Chapter 15

Meet and Greet

"Olivia, thanks for talking to me. I hate to leave the kids like that, but I really wanted to talk to you," Quinn said. She and Olivia strolled along the Grant estate amongst the activity of the grounds crew setting up for the fundraising barbecue slated for later that afternoon.

"Between Fitz, Karen, Gerry, and my mom, the kids are fine. You can talk to me anytime, Quinn, although, I am becoming more afraid by the moment. You aren't trying to leave us are you?" Olivia said.

Quinn looked totally taken aback and stopped in her tracks. "Oh no, never, Olivia!"

"I was teasing, Quinn. What do you want to talk about?"

"Let's sit over here," Quinn said. "Tom seems to think that you and Mr. Grant are going to hire another nanny after the girls are born. Is that true?"

"No, honestly, we want to hire one before they come so really…in the next 3-4 months. We know you'll be excited to get help. Mommy is always getting on me about having more children and not getting more help. She says that you should sue for unfair work conditions." She grabbed Quinn's hand and laughed. "I'm sorry that I haven't talked to you about it. It's been a whirlwind these last months with the campaign, the pregnancy, and now choosing our campaign manager. You're going to love Emerson James when you meet him today. I was hoping you'd help me with the search. We want someone with an education and foreign language background. Annie and Arthur are ready for some formal instruction. They would need to be a member of the Organization, naturally. Do you have any friends you could recommend? That would be helpful in speeding up the process."

Quinn was speechless. She was unprepared for this even though Tom planted the seed that this was coming.

"Quinn?"

"Have I done something wrong? Are you and Mr. Grant dissatisfied with my work? Is it because I'm dating Tom? I can stop requesting the mid-week night off," Quinn said.

"Quinn, you've been an exemplary nanny to my children. I am happy that you are dating Tom. Your mid-week night off is needed. You need to continue nurturing your life outside of work. Achieving the right work/life balance is challenging, I know, but you have to do it for yourself and your family. Tom is a great guy. You two make a great couple-"

"Liv, taking care of your family is not a job for me. I took a vow to do this work. Mr. Grant is the Supreme Eminence and you are his wife. Annie, Arthur, Benjamin, Eugene and the new babies are my responsibility. I don't need help with this work. I speak fluent French, but my chemistry degree...I know is not in education…I could take some classes to make up for it. Or…how about hiring a tutor who specializes in Early Childhood Development? I could take them daily or prepare the cottage for a teacher to visit and give daily lessons."

Olivia's light mood turned to irritation. "Quinn, I don't feel comfortable with what you are saying to me. You were hired to do a job. You did not take a vow. You receive a monthly paycheck. We consider you to be a dear friend, but you are not part of our private family decisions."

"You can keep the paycheck, Olivia. In fact, I haven't used a dime of it," Quinn said.

Olivia stood up from the bench a little too quickly given her girth. Quinn stood too, helping to steady her.

"Be careful, Olivia," Quinn said. Olivia wasn't sure, but there was something in her voice when she said that.

"I think it would be best if you took the rest of the day off. I want to talk to Fitz about what you've said, Quinn. Maybe I was unaware of some the Organization's inner workings that would explain this," Olivia said before snatching away from Quinn and heading back to the house. Quinn hurried behind her to ensure her safe return to the house.

"I'm sorry, Livy. It's my fault. I should have spoken to you about this before now. Everything was working out well with the arrangement and-" Fitz explained.

"Explain what to me, Fitz? Quinn is our employee…end of story. She can't tell me whether or not I can hire another nanny. It's our decision and not hers," Olivia said, furiously brushing her hair. Fitz took the brush and pulled her onto his lap in the chair beside the bed.

"In the organization, the Supreme Eminence's family always has a caretaker. Mine was Demarchelier incidentally as you know he turned out to be my uncle, but that's neither here nor there. You and the kids and to a lesser extent me are her charges, her responsibility," Fitz explained.

"Honey, this is just crap! I never accepted her in that capacity," Olivia said.

"You don't have to. She chose us. I know it sounds far fetched, but that is how it works. It's sort of like that first time I met you and I knew instantly that you were mine."

"What? That makes this even more twisted, Fitz!"

"Don't worry about Quinn. I will talk to her about this. I'll fix it okay?"

Olivia sat in his lap thinking.

"Liv, you don't have to handle this. I will. Quinn is not a threat to us. Given what you know about me and my past, this ranks very low on the crazy meter so just let me handle it, okay?"

"Okay, Let's get back out there." said Olivia. She pushed her reservations aside and resolved to trust Fitz to handle this. "Wait, Fitz, feel. The girls are excited." She grabbed his hand placed it high on her stomach.

He smiled brightly. "I can't wait until they get here."

"Olivia, he's so...are you sure he's gay," Mildred whispered to Olivia.

Olivia laughed. "Mommy, I haven't done any research. I take him at his word. He's brilliant too."

"What is he doing with Annie and Arthur? They are sitting like angels. What are they talking about?" Mildred asked. Annie and Arthur were sitting on a tree stump facing Emerson. He spoke first and then each of them would speak.

"Knowing him, he's probably giving them mock interviews to prepare them for the campaign. Of course I'm not going to let them near a camera except for family photo shots. No interviews," said Olivia.

"Hey, Liv. I think Gene is hungry," Gerry said, handing over the fretting baby. "Where's Quinn? Karen was looking for her to take Bennie."

"Okay, come here Genie baby, are you hungry? Quinn took the day off. Tell her to bring Bennie to me. Bring the twins too. Where's my husband?" Olivia said. "I'll be in the cottage with Gene."

"Why would Quinn take the day off today of all days, Olivia? Aren't your donors coming later? How can you schmooze with them with the kids running about?" asked Mildred.

"Mommy, there are enough hands to go around. Karen and Gerry will be here to help. Rebecca is coming too," Olivia said as the door shut behind them.

"They're going to be talking up the donors. I'll keep the babies, Olivia. I can't believe Quinn would take the day off. You have to make her take her days off as it is. What's going on?"

Olivia settled in the chair and unbuttoned her blouse. Gene latched on immediately.

"Quinn is acting strangely. She objects to us hiring another caretaker for the kids. It was strange talking to her about it. It was as if she thought she had a say in that decision. She said that she took a vow to care for the family. She hasn't spent any of the paychecks she's earned. I talked to Fitz about it and he said that we are her charges."

"That sounds like some of that Organization talk. Honestly, she is good at her job. Things run so smoothly-" Mildred's words were interrupted by the loud pounding on the door and the sound of crying in the background.

Mildred opened the door to find Karen with Bennie and two screaming twins.

"What is all this crying about?" Mildred asked kneeling down to their level.

"We want Jay! We want Jay!" they cried.

"What?" Mildred asked.

"Jay! Jay!"

"Mommy, I think it is Emerson they are talking about. James is his last name. What happened Karen?" Olivia asked.

"Gerry said you wanted the twins so I took them from Mr. James. He's a major cutie, by the way. Of course they didn't want to come so I had to drag them. That's why they are crying," said Karen. "I need to get back out there. I don't really like Gerry's girlfriend."

Karen left before Olivia could respond. Bennie walked over to Olivia and laid his head in her lap.

"I wonder if Doc McStuffins is on?" Mildred said. When the familiar cartoon appeared on the screen, the twins' attention turned there.

"Quinn is crazy. I would be screaming for another nanny to help. Just wait until those two little girls get here. I am tired just thinking about it." Mildred said. Olivia didn't respond when Bennie climbed up on her lap. She smiled realizing that she was literally holding four babies at once.

"Mr. Grant, I wasn't expecting you. What can I do for you?" Quinn asked Fitz. He stood at the door of her room.

"Do you mind if we talk?"

"Sure, sir," Quinn said trying not to look as distraught as she felt. She knew he was coming to fire her. He was the only one who could make her go.

She followed him to the study and sat in the chair across from his desk.

"Sir, I just want to say that I have enjoyed working for you and Mrs. Grant. I love your kids. I'm going to miss them." Quinn said.

"Quinn, I'm not trying to relieve you of this post. Today, you came on too strong with Olivia. She didn't grow up in The Organization so she doesn't understand the depth of the connection you have to her or our children. I want us to resolve this quickly. We need you more than ever now that we are back into the political fray. You're going to apologize to Olivia and eagerly accept the new nanny. Work with her to find someone. Can you do that?"

"Yes, sir. I can. I will," Quinn said.

"Please call me Fitz," he said with a smile, knowing she wouldn't. "Oh, and Quinn, you are back on duty as soon as you can get outside. The donors will be here in a couple of hours and we could really use your help."

"Of course, I'll be out as soon as I change, Mr. Grant."

"You must be Hannah Reid," Emerson said with an outstretched hand when the striking red head walked towards him. Now he could see part of the reason why Olivia initially wanted to push her out. She had a certain eagerness about her. Emerson chuckled to himself about the entire situation.

"Yes and you are Emerson James and hold my fate in your rather large hands," Hannah said. Her eyes were sparking as she placed her hand in his. Her eyes made the long trip from the top of his head to his feet.

And the flirting commences, Emerson thought. He felt sorry for her ignorance and unprofessionalism. She has to know this is not acceptable interview behavior.

"Something like that. Let's have a seat at that table in the shade," Emerson said.

"Okay, where is everyone? I see Karen and Gerry. Is that Gerry's girlfriend? We need to start a file on her. At least Karen had an uneventful summer camp experience, but she is still one to watch," Hannah said.

"Olivia's feeding Gene. She has the rest of the kids and her mom with her. The President hasn't come outside yet. Okay, Hannah, you obviously don't have the campaign manager's job since I am here. Olivia wanted me to interview you for any other openings on the campaign. I am eager to know what happened. Why didn't you get this job?" Emerson said. This was her test. He leaned in close to throw her off balance.

She smiled up at him, but then looked away. "It was a disaster. I was like a bull in china shop. I offended Olivia Pope multiple times. Get this! I actually told her that someone on some obscure blog called her, "The Old Woman in the Shoe." I was trying to be witty, smart, and sharp, but I came off as a wise ass, presumptuous, and jealous. Oh Emerson, I am so surprised she is giving me another chance," Hannah said.

Emerson smiled to himself. He knew that Olivia was not trying to give her another chance, really. She didn't want to be the one to fire her.

"So, tell me what you would have said if you hadn't been so star struck and jealous."

Hannah looked back up at him, a little more confident. "I would have said that the president's domestic wedge should be eradicating the growing gap between the richest and poorest Americans. His international wedge should be nation building. Mrs. Grant's platform should be pre-k education and prenatal care."

"That's a great start Hannah. But...Rule number one, don't tell the candidate what their wedge should be. You ask them what it is and then you explore it with them. Secondly, you brought up the issue of their affair and their proliferation of babies. How would you approach those issues?"

Hannah was no longer flirting with him. "Very carefully. First off, where is Mellie Grant? She hasn't been seen for at least 2 years. Is she planning to come out of the woodwork? If so, for ill, for good, or nothing? They had an affair for over a year, but no baby. What kind of birth control were they using then? Did they plan these 4 pregnancies? Why were they in such quick succession? I wouldn't ask the baby questions directly, though."

Emerson's brow furrowed as he considered what she said. "Hannah, I had not thought of the question about birth control during the affair. That would be telling and have implications for their choices now. I have considered the ex-wife and I plan to pay her a visit with their permission of course. I'd like you to go with me."

"Does that mean you're going to keep me?" Hannah said.

Emerson stood to his feet and pulled her up beside him.

"How did you get so tall? Your parents must be giants," Hannah said, not waiting for the answer to her first question.

"Not really. My dad is only 6 feet tall. My mom is 5'9". My freakish height is just the way the genes decided to line up. I like you Hannah. You can be my assistant...not the get me coffee, do my dry cleaning, or answer the phone type of assistant. I really want us to work together."

Hannah squealed in excitement, but calmed herself quickly. "There is a god and his name is Emerson James. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Despite evidence to the contrary, I am not an amateur. I also know that you're attracted to me. We must keep this strictly professional, at least until we get them into the White House."

Emerson threw back his head for a hearty laugh. He pulled her back down to sit on the bench so they could be eye-to-eye.

"Hannah Reid. I am not, nor will I ever be attracted to you...sexually. I think we will work together very well, but you don't have to worry about us getting unprofessional."

"Okay, right. Is that why you've been ogling my breasts during this interview?" Hannah asked with a little smirk.

"I'm gay. I guess I should get t-shirts made. In any case, if you show that much cleavage, you should expect men, women, and children to look. I like the dress, but this was an interview and not a date. If you are staying for the barbecue, you should put on the jacket that has to go with that. From now on, dress very conservatively all the time when you're working for the campaign. Now, let's go into the house and keep strategizing. Oh and I'll give you the low down on the Grant kids since you'll be meeting them today."

Hannah hopped off the bench and walked after him. "Gay? Are you sure?"

"Why do straight people keep questioning my sexuality? It's very offensive."

"My apologies. Can I call you EJ?" Hannah asked.

"Not if you expect me to answer.

"Okay, I have one more slightly offensive question. What is your...what box would you check off as your racial/ethnic designation?"

"African-American."

"Really? I would have thought mixed race at least," Hannah said.

"No just plain African-American."

"Why is Quinn here? I gave her the rest of the day off," Olivia asked Fitz through clenched teeth, maintaining her smile as they greeted potential donors entering the grounds of the fundraiser.

"I put her back on duty honey. There's no way we can entertain and watch them all at the same time. I spoke with her and she is on board with the second nanny, honey," Fitz said.

"But-"

"Hello Olivia! That's a beautiful dress. When are you due?"

"Shelly, Senator Benson! Thanks for coming. I am due January 8 just in time for the Republican Primaries. Fitz is convinced I won't make it through New Year's." Olivia said.

"Where are those babies of yours anyway?" Shelly asked.

"They are over there holding court with Judge Langley and his wife," said Fitz.

"Fitz, you have my support. I'm glad you finally decided to run. You like to keep us guessing I see. Marshall and Jean couldn't make it. They sent their check with me. Who should I give it to?" Senator Benson asked.

"Right over there at that table," Olivia pointed out. She touched cheeks with Shelly while Fitz shook Senator Benson's hand.

After entertaining ten couples in the receiving line Olivia began to get tired. Emerson appeared with Karen at his side.

"Karen will take over in the receiving line with you Mr. President. Mrs. Grant, It's time for your nap and incidentally Gene needs a feeding and a nap too," Emerson said.

"Okay, I'll be checking on you soon honey. What's going on down there with the Annie, Arthur, and Bennie?" Fitz asked.

"Whomever taught them the Pledge of Allegiance is a genius. They are saying it for the donors who are writing additional checks based on that alone," said Emerson.

Olivia gave Fitz a chaste kiss and walked over to Quinn.

"Hi, Quinn. Thanks for joining us," Olivia said. She took a fretting Gene from her arms.

"Of course," she replied with a smile.

"The exploitation of my children stops at dusk okay. I want them inside then. I should thank you for teaching them the Pledge, Quinn."

"They saw it on Sesame Street once and Annie decided that we should say it every morning. You know Annie...just like her mother."

Olivia smiled at Quinn and walked to the house.

"Dad."

"Yes, Karen."

They smiled and engaged in light conversation with those who passed. They fielded questions about Olivia's whereabouts, Karen's progress in school, and Gerry's adjustment to college.

"Mom, visited me at camp."

"Oh? How was it? How is she?"

"She's fine. She wants Gerry and me to visit her for Thanksgiving. I know she has to talk to you first. I don't want to go. I'm not stupid, Dad. I know she's doing this because you're running again. I stopped visiting her at the hospital two years ago because she asked me to. Now she shows up again to-" Karen rushed on.

"Kare, let's talk about this later."

"Okay, Dad."

"You're looking really cute today. Did all my girls plan to dress alike?

"Yeah. It was my idea for us to all wear red and white gingham. I had a vision of those red and white table cloths. I'm so glad Liv is having two girls. It's about time the numbers were even."

Fitz gave her a one arm hug. They returned to their job of receiving guests.

"Wow, $250,000 dollars from a four hour barbecue. That's like $63,000 an hour," said Hannah.

"No, it's more like the hopes and dreams of those that believe in us. We have to keep building on that. It's more than dollars and cents, Hannah," said Olivia.

"You are correct, Mrs. Grant. I didn't mean to cheapen it by focusing on the money. I appreciate you giving me a second chance," Hannah said.

They were all gathered in Fitz's study after the barbecue was over. Emerson and Hannah sat in arm chairs facing Olivia and Fitz who sat on the sofa. Her feet were propped in his lap as he massaged them.

"Hannah, I apologize for snapping at you. I'm a little grumpy these days. To be honest, I don't know how helpful I'm going to be on the trail when the traveling starts," Olivia breathed, rubbing her stomach. "These girls aren't as active as the others, but they sure are draining."

"No apologies, Olivia. We only need you at the debates and a few more fundraisers. Any other appearances will be quick and dirty. We'll make use of Karen and Gerry," Emerson said, "Now we do have two problems, Mellie Grant and your main primary challenger, Richard and Mitzi Connor. Would you two be opposed to Hannah and I paying her a visit?"

"Emerson, Hannah…would you mind if we continue this tomorrow? My wife really needs to get to bed," Fitz said. "Quinn will let you out when you're ready to leave." He scooped Olivia up in his arms.

"Fitz, I can walk you know," she mumbled into his neck.

"I know," he said.

Emerson and Hannah said their goodnights.

"Let's take this to my apartment, Emerson. We can work all night," Hannah said.

"Okay. You'd be surprised at some of the things Connor's wife is saying about Olivia. I can't wait to go for her jugular."

"Fitz," Olivia whispered.

"Yes, honey," he answered. The hand that rubbed her belly stopped.

"Are you asleep?" she asked.

"No. Are you okay? Something wrong?" he asked. He reached over to turn on the beside light.

"I'm scared, Fitz. I've been feeling like I usually feel right before I give birth. But I still have three months to go. I think I'm going to go into labor too soon," she said.

"Honey, stop worrying. We can reschedule with Emerson and Hannah and go to the doctor tomorrow. How's that?"

"Okay, Fitz." Olivia turned back over and finally drifted off. Fitz continued rubbing her belly until he fell asleep too.

At the sound of the objects hitting her window, Quinn rubbed the small key that hung around her neck. She calculated whether or not she could get to the case that held her gun that was stashed behind the door in her closet. The gun was behind several locked compartments, a necessary safeguard with all the kids in the house. She decided to check the window first. It couldn't be him. He didn't know where she was.

She peeked behind the curtain. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Tom aiming another pebble at her window. She held up a finger to signal she would be down. Slipping on sweats and a hoody, she checked on the kids before sneaking out the back door. The chill in the air caused her to blow in her hands. In an instant she was lifted off her feet and familiar lips crushed hers. She didn't put up any resistance. After awhile he let her slide down his body.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you get off on manhandling me," Quinn said, her breath coming in white swirls in the chilly air.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you get off on being manhandled by me," Tom said. He grabbed her up quickly and her legs immediately wrapped around his waist. He squeezed her buttocks. "Are you still mad at me? You wouldn't even look my way today at the barbecue."

She looked him in the eyes. "Yeah, I'm still mad, but I'm willing to let you convince me into being un-mad. We can take this to the cottage. If and only if you have condoms."

He pulled a small box from his inside jacket pocket and waved them in her face with a little smirk.

She threw back her head and laughed heartily. Seeing her carefree like that filled him with joy. He gave her a quick kiss and walked with her still in his arms to the cottage.