During the next couple of months that followed Fit'z sous chef offer to Olivia she began moving more of her things into his place and it basically changed into their home. There was more than enough space and Fitz seemed eager to make room for her things to gain placement next to his. The ties that held them together were becoming stronger. It was a growing experience for both since neither had lived with anyone since their college days.
Long hours at work made it more evident to both that the time they shared outside of work needed to be cherished and that was what exactly what happened.
Olivia took her sous chef position seriously and picked up a good set of cooking skills while working in the kitchen with Fitz, who had proven to be a very patient instructor. They even made it a point to watch cooking shows at least one night per week so that they could pick up additional cooking tips and learn new recipes for them to try out during the week.
Fitz's new work schedule was becoming settled and he was handling the social and press aspects surprisingly well. The biggest surprise had come during a television interview with Kimberly Mitchell-not about the company but profiling him as an independently wealthy, philanthropic business man. The interview was taking place in the living room of their home and Olivia was sitting off to the side watching with Harrison and Abby while Huck and Quinn were set up in the study working on something else. Fitz was wearing dark blue slacks with a dark blue V-neck sweater and light blue dress shirt underneath it.
KM: Thank you for agreeing to this last minute interview, Mr. Grant, I know your schedule has been very busy as of late. Your home is lovely.
FGIII: Thank you, Kimberly, for agreeing to this schedule change. I didn't want to keep you waiting any longer since you had been patient during this transitional period. Please, call me, Fitz.
KM: Alright, Fitz, let's get started. You're a well known advocate for many charities but your work with the Innocence Project has been particularly interesting, how did you become involved with that organization?
FGIII: Well, the miscarriage of justice has always interested me particularly since innocent people lose themselves to a system that has accountability issues. Human error is one of the main factors but with increasing technology and those fighting to prove the innocence of those convicted of crimes they did not commit, the scales seem to be tipping in our favor and helping right wrongs. It is an ongoing battle but one I gladly give my time to support.
KM: Did your background play a deciding role in shaping the man you've become? Can you pinpoint any particular experiences that have signaled changes in you?
FGIII: I would say that my background carried the most influence on me while I was young but by the time I had become a teenager I had already formed my own ideas about the man I wanted to be and the life I wanted to lead. Sitting in the shadow of Big Jerry was not an easy task but I was not foolish enough to believe I was living a hard life or that everything should be handed to me. Finding my own path was something I was determined to do and after college, joining the Navy and becoming a pilot reinforced my desire to help people-especially those who were not in control of their situations.
KM: How has becoming executive chairman of Grant Industries changed your life?
FGIII: Well, it has become infinitely more interesting. My day to day work life is very flexible and I never quite know what to expect but I like the spontaneity of it. Something I have had to adapt is keeping my work phone near me at all times.
KM: What aspects of your life have been the most affected by this change?
FGIII: Most aspects of my life have been adjusted to this new shift in my professional life. Personal time is very important to me but remaining available for the job is a newly added obstacle I've had to tackle.
KM: Speaking of your personal life, you've been on popular eligible bachelor lists before, is there anything you can share about your relationship status?
FGIII: As a matter of fact, I can share something. I'm happy to say that you should no longer find me on any of those bachelor lists because I am off the market and devoted to a wonderful woman.
KM: Really? I'm sure you're aware there has been some speculation about a couple women in your life. Care to elaborate on the lucky lady? I'm sure viewers will be interested in knowing.
FGIII: I'm more than happy to share if she is. *Fitz looks over to where Olivia is sitting, tilting his head as he raises his eyebrows in invitation*
KM: How can we make that happen? Do we need to get her on the phone?
FGIII: No, she's in the room right now. We've talked about this and now seems just as good a time as any to make the official announcement. I'm in a relationship with Olivia Pope, can she join the interview? She looks ready to strangle me and I think things will go a bit better if I can hold her.
KM: Ms. Pope, please join us. We insist.
FGIII: She said it not me, Livvie. She said "we" not Fitz. Now to elaborate on the question about how work affects my personal life...well, right now there is an overlap since Olivia and her associates have helped ease me into my new role as executive chairman. They came up with the plans, marketing strategies and they've helped me become comfortable with my own voice and kept me in line with what should and should not be done or said so that the company is not damaged. *Fitz stood up and sat down with her, interlacing their fingers as he brought their hands near his lap*
KM: That must be frustrating having to strike a balance between work and your personal life when you are so close. Who deals with it best so far?
FGIII: So far? I would have to say that, Liv, is handling all of this like a champ. We've both have had to make adjustments but she just rolls with the punches. There are days I just want to bang my head against the wall in frustration but she is there and helps get me back on track. She keeps me in line and helps me remain focused. Honestly, I don't know what I would do without her. *Fitz brought their joined hands to his mouth and pressed a kiss to the back of Liv's hand*
OP: Really? I think he seems to be handling the balance better but looking from where I'm sitting now, I'm not quite sure about that. Kimberly, please call me, Olivia.
KM: How much longer will you be working with Fitz and his company,Olivia?
OP: We are actually wrapping up our time with Fitz's campaign but we may consult from time to time for him or on behalf of Grant Industries but it is still to early to discuss our future involvement with the company at this point in time.
KM: How do you feel about that, Fitz?
FGIII: I feel great either way. I love working with Liv and her team. When we're at work it's great but I have to admit that we're even better together outside of business.
KM: Your relationship with your father has been in the spotlight and there was speculation that you would be leaving the company when you did not accept the CEO position from him. How has your relationship with your father been since taking on this new position in the company?
FGIII: Actually, my relationship with Big Jerry has never been better. There was some friction when I turned down the CEO position but when I accepted this new role he was glad to see that the Grant legacy would not end with him so to speak.
KM: That's great for you. It sounds like everything in your life is going well. Anything else to share with the viewers?
FGIII: Just one more thing, Kimberly, I want everyone watching to know that it is never too late to redirect your focus and follow your heart. Don't forget that work isn't everything and be sure to enjoy the people closest to you and let them know what they mean to you.
OP: Fitz, you're beginning to sound like a poet. *Olivia bumps into him lightly with her shoulder*
FGIII: I follow my inspiration. The love I have for you leads and I go along stringing words together. Besides, I was being honest.
OP: I know you were, Fitz. Oh! I apologize. I almost forgot we were still on camera.
FGIII: I can make you forget, Liv. *Fitz whispers into her ear and pulls back from her slightly and winks at Kimberly*
KM: That concludes this interview, perhaps you'll have a follow-up interview with us one day.
FGIII: I think that can be arranged, Kim. There will probably be some big announcements in the future. Thank you again. *Fitz smiled, turning slightly to kiss Olivia on her forehead*
OP: Thank you for allowing me to join the interview. I realize it was probably a bit unorthodox.
KM: No, thank you both! It was wonderful having you join the interview, Mrs. Grant-I mean, Olivia. I'm sorry, it just slipped!
OP: It's quite fine, really. *Olivia elbowed Fitz whose smile had broadened at hearing Kimberly call her Mrs. Grant
Fitz was looking in the mirror adjusting his tie for the thousandth time in the last five minutes as he talked to Olivia who he knew was getting ready behind him.
"Are you sure you want to do this lunch? We don't have to go, I was just humoring his request, I didn't really expect you to agree to it, Livvie."
"Fitzgerald, is that a whine I detect in your voice?" Her tone was teasing and she took a moment to watch him fumble with his tie.
"That was not the sound of whining. I'm a grown man, we do not whine. I was merely complaining," he insisted.
"You don't have to wear a tie, Fitz, it's casual. Why are you acting like this is a big deal?"
"Because this IS a big deal. It's monumental. I never expected to get along with Big Jerry after years of us barely tolerating each other and when he mentioned having lunch with us I thought he was kidding. Imagine my surprise at him continuing to bring up the lunch invitation-it's still hard to come to terms with this change in him. Who knows what his motives are? What if he tries to-"
Olivia strode in front of him, pulling his face down to silence him with a kiss that they instinctively began to deepen. She pulled back slightly, stroking his hair. "Calm down, Fitz, he's just a man who happens to be your father. You've told me about your history but it sounds like he really wants to mend fences and nurture a more positive relationship between the two of you. We'll be there together so if he says or does anything that even hints at foul play we will tackle that problem if it arises."
He rested his forehead against hers, running his hands over the slope of of her shoulders and down to torso until they rested on her waist, pulling her into him.
"You are amazing. I barely even remember how I managed before you came into my life, Liv. I think I'll skip the tie, they make me feel like I'm suffocating anyway," he said as he lifted his shirt collar, loosening his tie before tossing it onto the dresser.
"Flattery will get you everywhere."
"Everywhere, you say? I can think of a few places I'd like to visit..."
"We don't have time for any extended visits right now, Fitz," she reasoned.
"I know. Just...give me a minute. Let's just take sixty seconds for ourselves."
"One minute," she agreed, looking into his cerulean gaze, watching as it darkened slightly.
Fitz felt the world begin to fade into the background as he stared into Olivia's chocolate brown eyes. The weeks following the interview had been busy as OPA prepared to wrap up their assignment with him and Grant Industries. He had gotten used to waking up together, getting ready for the day and being in the same work environment. Ending the work day together and then coming home for dinner and relaxing with her was a routine he did not see himself getting tired of.
He had yet to collect on the food bet he had won but Olivia had gained a victory of her own through a vicious game of Monopoly. She had cornered the best properties from the start and gained her monopolies quickly gouging Fitz for rent. He had ended up selling properties back to the bank just to try and pay her off. The final straw had come when he was near Boardwalk; he was hoping to roll a big number to pass go and collect his money but he rolled a low number and ended up paying out the last of his funds for Boardwalk taxes. Olivia had taken the win graciously without rubbing it in too much, making it easy for Fitz to concede his loss.
With this next week marking the end of their working relationship he had begun planning the Disney vacation trip they had talked about before. She seemed to have forgotten about the vacation but he looked forward to reminding her later on after the lunch was done.
Olivia could not believe how much things had changed for her this year-especially the months since she had met Fitz. Gaps she had not been aware of had been filled and through the time and experiences they shared it seemed their lives were bound permanently. The threads connecting them weren't visible but they were there in small touches that had become second nature, set sleeping habits, inside jokes along with mental and emotional connections that didn't require words. They just got each other. She hoped it would not fade over time.
How they had managed to work through things together still baffled her at times but she had stopped questioning things when it came to them. Individually they each commanded power in their own right but together everything multiplied and their focus narrowed helping them overcome any obstacles that stood in their way.
They were overdue for a break and she thought about the bet she had earned from a well played game of Monopoly. Fitz still had not called in his marker yet and she wasn't sure what she would use hers for yet either. Maybe she would wait for him to collect on his bet and then counter with her own. It seemed like a decent plan but it would probably be counter intuitive. When the time came she would know what to do and what to ask for.
"Come on, let's get going. The sooner we get there the sooner the lunch will be over and then I get you all to myself." Fitz pressed a kiss to her forehead, grabbing her hand as he picked up his jacket and keys.
Big Jerry walked into the restaurant and waited to be led over to the table where Fitz and Olivia sat. When he neared the table he could not help noticing how close they sat next to each other and how caught up in each other they were. It wasn't until he was seated that they pulled their gazes away from each other to acknowledge his presence.
"Big Jerry, lovely to see you this afternoon," said Olivia with a slight inclination of her head.
"Thank you, Olivia. Fitzgerald, thank you as well for agreeing to this lunch."
"No thanks necessary. We weren't avoiding this, we've just been busy. So, was there anything in particular you wanted to discuss?" Fitz asked.
"Nothing work related if that's your concern. I want to get to know the man you've become since our relationship has not been the best. I am also very interested in your relationship with the lovely, Ms. Pope."
"What do you know to know? I'm sure you'll understand why I don't plan on sharing excessive details about my relationship with Olivia. I can tell you that she won't be going anywhere any time soon if that was something you were going to inquire about," Fitz stated.
"I admire that, son, I do. Your relationship should remain private-"
Fitz interrupted him, slicing his hand through the air. "Are you suggesting that I keep Olivia in the shadows like some sort of secret? That is not the type of relationship we have nor will it become that."
Olivia felt the tension radiating off of Fitz and rubbed her hand on his thigh before reaching for his hand, interlacing their fingers. She knew where he stood regarding their relationship but she wanted him to calm down so they could hear Big Jerry out uninterrupted.
Under the table she tugged him towards her and brought her lips to his ear when he leaned over. "Fitz, let him finish what he's saying, okay, baby? We have to hear him out before jumping at every little thing he says."
His shoulders relaxed at her words and he squeezed the fingers tangled with his gently. Liv was right. He wasn't really listening to what Big Jerry was saying. It was normal to expect subterfuge when dealing with father-this softer, honest man was not the one he had grown to know over the years.
"I apologize, Jerry, for interrupting you. Old habits , you know, please continue."
"No offense taken, son, I deserve it. I was saying that I agree that certain aspects of your relationship should remain private. I was not suggesting that either of you should hide your involvement or what you feel. Someone would have to be blind not to see what's between the two of you. I've been around many years and I can honestly say that I've only witnessed it a handful of times. You should cherish that bond. I know your mother would be very proud to see the woman who is your match. The interview with Kimberly Mitchell was great to see, honestly. Watching you talk about your life and interests was good but when Olivia came over to join you the interview changed. You became a different man with her and that's the man I want to get to know. Simple as that."
Temporarily taken aback at his father's words Fitz sat in silence as his words were absorbed. He didn't know that he even watched any of the interviews Fitz had done in the last few months, let alone the Kimberly Mitchell one. Thinking back to it, he recalled the surreal feeling that came from watching himself and Olivia televised on screen from the same couch. He had jokingly begun referring to her as Mrs. Grant partly to see her flustered and to remind her of his intentions.
When words continued to escape him Olivia spoke up. "Jerry, that is very kind of you to say. We appreciate your support of our relationship and would like to continue getting to know you."
"Yes...dad. Your support means a lot. I didn't know you watched the interview either," Fitz said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh, yes. If I know you're going to be interviewed-whether it's for an article or on television-I make it a point to watch or read it. It was your mother that started a scrapbook and I just continued the tradition. I realize things can't change over night but I wanted to let you know I will no longer interfere in your life in any harmful ways. I simply want to get to know the both of you and any future grandchildren..." Big Jerry trailed off in a light, hopeful tone.
"Ahhh..."Fitz couldn't finish his sentence and looked to Olivia for guidance.
"I'm sure there will be more lunches and maybe some dinners. As far as grandchildren, those will come in time. Now, gentleman, how about we order lunch now that the boring stuff is out of the way?"
Fitz and Big Jerry both laughed at her candor and Fitz waved the waiter over with images of Olivia with their kids running through his mind.
Sorry, I'm late but the end is near for this story. Probably two more chapters (including an epilogue) but I'm debating on leaving the ending open to revisit this version of Olitz. Thanks for the follows, favorites and reviews! OX
If you're following my other story (The Finish), it should be updated on Monday.