One month later. . .
Olivia was enjoying her time as a single woman.
It wasn't just the point of being single but more so of having alone time. Time to herself to just be. She never made it a point to celebrate being single.
She used this time to to think with clarity.
Over the past month she had been in constant contact with Fitz whether it was by a phone call or texts, and it felt nice.
He wasn't pressuring her into anything. In fact, he never even brought up their "relationship" status.
Instead he chose to use the time to get to know more of her. So their late night phone calls would consist of some interesting childhood stories about one another, discussing their families and friends, and hilarious laughter at their own corny jokes.
Today was the day they would be seeing each other for the first time since the day Olivia cancelled her wedding and broke up with Tyler.
Fitz asked her out on an official date and she happily agreed.
Olivia couldn't hide her giddiness all day. She was in a great mood at work, sporting a permanent smile.
With Fitz it was the same. He was the happiest anyone has seen him in a while.
"Liv he's going to be there soon, could you just decide on what to wear already?"
"Abby you're not being helpful."
"I'm being super helpful by making sure you're not late."
Liv was on FaceTime with Abby while browsing through her closet.
"Ugh. He could've just told me where we were going, it would've made it a lot easier for me to pick an outfit."
"Hey will you stop freaking out over nothing? He most likely wants tonight to be great which is why he's being so secretive. Just get dressed and be prepared for a lovely evening."
"I haven't been on a first date in forever Abby and this one is different. I want to look nice, okay."
"Okay. I'm pretty sure your prince charming won't care what you're wearing because you'll be staring into each other's eyes all night long...and make out, probably."
"I'm gonna hang up now. I have 30 minutes to get dressed and do my hair. Goodbye."
"Bye Liv. Have fun tonight."
"Thanks Abby." She replied and ended their call.
At exactly 6pm sharp her doorbell chimed announcing Fitz's arrival.
She was still busy putting on her accessories.
Again she heard the doorbell.
After about 5 minutes Olivia rushed downstairs, looking date night ready.
"I'm coming!" She yelled on her to way the door.
Fixing herself in the mirror above the side table in the hallway, she took a breathe then opened the door.
"Hi." Liv smiled brightly.
Fitz took her in. His eyes doing a full body scan of the breathtaking woman standing in front of him.
"Hi." Finally he grinned. Looking into her eyes as if it was the first time he's seeing her.
"Sorry that you had to wait so long."
"Wow, you look beautiful."
"Thank you. You're looking pretty incredible yourself. Is it not too much though?" Liv asked looking down at her outfit.
Fitz flashed a crooked smile her way. "No, it's perfect."
They stood in silence. Liv wearing an amused expression at Fitz who seemed to be in a daze as he just stared at her.
"Are those for me?" She asked, bringing him back to reality.
Fitz had completely forgotten about the flowers in his hand. He just couldn't stop staring at Olivia's gorgeous face.
"Oh sorry, yes. These are in fact for you. I hope you like them." Fitz said as Olivia accepted the arrangement of white and yellow roses.
"They're beautiful Fitz. Thank you." She beckoned him to step inside.
"I like your new hair color. It suits you." He complemented her as she placed the roses in a vase.
"I changed it when I went on my little getaway."
Olivia turned to face him only to see Fitz looking around her home.
Of course. This was his first time actually stepping foot inside of her home.
His previous visits was only him dropping her off.
"You like it?"
"Yeah. It looks nice. Very cosy."
"Thanks. I'm ready to go." She smiled and Fitz stepped forward taking her into his arms.
They held on to one another in a comforting embrace.
"I've missed you." He whispered into her hair.
"I've missed you too."
In the car Olivia couldn't hold back the question any longer. "So where are we going?"
"If I didn't tell you before, what makes you think I'd tell you now?" He chuckled.
"Fitz.. we're already on our way there, you might as well tell me."
"Not happening."
"You're no fun." Liv replied in a light, playful tone.
"Don't you like surprises?"
"No."
Fitz laughed at her incredulous reaction.
"Okay I'll tell you one thing; the place where I'm taking you is about an hour's drive away."
"Soo not here in the city?"
"Just outside of the city yes. You'll like it, I promise."
He kept his gaze on her.
She's beautiful.
"You should probably keep your eyes on the road Mr Grant."
Fitz continued staring at her. This time with a happy grin.
Olivia could feel the heat rising in her face. She was blushing.
"You're so pretty." Fitz said sounding amazed then slowly shifted his gaze away from her.
xxx
Fitz killed the engine as they reached their destination.
A lovely yet quirky little town right outside of the city just as he mentioned. It had a lot happening. From cute to upscale restaurants, one or two craft breweries, little art galleries and different kind of bar's.
"You ready?"
Olivia nodded excitedly.
Fitz being the gentleman that he is, went around the car to open her door. "Let's go."
With her arm looped through his they headed towards one of Fitz's favourite places. An Italian restaurant with a great vibe.
"Oh my gosh it smells amazing in here. So I assume it's not your first time dining here?"
"You're right. My mom had her birthday dinner out here last year and I just fell in love with the food and the vibe of this place."
"Well I can't wait to get a taste of their cuisine."
After a while they ordered and enjoyed their alcoholic beverage of choice as they waited on their food to arrive.
"You should try having a glass of wine every now and then."
Fitz chuckled placing down his scotch. "I don't hate wine. It's just so..soft."
"Because you're such a strong man." Liv replied, playfully mocking him.
"Oh come on." He acted hurt. "It's not even like that. I'm just not into it."
"You don't appreciate it...the taste and the texture. It's actually pretty amazing."
"Well the various components that you find in a good scotch is just as amazing. You do know I actually do drink wine right? Just not very often and since you're drilling me, why don't you exchange your beloved wine for some of the good stuff every now and then?"
"I think it's because I had a very harsh introduction to strong alcohol when I was younger."
"Is that a story I'll get to hear?" He asked intrigued.
"It's kind of embarrassing."
"Come on. I won't laugh."
"Of course you will."
"Try me."
Olivia smiled and narrowed her eyes at him to see whether he was playing with her but went on to tell her story anyway.
By the end of it Fitz really tried to hold back his laughter but ended up failing miserably.
"I'm so sorry Liv but that's hilarious."
"I vowed never to drink that shit again."
"Yeah it's probably for the best." He laughed even more.
"Shut up."
Olivia had to admit that it was actually pretty funny and joined in on his laughter.
"Okay give me that." She held out her hand for his drink.
With raised eyebrows he looked at her. "After what you just told me, are you sure?"
"Yes. I'm a big girl now, I'm sure I can handle it. Besides, I wanna see why you'd be crazy enough to prefer scotch over some good quality wine."
"Okay but just one sip."
"Oh so you don't like to share?" She asked smartly as she took the glass from him.
"Not my scotch no."
Olivia brought the glass to her lips and shrugged. "You'll get over it."
Fitz found her little attitude too cute.
Olivia did the whole 'swirl, smell, sip and swallow'.
"And?" He asked looking at the small frown on her face.
"It's actually not horrible." She said handing the drink back to him.
"Not horrible?"
"It's a lot better than from what I can remember."
"But you still don't like it?"
She chuckled. "Maybe if there was some ice in it? I dunno.."
Fitz preferred his scotch neat.
The waitress finally showed up with their food which earned pleasurable moans from both Fitz and Liv.
"Ooh this looks so good." Liv said eyeing her plate.
Dinner was great.
Olivia enjoyed every bite and Fitz was just glad that she actually liked his choice of restaurant.
She wanted to pitch in when the bill came but Fitz straight up refused.
He helped her into her coat as they left the restaurant.
"I know the air is pretty chilly but would you like to take a stroll?"
"That's a great idea considering the amount of food that I just ate."
"C'mon." He held out his arm and she latched on to it.
Olivia took in their surroundings. "For a small town this place is still so lively. It's a different kind of buzz compared to the city though."
"Yeah it's great. The people out here is super friendly as well."
"Where's that music coming from?"
"Probably the jazz bar just down the street."
"So everything's happening in this one street?"
"Mostly. Although there's a few other stores and places of entertainment in the surrounding area."
They strolled leisurely down the street and turned the corner until the building across the street caught Olivia's eye.
"What's happening over there?" She pointed in the direction of people streaming in and out of the entrance.
"I don't know. Wanna go and check it out?"
"Sure."
The place was called "Lost Paradise".
They entered into what looked like a little wonderland of fun. A large food court which held donut stands, coffee shops, juice bar's, pop up stores and candy bar's. Then further along there was a small gaming arcade and the main attraction, an ice-skating rink.
"Woah." Fitz said sounding bewildered.
They decided to walk around for a bit.
"Since we didn't have dessert back at the restaurant, would you like to have a donut?" He asked with a grin.
"How about we share one since I'm still kinda full."
"Okay. C'mon, you choose." He guided her body in front of him at the counter. His hands resting on her sides as he looked over her shoulder into the display of delicious treats.
"They all look so yummy. Umm okay, I think I'm gonna take...wait no." Liv quickly changed her mind leaving Fitz in chuckles.
"Okay, how about the Nutella one?" She asked Fitz.
"Are you sure this time?"
Olivia laughed at his joke. "Yes."
"Okay let's get that one and two waters. Or do want something else to drink?"
"No, water is fine."
It didn't take them long to find an empty table to sit at.
A group of 20 year olds passed them with ice skates in their hands. Liv reclined back in her chair and watched them talking excitedly.
She glanced over at Fitz and said, "I have never had the guts to go ice-skating."
"I have actually done it a couple of times. Especially with my sister's two girls."
"So you're the fun uncle?"
"I am. Wait so what do you mean you've never had the guts? Do you find it scary?"
"Not scary I'm just afraid to fall flat on my face."
"Everyone falls down on their first try."
"What if I fall and break a leg or an arm?"
"If you've ever been rollerblading or rollerskating it's not much different, both involve skating motions to propel the body forward."
Olivia smiled widely at him and said, "You're getting all technical on me now."
"Why don't we give it a try? You might even end up having a lot of fun."
He could see her hesitating.
"I'll show you how to do it." Fitz assured her.
"How do I know you're any good?"
"There's only one way to find out but Liv you don't have to if you don't want to."
"It does look like fun though."
"It is."
"Okay, I'm in but you gotta take it easy on me."
"Promise."
xxx
"Are you having second thoughts Liv?"
They had to step onto the icy surface but Olivia wouldn't move.
"Give me a minute."
"Okay."
They watched the other people enjoying themselves and being carefree. Some being a lot better at skating then others, but everyone having a good time nonetheless.
"Alright I think I'm ready."
Slow and cautiously Fitz guided them onto the ice.
He circled her so that they were facing each other while holding hands. Of course Olivia had a death grip on his hands.
"Just go with me." He advised as he slowly moved himself backwards, pulling her with him.
"Shit." Liv yelped when she lost her balance but Fitz was quick to pull her body into his chest.
"Hey I got you. Just relax and don't look down at your feet."
It took Olivia some time to become comfortable on the ice. She almost fell over more than a couple of times but Fitz would catch her every time and they would crack up. He was an excellent instructor plus he made things fun.
After a while he held her securely in his arms, hugging her from behind, as they glided along the ice rink. And every now and then he would create space between them and push her slightly ahead then he'd skate past her to catch her from the front.
"It's not that bad is it?" Fitz asked as the two of them skated hand in hand..at Olivia's pace of course.
"No, I might actually want to do this again." She laughed.
He smirked at her. "Does the instructor get any praise for his efforts?"
"Please, I'm just naturally talented. I can do anything."
"Wow. Well in that case I don't think you need to hold my hand seeing as you're so talented and whatnot."
"Don't you dare let go."
"You got this." Fitz continued and dropped her hand. He skated further away from her and doubled over in laughter as Olivia shot him an evil glare.
"Get back here."
"I don't think I will."
"Fitz!"
Olivia didn't move a muscle. She was too afraid that she'll bump into the people skating around her.
A young male instructor, who offered guidance and help to struggling newbies saw Olivia's distressed look and swooshed over to her.
"Hey, looks like you could do with some help Miss."
In no time Fitz was right there by her side. "She's good."
Liv bit the inside of her cheek to prevent a laugh from escaping her throat. "Thanks though." She said as the guy skated away.
"I'm sorry. I was just fooling around."
"You should be sorry."
"I'll make it up to you." Fitz replied apologetically.
"Oh yeah, how?"
He smiled softly and dipped his head down. His lips met hers and they shared a sweet, quick kiss. Keeping in mind that there's kids skating around them.
"Am I forgiven?"
"Definitely."
"It's getting late I think we should head out."
"Yeah you're right. Hey Fitz?"
"Mhm?"
"I had a really good time."
"Me too. You're kinda fun or whatever." He joked, causing her to break into a fit of giggles.
xxx
The drive back home to the city was a relaxed one.
Fitz walked Olivia up to her doorstep where they faced each other with matching smiles.
"Thanks again for tonight Fitz. I really enjoyed it."
"I'm glad you had a good time. C'mere." He tugged her towards him and enveloped her small frame into a hug.
Olivia inhaled his strong yet comforting scent of cologne.
They parted slightly only to go in for a kiss.
Sensually their tongues dueled. His hands gripping her waist. Her's getting lost in his hair.
Breathing was becoming difficult so they broke the kiss.
"Goodnight Livvie." Fitz pressed the sweetest kiss to her temple.
"Goodnight. Let me know when you get home."
"Will do. See you."
"Bye Fitz."