AN: thank you so much for all your comments. I don't know often I will be able to update after this weekend but I hope you stick with me and enjoy! Happy Mother's Day!

Please excuse any mistakes, I typed on my phone ️

Olivia tossed and turned all night. She couldn't get Fitz out of her head. The way he held her, the fact that she kissed him while he slept, or the feel of a certain body part pressed into her back. The one person she wanted had held her as they slept but did he even know it before Jake woke them up? Had he pulled her into his hold willingly or had it been a subconscious move in his sleep? It was driving her insane. At some point, she drifted to sleep only to be plagued with dreams of nights like tonight being normal and Fitz was hers.

The next day Olivia avoided everyone. She couldn't exactly talk to anyone about what happened considering all her friends were friends with Mellie and Fitz as well. So Olivia did the one thing that would settle her nerves. She drove to the gym to swim. For hours she pushed herself, lap after lap but Fitz was still there in her thoughts taunting her.

Olivia decided to stop for food on the way home. As she waited in line at a local deli, she was bumped from behind. Turning to see what was happening she noticed an attractive guy behind her. He immediately begins to apologize. With a chuckle Olivia tells him not to worry about it.

"I'm Russell by the way" he says with a smile and extends his hand"

"Olivia" shaking his outstretched hand.

She begins to turn back around but he continues "I've never seen you here before, are you new to the area?"

"No, I just normally study around this time, but my summer break started yesterday so I am free for a few months at least. I take it you come here often since you didn't recognize me"

Russell chuckles "actually I don't but it seemed like an easy way to start a conversation with a pretty girl"

Olivia looks down as her cheeks turn pink. Guys didn't say thing like that to her and she wasn't great at taking compliments.

"Could I get your number? Maybe I can take you out sometime?"

Olivia takes a second to really look at Russell. He was attractive, I mean really attractive. Maybe he could take her mind off Fitz? After all Fitz has Mellie and after the fight maybe she could find other people to spend at least a little of her time with. Finally, Olivia let's herself smile "sure, let me see your phone, I'll put my number in" quickly he hands it over and she types in her contact information before stepping to the counter to order her food which is quickly served. "I'll see you around Russell" she waves and makes her way home.

The whole way home all Olivia can think about was that Russell was interested in her. She was excited at the prospect but also scared. Surely he wouldn't be interested if he knew how inexperienced she was. Then she thought of Fitz. Would going on a date with Russell change things with Fitz? Last night felt like something real but he was still with Mellie. How long can she hold onto to hope? But what if last night meant something to him too? It probably didn't, maybe he's just a snuggler and felt her near. "Urg! I just want to know what he's thinking!"

Later that night Olivia's phone alerts a new message. She sees its from Fitz but it's a group message.

POOL PARTY AT MY PLACE TOMORROW! 11:00 WE ARE STARTING OFF SUMMER BREAK RIGHT! BYOB.

Tomorrow, tomorrow she would see how Fitz acted. Maybe she would get some answers but for now she was going to hold onto to hope.

—-

Across town:

Fitz too tossed and turned with thoughts of Olivia all night. Fitz remembers the first time he met Olivia seven years ago. Abby brought her quiet friend to Harrison's graduation party. Harrison being three years older than them, had invited his younger brother, Marcus and his friends to join in the festivities. The party was huge, much bigger than intended. Abby's parents wouldn't let her come unless a friend accompanied her, so she begged Olivia to join them. Reluctantly she agreed, parties weren't her thing but Abby was desperate to spend time with David. No more than ten minutes after arriving Abby disappeared with David, leaving Liv to fend for herself. Fitz having been introduced to her by David, took it upon himself to entertain her. After refusing any alcohol, Fitz presented her with a bottle of water. They went through the party out to the back porch. Harrison and Marcus's house was beautiful with a backyard to die for. Fitz and Liv decided the porch swing was perfect for the spring night. They spent hours talking about any and everything. He was surprised to that this shy girl opened up to him like an old friend. He couldn't help but watch her, she was beautiful. Curly brown hair and the sweetest brown eyes. Her smile captivated him. Normally he would have been trying to pick up girls at a party like this but all he wanted to do was spend time with Olivia.

From that night on they spoke daily, and before long were inseparable. What she didn't know was Fitz was instantly head over heals for her but never felt like he was good enough for her. She deserved the world, and even as a freshmen in high school, he had a bad boy, ladies man reputation. So Fitz settled for being her best friend and would do anything to make sure she was happy.

He was okay with it until she introduced him to Mellie. She clearly didn't have feeling for him if she was willing to set him up with her friend. With his hopes destroyed, he decided to go all in with Mellie. He thought this could work, I have a girlfriend and I still get to spend time with Livvie. But over time it began to wear him down. It was hard to smile and be happy with Mellie and see Olivia every day. She only got more beautiful as they got older and god if she isn't the smartest person he knows. She could do anything with her life but she wants to teach high school. She wants to touch lives and build futures. Fitz was more in love with Olivia than he ever thought possible and until last night he had lost hope.

Now as he lays alone in bed, all he can think about is holding her. He had woken to see the movie had ended and Olivia was sound asleep at the opposite end of the couch. He couldn't stop himself, he crawled to the other end and pulled Olivia into his chest. If all he ever got was one night of simply holding her, he wasn't going to miss his chance. Fitz held her tight before drifting off to sleep with a smile on his face.

He saw the panic in Olivia's eyes as she rushed out of his apartment, thanks for that Jake. He didn't want to crowd her, so Fitz didn't contact her. But he wanted to spend more time with her before Mellie came home. Did Olivia feel the same way? Why was she freaked out waking up in my arms? After a few hours of trying to figure out the situation, he decided to invite their friends to a pool party. A group setting is what they needed, and Liv in a swimsuit wasn't the worst thing he could think of. So he sends a text out to everyone, praying that this could be the first step into Liv's life as more than a friend. Everyone confirmed they would be there, Liv included.

He already knew his plan for Mellie's return. If he wanted a shot with Liv, he had to end things with Mellie but he wouldn't be the jerk to do it over the phone. She was scheduled to come home Monday night, he would ask her to dinner and break things off. But until then he wanted to make sure his relationship with Liv wasn't damaged by his impulsive decision the night before. Tomorrow could be the biggest day of his life and he was beyond nervous.