A Semester Away

by remusslupinn

Olivia has always dreamed of moving to NYC to attend NYU. During her last year before college, she spends a semester away at one of the most prestigious private schools in NYC. But while living with a young host family in Rye, NY, her life becomes a little more complicated, and she learns that there may be another reason aside from school, that her heart belongs in New York.

38. The Truth Will Out

"Alright, Karen. You got everything you want to bring from in here?" Fitz asked, standing in Karen's bedroom doorway.

"I think so. The half of clothes I'm taking are already in the moving truck. I just came up to grab my makeup bag. Plus — I forgot to put on my blush!" she nodded importantly, showing it to him.

He smiled at her. "My goodness, we can't have that, can we."

Ever since they'd gotten her some makeup for her birthday — she'd been obsessed.

"No way," she giggled, starting to apply it now. Just the way Mellie had taught her.

He looked around her room, thinking about the fact that he'd really miss it. But, she'd have a nice, big room at his house too — where she'd be half the time.

It would be fine. It would be fine.

That was the only thing he couldn't fathom yet — only spending half the time with his little girl. It was something neither he nor Mellie really talked about much, because they both didn't like the thought of it.

But, it was for the best, and they all had known that for a while now. So, he pushed those thoughts out of his head for now.

But he did linger in the doorway for a bit, scanning her adorable bedroom.

Yeah. He'd miss it. But today, they would start fresh. Finally.

The smile returned to his face as he looked back to see his daughter concentrating so hard on her makeup.

He tapped his fingers on the doorframe, clearing his throat. "Hey. Five more minutes, okay?"

"Mmkay, daddy."

He left her be and did one last loop around the house with Mellie to make sure he had everything.

Hank trotted at their feet the entire time, probably curious as to what the hell was going on.

Fitz made a point to kneel down and give Hank a lot of attention before he officially left. That was tough. Really tough.

Hank was his dog, too. And it was hard to say goodbye to him. He almost had to stave off tears as he scratched the little beagle's ears, telling him he was a good boy.

But he knew he would always be able to see him. It would be no problem. So he told himself he'd be just fine.

"I'll miss you, buddy," Fitz whispered, leaning in and kissing his face.

Hank just looked back at him with those big eyes of his. Those big, curious eyes.

"He'll miss you too," Mellie nodded.

Fitz smiled, giving him a couple more pats on the head before getting up and glancing over the house again.

It looked a little more bare than normal, but it obviously was still pretty full. Fitz had taken some things that were fair for him to take with him, and Mellie had kept the things that were fair for her to keep. Both knew they'd have to buy new things as a result. As equal as possible — that had been their goal from the start, and it had worked out pretty damn well. They'd done a good job.

Fitz would miss this house in some aspects. It had been his first house, and it was a beautiful home. He'd miss it only because of the good memories he had of it, and of Karen growing up.

And of course, this was where his relationship with the love of his life had blossomed.

But still, this house made him remember all the bad things that happened here. And there had been a lot of bad.

But again. Today — he started fresh.

"Alright — we're all set," Fitz announced to the movers outside.

They nodded and began closing up the truck, preparing it for the short drive to his new house in Bronxville.

"Well. Can you believe this day is finally here?" Mellie asked him, as they stood on the driveway.

"Honestly, no. I don't think it's quite hit me yet," he admitted.

"Me neither. But I expect it will hit us when we start waking up and…realizing she's at the other's house. I'm still…dreading that a little bit," she said.

"Yeah. Me too," he sighed. "You gonna be alright these next couple days when she's with me?"

Mellie laughed. "Oh, I'll be fine, I'm sure. It's no different than when she's at a sleepover. Just…some extended sleepovers. That's what we'll have to think of them as."

"Yes. Good idea," he chuckled. "I'll have her call you a few times this weekend."

"Thanks," Mellie nodded, flashing him a brief smile.

He sighed, looking around the front yard of the house. "Alright. Well. You'll just…you'll pick her up from volleyball on Tuesday then?"

"Yep, sounds good," Mellie nodded.

"Okay," he replied. "I'm sure I'll…see you at some point in the near future."

"Oh I'm sure," Mellie said. "At a sporting event, or…a drop-off or pick-up."

"Mhm," he agreed, making eye contact with her.

She nodded, and then he nodded, and then…they both stared at each other a bit awkwardly.

It was stumbly, but without words, the two found themselves moving closer for a hug.

Something they rarely did anymore. They used to — for show. But other than that, the last one that really meant something had been the one they shared after telling Karen they were going to separate.

And similar to that one, this one meant something. It was…goodbye. They'd lived together for a long time and hadn't known much else. So, even though this change would be amazing and for the better, it would still take some getting used to.

And recently, with their terrible marriage-turned decent friendship, their long-awaited goodbye seemed to warrant a hug anyway.

"Well. We…had a good run, huh," he chuckled, patting her back.

"Yeah," Mellie agreed with a laugh. "Actually…"

"Yeah, actually — it was God awful," he admitted.

"So terrible," she laughed.

"Not at the end there, though," he said.

And he really meant it.

"Yeah," she agreed.

She sighed, leaning her head briefly against his shoulder.

"You're a good man, Fitz," she whispered.

He raised his eyebrows surprisedly and pulled back to look at his ex-wife.

This was coming from her, the woman he'd been unfaithful to. She certainly had done her fair share of terrible things to him that he knew he didn't deserve. But he wasn't so innocent himself, either. So hearing that from her wasn't too shabby.

"I know I've questioned your motives and intent before. And…I just want you to know that that was foolish of me. I know…who you are. I've always known. Even if you…made some mistakes. Which, you did," she said importantly.

He smiled, chuckling in response. Even though they were on good terms these days, she'd always have that fiery personality of hers.

"Which, we all do," she continued. "I know you. And…I'm very glad you're the father of my child. As well as my friend."

Their eyes locked and all he saw staring back at him were genuine ones. And that, paired with the words she'd said, felt pretty good — especially after hearing quite the opposite from her in the past.

The difference was, he knew which words were the truth. He knew, seeing her right now, that these were the words she truly meant and believed.

"Thank you, Mellie. And…likewise," he nodded. "Likewise."

She cleared her throat, disconnecting herself from him. "Well. You got everything?"

"I think so, yeah," he nodded, looking around. But then he squinted confusedly. "Well. Except for…our literal child. I'm not sure…where she is; I told her five more minutes when she was…putting blush on, or something. That was ten minutes ago."

They both laughed and Mellie nodded. "Just like I was, that one. Invested in her makeup."

Fitz sighed. "Yeah. Wish me luck with that one. My single girl dad journey begins now."

And just then — Karen opened the front door — her little backpack slung over her shoulder — beginning to skip down the front steps.

"Sorry, I know I'm late. I had to say goodbye to my Hank!" Karen announced.

Both heard her and turned to look, smiling at her.

"It's alright," Fitz yelled, before turning back to look at Mellie.

"Good luck," she laughed quietly. "Although. You're not a true single girl dad. You…have some help in that regard."

He nodded in agreement. "True enough."

And for the first time ever, she gave him a smile in a conversation somewhat about Olivia.

"I wish you…the best with her," she said quietly. "I suppose."

He flashed her a genuine smile. Wow. She was really bringing it today.

"Thank you, Mell. That really means…a lot. And you know that I wish you all the best, too."

"With what?" Mellie chuckled.

He smiled. "You know exactly what."

He'd been her cheerleader when it came to the idea of her finding someone. He really had been. She had never believed him. She had never believed there was someone out there that may just click with her.

But everyone had someone for them out there — he believed that now, because of Olivia. And he always would.

"Right," Mellie nodded skeptically. "Yeah, I'll keep you in the loop about that extremely riveting aspect of my life."

"Please do," he nodded.

"Please do what?" Karen asked, skipping up to them.

Those damn ears of hers.

Fitz smiled. "I was just asking mom to keep me updated about when she was picking you up. I think we decided Tuesday after volleyball."

Karen nodded understandingly. "Oh, okay. That sounds good. So…I'll see you on Tuesday then, mommy?"

"You sure will, baby," Mellie nodded.

"You better give mom a hug," Fitz said.

Karen smiled and leaned in, wrapping her arms around her mother.

Mellie sighed contently, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"You have fun with dad at your new house, okay?"

"Okay. We will," Karen nodded confidently. "I will miss you, mom."

"I will miss you so much," Mellie replied in a whisper.

Fitz almost felt Mellie's pain. He'd have to experience that in a few day's time too.

"Bye, mommy," Karen said, looking up at her mother a bit sadly.

"Bye, Karen. I love you."

"I love you, too," Karen said, squeezing her hand.

"Alright. I'll see you, Mell," Fitz nodded at Mellie.

"Yep, see you. Let me know when you get all settled in."

"Will do," he replied.

Karen grabbed her dad's hand as they began to walk down the driveway, but turned around and waved to her mom once more.

She was taking it pretty well today. She was a little sad to be leaving her mom, he could see. But she also showed her excitement.

He was excited too.

They headed down the driveway toward his packed-up Jag on the street — all ready to go with the movers waiting too.

More importantly, they headed toward a fresh start.

---

"Dad — I'm so excited I can barely stand it!" Karen exclaimed, standing in the empty living room of their new house.

The ceilings were tall and grand, so her voice echoed loudly throughout the house.

Fitz chuckled, coming to pick her up for a hug.

She giggled as he jokingly groaned and lifted her into his arms.

"Is that so?" he asked

"Yes!" she exclaimed loudly again, enjoying the sound of her echoey voice.

Fitz winced at her voice ringing loudly so close to his ears, and she started to giggle, covering his ears with her hands.

"Whoops. Sorry, daddy," she said.

"That's okay," he chuckled, kissing her cheek before setting her down.

She was almost getting too big for him to lift her up now. But he didn't appreciate that thought, so he'd ignore it.

"I'm so glad that you're excited," he said, smiling down at her.

"I am. So…when do we start?" she asked, looking around.

"Well," he began, looking around with her. "I'd say…right about…now."

Her smile grew. "Yes!"

"You ready?" he asked.

She nodded confidently.

"Ready."

He scanned the grand house. The beautiful house — that he kept forgetting was his now. And he nodded.

"Alright. Here we go."

Fitz, Karen, and the movers were at work for a few hours — bringing things in from both the truck and Fitz's car.

It was a lot of work — Fitz had to admit. He got a damn good workout, that was for sure. But it was also a day he'd always remember. A day that he spent with his daughter, starting over. And due to the fact that he and Mellie had actually prepared her well for this — it was a day she was happy about, too.

She was truly excited about a new chapter. One that she knew was going to be for the better.

Plus, getting to organize things in a new house and a new bedroom was probably an additional excitement for an 11-year-old.

She didn't have all her new bedroom furniture yet for this house, but it was already on order — as were a lot of things. She did, however, spend lots of time planning where things were going to go when she did have all of her furniture.

Fitz, on the other hand, wasn't so excited about the organizing and decorating part. He didn't think he was particularly good at it, but he didn't exactly have a choice at this point. It was his house — he was going to have to decorate it.

Good thing he'd already been involving Olivia in the online shopping process and getting her opinions on things — or else he'd be in a much worse spot.

By early evening, the movers had done their job, and Fitz and Karen had taken a much-needed break. They didn't exactly have food in the house — so Fitz had enlisted Karen to search around on her phone and find something to deliver.

She'd come up with subs — which they both agreed sounded good.

They ate together, legs crossed on the hardwood floor.

It wasn't comfy. But it was kind of funny. And again — something they'd always remember.

Karen giggled at him, a few pieces of lettuce falling from her sub.

"What's going on over there, miss giggly pants?" he asked.

She giggled more at that name.

"It's just funny," she laughed. "We have, like…no furniture, dad."

"I know. I am sorry about that. I couldn't exactly…go all out on the furniture in advance just in case we didn't close on the house yesterday. It can be kind of a risk. But, we did. So we have a lot on order, I promise," he said.

She shrugged, smiling. "It's okay. It doesn't bother me, it's kind of fun."

He smirked. "It is kind of fun, isn't it."

"Mhm," she nodded, taking a big bite.

"Tomorrow, I'll take you out to breakfast. And then we can go shopping afterward. I think there's…plenty we need to pick up tomorrow. How's that sound?" he asked.

She gasped. "Yay! That sounds fun. Shopping where?"

"Well, grocery shopping first. We need to stock up this kitchen," he said. "And…otherwise, some kitchen appliances, utensils. Maybe some decorations, if …you want. All the home stores will still be open tomorrow. They love those big 4th Of July sales."

She smiled. "Yes! I'm so excited. It will be a whole day of fun."

"I love that attitude," he nodded, taking a bite of his sandwich.

She shrugged. "It's easy because it's like we are on a new adventure. And adventures are fun!"

He chuckled. "That's exactly what it's like, isn't it?"

"Yes!"

"I'm…very proud of you, for how you've handled this. All of this — with me and mom, and moving. I'm very proud. Both mom and I are," he said,

She smiled and nodded. "I know, daddy. You guys have told me a lot."

"I know," he laughed. "I know. I just…I just always want to make sure you know."

"Thank you for always telling me when you are proud, dad. It feels good," she said.

He smiled. That was a good thing to hear.

"I'm very glad, honey," he nodded. "How's your sandwich?"

"Good. How is yours?" she asked, taking another big bite.

"Super good."

"Good."

"After we eat…you ready to help me unpack some more?" he asked.

Her face brightened and she nodded. "Yes!"

He gave her a thumbs up and a smile, as they finished up their dinner.

It would end up to be a long night. But also, one of the best nights they'd had in a long time.

---

"Okay, let me see the closet again," Olivia said.

Fitz flipped his camera and gave her the virtual tour of the closet. Which, was pretty bare right now since his priority today had not been his own bedroom, so it wasn't unpacked yet.

"Good God, baby. It's huge!" she noted.

"Thank you."

Her smile grew bigger and she burst into laughter.

"That too," she nodded.

His cheeks were pink as he chuckled. "I'm kidding."

"I'm not," Olivia said, raising an eyebrow.

He flipped the camera back to her, blushing crazily, and smiled. "Well, thank you for…not kidding."

"Thank you," she whispered, winking at him.

He bit his lip slowly and looked at her pretty face on the screen longingly.

Focus, dude.

He cleared his throat, shutting off the light in the closet.

"Right. So, uh…yeah, I've got a ways to go with the closet obviously. But don't worry, I won't touch your side."

Her smile grew bigger.

"Baby, my side?" she asked.

He nodded. "Yes."

"I don't need a whole side, honey, that's okay!" she assured him.

"Absolutely you do," he said. "I won't fill up a whole side anyway. You saw it. It's…fucking massive."

"Uh, you absolutely will. I've seen how many clothes you own, Fitzgerald. It's actually…quite impressive. Though what may be more impressive is the number of shoes you own," she noted.

He chuckled. "Well, they will all fit perfectly fine on my side and my side only. End of discussion."

She raised her eyebrows at him. "Oh, end of discussion is it? Is my smiley getting sassy over there?"

He chuckled. "Yeah. I guess…you'll have to come back and keep me in check."

"Oh, I could think of a few ways to go about that," Olivia smirked, watching him get back in bed. Which — was just a mattress on the floor right now.

"I bet you could," he smirked back.

She exhaled contently, looking at his handsome face.

"I miss you," she whispered.

"I miss you too."

"What do you miss about me?" she asked curiously, propping her head up on her palm.

"What do I miss about you?" he chuckled. "Uh…everything. Yeah. Everything."

She smiled at him adoringly — as she had a habit of doing.

"C'mon. Indulge me. I want specifics," she whispered.

He nodded, analyzing that beautiful smile.

"Well for starters, I miss seeing that look in person," he said. "I see it on FaceTime, but…in person it's unmatched."

"There you go again with that. I still don't know which 'look' you're referring to," she giggled.

"That's okay. You don't have to know. Just know that…I miss it," he shrugged. "And…I miss the way my chest feels, when…um. When…you're with me."

Now she was really intrigued. "Your chest?"

"Yeah."

"How does it feel?"

"Just…I don't know if I can explain it. It feels…lighter. Warm. But kind of…nervous-like."

"Well that doesn't sound good!" she exclaimed.

"No, no," he chuckled. "It is good, I promise. I'm not good at describing it. I just miss it. And then there's…this thing you do when we're laying down together. You…trace my chest, with your fingers. I guess…I never knew you did it until you went away. I realized after dreaming about you that you did that. And I miss that too."

She sighed, hearing the thoughtful, little things he missed about her. Things he'd thought about, clearly, even before she asked the question.

"Oh, and I really miss watching you put lotion on after a shower. I think…I could watch that forever," he added.

"Me putting on lotion?!" she laughed.

He looked at her like she was crazy.

"You are forgetting…the naked part, Olivia," he pointed out.

Now she was giggling again.

"Okay, fair. Me putting lotion on…naked."

"Yes. That's correct," he nodded, as if the matter was very close to his heart. "You…you put it on your boobs, and you…rub it in for a long — okay, see. You're laughing now. Stop laughing at me. It's…sexy."

She was laughing. "Oh, baby, you're so funny. Now I am always going to think about that when I lotion up after a shower."

"Good. Think about it, and make sure I'm in your direct line of vision whenever possible," he nodded.

She cracked up again, shaking her head at her boyfriend. Goofy and funny without even trying.

"I love you," she laughed.

"I love you too," he nodded. "So…what do you miss about me then?"

"Oh, I could go on and on," she began with a smile. "I miss…being physically close to you. I just miss that feeling. The feeling of your skin…the way your voice vibrates throughout your chest. I always feel it when I'm laying my head there. I miss…how warm you always are. Always. I just miss being close to you, and feeling you."

"Wow," he noted, giving her a smile.

She flashed him one back. "And I miss…the goosebumps I feel on my skin when I see you for the first time on any given day. It never fails, it's so crazy. It happens every single time I see your face. I miss that a lot. The little flutter my heart does. Because I just love you so much and my body clearly loves to remind me."

"Tell me about it," he chuckled. He knew a thing or two about his body giving away how much he loved her. The racing heart and shaky hands were all too familiar to him.

"I miss…the look on your face when you're sleeping," she added.

But he had an issue with that one.

"Oh, God. Well that's probably not very attractive," he chuckled.

"No, no it's so peaceful!" she exclaimed. "It's so nice to see you not stressed, and so relaxed. You so deserve that. And I see it most when you're asleep. I miss that."

"Well. I guess…I'm glad then," he chuckled.

"And then of course…I miss that thing you do with your tongue," she admitted.

His eyes widened and his eyebrows raised — not expecting this conversation to take that turn.

"Oh — okay. Now wait a minute," he said, clearing his throat.

She laughed at his surprised reaction.

"The jury would like to know specifically…which tongue thing," he inquired.

Now she was rolling in laughter.

"Oh, the jury would like to know, huh?"

"Indeed. The jury…does a few different things in that regard and would like to know…which one you are referring to. For research purposes."

She smirked at him, seeing his interest in her upcoming answer.

"The thing that makes my eyes water," she hinted.

He had instant flashbacks of going down on her, circling his tongue around her entrance in such a teasing manner. He of course would then slide his tongue inside her and rub her walls slowly. Agonizingly. But those teasing circles — wetting the very edges of her entrance just for fun. That always had her unable to control herself.

"Ohhh. Oh. Yes," he agreed, clearly distracted.

"Are you thinking about it now?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Tell me about it. I do every day. Well — not specifically the dirty thoughts. Only sometimes," she giggled. "But…I just mean everything. You are in my head…every single day. Almost every damn free moment my brain has — all you, Fitzgerald Grant. Just you."

He was definitely blushing now — and not from the brief dirty flashback lingering in his mind. But solely because of her heartfelt words.

"Oh, baby," he said quietly, giving her a smile. "You're the sweetest person I know."

"I'm just telling you the facts," she smirked, enjoying the smile she'd put on his face. "And…"

"And…what, baby?"

"And…I think I would like to be more open about these facts to others as well," she said.

"To others?" he inquired.

"My family," she said. "I think…it's time."

His eyes widened and he nodded. "Yeah?"

She smiled and nodded back. "Yeah. I mean…I won't lie, honey, I'm pretty nervous about it. But…at the same time, when I think about telling them…I also get excited. I've been waiting for the right time. I was waiting for enough time to pass, so that…I wasn't in a bad place with them all summer. Because, inevitably, it's probably not going to go great at first."

"Right. Yeah," he sighed. "Yeah, I…I know."

"But, I'm also not waiting until the end of the summer to drop it on them right before I leave. I don't want to do that. I need to be there for a while to talk things out. Because things will need to be talked out."

He nodded in agreement. "Well, baby. I completely understand that."

"You still…feeling okay about me telling them?" she asked.

"Absolutely," he nodded. "Yes, Olivia. I know it's important. And your family deserves to know. No matter…how it may go."

"Yeah. I am…a bit worried about that. But, we've known this — we've talked about it before. It needs to be done. And…most importantly, alongside the fact that I want the timing to be right, I…want it to be done. I want to tell them. I want them to know what makes me happy. Who makes me happy."

He sighed lightly, giving her a smile. "I want them to know, too. I feel…the same about Karen. I want her to know, too."

Olivia smiled. "Me too."

"Do you…have you thought about if you'd like me to come there?" he asked. "And maybe not. Maybe…that's the worst place I could be when you tell them. But if it's something you want — I absolutely want to be there with you."

"No, baby, thank you. That's okay. I really…really appreciate that. And I don't think it's the worst place you could be. I would love for them to meet you sooner rather than later. But…I think, this is just something I need to do on my own. They need to hear things from me, and…have time to process first before they meet you, I think. I know that sounds…terrible, as if you're literally not the most amazing man in the world. I don't want you to think I don't want you to meet them, baby —"

"No, no. Livvie. I understand," he assured her. "I completely understand. That's alright. I just wanted to be sure."

"And I appreciate that. Thank you," she nodded. "I'm…so excited about it. I really am. I feel like this is something that's still…in our way. And once we push past it, we can just…be. It weighs on me that they don't know — it has all this time. It will be freeing when they finally do."

"I definitely get that," he agreed. "I don't want it to have to weigh on you. But I also know the importance of what you're telling them. So…you let me know when you're going to tell them and I'll make sure I'm available. If…if you need to call me, or anything. Even though I won't be with you in person, I want you to know…I'm still here. Okay?"

"Okay," she whispered, looking adoringly at him over the phone. "Thank you, Fitz."

"No need to thank me, I'm just…I'm just happy we're taking steps. Past Fitz is…just so happy about where we are. How far we've come," he admitted with a smile.

"Me too," she said. "And you're going to tell Karen soon, too? Even more steps forward!"

"Yeah," he nodded. "I don't…I don't know when exactly. I've been waiting for the right time, too. Similar to what you said about your parents…I want her to have some time to process it before you come back as well. I think I've put it off for too long already, probably. I need to just have the conversation with her. It's just…there's been so much going on for her. With the divorce, and the move. And the fact that…her mom and I just got done being married in her eyes, so I don't want it to seem…odd to her. I hate to keep piling things on. But…the fact of the matter is, I think a part of her already knows. Maybe not everything, obviously — she's 11. But she also isn't dumb. She's so smart. And she's observant. So…I think it's just…getting to be time I told her."

Olivia nodded in agreement. "I understand. And agree. But I completely get why you've felt the need to push it off. She's…your daughter, Fitz. Your world. And it's not an easy conversation to have, I don't imagine. It's…delicate and sensitive. So…whenever or however you want to do that — I'm here to support you, too. Okay?"

"I know you are," he said gratefully with a smile. "Thank you for that. And…hey."

"Hm?" she replied.

"She is my world. She's…everything. But you are, too," he said. "And I can't wait for her to know that. I can't wait…for everyone to know it."

Her smile only grew bigger.

"Me too, baby," she agreed. "Especially because when that's the case, it won't be another source of anxiety for you. And that makes me extremely happy."

"Yeah. Me too," he chuckled. "Having that off our shoulders will really help. I'm hoping…this medication is helping too. It's too soon to tell still, but…I don't know. Something's different with this one. I…I don't want to get ahead of myself, or get my hopes up. But I feel positive about it."

"I'm so glad about that, Fitz. That's amazing news," she nodded. "Have you noticed anything different this week than last week?"

"I don't know. But I think…just the fact that I don't know is a good sign. This week has been fucking insane for me with taking work off and moving. But I never felt…that bad. Bad enough to…lose my shit, I mean. And I somewhat expected that to be the case. But it never got to that point and that's…that's something."

"Baby, that is really great!" she said with a big smile. "God, that makes me so happy. I won't get ahead of myself, I know. But that's a good sign. That's all I'll say!"

"It is a good sign. You're right," he agreed. "Everything lately…it's all just been so good. I'm just…so happy, Liv. More than I've ever been."

There was nothing better than hearing that come from him. The man she loved — who'd been through so much this past year.

She sighed happily, adoring that crooked smile of his.

"Oh, Fitz. I'm so happy, too."

---

"Woo! Big day, dad!" Karen exclaimed, skipping quickly down the stairs.

He chuckled from the kitchen, unpacking some of their kitchen things.

She was all dressed and ready to go for their day, wearing a Fourth of July shirt and everything. It was pretty cute.

"Big day is right!" he nodded. "Happy Fourth of July. I like your shirt."

"Thanks, dad. Happy Fourth of July, happy shopping day, and happy first day in our new house," she nodded proudly.

"You're right aren't you, we've got quite the day ahead of us. Including a nice, big breakfast. You ready?" he asked, looking at his watch.

It wasn't even 8:00 yet — they were getting a quick start on the day, which was good. As they'd said, there was a lot to do.

"Yes! I'm starving."

"Me too," he agreed, grabbing his wallet and keys. "Alright, you. Let's go see how this town does breakfast."

"Yay!"

They hopped in the Jag and headed to one of the restaurants that both served breakfast, and was actually open for the holiday. Some were, some weren't, so he'd had to do a little research last night to figure out which ones were. Either way, he was happy to start trying restaurants in town to figure out which ones would end up being their favorite.

Lucky for them, the restaurant they chose for breakfast that morning was fantastic. And, right near a grocery store — so they decided they better start there since the house was currently lacking in the food department.

After their delicious breakfast and a much-needed grocery run — they had to take a quick break at home to put the food away before venturing out again.

"Dad — I think we got too much food," Karen giggled, stacking some cans in the pantry.

"Nah. It just seems like that because we started with nothing. But see — now we're all set for a while," he said, putting away the fresh fruit.

"That is true. So you are going to make dinner tonight again?" she asked hopefully.

"Yes, honey. I'll make us dinner tonight," he chuckled.

"Good. I like eating out or having takeout sometimes. It's kind of fun. But your meals are the best meals," she said, heading over toward him.

"Aww, we'll thank you for saying that. That's sweet of you," he said with a smile.

"It's true, dad," she shrugged. "So are we going back out now to shop?"

"Yep. You ready?"

"Yes!"

"Alright," he said, holding out his open palm. "Let's go."

She high-fived him and happily followed him to the garage door.

And so, the rest of their busy day continued with more shopping.

It turned out to be an extremely productive day. Not only did Fitz end up ordering most of his furniture to be shipped, but they still came home with a car full of things, too.

Fitz got himself a new coffee maker and an espresso machine — those were what he was most excited about. He'd also bought some basic kitchen appliances that he didn't take with him from the old house, as well as brand new sets of silverware, knives, and dishes.

Then, there was all the decor they got for the living room, and some things for his and Karen's bedrooms.

There were still a ton of things he wanted to get. All new workout equipment — for one. He'd sold all his other stuff because he wanted a new, better set anyway. He'd had that old set for almost a decade.

But he had plenty of time to buy everything he wanted and needed. He certainly didn't need to do it all in one weekend.

His bank account could use a rest, anyway.

The rest of their productive day ended great, too. He made dinner for him and Karen — street tacos, because Karen always loved those. And by the end of the evening, they actually had more space to walk in the house than they'd had so far— so that was another plus.

And to top it all off, they got to watch Fourth of July fireworks on their deck. Not that their deck had any outdoor furniture on it yet — but they were content to sit on a blanket and watch.

Fireworks went on for hours and would probably continue all night. They just didn't have it in them to continue to watch past 11:00, because they were exhausted. It had been a long couple of days already and the weekend wasn't even over yet.

Fitz sat on the floor next to Karen's mattress, saying goodnight to her.

"You have a fun day?" he asked, rubbing her arm.

She smiled and nodded. "So much fun, dad. Our house is coming along."

"It is coming along. It'll get there," he agreed, smiling back.

"Yeah," she nodded. "Olivia thinks so too. I was sending her pictures of some of the things we got today."

"Oh, yeah?" he chuckled.

"Yeah," she replied. "She is so excited to see our house."

"I know she is," he nodded. "I'm excited for her to see it too. It won't be too long until she's back for good."

"Mhm. That will be the best," Karen smiled. "Then we can stop missing her."

He chuckled. "Exactly right."

"Especially 'cause…she's gonna come over a lot, right?" Karen smiled. "That's what you said."

"Mhm," he chuckled. "That is what I said. I'm…so glad that makes you so happy."

"Yeah it does," Karen said. "And…I know it makes you happy too."

He felt his cheeks get hot.

"And…how do you know that?" he asked curiously. But he asked it with a smile. To show her he was genuinely wondering, not interrogating.

She just shrugged.

"Well…'cause I know you are best friends," she explained.

"Ahh," Fitz nodded. "That's true."

"Yeah," she said. "Sometimes…sometimes I even wonder if…"

She trailed off, seeming as though she was trying to figure out how to say it. None only that, but maybe questioning if she should say it.

He knew his daughter though. He knew exactly what she was trying to say. Because clearly she knew a lot, and always had. Even if she wasn't sure, she'd had suspicions. And maybe, just maybe, he should take the chance to actually explain things to her.

Maybe there wouldn't ever be a good or "right" time. Maybe the time was now.

He made the decision and saved her.

"Sometimes you wonder if it's more than that," he said quietly.

She nodded slowly, looking up at him curiously.

"Yes."

He nodded, sighing lightly.

"Can dad lay down next to you?" he asked.

A smile formed on her face and she nodded, immediately scooting over on her mattress to make room.

He got under the covers next to her and pulled them up to her chin, making sure she was all snuggled in again.

She giggled, cuddling next to him and awaiting his words.

He lay comfortably on his back, and turned his head to look at her.

And he broke their silence with the truth.

"You're right."

"I am?" she asked. Even though she'd been quite confident — she did seem a little surprised still.

"You are."

"So…you and Olivia do have crushes on each other," Karen said, as if she was happy she'd been right.

He smiled, chuckling a little bit to himself. But he supposed, in the eyes of an 11-year-old, that's what it was. A couple of crushes.

"Yes. I have a…very big crush on Olivia. I like her. A lot."

"More than…a friend," Karen confirmed.

"Yes. More than a friend," he nodded. "Can I ask…how you knew?"

She shrugged, peering back at her dad.

"I guess…I just knew it. I just knew it because…every time Olivia is away for a while, you are sadder. You have been…sadder, since she's been away, dad. That's how it always was whenever she had to leave. And…when she does leave and you have to say goodbye to her, it doesn't seem like a friend goodbye. It seems like…a more than friends goodbye. I don't know if…that makes any sense. But it just seems like it to me."

He exhaled lightly, taking in her response. He hadn't known what to expect when he asked that question — but her answer was fair. And her reasoning was absolutely understandable from the perspective of a child. Basic, yet very true.

"Those are…pretty good reasons," he nodded quietly. "And you make perfect sense. You're very observant. And very smart."

She gave him a brief smile. But still, looked like she didn't quite have all the information. So she inquired more.

"So does…does Olivia like you back? In the same way?" Karen asked slowly.

"…Yes," he replied.

She didn't exactly look surprised; like she could have guessed that one too. But she did still seem as though she had to process the information.

"Woah."

He nodded at her, giving her a smile.

"So…did you…tell each other that?" Karen asked.

He gave his daughter a nod.

"Yes. We have told each other," he confirmed. "And…I think it's about time I told you, too, K."

She didn't know what to say — he could tell. Which was fine. It was his turn to talk now, and explain. And so he began.

"I do want you to know, that…this is not something either of us thought would happen. It, uh…it just did. And…we're really happy about it. We're really happy that we figured out…that we have these feelings for each other," he said.

She looked extremely curious.

"So…you and Olivia. You are…boyfriend and girlfriend then?" Karen asked.

"…Yes," he nodded.

"Oh," Karen replied surprisedly. "Wow."

"Yeah," he said. "How…how do you feel about that?"

"Well…I guess…I am surprised. I just thought…you had crushes. I didn't know…you were boyfriend and girlfriend."

"Okay," he nodded. "And…is that…weird to you? Good? Bad?"

"It's definitely…not bad," Karen responded immediately. "I think…good. Yeah. This is good. Right?"

"Well, I like to think it is," he chuckled. "But I want to know what you think. Because you know what?"

"What?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Your opinion means the most to me in the whole world," he whispered, poking her arm. "The whole…multiverse, I mean."

A soft smile crossed her face and she giggled a little.

"Well. Olivia is…the best," Karen began.

"Yes. I very much agree with you," he nodded.

"So…I think that is all that matters then," Karen shrugged. "I think…this is good, daddy."

"Yeah? Good?" he nodded along with her.

"Mhm. But…maybe…maybe also a little weird," Karen admitted.

"Yeah. I get that," he nodded understandingly.

"I mean…because, you like…kiss and stuff?" Karen asked, almost with a wince.

He chuckled, feeling his cheeks turn red at the question.

"Uh…well. Yes," he nodded.

Karen looked at him uncertainly after that one. Just how a young child would look at her father after discussing kissing.

But then she couldn't help but start to giggle because of the color of his cheeks.

"You are blushing a lot, dad," she noted.

"Yeah," he nodded, touching his face. "You wanna know a secret?"

"Hm?" Karen asked.

"I think…Olivia is the reason behind that," he said.

"She is why you blush?" Karen asked.

"Mhm," he nodded.

Karen giggled a little bit. "Does she make you nervous?"

"Little bit," he nodded in agreement. "Doesn't seem to go away."

She smiled at him, looking at him intently.

"You must…really love her then, dad," she whispered.

He was definitely surprised to hear that come out of her mouth. But, maybe he shouldn't have been. It had been quite a mature, open conversation thus far.

"Yes. I really do," he said.

She smiled at him as they laid in silence for a while. It was a comfortable silence. But he did interrupt it shortly thereafter.

"Do you…have any questions?" he asked, looking over at her.

She laid there in thought, but shook her head slowly.

"I don't think so," she replied.

"Okay. Well, just know you can always ask me anything," he assured her.

"I know, dad," she said. "Thank you for telling me."

"You're very welcome. Thank you for listening. And I'm sorry…I haven't told you before now. I just…I knew we had a lot going on. You've been dealing with a lot, and I didn't want to overwhelm you. It's…it's a lot to take in. But I also forget…you're so grown up, Karen," he said, reaching for her hand.

She squeezed it and smiled at her dad.

"I understand, dad," she said. "There have been…a lot of new things to me."

"I know," he nodded. "And I'm sorry about that. I really, really am. It's been…a lot of new things for me, too. And mom. But, I'm hoping…this is the end of the new stuff for a while."

She smiled and nodded. "New stuff…can be cool, too, though. Right?"

"Oh, definitely," he agreed. "That's a good way to think about it."

She shrugged. "I just like it when you're happy, dad. I just want you to be happy," she said softly. "And all this new stuff…it's made you happier. I…I swear it has."

Yet another example of how grown up she was. To realize something like that.

He kissed her hand and then leaned in to kiss her cheek.

"I love you so much, you," he said.

"I love you, daddy."

"All I want is for you to be happy too, you know," he said, looking over at her.

She smiled. "Can I tell you something?"

"Absolutely."

"When you and mommy told me you were not going to be married anymore…I was sad at first. I knew why. But I was still a little sad," she admitted.

"Yeah. I know, sweetheart," he nodded.

"That was a new thing. But…ever since I've gotten used to it, and…you and mom have gotten to be friends, I have been happier," she explained. "I was already happy before. I wasn't sad. I just didn't know…it could be even better. Because…now we are all happy."

He smiled, nodding at her. Because that was exactly what he'd hoped for, all those months ago when he had been trying to convince Mellie that Karen's life could be better. Not that it wasn't good already — but that being open and honest could make things better.

This was exactly the kind of thing he'd been wanting, and waiting for.

"I'm so glad you shared that with me. I'm going to share that with mom. It will make her feel good, too," he said happily.

Karen nodded, but then her face grew curious again.

"I think I do have…one question, dad," she said.

"Okay," he nodded.

"Mom. Does she know…you are someone else's boyfriend? Does she know it is Olivia, and…is that why…you wanted to stop being married?"

He sighed, and prepared himself to answer that question. Of course, he wasn't going to go into all the little details. But, he also did want to be as honest as he thought was appropriate.

"Well," he began. "First, Liv is not the reason we wanted to stop being married. I want you to know that above anything else. Remember how we told you that…we just weren't meant to be married, mom and I?"

She nodded in response.

"Right. Mom and I were…having some difficulties, long before now. We just…took a little bit too long to stop being married, which is why…the timing seems a bit soon," he explained.

Karen nodded, likely thinking back to all the fights she'd heard way before Olivia came into the picture. That much couldn't be denied.

"But, yes. Mom does know about Olivia, K. She knows everything," he nodded.

"Okay. That…makes sense now," Karen said.

"What do you mean, honey?" he asked.

"Well…every time we are with Olivia…it is just us three. I guess…I always thought it was by accident. But that was on purpose. Wasn't it? Because it might be weird…now. So that's why mom is never with us and Olivia."

"Well. Yes," he nodded. "Everything is…all completely fine. It's nothing bad. Both me and mom want each other to be happy. But…yes. Sometimes, things like that can just feel a little odd, because we are used to something else. Does that make sense?"

"Yes," she nodded. "She still likes Olivia…right?"

Uh….

"Yes, honey," Fitz nodded. "Of course she does."

Karen looked relieved. "Okay. That's…that's really good. I'm glad about that."

"Me too," Fitz nodded.

Some of that was definitely sugar-coated. But, some of this was also not for the ears of a child. Even a mature one.

"I guess I understand why you wanted her to be your girlfriend," Karen nodded. "If you were going to date someone other than mom…I think she is a type of person I would choose for you."

He chuckled. "Well, I'm very glad, honey. I am…so glad to hear you say that. So can I tell Olivia…you'd choose her for me?"

They both laughed again and she nodded.

"Yeah. You can tell her," Karen said.

He exhaled slightly in relief, turning to face the ceiling again.

"You know…you can always tell me about any crushes you have, too, if you want," he shrugged.

She was silent, but he felt her questioning eyes looking at him. When he turned to look, he started to chuckle. Those cheeks of hers — bright red.

"Or not! That's okay too!" he assured her with a laugh. "Clearly I was a little nervous to tell you about my crush too. So I get it. But I just wanted you to know that you can tell me if you ever…feel like it."

"Tell you what?" Karen asked with a smile. "You think I have something to tell?"

"I do," he nodded with a laugh.

He hadn't forgotten the way she and one boy in particular at her party had hung around each other. Tanner.

He hadn't ever brought it up with her, but now seemed about as good a time as any — given their topic of conversation.

"How do you know that?" she asked.

He shrugged. "How did you know I liked Olivia?"

She nodded, understanding his point. "'Cause you're my daddy, and I know you."

"Right," he agreed. "Same goes for this. I'm your daddy. And I know you."

"Well, you didn't know when I had a crush on a boy named Hank in Kindergarten and so…that's why I wanted to name our dog Hank," Karen pointed out.

Fitz scoffed and he looked at her in disbelief. "That's why you named him Hank?!"

"Yes!" Karen giggled.

"Oh my goodness! Mom and I never knew why!" he laughed.

"I know! I was too embarrassed to say why," Karen reasoned. "See. You never knew I had that crush, dad."

"Well, to my knowledge, you didn't invite Hank to any birthday parties at the house. I couldn't see it with my own eyes," Fitz said, smiling at her.

Realization dawned on her.

"That's how you know," Karen said. "My party."

"Mhm," he nodded.

"Well…I guess my secret is not a secret anymore, either," Karen laughed nervously.

He chuckled at his daughter. "It can stay a secret. I won't tell anyone."

"Thanks, dad," Karen smiled.

He made a motion of zipping his lips shut and locking them, which had Karen giggling.

"As long as Tanner is a nice boy," Fitz said, pointing at her.

"He is," Karen smiled.

"Good," Fitz nodded.

Their comfortable silence returned for a few moments, until Karen looked over at her dad again curiously.

"Did you think I would be mad, dad? About you and Olivia?" Karen asked.

He shrugged. "I don't think…I thought you'd be mad. But I thought there was a good chance you'd be confused, and…uneasy about it."

She shook her head. "No. I'm just surprised that you had the courage to tell Olivia you had a crush on her. I really thought you wouldn't be brave enough, since you get so nervous."

He scoffed, turning to look at her with a laugh. "Seriously?"

"Mhm," she nodded. "…No offense dad."

"Only a little bit taken," he chuckled. "You're probably right, though. I think I'm still a bit surprised at my courage too."

He had to admit, the night he'd confessed his feelings for Olivia involved a kiss that came out of absolutely nowhere. One that he'd initiated, but hadn't even foreseen, himself.

She looked at him sleepily, but flashed him a small smile.

"You sleepy?" he asked.

"Yeah. It was a long day," she whispered.

"It was. Lots of fun though," he said.

"Mhm," she giggled.

"Alright. I'll let you sleep. Hopefully the fireworks don't keep you up too long!"

"They won't. I'm probably gonna fall asleep in, like…27 seconds anyway," she said.

"Oh, 27 seconds, huh?" he chuckled, getting out of her bed.

"Yeah!" she laughed.

"That sounds like a good plan. I'm also heading straight to bed," he agreed. "You better give me a kiss though, you've only got like 20 seconds left before you're supposed to be asleep."

She giggled again and leaned in to peck his cheek.

"Thank you. I love you. I'll see you in the morning, okay?" he asked, heading to her door.

"Okay, daddy. I love you too," she said sweetly.

"Goodnight," he said.

"Goodnight."

He shut her door, and then immediately announced, "fifteen seconds now!"

He heard her giggling inside and his smile brightened as he walked away. Not just because of that little joke. But because of the conversation they'd just had, and how well it had gone in the grand scheme of things.

He had to stop a moment in the hallway just to take a breath, and a big sigh of relief.

That had really just happened. He knew there'd be questions to come in the future, of course. But the heavy lifting was over.

Karen knew.

He had to go call Olivia.

When he closed the door of his bedroom, he immediately called her. She answered after a few rings — her voice sounding groggy.

"Hello?"

"Oh, baby, were you sleeping?" he asked softly.

"…No, no, not really," she answered.

He could hear the happiness in her voice that he had called. But he could also hear that she'd told him a little white lie just now. She'd definitely been sleeping.

"Baby, you were. I'm so sorry. I just…something amazing just happened and I couldn't wait to talk to you. I should have…I should have texted you first to see if you were awake —"

"Baby, baby. It's okay," she giggled tiredly. "What happened? Tell me everything."

"I told Karen, Liv. I told her. She knows everything," he said excitedly.

"What?! When — already? How did that come about? How did she react?" Olivia asked.

"Well, yeah, it wasn't exactly my plan to tell her tonight. But then…she asked about you. She got to…asking about us, and…the fact that she wondered if we had crushes on each other," he explained with a laugh. "So I thought…what better time than now to just tell her…she's right. Tell her everything. So…I did."

"Oh my…wow! I can't believe that! She really…knows? Everything?"

"Everything. Well. I mean. Not…not everything, I suppose. She obviously doesn't know things that I don't think a kid her age needs to know, necessarily. But yeah. Everything else."

"My God, what a relief," Olivia noted. "So? How did she take it then? How did it go?"

"It went…really well. Really well. I don't know that it really could have gone any better," he said honestly. "She was maybe a little bit surprised to hear how serious we were. I think in her mind it was more like…we were school kids with crushes and that was that. But…she said it was a good thing, because you are amazing. I, of course, agreed."

"Awww, baby! Oh my gosh. Well this is just…wow. I'm so glad. I'm so glad it's off your chest and…that it went so well."

"Mhm. I told her she could ask any question she wanted, whenever she wanted. She didn't have much to ask tonight, but…I'm sure those questions will come in time. I think it was probably a lot of information at once and…she's got to process it all. I expect…I'll have to answer some hard ones down the road. She's only going to get smarter as she gets older and…I'm sure she'll figure some things out on her own. And that's fine. But for now, I'm just so glad that she knows and…she likes it."

"God, me too. I hoped that when I came back in August she'd be excited to see me — her dad's girlfriend. Not…unhappy to see me — her dad's girlfriend."

"I know. I hoped the same thing. She seemed…very happy about it all. Maybe a little weirded out when she found out that we do, in fact, kiss sometimes. But otherwise — really happy."

"Oh, yeah?" she laughed. "That's true. I do love a good kiss from you."

"As do I, from you," he nodded. "I expected that though. A little uncertainty is…understandable at first. I expected worse, actually. I did just get divorced, so. I can understand how it's weird thinking of me having a girlfriend after only ever seeing Mellie and me together her entire life. But mostly…after seeing an unhealthy relationship, I'm guessing she's just…curious. Curious as to what a real relationship should look like."

"Definitely. She's had to process quite a lot in the past year. And I mean…quite a lot."

"You can say that again. It's been one thing after another. And…that is not ideal. I was telling her that now, since we're all moved in, I'm hoping…there are no new changes for her for a long while. She doesn't need them. But…even still, I will admit, she definitely handles change a lot better than I do."

"Well, she does handle it well, but hey, you've done a hell of a job too, baby. Don't underestimate yourself. You've dealt with a lot. A lot, Fitz."

"Yeah. I suppose I have," he agreed.

"I'm so proud of you. For everything, and for telling her today. I know that couldn't have been easy. Thank you for calling me, baby."

"Of course. Thank you. Thank you, for…saying all that. And I'm sorry for waking you up," he said.

"I don't care, I wasn't asleep anyway."

"Right…" he chuckled skeptically.

She'd definitely been asleep.

She giggled. "You're worth it, baby. Wake me up any time. I love hearing your voice."

"I love hearing yours. I love you."

"I love you," she whispered. "I'm so, so happy about this."

"Me too," he whispered back. "I can't wait to…to spend time just us three again. Especially now that she knows. I think…things will be even better, now that things are more out in the open."

"I think so too, baby. I can't wait. I can't wait to see you both."

He sighed happily, smiling even though she couldn't see.

"I'll…I'll let you go back to sleep, okay? Sorry again — I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing, baby. No need. I will sleep so much better now. You call me tomorrow though, okay?" she asked.

"I will," he nodded. "I will. I love you, Liv."

"I love you, Fitz."

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

---

"Hmm…no, I think I like that other one. The gray one," Olivia said.

"Oh. Okay. Wait. This one?" Fitz asked, showing her his MacBook screen over FaceTime.

"Yes, yes. That one!" Olivia nodded.

"Okay, yeah. You're right. You have good taste," he nodded. "I'll get that one."

"Aww, well thank you!" she said. "You do not have to listen to me by the way — it's your house."

"No, no. Trust me. I should listen to you," he chuckled. "In fact — I could still use your keen eye on some art or…something. I mean, I have no idea what I like. I just know…I'll like what you like. So I'll give you my card and you can go nuts on wall decor too, because so far I have nothing."

"What?!" she laughed.

"Yeah. Well. Probably not today — I need to take a break because I think I burned a hole in my wallet this weekend already. Actually, it's probably just…on fire right now. But yes. Offer still stands. In fact, it's more like…I'm begging you."

"Baby," she giggled. "You really don't trust your own taste?"

"No. Not really," he admitted. "You don't have to, by any means. But, if you do want to, it would be good for us both," he chuckled.

"I absolutely will! That will be fun. Do you have any…I don't know, requests, at all? You've got to have some ideas," Olivia inquired. "I'll take the time to do a little looking online while your wallet…recovers from being on fire."

He started laughing.

"Well, all I know is I want a wall of family photos," he then answered. "The…the hallway upstairs — that's reserved for photos. But otherwise — you're free to pick whatever you'd like."

"Aww, well that's so sweet! I love your hallway family photo idea. So…like, you and Karen? Your mom?" Olivia smiled.

"Yes. And you?" he said, as if it was obvious.

"And me?" she asked.

"Um. Yes?" he nodded. "The…love of my life? Yeah."

"Oh, honey," she smiled. "I'm honored. And so excited. For everything. I'm just so excited to come back."

He sighed, smiling at her. "Me too. Yeah, would you just…would you just come back to me already, please? It's…it's been long enough."

"It has been long enough," she laughed. "I miss your face."

"Oh, do you? How about…like, my arms. Do you miss those too, or…not as much?" he asked seriously.

"I do, actually. Equally as much as your face. Maybe even…more. So muscular, you know," she explained.

"Oh, okay, got it, got it," he chuckled, watching her giggle on the other end.

Her smile lit up the entire phone screen.

Along with his entire body.

A content exhale escaped his lips as he admired her. But their ogling was interrupted by a knock at Olivia's bedroom door.

Olivia's eyes widened. What the hell was her mom doing home already? Fastest grocery run in the history of grocery runs.

Not that she hadn't FaceTimed Fitz with her mom just down the hall before — but she certainly hadn't expected her mom to be back so soon and at her door.

Fitz heard the knock and noticed Olivia's slight panic, and immediately understood.

Olivia, on the other end, was caught between trying not to abruptly hang up on Fitz like a complete asshole, while also answering her mother.

"Uh…" Olivia stumbled, looking between her phone and the door.

"It's alright. Hey. Talk later," Fitz nodded quietly.

"Yeah — Sorry. Fuck," she whispered. "Yep, bye!"

"Olivia?" her mom questioned.

"Yep, come in, mom," Olivia nodded, hanging up the phone.

Marie opened the door and peeked her head in, raising a questioning eyebrow. "On the phone with someone?"

"Um. I was, yeah," Olivia nodded, plugging her phone into its charger.

"Oh, well you didn't have to hang up for me! I'm sorry!"

"Oh, no, mom it's totally fine. He had to go anyway," Olivia shrugged.

"'He' huh? I knew I heard a guy's voice. Anyone fun?" Marie smirked.

"Um…" Olivia laughed. "Yeah. I certainly think so."

"Oh?" her mother asked.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Olivia nodded, taking note of her mom's intrigued look.

"Well, well. No wonder you hung up," Marie laughed. "I'm sorry — I'll let you be. I of course got all the way to the grocery store and realized I forgot the list we wrote on the counter. So, here I am!"

"Oh no!" Olivia exclaimed.

"I know," she sighed. "Anyway — I just thought I'd ask if you had any special requests for Sunday dinner tomorrow night while I was back."

"Hmm…" Olivia wondered aloud. "The potatoes uncle Frankie makes and the salad you make. Those are my only requests."

Marie laughed. "Those are always your requests!"

"What can I say. Why fix something that's not broken?!" Olivia shrugged.

"Alright. Understood," Marie laughed. "I'll leave you be so you can call that boy back."

She raised an eyebrow at her daughter as if to show she was curious about it. In a typical parent manner. But she still smiled and laughed, too, as she closed the door.

"Bye, mom," Olivia yelled.

She smiled to herself, thinking about the fact that they had actually just been talking about Fitz. Not that her mother knew that. Or knew anything about this mysterious guy. But still — the thought was nice.

It got her thinking. It got her thinking that maybe she should make her family aware of just who this guy was the very next chance she got. She'd wanted to. She'd been waiting for the right time just like Fitz had been with Karen. And she had to admit — Fitz's courage was giving her courage as well.

She didn't expect her conversation with her family to go nearly as well as Fitz's had with Karen. She wasn't stupid. But, she was definitely even more inclined now that Fitz had had the tough conversation on his end.

Thoughts swirled around her head about when and how to go about it. Thoughts swirled around her head for the rest of the weekend.

And then Sunday evening hit — and she'd decided that was the night. Sunday dinner — a family tradition whenever they could all be together. Funny enough, it had actually begun with her father. And even now, after he was gone, her mother and uncle had long carried on that tradition.

Frankie's girlfriend usually came whenever she could as well — but unfortunately tonight she had a prior commitment with her family.

But that was okay with Olivia. Because she preferred it to just be her mom and uncle for this conversation. They were the two she was closest to anyway. They were the ones whose opinions Olivia cared about the most in the world.

She'd made Fitz aware of her plans to go for it tonight, so he knew about it and promised to have his phone on him all night.

She'd been able to tell he was nervous. And so was she. This would be a big moment in her life. One that she had to consider very carefully.

So she waited for the right moment at dinner. She let the conversation progress a little bit, rather than getting right into it. And when a pause presented itself, she took the opportunity.

"Mom. Frank," she began. "I'd like to share something with you both."

Her mother and her uncle grew intrigued, chewing thoughtfully as they nodded at her to continue.

"Well we'd like to listen, then," Frankie said.

Olivia looked back and forth between the two siblings — who looked so much alike. Both had their curious face on right now.

"Well," Olivia sighed, putting her fork down. "I just thought…you both should know, because it's important to me. And I've been waiting for the right time to tell you, but I'm getting sick of waiting. I've just been…so anxious and excited to tell you, so…I'm not waiting anymore. I'm not waiting anymore to tell you…about him."

"Him?" Marie smiled. "Is this the same 'him' I interrupted you on the phone with yesterday?"

"Yes," Olivia nodded.

"Oh, well this is news to me! Tell us, then, Olivia. I'd love that," Frankie nodded.

Olivia nodded back, feeling her nerves increase a bit — having their undivided attention. Seeing their smiles — the smiles they had because they were probably thinking this was some boy from abroad that she'd met while she was away. Someone smart, and kind, and perfect for her.

And that was all true. Every part of that was true for her.

Except that this boy was not so much a boy, but a man. A 31-year-old man, who had a child, and was married once before. And not only all of that, but Fitz.

She knew for sure that the smiles would disappear once they found out.

But she pushed on. Because this needed to be done.

"Well, first, I do want to say that…my life changed when I was in New York. It changed for the better. I met so many people — made so many amazing friends. Including him. And…I grew so much. So much happened. Good and bad, both. But I just feel like an entirely different person now than I was before New York. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to go there. So…thank you, again, mom. For everything. It really was a dream, and I can't wait to keep living it."

"Oh, baby. You're sure welcome. It's hard having you live so far away, but it's all worth it — seeing you so happy. I've noticed how happy you are and it's all a parent can ever ask for," Marie smiled, taking a sip of wine.

Olivia smiled back, so happy that her mother saw that, and appreciated that.

"So. What's his name, baby," Marie asked softly, looking intently at her daughter.

Frankie nodded in agreement.

"The suspense is killing me!" he chuckled.

Olivia's heart fluttered at the thought of saying his name aloud.

Oh God. Here goes.

"Fitz. His name is…Fitz," Olivia answered.

"Fitz," Marie nodded, tilting her head curiously.

"That's a unique name, isn't it. Fitz." Frankie said.

"Yeah, why does it sound familiar?" Marie asked.

"Well, because you know him. I mean, you don't…know him. But you know who he is," Olivia nodded honestly.

Marie raised an eyebrow and thought back — Olivia could see her trying to recall.

"What's Fitz short for? I'm curious," Frankie teased.

But before Olivia could answer, her mother jumped in for her.

"Fitzgerald," Marie said, putting the pieces together. She stared at Olivia sternly, but questioningly at the same time.

"Fitzgerald…Grant?" her mother asked cautiously.

Olivia looked at her mother seriously and gave her a nod. "Yes."

Frankie was now starting to put the pieces together, too.

And everyone had lost their smiling expressions.

"Now…wait a minute," Frankie said.

"I'm going to need you to explain yourself right now, Olivia, because…what in God's name —"

"I know. I know," Olivia jumped in quickly. "I knew he wouldn't exactly be a…crowd favorite right away."

"A crowd favorite? You mean the man that you lived with for an entire semester? The man that's…married? And has a child?"

Frankie sat back in his chair and sighed, wincing to himself. "Oh Lord, I did not see that coming."

"Okay, mom. If you could just…let me explain —"

"Oh…God. Oh God?" Marie said, her voice strained. "What did…what did you do, Olivia? What did he do? Did he…oh my God. Did he hurt you? What did he do to you?"

Her mother's voice had a mix of anger and panic in it now.

"No. No," Olivia replied, wanting to make that extremely clear. "I know how it sounds, I know it probably doesn't seem great —"

"Doesn't seem great?!" Marie exclaimed.

Olivia sighed. Okay. So this had not gotten off to a great start.

"Okay — okay. Let's…why don't we just let Olivia speak for a moment," Frankie said, putting his hands out in a "calm down" manner.

Marie rolled her eyes and shook her head in disbelief. But she did shut up for a second, so Olivia took her chance. She gave a brief 'thank you' nod to her uncle and found her words again.

"I understand your concerns. I really do — I'm not an idiot, I knew what you'd think. But I just need you to know — whatever terrible things you're thinking, it isn't that. Not in the slightest. We fought it for…forever, and even when we admitted it to ourselves, we still fought it. This was not…our plan, it just happened —"

"Yeah, and what exactly is it that just happened? Do I even…fucking want to know what's happened between you two, Olivia?" Marie asked.

"Oh — fuck, Marie. Jesus," Frankie sighed.

"What happened is I fell in love, mom. And so did he. For the first time ever, both of us," Olivia said.

"Fell in —" Marie said, putting her hand to her face. "Honey. Oh my God. I don't even…I don't even know what I'm supposed to do with this right now."

"You're supposed to understand, mom," Olivia replied. "I get it — you can be pissed at me — that's fine. But you're supposed to understand that no matter what you think, he makes me happy. We make each other happy."

"A…married, 31-year-old white man with a kid makes you happy, Olivia?" Marie asked.

"He's divorced, for one. And two — yes. Because I love him. I am in love with him," Olivia said again very clearly.

"Woah, woah, woah — wait a minute. What do you mean he's divorced?" Marie asked.

"He is divorced," Olivia nodded. "He is not married."

"Since when, Olivia? Since when? You went there — they were married. You come back, and he's not? So on top of this disgusting nonsense — you broke up a marriage?"

"No!" Olivia exclaimed. "I had nothing to do with their issues before —"

"Oh — Lord. Oh," Marie groaned in frustration. She put her face in her hands and shook her head. "I think I'm going to be sick, Olivia."

That hurt. Pissed off, she understood and expected. But physically ill? Really?

"Mom," Olivia began shakily. "Look, I'll answer any question you have, I really will. I knew there would be a lot of them, but I really hoped you'd just let me explain everything first. You said you needed me to explain, so let me?" Olivia said.

"You did explain. I know all I need to know now. In came a beautiful girl for him to take manipulate and get his mind off his own fucking issues. Right there in his house. So convenient for him, don't you think?"

"No —" Olivia tried to interrupt. She tried so hard but her mother kept talking.

"The sad thing is I don't even think I'm surprised. He's a man. And that's what men do. I'm just sickened. And so disappointed that you involved yourself, Olivia. Not only that, but you…you think you're together now?"

"We are together," Olivia clarified. "And none of what you just fucking said is true. Literally — none of it, mom."

She'd definitely stepped over a line there, cussing at her mother, but her mother had stepped over a hell of a lot of them before too.

"Okay. Yeah. You need to stop talking now," Marie nodded quietly. "I've heard enough."

"What? Mom —"

"Stop. Talking, Olivia," Marie sighed, looking down at the table.

And now Olivia was frustrated.

Olivia sighed, trying not to get angry. Trying at least, not to show it. Because that wouldn't help anything.

So she left the table. She didn't leave the house — she just went upstairs. Left her plate and everything, which in their house, usually, was a no-no.

But she wasn't exactly sure what else she was supposed to do. Couldn't explain more, couldn't talk. She certainly wasn't going to sit there amidst the angered silence at the dinner table.

She locked her bedroom door and sat down on her bed with a sigh, feeling the tears want to come out.

She really didn't want them to, though. That was not what she needed right now.

Instead, she sat there on her bed, listening to the pure silence downstairs. That silence was frightful for her.

But not long after, she heard a knock at her door.

It was Frankie, of course. Because she knew her mom hadn't had enough time to cool off yet. Frankie was a lot calmer than she was in heated situations.

Olivia opened the door, and looked up at Frankie who stood there, staring at her. He'd barely said a word during that entire conversation, so Olivia wasn't exactly sure what to expect now.

"May I come in?" Frankie asked.

Olivia sighed, opening her door and leaving a space for him to pass.

He nodded at her as he passed through, and she shut her door.

After sitting down on the edge of the bed, he looked up at Olivia contently.

"Well that was one of our best Sunday dinners, wouldn't you say?" he said.

Olivia glared at him, then sighed and put her hands up to her face.

"I'm…fucked. Aren't I," Olivia said.

He shrugged. "Depends on what your definition of 'fucked' is in this situation. If it means…she's going to disown you — no. If it means she's going to hold it against you for the rest of your life — no. You know she's a woman of reason. But If it means…you did something incredibly stupid and she's pissed at you, then yes. As am I, I should point out."

"I know," Olivia nodded, putting her hands on her hips. "I know that."

"So why did you do it? You knew it was stupid, but you still did it. Why?" Frankie asked.

"Why does anyone?" Olivia laughed. But her laugh wasn't a humorous one. It was a frustrated one. "Why does anyone knowingly do stupid things, Frank? Because there's always another reason that you like better. There's always something else that drives you to do it. My reason is that I love him. And trust me — we had plenty of hate for ourselves when things happened. Both of us. But…in the end, our love for each other was just…stronger."

Frankie sighed, shaking his head. "Dear. What a mess you've gotten yourself into."

"Yeah. Tell me about it. I dealt with this…all year. Essentially…by myself. Just him and I. And I've said nothing."

"Well. You got yourself into it, did you not?" Frankie nodded.

"Yes. I did. I certainly don't expect any sympathy for it, trust me. I don't want any, because I know what I did. I just want to be heard. That's all I'm asking for," Olivia said.

"And she will hear you, in time," Frankie nodded. "You know she will. She's just…in shock, Olivia. And worried. And angrier at him than at you. But he isn't here for her to yell at. Only you are."

"Well, she shouldn't be mad at him for anything," Olivia stated.

Frankie chuckled again. "Right. The…30-something-man that's been having a completely fucking inappropriate relationship with you. The man who was supposed to take you in and help you, and support you. Not…take advantage of you, Olivia."

"He did not! My God, I just want that to be made crystal clear, above everything else," Olivia said angrily. "He would be sick to his stomach if he heard these things. God, I just wish you knew him. He's an angel. He's…such a good man. One of the best I've ever met in my life."

"And yet…he had an affair. He cheated on the mother of his daughter. In his own house."

Olivia shook her head at her uncle. It just didn't seem fair — all these attacks. None of it seemed fair, knowing the man that Fitz was. But she knew this would happen. She knew this wouldn't be easy. So she tried not to get too frustrated.

"Frankie, look, if you're just going to bash him, I'd really like to be alone right now because it's been a hell of a night already. And I don't need to hear any more of this — I'll be hearing it for the rest of my life at this rate," Olivia said.

"I'm sorry, kid. I am. I don't doubt that you feel something for him. I certainly know you wouldn't make such a mess of things if you didn't. But that doesn't make it any easier to understand, or wrap our heads around," Frankie said. "This has been going on for a really long time, and we knew nothing until today. It's a lot to process at one time, and I'm sure…we don't even know half of it yet. So just…have some patience. Okay?"

"Yeah. I know that. I…understand," Olivia nodded.

"I know you do."

"So…if you're pissed at me too, then why are you up here?" Olivia asked.

"Because you're my niece. And my Goddaughter. And I know my feelings aren't the only ones that matter. I know…you're probably not feeling too great about things right now either," Frankie said. "Especially because of how heated my sister can get."

"Yeah. Seeing how this has gone so far, I'm not feeling too great, no," Olivia said. "But it was to be expected. None of this is a surprise. I guess it still just…hurts."

He nodded. "Your mother…she just loves you so much. All she wants is what's best for you."

"Yes. I know," Olivia nodded. "And she doesn't think this is it."

"Well. I'm sure it's not what she had in mind, no," Frankie said.

Olivia sat down next to him on her bed, not able to keep nervous pacing anymore.

"It's not what I had in mind either, Frank," Olivia replied honestly. "I didn't…I didn't go looking for this. Trust me — I fought it so hard. But there are things you just…you can't always control. Sometimes things just happen, and…this was one of those things. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. I wouldn't trade it for you not to be pissed at me, or mom. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's one of the best things that's ever happened to me. He is."

Frankie looked at her intently, seeming to actually hear her this time and take that in. And he nodded slightly, before getting up.

"Well, then. You better never give up on it," he said quietly, opening her door and looking back at her. "People are gonna fight you on it. They're not going to like it. Just like what's happening right here, tonight. But if you really mean what you say you mean — you keep fighting, Olivia."

He closed the door behind him, leaving Olivia alone with her thoughts. And she nodded to herself.

"I will."

Those were the last words she uttered aloud for a while in that bedroom. Otherwise, she waited.

And waited.

She wasn't sure whether to go back downstairs and continue the conversation with her mother, or give her more time and space to process. She didn't want to call Fitz yet — mostly because she only had bad news to tell him at this rate. For his anxiety's sake — she kind of wanted to call him with a definitive answer about how things had ended. And she was hoping the conversation hadn't ended yet.

Thankfully, she was right. But it took a long time for her mother to come upstairs for another chat.

She heard the soft knock at her door, and knew instantly by the sound that it was her mom knocking. Not the slightly more aggressive knock of her uncle.

"Come in," Olivia said calmly from bed.

Her mom didn't look at her yet. She just closed the door and walked inside — not sitting down either. She just walked. Paced, kind of. She did so silently for a few minutes, but eventually she found her words.

"Why, Olivia. Why him? Why not a nice boy your age from school?" Marie asked, almost painfully.

What a nice thing to break the ice with.

Not.

Olivia exhaled quietly, smoothing out her comforter.

"Because I fell in love with Fitz. Not a nice boy my age from school," Olivia answered honestly.

"Mhm. Okay. Olivia. I'm just…" she sighed. "I'm really having a hard time understanding the appeal here."

"The appeal of…what? Him?" Olivia asked.

"Yes. He's…much older than you. He has…a daughter. You're in such different places in life. And this is even putting aside the fact that he's married!"

"Was. Was married," Olivia corrected again.

"Oh, right, and believe me, we'll get to that part later," Marie replied.

"Good. I'd like you to know everything," Olivia shrugged. "That was my entire reasoning for bringing it up tonight. It's about damn time I told you, I'm done hiding it. He shouldn't have to be hidden. Because he's amazing, mom. You don't see the appeal — well. That's fine. You don't have to see it. But I do. And you already told me you'd noticed how happy I'd become. And that's because of him. So you're seeing all that you need to see. And one day, you'll understand it, too. You'll realize how perfect he is. You'll realize…how kind, and caring he is. In time, you will realize everything about him that makes him who he is, and you'll understand. I know right now you don't, and that's fine. But you will."

Marie was completely unconvinced.

"Do you have any idea…what you've even done? Been doing? How can you even believe that you're thinking straight?" Marie asked, flabbergasted.

Olivia sighed, not even sure how to answer that or where to begin. This was going to take a lot out of her.

Her mom came over to her bed and sat down, leaning in.

"Please, Olivia. Is this about…I mean, did he…hurt you, Olivia? Is that what's going on here? Please tell me if that's the case, because —"

"Mom! Oh my God! I appreciate that you're concerned about that, I really do. And if that were the case, I know I'd have a great support system behind me. But I don't understand how this isn't getting through to you guys — there was nothing like that happening here. Not at all. The man could barely bring himself to touch me for months! I still make him nervous for Christ's sake! He did not do anything wrong!"

"He didn't do anything wrong?!" Marie exclaimed sarcastically. "He didn't do anything wrong. My, my."

"I didn't mean…" Olivia sighed. "I know, what happened was wrong. But it was wrong for a different reason than what you're implying."

"Oh, and which reason are we talking about then? Because in my eyes there's too many to fucking count, Olivia," Marie said angrily.

"I know that. I understand why you're upset, and where you're coming from," Olivia nodded.

Marie shook her head, looking at her daughter with a sense of disappointment and disbelief all at once.

"I just…I don't get this, Olivia. I'm lost. I don't…" she sighed.

Olivia silently nodded, but didn't know what to say any more at this point. The looks she was getting from her mother both hurt, and were starting to leave her uncertain of how they were going to get past this.

Her mother spoke next, anyway.

"Did it…start, when he was married, Olivia? Did…he have an affair, with you?" Marie asked softly, barely even able to look at her daughter.

Olivia nodded hesitantly, feeling the tears well up in her eyes now. She wiped them away immediately.

"Yes."

Marie inhaled sharply, clutching her forehead as if it physically pained her.

"And now…he's divorced," Marie nodded.

"Yes," Olivia said again.

"And you seriously think…that you did not cause that?" Marie asked sassily.

"No, mom. I know that I did not cause it," Olivia corrected. "Whether you believe me or not — it's true. I may have caused the start to the conversation, but their marriage was done before it even started."

"And that…what, justifies things? That excuses all of this?" Marie asked, a bit more calmly.

"No. I never once said it did," Olivia said. "I know what happened. I know what I did. I am not proud of the way things started, and neither is he. But I don't regret what came of it."

Marie just looked as if she couldn't possibly understand. She didn't get it, and it was clear.

"I thought you were smarter than this," Marie whispered. "Actually, I know you're smarter than this. So I can really only assume that he's the reason behind this. He…brought you into his mess and made you think this was a good idea —"

"Please stop talking, mom," Olivia interrupted. Oh, how the tables had turned.

"So you don't say something I won't be able to forgive you for," Olivia said.

Marie did stop talking then, looking at her daughter with wide eyes.

"I care what you think. I love you, and want you to approve of the choices I make. But this is an exception for me. If you don't like this — I…I'm sorry, but I just don't care. He's the love of my life, mom. And I'm his, too. You can laugh or judge or not believe me — I don't care. Because I know it's the truth. And he knows it, and that's all that matters to me," Olivia said. "Now, do I want your approval? Yes. I really, really do. Because he's worth it. He deserves it. You may not even be able to fathom that right now, and that's okay, but I really hope you see that eventually. Because I'm going to marry him someday, mom. I swear to God."

Now, she genuinely looked astonished at her rant. Processing everything that had been said.

It had been a lot, and Olivia knew that.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound blunt, and I know this is…a lot to take in at one time. I just want to be honest with you, mom. Completely honest and transparent. Because I haven't been. I haven't been for almost a year and I'm sorry about that. That just isn't right. You and I have…such a strong relationship and I know I fucked that up tonight. I should have told you before now, probably — but I was afraid of your reaction. I knew you and Frankie wouldn't like it and it broke my heart every time I thought about how bad it could go. But I know I broke yours tonight too. So I hope someday, you can forgive me," Olivia said.

"And I hope you can forgive Fitz, too," Olivia added quietly. "Because…he's not going anywhere."

---

Whew. My goodness, that was a whole lot of brutal honesty. Obviously, there is still a lot that needs to be talked about even after this chapter. Those conversations are not nearly over, particularly Olivia's. But, both Olivia and Fitz got a start on things! More to come.

The truth will out.

I appreciate everyone's patience. It means the world to me!

I hope you enjoyed.

Read on,

~T