Chapter 14. House Rules
The two women stand just inside the doorway of the small office, Olivia with her arms folded across her chest and Marcella standing close to Mona and twisting the silver midi ring on her left index finger. Several months have passed since that dreadful night at the community center and neither knows how to greet the other, so they stare uncomfortably for what seems like an eternity.
"I'll leave you two alone", Mona says, interrupting the stare down before scurrying quickly down the hall to her office.
"Come in - have a seat, Marcella", stepping aside and gesturing toward the small, wooden chair next to her desk.
As she walks into the office, Marcella glances quickly around the space and thinks how similar it is to her own office at the community center, small and sparsely furnished with inexpensive and used furniture. The office does not match the image she had in her head of where Mrs. Grant worked. She expected something more fancy.
As Olivia slides onto her chair, Marcella eyes Mrs. Grant's protruding stomach and thinks the woman was pregnant when they had their showdown at the community meeting, and this makes her feel more remorse for the way she attacked the woman. The two women sit inches away from each other and Marcella fumbles nervously with her keys as Olivia tries to get comfortable on the hard chair. The chair seems to get harder each time she sits on it, a cushion is definitely needed. Watching Marcella finger the keyring, Olivia smiles inwardly because she notices for the first time how young Marcella really is, although her size and demeanor make her appear older and more intimidating. Up close, however, Olivia sees the young woman is probably about Nora's age, perhaps a year or two older. Olivia shakes her head thinking how similar the two woman are, young and petulant.
"It looks like congratulations are in order", Marcella smiles nervously and Olivia returns a polite smile and places a hand on her stomach.
Olivia knows the young woman is uncomfortable but she does not care, she is not willing to let Marcella off the hook too quickly. Marcella said some mean and spiteful things to her and about her family and she will not be so quick to forgive.
"What can I do for you Marcella? Mona said you wanted to meet with me", Olivia says in a clipped tone.
"This isn't easy for me, Mrs. Grant", Marcella says softly, looking at the woman she once viewed as her nemesis.
"Marcella, quite frankly I'm not too concerned with your discomfort", waving her hand in the air dismissively.
Marcella's winces at Mrs. Grant's harsh words. Not only can the petite woman take a punch, but apparently she can throw a good punch as well.
Punctuating each sentence with a jab of her index finger on the desk, Olivia unleashes the anger that has been lingering in her for all of these months.
"You said some really nasty things to me at that meeting, Marcella. You accused me of using the community for personal gain, and that couldn't be further from the truth."
"I know", Marcella says solemnly.
"I have spent my entire adult life helping those who don't have a voice, and I have established a business to do just that."
Marcella nods.
"Then you cross the line by attacking my family - and that's never acceptable to me."
"I guess I still have a lot learn."
"Being young is not a license to be rude and irresponsible. In fact, those behaviors just negate everything you claim you want to accomplish."
"You're right. What I said to you was mean and uncalled for - and I'm sorry for my behavior."
Steely eyed, Olivia looks at Marcella because the apology feels half-hearted, lukewarm at best. If Marcella is seeking forgiveness then she is going to have to do much better than offer a tepid apology. Marcella has to explain why she attacked her with such viciousness.
"Marcella, you can't treat people cruelly and then expect them to work with you or follow you just because you apologize. Sometimes the wounds created are too deep and an apology cannot heal them."
Marcella sees that Mrs. Grant is not feeling too magnanimous today and knows she has to do more than acknowledge her baby bump and offer weak expressions of regret. She knows if she is going to have any chance of getting Mrs. Grant's forgiveness and the help her community desperately needs then she will have to come clean. So she closes her eyes and inhales deeply before continuing.
"Mrs. Grant, when Mona bought you to your first Springfield Heights community meeting I knew right away that you were different – that you were unlike anyone I had ever seen in my community."
Olivia tilts her head slightly and scrunches her face, waiting for Marcella to continue.
"The way you looked. The way you dressed. The way you spoke. I knew immediately that you were different. There aren't any women like you in my neighborhood."
Olivia listens intently to the young woman.
"You were so smart, empathetic, and full of new ideas. And, if I saw all of those things in you, then I knew everyone else in the community saw them as well."
Olivia unfolds her arms, rests her hands on her lap, and leans back in the chair.
"Although you didn't speak often, when you did, the people actually listened. And you didn't have to force them– or threaten them to do so. They wanted to hear what you had to say. And you engaged with them – asked them questions and they asked you questions. Before you started attending the meetings they hardly ever asked questions – not that I encouraged them to do so."
"And I could see on their faces – in their eyes – that they saw the difference between what you had to offer them and the BS I had been peddling for the past two years. They could see that you were in a different league altogether - and so could I. So I needed to take you down – or at least try. But you're no pushover Mrs. Grant, and that surprised me. I was really taken aback when you stood up for yourself."
"Don't ever mess with my family, Marcella. I won't tolerate that from anyone."
"I know that now. But at the time I thought you were just this fancy lady from the suburbs who would cower and run back home."
Olivia cannot believe how much the young woman underestimated her. She wonders if others underestimate her as well.
"I thought if you just went home then everything could go back to the way they were, but that's not what happened. The horse was already out of the barn and there was no going back. After you left the meeting that night the residents defended you passionately. They were upset with me for attacking you and started talking about wanting me to step down as president of the organization. So you're right – I negated everything I was trying to accomplish." Marcella quickly swipes the tears threatening to fall from her eyes.
Silence hangs in the air for a long while as Olivia observes Marcella and processes what she has said.
"Marcella, I know it must have taken a lot for you to come over here and say these things, and I appreciate it, but –"
"I owed it to you Mrs. Grant, and I owe it to my community. I am truly sorry for the way I treated you and I hope that in time you can forgive me."
Although Marcella seems to be sincere, Olivia does not know if she can trust Marcella because people are not inclined to change so quickly. She senses the young woman is angry about a lot of things and that anger can unleash her mean streak at any time. So Olivia thinks hard about whether she wants to risk exposing herself to the emotional stress if things do not go well with Marcella. As much as she wants to help the residents of Springfield Heights, she is not willing to jeopardize the well-being of her unborn child and her marriage to do so. So she looks at Marcella's sad face for a long while before deciding.
"Marcella, you had no reason to feel threatened by me. I never wanted to replace you as the leader – I just wanted to help a community that is in desperate need. When Mona told me about the water problem in Springfield Heights and the effects it had on the residents – especially the children – I knew I had to do something – I needed to help in some way. That was always my motive – nothing more, nothing less."
"I understand that now."
Still unsure if she can trust the woman, Olivia nods slowly as she looks at Marcella.
"Marcella, if you are really willing to put aside our differences – leave the past in the past - then I am willing to help you to help your community."
A big smile spread across Marcella's face.
"I would like that, Mrs. Grant."
"I will warn you now, however, if things don't go well, I will walk away."
"I understand, Mrs. Grant."
"Good. I have a few ideas but I am going to need some time to think them through. How about I give you a call once I've worked it all out?"
"That would be terrific Mrs. Grant", Marcella smiles brightly.
As Olivia stands and extends a handshake to Marcella, there is a quick knock on the door.
"Sweetheart …" Fitz sticks his head in the office and glances quickly around the office. "I'm sorry, I thought your meeting was over", looking over at Marcella. "I stopped by to take you to Stephen's for that pasta you love so much."
"That sounds nice", smiling at her husband knowingly. "We were just finishing up."
"Then I'll wait outside for you."
"Wait a minute Fitz, I want you to meet someone. Fitz, this is Marcella Andersen. Marcella, this is my husband Fitzgerald Grant."
XXX
Olivia and Marla are enjoying a leisurely lunch at Restaurant 52, their favorite restaurant, where they have not been in quite a while. This is the first time the two friends have seen each other since Olivia returned home and they have a lot to talk about.
"Olivia, you look absolutely beautiful. You are radiant - truly glowing."
"Thank you, Marla. I feel terrific."
"Well I am so happy for you."
"And how have you been, Marla?"
"Oh, I'm just fine. Things are heating up a Council, but it's that time of the year again."
"Some things never change", Olivia says as she sips on her iced tea.
"How are Gwendolyn and Calvin?"
"They're just fine. Unfortunately, they won't be able to come home when the baby is born", Olivia says sadly.
"Oh?" Marla responds.
"Their missionary work is taking them farther into the African Bush and they will be there for at least nine months."
"Oh my. Gwendolyn and Calvin have really immersed themselves into their volunteer work."
"They have", taking another sip of the iced tea.
"Well, you and Fitz make such beautiful babies and I'm sure it won't be long before they're here to see their new grand-baby."
"Thank you, Marla."
"By the way, how is that beautiful Cena doing?"
"Cena is doing well. I'm afraid she's growing up too quickly for Fitz' tastes."
"Well she is quite the charmer. And, she has her daddy wrapped around her little fingers."
Olivia looks at the woman curiously.
"Olivia, while you were away - taking care of a family matter", Marla says slyly, "Cena joined her father at the meeting with the officials and business people to discuss funding for your program. She won those men over in short order - they were really taken with her. And that husband of yours, well he did a fantastic job of selling your ideas. Cena and Fitz make a good team. By the end of the meeting everyone was ready to pull out their check books. Fitz is a good man Olivia - so smart. You should keep him."
"I plan to."
Olivia smiles politely, trying to hide her shock about Fitz presenting the proposal on her behalf, he has not said a word. Today she was prepared to ask Marla to reschedule the meeting with the officials and business people, which would have been a daunting task. She smiles and shakes her head slightly when she thinks about the circumstances that must have caused Fitz to bring Cena with him to the dinner meeting.
"So Olivia, have you developed a plan for spending all of that money?" Marla asks, rubbing her right temple.
"Are you all right, Marla? Olivia asks with concern.
"I'm fine dear, just a pesky headache that I can't seem to shake."
"You should see a doctor about that, Marla."
"I'm fine - no worries. So, about the spending plan."
"I'm working on it, Marla. I plan to have it all worked out before I go on maternity leave."
"You're looking pretty round Olivia. When are you due?"
"In three months", smiling proudly.
XXX
Olivia and Fitz lay in the king-sized bed in the darkened bedroom trying to unwind from the day's activities. After spending another day at The Pope Foundation then having a long lunch with her mentor and friend, Olivia is physically exhausted. She could not wait to get a hot shower and crawl into bed after dinner. And, Fitz is mentally exhausted after spending his day in on conference calls with clients and Geoffrey. While he enjoys working from home, he is seriously considering working at the office a few days a week because things are not getting better between his mother and Hildie, who came into the study twice today to complain about the other Mrs. Grant again.
"I love you so much", kissing him on the chin as she snuggles closer.
"What was that for?" Smiling in the dark.
"Why didn't you tell me that you presented my proposal at the meeting with all of the stakeholders?"
"We've had so much going on I just didn't think about it. You had already done all of the real work, I just needed to show up." He wraps his arm around her more tightly.
"With your assistant", she smiles playfully, poking him on the chest.
"You've been talking to Marla."
"I've been talking to Marla."
"I knew how important the proposal was to you."
"Thank you, babe", snuggling closer to him.
"Get some sleep, we have a long day tomorrow. We have our date night", smiling excitedly.
XXX
Maura enters the kitchen fully dressed and ready to start breakfast for the family when she sees her son sitting at the island drinking coffee and reading something on his tablet. She thinks how much he looks like a younger version of Gerry.
"Good morning, Fitzgerald", walking over to the island and pecking her son on the cheek. You're up early today", pulling a mug from the cabinet.
"I think the baby was moving around a lot because Liv tossed and turned all night. I can't sleep when she can't sleep so I came down early to start breakfast before my conference call."
"What can I get you for breakfast this morning, mom?"
"The usual will be fine, dear", sitting at the island and sipping her tea.
"The usual it is", turning on the flame under the omelet pan.
"I can't believe you've become such a good cook, Fitzgerald."
"I enjoy cooking, mom. I rarely travel these days so I have plenty of time to practice."
"This kitchen is certainly a dream for anyone who likes to cook", looking around the high-end kitchen.
"I expect Liv and me to spend many years in this house raising our children, so I'll be doing a lot of cooking in here.
"How many children are you and Olivia planning to have?"
"We're stopping with this baby", he says flatly as he drops the butter into the pan.
His mother thinks it is odd that they are only having two children because Fitzgerald has always wanted a large family. Maura is a wise woman and she knows better to intrude.
"Of all the children I thought you would be the most like your father."
Fitz turns from the stove and looks at his mother with his face scrunched.
"Why would you say that?"
"Fitzgerald, ever since you were a young boy you have always wanted your father's approval. You adopted so many of his beliefs and mannerisms."
"I'm nothing like him, mom."
"Thank god for Olivia – she changed you Fitzgerald – all for the better."
"I love my wife mom – more than anything."
"That's good son. But you can't just say it, you have to show Olivia that you love her. A woman needs that – I certainly needed it. And Fitzgerald, be emotionally available to your wife."
He looks at his mother curiously.
"Some men keep their feelings bottled up - your father certainly does. He never shares what's going on with him or asks about my feelings for that matter. It's difficult to develop a bond with someone who is emotionally closed off. It gets lonely living with someone like that."
"I'm sorry, mom."
"Don't get me wrong son, your father is a good man – a good provider. But he has never been emotionally available in our marriage. And I don't blame him – that is - not in total. He never had a model for what that looked like. His father and grandfather were of generations – that Silent Generation - where men didn't talk about their feelings – let alone show them."
"You're courageous to start a new life separate from dad."
"I don't know how courageous I am."
"I'm so sorry that you've been unhappy for all of these years, mom. I always thought things were terrific in our house as a child. I guess I didn't think about it from your perspective - I just loved the feelings I got by having you at home all of the time."
"Fitzgerald, please don't think I didn't – I don't love my family – because I do. But I am more than my family. I have hopes and dreams that are outside of fulfilling the needs of my family."
"Could you really not pursue your dreams and be with your family? Did it have to be an either-or?"
"For your father it was an either-or. He didn't believe that his wife should work outside of the house."
"I'm sorry, mom."
"This is not your fault, son. It's just the way things were back then. Women couldn't get jobs that would have allowed them to support themselves. They couldn't get credit in their own name, and couldn't own anything without a man's signature to cosign. Women were pretty much forced to find a man - a husband - to function at a level above poverty."
Fitz frowns and thinks about male privilege.
"Few women left bad marriages. And if they did, they found it nearly impossible to survive as a single woman. The lucky ones who could get a job didn't get one that paid them enough to live a decent life."
"I had no idea", Fitz says.
"Divorce back then was seen as a negative, so women stayed married even if the marriage was a miserable one - or even outright abusive. A lot of married women were miserable back then."
"Was dad -?"
"No – never anything like that. Your father is a good man Fitzgerald. He provided us a nice life. And, if I am to be honest, I'd sooner chew off my right arm than leave the marriage that provide a nice life for me and you kids. There were a lot of so-called "happy housewives" during those days."
He looks at her curiously.
"Many women knocked back quite a few pills and alcohol to mask their frustration and unhappiness, Fitzgerald."
Fitz gives his mother a questioning look.
"No – I never did anything like that. Although being in an unfulfilling marriage had begun to wear away at my soul even back then."
Fitz sets his mother's plate on the island in front of her and squeezes her shoulder gently before turning toward the sink.
"You smile whenever Olivia comes into a room."
"What?" Turning and looking at his mother with a look of surprise.
"You do – don't be embarrassed. She makes you happy and I'm happy for you."
"I'm very happy, mom."
"I don't recall your father's face ever lighting up when I entered a room."
"Mom –"
"I don't just want to be married Fitzgerald, I want to be fulfilled."
"Do you know what you want to do? Have you reimagined your life?"
"I haven't figured out that part yet."
"Well, we're here for you - whatever you want to do."
"This omelet is terrific, Fitzgerald", and he smiles proudly.
"Do you need anything at all, mom?"
"No – I don't need a thing. Thank you for asking though. But Fitzgerald, I do have a question."
"What is it mom?" Turning and smiling, happy he can do something for his mother.
"It's about Hildie."
XXX
Nora walks into the kitchen carrying Cena on her hip, who has been virtually glued to Nora ever since the young woman moved in almost two months ago. Lately, Cena has been finding her way downstairs to the guest room where Nora is staying and crawling into her bed in the middle of the night. Hanging out with Aunt Nora makes her really feel like a big girl.
"Look who I found in my room again this morning?" Nora says, bouncing Cena on her hip. "Good morning mom. Good morning, Fitz", Nora says cheerily as she sets Cena on her stool.
"Morning Nora. Good morning Princess", kissing his daughter on the top of the head and walking back toward the stove.
"I'm Biker Princess, daddy."
Fitz looks at his daughter in surprise and his sister and mother cover their mouths, trying to stifle their laughter.
"Cena, where is your monkey?" Maura does not recall ever seeing her grand-daughter without the colorful but worn stuffed animal.
"Biker Princess doesn't play with monkeys, Grams."
"But Cee, you really love monkey. You've had him for so long."
"Big girls don't play with monkeys, daddy", picking up her glass of milk.
Cena is oblivious to her father's crestfallen face. Fitz is sad that his little girl seems to be growing up so fast.
"I'll have my usual for breakfast, Fitz", Nora says, trying to pull her brother from his haze.
"Sure- sure", still stunned by his daughter's announcement. "Do you want pancakes this morning, Cee?" Holding his breath and hoping she has not stopped liking her favorite breakfast food too.
"Yes daddy. I want panny cakes."
Maura smiles at her son as he runs his fingers through his hair and sighs in relief. A half-hour later a somewhat sleepy Olivia drags into the kitchen and smiles when she sees the kitchen is filled with her family.
"Good morning", Olivia yawns again.
Fitz smiles when he sees his wife walking into the kitchen with her belly leading the way. Her hair is pulled up into a messy bun and he thinks she looks absolutely beautiful.
"Tired? You were up a lot last night", rubbing her stomach as he gives her a kiss.
"A little. Good morning, Maura - Nora", she yawns again.
"Good morning, Olivia. Would you like some breakfast?" Maura asks.
"I'll get it, mom. What do want today, babe?"
"The usual, thank you. This baby had me up throughout the night. I lost count of the number of times I went to the bathroom."
"Give mommy a morning kiss, Cee."
"You're going to have a boy", Maura says nonchalantly, looking at her phone screen and playing her favorite game.
Olivia looks skeptically at her mother-in-law and Fitz smiles excitedly.
"Really? How do you know, mom?"
"When I was pregnant with you and your brothers I virtually lived in the bathroom. With Nora – nothing."
"Thanks mom", Nora says as she jabs the fork into her scrambled eggs. "These eggs are really good Fitz. So fluffy and with just a hint of cayenne."
He smiles proudly.
"Nora, remember you're watching Cena tonight while Liv and I go to Cooks."
"Got it. We're going to have fun tonight – right Biker Princess?"
Fitz rolls his eyes when he hears Cena's preferred nickname.
"Right, Aunt Nora."
"What's Cooks, dear?" His mother asks curiously.
Fitz' face lights ups as he tells her about the state-of-the-art, kitchen-classroom where guests come to enjoy chef tastings, culinary demonstrations, and cooking classes.
"It's for budding chefs like your son", Olivia says, pecking him on the cheek on her way to the coffee maker.
"Really? That sounds interesting", eyes lighting up.
"Each time we go Fitz comes home with a bag full of goodies. Tomorrow you can expect to see the pantry filled with your son's latest purchases and even a new pot or two."
"Not that I need any lessons, but I would love to go – just for the experience – of course."
Fitz and Olivia look at each with wide eyes because going to Cook is not just about Fitz learning a few new cooking techniques or buying new cookware, it is an opportunity for them to spend time alone together. It is a date night for them. Olivia gives her husband a you-better-handle-this look, and he nods slightly.
"Mom, this is by reservation only. If I had known you wanted to go –"
"Well Fitzgerald – this is the first I'm hearing about it."
"You'll go with us next time. I'll make a reservation for three the next time we go. Okay?"
"I guess it has to be okay. I'll just hang around here tonight with Nora and Cena", sighing in disappointment.
XXX
Fitz can hardly contain his excitement as he and Olivia sit on the plush, island-height stools with 14 other guests in the demonstration kitchen.
"What are we cooking tonight, babe?" Olivia asks as she tries to get comfortable on the stool.
Fitz slides the menu from the stainless steel countertop and reads the list of dishes they are going to prepare with the famous chef.
"This is going to be good, Liv. I've been wanting to practice cooking with Chanterelle mushrooms for some time now."
She smiles, thinking her attorney-husband has found his new calling. As the chef begins to pull out the foodstuff needed for tonight's four-course meal, he starts to ask for a volunteer to help prepare the first course. Fitz' hand shoots up immediately, before the chef can finish asking the question. Olivia shakes her head and Chef Wilder looks at the excited man and smiles.
"Fitz?" Peering at the name tag. "Is that short for something?"
"Fitzgerald", beaming because of the attention he is getting from the renowned chef.
"Well Fitz, why don't you join me in the Chef's Circle?"
"Teacher's pet", Olivia whispers.
Fitz removes his jacket and joins Chef Wilder in the Circle. The other guests applaud and he smiles and waves as he stands next to the famous chef. Olivia shakes her head.
After the scrumptious dinner, Fitz and Olivia browse Cooks' pantry where he buys many of the ingredients used in tonight's recipes. Then they go to the bookstore where Fitz buys Chef Wilder's latest cookbook. And before leaving, they stop in the cookware store where Fitz buys the same copper sauce pan Chef Wilder used to make the béchamel cream sauce.
XXX
"Babe, you were a really good sous chef tonight. Chef Wilder seemed to be impressed with your skills", she says as they sit in the upscale cocktail lounge they usually go to after class.
"You think so?" Fitz asks excitedly, sipping on his scotch. "I thought that woman and her husband sitting next to you seemed annoyed when Chef selected me again to help with the third course."
"They were just jealous, babe", sipping on her Virgin Margarita.
"That copper sauce pan is going to make a big difference the next time I make my béchamel, Liv. That's why it hasn't been turning out so well all of these times", nodding at this new information. Olivia shakes her head and thinks about all of the new cookware he has bought since they started taking cooking classes.
"Babe?" Looking at her husband who is flipping through the pages of his new cookbook.
"Hmm?"
"We have to find something for your mother to do."
He sighs and closes the book.
"I felt awful this morning when she realized she couldn't come with us tonight."
"Liv, our date nights are important to us. We can't take mom with us every time we go out. She went with us to the museum two weeks ago. And last week she planned for us to go to the movies together without clearing it with us first."
"I know. She just needs something to do – something she enjoys."
"Well I don't know what that is", running his fingers through his hair. "I've been racking my brain trying to figure out something for her to do and I haven't come up with a thing."
"Well, I think I might have the answer. The idea came to me while you were in the Circle with Chef Wilder."
He smiles proudly.
"When your mother and I were sitting on the deck the other night after dinner – while you were bathing Cena—she mentioned she always wanted to be a teacher."
"A teacher?"
"Yes – a teacher. Actually she got really excited when she talked about the classes she organizes at her church."
Fitz nods, vaguely remembering that his mother teaches Bible study classes at their church.
"Did you know your mother has been designing courses and curricula for Bible study classes – for years?"
"Well I knew she taught classes at our church, but I didn't know to what extent."
"Well, you remember when I met with Marcella last week?"
He nods.
"And I told you about the frank discussion we were having when you came in."
"I just wanted to make sure you were safe, Liv. Mona says that woman can be bossy."
"Marcella and other community organizers are enthusiastic and passionate about their causes, but they are inexperienced. They don't know how to engage officials – how to get their message across to the right people. They don't understand that effort doesn't necessarily result in outcomes. I'm thinking about providing training for her and other community organizers to help them develop the skills they need to accomplish their goals."
He nods, listening carefully, not sure what training community organizers has to do with his mother.
"Well, I think your mother could help to build a training program for the organizers – maybe design the courses."
"What? Mom doesn't know anything about –"
"Mona and I can teach her everything she needs to know about supporting the community."
"You think she would want to do it – that it will work?"
"It has to work, babe. Hildie has given me two weeks to do something about the other Mrs. Grant or she's out of there."
XXX
As Fitz pulls into the driveway of their home he thinks it is odd that the house is dark. He wonders if his mother has turned off all of the lights again, a habit she has had since he was a child. When he brings the car to a stop, he looks over at his wife who is squirming in her seat.
"Hurry Fitz, I have to pee", Olivia says with urgency.
"You had two Virgin Margaritas tonight. You know you're going to be in the bathroom all night." He cannot understand why she continues to drink so much late in the evenings.
"I know how many I had", reaching for the door handle. "I don't have time to discuss it – I have to go."
"Well go, I have to get my sauce pan out of the trunk", sliding the key from the ignition.
Olivia rushes from the car and up the path to the front door. After fumbling with her keys, she finally unlocks the door and rushes down the foyer toward the powder room. With little time to spare, she flicks on the lights in the family room and lets out a loud shriek when she sees two bodies gyrating on the floor. Eyes wide and unable to move, she brings a hand to her mouth in horror.
"Oh my god!"
"Liv, what are you doing here?" Nora asks as she struggles to pull on her pants. A stranger reclining on his elbow waves to Olivia from the floor wearing nothing but a big grin.
Unable to form words of any sort and forgetting she has to pee, Olivia watches in shock as her sister-in-law pulls on her tank top. She turns away from the room when the stranger stands and begins to pull on his pants.
"Liv …" Fitz calls out as he walks down the foyer carrying his cookbook. "Did you – what's the matter?" He asks when he sees the look on his wife's face as she stares at a wall in the foyer.
"Did you not make it to the bathroom in time?" He asks chuckling.
Olivia continues to face the wall and points into the family room. Confused, he follows the direction of her pointing finger and his face reddens when he sees his sister pulling on her top and a strange man pulling on his pants.
"What the fuck?"
"What are you doing here, Fitz?" Nora yells, running a hand through her hair.
"Are you having sex in our family room?" He asks in disbelief.
"Chill out. It's no big deal", she says in annoyance.
"Where the hell is Cena?"
"She's in her room – sleeping", Nora says nonchalantly as she looks around for her earrings.
"You – I want you the fuck out of my house – now!" He throws the cookbook on the sofa and grabs the young man who is trying to put on the rest of his clothes.
"Hey, chill out dude."
Fitz goes ballistic, twisting the young man's arm behind his back and pushing him toward the foyer.
"Let him go, Fitz!"
"Shut the hell up", he yells angrily, dragging the young man down the hall.
"Dude, you're hurting my arm."
"You better be glad I don't rip it the fuck off. Don't you ever come back here again", throwing the young man onto the lawn.
"How am I supposed to get home? Nora drove me here."
Fitz slams the front door and stomps down the foyer and into the family room where Nora is sitting on the sofa sulking.
"You had no right", Nora screams at her brother.
"I had no right? I had no right? You're fucking some asshole in my house - on my floor - and you say I have no right?"
"You can't tell me what I can't do – I'm not a child."
"You're a goddamn idiot – that's what you are. You bring a strange man into our home to fuck – with my daughter upstairs?"
"Cena is fine", she yells with tears running down her face.
"Are you fucking kidding me? You don't know what could have happened here. You're too stupid and too selfish – ".
"I'm not stupid."
"Fitz!" Olivia yells, walking into the room after finally relieving her bladder.
"No, Liv. I'm tired of her shit. She does nothing around here all day and now she puts our daughter in danger just because she wanted to get fucked."
"Devon's not a stranger."
"Shut the fuck up", he whips around and glares at his sister. "Shut your goddamn, stupid mouth. You disrespected our home and you endangered our daughter. I won't have it."
"I did no such thing!"
"Are you too stupid to realize what you did?"
"I'm not stupid."
"Nora, maybe you should go to bed now. We can discuss this in the morning", Olivia says, trying to diffuse the situation.
"No, she's gonna clean up this shit tonight", yanking his sister over to the table that is covered with food and drinks. He kicks Devon's belt that is laying on the floor by the sofa, sending it hurtling across the room.
"You're hurting my arm", squirming and trying to get out of her brother's grasp.
"I should wring your goddamn neck!"
Nora looks over at Olivia for help.
"I said clean it up – tonight. And let her do it alone", turning to Olivia, and she nods.
Fitz releases his sister with such force she stumbles and almost falls to the floor.
"I'm going to check on Cena", he says angrily as he storms from the room and up the long staircase.
"Liv …" looking helplessly at her sister-in-law with tears streaming down her face.
"Where's your mother – where's Maura?"
"She's sleeping", Nora says tearfully.
"Liv", Nora calls out as Olivia walks from the room.
"Not now, Nora."
"Talk to him, Liv. You're the only one who can calm him when he gets like this."
XXX
Still angry from the events of last night and unable to sleep, Fitz and Olivia come downstairs the next morning much earlier than usual. Each in their own thoughts, they move silently about the kitchen. Fitz starts the coffee maker while Olivia pulls items from the refrigerator to prepare breakfast. He sighs heavily as Olivia rubs her hand up and down his back as she walks toward the stove.
"There are going to be some changes around here, Liv. I won't have her bringing strangers into our home."
"Calm –"
"Good morning", Maura says cheerfully as she breezes into the kitchen. "You two are up early this morning", turning on the flame under the tea kettle. "You must tell me all about Cooks. I tried to wait up for you last night but I got so sleepy."
Maura makes a cup of tea and sits at the island next to her son.
"I read all about Cooks online last night. It sounds so fascinating. I can't wait to go with you the next time."
As she blows on the surface of the steaming tea, Maura catches a glimpse of her son's hardened face out of the corner of her eye.
"Why are you two so quiet this morning? Did you not enjoy the cooking class?"
"We'll talk about it another time, mom", he says tersely.
"What's the matter Fitzgerald? What's wrong?" Maura asks worriedly.
Fitz continues to frown and look down at his tablet.
"Olivia, what's going on?" Turning and looking at Olivia who is scrambling Fitz' eggs.
Nora walks into the kitchen and plops onto the stool next to her mother and starts scrolling through her phone.
"Good morning Nora", Maura says.
Nora ignores her mother and continues to look at her phone. Realizing no one seems to be talking this morning, Maura looks around the kitchen at the angry faces.
"In this house we speak when we enter a room. In this house we speak when we're spoken to", Fitz snaps at his obstinate sister.
"Aye, aye Captain. Good morning, Captain", saluting her brother.
Maura looks back and forth between her son and daughter and Olivia closes her eyes and inhales deeply because she knows what is about to happen.
"You're damn right I'm the Captain of my house", Fitz growls. "And if you want to continue living here you're going to follow our house rules."
"House rules? I'm not in your private Navy. I don't have to follow your rules", rolling her eyes as she continues to scroll through the phone.
"No - but you're in our private home and you will follow our rules", glaring at her.
Nora throws her phone on the granite top, folds her arms across her chest, and sulks.
"What happened, Fitzgerald? What's going?" Maura persists
"Your daughter was banging some strange man like a goddamn cat in heat in our family room when Liv and I got home last night. That's what happened."
"Nora – you didn't", Maura gasps, grabbing her chest.
"Oh mom—please."
"Where was Cena? I thought you two were playing games when I went to bed?"
Fitz glares at the young woman.
"Rule number one, you are not to have company without my or Olivia's approval."
"You gotta be kidding. What am I - 12?"
"Rule number 2, you will keep your bedroom clean and wash your dishes when you've finished eating."
"That's why we have Hildie", she protests.
"Hildie is here to help Olivia – not to pick up after you."
Nora rolls her eyes.
"Rule number 3 – you will get a job. Hanging around the pool all day with your girlfriends is over. Liv and I work here during the day and we don't need to hear you and your loud friends all afternoon."
"You can't boss me around."
"My house - my rules", he says adamantly.
"Well I don't have to live here."
"No – you don't. You can pack your bags and go back home and live with dad."
"You're an ogre. You're just like Gerry – that's why Liv left your ass."
"Stop it! Just stop it, Nora!" Olivia screams, slamming her hand on the counter and turning away from the stove.
Maura gasps and Nora looks wide eyed at her sister-in-law. She has never seen Olivia lose her temper. She has never seen her sister-in-law so angry.
"You violated our home last night – disrespected us. We trusted you with our daughter and you put Cena and your mother in danger by bringing a stranger into our home. And now you want to sit there and argue with your brother as if you're the victim. Well I won't have it."
Nora collapses inwardly as Olivia yells at her. The rebuke stings, not because of the harshness of the words, but because who is delivering the words. Nora admires Olivia immensely. She admires her sister-in-law's strength, her passion, and her independence. Olivia is her idol. With eyes cast downward she pulls at a loose thread on her red, plaid robe as the tears stream down her face. Unmoved by Nora's tears, Olivia continues the reprimand.
"You will not disrespect your brother – my husband ever again – not in my presence – and certainly not in his own home. That stops now. Do you understand me?"
Picking at the lint on her robe, Nora remains silent and continues to look down at her lap, avoiding Olivia's eyes.
"I. Said. Do. You. Understand. Me?"
"Yes", Nora says meekly.
"Good, because we're not going to have this conversation again", she says with chest heaving.
Fitz rubs his hand from her silk-covered shoulder and down to her elbow. He will not allow this business with his sister get his wife overly stressed. Feeling her husband's warm hand on her arm, Olivia closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and sighs heavily to regain her composure.
"Nora", placing a hand on her husband's back. "Fitz and I love having you here and we want you to stay as long as you like – you're family. But if you cannot follow the rules he has laid out then you should go back home. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes", still looking down at her hands.
"Now, you owe your brother an apology."
Nora looks at Olivia in disbelief, then turns and glares at her brother for a long while. The lump in her throat is making it difficult for her to speak.
"I'm sorry, Cap –"
With an arched eyebrow and hand on her hip, Olivia squints at Nora.
"I'm sorry, Fitz."
XXX
After the house rules are established and agreed to, Fitz retreats to the study for a conference call with one of his long-time clients who is insisting he come to Houston to handle a sensitive business matter. He runs a hand through his hair because he hates to leave Olivia at this stage in the pregnancy, and especially after what happened last night. But he knows how important the client is to the business and he cannot send Geoffrey, that would be an insult to one of his most valuable clients.
Olivia loves working outside on the deck where she can feel the sun on her face and listen to the musical sounds of the birds chirping. She smiles because it is so peaceful and relaxing out here. The huge chaise lounge is perfect for working because she can sit crossed-legged and spread her papers all over the firm cushion. She shakes her head as she thinks about how much has changed since their sessions with Avril.
As she finishes drafting the implementation plan to replace the pipes in the Springfield Heights homes, Olivia shudders when she thinks about interviewing contractors. She knows the process is going to be long and arduous and grows weary just at the thought, which is her signal that a break is needed. As she sets the tablet on the cushion, she reaches for the glass of raspberry iced-tea Fitz made for her. She knows the bathroom will be her refuge all night but she just cannot seem to stop drinking the stuff. She wonders what Fitz puts in the tea.
Leaning back against the cushion with her eyes closed and inhaling nature's perfume, Olivia thinks about everything that needs to be done before the baby is born, and she is excited about getting it all started. She thinks about the new wrap-around program she wants to start to support the children who have been affected by the lead-tainted water. She thinks about the training program she wants to develop to support community organizers. And, she thinks about the nursery, which they have not begun to furnish because Fitz is impeding the process. He wants to be involved in every decision.
Nora walks onto the deck bare feet and wearing cut-off jeans and a grey and pink striped tank top. Hurt and embarrassed by Olivia's tongue-lashing earlier, she has been holed up in her bedroom for most of the morning. Olivia looks up and lifts a hand to shade the sun from her eyes when she hears footsteps on the deck. Nora smiles weakly at her sister-in-law.
"Are you busy?" Nora asks meekly.
"Actually, I was just taking a breaking", patting the empty space on the chaise lounge for Nora to sit down. "I have so much work to do before the baby comes – before I go out on maternity leave."
"Have you decided on names yet?"
"I don't know why, but this time it's been really difficult for me to settle on a name – girl or boy", taking another sip of the iced tea.
"Mom says you're having a boy."
"If her gauge is the frequency in which I am peering then I am definitely having a boy."
They both laugh out loud.
"Liv …"
"What is it Nora?" Looking at the girl who seems to be troubled by something.
"I would never intentionally put Cena in danger. I love my niece too much to ever do that."
"But that's exactly what you did, Nora. I don't know Devon and neither does Fitz, and you bought him into our home when we weren't here."
"But I know Devon and he's a good guy."
"How long have you known him, Nora?"
"A few weeks. We met at the club one night when I was hanging out with my friends. He really is a nice guy, Liv."
"Okay, a couple things. One, you have no idea what kind of guy Devon is – not after knowing him for two weeks. He's a stranger to us. That's why your brother and I were so upset. We don't know anything about him and neither do you."
Nora starts to protest but Olivia raises her hand and stops her.
"Nora, Fitz is very particular about who comes into our home – especially who is going to be around Cena. Before Cena could go to school he had his friends from the FBI to investigate the school's history and every teacher and staff member who works there."
"Wow. I had no idea."
"And, before we could bring a housekeeper into our home he had their backgrounds investigated as well. Hildie barely made the cut."
"I didn't realize he was so protective."
"Well he is. So when he saw Devon in our home last night - and you two were … Well, I'm not going back over that - quite naturally he was upset."
Nora nods, finally understanding the gravity of her actions.
"Gerry never cared about me like that", she says sadly and Olivia tilts her head as she looks at Nora.
"The way Fitz interacts with Cee – playing with her, always telling her how much he loves her, taking her on daddy-daughter dates – he even combs her hair for Christ's sakes. Gerry never did any of those things with me."
Olivia smiles because Fitz loves being a dad and doing all of those things with Cena.
"I always felt invisible in our house growing up. Gerry never paid any attention to me. He completely ignored me actually. He and my brothers always did things together like going fishing, going to wrestling matches, or hiking. When I got older I started to see how he treated mom and I just figured he didn't like girls too much, which is kind of weird if you think about it."
"He's just from a different generation, Nora", rubbing the girl's arm.
"It's more than that, Liv. I saw my friends' dads do some of the things Fitz does with Cena and they're the same age as Gerry. I never felt like I belonged in our family. The boys got all of the attention – and they excelled at everything they did – especially the Captain."
Olivia gives Nora a look that says, didn't-we-already-have-this-conversation.
"I'm sorry, Liv. Old habits are hard to break."
"Practice – Nora – practice."
"You really love my brother don't you? Because everybody sure knows he's crazy about you."
"I love him very much", Olivia smiles dreamily.
"I always thought he would turn out to be like Gerry - more so than John or Bennie. He was always focused and not playful at all when we were kids. And everything always came to him so easy. He never had to work hard at anything really. All of my brothers are that way, but Fitz more so than any of them. I'm the only under-achiever."
"You just have to find out what you're passionate about."
"I have no idea, Liv. I see that you are so self-assured and passionate about your work and I admire you so much."
"Thanks Nora. That's so kind."
"I just know I don't want to be like mom and I don't know how to be like you."
"Nora", taking the young woman's hand in hers. "Your mother is a good woman – a strong woman. It takes a lot of courage to make a big change at this stage in her life. Don't judge her too harshly. Okay?"
Nora nods.
"As for me, I appreciate that you admire me – it's a wonderful compliment – but you cannot be like me – nor should you try. You can only be the best Nora you can be", smiling encouragingly at the young woman. "What do you want to do with your life?"
"I don't know. I'm not like the Cap – Fitz."
"Nora, your brother is smart, but he also works really hard."
Nora looks across the backyard at the colorful foliage as if she is trying to figure out the wonders of nature.
"And now Fitz wants me to get a job or go back to Gerry's."
Olivia rubs Nora's back.
"I'm scared Liv. I don't know how to do anything. That's why I'm always defensive and making snide comments. Mom let me get away with everything, so I didn't have to do anything. I guess she was too busy being miserable and Gerry just didn't care."
Nora lay her head on Olivia's shoulder and cries uncontrollably. And Fitz walks onto the deck and sees Olivia comforting his sister. Olivia shakes her head, signaling him to go back inside the house.
"Shhh. Don't cry. We'll figure out something for you – something you love doing. Okay?" Rubbing her hand up and down Nora's arm.
"OK", mumbling through the tears.
After a few more minutes of silently comforting Nora, Olivia pulls the young woman from her shoulder and looks at her pointedly.
"Now, let's talk about you having sex with strange men."