Sunday arrived.

Olivia was far from ready to interrupt her move — all by herself — with this first meeting. With a car loaded with two large suitcases, five pairs of heels in a duffel bag, and a full tank of gas, she began her trek at 2am. Instead of taking the easy route of flying, she wanted to use the ten hours to clear her head. The drive included tears, long phone calls with her mom and best friend, and two stops to Cookout — a place she would miss a lot once she got off I-95.

Even as a modern day woman, Olivia was unsure why the person she had spent years being with and supporting, had not been encouraging of her personal goals and career path. The daunting conversation with Edison truly rocked her to the core. Honestly, it crushed her. Her career ultimately came first and she turned a blind eye to his misogyny, even while it was subtle.

Now, on their indefinite break, she was free to do whatever she wanted. For herself.

The clock read 3:04. Seeing the white sign with red stars, Olivia arrived to the District of Columbia, her new home. Grateful she made it to her destination because everything hurt and she was exhausted.

Her agent booked a hotel room a few blocks from the news station, so the commute would only be a few blocks away. All the driving would help her avoid any more time in the car than she needed. She would have to start looking for apartments or condos soon enough.

After getting settled in the hotel and taking a short nap, lounging in a tank and sweatpants, Olivia decided to finally text her new co-worker.

Hi, Fitz, it's Olivia.

A minute later, she received a message.

Hi! Did you make it in okay?

Yes, got in two hours ago, thanks for asking. Are you still on for dinner?

Absolutely.

Great. Where should we meet?

The fury of characters typing stopped. Olivia found it odd, but decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he had to take a call, or better yet, was actively finding a good place to eat at. To be honest, she was starving, wanting anything that didn't come in a greasy paper bag.

Her phone abruptly lit up and his name was showcased.

"Hello?"

"Hi. I was getting tired of texting."

"Oh, okay. Not a problem," she said. "Where should we meet up for dinner?"

"How about the Capital Grille? I heard it was nice and it's right by the Friendship Heights Metro."

Olivia searched for the restaurant on her iPad. It had good reviews, and not far from where she was staying.

"Meet in an hour?"

Fitz replied, "Sounds great."

"Okay, so it's a date."

"A what?"

Olivia paused, figuring out what she said. Was she confusing him? Did she use the wrong lingo? Was she implying this was more than a work outing?

She rushed with her goodbye. "I'll see you then."

Fitz stood inside the restaurant lobby, tapping his foot, looking for her, waiting for her arrival. He remembered what she looked like — petite, stunning, and poised. After that memorable day, he couldn't stop thinking of her. Even before he found out who Annalise was going to pick, he knew Olivia Pope was a force and he needed to get to know her. The evenng would be a perfect opportunity to talk to her, without an audience. If all went well, this would be the start of many nights talking and working together.

He went to check his appearance in the bathroom — a sleek black t-shirt, jeans, and casual Chelsea boots — before returning to his seat. Nerves didn't come to him easily when he was out and about in Los Angeles. But maybe it was confirmation that he needed a change in location.

"Hello."

Her voice nearly startled him back to reality. Standing tall, he turned to greet Olivia, who looked amazing. Oversized Gucci sunglasses, a lightweight blue top, white shorts, and sandals. For someone who said she was exhausted, she appeared to be a vision. He was overwhelmed by her beauty.

"Good evening."

They shook hands.

"Hi."

"How's it going?"

"I'm fine."

"When did you get in?"

"Yesterday," Fitz replied. "All of this moving around had me beat, so I slept all day."

"Lucky. As soon as we're done, that's what I'll be doing. Sleepin'."

Fitz smiled at Olivia, "Nice."

There was a strange nervous energy between them, and he didn't fully understand why. They were professionals; work dinners and happy hours were a thing. His co-host for years was a beautiful woman, and he never felt a need to overdo it to impress someone. But this? This was different.

A few seconds had passed; they were still holding hands.

"I clearly have no manners."

Olivia laughed as she lifted her shades. "It's alright. I didn't let go so... it's been a long day. I must need face-to-face interaction with people!"

"Sir, the table is ready. Follow me, please."

It felt like the timing was perfect for them, both were relieved to move. Fitz waited for the host and Olivia to walk in front of him. Being professional, my ass, he thought. The way her hips swayed, and how she commanded the floor, was driving him crazy.

When they reached their table, on the side patio, he pulled himself together. He would not let physical attraction ruin his time here. It was business. But not as usual.

A server arrived soon after, offering them menus, and taking their drink orders.

"What would you like to start with?"

Their eyes met; Olivia's shifted down to the words in front of her. "Sparkling water and a glass of your best full-bodied red, please."

"A glass of Pinot, if you have it."

It wasn't what they were expecting; acting like teenagers, fumbling to discuss anything, being timid if they looked at each other. As people whose livelihood depend on jumpstarting conversations, being even-keeled, they were failing big time.

Olivia began to speak, after sipping on her water. "Here is the million dollar question, Fitz. What brings you to Washington? Why now? I know you come from an illustrious career in Los Angeles."

It was a good start. Shrugging, he answered, "You did your research. Well, I was ready to do something new. It's been a good run, but I want to start over. Professionally and personally. How about you, Olivia?"

She adjusted her sunglasses, looking beyond Fitz's shoulder. "I feel like I plateaued in Charleston. Yeah, I was popular and could have stayed. But I knew something bigger was out there. I want to be challenged."

"That makes sense. I'm glad you decided to take this step for yourself."

The sunrays touching their raised wine glasses, Fitz proposed a toast.

"To us. To this new show."

Olivia smirked, as she took a sip. "Thank you. So now that the sentimental shit is out of the way, let's talk about work."

Fitz's pupils grew, upper lip twitching in amusement. "Okay then. What do you think about the fierce Annalise Keating?"

"She is a goddess."

"She is the one person you want on your good side at all times."

"No, that's me," Olivia quipped, before delicately bringing a piece of warm bread to her lips.

After an hour of enjoying each other's company, learning about work ethics, similiarites and differences, over hearty entreés and more wine, they both received an email notification from the woman of the hour.

Staff meeting at 10am sharp. -AK

"Fuck," Olivia whispered, placing her napkin down. "I should have planned this better. I need more than eight hours of sleep. I'll need to get going soon."

Fitz gestured for the server. "That's true. But I think we will be okay for tomorrow. I'm sure there will be a lot of questions and team exercises with the staff. Seems like an eclectic bunch. They're all so young. Over here, the old dog will be learning new tricks."

It wasn't lost on Olivia to hear such foolishness. "Stop that. I thought you were the overly confident Fitzgerald Grant. I ain't working with insecure people."

"Is that so," he leaned back, giving her a snarky look. "I can't disappoint you."

"That's right. Don't."

The server graciously interrupted them. "One or two checks?"

The two weren't on the same page. Olivia declared "Separate," while Fitz asked for one.

"Oh, come on." She lifted her hands. This wasn't her forte, allowing others to pay for her.

Fitz shook his head, before slipping his credit card in the leather folder. "You got into town after me. So I'm your host for the evening."

Olivia rolled her brown eyes, which made Fitz's heart skip a beat. "Fine, but next time, It's on me."

"We will see about that."

It was clear to Olivia that she could could tell there was something about Fitz that she could work with. As a fellow newcomer, they would be able to connect during the upcoming long hours, days, and weeks. Then, as a cherry on top, he was gorgeous, and she knew he found her to be attractive. She noticed every gesture. He was a fucking wreck, but it was cute.

With doggie bags in hand, Fitz and Olivia said their goodbyes at the street corner.

"I'll see you in the morning," she pressed the crosswalk button. "You drink coffee?"

"I do."

"How do you take it?"

Fitz answered without hesitation, "Simple. Black and strong."

That phrase came out too quickly. He nervously laughed, rubbing his jaw, while Olivia nodded, flipping her ponytail behind her shoulder. Oh, the memories of this first dinner. As she waved to him, about to walk off, she left him with this:

"Alrighty. That's what you'll get tomorrow. Maybe a doubleshot, because once we're in that studio, I'm bringing it. Don't disappoint, Fitz."

I didn't realize y'all would enjoy this thing. Sorry for the delay. It's a short chapter, but you're getting to see how O & F meet officially. Later this week, you'll get to read about Day One. xo