A/N: Thanks for the reviews. I really enjoy reading the speculation about the direction of the story and the opinions about the characters. Thanks for the follows and favorites too. I hope you enjoy this installment. Tell me what you think.
Chapter 3. They're a Couple
Fitz sits with an elbow on the desk and his chin resting on one hand thinking about his last date with Olivia, which was over two weeks ago. Since then she has not been available for another date, citing her busy schedule. He wonders if she blames him for Ella's death. Does she not think he did enough to try to save the girl? Did she not like his explanation of Ella's prognosis? He wonders if this will become a wedge issue for them. He runs his hand through his hair frustrated she won't talk to him and frustrated he is unable to read her. He's horrible at reading people. He wishes she would just say what's on her mind so the problem can be resolved and they can move on.
XXX
Cyrus Rutherford Beene is the chief of neurosurgery at Phoenix Children's Hospital and he runs a tight ship. He leads some of the most brilliant and talented neurosurgeons in the country who are responsible for performing complex and high stakes surgical procedures on the human brain, on children nonetheless. He needs these prima donnas to be focused and their brains need to be unencumbered when they're in the operating theater. He cannot have anything distracting and inhibiting them from performing at their highest level.
Cyrus Beene can smell from a mile away when one of his surgeons is experiencing any sort of difficulty in their personal lives. And when he gets a whiff someone is out of balance he moves in quickly to try to squash whatever is distracting them. He serves as their mother and father, wiping their overpaid noses and boosting their egos when they are experiencing doubt or emotional difficulty. Behind his back, the staff refers to Chief Beene as a helicopter parent, always hovering, paying close attention his surgeons' experiences and problems.
Cyrus does whatever is required to keep his ship sailing on course. This is why he's on his way to Dr. Grant's office, to right the ship, to get the good doctor back on course. Something is going on with his number one surgeon who has been distracted as of late and seemingly a little down in the dumps. Cyrus can pinpoint exactly when Dr. Grant's demeanor changed.
On November 10 Dr. Grant arrived to work a little later than usual and in a not-so-good mood, both behaviors are out of character for him. He is known to be punctual and dependable. While he isn't the most gregarious person, he is pleasant for the most part. But lately he's been grumpy in the operating room and in post-op meetings. He's been short with the staff and stays locked in his office all day if he doesn't have a surgical procedure scheduled. Cyrus has not seen this kind of behavior from the man in the seven years in which he has worked at Children's and he's going to get to the bottom of whatever is eating at his star surgeon and shut it down.
Chief Beene wears a scowl on his wrinkled face as he strolls up to Lauren's desk. Dispensing with the formalities he asks Lauren if Dr. Grant is in his office.
"Yes he is Chief Beene."
Cyrus gives Lauren a quick nod and makes his way over to the office door. He gives the door two rapid knocks and enters the room, never waiting to be invited. Fitz looks up from his laptop screen and sees a haggard-looking Cyrus, but when doesn't Cyrus Beene ever not look haggard.
"Good afternoon, Dr. Grant."
"Good afternoon to you Chief Beene. What can I do for you?"
"Just stopping by to see if everything is all right with my lead surgeon – if you need anything."
"Everything's fine. Why do you ask?" Looking at his screen again.
"Fitz ..."
Cyrus gets the younger doctor's attention by using his nickname. Fitz leans back in his chair and eyes Cyrus carefully, wondering where this conversation is going.
"You haven't been yourself lately - for the past two weeks actually", Cyrus says quickly.
Fitz' face hardens slightly and he shifts uncomfortably in his chair.
"Something is going on with you - the staff is talking."
Fitz furrows his brows and glares at an agitated Cyrus.
"They've noticed - hell I've noticed that you've been distracted lately. You've been a grumpy pants - not my words, theirs. You know there is no room for distraction in what we do here. Lives depend on you to show up mentally - to be present. You've been distant with your colleagues and argumentative at post-op meetings. This is unlike you, Fitz."
Cyrus stops talking, giving Fitz the opportunity to offer an explanation. The two men stare at each other, neither willing to blink.
"Thank you, Cyrus for interrupting my day to share the latest hospital gossip", Fitz says somewhat annoyed.
Cyrus bites his bottom lip and nods his head rapidly. He knows Fitz can be a smart ass but he won't be deterred so he ups the ante when the soft approach doesn't seem to be working. He can be a monster when he has to be.
"This isn't gossip, Fitzgerald. I have observed your behavior over the past two weeks and something is definitely going on with you. If you don't want to discuss the matter with me - fine. Just get your shit together, Dr. Grant. We can't afford any mishaps around here!
Cyrus storms out of the room not bothering to close the door. Fitz lets out a long sigh and runs his hand through his hair. Cyrus is right, he has to get it together. He closes the door and walks over to the windows overlooking the small park across the street. He thinks about who has him in such a funk these days and mentally outlines a plan to fix the problem. He reaches for his phone.
XXX
Fitz sits in the back of the coffee shop near Olivia's office waiting for her to arrive. He arrived 15 minutes early to secure a table that would offer them a modicum of privacy. He spots Olivia as she walks in quickly looking around the crowded coffee shop. He stands, waving his hand and wearing a huge smile. He is genuinely happy to see her; he misses her.
Olivia dislikes conflict and disagreements. She tries to avoid them at all cost. She doesn't try to force her opinions or values on others and she wants to be afforded the same courtesy. If she disagrees strongly with someone she will simply avoid them. And that's what she's been doing with Fitz. While she enjoys his company immensely, he has some traits she isn't sure she can deal with, or wants to deal with.
"Hi", he says, still standing as she approaches the table.
"Hi", she says softly, sitting down and placing her large purse and sunglasses on the table.
The waitress comes over and takes their order. They look at each other nervously as the waitress walks away. Olivia knows this conversation had to happen sooner or later, she couldn't avoid him forever.
"You've been avoiding me, Miss Pope", trying to sound calm.
She feigns shock.
"I've -"
"Been busy", repeating the standard line she's been giving him for the past two weeks. "What did I do? Did I offend you?" He asks resting his arms on the table and looking into her eyes. "I want to fix whatever the problem is. I miss spending time with you, Olivia." He's laying all of his cards on the table. He doesn't have time to play games.
"Fitz -"
"We seemed to be getting along well up until our last date. Was I mistaken?"
The waitress brings their coffee, setting the sugars, cream, napkins and spoons on the table. When the waitress walks away, Fitz starts again.
"Tell me, what did I do?"
"Fitz, I just think we see the world differently."
He sips his coffee, gripping the handle of the mug a little too tightly, and waits for her to continue.
"Fitz, you seem to have your life all organized and packed into little boxes, and I just don't think there is any place left for me."
He looks shocked so she continues.
"I understand your job requires you to compartmentalize – to separate your feelings from the task - I get that. I just don't know how far that extends into your personal life. I don't want to be put into one of your little boxes, Fitz. I need someone who is going to be available – emotionally available to me."
"I see."
"Fitz, I'm not asking you to change, I wouldn't do that. You are who you are, and that's not a criticism. I'm just telling you what I need."
"But why do I think there is more to it than my being overly structured?"
She hesitates because she doesn't like conflict, but she pushes on.
"Fitz, people are important to me. The people in my life - my friends - are important to me."
He nods, encouraging her to continue.
"Ella's death has been quite painful for me." She doesn't want to cry again, not now.
"I know", looking at her sympathetically.
"I don't think you really know. Please, don't think I don't appreciate everything you have done. You've been so kind."
"I wasn't trying to be kind, Olivia. Why do I feel there is a but coming?" He's getting uncomfortable.
Olivia is struggling to find the right words because she doesn't want to hurt his feelings.
"Fitz, when I asked you at dinner if there was really no hope for Ella, you gave me such a mechanical response. It didn't sound like you were talking about my Ella, the little girl who meant the world to me. You sounded as if you were reading from one of your medical journals. It felt like you had dehumanized Ella. You seemed so cold and uncaring, and that just hurt."
His eyes widen because he's shocked by her charge. While he sometimes forgets to shift his language when he's talking to laymen, he didn't expect her to think he is uncaring. He takes two deep breaths before responding, trying to reconcile his rational mind with his heart. He decides to speak from his heart.
"Olivia, I know how important Ella was, is to you. I know how devastating her death has been for you and my heart has been breaking for you since I saw you fall apart at the hospital. You were so supportive of James and Michael at Ella's funeral and at her grave site even though you were obviously in a lot of pain."
She looks at him with wide eyes, she had no idea he was at the church and the grave site.
"Olivia, if there was any chance that surgery would have saved Ella I would have done it immediately. All of the test results showed the damage was too extensive. It would have been cruel to operate on her knowing it wouldn't change the outcome. I explained that to James and Michael before you came into Ella's room."
"I just needed to know, Fitz", she says brokenly, looking down at her hands as a lone tear streams down her cheek. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply -"
He wants to reach over and wipe the tear away, to take away her pain, but he restrains himself.
"You have nothing to apologize for, Olivia", looking at her with empathy. "Can we agree that you will talk to me about whatever is bothering you instead of shutting me out? I can't guess what's on your mind." He looks at her closely.
"OK", she says softly, nodding her head. "But Fitz, sometimes I just need time to think things through before talking about them."
"I understand, but can you just let me know that's what you're doing?"
She nods.
"And I will get better at how I communicate too - okay?" He's smiling.
"OK", she smiles slightly.
They sit in the back of the coffee shop for hours unaware the bustling lunch crowd has transitioned to a few late afternoon latte lovers straggling in intermittently to get their dose of caffeine. They are lost in their conversation, in each other, as they catch up on lost time.
She updates him on her project in Chicago and remarks she's happy spring is on the way because Chicago winters are so brutal. He smiles as she scrunches her face lamenting about the Chicago winters. He smiles because he's missed listening to her talk. He's missed watching her expressions change based on what she's talking about. He's missed her. He wants to share everything with her.
"Go rafting with me", he says out of the blue.
"What?" Eyes wide and mouth agape.
"The season starts in a few weeks."
"Fitz, I've never been rafting. I don't know."
"Come on, Liv. It'll be fun. I've been white water rafting for years. My friend David and I go every year in Colorado. It's a great way to tour the area from a different perspective - on the river."
"I'll have to think about it, Fitz. It sounds like it can be dangerous", she says softly.
"It's not. I'll protect you", he smiles knowing she always needs time to process things before making a decision.
"Oh my goodness", she exclaims, looking down at her watch. "We've been here for over two hours, Fitz. I need to get back to the office."
She gets up from her seat, grabbing her purse and sunglasses from the table. He's smiling because he's happy.
"Let me cook dinner for you tonight", he says quickly, halting her movements. A look of surprise spread across her face.
"You can cook?"
"I can."
She squints, not sure if she believes him.
"What time?"
"6:30?"
"Fine. You better not disappoint me Dr. Grant because I am going to have an appetite since I missed lunch."
Fitz doesn't bother returning to the hospital, instead he goes to the grocery store to get the supplies he needs to make dinner. Meanwhile, Cyrus Beene sits in his office thinking about his encounter earlier with Dr. Grant. He knows the younger doctor wasn't being forthcoming with him. He needs to get to the bottom of whatever has Dr. Grant off of his game.
XXX
Fitz knows Olivia is conservative about what she is willing to eat so he decides to make a simple dish of chicken picatta, smashed potatoes, and sautéed spinach with garlic. With all the food prepared and warming in the oven he starts the smooth jazz playlist on his phone and lights a few candles. He walks to his bedroom and checks his appearance in the mirror, running a hand through his hair. He doesn't know why she makes him so nervous.
The doorbell rings.
"Hi", she says, holding up what appears to be wine. "I bought wine. Red and white since I didn't know what you were cooking."
"Hi", he's smiling and looking at her goofily again, happy she's visiting his apartment for the first time.
"May I come in?" She breaks him out of his grinning fest.
"Sure, sure. Come in", he says nervously, stepping aside.
"Wow, Fitz. This is a really nice apartment. It's huge. You can fit two of my apartments in here."
He grabs her hand and leads her into the kitchen.
Let's put the wine on chill. The food is all done."
"Did you really cook, Fitz, or did -?"
"Of course I cooked. I'm a pretty good cook", smiling as he looks into the oven to check the chicken piccata.
"Well, whatever you're cooking it certainly smells good."
He grabs the red wine off the counter along with two glasses and walks them back to the living room. He pours them a glass of the red nectar.
"So, how long have you lived here, Fitz?" She asks, taking a sip of wine.
"Seven years. Found the place right after I was offered the positon at Children's. I know it's big but I got a good deal so I couldn't pass it up."
"I want a tour", she says, looking around the space from her seat on the sofa.
"Later. Let's eat."
"I'm impressed, Fitz, really impressed. That was so good. You're an excellent cook. How did you learn how to cook?"
"Actually I didn't know how to cook when I moved to Phoenix. Since I need to eat healthy I took a couple of cooking classes. We never at fast food when I was growing up.
"And where did you grow up?"
"Wisconsin."
"Ahh, the Dairy State. Does your family still live in Wisconsin?"
"Yup. Mother, father, and one brother."
She nods and takes another sip of wine.
"And what about you, Miss Pope. Where are you from?"
"Philadelphia."
"Ahh, the City of Brotherly Love."
"And Sisterly Affection", she smiles.
"And your family? Any siblings?"
"I was adopted and no siblings that I know of", she looks at him trying to gauge his reaction to her background.
"I see. Are you ready for that tour?"
"Yes!" She says excitedly, bouncing up from the sofa.
After the tour and a little dessert, Fitz walks Olivia to her car.
"I had a lovely time, Fitz."
"Then you'll have to come back", giving her that silly smirk.
She smiles, nods her head, and turns to get into her car.
"Oh, by the way", giving him a slight smile. "I'll go rafting with you."
XXX
They've begun to spend more time together getting to know each other. Today they're at Fitz' apartment where he sits on the sofa reading the following advertisement in Rapid, his white water rafting magazine:
The Arizona rafting season is predicted to be the biggest whitewater season in 2 decades – thanks El Nino! It is never too early to reserve your seat for the season! Opening day for raft trips: Friday, March 4th. Custom trips may be available earlier depending on water flow.
Arizona river rafting is known and loved for being the first rafting opportunities each spring in the US thanks to the early snow melt in the Arizona Mountains. Arizona raft adventures offer a truly unique experience with the gorgeous high desert scenery, the wildlife, and the chance to really get away from it all. It's great for those itching to get on the river, and Fitz is itching to get back on the river. He is a white water rafting enthusiast. Quite frankly he likes almost all outdoor activities. Olivia on the other hand is a homebody and a landlubber, but he continues to push her comfort level when it comes to participating in his outdoor hobbies.
"Liv, come look at this. I've found a rafting tour designed for beginners. I think you'll really enjoy it."
She groans because she is trying to get some work done and now she regrets agreeing to go rafting with him. She swims in heated, Olympic-size pools, not rivers.
"Come read the description, it's a Class 1 tour. It'll be real easy. The season is starting in a few weeks and we need to make a reservation and get you the proper gear."
She rolls her eyes.
XXX
Olivia stands wearing the gear Fitz bought her and she feels silly wearing the stupid helmet. She looks at the people all around her who seem to be of varying skill levels, ranging from beginners like herself to experienced rafters like Fitz. They are all anxious and talking excitedly as they climb into their rafts.
"Fitz, this looks scary. I don't think I'm ready for this. I don't think I can do it." She's looking nervously at the calm river.
"You don't have anything to worry about, Liv. I'll be right here with you the entire time. Once we get started and you look up at the beautiful mountains you love so much, you'll be so relaxed."
"Are you sure, Fitz? I'm scared."
"You have nothing to fear, Liv. I told you, I'll always protect you. I won't ever let anything happen to you", he kisses her forehead.
"So what are we going to do here?" One of the guides asks. "We're getting ready to push off. Are you going with us or not?" The guide looks between Fitz and Olivia.
Fitz gives Olivia a pleading look and she looks at him for a moment then climbs into the raft on shaky legs. As they sail along the calm waters listening to the guide point out the interesting sites, she begins to relax.
"This is absolutely beautiful, Fitz. I'm so glad I came."
"I told you", smiling from ear to ear.
Suddenly the flow of the river shifts and the raft jettisons across the river. Olivia didn't expect the sudden shift and she falls forward, ending up at the bottom of the raft with her legs in the air. The other passengers are cheering the sudden shift while she calls for Fitz. He uprights her quickly as the raft bounces up and down on the rough waters. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves Olivia joins in the cheering. Her adrenaline is pumping and she's having the best time of her life.
"That was amazing!" She says when they get back to land. "We have to do it again!"
XXX
It's been three months and Fitz and Olivia have been dating casually, getting together for dinner, the theater, sporting events, or just hanging out at one of their apartments. While they seem to enjoy each other's company and share similar values, they have not discussed where the "relationship" is going, or if they are even in a relationship. Hell, he doesn't know if she's dating other men and she hasn't asked him if he's seeing other women, which he isn't. He wants them to be exclusive but he doesn't want to rush her. He's known what he wanted since she jumped into his arms on the plane.
Fitz misses Olivia when she goes out of town for days at a time on business. This week she's in Chicago again, coordinating the final phase of the extension to the elite private day school in downtown Chicago. There are so many things to oversee so she meets daily with Ted, the project manager, to ensure they're on track to complete the project as contracted. A missed deadline would mean significant financial penalties for Stearns, the architectural firm for whom she works. Right now she's at the construction site reviewing the blueprints with the project manager and builder. The builder is concerned about some of the design decisions the architects have made.
"John, we can redesign the duct work in the west wing and still keep the project on schedule."
"Are you sure, Olivia? We're gonna have to rip out what we've already done. That's gonna set us back by at least a day, maybe two."
"If we don't that part of the school will always be hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and nobody is going to like that."
She smiles internally when she hears the familiar ringtone. Fitz prefers calling rather than texting.
"Give me a minute, guys. I need to take this call."
She walks to the other side of the room and presses the green button on her phone screen to answer the call.
"Hi", she says, smiling brightly, while looking out the window. It's such a sunny April day.
"Hi", he says, smiling just as wide. "Are you busy?"
"I'm in a meeting."
"OK. I'll make this quick then. The hospital's annual gala is …"
Silence.
"Fitz, are you still there?"
"Yes. As I was saying, the hospital's annual gala is next month – I don't usually go to these things. I forgot I had the invitation actually. I need to RSVP by the end of the day", he says quickly.
She loves when he gets nervous so she's not going to help him out. She's going to let him dangle a while longer.
"I see", smiling broadly.
"Well, I was wondering …" He's pacing around his office and rubbing his forehead.
"You were wondering?" She's having fun letting him sweat.
"I was wondering if you would like to go with me - be my date."
"Yes."
"Yes? You mean you'll go?" He stops pacing and looks out the window. It's a sunny day in Phoenix.
"Yes, I'll go. I'll go to the gala with you. I'll be your date", smiling brightly.
"OK. I'll RSVP then", he nods and smiles.
"I have to go", she says, grinning because she knows the look he now has on his face.
"Sure, sure. I will call you later?"
"OK."
Olivia smiles, disconnects the call, and walks back to the meeting to finalize the design changes with the builder.
One Month Later
Fitz drives up to the private club where the hospital holds its annual gala. He gives the valet his keys and walks around the car to open the door for Olivia. He places his hand at the small of her back and ushers her into the building. The valet sneaks a peek at the couple before he pulls off to park Fitz' car.
"Fitz, this is an absolutely beautiful venue. Why have you never gone to any of the galas in the past?"
"Wasn't interested", he says, steering her into the banquet room.
The room is packed and the band is playing a lively tune as the waiters glide through the crowded room serving a variety of hor 'dourves to the chattering guests.
"We're at Table 4. We'll be sitting with a few people from my practice."
Olivia nods her head and smiles. There are two open seats left at the table that seats eight. Everyone at the table have obviously been drinking a lot and now they are talking loudly when Max spots Fitz walking across the room.
"Fitzgerald, I'm surprised to see you at this stuffy event. You never come to any of the hospital events", he says, stealing a look at Olivia out the corner of his eye.
"Good to see you too, Max", shaking his colleague's hand.
Everyone at the table stops talking and looks up at Fitz and his date.
"Everyone, this is Olivia – my date", he says proudly.
Olivia smiles and nods to everyone at the table as Max grabs her hand and kisses it. Fitz bristles.
"It's wonderful to meet you, Olivia. So you're the inspiration behind Dr. Grant's rare appearance?"
"Well, I wouldn't say that", smiling demurely.
XXX
Fitz walks over to the bar to get their drinks while Olivia talks to the very pregnant wife of one of Fitz' associates.
"A cabernet and scotch on the rocks", giving his drink order to the bartender.
"Well, well, well, Dr. Grant", Max says slapping Fitz on the back. "Aren't you full of surprises?"
Leaning against the bar waiting for his drinks Fitz turns to Max.
"Dr. Heller."
"Keeping secrets from your old friend? She's a beauty, Fitzgerald. How long has this been going on?"
"It's a long story, Max."
"Well, you have everyone in the room buzzing."
"Excuse me?" Fitz says, looking at Max curiously, not sure what he's referring to.
"Come on, Fitz, don't be naive. You haven't been to one of these galas in years and tonight you show up with your black goddess."
"Fuck you, Max", Fitz says, grabbing his drinks from the bar and beginning to walk away.
"Whoa, whoa", Max says, placing his hand on his friend's arm to stop him from walking off in a huff.
"Get your fucking hands off of me Max", Fitz snaps.
The bartender glances over at the two men.
"OK, OK", holding his hands up in surrender. "I know you can kick my ass because you do that kickboxing shit. But as your friend I thought you should know what people are saying. You know they're a bunch of old stuffed shirts. I don't give a shit who you date, but you are definitely a brave man."
"My dating Olivia has nothing to do with bravery, Max."
Max nods his head, thinking this might be a serious relationship for his friend.
"Well, you should also know that a certain someone, well, she's been watching you and your date all night."
XXX
While Fitz is getting their drinks Olivia excuses herself from her talkative table mate and goes searching for the ladies' room. She is unaware Cyrus Beene is watching her, has been watching her ever since she and Fitz arrived. Cyrus sips his drink wondering if this is the woman who has changed Dr. Grant. He makes a mental note to find out everything he can about the woman.
Olivia strolls down the long hall outside of the ladies' room that leads to the gallery of art. Out of habit she admires the design of the building and its décor. As she approaches the end of the hall a tall, handsome man stops to greet her.
"Good evening, beautiful lady. I am Dr. Hannibal Ramsey", he says in a deep, elegant voice as he extends his hand.
"Hello, Dr. Ramsey – Olivia Pope", giving him a cordial smile while shaking his hand.
"So, why is my beautiful sister roaming these drab halls all alone?"
She smiles politely again.
"The artwork caught my eye", looking around at the Impressionist works hanging on the walls.
"It seems like you have apparently caught someone's eye as well."
"Excuse me?" Olivia looks perplexed as the man steps closer, his white teeth contrasting with cocoa-colored skin.
"Tell me", moving in closer. "Why is such a beautiful Nubian queen like yourself cavorting with the likes of your former slave master?"
"What?"
"Is he curious about what it's like to be with a black woman?"
"I beg your pardon", she's getting flustered.
"I'm only saying what everyone in that room is thinking."
"Excuse me, Dr. Ramsey. I must be getting back to my date."
"Oh, is that what we're calling it now?"
"You don't know anything about me", she says angrily.
"I know you're a black woman who is allowing that white man to parade you around here like you're his whore!"
Olivia gasps and gives the man a death glare before making her way back to the banquet room. She doesn't know what to think about her run in with the rude doctor, but she knows she needs a drink. She wonders where Fitz is, looking around the room at the faces and thinking about what Dr. Ramsey said.
XXX
"Did you have a good time tonight?" Fitz asks, standing outside of Olivia's apartment door.
"I did", smiling weakly.
"Olivia, is something wrong? You've been quiet since we left the gala." He's looking at her with concern.
"Nothing's wrong. Do you know a Dr. Ramsey – Hannibal Ramsey?"
"No, can't say that I do. He's not in our practice. Why do you ask?"
"I just had an odd encounter with him when I was leaving the ladies' room."
"Did he -?"
"No, no. I'm fine. I had a good time tonight", she smiles weakly again. "Your friend Max is a real character", trying to change the subject.
"That he is", Fitz says with a tight smile. Max is always competing with him for the attention of the ladies.
"Would you like to come in for a drink – coffee?"
"Rain check? I have an early morning operation."
They are both nervous. Do they kiss, shake hands, or bow?
"OK", she nods.
"Well, I guess I better get going."
"Good night", she says softly as he walks away.
Then he turns around quickly and gives her a searing kiss that takes her breath away.
"Now, good night, Miss Pope", he says smiling.
The old woman across the hall smiles and closes her peephole.
XXX
Olivia enters her apartment and leans against the door smiling as she brings her hand to her lips. She's really beginning to like Fitz, a lot. But her joy is dashed quickly when she hears Dr. Ramsey's voice in her head, causing her to question if she should really entertain having a relationship with Fitz. Can she do this? Can she be in an interracial relationship? Is Fitz just exercising his curiosity? Olivia is torn and doesn't know what to do.
The next morning Olivia awakens with the same thoughts she fell asleep with the night before. She wonders who she can talk to about her concerns. Although Abby is her friend she's not sure if Abby would understand her dilemma. And she can't talk to her best friend James because he is still grieving Ella and she doesn't know how he would react to her dating Fitz. Her phone vibrates, alerting her to a new text message. She smiles when she sees it's from Fitz.
Fitz: Good morning. U know I hate texting. Didn't want 2 wake U. Enjoyed last nite.
She smiles.
Olivia: Me 2
Fitz: Will call U later
Olivia: OK
Olivia needs to get out of her apartment and get some fresh air. She needs to clear her head so she decides to go for a run.
"Hello, Olivia. I saw you and your young man going out last night all dressed up and."
Olivia rolls her eyes and continues walking toward the elevator, not in the mood for Mrs. Teller today.
"He's a good one, Olivia. You better hold on to him."
Olivia turns and looks at the old woman for a moment, who is giving her a knowing look.
"Mrs. Teller, do you have a minute to talk?"
"Of course, Olivia. Come in and have a seat."
Olivia walks into Mrs. Teller's apartment for the first time, glancing around the traditionally decorated space. Everything is in order but it all looks so impersonal.
"Tea, Olivia?"
"Yes. Thank you."
Mrs. Teller goes into the kitchen and returns quickly with the tea service. Olivia thinks that was fast.
"So, Olivia, what can I do for you?" Sitting on the sofa and crossing her legs.
For the next few minutes Olivia tells Mrs. Teller about the gala. She tells her about Dr. Ramsey. She tells her how she is now questioning if she should be in a relationship with Fitz.
"Do you love him?" The old woman asks, eyeing Olivia closely.
"Well, I really like him."
"Baby, when you find someone in this lifetime that you really like, no matter their color, you better grab onto them."
Olivia looks at the woman and nods her head, digesting what she just said.
"He's a good man, Olivia. If he were only interested in satisfying his curiosity, as that Dr. Ramsey said, well he could've gone anywhere for that. Men don't date a booty call, Olivia. And they certainly don't take them to galas."
Olivia looks at Mrs. Teller in shock, wondering what the heck she knows about a booty call.
"That man likes you for you, Olivia. He came to check on you after that precious little girl died. He reached out to you after you stopped taking his calls because you didn't like the words he used when he explained Ella's condition."
Olivia's eyes widen, wondering how Mrs. Teller knows these things.
"And, as for that Dr. Ramsey, I bet he wouldn't have the nerve to speak to a black man the way he spoke to you. You should have given him a big piece of your mind, Olivia. Don't you let anyone, and I mean anyone, ever talk to you like that again. The next time you see that so-called doctor you tell him to go kick bricks."
Olivia giggles.
"Olivia, you need to talk to your young man about your fears. If you can't handle being in a relationship with him then he needs to know - sooner rather than later."
Olivia looks at the old woman and nods her head slowly, thinking Mrs. Teller is really wise.
"Thank you, Mrs. Teller. You've given me a lot to think about. And, thanks for the tea, too."
XXX
Three weeks after the gala Olivia and Fitz decide to have a picnic lunch in the park because it's a beautiful, sunny Saturday and they both have the day off from work. After walking around the trails for a while and looking at the rowers, bikers, and joggers, Fitz' stomach begins to growl.
"Sounds like somebody's hungry", she looks up at him and smiles.
"I am."
They walk back to his car to get picnic basket and blankets out of the trunk. Then they search for a semi-private spot on the grass.
"I think this is a good spot", Olivia says. "What do you think?"
"Perfect", he looks at her and smiles.
After eating their lunch they lay on the blanket, in silence, enjoying the sun caress their faces. He's anxious because he wants to ask her but he's not sure how's she going to respond. He's tired of introducing her as his date or his friend. He wants everyone to know that they are a couple, that she is his, so he decides to just do it before he loses his courage again.
"Be my girlfriend", he says quickly, smiling nervously.
"What?" Sitting up on the blanket and removing her sunglasses to look at him closely.
"Be my girlfriend", he repeats, looking into her eyes and holding his breath.
"Are we in high school where you ask me to go steady and wear your pin?"
"Yes", he says, still trying to quell his nerves.
"OK", she says flatly.
"OK then", he's smiling. "Now kiss me."
"Not so fast cowboy", putting up her hand to stop him from moving in for a kiss.
He looks at her curiously.
"Where's my pin?"
Fitz has gotten to know Olivia fairly well over the last few months. She is quick-witted and loves to tease him so he has to be on his toes when they're together. He reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out his medical pin and attaches it to her blouse. He smiles proudly.
"Now kiss me", she says, giving him the smile he loves so much.