AN: Thanks for continuing to follow, review, and favorite. On vacation next week so no update for two weeks. Here we go!
Chapter 16. First Day
Sitting in his car in the driveway of his parents' home, his childhood home, John stares at the huge brick, Colonial-style house, reflecting on what life was like growing up in what some would call an all-American home. He leans back against the plush leather seat, rakes his fingers through his hair, and lets out a heavy sigh as he thinks about the wonderful and not-so wonderful times he shared in this house with his family. While generally life was good growing up here, celebrating birthdays, holidays, and going on family vacations; however, there were times when living in this house was absolutely unbearable. In fact, one might say it was oppressive and, at times, bordering on abusive, although never physical. He still is not sure if the good times outweighed the bad times, and maybe it does not matter now. But back then, well, he could not wait to go away to college. So, when he was graduated from high school at the age of 18, he left home in search of a kind of freedom he had never known.
When Fitz informed him that their mother had left their father after 45 years of marriage, John was not surprised because the man lorded over her the same way he controlled his children. As the firstborn he had a bird's-eye view of his parents' relationship. He saw how his father dictated to his mother and how she complied with her husband's every demand. And, he saw how his mother began to retreat inward, losing the light in her eyes year over year. Well now the chickens have come home to roost. His father has lost everything he ever held dear, everything he worked so hard to control.
Fitzgerald Thomas Grant the Second has many admirable qualities: hardworking, a great provider, and a strong sense of family. But he is also a tough authoritarian who, at times, can be boorish, a bully some might say. He had high expectations for his children and set strict rules and expected his family to follow his rules unconditionally and without explanation. In socializing his children to the values and beliefs passed down to him by his father, he exerted an inordinate amount of control over them. His style of parenting lacked the warmth, unconditional love, and nurturance that children need to thrive and become confident and independent.
Early in his teenage years John decided he never wanted to be that kind of man, the kind of man who needs to control his family with an iron fist. He wanted a home where his children would enjoyed coming to. He wanted his children to revere him, not fear him. He wanted his children to achieve because they were motivated to do their best, not because they feared the wrath from their father if they did not perform well. He also wanted a strong and independent wife who wanted to be with him because she loved him, not because she was a victim of her circumstances.
John thinks about the indelible imprint his domineering and demanding father has left on his psyche. He shakes his head when he thinks about the small fortune he has spent trying to erase the effects of Gerry Grant from his mind. But some stains can never be fully removed really, just faded enough so they no longer have control your life.
Finally summoning the courage to exit the car and face his father, with sadness and trepidation he walks slowly up the stone pathway that leads to the front door. Hesitating on the doorstep for another minute before ringing the doorbell, he shakes his head again at the irony of it all.
John looks at his watch after ringing the bell for the second time, thinking his father should be home at this time of the day. And, when the door finally swings open, he is stunned by the image standing before him. Disheveled, unshaven, and smelling of scotch, Gerry Grant looks like a beaten man.
"Dad? What the hell?"
"What are you doing here, John? What the hell do you want?"
Both men stare at each other for a long while before Gerry turns and walks down the hall to the family room. John follows his father down the hall and stops in the doorway of the family room when he sees what lay before him. He has never seen the house in such disarray, the place is a mess. Half-eaten food in fast food containers is strewn across the coffee table and an empty bottle of his father's favorite scotch sits on the table next to his favorite chair. A glass toppled over on the table oozes the last of its contents onto the hardwood floors. Unopened mail and other papers are scattered on the floor and accent pillows from the chairs and sofa are thrown about the room. Guilt washes over John because he has not checked on his father in weeks. Frankly, he has avoided coming here because he did not want to experience the confrontation that is about to unfold.
"Dad …" He says sadly, wondering if the family room has become his father's bedroom.
"What the hell do you want, John?" Slumping down into his chair.
"What's going on here, dad? This place is a mess. You look horrible."
"Mind your damn business and go back home to that mouthy wife of yours", he growls before his chin drops to his chest.
"I'm not going anywhere until you get cleaned up – until this place is cleaned up. You can't live like this."
"I can do whatever the hell I want."
"See, that's the damn problem", John screams. "You've been doing things your way all of my life. You've been dictating and calling the shots for everyone. Well where the hell has that gotten you?"
"You will not speak to me that way. I am your father", slurring his words.
"Yes, you are my father and I love you, but you need to learn how to listen to someone else for once. You're losing everything. Your wife – mom – has left you and now you're living alone in – in squalor", looking around the room. "So you need to listen - you will listen to me."
Hung over from days of drinking and too tired to argue with his son any longer, Gerry runs his long fingers through his thick, white hair and sighs heavily.
"I've lost everything I worked for my whole life, Johnny. I worked my ass off to give you kids and your mother a good life. And now everyone is gone. Everyone hates me and I don't understand why. Your mother has left me after 45 years because she's not fulfilled. I don't even know what the hell that means", wiping the spittle from his chin with the back of his hand. "She had everything - I gave her everything. She didn't have to work for a damn thing. Just take care of you kids and this house. What more did she want?"
"Dad, mom wanted – needed to be more than a caregiver and a homemaker. She needed to find a way to express her God-given talents and gifts – to live up to her potential. But you wouldn't allow it. You kept her in this house, limiting her to cooking, cleaning, and having babies. She needed more dad."
Gerry shakes his head from side to side, still not understanding.
"Dad -" Pushing the papers aside so he can sit on the sofa across from his father.
"Nora calls me an ogre. She left too you know?" Looking at his son with bloodshot eyes and tears now streaming down his face. "My little girl has left me, Johnny. They're both living over at Fitzgerald's. He took them in."
"Dad, you have been a good father and a good provider. But you were always tough, unyielding. To be honest, it was difficult living with you at times."
"Oh, so you hate me too?" He growls.
"Dad, I don't hate you - nobody hates you. You just have to realize you cannot try to control everybody and everything. You cannot make people bend to your will. You have to allow people to be themselves – to let them make decisions about their own lives."
"Everything was fine until Fitzgerald married Olivia. That mother of hers is a damn nut."
"You can't blame your problems on Olivia and Mrs. Pope. You controlled everything and everyone in this house ever since I can remember. Our family wasn't a democracy, everything always had to be your way. No one had a voice in making any family decisions, not even mom. No one can live under that kind of oppression forever.
"So now you're saying I oppressed my family?"
"Dad, we all had to acquiesce to you demands. If you don't allow people to grow they will wither and die, or they will rebel. You didn't allow room for mom to grow. You didn't allow room for her to pursue things that brought joy to her life. She was dying slowly in this house. We kids were able to leave and build our own lives, but mom was stuck here until she decided to take control of her life.
"Take control of her life, by living with Fitzgerald? How the hell is that taking control? She just moved from here, where I took care of her, to Fitzgerald's house where he is now taking care of her."
"Mom has a job now. She is working – doing something productive – doing something that makes her happy."
"Working? What the hell can she do?" Looking up at his son in surprise.
"She's working at Olivia's Foundation."
"That woman can't seem to mind her damn business. Fitzgerald is going to find that out soon enough", Gerry snarls.
"This is not Olivia's fault. You have to see your role in mom leaving."
"I just want things to go back to the way they were, Johnny."
"That won't happen, dad. Mom has changed. Now you have to decide if you're going to change."
Gerry looks at his eldest child blankly because he does not understand what he needs to do to change.
"Now let's get this place cleaned up and get you cleaned up", John says, looking around the room and not quite sure where to begin.
XXX
Fitz drains the last of his coffee and walks over to the copper farmhouse sink and washes his mug while Nora sits at the island scrolling through her phone.
"I can't believe that mom still goes to church where she could see Gerry", Nora says in disgust, still looking at her phone screen.
"She says dad hasn't been there since she moved out", setting the mug on the dish rack.
"You do realize this house looks like a shrine to Cena?" Continuing to scroll through her phone.
"What?" Turning to his sister as he dries his hands on the dish towel.
"Come on Fitz, look around. There are pictures of Cena all over the place, at every stage of her life - every birthday, every holiday, every vacation, every-everything" flailing her arms in the air.
"Cena is our child, Nora. Would you suggest we have pictures of someone else's child displayed in our home?" He asks sarcastically.
"Well, she won't be your only child for much longer. You need to start thinking about how the Princess is going to feel when she is dethroned."
"What are you talking about, dethroned?" Frowning at his sister with hands on his hips.
"Fitz, I was the youngest of four children and I felt like I didn't exist. I was always left out of everything."
"What are you talking about?" He has no idea where this conversation is going and frankly he does not have a lot of time to find out. He needs find Olivia so they can get going.
"Being in a house with three high achieving brothers made me feel like a second-class citizen. Dad gave all of his attention to you boys. He didn't love me like a son."
"Nora …" For the first time he is beginning to gain some insight into his complicated little sister.
"Cena is a daddy's girl, through and through. You and she have such a wonderful bond, it's a beautiful thing to watch."
Fitz smiles because Cena is truly his Princess.
"She has you wrapped around her little fingers you know?"
He thinks that is probably a true statement, but he does not care.
"Do you think the two of you would've been as close if Liv hadn't gone away?"
"I would like to think so Nora, but I was doing a lot of traveling back then. I knew I was missing out on a lot with Cena."
Nora eyes her brother closely.
"Liv going away was a good thing for our family, if that makes any sense?" He says reflecting on that time dark time in their marriage. "It was good for our marriage, but it also gave me the opportunity to spend time with my daughter and get to know her."
Nora nods, thinking the Captain has really changed. She always thought he would be like Gerry.
"At first I wasn't sure if I could take care of her alone, and honestly it was tough going for a while. But in time, I realized why Liv wanted Cena to remain with me and not let her stay with mom and dad. I wouldn't trade that time with my daughter for anything in the world."
"That's terrific, Fitz."
"Nora, I never knew you felt that way as child. I'm sure dad loved you."
"I'm all right", waving her hand in the air dismissively. "I just don't want Cena or the new baby to ever feel unwanted or unloved."
Fitz looks at his sister intently.
"I'm just saying, if you have a boy, make sure you continue to love Cena - love them equally."
Fitz nods, wondering what else he does not know about his sister. He looks at his watch and frowns, wondering what Olivia is doing. He grabs his suit jacket from the back of the chair and pecks his sister on the cheek before going to look for his wife.
"Come on Liv, we're going to be late", yelling from the bottom of the staircase as he slides on his suit jacket.
"Mommy's in the bathroom", Cena says, sitting on the bottom step and rolling Bicycle Girl back and forth on the step above her.
"Don't you two look nice this morning", Maura says, walking down the stairs when she sees her son and granddaughter waiting in the foyer. "Where's Olivia?"
Fitz gives her a look that says, where do you think?
"Fitzgerald, I think it's lovely that you attend church with your family. It's important for a family to worship together."
"We try to go to church every Sunday, mom. It's important to Liv so it's important to me."
"That's good, son. Cena, are you taking Biker Girl with you to church today?"
"Yes, Grams. I want to show it to Deon."
"And who is Deon?" Maura asks curiously.
"He's my friend. We play on the computer together at church. Deon says I'm pretty, Grams."
Fitz throws his head back and rolls his eyes and Maura chuckles. She knows Fitz is having a hard time watching his little girl grow up. And, the idea of her playing with boys scares him to death.
"Olivia, we're –" He begins to yell again.
"I'm here. I'm here", holding onto the railing as she walks carefully down the stairs. "There's no need to yell, Fitz. Good morning, Maura."
"Well, we're going to be late if you stay in the bathroom all morning."
XXX
As Fitz drives his family to Triumph Tabernacle, Cena's announcement that she is going to show Biker Girl to Deon continues to bounce around in his mind.
"What do you know about Deon?" Pushing the shifter into third gear.
"What?" turning and looking at her husband curiously.
"Deon is creeping around Cena. I want to know what you know about him."
"What do you mean creeping? You make the child sound like some sort of pervert."
"Well he told Cena that he thinks she's pretty", he says in a hushed voice.
"So?" Not interested in her husband's nonsense this morning. He is so protective of his Princess.
"So? Is that all you have to say?" Glancing in the review mirror at Cena playing with Biker Girl.
"Fitz, please. You know Cena and Deon have been friends since before either of them could walk."
"That's my point", he says with fervor, as if he just caught a plaintiff in a lie on the witness stand, and she looks at him as if he has lost his mind. "They're older now Liv, we have to be careful."
"You're being ridiculous. There's a spot over there", pointing to the empty space as he drives into the church's parking lot.
"Cena will sit with us today. She will not be going to Sunday School with Deon."
Olivia rolls her eyes and exits the car while Fitz lifts Cena from the car seat and carries her across the parking lot to the church.
"Good morning Mrs. Grant – Mr. Grant."
"Good morning Melissa", they say in unison.
"Good morning, Cena. Don't you look pretty this morning", Melissa says smiling brightly.
"Good morning, Miss Johnson. I have a new toy", shaking Biker Girl at her Sunday School teacher.
"Wow, she looks like a real daredevil", Melissa says, clutching her chest and feigning fear.
"She's Biker Girl and I'm Biker Princess."
Melissa smiles politely.
"Are you ready for Sunday School, Cena?" Melissa asks, reaching for the little girl who Fitz is still holding tightly in his arms.
"Yes", Cena says excitedly. "I'm going to show Deon my Biker Girl."
"Well let's go. Deon is already in the back."
"Yay", Cena says happily and Fitz' face hardens.
"Thank you, Melissa. We will see you after the service is over", Olivia says, trying to refrain from laughing at her husband's hardened face.
"I'll bring her to the sanctuary, Mrs. Grant."
"Give mommy and daddy a kiss Cee", Olivia says, puckering for her little girl.
"Only kiss mommy and daddy, Cena", Fitz says firmly.
XXX
Council President Marla Briggs now saves two seats next to her since Fitz has started joining Olivia at the Sunday service. She rubs her left temple and smiles when she sees Olivia and Fitz walking toward her.
"Good morning Marla", Olivia says as she slides onto the pew next to her friend.
"Good morning Olivia. Good morning Fitz."
"Good morning, Marla. How are you today?" Holding his hand over his tie as he sits next to Olivia.
"I'm fine, thank you. It's so good to see you both this morning."
"Well we're running a little late this morning", grinning at his wife and she rolls her eyes.
"I'm sure it's getting more difficult for you to maneuver, Olivia. It looks like you're ready to deliver any day now."
"I'm fine, Marla", sticking out her tongue at her grinning husband.
"A little birdie told me Rev. Walker has prepared a powerful sermon for this morning."
Olivia nods as the choir begins to sing, lifting God up in praise, as Fitz flips through the program to see the topic of Rev. Walker's sermon. Marla and Olivia clap and wave their hands in the air as Fitz begins to taps his foot and pat Olivia's thigh. After the greeting and offering are finished, Rev. Walker stands and delivers his powerful message, which shocks the congregation. After the closing song and prayer, the congregants begin to file out of the sanctuary, many hurrying to the parking lot to beat the traffic jam, while others gather in the hall, away from the sanctuary.
In the hall and the parking lot is where the real business takes place. This is where families are discussed. This is where business is discussed. This is where politics are discussed. As Fitz stands in the hall, half-listening to Olivia and Marla catch up, he scans the space for Melissa and his daughter.
"Olivia – Fitz, it's so good to see you on this delightful Sunday morning."
"It's good to see you too, Rev. Walker", absently rubbing her stomach.
"Hello, Rev. Walker", Fitz says, extending his hand. "It's good to see you as well. That was an interesting sermon you delivered this morning."
"Interesting is putting it mildly", Marla says, rubbing her left temple.
"The atmosphere in our country is charged with such hate and nastiness, Fitz. The Lord called me to preach about what's been happening in our politics over these last few months. While I don't usually preach politics from the pulpit, but I felt it necessary to share the message the Lord delivered to me. Our congregation needs to know that they deserve a virtuous leader – someone of high morals and who cares about them."
Not wanting to get into a discussion about politics, Fitz nods and smiles politely.
"Good morning, good morning", Congressman Guildord says, smiling like a politician as he joins the group. "Good morning, Rev. Walker. That was an intriguing sermon you delivered this morning."
"Good morning, Congressman", extending a handshake. "I hope it resonated with everyone, especially our public officials", Rev. Walker smiles serenely.
"And Marla, how are you doing? It's been awhile", the Congressman says boisterously.
"It has, but that's because you spend so much time in Washington these days."
"Well, I get back home to my constituents as often as I can", smiling broadly and Marla returns the same politician smile.
"Olivia, it has been awhile", thinking the woman looks like she is ready to burst in any minute.
"It has. How's the family, Congressman?" Smiling politely.
"They're fine – just fine. They're around here somewhere", looking around the hallway.
"Congressman Guildord, I believe you know my husband, Fitzgerald Grant."
"I do. Our paths have crossed once or twice down in Washington. How's it going, Fitz?" Reaching for a handshake.
"It's good to see you again, Congressman."
"Here you are", Melissa says, leading Cena by the hand with Deon following close behind."
"Hello, Cena. You look absolutely adorable", Marla says. "And your hair looks beautiful."
"My daddy comb my hair." Cena announces loudly, reaching for Fitz to pick her up.
Marla looks to Olivia for confirmation and Olivia nods, confirming Cena's claim. Marla brings a hand to her chest and looks at Fitz admiringly.
"Fitz, you're a man of many talents. A fantastic business negotiator and a hairstylist as well."
"This is as far as my hairstyling skills go, Marla. I won't be opening a salon any time soon."
"Never say never, Fitz."
"Hello Mr. Grant", Deon says, looking up at Fitz with his big brown eyes and extending his small hand. And Fitz looks down in disbelief at the pint-sized Romeo.
XXX
After they return home from church, Fitz prepares a light lunch while Olivia and Cena are upstairs changing into their bathing suits. Fitz sets up lunch on the deck then goes upstairs to change into his swimming trunks. By the time he gets back out to the deck, Cena has finished her lunch and is eager to go swimming.
"You have to wait a bit for your food to digest", Olivia says, looking at her husband devour his food.
"You know that's only a wives' tale", Fitz says, wiping his mouth with the napkin.
"No it's not", she retorts. "Everybody knows you have to wait at least a half-hour to swim after eating or you can get cramps and drown."
"Well does that rule just for swimming or does it apply to the bathtub too? Do you have to wait to take a bath after eating? It's all water."
"I'm not going to debate you, Fitz", sliding on her sunglasses and leaning back onto the chaise lounge.
"Is it time yet, daddy?" Cena yells as she runs back over to her parents.
"Yes, Princess. We can swim now. Let's go."
Fitz and Cena hold hands and jump into the pool and Olivia rolls her eyes behind her sunglasses as she reads her book. After about an hour of playing in the water, Cena is thirsty and ready for something to drink.
"Daddy, I want something to drink", Cena yells while splashing around in the pool.
"Stay there babe", Olivia says, looking up from her book. "I'll get it for her. Do you want something?" She asks, struggling to her feet.
"Just water", dipping back into the water to swim a few more laps.
"Come with me Cee", waiting for her daughter to climb from the pool.
Olivia's cover-up flows open, revealing her almost eight-month-pregnant belly, as she walks into the kitchen to get the drinks. And Cena follows close behind her mother with her red flip flops squishing on the tiled kitchen floor.
"Mommy?"
"Yes, Cee?"
"When is the baby coming?"
"In another month", turning from the refrigerator and setting the pitcher of raspberry iced-tea and a bottle of water onto the island top.
Cena does not quite know how long a month is but it sounds like it is a long time because mommy's stomach has been big forever.
"I don't like that tea, mommy." Cena scrunches her face as her mother fills the glass with her favorite drink of late.
"But you drink it all the time when daddy gives it to you", looking at her daughter's serious face in disbelief.
"I want something else to drink."
"OK. You can have whatever you want", thinking more raspberry iced-tea for her.
"Apple juice", Cena says cheerily.
"Apple juice it is", walking back to the refrigerator.
"Mommy?"
"Yes Cee?" Staring into the cool refrigerator thinking Fitz needs to go food shopping.
"How long is the baby going to stay?"
"What?" Whipping around and looking at Cena's innocent face. "What do you mean, Cee?"
"I don't want the baby to stay with us all of the time."
"Why not?" Olivia asks in surprise. She and Fitz have been meaning to talk to her again about the baby but they have been so busy. There has been so much going on and time has gotten away from them and now she feels awful as she looks at her daughter's sad face.
"Deon said you and daddy won't love me any more when the baby comes", she says softly, looking down and twisting her fingers.
"What?"
"Deon said you and daddy are going to send me away. Deon said the baby is going to take all of my toys. Deon said the baby is going to cry all of the time." She says quickly and the tears begin to run down her face.
"Oh, sweetheart, that just isn't true", setting the apple juice onto the counter. "Mommy and daddy love you more than anything, and we will never stop loving you, no matter what", wiping the tears from her daughter's face. "And we will never send you away. Okay?"
"Really?" She asks in amazement.
"Yes, really. The baby will be so tiny and won't be able to do anything, so I'm going to need my special, big girl to help me with the baby. Okay?"
Cee nods excitedly.
"And the baby won't take your toys either. Okay?"
And Cena nods.
"But the baby will cry sometimes because that's what baby's do. Okay?"
"Will my daddy be the baby's daddy too?" She asks with confusion in her eyes.
"Yes, he will." Looking at her daughter closely, realizing she and Fitz really have not done their job to prepare Cena for the baby.
"I don't want daddy to be the baby's daddy", Cena says quickly.
"Why?" Olivia is stunned because she was not expecting this response.
"Because daddy is my daddy", Cena say adamantly.
"Well sweetheart, daddy will always be your daddy", cupping Cena's face. "But he will be the baby's daddy too. But you want to know what daddy told me?"
Cena shakes her head up and down with eyes wide, waiting to hear the secret.
"Well", trying to squat to be eye level with her daughter. "Well", whispering as if she is telling her daughter a secret because she knows Cena loves secrets. "Daddy told me that you will always be his favorite Biker Princess."
"He did?" Beaming brightly.
"He did", praying for the first time that Maura is right about her having a boy.
"What's taking my girls so long? I'm thirsty." Fitz says as he walks into the kitchen with water dripping from his hair.
"Daddy, daddy", bouncing happily. "I want to swim with you again."
Taken aback by his daughter's enthusiasm, Olivia gives her clueless husband a look that says we have to talk later."
XXX
Instead of carrying Olivia all the way downstairs and outside to the pool, Fitz filled their deep Jacuzzi tub with warm, lavender-scented water to relax her and their baby who is active again tonight. As they lay in the bubbling water enjoying some alone time together, Olivia tells Fitz about her conversation in the kitchen with Cena.
"I told you we needed to keep our eyes on that little Romeo. He's been filling Cee's head with all kinds of horrible tales about what it's like to have a sibling. I knew he was bad news, Liv."
Olivia just shakes her head as she leans into him, enjoying the water cascading over her stomach.
"And now we have to do damage control. We have to reassure her that we won't send her away when the baby comes. Who says things like that any way?"
"Babe, calm down, There's no need to go into lawyer mode. Deon is only five - children make up all kinds of things."
"Well he's a bad influence on Cee. And why does she listen to him anyway? She's too impressionable."
"You're just jealous, babe."
"Jealous? I'm no such thing."
"You are. You're jealous that a little boy has influence over your Biker Princess." Olivia chuckles.
"This isn't funny, Liv. I don't see why you don't understand that we have a serious problem here."
"The only problem we have is we didn't talk to Cee again about what it means to have a new brother or sister before Deon got to her. Cena has been an only child for almost five years, quite naturally she's going to have some fears."
"Nora said something like that", listening intently as he strokes her breasts.
"What do you mean?" Trying to twist her body to turn around and look at him.
"Well, she noticed how many pictures there are of Cee around the house."
"What does she expect?" She says defensively. "Cena has been our only child."
"That's what I thought at first, but I think Nora might have a point. Cee isn't going to be an only child in another month, Liv. She's going to be the firstborn, the older sibling. I don't want her to be afraid and think she will be invisible once Kix comes, especially now that Deon has filled her head with nonsense."
She nods as she slides back into the water.
"By the way" moaning as he glides the soapy towel over her stomach. "I don't like that nickname."
"You have to get onboard, Liv. I didn't like Biker Princess either – still don't."
"But you bought Biker Girl."
"I saw it in one of those stores at the airport and I thought Cee would like it. It kind of looks like her when she rides her bike."
They sit in silence for a while, letting the water wash over her submerged belly.
"Did you know about, Nora - how she felt as a child? How she feels now?"
"She said something to me about feeling left out because she was the only girl and the youngest. She hasn't really gotten over your father ignoring her as a child – ignoring her all of her life. It's had a big impact on her."
"I had no idea. Do you think that's why she behaves the way she does?"
"Probably", she says softly, running her fingernails up and down his bent leg.
"I don't want that for Cena. I want her to always know how deeply I love her."
"She knows, babe."
He kisses her shoulder and slides his hand in the water and between her legs, and she gasps. She opens wide and relaxes into him while his fingers do all kinds of magical things to her. When she feels his arousal on her backside, she closes her eyes and he buries his face in her neck.
"We have to sit down with Cena tomorrow and undo the damage Deon has done", his warm breath wafting over her ear as he sucks and licks her lobe. And she nods as he licks the beads of water rolling from her neck and down her back. She turns her head slightly, allowing him to access the spot on her neck they both enjoy. He leaves his mark on her neck then kisses and licks down her shoulder.
"Maybe we can take her shopping with us."
Olivia groans silently because shopping with Fitz is challenging enough, adding Cena to the mix is going to make the experience even more painful.
"Maybe she won't feel so scared if she picked out a few things for the baby", inserting his finger in and out. The warm water washing over her and his hand feel wonderful.
"Yes, yes", moving up and down on his hand.
"And, when Kix comes home we each have to spend special time with just Cee", growing harder as his finger plunge in and out.
Olivia nods vigorously, lifting her bottom from the bathtub and grinding on his hand until her body twitches from the orgasm. Coming down from her high, she collapses onto his lap, unconsciously licking her lips in satisfaction. After a few minutes he whispers in her ear breathlessly.
"Can you?"
She nods.
"Lean forward."
The water swishes around her stomach as she struggles to her knees and slides to the front of the massive tub. Resting her forearms on the edge of the tub, she turns to look at him. Raising onto his knees, cautious not to rest his weight on her back, he positions himself behind her.
"Are you okay?"
Olivia nods because at this stage in their pregnancy having sex is becoming more and more challenging and sometimes downright uncomfortable for her. However, they have been having lots of fun finding creative positions in which they can enjoy each other without making her feel too uncomfortable. He massages her round buttocks, kissing and licking them slowly.
"I love your body", he says with desire. Running his tongue slowly up and down her back, he slides his hand around and squeezes her breasts gently, and she flinches.
"Sorry", he says breathlessly, kissing her shoulder. He loves the fullness of her breasts.
Rubbing his hardness up and down her opening, she arches her back in anticipation and he slides in slowly. Engulfed in her warm and tight wetness, he closes his eyes.
"Oh god, Livvie."
Careful not to penetrate too deep, his strokes are slow and shallow, and she presses her butt into his stomach, encouraging him to go just a little deeper. Holding onto her hips, he goes deeper, riding her with passion and care.
"Oh, baby you feel so good", picking up the pace a little.
He pulls her close to his chest, wrapping his arms around her stomach and rides her rhythmically. The angle is perfect. The warm water splashing around his balls as he pumps slowly feels exquisite and the desire to release is mounting. She swivels her hips, gliding up and down, giving him what he likes.
"Just like that, Liv. Move it just like that."
The feeling is heavenly and he goes deeper and she rides him a little harder when he bites down on her shoulder, releasing deep inside of her. Laughing uncontrollably, he holds her tighter as the last of his juices flow into his wife. After a few moments he slides out and leans against the tub, pulling her with him. They lay in silence, relaxed and thoroughly satisfied.
"You know we won't be able to do for much longer?" Running her hand up and down his thigh.
"Then we should enjoy it while we can", smiling mischievously as he anticipates round two.
XXX
Maura stands in front of the mirror in her bedroom assessing her appearance. She feels jittery, like it is the first day of school. She wonders if the pearls are too much as she fixes her hair for the fourth time. She applies a bit more or her standard pink lipstick then goes downstairs to the kitchen where Olivia and Fitz are sitting at the island having breakfast.
"Good morning", she says nervously, walking to the cabinet to retrieve her mug.
"Good morning, mom. You look really nice", Fitz says encouragingly.
"Thank you, Fitzgerald", sitting across from him at the island.
"Good morning, Maura", Olivia says, rubbing her stomach and wondering if multiple rounds of sex with her husband last night will start her contractions or if that is another wives' tale. She surely cannot ask her mother-in-law.
"Good morning, Olivia", rubbing the back of her neck. "You're not dressed yet. You are coming to the office today, aren't you?"
"Not until this afternoon, Maura. We have a doctor's appointment later this morning", smiling at her husband.
"I see. Well should I wait here for you to return?"
"No, not at all. Mona is expecting you and she will get you all set up. We will all meet this afternoon to discuss the training program."
"I see. Where is Nora?" Looking nervously around the kitchen. "This is her first day of work too."
"She got in late last night. I don't think she is as committed to working as you are, mom."
"Give her some time, Fitzgerald."
Maura glances at her watch then takes her mug to the sink and washes it.
"Well, I guess I better get going", swiping her hands down the front of her dress. "I don't want to be late on my first day."
"I'll see you later, Maura", smiling at her nervous mother-in-law.
Maura smiles nervously as she hurries from the kitchen.
"She's really nervous", Fitz says.
"She'll be all right, babe."
"Should I wake Nora?"
"No, babe. Nora is an adult and has to learn how to be responsible."
XXX
Mona waits nervously in her office listening for the door chime to signal that Maura Grant has arrived for her first day of work. She is anxious because she has never supervised another employee and she wants things to go well because Maura is Olivia's mother-in-law. Mona inhales deeply and reviews for the third time the checklist of things she needs to cover with Maura. When the door chimes, Mona jumps from her seat and rushes down the hall to greet her new direct report.
"Good morning. You must be Maura. I'm Mona. It's so good to meet you", she says in one breath.
"Good morning, Mona", shaking the woman's hand. "Olivia has told me so many wonderful things about you."
"It's wonderful working with Olivia. She has an experienced hand in community service."
After the pleasantries are over, the two women smile nervously at each other for a little too long until Mona regains her composure.
"Well come on back, Maura. I'll give you the fifty cents tour. I don't recall ever seeing you here before", looking over her shoulder at Maura as she guides the woman from the waiting room and down the hall.
"No, I've never been here. Olivia and and my son have been married for over six years and I've never had occasion to come to her Foundation."
"Would you like some tea or coffee, Maura?"
"Tea will be find. I brought my own tea bags", opening her purse and retrieving her tea bags. "So I will simply need hot water."
Mona nods as she continues explaining the layout of the office.
"This is Olivia's office", pointing to the small room on the right."
Maura nods.
"And here is my office. Stop in if you ever need anything or just want to chat."
Maura nods and smiles politely.
"This is our conference room. We set up space in here for you to work."
Maura gasps and clutches her chest when she enters the small room and sees a small desk placed in front of the window. On the desk is a large bouquet of flowers and a gift basket containing fruit, a variety of snacks, a mug, and a tin of her favorite tea.
"Oh my goodness. Is this for me?"
"Read the card", Mona smiles, pointing to the card stuck in the flowers.
Maura walks slowly over to her desk and slides the card from the flowers."
Wishing you the first of many enjoyable days of your career. Fitzgerald
"That is so kind", tears welling up in her eyes.
"The flowers are beautiful, Maura."
"They are. That was so thoughtful of Fitzgerald and Olivia."
"And Maura, here are all of your office supplies. If you need anything else, just let me know and I'll pick it up for you."
"Thank you, Mona. I'm sure this will be fine", smiling at her desk.
"Now let me show you where the restroom, then you can get your tea and get settled in."
Maura smiles, beginning to relax a little more.
After the tour is over Maura makes her tea and settles in at her desk. She leans back in her chair and smiles as she runs her hand over the top of the desk.
'I have a job', she says softly.
After reviewing her checklist again to ensure she has covered all of the basics with Maura, Mona realizes she forgot to mention they will be meeting Olivia for lunch. She rushes down the hall to the conference room and taps her red, ballpoint pen on the doorframe.
"Excuse me Maura – I didn't mean to startle you – I just wanted you to know we will be going to lunch at noon."
"That's not necessary, Mona."
"It is. Meet me in the waiting room at noon. We have a reservation at Restaurant 52."
"Olivia's favorite restaurant."
"Olivia will join us their around 12:30."
"Thank you, Mona. I'll start reading through these materials", looking at the stack of binders about community service Mona placed on her desk.
XXX
Maura shakes her head slightly when she sees Olivia walking toward their table, barely able to carry the extra weight of the baby with her small frame. She smiles, thinking although Olivia is now her employer, she is also her daughter-in-law and Maura cannot wait for her latest grandchild to be born.
"Hi, Maura – Mona", unable to slide into the booth so Maura and Mona slide the table toward them to give Olivia more room. "I am so sorry that I'm late. Dr. Perry was a little backed up this morning."
Maura wonders if Dr. Perry was really running late or Olivia and Fitzgerald were having more alone time. She saw the mark on Olivia's neck before she left the house this morning.
"How was your doctor's visit, Olivia? Is everything okay?"
"Everything is fine, Maura. A little more than a month to go", grabbing a roll from the bread basket. "So how did things go this morning?"
"I'm so excited. Mona has been terrific, showing me around, answering all of my questions, and giving me everything I need. I just love my office. Well, I know it's really the conference room, but I love it anyway."
Olivia and Mona smile at the excited woman.
"I'm glad, but don't expect to absorb everything in one day, Maura."
"And thank you for the flowers and the basket. That was so thoughtful of you."
"That was all Fitz' doing. He wanted your first day to be special."
When they finished eating lunch Olivia gives Maura and overview of the training program for the community organizers.
"Maura, our goal is to develop a program to train grassroots community organizers how to use various communication strategies when interacting with city officials and business people. While they have a lot of terrific ideas and good intentions, they need to learn more effective methods to get their messages out to the community and express them in a way that does scare off the people who they need to support their causes. So, we want to empower them with the knowledge and skills to translate their demands from protest rhetoric to cogent business and political ideas."
Maura nods, listening intently as she sips the iced tea.
"And, we want to teach them how to get their messages across to the residents, city officials, and philanthropists using traditional and social media platforms."
"This sounds so exciting", Maura gushes.
"Mona and I will help you with the content but you will develop the curriculum. Read over the materials Mona has given you and we will all sit down again to discuss the program. When do you think we should meet again, Mona?"
"From the looks of things we better do it real soon", looking at Olivia's stomach pressing against the edge of the table.
And all the women burst out laughing. Maura glances around the restaurant thinking how happy she is to be a working woman.
XXX
Nora pulls into the parking lot of the small, graffiti-covered building and groans as she sucks on her cigarette. She had no idea what she was getting into when she agreed to volunteer at the Springfield Heights Community Center. Well, she really did not volunteer. Fitz is forcing her to get a job so Olivia has arranged for her to work at this place. She looks at her watch and sees she is already over an hour late. She was out partying last night and hooked up with this hot guy at the club, so she is still tired and a little hung over. But she knew she had better show up at the center today or pack her bags and go back to Gerry's house. She plucks the cigarette out of the window and slides from the car. Pulling the leather jacket around her body, she enters the building in search of Marcella. Scanning the space as she walks down the hall, she is turned off immediately by the drab, tan walls and gray linoleum floors. She wonders if the place has ever seen better days.
"You're late", Marcella says to the obviously hungover woman, disliking her immediately.
"Are you Marcella?" Nora asks with an attitude.
"I am. We start at 8:30 A.M. around here", and Nora rolls her eyes, needing another cigarette.
"Well, I'm here now. What do you want me to do?"
"First, I want you to lose the attitude. Then, I want you to go out to the community room and sweep and mop the floor. After that, I want you to clean the bathroom."
"Sweep and mop?" Nora says with disdain. "I'm not a maid."
"From what I hear you're not much of anything", staring at the obnoxious woman squarely in her eyes.
The two woman glare at each other until Amir comes to the door and interrupts the stare down.
"Marcella … Oh – I'm sorry. I didn't know you were with someone."
"Amir, this is the new help I told you about. Nora, this is Amir."
The two nod at each other.
"Amir, show Nora where the broom and mops are kept. She's ready to clean the community room. Then show her the bathroom. She's going to clean that too."
"But I already –"
"I said take Nora to the utility closet", glaring at Amir.
Amir complies immediately because he knows not to ask too many questions when Marcella is in a bad mood.
"Come on, Nora. I'll show you where everything is."
Nora glares at Marcella one more time before following Amir out of the office and down the hall to the utility closet.
"Is she always like that?"
"Marcella's not too bad. She's good people once you get to know her", swinging open the small closet door.
After sweeping and mopping the community room, Amir shows Nora the bathroom.
"You have got to be kidding", looking around at the small, dingy bathroom. Amir folds his arms across his chest and nods.
An hour-and-a-half later, Marcella directs Nora to set up the community room in preparation of the children arriving after school.
"Push those tables together and set out the art supplies on each table", Marcella directs her new volunteer. "The art supplies are on the shelf over there", pointing to the tall cabinets lining the wall on the other side of the room.
"What do you do around here? Nora demands.
"I have a job", Marcella says as she walks back to her office.
Nora pushes the tables together then pulls the art supplies from the shelf. She shakes her head when she sees the so-called supplies, thinking these supplies are a joke and should have been thrown out in the trash a long time ago. The paint brushes are frayed, the paints are half dry, and there are only a few stubby colored pencils in the jar. Nora tosses the few pathetic art supplies onto each table then walks back to Marcella's office.
"I'm finished", she says to Marcella whose is looking down and reading some papers on her desk.
"Fine. You may leave", not looking up from the papers.
Nora rolls her eyes and turns to leave the too small office.
"8:30 A.M." Marcella shouts out as she continues to look down at the papers.
On her way to the parking lot Nora passes the community room where she sees a little girl giggling as she covers one of Amir's dreadlocks with red paint. She shakes her head thinking what a waste of paint.
XXX
Fitz and Olivia are having a leisurely dinner after spending hours shopping for baby furniture. She is exhausted because they were in the furniture store for hours because Fitz had a millions questions, as usual, about the furniture that the salesman obviously could not answer.
"Do you really think they're going to deliver the furniture in two weeks – before the baby is born?" She asks, finishing the last of her entree. She always seems to finish her meal before her husband these days.
"The salesman said it would be delivered in less than a month", unaffected by the timeline.
"I don't know, Fitz. We should have ordered the furniture a long time ago. I'm afraid the baby won't have anywhere to sleep if it's not delivered within the next few weeks."
"It'll be fine. So what else do we need?" He asks, cutting into his steak.
"A few more things, actually. You know we could've had the nursery set up by now if you didn't insist on going shopping with me all of the time."
"I want to be involved, just like I was with Cee."
"But babe, you're slowing down the process", rubbing her stomach. "Kix will be here soon and –"
"Kix, hunh?" And she rolls her eyes.
"Do you want dessert?" Looking at her empty plate.
"I shouldn't", still rubbing her belly. "I can't seem to stop eating with this baby. We're hungry all of the time."
"Pineapple upside-down cake with vanilla-sage ice cream it is then", looking around the restaurant for their waiter.
"Babe you're going to make me fat."
"I already did", giving her that stupid smirk she will never tire of seeing.
She rolls her eyes again as Fitz' phone begins to ring. Not recognizing the phone number displayed on the screen, he scrunches his face before answering the call. The color drains from his face as he listens to the person on the other end of the line.
"Who was that, babe?" She asks, dipping a forkful of cake into the vanilla-sage ice cream as he disconnects the call.
"We have to go", he says anxiously, and her heart sinks to her stomach as she holds the fork mid-air.
"Is something wrong with Cena?" Dropping the fork onto the dessert plate.
"No, Cena is fine. We have to get to the hospital, Liv."
"Too the hospital? You're scaring me, Fitz.
"Come on, Liv", standing from his seat.
"Is it your parents – my parents?" Holding her breath and looking at him wild-eyed.
"No, both of our parents are fine", reaching into his wallet for cash to pay the bill.
"Is it Ben- Nora?"
"Liv – we have to go. Now!" Reaching for her hand. Gripped by fear, she cannot move. She is frozen in her seat.
"Is it John and Abby? Oh no, please don't let anything happen to them."
"Liv, it's Marla", he says hurriedly. "She's in the hospital. They think she might've had a stroke."
Olivia's mouth falls open and the tears roll down her face. Marla is like a second mother to her. The woman has taught her so much and has been instrumental in guiding her career over the years. She cannot imagine the elegant City Council President being sidelined by a stroke.
"Let's go Liv, tossing the money onto the table.
XXX
Olivia holds her belly as she and Fitz rush down the halls of Mercy Douglass Hospital to get to the bedside of her dear friend and mentor. They stop at the nurses' station on the ninth to inquire about the condition of the woman who has always been supportive of Olivia.
"We're looking for Marla Briggs", Fitz says anxiously.
"And you are?" The nurse asks, looking at the man somewhat bored.
"I'm her daughter", Olivia says hurriedly.
"Room 906", the nurse says, pointing up the hall.