Chapter Fifteen: Happy Birthday Daddy
"Maybe we can lift this one just a hair higher. It seems off with the other two." Olivia instructed the two men who were hanging up her paintings in the gallery. She had an entire wall dedicated to nothing but paintings by Olivia Pope. She even had her name on the wall, so there was no mistaken who painted these pictures.
She knew she was being a little anal about her paintings, but right now she didn't care, she had to make sure they were perfect. And she might have been a little nervous about her paintings being in an actual gallery. She'd only sold her paintings in Val's store. She wasn't some big shot painter that the entire world knew about. Yet with all her doubts and nerves, her paintings and photos had already gained some attention. Beside several of her photos were little green circles, showing how many times a print of the photo had been bought. It was surreal. And these were all pre orders. Marcus was hosting a gallery showcase party, introducing all his new artist. She had seen pictures of his previous showcase parties in the magazines before and knew it was a real elegant and swanky thing.
"Like this?"
"Yes, that's perfect. Thanks again you guys." Olivia smiled at the boys as they left her to admire her work on the wall. She had brought several pieces with a lot a variety, she didn't want to seem one dimensional. She had paintings of nature, architecture, people and abstract art. Most of the painting were of men and women though. Some were sexual. And others were just simple such as a woman gazing out a window or dancing.
Olivia was proud of every single painting on this wall. She put her heart and soul into painting each one of them. Making sure they were nothing less than perfection before she revealed them.
Behind her, she didn't notice Fitz admiring her from a distance. He was there to take her to lunch, but he was just enjoying staring at her for now. She was still adjusting her paintings on the wall, although there was nothing wrong with them. He thought she looked cute in her boyfriend jeans and cream sweater with her chucks. She had her hair up in her natural curls, pulled half back with diamond studded hairclip. She was also wearing her Ray-Ban glasses instead on her contacts. She did that a lot, sometimes she just didn't feel like putting them in so she would wear her glasses. This was the Olivia her knew. Yes he loved when she dressed up, but she was just as beautiful when she dressed down. Olivia wasn't the type of person that loved to wear high heels and dresses every day. She loved her sneakers and jeans.
Fitz snuck up behind Olivia, while she was gazing at a painting. He wrapped his arms around her waist, effectively startling Olivia from her thoughts. As he kissed her cheek, he could feel them swelling from her smile.
"Hey, you scared me." Olivia turned around in his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck. She was a little disappointed when he kissed her nose and not her lips.
"You look adorable in these glasses."
"Really? Because Alex said I looked like a hot nerd."
"That too." Fitz leaned in and finally kissed Olivia. His hands lowered from her waist and down to her butt, while her arms tightened around his neck. She moaned, when he slipped his tongue past her lips. She knew she had no business kissing her boyfriend like this in public, but she couldn't bring herself to stop him from pulling her closer. She had missed him, and it's only been a day since they've been apart. Yet she had to refrain herself from calling him last night to come over. She wasn't confident enough to call him for what would have basically been a booty call. Half the time, she's too shy to initiate just a kiss.
Fitz was the first to pull away. "Hi."
"Hi."
He kissed her lips one last time, before turning her around, still in his arms. Partly so he could force himself to stop kissing her, but mostly so he could hide his hard on.
"Are these all yours?"
"Yes!" Olivia answered excitedly. Her eyes just lighting up. "This entire wall are paintings by yours truly."
"These are great Liv." Fitz walked the wall, admiring the paintings. He recognized some of them a new ones, and others he was just seeing for the first time. He noticed how much Olivia's talent had grown.
"These are amazing." Fitz said of five paintings. They were a transitional piece. The first painting was of a woman standing in a flower field wearing a white see-through dress shirt. The painting was so clear, it looked like a picture at first sight. The second was of the same woman, only she had her back towards the painting and her shirt was hanging of her shoulders. The next her shirt was hanging around her waist. The fourth picture the woman in the painting was nude, holding the shirt by her side. And the final painting was a picture of the woman lying on her stomach in the flower field. Her head resting on her hand, and one leg flipped into the air. Fitz couldn't believe how beautiful these paintings were. They were so clear, he swore he saw dimples on the small of the woman's back. He didn't even want to know how long it took her to paint the flowers in the painting.
"Are these new? I don't remember these."
"Sort of. I started painting them two years ago. This is just the first time I've displayed them."
"Why so long?"
Olivia shrugged, "I don't know, honestly I haven't liked them until recently. I thought they were boring."
"These are anything but boring Bambi." Fitz looked over at Olivia after she'd gone silent for a while. "What?"
Olivia smiled. "You called me Bambi again." Bambi was Fitz new nickname for Olivia. He said it was because she had big, doe, Disney eyes.
Fitz laughed, and wrapped his arms around Olivia. "You love when I call you Bambi."
"Maybe."
"Olivia."
"Marcus. Hi." Olivia unwrapped her arms from Fitz, but he kept a hand on her waist. "Fitz this is Marcus, Marcus this is my boyfriend Fitz."
"Fitzgerald Grant, no introduction needed. Everyone knows who Fitzgerald Grant is."
"Nice to see you Marcus."
"You two know each other?" Olivia asked.
"Fitz and I went to art school together. We stayed in touch for about two years after that right Fitz."
"Sure." Fitz answered. Olivia sensed something was wrong with him. She felt his entire demeanor change the moment Marcus showed up.
"I just came over to see how my girl was doing. I hear some of her paintings have already been sold. I think my girl's gonna do just fine on her own one day."
Fitz's grip on Olivia's waist got tighter and tighter every time Marcus said 'my girl'. She knew something was off about Fitz and Marcus's relationship.
"Sorry to have to steal her from you Fitz. Competition is fierce."
"You're not my competitor Marcus."
"Fitz we should probably go. I'm starving and you need to get back to work soon." Olivia said, but Fitz didn't answer. "Fitz."
"What? Right yes, we should get going."
"Yeah, I'll go grab my coat."
Olivia walked away, leaving Marcus and Fitz alone.
"You always did know how to pick them didn't you Fitz." Marcus smirked at Olivia backside as she walked away. "Then again we always did have the same taste in women didn't we."
"Watch yourself Marcus."
Marcus chuckled, "What? I'm just messing with you. I wouldn't try and take your girl or nothing like that, you don't have to worry."
"I'm not."
"Hmm. How is Tatiana these days?"
"I wouldn't know."
"Oh? After you took her form me, I'd think you'd keep in touch."
"Why is it that every time I see you, this is what you want to talk about?"
"Because you took what was mine."
"Tatiana was a piece of ass. She liked to fuck rich men, she wasn't relationship material anyway. I did you a favor."
Marcus scoffed, "Fucking my girl was doing me a favor?"
"Tatiana wasn't your girl. She wasn't mine, she wasn't anyone's. I wasn't the only one she was fucking while she was sleeping with you."
"You were my boy Fitz."
"Marcus she was a trick. You can never turn that hoe into a housewife."
"Well I guess you found the perfect housewife this time around huh? Olivia's a real nice piece of ass Fitz. She's got the whole innocent routine to a T. I would love to see what she's like between the sheets-"
Before Marcus could finish his sentence, Fitz grabbed him by his shirt and slammed him into the wall beside them. Luckily there weren't many people in this part of the gallery. Fitz wanted so badly to just punch the smug little look Marcus had on his face. His grip on his shirt got tighter and tighter by the minute. He only released Marcus when he heard some voices. The last thing he needed was a picture of him in the paper assaulting someone.
"I'm only gonna tell you this once." Fitz kept his voice low so he couldn't be overheard by the small crowd. "Olivia is not one of your 'assistants' that you fuck and dump. You stay the hell away from her. This is your only warning. If I hear so much as a-"
"Okay babe you ready?" Olivia came back, with her coat and purse on as she wrapped her scarf around her neck.
"Yes." Fitz quickly grabbed Olivia hands, lacing his fingers with hers. Olivia barely told Marcus goodbye, before walking them out the gallery.
X
"Okay and so after 'But there's nothing to grab' the music stops and then I come in with 'So I let go' and then we all head into the chorus."
"Yeah sounds good."
"And guys I know it's bad timing changing the song two weeks away from our performance. And after already learning the other song, but I just think this song will be so much better. So thanks for not being assholes about it. And I think we're good for the day."
Alex thanked the guys lone last time, before everyone except Chance left.
"Hey Lex, what's Quinn doing here? Is she coming back?"
Quinn had come back for rehearsals today, and she was also going to perform with the band at the music fest. She was going to play the guitar along with Alex.
"Uh no, she's just helping us out. I figured it was only fair since she helped me write the music."
"Mhm, you two are back together aren't you."
"Shh! You're the only one who knows about us."
"So there is an us?"
"No. I don't know. I mean I just broke up with Patrick, I don't want to jump into another relationship. One was enough."
"Mhm, you're just scared."
"I am not scared. Scared of what?"
"You're scared of your parents. You're scared to come out to them, that's why you've never been serious with Quinn. Because you know once you do, that you'll have to tell your parents that you're gay."
"Is that so bad? Look at Quinn, her parents kicked her out of the house. She was only seventeen, she hasn't spoken with them in years. I can't fathom having that kind of relationship with my parents. Yes my mother get on my nerves on a regular basis, but I love her just the same. I don't know what id' do if she cut me off like Quinn's mom did her." "
"Alex you're parents are a lot more understanding than you give them credit for."
"My dad maybe, but my mother will lose her shit when she finds out I'm gay."
"Maybe she'll surprise you."
"I highly doubt it."
"You know what you should do. You should take Quinn to your dad's birthday tomorrow and come out then."
"I am not coming out at my dad's birthday party! What the hell is wrong with you?"
Chance laughed. "Why not? He'll already be in a good mood because it's his birthday. There will be a lot of people around, and you know how your mother hates to make a scene. She'll be totally chill."
"Chance you are so not helping. If I'm scared to come out to my parents, what makes you think I want to do it in front of my entire family?"
"You know what you are making this too complicated, I didn't have this problem. My parents knew I was gay before I even knew it. And you know what, they didn't care. And neither will yours."
"That's because you have two dads and you mother is a pot growing hippie."
"They won't care Alex."
"Well until I'm sure of that. My parents will only know Quinn as my friend."
"Whatever, I gotta get away from all this drama." Chance waved his hands in front of him, in his Chance dramatic fashion. "I'll see y'all later."
X
"I am so full." Olivia groaned, leaning against Fitz's arm as they walked hand in hand down the street. They had lunch at a great seafood place Fitz recommended. They both had an order of shrimp scampi and Olivia did something she rarely did. She cleaned her plate. Not once piece of shrimp or pasta was left on her plate. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until she had her first bite. "That shrimp scampi was the best."
"I told you, best seafood restaurant in the city."
"I believe you now. I still can't believe I ate the entire plate, it was bigger than my head."
"I love a woman who can eat."
Olivia blushed, and tightened her grip on his arm. "Where are you taking me?"
"Surprise, I want to show you something."
"Don't you have to get back to work?"
"It's my company Bambi, I can do whatever I want."
"Well Mr. Boss, I don't like surprises so where are you taking me?"
"My store."
"You have a store? What kind of store?"
"It's sort of a collectible shop. Collectibles of all kinds. Rare art, first edition books, one of a kind African statues genuine of course."
"Oh of course sir."
"Even some action figures of some kind, which are apparently worth a lot of money."
"When did you do all of this?"
"Started a couple of years ago. Kept it pretty much under wraps. I didn't want a lot of media attention focused on it, while I was still building up GAI to what it is today. I'm having a grand opening in a few weeks."
"Why haven't I heard anything about this before?"
Fitz shrugged. "I told you I kept it out of the media for a while. Except for a few little story lines about the building project. I wanted GAI to be the main focus. And now that we're doing better than ever, I can put my focus back onto the store. Jake can handle things at GAI for a while. Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Because you are too much. You have too much going on right now, what about the architect firm?"
"Babe that's far from happening, years. It's just an idea right now."
"You still have too much going on."
"I like to keep busy. Besides, that is why you hire staff to run the store for you. I'll barely have to do anything." Fitz came to a stop in front of two double glass doors. Olivia noticed the two cameras above them and one in front of them. A man in an all black suit opened the door for them. He had an ear piece and dark sunglasses on. Olivia was intimidated by his size alone. She noticed more security cameras and another bodyguard inside the store.
The inside of the store was very neat and tidy. Everything was in its place and organized. There was art work, statues, autographed memorabilia from celebrities. Autographed basketballs, footballs, baseballs you name it. There was also a section of jewelry. Olivia had never seen that many diamonds up close before. The entire section was shining from the light catching the diamonds.
"That's a lot of security."
"There's millions of dollars' worth of merchandise in this store. I'm not taking any chances, from some klepto with sticky fingers. So what do you think?"
"I think you're insane. Why are you selling this stuff? These are first edition books, how did you even get these?"
"Collected them from over the years. To be honest, I don't remember where half of this stuff came from."
"And you're just gonna sell it all?" Olivia admired a painting on an easel. "This is a Picasso Fitz. A genuine Picasso."
Fitz wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "I've got two Picasso paintings hanging in my home."
"Of course you do." Olivia picked up what looked like a doll box. "G.I Joe? These are worth money?"
"Apparently they're a collector's item. The old G.I Joe in good condition. I've already got a guy coming from Florida to check it out."
"He's coming from Florida for a doll?"
"Action figure babe. And you'd be surprised at what some people would be willing to pay for."
"I guess so." Olivia put the action figure down, and moved on to the books. She picked up an autographed To kill a mockingbird.
"I love this book, I read it in school."
"Everyone with an English class has read that book before."
"Mr. Grant, a package came in for you today." A woman came from the back. She was pretty, dressed in black, just like the other workers. She had on a short black skirt with a black suit jacket and high heels. She looked elegant and formal at the same time.
"Oh right, thank you Amber." Fitz took the package. "Amber this is my girlfriend Olivia. Olivia this is Amber the store manager."
Amber and Olivia said quick hellos, before Amber went back to wherever she came from.
"What's that?" Olivia asked, as Fitz opened the thin mail carrier box.
"Your dad's present I hope."
"What is it?"
"None of your business. You'll find out Saturday."
"Come on, you should tell me so I can tell you if he'll like it or not."
"I have a feeling he will." Fitz smirked.
"What did you go and do?" Fitz shrugged. "Should I be nervous? You didn't go and do something extravagant did you?"
"It wasn't that big of a bother."
"Fitzgerald."
Fitz turned to see his father walking through the door. He groaned when he noticed the small crowd of people and paparazzi outside the window following him. Fitz hated the press and crowds, and he was guaranteed both of them, whenever he was around his dad.
"Dad, what are you doing here?"
"Hello Olivia, lovely to see you again."
"Same here."
"Dad what are you doing here?"
"Have you heard form you sister lately? Your mother and I are looking for her. We checked every hotel she would stay at, but-"
"She's at my penthouse."
"Ah, well I assume she told you what happened."
"Yes she did, and she's still pretty upset about it."
"I know, your mother and I feel awful about the way we reacted. Honestly we were just shocked."
"And how do you think she felt."
"I know. We know we overreacted and now we just need to sit down and talk."
"Well I don't know if she's ready to talk to you yet, but I know mother won't care."
"She had an appointment this morning, how'd it go?"
"She call me after she left. She said she was definitely pregnant, and that everything looked fine. And please tell mother to give Tabi a day. I really don't feel like coming home to a screaming match."
"I'll tell her, but I don't know if she will listen. You know how your mother gets. It was lovely seeing you again Olivia."
"You too Mr. Grant."
"You have to come by the house sometime and have dinner."
"I'd love too."
"See you later Fitzgerald."
"Tabitha's pregnant?" Olivia asked, once Gerry walked out the store. He didn't go far, because there was still a little crowd in front of the store. Gerry stopped to sign some autographs and take a few pictures with some fans.
"Yeah, by some Italian douche bag. She doesn't even know his last name. I adore my sister, but she can be so reckless. And so fucking stupid at times."
"I didn't take Tabitha as the nurturing mother type."
Fitz chuckled, "She isn't. But she's about to be." Fitz looked at his watch. "It's almost three, do you have to be at the center?"
"Oh shoot, I almost forgot."
"Come on, I'll take you." Fitz grabbed Olivia hand, and led her out the store. His father was still standing there, which meant the paparazzi was still standing there. It was only two or three cameras who just happened to be in the area, but it was enough to get on Fitz's nerve. The minute they stepped outside, the cameras started flashing pictures of Fitz and Olivia as well. Fitz was obviously use to it, but Olivia still hated to have her picture taken. She put her hand up to block the flashes, and they both ignored the questions as they walked down the street and away from the crowd. As long as Gerry was still standing there, signing autographs the paparazzi wasn't leaving. They walked to where Tom was waiting with the car. After they climbed in, Fitz instructed Tom to drive them to the center.
X
The next day, Olivia and Alex got up early than they normally would on a Saturday although it was already eleven o'clock. They needed to first pick up the cake and cupcakes for Eli's birthday. Then they had to catch a train out of the city, and to their parent's house to finish setting up. A couple of Eli's friends had taken him out to keep him busy so the ladies could set up and all the guest could arrive.
Alex and Olivia had decided to dress alike. They both had on a long-sleeved dress that ended mid-thigh. Olivia's was a deep burgundy color. She had on black knee high tights, leaving her thighs bare and heeled ankle boots. She didn't do anything to her hair, and just wore it in the half up hairstyle she had worn the day before. Alex's dress was black. She had on fishnet stockings, and wore the same boots as Olivia. She wore her hair down as well, only in lose curls.
When they got to their parents' house, they weren't surprised to see some cars already parked in front of the house. It was no doubt their aunts Margaret and Marie. Aunt Margaret and Marie were sisters, but they weren't really Alex and Olivia's real aunts, they were cousins, they didn't have any real aunts. But since they were much older than Alex and Olivia, they called them aunt, instead of by their first names. They always showed up early to a family event, just so they could be nosy and gossip with Dianna.
It took them a little under two hours to set everything up, and get all the decorations together. Whatever food needed to be warmed was warmed, and the other foods were put into serving dishes. By two o'clock, just about all the guest had arrived. And it was shocking, because the party was supposed to start at three, they would actually be starting on time for something. This was a first for the Pope/Jones family.
Olivia was putting together a fruit platter, but eating more of the food than plating it.
"Is that my Olivia looking all grown."
Olivia turned to see her Uncle Willy walking over to her with his red solo cup in his hand. Uncle Willy was the family drunk. He was the smartest person Olivia knew, but he was also the drunkest person Olivia knew. Uncle Willy was notorious for being tipsy at every waking minute of the day. Again, Uncle Willy wasn't Olivia's real uncle he was just her cousin. She only had one real Uncle on her dad's side, Uncle Charles.
"Hey Uncle Willy."
"I hear you got yourself a rich boyfriend."
"Yeah? And who told you that, Aunt Margaret or Marie?"
"Marie. So that means you and that Roger boy are done? Damn, I really liked him."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "You only liked him because you two use to drink together."
Uncle Willy obnoxiously laughed real loud and shoved Olivia's shoulder. Almost sending her across the room. "You funny girl." Willy walked away, still laughing, bumping into Alex as she came in the kitchen.
"I swear I can't stand that man." Alex growled.
"Which one, because in this family you have to be specific."
"Deacon Mr. Johnson."
Olivia laughed. She knew Alex was most likely upset because Mr. Johnson tried to kiss her again. Mr. Johnson always kissed on every woman in the room, it never failed. He's keep kissing your cheeks over and over again, and you'd have to move you face side to side to keep him from kissing your lips.
"He's not even family, why does he keep getting invited to every family function?"
"Because he's daddy's deacon at the church."
"And? All he does is eat all our food and try to kiss every woman in the room."
"He's old Alex, he doesn't know what he's doing."
"Bullshit. He knows exactly what he be doing. He caught me off guard and almost kissed my lips this time. And he gropes me. He literally grabs a handful of my ass every time he hugs me. So I left him with Brittany. Let him grab her ass for a while."
Olivia laughed out loud again, the look on her sister's face was just too funny.
"Girls come here, Aunt Eudell wants to see you." Dianna came into the kitchen to get Alex and Olivia. Aunt Eudell was another cousin of theirs who became more like a grandmother to them. They both reluctantly left the safety of the kitchen to follow their mother out into the living room. The house was fuller than Olivia thought, since she'd been in the kitchen mostly she didn't know who all had arrived. All her little cousins were running around, some of them already taking down some of the balloon decorations. Alex and Olivia spoke to their aunt for a while, waiting for her dad's friends to return with Eli.
"I can't believe how big she's gotten." Olivia said, talking about the nine month old she had on her lap. Her cousins John and Michelle's daughter, Ariel, was the newest addition to the family. She was nine months old as of three weeks ago. Ever since Ariel was born, she was spoiled especially when the entire family got together. But Ariel's favorite was Olivia. Ariel was a chill baby, and so was Olivia so they matched perfectly. Ariel would stay with Olivia the entire day, just hanging on her hip.
The doorbell rang, and Olivia went to answer it. She still had Ariel on her hip as she answered the door. Her smile grew when she saw Fitz standing on the other side of the door. He looked so handsome in a pair of dark colored jeans, a deep blue sweater on. She loved how even in a sweater his muscles bulged through.
"Hey gorgeous." Fitz gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Am I late?"
"No, my dad hasn't gotten back yet." Fitz walked further in the door, but Oliva grabbed on his sleeve to stop him. They were in the foyer, so they couldn't be seen by anyone else, until they turned the corner.
"Just a little heads up before you go in okay. My family is way overbearing, and nosy. They are always in somebody's business and they will grill you. I haven't brought a guy home in a while, and they will pounce on you like a tick on a fat pig, the moment you step through that door."
"Olivia I can handle your family."
"I know, I just want you to know what you're walking into. Now listen stay away from Annette, she is the definition of cougar and she will constantly pinch at your cheeks. And I'm not talking about your face. My cousin Jay will not doubt ask you for money, or to invest in some get rich quick scheme of his. Also, he's a bit of a kleptomaniac, so be mindful of him and your wallet he's quick. Do not eat anything my Aunt Marie cooked, she's always trying new recipe's and they are awful. Also-"
"Liv this isn't some commando mission, I'll be fine."
"Just one more thing. Don't drink anything my uncle Willy gives you, unless you physically saw him make it."
"Why?"
"Just don't." Olivia pulled her necklace from Ariel's mouth. "Okay let's go." Olivia took Fitz's hand, and pulled him into the living room where most of the people were gathered. As soon as they turned the corner, Fitz was bombarded by Olivia aunts, all asking him fifty questions at once. Olivia could tell he was already overwhelmed, she tried to warn him.
X
"Now see if I went that way, that's exactly what I would get." Michelle said Olivia, both watching Fitz from across the room. He was talking with a group of her cousins, probably talking about sports because that's all her cousin Tyler and his wanted to talk about.
"A tall vanilla ice cream cone. And that's a double scoop."
"Only because I love you, will I let you say that to me." Olivia answered.
"Olivia dear come here."
Olivia mentally rolled her eyes and reluctantly walked over to where her aunties were calling her.
"Liv honey that Fitz of your is just darling. And handsome too."
"I know Aunt Marie."
"How did you two meet again?"
"I was one of his artist at his company for a little while."
"So he was your boss then?"
I worked for him so yes. "Yes ma'am."
"Hmm."
Oliva could tell there was something behind that hmm, but she let it go and held her tongue. Especially since her mother was standing next to her.
"Well I'm just glad you found someone, I was beginning to worry about you."
"Worry?"
"I thought you were one of those lesbian type of girls. You rarely bring a man home to see the family."
"Just because I don't date a lot, or don't have a man on my arm doesn't make me a lesbian." If that was the case, then you've been a lesbian for fifteen years now.
"Well I didn't say you were honey, I just said I worried. I worry about your sister too, not just you."
"What?"
"I mean with that tongue piercing she had last year-"
"The car is outside everybody he's here!" Luckily Olivia was saved by one of her cousins announcing Eli was back with his friends. Everyone got quiet as the front door opened. The two guys walked a blindfolded Eli through the door and into the living rom. On three they took the blind fold off and everyone yelled surprise. By the look on her father's face, Olivia could tell he was anything but surprised although he tried to act as if he was. She knew somehow he had figured out his mother was having a surprise party for him.
Eli greeted just about everyone, some he didn't have a choice. He thanked them all for coming and surprising him for his birthday. By the time he got to Alex and Olivia, Eli was all hugged out.
"Happy birthday daddy." Alex and Olivia said at the same time, both of them giving him a hug at the same time.
"Thank you girls. I was so surprised." He didn't even sound convincing.
"Oh cut it out daddy, there's a reason you don't have an acting career. Who told you?"
"Johnny. You all must have really wanted me to know if you sent him to keep me busy. You know the man can't keep a secret. He couldn't hold water if he had a bucket."
Olivia rolled her eyes, "Whatever. Just don't tell momma. She worked hard to try and make this a surprise."
"I won't." Eli said, just then realizing that Fitz was standing next to Olivia. And rather closely, with his arm around her waist. "Say girls, give me a minute with Fitzgerald here."
Olivia looked skeptically at her Fitz, before turning her gaze to her father. There last meeting wasn't all that great, and she was hoping for a better redo. But she was also hoping to be in the room when they did meet again. Olivia knew her father wasn't one of those intimidating kind of dads. The kind that put the fear of himself and God into whoever dared to date his daughter. But she did know that he could have a little cruel streak when he was provoked. All she wanted was for her dad and boyfriend to get along.
Fitz gave Olivia a small smile, letting her know it was okay. She reluctantly walked away with Alex, leaving the two alone.
"Listen Fitzgerald, I'm gonna make this sweet, short and to the point. Last time we met, I was less than receptive of you. And given the circumstances I'm sure you understand why."
"Of course."
"Well I would like to apologize for that now."
"There's no need really."
"Just say apology accepted, Olivia's somewhere eavesdropping. I'd like her to hear we made up. You seem to be something important to my daughter. And whatever's important to my girls is something important to me."
"Apology accepted sir. And you can just call me Fitz."
"Fitz it is. Now, how about we go chat somewhere with a beer."
Fitz smiled, "Sounds like a plan."
"Well daddy didn't yell at him, and he's smiling. That's a good sign." Alex said, as she and Olivia peeked for the hallway, watching their father and Eli walking away together. "Daddy's not a badass anyway, he likes everyone."
"Yeah until they tick him off."
"Who are you two spying on?" Both Alex and Olivia jumped at the sound of their mother's voice behind them.
"Olivia's stalking her boyfriend and Daddy."
"The both of you stop being nosy and go help me with the food."
"Yes ma'am." They both grumbled, before stalking off to the kitchen to help their mother with the food.
For the next couple of hours of the party, Olivia and Fitz were separated. They would be in the same room, but they both had been pulled in two different directions by two different groups. For the most part she spent her time with her cousins, catching up on the family gossip. She didn't see some of them often, although they lived in New York as well. So she loved when the entire family got together for holidays and special occasions.
While she was with her cousins, Fitz was with her dad and a bunch of her male cousins. They were all laughing and cackling louder than the women. Mostly because they had a little bit more to drink than the women. She was enjoying how easy he was getting along with her family, although she had to admit it was a little weird. She hadn't brought a lot of guys home before, but when she did, they were accepted as quickly as Fitz has been. Maybe there was a reason for that.
Olivia would give anything to be back in the group with her cousins, or just some place completely different. Right now she was cornered in the living room, sitting on the couch between Fitz and her aunties. She knew her aunties could be nosy at times, but damn. They had all but asked the man his social security number. They kept asking him question after question, barely giving him time to answer the first before they asked another.
"So Fitz where do you see this going?"
"Do you plan to start a family soon?"
"Aunt Marie we've only been dating three months. We're not thinking that far ahead." Olivia said, trying to save Fitz. She saw the shocked and terrified expression on his face, when her aunt mentioned family. They had never talked about it before, but Olivia didn't take Fitz as the kid type. She saw how awkward he looked holding her baby cousin for the split second she gave him to her. She needed to wipe up a mess, and gave baby Ariel to Fitz. He looked so uncomfortable, and so did Ariel, with the way he as holding her. So no, she didn't take him for the baby type.
"Well you better start thinking about it, you aren't getting any younger honey."
"I'm only twenty-three-"
"And what about marriage. You plan on making an honest woman out of Olivia Fitz."
"Um-" Fitz wasn't normally one lost for words, but he was caught off guard. His mind was still on the baby talk. There was no denying he cared for Olivia. But he didn't think they were at the point in their relationship where they needed to talk marriage and babies. He didn't even know if he wanted to get married, yet alone have kids. He'd never really been around babies, he didn't even know if he liked babies. Could he be someone's father? He felt a weird tug in his gut when he saw Olivia with her baby cousin. It was both heartwarming and scary at the same time. She just looked so natural and comfortable with the baby. She kept her laughing and giggling. Blowing raspberries on her tummy, tickling her chubby thighs. He thought it was cute how Olivia would talk to the baby like she was an adult. She'd have an entire conversation with her, and Ariel would sit and gaze up at her like she understood every word. Clearly Olivia saw babies in her future, but did Fitz?
"Because we believe in marriage in this family. We don't shack up. You'd do good to keep that in mind young man. Olivia dear can you still wear a white wedding dress?"
"Okay, I think I'm gonna go do something now." Olivia quickly got up, pulling Fitz by his sweater sleeve as she went. She pulled his out of the line of and into the hallway. "I am so sorry. They can be too much sometimes."
"It's uh its fine. Don't worry about it."
"Are you sure? Because you look a little…" She didn't get to finish, because Fitz cut her off with a kiss to shut her up. It wasn't anything special or heated like the kisses they shared before. But it was a sweet peck on the lips that left her with a smile on her face.
"Relax. I've met my fair share of parents and families in the past. Granted they weren't as bold as you family is." Olivia laughed, grateful that Fitz wasn't thinking too hard about what her aunties had just brought up. "It's fine. Now where's the restroom?"
"Down this hall and to the right. It's the only door."
Fitz kissed her forehead, before walking off to the bathroom. Olivia waited until he turned the corner, and she dashed off to go complain to her mother about her aunt Marie and Margarete. Her mother was in the kitchen refilling drinks, and was upset that someone had spilled a drink on her white carpet and didn't bother to try and get it up, although the carpet was ruined now.
"Olivia honey you're being a little dramatic."
"No I'm really not. They have a practically walking down the aisle already. She asked me if I could I still wear a white dress momma. Like she could wear a white dress when she got married, she was six weeks pregnant. It was a shotgun wedding no matter how hard she tried to hide it!"
"Olivia hush!" It was a well-known fact that Aunt Marie was pregnant when she got married, although she tried her hardest to hide it. Even now, she still tried to act as if she didn't have a shotgun wedding that ended in divorce five years later.
"She practically had me and Fitz married with three kids and a house in suburbia. She asked him about kids."
"Olivia honey you are overreacting. She's family, that's what family does. They embarrass us in front of others, it's just what they do and we have to deal with it."
"Mommy." Olivia pouted and whined. She knew it annoyed her mother, and she normally got what she wanted every time. Almost every time.
"Olivia stop pouting, I am not your father it doesn't work so easily on me." Olivia fixed her face, since it clearly wasn't going to work. "Someone just spilled red punch on my new carpet in the den. Do you see me crying about it? No."
"No but I did hear you yelling at everyone. And you threatened to whip quite a few kids running around here."
Dianne scowled at her daughter before growling "Hush!" Dianne grabbed the cups she had refilled and carried them into the living room.
X
"This one is from Johnny and Jen." Dianne gave her husband a small rectangular case with a blue bow on it. Eli smiled, already knowing what it was. He had hinted to his friend Johnny something they could get him for his birthday. He knew from the size of the box what they had got him, and also because Johnny told him after his wife had bought it. Johnny couldn't keep a secret to save his life.
Eli popped the bow off the top, and opened the box with a wide smile. Inside were six of the coolest guitar picks with Bob Marley, Prince and Michael Jackson. He had seen it on EBay once and knew he had to have it.
Eli opened up a couple more gifts, most of them clothes. He got about three new shirt and tie sets, although he rarely wore them. Sundays, funerals and fancy diners was the only time Elijah Pope wore a tie.
"Okay daddy, this one is from me." Olivia gave her dad his present, and waited for him to unwrap the paper. She had to have a little help getting it to him, because it was a little on the heavy side. Olivia knew her father would love what she gave him. She spent months making sure it was perfect, spending hour after hour focusing on it. She thought something homemade would be more special than anything she could've bought in a store. Olivia watched as Eli tore off the last piece of paper and his eyes glistened with unshed tears. Eli wasn't one to really cry, but he could get misty from time to time.
Olivia had painted a picture of herself and Alex at three years old. It was a picture of them with their dad one Easter Sunday. Their church was having an Easter egg hunt, and Dianna took pictures while Eli helped the girls find the eggs. Dianna had snapped a picture of the girls hanging off Eli's hip, both grinning toothless at the camera. Both in their bright yellow Easter dresses, with about fifty white hair bow clips and ribbons in their hair. The picture had gotten partially damaged over the years, and sadden Eli. Olivia knew how much he loved that picture. So she tried her best to recreate it on a canvas with what little she could see on the picture. She painted it on a rather large canvas, and had it framed in a beautiful silver frame.
"Pumpkin this is beautiful." Eli hugged his daughter tightly. "It looks just like the picture." Eli stared at the picture with a smile on his face.
"Okay daddy next one." Alex grabbed the last present on the table, and read the card. "It's from Fitz."
"Oh thank you Fitz." Eli took the gift, and quickly unwrapped the paper. As soon as the wrapping was off, he quickly forgot about the painting and got excited over his new gift.
"What is it daddy?"
Eli's eyes bulged at the autographed Stevie Wonder album in his hand. Stevie Wonder was one of Eli's all-time favorite singers. Right up there with Marvin Gaye and Al Green. He couldn't believe he now had an autographed Stevie Wonder album. He didn't even care that he had the same album in the den, it wasn't autographed.
"It's an autographed Stevie wonder album. My favorite album really; songs in the key of life. How in the world did you get your hands on this?"
"My father is good friends with Stevie's manager, and by extension so am I. I called him up and a few days later this came in the mail."
"Well I'll be dammed. Thank you." Eli gave Fitz a very manly shake then hug, still clutching the album in his hands. Olivia didn't think he would let it out of his sight all day. She laughed every time he clutched the album tighter when someone came over to see it.
"A signed Stevie Wonder album? Really, are you trying to upstage us all?" Olivia playfully glared at Fitz. "Even my very sentimental painting can't upstage that." Fitz only winked at her, and pulled her into his side kissing the side of her head.
"Okay daddy, this is you last present. And it's not as extravagant as the gifts these two overachievers and kiss-asses gave you." Alex pointed over at Olivia and Fitz, making everyone laugh. "But it is something that Olivia and I worked hard on. We wrote this song together, special for you and I hope you like it."
Alex and Olivia walked over to the piano that sat near the large bay windows in the home. Olivia sat down at the piano, while Alex stood behind her. Alex yelled at everyone to be quiet one last time, and then Olivia started to play.
Alex:
I remember
When you use to take
Me on a bike ride every day
On the playground
And I remember
When you could do no wrong
You come home from work
And I jump in your arms when
I saw you
I was so happy to see you
Olivia:
Because you love me I overcome (Yeah)
And I'm so proud of what you've become (Yeah)
You've given me such security
No matter what mistakes I make you're there for me
You cure my disappointments and you healed my pain
You understood my fears and you protected me
Treasure every irreplaceable memory
And that's why…
Both:
I want my unborn son to be like my daddy
I want my husband to be like my daddy
There is no one else like my daddy
And I thank you for loving me
Alex:
I still remember the expression on your face
When you found out I'd been on a date, and had a boyfriend
Words can't express my boundless gratitude for you
I appreciate what you've done
You've given me such security
No matter what mistakes I make you're there for me
You cure my disappointments and you healed my pain
You understood my fears and you protected me
Treasure every extraordinary memory
That's why…
Both:
I want my unborn son to be like my daddy
I want my husband to be like my daddy
There is no one else like my daddy
And I thank you for loving me
Olivia:
Even if my man broke my heart today
No matter how much pain I'm in I will be okay
Alex:
Cause I got a man in my life that can't be replaced
For his love is unconditional
It won't go away
Olivia:
I know I'm lucky
It ain't easy
Being who will take care of the responsibilities
Love is overwhelming
Can't stop the tears from falling
Both:
I love you so much daddy
Both:
I want my unborn son to be like my daddy
I want my husband to be like my daddy
There is no one else like my daddy
And I thank you for loving me
X
"Fitz stop it." Olivia laughed as Fitz dove his face back into her neck. His hand still sliding up her dress, she was glad the partition was still up. They were riding in the back of Fitz's car as Tom drove them to his penthouse. They had left the party almost three hours ago. And after they helped Dianne clean the house, Olivia, Fitz and Alex left to catch a train back into the city. Tom was waiting at the station for Fitz and Olivia, and Quinn picked Alex up. Olivia wasn't sure what their relationship was at the moment, but she was going to find out.
They stopped at Olivia's house to get Pongo, because Olivia didn't like leaving her by herself for long. If her mother didn't have such a strong hatred of dogs or animals period, she would have brought Pongo to the birthday party. Olivia grabbed Pongo, some food and her dog bed and they left back to Fitz's house.
Now Olivia was just trying to keep her dress on. At least until they made it to the penthouse. Fitz had started on her the minute they got into the car. He had been restraining himself the entire time at her parents' house and the ride on the train. And now that they were in relative private, he couldn't hold himself back anymore. They hadn't had sex since they got back from their Aspen trip. Normally Fitz wasn't this eager to be with a woman, normally he could restrain himself. But it wasn't the same with Olivia. She walked into the room and he got and instant hard on.
"Fitz." Olivia moaned. She tightened her grip on his wrist as he skillfully slipped his fingers passed her panties. He sent her squirming, no longer resisting him as he pushed to fingers into her wet core. She moved her hips with his fingers, riding them to her release.
Never had she done something like this in a car before. Never had she done anything like this period. Olivia felt like a cage bird being freed for the first time. That's how she always felt with Fitz. He was always showing her something new. Life with him was always on one hundred, there was never a dull moment.
Just as she was about to peak, the car stopped. She heard Tom open his door, and she snapped back to reality, pissed off she was at not being able to finish. She could feel Fitz smirking at her as she pushed her dress back in place. And tried to smooth her hair down, so she didn't have sex hair when she walked out. Fitz opened his door first, then helped Olivia out. They rode the garage elevator straight to Fitz's penthouse. Since Fitz had his own private garage, the elevator went straight to his penthouse, after entering a code of course. Fitz stood behind Olivia the entire time. She could feel his erection pressing into her backside. She'd never been with a man who'd wanted her this badly. Well maybe except for Roger. They had come close plenty of times before, but Olivia always stopped things. Now with Fitz, she couldn't dream of ever stopping him again.
As soon as the elevator doors opened to the penthouse, Fitz pushed Olivia up against the wall and crashed his lips into hers. Olivia barely had enough time to put Pongo on the floor. Both her hands went around Fitz's neck, pulling closer. She slipped her tongue passed his lips, gaining a groan of approval from Fitz. Fitz cupped her ass in his hands, giving it a firm squeeze before he lifted her off the ground. Her legs locked in place around his waist. Olivia held on as Fitz carried her up the stairs to his bedroom.
Fitz pushed through his bedroom door, with only one mission on his mind. He was glad his staff was gone for the day. Fitz dropped Olivia on the bed, sending her laughing. He started with her feet, taking off her shoes then pulling off her tights. He caressed her calves and thighs, before pulling her dress over her head. He gazed down at her in a pair of black panties and matching bra. She was becoming less and less shy about her body, but she still had her moments of insecurity. Fitz pulled Olivia up by her wrist to stand in front of him.
"Undress me." He said in a deep voice. It wasn't a request, it was a demand. With deft finger, Olivia pulled Fitz's sweater off without another word. She tossed the sweater somewhere across the room and unbuttoned his other shirt. When he had it unbuttoned, she pushed it off his shoulders and went to work on his pants. She had them unzipped and around his ankles within seconds. They both stood in front of each other in their underwear.
Olivia's fingers toyed at the hem of his boxers before Fitz told her to take them off too. She shyly hooked her fingers into the waistband and pushed them off his hips. She bit her bottom lip as more and more of him became visible to her. She tried to keep her eyes on his face, but she couldn't help herself from looking down at his impressive erection.
Fitz sat on the bed, his back against the headboard. "Take it off." He commanded once again, and Olivia was beginning to find his dominate persona a real turn on.
After only a moment of hesitance, Olivia slowly reached behind her and unhooked her bra. She slid the traps off her shoulders one and at a time. When she was finished, she let it fall to the floor at her feet. Her ego boosted, when she saw Fitz's eyes darken with lust. She reached down and pushed her panties down to her ankles before kicking them away. She immediately flushed with embarrassment and went to cover herself, but Fitz pulled her by her arm to straddle his lap.
"Ride me."
Olivia blushed again, "I don't know how."
"Yes you do. Just move your hips." Before she could protest again Fitz pulled Olivia up by her hips and sat her down on his erection. She let out a high pitch squeal, her head falling to his shoulder. She'd never been filled this way, and she was feeling just how blessed Fitz was. She couldn't move, she was stuck just taking him all in. she couldn't believe she'd gone twenty-three years missing this.
"Baby I need you to move." When she still didn't move, Fitz gripped her hips again and bounced her on his dick. He only helped her for a moment, before he felt her hips moving against his hands. She was grinding on him with her own rhythm. It was like she was listening to a song in her head. He loved her facial expressions. She'd scrunch her face up then release it into an open O shape. Watching her fall off the edge was his ecstasy. With one more swivel of her hips, Olivia let out an animal cry, burying her face in his neck. Her nails digging into his shoulders and her thighs trembling around him.
She didn't even get a second to calm, before Fitz was flipping them over and thrusting into her hard and fast. He'd take his time later, but for now he needed his release. And fast.
Olivia held on tightly to Fitz. Her legs wrapped high around his waist and her arms locked around his neck. She didn't think it was possible to get any closer to him in that moment. As he carried her over the edge for a second time Olivia felt a single tear streak down her face. She was so overcome with emotions, she was on overdrive.
Olivia had a revelation in that moment. Something she had been battling with for that past couple of weeks that she couldn't deny anymore. She was in love. A kind of love she had never experience before. A kind of love she never wanted to live without again.
X
Song:
Daddy- Beyoncé (Few word changes)
Catch You Later…