AN: For those of you with an eagle eye, two name corrections/changes:the name Gwendolyn suggests Asha calls Fitz is Babu - means willing, not Baaba. The HR lady's name is changed from Helen Elverson (first occurrence in an early chapter) to Janice Roberson, because I've used it so often.
Sweet160717, Nervous excitement is the appropriate emotional response. That's a good place to be. Haha. Things are going to heat up soon. Darius is lovesick. Guest1, Fitz didn't deny Olivia sex. Remember, he was getting ready for work. He had to present to the council. But, there was something else going on with his response to Olivia. You'll find out more about this later. Liv is his punching bag? Hmm Guest2, Addicted to my story, what a compliment. Always say your prayers first, and send one up for me. Guest3, so a sad Cena is like drinking flat pop. Yuk. Liv is the assertive parent and Fitz is the permissive parent. Liv did not engage with her ornery husband because she knew something was bothering him. The Darius meltdown helped Fitz to honestly address questions he had been thinking about. He's frustrated with the way local government works, or isn't working. Guest4, Hildie's cooking is not suffering because she is babysitting Jo. We'll find out what's going on with her in upcoming chapters. Sister1256, Victoria really laid something on Darius, because you're right, the man is whipped. Don't forget, he is a married man. Do you believe he was going to leave his family for Victoria if he became mayor? Hmm. Guest5, so you thought the Victoria and Darius sexcapades was gross so you scrolled past it. Do you know how long it took me to write it? LOL. I love your directness — too funny. The detail was intended to show how tortured Darius is by his "love" for Victoria and how it affects his relationship with Fitz. The man is whipped, as another reviewer said. Hey, there were several Olitz moments in this chapter. Wink. Denise, Darius sees what Victoria is up to because he knows her tactics and he's jealous. You know Wilson is plotting something. Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. CeresHelena, Eu aprecio que esta é uma história é um dos seus favoritos. Eu gosto que você tome o tempo para refletir sobre o que você lê e ver como tudo está se juntando, que faz sentido para você. BTW, sua tradução está bem, espero que a minha seja também. (I appreciate this is story is one of your favorites. I like that you take the time to reflect on what you read and see how everything is coming together, that it makes sense to you. BTW, your translation is fine, I hope mine is as well.) Monica, Wilson's house is definitely crumbling around him and he is not going to wait for the third strike — that would mean he's off to the big house. Fitz is a bright contracts lawyer and he read the City Charter (a contract of sorts) to find a way to stop Wilson without using dirty tactics, as Darius suggested. Darius fell hard for Victoria; he has to get over that. Several characters have taken that residency jab at Fitz, even the police commissioner. I wonder if this gentrification thing will influence Olivia's desire to move to the city. We know how Calvin feels about gentrification. Guest 6, glad you decided to continue reading after Chapter 10. Glad you mentioned that communication thing because you will see how it factors into their marriage — again. They have to remember the lessons Avril taught them at Mirage or they are bound to repeat the mistakes of their past. Guest 7, you think the story is all over the place. You have to follow carefully, if you choose. Would like to hear more.
Thanks to all who continue to support this story. I enjoy reading the reviews. Here we go!
Chapter 47. Rich Kid, Poor Kid
For the past four months, Fitz has made the five-minute trek from City Hall's underground parking garage to his office on the third floor without incident. In fact, except for an occasional nod and grunt from Dennis, the close-to retirement police officer who mans the front desk in the lobby, his arrival to work has been — well — uneventful. But that changed last week when news of the council's decision to sanction Mayor Wilson spread through the city like wildfire. Reporters immediately descended on City Hall, clamoring for comments from the mayor and council president. Wilson ignored their requests and Fitz responded with a prepared statement that left the media dissatisfied. After a few days of getting the same responses from the mayor and council president, the media moved on to the next story, but the citizens did not. Each morning when Fitz steps into the lobby, he is immediately surrounded by a crowd of no less than a dozen people waiting to greet him. Some want to shake his hand and congratulate him for stopping Wilson's corruption, albeit temporary. Others want to know when he will rid the city of the other crooked officials. And, a few women just want to sneak a kiss on his cheek. In just one week, Fitzgerald Grant has gone from being the rookie council president, to what some would call a political celebrity. The attention is unexpected, overwhelming, and most of all, unwanted.
This morning is no different when he walks into the lobby, or so he thinks. After spending a half-hour answering questions from the greeters, he politely excuses himself and hurries over to the bank of elevators. He longs for the days when Dennis was the only person who acknowledged his arrival to work. As the elevator doors start to close, he hears the unmistakable voice of Shelby Sage calling him. Shelby, the intrepid reporter who followed him throughout the campaign, hurries over with her cameraman.
"Council President Grant, may I have a few words with you?" Shelby asks, holding the elevator door with one hand and sticking the microphone toward his face with the other.
"Come see me in an hour, Shelby", he says somewhat flustered.
Shelby nods with a smile when sees the tiny beads of sweat dotting his forehead. She removes her hand and allows the elevator doors to close. Fitz presses his back against the elevator's wall, closes his eyes, and expels a heavy sigh. He needs to find the back stairs.
XXX
When she hears the unmistakable sounds of his heavy footsteps clomping on the marble floor, Victoria glances at the clock in the bottom-right corner of the monitor and shakes her head. The crowds are making him later and later.
"More groupies today?" Victoria asks playfully. Fitz frowns and continues toward his office. "You're a rock star", she calls after him, enjoying his new political cachet more than him.
XXX
One hour later, Shelby Sage exits the elevator on the third floor with her cameraman in tow. She has walked down these halls many times over the years when Marla Briggs was the council president. The two women had a good professional relationship, but even Shelby was surprised when she learned Marla was also corrupt. Shelby shakes her head, thinking politicians cannot be trusted. Although most start out with good intentions, after a while, even the most well-intentioned find themselves embroiled in some kind of scandal. And, Shelby believes it is her responsibility as a journalist to expose their indiscretions to the public.
When Victoria sees the brash reporter walking toward the reception area, she does not bother to mask her displeasure. She detests the woman who has made a lucrative career from exposing the salacious details of a politician's life on that tawdry news segment called the Sage Report. After Darius dropped out of the mayoral race, she learned the reporter was preparing to expose their affair.
"Shelby Sage - WKRS – Channel 7. We have an appointment with the council president", the fast-talking reporter says with a confident smile. Victoria sighs and pretends to search for the reporter's name on the meeting scheduler displayed on the monitor.
"I'm sorry, Miss Sage, I don't seem to have you on the schedule this morning", eyeing the woman with disdain. Shelby glances down at the nameplate on the desk, then back at the woman.
"Victoria— the council president invited us up for an interview this morning", Shelby says, smiling over her shoulder at her cameraman. They both know Victoria's story and they know politicians dare not refuse to meet with Shelby Sage if they want to keep their names off the nightly 10 o' clock news.
"I'm sorry, Miss Sage, the council president didn't mention anything about an interview today. Perhaps I can schedule you for – "
"It's Ms. Sage", Shelby says, leaning forward against the desk and placing her freshly manicured hand on her hip. "Be a dear, Vic-toria and let Council President Grant know Shelby is here."
"Shelby - come in", Fitz calls out from the office when he hears the reporter's voice. Shelby smirks at the fuming assistant and motions for the cameraman to follow her.
Fitz buttons his jacket and walks around the desk to greet the reporter. Shelby was tough, but kind to him during the campaign and he wants to repay her with an exclusive interview.
"Good morning, Shelby", Fitz says, extending his hand to the relentless reporter.
"Good morning, Council President Grant", accepting the handshake with a broad smile. "You remember my cameraman, Ken", motioning her hand toward the burly video photographer and sometimes bodyguard. The two men shake hands. "Thank you for the sit-down, council president."
"You're quite welcome, Shelby. Have a seat - please", sweeping a hand toward one of the chairs situated in front of the desk. "Where do you want me?" He asks, knowing reporters like to stage interviews so they show better on television.
"I think at your desk", Shelby says, glancing over at Ken, who nods in agreement. Fitz sits in his chair and straightens his tie. "This is on the record, sir", Shelby informs him as she sits in one of the chairs. Fitz nods with a smile and Shelby motions for Ken to start filming.
"Council President Grant, in the four short months since you've been in office you've begun to tackle what some would say are big— tough issues. In fact – you've done what no other council president has done in the history of this city — you sanctioned a sitting mayor. Did you consider the historical relevance of such an unprecedented move?" Fitz smiles inwardly, thinking the woman does not waste time getting to the point.
"Shelby, the full council voted - with an overwhelming majority - to impose sanctions on Mayor Wilson."
"That might be true, sir, but the council members follow your lead", Shelby persists.
"This is a democracy, Shelby. The vote was seven to two. I have only one vote." Shelby nods, thinking the rookie council president has learned how to handle the tough questions.
"So – should the citizens of this city regard this move by the council as a declaration of war on Mayor Wilson?"
"Not at all. The council is simply leveraging one of the tools the city's founding fathers provides the legislative branch to ensure power does not go unchecked."
"From the looks of the crowd downstairs this morning - the people seem to be firmly on your side. They seem excited their new council president is shaking things up in this city.
"We just want to do what is best for the people, Shelby."
"The people have lost trust in their elected officials, sir. How do you regain their trust —overcome their skepticism – in your first term?"
"That's a legitimate question. Whether this is your first term or your 10th term in office - the people must hold their elected officials accountable. But – to answer your question — I must be truthful — I have to do what I promised. That is how I gain the the people's trust."
For the next 15 minutes, Shelby peppers Fitz will a variety of questions from education to business development. She is impressed how the man comports himself; he seems like the real deal. She smiles internally, hoping the man is not just a pretty face. Perhaps Grant can make her a believer again.
"So - what's next? What's on your agenda, sir?"
"The council has much work to do between now and when the hearings begin this summer. No one should over-read this moment."
"Thank you, Council President Grant, for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us today", Shelby says with a smile. "That's a wrap, Ken", signaling the cameraman to stop filming. Fitz walks around the desk and places a hand on Shelby's shoulder.
"You're tough, Shelby", Fitz says, giving her a genuine smile as he shakes her hand.
"Just doing my job, Fitz. You know how to handle yourself", she says as she stuffs the microphone into its case. "You shouldn't think this thing with Wilson is over", she says, staring into those blues eyes that can turn dark and cold in an instant. "I've been covering Wilson for a long time - he's cunning. You've repudiated him — taken away his power – he won't take the sanctions lightly. You better be prepared because Wilson is not interested in ending up in the city's ash heap of history. He certainly doesn't want to go to jail."
"Thank you, Shelby", he says with a nod and a tight smile as he guides the reporter to the door.
"You can watch the interview tonight on the Sage Report, council president." Fitz nods politely as they all walk into the reception area. Shelby stops suddenly in front of the assistant's desk as if she just remembered an important question she did not ask him.
"By the way, how are Olivia and those two beautiful girls of yours?"
"Liv is fine – the girls are good. Our youngest will be turning one in a few weeks", he smiles proudly.
"Well – tell Olivia I said hello."
"Will do. Take care, Ken", Fitz says before returning to his office. Ken flashes the none-too happy Victoria a smile, which she promptly ignores.
XXX
The sun is high in the sky as Fitz stares out the window with his hands stuffed deep into his pants pockets. He inhales deeply, filling his lungs with the scent from the diffuser. Shelby's warning reverberates in his ears. The line has been drawn, the bets have been placed, and there is no turning back. He exhales slowly, knowing he has to prepare for Wilson's inevitable retaliation.
"Penny for your thoughts", Victoria says, walking into his office carrying a few folders in her hand.
"Politics is a dirty business, Victoria", he says without turning from the window. The warm sun feels good on his face.
"Indeed - it is", waiting for him to continue.
"To be in this business you have to be willing to get in the mud – do horrible things at times."
"Is something wrong, Fitz?" Thinking he has been solemn since that reporter left.
"No — nothing", finally turning around to face his concerned assistant. "I don't mean to sound so ominous", giving her a weak smile.
"No apology necessary - I'm always willing to listen."
"Did you need something, Victoria?"
"Just your signature on these documents", holding up the folders as she walks toward him. He takes the folders from her hand and tosses them onto the desk.
"Why don't you take off for lunch, Victoria. I'll set these on your desk on my way out this evening."
"Are you sure you don't need me? I'm more than willing to stay."
"Enjoy your lunch, Victoria", giving her a forced smile. She nods and reluctantly leaves him alone.
When Fitz hears Victoria's high heels walking down the hall toward the elevator, he picks up the cell phone from the desk and calls Chuck. He needs to get security for Olivia and the girls. This time he needs to do everything he can to make sure they are safe. He will not survive if anything was to happen to them.
XXX
In the family room, Cena rolls the red rubber ball across the hardwood floor to her sister, who is sitting on the play mat clapping her hands. Jolie squeals as the ball rolls toward her and begins to smile. Fitz and Olivia sit on the sofa laughing as they watch their daughters play. He lifts his wife's hand to his lips and she smiles. He loves this time of the day when he can relax and spend time with his family.
"Pick it up, Jo", Cena directs when the ball stops in front of her sister's outstretched legs. Jolie looks at the ball and claps her hands again.
"Pick it up, Jo", Cena directs again. Jolie finally picks up the ball and immediately brings it to her mouth.
"Don't put it in your mouth, Jo", Cena says, and Jolie's little body starts to shake with laughter, as if she just heard the funniest thing ever. Bowtie looks up at the laughing baby and whimpers. "Roll it back, Jo", Cena says, patting her hand on the floor trying to coax her sister to return the ball.
"Keep practicing, Princess. She'll get the hang of it soon."
"Five more minutes, Cee, then it's time for bed", Olivia says. Cena crawls across the floor, grabs the ball, and starts the game all over again.
XXX
When her husband walks into the bedroom, Olivia bookmarks the house she has been viewing on her tablet. Finding a house in the city is proving to be slow-going.
"I didn't know you had an interview today with Shelby", she says, removing her eyeglasses and setting them onto the nightstand.
"I didn't - it just sort of happened. Shelby was kind to us during the campaign - so I gave her an exclusive. She says hello — by the way."
"I like Shelby. You looked good on TV, babe. A little tired — but good."
"Things have gotten crazy at City Hall. It now takes me forever to get to my office. I need to find the back stairs", he says tiredly as he begins his nightly routine of unfastening the watch from his wrist.
"Everybody loves you. You did a brave thing." He sighs because he is tired of being commended for doing what should have happened long ago. "People are seeing a sea change. Sanctioning Wilson is something most people never thought would happen. They just want to express their gratitude – their appreciation."
"Victoria says I'm a rock star", he says sarcastically as he tosses the watch onto the nightstand. Olivia rolls her eyes at the mention of the vacuous assistant's name.
"Babe, the people want their political leaders to work for them — help make their lives and the lives of their families better - nobody's looking for a rock star."
"I just want to get to my office in the mornings, Liv", he says tiredly.
"Look at this house, babe", holding up her tablet so he can see the house she just bookmarked.
"I don't want to look at houses tonight, Liv. I'm tired and just want to go to sleep", setting his phone onto the charger. "I read Goodnight Moon three times and Jolie still didn't want to go to sleep. I had to play with her for another 20 minutes before she finally closed her eyes."
"She's getting older, Fitz. She doesn't want to miss out on anything", pulling back the covers so he can climb into bed. "Lie down, babe – get some rest." He crawls into bed and rests his head on her lap.
"Where are your parents? It seems like I haven't seen them in forever?" He mutters next to her stomach.
"They're at Triumph. Dad says the school is on track to open in the fall. He's really excited about the new school."
Fitz groans silently at the mention of Rev. Walker wanting to open a new charter school. He is advocating for a moratorium on new charter schools, which means Rev. Walker nor anyone else in the city will be able to open a new charter school for at least a year. Another battle he thinks.
"Your father is a good man, Liv. He's wise."
"You two have become best buds. I like that", slowly massaging his scalp.
"We have a lot in common."
"Like what?" She asks with a tinge of surprise in her voice.
"First — you. We both love you very much", pressing his lips against her stomach. "Second - like Calvin — I will do anything to protect my daughters."
"You're such a good father, babe."
"I just want the best for you and the girls — want to keep you safe", he says with such intensity she shudders.
"Is something wrong, babe?" Looking down at him with concern in her eyes.
"I'm fine, Liv."
"You'd tell me if anything was wrong - right?" She asks somewhat anxiously.
"Liv, I'm fine. Don't get yourself worked up."
"I'm not getting worked up. I just want to know if my husband is all right. I don't want you keeping secrets from me, Fitz."
"I'm fine, Liv. Let's just get some sleep — please."
With brow crinkled, Olivia watches his eyelids slowly close. She brushes back his hair with her hand and studies his face; even in sleep he looks tired. She strokes the side of his face, wondering if something happened at the office today. She smiles when his light snoring interrupts her thoughts, shakes her head, and resumes scrolling through the list of houses Joan emailed. She needs to find a house they both will like.
XXX
Darkness has blanketed the city and Mayor Wilson is once again alone in his office enjoying his second bourbon on the rocks. He grabs the remote from the desk and unmutes the television when he sees Shelby Sage interviewing Fitzgerald Grant.
"We all have to work to rebuild this city — make it a center for innovation - government can't do it alone, Shelby."
"Spoken like a true Republican", Shelby interjects withasmall smile, but Fitz ignores the comment.
"We need a blend of public-private partnerships. We need reinvestment in our city — remove blighted homes and buildings from our neighborhoods. Why do families have to walk through blighted neighborhoods with factories that have been abandoned since the 1970s? They should all come down."
Shelby nods.
"We have to invest in research and development — incubate companies so we can grow our way to the new economy."
"You sound passionate about this, council president."
"I'm passionate about growing our city, Shelby. I didn't spend months away from my family campaigning just to maintain the status quo. Everything that has happened had to have been for something", he says with intensity. His piercing blue eyes send chills through the usually unflappable reporter.
"So - is sanctioning Mayor Wilson a day of reckoning?"
"It's not a reckoning. It's fulfilling the promise we all made to the good people of this city.No one is above what the founding fathers envisioned for this city."
Wilson scowls as he watches his nemesis speak idealistically about public service. He takes another long swig of his beloved bourbon and remembers when he was idealistic and eager to work on behalf of the people. He remembers when he used to challenge corrupt politicians. He remembers when he used to be Fitzgerald Grant. He downs the remainder of the drink and turns off the TV before leaving the office for the evening. This is not the time to get sentimental. Tomorrow is a new day.
XXX
Fitz leans back against the headboard, settling in for what has become their nightly routine of house hunting online. They each have drafted their must-haves in a new home. Fitz' list is long and specific, whereas Olivia's is short and general, for the most part. Olivia reads his list of must-haves and shakes her head, he has too requirements. Slowly scrolling down the latest list of houses, Fitz shakes his head from side to side. He does not see anything he likes.
"Do you like any of the houses Joan sent over?"
"Babe, it's going to be hard finding a house in the city that has as much space as we have now. Five bedrooms and five baths – that's a lot to ask. And why do we need a living room, Fitz? We hardly use the one we have. It's such wasted space."
"We can just stay here", giving her that smile that usually gets him what he wants.
"Don't give me that look, mister. Maybe we should find another agent – someone who is more familiar with properties in the city?"
"Let's give Joan more time - she found those other houses."
"But, babe, you didn't like any of those houses. You said no to the last house we were to tour before Joan could drive down the street."
"I said no because all I saw on that street was a bunch of cookie-cutter houses connected to each other."
"That's what townhouses are like. They're usually connected on at least one side – maybe two", she says softly, not wanting to rekindle his resistance to moving.
"That's not going to work, Liv", shaking his head as he looks down at the tablet. "I don't want to live in a house where I can hear our neighbors' conversations."
"Well - you didn't like the condo either. There was only one other condo on that floor and it was at the other end of the hall."
"I told you - I don't want my family living in an apartment."
"Need I remind you we lived in an apartment in the city when we were first married."
"Need I remind you we didn't have children back then", giving her a pointed look.
"Fitz, that was a really nice apartment. I remember you thanking me profusely for helping you find it."
"I was trying to date you back then", he says flatly. "Plus - it was near your apartment."
"You mean you didn't like it?"
"I could always smell what everybody was cooking, Liv."
"That's not true. Once maintenance fixed the exhaust fan in your neighbor's kitchen everything was fine. Besides, I'm sure your neighbors didn't like the smell of burning food coming from your apartment when you were learning how to cook." The corner of his mouth twitch.
"What about the shower?" He asks, seemingly out of nowhere.
"What?" Tilting her head to the side attempting to follow his thought pattern.
"Our shower — I love that shower, Liv", glancing over at the adjoining bathroom. "We've had wonderful times in there. The different shower heads — the settings — the lights …."
"You're kidding — right?" Realizing he is throwing out all kinds of silly roadblocks. "How about the other house on Crescent Street?" He sighs and swipes the tablet screen until the five-story dwelling is displayed.
"It's a townhouse — and not practical", shaking his head again. She stares at him with arched brow, waiting for him to offer more explanation.
"It's five stories - and they all aren't full levels", frowning at the pictures.
"There's an elevator", she adds, and his frown deepens.
"I don't want to live in a department store, Olivia. Besides — the staircases – all four of them — aren't safe for the girls. There aren't any risers - they can fall through the steps." She nods in agreement.
"How about the loft on Renaissance Avenue?" She offers another suggestion.
"A loft?"
"Yes — a loft. That old factory has been converted to lofts", swiping her index finger across her tablet screen to display the open floor plan. "They're huge."
"You're kidding - right?" Staring at her as if she has lost her mind.
"Why would I be kidding? We would have the entire floor to ourselves. It screams city", she says dreamily as she looks at pictures of the large and open space.
"It screams no privacy. It's wide open — all the spaces flow into each other", shaking his head with disapproval. "I'd feel like I'm on display all the time — especially if all of those windows are uncovered. I'm not going to live in a zoo, Liv." She rolls her eyes because he can be difficult when he is opposed to something.
"Maybe we can put up a few walls", she suggests, still looking down at the open floor plan and trying to reimagine the space.
"Put up walls?"
"Yes — put up walls - create discrete rooms. Does the idea sound so farfetched?"
"That kind of defeats the purpose of living in a loft", he says sarcastically, and she sticks out her tongue while he is looking down at his tablet searching for the house that caught his eye earlier.
"I told you I know when you do that."
"How do you always know? Do you have eyes under all those curls?"
"How about this one?" Shoving the tablet close to her face.
"I don't like it", she says flatly, barely glancing at the house.
"You hardly looked at it."
"Don't have to."
"What do you mean don't have to?"
"Because I always know what you're going to show me."
"Come here smarty pants", grabbing her legs and pulling her across the bed.
"No, Mr. Grumpy Pants", she says through the giggles.
"You're going to pay for that."
"Make me – make me", she says, laughing hysterically.
XXX
The kitchen is quiet as each member of the Grant family is engrossed in their own thoughts and activities. Cena is sitting next to her father at the granite island top drawing on her tablet. Jolie is in the high chair, picking up Cheerios from the tray and watching them fall to the floor, and Bowtie sneakily laps up each piece he can get. Fitz is drafting a plan on his tablet of the things they need to do if they decide to move. Olivia is standing at the counter next to the copper farmhouse sink filling small glass jars with organic, homemade food for Jolie. She wonders if her baby will outgrow her allergies. All the research she has done indicates some children lose their allergies as they get older; she prays this is true. She does not want Jolie to be limited or feel left out just because she cannot eat certain foods. As she vacuum-seals a jar, she shakes her head thinking Cena is like Fitz in so many ways. They both can eat anything and nothing seems to upset their stomachs. She and Jolie, on the other hand, are not as fortunate.
"Daddy, look what I'm making for JoJo's birthday", Cena announces, holding up the tablet so her father can see the banner she has been working on for the past few days.
"Wow - that's really nice, Princess. You spelled all the words correctly", tousling his daughter's head of springy curls.
"Mommy helped me", Cena smiles proudly at her father.
"Mommy's a good teacher, sweetheart." Cena nods her head up and down then resumes drawing the colorful banner for her sister's first birthday.
"We have to make a plan, Liv."
"A plan — for what?" Looking over her shoulder at her husband who is typing on his tablet.
"If we move - there's a lot that needs to be done."
"Okay — what's on the plan?" She smiles inwardly, thinking they are making progress.
"First — we have to sell this house", and she nods, continuing to fill the jars.
"What else?"
"There's a week-by-week checklist online that lists everything we have to do — at least two months before moving. We have to donate or toss things we don't want to take with us, buy moving supplies, notify the utility companies …. It's a lot. Moving from a house is not like moving from an apartment, Liv. We have a lot more stuff now."
"Suppose we don't sell this house?"
"Are you kidding? Who wouldn't want to live here?" He blurts out without thinking. Olivia turns instantly and gives him a pointed look that says I thought we were beyond this. He looks at her sheepishly then walks over and apologizes with a kiss.
"Did I ever tell you John helped me to find this house – before you saw it?" Quickly changing the subject.
"You never told me that", looking at him strangely.
"It was his way of making up to me."
"Making up for what?"
"For complaining about me talking about you all the time – for spending all my time with you. I couldn't stop talking about you to him."
"You never told me that."
"He was jealous. He thought we'd be hanging out a lot when I moved back home — but I found a girl", smirking as he pulls her close. "The more I saw you the more I wanted to be with you. If we had lunch I couldn't wait for dinner. I was smitten."
"Me too", wrapping her arms around his waist.
"You didn't act like it —not in the beginning."
"I was busy, babe. I was in the middle of trying to get funding for those wells. It broke my heart those seniors didn't have access to clean water." He kisses her.
"What was that for?"
"You have such a big heart - you care about people. I always loved that about you."
"Aww, babe, you're so sweet. I knew early on you were a keeper - well maybe not early on."
"You did?"
"You were such a good kisser."
"Were?" Giving her a wounded look as he presses his body against hers, pinning her against the sink. He kisses her again.
"Still are, babe. Still are."
"I prepared for that kiss you know — planned it for weeks", he confesses, and she looks at him with surprise.
"You did not", playfully swatting his shoulder.
"I did. I always made sure I had mints whenever we were on a date."
"Babe, that kiss outside my apartment was hardly planned", dreamily looking up at the ceiling as she remembers their first kiss.
"Things don't always go according to plan, Liv. I knew I had to act fast when you said you didn't want to see me again."
"I thought you wanted me to be your personal shopper, babe. Mona knew otherwise. She said you weren't calling me all the time just to go shopping. I didn't have a clue – "
"That I had fallen madly in love with you?"
"I was so upset with you that night."
"But I won you over?" Smiling triumphantly.
"Truth be told – I couldn't think, babe. That kiss had my head swimming. I knew I was physically attracted to you - you're a good-looking man after all. But that kiss — well it sealed the deal."
"I like kissing you — always have", slowly brushing his lips over hers.
"I know, babe – anytime – anywhere."
"That's because I want everyone to know how much I love my wife."
"Aww, babe, you're so sweet."
"And handsome. And a good kisser", he says playfully, punctuating each statement with a kiss.
"You better not ever share those lips with anyone else", she says in a not-so playful warning tone.
"No chance of that."
"Do you remember the time we were at the market and you started kissing me in the dairy aisle?"
"And that old guy yelled: "'Get a hotel room.'" Their laughter fills the air and Cena looks over at her parents who are doing what she has seen them do so many times in her short lifetime.
"We didn't get a hotel room — but we went back to your apartment …."
He steps closer and she closes her eyes because she can feel that he wants her. He presses his lips against hers and she moans, running her fingers through the hairs at the nape of his neck.
"Look, JoJo, daddy's kissing mommy — again. He does that a lot", Cena educates her sister about their parents' activity. Jolie stretches her arms toward her father and puckers her lips.
"Jo wants a kiss too, babe", Olivia giggles when her husband frowns at the wet Cheerios covering Jolie's mouth.
XXX
Olivia sits cross-legged on the bed, smiling at the Greek Revival-style house on her tablet. She shakes her head from side to side as she thinks about their honeymoon. That was the best week ever.
"Look at this house, babe. Doesn't it remind you of our honeymoon villa?" Fitz glances at the picture, shrugs his shoulders, then walks into the closet.
"I can't believe we almost didn't get married", reflecting on the fight between their fathers at the family meet and greet. "Your father — my father …"
"It was going to happen, Liv. We were getting married — with or without our families", he calls from the closet.
"Didn't you like our villa? I loved it", scrolling through pictures of rooms in the house.
"Did you pick up my blue suit from the cleaners?"
"I forgot, babe — wear the brown one." He huffs, somewhat annoyed. He does not want to wear the brown one. He wanted to wear the blue suit to the breakfast meeting tomorrow morning with local business owners. He pulls one of the gray suits from the rack and hangs it on the valet rod. He drapes the lavender-colored tie over the suit jacket then walks back into the bedroom.
"I loved when you got naked on the beach. Isn't that the name of a drink?"
"Sex on the Beach, babe. The drink is called Sex on the Beach."
"I especially loved having sex on the beach", laughing as he plops onto the bed.
"I was so nervous. I'd never done anything like that — getting naked in public." She whispers as if someone could hear her.
"It was a private beach, Liv", tossing his watch onto the nightstand.
"You should have told Stavros it was a private beach when he kept walking back and forth."
"He was harmless. When he found out we were on our honeymoon he kept sending us bottles of champagne", setting his phone onto the charger.
"We drank way too much that night, babe", reminiscing about the nonstop flow of champagne. She still cannot believe they danced naked around the beach late into the night.
"We slept under the stars all night", he says as he climbs into bed and opens his tablet.
"It's called passing out, babe." They laugh until tears roll down their faces.
"Best honeymoon ever. We should do it again", he says through the laughter.
"What — get drunk and pass out on the beach?" Her cheeks beginning to hurt from laughing so hard.
"Renew our vows — go back to Greece. Get naked on the beach. Make love on the beach. Have sex on the beach", he laughs again, thinking that is a silly name for a drink.
"Renew our vows? Are you serious?"
"It'll be 10 years soon. We should go back."
"Wow — I hadn't thought about renewing our vows", she says, staring across the room at nothing in particular. "Planning a wedding is a lot of work, Fitz. We're so busy."
"It doesn't have to be as elaborate as the first one. Think about it." She nods, still trying to process the unexpected suggestion.
"How about this one?" Turning the tablet toward her face.
"Fitz, that's a handyman's special."
"I'm handy."
"Since when?" Arching her brow.
"Just look at it. It's one-of-a-kind."
"I'm sure it is", she says sarcastically.
"It's called Briarwood."
"You mean it has a name?"
"It's a 10-bedroom Tudor Revival mansion — built in 1930."
"A mansion? That's too much house, babe."
"It's has a lot of great details, Liv - leaded glass windows, eight fireplaces, coffered ceilings, gargoyles, and meticulously sculpted woodwork and stonework", reading the realtor's description of the mansion.
"Gargoyles? That sounds creepy, Fitz. The girls will be scared. I will be scared."
"It has a lot of space for entertaining: two billiard rooms, a solarium, and a spacious library with a charming fireplace alcove." She rolls her eyes as he continues reading the realtor's description.
"Babe, that's way too much house for us and Hildie to maintain."
"Don't you like the grand entrance foyer with its impressive stone fireplace and equally impressive carved main staircase?"
"Sorry, babe. I can't get past the gargoyles. Besides, the house needs work: the woodwork needs refinishing, the butler's pantry could stand updating, and that linoleum floor in the kitchen and the appliances have to go. Cross it of your list." He bookmarks it just in case he can convince her later.
"We have appointments on Saturday to look at the latest houses Joan sent over."
"I don't think we're ever going to agree on a house, babe", taking off her eyeglasses and setting them onto the nightstand. "We have to negotiate a compromise", pecking him on the lipsbefore turning off her lamp.
XXX
Marion has been arriving to work early these days since she no longer has Ben to keep her in bed in the mornings. She has not heard from him since he left her in his apartment the night she accused him, again, of wanting to be with Olivia. She cannot blame him for not calling. Ben is such a sweet, kind, and loving man, but even he has his limit. What is so sad about the matter, she thinks Ben really likes her, and she really likes him. She even allowed herself to imagine them having a future together, but as usual, she found a way to sabotage another relationship. She presumes that is what damaged people do. She brushes the tears from her cheeks, grabs the gift bag from the desk, and heads upstairs to Fitz' office. He should be in the office by now.
Impeccably dressed, as usual, in a black, two-piece pants suit and red silk blouse peeking from under the jacket, Marion walks down the marble halls toward the council president suite of offices, practicing her excuse for why she cannot attend Jolie's party. She does not know if Ben has told his brother about the breakup, so she wants to be careful what she says to Fitz. She cannot possibly tell him Ben broke up with her because she is jealous of Olivia. She simply wants to give him Jolie's gift and get out of there as quickly as possible.
Marion stops abruptly in the reception area when she sees Fitz' assistant standing behind his desk and running her thumb over a photograph of Fitz and Olivia on their wedding day. The mix of longing and hate on the woman's face cause her anger to rise.
"What are you doing?" Marion demands as she steps into the office.
"Dr. Harris", Victoria says, startled by the intrusion. "The council president is at an outside meeting this morning", she says quickly, realizing she has been caught.
"Answer my question", Marion insists as she watches the woman slyly return the photograph to the credenza.
"I'm Mr. Grant's assistant. I — I -"
"Whatever you're doing here — or whatever you think you're doing here - stops today."
"Excuse me", Victoria says, trying to shield her nervousness.
"Fitz and Olivia are my friends - so whatever you're up to — it will not end well for you." Victoria tries to interject but Marion takes another step toward her.
"I've heard the whispers about you, Victoria, but I don't believe everything I hear", standing nose to nose with the woman. "Subjecting yourself to the dictates of a man — any man. Abandoning your own agency in favor of some man's agenda."
"You know nothing about me", Victoria retorts, her eyes close to bulging out her head.
"I don't know you - but I've known women like you my entire life. Attractive and greedy — always looking for a payday from some man—married or otherwise."
"I don't know what you're talking about", Victoria says, trying to step around Marion only to be stopped by the tight grasp Marion has on her forearm.
"Women like you are extinct", Marion's green eyes flash with anger. "Fitz is off limits to you - do you understand?"
"If you don't mind, Dr. Harris, I have work to do", trying to snatch her arm free from Marion's grip. Marion holds on tighter and stares into the women's eyes a long while. The tension in the air is palpable.
"Find someone who's available", Marion says before releasing her hold on Victoria's arm. Victoria hurries from the office with the too-tight dress hugging her assets and Marion sighs as she sets the gift bag onto Fitz' chair. She scribbles a quick note to let him know she is unable to attend Jolie's birthday party.
When Marion returns to her office she wishes she had a drink to calm her nerves. She detests women like Victoria who are always looking for a wealthy man to subsidize their lifestyle. She leans back in the chair, closes her eyes, and thinks about her mother. She does not bother to wipe away the tears.
XXX
Calvin grimaced when Olivia announced at breakfast that she and Fitzgerald were once again going to look at houses in the city this morning. He understands his daughter wants a more diverse environment for his granddaughters, but he is not keen on his daughter's willingness to be an active participant in the scheme to remove the poor from the city.
"It seems like you and my daughter have decided to move to the city after all", Calvin says in a disapproving tone.
"No decision has been made, Calvin. We're just exploring our options— seeing what's out there", Fitz says, shaking his head as he brings the mug to his lips.
"I know what's out there, Fitzgerald", Calvin says with disgust. "Growing hipster neighborhoods — enclaves of overpriced homes restricted to the wealthy. That's what's out there. The city's lawmakers should be doing something about combating poverty rather than pushing out the poor."
"I am the city's top lawmaker, Calvin, and I can assure you no one is being pushed out. There are neighborhoods that have been economically depressed for decades, and we need to do something about that. But — we can do more than one thing at a time. We can grow the city to attract businesses and families — and we can help provide opportunities to pull people out of poverty."
Calvin sucks his teeth and resumes reading the newspaper. He is not buying what his son-in-law is selling. Fitz shakes his head and downs the rest of his coffee. He is not in the mood to have another gentrification debate with his father-in-law today. He also is not in the mood to go house hunting on a Saturday morning.
"I'm ready", Olivia says cheerily as she breezes into the kitchen. "Fitz and I are getting ready to leave, dad. Mom's upstairs with Cee and Jo."
"Humph", Calvin grunts as he continues to read the newspaper. Olivia frowns at her father's response and looks at her husband for an explanation. Fitz simply shrugs his shoulders.
"Call us if — "
"Your mother and I know how to care for children, Livvia", Calvin says tersely.
"O-kay", she says slowly, looking at her father's twisted face before grabbing her purse from the chair and pecking him on the cheek.
"We'll be back after lunch, Calvin", Fitz says, steering his wife from the kitchen.
"I wonder what's wrong with him this morning", Olivia whispers as they walk toward the foyer.
XXX
Three hours later, Olivia sighs silently as Fitz drives to the restaurant for lunch. She rubs her forehead, feeling the beginnings of a headache. She does not think they are making any progress because once again her persnickety husband did not like any of the houses they toured today. Joan says there is not much inventory in the city that meets his criteria.
"Babe, we've been looking at houses for weeks now. We've visited over a dozen and you didn't like any of them."
"I want the best for our family, Olivia. I want you and the girls to live in a safe environment."
"Well it's taking too long, Fitz."
"That's absurd", he says, as he turns left onto Leavenworth Street.
"What do you mean absurd?" Not liking his choice of words.
"I mean it will take however long it takes, Olivia."
"Well - I won't be able to go house hunting next week. I have to work on my recommendation for Bryson — and finish planning Jo's party."
"Then I'll just have to find something without you", smiling mischievously.
"Don't you dare. We'll be living at our current address if it were up to you."
Olivia frowns when she looks out her window, finally noticing her surroundings. She does not remember ever taking this route to get to Restaurant 52. As Fitz drives down the street, she sees row after row of dilapidated houses and abandoned commercial buildings. Most of the buildings appear to have been abandoned for decades. As they drive through the neighborhood, loud music blast from expensive car speakers. Young men stand on street corners, seemingly without purpose. It is not yet noon and they are drinking something out of brown paper bags. Children without safety helmets weave their bicycles in and out traffic, causing Fitz to slam on the brakes. Her anger rises when she realizes what her husband is doing.
"Take me home", she says tightly.
"Liv –"
"Now."
XXX
The 45-minute drive home is quiet, and periodically Fitz glances over at his wife. Her arms are folded across her chest and she is stone-faced. He decides it is best to remain silent and let her process what just happened. Olivia does not know what emotion she feels more: anger because he showed her what she has been blind to, or sadness because of the conditions in which others must live. As he drives home, she looks straight ahead and watches as the vibrancy of the city transitions to the subdued suburbs. The blaring car horns and loud music thumping from low-rider cars have relented to the sounds of chirping birds. The dilapidated buildings fade to stately homes with well-manicured lawns. There are no children riding dangerously in streets on bicycles. There is no one trying to sell them bottled water from a dirty cooler at traffic lights. There are no fast food restaurants on every other corner. Nor are there malnourished stray cats digging through trash cans trying to find food for the day. None of that is present in Church Falls.
As the truck ambles over the smooth, pothole-free streets, she notices no one is walking about and socializing. Then, she remembers all social activities in Church Falls typically occur inside the beautiful homes' well-appointed entertainment rooms or out back on the massive decks. Some families opt to join the local country club to interact with other people who are like them.
Olivia leans back against the plush leather seat and inhales deeply. Nothing. Her nostrils are filled with absolutely nothing, and she immediately misses the smells of the ethnic foods intermingling in the city air. She misses the hustle and bustle of the city. She misses the liveliness and creativity.
As Fitz navigates the truck up the long driveway, she stares sadly at their beautiful Federalist-style home. It is a stark contrast to the run-down buildings she saw in parts of the city. Fitz turns off the car, letting the keys dangle from the ignition as he watches his wife quietly slide from the car and walk up the steps to their home. It had to be done. She needed to see all parts of city life before they make such a big decision for their family.
XXX
"Mommy – mommy", Cena yells, running down the hall to greet her parents. "GranPop, Nana, and I finished the puzzle", she says excitedly. "Do you wanna see?" Trying to pull her mother into the family room.
"That's really nice, Cee", Olivia says wearily, forcing a smile as she looks at the puzzle on the huge cocktail table. Gwendolyn and Calvin look at each and wonder what is wrong with their daughter.
"Do you want to do another puzzle, mommy?" Cena yells, smiling up at her mother expectantly.
"Mommy's tired, sweetheart", Fitz says, when he walks into the room.
"I'm going to lie down for a while", turning and brushing past her husband. Calvin looks at Fitz for answers.
"It was an enlightening day", he says without offering further explanation.
"Daddy, do you want to make a puzzle?"
"Of course, sweetheart", smiling at his daughter and caressing her face.
Fitz helps Cena make the same puzzle two times before going to the kitchen and quickly preparing a light dinner. All of Hilde's meals are frozen and, under the circumstances, he is not in the mood to do much cooking. He sets the table for his in-laws and Cena and places Jolie's food on her high chair tray.
"I'm going to take Liv something to eat. She didn't have lunch", glancing back and forth at his in-laws.
"I'll feed, Jolie", Gwendolyn says as Fitz carries the tray of food from the kitchen.
XXX
The bedroom is almost dark and he can see she has pulled the covers up to the point of nearly covering her face. He flicks on the light switch, walks over to her side of the bed, and sets the tray onto the nightstand. He sits cautiously on the edge of the bed.
"Liv", he says softly, resting his hand on her shoulder.
"Hmm?" Slowly stirring from her nap.
"I have dinner for you. You didn't eat lunch", giving her an apologetic look. Stretching and yawning, she pushes herself up against the headboard and folds her arms across her chest. He smiles because her hair is a mess and he thinks she looks absolutely beautiful.
"Do you want me to feed you?" Brushing the stray hair from her face and she looks at him as if he has lost his mind.
"I'm not sick, Fitz. I'm just tired—exhausted really."
"Do you want something to drink?" Glancing over at the tray.
"What you did today was mean and uncalled for", she says, reaching for the glass of iced tea on the tray. For some reason, she is parched.
"You needed to see both sides, Liv. That's the only way you understand what I tell you sometimes. I have to show you." She squints at him and sets the glass back onto the tray.
"That's not true. I listen to you all the time."
"You listen when it suits your purpose - but I love you anyway", pecking her on lips.
"Have I've been living in a hermetically sealed bubble? How did I not see it? The foundation is in the city. I've been to the Springfield Heights Community Center …."
"One - your foundation is downtown - not in one of the surrounding neighborhoods. Two — you — we all see what we want to see. We can be blind to what's happening right under our noses. Open", sliding a spoonful of soup into her mouth.
"You're not playing fair, you know this is my favorite soup."
"I know. I'm trying to redeem myself", he smiles impishly. "Bite", sliding the grilled cheese sandwich into her mouth.
"You make the best grilled cheese sandwich, babe", savoring the many flavors of melted cheese. "You still won't give me the recipe."
"You're no longer angry with me?" Giving her his best puppy dog face.
"It's not right, Fitz. Parts of the city are beautiful - then there are other parts that look like a Third-World country. How can both exist in the same city?"
"There are many reasons the city is in the condition it's in, Liv. The problems did not happen overnight and they won't be fixed quickly."
"It breaks my heart to see the despair. It's not fair some people have so much and others have so little. Those children I saw today could have easily been Cee or Jo."
"Livvie, whatever we decide - whether we move to the city or not – we have to do it fully aware of what we are getting into. Do you understand?"
"I'm tired, Fitz. I'm going back to sleep", she says, her voice filled with sadness.
XXX
Olivia runs her fingers through her hair and sighs as she looks at the monitor reading Satell's latest report on poverty in the numbers are staggering and heartbreaking. The report only confirms what she saw when Fitz drove through those neighborhoods on Saturday. The data show 12 percent of the region's population live in the city, but 46 percent of the poor live there. More disturbing, 25 percent of the children in the city experience poverty, and that rate has doubled since 1970. She swings her chair around and stares out the floor-to-ceiling windows in her office. It really is a beautiful city, at least from this perspective. She shakes her head as she strains her eyes to see the Space Needle. On a clear day, she can see the observation tower in Seattle.
She shakes her head, because the many issues facing the city, including crime, health, and public education, are rooted in the economic status of its less well-off residents. However, the sad part of it all, there are no real answers to what it will take to move people out of poverty. There is no way a corporate philanthropy program alone will resolve the city's poverty problem, but that does not mean she will not do everything she can to help those in need. Her stomach churns and she walks across the room to the beverage bar and fills her cup with hot water. She dips an Earl Gray Breakfast teabag into the hot water and chuckles when she reads the label. It is already after the lunch hour and she cannot remember if she ate breakfast this morning. She lets the teabag steep and rushes to the restroom. When she sees the cart propping open the bathroom door she sucks in a lungful of air. She hopes Kelly is back to work, but prepares to come face to face with the not-too talkative Rhonda. She knocks on the door and the two women lock eyes.
"Kelly, I'm so glad you're feeling better. Deanna said you were ill", Olivia says with a genuine smile, glancing quickly at Kelly's arm.
"Hello, Mrs. Grant. I'm doing better — thank you. I'm just finishing up in here", turning to gather the cleaning supplies from the counter.
Olivia pushes the cart into the hall and lets the door close. Kelly tightly grips the utility bucket handle as she watches the door close. She does not want to have this conversation. She wishes she had something to steady her nerves.
"Kelly — first of all — I'm Olivia — not Mrs. Grant — you know that. You've been to my home. Our daughters have been in the same dance class for almost a year. They were — are friends."
"I have to protect my daughter, Mrs. Grant", Kelly blurts out. "So – no - Asha can no longer be friends with your daughter." Stunned by the outburst, Olivia takes a step toward Kelly.
"Protect Asha - from what? Oh my, God, did Asha say we harmed her?" Olivia asks with concern.
"I have to protect her from disappointment - from hurt - when she sees the differences between her and Cena. She sees that Cena gets to live in a big, beautiful house where her parents give her anything and everything she dreams of. She sees Cena get a storybook birthday party and wonders why she can't have the same kind of party. You had horses for god's sake, Olivia. The most I can give my daughter for her birthday is a store-bought cake from Bryson's - and maybe a small gift if I can scrape together enough money after paying my rent. I can't give my daughter what you can give your daughter. I have to count every penny – there's nothing extra."
With eyes wide, Olivia stares at the woman wondering how as a society they have gotten to a place where children cannot be friends because of the of size of their parents' wallets are different.
"Are you saying our daughters cannot be friends because of something neither of them has any control over – something neither has chosen?"
"Yes", Kelly says, glaring at Olivia defiantly. "I have to protect my daughter", she repeats.
"Kelly — Asha and Cena don't know anything about income – they just know they like each other. They just know they like to dance together and fall on the floor giggling and laughing when they mess up Ebony's dance routine."
"That's where you're wrong, Olivia. They might not have the words to express it - but they surely know there are differences between them. They know one has and the other does not. The look of disappointment on my daughter's face when I told her she couldn't go to Seattle to see Misty Copeland was too painful. Do you know how I felt when I had to explain to my baby that I did not have the money to pay for a hotel and buy her the right clothes to wear? The list goes on and on."
Olivia silently kicks herself because Cena told Asha about the trip before she had a chance to speak with Kelly. The trip was supposed to be their gift to Asha.
"If Asha stays with her own kind – people who have what she has - then she won't get hurt."
"Kelly — "
"I guess I just lost my job", Kelly says, grabbing the utility bucket containing cleaning supplies from the counter.
"What?" Olivia says, looking at Kelly in disbelief.
"I guess you're going to tell Miss Deanna about this conversation."
"No – of course not. I will do no such thing. I would never."
"Well, if you're finished, Mrs. Grant, I need to get back to work."
Kelly brushes away the tears with the back of her hand then flips the reeds in the diffuser before leaving the restroom. Olivia closes her eyes thinking about the overpriced diffuser she placed in Fitz' office. It seems so ridiculous right now.
XXX
Olivia sits quietly on the side of the bed watching her husband rifle through his drawer for a tee shirt. She has been thinking about her encounter with Kelly earlier and the reality of their circumstances saddens her.
"If we decide to move —we have to find a new school for Cena", she says solemnly.
"Private", Fitz says with finality as he pulls the tee shirt over his head.
"How can you say private? There are so many options we should consider."
"Liv – "
"I want a school that is diverse — a mix of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Cena would benefit from being in a school where there are children from all kinds of backgrounds, Fitz." He slams the drawer shut in frustration. He is not in the mood for another diversity discussion tonight.
"What's wrong with you? What are you trying to prove?"
"What are you talking about?" She says defensively.
"This socioeconomic integration in schools is just the latest attempt at social engineering. We have the resources to send our children to any one of the fine private schools in the area, and you want to what – send Cena to a low-performing school? On what planet does that make any sense?"
"It's a moral issue, Fitz. It's important to understand that the inequality we see, school segregation, is both structural and systemic. But it's also upheld by individual choices. As long as individual parents continue to make choices that only benefit their own children there won't be any change", trying to make an intellectual case about an emotional situation. He looks at her as if she has lost her mind and shakes his head.
"Let's get one thing straight, Olivia. My children aren't going to be a part of anybody's damn social experiment - so you need to get that out of your head. The public schools in the city are a complete mess – have been for decades – and it's going to take decades to fix them. I will do all I can to help - but my children won't be a part of the equation."
"Isn't it hypocritical of us — people like us - who say they believe in equality until it comes to where we live or what school they send their children. I need to live my values — not contribute to the problem."
"You can live your values – but if we move – which is becoming less likely - my children won't be going to some underperforming school."
"Nothing will change if people like us continue to send their children to private schools. Research shows that socioeconomic diversity in schools can improve -"
"Where we choose to send our daughter to school won't have a damn thing to do with any research", yanking back the bedcovers and climbing into bed.
"Fitz, the poor -."
"Poor is the operative word, Olivia. We're not poor and I won't pretend to be. We live where we can afford to live and we send Cena to a school we can afford. I don't know why we have to keep having this discussion."
"Well – "
"What do you want, Olivia, because you can't have it both ways", he says, thoroughly frustrated. "You no longer want to live in Church Falls because you say it's not diverse enough. Okay — I get that. Now you're complaining about the lack of diversity in the city's schools. What you fail to realize is the city is as racially polarized as Church Falls. This isn't about diversity – and it certainly isn't about our daughter. You know it and I know it."
"It's unfair", she shouts.
"It has always been unfair. Do you think the economic disparities just started because you're now noticing them? It's been going on since the beginning of time."
"That doesn't make it right."
"Then do something about it – fix it. Isn't that why Bryson hired you. But - don't think you're going to put our children at risk because you can't seem to get over your guilt. You better decide what you want to do because I'm tired of having this circular this discussion."
Her bottom lip trembles and she starts to cry. He closes his eyes and runs his hand down his face. He does not want to upset her but he is tired of going around and around. Too much is going on for them to have the same debate over and over.
"What is this about, Livvie? I thought we were beyond this", he says wearily.
"I spoke with Kelly today", finally ready to reveal what tonight's discussion is really about. "She says Cena and Asha can't be friends because she wants to protect her daughter."
"Protect her — from what?" Looking at her with surprise.
"From our families' differences —economic differences. She says Asha wonders why she doesn't have nice things like Cena — why they don't live in a big house. Fitz, she even brought up the trip to Seattle to see Misty Copeland. Cee apparently told Asha about the trip before I had a chance to speak with Kelly. I should've made time to talk to her", she says softly.
"Liv, you're not responsible for Asha's circumstances – and Cena damn sure isn't." Lip still trembling, she looks at him with sadness in her eyes. "I won't let Kelly or anyone else make my daughter feel ashamed about who she is. I won't let her shoulder that kind of responsibility, Liv. Do you understand?" Olivia slowly nods her head as she wipes the tears from her face.
"I'm so damned tired of being judged because of what we have - what we've worked hard for. Nobody gave us a damn thing. People have no idea what we sacrificed to build our businesses. And yes - Cena and Jolie will benefit from our success — but they shouldn't be ashamed of it – I won't allow it."
"Cee doesn't even know why she and Asha can no longer be friends", Olivia says sadly.
"Liv, Kelly has every right to do what she believes is best for her daughter – but so do we", taking her hand in his. "If Kelly doesn't want Asha to be friends with Cena then that's her choice. But - I will protect my daughter the same way she wants to protect hers."
"It shouldn't have to be this way, Fitz. A line shouldn't be drawn. This is not Asha's fault."
"And it damn sure isn't Cena's fault", he says emphatically.
"She's still sad, babe."
"I know — but she'll get over it — is getting over it. And when we move", deciding in the moment that is best for their family.
"What?" She says tearfully, and he brushes the back of his hand over her cheek and smiles.
"When we move — we'll find a school that is diverse – in every way. A school where Cena can make new friends. A school with a lot of extra-curricular activities. A school where she can choose what she wants to do. Okay?" Bringing her hand to his lips.
"Are you sure?" She asks through the sniffles.
"I'm sure. We're going to move."
XXX
When Olivia enters the kitchen carrying Jolie on her hip, she greets her mother and Hildie in a sing-song voice. She is feeling much better this morning since talking with Fitz last night. He is right, they cannot fix all the social inequities of the city, nor can they put their family at risk trying to do so. But she also knows, to whom much is given, much is expected. As she sets Jolie in the high chair, her smile quickly fades when whatever Hildie is cooking connects with her nose. She wants to fling open the kitchen door and windows tolet in fresh is right, something is wrong with Hildie.
"You're in a good mood this morning, Livvia", Gwendolyn says as she stirs honey into the ginger tea.
"It's a good day, mom. Right Miss Jo? Isn't it a good day big girl?" Jolie squeals and reaches for her mother's necklace and Hildie smiles to herself when she hears the baby's squeal.
"Every day is a good, Livvia", Gwendolyn says as she brings the mug of steaming ginger tea to her lips. Hildie sets Olivia's breakfast in front of her and Olivia walks across the room to open the window.
"Mom, Fitz has agreed to move to the city", she says excitedly as she returns to her seat.
"He has?"
"He has. Of course - he insists on Cena going to private school — he won't budge on that. I'm so excited."
"I'm happy for you, baby. Fitzgerald is a good man. He always does what's best for his family. So — have you found a house?"
"No - not yet. Fitz' requirements are so specific", she sighs. "Joan, our realtor, is having a hard time finding something he likes. We've looked at — well I don't remember how many houses we've seen", she says, pushing aside her plate.
"I'm sure you'll find something that you both like."
"I hope it's soon — I want Cena to be in her new school in September. I'm bummed I can't look at more houses this week. I have to work on my report for Bryson and we have to finish planning somebody's birthday party", playfully pinching her daughter's chubby cheek.
"I'll prepare all the food, ma'am", Hildie says excitedly and Olivia frowns as she continues to scan the party's to-do list. "And, I'll bake the cake, too, ma'am."
"That's a lot of work, Hildie. We can just order a cake from the bakery", hoping to discourage the woman from wanting to take ownership of the second most important part of the birthday celebration.
"I insist, ma'am. I assure you it's no trouble at all. I want to make our baby something special."
"Okay", Olivia says reluctantly as she turns to her mother. "You and dad are going to pick up the decorations - right?"
"We have it covered. Livvia, I've gotten Jolie the most gift for her birthday", Gwendolyn gushes.
"Mom, Jolie hears everything we say. You don't want to ruin the surprise", smiling at her daughter who is looking around the kitchen. "I've told Fitz more than once he needs to watch his language around her. Jo is like a sponge - she absorbs everything."
"Well - Nana doesn't have a potty mouth— isn't that right, Jolie?" Brushing her finger under Jolie's chin, causing the baby to smile and grab for the jingling bracelet.
"Mom, Nora's coming to the party." The dish suddenly slips from Hilde's hand and crashes to the floor.
"Hildie, are you all right?" Gwendolyn says, rushing over to the woman.
"Hildie …." Olivia says, standing and looking at the woman with concern.
"I'm all right, ma'am. I'm so sorry", bending to pick up the shards of pottery.
"Sit down, Hildie, I'll get that", Gwendolyn says, guiding the woman to a seat at the island.
"I'm fine, ma'am."
"Sit down, Hildie", Gwendolyn insists. Olivia closely eyes a shaken Hildie. Something is wrong; Hildie has been acting strange lately.
"Drink this, Hildie", Gwendolyn says, offering the woman a glass of water.
"Hildie, is something wrong? Are you all — "
"Yes — yes, ma'am. I'm fine", taking a sip of water.
"You should go lie down, Hildie. I'll clean this", Gwendolyn says.
"I'm fine, ma'am."
"Lie down, Hildie. We'll handle things here", Olivia insists, placing a comforting hand on Hilde's shoulder.
"Yes, ma'am", Hildie finally complies, walking from the kitchen with head bowed.
"Something's going in with Hildie, mom."
"I've noticed", Gwendolyn says as she sweeps the broken pottery onto the dust pan.
"Has she said something to you?"
"Hilde's a private woman, Livvia. She seems like a woman who has a sad past", Gwendolyn says as she drops the broken pottery pieces into the waste bin.
"Why would say that?"
"A person who never shares anything about their life has a lot they want to keep secret – and they can't be good."
XXX
When Fitz walks into the bedroom with the towel draped around his waist, he notices his wife frowning as she sets the jar of cream onto the nightstand.
"What's the matter?" Letting the towel drop to the floor as he digs into the drawer for a pair of pajama bottoms.
"I'm almost out of my body butter. I keep forgetting to buy a jar when I'm in the city", licking her lips reflexively as she stares at his manhood.
"You see something you like?" Smiling as he pulls on his pajama bottoms.
"Babe — I think you might be right — something's going on with Hildie."
"I told you, Liv", pulling the tee shirt over his head. "The bedcovers — her cooking. What happened now?" He asks as he climbs into bed.
"When we were planning Jo's party, she suddenly dropped a dish. It was as if she was shaken by something. I don't know — something just isn't right. Maybe she needs some time off. Maybe taking care of Jo and everything else is too much for her."
"You need to talk to her, Liv — find out what's going on. If she's not capable of taking care of Jo then we need to start looking for a daycare."
"Mom thinks Hildie has a lot of secrets."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know. Mom thinks there is something in Hildie's past", looking over her shoulder at him. "You ran a background check on her — right? Was there anything unusual in her file?"
"She didn't have a criminal record since living in the States for the past 30 years. Her references were impeccable." Fitz makes a mental note to have Chuck investigate Hildie again.
"Why don't you talk to her, babe. She likes you — Mr. Grant", mimicking Hilde's Austrian accent.
"You talk to her, Liv. I don't want to make her nervous. Do it soon —I don't want anything to happen to my daughter."
Olivia crawls across the bed and straddles him, slowly brushing her lips over his. "Yes —I saw something I very much like", she says, slipping her tongue into his mouth.
He devours her mouth as one hand caresses her butt and the other works to push his bottoms over his hips and down his thighs. His rigid manhood springs free and Olivia quickly lowers herself onto him, gasping as he slowly fills her.
"Oh — God", she exhales, closing her eyes as she slowly swirls her hips. Enjoying the feel of her wetness gliding up and down, he kisses her hard. He feels the difference, so he pulls her closer, kissing her with all his love. They ride each other fast and hard, each wanting a quick release. Down the hall, Bowtie's ears shoot up when he hears the familiar sounds coming from the bedroom.
XXX
Olivia cannot believe her recommendation to Bryson is due in a few short weeks. She shakes her head as she sits at the desk in their home office reading the Satell report on the state of nonprofit organizations in the city. According to the report, it has gotten harder for nonprofits to fund-raise. There has been a proliferation of nonprofits in the city at a time when there is not enough funding to go around. Many of the large corporations that nonprofits relied on for funding have long left the city, resulting in organizations competing for the finite dollars. Olivia sighs because she is all-too familiar with the challenges of raising funds to support a cause in which you believe. To make matters worse, most of the nonprofits in the city are not well organized and barely have enough in reserve funds to pay the utility bills. She knows it is going to be difficult finding the right organizations to implement the philanthropic plan she is drafting for Bryson.
Jolie stops gnawing on the red ball and drops it onto the play mat. She looks over at her mother and claps her hands; she is ready to play, again. Olivia smiles at her daughter and realizes it is almost time for her lunch.
"Come on baby girl — let's get you some lunch. You've been such a good girl all morning while mommy's been working", bending to pick up a gurgling Jolie.
The doorbell interrupts their late morning conversation and Olivia wonders who is visiting at this time of the day. Carrying Jolie on her hip, she looks at the monitor to see who is at the door. Lately, Fitz has been insisting she always check the monitor before opening the door.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. I have a delivery that requires a signature", the young man dressed in the brown uniform says.
"Of course,", Olivia says, shifting Jolie on her hip so she can sign for the package.
"Here you go, ma'am", the delivery man says as he places the square box in Olivia's other arm. "Have a good day", flashing Olivia and Jolie a smile before turning to leave.
Olivia balances the package under her arm and kicks the door closed. She places the package on the foyer table and resets the alarm. She does not want to hear Fitz complain about her being home alone with the alarm system disarmed. She reads the name on the package and wonders what her husband has ordered. Olivia walks toward the kitchen thinking whoever said working from home is easy surely did not have a family or had someone to help around the house. Olivia is doing the lion's share of work around the how since she insisted Hildie take the rest of the week off, with pay, of course. Although Hildie resisted, she finally relented when Olivia made it clear the matter was not up for discussion.
When Olivia reaches the kitchen, she stops abruptly in the doorway and gasps when she sees the floor is covered with trash from the bin and Cheerios are scattered everywhere. With the evidence of his crime still stuck on his head, Bowtie's eyes widen because he has been caught. But he is hungry, and Olivia always forgets to feed him when Hildie has the day off.
"What did you do?" Olivia screeches as she runs toward the dog, but Bowtie scampers to the other side of the island, trying to escape her wrath. The box of Cheerios falls from his head, sending the rest of the cereal over the floor.
"Get – get. Get out of here you - you …." Jolie laughs out loud as Bowtie runs from the kitchen and up the stairs to Cena's bedroom. He hides under the bed until his best friend comes home from school.
XXX
Fitz glances at his watch, it is almost noon and he needs to get down to the waterfront to tour a house he thinks might be perfect for them. It has almost everything on his must-have list, and it is near the bay, something Olivia wants. Victoria taps on the door then walks in carrying documents for his signature.
"I'll sign those later, Victoria", he says, flipping through a stack of papers on the desk. "Just leave them until I return this afternoon."
"All right", eyeing him suspiciously. "I didn't know you had an outside appointment this today."
"It's a personal appointment", grabbing his cell phone from the desk.
"I see", catching a glimpse of printouts for the houses Joan sent over. "Are you house hunting?" She asks with surprise.
"We are", running his fingers through his hair as he continues to rifle through the papers. He makes a note to file the papers when he returns. He does not want Olivia to see the desk is getting messy again the next time she visits. "Liv wants to move into the city", he says, and Victoria rolls her eyes at the mention of his wife's name.
"Wow, that's a really big move. I thought you were more of a suburbs guy", picking up one of the listings from the desk and reading the description of the property.
"We think the city would be good for the girls."
"I see. Will Mrs. Grant be touring the house with you?"
"No. Liv's busy this afternoon. Besides - I want to surprise her — if it's the right house for us."
"That's so sweet. I love touring new homes. How about I go with you – give you a woman's perspective — in Mrs. Grant's absence?"
"Victoria, that's kind of you —I'm sure you have better things to do."
"I don't mind at all, Fitz. Like I said — I love touring the newer homes in the city. And from the looks of this listing it's quite impressive. I'll meet you at the elevator in five minutes", she says quickly before he can change his mind.
"You sure you don't mind?"
"Not at all. Elevator in five", her red lips stretching into a broad smile as she sashays from the office.
XXX
Down on the second floor of City Hall,Janice Roberson smiles as she dials the all-too familiar phone number. She leans back in the chair, fingering her pearls, and waiting for him to answer. Things are beginning to heat up.
"They're on the move, Mr. Mayor."
"Thank you, Janice, I won't forget this", Wilson says, excitedly. He hangs up the desk phone and quickly grabs his cell phone and presses the number on speed dial.