Love and Art

by Starfish81

Fitz is a big time art Rep & owner of Grant Art inc. He's the big shot that everyone wants to know. Olivia is a young and hopeful artist hoping to branch out her art beyond her friends shop. What happens when Olivia meets with Fitz for a job at his company? How will Fitz deal with his obligation to his company, while dealing with new and growing Feelings for the newest staff member

32. Chapter Thirty-Two: Happy Birthday Mr G

Chapter Thirty-Two: Happy Birthday Mr. Grant

Olivia felt the side of the bed dip and knew Fitz was about to get up for his morning run. She cracked open an eye to check the clock on the nightstand. Five a.m. She rolled over on her back, just as Fitz was getting up. She grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back down beside her.

"Happy birthday Mr. Grant." She kissed the side of his neck, still half asleep. She was curling into his side when he stopped her.

"I have to get up now."

"Fitz it's five in the morning on a Saturday. It's your birthday, you can sleep in just this once."

"I have a routine."

"So what, one day won't hurt." Oliva swung her leg over one of his and tucked her foot under the other. She was wrapping her body across his like a vine on a tree.

"You won't be saying that when I come home with love handles one day. And when I do, I'll remind you of the day you made me skip my run."

Olivia snuggled further into him and he finally relented and sank into the sheets, pulling the duvet over them again.

"You know they have these body pillows for pregnant women, I could buy you one so I won't have to be your body pillow."

"But you're so warm."

The two slept for another four hours, and Olivia woke up first a little after nine. Fitz was still fast asleep. He never slept in and she was going to let him sleep for as long as possible. Without waking him, she got out of bed, used the bathroom, brushed her teeth and left for the kitchen. Even though her cooking had gotten better, and she somewhat enjoyed cooking for herself, she still wasn't the best at it. But since this was Fitz's birthday, she decided to make him breakfast in bed before he woke up. She expected Fitz to wake up at any moment, he never slept in. So since she was pressed for time, she decided to make something quick and most importantly easy. She decided on pancakes, eggs and sliced ham since they were out of bacon, and fruit simple and easy.

She was putting the finishing touches to his breakfast, when Fitz walked in rubbing his eyes. He was missing a shirt, his hair was a mess, and the side of his face had a red handprint going across it.

"Morning birthday boy." Olivia was too excited for this day. All the time, Fitz took care of other people, especially her. But today, Olivia was going to make sure he was the center of attention, she was going to make sure he was the one being spoiled. Even though she knew he hated when people fussed over him, he was going to have to get over it, because she was going to make sure that he enjoyed this day no matter how much he protested.

"Morning." Fitz took a seat at the bar, sneaking a peek at what Olivia had going on. "What's all this?"

"Your birthday breakfast."

"Birthday breakfast? Baby you're not going to make today a big deal are you?"

Olivia smiled. "Yes I am. It's your birthday."

"I'm not really big on birthdays."

"You're not big on anything fun Fitz."

"Hey, I'm fun!" Fitz was offended. "Besides there are only a few birthdays that actually matter. Your first birthday congrats you made it a year out of the womb. Tenth you hit double digits, sixteenth you're sweet, eighteen you're an adult, twenty-one you're legal and fifty you get a senior discount. Everything else is just extra."

"You are ridiculous." Olivia sat his plate in front of him.

"No you are ridiculous with this food." Fitz laughed. Olivia had made him pancakes and put a smiley face on top in chocolate syrup, using chocolate chips for the eyes and strawberry slices for the hair. "You know I'm in my thirties, not ten years old." He smiled, he was secretly enjoying this. He didn't like celebrating his birthday, but he was enjoying the effort Olivia was putting in.

Olivia ignored him and cut a piece of the pancake. "Eat the pancakes and shut it." She held the fork up to his mouth and he opened. "Good?"

"Actually they are quite good." Fitz was surprised, the last time Olivia tried to make him pancakes, it tasted like he was eating a mouthful of flour. He took the fork from her hand and continued to eat.

Proud of herself, Olivia kissed his forehead and went to the fridge to get some water.

"Where is yours?" Fitz asked, when she sat back down beside him, but he didn't see a plate for her. "Why aren't you eating?"

"I had some fruit while I was cooking." Fitz gave her a look. "I'm not hungry Fitz really."

Fitz ignored her and got up from the bar. He went into the cabinets and got a plate from the shelf. He put a pancake and some ham on that plate and some strawberry slices. He left the eggs in the bowl, knowing Olivia wouldn't eat them. He was surprised she was even able to cook them for him. He put the plate in front of Olivia and she just looked at it.

"Eat Liv."

Olivia sighed and picked up her fork. "You're so bossy." Fitz kissed the top of her head before he sat back down to eat his own food.

"Why aren't you eating? You've never been a huge eater, but a few months ago I couldn't keep my food to myself."

Olivia shrugged, "I don't know. I thought pregnant women were supposed to be hungry all the time."

"When is your next appointment with the doctor?" Fizt asked. He was becoming more and more comfortable with acknowledging the fact that Olivia was pregnant. He still hasn't helped Olivia shopped for anything, or talked about baby names again.

"Two weeks." Olivia answered. "I'll be around twenty-three weeks by then and I still don't look five months pregnant. You thinkI'm not gaining enough weight because I'm not eating enough?"

"I haven't been around enough pregnant women to know what size you're supposed to be, but I'm sure you're fine Liv."

Olivia wanted to ask 'what if she wasn't fine' but she decided not to. This conversation was turning the happy atmosphere she wanted to keep.

"Anyway, are you ready for your party birthday boy?"

Fitz groaned loudly, for a small moment he'd forgotten about the birthday bash his mother had planned once again. "Do I have to go? I'm really not looking forward to spending a Saturday night full of people kissing my ass and getting drunk at the open bar."

"You're being ridiculous. I helped your mother plan it, and I know it's going to be fun."

"Oh it's definitely fun for the people getting sloshed for free."

"Geez, you slept an extra four hours why are you so grumpy?"

Fitz wouldn't tell her the reason he was grumpy was because she'd been denying him sex for the past month. He'd gone longer without sex before, but that was when he didn't have a beautiful woman sleeping in the same bed beside him every night.

"There is one upside to tonight." Fitz pulled Olivia's chair to him. "I'm looking forward to seeing you in that dress later tonight." Olivia's dress had been delivered after having alterations and Fitz had opened it, even though Olivia told him not to.

"I should wear something different just because. I told you not to look." She smacked his arm and Fitz laughed it off. "But I really like that dress. And your suit is going to look great with it." Fitz rolled his eyes.

"I still can't believe I let you talk me into buying a burgundy suit."

"You're going to look great, I promise. But you're not going to be wearing anything if you don't get your tux. I can't believe you waited until the day before your party to get your tux. And what if the alterations aren't right? You won't have enough time to get it fixed."

"Someone needs a chill pill. I will be dressed and ready to whisk you away don't worry."

"The party starts at 8, your mother wants us there by 9. Tabitha says we have to be fashionably late so you can have an entrance."

Fitz rolled his eyes, that was a Tabitha thing to say. "Of course she did."

"Fitz I want you to try and have fun tonight."

"I always have fun, I'm the life of the party."

Olivia couldn't help but laugh, because she doubted there was ever a time when Fitzgerald Grant was ever the life of any party. "The life of the party?"

"I can have fun."

"I know you can , and I want you to have fun tonight. Your mother and Tabitha really worked hard to make this party amazing."

"Well I would just like to say that I never wanted a party in the first place. And now you forcing me to have fun at a party I do not want is not my idea of fun."

Olivia squinted her eyes at him. "Just go get your tux."

Fitz smiled and kissed Olivia's forehead. "Yes dear." Fitz went back to the bedroom to get dressed so he could pick up his tux. He was secretly hoping that the tux wasn't ready or it was altered wrong because he was not looking forward to wearing a burgundy suit. If anyone went into his closet they would find a full row of black tailored suits.

Just as he finished getting dressed, he heard a phone ping with a message on the nightstand. It was Olivia's phone and he didn't hesitate to pick it up. She'd gotten a text message from an unknown number. Olivia didn't have anything to hide from anyone so her phone unlocked. Fitz swiped the screen and opened the message.

Good morning peaches

Fitz wanted to throw the phone knowing it was Roger again. As he was reading the message, more came through.

I woke up this morning thinking of you as I always do.

Do you think about me? Dream about me? I know you do.

You may have stopped returning my calls and messages, but I know you're reading this.

I enjoyed seeing you the other day. Sorry I couldn't stop by and say hello, I noticed you travel with security now.

Time has been really good to you, you are more beautiful than ever, I'll see you real soon.

Tell Mr. Grant I said happy birthday.

It took everything in Fitz not to blow. He didn't want to alarm Olivia. She was still shaken up about seeing him, and she wasn't even sure if she had. Now Fitz knew for sure that she did and didn't know how to react. What's the point of security if this asshole was elusive enough to just walk freely behind them? Fitz didn't want Olivia to see the messages, so he deleted the conversation and blocked the number. Although it didn't matter, because every time they blocked a number he just used a different one. Tom was sure Roger was using disposable burner phones and simply buying a new one when the numbers were blocked.

"Baby what are you doing? You need to go get your suit." Olivia came into the room after she realized Fitz hadn't left yet.

"Uh yeah I'm going." Fitz still had Olivia's phone in his hand so he gave it back to her. "Listen, I think we need to get you a new number."

"Why? Did he call again?" Olivia checked her phone but didn't have any new calls or messages.

"I just figured since he just keeps calling from new numbers every time we block the last one it only makes sense to just get you a new number."

"Okay." Fitz didn't look alright to Olivia, he had a look as if something was bothering him. "You okay babe?"

"Yeah I'm fine. Just make sure you get your number changed."

"I will."

"Okay." Fitz grabbed his cell phone and wallet and left.

In the car on the way to pick up his suit, Fitz went off on his security team. They'd been parked out front at the shop for a while, but Fitz was still yelling. They didn't have a response, and even if they did, none of them were stupid enough to actually share it with an enraged Fitz at the moment.

"I mean honestly, what the fuck am I paying you all for?! Did I not higher a highly qualified group of individuals some of whom have prior training in the FBI, ex-military. You've been working personal security for years and yet somehow a fucking unemployed drunk has you all stumped. He's walking down the street surveilling you fucks when you're the ones supposed to be watching out for him! Hell Olivia saw the asshole before any of you idiots did!"

Tom was the only brave one in the bunch to speak. "With all due respect sir, we are trying our best. We are working hard to find him-"

"Oh really? Well he certainly found you! I am not paying you to try your best, I'm paying for results goddammit! Find him. End this. NOW." Fitz didn't wait for a response and got out the car, slamming the door making the entire car shake. He was sick of this.

X

"So since I'm your plus one tonight, is this a date? Is this our first official date?" Quinn asked as she ran a small section of Alex's hair through the curling iron. It wasn't time to leave for the party yet, but Alex wanted her hair to be curled tonight. Alex was sitting in a kitchen chair in the living room while Quinn stood behind her sectioning then curling her hair and pinning them to her head to ensure they curl tight.

"This isn't a date." Alex answered.

"And why not?" Quinn asked. They had fallen back into their old habits. They spent just about every moment together when they were not working. They went out to clubs, restaurants, the movies, bike riding and at night they either ended up in Alex's room together or Quinn's. Neither of them has been seeing anyone else since they reconnected and yet, neither one of them had put a label on what they were doing. Were they friends with benefits? Fuck buddies? Or were they in a relationship?

Quinn was hoping it was the ladder, but she didn't want to tell Alex that only for her to say she didn't want the same. Quinn knew Alex has never been the one for a monogamous relationship. She's known that for a very long time, but that didn't stop Quinn from getting involved with her. Quinn would love nothing else than to be with Alex in a serious committed relationship out in the open. But Alex didn't know how to be with just one person and she also hasn't told her parents that she likes women.

"Because Quinn, when I take you out on a date it won't be in a packed room full of people celebrating someone else. And it also won't be on someone else's dime."

"So there will be a date?" Quinn asked hopefully.

Alex turned in her chair to face Quinn, making the section of hair Quinn was holding fall from her hands.

"What is this about?"

"We've been hanging out for a while now and… I'm not seeing other people and I don't think you are right now… I just want to know what we're doing?"

"We're having fun."

"Right. But is that all we're doing?" Quinn needed Alex to be honest with her and stop beating around the bush. "I know you don't really do the monogamy thing, but we've basically been playing house. Just tell me honestly where this is going. I-"

"Quinn. I would love to answer that question for you, but right now I just can't."

"And why can't you?"

"Because I'm not in a place right now where I can."

"Meaning?"

"Just let me get my affairs in order."

This was the best Quinn was going to get out of Alex at the moment, so she decided to accept it and let the talk go for now. Quinn grabbed another piece of hair to continue curling Alex's hair. Alex turned back around in her chair, she could tell that she didn't give Quinn the answers she was wanting to hear. But she couldn't tell her what she wanted when she still had other men and a few women in her phone looking for her attention too.

"Quinn." Alex spoke, still facing forward so she could see Quinn. Quinn didn't reply, so Alex kept speaking. "You know you mean more to me than just someone to sleep with. I care for you." Again Quinn didn't reply, but Alex knew she appreciated what she just said.

X

Later that evening, Olivia and Fitz were back in the penthouse getting ready for his party. Olivia really hoped Fitz could have fun tonight. She knew he had a lot on his plate and honestly she wasn't in the best mood to have fun, but she wanted this for Fitz. he was always worrying about others or work that he rarely let himself just relax. And she was hoping this party would let him do just that. She was glad that Marilyn and Tabitha asked for her help this year. She was able to convince Marilyn to go with a different theme than the same black and white ball she normally threw.

She was on the phone, while the man she hired to do her hair and makeup was putting the finishing touches on her look.

"Yes that's perfect. I'll have him outside, just make sure it's front and center And I want the biggest bow you have. Yes. Thank you so much, oh he'll love it. And thank you for putting up with me with all the changes I made... Yes, thanks again. Bye."

"Is that Fitz's birthday present?" Jordan asked from behind Olivia. Jordan was a hair and makeup stylist that Olivia met doing a photoshoot for vogue. She was the photographer and he was in charge of hair and makeup for the models. They clicked and have become good friends. He and Fitz didn't have the best start though. One day Fitz came home and just saw a random black guy in his living room and no Olivia. When Olivia explained that he was hairstylist Fitz calmed down, immediately thinking the man was gay, but Olivia set him straight. Not every male hairstylist had to be gay, Jordan in fact was married with two kids.

"Yeah." Olivia showed Jordan the pictures on her phone of Fitz's birthday present. "He is so hard to shop for, I mean what do you get the man who has everything and has the money to get what he doesn't?"

"Well I think he'll love that."

"I hope so. I remember him talking about wanting one when he was younger, but he never went for it. Fitz really isn't the most spontaneous person."

"Oh I can tell just by looking at him." Jordan told Olivia to close her eyes and he sprayed her hair to make her curls stay in place all night. Olivia told him to do whatever with her hair, and he decided on big bouncy barrel curls with a side part. Her hair had grown back from when she cut it in New Orleans and she was thinking about cutting it again. Jordan decided to keep her makeup light except for a bold red lipstick.

"Alright chick I'm all done with you."

Olivia looked in the mirror for inspection and was pleased with her finished look. "You are a miracle worker Jordan thank you. Can you help me get my dress on?"

Jordan was about to respond 'sure' until he caught a glimpse of Fitz in the mirror. He was standing in the doorway, hands in his pocket with a straight face. Jordan would never cross the line with Olivia, he loved his wife. But he could appreciate that Fitz wasn't comfortable with another straight man helping his girlfriend into a dress.

"Actually I think-"

"I will help you." Fitz finished, making his presence known to Olivia. There was no way in hell he was going to let Jordan help Olivia get dressed. Especially since he knew how scantily dressed Olivia was underneath that robe. He walked into the room and took Olivia's dress off the hook. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you. Jordan here works wonders."

"I just enhanced your beauty." Jordan gathered all his things and bid them both farewell.

When Jordan left the room, Olivia stood and let her robe drop to the floor. She was about to say something when she felt a sharp stinging pain on her behind. She grabbed her behind and turned to Fitz with a look of shock that he'd just spanked her and aroused from the sting.

"What was that for?" She had to stop herself from smiling.

"Don't ever ask another man to help you get dressed or undressed. That's my job."

Olivia smiled. "Fitz Jordan is not interested in me. He has a wife."

"I don't care how many wives he has."

"Okay you big brute. Will you help me put my dress on then?"

"Yes."

X

Half an hour later they were pulling into the venue where his party was. They were in the back seat of Fitz's black SUV while Tom drove.

"What is this place?" Fitz looked out the window, not recognizing the building they pulled up to. "My mother normally has the party at-"

"I know, but we decided to change things up this year."

When the car came to a stop, Fitz got out the car first then went around to open the door for Olivia. She looped her hand through his arm and together they walked inside. He couldn't see inside the venue, because there were thick black curtains blocking the view, he could see the light shining from underneath and hear the commotion from the inside. The first thing Fitz noticed was the music was not the normal quartet playing classic ballroom music his mother would normally have. This music sounded more upbeat, more whimsical. You could actually dance to this music, instead of a waltz. There were two men standing on either side of the curtains with ropes in their hands. Fitz didn't notice before, but as he got closer he noticed they had face paint on. They looked like clowns, but expensive clowns.

Fitz was beyond confused. He looked down at Olivia and she was grinning like a kid. What was she so excited about? Her excitement was both alarming and intriguing to Fitz. When they made it to the curtains, the two men pulled their ropes and the party was revealed. Olivia had sent a text to Tabitha when they were outside, so they could be ready when Fitz walked in.

When the curtains opened, everyone was there to shout happy birthday and two confetti cannons went off covering both he and Olivia in multicolored confetti. Olivia was laughing, but Fitz was still convinced they were at the wrong party.

Everyone was cheering and Fitz saw his family emerge from the crowd. His mother was the first to hug him and wish him a happy birthday, then his brother.

"Happy birthday you son of a bitch."

"Classy." Tabitha rolled her eyes.

"What is this?" Fitz asked Olivia.

"Well your mother told me that when you were a kid your favorite thing to do was go to the circus and watch the animals and people perform. So I suggested that a circus/carnival theme would be a great change. And of course your mother had to make it glamorous and fabulous."

The room was decked out to look like a tent circus. The floor was black and white checkered, all the decor in the room was circus themed, the ceiling had red and white fabric hanging down. And as Fitz looked up to see the ceiling he noticed people on swinging rings and an aerial silk artist. Exactly how long had they been up there? Fitz wondered. On the ground, all the wait staff were in circus themed attire, some were walking around with drink and food trays and others were putting on shows. Juggling, card games, close up magic there was even a man on the far end of the room eating fire. Olivia's favorite part of the room, and where she saw herself being all night, was the sweats table filled with every kind of sweat you could think of and of course Olivia's request, popcorn balls. It really was like the circus had come to town, but of course Marilyn would never just throw a regular party. Although she took Olivia's suggestion, she had to make it upscale and glamorous. This may have been created from a child theme, but this was in no way a party for a kid. Which is why all the guests were still dressed in black tie. Olivia guessed this is what the circuses must look like in the rich parts of town, she wouldn't know anything about that.

"Come on, let's go have fun." Olivia held Fitz's hand and pulled him further into the party.

X

"Olivia honestly, that is your fourth bag of popcorn." Alex said as Olivia finished off yet another bag of popcorn.

As she predicted, she found herself almost glued to the treat table for most of the night. She'd spent a good time going around the room with Fitz saying hello and meeting some of his friends that she hadn't met before. They walked around the entire room, which was huge, because Fitz wanted to see everything. He was most intrigued by two females who were contortionists, bent up like a pretzel. Olivia saw the look in Fitz's eye when he turned to her and smiled. She let him know quick that there was no way in hell he was bending her up like that. After they danced for a while, surprising Olivia that Fitz even wanted to dance, Olivia needed a little break. This pregnancy was slowing her down, she didn't have as much energy as she used to. So she left Fitz with a group of his male friends, making jokes about how old Fitz was getting and some of his wild days as a kid. It warmed Olivia's heart to finally see him smiling and laughing and genuinely having a good time. They'd been so stressed the past few months with the baby and everything going on with Roger, the both of them needed a night to just relax.

"Hey I'm pregnant, leave me alone." Olivia figured the popcorn was better than scarfing down the chocolate cake she was really wanting. "You look beautiful by the way Quinn, I don't think I told you yet."

Quinn was sitting next to Alex on one of the couches across from Olivia. She was wearing an all red gown with criss cross straps in the back, it was form fitting showing off all of her natural curves.

"Thanks. I've had this in my closet for a while now with nowhere to wear it to. Didn't think it would be for a circus themed party though."

Olivia laughed. "Yeah, when I suggested this idea to Fitz's mom she loved it. But of course she had to make it upscale. Marilyn does not throw ordinary parties."

"No she does not." Tabitha said, coming over to sit with the rest of the girls. "But I think it turned out great, and Fitz seems to be enjoying himself." They all looked over to Fitz who was still with his group of guy friends. Someone must have said something funny, because they were all laughing hard, including Fitz who was turning red.

"I don't think I've ever seen him laugh that hard."

"I'm going to run to the restroom." Quinn announced, before walking off.

"Alex, she seems real nice, you two look great together." Tabitha commented once Quinn was out of ear shot. "How long have you two been dating?"

"What makes you think we're dating?" Alex asked. Alex wasn't ashamed of her sexuality, but she didn't broadcast it either, especially since she hadn't told her parents yet. She didn't think she and Quinn gave anything away that their relationship was anything more than friends and roommates.

"Oh, are you not?" Tabitha was confused, "I'm sorry if… you two just seem closer than friends."

"Is it that obvious?" Alex asked. If Tabitha noticed, how many other people noticed?

"Was it supposed to be a secret?" Tabitha kind of laughed because it was hilarious if Alex thought she was hiding her feelings for Quinn a secret.

"Alex hasn't told our parents that she's bisexual yet, although I'm pretty sure they already know or at least suspect." Olivia said. Olivia was glad Fitz's friend didn't show up tonight. It would have been awkward having him hitting on Alex when she'd brought Quinn as a date. And even though Alex wasn't calling Quinn her date, Olivia knew better and apparently so did Tabitha.

"Why haven't you told them yet?"

"I don't know. I'm not ashamed, but I am nervous. I mean when Quinn told her parents they kicked her out and she hasn't spoken to them in over a decade."

"Quinn was also seventeen when she told her parents." Olivia pointed out.

"I'm just nervous. I don't want them to look at me differently." Alex hated that the topic of conversation was on her, so she quickly changed the subject. "Have you and Fitz thought of any names for my niece yet?" She started rubbing on Olivia's belly that was very prominent in the gown she was wearing.

"Not yet." Olivia moved her hand out of the way, when both Alex and Tabi started rubbing her belly. She didn't mind when people rubbed her belly, she loved the attention it felt like a message. She wished Fitz would rub her belly more often. "And what makes you think it's a girl?" Olivia was still waiting until birth to find out what they were having.

"Because I just do. I wanted you and Fitz to have a boy first, but I'm sure it's a girl."

"I'm with Alex." Tabi said. "I've got my fill of boys with my brothers and now Theo, I want a niece."

"What do you want Liv?"

Olivia shrugged, "Well at first I thought I wanted a girl too. But then I fell in love with Theo and seeing Fitz with his nephew is just the cutest thing. Now I want a boy, a little mini Fitz running around."

"Oh honey careful what you ask for." All three women started laughing, as Fitz came over to sit with them.

"Looks like all the fun is over here." Fitz sat down next to Olivia, putting his arm around her shoulder and kissed her. Fitz wasn't a big fan of PDA but he was in a very relaxed mood tonight. He'd been drinking for sure, just as almost everyone except for Olivia. He wasn't drunk, Fitz didn't get drunk, nor was he really tipsy he was just very relaxed. He didn't realize how tight and wound up he'd been for a while now until he felt it all leave his shoulders. He knew he'd probably only ride this wave until tonight and by morning reality would hit him again.

Olivia put her hand on Fitz's face, caressing his cheek. She could tell that he was in a very good mood and she was glad that he was actually enjoying himself.

"Hey Bambi."

"Bambi? You haven't called me that in a while." Olivia smiled, still caressing his cheek. "You look like you're in a good mood." Her lips brushed against Fitz's as she spoke because their foreheads were still touching and they couldn't have been any closer to each other on that couch.

"I am."

"This chill vibe looks good on you."

"Does it now."

"Mhm." Olivia smiled as Fitz kissed her again, this time it was more than a peck on the lips. Fitz held Olivia by the back of her neck, guided her mouth to his. Both their eyes were closed as they got lost in each other, forgetting that they were putting on a show for their sisters.

Alex and Tabitha looked at each other with a grossed out look on their faces. They nodded to one another and then both got up, leaving the love birds by themselves.

"I think we grossed our sisters out." Olivia said, pulling away from Fitz.

"They'll live." Fitz kissed Olivia's forehead, then pulled onto his lap so she was sitting sideways with her feet on the couch. "Thank you tonight. By far my favorite birthday party my mother has thrown."

"It was a group effort. Your mother and Tabitha really know how to throw a party."

"I know. Throwing parties has become a hobby for my mother. I'm glad your parents made it out tonight. I spoke to them before they left."

"Yeah, it's way too late for my parents, they're not really night people anymore. Eight o'clock and they're ready for bed. It's almost midnight now."

"Yeah I don't think anyone actually realizes what time it is, they're all just having a good time."

"You going to take your birthday present out for a ride tomorrow?" Olivia asked.

Olivia had given Fitz his birthday present earlier, because she didn't want to wait too long in the night when people might start leaving. She waited about an hour after they got to the party, before taking Fitz outside to see the gift she'd gotten him. She thought hard about what to get him for his birthday, because Fitz was a very hard man to shop for. But just as she knew about Fitz's loving the circus as a kid, she knew that Fitz's dad used to have a motorcycle and Gerry would take Fitz on rides when he was a boy. And when he was a teen, Fitz always wanted a bike for himself, but ever got around to buying one. Fitz loved old and vintage things, so Olivia went searching online for a vintage motorcycle to get him for his birthday. She ended up finding a 1948 Harley-Davidson EL Panhead bike. She had it fully restored and customized it to Fitz personally. She had it detailed in Fitz's favorite color, black, and had his initials printed on the side. She even had the man customize a second seat on the bike. It cost her a lot extra to add an extra seat, but she wanted Fitz to take her on a ride when she wasn't so pregnant anymore.

Fitz didn't know how to react when he finally saw what Olivia had gotten him for his birthday. His first reaction was excitement at finally having a bike and one he loved. But then he thought about how much this must have cost Olivia. First buying the bike and then having it restored could not have been cheap. Fitz knew Olivia had her own money, but he didn't want her spending her money on him, it was his job to spoil her.

"I still can't believe you bought me a motorcycle."

"Do you like it?"

"You know I love it." That was evident by the way Fitz picked Olivia up and twirled her around when he saw the bike. The photographer Marilyn hired got a great shot of Fitz lifting a laughing Olivia into the air while everyone else cheered. "But you know you didn't have to. I don't like you spending all that money on me."

Olivia put her hand on Fitz's mouth, silencing him. "I wanted to. It's my money and if I want to spend some of it on you that's what I'll do."

"Exactly how much did you spend?"

"None of your business." Olivia would never tell Fitz exactly how much money she spent on his present.

"Well then I guess I just have to buy you a car for your birthday." Fitz said so nonchalantly as if he was speaking about a pair of shoes.

Olivia shook her head laughing. "You are ridiculous."

X

Half an hour later, Fitz and Olivia were separated again. He was with another group of friends, and she was with Alex and a group of Tabitha's friends. Olivia was getting tired now. She'd been on her feet for a while now and it was getting late, it had to be sometime in the morning now. Last time she checked, it was midnight. Olivia didn't know how Fitz's parents and some of the older guests were still here and some were even still on the dance floor. Where were they getting all this energy from? Right now she was just trying to be like her parents, who she knew for sure were in a deep sleep right now.

Olivia was engaged in the conversation with the group, until something caught her eye. She tuned out the group and her attention turned to the entrance. The moment she confirmed who she saw, she felt her stomach drop. What were they doing here? The group she was in didn't seem to notice that Olivia was focused on something else, but Fitz did. It was as if they were reading each other's mind, because when Olivia turned in his direction, she found him looking back at her. Without a word, Olivia walked away to find somewhere to escape.

When she walked off, Tabitha noticed. She called out Olivia's name, but Olivia didn't stop. Both Tabitha and Alex looked at each other with confusion.

"She okay?" Alex asked.

"I don't know." Tabitha looked back in the direction Olivia had been looking in and saw what had Olivia so upset. "Oh what the hell is she doing here?"

Alex looked in the same direction and spotted a tall slender fit woman walking through the crown like she was gliding on skates. She was wearing an extremely revealing gown with plunging neckline and double thigh high slits, making more than enough show every time she took a step. She was trying to be seen and it was working. Alex would be in love, if she didn't get the feeling she wasn't supposed to like this woman.

"Who is that?" Alex asked.

"My brother's ex-wife." Tabitha walked off, blocking Fitz's path. "What the hell is she doing here?"

"How the hell am I supposed to know? I didn't invite her, this was your party to plan."

"Hey mom handles the guest list, she always has."

Fitz spotted his mother nearby and interrupted her own conversation. "What is Mellie doing here?"

"What?" Marilyn was confused.

"Melanie. She's here why?"

"I'm not sure- oh, oh no I'm sorry." Marilyn apologized without explanation. "The guest list has been the same for years, I haven't changed it. I just let my assistant know to add new people, but I've never actually adjusted it. She must have received an invitation. But she must've received quite a few by now, why'd she decide to show up this year?"

"You know why." Fitz walked off to search for Olivia as he'd been doing before Tabitha stopped him.

X

Olivia had run off to the ladies room, there was a separate powder room with a couch. She was sitting with her hands on her belly, she was trying to calm herself down and it seemed as if the baby was upset as well. The baby just started kicking so rapidly all of a sudden, maybe it knew Mellie was here too.

Olivia hated that she was basically hiding out in the bathroom, but the last time she met Mellie was not a great memory. Olivia allowed that woman to bring her so low and make her feel so bad about herself and she didn't want an encore.

What was she even doing here?" Olivia thought. Surely Marilyn didn't invite her. Fitz's family hates her more than I do. Which was very true. Mellanie was the very last person anyone from the Grant family wanted to see. Olivia was still trying to calm herself, when she heard the door opening. She didn't think to lock the door. She looked up, when she heard heels clicking against the floor. The calm she was trying to find immediately disappeared, when Mellie came into view.

"Well Well." Mellie smiled, standing next to the chair. Olivia didn't like the feel of Mellie standing over her, so she stood, although Mellie was still taller than she was. "Well this is a change from the rags I found you in before. Did he buy you this little thing?"

"What are you doing here Melanie?"

"Big night for Fitzgerald. When I got my invitation I knew I had to come wish the birthday boy a very happy birthday." Mellie was smiling sweetly as she spoke, but Olivia knew it wasn't genuine. There wasn't a sweet bone in Mellie's body. "I must say, this is quite the change from Marilyn's normal elegant affairs. it's quite undignified, I'm guessing you're the reason behind the change?"

"You are not welcome here Melanie."

"No honey, you are not welcome here. I tried to warn you, you don't belong here. Do you honestly think you're the first woman who thought they could change him? To tame him?"

"I am not listening to this." Olivia tried to walk away, but Mellie blocked the path.

"He needs a woman on his arm, not a girl. He needs a woman who knows how to carry herself in a room full of important people, someone who makes him look better."

"And you honestly think that woman is you?" Olivia asked. "I don't know what this is, what you're trying to do but you look ridiculous and pathetic. Fighting a one woman battle for a man who acts as if you don't exist. Fitz may have thought you were the kind of woman he wanted once upon a time, but that isn't the case anymore. He's changed and you are not the type of woman he wants anymore."

"We, I see you've ignored our little talk from before. And you've gotten a little lippy since the last time we met."

"What makes you think I would ever listen to you?"

"Oh you did for a while honey." Of course Mellie knew that Fitz and Olivia had separated for a while. "And now you've gone and gotten yourself knocked up." Olivia instinctively put her hand on her stomach. "Do you really think that's going to make him stay? Fitzgerald is not the father type, he hates kids. Do you honestly think he's going to marry you? He is incapable of marriage, I should know."

"You are a sad woman Mellie. You got what you wanted from him, his money. And now that you see he's happy with someone else, that money isn't good enough anymore. You had your chance to be the woman in his life and you messed that up. It's over for you. There's no way that someone like you could understand what Fitz and I have."

"Nothing lasts honey."

Olivia was done with this conversation, she was done before it even began. She was not going to argue with this woman over a man. "Whatever happens between Fitz and I is none of your goddamn business, so you stay the fuck away from us."

This time, when Olivia walked past Mellie, she didn't block her. Olivia was proud of herself, she didn't really stand up for herself the last time Mellie cornered her. Mostly because she was in shock at learning Fitz was married. But she hated the way she let Mellie put her down the last time they met, and she would never allow herself to feel that way again, she would never allow anyone to make her feel that way again.

Fitz was making his way down the hall still looking for Olivia, when she came out the bathroom.

"Olivia." He hugged her to his chest, before pulling back trying to gauge her mood. He was unaware that Mellie had followed her into the bathroom. After Tabitha had blocked his path earlier, he lost sight of Olivia and Mellie and had been looking for the both of them. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Olivia answered, and although she was very upset, she was indeed fine. She felt like she'd dealt with Mellie. "Can we go home now?"

Fitz was about to answer, when the bathroom door opened again, and Mellie came out. Olivia didn't turn around, but she could tell by the look on Fitz's face that Mellie had just come into the hallway. Olivia had dealt with the situation in her own way, and now she just wanted to leave and go home. She'd had a great night, and she wasn't going to let Mellie ruin it at the end.

"Fitz, I just want to go home." Olivia said again.

Fitz heard Olivia, and decided against going off on Mellie at the moment. He didn't want to make a scene, he wouldn't give Mellie the satisfaction. He'd deal with her later. "Yeah, come on let's go." Fitz led Olivia with a hand on her back through the hallway. He announced his departure and they both left after another round of happy birthdays and well wishes.

On the car ride home, Fitz tried to get Olivia to tell him what happened in the bathroom with Mellie.

"What did she say to you?" He asked.

"Nothing I haven't heard before." Olivia answered. She scooted over on the seat so that she was right next to him. She put her head on his chest and wrapped her arm around his waist. "I don't want to talk about her. We had a great night, I won't let her ruin it."

X

The next day, Olivia and Fitz decided to have lunch at one of Fitz's favorite cafes for a late breakfast. They both had understandably slept in this morning, because they hadn't gotten home from Fitz party until early that same morning. They'd slept in until about twelve that afternoon and then spent a few hours being lazy and relaxing the bed. It wasn't until they were both too hungry to ignore it that they decided to go out for brunch at one of Fitz's favorite spots. It was still his birthday weekend so Fitz was still catering to him. They dined on a huge meal and Olivia needed to walk it off, which is what they were doing now.

They'd walked a couple of blocks and back to the car, Tom and the rest of the security team were following behind and in front of them.

"That food was so good, but I am stuffed. If I wasn't already pregnant, I'd have a food baby."

"That's because you actually finished your plate, the first time I've seen that."

"Well we were hungry, you haven't fed us since yesterday." Olivia teased, rubbing her belly.

Fitz's phone began pinged with a message, and he went into his pocket to check it. He had to let go of Olivia's hand to do so, and since they were almost to the car she decided to go ahead of him. Fitz checked his phone and saw someone had sent him a message. When he opened it, it was a picture of him and Olivia walking down the street. By the looks of the picture, it had to have been taken sometime in the past few moments. Just as he looked at the picture, his attention snapped back to Olivia. The walk sign was on and she was getting ready to cross the street. Just as she stepped a foot onto the crosswalk, a car sped up in her direction. Fitz had only a second to react, and that was all he needed to grab Olivia and pull her back making them both fall to the ground. The car never stopped, just kept speeding away, narrowly missing Olivia in the process.

Oliva never saw the car. If Fitz hadn't have pulled her back, she hated to think what would have definitely happened. Fitz was panicking, Tom and the others ran over to them both.

"Olivia!" Fitz didn't mean to be so rough with her, but his only thought was to pull her away from the car. When he grabbed her, he grabbed her around the waist and roughly pulled her back and when he fell, she landed on top of him. "Olivia are you okay?"

Olivia was still in shock. She didn't see the car, all she felt was Fitz pulling her back. She wasn't hurt, besides the pain she felt in her stomach. "I'm okay." She tried to assure him, but he was still panicking. She could see the fear on his face, it was the first time she'd ever seen him so scared. "I'm okay-" When she said it a second time, she felt something on her leg. She looked down and noticed that her white leggings were red on her thigh and between her legs. She looked back up to Fitz with a look of fear mirroring his. "Fitz."

Fitz just scooped her up in his arms and rushed her to the car. Tom was right behind them, he got in the front seat, while Fitz sat with Olivia in the back. As soon as they were in the car, Tom sped off to the hospital. All Olivia could do was cling to Fitz , both hoping that they were alright.

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