Olivia normally wasn't a morning person, but she woke up with a pep in her step. Once she left her room she hit the ground running. She went from meeting to meeting with very little time in between.
Although she had a working lunch she took a moment to call Fitz. The few minutes that they spoke were all Olivia needed to get through the rest of the day.
Abby noticed the difference in Olivia. She smiled more. She was more relaxed. She had never seen her best friend this way before. If she hadn't notice those small changes she immediately noticed that Olivia wasn't cramming her schedule like she did in the past.
Abby usually had to tell Olivia that she needed a break, but today she made sure that she fulfilled her obligations, but she had time to herself. She was on the last leg of her book tour, before she took a break to start on her next book. Normally she asked for six months so they were surprised when she asked for a year.
Her publisher said, "Olivia, you never have needed a year to write a book. Is everything okay?"
Olivia looked at her, "I am going to be honest, because everyone in this room has always had my back. I have a lot of things going on in my personal life, and I need to be home more. My parents are getting older, and well so am I. I love what I do, but I am ready to live a little more. I have every intention of fulfilling my deal. The only thing that I want to change is to live a little."
She smiled at Olivia. Grateful that she was honest with her. Whether Olivia was honest with her or not she would have given her the time. Olivia was her biggest client, and she was also her easiest. She was humble, and never allowed fame and fortune to change who she was. If she was ready to live she was more than prepared to make sure that happened.
She nodded, "Take the year. I hope whoever the man is realizes how lucky he is."
Olivia shrugged, "I am the lucky one."
The group finished their meeting. Abby & Olivia headed back to the hotel where Erin was going to meet her. She wanted to find the perfect dress to wear on her date with Fitz, and she knew that Abby wanted to know what was going on.
When they made it to her room she received a message that Erin was running behind. Olivia fixed her and Abby a glass of wine.
"What do you want to know? I have to admit I am surprised you didn't grill me in the car."
"I thought about it, but then I realized one thing."
"What's that?"
"You are making decisions with him in mind. This is not some fling, or something to get your mom off your back. This is real."
Olivia looked at her, "Very real?"
"Who is he?"
"Fitzgerald Grant…"
Abby looked at her, "You have been in contact with him all this time, and you didn't tell me."
"No, I have been in contact with his children. Well, mostly Karen, but I would talk with Jerry as well. Only recently did we start talking. I knew I had to come to New York, and I wanted to see them. Not just the kids, but I didn't know what was really going on with him. The kids would say things, but I didn't ask for more."
"You just asked for a year off to write a book that I know that you have already wrote a third of to live your life which I know means you wanted time to explore this relationship with him, and you guys haven't even been on a date."
Olivia didn't say anything at first. "I understand that you are reluctant Abby, and as my best friend I appreciate you looking out for me. I know that it is more about his past than the fact that we haven't been on a date. I know that this is unlike me. All I can tell you is that my heart says this is different. He is different, and he is worth my time. Those kids are worth my time. I have given my all as an author, and I am not walking away, but I have the chance to be happy. I have a man that makes me smile when we are in the same space, or on the phone. A man who put me first, before he even knew if he had a chance. Now I am doing the same for him."
Abby looked at her friend and nodded, "You know that I have your back. I can tell that you have thought about this."
"I have."
"Good, and for the record I think he is good for you. I can see how light you are. I saw when the two of you were talking earlier. If things continue to progress maybe we can go on a double date. David & I would love to meet him."
Olivia hugged her best friend. Glad to know that she was supportive. "I have no doubt we will be doing that double date in the future."
A few minutes later Erin arrived, and the ladies went to work. Olivia was normally carefree when it came to her wardrobe, but they could tell she was nervous. She couldn't decide. Finally, Erin made her go back and try on one of the dresses and assured Olivia it would be perfect. As she looked in the mirror she agreed.
Two days later Olivia was wearing the black Azzaro alpha one shoulder midi cocktail dress. She decided to wear her hair straight.
Fitz arrived at her hotel room to pick her up. When she opened the door, he was stunned silent. He had never seen her like this before. He thought she was sexy in business and casual ware. He had even seen a couple of pictures when she was out on dates, but her cocktail dresses were not as sexy as the number she had on tonight. The dress fit her like a glove.
Olivia was happy with her choice. She knew it was a sexy number, and not something she would normally wear but for him she wanted to. She had seen him in suits before, but tonight he looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine. He was always handsome, but tonight he was downright fine in his Brooks Brother suit.
She smiled at him, "You look handsome…"
"Thank you. I am just glad that I am the one that gets to take you out tonight."
Olivia blushed.
For the first time, she noticed he had one hand behind his back. He pulled out a bouquet of orchids which were one of her favorite flowers.
Fitz laughed, "It pays to have a daughter who is a super fan. She knows all things Olivia Pope."
Olivia could only laugh thinking out one of the few interviews she did that she gave a few personal details.
"Well, thank you for taking the time to get to know about me. I have to say that is a first."
Fitz shrugged, "That is a shame. I hope by the end of tonight I know a lot more, and will earn another date with you."
Olivia shrugged, "Let's see what type of game you have Mr. Grant…"
Olivia sat the flowers down, and they headed downstairs where Fitz had rented a limo for the evening. He knew that it was extravagant, but during a conversation with Maya he learned that a lot of her dates didn't go all out for her. Since she was a celebrity, and wealthy they relied on her status to get them into certain restaurants and get the perks instead of planning a date on their own.
Tonight, he planned to show Olivia that he knew how to treat a woman. Not just any woman, but her. He wanted her to see that she was important, and that with him he would always treat her like the queen that she was.
He helped her inside the car. He had already given their driver instructions on where they were headed throughout the night.
He noticed that Olivia had gotten quiet on him. He tentatively grabbed her hand giving her a moment to pull back if she wanted to. She didn't.
"You okay Olivia?"
She turned and looked at him. He noticed that her eyes were glassy.
She finally asked, "I am fine. You are just so different than any other man I have dated."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No, it is not…"
He caressed her cheek until she looked at him, "I want you to let it go for tonight, and enjoy yourself. No pressure. I am going to earn you. Let me show you how a real man treats a woman."
She leaned into him, "I can't wait…"
The first stop of their date was The Met Museum. He recalled during one of Karen's conversation that she was a big lover of the arts. He wasn't sure if she had been before, but thought that she would enjoy it.
When they stepped out the limo he could tell that he had done something right. He could see the smile on her face get wider when she realized where they were.
He had arranged for them to have a private guided tour. He had to admit that he wasn't as into art as she was, but he enjoyed it with her.
Honestly, he just enjoyed seeing her happy, and relaxed. He would do whatever it took for it to remain that way.
After the tour, he escorted her up to The Cantor Roof Garden Bar. Fitz told her that they were going to enjoy a cocktail before dinner. He thought she would enjoy the scenery.
He was right. She ordered their specialty drink called Ruby. It was a combination of raspberries, blueberries, acai berries, and red wine.
Fitz ordered a glass of Glen Moray scotch.
They sat beside each other holding while enjoying the view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
Fitz looked at her, "Did you enjoy the museum?"
Olivia grinned, "I had the best time. I have been here once for the ball, and that was great. It just a little harder to enjoy all that the museum has to offer when you are at a ball with the biggest celebrities in the world."
"Good, I'm glad that you enjoyed it."
"Thank you…"
"For what…"
"Taking the time to really know me."
"You don't have to thank me, but you are welcome. I think that you are special Olivia. You deserve to be happy. You are beautiful, smart, dedicated, and loving. You are one of the best authors in the world. You give back in so many ways. It is about time someone pays attention to you."
"My family and friends do."
"I know, but don't you want a man to love you and worship the ground that you walk on?"
Olivia looked at him. The affection in his eyes were everything. She leaned up and kissed his lips and pulled back. She said, "No, I don't want a man to love me and worship me."
Fitz looked away. She made him look at her, "I'm kind of hoping that the man in front of me is it."
He looked at her in shock. He smiled, "If you give me a chance I will."
She nodded.
They finished their drink, and headed to dinner. Fitz had made reservations at a restaurant named, "One if by Land, Two if by Sea".
When they arrived, they were escorted back to the Constitution Room. Olivia was impressed. She heard that this was considered one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. Until now she had no interest in seeing if it lived up to its hype, but as she looked around she had a feeling that it did. The ambience screamed romance, and the man holding her hand made her feel all kinds of wonderful things at the moment.
Fitz helped her in her seat before sitting down.
Their waitress came over with a bottle of wine. She asked Fitz if they were still having the 7-course tasting menu with wine pairing.
Fitz looked at Olivia, "Are you okay with the tasting menu?"
She nodded, "Yes, I love food so the idea of trying different foods sounds very appealing."
Fitz laughed.
Over the next couple of hours, the pair enjoyed each other as they were served their 7-course meal.
The couple's menu consisted of:
1st Yellowtail Sashimi
2nd Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras
3rd Pan Roasted Nantucket Scallop
4th Truffle Poached Capon Breast
5th Individual Beef Wellington
6th Cheese Tasting
7th Chocolate Soufflé
The dinner was excellent, but the company was better. They spent time really getting to know each other. They would jump from topic to topic without missing a beat. By the end of dinner, they had discussed serious things like their goals in life, and they talked about mundane things like their favorite cartoons as a child.
They were not ready for the night to end. After checking in and saying goodnight to the kids they decided to take a walk in the park. After a few minutes they found a bench, and held hands in silence as they people watched.
Olivia continued to watch people, "I am finishing the last leg of my tour, and then I will be taking time to write my next book."
Fitz squeezed her hand, "That is exciting. Do you normally lock yourself away for months at a time to write?"
She nodded, "I have in the past."
Fitz sighed. He knew what she did for a living, and he would never make her feel bad. He just hated the timing."
"I understand Liv. I am not going anywhere if that is why we are having this conversation. I will admit that I am sad that I won't see a lot of you for a while especially when we are just getting to know each other. I'll take what I can get."
She turned and looked at him. He faced her, and she could tell that this wasn't lip talk. He was willing to wait for her. That alone made her know that she made the right decision.
"When I spoke with my team I told them that I would need a year off once the tour is finished."
Fitz was confused.
She continued, "I have already started the book. I have insomnia so I write at night until I tire myself out. When I picked up Karen the other day I talked with your mom. She shared some things with me, and I realized that you weren't avoiding me, because you didn't want to talk to me. You didn't want to hurt me. You were trying to make sure that you could give me all of you. Knowing that you did all of that without knowing if I would give you a chance made me want to take a leap as well which is why I told my team I needed a year off. By the time the tour ends I will probably have written half of the book if not more. The time really was for us. I wanted to be available to give us a real shot. I wanted to spend time with you, and with the kids. I know what I am getting into here Fitz, and I am scared. Just not enough to walk away from what could possibly be the best thing that has ever happened to me."
Fitz pulled her into his arms where they shared a passionate kiss. Neither of them had to say anything. They knew where this was headed. This was the first of many dates, and they belonged to each other exclusively from this moment on.
Fitz finally pulled back, "So we are in this together?"
She nodded, "We are in this together!"
"Do you have any plans tomorrow?"
"No, I have finished my business."
"Good, I promised the kids a day out tomorrow. I know they would love for you to join us, and so would I. What do you say?"
"I would love too."
Fitz took her back to her hotel room and walked her to her door. She opened the door and turned around. She caressed his cheek before kissing him goodnight.
He turned around to leave when she grabbed his hand, "I just want you to know that I had the best time ever. Thank you for taking me on the best date ever."
Fitz looked at her, "The best is yet to come."
The next morning her phone woke her up. She answered. It was her mom.
Maya said, "Someone had a late night."
Olivia laughed, "Actually not too late. How are you mom?"
"I am great, but judging the picture the paparazzi got of you last night I would say that you are better."
The couple had noticed them at the museum. Both were used to it especially Olivia.
Olivia was grinning from ear to ear. Maya didn't have to be in the same room to see how happy her daughter was.
"Well, I was just checking in with you to see how the date went. From the silence on the phone, and the grin I can tell you are wearing it went well. Especially if he took you to the Met."
"Mom, it was one of the best nights I have ever had as an adult. It was by far the best date I have ever been on. He catered to me the entire night, and I could tell that he didn't just throw some date together. He thought this out, and planned it from start to finish. He is such a romantic, but more than that he is a total gentleman."
"Wow, you sound like you are falling in love…"
"Would it sound weird if I think that I am?"
"Nope, I knew after I went on a date with your dad that he was the one for me. I know in today's world if you feel this way then people want to say something is wrong with you. I grew up on that old school love. We didn't play around. When we found out mate we went all in. Your grandparents married each other after being together three months. Your dad and I made it to six. I am not saying that has to be you, but if you know then don't let others dictate it."
"Thanks mom, because after my tour I told them I needed to take a year off."
"You normally take six months, and most of the time only need a fourth of that time, because you like to write at night. I am assuming this has to do with Fitz."
"It does, and I shared it with him last night. You want to know what was crazy."
"What sweet pea?"
"When I told him about needing to write he never once made me feel guilty. He was honest, and said that he was sad that I would need time to write, but that he wasn't going anywhere. He was willing to wait for me mom. I knew in that moment he was it for me. Edison complained every chance he got. He told me he was proud of me. I don't know why, but I felt like a million bucks."
"Honey, you felt that way because you know that we support you. It is nice to have family support you, but you are an adult. You want a partner in life, and I believe you have found him. To know that man supports your dreams, and wouldn't ask you to change is everything. That means he accepts you for you, and that is how it should be."
"He even talked to Harrison. I was playing a game with Jerry when he called. Once he found out where I was he asked to speak to Fitz who gladly took the call."
"I know. Harrison called me. You know your brother is a hard ass, and although it can be annoying at times you know he is just looking out for your best interest. Anyway, he said that the two of them talked in detail. Fitz let him grill him, and answered all his questions. I hear they are going to meet for lunch or dinner when he comes to California to check on the office."
"Yep, that is what I was told. For the first time, I was happy that Harrison was grilling my date. I am not sure why."
"You didn't see a future with the other men, but you do with Fitz. That means that it is important to you that we approve. You already know your dad and I approve, but you knew that Harrison would be harder. He has always looked up to you, and although he is younger he is your protector."
"You are right."
"I know. The next time both of you are in California together stop by for dinner with your dad and me. If push comes to shove we can fly out to New York."
"Okay, I need to get ready mom. I told Fitz I would spend the day with him and the kids."
"No problem. Have a good time, and give the kids hugs and kisses for me. Let them know I am thinking about them and miss them."
"I will. Love you mom."
"Love you more honey."
Later, that morning Fitz swung by the hotel and picked up Olivia. During breakfast, he let the kids know that he had invited Olivia to spend the day with them, and they were both excited.
Fitz had been planning this day with the kids for a couple of weeks. He made sure that his schedule was clear, and one of the other attorneys was on call so that he was free to focus on the kids.
The first stop was the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. He knew that both kids would enjoy the experience. Jerry had a blast with all the interactive fun activities. He climbed in a helicopter and steered the wheel. He had paid extra so they could enjoy the space shuttle pavilion. Karen loved to read and learn so she enjoyed learning about the history of the aircrafts and shuttle.
After spending a couple of hours there they headed to Central Park. After a quick lunch, they enjoyed some of what the park had to offer. They decided they wanted to go to the zoo. They ended up taking a lot of selfies, and sending it to their family.
They were bonding together as a family without them evening realizing it. The kids noticed that Fitz & Olivia held hands most of the day. Neither of them minded. The couple still focused on the kids.
Fitz knew that Olivia was nothing like Mellie, but seeing it play out warmed his heart. She was patient and understanding, and enjoyed explaining things to the kids when they had questions. When they wanted her to see something she gladly went? He could see that Karen was beginning to look at Olivia as more than her favorite author. Olivia was affectionate with the kids, and doted on them buying them a ton of souvenirs to remember the day.
They all decided they wanted pizza for dinner so they headed over to Patzeria Family & Friends. After ordering their pizza and drinks they talked about their day.
Karen asked Olivia, "When are you leaving?"
Olivia looked at her, "The day after tomorrow. Why you do ask?"
She shrugged her shoulders.
Olivia grabbed her hand, "Hey remember what we talked about. You can tell me anything."
"I know. I am just sad. I really enjoyed you being here. Our girl's day and today with the family."
She looked at Jerry who was nodding his head and looked a little sad as well.
"Guys, this is not a good-bye, but a see you later."
Jerry looked at Fitz & Olivia, "Are you guys going to date, or was the other night a one-time thing."
Fitz looked at Olivia. She nodded to let him know she supported him telling the kids where they stood.
Fitz said, "Guys, I'll be honest. I really like Olivia, and I want her to stick around. We talked and we have decided to date. Right now, we are doing the long-distance thing, but we will make time for you. Olivia has to travel some more for her books, but I will make sure that my schedule is flexible so we can all spend more time together."
They looked at the kids who were now grinning after hearing the news. Both jumped up and went and hugged the couple.
Olivia looked at them, "I want to spend time getting to know your dad, but also the two of you as well. I would like to do things with just the two of you as well, and Jerry if you like we can always do something just the two of us."
Jerry looked at her, "Really…"
"Sure, I know what Karen enjoys. I know that you enjoy computers and technology. I am sure we can find something for us to enjoy."
"I would like that. Thanks Liv."
"Not a problem…"
The rest of dinner was lively banter going back and forth. The kids weren't ready for their time to end with Olivia. After some discussion, they decided that the kids would spend the night with Olivia in her suite, and Fitz would pick them up for breakfast the following more.
They stopped by the house so the kids could quickly pack an overnight bag.
Olivia walked him to the door of her suite after Fitz had dropped her and the kids off. She hugged him, "Stop by bar and enjoy a drink. Go do something for you. You deserve a moment to yourself. We'll see you in the morning."
He nodded and gave her a quick kiss.
As he climbed onto the elevator he turned and saw she was still looking at him. As the door closed he knew that he was looking at his future wife, and that he was playing for keeps.
A/N-I hope you enjoyed this first installment. I am not done with the flashbacks. You will see the rest of what happened in the next installment. Check out my Twitter page for Olivia's outfits kimberl17711667.
Also shout out to DouxBeBe Archives. If you are looking for Olitz updates, old stories, and interviews with Olitz Fan Fiction writers they check out their Twitter page.
