Triolitz
Chapter 13
Competitors
Wave after wave washes ashore depositing clumps of seaweed and white foam on the sandy, rock littered beach running along the pedestrian path. The tranquil sounds accompanying the perpetual ebb and flow beckon passersby of all persuasions to stop and experience natures serenity. It's no wonder Manny's on the Sand is a popular dining hangout. With its' homey appeal, delicious offerings and oceanside location, it is the perfect place for making memories.
"I'm going to miss our Sunday brunches."
"Me too", Fitz says while reaching over to peck Olivia on the lips.
"I love this place, Abby laments. They have the best breakfast and the best seats for seeing weirdos."
"Well if it isn't my new favorite customers, on time as usual."
"Hey Manny," they greet in unison.
"If memory serves, you all should be leaving for San Francisco soon."
"Yep, the race is in little more than a week", Jake confirms.
"I'm going to miss you troublemakers, you and your special orders have forced me to let cook experiment a lot more with the menu. He's ordering ingredients I've never heard of, let alone can pronounce."
"We going to miss you to Manny, some of our fondest memories are times spent here talking to you and the regulars," Olivia reminisces."
"Oh stop, you're going make an old man cry." Olivia and Abby kiss Manny on the cheeks at the same time and Fitz snaps a picture with his phone.
"Manny are you flirting again", his wife Adele asks with a smile.
"Adele, what can I say, I'm a sexy beast and women can't keep their hands off me." Everyone laughs and Adele shows Abby, Olivia, Fitz and Jake to their usual table. She takes their order, then leaves to get their coffee and water.
"Are you two ever going to have individual meals ever again?" Abby questions, the pair with mild exasperation.
"Why does us sharing food bother you Abby?" Olivia asks, after feeding Fitz bacon from their plate.
"Yeah, why Abby," Fitz 's repeats after Olivia.
"Well besides being nauseatingly adorable, it makes us feel left out. It's like you two are your own dining click or something."
"Excuse me, speak for yourself, Jake objects. I find it strange they can't eat without sharing food and feeding one another. If anything, I fear one day they'll start chewing and sharing like birds or penguins."
Eweee... gross... Fitz, Olivia and Abby screech.
Having given up trying to catch Fitz alone and innocently cross his path, Mellie's decides a direct frontal approach is her only option. She spots him. He's close, very close, just a few steps away but as usual he's in the company of those nuisance socially undesirable hangers-on. He has his arm draping Olivia's shoulders. They're enjoying themselves, she can tell they're happy to be in one another's company and it galls her. She's known Fitz practically her entire life yet they've never shared so much as a chuckle together. What is about her he finds so irresistible?
No matter, in the grand scheme of things Olivia Pope is inconsequential. She is his for now distraction, while she, Mellie Pearson, is Fitz's future reality.
Mellie squares her shoulders, lowers her sunglasses from atop her head and practices her best fake surprise face. Satisfied she's ready for her close up, she walks briskly over to the unsuspecting diners pretending to be on her way somewhere.
"Fitzgerald Grant well as I live and breathe, what a surprise running into you. Jacob conveniently failed to mention we were in the same neck of the woods. How are you?"
If Jake's sharing masticated food comment lessened everyone's appetite, Mellie's unexpected arrival completely killed it.
All four at the beachside table stop laughing instantly. Jake rolls his eyes, Abby starts tapping her knife on the table and Fitz and Olivia look at each other, then burst into laughter. Mellie's face contorts in confusion. The two lovers continue to laugh until tears form. Olivia grabs a few napkins from the table dispenser and hands several to Fitz.
Sensing she's the butt to some inside joke Mellie goes on the offensive. "I find nothing humorous in my greeting Fitzgerald. Maybe cavorting with unsavory elements outside your social circle has corrupted your manners. Do you find civility a character flaw now?"
Fitz and Olivia stop laughing. They simultaneously rest their hands on the table and look at Mellie with complete disdain. Fitz reaches over to caress Olivia's jaw turning her face to his. He moves in close to kiss her. She obliges moving in too, welcoming his lips. They kiss passionately, displaying an intimacy only people truly in love can pull off. People walking along the path by the restaurant's outdoor patio do a double take seeing their passionate display.
"Fitzgerald," Mellie hisses.
Olivia untangles her fingers from Fitz's soft curls and caresses his cheek before pulling out from their kiss. Fitz presses his forehead to Olivia's. "She's still here isn't she." Olivia twists her head to look toward Mellie then back to Fitz.
"Unfortunately, yes." Sighing together, they part turning to look at the gleaner of good moods.
"Mellie, just because your equally delusional benefactors managed to lift the court's restraining order doesn't mean I've lifted mine. Therefore, since I can't physically ban from showing up unannounced and uninvited, I'm forced to improvise. As I see it, in order to maintain a level of civility, I choose not to acknowledge your presence. Honestly, your disingenuous nature is insufferable and your preplanned ill-timed appearances annoying. Whoever gave you the all clear on the cuckoo cuckoo front needs their license revoked. How many different ways do I have to tell you to stay away from me?"
"I see your so-called friend here has once again filled your ears with half-truths, character assassination and straight out lies. What? Did he tell you I came here specifically looking to run into you? Did he say I'm pining away for you?"
"Mellie you're the only person here who has a nonexistent relationship with the truth," Jake deadpans.
"Witness for the prosecution confirming so-called friend's account," Abby snarks raising her hand.
"Apparently, he needs to enlist his latest belt notch to add validity to his sordid tale," Mellie retorts. Abby plunges her knife into the table leaving it vertically embedded.
"Look bitch"..., Olivia grabs Abby's arm.
Jake is out of his chair at the word "latest". Fitz is by Jake's side in an instant. He whispers in Jake's ear and they both start laughing. Jake sits down, but not before laying a wet one on a visibly irritated Abby. Fitz rejoins Olivia not even giving Mellie a token glance.
"Mellie, you expect us to believe, you're here by coincidence? We know about Gerry hiring a detective to find me. We know about him arranging your accommodations. So, who exactly is the liar at this little reunion?" Jake questions hoping Mellie will cut her losses and leave now she's aware they know what's going on.
Ignoring Jake, Mellie addresses Fitz. "Fitz, whatever Gerry arranged, I had nothing to do with it and know nothing about his plans," Mellie replies sweetly.
"Plans, you know nothing yet you know he has more than one plan."
Mellie stammers, brushes her perfectly coiffed hair behind her ear and nervously adjusts her purse. She decides to dispense with the pretense.
"Fitz, why do you fight the inevitable? Our future together is guaranteed. Why look a gift horse in the mouth? We have the golden ticket for the taking. We can take this country by storm. I don't understand why you're so averse to the mere thought of us."
"Okay, that's it!", Olivia interjects firmly. "Fitz baby can I say something, I wouldn't want you violate your own restraining order."
"I don't know, I guess it depends on whether there is a punishment tied to the infraction?" He wiggles his eyebrows and grins.
"Hmm, punishment, tied, infraction. Let me think, Olivia cocks her head to the side. Yes, I can definitely make the punishment fit the crime."
"And if I manage to keep out of trouble... stay on the straight and narrow?"
"I suppose I can provide rewards as well." Olivia's delivery is low, deep and breathy. Fitz groans into her neck.
"Okay, have at it. Maybe you can get through to her." Not offering Mellie a seat, Olivia decides to remain seated, to hash things out.
"Are you deaf? Are you on mood enhancers? Are you mentally impaired in some way you've failed to disclose? Fitz has stated in no uncertain terms he despises you? You are the last person on earth he would choose to be with." Fitz leans over and whispers in Olivia ear then kisses her lovingly.
"Sorry, I stand corrected you are the only person on the planet he would refuse to be with. Mellie do you understand what he's saying? Out of the billions age appropriate human beings living on earth, both male and female, he'd choose any and all of them before you. He'd rather be alone than with you."
Incensed, Mellie puts her purse on the table partially placing it in the butter dish. She leans forward, she pushes her sunglasses atop her head, her hands grip the edge of the shellac worn wooden table. "I know who you are, I know everything about you. This, Mellie waves her fingers between Fitz and Oliva, will not last. You're a fling, a dalliance, an itch, you're his exotic fan..."
"Enough!," Fitz yells. Heads turn at nearby tables. "Get the fuck away from us and if you so much as breathe in our direction I'll have harassment charges filed against you."
Olivia rubs Fitz's chest to calm him. "Babe I've got this." Olivia stands and walks over to Mellie. Mellie takes a small step back; shocked Olivia is approaching her.
"I understand you've spent your entire life being treated as an object to be bought, sold and passed around all in the name of political gain. You've been told your worth is tied to who you're with, or who you ultimately end up with and his place in the world's pecking order. But it's over Mellie. You're obsolete." Olivia moves uncomfortably closer to Mellie.
"You're a sad leftover from a time that no longer exists. Your family handicapped you, kept you from acquiring the genuine skills needed to compete in the modern world. The only men looking for the type of wife you've been groomed to be are old, shriveled up and look like they haven't had a bowel movement in years. You're a relic Mellie, a throwback, a young woman trapped in a bygone era that will never return. Have some dignity, a modicum of self-respect and move on. What was it you told Jake, you're the new Mellie? If that's true why are you here trying to rekindle something that never existed? Why are denigrating women you've never met, talked to or spent time with? Why are preaching someone else's plan for your life? Why are you here Mellie? What can you bring to the relationship you so desperately want aside from your pedigree, which you have nothing to do with as you were merely born into it. Do you even know who you truly are?" Olivia and everyone else stares at Mellie, waiting for a response.
Mellie stands firm staring at Olivia choking back her tears. By now people at nearby tables have heard Olivia's assessment. One person attempts to record the dress down but Jake sends a warning glare. He may hate Mellie but this a private matter not this week's viral video.
Mortified, Mellie picks up her butter stained purse without saying a word and walks away. A middle aged woman with bleach blonde hair, salon tanned skin, tattooed eyebrows and breast implants runs to catch up to her.
"Dearie, I know it's none of my business but please take a word of advice from someone who knows. I understand those were painful words to hear but you need to think about what she said. I look at you and see myself 35 years ago. I was raised the same way, tied my entire self-worth to the successful men I dated. I settled for being a trophy wife because it was expected. I fell in line and did what my father told me to do. Now after 30 years of dedicated service to my husband's life, he dumps me for a fresher completely opposite version of me."
Mellie stops, turning to give the woman a pointed glare. She grits her teeth. "You're right it is none of your business. I am not you. I will not end up like you," Mellie shouts storming off.
"Okay dear, I hope you're right. It's not too late for you to make a name for yourself based on your own merits," the woman fires back hoping to get through to Mellie.
Back at the restaurant, nosey gawkers resume their own conversations. Soon dissonant jibber jabber and laughter once again fills the air.
Olivia takes her place by Fitz. He kisses her and presses his brow to hers.
"I am in awe of you Olivia Pope."
"Liv or should I say Dr. Pope, Abby jests. You read the bitch her mail and then some."
"Liv your assessment is spot on but I'm afraid Mellie is a hopeless case. She's going home to lick her wounds, plan her next move and call in reinforcements. Big Gerry will be calling me soon demanding I apologize."
"He's right Olivia, Mellie, Big Gerry and Pearson are invested to the point of no return. Deals have been brokered, promises made, PAC dollars committed. We'll need to be extra vigilant from this day forward. You are more a threat now than they previously suspected."
"I'm not afraid of Mellie or Big Gerry. They have no idea who I am or what weapons I have at my disposal." Jake's eyes widen and Fitz draws Olivia close.
He's at her ear, "I'm so turned on right now. I fucking love bad-ass Olivia. I want take you up against the nearest flat surface. Go get in the car, I'll pay the bill." He licks her behind the ear, exhaling his warm breath on her neck, making her thighs involuntarily clench together.
"Mr. Grant it has come to my attention you've violated your self-imposed restraining order at least twice. Punishment must be rendered." Her fingers walk up his thigh, glide across his groin, slip into his shorts and tease his rapidly expanding man muscle.
"Seriously you two," Abby whispers. Fitz takes Olivia by the hand and throws money on the table.
"See you later," he says pulling Olivia out from the table.
"What Olivia said about weapons at her disposal, she's not talking actual weapons like guns, knives, or explosive shit?" Jake asks.
"Of course not. Well at least not personally."
"What do mean?"
"Let's just say we have friends who can meet anything Big Gerry or Mellie's father dish out with equal or greater force. We're not damsels in distress. In fact, you and Fitz are our role models."
"How?"
"Come on let's get out of here, this isn't a conversation we can have in public."
Who does that witch think she is? How dare she think she can analyze me! What nerve! If anyone is a relic it's her. She's the cliché hopeful gold digger, clueless that she's the rebellious youthful fling that will never be acceptable to the Grant family or their social circle. I bet she's using some sort of psychological manipulation on Fitzgerald. She's probably slipping him drugs from her personal stash. Deep down Mellie doesn't believe a word of her rantings but accepting the alternative will destroy her. She grabs her phone and presses redial for the last number called. It goes directly to voicemail.
"Gerry, the Pope problem is worse than we thought. We need to meet."
Mellie goes to the bar, fills a glass with ice and adds the nearest brown colored liquor she can find. She guzzles the contents, then refills the glass two more times.
She goes to bathroom to check her appearance.
I'll show her. She doesn't have clue who I am. I bring class, sophistication and connections she can't even imagine to the table. I'm intelligent, I have ideas, I have worth. Mellie stares at herself in the bathroom mirror. Olivia's stinging words still ring in her ears and the unsolicited life advice from a complete stranger stick in her craw. Rage builds within her, then a sudden flash of Olivia and Fitz laughing at her replaces her face in the mirror. "No, I won't have it", she screams. She picks up the glass next to the sink and hurls it into the mirror. The glass shatters on impact, shards fall into the sink and on the vanity counter. Her fractured reflection stares back at her from the broken mirror. Angry tears pool but never fall. She lowers her head ready to breakdown and give up but the phone interrupts. She musters a weak smile, maybe this is another sign.
"We'll stop in San Jose for lunch then head straight to the rental house in Sausalito."
"Fitz why pay for rental when we can stay at the hotel in San Francisco with the other competitors? We already have reservations."
"We've kept things platonic this week because of the race, but Liv, after the competition, I want to relax with you. I want to make love to you without worrying about waking up the entire floor, with your screaming," he grins. Olivia whacks him on the arm.
"I do not scream."
Abby and Jake embrace one another, "Oh my god Fitz, right there. Don't stop, don't stop. So good, so good. Yes, yes, I'm cumming."
Olivia's eye bulge, embarrassed, she covers her mouth and runs away to gets in the truck's back seat.
Abby and Jake bump knuckles, then pull back wiggling their fingers in the air, in a classic booyah. Fitz shakes his head and follows Olivia.
"Liv baby you okay?"
"Fitz why didn't you tell me I was loud. Oh my god Fitz, do you how many times we've made love since we became a couple."
"I really haven't been keeping count Livy."
"Don't be an ass Fitz, it's a rhetorical question.
"Baby Abby and Jake have better things to do than listen to us have epic sex."
"Apparently not, that was quite a re-enactment a moment ago." Fitz hops into the backseat next to Olivia.
"Olivia do you love me?"
"Where are you going with this Fitz?"
"Can you just answer the question?"
"You know I do, more anything."
"When we make love all I want is to be in you, on you , at one with you. I want to please you, make you feel loved and cherished because I feel all those emotions for you. Hearing you moan, groan and scream my name tells me you feel the physical love I want to give and share with you. Please don't ever feel self-conscious about how we make each feel. This is who we are as a couple and it's beautiful, wondrous and spectacular. Every time we make love in my heart and mind, I feel confirmation that we are made for each other. Don't you feel it too?"
"This is one of the many reasons I love you. You know exactly what to say to make me beam with pride we're together and set my heart a flutter at the same time."
They kiss until Abby bangs on the hood.
"Anytime today would be good," she snarks flailing her hands in the air, ready to get on the road.
"They say the ocean is unseasonably cold." Jake attempts to make small talk hoping Fitz will eventually to open up. He's been preoccupied all morning.
"These new wetsuits should do the job."
"Have you seen the girls?"
"No, they've been positioned a mile down the beach."
"Fitz what's wrong, you've been distant and unfocused this morning."
Fitz pulls off his swim cap and signs. "We have to report in a week. I don't want to leave her alone Jake. After all these years we're finally together, she's become my very breath. Leaving her...with Mellie, ...with Big Gerry..."
"Fitz, look Olivia loves you, she's not going anywhere. Yes, you're going to be away for several years, but you'll see each other through FaceTime and during shore leaves. Don't worry about Mellie or Big Gerry from what Abby tells me Mellie and Gerry need to worry about Olivia." They both snicker.
The whistle blows signaling it is time to line up. Fitz and Jake don their googles and swim caps and check to make sure their registration numbers are secure.
"I'll be cheering you on at the finish line, "Jake says.
"You wish, I'll be on the platform before you cross the finish line."
The starter gun rings out and they race to the ocean.
"Abs can you help with my zipper, it's stuck."
"Sure, let me grab my goggles first." Abby grabs her googles off her bike and runs back to Olivia. "Let me take a look." She pulls the extra fabric caught in the zipper track out and zips Olivia's wetsuit up.
"Ready to kick ass?"
"You know it. One and two this time, nothing less."
"Nothing less." They embrace each other and head to the starting line.
"Well, well, isn't this touching. The quintessential BFF pep talk before the big race. I guess what it lacks in inspiring words it makes up in hidden emotion."
Abby and Olivia turn around stunned. What the hell is Mellie doing here?
"What the fuck are you doing here?" Abby moves towards Mellie ready to pounce but Olivia pulls her back.
"You're competing? How? You have no ranking. You've never even competed in a triathlon. This is an Olympic qualifying meet." Olivia has no doubt Mellie's father or Big Gerry pulled some unethical strings. The question is why? What do they hope to accomplish?
"I guess I do bring something to the relationship, like connections and favors," Mellie brags.
"You mean your father or Big Gerry brings."
"No, it's what I bring! They are my assets to use as I see fit. Your little talk opened my eyes. They need me more than I need them. I've been going at this all wrong. I'm going to be supportive of Fitz's interest, not my father's or Big Gerry's. I love Fitz and I'm going to show him just how much I love him whenever I can."
"News flash Mashugana Mellie, Fitz is in a happy committed relationship", Abby points out sarcastically.
"For now, but the tides about to turn. My mistake was listening to others instead my heart. I've made monumental mistakes in the past that I need to atone for clearly. So, today marks a new beginning for me and Fitz."
The whistle blows signaling it's time to line up.
"Liv, don't respond, she's trying to shake your concentration and rattle your nerves. She's still the same crazy Mellie we've all come to loathe. She'll probably drown before she reaches the midway marker."
"You wish red. I'll probably beat your best time."
Olivia and Abby look at one another knowing for sure Mellie's next move will impact them.
AN- Yeah, WTH is Mellie doing there? Does she even know how to swim or ride a bike? Running requires sweating, something she's morally opposed to. So, what's her game plan?
I'd love to hear your theories. Mellie seems to get crazier by the second, don't you think?
There are only three chapter left to this story; at least that's what is planned. I'll finish up the past and end in the present or with an epilogue; it's a toss up at this point.
Thank you for hanging in here with me. Hope you enjoyed the update.
Have a great week and send some love my way via a review, follow or favored so know you're still interested.