"I'm going to see him."
"What? Liv..."
"Talia I have to--"
"No you don't. You already testified against him for all the shit he did to you."
"You didn't even let me finish." Liv sighed.
"Okay, why do you want to go?"
"It's been a month. I'm ready to face him."
"Are you even allowed to go see him?"
"Yes, I already got the okay to one visitation. I want to give him his ring back and officially break it off with him. There's also some things that I just gotta get out, that he needs to hear. I'm strong enough now to tell him what I want to. I want to set myself free of him."
"I bet he's not gonna be the happiest dude to see you. Your charges and testimony is what prevented him from getting bail after all. But I'm proud of you sis."
"Yeah, my face all over the newspapers wasn't so great though but if it helps other women to learn from my mistake and to speak up, then It's okay I guess."
"So..I'm going with you."
"Talia.."
"It's not like I'll be allowed in there with you anyways. I just don't want you to go alone."
"Thank you."
"When's your next appointment with the therapist?"
"Later today, ooh and I'm going back to work tomorrow." Liv beamed.
"You missed it didn't you?"
"So much you won't even understand. Hey I'm glad you offered to move in with me. Having you here is kinda nice."
"Kinda? Bitch I light up your life."
"Okay I wouldn't go that far."
"You wound me."
"And I ain't even sorry. Anyway get your stuff we gotta go."
xxx
"So.. How did it go? How are you feeling?"
Liv smiled at her sister. "I'm feeling.. free, less worried. I just let go of everything I cropped up and didn't once fear him or what he might do.. I didn't feel small or weak."
"That's great Liv. Why don't we go get a bite to eat before you head off to your therapist?"
They walk outside and got into a taxi.
"Lunch at Food and Chill." Liv answered.
"You uh, you haven't been there in a while.."
"Well after what I just did, I deserve to have lunch at my favourite restaurant."
"Cool. Let's go."
Soon they got dropped off in front of the restaurant, laughing as they got out of the taxi.
"He was so into you Talia."
"Don't be weird, the man was just being friendly."
"He almost drove over a red light from staring at you in the rear view mirror."
"Olivia stop it." Talia said walking ahead of her as they entered the restaurant.
The hostess showed them to a table by the window and they thanked her politely.
"Hey didn't you have class today?" Liv asked realising they've been joined at the hip all day.
"Two. But those are easy classes, I'll catch up in no time."
The waiter approached their table and gave them each a menu.
"Thank you. Can I get a glass of water and a bubblegum milkshake for the little girl please."
"Really Liv?" Talia gave her an amused look as the waiter left.
"I know how much you love those but back to our conversation, mom is going to kill you. You better not let her find out you're skipping classes."
"It's not like it happens often"
"I wouldn't know now would I?"
The two sisters chatted animatedly, even after their food arrived the conversation never stopped. They were just happy to be spending so much time together.
"Olivia, hey!"
"Julia!" Liv got up and gave the blonde woman a hug.
"I thought you've replaced us." Julia chuckled.
"I would never, c'mon you know I love this place way too much. Have a seat, please."
"I don't want to interrupt your lunch."
"No no it's fine. Oh, this is my younger sister Talia. Talia this is Julia, she owns this place."
Julia took a seat next to Talia as the two exchange a friendly handshake.
"You're Fitz's sister, right?"
Julia looked surprised and intrigued. "Um, yes.. Yes I am. How do you know Fitz?" She asked curiously then glanced over at Liv who had her eyes locked on Talia.
"Oh um.. Well, he uh--" Suddenly Talia couldn't find her words. She didn't know how Liv would feel if she told Julia exactly how she came to know Fitz.
"I was a client of his just over a month ago." Liv said with a faint smile.
"Oh.."
Liv took a sip of her water. "Yes."
"Well he's great at he does so you were left in good hands."
Talia decided to chime in. "His agents took good care of my sister and he is really a great guy."
"You got to know him? I mean I'm just a little surprised since he's always so serious and professional when it comes to his job. But then again.. I wouldn't know about his relationship with his clients."
"No don't get it wrong, he was very serious and professional.. Um, he just made us feel very comfortable under the circumstances you know.." Talia explained.
"Yeah no you don't need to explain, sorry. Like I said, I don't wouldn't know how he treats his clients, he doesn't discuss those things with me. I just assumed he showed no emotion on the job." She joked.
The conversation was getting awkward and they could all sense it.
"Anyway, Liv are you okay after the accident?"
"Yes thanks for asking. I'm good. I'm going back to work tomorrow."
"That's great. So I'll be seeing you regularly again then?"
"Yup." Liv smiled.
"I should get back to work. It was nice meeting you Talia. Liv, I'm glad you're all better now. Enjoy the rest of your day ladies."
"Thanks, bye Julia."
After Julia left Liv turned to her sister.
"Did you have to bring up his name.. I'm pretty sure his other clients don't go around handing out complements to his sister about what a great guy he is."
"That got a little awkward I know, I'm sorry."
"It's okay. Let's finish up here, I still have an appointment to get to."
Later that night Fitz entered Club Dash in search of his friends.
"Heyy dude, you're back!" Tyler spoke over the loud music.
"What's up guys. Yeah I got in this afternoon man, Scott mentioned you guys were gonna hit up the club tonight, I wasn't gonna miss out."
Tyler handed him a beer. "Well you're two drinks behind. Catch up."
"If I'm gonna catch up it's gonna have to be with something stronger." Fitz said taking a swig of his beer then handing it back to Tyler.
"You can't be picky you just got here."
"I'll be right back, I'm gonna get us some real drinks." He patted Tyler on the shoulder and went to the bar.
Fitz signalled for the barman and ordered several drinks including whiskey, rum and coke and a round of shots to be delivered to their booth.
"That's a lot of alcohol." A female voice came from behind him.
Turning around he chuckled seeing who it was.
"I can handle it."
"It's good to see you Fitz."
He went in for a friendly hug. "You too Talia."
"I didn't think I'd see you around again."
"I thought we were friends Talia, I'm hurt that I never got a single text or phone call from you."
"Well you could've texted or called me old man. Anyway I was busy moving in with Liv and just being there for her. She started therapy.. You should see her now, she's back to her old self."
"You're saying that as if I'm supposed to know what her old self was like." Fitz laughed.
"Whatever, I think you could actually become friends with her for real now instead of pretending."
"Ohh!"
"Yeah I went there." Talia said giggling. "Come on, I'll help you carry those. I don't think you friends would appreciate their drinks being splattered all over the floor."
"Thanks. Who are you here with?" He asked curiously.
"My friends." She turned and pointed in their direction.
"Wow, that's... real people. You actually have friends." He joked.
Talia laughed spontaneously. "Shut up."
She helps him carry the drinks to his where his friends waited.
"Just put it down here, thanks."
"No problem."
Tyler, Scott and Josh shared the same curious expression.
"Hi, I'm Josh." He extended his hand out before she could leave.
"Talia."
"Hello Talia."
Fitz glanced at his friend. "Josh cut it out."
Talia was starting to feel like a little sister to him and his friends hitting on her would be just wrong.
"Dude what? I'm just being nice."
Talia had to laugh. "Yeah dude." She nudged Fitz.
He gave her an amused look. "Goodbye Talia."
"Whatever, I'll tell Olivia I ran into you." She said and walked off.
"Alright let's drink." Fitz said sitting down.
"Aren't you gonna tell us more about Talia?" Scott asked.
Tyler chimed in. "Yeah and who's Olivia?"
Downing one of the shots Fitz laughed. "There's nothing going on here if that's what you guys are trying to figure out. I just know them from somewhere that's all."
"Oh come on Fitz."
"Boys can we just enjoy ourselves? I didn't buy all this alcohol for nothing."
They let it go and from there on out their night went pretty good.
xxx
"Morning."
"I thought you had already left for work."
"I'm waiting for Gina to come pick me up."
"Newly promoted Senior Associate Gina?"
"Yes, and why do you know everyone and their position at my firm?"
"Because I'm nosy."
"That is not a lie. By the way I heard you coming in around midnight."
"Yeah we decided to go clubbing."
"Oh."
"I ran into Fitz."
"At the club?" Liv asked placing down her cup of coffee.
"Yes, he was there with his buddies."
"And how did that go?"
"I think he might've actually been happy to see me. He even joked that he was hurt that I never texted or phoned him after all this time."
"Why would you do that?"
"Because we're cool like that Liv."
"Oh well excuse me."
Her phone beeped with a text. "Gotta go, Gina's outside. Be a good girl today okay?"
"Sure mom." Talia responded with sarcasm.
Around midday and 3 classes later, Talia took a cab to Fitz's office.
"Hi, is Fitzgerald Grant available?"
Cindy, Fitz's secretary, eyed Talia. "Have a seat, he's line is busy at the moment."
"Okay thank you."
A couple minutes later Fitz walks out of his office dropping two folders on Cindy's desk.
"Make sure Agent Bennett gets those."
"Okay. Sir there's someone here to see you." Cindy pointed him in Talia's direction.
Talia had headphones on and was so engrossed in her phone that she didn't notice Fitz standing there.
"Do you know this girl? This isn't the first time she's shown up here."
"Relax, I do know her."
"Okay but still, next time she should try and make an appointment."
"Did you take your lunch break yet?"
"..No."
"See, some people tend to get cranky when they're hungry. You should take your lunch break." He teased her and walked over to Talia.
Fitz tugged on Talia's headphones getting her attention. "Hey, are you stalking me?"
"You're the last person I'd stalk."
"Then what are you doing here?" He asked.
"Have you looked at my resume yet? It's been over a month." Talia joked.
"I have but unfortunately you didn't meet the requirements of our standards.. Sorry."
"You suck."
"I know." He laughed and walked back to his office, Talia trailing behind.
"So, how's art school?" Fitz asked once they were seated across each other at his desk.
"Great. We just started on this exciting new project, I've already got so many ideas. How's work?"
"Work is a lot right now actually."
"Sorry, I interrupted you didn't I?"
"Kind of, but I didn't take a break yet so don't worry. We can hang out."
"Are you trying to sound cool old man?"
"I'm a reasonable age. You can stop with that joke now."
"Hey by the way how's Josh?"
"Josh is old." He smirked.
"Funny.. So, Liv was kinda surprised when I told her that I ran into you at the club last night."
"Don't I look like the clubbing type?"
"I mean you're always dressed so formal."
"It comes with the job.. How is she?"
"Liv?"
"Yes.. you mentioned therapy last night."
"She's better than she's ever been. Mentally, physically, spiritually.. She's doing well."
"That's good. I uh, I also read about Chad's case..what she did."
"Yeah it was about time that she stood up against him."
"True."
"She also went back to work today."
"Great, I'm sure she's over the moon."
"Uh huh. Hey you should come over some time. We can all hang out."
"We've never even hung out before, you're making it sound like we're old friends."
"I'm just saying, it'd be nice."
"She was a client of mine, I don't hang out with my clients after a job."
"Was she just a client to you though?"
They stared each other down.
"Where's this coming from?"
"Maybe from the time you took it upon yourself to be her saviour..?" She said biting the inside of her cheek. She knows the conversation their about to have is a risky one.
"So I care for the wellbeing of other people, that's normal."
"It is. However going the extra mile, like you did for her..not so normal." She said cheekily.
"Okay Talia, what are getting at?"
"Was she just a client to you? Please just be honest with me Fitz."
He didn't answer her right away.
Fitz shifted in his seat and looked at her. "She was."
"I don't believe you."
"And that's okay but you asked me a question and I answered."
"That wasn't an answer, that was a way out. You're just saying that to get me to back off."
"I don't know what else to say to you if won't believe me."
"You cared a hell of a lot about some strange woman you didn't know."
"Why are you asking this now?"
"I've always wondered."
Fitz reclined back in his chair and exhaled loudly. "Okay. She wasn't just a client. I actually, genuinely cared for her...more than I should have and more than I do for the average client. I can't pin point what it is, was? I don't know.. There's just something about her, I mean yeah she's beautiful but it's not that. And that's the thing that's got me confused..I don't know what it is about her that gets to me. I kept asking myself, if it's just a case of curiosity? Or do I just find her intriguing? I don't know Talia.."
Talia expected it but she didn't expect it like this. This was deep.
"Well damn.."
"Yeah.. Is it not what you expected to hear?"
"I wanted the truth so.."
Talia added with a chuckle. "I almost want to say sorry I asked."
"You did though and now you know."
"Are you still feeling that way about her?"
"She's been on my mind.. you know with Chad's trial still pending and all of that."
"I believe you don't meet people by accident. Look what happened after you two bumped into each other. You've served a purpose in her life, maybe she'll serve one in yours over time."
"Is that a quote you read somewhere?" He joked.
"Maybe. You know what? I think I should invite you over, y'all need to figure this energy out between you." She said with humour.
"Talia she doesn't need this in her life right now. She's had enough to deal with already..besides, I'm trying to put her out of my mind and we don't need to figure anything out because she's not the one with unexplainable feelings."
"Okay so it's feelings now?"
"Do you want me to kick you out?"
"Maybe you're just making it difficult because you don't want to accept it for what it is. Are you attracted to her?"
"Talia..."
"It's a yes or no question."
"I don't even really know her."
"One can be attracted to a person without knowing them.. Like a crush or love at first sight or whatever."
"What if it's just me feeling sorry for her? That would explain a lot."
"You're a grown man with, I would assume, enough of experience when it comes to these type of situations..I can't be helping you figuring out your feelings."
"I didn't ask for your help. Look I can't be confusing her right now, it's just unfair towards her. This will all pass eventually."
"And what if it doesn't?" She deadpanned.
"Are you mad at me right now or was that sarcasm?"
"Look I'm cool with you trying to shake off whatever it is that you're feeling but can I ask you to not try and shake her off too? At least be a friend for her, she lowkey needs someone like you in her life."
"We barely even talk, how are we supposed to be friends?"
"Through me." Talia gave him a cheeky smile before getting serious again. "Look Fitz I probably shouldn't have brought any of this up. I'm sorry."
"No I might've just overreacted..it's okay."
"I've kept you from your work though so I'm gonna go. See you around."
Fitz nodded. "Okay, bye Talia."
xxx
"Hey you're home. Tell me you didn't make dinner yet because I brought chinese." Talia said walking into Liv's apartment.
"Luckily I didn't."
She dropped her school bag and went to sit next to Liv, placing their takeout in between them.
"Thanks Talia."
"Sure."
They didn't waste any time and started digging in right away.
Talia was burning to bring up the topic about Fitz.
"You're being awfully quiet.." Liv commented.
"Oh, I'm just thinking."
"About?"
"I don't think you'd wanna know."
"That bad huh?"
"I wouldn't say it's bad but.."
"Try me."
"How do you feel about Fitz?"
Olivia looked at her with furrowed eyebrows. "What do mean how do I feel about Fitz?"
"Like.. I don't know, just.."
Liv cut her off. "I appreciate what he did for me. He's a good person."
"Okay. Forget I asked, I'm just being weird."
"Well that certainly was a random question. Look I don't mind if you two are still in touch if that's what you're worried about."
"Yeah no I know it won't bother you.. Like I said, forget I asked."
"That day at mom and dad's when him and I talked, I saw a little bit of his personality, besides his caring nature, he's geniune, nice.. and kinda goofy."
"Goofy? His jokes sucks." Talia said making her sister laugh.
"Talia don't be mean."
Once their laughter subsided they finished their dinner, cleaned up and watch some reality tv together.
A loud thud, like something falling over, came from Liv's room and startled the two sisters.
"What the hell was that??" Talia asked wide eyed.
Then another noise.
"It's coming from my bedroom." Liv said as they sit perched up and alert staring in the direction of her bedroom.
"Do you think we should go and check it out?"
"You don't know what's waiting on the other side." Liv whispered.
Then a thump against the bedroom door. Giving them an even bigger fright.
"Okay I know I tend to act all tough but I'm freaked out right now." Talia admitted.
"What do we do??"
She took out her phone. "I'm gonna call Fitz."
"Are you sure? No come on, you were right, let's go see what it is."
"Nahh I suggested that before I got scared for real."
"But we can't make him come all the way over here from wherever he lives Talia and what if he's still busy at work? I don't want to be a nuisance."
"I'm phoning him." Talia said and she did.
The two sisters stayed put while staring at the bedroom door as they waited for Fitz to arrive.
A knock at the door 20 minutes later had Talia running to open it.
"Hey thanks for coming." She said in a whisper.
"Of course but why are you whispering?"
"Fitz I told you there's noises coming from Liv's bedroom. We don't know what it is."
She lead him through the apartment.
"Hi." He greeted Olivia with a smile.
"Hi Fitz."
Liv figured he must've still been at work because was dressed in his usual formal attire, with his sleeves rolled up.
She noticed he looked slightly different from when she last saw him. His hair was shorter.
"Which bedroom is it?" He asked not taking his eyes away from Olivia.
"That one." She gestured.
"Okay. You two just stay here, I'm gonna check it out."
"What, where's your weapons?" Talia asked.
"Really??" He asked incredulously.
"Fine." She huffed and watched on as Fitz went into the bedroom.
"Why is he so quiet in there?"
"Talia relax maybe it was nothing."
"Liv how could it have been nothing when we clearly heard noises, unless this place is suddenly haunted."
Before she could say something back, Fitz exited her bedroom with a ginger cat in his arms.
"Here's the culprit." He smiled.
"A fucking cat!?" Talia yelled.
Fitz glanced at Liv. "The window was open, I suspect that's how he got in. He went a bit wild in there, maybe he panicked."
Talia pulled a face. "Eww no put him outside."
"Talia he's harmless."
"You don't know that. Wait Liv isn't that the cute british couple's cat? They moved in below us two weeks ago."
"You're right. How the hell did he get up here..??"
"Here, hold him." Fitz creeped closer to Talia and she sprinted to the other side of the room much to his amusement.
"She's not a cat person. She had a horrible encounter with the neighbours cat when she was little." Liv chuckled.
Fitz laughed then went to let the cat out before joining Liv and Talia in their living room.
"So, you should make it through the night." He joked.
While Talia scowled at him, Liv decided to thank him.
"Thank you Fitz I hope we didn't take you away from your work."
"No it's fine I was already at home, just over in Park Avenue."
"Oh.. that's practically around the corner."
"Yeah, so uh you guys are fine. I'm gonna get going."
Talia and Liv walked him to the door.
"Goodnight Fitz."
"Bye Talia. It was good seeing you again Olivia, keep your windows closed."
He earned an earnest chuckle from her. "Oh definitely."
"Goodnight ladies."
They waved him goodbye then went to clean the mess in Liv's room.
At around 9pm Liv got ready for bed when Talia came into her room all dressed up.
"Hey I'm going out."
"Where to?"
"Jeremy asked me to go to this party with him, I'm not sure what time I'll be back."
"And Jeremy is?"
"This boy I'm getting to know."
"Is he coming to pick you up?"
"Yesss Liv." She sighed exasperatedly.
"You look cute."
"I always look cute. Gotta go, my rides outside."
"Be safe, okay? And don't take drinks from strangers." Liv yelled after her.
"If it's free I'm taking it!" She heard Talia yelling back.
After Talia left Liv took out her laptop and did a bit of research for a new case the firm took on.
xxx
The next day Liv spent all day at the office until 5pm when she had to leave for her weekly session with her therapist.
Afterwards she texted Talia to meet her at Food and Chill for dinner.
"Hey, is this for me?" Talia asked referring to the untouched glass of wine.
"Yes, now sit down I'm starving."
"Well you could've ordered, you know I'll eat anything you choose." Talia replied as she got comfortable in her seat.
"I did, I got us the garlic parmesan pasta with cajun shrimp."
"Nice."
"So how was the party last night?"
"It was great, I had a good time. Ooh our food's here." She said with excitement.
The ladies went on to enjoy their meal while chatting about their day and indulging in a bit of gossip.
"Here." Liv handed Talia her card. "Can you pay, I gotta use the bathroom."
"Okay, I'll meet you outside."
When Liv got outside she noticed Talia had company.
"Hi." She shared a glance with him.
"Hi.." Fitz smiled. "I just came by to drop something off for Julia."
"Okay."
"Are you guys headed home?"
"Yeah.."
"Oh, I could give you a ride.. I mean it's on my way."
Before Liv could politely decline her sister answered. "Sure. Come on Liv." Talia smiled mischievously and followed Fitz to his car.
Liv scoffed and walked after them.
Talia quickly got in the backseat. "You can take the front seat, I don't mind." She smiled.
Liv glared at her but got in anyway.
At first there was a awkward silence in the car.
The close proximity to Fitz had Liv slightly uncomfortable.
With every move he made his masculine yet soft cologne floated through the air. It was the first time she thoroughly inhaled his scent.
He smelled nice.
Fitz on the other hand kept stealing glances at the woman next to him. She was beautiful.
His phone vibrated in his pocket - a text from Talia.
What's with the silence?
He shot a look at her in the rear view mirror and was met by an amused grin on her face.
Stopping at a red light he decided to reply to her text.
She looks uncomfortable..and kinda mad, why didn't you just sit in front?
Hey I'm helping you out.
Helping me out with what exactly?
You know what.
He puts the car in drive again as the light turns green.
"Hey Fitz if you don't mind, can you drop me off at Bailey's Corner Pub?" Talia said making Liv turn in her seat, casting a glance at her.
"What? The girls just agreed to go out and I said I'd join them.."
"You were out last night and the night before if I'm not mistaken."
"Liv c'mon I'm young, I like to go out and you know that. Unless you want me to stay? Look if you don't want to be home alone I'll cancel on my friends right away."
"No, go I'll be fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Talia..of course. Have fun."
"Okay."
10 Minutes later Fitz pulled up at the pub.
"Thanks. Two hours tops Liv then I'll be home. Bye Fitz."
'Bye Talia."
With Talia gone, Liv just wanted to get home. She felt awkward just sitting there in silence. It's not like they were strangers to each other for this to feel so awkward.
"I haven't even asked yet, how are you? After the accident I mean..how are you?"
His baritone voice took over the silence.
It took her by surprise.
Olivia cleared her throat. "I'm good. I feel a lot better. Talia was also really great during my healing process.
"She's just a bolt of energy isn't she?" Fitz chuckled quietly.
"She's a lot."
"In a good way."
"Of course." Liv said with a smile in her voice.
"You two aren't much alike.."
"Is that your observation?"
"Yes?" He cast a glance at her before looking back on the road.
"Socially yes, that's where we differ a lot. But otherwise we share a lot of common interests.."
"So you're not an outgoing person?"
"Occasionally I'd go out with friends but I work a lot. I also don't like big crowds, so clubs and stuff like that isn't my scene. Odd right? Seeing as I went to all those lavish parties with Chad..He loved the extravagant lifestyle."
Liv didn't even realise she was starting to relax around him.
"I uh.. No, I mean that's what couples do isn't it.. It's okay to adjust some things for your partner."
Liv scoffed in response, more to herself but he picked up on that.
"She looks a lot more like your mother while you resemble your dad." He said trying to keep the conversation alive.
"Yeah.. You and Julia don't look much alike though, well except for the curly hair."
"My brother Ryan and Iook more alike but obviously I'm the better looking one and he knows it."
"Is that the popular opinion going around or just you being in denial of the actual truth?"
"And what would the truth be?"
"That he's the one with the good looks."
"Have you seen my brother? He's co-owner of the restaurant with Julia."
"Tall guy with a very well trimmed beard?"
"Oh my god nevermind. It's always the beard. What's so mesmerizing about his beard?" He asked with mock hurt.
"The salt and pepper hair that goes with it." She teased.
"My hair is so much better than his."
Olivia laughed heartily. "I feel like you have a whole presentation ready for instances like these, to prove why you're the better brother."
They finally reach her apartment building after Fitz took his time cruising the whole way there.
"Thanks for the ride."
"Don't mention it."
Liv heard his door opening just after she exited the car.
"I'll walk you up." Fitz said coming to stand in front of her.
"You really don't have to do that, I'll be okay."
"Sorry it's just--"
"You can't help it. Your job has become a second nature to you."
"Basically yes."
Liv smiled shyly at him and they walk into the building.
"This place is quiet." Fitz commented once the got to her floor.
"Don't go into agent mode right now." She laughed as she unlocked her door. "It's only this floor."
"How does that happen?"
"There's more..older people."
"I see." Fitz chuckled.
"So um, thanks again."
Should he just walk away?
Should she just go in an close the door on him?
Would a handshake suffice? Or what about a wave..?
"Sure. Goodnight Olivia." He smiled.
A simple, normal goodnight is a much better option.
With one foot through the door she gave him a soft smile. "Liv."
"Excuse me?" He looked questioningly at her.
"You can call me Liv. I'm not your client anymore, no need to be so formal."
He flashed a charming smile her way. "Um..okay. Goodbye Liv."