A/N: Emma, unfortunately, Fitz is not yet willing to admit that he cannot do it all. And, after their experience with Hildie, he is unwilling to bring another stranger into their home. You're right, Nora does need the support of her siblings/family. Olivia is in a high-pressure job and she needs to learn how to balance it all without sacrificing her health. Don't worry, there won't be another crazy Charlie. Yes, Olivia now decides who gets funding to support Fred Bryson's goals, but she has to partner with the community leaders to make the dream a reality. Kandyse4olitz, Asha is not living with the Grants full time, just three days a week. Most of you figured out Jolie was the stasher. Olivia and Fitz better keep their eyes on her. See sees and hears everything. Abby has a lot of healing to do. Cleo, bleach in the eyes. Too funny. Guest 1, you can blow smoke up my a**. I respect the readers and you all care enough to provide feedback. Guest 2, I assume the stress you're referring to is related to Olivia's work. Olivia has a job to do, and I think she will learn how to deal with the stress in her life.
Thanks all for continuing to read and comment on this story. I'm going back to bed to fight my cold. Here we go!
Chapter 60. Daddy's Summer Camp
Olivia is tying herself in knots trying to decide which organizations should receive a Bryson grant. She has gotten so lost in re-examining and re-evaluating the profiles of the nonprofits that she cannot make up her mind. Two weeks have passed since she hosted the meeting with the leaders and she has yet to award a grant to anyone. Designing the philanthropy program was relatively easy, but figuring out who should receive funding is proving to be far more challenging. Fred Bryson has entrusted her with a 10-million-dollar budget and she does not want to make a mistake. She does not want to disappoint him. She does not want to disappoint anyone. Her indecisiveness is making her irascible and anxious.
After spending the day at her Bryson Foods office re-reading financial statements, the last thing Olivia wants to do is come home to a messy house and do laundry. Yet here she is, toting a laundry basket from bedroom to bedroom, emptying hampers, and filling the basket with clothes, towels, and bed linens. Irritated that her husband does not seem to understand that doing the laundry, like cooking and taking care of the children, falls under the broad umbrella of his housekeeping responsibilities, she stomps from Asha's bedroom. She is not sure how much more of this she can take.
The lines deepen in Fitz' forehead when he walks from their bedroom and sees his wife walking down the hall and carrying a laundry basket overflowing with clothes.
"What are you doing?" Stooping down and gathering up the clothes that have spilled onto the floor.
"What does it look like?" Not trying to mask her annoyance as she stomps toward the laundry room.
"Give me that, Liv. I told you I would do the laundry", trying to take the basket from her hands.
"You said that two weeks ago. The girls need clean clothes, Fitz", tugging the basket from his hands.
"They have plenty of clothes, Liv", still tugging at the basket.
"Asha doesn't. I wasn't expecting her to be here for another week. She needs clean clothes - we all do." The tug-of-war with the laundry basket continues.
"I got this, Liv."
"No - you don't have it, Fitz. What are you going to do — wait until they're down to their last pair of pajamas before doing the laundry? Admit that you're in over your head."
"I'm not. Perhaps a few chores have gotten overlooked — but I'm handling things. I was planning on doing the laundry tomorrow."
"A few chores? This house is falling apart. The furniture needs to be polished. The bathrooms need to be scrubbed and your kitchen looks like a crime scene."
Olivia stuffs clothes into the washer, pours in the detergent, then sets the wash cycle. As the tub fills with water she glares at her husband and delivers one last warning.
"You either get this house in order or I'm going to find a housekeeper", pushing past him and storming angrily off to their bedroom. Forking his fingers through his hair, Fitz sighs as he looks down at the laundry piled in the basket.
XXX
After finishing the laundry, Olivia cloisters herself in their home office, away from the rest of the family. She needs a break from everyone and everything. She pulls on the sweater Fitz keeps folded across the arm of the chair then flips open her tablet. She and Fitz are deadlocked about how to handle their housekeeping problem. He refuses to bring another stranger into their home and she continues to say they need help because he is not maintaining the house the way she likes. Two hours later, satisfied that she has found a solution to their problem, Olivia tucks the tablet under her arm and walks from the study. She stands in the entryway to the family room shaking her head at the sight of toys and shoes strewn across the floor. She sighs as she sits on the sofa and stretches her achy feet across his lap. Fitz looks up from his book with an apologetic smile and gently massage her swollen feet.
"Look at your tablet, babe."
"Why?" Focused again on reading his book.
"I just sent you a file – an infographic." Fitz stops massaging her feet and looks over at his wife questioningly.
"A what?"
"Just open the file, Fitz."
He sets the book onto the seat cushion and picks up his tablet from the table situated next to the sofa. He taps his long index finger on the screen and creases form in his forehead when the colorful graphic displays.
"What's this?"
"It's a home maintenance plan. Hacks for cleaning, cooking, and doing activities with the girls."
"Hacks?" Looking at his wife in confusion.
"Shortcuts, babe — to help you get through the things you need to do so you can do what you want to do. It's color-coded. The blue box contains the cleaning schedule. The yellow box contains play time and other activities you can do with the girls. The green box contains your meal plan. Tap the green box", she says eagerly.
Fitz frowns and carefully touches the green box with his index finger.
"You see — a meal plan for every day of the week displays. You don't have to spend time every day trying figure out what to cook. Once a week you enter your meal plan in the green box."
She reaches over his arm and taps the blue box.
"Here's your checklist for cleaning the entire house. On Mondays you clean the first floor. On Tuesdays you clean the upstairs – change the bed linens. On Wednesdays –"
"I get the idea, Liv", he says with a tinge of annoyance in his voice. She taps the yellow box.
"Tapping the yellow box shows the days you can do activities with the girls. Every day can't be playtime, Fitz. They need structure."
He studies the infographic for a moment longer then tosses the tablet onto the sofa. Olivia looks down at the tablet then back at him.
"I don't need pictures to show me how to manage this house, Olivia", he says gruffly as he stands and walks into the kitchen. Olivia glances over at the girls playing happily across the room before following him into the kitchen. The three little girls are unaware that a storm is building.
"You can't handle the girls and the house without a schedule, Fitz. You need structure. You need to get organized."
He closes the refrigerator door and slowly unscrews the top from the bottle of seltzer, releasing the tiny gas bubbles from the carbonated water. Olivia takes a few steps toward him and quiets her voice so the children do not overhear, but there is no mistaking her message. She is fed up.
"You can't be Mr. Rogers and the housekeeper, too. I told you Cee and Asha need to be in summer camp - so they can be around children their age. Instead - you started Daddy's Summer Camp."
Fitz' eyes darken and he stares into her eyes as he brings the bottle to his lips. Then, in an equally forceful tone, he reiterates his position on summer camp.
"I told you once — camp is out of the question. I can provide the girls whatever some camp will give them." Olivia wants to grab him by the lapels and shake him until he comes to his senses.
"Fitz –"
"We're done talking about this, Olivia."
"What do you mean we're done talking about this? The girls are getting out of control and I don't have time to do my job and your job, too."
Fitz grips the bottle and the sound of plastic crackling echoes throughout the room. Olivia stares at the crushed bottle in his clenched hand then looks up at his hardened face. Fitz glances toward the family room then takes a few steps toward his wife.
"One - the girls are not out of control - they're just being children. Two – we're not getting a housekeeper. It's my job to take of this house. Three — I haven't asked you to do any work around here. Have I?"
"Why won't you admit you need help? Why won't you use the plan?"
"Because it's your plan, Olivia. I know how to create schedules and organize activities. I've done it for many years – or have you forgotten?"
Olivia resists the urge to roll her eyes at the not-so veiled reference to his former life as a Navy captain, so with eyes narrowed, she folds her arms over her full breasts and glares at him. With lips pressed together, Fitz returns the stare before walking back to the family room. Now the discussion is over.
"Dammit", he yells when his bare foot lands on a hard, plastic toy. Cena, Asha, and Jolie turn and look at him hopping around on one foot.
XXX
Fitz quietly crawls out of bed and heads down to the kitchen. He wants to fix a special breakfast this morning with the hope of alleviating the tension between him and his wife. He knows Olivia is trying to help, but he wishes she would try to understand that his way of managing the house and the girls is not the same as hers. Nevertheless, hefeels horrible about their argument last night because upsetting his wife is the last thing he wants to do, especially now that she is pregnant. With a history of antenatal depression, the likelihood that Olivia will experience the condition again is high. At their last prenatal check-up, Dr. Perry reminded them the importance of maintaining a low-stress environment and Olivia getting plenty of rest.
As he sets another frying pan onto the burner, Olivia walks into the kitchen carrying Jolie on her hip. She glances around at all the bowls lined on the counter and frowns at the mess. However, she guards her tongue since he was not receptive to her infographic last night.
"You're up early this morning", pecking him on the cheek. Fitz wraps his arm around her waist and pulls her close.
"Good morning, Mrs. Grant", giving her a long kiss. "Did you sleep well?"
"I slept fine", looking at him curiously.
"I don't want you worrying about anything around here, Liv. I have everything under control", pecking her on the lips. She does not have enough energy to fight with him this morning, so she simply nods her head.
"Dada. Dada", Jolie coos, smacking her lips together. She wants a kiss, too. Fitz covers her face with wet kisses and she bounces up and down in her mother's arms squealing with laughter.
"I'm making a special breakfast for all my girls this morning - French toast", he says, walking back to the counter to whisk together the eggs, milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar.
"Ah", she says, filling Jolie's sippy cup with almond milk. "I have a meeting with Marion at City Hall this morning. She couldn't get away for lunch today", setting Jolie in her high chair.
"That's good", he says, stacking slices of Brioche on the counter.
"Is it good that I'm meeting Marion at City Hall or is it good that she can't get away for lunch?" She asks playfully, filling her mug with hot water.
"Daddy – daddy. Good morning, daddy", Cena yells as she and Asha run into the kitchen dressed in their pajamas.
"Good morning, Princess", kissing his daughter on the forehead as she climbs onto her stool. "Good morning, Asha", pecking Asha on her forehead, too.
"Good morning, Baaba", Asha says, smiling up at Fitz.
"Good morning, girls", Olivia says, removing the tea ball from the mug.
"Good morning, GoGo."
"Good morning, mommy. Daddy, Asha and I want panny cakes today."
Olivia leans against the counter and waits to see how her husband will respond to the unexpected request.
"Daddy is making French toast this morning, Princess", turning over the bacon that is sizzling in the skillet.
"We don't want French toast, daddy. Right, Asha?" Asha shakes her head from side to side.
Olivia brings the mug to her lips and watches her husband. He is trying to figure out how to respond to the two little girls. He looks at their faces then back at the stack of bread on the counter.
"Well – okay — but we'll have to eat French toast tomorrow morning. Deal?"
Asha and Cena look at each other then nod their heads up and down.
"Deal, daddy."
"Deal, Baaba."
"Okay — panny cakes it is."
"Yay", Cena and Asha scream. Jolie squeals and claps her hands.
Olivia rolls her eyes and shakes her head in disbelief. The world-renowned negotiator seems to have forgotten that everything is not negotiable, especially when it comes to children.
"Baaba's breakfast is better than the breakfast I eat at school."
"You eat breakfast at school?" Cena asks innocently.
"I eat breakfast and lunch at school - but I don't like it", Asha frowns as she watches Fitz pour flour into the large red and white ceramic bowl.
"Why?" Cena asks, because she likes the lunch served at her school.
"It's nasty – but mommy say I have to eat it." Olivia and Fitz glance at each other.
"Why?" Cena asks with interest, but Asha simply shrugs her shoulders.
"Babe – I have to get going. I'll be back around three", pecking him on the lips.
"Aren't you going to eat breakfast? You have to eat, Liv", locking eyes with her and sending a silent message that she needs to eat for three. She grabs a slice of bread from the stack and takes a bite.
"You won't be needing this."
"Bread isn't enough, Olivia."
"I'll get something later. Have a good day, girls", kissing Cena and Asha on their cheeks. "Jo – keep an eye on things around here", kissing Jolie on the top of the head.
"Bye, mommy."
"Bye, GoGo."
With elbows resting on the granite island top, Cena and Asha lean forward and watch with great interest as Fitz ladles the pancake batter into the sizzling frying pan.
"Baaba makes the best panny cakes ever."
"The best", Cena agrees. Fitz smiles as he flips the first batch of panny cakes.
XXX
Olivia pushes the heavy glass and brass revolving door and inhales deeply as she steps inside the lobby of City Hall. Several months have passed since she learned her husband was using opioids. The memory of him sliding the small brown bottle of pills from his desk drawer is burned in her mind forever. She takes another deep breath then walks over to the security guard's desk.
"Good morning, Dennis", Olivia says with a kind smile.
"Good morning, Mrs. Grant. It's good to see you - it's been a while", Dennis says, slyly glancing at the buttoned suit jacket straining against her stomach. "How's the council president doing these days? I hope he's enjoying his summer."
"He's doing fine, Dennis. I'll let him know that you asked."
"How can I help you today, ma'am?"
"I have a meeting with Dr. Harris and I cannot remember where her office is located."
"Dr. Harris is on this floor. Go down the hall and make a right at the corner. She's in Suite 124."
"Thank you, Dennis. Enjoy the rest of your summer."
"You as well, Mrs. Grant", thinking the council president has been a busy man as he watches Olivia walk away.
When Olivia turns the corner, she collides with what feels like a mountain, causing her to stumble backward.
"Oh – excuse me. I wasn't …. Darius? How are you? It's so good to see you", she says in a somewhat startled tone.
Darius sneers at Olivia's swollen stomach with disdain then continues walking down the hall without responding. Olivia shakes her head, thinking under the circumstances she could not expect a friendlier response. She proceeds down the hall to Marion's office.
XXX
"Olivia – I'm sorry you had to come to City Hall today – but I couldn't get away for lunch. I'm trying to wrap up so many things before going away."
"Oh – I didn't realize you were going out of town."
"Yes – I just assumed …. Have a seat, Olivia", Marion says, flopping down into her chair. "Ben and I are going on vacation – to Iceland", she says with a broad smile.
"Wow – that's sounds wonderful. When do you leave?"
"Two weeks — and I cannot wait."
"That's terrific, Marion. I'm sure you and Ben are going to love it. Are you going to Reykjavik?"
"We are – and drive along the southern coast. We both need a break. After being tortured by Mayor Wilson for months and now Ben is stressed about the new Chief of Cardiology policies – well - we both need a getaway."
"Well enjoy – and I want to hear all about it when you return."
"Can I get you something to drink?" Glancing at Olivia's protruding stomach.
"No – I'm fine. Thank you."
"What can I do for you, Olivia?"
"Marion – I'm having a terrible time deciding which organizations I should award a Bryson grant. They all are in such dire need – but some of them are so far in debt that it would be pointless to give them funding."
"Throwing good money after bad", Marion says.
"I'm afraid so. The organizations I select must be fairly stable and align with Fred Bryson's goals."
"Which are?"
"Ultimately Fred wants to help to revitalize the city. He wants to invest in early-childhood education —retain college students after graduation — and attract families from the suburbs to the city. But - education is at the top of his list. He understands the role of education in lifting people out of poverty."
Marion nods in understanding.
"As the Director of Public Health – you interact with many of the local organizations. Do you know what organizations are stable and have a reputation for doing good work in the community?"
"I agree with Fred Bryson, education is a major issue in our city, Olivia - but we also have real drug problem. This past weekend there were six opioid overdoses and two deaths."
Olivia shivers internally and rubs her stomach.
"The latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that overdoses and deaths from prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl are on the rise across the country – and it is straining the foster care systems."
Olivia crinkles her brow, not making the connection between drugs and foster care.
"More and more minor children are being removed from their homes because of parental drug use or deaths. The number of children in foster care across the country has increased by about 10 percent."
Olivia's mouth falls open.
"This drug crisis has affected children who did not have a say in it, Olivia."
"My god – I had no idea."
"Right now - it's as important an issue as education. So - you might want to consider funding one of those drug treatment programs. Children need their parents, Olivia - they don't need to be housed in foster care." Marion says with conviction as she scribbles on a piece of paper. "Contact this organization. They have done a wonderful job over the years helping people to get off drugs. I can vouch for them", handing Olivia the paper. Olivia immediately recognizes the name of the organization.
"Thank you, Marion – you've been very helpful – as usual", folding the slip of paper and dropping it into her purse. "There is so much that I don't know about the inner city. I'm not sure if I can really launch a philanthropy program when I don't really understand all the needs."
"You have to talk to the people, Olivia. Meet with some of the nonprofit leaders who've been working on these issues for years."
"I have. It didn't go well."
"Why – what happened?"
"A lot of shouting. A lot of frustration – which I understand – of course. Most just don't meet the criteria to receive funding."
"That's a shame – but I'm confident you'll do the right thing, Olivia."
"Well - I better let you get back to work. Enjoy your vacation", standing and walking toward the door.
"Olivia – don't let this philanthropy business make you too stressed. You'll figure it out", glancing at her friend's stomach. Olivia nods then remembers something else she wanted to ask Marion.
"One more thing, Marion."
"What is it, Olivia?"
"Asha, Cena's friend who is spending time at our home — she attends school in the city. She said something interesting this morning."
"What did she say?"
"She said that she eats breakfast and lunch in school. She says she doesn't like it."
"The School Breakfast Program is a federally funded meal program that provides free and reduced-price meals to low-income students across the country. The program was started in 1966. The National School Lunch Program is also a federally assisted meal program started by President Harry Truman in 1946."
"1946? I had no idea."
"Church Falls isn't exactly a low-income town, Olivia."
Olivia nods in agreement.
XXX
"May we go swimming today, daddy?" Cena asks as she and Asha sit at the granite island top eating their lunch.
"Of course – after you finish eating."
"Mommy says we have to wait one hour after eating before we can swim", Cena informs Asha. Fitz shakes his head when his daughter repeats the old wives' tale Olivia insists they adhere to.
"Why?" Asha asks. Cena simply shrugs her shoulders and bites into her sandwich.
"Are you going to swim today, Asha?" Fitz asks.
"Say yes, Asha. My daddy can teach you."
"I don't have a swimsuit", Asha says in a small voice, using her latest excuse for not wanting to get into the pool.
"You can wear one of mine. I have lots – right, daddy? Come on — let's go to my room and put on our swimsuits."
"Don't be so pushy, Cee. Asha will swim when she's ready. Finish your lunch."
XXX
Another day of cooking and entertaining the girls has come to an end and Fitz just wants to crawl in bed and sleep. He frowns as he walks into the bedroom and sees his wife wearing one of his white dress shirts, but he is too tired to ask why she has traded in her nightgowns for his shirt.
"Everybody's asleep", he says, unfastening his watch and tossing it onto the night table.
"When are you going to stop reading Goodnight Moon, babe?" Rolling up the sleeves of the oversized shirt. "Cena and Asha are too old for that book." He ignores the question because he still enjoys reading the book to his girls.
"How did your meeting with Marion go?" Unzipping his cargo shorts.
"Marion is a fountain of information, babe. Did you know she and Ben are going on vacation – to Iceland?" Rubbing Jolie's lotion on her arm.
"No", stepping out of his shorts.
"Well they are. They're leaving in two weeks. So - what happened around here today? I couldn't get a word out of Jo", she says with a chuckle.
"We spent the afternoon in the pool", dropping his clothes into the hamper then climbing into bed.
"I see. Did Asha swim today?"
"No - she's still afraid. She'll get in when she's ready. Jo is going to need more lotion", watching Olivia slather more baby lotion onto her arm.
"Babe – do you realize that Asha has been with us for a whole week. When Kelly asked us to watch her – it was supposed to be for three nights a week."
"It's no big deal, Liv. I like having her here and Cee certainly enjoys having her around."
"That's not the point. Kelly said three days — I just don't want her to take advantage of our generosity."
"Are you saying you don't want Asha here?"
"That's not what I'm saying at all. I just want everyone to be on the same page. I haven't seen her at work these past few days."
"Kelly's just trying to work more hours to supplement her income, Liv."
"Perhaps", she says, contemplating the situation as she rubs lotion onto her leg. "Babe …"
"Hmm?" His eyes beginning to close.
"I've been watching you with the girls. You let them get away with too much."
"What do you mean you've been watching?" He asks sleepily.
"Babe – you change your plans to satisfy their every whim."
"What are you talking about?"
"You alter your plans when Cee and Asha want to do something different. It happened this morning at breakfast."
"What do you mean?" His eyes are now wide open.
"You were prepared to make French toast for breakfast — but you allowed the girls to change your mind."
"That's not a big deal, Liv."
"It wouldn't be a big deal if was an isolated incident – but it happens all the time. That's why you can't get anything done around here. That's why the laundry hadn't been done in weeks."
"They wanted panny cakes, Liv. Children have the right to express their preferences", he says somewhat annoyed. Olivia rolls her eyes at his use of the children's name for pancakes.
"Is it about them expressing what they want or is it that you are uncomfortable saying no to them? I know you, Fitz. I know who you are. The girls have you wrapped around their fingers."
He frowns at his wife.
"Babe — all I'm saying is you have to set limits — teach them about self-control."
"Some things are negotiable, Liv. I don't mind compromising if it's going to make everyone happy."
She looks at him in disbelief because he is not willing to compromise with her about getting a housekeeper or using her plan.
"You have to be strong, babe — assertive. You have to show them who's in control."
"I found a solution that works for them and for me. Besides — we're going to have French toast tomorrow."
She shakes her head. "That's not the point. They need to know that you can't always react to their every request."
"They're little girls, Liv. Do you want them in summer camp or boot camp?"
"They won't be little forever, Fitz. You won't get anything done around here if you allow them to pull you in every direction."
He sighs.
"You have to let me manage the house and the girls in my own way, Liv."
"But — "
"My way - okay, Boss Lady?" Kissing away her protest. She looks into his eyes for a long while before relenting.
"Fine."
He smiles and he crawls back to his side of the bed.
XXX
As Fitz picks up his little stasher, he glances over at Cena and Asha sitting on the sofa and playing with the tablet. He has to keep Jolie close because she is still hiding things. Yesterday he found a half-eaten jelly sandwich stuffed into one of the table drawers in the family room.
"Girls - I'm going to clean the kitchen. You two play in here until I'm finished. Okay?"
"Okay, daddy."
"Okay, Baaba."
Ten minutes later, Asha is standing at the kitchen doorway demanding his attention.
"Are you finished, Baaba?"
"Not yet, Ash", closing the dishwasher door.
"Cena and I need you, Baaba."
"After I finish cleaning the kitchen, sweetheart", setting the frying pans into the sink.
"Why?" She is not used to Baaba not snapping to attention when she wants something.
Fitz looks over at the persistent little girl with the big brown eyes, then over at his daughter who joined her friend in the doorway. They both stare at him with pleading eyes.
"Well — maybe just for a minute", lifting Jolie from the high chair as he walks from the kitchen.
"Yay", Cena and Asha scream as they run back into the family room.
"Baaba – look. Cena and I want you to make this", Asha says, pushing the tablet toward him. He looks down at the picture of the tent decorated with colorful lights and frowns.
"I'm not sure, Ash."
"Please, Baaba — please."
"Please, daddy — please. It's going to be so cool, daddy."
"So cool, Baaba."
"Dada. Dada", Jolie says giving her father a toothy grin as she reaches for the screen.
"Okay - but I need to check if I have all the materials."
"Yay", Asha and Cena scream and jump up and down.
"Let's get our pillows, Asha."
"And our blankets", Asha says as they run up the stairs. Fitz smiles at Jolie who is bouncing in his arms.
XXX
Five minutes should do it he thinks as he stretches out onto the sofa. He lay a sleeping Jolie on his chest and closes his eyes. A quick five-minute nap is all he needs to re-energize after spending all morning and part of the afternoon building the tent. An hour later, Bowtie looks up when he hears the beeping sound of the alarm system, but Asha and Cena continue working on their latest art project. Olivia smiles when she hears the hushed, conspiratorial voices and wonders what secret the two little girls are sharing. As she walks toward the family room carrying the grocery bag, she wonders if Jolie is also in on the secret.
"More, Cena", Asha whispers and Cena nods as she carefully applies more of the black Sharpie marker to the upper lip of her sleeping father. Olivia gasps when she reaches the family room and sees toys scattered everywhere and a huge tent with flashing lights in the middle of the room.
"Oh my god. What are you two doing?"
"GoGo, Baaba said to play quietly", Asha says in a low voice.
"While he takes a nap", Cena says in an equally low voice, holding the marker above her father's lip.
"Give me that marker, Cena", Olivia demands.
"GoGo, we give Baaba a mustache."
"Oh my god. Fitz. Wake up, Fitz."
"Hmm? What - what's wrong?" He slowly opens his eyes and sees five pairs of eyes staring at him.
"Get up, Fitz. Do you know what they're doing to you?" Olivia says in a panic. He lifts Jolie from his chest, leans back against the sofa cushion, and expels a loud yawn.
"How long have you been home?"
"How long have you been asleep?"
"I just closed my eyes for a few minutes, Liv."
"A few minutes? This didn't happen in a few minutes.", digging into her purse and pulling out the silver compact Nora gave her years ago. "Look", shoving the open compact in his hand. His eyes widen when he sees his reflection in the mirror.
"Do you like it, daddy?" Cena asks, smiling expectantly at his shocked face.
"Who. Did. This?" He asks sternly, looking back and forth between Cena and Asha.
"I did, daddy", Cena confesses when she hears the tone of her father's voice.
"We thought you needed a mustache, Baaba. Just like the man in the picture", Asha chimes in.
"You thought I needed a mustache, huh?"
Close to tears, Cena and Asha nod their heads up and down. Jolie nods her head, too, while Bowtie looks on with his tail wagging quickly. Fitz looks at the mirror again, then smiles.
"I like it. I've been thinking about growing a 'stache."
Olivia throws her hands up in frustration, kicks aside the toys littering the floor, and stomps toward the kitchen.
"Yay — he likes it", Asha squeals. Jolie clap her hands and Bowtie bark in agreement.
"I told you he would like it", Cena says.
"Mommy — look — I painted a picture like Aunt Nora", holding up the wet picture. Olivia's eyes widen as the wet paint threatens to drip onto the floor.
"That's really nice, Cee. Hold it over the table, baby - so the paint doesn't get on the floor."
"Look, GoGo — I made this for you", Asha holds up her wet paper as well. Olivia plasters on a fake smile as she watches the wet pain roll from the paper and onto the floor.
"That's absolutely beautiful", she says in an exaggerated tone. Asha smiles proudly and Olivia shoots her husband a dirty before storming from the room.
"Mommy — daddy said he's going to put the pictures on the internet."
"On The Book", Asha interjects, although she is not quite sure what The Book is. She hears her mother say it a lot."
XXX
Olivia's ire has officially reached the stratosphere and she has run out of patience with her husband. Coming home to a tent covered with Christmas lights in the middle of her family room and bed pillows and blankets strewn over the floor is the final straw.
"This has to stop, Fitz", her voice filled with frustration as she pulls the groceries from the eco-friendly shopping bags.
"What do you mean?" Watching her slamming the bottle of baby lotion onto the granite island top.
"Things are getting worse. You won't hire a housekeeper. You won't use my plan. I can't take this any longer. You're letting the children take over the house."
"That's not true", setting Jolie into the high chair.
"Have you opened your eyes long enough to see that paint is everywhere?"
"It's washable, Liv."
"That's not the point, Fitzgerald", closing her eyes and squeezing the loaf of bread.
"Calm down, Liv. It's no big deal. I'll clean it up."
"You say that every day — but nothing changes. I have too many things on my mind. I can't deal with this."
"Calm down."
She pulls the cherry popsicle from the freezer that she has been craving all day and Jolie bangs her hand on the high chair tray when she sees the frozen treat. Olivia smashes a few pieces into a bowl and sets it in front of the excited little girl. Jolie dips her hand into the bowl and her eyes widen when she feels the coldness.
"Use your spoon, Jo", placing the plastic spoon in her daughter's hand. "They have to go to summer camp. They don't need to be with you all day. Daddy's Summer Camp is over."
"No!"
"No? What do you mean no?" Squinting at him with hand resting on her widening hip. "You don't - can't - say no to them. I told you that. Now there's a tent out there."
"That's not true." She scowls at the proof that is literally written all over his face.
"I closed my eyes – just for a minute", he adds quickly.
"Why are you sleeping in the middle of the afternoon?"
"They want to do so many things."
"You can't sleep when you have three children in the house, Fitz. They can get into all kinds of mischief while you're sleeping."
"I've been a bad boy", smiling as he pulls her close.
"This is not funny. I've had enough."
"They're just having fun. You have to allow children to be children."
"That doesn't mean you allow them to destroy the house", she says in frustration.
"You're being hyperbolic", kissing down her neck.
"I swear, Fitz — if things don't get better around here they're going to camp and I'm calling Abby about Irma's sister."
"You know how sexy you look when you're upset with me?" He covers her mouth with his and she pushes him away.
"Wash that stupid mustache off your face and change Jo – she has a load in her diaper."
"Yes, ma'am", saluting her with that silly grin plastered on his face.
"And don't post those pictures on social media. I need to talk to Kelly first."
XXX
Feeling a bit nostalgic as she glances around the office waiting for Mona to return, Olivia thinks about the day the landlord put the keys to the tiny suite of offices into her hand. With nothing more than a deep belief in her cause and a few thousand dollars in the bank, she poured her entire being into making the foundation a success. The foundation will always be her professional baby. Olivia smiles when she thinks about the countless hours she and Ben spent scraping layers of wallpaper from the walls. They spent an equal number of hours painting the walls and staining the floors. After a few weeks of back-breaking labor, the place looked like new — well almost like new.
"A penny for your thoughts, Mrs. Grant", Mona smiles as she hands Olivia a mug of tea.
"I was just thinking about the day I leased this place, Mona. I had no idea what I was doing back then. I had no idea what I had gotten myself into."
"Well you sure fooled me. You sold me on the dream and I haven't looked back since."
"A lot has happened since then", Olivia says reminiscently."
"It certainly has", Mona says, sitting down and crossing her legs. "You're married to that handsome husband — have two adorable little girls – and have two more babies on the way. You also have a dream job. What more can you ask for?"
Olivia smiles. "So how are things working out with Marcella? Where is she?"
"She went to the store to pick up a few supplies. She'll be back in a few hours."
"Well tell her I'm sorry I missed her."
"I'm sure she'll be sorry she missed you. So tell me - how is the council president handling being a house-husband?"
"In the beginning — I thought he had everything under control — but now I'm starting to doubt if he can do it."
"Why?"
"Mona – Fitz is out of control. The house is a mess - and nothing is getting done. He spends all day playing with the girls. He built a tent in the family room the other day – then he fell asleep on the sofa. When I got home the girls had drawn a mustache on him – while he was sleeping."
Mona laughs out loud.
"It's not funny, Mona. Fitz said he could take care of the house and the girls. He's doing neither very well."
"Once these years are gone, Olivia – they're gone."
"What do you mean?" Giving Mona a curious look.
"Cena and Jolie won't be little girls forever, Olivia. It seems like Fitz just wants to enjoy them while he can. It sounds like the girls are enjoying him, too. That's special."
Olivia sighs.
"Fitz needs to do better."
"Maybe your standards are too high. Maybe you should give Fitz a break — give yourself a break. Perhaps you need to start caring less about the house and stop insisting that Fitz care more. After all, it's impossible for the man to do a good job at everything – to be a rock star at work, to be a great dad, and to keep the perfect home. If I had to sacrifice something - the dream of a perfectly clean home would easily be the first thing to go."
Olivia frowns because Mona's words sting.
"Maybe you should look at the things Fitz does rather than the things he doesn't do. Sure — he isn't huge on cleaning — but he spends time with those beautiful girls."
Olivia brings the mug to her lips and thinks about what Mona is saying.
"Olivia — is the problem Fitz' housekeeping skills — or is something else going on?"
"I don't want to be angry all the time, Mona."
"What is it, Olivia? What's wrong?" Olivia runs her fingers through her long mane and sighs again.
"It's not just the house, Mona - although I wish Fitz would do a better job or hire someone to help us. And - I would love to spend time with the girls like Fitz - but I have so much to do. This philanthropy work is much bigger than I anticipated. I'm not sure I'm up to the job."
"What do you mean?"
"The philanthropy's work is bigger than what we do here, Mona. It's not just about water issues. So many other problems need to be addressed – big problems. The effects of poverty on families touches every aspect of their lives: education - access to healthy food - you name it. I think I might've bitten off more than I can chew. I don't know if I can build this philanthropy program for Fred Bryson. I don't know if I can gain the community's support."
"You're right – those are big problems - and those problems have been around forever. You can't expect to fix them all overnight. If you try - then nothing gets done. You have to be focused on what you want to accomplish. More importantly – you have to be realistic about what can be accomplished. You also need help - this job is too big for one person."
"I met with some of the nonprofit leaders a few weeks ago –to get them involved. Needless to say - it didn't go well. You remember in the early days when we were hand-to-mouth - not knowing how we were going to pay our bills from month to month? Well - many of them are in the same situation – but some of them are in much worse shape. They were all hoping to leave the meeting with a promise for funding - so they can continue their missions. I had let them know that most of them do not meet the criteria to receive funding. I suggested they consider merging."
"I'm sure that went over like a lead balloon."
"I understand where they're coming from, Mona. Nobody wants to give up the dream."
"You and I both know some of those people should have closed their doors years ago. I can tell you the names if you want. Many of those organizations have gotten grants from the city and funding from corporations and they have not made a difference in the lives of the people in this city. I have no idea where the money has gone."
Olivia nods her head in agreement.
"You have a job to do, Olivia. You don't have time for survivor's guilt. You have an opportunity to do something really special for the people of this city. You have to ignore the negative self-talk and just do it. Opportunities like this don't come around often."
Olivia smiles. "I love talking to you, Mona. I miss being here with you every day."
"We can always find time to talk, Olivia – but you have bigger issues to tackle", giving her friend an encouraging smile. "And give that husband of yours a break - he's doing what he needs to do for now. He might not do it the way you want – but he's doing it. Fitz is a smart man – he'll make a change when he thinks it's necessary."
"You're so smart, Mona."
"I am", Mona says, and the two friends laugh out loud.
XXX
Fitz heard his wife loud and clear and he knows he needs to do a better job of balancing play time with completing the household chores. And, he needs to break the news to Cena and Asha.
"Have a seat, girls", motioning his hand toward the sofa. Cena and Asha climb onto the sofa expecting to start a new adventure.
"I have a lot of work to do around here – so we have to structure our time – structure so I can get everything done. And – to make sure I get everything done – I've created a schedule."
"Like in school, Baaba?"
"Exactly — like in school. You know how in school you do certain activities at a certain time?"
"I like when Mrs. Osborn says it's time to put away our books and get ready for recess", Cena says.
"And I like when Mr. Mosby say it's time to work on the computer?"
"Always remember — you must first do what you have to do so you can do what you want to do. Okay?"
The girls look up at him and nod their heads.
"I'll be using some cleaning hacks to make sure that I get everything done. Okay?"
"What's a hack, daddy?" Cena wrinkles her nose as she stares up at her father.
"Shortcuts for getting work done", he says confidently.
"Oh", the girls say in unison.
"Remember – I cannot play with you until I finish my work. And – you cannot interrupt me until I have finished my work – unless it is a real emergency. Okay?" Watching the girls closely to see if they understand.
"Okay, Baaba – we won't interrupt you."
"Okay, daddy."
"Good. Play in here and I should be finished in a few hours. C'mon, Jo", taking the little girl by the hand and steering her toward the kitchen.
"Cena – let's clean this room while Baaba cleans the kitchen. That way Baaba can play with us faster."
"I don't know how to clean", Cena says innocently.
"I'll show you. I help my mommy clean all the time."
XXX
Proud that his girls have put their best effort into cleaning the family room, Fitz decides to take them for a special outing.
"Okay, girls — get your shoes on - we're going to the farm."
"Are we going to see horses and pigs, daddy?" Cena asks excitedly.
"It's not that kind of farm, Princess. It's the kind of farm where fruits and vegetables are grown."
"Oh", Cena says, somewhat disappointed.
"Who's the Shoe Sheriff today?"
"I am, Baaba", Asha says, raising her hand.
"Okay — put on Jo's shoes while I go upstairs to get my wallet." Asha scurries across the floor and grabs Jolie's shoes from under the chair.
"Come on, JoJo. I have to put on your shoes. We're going to the farm."
Jolie smiles and claps her hands.
XXX
It is a beautiful day to be at the farm and Cena and Asha are enjoying running around the open space ogling the various tchotchkes line on the vendors' tables and admiring the colorful flowers. Jolie sleeps spread-eagled in the stroller while Fitz walks around examining the fruits and vegetables. He puts several lemons in the bag and sets the bag into the plastic basket.
"What are you doing, daddy?"
"I'm getting fruit - so we can mommy a special treat."
"Can I get some fruit, too?"
"Yes – get me two containers of blueberries."
"Come on, Asha – let's get the blueberries."
The girls run back with the blueberries and give them to Fitz. "Baaba, the blueberries are going to cost seven dollars and ninety-eight cents. I counted", Asha smiles proudly. Fitz looks down at the little girl curiously.
"Okay – put them in the basket and get two-and-a-half pounds of bananas – and tell me how much they will cost."
"Ok", Asha says excitedly, running over to the bananas.
Fitz watches as Cena fills the plastic bag with bananas then sets it on the scale. Asha looks at the scale, already calculating the cost.
"Daddy said two-and-a-half pounds", Cena says, removing one banana from the bag and looking up at the scale. "Now add it, Asha."
Asha looks at the scale, then back at the price, then calculates the cost. Fitz is amazed at how quickly Asha calculates the cost of the fruit in her head. He had no idea she had that kind of talent. Cena removes the bag from the scale and the girls run over to Fitz.
"Baaba, the bananas will cost one dollar and seventy-five cents."
"So how much will the bananas and blueberries cost?" Asha presses a finger to her lips and looks skyward as she determines the cost of the two bags of fruit.
"They will cost nine dollars and seventy-three cents."
"Very good. We're going to need one more thing. Get me two pounds of tomatoes."
"Okay", the two girls say, taking off running in the direction of the tomatoes. They stop abruptly when they see so many different kinds of tomatoes on display. They crinkle their eyes and Asha runs back to Fitz.
"Baaba, what kind of tomatoes? There are so many", looking up at him with her big brown eyes.
"Beefsteak."
"Okay", Asha says, taking off running again.
"He wants beefsteak. I don't know what that is she says."
"These are beefsteak", Cena says, pointing to the sign. Fitz watches again as Cena fills the bag and Asha looks at the scale, already calculating the cost in her head.
"Daddy - we couldn't get three pounds exactly."
"How many did you get?"
"Three pounds and a quarter."
"How much will we have to pay for the tomatoes?" Cena looks at Asha.
"Eight dollars and two cents."
"Thank you - my Little Calculator", Fitz says, tousling Asha's long box braids. Asha looks at the most important man in her life and gives him the biggest smile.
"That's what my mommy calls me", she says proudly.
"Asha can count everything, daddy", Cena says knowingly as she sets the bag of tomatoes into the basket.
XXX
With swollen feet stretched across the coffee table, Olivia leans against the back cushion of the sofa and surveys the family room. She smiles while she waits for Fitz and the girls to bring out her surprise. There is not a toy or shoe in sight. Although the room is not cleaned the way she would have done it, she can see that an effort was made to make it presentable, and that is all that matters.
"Cover your eyes", Fitz says, hiding something behind his back as he and his ever-present fangirls emerge from the kitchen.
"GoGo - you're going to like it — a lot."
"A really lot", Cena says.
"I wonder what it could be", Olivia says, smiling with her eyes shut tight.
"Open your eyes, mommy", Cena says, unable to contain her enthusiasm.
"Show her, Baaba", Asha insists.
"Show her, daddy."
"Ta – dah", Fitz says, holding up his hand to reveal the homemade popsicles. Her mouth begins to salivate immediately.
"Daddy took us to the farm and we bought lots of fruit: blueberries – lemons - and bananas."
"GoGo — we helped Baaba make you popsicles."
"Aww — you girls are so helpful. Come give me a hug", opening her arms wide so she can embrace both girls. Jolie slowly walks from the kitchen and opens her arms for a hug, too.
"These are better than the store-bought kind, Liv. Those things from the grocery store contain high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. Our fruit popsicles are made with only natural sweeteners. Right girls?" Cena and Asha nod their heads.
"Aww, babe — you're so sweet", laughing at her play on words. "Let me have the blueberry — pleeease. Oh — babe, this tastes so good. Thank you", pecking him on the lips.
"Look, Asha — daddy has blue lips."
"You think my blue lips are funny?" Grabbing his daughter and planting blue kisses over her face.
"No, daddy - no", Cena laughs hysterically as she tries to squirm from her father's embrace
"Cena — you have blueberry all over you face", Asha says, laughing hysterically.
"You're laughing, too?" Grabbing Asha and planting blueberry kisses over her face.
"Yes — I mean no", Asha says, falling to the floor with laughter. "Help me, Cena."
With Jolie sitting on her lap, Olivia leans back against the cushion, sucks on the cool treat, and watches Fitz play with the girls. She thinks about what Mona said about the girls not being little forever. Mona is right, having a clean house is not more important than enjoying your family.
XXX
"Babe - you know I haven't really been criticizing your housekeeping skills – I was just saying you needed to get organized."
"It certainly sounded like criticism."
"Touché. Well — everything looks wonderful — so clean. And those homemade popsicles — so good babe. I ate two – blueberry is my favorite."
"I told you, Liv — I can handle it – with a little help from my girls", smiling as he unbuttons his shirt. "How did your meeting with the nonprofits go? It's been a while and you haven't said a word."
"Honestly, babe – I've been a little on edge about my work lately."
He nods because he knew her anxiety was not solely about his housekeeping abilities.
"It's a big job, Fitz. I wasn't sure if I have what it takes to lead such an important program."
"Is that why you've been on edge lately? It wasn't just about my housekeeping abilities?" He asks with a slight smile as he steps out of his pants and walks to the closet.
"It wasn't just about your housekeeping skills", she confesses. "I have so little understanding of the community's needs. I feel so disconnected."
"That's ridiculous - you've been supporting the community for years. Where is this coming from?" Sitting on the bed next to her.
"I've been focused on water, Fitz – not the big issues."
"Clean water is a big issue, Liv. Without it none of us exists", bringing her hand to his lips.
"But it's not like education, drug addiction, or healthy foods for children. You heard what Asha said the other morning at breakfast. I didn't even know about the federal breakfast and lunch programs."
"Liv – you don't have to know everything. You surround yourself with people who are familiar with the issues, listen to them, then make your decisions. That's what I did when I became council president."
She nods.
"I'm going to need support from those leaders and the community if this program is going to be successful."
"Don't overthink it, Liv. And – don't overwhelm yourself with too much information. Remember - you have a lot of power - you can't be afraid to use it."
"What do you mean?"
"You have money and those organizations need money. He – she - who controls the purse strings makes the rules."
"I don't want to be a bully because I control the purse strings, Fitz."
"It's not about being a bully. It's about making sure that Bryson's agenda is fulfilled. Wield your power, Boss Lady."
She nods.
"Come here", pulling her onto his lap. "And - if having Asha here is too much — then we'll speak with Kelly. All right?"
"I love having Asha here - she's such a sweet little girl. I don't want to punish her because Kelly has to work more hours than she initially thought."
He kisses the side of her neck, contemplating if he should mention what has been on his mind all evening. He presses his lips to hers and she deepens the kiss.
"Asha is smart, Liv."
"She is", beginning to feel warm as she runs her tongue down his neck.
"I mean really smart. She's like walking calculator."
"And how do you know this?" Pulling the tee shirt over his head.
"When we were at the farm - the girls were having fun filling the bags and weighing the produce. I noticed that Asha was adding the cost of the produce each time Cee put the bag on the scale. She added everything in her head, Liv – without batting an eye. So - I tested her a few times – and she got the cost right every time."
"Oh my god —you've been quizzing her?" Visions of him testing poor Asha fill her head. Olivia crawls from his lap and looks at him in disbelief.
"No — yes— but not in the way you think", he sputters. "She has a natural gift for math. That needs to be nurtured."
"What do you mean nurtured?" Looking at him with an arched brow.
"Asha needs to be in a more demanding school — a school where she can be challenged", walking around the bed and sliding his tablet from the nightstand.
"You're overstepping, babe. You know how Kelly feels about losing control of her daughter."
"Look at this?"
"What is it?" Scrunching her face when he shoves the tablet toward her.
"The school I was researching for Cee — when I thought we were going to move to the city." Olivia frowns because she had no idea he was looking at schools for Cena.
"And why am looking at this?"
"Don't you think this would be the perfect school for Asha? They have an excellent curriculum and staff. There's a lower – middle - and upper school. She can graduate from there — go straight to college."
"Fitz — this school costs $18,000.00 a year – and that's for the lower school. Kelly can't afford that kind of tuition."
"We can. It can be our gift", he says eagerly.
"Have you lost your mind?"
"We can afford it, Liv."
"It's not about whether we can afford it. It's not our decision to make. You don't know what plans Kelly has for her daughter's education."
"Then ask her. Explain to her — "
"I'm not asking her anything. I want no parts of this", tossing the tablet back to him as she crawls under the cool sheets.
"Come on, Liv."
"Why do I always have to ask her? You ask her."
"You work with her - you'll see her at the office. You have to help Kelly to understand that this is best for Asha."
"Don't you think it's bit arrogant to think that Kelly doesn't already understand what is best for her daughter. How do you know she hasn't considered other options? How do you know she hasn't made plans to enroll Asha in a different school? I'm not getting involved in this one, Fitz."
"I don't know. I won't know unless you speak with her", he says adamantly.
Olivia sighs, sits up in bed, and leans back against the headboard. She is not comfortable suggesting anything to Kelly about how Asha should be educated.
"Asha attends one of the city's low-performing schools. A recent study shows that when a child transfers to a higher performing school - they gain the equivalent of 74 additional days of learning in math. We have to do this, Liv."
"Let me think about it", running her fingers through her long locks.
"What is there to think about? School will be reopening in a few months", he presses harder.
"Fitz — please. I just told you – I have a lot going on with the philanthropy program. I don't have time — "
"We have to settle this soon, Liv."
"We? This is not our decision, Fitz. Besides - Kelly might be offended. Wouldn't you be offended if someone told you how to educate your Princess?"
"It's not the same thing."
"Why isn't it the same thing? Just because Kelly doesn't have the financial means to pay for a private education doesn't mean you get to decide what is best for her daughter."
"I'm not saying that at all. I'm simply saying I want Asha to have the same opportunities as Cee and Jo. You have to back me up on this, Liv."
"And I'm saying you don't get to decide this, Fitz. Goodnight."
She pecks him on the lips, punches her pillows, then turns off the lamp. She has no idea how their discussion veered from housekeeping and the philanthropy program to enrolling Asha in an expensive private school. She silently groans when the babies start to kick.
For the next hour or so Fitz lay awake in the dimly lit room trying to figure out a solution to his Asha problem. He has to figure out how to get Olivia onboard. He looks over as she stirs in her sleep - the babies are kicking again. He places a hand on her stomach and talks softly to his son and daughter. He tells them that he cannot wait to meet them. He tells them that they are going to have so much fun getting to know their older sisters. Through his shirt, he kisses her stomach and tells them that it is time to go back to sleep so their stubborn mommy can get some rest. He stares at her round stomach for a few minutes and smiles when the restless babies stop kicking.