Chapter 24. Scandal
A/N: Guest1, I've been giving hints about Jolie's features since she was born. Maura said she looks like Nora and thinks she is going to be a blonde. She reminded us that Fitz was a blonde as a child. For now Jolie has a fair complexion and her eyes are brown, like her mother's. Note that a baby's features, including complexion, can change over time. Guest2, I know you don't like the political storyline (you've said it a few times) but thanks for continuing to read. This is what they have chosen to do for now. Dakidd, glad you love the story. BTW, you can keep saying it. Reneeharris49, YUP, kids will out you all of the time. Symone0939, keep loving and talking to your babies. Kkimberly49 – Liv did run to Mirage several chapters back, but she won't be lacing up her running shoes again. Also, I think what you perceive as a straight-laced Fitz' might be his uneasiness as a politician; he's out of his realm. He's trying to develop cultural competence, learn more about the issues, while also trying to relate to the electorate. It's a difficult dance but Olivia is helping the public (and Mona) to see another side of him. Finally, I haven't watched the show in a few years but I always saw canon Fitz as reserved and introspective – private/public personas. Remember lines like: "Show them who you are" and "I know you" from canon? Olivia brought out another side of him during their private times. Don't know if this helps but that's all I got. Thanks again for all of the reviews. Here we go!
Except for the sounds of the birds chirping outside, the house is quiet, almost serene. Fitz is meeting again with his new advisers at his office, Cena is at school, and Hildie has the day off. Olivia sometimes wonders what Hildie does on her day off. The woman protects her privacy like the United States protects its bullion depository at Fort Knox.
It is shortly after noon and Jolie is beginning to stir in her crib, and Olivia understands why when the familiar scent connects with her nose. She smiles at her distressed baby as she removes the weighted down diaper. She then swaddles Jolie in the pink blanket Mona gave her along with a huge bag filled with all sorts of gifts shortly after Jolie was born. As she lifts the whining baby from the crib, Olivia strokes her cheek and thinks how blessed she is to have been given the opportunity to bring another life into this world.
"Come on my beautiful angel", settling onto the rocker to prepare for their daily lunch meeting. Jolie stops whining and smiles when she hears her mother's voice.
Olivia opens her blouse and Jolie instinctually gravitates toward her mother's breast and begins to suckle. This is their special time, just the two of them. This is the time of day when she and Jolie discuss family matters and make important decisions.
"Miss Jo, you have such a big appetite today", looking down at her daughter who has yet to come up for air. Jolie balls her tiny hands into fists, and looks in the direction of her mother's voice.
"So Miss Jo, Cena is going to be five in a few months and we have to start planning her birthday party. Do you have any idea what we should get your sister for her birthday?"
"I didn't hear that. Can you repeat it? A what? Ah, that sounds like a good idea. You're such a smart baby, Miss Jo."
Olivia shifts Jolie to her right breast when she begins to cry because of the lack of milk.
"You know Miss Jo, we also have to get started on the Wraparound Program", looking around the beautiful nursery at the expensive furniture and collection of books and toys. She shakes her head when she thinks about the upper-middle class life her children live compared to that of the children of Springfield Heights.
"Miss Jo, we have to help those babies in Springfield Heights who drank all of that bad water. We have to make sure they get all of the help they need. Yes we do", she says in a sing-song voice.
"Your daddy is going to be President, Miss Jo. Maybe not of the United States, not yet anyway." Olivia giggles. "But he is going to be President of the City Council. And as President he'll be able to help so many people, especially those children. Yes he will", rubbing her index finger across Jolie's chin. Jolie seems to be listening intently as she continues to suckle.
When Olivia looks down she sees Jolie is smiling in her sleep again. Some say the angels are playing with the baby when they smile and laugh in their sleep. Olivia smiles at her baby girl, rocking Jolie for a few more minutes before placing her into the crib.
"We'll continue this meeting tomorrow, Miss Jo; same time, same place", kissing Jolie on the forehead before leaving the nursery.
XXX
"Mr. Grant, there has been an erosion of social trust by certain groups who are feeling more marginalized or more uncertain relative to their government", Marcus says as he walks around the large conference room admiring the artwork hanging on the walls.
"People like Mayor Wilson and your opponent, Charles Barber, have been bought and sold by their white political masters. No offense", says Rashid, swiping his long index finger down the tablet screen.
"None taken", Fitz says, leaning back in his chair and listening closely to gain another perspective of the issues.
"They're political whores who readily sell out the interests of their communities for tenuous power – economic and political", Rashid continues, and Jason nods as he types on his laptop. "Instead of doing the socially just things, they desperately cling to their token positions. Whether they are honest enough to admit it, they are little more than convenient pawns."
Fitz nods, reflecting on what Councilmen Moton and Johnson told him about Mayor Wilson being in the pockets of some the city's business owners.
"If we decide to support you - rally people to vote for you Mr. G - then we want something in return", Jason says, still typing on his laptop.
"I wouldn't expect anything less", Fitz says, glancing at the serious expressions on the faces of his expanded advisory team.
"We're tired of our issues being ignored. We want our actions to result in policies that support our causes and our communities", says Marcella.
"What do you want?" Fitz asks, tossing the orange stress ball in the air.
"We want you to propose legislation that targets the high poverty areas in our city, and we all know who lives in those areas. We want you to look at the poverty rates across the city and target those areas to increase funding for job training programs and to improve our schools", Marcella says.
"However, if the rest of the electorate thinks you're doing something specifically for our communities they will fight you tooth and nail", Marcus says, looking closely at an odd piece of sculpture placed on the credenza against the far wall.
"But, if the language in the legislation focuses on the poorest areas of the city, then –"
"No one can claim favoritism. Smart. Brilliant actually", Fitz says half to himself. "There's just one problem with your plan, I'm not running for Mayor."
"But you are running for President of the City Council. And if you win, you'll have control of the legislature. And with that kind of control you make choices - lots of choices", says Marcella.
"If there is something that is important to the electorate who overwhelmingly voted for you, then you would undoubtedly make a choice to take a very close look at what they are asking for", Jason says, now looking directly at Fitz.
Fitz nods, thinking these kids are quite shrewd.
"Okay. Deal", setting the stress ball on the table as he stands to shake everyone's hand.
"We're going to hold you accountable Mr. Grant", Rashid says.
"Hold your feet to the fire", Jason chimes in with a mouthful of cookies.
"Deal", Marcella says, smiling excitedly.
"Deal", Marcus says, shaking Fitz' hand.
"By the way, you're going to need a place to work since you cannot help run my campaign from the city community centers. So, how about you set up shop here?" Looking around the conference room. "You can come here a couple of days a week, or as often as you like, and do whatever you need to do to help me win", flashing his politician's smile.
"That sounds terrific", Marcus says, trying to mask his enthusiasm.
"You'll have access to the entire facility. I'm hardly here anymore", he says somewhat sadly.
"Thanks Mr. Grant, that's real generous of you", Marcella says, running her fingers across the highly polished conference room table.
"I'll let Geoffrey and Sandra know they should expect to see you around here and to give you whatever you need. Okay?"
"Okay", Marcus says. He really likes coming to Mr. Grant's luxurious office.
"Not so fast Mr. G", Jason says. Everyone turns and looks at Jason, wondering what objection he could possibly have to such a sweet deal.
"What's up, Jason? What's the matter?" Marcus asks, looking at Jason with confusion in his eyes.
"Mr. G first has got to agree to have these cookies around here all of the time."
"Shut up Jason", his cohort says, throwing balled up paper and ink pens across the room at him.
XXX
After leaving his young advisers at his office, Fitz drives across town for his lunch meeting at Armand's with Darius and Johnson. The restaurant is well-known for its contemporary Italian cuisine. It is also well-known for being the place where political deals are made. As he pulls into the restaurant's parking lot he thinks he needs to start cooking again because he really misses the creative process. He misses using all of the expensive cookware and gadgets he bought to practice the techniques he learned in cooking class and by watching the cooking shows on TV.
As the three men finish their entrees, Fitz begins to inform Darius and Johnson about his evolving with relationship with the community organizers. And it becomes apparent early on that they are not interested in hearing anything about the so-called advisers.
"They are vested in the process, Darius. They have a lot of great ideas", Fitz insists.
"And our ideas aren't great?" Johnson says defensively. "Who the hell do you think has gotten you this far?"
"I appreciate everything you both have done for me, but –"
"Are you trying to give us the kiss off?" Johnson says angrily.
"Of course not. I just think we can benefit from some of their thinking and tactics."
"There can't be two masters", Darius says tightly.
"There are no masters here, Darius. Just groups of people with their own agendas. You might want to listen to them."
Darius and Johnson snort and roll their eyes.
"They want to have stake in the democracy. They're highly invested in who their elected representatives are and learning how city government works. They won't be ignored."
Darius waves his hand in the air in disgust.
"They're bringing in a lot of people who to date have not been involved in the process. You'll need those new voters for your next elections gentlemen."
Fitz gauges the men's reaction and can see by the expressions on their faces that the light has gone off in their heads. They are beginning to realize the potential benefits of partnering with the young community organizers. After all, it is all about self-preservation. Politicians are always looking for ways to get re-elected, and by any means necessary.
XXX
Olivia sits in the booth at Restaurant 52 smiling to herself as she waits for her lunch date, Dr. Marion Harris, Director of the city's Health Department. It is starting out to be a pretty good day she thinks to herself as she uses the black plastic straw to twirl the lemon slice in her water. Her second postpartum checkup with Dr. Perry went well because he did not uncover anything unusual. Her uterus has returned to its normal size and there are no signs of swelling or tenderness. She is thankful for the good report because she is ready to return to work full time. Jolie is two months old and her maternity leave is officially over. While she loves being a mother and wife, she cannot wait to initiate phase two of her water program.
"Olivia", Dr. Harris says as she approaches the booth with her arms outstretched. Olivia stands and gives the woman a warm hug.
"You look absolutely marvelous. You don't even look like you had a baby two months ago."
"That's so kind you Marion."
"I'm not being kind, it's the truth. And how is the new baby – a girl right?" Marion asks as she slides onto the booth.
"Yes. Her name is Jolie and she's wonderful and beautiful", Olivia says, smiling proudly.
"Of course she is. You and your husband make beautiful children, Olivia."
Ready to take their lunch order, a waitress comes over holding a pencil and pad in her hand.
"Are we having wine to celebrate?" Marion asks, looking at Olivia with her mouth stretched into a smile.
"You go ahead, I'm still breastfeeding."
"Of course you are", looking over at the waitress. "I'll have a Chardonnay and my breastfeeding friend will have an iced tea."
The waitress nods with a smile and walks across the dining room to place the drink order at the bar.
"So Olivia, I hate to bring up a sensitive subject …"
Olivia tilts her head slightly to the side and looks curiously at Marion.
"Marla. How is she doing? It's such a shame."
Olivia closes her eyes and exhales softly. It is still difficult for her to talk about Marla's condition.
"She's coming along, Marion. As you can imagine she has a long road of recovery ahead of her. She's been transferred to a rehabilitation center."
"And she doesn't have any family I understand?"
"No. No one", Olivia says sadly.
"Well she's fortunate to have you. Everyone knows you're like a daughter to her. The daughter she never had."
Olivia smiles sadly as the waitress sets their drinks onto the table.
"Are you ready to order, ladies?"
Marion orders a bison burger with sweet potato fries and Olivia orders a house salad.
"So that's how you stay in shape", Marion says, lifting the glass of wine to her lips.
"Marion, I want to get your advice on a new program I'm starting."
Marion leans back against the booth and smiles as she holds the wine glass midair.
"Advice? What kind of advice, Olivia?"
"You might recall the last times we met, in this very restaurant as a matter of fact, we talked about the lead plumbing in the houses in Springfield Heights."
"Yes. Dear Marla was here and so was that horrible Darius person – and Amelia. Those two really went at it."
"Well, we were able to get the funding to replace the plumbing in those homes. In fact, that project will be completed shortly."
"That's terrific, Olivia. I knew Marla would come through for you."
"Marion, the funding Marla was able to secure from the city was just a small amount of the overall cost to replace those pipes."
Marion nods with a smile, not really buying Olivia's claim.
"Marion, you said at that meeting if children are exposed to lead for a significant period of time they can have physical and emotional problems in the future."
"That's true, Olivia. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers lead the most serious environmental health hazard for children in the United States. Many lead toxicologists agree and have even suggested that the EPA's lead standard for children's drinking water ought to be more stringent than that for adults."
Olivia furrows her brow as she listens to Marion.
"Lead can cause brain damage, premature birth, reduced birth weight, seizures, behavioral disorders, and a lower IQ level in children. In most cases this damage is irreversible.
"In most cases?" Olivia asks as the waitress sets their entrees in front of them. Marion finishes her wine and orders another glass of Chardonnay. Olivia looks at her with a raised eyebrow.
"What?" Marion says in response to Olivia's disapproving look. "I'm not breastfeeding and probably never will", she says as her voice trails off.
"Marion, are you okay?" Olivia asks with concern. She and Marion are not close friends but she cares about the women's well-being.
"I'm fine. I'm fine", biting into her bison burger.
Olivia listens intently as Marion continues to explain the effects of lead on children and fetuses.
"Lead poisoning in children can also lead to developmental delays, hearing, speech, and language problems –"
"Oh my god", Olivia says, shaking her head in frustration.
"And, in cases of extremely high lead levels, seizures and unconsciousness can occur."
"Marion, these children already face a difficult life without also having to deal with the effects of lead poisoning. This just makes life even harder for them."
"So true, Olivia."
"So how can we find out if the children in Springfield Heights have lead in their system?"
"A blood test is the only way to find out for sure. All of those children age six and under should be tested. And pregnant mothers should also be tested."
"So what happens if the blood test shows a child has lead in their system?"
"Well the treatment will vary, depending on how much lead is found in their system", Marion says, taking another sip of wine.
Olivia nods for Marion to continue.
"Often times small amounts of lead in the system can be treated rather easily. But, the most important part of therapy is to reduce or eliminate children's exposure to lead. And it seems like you've already done that by replacing those lead pipes in the homes. Gradually, as the body naturally eliminates the lead, the level of lead in the blood will fall."
Olivia nods as she sips her water.
"However, children with severe cases and extremely high lead levels in their blood will need to be hospitalized to receive a medication called a chelating agent. This agent chemically binds with lead, making it weaker so the body can get rid of it naturally."
Olivia nods, listening intently to Marion.
"Olivia, when a kitten is born, 65 percent of its brain is already developed."
Olivia turns her head slightly and looks at Marion curiously.
"And, when an ant is born, 90 percent of its brain is already developed."
Olivia has no idea what kittens and ants have to do with lead poisoning in children.
"But the human brain, well it is only 40 percent developed when a child is born."
"I really don't understand the point you're trying to make, Marion", looking at the woman skeptically and wondering if she has had too much to drink.
"The point I am making, Olivia, is the human brain at birth is woefully immature developmentally, compared to other species."
Olivia nods slowly, still not fully comprehending why Marion is sharing this bit of information.
"Olivia dear, the human brain is not as developed at birth as other species because we have so much more to learn."
Olivia nods slowly, now understanding the point Marion is making.
"Children have to learn coping and social skills. They have to learn languages, how to read and write. They have to learn how to play, how to care for others."
Olivia nods slowly, absorbing everything Marion is saying.
"When a child's brain is impacted by something like lead, then the long-term effects on their lives can be immeasurable."
"That's my concern Marion - the long-term effects."
"Unfortunately, these children will need to be monitored for years to determine if they have any physical, emotional, or learning problems."
"I see."
Olivia is beginning to understand the gravity of the situation.
"With these health problems Marion, it will be virtually impossible to break the cycle of poverty in a community like Springfield Heights."
"Difficult, but not impossible." Taking another sip of wine.
"I need your help, Marion."
"To do what?" Marion says with incredulity, setting the wine glass onto the table.
"To bounce ideas off you. To test my thinking. To advise me. This is important work, Marion."
"Well, you're going to need more than a sounding board, Olivia. You're going to need funding, and lots of it."
Olivia nods repeatedly.
"But that shouldn't' be a problem for you", Marion says, stuffing a couple of sweet potato fries into her mouth.
"What do you mean?" Looking at Marion quizzically.
"Come on, Olivia. Your husband is on track to become the next President of the City Council. And like with Marla, I'm sure you'll have sway over him – probably more so than with Marla." Marion gives Olivia a playful wink and finishes the rest of her wine.
"Can I count on your help Marion?" Olivia says tersely, somewhat offended by the women's presumptions.
"Sure, why not?" Marion says, shrugging her shoulders. "What else do I have to do anyway?"
XXX
By the time Olivia arrives home from running her errands and meeting with Marion, Fitz has already started dinner. She smiles as she walks down the foyer, through the family room, and into the kitchen.
"Something smells good", wrapping her arms around his waist as he stands at the stove stirring the vegetables sautéing in the skillet.
"It's my new cologne", he says, turning and pecking her on the lips. She elbows him playfully before walking over to Jolie, who is sleeping in the carrier on top of the island.
"How is my JoJo?" She asks, stroking the sleeping baby's cheek. "Has she been crying this afternoon?"
"Not a peep since I've been home. I think she might be over the colic."
"I hope so", Olivia says tiredly, sitting on her chair at the island and smiling at her baby girl. "I think the swaddling helped."
"What?" He asks, still stirring the vegetables.
"Nothing", she says sadly.
"What's the matter? I thought you'd be excited that we all can finally get some sleep around here."
"I am. I'm just a little bummed today."
He turns from the stove and looks at her with concern in his eyes. He knows she had an appointment with Dr. Perry today for another postpartum exam.
"What's the matter? Is something wrong?"
"I met with Marion Harris for lunch today."
He nods, trying to recall the name.
"We talked about getting the Wraparound Program started."
He nods again.
"Fitz, according to Marion, some of those children in Springfield Heights might be facing lifelong problems - physical and emotional problems – just because they drank tainted water. I wish I could have done something sooner."
"Don't blame yourself, Liv. That problem has existed in Springfield Heights long before you became aware of it."
"I know. It's just when I look at Jolie and Cena …"
"You can't compare our children to the children in Springfield Heights, Liv."
Jolie begins to stir.
"I know", she says sadly, picking up Jolie from the carrier. "Your daddy is going to fix the problems in those communities when he is elected President, right Miss Jo?"
Fitz looks at his wife in astonishment because he had no idea she had these kinds of expectations of him as President of the City Council.
XXX
After Fitz has finished cleaning the dinner dishes and putting away the leftovers in the refrigerator, he walks into the family room where Olivia is sitting on the sofa patting Jolie on the back, trying to get her to burp. Cena is sitting on the floor across from the unlit fireplace surrounded by a pile of toys.
"Give me my Angel", lifting Jolie from Olivia's arms and assuming the task of trying to get Jolie to burp. And after a few more pats on the back Jolie lets out a loud burp, causing everyone to laugh out loud.
"Daddy, JoJo burped loud", Cena yells from across the room.
"She did, Princess. Are you feeling better, Angel?" Holding Jolie close to his chest as he paces back and forth across the room.
"Babe, how'd your meeting go with your students?"
"They're not my students Liv", laying on the sofa and resting his head on her lap as he lifts Jolie up and down like barbells. "I'm tired", he says with a heavy sigh.
"You're going to make her sick if you keep doing that."
"My baby girl is fine. Isn't that right, Angel?"
"So what did they have to say?" Grazing his scalp with her fingernails.
"They're smart, Liv." He smiles at his baby girl as a stream of drool falls onto his face while Jolie is lifted in the air.
"Well, I already know that. What advice did they give you about the campaign?"
"None – not until they negotiated a deal."
"Negotiated a deal? What kind of deal?"
Fitz lay Jolie on his chest and rubs her back as he tells Olivia about his meeting with Marcella and the others. Cena runs from across the room and crawls onto her father's lap.
"Be careful Princess, you don't want to hurt your sister."
Cena ignores her father and snuggles closer to him.
"So what kind of deal?" Olivia persists.
"Well, in exchange for their support, they want me to push forward some of their agendas in Council."
"It sounds like you taught your students well", she says with a chuckle. "So how did the meeting go with Darius and Johnson?"
"They don't like that I'm working with the organizers."
"Why not? You need all the help you can get, babe."
He looks up at her with raised eyebrows.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Liv."
"I didn't mean it that way. I just think Marcella and her friends can help you bring out a part of the electorate that has not been that engaged in the process."
"That's what I told those Old Gs", and Olivia rolls her eyes at his use of the vernacular.
"You should have seen their faces when I told them I was giving my new advisers space at my office to work on my campaign."
"I'm sure that went over like a lead balloon", and he nods, lifting Jolie higher. "You know you're going to have to make friends at City Hall too, babe."
"Wilson hates my guts. He thinks I want his job."
"Well do you?" She grazes her fingernails slowly across his scalp as she watches drool stream from Jolie's mouth and onto his face.
"JoJo's drooling on your face daddy", Cena yells.
"Not at all. I have no interest in being Mayor."
"You know you're going to have to learn how to work with him, like Marla did."
"I don't know how she managed to do it, Liv. Wilson has sold the Mayor's office to the highest bidders. Marla is so ethical. How is she, by the way?"
"She's been moved to a rehabilitation facility. I met with her doctor and he said -"
They look at each when the doorbell chimes.
"Are you expecting someone?" Looking up at his wife as he lay a sleeping Jolie onto his chest.
" stay here babe", lifting his head from her lap. "You're a little tied up." Olivia shakes her head as she looks at who is Jolie asleep on his chest and Cena who is curled into his side.
XXX
With his daughters snuggled across his body, Fitz takes a moment to look around room and admire the space. He loves this room with the high ceilings and the floor-to-ceiling windows that allow sunlight to flood the space during the day. Although the room is quite large, it has a warm and cozy feeling, especially when his family is gathered together like they are tonight.
Feeling the warmth of his daughters' bodies snuggled against his, he thinks about how much time campaigning has taken him away from his family. He has missed too many dinners with Olivia and the girls so he makes a mental note to have Darius and Johnson schedule all upcoming campaign events to end by 5 o' clock. Becoming the President of the City Council is not more important than his family. Spending too much time away from Olivia and the girls is not good for their family. He learned this lesson the hard way years ago when he was traveling back and forth across the country trying to establish his business. He also learned it months ago when Olivia was spending too much time working at the foundation. Their marriage suffered and they began to drift apart. He will not let the campaign or anything else come between their marriage and family again.
XXX
"Maura", Olivia exclaims when she swings open the door and sees her mother-in-law standing outside. "Is everything all right?" Remembering the last time Maura showed up unexpectedly on their doorstep.
"May I come in, Olivia?"
"Of course", stepping aside so Maura can enter the foyer. "Fitz is in the family room with the girls. Come on in - please."
"Thank you Olivia", walking down the familiar hall to the family room.
Maura smiles when she sees her son stretched across the sofa with his daughters blanketing his body.
"Grams, grams",Cena yells as sheclimbs off her father and runs over to her grandmother.
"How's my beautiful and smart Cena doing?" Scooping up the excited little girl.
"Mom?" Fitz looks at his mother in surprise as he sits up from the sofa holding a sleeping Jolie. He immediately feels guilty since he has not seen or spoken to her since she left with Nora on that fateful night.
"Hello Fitzgerald", his mother says somewhat nervously.
"Is everything all right, mom?"
"Grams, I go to dance class and gym -" Cena places her index finger on her bottom lip trying to remember how to say the full word.
"Gymnastics", Olivia says, leaning against the door frame with her arms folded across her chest.
Cena looks at her grandmother and nods her head rapidly, agreeing with what her mother said.
"That's wonderful Cena", sitting on the side chair and holding Cena on her lap. "Can you show Grams how you dance?"
Cena nods her head vigorously, slides off her grandmother's lap, and starts to shimmy.
"See Grams, this is what Miss Aisha teach us."
"You're the best dancer ever Cena", overly praising the little girl as grandmothers are prone to do. Cena smiles brightly as she climbs back onto her grandmother's lap.
"And how is Jolie doing?" Looking at her son with a smile as he rocks his youngest daughter in his arms.
"Jolie's been colicky for the past few weeks. We haven't been getting much sleep around here, but we think it's over now."
"Well you were colicky as a baby, Fitzgerald."
"Really?" He says in surprise.
"Yes. In fact you kept us all awake and on edge for weeks. I think for a while John wanted to strangle you. I suspect he might have tried once or twice", Maura says in jest.
Fitz looks down at Jolie and rubs her back.
"Mom, can you give us a few minutes so we can put the girls to bed?"
"Of course. Good night Cena", kissing the little girl on the top of her head. "Grams loves you so much."
"I love you too Grams", pecking her grandmother on the cheek before hopping off her lap.
As Fitz stands from the sofa, Maura also stands to give Jolie a good night kiss on the forehead.
"Good night, sleepyhead", Maura says, smiling at her youngest grandchild.
XXX
"Did you know she was coming tonight?" Fitz whispers as he pulls the blanket over Jolie's chest, who kicks it off immediately.
"Of course not", Olivia whispers as she turns off Jolie's lamp before walking from the nursery. "Why would I know?"
"Is Cena asleep?"
"Out like a light."
"Four pages?"
"Four pages", shaking her head at the thought of having read Goodnight Moon again. "Babe", pulling him by the arm and stopping him from going down the stairs.
"What is it? Is something wrong?" Furrowing his brow.
"Babe, Cena is sucking her thumb again."
XXX
Maura waits patiently in the family room as her son and Olivia put the girls to bed. She is grateful for the extra time so she can collect her thoughts, review again in her mind what she has been practicing all day.
"Maura can I get you something to drink? I'm sure we still have your tea …"
"No, thank you Olivia. I'm fine."
Fitz sits onto the sofa and crosses his legs and Olivia sits next to him, taking his left hand in her hands. Maura looks at her son's posture and thinks how much he looks like Gerry.
"Fitzgerald - Olivia, I came here tonight because I wanted to see you – both of you - before I left tomorrow?"
"Are you going somewhere, mom?" Hoping this time she has not decided to move out of state.
"The last time I was in this room …" Looking around reminiscently. "Well, it was a painful night – for all of us I'm sure."
"Mom –"
"I need to apologize to both of you for Nora's behavior and for me keeping it a secret from you. Nora needs help", she says quickly, standing and beginning to pace around the room. "I guess I've known about her – her promiscuity for some time, but I had no idea how deep her pain is."
Fitz shifts in his seat and Olivia squeezes his hand gently. He still is not ready to forgive his sister. Maura stops pacing and looks squarely at her son and Olivia.
"Tomorrow morning Gerry and I are taking Nora to a treatment facility back East. We have a 7:30 am flight. I don't know how long she is going to be there, but hopefully she will finally get the help she needs."
"That's terrific, Maura."
"And Olivia", nervously twisting her wedding set. "You extended yourself to both Nora and me. You opened up your home and found employment for both of us. You didn't deserve this. I apologize for that too."
"Thank you, Maura."
"I really do appreciate everything that you've done for us. I appreciate you giving this frightened, insecure woman the chance to discover skills she didn't know she had. You don't know how much I enjoyed working at your foundation."
"You did a lot of good work, Maura."
"I am so sorry I will not be able to complete my project – the courses." Maura turns away and wipes the tears from her face. "I have to help my daughter to get healthy. Nora needs me."
Olivia walks over to her mother-in-law and wraps an arm around the woman's shoulders.
"Maura", Olivia says softly. "The most important thing right now is for you take care of yourself and to take care of Nora. That's all that matters. Okay?"
"Thank you Olivia", she mutters through the tears.
"And, when you're ready, if you like, you can always come back to help us at the foundation. It's getting a facelift you know?" Trying to lighten the mood.
"How could I forget?" Smiling weakly as she swipes the tears from her cheeks.
"You're family Maura, and so is Nora. Family takes care of one another."
"Thank you Olivia", Maura says, giving her daughter-in-law a tight hug.
Fitz walks over to the two women and drapes his arms around his mother and wife.
"Family", he says with a smile.
XXX
"So what do you think about your mother and father?" She asks, slipping into her nightgown.
"What do you mean?" Pulling back the tightly tucked bed covers.
"Do you think they're getting back together?"
"I haven't a clue, Liv. It sounds like they're focusing their attention on Nora for now."
He climbs into bed and she snuggles in next to him.
"Have you looked at the houses in the mountains Joan sent over?" He asks, reaching to turn off his lamp.
"Not yet, babe. I've been a little busy if you haven't noticed."
"Well, we're making a decision tomorrow night – after the girls are in bed. No more procrastinating", he says adamantly.
XXX
Downtown, on the seventh floor of City Hall, Charlie and Mayor Wilson are having a late night meeting to discuss the status of the election. The Mayor is getting nervous about the outcome, about the possibility of Charlie losing and what the loss will mean for him.
"Enthusiasm is building for Grant. Early data reports indicate there is going to be a higher than normal turnout, and that might bode well for your opponent", Wilson says, watching Charlie chomp on the fat cigar.
Charlie simply shrugs, tilts his head back, and blows smoke rings toward the ceiling.
"You better take this election more seriously, Charlie. Grant is beginning to get some traction with the electorate."
"Well I'm not going to run down to those damn ghettoes and make speeches like he does. I'm not going to pretend I give a shit about those people. When I left Tilghman I promised myself I would never look back, and I haven't."
"Well you better look back", Wilson snarls. "Grant has those young people on his side. Some say they're even advising him."
"What the hell do those kids know? They don't even turn out to vote", standing from his seat and pacing around the office.
"Word on the street is Grant's wife has developed a program to train those young organizers – helping them to build the skills to transform their communities. She's brought in experts like her husband to train them how to mobilize on issues important to their communities. And their issues are not necessarily important to certain parts of this city. And you know who controls our government, Charlie."
"You worry too much Teddy."
The Mayor cringes when Charlie uses the hated nickname his grandmother assigned to him as a child.
"I'm not worried about Grant and that bitch wife of his. Remember, we still have our October surprise."
"Yeah, but it's only August, Charlie. Anything can happen between now and November", looking at the idiot with disgust. "Remember, we'll use that bit of information only if it becomes absolutely necessary."
"Well, I gotta get going", Charlie says, grabbing his brief case from the table as the Mayor pours himself another drink.
Mayor Theodore Wilson swirls the ice around in the glass as he looks out of the windows onto his city. He chuckles mirthlessly and takes another sip of the bourbon because he, like everyone else, knows he does not control anything in this city. Everyone knows he is just a pawn of the wealthy business community. Everyone knows he has been bought for a few pieces of silver, a few fine suits, and the temporary illusion of power. He knows he is the joke of the city, but at this point he no longer cares. As long as he can profit from the game nothing else matters any more.
He takes a large gulp of the liquid that half fills the glass and thinks about his life before he was selected to run for Mayor of this fine city. Not too long ago, Theodore Wilson was once an idealistic community activist who, for many years, fought for the downtrodden and underserved people of the city. But after years of watching others get fat and rich while he continued to live in a run-down neighborhood and the circumstances of the people not changing materially, he readily agreed to be the face of the elite. When the power brokers knocked on his door asking him to run for Mayor he made a conscious decision to sell out, and he did not have to think about it twice. There is no sugarcoating what he did. He sold out his community. He sold out his organization. He sold out his soul.
What profits a man if he gains the world but loses his soul?
Wilson walks over to the bar and pours himself another drink. He sips the aged bourbon one of his wealthy political donors gave him the night he won the election two years ago. He shakes his head, looks out onto the city again, and thinks about the lost opportunities. He thinks about how he squandered the opportunity to really make a difference for the people, for the city. And now everything is changing. New voices have emerged in the city and they are demanding change. These young activists are not satisfied with the status quo and they are unwilling to stand by and let the old guard continue to make decisions that do not benefit their communities. More importantly, they are not willing to sell out their communities.
And Fitzgerald Grant, who seemingly came out of nowhere, has the potential to disrupt everything he has put in place. Everyone knows Grant is a straight shooter and cannot be bought. Wilson knows he will not be able to make deals with him, at least not the kind of deals he made with Marla. Over the past two years he and Marla had developed a mutual understanding, which has served them both well. Although they detest each other, they both recognize there are no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, just permanent interests. And he and Marla have their permanent interests. But that is all over now, shaking his head as he thinks about the woman's condition.
Wilson pours another drink and sits on the plush leather chair behind the massive hand-carved, wooden desk. He knows he has to find a way maintain plausible deniability if the plan with that idiot Charlie goes awry.
XXX
Olivia stands in front of the full-length mirror in their ensuite bathroom and steps into the red lace body suit he loves so much. She smiles as she thinks about the look on his face the night she wore it for the first time. When she finally squeezes into the expensive lingerie, she twists and turns from side to side, looking over her shoulder to check out her body in the mirror. Her butt is definitely rounder, cheeks straining against the delicate fabric. The breasts that nurture Jolie overflow the bra cups. She shakes her head, sucks in a deep breath to steady her nerves, and slides the tablet off the counter as she walks toward the bedroom.
"Are you ready to look at the houses Joan sent over?" She asks, standing in the doorway of the bathroom holding her tablet and giving him a come-hither look. She swipes a finger across the screen and smiles as she pretends to review the list of houses.
"You were so forceful – determined actually - when you said last night we were going to make a decision tonight about the house. Well, I'm ready to make a decision, Mister."
She sets the tablet on her vanity and slinks across the room wearing a devious smile, still wondering if the outfit is too tight, if she looks ridiculous. Although she has been dieting and working out, trying to tighten things up, she knows she still has more work to do in the gym before she is back to her pre-Jolie body. As she walks closer to him, she thinks about how Cena struggles to say gymnasium and smiles at the random thought. He sets his tablet onto the nightstand next to his phone and smiles in anticipation.
"Liv …" he says with mouth hanging open, almost drooling like Jolie.
Olivia straddles her husband and immediately feels his burgeoning manhood. He wraps his arms around her back, pulls her close, and devours her mouth like a man who has been without food or drink longer than any person should. His warm hands caress her body, fingers gently squeezing her silky skin, and the sensation is is always amazed that after all of these years of marriage he still has that effect on her. She pushes him back onto the bed, pinning his arms above his head, and they both smile.
"Pretty aggressive aren't you?" He says with a twinkle in his ocean blue eyes.
"Are you afraid?" Her eyes twinkling too.
"Very", he says with a smirk.
She kisses him with ferocity, greedily really, gliding her tongue inside the perimeter of his mouth and he responds in kind. The sounds of lips connecting and the gasping of breath fill the room. Through the lace, he glides his tongue over her leaking breasts and massages her lace-covered bottom. He loves the fullness of her body.
"So good. So - so good", he mutters.
She smiles and reaches to turn off his lamp.
"Leave it on. I want to see all of you."
She nods and places kisses over his face and down his neck.
"Take off your clothes", she says, smiling mischievously.
She helps him to pull the tee shirt over his head and slowly kisses down his chest, circling his pink nipples with her tongue. He takes her face in his hands and smiles as he looks into her eyes.
"I love you so very much", he says with such intensity she thinks her heart actually stopped beating for a moment.
He slides the lace straps down her shoulders and marvels at her large, full breasts. Sticking out his tongue, he captures the milk slowly oozing from her hard nipples and she throws her head back in pleasure.
"Sore?"
"I'm good", panting in pleasure.
"I've missed this so much", he says breathlessly.
"Take off everything", she commands.
He lifts his bottom from the bed and removes his boxers, liberating his burgeoning hardness from its cotton prison. And she slides down his body, intertwining her hands with his. Their platinum wedding rings touch, the symbols of their eternal love, and in that moment they remember a time when they watched sunrises and sunsets together. They remember a time when they lived in his apartment in the city. They remember a time when there was no Cena and no Jolie. They remember a time when it was just them. She slides down his body, now eye level with his erection, and runs her tongue slowly across the leaking slit. He twitches from the attention.
"Oh god", squeezing her hands tighter and squirming as her wet mouth suctions him. "Just like that, Livvie. Just like that, baby."
She bobs her head up and down and he presses her head closer, pumping and writhing with pleasure. The feeling is absolutely exquisite. In fact, he could cum right now, right this instant. But not yet, not like this, not tonight.
"Come to me."
He reaches for her hand, pulls her close, and haphazardly removes the body suit and tosses it across the room.
"That's an expensive piece of material, Mister", she says playfully.
"I'll buy you another one", flipping her onto her back and licking her breasts tenderly.
Wanting to taste what he has missed for all of these months, he licks and nibbles his way down her body, slowly making his way to the sweet spot. He inhales deeply, rubbing his nose up and down her opening.
"I've missed you so much", spreading her wide and twirling his tongue tortuously slow. "Missed this so much."
"Fitz", she moans, trying to wriggle her way from the overwhelming pleasure his wonderful mouth is providing her. But he drapes an arm over her stomach, halting her attempts to escape.
"You're not going anywhere Livvie", he says huskily, his flattened tongue lingering on her inner lips. She gasps from the sensation, slowing her movements to a rhythmic grind.
"Yes, Fitz. Oh yes", lifting her bottom as he darts his tongue in and out of her wetness.
He captures her clitoris and suckles hard until she screams out loud in pleasure. He quickly slides up her body and kisses her passionately, roaming her mouth with his tongue.
"I love the way you taste. Always will", sitting on his knees and running his hardness up and down her sensitive lips.
"Kiss me", she says, spreading her legs wide. He kisses her deeply and slowly as he slides in.
"Are you okay?" Reveling in the feeling of being inside of his wife for the first time in months.
She nods and he begins to move slowly, enjoying the wetness engulfing him. She feels wonderful, and he gulps in air to steady himself. She wraps her legs around his waist and he picks up the pace, enjoying the feeling of reconnecting. Their slickened bodies slap together frenetically as each is close to realizing the promise. But he waits, holds back, always maintaining control until she is fulfilled.
She arches her back, inviting him to go deeper, and he wraps his arms around her waist, pumping and pumping and pumping until he hits that magical place. As another wave of pleasure washes over her, she swears she hears the sound of mandolins playing. Slumping across his chest, she no longer has control over her body, trembling and twitching inside and out.
As she clings to him, he pumps and thrusts like the prospector who is in search of a hidden treasure. He holds her tight, penetrating deeper as he seeks his release. He rides her with abandon, until as if suddenly hit by a bolt of lightning, he stiffens, and time seems to have stopped. His watch no longer ticks. The blue numbers on the clock no longer change. His cell phone no longer displays the hour. Time has stopped as he revels in the wonderful feeling of expressing love for his wife. He holds her tighter and, after a moment, he expels a heavy sigh and rests his head on her shoulder as he slowly comes down from the euphoric high. They collapse onto the bed, both a glorious mess and completely spent. With hair going every which way, smiles spread across their lips as they stare at the ceiling.
"Worth the wait", they say in unison and begin to laugh uncontrollably.
"You're silly", she says.
"No, you're silly", he says.
"No, you're silly", she says, and once again laughter fills the thick air.
XXX
A few hours later, after more rounds of reconnecting and laughing, they are in a deep sleep, no eye or body parts move. Legs spread open, Fitz lay on his back with Olivia sprawled across his chest and his hand rests on her bare bottom. Time has moved on. He stirs briefly when he hears the faint sound of his phone vibrating on the nightstand. He hopes he is dreaming because he does not have the energy or desire to answer the phone. His wife has worn him out. The phone stops shaking for a moment, but starts to dance across the nightstand again. With eyes closed, he fumbles for the vibrating phone.
"Hello", he says with a gravelly voice.
"Who is it?" She asks, half asleep.
"Go back to sleep", massaging her bottom absently. And on command she falls back to sleep.
"Fitz, is that you?" The anxious voice on the other end asks hurriedly. "I'm sorry to call you so late – sorry to wake you."
"Who is this?" He asks groggily.
"It's me, Chuck."
"Chuck? Why the hell are you calling me at this time of night?" He asks in a hushed voice, trying not to waken Olivia.
"Can you talk?"
"What?" He asks, still trying to find his bearings.
"Fitz, I'm sorry to call you so late but I have some information you need to know. But you didn't hear it from me", Chuck adds quickly.
"I understand", slowly beginning to comprehend what the voice on the other end is saying.
"Fitz, your state's Attorney General is launching an investigation into your wife's friend, Marla Briggs. There's evidence Miss Briggs has been embezzling government funds for her personal use."
Fitz' eyes pop wide open and his hand stops massaging his wife's bottom.
"This is going to be a scandal, Fitz. Later this morning the FBI is going to raid Miss Briggs' office at City Hall and her private residence.
"What? Where is this coming from, Chuck?" Trying to peel Olivia from across his chest so he can get out of bed.
"I don't know any more than what I already told you. I didn't want you to be blindsided tomorrow when it's all over the news."
"Is my wife part of this investigation? Is Olivia safe?" Searching in the dark for his boxers.
"No one is safe in this case, Fitz. This is big – really big. They're going to investigate anyone and everyone with whom Briggs has had a political and business relationship."