There were so many thoughts that were running through Olivia's head. She could hear the applause, but she was experiencing an out of body experience.
She knew that she was a good person, but this had to be a trick. God wouldn't give her soulmate to her and allow her to run a company. This was winning the life lottery, and that just didn't happen to people like her.
Fitz could see that she was overwhelmed. He went over to her and hugged her. After a moment he whispered in her ear, "I know that this is a lot, but this is something you earned. We will talk, but for the rest of tonight and tomorrow I want you to enjoy this. This wasn't handed to you. You earned it, and I promise you that we will be okay."
He felt Olivia immediately relax. They got through the evening.
The evening was winding down. Olivia had walked out her grandmother and Charlie. Fitz was standing in the corner talking to his dad while waiting on her to return when Mellie and her dad came over.
Mellie stepped in his face, "You'll never get away with this. I know that you did something to get your little girlfriend her promotion, but it won't last."
"Step back Mellie. I would hate for someone to remind you that you are in my space."
"Oh, so now you are a woman beater. Good, I can't wait to share that with the media."
"He isn't but I am…"
She turned around and was faced to face with Olivia and Abby.
"And since it wouldn't be a good look for the new CEO to show you then I would be more than happy to, because as much as I love my job I am confident that I can find another one."
She looked to her left and saw the redheaded woman who she knew was Olivia's best friend Abby.
She quickly stepped back because she knew she was no match for them, and neither Grant had moved while the women dressed her down.
She looked at Olivia, "Don't get too comfortable in the seat you are in. As I was just explaining to Fitzy here I am sure it was given to you illegally."
Olivia was about to say something when Fitz stepped in front of her, "First of all my name is Fitzgerald, Fitz, or Mr. Grant. If you want to act like a child and use kiddy names and make bland comments, then go play with the kids. As for obtaining it by illegal means I think you are referring to the fact that you nor your dad showed up to the board meeting. Maybe you should keep your information updated, and you would have been notified of the emergency board meeting."
Mellie shrieked, "You knew that we had changed numbers and addresses since being on the board."
Fitz shrugged his shoulders, "I won't deny that being a true statement, but the by-laws are clear that each member is responsible for making sure their information is up to date. My personal life has nothing to do with work. If you wanted the board to have a certain number, address, or email address then you or one of your many assistants would have told them. You assumed because we were dating that I kept everything up for you. As my dad always taught me assuming things will only make an ass out of you."
Mellie looked at her dad who as usual said nothing. He indulged her. He knew she was a spoiled brat and was wrong 99% of the time. Instead of being a parent he just stood back and watched her once again make a fool of herself. The few times he tried to step in she shut him down.
Mellie knew she now had no way to get rid of Olivia. That didn't mean she wasn't going to give up.
"Fitz, you don't get to throw me away and think that there are no repercussions. You better watch your back."
Olivia was done with Mellie. She pushed Fitz aside.
"Listen bitch and yes I said bitch because that is exactly how you are acting. I love Fitz. He is the love of my life, and when he asks to marry me I will say yes, but I am not saying yes because I need or want him to take care of me. There is a reason why I have been single for so long. Once again let me remind you that I know you had me checked out. That would have been the easiest way to get rid of me, but since I live above the fray you are grasping at straws on how to get rid of me. Well good luck because I earned every job I had including the one I was just promoted to tonight. Let me remind you that I didn't sleep with the boss. I have never reported to Fitz. Big Jerry was the one who asked me to temporarily oversee the international side of things until a permanent head was named, and Fitz wasn't involved with that either. You are just like a child. You want Fitz because someone else has him. You want to get credit for something you never did. Fitz was and has never been a project. He is nothing to you, and I know people like you most of this is going through one ear and out the other. That is fine just listen to this part. Make sure that when you make your shot you make it count, because when we counter we are going to destroy you. Now leave bitch…"
Mellie practically ran from the room.
Big Jerry smiled, "Yep, I knew there was a reason that I liked you the moment we were introduced."
Olivia smiled
Fitz pulled her into his arms.
Big Jerry looked at them, "I'm about to leave, but before I go I wanted to talk to the both of you. Fitz, I meant every word that I said earlier. I know that I was a lousy dad. I am sorry for all the pain that I have caused you, but I am proud of the man that you have become. I look forward to seeing not only what you will do to make the company better, but also your life. I see and understand how important Olivia is to you. Although I know it won't happen I just want to say don't be like me. Olivia, I want you to know that you earned this job. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Big Jerry didn't give them a chance to say anything before leaving.
The couple looked at each other. They made their final rounds before heading out.
On the way home the couple made out like teenagers. Fitz was impressed that Olivia didn't question him. He knew he asked her to give them tonight and tomorrow, but he expected her to grill him a little. He was pleasantly surprised that she listened to him, and he planned to reward her.
They barely made it through the door of their home when they were on each other. They had made it to their bedroom. Fitz made sure to help her out of her gown. As much as he wanted her he knew the dress cost a pretty penny.
They spent the rest of the night and the next day celebrating the new milestones in their life. To his amazement Olivia never brought her promotion up.
They headed to Nana's house for dinner. It was nice to have dinner with Charlie again. He was able to catch them up on his sister progress. Fitz let him know that he had paid for the nurse to help him out, and when he returns there will be an aide who will continue to help his sister.
Olivia watched Charlie's face light up. She could see the relief on his face. She was nervous about what the future held for them, but as she looked at her man once again take care of the people he cared about she had to believe that things would work out. Surely God wouldn't connect her with her soul mate and give her a job that she not only qualified for but had earned to have it taken away because of distance.
Later, over coffee and dessert Fitz shared that he knew that his dad was going to the board to request Olivia be promoted. He explained that he could have made the same request, but he wanted to minimize the talk.
When asked if he was concerned about them having a long-distance relationship he didn't blink when he said he knew that wouldn't be a problem for them.
When she heard how confident Fitz was in them she decided to cast her fears aside. She wanted a life with Fitz, and he made it clear that he wanted the same. Now she had to have faith in them.
As she was leaving the house her grandmother pulled her aside. She saw the concern on her granddaughter's face.
Before Velma could say anything, she grabbed her grandmother's hand, "Nana, he is it for me. I wasn't expecting the promotion, but I know that I have earned and deserve it. I have also earned Fitz, and yes, I am scared, but Fitz isn't. Right now, that is going to have to be enough. I trust him, because if he had a plan to get me I know there is more."
"I agree with you, but I just needed to check in with you."
Olivia nodded, "I appreciate it. I love you."
"Love you more…"
Monday was full steam ahead for the couple. They had agreed that they wouldn't hide their relationship, but they would remain professional when appropriate.
Lauren had arranged a breakfast in their honor which they both appreciated.
Olivia headed to her office. She had not been assigned an executive assistant yet. Lauren was pulling double duty for both.
Fitz called her and asked her if she could join him for a working lunch which she agreed to.
Lauren smiled at her when she made it to his floor and told her to head on in.
Fitz smiled when she walked through the door, "How does it feel to be an official CEO?"
Olivia smiled, "It honestly feels great. I have been answering calls and responding to emails most of the morning. How about you? Do you feel different now that you are in charge?"
"A little. I just don't want to let my family down. They put a lot of work into the company."
"You won't let them down. Nana says nerves are good. If you aren't nervous then that means you don't care about the outcome."
Fitz agreed.
"The reason that I asked you up here is to discuss your team."
Olivia looked at him.
"One of the main reasons that I wanted to restructure the company is that I felt that we were not taking care of the international companies properly. Part of the reason I think is because most of them are not corporations. An oversight on our end that we corrected. Until now there has never been any real chain of command, and I want to establish that. I never want anyone to feel that because they are small they don't matter to us."
"I agree with you."
"Good, that is why we are going to restructure the executives. You get to choose who reports to your directly. This is the time to create your team Liv. We have some open positions so don't feel obligated to select current executives. We have enough to go around I believe. I also decided not to ask Lauren to assign you an assistant. I know how important Lauren is to me, and I selected her. You should have the same."
Olivia listened to everything Fitz said. She knew it was time to put on her big girl panties on and be the boss that people expected her to be.
She looked out the door and noticed Lauren at her desk. She asked Fitz to call Lauren in.
When Lauren made it inside the office Olivia asked, "Lauren, the other week when we were talking during lunch about our families you mentioned that your sister Charlotte had recently lost her job."
"Yes, she was an executive assistant like me, but the company decided to downsize and send most of their jobs overseas."
"Is she still looking for a job?"
"Yes, she is doing temp work to make ends meet."
"Is she any good?"
"She is better than me. Her boss was an associate of Fitz, and to make a long story short she vouched for me."
Fitz nodded to let her know Lauren was telling the truth.
"Obviously, I'll be leaving soon to head to Greece where the headquarters are for the international branch. Do you think that she is willing to relocate and travel?"
Lauren grinned, "She would love to travel. She is single with no children, so she is flexible."
"Good, now you can repay the favor and tell your sister you got her a job. If she wants it schedule a meeting tomorrow morning. I need to fly out this weekend, and I would like her to come."
Lauren had tears in her eyes, "Are you serious?"
"Absolutely, as much as I know Fitz loves me he won't me have you. I think having your sister would be perfect. You both know each other so you can easily keep us straight, and it sounds like the only thing she will have to get familiar with is the company."
Lauren nodded, "Can I hug you or is that unprofessional?"
"Not in my book…
The two women shared an embrace before Lauren ran out the room to call her sister. As Lauren suspected her sister wanted the job. She had already heard a lot about Olivia from Lauren. This was not a job she was going to pass up on.
Fitz smiled, "I like it boss. Good move…"
"Thank you…"
"Who do you want second in command?"
"Abby…"
Fitz laughed
Olivia was confused. Did he think that was a stupid decision?
"Before you hurt your head thinking the wrong thing; no, I am not laughing at your decision to choose Abby I am laughing at the fact that I know you so well. I asked Abby to come here this afternoon. She doesn't know why, but my gut said you would want her. If she takes the position the two of you can choose her replacement, but you always trained your management staff to be a General Manager one day, so my guess is that the Service Manager would get the job."
Olivia leaned over and kissed him, "I love you…"
"Love you more…"
They spent the rest of their lunch restructuring the executives. It was a productive lunch, and Olivia felt more comfortable in her role especially after Abby accepted the promotion.
It had been a busy but productive week for Fitz and Olivia. Olivia had done several meetings via teleconference. Her heart was into the job, but she was still concerned where that left her relationship. She wanted to marry and have a family with Fitz. How was that going to happen?
Olivia was home packing. She had taken a half-day. Fitz insisted she head to the spa with her grandmother. He knew when she got to Greece she would be working non-stop. She deserved a moment. She was glad that he had talked her into it. She felt refreshed and she enjoyed spending time with her grandmother.
She was so lost in thought that she never heard Fitz come in. He walked over and wrapped his arms around her.
"A penny for your thoughts…"
"It's nothing…"
"Do you trust me?"
She turned and looked at him, "Of course I do."
"Good, then stop worry about us. You becoming the CEO does not mean that you must choose. I assure you that you will have it all."
She could no longer hold it in and the tears fell. He felt her as she kept saying, "You promise?"
When she calmed down she looked Fitz in the eyes. He smiled at her "You got one title that you worked so hard for, but you still have two more that I am determined to give you."
Olivia played coy, "Oh and what are those titles?"
"Wife and mother. And yes, sooner rather than later."
"I want those titles Fitz. More than I want the title of CEO. I love my career, and I have worked my ass off, and earned everything that I have gotten. It still pales in comparison to what we have, and I can't lose that. I can't lose you."
"You can't lose me. I am right here. We are fine. Right now, you are about to give the world a little more "Black Girl Magic", and I am going to be your biggest cheerleader. Livvie, I promise you that if you trust me and the process you will see that your future is fine."
She relaxed in his arms, "Okay…"
"Now, I came home to cater to you. We can do anything you like."
"I really want to have a lot of dirty, hot sex, but what I really want is to take a nice long bath together, cook dinner, and cuddle and watch a movie."
Fitz leaned down and kissed her, "I say we do all those things, and in between we fit in the dirty, hot sex."
Olivia threw her head back and laughed, "I knew there was a reason I loved you."
Fitz pulled her towards the bathroom. When they got to the door he stopped and turned, "I love you too…"
Olivia ended up sleeping most of their flight due to Fitz giving her everything she asked for and more.
Olivia loved flying private It was always non-stop, and she avoided the crowds.
When they arrived in Greece there was a car waiting for them. Fitz had informed her that he arranged where she would be staying. Olivia didn't question him. It was one less thing on her plate. He had informed her that it was more than enough room for Abby which sealed the deal for her.
A short time after leaving the airport they pulled up to a stunning beachfront villa. A woman walked outside and met them.
The women made their introductions.
Maria walked them through the villa. Olivia learned that it was six bedrooms. The villa a short walk to the beach. The villa was set up around two courtyards with two wings. One wing had the en-suite master bedroom with his-and her bathrooms and walk-in closets. There was also an expansive veranda for them to enjoy. Further down were three more bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and a study. The other wing of the villa had a sperate guest house that was two bedroom and two bathrooms, living room, fireplace, bar, kitchen with breakfast area, formal dining room, and a wardrobe room. There was an elevator in this part of the wing.
Between the wings was a foyer that provided a breath-taking view of the sea. If the inside wasn't enough then she headed outside where she saw the planted roof, swimming pool, and lounging area.
Olivia was overwhelmed. Abby walked over to her. She looked at her best friend.
"Is everything okay Olivia?"
"Don't you think this villa is a lot for short-term?"
"I admit it is a lot, but I know how much Fitz loves you, and I know when it comes to those he loves money is no object."
"I agree…"
They turned around and found the realtor Maria.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude, but you are right this is a lot of house for a short term stay. That is why this is not a short-term property."
Olivia looked at her confused
"I have worked with Fitz for several years since he gained access to all of his inheritance. He wanted some investment properties, and some for himself. We met through my father. You know him. He is the one that owns the bistros with my brother."
Olivia smiled, "I do."
"Well, the restaurant industry is not my thing. I help them out, and one day Fitz came in. I was studying to get my license. We talked. I explained that I thought my father and brothers had a good thing, but I didn't think it was the right location. By the end of the visit Fitz stepped in. He invested in the business and allowed my family to move to the original location and over time I have helped them to expand. He invested his own money in me to get my business off the ground. Once people heard I helped him the clients flocked in."
Olivia was floored. When they visited the bistro Fitz never said a word. Maria had made the right call. Every location was perfect.
"I am glad to hear that story. You have a wonderful eye for property. If this is not a short-term rental, then who owns it."
"You do with Fitz once you sign the papers.
"What?"
"Fitz purchased this property after his dad informed him that the board approved your promotion. He called me and told me about you. My brothers and dad love you. He said to find something you would love. I thought of this property. It is simple but beautiful and sophisticated. The property reminds me of you."
Olivia smiled, "Well thank you. It feels like I have chosen the house myself."
"You kind of did. Do you recall having a conversation with Fitz about your dream home?"
Olivia thought for a moment. Then the light bulb went off.
"It was early on in our relationship when I moved in. He insisted I make changes so that it would be our home, and then one night over dinner he asked me about my dream home."
Olivia couldn't stop the tears from falling. Abby went over and hugged her friend. "You better not hesitate when that man pops the question."
Olivia burst out laughing, "Oh, I won't…"
After signing the papers and thanking Maria again for everything Olivia explored the house again. It carried a different meaning now that she knew the house was hers.
They spent the rest of the weekend getting ready to head into the office.
When they headed into the office Monday morning she expected to go to the office she had been using. It was spacious, but she learned that was now Abby's office.
Olivia & Charlotte were escorted to the floor above them. Olivia was floored. She learned that this entire floor was hers.
When Olivia walked into her office she noticed that not only was it spacious, but it was functional. If she became a mom there was more than enough room to have her child there. There was a private area set up in the corner where she could breastfeed.
She smiled. She still didn't know how everything was going to work out, but clearly Fitz was a man of his word. He was making sure that down the road she didn't have to choose.
While Olivia was admiring her new digs, Charlotte was proving she was worth the chance Olivia took on her. The only items in her office were her desk and chair. Fitz had those ordered because he knew she would like them. They were also his gift to her.
Charlotte sat down books for Olivia to choose what else she wanted. Fitz had sent an email stating she could bring someone in to put it together, but Charlotte informed Olivia she could handle it. She then sat down Olivia's schedule. She let her know in the future she would email it to her once they were set up.
She noticed she had a teleconference with Fitz in a couple of hours. They had briefly spoke, and she knew he was traveling today. He didn't mention it.
Olivia didn't have long to think about it. Her day was jam packed. She had decided to keep most of the executives who worked on the international side, but there were changes. Most of them were looking to move back to the United States, and Olivia filled the positions.
It was productive. They decided on a working lunch as Olivia continued to lay out her visions and goals. She welcomed input which she could tell they appreciated. She finished right before it was time for the teleconference.
She thought it was a one-on-one, but Charlotte let her know that everyone received the invite.
Fitz came on the screen a short time later. She smiled at how handsome her man was.
Fitz began, "I just wanted to take the time thank everyone for their hard work and dedication. Not just since Olivia & I took over but beforehand. I think I can speak for both us when I say we appreciate everything that you do. When someone takes over the first concern is always is my job safe? I hope that we have answered that question. The next question is what is going to happen now, and that is the point of this meeting."
Murmurs were heard around both rooms. Olivia said nothing but was curious where this was going.
Fitz continued, "From the time this corporation was started each Grant that has run the company has done something to take it to the next level. As the saying goes much is expected and much is required. Fortunately for me I have a brilliant co-CEO who is way smarter than me (Everyone laughs).
Olivia was confused. What was he talking about? What did he mean co-CEO?
"When we were on the road together during the restructuring Olivia commented after speaking with several restaurants how they would work internationally or domestically. I just got finished meeting with the board who approved the merger. Unlike last time the international companies will not be left to fend for themselves with Olivia & I as Co-CEOs. We have already spoke with some owners and corporations who are interested in crossing over. We will continue to explore and make transitions over the next two years as Olivia has outlined in her plan that we will get out to everyone. We will be keeping both headquarters. It is no secret that Olivia & I are in a relationship, and she will one day be my wife. We value one another and will find time for each other, but we will not do it at the expense of the company. We will split time. We will be where ever we are needed in addition to traveling, because we want to be seen. Now you see why it was important to us to have the right people in place. I will be returning to the states in a couple of days where will I remain for a month before I head to Greece to assist Olivia with the first phase of her roll out plan. We will continue to teleconference every Monday even if we have no important matters to discuss just so we can stay in touch. If we work together then we can make our vision come true. Any questions?"
There weren't many questions. Most of them were related to the companies that were going to operate in the United States and Europe. Before the promotion Fitz & Olivia had shown that they trusted those under them, and if they were needed they were there. Both had been operating as CEOs before the retirement party. It just made it official. The few new executives they brought on were people they had prior relationships with who knew them.
Olivia fielded the questions with Fitz like she was aware of everything that just happened. Only Abby and Charlotte knew otherwise.
When the meeting adjourned Olivia was glad that everyone quickly piled out. Charlotte walked out to leave the two friends alone.
Abby grabbed her hand, "You okay?"
"I think so. I'm just in shock."
"I can understand. I can't tell you how to feel. I'm going to my office. I am sure you need some time alone when you get to yours."
Olivia rushed back to her office. She had barely sat down when the phone rang. She knew who it was.
"Hi…"
She heard him let go of his breath, "Hi…"
He then asked, "On a scale of 1-10 how mad are you right now?"
Olivia sat back in her chair and thought for a moment, "I am not so much mad, but just confused. When did you come up with this plan?"
"The moment my dad asked you temporally oversee the division."
Olivia was quiet.
"Olivia, I meant what I said when I told you that I wanted a life with you. I also knew that I wanted you to be happy. You had worked too hard to report to me. I didn't asked dad to give you the temporary position, but I did go to him asking him to go to the board to make it permanent. Although the board makes the final call I knew it would look better coming from dad. His final decisions at the company, and it worked out. I knew Mellie was on the board, so I made sure we followed the rules. Everything I said in the meeting was true. This was your plan and your vision. Some things we talked about, and some things I read on your laptop. I knew that it would take the company to the next level, and we could both work without having to work about worry about distance. We will continue to travel like normal, and down the road when we start a family we will adjust again. There is no doubt in my mind that Mellie is going to try something one more time now that she knows she can't make take your promotion away. I needed us to be solid. I needed to show my dad and the world that I was ready for the job, but more importantly I needed you to see how much I love you, care for you, need you, can't live without you Livvie."
"I feel the same way about you. Thank you for loving me enough to do this. I wish I could be in your arms right now."
"You can…"
"How? Aren't you traveling?"
"I am. I did. I am in our home. I did the meeting from our study."
Olivia gasped
Fitz whispered, "Come home…"
"On my way…"
