Fitz walks in the door to the house. He goes straight into his office and pulls out some papers. He knows who he must deal with next and that is Gerry. He doesn't know how he is going to make him pay but he is going to make him pay for what he did to him and Liv and what could have been a family. Their lives would have been so different had none of this ever happened. And he has so much burning anger towards Russell. He wants to kill him but what would that accomplish. He is deep in thought. He doesn't hear Mellie come in.
"You jumped straight in her bed, didn't you," Mellie says. It brings him out of his thoughts.
Fitz looks up at her, "Isn't that what you made sure I did with you?"
She sneers at him. She has no retort. "I am not signing those divorce papers."
Fitz gets up from his chair, "Why not?"
"I suppose saying I just don't want to wouldn't be a good answer. You can't just walk out. We have a child to think about. A child that you love and would never hurt this way by breaking up his family. I am sure we can figure this out."
That just makes Fitz angrier. "I love my son and you know that. You will not use that against me. I lost a child because of you, and I will never forgive you or Gerry for that."
Naturally, Mellie is confused. "What are you talking about?"
Fitz gets closer to her, "I didn't ask you for full custody because I don't want to hurt our son. He deserves both of his parents. We just won't be living together. He's going to have a stable life. We aren't going to live under false pretenses. That is just going to hurt him even more."
"So, watching his dad with someone else is going to be better for him," Mellie spits back.
"It's better than lying to him." Fitz stops, shaking his head, "I don't want to fight with you Mellie. I just want us to end this chapter while there are good feelings, so we can forge ahead. For the sake of Teddy."
Mellie sees something different than she's ever seen in him before. She relents, "You really love her don't you."
Fitz feels a twinge of sadness. He doesn't hate Mellie. In truth, Mellie was his first love but she's not his soulmate. "Mellie, you were first love. And that meant something to me and always will. I never stopped loving Olivia even when we weren't together. I married you and we have Teddy, and I will never regret that. But my heart was never in it, and it should have been. But do I love you, yes, I do. But not like you deserve to be love."
There are tears in Mellie's eyes. This is the first real talk they've had in months. "I wanted to make it real. You were my first. I mistook that as forever."
"Sometimes it does mean forever," Fitz smiles.
"For what it's worth, I am sorry I did what I did. Makes me pathetic, I suppose," Mellie says.
"For what it's worth, I didn't sleep with Olivia last night. We talked, something that we should have done a long time ago. Maybe if we had, it would have saved a lot of people heartache. But Mellie, it doesn't change the fact that what you, my father and Olivia's father did was wrong."
Mellie just drops her head, "I know."
"I am going to deal with my father. You can give him a heads up if you want but he will be dealt with," Fitz informs.
"I think I've talked to your father enough," Mellie answers.
"After we talk to Teddy and we settle some things, I will be moving out. I don't want that many changes for him. I meant what I said. You can keep the house."
"That's generous!" She says softly.
"You loved this house a lot more than I did. It was your dream home."
"Thank you!"
Fitz studies her. He's never seen her exactly like this. "What's wrong Mellie?"
"I had a long talk with my mother. She said for a Southern Belle, I was acting like a common day whore or slut if you will. I shouldn't want a man by tricking him. It made me no better than a whore," Mellie answers. Even twitches at the comment. "Well, we know that Virginia Donaldson has never been one to mince her words."
"No, she has not," Fitz laughs.
"And she always liked you," Mellie reminds him. ", she made me feel so small." Mellie contemplates her words for a minute, "Not that I didn't already feel small."
"You've always been someone I could trust. I was pissed to know you would get together with my dad like that."
Mellie smiles, "Power is a scary thing Fitz, no matter what the situation." She turns to leave. She turns and looks at him, "But, I'll be okay. I am a very resilient girl."
"I know you'll be fine."
"I'm sorry I hurt you. I am sorry I hurt Olivia. I know I can't change what I did but I'll do what's right and give you your freedom. It was never mine to take in the first place."
"Tell your mom, that Southern Belle is still there. She just lost her way for a minute," Fitz says.
In a surprising move, Mellie walks over to him and kisses him on the cheek. "Olivia is one lucky woman. She better make the most of it."
Fitz is surprised by her resolve as she turns and walks away. He sits in his chair and picks up his phone, making a call. The person picks up, Fitz says, "I need you to look into someone for me." Who is Fitz calling?
Liv is packing her things. She never truly felt like this was the home of her dreams, so the feeling of having no emotions is overwhelming her. The suitcases are opened, sprayed across the bed, as she neatly puts everything in. The doorbell rings and she thinks she's going to let Abby in when she opens to find Russell's mother there. Olivia thinks to herself, how did she get past the guards. Then she knows it was Russell. Liv doesn't move aside to let her in. She holds her at the door.
"Russell sent you," Liv says. His mother looks at her face, knowing this not only looks bad but it is bad.
"Of course, he did. He told me you two had a fight and…"
"And he hit me," Liv finishes.
"Olivia, are you going to make me stand out here? We are family."
Liv lets out a sarcastic laugh. "He called you and you came running. And no, I am not particularly interested in letting you in. I don't want to hear what you have to say."
"I won't stay long," she answers.
Liv steps aside and lets her in. She walks outside to the driver that brought her there. She notices the car sitting off to the side with the man occupying the driver's side, but she thinks nothing of it. She goes to the driver, "She won't be here long." The driver shrugs his shoulders. She goes toward the house again, as the stranger in the car admires her form.
He says out loud, "Now I see why you want to hold on to that my man." He gets his phone and sends a text, Your mother just arrived.
Liv takes a breath and goes back inside, "Say what you have to say. I am busy."
His mother doesn't cut to the chase, "He's sorry Olivia. You know he would never hurt you. He loves you too much."
"Every time I blink, I feel his love," Liv rolls her eyes. "And for the record, we didn't exactly have a fight. He disrespected my privacy and then hit me for it."
"You are working for your ex-boyfriend and lied to him about it. You can understand how he is upset."
"I never lied to him. I just didn't tell him we had a past relationship, which is why I did the right thing and quit the job. Only to come home and find your son going through my things."
"He's a man Olivia. And athlete at that. You think he liked knowing you'd be working with someone you've been intimate with and would be close to again."
Liv can't help but let out a more maniacal type laugh at the ridiculous chauvinistic explanation for his behavior. "He's a man. That's your answer. It's okay for him to hit me because he's a man."
She realizes she's failing miserable for what she came to do, "That's not what I mean. I just mean, men get jealous easily. Especially when they know that someone has been in their hen house."
Liv whips her neck around to her, "Excuse me. I am not a hen. Your son doesn't own me. He married me. He didn't buy me. I'm not his slave. I was supposed to be his wife."
"And that's why he's so sorry. You're his wife and he loves you. He doesn't want one mistake to end the best thing that ever happened to him. I would hate to see my son lose you."
She decides to choose her response carefully. "He sent you to talk to me, mother to daughter, so to speak because he thought you could guilt me."
"He wanted me to appeal to you. You love each other and that's important."
Before Liv can think about it, she responds, "I don't love him."
His mother looks at her shocked. "What did you just say?"
"I don't love him. I was never in love with him. I mistook comfort and easy for love. I knew if I was comfortable and we took care of each other, marriage would be easy. But my heart was never with him. My heart was always with Fitz, and you'll never understand why."
"So, you never loved my son, and you strung him along."
"I never strung him along. I tried to love him and I to a degree I have love for him, but I'll never love him like a wife should and your son made it easy for me not to try," Liv answers as she gets up. She's ready for her mother-in-law to leave, "I think we've said all that needs to be said."
"I never understood Black women, that we raise to love their skin and love our beautifully created Black men, opening their legs to the white man," she spits back.
"Get out," Liv says.
"Honey, you don't think you are a slave to a man. But you are nothing but that white man's bed wench. And when he's done dipping in your black beauty, he'll move on to the next money hungry hussy who wants what his white dick is good for, money." The venom in her voice takes Olivia more than by surprise.
Liv gets close to her. She steps back, a little wary of what Liv is going to do. Liv says, "Take a good look at my face. This is what your beautifully created Black son did to me. He hit me. It doesn't matter what color the package is, as long as it is good and respect me for the woman I am. I am not going to stick around for your son to lay his hands on me again. I make my own way in this life. That's what I was doing before Russell came along. What do you think the next woman that gets your precious son is going to want him for. Unless they marry for true love, she will see the Black athlete with money. And that's what his dick will be good for."
Goes toward the door hurriedly and angrily. "I am glad my son is getting rid of you. He doesn't need you around making him look bad. You are bad for his image and his career."
Liv opens the door for her, "The only person that can ruin Russell's image his Russell. Ask yourself that."
She leaves and storms to the waiting car and gets in. Liv rests on the door. That was not a confrontation she wanted to have. The doorbell rings again and turns to open to find Abby there. "I'm sorry I'm late. David and I got a little hung up this morning." She notices that Liv looks upset. "Liv, you okay. Is that bastard here? Did he do something to you?"
"Abby he's gone remember. No, he didn't do anything. His mother was just here, and I am quite sure she just labeled me a Sally Hemmings, a Hooker, and a bitch."
"I'll kick her ass too."
"You won't do anything. She's gone and that's all that matters."
Abby snickers, "Mama's boy sent his mother to beg for him. How very manly of him?"
Liv walks into the living area, "I can't believe she flew all the way here for him."
"I can't believe it. She's always been a piece of work. Remember I told you at the reception I couldn't see you getting along with that woman."
"I don't want to thank about her anymore. I just want to go. If you can finish taping up the boxes in my office. I should be finished with the clothes."
"Got it!" Abby says as she starts toward the office.
"I should kill you for sending Fitz to my hotel," Liv says, stopping her dead in her tracks.
Abby turns around, "The key word here is should so that means you won't."
"I was really pissed at first, but we really needed to talk, and we did. And that might not have happened had you not betrayed me," Liv smiles.
"I didn't betray you. I defied you. You needed someone and he was the perfect person." Abby laughs lightly.
"Thank you," Liv answers simply.
Abby looks surprised. "What!"
"Thank you! You were right. He was what I needed," Liv admits.
"I am sure he was. How hot and sweaty did it get?" Abby rubs her hands together.
"It didn't. We really talked about everything…. the abortion."
Abby looks at her shocked. She thinks she heard her wrong and her face is saying that. "Did I hear you right?"
"Yes, you heard me right. I had an abortion. I had never told Fitz until last night," Liv admits.
"That's what you were telling him in the letter," Abby says. She sees the sadness in Liv's face. "Aww Liv, I'm so sorry."
"So am I," Liv says.
"How did he take the news?" Abby asks.
Liv walks over to the fireplace, "He was hurt. Of course, he would be. But after his father told me he was engaged. I did what I thought was best at the time."
Abby shrugs, "He was engaged so I get it."
"That's just it, he wasn't engaged. His father lied to me."
"Wow, so his dad is as shitty as yours?" Abby rolls her eyes.
"I couldn't let my dad find out. That's why I had to do something quick, but I think if Fitz and I were still together….," Liv stops and thinks. "I would have kept it."
"What's your next move Liv? I am sure Fitz wants you all to get married tomorrow."
"I told him we have to take things slow and get our divorces. Although he's already asked Mellie for a divorce, ironically, last night before you called him."
"Praise Jesus! He's getting rid of the Ice Queen," Abby says flippantly.
"Abby," Liv scolds.
"Listen Liv, she was bitchy all the time. I didn't like her before I found out Fitz was in love with my best friend and had jungle fever."
Liv slaps her arm, "You have jungle fever too. Aren't you my best friend."
Abby smiles, "Always! Let's get you out of this prison."
"Speaking of fathers, I need to go speak to mine," Liv says.
"You want me to go with you," Abby asks.
"No, this is something I am going to have to do alone."
Liv and Abby go into the office. Liv shows her what she needs her to pack as Liv goes back upstairs and finishes with her room.
Meanwhile the stranger sitting in his car keeps watching. His phone rings as he sees it is Russell.
"Where is she?" Russell asks.
"She's still in the house. Some red head just came over and she's inside. But your mother left really pissed."
"The red head, that's her best friend Abby. I just talked to my mother. She says my wife is flying the coup," Russell says.
"Well, what do you want me to do?"
"Edison, you are a private investigator. You tell me what you should be doing," Russell says angrily.
"I am a private investigator that gets paid by the hour. Now if you want me to watch your wife 24/7, I have no problem with that. But I need to know what you want to pay for," Edison answers as he keeps chewing on the toothpick on the side of his mouth.
"I want to know every move she makes until I get back. Grant is no doubt going to try and swoop in and take my wife. He thinks he has a right to her, but he doesn't," Russell says, slamming his hand into wall.
"Did she just start banging this white boy or what?"
Russell shakes his head, "No, they used to date. If I hadn't signed with this team and moved back here. They would have never seen each other again."
"I mean no disrespect," Edison starts.
Russell interrupts him, "Then don't disrespect me."
"The pictures don't do you wife just. Your wife is hot. Nice ass, might I add. I mean, I'd want that back if it were mine once. She's a nice piece."
"Do you want me to kill you?" Russell says.
"Listen, we've been friends too long. I know you don't share but if this were back in the day..."
"Well, it's not. She's my wife and I am not sharing her. I'm not going to lose her to him and no one else. I'm going to fix things with my wife."
"Listen, I need to go and change cars then. If I am going to be following her every day, I need to prepare."
"Depends on how tomorrow's game goes, I'll be home on Monday, or I won't."
Edison takes the toothpick out of his mouth, "Listen, I have a lot of money riding on this game. Don't fuck me up."
"I am paying you to keep tabs on my wife. Don't fuck that up either," Russell says as he hangs up.
Edison looks at the picture, "Olivia Emory…pleased to meet your acquaintance."
Fitz is at the tennis club. He plays tennis when he's trying to block out the noise and let off some steam. His run in with Mellie this morning wasn't really a run in, and it actually surprised him that their conversation went so well. He called Andrew to play some tennis so he could talk some things through.
"Aren't you glad I had nothing to do this morning."
"Your wife left you. You have nothing to do," Fitz reminds him.
"Sharon and I are working on it. She only moved out. I am going to wear her down," Andrew says. Then he stops, "Much like you are going to wear Liv down the first chance you get." Fitz looks at him surprised. "Don't look at me like that. It was easy to figure out this steam release is about Olivia."
"I asked Mellie for a divorce, and she agreed to it," Fitz announces.
"What! You are finally getting rid of the ice queen." Andrew starts walking to his side of the court. "I am so surprised she agreed to it. She's had her claws in you forever."
Fitz rolls his eyes, "She collaborated with my father and Liv's father to keep us apart."
"No shit," Andrew says.
"Yes, and I found it all out. I told her she didn't have a choice."
"What did she and your father do? What did Liv's father do?"
"I never slept with Mellie that night. She staged it. I was too drunk to get it up, but she made me believe that lie all this time."
Andrew now looks at Fitz with sympathy, "That's cold."
"And the worse part of all of this is Liv. It's bad enough they tricked me. But Liv was pregnant. She got an abortion because my father told her that Mellie and I were engaged."
"You are joking right."
"I wish I were joking. She wanted to talk to me. She wanted to tell me she was pregnant We could have gotten back together but my father lied to her."
"I knew your dad was a mean SOB, but this is low even for him," Andrew says.
"The hell of it all. I don't understand why. I don't understand what was so bad about me and Olivia being together. She was incredibly smart. She's incredibly beautiful and incredibly sexy. Any man would be lucky to have her on his arm," Fitz says with a sigh.
"That's for sure," Andrew quickly agrees.
Fitz looks up at him, "Hello!"
"Hey, I've got eyes. You know I always thought you didn't deserve her. She's hot." Andrew shrugs his shoulder. "But let's be honest man. Olivia is black."
"I hadn't noticed," Fitz says snarkily.
"And as 'progressive' as the ole boys club would like to think they are. They still believe in staying with your own. They don't see it as racism. They see it as a natural order of things."
"I call it racism. I would have fallen in love with Liv if she were purple. I fell for her. I fell for her hard. I only saw a future when I looked at her, not the color of her skin."
"Your father grew up in an era were color mattered."
"I call bullshit. You are your own person. You should know what's right and what's wrong. I should have mattered to my dad. My happiness should have mattered."
Andrew throws up his hand, "You know I agree with you. You are preaching to the choir. I am just bringing the reality of this whole shitty situation into view."
"We had a baby together that never got a chance," Fitz says sadly.
"I'm sorry man," Andrew says.
"I never stopped loving that woman. I want her back. We deserve a second chance together."
"She never stopped loving you either," Andrew says
Fitz's face becomes very curious. "Have you spoken to Liv?"
"I saw her the other day. She told me she quit and why, but I could see it in her eyes. She loves you. She still does," Andrew answers.
"She's leaving that dirt bag," Fitz says.
"Emory, what changed in the last 48 hours?"
"He hit her. That's what's changed. He raised his hand to her and gave her a black eye and swollen jaw," Fitz says angrily as his jaw clenches.
Andrew looks at Fitz upset. He would never hit a woman. But hearing someone took advantage of Liv that way. "He needs an ass whipping."
"Liv made me promise not to beat his ass but as soon as I can get my hands on him. He's going to regret the day he ever hurt her."
"Where is she now?"
"She's staying at the Marriott. She's at their house packing, her and Abby. At least I know she's not going to stay with him. I think I would lose my mind if she did."
Andrew laughs "I am surprised you let her go home to pack without you."
Fitz gets geared up to hit the first ball, "Listen, I almost didn't let her, but I had to. I hated it but I had to."
"Is she okay?" Andrew asks.
"She's okay. I think it shook her up a little bit, but I think she's okay."
"That's good."
"I am not going to lose her this time. I can't. I am going do whatever I need to, to get us our second chance."
"After what everyone did to you, keeping you apart, you have to. You can't let them have the last say. I always knew Liv was the one for you. I know you aren't going to let it go that easily."
"No, I am not but I have to deal with my father. I don't know how I am going to deal with him but I am. This was a game he played with my life and Liv's. We both paid for it but most of all our baby did. That's something we can never get back," Fitz says.
"What's your next move?"
"I got the girl. Now I have to deal with the guy," Fitz answers. Andrew knows that means Big Gerry won't know what hit him.
Liv pulls up to her parents' house. Her and Abby packed everything that needed to be packed. Liv is has a few questions for Eli that she is not sure she wants the answer to. She looks at her face in the car. She thought about caking her face with makeup but no she wants her father to see what was done to her. She wants him to know. Why should she hide from something that wasn't her fault. Her phone rings. She looks down to see it is Fitz.
"Hello Mr. Grannnntttt," she answers.
Fitz lets out a playful groan. "I love the way you say that. I always have."
"I don't know what you are talking about. Your name is indeed Mr. Grant," she laughs playfully.
"There's Mr. Grant and then there's Mr…. Grannnntttt."
"I've missed you so much," Liv smiles through her words.
"You have no idea how much I've missed you Ms. Pope." There is a silence. It's a comfortable silence that they realize last a minute. A memory they are both transported to. The first time it became clear to both that they had an attraction to each other.
Liv has just given Fitz a short test. She watches him concentrate so hard on the 6 problems. She can see the little beads of sweat starting to drip from his forehead. "Study long, you study wrong Mr. Grant."
"Cut it out. I am trying to concentrate here," Fitz says as he gives her a playful side eye.
"I've watched you sneak looks at me more than those problems."
Fitz puts down his pencil. "Well, it's all your fault."
"How so?" She smiles.
"You are a great distraction Ms. Pope."
"How on earth am I distracting you? I am merely sitting here, waiting to grade your three problems."
"You are a hard tutor but very beautiful and very beautiful to look at."
Liv's face becomes flushed. She can't help but look away. She then looks down at her paper. "Are you flirting with me."
"I thought you'd never notice," Fitz smiles.
"Fitz…we can't…we shouldn't…" she weakly protests.
"We haven't done anything yet," Fitz points out.
"I know but…"
"One minute," Fitz says.
"What?"
"Give me one minute," he requests.
"What are you talking about?" Liv asks very confused by his requests.
"For one minute can I look we look into each other's eyes. All of the answers are there."
Liv is more bashful than ever, "What answers?"
"All the ones that running through that pretty little smart head of yours."
Liv looks away, almost embarrassed by the compliments. "Look at me Liv."
"Fitz," she says softly.
"Look at me," he says again.
She turns to him, slowly, looking at him. For the next minute they look at each other and Fitz is right. All of the answers are there. She's falling in love with this man. But she's worried she doesn't even know what love is.
Fitz clears his throat. He knows what she must be thinking. "Nothing's changed."
"I guess not," Liv smiles.
"Did everything go okay?"
"It did. Abby helped. I took everything I needed. He can have the rest of it."
"Can I come over tonight?"
"Yes, you most certainly can." She answers so quick, she surprises herself.
"I was thinking we'd have a date in your hotel room. I know the basketball's star's wife can't be seen out with another man. Wouldn't be a good look, I suppose."
"I guess not."
"I can't wait to see you," Fitz says.
"I can't wait to see you either. I'll need you to hold me after this," Liv says.
"After what?"
"I am sitting in the car at my parents. I am going to talk to my father. It must be done."
"Do you need me?"
Liv smiles. That's the Fitz she fell in love with. Always worried about her. "No, I can do this by myself, but you are holding me I need that."
"You can have whatever you want."
"I'll see you tonight," she says.
Fitz wants to say it. It's not too soon because he never stopped. "Livvie…."
She stops him, knowing what he wants to say. "Me too."
"Later," Fitz answers with a smile. She loves him too. She never stopped.
Edison is sitting a distance away watching Liv. He sees the man walk up to Liv's car. He doesn't know Harrison, but he takes his camera and takes a picture.
"Later," she says as she hangs up. She startled by a tap on her window. She looks up to see Harrison there. She catches her chest. She unlocks the door. "You scared me to death."
"Why are you sitting out here?" Harrison asks.
"I had a call," she says quickly as she moves to get out.
"Your boy is about to get that ring," he mentions of Russell. "That check…" Harrison stops when he sees Liv's eye and jaw. "Who the fuck did that?"
Liv drops her head, embarrassed by her own physical reality. "Your boy!"
"I am going to break his ass," Harrison says as he starts pacing.
"I am okay Harrison," she tries to assure him.
"You are not okay. He used you as a punching bag. Wait until I get my hands on him. I am going to kill him," Harrison says.
"Get in line. Fitz wants first dibs," Liv shakes her head.
"We can take turns," Harrison says. He then focuses in on what Liv said. "Fitz…are you two back together? What about his wife?"
"Long story but I need to talk to my precious father about something first."
Harrison shakes his head, "I can't wait until he sees this." They got ward the front door, ringing the door first. Maya comes to the door, so happy to see her little girl.
"My baby," Maya says opening the door to see Harrison standing there with her. "I haven't cooked yet Harry…" She stops mid-sentence when she sees Liv's face. "Oh my God! What happened to you?"
Liv and Harrison walk in, "Your bitch ass son in law hit her. That's what!"
"Harry," Liv says.
"You watch your mouth," Maya says. She then looks at Liv's face. "His bitch ass better run far away from DC." Harry starts to laugh.
"Mom," Liv laughs, "Language."
"What happened?" Maya asks. They all walk into the kitchen. Maya has food out on the counter to start cooking.
"I suppose it's my fault," Liv says.
"The hell it is," Harrison interrupts.
"Olivia," Maya says
"I should have told him about me and Fitz's history…our past. I should have done that, the moment I realized my boss would be Fitz," Liv starts to explain.
"Well on that we agree but on this," Maya lifts her face. "I will never agree with someone hitting my baby."
"I turned down the job. I told Fitz we would be inviting trouble and I had to turn it down. I came home to find Russell in my office, in my things. He found a letter that I had written to Fitz and some photos I've kept. He confronted me about it. The next thing I knew…"
"Aww, Livvie Poo had an Olitz box," Harrison teases.
"Shut up," Liv rolls her eyes. "I tried to get the letter back from him and the next thing I knew he hit me." Liv took a big breath. "He apologized profusely. I just wanted to get the hell out of there away from him."
"How many times? Maya says pointedly.
"How many times what?" Liv asks.
"How many times has he hit you? Was this the first time?" Maya clarifies.
"The first time he's hit me, yes." Liv answers.
"But" Maya could always see through her daughter.
"He's shoved me once before but that was it. It was never this," Liv shakes her head.
"I am just going to go to Miami and kill his ass," Harrison announces.
"Who are we killing?" Eli asks as he walks into the kitchen. He knew Olivia's car. Maya and Harrison look up at him. Liv doesn't. "Olivia," Eli says. She turns and looks at him. Eli's eyes grow wide. "Olivia," he says going to her.
She stops him, "It looks much worse than it feels."
"Who did this?"
"Your wonderful, star athlete, son in law," Maya says angrily.
Eli looks at all of them in disbelief. "He has an ass whooping coming," Harrison says.
"Russell wouldn't have done this," Eli comes to his defense.
"Russell did do this daddy," Liv speaks up.
"Don't you dare defend him," Maya says.
Eli looks at his daughter. He can tell she's embarrassed and ashamed. He goes to her, getting on one knee, "I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too. I am sorry I didn't stand up for myself years ago against you and against Gerry Grant. I am sorry I didn't fight for the life I should have. Because of you and Gerry I gave up my life…. the love of my life. I gave up our…." She stops herself. Her mother eyes her. "Did you know?"
Eli looks at her confused. "Did I know Russell would hit you? Of course not. I would have never given my daughter's hand in marriage to that."
Harrison is confused by her line of questioning. Clearly, he's missing something. Liv finishes her question, "Did you know that Mellie Grant tricked Fitz into thinking he slept with her. The reason he broke up with me. You were conspiring with Gerry Grant and her, so…"
Eli drops his head. Maya never knew that Eli had a hand in all of this. "Eli what did you do?"
"I thought I was protecting my daughter," Eli defends.
"By giving her to someone who would hit her," Maya says angrily.
"Wait, what am I missing?" Harrison asks.
"Dad and Fitz's dad and his lovely wife tricked him into thinking he slept with Mellie. Fitz was so eaten up with guilt that's why he broke up with me."
"Eli," Maya says angrily.
Eli looks at Olivia. "I know you won't believe me, but I didn't know it was a trick. They just showed me the pictures and I believed it to be true. When Fitz came to me, I just let him know that I knew. And that I had to protect my daughter's heart. That's all I cared about, nothing else."
Liv let's the tears fall. Harrison looks at Eli, "That's cold."
"I just didn't want you to get hurt," Eli tries to assure her.
"But I did get hurt and most of all I hurt myself. I loved Fitz. I do love Fitz and losing him.," Liv shakes her head. "I got rid of our baby because of you."
Harrison's eyes stretch wider than saucers. Maya waits for Eli's reaction. "You were pregnant."
"Yes, I was, and I got an abortion because I thought the man, I loved that wanted to spend the rest of his life with me didn't want me."
Eli looks at Maya, realizing she knew. "You knew she was pregnant and had an abortion."
Maya's resolve is strong and unapologetic. "I knew. My daughter needed me, and I was there for her. She did it and we never spoke of it again."
"And kept it from me," Eli says with an air of hurt in his voice.
"Just like you kept your scheming from me," Maya says.
Eli realizes he has no rebuttal, "I was taking care of this family."
Maya points at Liv's face, "Great job."
Eli drops his head, "You have to believe me Olivia, I' didn't know it was all a trick."
Liv gets up. She's ready to leave. She needs the space. "Livvie, stay for dinner."
"I need to get going. I need time to breathe." Liv starts going to the door. Both Harrison and Maya look at Eli like he needs to do something.
"Olivia, please stay for dinner. You need your family and I want to be here for you. I'm sorry."
"How about I call you in a few days and we talk? I moved out of the house. I moved into a suite at the J.W. Marriott."
"Good you got out of there," Maya says.
"I am about to book a ticket to Miami," Harrison says.
"Don't book one without me," Eli says.
"Just give me some time. I will deal with Russell," Liv says.
Maya decides to walk her outside. She's holding Liv by the waist. "I'm sorry for what your father did. I didn't know."
"It's okay Mom," Liv shakes her head. She smiles at Maya, "I can't believe you never told dad about the abortion."
"It wasn't his cross to bear and what's done is done. I wasn't going to let you go through that alone," Maya says.
"Thank you for always being there for me."
"I always will be Baby," Maya smiles. She surveys Liv's face. "You put some ice on that."
"I will. I promise," Liv says as she opens the car door.
"And….," Maya starts. She makes sure Liv is listening. "Make sure you and Fitz take things slow. I know he's going to take care of you."
Liv looks shocked. "How?"
"I know you are back together. Even if there are complications. We will take it slow."
"Tell him I said Hi and thank you!" They stand and hug for a long time.
"I love you mommy," Liv says.
"I love you too baby," Maya says.
Liv gets in the car and drives away as Liv watches. Edison keeps a close distance behind. She pulls some bags out of her car. The valet gets a cart. She tells him the room numbers. Edison parks not too far behind her. He gets out, giving his keys to the valet, waiting for the ticket. He follows her to the hotel. He gets out two cars behind her, giving his keys to the valet. She stops at the front desk just in time for Edison to catch up. She sees that they pass her a key. He follows her into the elevator. She presses the floor number to her suite. Edison takes note.
"Looks like we are going to the same floor," Edison says.
"Looks like it," Liv smiles. She touches her sunglasses to make sure they are pulled up and camouflaging.
"Elevators seem to go slow when you are tired," Edison says, trying to make small talk.
Liv laughs, "I guess so. I guess that's Murphy's Law."
Edison just stares for a moment. Liv looks at him curiously. Now the elevator is taking too long for her. "Forgive me for staring. You are a beautiful woman."
The elevator stops, letting someone else on.
Liv shakes her head in disbelief, "I am sure you tell that to all the women."
"Only the beautiful one," He smiles.
"Well thank you…." She stops, realizing she doesn't know his name.
"Edison, call me Edison," he says as he extends his hand.
"Well, thank you Edison. I'm Olivia." Liv shakes his hand back.
Their floor buzzes as the person realizes she still has to go down. She stays on. Olivia and Edison get off. Liv starts to the right. "Olivia, would you like to grab a drink later?"
Liv smiles, "Thank you but I am not looking for a date."
"How about just a drink first?"
Liv realizes she still has her ring on. She waves her hand at him. "Sorry!"
"I'm the one who's sorry. He's a very lucky guy," he smiles. Then he decides to pick her, "Wait a minute. Aren't you Olivia Emory. You are married to Russell Emory aren't you."
Liv in this moment hates to be tied to this man. "That would be me," she says.
"Well, you are not up for grabs. If I had to time to take a good challenge, I'd say what the hell and try anyway."
"I'm not that kind of girl. So, the chase wouldn't be that much fun."
"Every chase is fun if what you are chasing is worth the chase," He winks.
"You are one smooth talker Edison. Whoever she is, she will be lucky to have you running at her heels."
Edison looks down, "I rather like your heels."
Liv shakes her head. She can't help but smile at the attempt. "You are a smooth talker. There's some woman around here just waiting for that line. Good luck!"
Edison feigns hurt, "Ouch! You are a tough lady."
"Yes I am." She gets to her door, "Have a good evening, Edison."
"You too Olivia!" He says as she goes in and closes her door.
Edison turns and goes back to the elevator. He goes and takes a seat at the bar. Its as if Russell has radar. He calls him. "You have impeccable timing."
"Why is that?" Russell says.
"I just had an enjoyable conversation with your beautiful wife, who is staying at the JW Marriott by the way. She's in Suite 1405."
"Nice work," Russell says.
"Are you responsible for the nice work on her left eye?"
"It was a mistake," Russell says.
Edison shakes his head. "I'll keep post."
They hang up and Edison stays in the lobby, reading the paper. About an hour later, he sees Fitz come in. Fitz has a bunch of bags in his hand. He's now done his homework on him. He follows him into the elevator. They get off the elevator as Edison stays a little behind as if he's making a call. He watches and sees Fitz stop at Liv's door. She opens the door and lets him in.
"Tsk Tsk Olivia," Edison says.
So, what do you think happens next?
