"Don't think you're off the hook. I cannot believe you didn't tell me you had your hands down that hottie's pants."

"For the last time Abigail, I'm not sleeping with him. I just met him a week ago for Christ sake." Olivia was moving around her condo getting herself ready for work. Though, it took her a lot longer than she expected due to Abby's consistent questions regarding Fitz.

"You might not have slept with him but you want to. I know you very well Olivia Pope." Abby stated proudly.

"A little too well." Olivia muttered under her breath.

"That is true. I'll let up this time though, only because that friend of his was the sexiest man I have ever seen and I want to talk about him."

"You seriously like him? He's a complete jerk."

"He is not! He is hot! Hello, I'm Abby and I'd like to sleep with you too! Whew!" Abby sang.

Olivia burst out laughing, "You're disgusting! Oh my god!"

"I'm just saying, the man was fine." Abby shrugged.

"You have the weirdest taste in men."

"I do not. You have weird taste. Edison was nothing short of hideous. Not to mention, Justin? Jason? Jake! His ass looked like a fifty year old Opie Taylor."

"Opie Taylor! I have lost my ability to take you seriously. Goodbye, Abigail. Have a nice day." Olivia said through giggles.

"Bye, Liv!"

Olivia hung up and put her phone into her purse. She loved her best friend. Abby always seemed to put a smile on her face.

When she was sure she was ready, she left her apartment for work.

As Fitz walked into his office, he placed his briefcase beside his desk and opened up his computer to check his emails. He sported the largest smile this morning that he was sure had a lot to do with the woman who currently held his attention.

He didn't want to seem clingy but now that he had her number he wanted to hear her voice every chance he got so he called her.

"You called me." She answered.

"I called you." He smiled. "Is it weird that I missed you."

"If it is than we're both weird."

"Weird is good." Fitz was now grinning.

"Weird is good." She repeated.

"So, I was thinking, maybe we can catch lunch or something." He offered tentatively. When she didn't respond right away he silently chastised himself. "I mean or we don't have to. I was just thinking aloud."

"No, I want to have lunch with you."

"You do?"

Olivia chuckled, "Yes."

Fitz breathed a sigh of relief, "Good because I want to have lunch with you too."

Olivia chuckled again slightly at how much of a nervous schoolboy he could be, "Did you have anywhere in particular in mind?"

"Water & Wall? Maybe 1:30?"

"Sounds perfect. I'll see you then?" She beamed.

"Great, see you." When Fitz hung up he sat back in his chair grinning from ear to ear. The affect she had on him made him feel ridiculous. He sighed and rubbed his hands over his face, sitting up and starting his work.

"Hey, girly." Mellie said as she walked into Olivia's office.

"Hey."

Mellie sat down in front of Olivia's desk and sighed, "I never would've thought that I would count down the hours till I could go to work. Andrew is driving me nuts and remaining sane amidst kids and chaos is not easy."

Olivia chuckled, "You love those kids. How are they by the way?"

"Julian's okay, he's finishing his last year of middle school and I could honestly cry. Jordin's doing well too, she's just being Jordin. Then, of course there's Jaxon and for some reason he never grew out of the terrible two stage."

Olivia laughed, "What is he like 7?"

Mellie nodded, "7 next month. Andrew and I are gonna take him to Busch Gardens and leave it at that."

"He'll like that."

"Yeah, he would. But enough about me, you wanna grab some lunch."

"I would but I'm meeting someone." Olivia said trying not to smile.

"So you do have a boyfriend!" Mellie exclaimed.

"What are you talking about?" Olivia asked as if she didn't know who Mellie was referring to.

"Don't play coy, Quinn spilled your beans. You have fun though." Mellie smirked and got up to leave Olivia's office.

Olivia sighed and leaned back in her chair, "My friends can't keep their mouth shut for nothing."

Olivia walked into the restaurant at exactly 1:30. She was surprised to see that Fitz was already there waiting for her. She smiled to herself and made her way over to him.

"Hi." She said making her presence known .

Fitz looked up and when he realized it was her, he smiled. "Hi." He got up in order to pull her chair out for her.

"Well, look who's being nice." She teased.

Fitz shrugged, "Always am." He moved back to his seat and picked up a menu. "So, what are you having?"

"I'm not sure just yet. I think I'll stick with my usual."

"Which is?" He inquired but before Olivia could answer, a waitress appeared.

"Hello, my name is Kaitlyn, I'll be your server today. Can I start you off with some drinks?"

"Ah, yea. I'll have your white wine, please." Fitz said first.

The waitress wrote his order down and then looked up at Olivia, "And you, ma'am?"

"I'll just have your rose lemonade, please." Olivia smiled.

"Alright, rose lemonade and white wine. Would you like to order now?"

"I'm ready, you?" Fitz asked making sure Olivia was finished looking. She nodded. "Okay, I'll have your Lemon Risotto."

"And can I have the Steelhead Trout Salad." Olivia added.

"Okay and okay. I'll take your menus and have that right out for you."

Olivia and Fitz both said thank you and handed the waitress their menus.

"Steelhead Trout Salad? You've got to be kidding?"

"Not kidding, it's good." Olivia said as she stuck a piece of bread in her mouth. "And so is this bread." She exclaimed with her hand over her mouth as she was still chewing.

"Is it?" Fitz asked.

"Yeah, here." Olivia lifted the bread up to Fitz's mouth and he tasted it.

"Oh, that is good." He said. The mood shifted suddenly as they both realized what just happened. Olivia blushed awkwardly and placed the bread down.

Finally clearing his throat, Fitz said, "So, tell me more about pollution." Fitz teased.

Olivia chuckled, "What about it?"

"Well, for starters, since you dislike it so much, have you been doing anything to prevent it? I guess my question is, what do you do in your spare time? You seem to be a very earthy woman."

"Earthy huh?" Olivia laughed. "Well, I write for a magazine that focuses on nature and healthy living. I've even written countless articles on the effects of pollution."

"I see. So you write?"

"I do."

"That makes a lot of sense actually." He smiled. "You have a lot to talk about." He laughed.

"White wine and Rose Lemonade, for you." The waitress said, interrupting them.

"Thank you." They said in unison.

"My pleasure, your food should be right out."

"Enough about me, let's talk about you Grant." She smiled.

"Okay," he chuckled, "Well, let's see, I'm a lawyer. Pretty boring stuff. Kind of a loner with the exception of my dog, Roscoe, he's my pal."

Instantly Olivia's eyes widened, "What kind of dog is he?"

"He's a Black Lab."

"Awww!" She gushes.

"You're a dog person, I see?" He grins.

"I love dogs! My parents have a St. Bernard."

"What's his name? Beethoven?"

"Actually, it is."

"You're kidding?" Fitz laughed.

"Nope, they named him Beethoven." She laughed too.

"Wow. That's great." He continued to laugh.

Eventually the waitress approached their table again, "Lemon Piccata for you and Trout Salad for you."

"Thank you."

"Thanks."

The waitress nodded, "Anything else?"

"No, that'll be all, thank you." Fitz answered. "So, do you have a dog of your own?"

Olivia shook her head, "I wish I had the time. I work all day and I'd feel bad leaving the dog home."

"I leave Roscoe home all the time! He's fine. He knows I'll be back."

"But what if they don't know? What if they're actually really scared?" She whines.

"Oh my God, you're so cute." Fitz laughed and Olivia blushed.

"My friend, Abby says the same thing about your buddy!" She laughed referring to Leo.

"No way! He's been asking about her."

"They would be something interesting to watch, that's for sure."

"That's true." He laughed.

They continued their meal conversing about everything that came to mind. Even after finishing their food, they continued to talk. Finally, Olivia asked for her bill and paid even though Fitz insisted on paying for her.

Once their food was paid for, they said their goodbyes and headed back to work.

As Abby sat at her computer desk she couldn't help but want to know more about the mystery man that held her best friend's attention. She was fascinated with the two of them; especially after experiencing, first hand, the chemistry they shared. It was almost impossible to miss.

She opened up her computer and proceeded to do her own research. She didn't really know his name, but she knew his face. He came from a prominent family of attorneys. Anyone who worked in the field knew of them. And though Abby didn't work in the field, she'd heard countless stories of The Grant Legacy.

Fitz Grant was all she could type. She had heard Leo use his name during the encounter in Gettysburger and figured Fitz was a nickname. She had found a few pictures and decided to have some fun. She took both Olivia and Fitz's picture and merged the together on a random baby making site. The product caused her to erupt in laughter as the computer displayed a semi adorable morphed avatar child. She took the picture and snickered while emailing it to Olivia adding the message, "Liv and Fitz sitting in the tree"

She awaited her friends response and laughed even harder when Olivia responded with profanity, fireballs, and bullhorn email stickers.

"Since you and that chick know each other, do you think you could get me the hot redheads contact information?" Leo said as soon as Fitz walked into his office, startling him completely. Leo had been waiting for Fitz to come back from lunch for an hour now and since his mind was consumed with thoughts of Abby, he didn't really care who Fitz went to lunch with.

"Okay, one- what are you doing here? Two- get out." Fitz said moving around his friend to sit down at his desk.

"I'm here because I'd really like to speak to the redhead. And no, I will not get out. Way to treat your guest, man." Leo rolled his eyes.

"I don't know anything about her, sorry." Leo just glared at him for a while, "I really don't know! Hell, I don't even remember her name!" Fitz said throwing his hands up.

"I'm sure you'll find a way to figure it out or I can always accidently give Amanda your new number." Leo smirked.

"You wouldn't do that." Fitz said seriously.

"I want the redheads number. And a name, please. It wouldn't be too flattering if I refer to her as the redhead when we actually talk." With that Leo got up and left the office. Fitz sighed heavily; Amanda Tanner was not someone he wanted to show up in his life right now.

He made a point to somehow get Leo and Olivia's friend together and continued to finish his work. He had court in a few days and he wanted to make sure he had everything in order. God, I'll be glad when this case is over. He thought to himself.

"Excuse me, Ms. Pope?" Mr. Milton said as he knocked on her door and cleared his throat for good measure.

"Yes? Come in." She called out as she bought her head up from an article that she was currently editing. When she realized it was her boss at the door, she stood up, "Mr. Milton!" She said a little nervous since she didn't know why he was there.

"Relax, Ms. Pope. You may have a seat." He said motioning for her to sit back in her chair as he also took a seat. "First off, I apologize for showing up unexpected but I need to talk to you about your article." Olivia's face automatically dropped with worry.

"Okay."

"Well as you know, there are many other stories that we've considered publishing but of course, they all can't be published."

It took everything in Olivia not to cry right there on the spot. She wanted a column so bad and especially on this topic, one in which she cares so deeply about. She's been rejected a column before, it was nothing new to her considering the job she carried but for some reason, she wanted this column and she wanted it bad.

"We can't publish your column, there isn't any space." He said.

Olivia tried to understand but she honestly couldn't so she lied, "I understand."

"But." He said bringing her out of her thoughts. "We want your entry to be our cover article."

Olivia couldn't believe what she just heard. She'd never had her name on a cover article before, this would be her first. "What?" She got out, barely audible.

Mr. Milton smiled knowing that he had scared her initially, "We want your article to be the first thing people see when they get in line at the grocery store." He laughed. "As you know, it will take a little more editing and you'll need to add a bit more information to accommodate the largeness of this article but I think it'll be great. So, what do you say? Are you up for it?"

Olivia just stared blankly at him unable to form words. Shocked would be an understatement. She honestly couldn't believe this was happening. "Yes! Oh my God, thank you so much!" She exclaimed finally.

"I knew you would." He smiled, "And Ms. Pope, thank you." Mr. Milton then got up and left the room.

"Oh my God, what just happened?" She said to herself. She thought about the day's events for a few moments and was surprised to find that the first person she wanted to call was Fitz.

Without thinking she pulled out her phone and proceeded to dial him.

"Hello." He answered on the first ring.

"You're not going to believe what just happened to me!" She breathed on the verge of tears.

"What? What's wrong? Are you okay?" Fitz worriedly asked.

"I'm fine, I'm not fine. Oh my God!" She cried.

"You're crying! What's going on? Tell me where you are and I'll come to you right now." He said as he started to maneuver around his office.

"No! Happy tears, I'm okay. My story is going to be the cover article and I needed someone to tell. I could've called my parents or Abby but I wanted to call you. Something amazing happens and you're the first person I call." She smiled while trying to get her tears under control.

Hearing her say that had an affect on Fitz like no other. He was beyond happy about her article but knowing that he was the first person she called to share the news caused an amazing feeling he had never felt before settle in his stomach. "That's amazing, Liv! I'm so proud of you!"

There were so many emotions going through Olivia in this moment. Aside from the good news, Fitz seemed to make her feel all sorts of ways. She was on such as high that all she could do was laugh. "I'm so happy!" She said through her fit of giggles.

That laugh. God, her laugh had to be the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard. It was melodic, addictive, and contagious rendering him unable to do anything but laugh with her.

They had sat there on the phone with each other laughing for minutes before their giggles finally subsided. The sound of their breathing, the only thing heard over the receiver. "You scared me." Fitz breathed with a smile.

"I'm sorry." She chuckled wiping away her post laughter tears.

"But seriously, wow. Cover article. You're a rockstar!" He exclaimed. She laughed again. Just the sound his voice made her happy and she didn't know why. However, one thing was for sure, she was loving every single moment she shared with Fitzgerald Grant.

Fitz pulled up to his mother's house turning off his car and stepping out with bags in his hand. As of late, his mom had been a little sick which left her unable to do simple things like grocery shopping and cooking.

He put his key in the door and knocked before pushing the door open. "Mom!" He called out to her.

"In here, honey!" She called back. Fitz made his way to the kitchen where he found his mom making a sandwich. He put the bags down and rushed to her.

"What are you doing? You're supposed to be in bed!" He exclaimed frantically.

"Relax. I'm sick, not dying." She chuckled.

"Mom."

"I know I know! I should listen to the doctors and all that jazz. But really honey, look at your mother. Do I look like I'm sick?" She said placing her hands on her hips as a superhero would.

Fitz chuckled, "No ma'am." He shook his head.

"Alright then! So what are you cooking me?" She asked while peaking in this bags.

"Ah wouldn't you like to know." He smiled seeing her face light up.

"Oh, Fitzgerald! You're outdoing yourself."

"Only the best for my mother." He said moving around her to wash his hands. As he washed his hands, his mind drifted back to the conversation he had with Olivia earlier that day. He couldn't stop the smile that formed on his face which didn't go unnoticed by his mom. She decided not to mention it until later on.

Fitz enjoyed having dinner with his mom. He truly did. She had been experiencing flu like symptoms for a couple of days now and because of her age, doctors were monitoring her closely and wanted to get her as much rest as possible. This allowed for Fitz to spend as much time as possible with his mom.

Lillian was a stubborn lady. She would never admit it but she loved having Fitz around but he knew she did.

"So, tell me what's been going on with you." She inquired.

Fitz shrugged his shoulders, "Work. That's all. I'm a boring guy."

Lillian rolled her eyes, What was that for?" He laughed.

"Because, I don't want to know about that firm right now!"

"Okay," Fitz nodded. "What would you like to know?" He asked with furrowed brows.

"Well for starters, are you dating anyone?" She asked bluntly causing Fitz to choke on his water. "So you are seeing someone," she smiled.

"I really don't know what you're talking about." He said blankly.

She shrugged, "Of course you do. I would love to meet her. Whoever she is, sure has you all smitten." She smiled before getting up and walking out of the kitchen.

Abby walked into the crowded bar looking for Olivia. She immediately spotted her due to Harrison's disability to handle his liquor. She made her way over to her small group of friends and sat down on a stool next to Olivia.

"Well if it isn't little miss, Abigail." Stephen smirked. Stephen and Abby always had a friends with benefits type of relationship. It was kind of funny for the people around them to witness it. Though, Olivia always knew that their relationship was more than what they made it out to be.

"Zip it, Finch." Abby snarled.

"Will you two quit teasing each other for two seconds!" Quinn slurred. Like Harrison, she wasn't the best at handling her liquor either.

"Yeah, I agree with her!" Harrison said.

Abby rolled her eyes and turned to Olivia, "So, what are you drinking?" She whispered.

"I'm not." Olivia whispered back.

Abby raised her eyebrows at this, "Like hell you aren't! Tequila shots for the lady please! Keep em' coming!" Abby called out to the bartender.

"Absolutely not, I have an appointment first thing tomorrow with Mr. Milton." Olivia reasoned.

"No you don't. We handled that." She stated simply.

"Excuse me? You handled what?" But before Abby could respond the bartender came back with three shots.

"Alright! Let's get this party started!"

"Woah! Not without us! More shots!" Harrison called out.

"Where's that old hag, by the way?" Abby asked looking around her group of friends while waiting for the rest of their drinks.

"What are you talking about?" Olivia asked.

"That fifty year old woman you guys are always hanging with."

"Oh Mellie! She's actually 42."

"Like I said, fifty."

Quinn laughed, "She has kids you know, she can't just go out with us every time we decide to hang."

"I couldn't tell."

"That's because Olivia drags her around everywhere we go!" Harrison said.

"Come on guys. She has kids, a husband, and even a dog. She's like the definition of super mom. She could use a night out every now and then."

"More like super grandma." Abby rolled her eyes causing Quinn, Harrison, and Stephen to double over in laughter.

Olivia rolled her eyes, "Whatever." She laughed. "Now, let's down these shots!"

"Yes! Here's to good friends, good times, and even better laughs!" Stephen said.

"And our home girl's first cover article!" Abby exclaimed causing the group to roar in applause and down their shots.

"You, my friend, are leaving here drunk tonight." Abby smirked in Olivia's direction.

"God, help me." Olivia laughed.

A/N: I am beyond humbled at the response this story is getting. The fact that y'all are enjoying is honestly so amazing!

So, our lovebirds are getting somewhere! How'd you like their lunch date? And what about the phone call? That Leo is something else huh? And how awesome are Stephen, Harrison, Quinn, and Abby?

Let me know your thoughts! I live for y'all's reviews!