Chapter 14
Doses and Bitter Pills
"Governor Flanigan will see you now, Mrs. Grant," the secretary announced.
"Thank you," Olivia said, opening the door to Rebecca's plush Governor's office.
"Look, Alabama and Florida can kiss my ass, you here me, as a proxy for kissing Georgia's ass! Florida can take its oysters, water restrictions, and shove them! That's all I have to say about that!" Rebecca said before slamming down the phone.
"Olivia! You are a sight for sore eyes," Rebecca announced joyfully. She pulled Olivia into an embrace. "It's so good to see you. You're looking great. I don't know how you wear pregnancy so well. I guess you are an expert by now. I saw Fitz's announcement last week. The balloons were a little excessive don't you think? But you two looked very presidential walking across that stage. Those kids of yours are so cute. They will be the ones to win this election!"
Olivia smiled at the flurry of words she'd become accustomed to around Rebecca. They had grown close during her campaign for governor and continued to keep in touch. Preparing for Fitz's campaign had prevented them from having their weekly lunch for a couple of weeks.
"Who are you raising hell with now, Rebecca? You have to work with Alabama and Florida to resolve your water problems. That was one of your campaign promises," Olivia said, gingerly lowering herself onto the sofa.
Rebecca joined her. "The leaders of those states are complete imbeciles, Liv. It's hard to negotiate with imbeciles. You could have been my Chief of Staff, but you turned me down so… the way I run my office is none of your business, darling. Let's talk about you. I can already tell that something is amiss."
"Why do you and my husband persist on trying to read my moods? You know how campaigns are...they are stressful...but Rebecca, I won't have to worry about anything. My husband has hired Hannah Reid as his campaign manager," Olivia said, laying back against the sofa. She involuntarily rubbed her belly.
"Can I feel?" Rebecca asked.
"Sure. At least you ask." She grabbed Rebecca's hand and put it high on her belly. "They love to congregate up here during the day. They don't move as much as Annie and Arthur did."
"Liv, I can't believe there are two babies in there. Doesn't seem like there is a enough room. Oh, I feel them moving. Have you all found out the sex of the other one yet?"
"No, every time we've had an ultrasound he or she hides behind the other one. So for now we have one girl and the other one is a stealth ninja," Olivia said. "Fitz wants two girls as do Karen and Annie. At this point, a baby is a baby to me, girl, boy..."
"Okay, Liv. Back to Hannah Reid...you didn't think you were going to manage your husband's presidential campaign did you? It would be like a doctor operating on her own family member. It shouldn't be done," Rebecca said.
"I know, but why didn't he at least ask for my opinion before he hired her? This is my area. He has always been the candidate, and I am the fixer."
"Have you told him that you are bothered by this? Because it is best to go to the source than trying to guess the reason," Rebecca said.
"He's apologized for not consulting me, but he didn't tell me why I was left out of the loop."
"Maybe he wanted to be in control of that part of his campaign, but I suspect he knew you would be resistant to anyone since, as you say, this is your area. What do you have against Hannah Reid? I heard she was pretty good. Now...she is no Olivia Pope Grant, but she is supposed to be decent," Rebecca said. "So what's the problem?"
"It's going to sound childish and immature," Olivia said, sheepishly.
"Come on, Liv. You're talking to me. I do childish and immature well when it suits me."
"I need some water," Olivia said.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Look at my manners. Is bottled okay?"
"Of course," Olivia said. Rebecca walked to a small portable fridge and pulled out a bottled water. She unscrewed the top and handed it to Olivia.
"Thanks," Olivia said, taking a swig. Rebecca sat watching her intently, trying to figure out the problem.
"Karma's a bitch, Rebecca. I feel like it's time for me to take a dose of my own medicine. The tables have turned and now I am the wife whose husband will be working closely with an attractive woman."
"Wait now...you're telling me that you're jealous of some woman working closely with Fitz because she happens to be attractive? Do you think that was the only reason he fell for you? What did you do with Olivia Pope? Where are you hiding her? Come on, Liv! You aren't doubting Fitz's love and loyalty?" Rebecca asked incredulously.
"No...I mean, yes...I don't know. Campaigns are stressful and surreal. Sometimes it seems like you are in a parallel universe because of the long hours and constant traveling-" Olivia explained.
"None of that is a license to cheat Olivia. Fitz is totally and completely in love with you. And from all appearances he is in total and complete lust too. It is very obvious to anyone with eyes. They way he looks at you...it's like...and don't get offended..when my dog looks at me when he is waiting for a treat. It is sickening to be honest," Rebecca said, with a smile.
"Why didn't he consult me about hiring Hannah Reid then?" Olivia asked.
Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Liv, did you hear anything I just said? The man has an ocean of love for you. But I guess it takes more than that to convince you," Rebecca mumbled almost to herself, knowing that Olivia was totally consumed by her own question, and not really comprehending her words. Rebecca decided to switch gears and in a manner that Olivia would understand. "I don't know why, Olivia, but I do have suggestions about how you should proceed to protect yourself," Rebecca offered. "If you get mad at me, so be it."
Olivia looked on eagerly. "No more babies, Liv. If Fitz is willing, schedule a vasectomy for him soon while you are still pregnant. After a vasectomy, there is a small window during which sperm can get through. If he has it now, while you can't get pregnant, he will be sterile by the time you are fertile again. That way there will be no more surprises. I can just hear you now: 'Rebecca, we had sex before we were supposed to and I am pregnant.' So get it done now!"
"A vasectomy is why I am pregnant now," Olivia said. Rebecca looked confused.
"About six months ago, Fitz offered to get a vasectomy. He said he wanted me to do what made me happy. Something just came over me and I just...I literally jumped his bones. For the next couple of days, we proceeded to have unprotected sex ever chance we got up until he was called to DC after the shootings. Then voila. I'm pregnant again, but this time with twins."
Rebecca burst out laughing. "Olivia, that is hilarious. You and Fitz are crazy, using babies to bind yourselves together. I'm convinced that is the root of all these babies. It's like you and Fitz think that your babies are going to solidify your relationship. No more babies, Liv. You don't need to keep giving him babies to keep him. Take your body back before your uterus falls out."
"Rebecca, I do agree with you to a certain extent. But I can guarantee you that we didn't get pregnant to trap each other," Olivia said.
"I wouldn't use the word, "trap" more like bind, but I think you understand even if you say you don't. Don't worry about Hannah Reid. Just get through this last pregnancy and enjoy your life. Let her do the leg work for this campaign. Fitz loves you. You love Fitz. No more babies. The sex will still be good when he is shooting blanks."
Olivia and Rebecca laughed for a while. "Why do I always feel better after talking to you?" Olivia asked, slowly rising to her feet.
"Because I tell you the truth and you do the same for me. Kiss those babies for me. I'll see you next week," Rebecca said. They hugged and Olivia walked out of the office feeling a little lighter.
"I'll call the doctor tomorrow and set up the appointment, Livy. May I ask what changed your mind about the vasectomy?" Fitz asked, lightly rubbing Olivia's arm. They were sitting on the sofa waiting for Hannah Reid to arrive for a strategy meeting. This would also be the first meeting that included Olivia.
"It's just time, Fitz. This is the best decision for us and our children."
"Okay. I understand the reasons. I am interested in what or who changed your mind, that's all."
She didn't respond to that. "Also, I'm only going to breastfeed for one month. Given the campaign, and the fact that they are twins, I don't think breastfeeding will be feasible. After I have the twins, I want to lose this extra 10 pounds I've been carrying around so that's another reason that breastfeeding is not a good idea. I need to eat less calories."
"Extra 10 pounds? Really? I hadn't noticed. Well your breasts are a lot bigger," he said, cupping them.
"Yeah, but they don't account for 10 pounds," she said with a laugh.
The knock on the door signaled the arrival of Hannah Reid. Olivia moved Fitz's hands and adjusted her blouse.
He took her hand and they walked to the door together.
"Hi, Mrs. Pope, Mr. President," Hannah said, beaming and extending her hand to greet them.
"Please call me, Olivia." Olivia extended her hand and smiled brightly at Hannah. She proceeded to catalogue everything detail about Hannah. She was taller than Olivia, but not overly tall. Her physique was slender and wiry which was accentuated by her dark blue pinstripe suit. She was a redhead with those classic features redhead features, fair skin and green eyes. Olivia bet there were freckles dotting her face under her foundation. Her thick hair was pulled back in a bun at the nape of her neck. Her make up was slight, but just enough to be acceptable. She wore diamond studs but no other jewelry. Her black heels were too high for her outfit. Olivia knew that she was 29 years old.
"Thanks for coming today. Let's go into my office," Fitz said, he still held Olivia's hand.
"Where are the children?" Hannah asked, looking around the house as they walked down the hallway of the Atlanta estate.
"They are with Quinn on the playground. We wanted to talk with you first before you met them. They are quite a bunch," Olivia said.
"Quinn is their Nanny, correct?" Hannah said, "You'll be needing another one soon when your twins are born."
"Yes. Quinn is like family. Whether we need another nanny or not is certainly our decision to make," Olivia said.
"Oh, Olivia. I am sorry. I just meant that it will be difficult for Quinn to handle 4 toddlers and two newborns," Hannah said.
"You don't-" Olivia stopped talking when Fitz squeezed her hand.
"Hannah, the office is two more doors down on the left. We will be right in," Fitz said. He walked Olivia into the twins' room and shut the door.
"Livy, what's wrong?"
"She keeps putting her foot in her mouth, Fitz. It's obvious that she doesn't know politics or maybe she's just too arrogant and self assured for her own good. How can she say that we'll need another Nanny? Whether that's true or not, it's not her place to say. I don't like her," Olivia said, pacing the length of the bunk beds.
"Livy, let's just get through this meeting, okay? I guess getting pass you is as good a test for her as any," he said.
They walked back to the office. Hannah was surveying the room, looking at books and pictures.
"I must say that I am honored to be working on your campaign, Mr. President. I am equally honored to be working with you, Olivia," she said as they sat on the sofa. Hannah sat in the chair facing them.
"I wanted to start off with my general perceptions of our strengths and liabilities and then review our calendar of upcoming events and strategy meetings. Lastly I want to meet the children. Is that okay?" Hannah said.
Olivia and Fitz shook their head in acceptance.
"Great. I see our strengths as the following. Mr. Grant has been president once before. So this akin to a second term. The people can see him as presidential. Mr. Grant helped in the difficult transition after President Langston's shooting and the Vice President's murder. We have her endorsement, which is well worth its weight in gold. Mr. Grant has done great work through the Grant Center. I could go on and on. When listing the strengths, they far outweigh the liabilities in sheer number. However, the liabilities are substantial."
Olivia wondered when Hannah would tell them something they didn't already know.
"One liability is the circumstance of your..um...how you got together...the affair and then the subsequent resignation. I think we should address it head on and develop...a sort of position statement to anticipate and squash the public's negative reaction."
"No. That is highly inappropriate. Fitz read a statement when he resigned. If anyone wants to rehash it, we send them back to that statement. The fact that he resigned was the answer to the question of what he was going to do as a result of the affair. He resigned. End of story," Olivia said.
There was silence in the room. Hannah looked confused. She looked from Olivia to Fitz.
"I tend to agree with Olivia on that one. I don't need to atone again for having an affair. I don't think it would be helpful. Honestly, I have found that my staunchest critics don't want to fight with me about that," Fitz said.
Hannah's face fell slightly. She looked away and then back at them with a bright smile. "Okay. The next liability has to do with the way you two interact with each other. Your manner of interaction…How can I put it?" Hannah looked uncomfortable, but continued forward. "To be candid, you all are too demonstrative in your affection toward each other."
Olivia and Fitz looked at Hannah as if she had sprouted wings. "What?" they said simultaneously.
Hannah looked even more uncomfortable, but that did not stop her. "You touch each other too much. Mr. Grant looks at you in a…um…sexual manner...well sexual might be too strong a word...sensual maybe? You two project a sensuality that is too distracting. I think it will take away from the campaign. You will be under so much scrutiny and that will be something for the media to latch on to. You want the voters to see you as united, but not too close. When they see you all together, the message painted in their minds should be united, supportive married couple, not couple who can't keep their hands off each other because all they do is have sex. I'm sorry. I hope I haven't offended you," Hannah said.
"I…I….honestly...I don't know how to respond to that," Fitz said.
Olivia leaned forward as best as she could given her belly. "I do. Let's get this straight. You want us to limit our public displays of affection. I don't recall anything we have done in public that is indecent. You want Fitz to stop looking at me as if he is attracted to me? Hannah, it's not going to happen. Fitz and I are no different from any other loving couple. I'm not sure what you are seeing," Olivia said.
Hannah glanced at one of Fitz's hands on Olivia's thigh. She sighed, "Okay, moving on. As you know, the first lady is always under a lot of scrutiny, from her wardrobe, to her causes, her past job, and her children. I foresee a discussion ensuing about the fact that you, Mrs. Grant, are a Washington insider. People might think you have designs on more than that of a First Lady. Secondly, the number of children you all have will be called into question as well, not the number as much as how they have been conceived so closely together. The national recommendation is to space children 18 months apart. You've spaced your children about a third of that time. I'm sure people, mostly women will call that into question. It might get nasty. I saw one blog where a poster called you the old woman in the shoe. We need to construct a position-"
"Please don't say, 'position statement,' Hannah," Olivia breathed through her teeth. "Hannah, I will be honest with you. I know myself, and I'll admit I wouldn't relish having to direct me in any political campaign. I can difficult, exacting, a perfectionist, bossy, and inflexible. But at the end of the day, I can respect someone in this role who knows what they are doing. You, Hannah, do not know what you are doing. These issues you have brought up don't even break the surface of what this campaign is going to be about. Most voters will not be interested in the affair, how many times my husband and I have sex, or the spacing of our children. These are ornamental issues that may be brought up but not in the serious discussions of consequence. Voters want to know whether or not America is secure after the leader of the free world was wounded and the Vice President shot dead. They are horrified that the culprits were American and not some terrorist boogie men from the far reaches of the world. They want to be assured that the economy will turn around so that they can find a job that pays them a living wage. They could care less if their President touches his wife's thigh or gives her come hither looks, or has sex with her in every room of the White House. Hannah, I think you will one day make a great campaigner, but I don't think you are the right fit for this campaign. Now, my husband was the one who hired you so it is his decision. I must excuse myself since one of my ill-timed babies is pushing on my bladder," Olivia said before unceremoniously leaving the room.
"I seriously fucked that one up," said Hannah.
"I would agree, Hannah," Fitz said. "I am not making any decisions right now about whether you should continue working with my campaign or not. I need to talk to my wife. I will be in touch. For now, think about what she said and see if you can rethink things. Maybe you can meet the kids next time."
Fitz shook her hand and left to go find Olivia.
Fitz watched Olivia attempt to lean over the vanity to get closer to the mirror as she applied eyeliner. The belt of her short silk robe was loosely tied around her midsection. Her protruding belly peeked through the opening. She adjusted her feet, lifted on her toes, and attempted to get closer again. With a secret smile, Fitz turned back to the mirror and glided the razor across the remaining swath of shaving cream on his jaw. He wiped his face with a cloth.
"I can always chart the end of your 6th month by whether or not you can get close to the mirror," Fitz said holding up a handheld mirror for her to look into.
"Thanks, honey. I can't wait to meet these two little girls. I'm glad she finally decided to reveal herself," Olivia said. She applied the liner to both lids and reached for her mascara.
"Me too, baby, but Annie had already confirmed it. "Sissa 1 and sissa 2," Fitz said in his best rendition of Annie's voice.
"Well, it's time to even out the genders. It works out really well. We couldn't have planned it any better, three boys and three girls," Olivia said. "Thanks for being my mirror stand." She placed a quick peck on his lips, but he deepened it. Placing the mirror on the counter, Fitz parted the robe and pushed it off her shoulders and it fell to the floor.
"Fitz..." she managed between his kisses.
He pulled back and took in every feature of her face.
It was on the tip of her tongue to remind him about their appointment, but she didn't want to speak at that moment. She could see that he wanted her. She grasped the waistband of his boxer briefs and pushed them over his hips watching him spring forward. He sat down on the vanity stool and quickly dispensed with her underwear. She straddled him and as best she could considering her girth, took him insider her little by little. They chuckled softly at what had become a very familiar spacing challenge. Olivia gasped when he filled her completely. He lifted her up onto the sink, raising her legs until she was forced to lay back against the mirror. Fitz kept his strokes slow and deliberate. Olivia kept her eyes on him waiting for him to climax. She felt that something was bothering him. She knew he was close to coming when he closed his eyes. He moaned deeply and opened his eyes. She smiled at him as he pulled back. He wiped her with a nearby hand towel. She pulled up her underwear and he did the same. He picked up her robe and placed it in her hand before sitting back on the vanity stool.
"Livy, I'm having second thoughts about the vasectomy," he said rubbing her belly.
"Second thoughts, like...?"
"When I had the consultation with the doctor, he asked me if there was any chance I wanted more children. I couldn't say no so the doctor suggested we try other semi-permanent methods."
"But the vasectomy was initially your idea," she said.
"I know. I am saying that I don't want that anymore. It is permanent and-" he said before she interrupted.
"You want to keep your options open in case you...with someone else?" she said, sarcastically.
As soon as the words slipped through her lips, they sounded ugly and foreign to her. She wanted to take them back, but it was too late.
"What?" He flinched as if taking the brunt of a blow. A myriad of emotions played across his face, confusion, hurt, anger, and finally understanding.
"Fitz, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that," she said, grabbing his face and bringing hers close to his. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I love you."
He grasped her hands, moved them away from his face, and pulled her to sit on his lap. He looked at her for a long moment.
"That really hurt," he said. She tried to look away, but he wouldn't let her. "I have no doubt that you love me Olivia Grant. But it is obvious that there is doubt in your mind that I love you. You take my love for you so lightly. But when I think of it, this is what comes to me. I love you…all of you…even when you say shitty things like that. Sure you think there's a possibility that my love is not complete, that something so pure is impossible. But it is not, my love for you and your love for me has changed me completely. After all these years, my love is stronger than it was on that first day I met you. I know the way we started...the barriers that kept us from being together were hard to deal with. You constantly felt like an outsider looking in. Add to that, you learning about The Organization and then your kidnapping, Nate, Ivan..." he explained, watching her tears flow. "But those days have been over for a long time. You can't keep living in that old narrative. We've been married for nearly 5 years. We have half a dozen children, and we're running for President, Livy. Snap out of it!"
She closed her eyes and nodded her head in agreement. "I'm not saying I want us to get pregnant again. All I'm saying is that I don't want us to not have the option to get pregnant again. I want us to talk to our doctor and decide on the right way forward."
"Okay," she said. The tension began to leave the room.
"We're going to be late for our appointment with Emerson James. I have to redo my makeup and hair," she said after a while.
They stood and resumed getting ready. "This is going to be interesting. You still haven't told me where Abby, Harrison and Huck found this James guy or why you now want to keep Hannah on the campaign after we agreed she was not going to work," Fitz said.
"Fitz, this is something best demonstrated than explained."
Fitz started to ask another question when they heard giggling, the pitter patter of little feet, and then knocking outside their bathroom door. Fitz opened the door. Annie and Arthur rushed in.
"Shhh, Mommy! Shhh, Daddy! Hide us! Hide us!," Annie screamed with Arthur running right behind her. They ran straight by Olivia and Fitz and into their closet. Fitz and Olivia exchanged smiles, knowing exactly where they were hiding: under a stool behind Fitz's slacks. This was their favorite hiding place. The problem was that they didn't seem to understand that Bennie knew this too.
Arthur crawled back out and stuck his head around the door, feeling the need to further explain. "Bennie's coming. Don't tell!" he said in a stage whisper.
"Come back! Bennie's coming! He always wins!" Annie announced, still concealed behind the slacks. Olivia and Fitz sat down to watch the scene unfold.
Arthur crawled backwards. Fitz and Olivia heard giggling as Arthur and Annie waited with anticipation.
"Where is Bennie? Is he coming!" Annie said, now impatient.
Minutes later Bennie appeared in the doorway. He placed his forefinger over his mouth as a signal to Olivia and Fitz to keep his identity secret. He tiptoed around the corner and into the closet.
"Have you seen the twins and Bennie?" Quinn asked, appearing in the doorway, breathless. She held Gene in her arms. "Oops! I'm sorry for barging in," she said seeing Olivia in her robe and Fitz wearing only his briefs. Fitz grabbed his robe and slipped it on.
"They're in our closet playing hide-n-seek," Olivia said, reaching for Gene. "Hey Genie, I know you want to play too, right?" She kissed his chubby cheeks.
"I win! I win!" shouted Bennie, running from the closet.
Annie and Arthur were behind him. "We win! We win!" they chanted.
Forgetting about the game, Annie ran over to Olivia and threw her arms around as much of Olivia's belly as she could. Kissing it repeatedly, she chanted, "Hey Sissa 1 and Sissa 2."
"Quinn, we'll bring them out when we get dressed," Fitz said. Quinn nodded and left the bathroom.
Olivia leaned over and laid her head on Fitz's shoulder, taking it all in and delighting in the moment.
Emerson James watched them walk to his table at The Dish restaurant. Fitzgerald and Olivia Grant seemed to float his way in slow motion, their feet not touching the ground. At least that is how he saw these larger than life figures. Their fingers were entwined, hands palm to palm. Olivia wore a white dress overlaid with a slightly longer jacket. Gold beading was etched around its border. Interlocking gold hoops adorned her ears, occasionally peaking through the curtain of her hair that flowed around her face. He wore a chocolate brown suit that perfectly complimented her gold accents. He said something to her, causing her to grin broadly.
The excitement Emerson felt was palatable as a direct result of what was now possible. The Grants just might hire him to manage their campaign, writing his ticket among the Washington power brokers for years to come. His excitement was tempered by fear because he couldn't imagine handling the campaign of Fitzgerald Thomas Grant, husband of the Olivia Pope. It would be like trying to explain tennis to Serena Williams, expounding upon the theory of relativity to Albert Einstein, or teaching Steve Jobs how computers worked. There was something antithetical about directing Olivia Pope in a campaign, but he was ready for the challenge. He felt like all the events of his life had come together to prepare him for this day.
He'd followed The Grants before they were The Grants. When Olivia was an up and coming fixer and Fitz, a fledging candidate for president, Emerson had taken a distinct interest in them. He was a twenty something just out of college who ate, slept, and breathed politics. But he became intrigued when he saw this striking African-American woman barking orders left and right whenever then candidate Grant arrived at any campaign events. His entourage took orders from her and rarely bothered him. Emerson had planned to vote Democratic, but he was open to seeing what Fitzgerald Grant had to offer.
It was during a campaign stop in Nebraska that Emerson, a veritable campaign groupie, observed something that made him fall in love with the candidate and the fixer. Fitz had just given a speech during which he appeared to be distracted and morose. He kept searching the crowd as if he was looking for someone. Emerson had thought he was trying to connect to the crowd until he saw Fitz's eyes find and hold Olivia's gaze. Emerson observed the intimate look they shared. Then her expression changed. She looked irritated and angry, but she forced a smile on her face and refused to let him catch her gaze again. As soon as the speech was over, Olivia whispered something in a man's ear, the man he now knew to be Cyrus Beene, and then rushed off in the opposite direction of the crowd towards the cars parked beside a bright red barn. Fitzgerald was instantly overtaken by the crowd. He shook a few hands and answered a few questions before rushing off towards the barn to find Olivia. Cyrus took the stage and proceeded to distract the crowd from the fact that their candidate had run off. He began calling numbers for a raffle ticket drawing. Intrigued, Emerson rushed to catch up with Fitz, careful to stay out of sight. He saw Fitz open the door of a black sedan. After what looked like coaxing on his part, Fitz stepped back. Olivia exited the vehicle and walked grudgingly into the barn. Emerson tiptoed behind them and slipped inside the door. That's when he saw it.
"Livy, look at me," Fitz pleaded, softly, grasping her face in his hands. He blocked her in against a wall where dozens of horses' reins hung. She kept her head turned away from him. "You can't keep pushing me away. I love you. Don't you love me?" he pleaded.
She jerked her head, finally facing him, her face holding a tortured expression. "This isn't about love, Fitz. You're married, and running for the President of the United States. I had to end it. I have ended-" she said forcefully, but he blocked her words with a crushing kiss. She stood ramrod straight, but was soon kissing him with an equal measure of passion. He dropped to his knees, kneeling before her and hugging her around her legs. They stood like that for a long time, him looking up at her and she looking down at him stroking his hair. Emerson could see the love pass between them. When he saw Fitz's hand sliding down her leg with her underwear in his grasp, he immediately looked away. Emerson stepped out of the door to the sounds of their lovemaking. He didn't go far, intent on running interference for them if someone showed up.
This began his quiet rooting for the candidate and the fixer. By the look on their faces, he could tell when things were good and when things were a bust between them. They played their parts well, but he was able to sus out the truth because he knew what to look for. He was on an emotional roller coaster when she'd quit after Fitz had won the presidency and when he later resigned. After that picture had been leaked of them in France, he'd obsessively trolled the blogs looking for any information he could find about them. Once they finally got together as a couple, Emerson was able to focus on his own growth in politics. Now all his work had paid off and he was on the cusp of clinching his dream job.
Emerson stopped his daydreaming and stood to greet them.
"Emerson James, I'm Olivia Grant and this is my husband Fitzgerald Grant," Olivia introduced them with an outstretched hand. Emerson who towered over Fitz by almost a foot sidestepped her hand and engulfed Olivia in a serious hug despite her baby belly.
"Omph," she breathed, taken off guard.
"Mrs. Grant, you are a sight for some serious sore eyes and President Grant, it is an honor," Emerson said, to Fitz's stony expression. Emerson extended his hand, but Fitz would not take it. Emerson realized his faux pas.
"President Grant, please forgive my enthusiasm. I meant no disrespect. Unfortunately, most people can't tell, but I'm as gay as the day is long. I love your wife much like a girl idolizes Marilyn Monroe or a boy, Jackie Robinson," Emerson said.
Fitz looked at Emerson's muscular frame even evident through his tailored Givenchy suit. Everything about his persona was carefully sculptured and manicured.
Olivia instantly liked Emerson. "Why don't we have a seat?" she said, breaking the tension.
"I've already ordered a bottle of wine and sparkling cider for you, Mrs. Grant," Emerson announced.
"Mr. James, tells us about yourself," Fitz said.
"Well, there's not much to tell. I'm originally from Berkeley. I'm a mutt so most people can't quite make out my race. You know we like our labels. My mother is Senegalese and Danish. My dad is Japanese and African American. So what does that make me with my caramel skin, green, slanty eyes, and curly hair? Black and confused especially when you add in the gay. Berkeley isn't exactly the bible belt so I grew up well adjusted and confident. My undergrad degree is in PoliSci from Pepperdine. Since then, I've been working for a pittance on any campaign that would hire me. I was actually a volunteer in a couple of your office headquarters."
"Oh? Which ones?" Fitz asked.
"Lincoln, Oakland, and Seattle," Emerson rattled off. "Let's dispense with the formalities. I am what you and Mrs. Grant need to win. I'm smart. I know people, not particular people, but I know how people think. Maybe it's a holdover from not quite fitting in anywhere with my mixed heritage and homosexuality, although that is not as marginalized now." Emerson looked from Olivia to Fitz. "You need me, because I totally get you. I get your story...why you're together. I know what you can do for this country. You can make it be the America little children across the nation pledge allegiance to every morning. Once the world meets your family, those adorable cafe latte children of yours and see the dynamism that exudes from you, we will have clinched this election. That is not to say that you aren't fabulous individuals in your own rights, but when you come together, boom goes the dynamite! You need me because I will be your alchemist to temper and measure out the power you both have. Nothing about you two is a liability, only an opportunity to win another demographic. So what do you think?"
Olivia and Fitz looked at each other for a long moment. Fitz broke the gaze first and looked back at Emerson.
"You're hired," Fitz said.
A myriad of expressions played across Emerson's face, elation, fear, pleasure, and finally an intense seriousness.
"You won't regret this. I promised myself that if I got the job, I would temper my response to this monumental news. After all, I must decrease so that you two can increase. I am quite the flamer as you might imagine," Emerson said. He pointed his finger to his face and swiveled his wrist so that his finger swept the periphery of his face. "This is me being calm when all I want to do is run from the building screaming."
"Well, Emerson, you might run when you meet our kids. They will have the final say," Fitz said.
Emerson settled back in his seat as the three of them enjoyed dinner and began to strategize.
"Olivia Caroline Grant, where in the world did you find him?" Fitz asked on the way home from the restaurant.
"Harrison found him. I imagine with Huck and Abby's help. He's just…Wow! From his physical presence alone, and then add in his face, and his conversation…he's quite the wordsmith. I spoke with him briefly by phone, but now I know what Abby meant by, 'You'll know in an instant.'
"What are you going to do about Hannah? Where does she fit in this scenario?"
"Well, I'm going to tell her that she needs to interview with Emerson. He can figure out where to put her. I would love to see how she reacts to him. She'll probably be attracted and she won't know he's gay," Olivia laughed.
"You should see your face, Livy. I should be jealous at your excitement over another man that's not me, gay or not. I was so close to felling that tree when he hugged you," Fitz said.
"Oh, Mr. President..." Olivia said in her best Marilyn Monroe impression as she gingerly lowered herself to her knees between Fitz's legs. She unbuckled his belt, unzipped his pants, and slid her hand inside to free him. "There's only one man who fills me so completely." She smiled up at his heavy-lidded gaze before taking him into her mouth.
Quinn and Tom lay snuggling on the floor of Tom's apartment. They hadn't quite made it to the bedroom before they had to have each other. Mildred and Karen were watching the Grant brood tonight, giving Quinn a rare weeknight off.
"I love your breasts. Sometimes I dream about them," Tom whispered in her ear as he rubbed her nipples and cupped her breasts.
This made Quinn laugh and broke the mood. She leaned over him. "You dream about them?" She chuckled again. He smiled sheepishly up at her. "What are they doing in your dream, Tom?"
"Your laughing broke the mood. I'm not going to tell you," he said.
"Yes, you are," she demanded. She began tickling him even though she knew he wasn't ticklish. She had imagined him taking some covert Secret Service de-tickling training.
Soon they were clamoring for each other again when Quinn's phone buzzed. She tried to move from under him, but he wouldn't let her. "Tom, I have to get that. It could be about the kids or it could be Olivia needing me for something."
"No, it can go to voicemail," he said, pulling her hands over her head, and binding her wrists. His manhood was hard against her poised at her entrance.
"Tom, no I need to get that..Tom…stop," she insisted while they struggled.
"Can't you forget about them for one night?" he pleaded and entered her swiftly. He stroked in her once, but then stopped when she froze below him. He moved off her and she soundly slapped him across the face.
"You bastard! How could you?" she said.
"Quinn, baby, I'm so sorry. I just...I didn't mean it-" he said.
She rushed to her feet and began grabbing up her clothes. "How couldn't you not mean to shove your...don't touch me, Tom! I just wanted to answer the phone. Why couldn't you wait?"
He hugged her despite her pounds against his chest. "Please just hear me out," He picked her up and carried her to the sofa. "This is me, Tom. I would never hurt you Quinnie. I'm sorry," He grabbed her face and wiped her tears. She saw his tears through hers, which made her decide to hear him out.
"Why did you do it? Why wouldn't you let me get the phone?" she whispered, woodenly.
"I-I-It was just another time within the countless times that you chose them over me, Quinn.I know it sounds childish. Shit! I would take a bullet, lay under a train, jump off a cliff for Olivia, Fitz, or those kids, but Quinn, since I met you, I am more than just their security. I have you. You count on me and I count on you. I take my job seriously, but when we are off duty, I just want it to be about us. I see you get excited when Olivia gets pregnant with another baby. You are always trying to make sure they are okay. It's like you want to be everything to them, but Quinn when are you going to focus on your own life? I love you. I want us to have a family one day, but you are too wrapped up in the Grants. Do you ever think about life apart from them?"
"Tom, this is my job! I thought you understood that. They need me," Quinn said.
"But, baby you aren't their family. You are an employee. Soon, I'm sure they will be hiring another Nanny, I think you should use that time to step back some."
"Another nanny? Why would they do that? I love you, too, Tom, but I am not stepping back. Are you stepping back? Will you be resigning your post too?"
"No, but I think it would be a good idea for you to think about it. We can start planning our future together."
"Tom, this is my job. I love my job. If you love me, you wouldn't be asking me to give it up. If you want to be with me, you have to accept that. And if you ever do that again, there will be hell to reckon with," Quinn said through clinched teeth, before grabbing her phone.