says the elegant Council President, who has been listening quietly and patiently as her esteemed colleagues bantered back and forth. "The city has conceded that lead poisoning is a problem in our city, but they say it is caused by lead-based paint in the older properties – not the water."
Darius begins to disagree but Marla raises her hand to stop his protests.
"That's the official position and we have funded programs for years to remove the lead-based paint from the homes of low-income residents - the program was highly successful. The offensive paint has been removed from the homes and the children impacted are monitored and tested regularly. They all get the wraparound support they need to limit the effects the lead has on their health."
Olivia and Dr. Harris nod.
"Now, as far as the water is concerned, I will have to trust Amelia that the source of our drinking water – the water that comes into our homes – is safe."
"We add certain chemicals to the water –"
"I got it Amelia", Marla says, stopping the Water Department commissioner from giving a long-winded technical explanation of the department's water treatment practices.
"But the plumbing in the homes of certain sections of our city is old and does contain lead. The homeowners are responsible for replacing those pipes but cannot afford to do so. They can hardly afford to pay their water bill let alone replace their entire plumbing system. And, unfortunately, there are no funds to assist homeowners to replace the lead pipes."
"There is", Amelia chimes in, leaning forward. "The Water Department is developing a program to help residents to replace their lead pipes. The program will be up and running sometime in 2018. Each household will have to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 for the switch", she says proudly.
The other guests look at Amelia as if she just grew two or three more heads. Darius openly rolls his eyes at the woman's lack of sensitivity.
"Amelia dear", Marla begins. "If you're a resident of Springfield Heights and you're barely making enough to pay for your basic needs, how do you expect them to take advantage of this great program? The cost might as well be $50,000 as far as they are concerned."
The light bulb goes off in Amelia's head and Darius shakes his head at the smart but dense woman, as he grabs another shrimp from Olivia's plate."
"You may have my lunch, Darius. I'm not really hungry", Olivia says. Darius quickly slides Olivia's plate over and begins to dig into the salad.
"I don't usually eat salad Olivia but the shrimp makes this taste really good."
Olivia gives Darius a slight smile and Dr. Harris eyes him closely, thinking he needs to lose some weight.
On her drive back to the office from lunch Olivia reflects on all the information she obtained from her lunch guests. The city is aware there is a lead contamination problem but it is not caused by the water the city provides to its residents. The culprit is the old pipes in old homes and neither the homeowners nor the local and state governments have the money to fix the problem. As she waits for the traffic light to turn green, the answer to the water problem in Springfield Heights comes to her. She rushes back to the office and begins to draft her most ambitious proposal to date.
Later that evening Olivia continues to work in the study on her latest proposal to replace the pipes in the homes over in Springfield Heights when Fitz walks to the room and leans against the wall.
"Liv", he says, looking at his wife who is clearly deep in thought.
"Olivia!"
Startled by her husband yelling her name, Olivia almost jumps out of her seat.
"Goodness Fitz, you scared the daylights out of me."
"How much longer are you going to be down here?" He asks walking into the room.
"I don't know, I'm trying to draft a proposal. I have a meeting with Marla in a few days to test the idea with her."
"I leave tomorrow for Kansas", he says flatly.
"I know babe and I'm going to miss you. We are both going to miss you", giving him the best pouty face she can muster at the moment.
"Liv, I'll be gone for three days and my bag isn't packed yet. I have an early morning flight."
"Fitz, you're going to have to pack your own bag this time because I'm –"
"What? You always pack my bag. You know where everything is."
"Fitz, I need to finish revising this draft. Everything you need is in our bedroom."
"Come on, Liv. You do it so much better than me", he says, giving her that look that she still succumbs to.
She sighs and stands from the chair.
"Okay, but you have to watch me pack your bag this time, Fitz. I'm not going to have time to keep doing it for you", she says, trudging from the study and upstairs to their bedroom.
"Why not?" He asks, walking into the bathroom to get his toiletries. He knows how to pack his bag, after all he did it before they were married. He just likes spending this time with her before he leaves on a trip.
"Because I'm busy, Fitz. Because I have a business to run."
"It's not like the people you support are paying clients."
She stops packing his bag and walks into the bathroom where he is gathering his extra toiletries.
"What did you just say?" Putting a hand on her hip and causing his Navy tee shirt to ride up her thighs.
"What?" He looks at her confused.
"What did you just say about the people I support not paying me?"
"Well they don't. If you didn't receive public funding your clients wouldn't be able to afford your services. It's just a fact, Liv", he says, pushing past her to put his toiletries bag into the suitcase.
Olivia looks at her husband in shock, not quite sure of what to think about his comment.
XXX
Olivia is becoming more excited as she explains to Council President Briggs her idea to replace the lead-base plumbing in the homes in Springfield Heights.
"That's pretty ambitious of you, Olivia."
"Marla, the residents, especially the children, who live in those homes are in danger every day of being exposed to lead-contaminated water. Nothing in that community will ever change if the people aren't healthy."
"Olivia, that community has been depressed for generations."
"Exactly. And that's why we need to do something now about the contaminated water they are drinking. Marla, you know I have a four-year-old little girl and whenever I give her a drink of water or a bubble bath I think about those children."
"I told you at lunch, neither the city nor the state has the money to fund such a program."
"I won't be asking the government to fund the program – at least not fully."
Marla tilts her head to the side and looks at Olivia curiously.
"So who do you think is going to pay for it?"
"The private sector. The number of businesses that are located in that community is unbelievable. From convenience stores to liquor stores to fast food restaurants and a few supermarkets, and a few churches she says softly. They all make money – lots of money off the residents of Springfield Heights."
Marla leans back in her chair and looks at Olivia, intrigued by the younger woman's idea.
"Marla, it's time for those businesses to give back to that community. And I don't mean candy at Halloween or a turkey at Thanksgiving. I'm talking about those business owners helping to fund the program to replace the pipes in the homes of the residents who qualify. Those businesses would not exist if the people in that community did not shop in their stores."
"So do you expect the business owners to fully fund the program?"
"We'll negotiate that", Olivia says emphatically, now pacing around the small room.
Marla nods and smiles.
"You've convinced me, Olivia. Finalize your proposal by the end of next week and give me a list of the business owners you want to pitch this to. I'll make sure they're all in the room. Then I'll push your proposal through to the City Council – get it on the docket for next month's meeting", Marla says as she begins to stand. "You know it really mattered that you were able to present your last proposal to the Council last week. They like to put a face with the paperwork.
Olivia folds her arms across her chest and nods.