Olivia left Fitz's house at the first sign of dawn. He was still sleeping soundly when she crept out of bed. She needed to get to the office as early as possible. It was the day of the press conference and she was a nervous wreck.
Olivia sat at her desk going over her notes for the press conference when there was a knock at her office door. She looked up surprised to see Jake standing in the doorway.
"Jake, it's really early. What are you doing here?" she asked.
Jake strode into her office. "I know that you get to the office pretty early and I wanted to catch you before everybody got in and you got really busy."
"Okay," Olivia said a curious look on her face.
Jake sat down in one of the chairs in front of her desk. "So the press conference is today," he said.
"Yes, it is," Olivia replied still wondering what he was doing at the office so early and even more why he was in her office.
"You all set? Everything's in place to launch the enhanced reactor?"
Olivia nodded. "Yep, we're all set."
"What about the thermonuclear harness?" Jake asked leaning forward a smug look on his face.
Olivia stirred uneasily in her chair. How the hell did Jake know about the harness? Her stomach knotted as panic set in.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Olivia stammered.
"Oh come on, Olivia. I know everything. I heard you and Abby talking the other day." Jake said.
Olivia's face scrunched in disbelief. "You listened outside the door! You eavesdropped on our conversation!" Olivia accused.
"I'm sorry," Jake said not really looking as if he was.
Olivia stood. Her body was tense with worry and her face was tight with anger. She could not believe Jake would do that. She had to go on the defense – find out exactly what he knew and if he told anyone.
"So what exactly did you hear?" she asked.
"Just that you guys invented a device to harness thermonuclear power and you plan to announce it to the world at the press conference."
"Did you tell anyone about this?"
"No."
Olivia sighed in relief. "Well you're half right. We did build a device to harness thermonuclear power but we're not announcing it today." Olivia lied.
Jake shook his head at her in disbelief. "Really?"
"Yes, really. We decided against it." Olivia said.
"Is that right?" Jake said then grabbed the notepad off Olivia's desk. It had her notes for the press conference. "It looks to me like you're about to announce to the world the first ever thermonuclear harness and leverage it with the enhanced reactor."
Olivia snatched the notepad from Jake. "Fine. We're presenting the harness at the press conference today. So there you have it. We're going behind Fitz's back and launching the harness even thought I know he wants to wait. So what are you going to do? Are you going to tell Fitz? Cancel the press conference?"
Jake chuckled and shook his head. "Liv, you discovered how to harness thermonuclear power. Why would I want to stop you from telling the world about it? This is a huge invention. It's going to take this company to places we never dreamed. I totally support you and what you're going to do today."
Olivia was shocked and relieved at how great Jake was being about this. "Wow! Jake, thank you."
"You're welcome," Jake said. "But…I do have one question."
"What?"
"Why all the secrecy?"
"Well it's a huge discovery and we couldn't risk anyone finding out about it…"
"Not the harness," Jake interrupted. "Why all the secrecy around the launch? Why doesn't Fitz know about this?"
"He wanted to wait to launch the harness. He thinks it makes sense financially to launch the enhanced reactor first then the harness."
"He has a point but the plan that you and Abby came up with works too. Why don't you just tell him about your plan?"
"It's complicated." Olivia said. "He and I talked about it several times and he was dead set on launching the enhanced reactor first. In the end I agreed with him. I just…I didn't want to have that discussion again. It got really heated the last time."
"Well are you prepared for his reaction when he comes to the press conference and you sideline him and announce the harness?"
Olivia bristled at the thought. She was terrified of what his reaction would be. She knew that he would be furious and feel totally betrayed and it killed her to know that she would cause him to feel that way but she had to go through with it. Her grandfather would be at the press conference and she couldn't handle one more look of disappointment from him.
Olivia pulled up to her full height. "I'll be fine," she said sounding more confident than she felt.
"Well you have my support," Jake said smiling warmly at her.
"Thank you, Jake. That really means a lot."
"Well I'm going to head out," Jake said moving towards the door.
"Okay. Jake," Olivia called out.
"Yes," Jake said turning to face her.
"Please don't tell anyone about the harness or my plans for the press conference."
"Don't worry. My lips are seal," Jake said pressing his lips together. "See you at the press conference.
"There you are," Abby exclaimed bursting through the door to the office in the back of the lab. "I've been looking all over for you."
"Well you found me," Olivia said.
After her talk with Jake, Olivia had gone down to the lab to hide out in the back office. She needed to think and she didn't want to see anybody while she did it. Her conversation with Jake played over and over in her head - especially the part about her being ready for Fitz's reaction when he found out at the press conference that she was moving forward with launching the harness. The truth of the matter was that she wasn't ready. She knew that she would lose him as soon as the word harness escaped her lips and she wasn't ready to lose him. So here she was hiding out in the back office of the lab trying to decide what to do.
"Olivia, the press conference is in half an hour. Harrison's all set up in the media room. He just needs you to come down so he can make sure the lighting is right for you. We can't have you looking dull and lackluster when you make the big announcement," Abby said and moved towards the door.
Olivia didn't follow. She just stood there her hands clasped tightly in front her of her.
"Liv!" Abby shouted and annoyed expression on her face. "What are you doing? We have to go."
"Abby…"
"Liv? What's going on?" Abby asked her face going from annoyed to concerned.
"I just…Are we sure we're doing the right thing?" Olivia asked.
Abby sighed loud and heavy. "You've got to be kidding me. The press conference is right around the corner, Liv. You cannot be having second thoughts – not now."
Olivia fidgeted nervously and began to pace. "Abby, I have to tell you something."
"What?"
"Promise you won't judge?"
Abby gave her an exaggerated eye roll and let out a heavy sigh. "You know I can't promise you that. Judging is in my DNA but I will try. Now what's going on?"
Olivia took a deep breath then slowly exhaled. "Fitz…I mean Grant and I are involved."
"Involved?"
"Yes, he and I…we…we're…we've been…"
"Humping like animals," Abby said with a smirk.
"Abby," Olivia said her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
"What? It's true and beside that's not news, Liv."
"What do you mean it's not news?"
"Liv, anytime you two are in a room together it's like watching a star burst into flames. There's so much heat and tension. And the way he looks at you…he's completely sprung."
"Abby," Olivia said becoming more embarrassed by the minute.
"It's true. And you…the way you look at him when you think no one's watching. I've never seen you look at anyone the way you look at him, Liv."
Abby's words sent Olivia's nerves into a tailspin. Were her feelings for Fitz that obvious? Who else knew? Olivia's stomach twisted into knots and she started pacing.
Abby walked over and placed her hands on Olivia's shoulders effectively stopping her pacing fit. "Liv, it's going to be okay," Abby said.
Worry and doubt clouded Olivia's features. "I don't know, Abby. Fitz and I have been keeping this thing between us low key and you figured it out. God knows who else knows about us."
"I doubt anyone else knows. Besides you know me. I'm super nosy and I pay attention to everything. Besides I know you, Liv. You've been different lately."
"Different? How?"
"Yes, different but in a good way. I may not like Grant all that much but he seems to make you happy which is good enough for me," Abby said with a smile.
"Thanks, Abby."
"You're welcome. So are we good now? Can we go get your lighting straight?"
"Not quite," Olivia said.
"What else could there possibly be?" Abby asked sounding completely exasperated.
"I don't think I can go through with this press conference without talking to Fitz first. He and I agreed that we would wait to launch the harness and I can't go behind his back. Abby, you were right. He makes me happy. Abby, I love him. I can't betray his trust."
Abby stared at her friend who looked desperate and scared. Two things she rarely ever saw in Olivia. "So what do you want to do?" Abby glanced at her watch. "We now have twenty minutes until the press conference. Do you want to cancel it?"
"I don't want to cancel it but I have to tell Fitz about our plan before the press conference."
"Well you've got nineteen minutes so get a move on. I'll be waiting for you in the media room with Harrison."
A huge smile spread across Olivia's face. "Thanks, Abby."
"Yeah! Yeah! Just go and quickly. The clock is ticking."
Olivia hurried out of the lab to go see Fitz.
Meanwhile…
"Knock, Knock," Jake said leaning into the doorway to Fitz's office.
Fitz looked up from his laptop. He offered no welcoming smile upon seeing Jake at his door. His voice was flat when he said, "Jake, what can I do for you?"
Jake strolled into Fitz's office. There was an heir of superiority about him and he wore a smug look on his face. "I don't need anything. I just wanted to stop by and check in with you before the press conference."
"Check in. Why? Is anything wrong?" Fitz said.
"No, I'm just excited for the announcement," Jake said.
"Yeah, me too," Fitz said eyeing Jake. Fitz was getting a strange vibe from the man. "What's up, Jake?" Fitz asked.
"We've worked together for a long time and we've known each other even longer," Jake said.
"Okay," Fitz responded having no idea where he was going with this.
"Because of our long history I feel like it's my duty to let you know what's about to happen."
Confusion furrowed Fitz's brow. "What are you talking about?"
"Olivia's planning to introduce the thermonuclear harness to the world at the press conference today."
"What?" Fitz exclaimed.
Jake's smug smile stretched wide across his face. "Yeah, she talked to me about it earlier this morning. Her and Abby came up with a great strategy too. They're going to launch the harness and the enhanced reactor and offer them as a combo pack at a higher price. Olivia asked for my advice on the plan and I told her that it was great and she should go for it. It's a huge breakthrough and it's going to make this company a lot of money."
Fitz said nothing he was too much in shock to speak.
"I thought you should know," Jake added.
"Thank you," Fitz mumbled.
"Well…I'm going to go. I have a few calls to make before the press conference. See you down there," Jake said then strolled out of Fitz's office.
Fitz was still standing in the same place he was when Jake left. He had no idea how much time had passed. He was still trying to reconcile what Jake had said. Had Olivia really gone behind his back to launch the harness? This had to be a mistake. She wouldn't do that to him. They had already discussed how they would launch the harness and she agreed to wait. Why would she go behind his back and launch it anyway?
"Fitz," came Olivia's soft voice from the doorway.
Fitz looked at Olivia. His heart pounded at the sight of her. He was so confused and he had so many questions to ask her but his voice couldn't find the words to speak. So he just stood there staring at her.
"Can I come in?" she asked.
Fitz nodded.
Olivia walked in and closed the door behind her. She came and stood in front of him. "The press conference is starting soon but I need to talk to you first," she said. There was a nervous edge to her voice and she was fidgety.
Fitz did nothing to calm her nerves. He needed to put some distance between them so he walked over and leaned against his desk. He folded his arms across his chest and waited for her to continue speaking.
Olivia swallowed hard as she looked at Fitz. Something seemed off with him. He normally greeted her with a warm, sexy smile but right now he stood before her rigid and unsmiling.
"Is everything alright, Fitz?" Olivia asked.
"Sure," Fitz said finally finding his voice. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
Olivia swallowed hard. Panic knotted her insides at what she was about to say. She had no idea how Fitz would take the news but she knew she had to tell him.
Olivia took a deep breath. "I need to tell you something and I don't really know how else to do it other than to just say it," Olivia paused waiting for Fitz to react but he just stood there looking at her so she continued. "I'm announcing the invention of the thermonuclear harness at the press conference. Before you say anything I know we said that we'd wait but…"
"Excuse me," Fitz's secretary poked her head in the door interrupting. "The press conference is about to start and they need you in the media room Ms. Pope."
"Okay, thank you," Olivia said. She turned back to Fitz. "I have to go but we need to talk about this. I know I just dropped a bomb on you and I'm sorry. I should have told you before now. I know you were worried about the financial impact but don't be. We came up with a great plan that will yield us far more than if we would have launched the enhanced reactor first."
Fitz's secretary opened the door again, "Ms. Pope, they really need you down there."
"Okay," Olivia said and moved towards the door. She looked back at Fitz. "I know I owe you more of an explanation and I want to tell you everything. I will tell you everything. Can we talk after the press conference?"
Fitz simply nodded. He was too shocked and upset to say anything.
"Thank you," Olivia said. She walked over and cradled Fitz's face in her hands. "I'm sorry to just spring this on you." Olivia stared deeply into Fitz's eyes. "I love you," she said then kissed him softly on the lips.
Fitz stared down into Olivia's face. Her eyes were soft, searching, and unsure. His heart ached looking at her. He loved her. He did and that's why this hurt so much. She betrayed his trust and went to Jake, of all people, with her plan. He didn't understand why she would do that. There was no logical explanation for it. In his mind there was nothing that she could possibly say that would fix this. Her lack of trust and respect for him broke his heart.
"You should get going," Fitz mumbled.
"Okay," Olivia said and awkwardly stepped back. "We'll talk after," she said then turned and left.
"Olivia!" Abby exclaimed as soon as Olivia entered the media room. "We have like two minutes before this thing starts. The press is already seated and waiting."
Olivia looked around the room. Reporters and cameramen were everywhere. Harrison stood at the front of the room near the podium. He motioned her and Abby over.
"We have to hurry and get you mic'd. We didn't get to test your lighting but I'm sure it'll be fine," Harrison said as he hooked a mic to Olivia's suit jacket. "I'll do the welcome then announce you. You'll step up to the podium and do your thing, okay?"
Olivia nodded.
Harrison made his way to the podium and did his introduction.
Olivia stood off to the side barely listening to what Harrison was saying. She was searching the crowd for Fitz but didn't see him. She did, however, see her grandfather. He was standing in the back of the room near the door. Olivia's nerves kicked into high gear. She barely heard Harrison announce her name prompting her to step up to the podium.
The press conference was a blur for Olivia. She made the announcement and answered a bunch of questions then it was over.
"You were great," Abby said grabbing Olivia's hand.
"Yeah, Liv you were awesome," Huck added.
"Really good," Harrison said.
"Thanks," Olivia said.
"Excuse me," Rowan said approaching the group. "I'd like a moment with my granddaughter."
Harrison, Abby, and Huck nodded and left Olivia alone with her grandfather.
"Hello, Olivia," Rowan said.
"Hello, Grandfather," Olivia said her heart pounding. A ball of nervous tension swirled in the pit of her stomach.
"I've never been one to mince words so I'll just say it."
"Okay," Olivia whispered.
"I'm very proud of you. That's something I've been waiting a long time to say to you, Olivia."
Olivia stared at her grandfather in shock. She had waited her whole life to hear him say those words. She had imagined it a million times and to finally hear them…she was overwhelmed with so many emotions. She couldn't find the words to respond to what her grandfather said.
"I know I'm tough on you, Olivia. But only because I know your potential. I know how great you can be. And you just proved it. I expect many more great things from you, child. You're not to stop here. Do you understand?"
Still unable to formulate words – Olivia nodded. She stared at her grandfather in new light. After all this time she finally understood why her grandfather rode her so hard. His words had often been harsh and she would never excuse that but now she understood where he was coming from.
"Olivia?"
"Uh…yes. I understand." Olivia said.
"Good," Rowan said then turned to leave.
"Grandfather," Olivia called out.
Rowan turned to face her.
"Thank you," Olivia said.
Rowan nodded in acknowledgment then turned and left.
Olivia felt as if a gigantic weight had been lifted. Not only had the press conference gone well but she had finally made some headway with her grandfather. There was only one thing left that needed to be sorted out. She needed to talk to Fitz. She didn't feel right about the way their last conversation went. She did all the talking. He hadn't said one word. And she hadn't seen him during the press conference. She looked for him while she was at the podium but didn't see him. Her eyes searched the room for him now but she didn't see him.
Olivia walked over to Abby. "Have you seen Fitz?" Olivia asked.
"I haven't seen him. In fact I don't think I saw him at the press conference at all," Abby said.
"Thanks," Olivia said a sense of dread washing over her.
"Oh hey, Harrison, Huck and I are meeting at Josephine's later to celebrate."
"Okay. I'll meet you guys there," Olivia said then headed for the door. She went straight to the 18th floor and to Fitz's office. She was surprised to see the door closed and the light off. She tried the knob anyway only to find it locked.
"Mr. Grant left for the day," his secretary called out behind Olivia.
"Oh…okay. Thank you," Olivia said.
Olivia sat at her desk staring off into space. After learning that Fitz had left for the day she had went to her office to try and get some work done which was a bust. Her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Fitz. Why had he left without talking to her? And why wasn't he at the press conference? Fitz knew how important this day was for the company. She couldn't believe that he didn't show up.
Olivia got up from her desk and grabbed her things. She needed to talk to Fitz.
Fitz sat on his couch listening to Coltrane and nursing a Glenmorangie 18 Year Old scotch. It was one of his favorites the way the flavors of vanilla, nuts, and figs melded together. It was one of the best single malt scotch whiskies he'd ever tasted but right now he couldn't seem to enjoy it. His thoughts were on Olivia.
Fitz had been frozen in a state of emotional shock all day. He couldn't even bring himself to go to the press conference. He could not believe that the woman that he loved – the woman who only yesterday confessed her love for him had betrayed his trust. He was devastated. And that bastard Jake Ballard rubbing it in his face was the worst part.
Fitz lay back on the couch and closed his eyes. He tried to rid his mind of all thoughts. He didn't have time to do so because his doorbell rang the very second his eyes closed. Fitz tried to ignore the piercing dinging of the doorbell but it seemed that whoever it was refused to go away. Begrudgingly he got off the couch and went to the door. Fitz didn't bother looking through the peephole. He snatched open the door and his body tensed at seeing Olivia standing on the other side.
"Hi," Olivia said her doe eyes full of apprehension as she looked up at him.
"Olivia," Fitz said his tone cool and unwelcoming.
Olivia swallowed hard. Clearly he was not happy with her but she needed to speak with him. She needed to explain her actions. "Can I come in?" she asked.
Fitz let out harsh laugh. "Oh you're asking me? You mean I get a say in what you do?"
"Fitz…"
"Come in…don't come in. You're going to do what you want anyway," Fitz said and walked away from the door and towards the living room.
Olivia sighed as she stepped through the door. This was not going to be easy. She followed Fitz into the living room.
"Fitz, we need to talk," she said.
Fitz grabbed a bottle of liquor that was sitting on the coffee table. He held it out towards Olivia. "You wanna drink? I've been drinking all day," he said and filled a glass with the brown liquid.
"No, I don't want a drink."
"Well I'm going to have one or a few," Fitz said and downed the entire glass of liquor.
"Why weren't you at the press conference?" Olivia asked.
"Why did you lie to me?" Fitz countered.
"I didn't lie to you."
"Well you didn't exactly tell me the truth. Did you?"
"I did tell you the truth – just not right away. Fitz, I'm sorry that I didn't tell you sooner about my decision to launch the harness. It's just that everything happened so fast and I didn't think that you would go for it so I went behind your back and I'm sorry. I was wrong."
"Is that it?" Fitz asked his voice full of indifference.
"Fitz…" Olivia breathed out in a suffocated whisper.
"What? What did you expect, Olivia? You lay in my bed – in my arms just last night and you told me that you loved me when all the while you knew that you were going to go behind my back and launch the harness."
"I know and I'm…"
"No," Fitz interrupted. "You don't get to keep saying you're sorry and think that will make everything okay. Olivia, you're a liar and you obviously don't respect me."
"Fitz I respect you."
"You don't. Who else knew about your plan?"
"Just my team – Harrison, Abby and Huck."
"Is that it?" Fitz asking wondering if she was going to tell him about Jake.
"And…Jake," Olivia said her voice cracking.
"Well there you go," Fitz said shaking his head. "Even Jake Ballard knew before I did."
"Fitz please," Olivia pleaded. "If you just let me explain why I did what I did."
"I don't care why you did it, Olivia."
"Fitz, I'm sorry. You have to forgive me. Please…I love you."
Fitz's heart was breaking into a million pieces as he looked at Olivia standing before him looking sad and desperate. Everything in him wanted to forgive her but he was just so tired of everyone in his life treating him with such disrespect. Olivia was the last person he thought would treat him that way. Did everyone in his life have so little respect for him? He'd dealt with his father's disrespect his entire life and he'd shared that fact with Olivia so for her to treat him with such disregard killed him.
"If this is how you treat people you love I'd hate to see how you treat people you hate," Fitz said.
"Fitz, I do love you."
Fitz locked eyes with Olivia. "You don't love me. And given how you grew up…I'm not sure you know what love is."
Olivia felt the sting of his words like a thousand knifes piercing her heart. She didn't know what love was – not until she met Fitz. But she knew it now and it seemed that she was about to lose it.
"You should go," Fitz said and turned his back to her.
Olivia stood rooted in place staring at Fitz's back. She wanted to run and throw herself at him and make him forgive her but he stood there rigid, his back to her coldness emanating from his body. Of all the rejection that Olivia faced growing up this was far worse than any of that. She was on the verge of breaking down but refused to do it there with Fitz being so cold to her. So instead she turned and quickly left.
When Fitz heard the loud clicking of the door as it shut he went over to the window and looked out. He watched with a heavy heart as Olivia raced to her car, got in, and drove away.
Hey ya'll! Thanks so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I know things are getting a bit dicey with our favorite couple and Jake continues to stick his nose where it doesn't belong but hopefully things will work out.
Thanks so much for sticking with this story and as always please leave your comments and feedback as I love hearing from you guys. Til next time.
XO