The new couple had been traveling through Europe for three weeks. The international stores needed more work. Olivia found they were pretty much doing their own thing.
The Grant Corporation didn't purchase a lot of restaurant corporations internationally. It was a lot of family owned restaurants that were either about to go under or the corporation agreed to invest as a partner. One they made that determination they appointed three divisional managers and two Vice-Presidents.
Once the management was realigned they began to visit stores. They wanted to focus on the few corporations they owned first. It was important that the customers receive the same service and food no matter which location they visited.
There had not been a lot of downtime, but they made the most of it.
Fitz ensured that they stayed in adjoining suites. They would often share meals together. Fitz promised her a real first date when their schedule slowed down.
Olivia had no complaints. Although they had not gone on a date it had not stopped Fitz from courting her.
With Olivia having managerial experience she held several meetings and trainings in the office. He had bouquets delivered to her office. He quickly learned that when she got busy she would forego food, so he made sure to either have lunch catered when she was in meetings and trainings and when she was alone working he would have food brought to her.
He had treated her to a spa day that included getting her hair done. It was something that no man had done for her. It felt good to be treated so well by a man.
They had not put a label on what they were doing, but they knew they were building something special.
His dad and her grandmother would be arriving in Greece in two days. Greece was the main headquarters for the corporation's international side, and where they currently were.
They had a short conference calls with his dad to catch him up at the start of the cruise, but they had been left to their own devices. Since they were disembarking in Greece they had decided to get together for dinner before they headed back to the states.
She was quickly learning that Fitz would put her first. It was a new feeling that she was also enjoying, but it also meant that he wouldn't push her for anything out of respect for her.
She had been thinking about something, and she needed a sounding board. Looking at the time she picked up the phone. A couple of rings later Abby answered the phone.
"Well hello there world traveler…"
Olivia laughed, "Hi to you too Big Dog…"
"Not as big as you."
"How is the restaurant?"
"Good, the customers and staff miss you, but they are happy for you."
Olivia smiled.
"As much as I enjoy talking to my best friend it is morning here and afternoon there. What gives? Is Mr. Grant turning out to be an asshole?"
Olivia got quiet.
Abby screamed, "Did he do something to you? Did he hurt you?"
"God No!" Olivia emphasized
Abby was now quiet
"You fell for him…"
SILENCE
"Does he feel the same way?"
"Yes…"
"How do you know?"
Olivia caught Abby up. She told her everything from him watching her to sending Nana on the cruise to him courting her.
Once she finished she expected Abby to have a quick comeback, but she was as quiet as a mouse. Olivia was about to ask her if she was still there.
"Liv, we have been friends for a long time. I knew the reason you stayed with Jake is because you didn't want to be alone. When you finally broke things off you closed your heart. It is clear to me he has opened your heart again. Do you want this?"
"Yes, more than anything…"
"Then what is the problem? It doesn't sound like you were calling me because you were unsure whether to proceed with the relationship."
"When we were on the plane I asked if we could keep our relationship private for a while."
"What's the problem?"
"It felt good telling you. It felt right, and I think when we eat dinner with his dad and Nana I want to tell them about us."
"Wow Liv! That's wonderful. I am happy you called and told me. More importantly I think it is good you want family to know. It shows you are invested."
"I am. I think he is the one. My gut is telling me he is the one. I know you might think it is too soon."
"Too soon for who? Liv, you are happy. I have never heard you like this. If your gut is telling you he is the one, then go for it. Don't let anyone dictate your joy. Promise me something…"
"What?"
"When you get back to the states that we have dinner. I would like to meet Fitz the man that you are in love with."
"I can do that…"
Fitz also had a lot on his mind. He had just left a restaurant when he decided to give his friend Harrison a call. They met in college. He was friends with Andrew as well, and when he was killed Harrison had been there for him.
He was never a fan of Mellie, but he was supportive of his friend.
Harrison answered on the third ring, "Man, you are in a country with some of the most beautiful women, yet you are calling me."
"There are beautiful women here."
"You say that like you aren't looking."
"I'm not…"
"Wait, if you are not looking that means you found someone, and we've recently talked. That means that you found someone new."
"You are right on both fronts."
"Who's the lucky lady?"
"I'm the lucky one…"
"Wait a minute. It sounds like you are falling in love with this woman."
"I am…"
"Who is she?"
"Olivia Pope"
"The General Manager you promoted…"
"One in the same."
"Well she is a huge upgrade from Mellie."
Fitz laughed
"You are right because she is nothing like Mellie."
"What's the problem man? I can tell something is bothering you."
"Man, I'm scared. She wants to keep our relationship private because of who I am. I'm okay with that, but like you said I am falling in love with her. I know we still have work to do when it comes to the restructure. I also have the feeling my dad is going to announce his retirement."
"You mean sooner…"
"Yes…"
"And you wonder where that will leave you two."
"I do…"
I want to talk to my dad. I want to run the company with her. Harrison, she is brilliant. She took my plan and made it a masterpiece. I am hoping to get my dad to make her CEO of the International side with me running the domestic. The board loves her already, and with my dad's support it would be a shoe in for her."
"Damn man, I've read about her since the promotion. I've also read the articles written about the two of you, but hearing you talk about her is everything man. Just talk to her. You both have fears, but I can see the chemistry in the picture. Remember she is not Mellie. You can talk to her."
"You are right man. Thanks for the advice."
"Anytime, when you guys are ready call me, so I can finally meet the woman who has stolen your heart."
"Will do…"
After getting off the phone with Harrison he took a moment before calling Olivia to see if they could eat dinner together. She readily agreed because she wanted to talk to him.
Later that evening Olivia knocked on the adjoining suite. She was caught off guard when he opened the door. She thought they were having their normal evening dinner, but his suite had been transformed into a romantic setting.
From the candle lights to the flowers it was perfect. The table had been set for the two of them.
Both were relaxed in jeans and a shirt, and neither of them was wearing shoes.
Olivia looked up at him, "Looks like you are having dinner with someone special."
Fitz decided to play along.
"Oh I am. I hope she likes it."
"I think she will."
"How do you know?"
"Because it looks like you are treating her like a princess."
"My goal is to treat her like a queen. Princess would be saved for our daughter."
Olivia looked up in shock.
Fitz turned away and mumbled, "I'm sorry…"
She caressed his cheek, "Don't be. I want you to always be honest with me. Sounds like you want to be a dad one day."
"I do…"
"That's good to know because I want to be a mom one day as well."
"Really…"
"I love my career and everything I have built. I'm proud of my accomplishments thus far, but I've also always dreamed of being a wife and mother. I remember going to work with my parents especially my mom. She was proud of her accomplishments, but I could feel the love and joy she had for me trumped it all."
Fitz leaned down and kissed her. She was thrown off for a moment, but quickly caught up to the moment.
This kiss felt different. She felt love, hope, promise, a future, and more. The more she felt the more she poured herself into the kiss.
She finally pulled back with their foreheads touching. She said, "I'm all in Fitz…I'm not afraid of us…We may have only been dating for about a month, but we have been dancing around each other for months. I don't want to be hurt, and I know you don't either."
"I don't which is why it is scary that I am falling in love with you."
"Then let's be scared together because I am falling in love with you too…"
He looked at her and nodded.
He could tell they needed a moment, so he suggested they sit down and eat dinner.
Olivia enjoyed every moment of their dinner. From the food selection to the man. It was then that Olivia knew her search was over. She had found the man for her, and she was willing to fight for them.
Fitz was feeding her dessert when she looked at him and said, "We should tell them"
Fitz was confused at first, "Tell who…"
"Our family at dinner. I'm not ready for the world to be apart of our relationship, but I don't see a reason to hide from those closest to us."
Fitz was grinning from ear to ear.
"I called my friend Harrison today. I told him about how I was falling for you. The first thing he said was you were a major upgrade from Mellie, but he was happy for me and for us. He wants to meet you.
Olivia laughed.
"I called Abby. She was first concerned with you being an asshole. Then I just told her everything, and she just pointed out how different I am. I can honestly say I am happy. When I was getting dressed to come over I remembered one of the last conversations I had with my mom. She was dancing in the kitchen with my dad before he left for work. While we were eating breakfast, I asked when she fell in love with my dad. She said her gut told her immediately he was the one, and everyday just confirmed that for her. That is how I feel about you."
Fitz pulled her on his lap and kissed her. Then he held her until she fell asleep. After some time, he took her to her room. He saw her nightgown on the chair. It wasn't how he imagined undressing her for the first time, but he knew she was tired. She barely moved as he changed her. Once he got her under the covers he kissed her forehead and said, "You're my forever…"
It was the night of the dinner. Big Jerry and his girlfriend Mary along with Olivia's grandmother Velma and her boyfriend Charlie had arrived safely.
They had not had a chance to speak, because they had back to back meetings.
Fitz had made reservations for them to dine at Aleria Restaurant.
He thought it was a perfect choice. It was a stylish restaurant that was in a neoclassical villa and courtyard.
The couple arrived and were escorted to the table where their family was waiting. They immediately hugged their family. Olivia felt like a little girl again. Whenever she was in her grandmother's arms she felt safe. No one other than her parents and grandmother made her feel safe in their arms until Fitz came along.
Fitz enjoyed a long embrace with his dad. it wasn't until after his mom died did his dad show more emotions towards him. He always knew his dad loved him, and they did things together, but he left the emotions to his wife.
It took them awhile to adjust. They handled her death differently, and he promised his wife he would be there for their son and not just for business. He was going to keep his promise. This moment was a testament to their growth.
After introductions Olivia knew it was time. She grabbed Fitz's hand, "I know that we agreed to dinner to catch up with each other. We thought it was important that our family know that we have decided to become a couple."
They looked at the eyes on them. They knew her Nana would be happy for them. The wildcard was Big Jerry.
What they didn't know was that Big Jerry thought they were dating long before they made the decision. He could see the twinkle in his son's eyes. He was genuinely happy. Not only was Olivia good for her son, but their company. Together they were brilliant, and the board loved them. He knew he could retire when his son came to him with the restructure plan but seeing him implement it with Olivia has been nothing short of masterful.
He looked at his son and Olivia, "Are the two of you happy?"
They both nodded.
"Is this what you guys want?"
They nodded
"Then I can't speak for Velma, but I'm happy for the two of you."
The couple were relieved to see that Big Jerry was supportive of them. As expected Velma was also supportive and excited for the couple.
They sat down for dinner and decided that the table would enjoy a tasting menu consisting of:
* Hortopita-wild greens, feta, and crispy fyillo
* Hand Dived Scallops
* Kotosoupa-organic chicken, egg, corn, and sea urchin
* Fresh Cod-potato gnocchi, sweet garlic cream, and roasted beets
* Ash Baked Potatoes-wild mushrooms, black truffle, and smoked cheese
* Roasted Lamb-tomato, butter beans, and kale
* Chocolate-orange, vanilla, and mint ice cream
They drank on bottles of Chateau Gazin Bordeaux and Riesling Kiedrich Grafenberg.
Dinner was enjoyable. They caught up with each other. Big Jerry was excited to see the restructuring plan was working not only for the company but the employees.
Fitz and Olivia enjoyed hearing about the cruise. The joy on Velma's face melted both of their hearts. They noticed that both couples were getting along well. It seemed like they had become friends.
After talking a little while the ladies excused themselves to go to the bathroom. Charlie's sister called him, so he excused himself.
Fitz looked at his dad, "Are you really happy for me dad?"
"I am son…"
"Good, then I need a favor…."
The two men discussed what Fitz needed while the ladies had a conversation of their own.
By the time everyone returned to the table Fitz & Olivia had taken steps to solidify their future without each other knowing.
Later, that night the couple was relaxing in Fitz's bed watching television. They were scheduled to fly back to the United States for some meetings and a much-needed break.
Fitz looked at Olivia, "We are not leaving tomorrow?
She looked up at him concerned, "Is everything okay?"
"Perfect…"
"Then why are we not leaving?"
"Because I am taking my beautiful girlfriend on a first date to remember."
Olivia was excited. By the look in his eyes she knew that their first official date was something she would never forget.
A/N-The next chapter you will get to see their first date. For those of you who are curious about those conversations you will eventually find out what was discussed. Just hold tight. The fun is beginning. LOL…
