A/N: Been on vacay so the update is a little late. I really needed the break. Hope you're still interested in finding out what's happening with Olivia and Fitz. Trifling heifer, trick, tramp, hussy; all words reviewers have used to describe Victoria. Too funny.
Dakidd, Fitz is busy, preoccupied with learning his new job and dealing with everything going on at home. The Popes thought they were raising Olivia to be independent and all she ever wanted was a normal family. Wilson is getting desperate and desperate people do desperate things. He has to find a way to get his donors what they want while also fighting to stay out of jail. GeeGee612, Olivia never told her parents about her loneliness because she did not want to disappoint them. She wanted them to think she is as independent as they want her to be. Monica, you're right, Fitz is still trying to glue his life back together after Charlie tried to kill him and his family. One doesn't easily get over something like that. Olivia is now making an impressive salary – go Liv. Yup, there is a snake/ Delilah in their garden. Sounds like you want Victoria to be tarred, feathered and dragged through the public square. LOL. Michelle, Marion better get a grip on her jealousy and that other thing or she might lose Ben. Olivia has wanted another baby for quite some time but is she trying to do too much too soon? You're right, although they're now in a better place, there is still a degree of fragility to the marriage. They are definitely a work in progress. Loved the THOT comment. kandyse4olitz, we'll see how strong our Fitz really is. Fred is handsy but harmless. Deanne keeps him straight. kelleekellkell, in a few chapters we'll see how Olivia handles her parents' plans to return to Senegal. Guest1, fox in her hen house/ Yup. You're right, Olivia had a significant impact on Ben and Marion should not try to interfere with their relationship. She's been warned. Also, keep in mind, Marion has always been a tad jealous of Olivia's "perfect" life, even before Ben came onto the scene. Marion loves her job, but she detests the mayor. Liv isn't slacking, she's busy taking care of her family, helping Mona at the foundation a bit, and getting ready to start a new job. She doesn't have time to watch Victoria. Wilson's staff does not stand up to him because they want to keep their jobs so they can try to do good things for the city. Fitz did not forget about the reservation, he was confident the hostess would find it in the system. You know Victoria canceled that reservation. Thanks for waiting and watching for the updates. It will always come, albeit a little later than usual. Ciao. Guest2, you're right, Fred needs to keep his hands in his pockets if he can't control his penchant for hugging, but he's harmless. Yup, Fitz only has eyes for his Livvie at the restaurant, but can he be tempted? Fitz needs to stop posting family pictures on social media; Olivia warned him about doing so long ago. How about that Victoria trying to develop a taste for scotch? You can't fault a girl for trying, or can you?
Thanks to everyone for continuing to support this story. Always enjoy reading the reviews. Here we go!
Chapter 39. Call Me Ms Sanchez
With face pressed against her neck and a hand cupping a breast through the flimsy nightgown, he instinctually kisses her neck as he sleeps. They got home really late last night because Olivia wanted to browse the shops along the waterfront after they left the restaurant. Although it was a bit chilly by the water, his two scotch on the rocks and her three glasses of red wine apparently made them impervious to the winds blowing across the bay. Wanting to lift his wife's spirits after her parents' announcement, Fitz allowed her to pull him in and out of all of the retail shops that were still open at that hour, laughing and giggling like young lovers on a date. He even agreed to wear the brightly colored socks she insisted on buying for him, saying all fashionable men wear the stylish socks nowadays. One pair, she thought conservative enough to suit his tastes, is navy blue with embroidered red elephants. The second pair is far less conservative, displaying colors reflecting the LGBT pride flag.
Enjoying the warmth of her body, Fitz pulls his wife closer as his morning erection causes him to stir in his sleep. He instinctually moves against her round cheeks and slides a hand between her legs, and she moans in her sleep. The painful erection fully awakens him and he pushes down his underwear with the other hand, allowing the bone hard penis to spring free. He strokes the flesh as he rubs the head over her the nightgown covering her butt. He moans from the sensation.
"Livvie", he whispers breathlessly as he slides down her panties, but she continues to sleep. "Wake up, Livvie", his warm breath wafting over her ear.
"Hmm?"
"Wake up, Livvie", he whispers again, this time with more urgency.
"Why?" She mutters, hugging the pillow tighter. "What's wrong?"
"Turn over."
Half asleep, she follows his command, rolling onto her back with her eyes closed. He pushes the nightgown down to her waist and runs his tongue over a hardened nipple.
"What – what are you doing?" Slowly awakening.
"Trying to make love to my Valentine", suckling like a newborn.
"It's too early for your bad jokes. Besides, Valentine's Day is over", she says sleepily, trying to turn back onto her side.
"Open, Livvie. I need you."
"Is the door locked?"
"Yes", he croaks out as he continues to suckle. He has no idea if the door is locked.
She spread her legs and he slides in effortlessly, closing his eyes for a moment before the slow dance begins. His thrusts are slow and deliberate and she wraps her arms around his waist low, moving with him. This is one of those early morning sessions they have had so many times where he needs to connect and release. So she lifts her hips, allowing him to go deeper and his thrusts quicken. Bodies slapping against the other, they ride each other hard, groaning and moaning with pleasure. She cups his face, pulling him down to connect their lips.
Oh god, Livvie. You feel so good, baby – so good."
"Right there, Fitz. Keep it right there."
She bites his bottom lip when he hits the spot, expelling a guttural growl. Bowtie sits up in his doggie bed and looks down the hall in the direction of the sound heard only by him. With legs trembling, she falls back onto the pillow with a look of satisfaction and he begins to search for that magical place. Resting his head on her shoulder, he squeezes her tightly, pumping and thrusting with abandon. Grunting with each thrust, he feels like he is losing his mind and he does not care. His heart is racing and his breathing is erratic. He feels like he is on fire, and he freezes. His stomach and butt tighten and his face contorts in pleasure as his juices flow seemingly forever. He collapses onto her, grinding slowly, needing to grab the last bit of pleasure. He smiles, trying to catch his breath and she strokes his slickened back until his breathing slows. After a few moments he softens and she taps him on the butt.
"You're crushing me, mister", she says in a strained voice. He pecks her on the lips then rolls onto his back. Fully satiated, he smiles in the dark, rubbing a hand up and down his chest. The endorphins are flowing and he is feeling really good, invigorated.
"Liv?"
"Hmm?" Cuddling into his side with the nightgown still bunched around her waist. She is falling back to sleep and he is feeling silly.
"Will you be my Valentine?" He lets out a deep throaty laugh as he runs a hand up and down her arm.
"You're not funny, babe", she says before falling back to sleep.
XXX
Fitz is feeling really good when he steps off the elevator and onto the third floor of City Hall. Swinging a bag in his left hand, he is in a buoyant mood as he swaggers down the marble hall toward his office. Nothing like morning sex he thinks to himself as he approaches his assistant's desk.
"Good morning, Ms Sanchez", he says cheerfully.
"Good morning, Mr. Grant."
"We have a lot to do today, Ms Sanchez – a lot to do", whistling as he walks into his office.
Victoria eyes her boss closely as he strolls into his office carrying a bag. He is different this morning, less rigid – relaxed. Over the past six weeks Victoria has become adept at reading his body language and moods. She can always tell when he is in a good or bad mood, and this morning he is definitely in a good mood. Pressing the ballpoint pen against her red lips, she nods, thinking he must have gotten laid last night. She resumes typing, wondering what is in the bag. Thirty minutes later Fitz calls Victoria into his office and she springs to her feet immediately, grabbing her tablet from atop the workstation.
"Yes, Mr. Grant", standing in front of the desk poised to take notes.
"Ms Sanchez, what time is my meeting with Councilman Boynton this morning? My calendar doesn't seem to be updating", looking down at his phone with furrowed eyebrows.
"Nine o' clock, sir."
"Thank you", he says, looking up with a smile and tossing the phone onto the desk.
He definitely got laid last night she thinks to herself, noticing the bite mark on his bottom lip. Her eyes dart around the room trying to find any sign of what might have been in the bag.
"I'll have IT check why your calendar isn't updating", typing a note onto the tablet. "By the way, Superintendent Hixson called to cancel your 10:30 meeting."
"Thank you, Ms Sanchez", patting his hands on the desk like he is playing the bongos. "Reschedule Hixson, please", scanning the desk piled with documents.
"Already done", and he nods in appreciation. "What a lovely picture", Victoria says, glancing at the framed hand-drawn Valentine's Day picture on the credenza behind his desk. He smiles as he turns and looks at the homemade card with hearts varying in size and hues of red.
"Cena drew it for me. She even helped Jolie and Bowtie sign it", his eyes glistening with pride.
"And who is Bowtie?" She asks, feigning ignorance.
"Our dog. I got him for Cena's birthday last December. They're inseparable."
"I see. So, did you and Mrs. Grant enjoy your dinner last night? She looked absolutely lovely." He first step to ingratiate herself with him.
"Yes, it was quite enjoyable. For a while I thought I would to have to sleep with Bowtie ", still looking for something amidst the stacks of folders on the desk.
"I don't understand?" Creasing her forehead as if she is confused.
"Somehow our reservation at the restaurant got lost. Liv has been wanting to that place forever. The owner - chef saved my ass. Thank goodness for Bennie."
"Bennie?" The pretending continues.
"My youngest brother. He's a doctor – a cardiologist. Apparently Bennie performed a heart transplant on the chef. The chef gave us his personal table as a thank-you for Bennie saving his life."
"Thank goodness for your brother. Valentine's Day certainly is not the day for a restaurant to lose a reservation."
"You're telling me. Liv says I owe Bennie – big time", still looking for something on his desk.
"Mr. Grant, if you ever need me to make your personal reservations or run errands - don't hesitate to ask. You're very busy and don't need to worry about things like making dinner reservations. I can handle that for you."
"Thank you, Ms Sanchez. That's very kind of you", growing annoyed as he looks over the desk. "I might have to take you up on your offer. Liv says I've been getting forgetful lately."
"You have a lot going on, sir. It's easy to forget things when you have so much on your mind."
He nods absently, lifting papers and folders on the desk. She watches as he picks up and puts down binders and notebooks, shifting them from one pile to another. He huffs and runs a hand through his hair in frustration.
"Are you looking for something, sir?"
"I can't seem to find the latest report showing the costs for remedial education at the community college. Darrin gave it to me yesterday – it's in a blue folder."
Victoria walks over and picks up the document from the corner of the desk. "Is this what you're looking for?" Holding the folder in the air and smiling when his eyes light up.
"Thank you, Ms Sanchez. I don't know what I would do without you", taking the folder from her hand and immediately starts to flip through the pages.
"Will there be anything else, sir?"
"No - no thank you. That will be all", now concentrating on the report. Victoria turns to leave but stops just short of the door, as if she just remembered something. She straightens her back and takes a few steps toward the desk.
"Mr. Grant …" She says slowly, admiring the curls on his bent head. Not realizing Ms. Sanchez is still in the room, he looks up from the document with eyes wide and mouth hanging open.
"Yes, Ms Sanchez", he says somewhat distractedly.
"You can call me Victoria - if you like, sir", she adds quickly. "Ms Sanchez sounds so – well so formal", shrugging her shoulders and smiling nervously. His brain not registering what she said, he gives her a blank look.
"Oh – okay – sure - Victoria", he sputters before returning to the report. He cannot believe the high rate of remedial education needed for high school graduates entering the community college.
Victoria smiles to herself as she struts from the office thinking that was easy too difficult.
XXX
"Good morning, Hildie", Olivia says cheerfully as she walks into the kitchen carrying Jolie, who is gnawing and sucking on her balled fist. Her baby girl is ready for breakfast.
"Good morning, ma'am", Hildie says, opening the refrigerator to retrieve Jolie's breakfast when she hears the baby's sucking sounds.
"It's pretty quiet down here this morning", Olivia says, strapping Jolie into the carrier on top of the island.
"It is, ma'am. Everyone has gotten an early start on their day. May I get you some breakfast?"
"Yes. The usual, please", walking over to the coffee maker and deciding to try the Café Touba again. "Oh my goodness, this coffee is really awful", spitting the liquid into the sink. She turns on the faucet and watches as the black liquid flows down the drain. "I don't know why I keep trying it."
"It is pretty awful, ma'am. I've tried it." The two woman laugh out loud, which is a rarity for Hildie. Jolie joins in on the laughter.
"JoJo thinks it's awful, too", Olivia says, now pouring a cup of the regular coffee.
"Your breakfast, ma'am", Hildie says, setting the plate onto the island.
"Thank you, Hildie", removing the jar of baby food simmering in the pot of water on the stove.
"I'll feed the baby, ma'am. Your breakfast will get cold."
"Thank you, Hildie." Hildie spoons the homemade baby food into the orange bowl so it can cool while the bottle of milk heats on the stove. Jolie begins to whine, kicking her feet and flailing her arms.
"Somebody's hungry this morning", Olivia says, looking over and smiling at a red-faced Jolie.
"She's teething, too", Hildie says as she grabs the bowl from the counter and hustles over to the carrier to feed the baby. Jolie eagerly slurps the puréed breakfast from the spoon, smacking her lips with each taste. "She is really enjoying her breakfast this morning, ma'am. She is getting to be such a big girl", smiling adoringly at the feasting baby.
"And a heavy girl", Olivia says, taking a bite of toast. Jolie squeals for more food and Hildie slowly slides the rubber-tipped spoon into her mouth.
"Hildie, you should know that I have accepted a position with Bryson Markets. I will be starting in two weeks."
"Really, ma'am?" Looking up at the woman in surprise.
"Yes. While my schedule will be flexible, I plan to work in the office one or two days a week. So, Mr. Grant and I have decided to put JoJo in daycare on those days."
"Oh, no", Hildie exclaims without hesitation, and Olivia eyes pop wide, shocked by the woman's uncharacteristic outburst.
"Are you all right, Hildie?" examining the the woman's panic-stricken face.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, I didn't mean to be inappropriate. It's just – well—our – the baby is too young for daycare."
"Hildie, there are babies younger than JoJo who are in daycare."
"I understand, ma'am – but - perhaps they are there out of necessity", slowly rocking Jolie while feeding her bottle.
"True - and I have a need to put Jo in daycare a few days a week. My parents are returning to Senegal soon and I don't want to burden my mother-in-law – not again", she says under her breath.
"I can watch the baby, ma'am. After all, I'm here all day."
"That's kind of you to offer, Hildie, but you already have your hands full around here."
"I assure you, ma'am, it wouldn't be a bother at all", looking pleadingly at Olivia.
Olivia stares at the woman for a moment, then walks her plate over to the sink. She knows Hildie has always had a soft spot in her heart for Jolie, but she is not sure if Hildie should maintain the house and watch Jolie.
"Let me discuss your generous offer with my husband about, Hildie", rinsing the plate and setting it into the dishwasher.
"I assure you it's no problem at all, ma'am."
"Thank you, Hildie", crinkling her nose as she lifts a sleeping Jolie from Hildie's arms. Jolie has released her breakfast in her diaper. "I'm going clean up this little one and lay her in the crib before I leave for my errands."
"Of course, ma'am."
XXX
As Olivia walks up the steps of the sprawling house she cannot remember the last time she was here, which is odd since she spent so much time here before and after she and Fitz got married. So much has happened over the past nine months. Now that they have a degree of normalcy in their lives, she wants to check on her in-laws. She has not seen Maura and Gerry since Cena's birthday party and that was over two months ago. She inhales deeply and presses the doorbell, thinking maybe she should have called before coming over. She glances over at the driveway where Maura's car is parked and wonders if Maura and Gerry are for the morning. She reaches to press the doorbell again when the door swings open, and she gasps, falling back on her heels. With eyes wide and mouth hanging open, the two women stare at each other for what seems like an eternity.
"Hello, Olivia", Nora speaks first as she squeezes the doorknob tightly.
"Nora?" Her voice rising slightly and eyes still wide. "I had no idea you were home."
She is ill-prepared for the encounter. Although she knew at some point she would have to see her sister-in-law, she certainly was not expecting to see her today standing in the doorway of Grants' family home.
"I just wanted to return quietly - stay under the radar", dropping her head and staring at the floor.
"Nora – who's at the door?" Maura calls out as she walks down the hall. "Olivia? I had no idea you were visiting today", stopping behind her daughter and bringing a hand to her décolleté.
Olivia remains frozen in place, her eyes slowly traveling from daughter to mother. Nora chews on the nubs masquerading as fingernails and Maura places a protective hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"I'm sorry - I should have called before coming over. I just wanted to - I'll come back another time", turning to leave.
"Nonsense, Olivia. You're family—you don't need to call. Come in - come in."
With downcast eyes, Nora steps aside, trying unsuccessfully to disappear into the woodwork. She does not want to risk any unwelcome contact with her sister-in-law. Their last encounter was not pleasant, to say the least. Olivia slowly enters the house, following Maura down the hall to the family room. She glances around the room where nothing seems to have changed in all of the years she has been coming to the house, long before she started dating Fitz. The same or similar drapes hang at the windows. Gerry's well-worn leather chair is in its usual place, and all the wood furniture is polished to a high shine. She remembers as a teenager always longing to have a big and rambunctious family like the Grants. But as an adult, she know everything is not always as it appears. She wonders if Gerry is home.
"Sit down, Olivia", Maura says, flitting about the room fluffing pillows. "Can I get you some tea? It is a bit chilly out today."
"Yes, please", setting her purse onto the table as she sits onto the sofa.
"I'll be right back in a minute. Nora, would you like tea?"
"No thanks, mom", her body pressed against the doorframe, reluctant to enter the room.
Maura glances over at Olivia then her daughter before hurrying into the kitchen. An uncomfortable silence fills the air when the two women are left alone.
"How are Cena and Jolie?" Nora asks in an almost childlike voice.
"They're doing fine. Cena is getting so big – she's taking dance lessons. And Jolie, well she just wants to do everything her big sister does." Nora smiles, tugging at her sweater sleeve.
"I can't wait to see them", quickly dropping her head and twisting her fingers when she sees Olivia's body recoil. "I'm so sorry about everything you and Fitz have been through over the past few months. That man was horrible. It all just sounds horrible."
"Thank you, Nora. We're all doing better now."
"That's good to hear", shifting her weight from leg to leg. "Mom kept me updated on everything. She says your parents are here. I really like your mother."
"They've been a huge help. Fitz and I couldn't have gotten through this without them." Olivia stares at her sister-in-law, whose body is pressed against the doorframe, thinking the woman looks smaller—younger than her years.
"Nora, come sit down", patting the sofa cushion next to her. Nora hesitates awhile before slowly walking over to the sofa and sitting several inches away from Olivia. "How are you doing, Nora?" Looking at the young woman sympathetically. Nora stares down at her lap and picks at the imaginary lint on her sweater sleeve.
"I didn't realize how incredibly flawed I was, Liv. But I'm doing better. I've learned a lot about myself."
"That's good. I'm happy for you", the corners of her mouth turning up slightly.
"I'm so sorry, Liv – for everything. You were always so supportive - and - I disappointed you. I hurt you - I hurt a lot of people."
Olivia nods her head slowly as she gazes intently at her sister-in-law. She honestly does not know what to say to Nora. It would be disingenuous of her to say all is forgiven because she has not reached that point where she can forgive Nora. Mercy will have to wait for another day.
"Tea", Maura announces, as she hurries into the room and sets the tray onto the table. Nora wipes the tears from her cheeks and glances at her mother as she pours the tea. Olivia wonders out loud how long Nora has been home; Fitz is going to want details.
"Nora, how long have you been back home?" Accepting the saucer and cup from Maura.
"Two weeks", glancing over at her mother again. Olivia tries to maintain her composure as she sips the steaming liquid. She cannot believe Maura and Gerry have kept Nora's return from the family for two whole weeks. When were they planning to tell everyone?
"Gerry and I spoke with Nora's doctors and they said there was no medical reason for Nora to remain at that facility any longer. So we bought our daughter home", squeezing Nora's hand. "We didn't tell anyone because we wanted to give her time to adjust to being back home. We didn't want her to be overwhelmed by visitors."
"I see", Olivia says, nodding with a polite smile and thinking more lies and deceit.
"How are my grandchildren, Olivia? It seems like it has been ages since I have seen them. We must come over soon to see them." Glancing at Nora from the corner of her eye, Olivia sets the saucer onto the table and plasters on a fake smile because right now she is not interested in Nora being a part of her life.
"They are doing fine, Maura. Cena is practicing like crazy for her upcoming dance recital."
"Oh my, I cannot wait to see her dance on stage. And Jolie – how is she doing?"
"Jolie is teething – and getting heavier by the day."
"And Gwendolyn and Calvin - how are they?"
"Fine, actually. They've been busy helping to get the new school started at Triumph."
"Well that ought to satisfy their need until they return to Senegal."
"I suppose. They're returning to Senegal once they're finished at Triumph."
"I see. Then we must all get together before they leave."
"I must be going, Maura. I just wanted to stop by to check …. I have a few more errands to run before getting back home to JoJo."
"Of course", Maura says, standing quickly to her feet. "I will walk you to the door." Olivia grabs her coat and purse and looks over at Nora.
"I am glad you're better, Nora."
"Thank you, Liv."
"Give my grandbabies a kiss until we can get over to see them. And tell the Council President I said hello."
XXX
Olivia looks down at her watch when she steps off the elevator and hurries down the marble hall toward her husband's office. She does not know how she is going to break the news to him that Nora is home. She cannot believe Maura and Gerry have kept Nora's return a secret for all of this time. Victoria looks up from her typing when she hears the unmistakable clickety-clack sound of a woman's heels on the marble floor. Trying to suppress her surprise when she sees Olivia Grant approaching the reception area, she bangs harder on the keyboard. She wonders what the woman is doing here since she rarely comes to the office.
"Good afternoon, Victoria", Olivia says with a polite smile.
"Mrs. Grant - this is a surprise."
"A surprise? Why a surprise?" Setting the large white paper bag onto Victoria's workstation. Victoria glances at the bag with disdain.
"I didn't have you on Mr. Grant's meeting schedule today", fumbling with her mouse and clicking on the Council President's calendar.
"I don't need an appointment to see my husband, Victoria", staring intently at the woman.
"Of course not, ma'am", and Olivia blanches at the label.
"Is he alone?"
"Yes, he's getting ready for lunch."
"Good, because I bought his favorite", grabbing the bag from the desk and breezing over to the office door. With a hand on the doorknob, Olivia stops and glances over her shoulder at Victoria.
"And Victoria, Edison Davis is a good man. He would be a good catch for you", winking at the woman before walking into the office and closing the door.
Victoria is fuming, livid really, as she glares at the closed door. How dare that bitch presume to know what or who is good for her.
XXX
"Liv?" Fitz says in surprise when he sees his wife enter the office and close the door behind her. "Is everything all right?" Springing to his feet immediately.
"Can't I surprise my husband with lunch?" Holding up the bag and dangling it in front of his face.
"Anytime", snaking a hand around her small waist and kissing her deeply. Still feeling amorous from their early morning lovemaking, he roams his tongue in her mouth. She moans, scraping her fingernails through the hairs at the nape of his neck.
"We can have round two", he mutters, kissing down the side of her neck. "I told you this desk is big enough", smiling mischievously.
"I'm sure your assistant would not like that", running her tongue across the bite mark on his bottom lip.
"She won't hear a thing. That old door blocks out all noise", trying to unbutton her blouse.
"So horny lately", swatting away his hand and squirming from his embrace. "We're eating lunch, mister."
"You're such a tease", smacking her butt as she walks over to the conference table and starts pulling out their food.
"How did your meeting with Hixson go this morning?" Removing her coat and tossing it onto one of the chairs situated around the table.
"He had to reschedule", smiling when he sees what she bought him for lunch. "Moe's?" His face lighting up as he unwraps the huge sandwich. "You got me their famous corned beef special."
"I know what you like, babe", pecking him on the lips before sitting down in her chair.
"You certainly do", winking as he rolls up his sleeves preparing to enjoy the messy delight. "So what did Mona say?" Biting into the sandwich.
"I had to reschedule with Mona. I'll meet with her next week", and they both laugh out loud as she stirs the split-pea soup.
"This is so good", he says with a full mouth. "I haven't had Moe's in - in forever."
"Babe, why is your desk such a mess? You would bite off my head if I left something out of place on your desk at home." He glances over at the disorganized desk and shakes his head.
"Those are all policy documents and budget reports. I still have so much to learn, Liv. I reference most of those documents every day. There's no point in filing them away."
"A messy desk is so out of character for you."
"Did you see where I put the picture Cee made for me?" Pointing to the framed Valentine's Day drawing on the credenza behind his desk.
"I did. Mom and dad helped Cena to make it. They said poor JoJo had paint everywhere."
"How are you doing?" Furrowing his eyebrows.
"I don't want to talk about my parents right now, Fitz." He nods slowly as he sucks on the straw. "How are your policies coming along?"
"I have to meet with a few more people before I finalize my thinking. Everything is a damn battle with these people. Honestly, at times, being a politician can be quite frustrating."
"Hang in there, babe. You have a lot to offer this city."
"I'm sure everyone is not going to be happy with my agenda", taking another bite from the sandwich.
"It's not your job to make everybody happy, babe. It's your job to improve the lives of the people who live in this great city."
"You sound like a politician", biting into the dwindling sandwich. "There are a lot of different opinions on how that should happen. Wilson is first in line."
"Maybe you should meet with him – try to come to an agreement before the hearings begin", stirring her soup.
"The man hates me, Liv."
"Babe, you know you have to work with people who aren't fond of you."
"Maybe we can go away with the girls for a long weekend in April - after the budget hearings begin." He always changes the subject when he no longer wants to talk about a matter. "And, you can pay since you make so much more money than me. I'm going to be a kept man", he says playfully, leaning back in his chair.
"I don't know, babe. I'm just starting a new job. I have a lot to do."
"Well think about it", wiping his mouth and letting out a loud burp.
"Fitz", looking at him disapprovingly.
"What? It's Moe's", standing and removing the trash from the table. "Now that you're working in the city we can have lunch together more often."
"We'll see", pressing the lid onto the soup container. "I'm not going to be in the office often – one or two days a week at the most." He nods, dropping the trash into the wastebasket and picking up the budget report for the school district. "Babe …." She says slowly, turning in her chair to assess his demeanor.
"Hmm?" Flipping through the budget report in preparation for his 1:30 meeting.
"I stopped by your parents' house this morning – I wanted to check on Maura – see how things are going", she adds quickly.
"You didn't say anything about going to my parents' today", looking up from the report with raised eyebrows.
"It was kind of spontaneous – spur of the moment really. I've been wanting to visit Maura for a while." He nods, thinking he should visit his parents soon.
"Is everything okay? Was my father there?"
"No, he wasn't – but …." When he hears the hesitation in her voice he stops reading and glances over at his wife again.
"But?"
"Nora's home", she says quickly, and his eyes widen.
"Home – since when?" Nostrils flaring.
"Two weeks."
"Two weeks?" Flinging the report onto the desk. "Why the hell am I just hearing about this?"
"I guess your parents didn't want her to be bombarded with a lot of visitors.
"Well there's no chance of that happening."
"Fitz", she says in a warning tone.
"Don't Fitz me. You know how much trouble she caused", his anger is rising.
"Babe –"
"Are you all right? I'm sure it was difficult seeing her."
"To say I was surprised to see her would be an understatement. When the door opened and I saw her standing there, I froze – I didn't know what to say – what to do. It was all so unexpected", shaking her head at the memory.
"You don't have to worry about seeing her again", sitting back in his chair and pulling her onto his lap.
"Seeing Nora bought back a lot of different memories, Fitz."
"I know", kissing her on the temple. Victoria knocks on the door and Olivia starts to move from his lap, but he wraps an arm around her waist, holding her in place.
"Come in", he calls out and Victoria enters the room carrying her tablet.
"I hate to interrupt, sir, but your meeting is starting in 10 minutes", glancing quickly at Olivia who has an arm draped around his neck.
"Thank you. I'll be out shortly." Victoria smiles and closes the door behind her.
"I have to get to my meeting. Are you going to be all right?"
"I'll be fine", standing and grabbing her purse and coat. "It was just surprising."
"We'll talk about this tonight. Okay?" Buttoning his sleeves and slipping on his suit jacket. He cups her face and looks into her eyes. "I'm not going to let my sister or anyone else put my family in danger again", he says adamantly.
"Okay." She brushes her lips against his, feeling more at ease since leaving Maura's house. They walk from the office holding hands and he stop at Victoria's workstation.
"Victoria, I'll be going home today - after my meeting with Councilman Dwyer. I'll see you in the morning." Olivia ears perk up and wonders when he stopped calling her Ms Sanchez.
"Yes, Mr. Grant", noticing the lipstick on his lips and the rigidity of his body. He is upset about something.
"Wait, babe", standing on her toes and swiping her thumb over his lips. "That's better." He pecks her on the lips again and she giggles as he pulls her from the reception area. "You're incorrigible. Have a good afternoon, Victoria", she calls over her shoulder as Fitz pulls her down the hall.
"And you as well, Mrs. Grant", rolling her eyes as she resumes typing his notes.
XXX
Bennie and Marion sit at the small round table in her kitchen eating takeout from the Mexican restaurant located on Creighton Street. For the past two months this has become part of their routine. He calls her when he is ready to leave work to ask what she wants for dinner. He stops at the restaurant to pick up their meal, drives to her apartment, and they eat together in the kitchen. And on the days when Bennie is running late at work, Marion is on dinner pick-up duty. Sometimes they go to a restaurant, but most nights they are too tired to sit and wait for their meal to be served so they rather eat at home.
"Ben, why does Wilson hate Fitz so much? Is it because his guy lost the election?" Picking absently at her chicken taco salad.
"I didn't realize the mayor hated my brother", Ben says before taking another huge bite from his second extra-large burrito.
Marion nods her head slowly, contemplating whether she should tell Ben what the mayor said at the last budget meeting as she watches him dig into the beans and rice. It is a good thing he is an avid runner she muses, otherwise he would surely be a fatty.
"What's going on, Mar?"
"Wilson basically said if Fitz doesn't go along with his budget plans then he might have to use the nuclear option", forming air quotes with her fingers.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Poised to take another bite from the burrito.
"I don't know – he didn't go into detail. But, it can't be good."
"My brother can handle himself, Mar", standing from his seat and taking his plate over to the sink.
"I certainly hope so", she says half to herself as she watches him squirt an enormous amount of dish liquid into the water. "You're pretty domesticated aren't you?"
"Hardly. I have a cleaning lady who comes in once a week and you know I can't cook", rinsing the plate and setting it onto the dish rack. "Are you finished?"
She nods, handing him her plate.
"Your hardly ate anything", picking a piece of chicken from her plate and popping it into his mouth before scrapping her leftovers down the garbage disposal.
"And you know I can't cook", she says somewhat proudly, and he thinks this is his opportunity to raise a topic that has been on his mind for awhile, ever since they had dinner at Fitz and Olivia's.
"Mar …" Leaning against the sink and drying his hands on the dish towel.
"What is it, Ben?" Pushing the cork back into the wine bottle. One glass is her limit tonight.
"What do you think about us learning how to cook – preparing our own meals?"
"What – why would we want to do that?" She asks, horrified by the thought.
"It would be healthier and less expensive than eating out all the time."
"Ben, neither of us is hurting for money", pushing the wine bottle across the table.
"Well it would be healthier. We workout but all of our efforts are offset by our eating habits."
"That's not true. We are both in good shape. I work hard for this body", not interested in continuing the conversation.
"Mar –"
"Ben, if you want to eat healthy then we can just go to that store over on Sixth. They serve all sorts of prepared healthy food."
"I know, but it's not the same as cooking our own meals."
"I don't even have pots and pans, Ben", she says, effectively dismissing the idea.
"I have pots and pans - not that I've ever used them. My mom made sure I had all of the basics when I moved into my apartment."
"Ben –" She whines.
"Let's just try it, Mar. If we're not good at it then we'll just —"
"Just what?" Reaching across the table for the bottle of wine. She needs another drink.
"I don't know", and she smiles when he presses two fingers against his temple, his telltale sign he is getting stress.
"Okay - we'll try it - but we'll do it at your place. I don't want the smell of burnt food in my apartment all week", filling her glass with wine.
"What makes you think we're going to burn our food?"
"Because we don't know what we're doing, Ben. We don't know how to cook."
"Come on, let's sit on the sofa and find something online we can cook tomorrow", pulling her from the chair and guiding her to the living room.
"Tomorrow - why do we have to start so soon?" Grabbing her glass from the table and rolling her eyes behind his back.
"We can start with something easy", already scrolling through a cooking website on his tablet.
Marion sighs, sets her glass onto the cocktail table, and plops down onto the sofa next to him.
"I'll pick you up after work tomorrow and we'll go to Bryson Markets to get everything we need", obviously eager about the prospect of learning how to cook.
"Don't you think you're rushing this?" None too happy about shopping for groceries after a long day at work.
"We need to start to practice, Mar. That's the only way we're going to get good at it." She frowns because does not want to get good at cooking.
"Can we start next week, Ben? I have to prepare for that budget meeting with Wilson. I can't think about much else right now." He cocks his head to the side and stares at her skeptically.
"I promise", she says quickly, thinking he always gets her to do things she does not want to do.
"All right, we'll start practicing next week", smiling and pecking her on the lips. "Don't think you're going to weasel out of this", he says, looking back at the screen as she drains the rest of the Chardonnay from the glass.
XXX
Fitz smiles when he hears his wife pull open the nightstand drawer and retrieve the jar of cream she slathers on nightly. He has watched her do it thousands of times and never tires of watching her do it.
"I love watching you rub that stuff on every night. What's the name of it?" She holds up the jar so he can see the label. "I like it. I like the way it smells – the way you smell." She crinkles her brow and looks at him suspiciously. She knows her husband and she knows he is up to something.
"Fitz, I've only being using the same body butter every night for the past six years. Now you notice?"
"I've always noticed."
"Abby gave it to me for my birthday, just before Cee was born", smiling reminiscently. "I fell in love with it – been using it ever since."
"You should let me rub it on you", moving across the bed and reaching for the jar.
"No way, mister", pushing him back onto his side of the bed. "I don't know what's going in with your libido lately", resuming her nightly routine.
"I've become a forgetful sex addict", he laughs out loud at the corny joke. He has been in a playful mood all day, well most of the day.
"Babe, your jokes are so lame."
"You used to laugh at my jokes - all the time."
"You have to get new material, babe. I can't pretend to laugh at those old jokes any longer." His brow stretches in surprise because he had no idea she no longer that his jokes were funny.
"How are you feeling today - about your parents returning to Senegal?" The tears well in her eyes and she shakes her head from side to side, trying to quell the flow. "How can I make it better?"
"You can't. I just have to deal with it - like I always have", sniffling as she rubs the body butter onto her arm.
"Your father told me why he dislikes animals – dogs in particular."
Olivia stops rubbing the cream onto her her arm and looks over at him, wondering why he is bringing up the incident that happened when her father was a young boy.
"He told me his hand was badly mangled", eyeing her closely, but she remains silent, continuing to rub the cream onto her arm. "It's difficult to overcome that kind of betrayal – even though the dog was sick with rabies."
She nods, massaging the cream onto the other arm and waiting for her lawyer husband get to the point. She knows him well.
"I can't believe Nora has been home for two weeks and my parents have said nothing."
"I told you they were trying to protect her." He nods because he certainly understand a parent's desire to protect their child.
"Liv, Nora betrayed you – betrayed us. And, like that dog who attacked your father as a boy, I realize she was also sick."
"So are you saying we should put down Nora the way that dog was put down? You do know euthanasia is illegal in this state?"
"Don't be a smartass", setting his reading glasses onto the nightstand.
"Then land your plane Attorney Grant because it seems like you're out of practice", she says defiantly.
"What I'm trying to say is I know how important it is for people to honor your interests and meet your expectations. I also know how devastated you were when we found out what Nora had been up to at the community center. She betrayed your trust – Marla betrayed your trust."
"She says she's better now. She wants to see the girls." Shifting the focus of the conversation from her because she really does not want to discuss this right now.
"That won't be happening", he snaps. "Does she think we've forgotten about how she put Cena and mom in danger when she bought that strange man to our home? I'm going to need more than her word before I let her back into our lives."
Olivia nods as she rubs the cream onto her hands thinking it will be a long time, if ever, for her to trust Nora again.
"She's my sister and I'm happy she's better, but I don't want her around my children. I have to protect Cena and Jo – keep them safe."
"Fitz, I'm just tired of all the lies and betrayals. Betrayal teaches us the importance of loyalty", she says softly, screwing the top onto the cream and setting it into the nightstand drawer. "I'm not ready to deal with Nora right now."
"And you don't have to. We won't let her back into our lives until you're comfortable – not until we're ready. Okay?"
"But what about your parents? They might not want to visit if Nora can't come with them."
"I'll handle my parents. My house - my rules", giving her an encouraging smile.
"I just want us to have some normal for awhile", crawling across the bed and resting her head on his shoulder. "We've been blessed, babe. We have a lot of terrific things happening in our lives right now and I don't want anything or anyone to disrupt all of the goodness. We have to be careful about who we let into our lives."
He nods, tightening his arm around her shoulder.
"Let's get some sleep - we both have a busy day tomorrow", kissing the top of her head before reaching and turning off his lamp.
XXX
Although Olivia never uses the app for their home security system, she, however, has become more mindful about using the app on her phone to disarm the security system at the foundation. Mona always keeps the security system armed. After entering the code on her phone to disarm the system, she waits for the familiar beeps, then waves at the camera because she knows Mona will look at the camera on her phone when she hears the beeps.
"Olivia, it's so good to see you", squeezing Olivia to the point of restricting her breathing.
"It's good to see you too, Mona", trying to breathe through the close contact.
"You wouldn't believe what I've been doing all morning?" Guiding Olivia back to the private office area.
"Practicing your speech", Olivia says with a laugh.
"You're such a smarty pants", playfully pinching Olivia's shoulder.
"So I've been told –not quite in those words though. So how is the speech coming along?" Setting her purse onto the desk and removing her coat.
"I've made a few modifications – changed some words to make it sound more like my voice. I've been practicing with Tom."
"That's good", Olivia says as she sits onto the chair. "Mona, these chairs are so much more comfortable than those old wooden ones we had before."
"I still can't get over how good this place looks", Mona says, glancing around the brightly lit space. "I just love it here."
"Mona, how's your brother – how's Anthony doing?"
"There really hasn't been any change since I saw him last. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing", she says feeling somewhat melancholy.
"You let me know if I can do anything—if you want to go and visit him again."
"As I said before, Olivia, I've made my peace with whatever happens." Olivia nods, knowing she should drop the topic.
"So, how are you doing and how are those beautiful girls of yours?"
"I'm fine - everybody is fine. We're all in a good place now."
"That's good – that's good. Your family deserves some happiness."
"A lot of good things are happening for us, Mona. Fitz has his new career and …."
"And?" Mona tilts her head slightly, examining Olivia's face closely.
"I've been offered a job, Mona."
"A job?"
"With Bryson Markets."
"With Bryson Markets? What in the world would you do at Bryson's? Surely not check out people's groceries."
"Nothing like that. Fred Bryson had his assistant call to schedule a meeting with me."
"The Fred Bryson?" Olivia nods her head excitedly.
"He's a very interesting man, Mona."
"Most billionaires are."
"Well, to make a long story short, Fred's companies have been involved in various philanthropic efforts for years, but not in a strategic or structured way. He wants to develop a formal philanthropic program that reflects his personal passions and his companies' brand."
Mona folds her arms across her chest, listening intently and trying to figure out where the conversation is going.
"So he offered me the job of designing and implementing a program."
"Wow. That's huge, Olivia."
"I wasn't sure if I was capable of doing the job, but Fred seems to have a lot of confidence in me. He said Marla always spoke highly of me."
"He knew Marla?"
"Apparently they were friends. I guess they worked together on several public-private initiatives. You remember that huge donation we got from Bryson Markets to help repair the pipes in the Springfield Heights homes?"
"I do. Very generous."
"Well, Marla was a part of that."
Mona nods and a mix of emotions pass over her face. Of course she is happy that her friend has been offered such wonderful opportunity, but she is also sad because she knows what this means for the foundation.
"I'll be able to help so many more people, Mona. Fred Bryson is highly motivated to help the community. He has far more resources than we can ever hope to get through city grants and our donors combined."
"Well the man has surely gotten enough of Tom and my money over the years. We do our grocery shopping at one of his store - every week."
"I'm really excited about this opportunity, Mona. But like I said, at first I was hesitant about taking the position."
"You're brilliant, Olivia. You won't have any problem building that program."
"It was more than that, Mona. After everything that has happened", shaking her head at the memories. "We're just getting back on our feet as a family. I didn't want to do anything to disrupt that."
"What does Fitz have to say about the job?"
"He's excited for me - of course. He doesn't want me to put my career on hold to take care of our family full time."
"He's a good man, Olivia."
"He is. I think I'll keep him", and they laugh out loud. It feels like old times.
"You better because someone else will definitely snatch up that man."
"Mona, this position with Bryson won't allow me to continue with the foundation." Mona's breathing quickens because she knows what is coming next, and just when she was getting used to managing the business.
"I understand, Olivia. This is really a good move for you. How much time do we have before we shut down the office?"
"Shut down the office? We're not shutting down the foundation, Mona."
"But I thought –"
"Mona, the work we do here is still needed. Access to safe, clean water is an issue for so many people in this area. I will never close our foundation", she says emphatically.
Mona unfolds her arms slowly and the tension leaves her face.
"Mona, you're going to have full responsibility for the foundation now – that is if you want. You will be the new executive director."
"What?"
"You have to continue the good work, Mona."
"Oh, Olivia - I – I don't know what to say."
"Say yes."
"Yes, yes, yes", spinning and dancing around the office in joy, and Olivia smiles at her friend. Mona has been loyal since she started working at the foundation. She deserves this opportunity.
"We're going to have to get you some help around here, Mona. You can't continue to manage everything by yourself. Do you have anyone in mind who could backfill your position?"
"I'll have to think about it for a few days", smiling brightly.
"Do what you need to do – it's your call."
"Thank you for entrusting me with your other baby, Olivia", giving her friend another hug that threatens to cut off her circulation.
"I wouldn't take the job if I didn't think you could do it, Mona. And Mona, you'll be receiving a significant increase in pay."
"I appreciate that, Olivia. But you know it's never been about the money."
"I know – but we woman have to know our value - get paid for our skills and talents. Men get paid handsomely even when they don't bring any value to the table."
Mona nods with the biggest smile on her face, thrilled about her new role.
"Now, let me hear your speech. You didn't think I was going to leave without hearing it?" Laughing when Mona groans and rolls her eyes.
XXX
Perhaps he is naïve to think he can make a difference in the city without selling out the power of his office to the highest bidder. Perhaps his wealth affords him the luxury of being naïve, of being idealistic. Whatever the reason, she has seen this story many times. She has seen newly elected and enthusiastic, wealthy and not so wealthy public servants sell out their office. They allow greed and the promise of attaining a higher political office to trump their sworn oath to improve the lives of the people who voted for them. Victoria watches the Council President each time he leaves his office for yet another meeting with a councilman, civic leader, or businessperson. He is always filled with hope and enthusiasm when he leaves, believing he can gain the support of these political players, that they can find a way work together for the betterment of the city. And, she watches when he returns hours later with shoulders slightly drooped and disappointment and frustration etched onto his face.
Darius might be teaching him about the official legislative process, but he obviously is not teaching him how the dirty game of politics is really played, and she thinks she knows why. Victoria knows the rules of the real legislative process because she has slept with many of the wealthy players, listened in on their dealmaking conversations, and sneaked peeks at and took pictures of their shady business documents. Yes, she knows how to play the game and she will teach him how to play the game because she needs him to be successful. If he is successful then she is successful.
"Victoria, I'm leaving for the day. I will see you in the morning", he says solemnly as he walks from the reception area.
"Good night, Mr. Grant", watching him slowly walk to the elevator. His body is tense. He has had another rough day.
XXX
Victoria sends Darrin Sullivan, Mr. Grant's research assistant, an email the next morning at 7:29, asking him to meet her in the reception area at 7:45. She needs to discuss a few things with him before Mr. Grant arrives promptly at 8:00. With laptop tucked under his left arm and looking down at his ever-present cell phone, Darrin strolls quickly down the marble halls of the third floor of City Hall in the direction of the Council President's suite of offices. He is beyond annoyed that he has to take time away from researching issues for the President to meet with the man's secretary. The woman might be beautiful, but she certainly is not his top priority. Victoria smiles to herself when she hears the little man's footsteps scraping across the marble floor. She does not know why he does not pick up his feet when he walks.
"Yes, Victoria", Darrin says in exasperation. He does not have time for the low-level employee.
"Good morning, Darrin", Victoria says pleasantly as she turns around in her chair and gives the young man her best fake smile.
"What do you want, Victoria?" Darrin says with impatience. "I have a lot to do today for Mr. Grant. I don't have time for chit-chat."
"I understand, Darrin", feigning obsequiousness. "I just have one more thing to add to your to-do list. I need you to get me as much information as you can on these people", handing him the white sheet of paper. Darrin looks at the paper then back at Victoria with disdain.
"I don't work for you, Vic-toria. I am the researcher and you are the secretary – do it yourself", turning to walk away. Victoria stands slowly from her seat, steadying herself on the four-inch stilettos, and brushes her hands down her thighs to smooth her dress.
"Listen you little pervert, if you don't want Mr. Grant to find out what you do on that computer - in that little room all day when you're supposed to be researching - then you'll get me what I need."
Darrin stops in his tracks and his breathing quickens. His heart is racing as fast as a runaway stallion so he tries to quickly calculate the situation. He is not sure what Victoria knows. He is not sure if she is simply bluffing or if she really knows about the inappropriate websites he visits throughout the day. He quickly concludes he cannot risk losing his job because some low grade secretary has been spying on him. He turns to face her and the two stare at each other for a long while with contempt.
"You really don't want to test me, Darrin - ever", Victoria says without batting an eye.
"I'll do it – but just this once", trying to gain the upper hand. "I'll get back to you sometime next week", snatching the paper from her hand and quickly scanning the list of names.
"You'll get it to me by the end of the business day", Victoria says in an eerily calm voice. Darrin stares at the woman who towers over him and decides not to make the snarky comment that is hanging on his tongue.
"Fine." Storming from the reception area face red with anger.
"And Darrin – two more things", walking from behind the workstation and resting a hand on her hip.
"First, my name is Ms Sanchez – do you understand?" Staring into his fiery beady eyes.
"As you wish", Darrin says through clenched teeth.
"And two – I'm Mr. Grant's administrative assistant – not his secretary. Therefore, when I ask you to do something – don't question me – don't even think about it – just do it. Am I clear?"
"Crystal", Darrin says bitterly.
"And, Darrin", Victoria says in a cool voice, stopping the young man's movements one more time. "Have a nice day." Victoria smiles to herself as she watches the pompous young man stomp down the hall. Power is a wonderful thing.
XXX
Since the anxious young man was hired to work for the Council President, Victoria has been curious about Darrin Sullivan's work schedule. Friendly with the security guards who sit at the front desk in the lobby, they informed her about the arrogant young man's unusual work schedule. He always arrives to the office hours before the other staff, locking himself into the windowless hovel down at the other end of the hall on the third floor. He is rarely seen throughout the day. Victoria needed to find out what Darrin was up to in that little office and why he needed to arrive to work so early every morning. Maybe he was up to something or maybe he was just a diligent employee. In either case, her curiosity had to be satisfied. So she began to arrive at work extra early, well before Darrin, positioning herself where the guards said she could easily peer into that little office. What she discovered the little weasel was well worth forfeiting a few ours of beauty sleep for a few mornings. This is how the game is played, and Darrin is just a low-level employee. She smiles inwardly as she types the first draft of the Council President's agenda on education reform, looking up when she hears his heavy footsteps walking down the marble floor. It is eight o'clock.
"Good morning, Victoria", he smiles politely as he passes her workstation.
"Good morning, Mr. Grant", she says cheerfully.