It's as if the universe conspired against them. Here they are, again, face to face. They are more connected than they ever thought they could be. Abby's boss is her Fitz and she's his Olivia. How did this happen? They stand, holding each other's hand and staring just a little too long even for their own comfort. They know they need to let go but they have a hard time doing it. Olivia feels Russell's hand come up to the small of her back. It brings her back to herself. Liv looks around at Abby, Fitz and then to Russell.
"Let's all sit down," Abby says
They both sit down. The awkwardness is there. They both wonder if everyone can see it or feel it.
"You are Olivia that just moved into the neighborhood. We met a few weeks ago." Mellie says.
Liv widens her eyes. "Her mind is trying to catch hold to so many thoughts at once. Yes, that's right. Small world…"
"Very small world," Fitz says under his breath.
"What's that honey?" Mellie says.
"Just clearing my throat," Fitz shakes his head, trying not to focus on what's in front of him. Olivia and Russell, who has taken a protective grab of her hand. Fitz wants to know more, he needs to know. "Abby says you two met in college. We all went to the same college, ironic."
Liv is now staring at what's in front of her. There he is, Fitz and his wife. "Yes, Abby transferred there my Junior year." Liv looks down at her empty plate.
"Although we didn't meet until Liv's senior year and I was starting my master's degree. But, we became fast friends."
"And I delayed my internship a year and took some more classes. I finished my masters in Europe.'
"And I was pissed she left me," Abby laughs.
Fitz is just staring at Olivia. How did she get more beautiful? How does she still take his breath away? It doesn't go unnoticed by Russell that Fit seems to be staring. "And if she hadn't taken that internship, she wouldn't have come to me," Russell says, trying to show his ownership.
Fitz takes a big gulp, "Fate is strange that way. It brings you to the most unbelievable places."
Liv looks at him. She's tried not to concentrate on him and his wife. They look like the perfect American family. The two college educated bank builders with 2.5 kids and a dog. Now her mind drifts to his son, remembering she laid eyes on him when she met Mellie. The twinge of sadness hits her. She tries to focus on her husband, sitting right beside her, "Yes, fate is strange that way."
"So how did you and Olivia meet, Russell?" David pipes in. "I mean he is now an NBA Elite."
Liv gets bashful. She doesn't want the attention. She doesn't want to have this conversation, especially now, "David, I don't think anyone is interested in how we met."
"I'm interested," Fitz says quickly. Liv gives him a side glare. Abby is even surprised by Fitz's demeanor. She's never seen him like this.
Russell turns to Liv, turning on the charm and the love. He wants to make a show for Fitz. "Well, me and some of the guys from the team were at this bar and she came in with these other two girls. They were thick as thieves. They danced together. They laughed together but I couldn't take my eyes off of her. They were playing the 'we aren't here for guys' game but were flirtatious as hell."
Liv shakes her head. Fitz is watching her every expression as she listens to Russell. "I went and offered to buy her drink," Russell continues.
"And she graciously accepted," Mellie laughs.
"No, she kept playing the game so I played too but I wore her down after about 3 months."
Abby laughs, "That's my Liv, she made you wait a while."
Liv can see the slow simmer in Fitz's eyes. She knows him. She knows his reaction. She knows his jealousy and it surprises her now. "And the rest is history, we got married." She wants to cut this short.
"And now she's married to a big time basketball star," Abby gloats for her friend.
Fitz is balding his fist under the table. He had to work to get her. He wore her down because he knew she was his forever and now she's this jock's girl. He didn't deserve her, he thought to himself. Then he bit his lip, remembering, he didn't deserve her either. He dumped her and left her all alone. "Lucky," Fitz says shadily under his breath.
Liv looks in Mellie and Fitz's direction. "How did you two meet?"
Fitz quickly looks in her direction. "Now I am sure no one wants to hear this story."
Liv can't help but take advantage of the situation, "Oh come on!"
"We certainly want to hear," Russell says, moving closer to Liv. She is not surprised by his behavior because she's used to his clingy behavior whenever he feels there is competing testosterone in the room.
Fitz at this point is livid and he knows he shouldn't be. He knows he has no right to be angry but he is. He looks at Mellie and then tries to quickly glance at Liv. He knows this story is not going to sit well with her. He never had a chance to explain this all to her. He never had a chance to explain anything. She is angry and has been hating him and he hasn't explained anything to her, for her to understand. He looks back at Mellie. David says, "Well don't keep us in suspense."
Abby is anything but interested. She doesn't like Mellie and David knows it. "Fitz is probably the king of romance." Liv shoots Abby a look. That's the last thing she wants to hear about him and someone. She knows she shouldn't feel that way. Her husband is sitting right beside her but she still can't help but fill this jealousy boiled in her stomach. But before her, is the woman he committed himself to and didn't break his promise like he did to her.
Mellie looks at him grinning, "He's romantic but it wasn't anything like that."
Fitz holds in his breath, "You go ahead." He says softly. He rather let Mellie tell their "romantic" story.
She places her hand on top of his and squeezes it lightly. "Well, we dated when we were younger, like high school.. Our parents had destined us to be together and I suppose we would have been. But promotions and bigger job obligations took my dad away from California and I left Fitzy."
Liv can feel the sucker punch in her gut. Now she remembers Mellie. She remembers he told her about them and she always feared Mellie, even though she didn't know her or ever met her. "Will I be allowed to call you Fitzy once you are my boss?" Liv interjects.
Fitz feels a frog leap in his throat. "Sure, my Uncle Cyrus and my mother still do."
Mellie laughs, "He hates the nickname but anyway and then as fate would happen, something brought me back to him. He was heartbroken over some girl but I just made him remember that we were each other's destiny."
Fitz cuts his eyes at Liv. His heart is aching. He doesn't want her to hear these words. He doesn't want her to hear this at all but will she understand that he was heartbroken over losing her. Will she understand that it nearly killed him? It still kills him. "She is right. My heart was broken. I lost someone that I believed was my forever," he says looking up. Hoping Liv is looking at him. I wasn't looking for love in any place and Mellie reappeared. I figured maybe it was a sign of something. But, the tables were turned and she kind of pursued me. She wore me down."
Mellie slaps his shoulder, "I didn't stalk you. They are going to think I'm nuts," she laughs.
Abby clears her throat. "Where is this love that had you so heartbroken? Did she break your heart?" Liv starts to fidget. She doesn't even notice she is doing it but Abby notices it and Russell finds it odd.
He reaches over, whispering in her ear, "Babe, you okay?"
Liv looks at him, "What? I'm fine."
Fitz notices their exchange, "She didn't break my heart. I broke hers." Fitz says looking Liv dead in her eyes. The sear that comes from his eyes makes Liv look away.
"How can you break someone's heart? Not you!," Abby says.
Mellie runs her fingers through Fitz's curls, "Well, I am glad he did. It gave me another chance."
Now Liv is balling her fist under the table. She looks at Abby and David, "And we know how you two met?"
"I don't," Fitz says laughing. "Although Red is a spitfire. David must have had a task on his hand."
"I sure did. We met the day we took the bar," David answers.
"Well that is romantic," Mellie pipes in.
"Not at all," David laughs. "She's a spitfire and she really made me work for it."
Liv shakes her head, "That's Abby!"
"Enough about me," Abby laughs. "Why don't we order some food so we can talk about salary and perks that you are going to give my best friend here since you are hiring her."
Liv looks at Fitz, "Abby is the best friend anyone can ask for but you don't have to hire me unless you are that afraid of her."
Fitz chuckles. There's the girl he remembered that could always make him laugh. "How did you know? I am very afraid of Abby."
"Most people are," Liv laughs as she and Fitz steal a stare once more.
They order their food and all begin to chat about different things. Fitz can't help but be enchanted by her and upset at the situation they are both in. They are both married because he fucked it all up. There's no turning it around but he would be lying if didn't just want to yank her from her chair and drag her somewhere and make her listen to him….most of all, kiss her. He wants to feel her lips on his again and he should feel guilty because he's sitting next to his wife, the mother of his child, thinking about kissing another woman. Truth be told he's thinking about so much more but for now, a kiss, just one kiss, for her to know. For her to understand he never stopped loving her. He never meant for any of this to happen. The problem is, he knows she's not in a position to want to listen and he's afraid she will never believe him.
"So, let's break the ice. I'll give you a chance Olivia. Something tells me you are amazing at what you do and I won't be disappointed in where you will take my vision for this restaurant."
Abby claps, "Smart man!"
"Really! Are you sure?" Liv asks, looking at Fitz.
"I am definitely sure," Fitz says with an air of certainty and a darkness in his eyes that Liv can relate to. She knows that look from him.
Mellie chimes in, "This is exciting. I can't wait to get to know you. Maybe we can have girl dates without the guys," she suggests looking at Liv and Abby. Abby is not excited at all but she puts on the best face.
Liv doesn't know how to answer that, considering how awkward she is going to feel around her. "That might be a lot of fun," she says shakily. She looks to Fitz again, "Thank you for the opportunity," but she knows this is fire. They are both playing with fire.
Russell speaks up, looking at her and then Fitz, "Well, we will definitely talk about it."
Liv whips her head around, turning to him, "Russell."
"Babe," he says. He then looks at Fitz, "It's just that we are trying to get pregnant and maybe her starting work right now is not such a good idea."
"Pregnant women work all the time," Liv says. She's more than exasperated by the show he just put on and his chauvinistic way he bullied in his answer.
"I don't want my beautiful pregnant wife to work," he says as he really lays in his possession of her, kissing her hand gently.
"Abby would work until the baby popped out and then she would still work," David laughs.
"That's not true. I would take a day off," Abby corrects as everyone laughs. Liv is too angry to crack a smile.
"Fitz gave me the choice. I could work or I didn't have to but I can't be a stay at home wife. I don't knock the women that want to do it or like to do it. I just can't do it. I worked."
Fitz sits back in his chair. He can see there is a problem in her marriage or that Russell is a control freak and possessor. He understands it. He would be possessive over Liv too. When they were together, he was. He's still possessive even now. He sits back in his chair, "I am all about letting the woman shine. I love that women can juggle more than we ever could and never miss a beat. I personally love a woman that can do it all," Fitz says, never breaking eye contact with Russell.
"Eat your heart out ladies," Mellie says as she winks at them.
Liv suddenly feels suffocated. "If you would excuse me," she says, getting up. Everyone looks in her direction.
"Something wrong," Russell asks.
She stares at him. For her, it's probably the dumbest question he can ask right now considering his behavior. Fitz looks concerned that she is excusing herself. She looks at Russell, "I just need to go to the restroom."
"You okay Liv," Abby asks.
"I'm good," she whispers as she glances at Mellie and Fitz and goes to the bathroom. She's never rushed so fast to the restroom. But she needed a minute. She needed a minute to pull herself together. She looks in the mirror, "You have to pull yourself together Olivia." She gives herself a much needed visual pep talk.
Fitz pulls out his phone, pretending he's getting a call. He fakes the whole image of seeing who's calling. "It's my Uncle Cyrus. I need to take this."
Mellie doesn't think anything of it, "Tell him I said hello."
"Tell him Red says hello too," Abby says. Fitz smiles and goes swiftly.
Russell looks at him a little suspiciously. He looks at his watch, wondering what's taking Olivia so long. "I better go find Liv."
Abby chuckles, "It's a ladies room, I'm sure she's fine."
Fitz makes his way to the front, near the restroom, so he can be there when she comes out. He finds a darkened corner that is out of view. He waits for her as she comes out. She's more than surprised to see him, "Fitz, what are you?" He stops her, pulling off to the private dining room area. "Fitz, what are you….."
"Liv, I know I shouldn't be doing this," Fitz starts.
Liv cuts him off quickly, "We aren't doing this." She starts to walk away.
"We need to talk Liv. I mean we really need to talk."
She shakes her head, "My husband and your wife are just feet away. We aren't going to talk here unless we are going to tell them that we have a past."
"Listen to me," Fitz says. He's so desperate for her to explain things to her.
"Fitz, you married your high school sweetheart and I married a nice guy. Let's just leave the past in the past. If you can't do that. I can't work for you," Liv says. It's a punch to his gut to see her eyes as she tries to hide her pain.
"I can't do that no more than you can. I need to explain things to you. Please," he finally just begs.
Liv closes her eyes, "Fine but I have to get back to the table before he starts looking for me. If he's not already."
"Is he always that controlling?" Fitz asks. He regrets it the moment the question leaves his lips. He can see the hurt on her face. The question just hangs there.
She sucks her teeth and walks away. Just as she gets back to the view and the reservation desk, Russell is right there looking for her. "You okay," he says.
"I am good. I am good," she says. Russell looks around, looking for Fitz. She notices his quistive look. "What are you looking for? Liv asks. Fitz is hanging back, he can hear their muffled voices.
"Nothing. Why don't we go say our goodbyes and call it a night?"
"We can't do that," Liv says as she even starts to look around her. She realizes Fitz must know that Russell is there.
"Why not? I want you all to myself for the next two days before I leave," Russell says.
"We need to talk about earlier, before we do anything. I don't appreciate what you did. It's not cute, it's embarrassing." Liv says to him, letting him know that his little stunt is not at all forgotten.
He plants a small kiss on her lips, trying to turn on his charm but that doesn't work. She rolls her eyes. "I love you Mrs. Emory! And they understand why I act the way I do. You are the hottest woman at the table and you are all mine," It doesn't move her from what she's saying . Fitz can hear this almost too clear for his liking. He grits his teeth.
They go back to their seats. Fitz waits another 5 minutes before he comes back. He takes his seat, giving Liv a look. Mellie asks, "Is everything okay with Cyrus?"
"What?" Fitz says.
"Is everything okay with Cyrus?" She asks again.
He remembers that was his excuse to leave, "He's fine. He is trying to get things settled."
Liv wants to ask. She hasn't seen Cyrus since they broke up. Cyrus always seemed to like her and she remembered how very close he and Fitz had always been. As if Abby was reading her mind, "His Uncle Cyrus just got the job as Dean of the Law school. He's moving to DC."
"Oh really!," Liv says. Fitz can tell she remembers Cyrus. "So he's a lawyer?"
"Well, he was but he can't pass up this opportunity," Fitz explains. Fitz sighs, "I am glad. Cy and I have always been close and he's always been one of my biggest supporters."
"It's good to have those. You certainly want to keep those close," Liv responds as Rusell squeezes her hand. He automatically thinks that she is thinking of him at that moment. After all, he's been her only support for a few years now. But Liv is thinking about the biggest supporter she thought she had until she didn't, Fitz.
Fitz knows what she means. It's like his heart is pierced. "Well, Olivia, if Abby can bring you to the office. We can talk numbers and see if we can come up with a deal so you can get to work and bring my unknown vision to life," Fitz says.
"I can't wait, we are going to be working together," Abby chirps.
"How much work will you two actually get done?" David jokes.
"Shut up David!" Abby says as she turns back to Liv, with her excited squeal.
Liv looks at Fitz, "I don't want you to give me the job because of Abby. I want you to be impressed with my work and my ideas. If you don't like what I do, you can say that."
Fitz looks at her, dead on, "I am sure I am going to love it." Liv feels the heat of his words. Fitz just wants some moments alone with her. Just a minute. Their treasured minute. He reaches and gets his card. "Please take my card. Do you have your work somewhere online so I can take a look?"
Liv slowly takes the card. She knows this gives her no excuse to be able to reach him, talk to him. "I have something I can show you. But I'll bring my portfolio to you." She takes the card, holding it tight in her hand.
Russell doesn't like it one bit what he is seeing in Fitz's eyes. Truth be told, he doesn't like what's in Liv's eyes either but he can't figure it out. He decides to throw water on the whole moment, "I hate to cut this evening short but Liv and I need to be going."
She whispers to him, "Let's not be rude."
"Well, we need to get home too and relieve Quinn, our babysitter," Fitz rescues. He truly wants to bash this guy's teeth in. He doesn't like the way he handles her.
"Oh this has been such a great night. I hate to see it end," Mellie says. Her motives are purely selfish. She's not ready to go home and play mother.
Abby looks a little disappointed. "This dinner was my idea, so dinner is on me. I think we should make this a thing. Have a couples night out, that is when Mr. Basketball can break away."
"That sounds like a fabulous idea," Mellie chirps.
Liv's eyes go to an immediate deer caught in headlights. She looks at Abby as if she's the worst person she knows. She always had a great timing at having the worst ideas. "That's great!"
"Let's make a date," Fitz squeezes in, much to Russell's dismay. Liv just nods as her and Russell leave.
Fitz had to squelch the urge to go after the woman that was walking away. He feels like he is letting walk away all over again. He hates it because this time, there's a man waiting with open arms for her. But he's comforted by the thought that she's not where she wants to be. Maybe they both have something in common.
Fitz and Mellie have made it home. They are undressing. Fitz wants to retreat to his new safe haven to be alone in his thoughts about Olivia, his office. He can't help but wonder what's going on at that very moment at the Emory House. He knows he shouldn't be having these thoughts but are they making love right now. Are they kissing right now? Is she making love to him? Is he making love to her?
"I really like her," Mellie says.
Fitz is too in thought to hear her at first. His skin is warm. His fist is tight at the thoughts that are going through his head right now. The images of Olivia being intimate and naked with her husband. That word makes him angry and he knows he shouldn't be. He has no right to be angry that she moved on with her life after he left her.
"Fitz, did you hear me?" Mellie says.
Finally he snaps his thoughts, "What? I'm sorry. I was thinking about something." More like, he was thinking about someone.
"I said I really like Olivia. I think she will catch our vision. Funny, she's been living in Italy and you are opening this Italian themed restaurant. Everything Italian speaks romance to me," Mellie continues.
"Yes, I guess I lucked out," Fitz says as he smiles at the thought of Liv's face, her everything.
She turns around in front of Fitz for him to unhook her dress, "Her husband is obsessed with her." Mellie notes.
"What do you mean?" Fitz asks inquisitively. He can't help but wonder what her take is on The Emory's. Did anyone see what he saw? Or maybe no one knows Liv like he does and they wouldn't notice it. Or, is she not the same opinionated, stubborn, strong-willed girl….woman….she used to be.
"I mean he doesn't want to let her out of his sight. He wants her all to himself but I suppose most newlyweds are that way. I mean that first year we were married you couldn't keep your hands off of me and I sure as hell enjoyed every drop of you," Mellie notes. As she drops her dress to the floor, stepping out of it.
This doesn't do anything to stop his thoughts from running wild of Olivia and Russell. They were indeed newlyweds, who were probably acting like it as they speak. "Well he seems controlling. I don't think she likes it very much."
"Well, he's a sports jock. Aren't they always the possessive type?" Mellie says nonchalantly as she hangs her dress in her enormous closet. There was a time the thought of her in her bra and panties gave him a jump. But now he wonders if it were ever what it should have been. "Well it's only normal that they go at it like rabbits, maybe they will make that baby soon."
It's like something snapped in him. The images plagued him and he just wanted them to go away. He swoops Mellie up and throws her on the bed, unceremoniously. She gives that signature Mellie giggle. Truth be told it's been a long time since he took her like this, from behind. He smashes her face in the pillow roughly as he brings her ass closer to his middle. She loves it. "We haven't fucked in so long," she says breathlessly as she rips her own underwear from her.
"Is that what you want?" he asks as he pushes his pants down swiftly. Mellie doesn't even realize she is the recipient of his inner war with a woman that he wishes was there. He's angry with her, himself, Russell and the people that ruined his life. Without answering his question, Mellie swipes her ass against his cock. He takes the hint and rams into her. He knows he's going to hate himself later.
Liv and Russell are in bed. They came straight home and romped. He's fast asleep but she can't sleep. She thought taking a quick shower would help but it didn't. Her mind was doing marathons with so many thoughts and all of them were of Fitz and dinner. She couldn't help but be jealous of Mellie, the one that got away but he found her again. For a long time she thought that should have been their story but there was the truth sitting in front of her. She supposed the sting that burned her skin since hearing who Mellie was is why she came home and jumped his bones. Truth be told, her body was all in but her heart and her mind wasn't. It was thinking of one guy and she felt like a textbook adulterer.
She sits at her table. She should be in post coital bliss. Instead she's angry with herself. She pounced on her husband, not because she wanted him. She pounced on him because she was trying to prove a point to herself. Instead, it just confirmed what she already knew. She hates herself for it. She can't help but think of the time she made love to someone for all the right reasons.
Flashback: Valentine's 2002
Fitz has been working on this for weeks. He hated that Valentine's fell on a Thursday but he would make it work. This night was important to him. A night he had been waiting for. A night Liv has been waiting for and he wanted it to be perfect. It lucked out that Liv didn't have classes on Friday and it was President's Day weekend, so this is going to be like their own mini vacation. But, where would they go? He knew exactly where to take her. He went behind his dad's back to get help from Cyrus but he wanted it to be perfect and not even Big Gerry Grant was going to ruin that for him.
Fitz is pacing outside of Liv's classroom. He's done and ready. He just blew off classes today. Liv's class ends at 4 and their flight is for 5pm, quick flight. He was too anxious about this weekend. Liv was just as nervous but she was trying to not freak out. She drove her roommate Samantha crazy all week. Finally, Sam gave her the only sound advice she could think of, bring your smile, condoms, pills, and sexual appetite. The problem was she didn't have a sexual appetite. She never had sex, this was going to be her first time. She knew she wanted it but she was going to be the fish out of water. She just hoped she didn't disappoint him. She walks out of the class and he's waiting there with a bouquet of roses and a balloon. She was definitely the envy of all eyes when she walked out to see him.
"What are you doing?" She blushes when she comes out to see him.
"I am showing everyone how to spoil their lady," Fitz chuckles.
"Their beautiful Fitz. You didn't have to do this."
He reaches down and kisses her, someone clears their throat and he looks up to see Liv's professor leaving. She quickly buries her head in his chest, embarrassed. "Let's go! We have a flight to catch."
"Did you get my bag from Sam?" She asks. She's been packed and repacked for 8 days, ever since Fitz told her.
"I sure did and she said to have fun and some other colorful things," Fitz chuckles.
Liv buries her face again, "Oh my God! She's so embarrassing. What did she say?"
"Don't worry about it. I'm going to make sure I do what she said," He winks. "Let's go! Our carriage awaits."
She turns her head to him, "Carriage…." He doesn't answer as he opens the car door for her. Andrew, better known as Andy, is in the driver's seat. "Andy.."
"Yep, he's entrusting me with his car this weekend. So, I offered to drop you guys off."
Liv looks at Fitz. She's just mesmerized by him. "Can you tell me where we are going Andy?"
"Not a chance. He will kick my pale ass if I do. Plus, I want the car," Andy explains.
Liv starts to pout. Fitz lifts her chin, "No pouting. Just let me surprise you." She nods in agreement as they take a quick drive. Liv is starting to realize where they are going.
She squeezes his hand, "Are you going on a plane?"
"Yep! We are," he says as he keeps looking out of the window. He knows her anticipation is killing her and he in part loves it.
She shakes his arm, "Fitz, where are we going?"
"Patience woman," He laughs as Andy looks through the mirror laughing too.
Liv realizes they are getting on a private jet. "Fitz, this is for private jets."
"It sure is," he says, never turning to her. The car stops and Fitz jumps out to get her door. A stewardess steps out to meet them. The traffic controller gets their bags and places it where it needs to be.
"Welcome Mr. Grant...Ms. Pope," the stewardess says.
"Hi there Taylor! Are we ready to go?"
"Yes, we are," she answers as she starts toward the plane.
"Fitz," she pulls his arm, "How did you do this?"
He reaches down and kisses her, "I put my family money to good use." He turns to Andy. "Thanks Andy! Do not wreck my car! If you do, I am going to kill you."
"Pipe down Casanova! I promise to take care of it," he waves off. "Have fun lovebirds!"
They both wave goodbye as they get on the private plane. Liv looks around at this fully decked out plane with the anagrams that splay across the seats, FTG. "I can't believe this," Liv says as she is wowed by it all.
"You deserve this," Fitz says as he takes her by the waist and hugs her from behind.
"Excuse me Mr. Grant," Taylor says. As they both turn to face her. "You have the beverages you requested in the mini fridge for you."
"Thanks Taylor! How long before we take off?" He asks.
"About 10 minutes, sir," she says as she goes back toward the cockpit.
They get settled in their seats, Liv tries one more time, "Now will you tell me where we are going."
Before Fitz can answer, the Pilot comes on the speaker, "I am Co-Captain Huck! Really, I am," he chuckles. Liv and Fitz can't help but laugh too. Captain Chambers will be flying us to Rutledge, Vermont this evening." Liv's eyes grow wide as she looks at Fitz. "We are looking at a very quick one hour flight. So, sit back and enjoy the ride."
"Vermont," Liv says.
"Happy Valentine's Day!" Fitz says as he reaches for her hand. They hold hands the entire flight. Liv has no idea just what she's in store for but Fitz is definitely just getting started.
Present:
Fitz is now in his office. He's in his haven, alone with his thoughts of that special Valentine's weekend that he and Liv shared. What he doesn't know is that Liv is sitting in her office doing the same thing. He opens his drawer, pulling out a picture of Liv. He keeps this one close. This was from that weekend when they truly committed themselves to each other. She was sitting by the fire in her PJ's watching the flames. The way the embers illuminated her already silky caramel skin. He loved it. More than peace the weekend brought them, it was the love which he could see all over her face.
Flashback:
Liv is in awe. She still can't get over this home. To learn that not only does Fitz's father have money but so does his mother. The house is monstrous and full of family history and charm. Fitz is letting her into his world. The photos of him on one of his horses when he was 10 years old. Damn, he was charming even then. Fitz had a chef come in and make them dinner. There are red, pink, purple, and white roses all over the house. She wanted to impress him as much as he had been impressing her. Angela made her buy this daring outfit for their private and very intimate dinner. But the best thing about the outfit wasn't the dress that hugged her ass and curves in all the right places, it was lingerie under. Her body shivered at the thought of him unwrapping her to see it. They sit just staring at each other.
"I can't believe you are going to let me have a glass of wine," Liv says as she takes a sip of the Bordeaux.
"I didn't want to serve you an iced tea with this amazing meal. I mean filet mignon cooked to perfection with twice baked potatoes and.."
"And my favorite, crunchy green beans," she smiles.
"Tonight is a special night. I wanted everything to be right. Plus, you can have anything you want," he smiles seductively.
"Anything?" She winks.
"Anything," he smiles.
"And what do you want on this special night?" Liv asks.
'You..you and me. I wanted us to have time alone, just you and me. I wanted us to be able to have no outside interruptions."
"I know we just got here but this is one of the best weekends of my life," Liv says.
"How do you know?"
"I just do." She smiles as they lock fingers. "I can't believe you own two horses. I always wanted to ride one but they scare me."
"They are wonderful animals. They are calm by nature but they can be feisty. It was so easy when I rode Midnight the first time. My grandfather wanted me to have the finest so he bought four of them. Two for me and two for my brother."
Liv can't help but laugh, "That's a bit excessive."
"My grandfather was excessive," Fitz laughs.
"They are beautiful. What kind are they?"
"Akhal-Teke," Fitz answers. "True name."
Liv wants to absorb everything about him. She wants to know it all and feel it all. "What were you like as a kid. Were you precocious? Were you shy? I can't see you being shy," she laughs. "
"I was shy but I was also very curious about everything. I wore everyone down with questions and I never let up until I had answers," Fitz laughs.
"Kind of like you wore me down," Liv reminds him.
"Not yet," he raises his eyebrows. She can't help but blush. "What were you like?"
"What do you mean?"
"Come on, as a kid, what were you like?" Fitz asks again.
"Glasses, real nerd. I wasn't exactly the girl a guy would trip over themselves to get to."
"I don't believe it," he quickly corrects as he runs his index finger up and down her hand. The tingle of his touch shoots straight down to her jittering core.
She takes a deep breath, "It was probably just as well. I had such a fear of boys and their cooties. I never thought I would be cute enough for them."
"They weren't cute enough for you," Fitz replies. Liv is smiling so hard. She thinks the curve of her smile is reaching her ears. This man makes her feel more than special. She can't find the words.
"Fitz this weekend is a big step for us. I just want to be sure. I just want to know…" He gets up from his chair. He gets down on his knee in front of her. She turns to him. God she gets so scared. Is he about to propose? What is he doing? "Fitz…"
"It's what you think it is but it's not what you think it is," he starts. Then her face changes its expression. He's been waiting to do this. "You know how you say my grandfather was excessive." Liv shakes her head. "He was also a romantic. I guess that's where I get it from. My mother's side. My father is surely not one."
"Fitz," she shakes her head.
"He gave me this," he starts as he takes the little velvet red box out of his pocket. His hands are shaking as he holds it. "He gave it to my grandmother when he went away to war. It was a promise ring, promising when he came back he would marry her. But he wanted the guys in town to know that she was his and no one else's. So, he gave her this ring," he further explains as he opens the box showing this very unique ring to her.
"Fitz, you can't give me this. It's a family heirloom. I'm not your family."
"You will be and this is that promise. I want us to go all the way," he bashfully laughs at the choice of wording. "But I want you to know, I am not in to notch my belt. This last year as surprised and delighted me and I've fallen in love with you, my brainiac. And my grandmother, when she gave me Doux BeBe, she said it belonged on the finger of the woman I planned to spend the rest of my life with." He slides the ring, on her finger, not letting her run from it. He kisses it gently. "You are that woman."
Liv has tears falling. She can't control the many emotions she's feeling right now. "It's beautiful. You are beautiful."
"Will you be my forever promise?" Fitz asks. She can't answer because there are too many tears to catch that are falling, she nods her head saying she will. He gets up, lifting her from her chair, "Good answer," he begins to kiss her with a force that can only be described as head spinning. Their life is in their kiss. They don't want to disconnect out of fear of losing that feeling of being alive.
Liv gently pulls away, "Can we go all the way?"
Without saying a word, Fitz picks her up. He walks her down the hall to this bedroom he had ready for them. He had hopes that this Valentine's night would end this way. He has candles burning and rose petals on the bed.
Liv looks around the room, "You thought of everything."
"I tried..," he sits her down gently on the edge of the bed. "We don't have to do this, if you really aren't ready."
She grabs his face
She answers him, but pulls his lips down to hers. She parts his lips with her tongue. She begins to tug his lip, grazing it with her teeth. She pulls away, "I am definitely ready." She decides to turn the tables. "Are you ready?" She asks. She wonders if he feels the trembling in her stomach.
To answer her unspoken question, he slowly moves down her body, kissing her neck and chest, never breaking eye contact. He begins to place tender kisses on her stomach. She begins to tremble all over. He brings his hand under her. He's on his knees looking up at her, "Once we do this, there is no turning back, at least not for me."
"I'm on the pill," is her answer. His eyes widened. She really is ready.
"It's gonna be different at first. It's gonna hurt," he slowly tries to explain.
She shakes her head. God why does he have to be so sweet, so loving, and so patient. "Fitz, I read the books. I know what to expect and I did have the talk."
"I just want this all to be right. I want it to be perfect," Fitz further explains as he gently lays his head down in her lap. She runs her fingers through his curls.
"Look at me," she says softly. He doesn't move his head at first. "Look at me," she repeats. He lifts his head and squares his shoulders. "I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't feel like it was right. You are my first for a reason because I'm in love with you and I want the person I feel that way about to be that special one and that's you. I trust you….I love you."
He stands on his feet, reaching for hand. He brings her to her feet. She can see the lust and the need in his hooded eyes. He begins to kiss her shoulders lightly, from side to side as he snakes his hand behind her back and brings the zipper down on her dress. It falls to the floor as he helps her step out by getting to his knees, gently lifting each leg out, kissing her legs as he makes his way up her body. He stops to admire the red thong and bra that covers her treasures. "Mmm," is all Fitz can muster as he softly caresses her ass.
"Do you like it?" She asks so innocently. His breath so close to her core is sending shocks throughout her body.
He places a kiss in the middle, and inhales her scent. "I love it," he answers. Liv takes a breath. She can't help but doubt if she's ready. She feels an urge to cover herself with her arms.
Fitz senses she's nervous, "I want you to help me with something."
"Undress me," He says. She looks at him as if to ask if she's sure. Once again he reads her thoughts, "I'm sure."
She pulls his shirt over his head. He's caressing her skin. He wants her to know she's safe with him. She then pulls his t-shirt over his head. His chest is chiseled. His abs are so defined. Everything about him is delicious. She automatically blushes at the thought. He can't help but smirk. "What's next?" she asks playfully. He places her hand on his belt buckle.
"You tell me," he smirks.
She starts to undo the belt, as he unsnaps her bra, letting it fall to the ground. She looks down at her bare chest and then back up at him. She can feel him, teasing the hem of her thong. She finally pushes his pants down. Her eyes grow large like flying saucers. He's wearing nothing, commando. She takes notes of his anatomy. She takes him all in. He's long and thick. She can't help but wonder if she can take it. To his surprise, she runs her index finger from the base to the tip of his cock. "Be gentle," she laughs nervously.
"Nice and slow," he bites his lip.
"But only the first time," she clarifies.
"Ms. Pope, you have a naughty side," he smiles as he begins to pull her thong down. Then as they both realize. They are both naked and unafraid to go the next step but afraid.
"Do you have….?" She starts.
"Enough for the entire weekend," he says quickly. Liv burst out into laughter.
He picks up her beautiful naked form and walks around the bed and lays her down. "I'm so nervous," she says softly.
"I am nervous too," he admits. He kisses her nose and then her lips. He gently puts his weight on her. "If you need a minute or it hurts. You tell me to stop and will."
"Okay," she says softly. He reaches over and pulls the condom out. He's about to turn and put it on. "Can I do it?"
He loved that idea. He hands her the condom. He lifts up on his knees with both legs sandwiching her in. She slowly rolls it on as she looks at his veins and ridges. He gently drops his body down. He begins to kiss her neck and between her breasts. He stops, taking his finger tip to massage her nipples. "That feels good," she moans as she licks her lips with her closed eyes.
"This is gonna feel even better," he says as he wraps his lips around one nub. She moans as he starts to suck them ferociously. The attention he pays to nipples is heaven. He's insatiable.
She can already feel the liquid slowly gather in between her legs.
He then moves to her stomach and rib cage as he gently kisses while writing out his name. He's marking his territory. He then licks her navel. She lifts off the bed. "Fitz…" she keeps chanting.
He takes a moment to just take her body in. It's beautiful. It's soft. It's all his. He brings his lips back up to hers as he kisses her passionately. She's slightly gripping his back as he continues to roll his tongue inside her mouth. She's doing the same. He dips his finger inside and her thighs clench. "Just relax, this will make it easier."
God, she thinks to herself, she can't relax. Her body is about to explode and he's not even inside of her yet. He's moving his finger in and out of her softly. Her mound is swelling with heat and anticipation. He removes his finger, brings it to his lips, sucking her essences off his finger. He brings his lips to hers, sliding his tongue inside her mouth. She tastes herself on his tongue and it makes her moan again. All she can hear in her head is a song that's on loop. It's how she feels at this moment. She's about to lose her virginity to the woman and she can't believe he loves her the way she knows she loves him. She hears the melody, Kissing You by Faith Evans.
I can't believe it's real.
I can't believe it's you.
I can't believe it's happening.
I can't believe it's true.
I can't believe that you are here with me.
And I am here with you.
Softly kissing you..
Forever kissing you..
They seem like they've been kissing forever. Fitz says softly, "Open your legs for me." She does, without a second thought. "Let me know if it's too deep," he says. She shakes her head as he slowly enters. She gasps at first but it's like a gasp of relief. Like finally, we are here. He inches slowly and deeper into her. She bites her lip. "Am I hurting you?" He asks worriedly. She shakes her head. He feels good. She feels good. It's like they were meant for this connection. He begins to slowly thrust into her. He's staring into her eyes with such intensity that she can't help but let her emotions rule her. She lets that long awaited tear fall.
Can't believe my eyes.
I don't know what to do.
I can't believe that you are mine.
Now that I'm lying here with you.
And I can't believe you making love to me.
And I'm making it with you.
Kissing you…
Softly kissing you..
Forever kissing you…
Fitz moves inside her slowly. He can feel her adjusting to him. Every time he tries to pull back, she tightens her legs around his calves. She looks at him, they are speaking their own silent language. Her eyes are saying don't stop and he doesn't. He begins to move faster within her. She's so soft, so wet, so open to him. He buries his face in the crook of her neck as he licks her shoulder blade. The pleasure is building her. Her walls are swelling around him. As she begins to moan louder and louder. The chant of her satisfaction is all he needs to go harder into her. She loves it. She's squeezing his ass as he tweaks her nipples with his teeth while he plunges in and out of her. He doesn't know where it came from, what made him say it but as he upstrokes into her, as he grits his teeth, "Don't ever leave me," he whispers.
She looks at him surprised, "I'll never leave," she says out of breath. Fitz brings his arm under her ass, pushing her core more into him, "Fuck," she yelps as pumps her fast, then slow, then fast. She's dripping. She knows she's close but Fitz is not letting this moment pass until he feels like she's loved the way she should be. He keeps thrusting into her and she's meeting him thrust for thrust. They are making love to each other, thrust for thrust. She licks his neck and bites down as her walls are smothering his engorged dick. He knows she's close, he can feel it. She can feel it. She loves this feeling. To his surprise she flips them over. She lowers herself on his dick and begins to ride him. She wants him to feel as good as she does.
"Livvie….shit," Fitz says as she rides him hard. She's scratching his stomach and chest as she takes him in as far as she can. Fitz watches as he disappears in and out of her pool of honey. "Damn," Fitz hisses, biting his tongue. Liv brings his hands to her breast. He starts to knead and massage as she rocks back and forth. He takes one hand and grips her waist. He loves how they are swallowing each other. He grounds her ass more into him. "Harder baby," Fitz whispers and she does. They both scream each other's name as they climax together. She drops her body down on top of his. They lay in bliss for minutes without saying a word. Liv just lays kissing his chest and playing with those perfect hairs.
Through the night, I feel your fire.
There's nothing but you in my mind.
As you quench me of all my desires.
And fell in ecstasy…
Oh I can't believe it's real.
I can't believe it's true.
I can't believe that you chose me.
When I was choosing you.
And I can't believe that you are here with me.
And I am here with you..
Kissing you…
Fitz is holding her, "You okay," he asks softly.
She looks at him, with her swollen lips, she reaches up and kisses him. "I am better than okay."
He's running his fingers up and down her back. "That was amazing. You were amazing."
"Are you just saying that?" She giggles.
"No, I'm saying it because it's true."
She traces his lips, he catches her fingertip, swallowing it into his mouth. "Mmmm,"she moans.
"You are mine forever," he smiles.
"I hope so because I definitely want to keep you and all your assets around," she winks.
He turns to his side, so they can face each other. He traces her face, "Is that so? And I haven't even shown you all my tricks yet."
She looks at him incredulously. "Like what?"
"Like my superpowers, that I will show you when you least expect it," he says, bringing her hand to his mouth, kissing it. Her face becomes flushed. "I'm going to go clean up because I think our night is just getting started," he says getting up from the bed.
"Hurry back," she giggles.
The rest of the night was them making love and exploring each other's body. Fitz didn't show her his biggest superpower yet but he would and when he did, it would be something she would never forget.
Present:
Liv is sitting with her beautiful, yet elicit thoughts. After sex, Russell is usually out like a light. She knew she had a few hours to herself. She looks down at the ring, the Doux BeBe. She's holding in her hand that she never got rid of. She couldn't do it. She couldn't bring herself to get rid of it, no matter how much she tried to hate him. That's why she's kept this box locked away for so long. She couldn't let Russell see this. He wouldn't understand why she kept. Truthfully she doesn't know why she kept it. Deep down she knows why. She stares at Fitz's business car that he managed to add his cell phone number to. How is she going to work with this man that means everything to her, once upon a time? They have so much unfinished business. But they have to be the adults that they are and lay the past on the table. She shakes her head. She knows she shouldn't do this but she's going to anyway. She hopes the right eyes sees it.
Fitz is sitting at his desk. He's nursing that glass of scotch for dear life. He's thought about their first night together many times. He's dreamed about it many times. Hell, that's what his wife heard him dreaming about. It's a night he can't forget. He can never forget Liv. She was…..the one. He let everyone fuck it up for him. "Livvie," he whispers, just thinking about tonight. He knows what he saw, he just needs her to admit it and he would do what he can to fix it all and get her back. No matter what that means for him and for Mellie. Then, like a beacon of light he's been looking for, there it is. He looks down at his phone.
The text simply said: Hi!
Fitz sits up in his chair. The sweetest words he will ever see texted to him. He knew it was her.
Fitz: Hi!
Liv: I know this is wrong.
Fitz: We need to talk.
Liv: Yes we do!
To Be Continued…..
