Hey everyone, I am honestly enjoying reading everyone's thoughts on this story. Thank you all so much for the wonderful reviews. They honestly provide inspiration to continue writing. I want to take a moment to address something for those who have not seen or read Waiting to Exhale. I noticed a reviewer was kind of bummed that I had them burn all of Mellie's clothes and her car instead of donating them and I agree, I was going to go that route. I'm not sure if you have seen/read WTE, but I have been dying to write that scene since rewatching the movie earlier this week, and since this story is loosely based on it, I knew I had to touch base on that. With that said, the donations that followed, did NOT happen in the movie which was my way of making up for it and I hope that helps a little. So please, if you have not seen the movie or read the book, check it out at some point and you'll better understand certain parts of the storyline. Also a little warning to you all. I have spent as much time as possible skirting around certain relationships in the story but in order for me to bring Olitz together, I must get through them. Just a warning the next few chapters may be rough, but rest assured that Olitz is endgame.

Abby was already sitting in Liv's office when she arrived with two vanilla chai lattes in hand. The look on Abby's face told Liv she had a lot she needed to get off her chest. Liv kind of figured that as she hadn't heard from her after her date with David, things hadn't gone so well.

David wasn't what Liv would consider to be Abby's type as he was far from the tall, muscular, handsome men she would normally fawn after. While he was tall, his was far from muscular, and his looks were somewhat average. David met during one of Abby's court cases as he was the judge presiding over the case.

"Ok Abbs, spill it. What happened with David the other night?" Liv asked causing Abby to look up at her in shock. It was 9 am on a Monday morning which meant they were in gladiator node, not friendship mode.

When Liv saw Abby struggling to speak, she continued. "Yes, we are on the clock, but we have a little more time before our first appointment comes in. Now dish, you look like you need to."

"Liv, I have never met anyone like David. He was the sweetest, most considerate man I know. We went out to dinner and we had such a wonderful time just talking about any and everything." Abby said, adding a major sigh at the end.

"It sounds like you had a great time so why do you look so down?"

"Well, we went back to my place after and... Well... Liv, the man is horrible in bed. I didn't even realize he put it in even after he began moving and grunting like a wildebeest. He lasted all of 30 seconds, then acted like had given me the best sex of my life! I seriously could've had a fucking V8 and been more satisfied."

Liv looked at her friend and could help but to laugh. "Come on Abby, it couldn't have been that bad!" Liv cried as her laughter grew stronger.

"Liv it's not funny! Then, then he asks me about my dreams which I honestly thought was sweet, but he ruins it by giving this monologue about he can give me everything I want and need, like he's proposing! But... I don't know what happened after that, he... he kissed me and took his time worshipping my body in ways it has never been before. I felt sexy and wanted, I felt special."

Liv's laughter stops when she sees Abby reflecting on the latter part of her evening. It seems like Abby really likes this David. She hopes Abby will at least give him a chance.

"So then what happened?" Liv asked already sensing the answer.

"I kicked him out. I stopped answering his calls, I-"

"Abby!"

"Liv, he was a nice guy but I honestly cannot see a future with a man that can't satisfy me in the bedroom."

The women sat in silence for a moment just staring off into space. The knock on the door pulled them both out of their thoughts.

"Hey ladies! Whose funeral are we preparing for?"

"Oh hey Fitz, everything's fine. We were just thinking. Come in." Liv said as she stood to greet their friend.

"What brings you here, and is that for me?" Abby asked only slightly joking when she saw Fitz was carrying a plastic bag with his restaurant's logo on the front.

"Well, I figured I'd stop by and drop off a few dozen cannoli for you ladies."

That was all Abby needed to hear before jumping up and stealing the bag from Fitz. She pulled the top box out of the bag and moaned as her teeth sunk into the treat. "Oh my goodness, Fitz! I think your cannolis can trigger orgasms!" Abby moaned again causing Liv and Fitz to laugh until they were in tears.

"Have you tried these cannolis Liv? They are exquisite!"

"Actually Abby, it's Liv's recipe." Fitz stated proudly. The three of them sat in Liv's office and talked for a while longer. Harrison and Huck were out working on a case so they hadn't even known their first appointment had arrived.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for-"

"Kenneth" Liv greeted, her tone a little huskier and breathier than usual.

Kenneth Dawkins, a 6' 4" dark chocolate, foine assed specimen with a body like Idris and a face to match. He was also the man Liv had been spending years trying to forget, but couldn't. Liv knew she was wrong for carrying on an affair with Kenneth for as long as she had, but she ended that long ago. Now, as he stood in front of her a picture of perfection, Liv was wondering if she had made the right decision.

"Hello gorgeous."

Abby watched Fitz's jaw clench as Liv walked over to Kenneth and embrace him in a hug. The hug was much longer than what could be considered innocent, and Abby could see Fitz's heart breaking with every passing second.

Fitz sat and watched as the man he had grown to hate was holding onto Liv for dear life. Suddenly the walls felt as if they were closing in on him, and his breathing came out in short pants. Why was this man here? Why cant he just leave Liv and her feelings alone? Wasn't it enough he had a wife and a child halfway across the country waiting for him to come home? Did he seriously need to take Fitz's woman too? Fitz sighed as he realized Liv was not his. She wouldn't even consider anything happening between them until after the divorce, until he no longer belonged to someone else. He made a mental note to call his attorney and see if he could get the divorce proceedings pushed along.

As Liv stood in Kenneth's embrace, she couldn't help but realize that although she felt the sparks, they were nothing in comparison to what went off in her body with just a fraction of bodily contact from Fitz. If Fitz's finger brushed against any part of her body, Liv felt her body was setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Although both men were married, Liv didn't have the same reservations with Kenneth as she did with Fitz. Maybe it was because she didn't care whether or not Kenneth walked out of her life and never returned. Maybe it was because she felt that in spite of his marriage, Kenneth truly belonged to her. Whatever the reason, Liv found herself getting lost in this man the longer they embraced.

Sensing Fitz wanted nothing more than to jump across the room and beat the hell out of Kenneth, Abby cleared her throat which effectively ended their embrace. The two stepped apart, but didn't break eye contact.

"Kenneth I'd like for you to meet my associate Abby and you remember Fitz, don't you?"

"Hello Abby, nice to meet you. Fitz..."

"Kenneth..." Fitz's tone was icy and the daggers he was shooting at Kenneth didn't go unnoticed by anyone, except maybe Liv.

The tension that was filling the room was enough to choke a horse. Liv honestly had no clue that Kenneth was coming to town, nor that he would look her up when he did. It had been almost 3 years since she had seen him last and Liv wondered what he was truly doing here. Not that she minded him there in any capacity.

"So, what are you doing here?" Liv asked as she walked back towards her desk while failing to look Fitz in the eye. She felt Fitz's eyes burning holes through her the moment she stepped into Kenneth's arms.

In all honesty, Liv loves Fitz and wants nothing more than to see what their lives would be together. But for now he's married and she does not want to begin a relationship with him as his mistress. If they are going to give this a shot, they are going to do this right. That doesn't mean she couldn't have a little fun until then, does it?

"I'm your 10 am appointment." Kenneth said as he continued to take Liv in. She had chosen to wear a pair of straight legged grey dress slacks which were tailored to accent her ass in a way that made Kenneth forget his name. She wore a rose colored sleeveless blouse, and her grey blazer, was resting on the back of her chair.

"Abby, you didn't tell me that Kenneth Dawkins would be representing GlobalCom for this meeting." Liv finally said as she was caught off guard by his presence, but she also wanted Fitz to know this was a coincidence.

"Um, Liv... You didn't ask."

Sensing he was the odd one in the room, Fitz stood to leave. He honestly couldn't stand in the room watching these two so engaged with one another any longer. After saying his goodbyes, Fitz left the office and made his way to work.

When he arrived, Cyrus seemed in a panic as there was something wrong with the building codes for restaurant in Chicago. It was set to open on a week, and Cyrus was inching closer and closer to having his first heart attack at whatever it was they were facing.

"Cy, calm down. I'll just fly out to Chicago and take care of it. Have the jet prepared for takeoff."

Fitz was on his way back to his office when he heard his phone ringing. He looked down and instantly a smile graced his face.

"Hello beautiful, how are you this fine morning." Fitz answered into the phone.

"What's wrong?" The other voice responded.

"Nothing."

"That's a load of crap and you know it. You've been my son for 34 years, I know something is up."

"It's nothing ma. Don't worry it's just a little snag with the restaurant in Chicago. It's nothing I can't handle."

"Ok, so how are things going over there in DC? Have you and Liv been spending time together now that she's living there?"

Fitz sighed as he knew his mother was jumping into matchmaker mode. It normally wouldn't bother him when his mother tried to set him up but this time was different. He wanted Liv more than anything in the world, but he wanted to do things the right way.

"Yes ma, Liv and I have been spending a lot of time together. We're friends, it's what we do."

"So are you two hanging out tonight?"

"I just left her office, but I'm not so sure about tonight. I may have to stay over in Chicago for a few days. Besides, she has an old friend who is in town visiting. I think he's planning on taking her out tonight."

"Fitzy... Please don't tell me it's the devil's spawn Kenneth!" Susan cried into the phone. Fitz heard a woman yelling in the background and knew immediately his mother was with Maya Pope for the day.

"I am going to ring that girl's neck the next time I see her! I keep telling her about messing around with that man! I thought she'd learn by now after he kept breaking her heart! Eli! Eli! You need to talk aims sense into your daughter! I have had enough! UGH!"

"Mom, you're at the Pope's estate aren't you?"

"Is that a problem? You know your father and I get together with Eli and Maya three times a week when the men have the mornings or afternoons off."

"No mom, it's not a problem. I just didn't realize you were there... Well listen mom, Cyrus is telling me the jet is set for takeoff so I've got to be going. I love you ma, and five dad my love."

"I love you too Fitzy. Oh and Fitz..."

"Yes ma?"

"God is giving you another chance. Don't let her get away this time."

"I won't ma."

Fitz hung up and grabbed his emergency duffle bag out of the corner in his office, before leaving to catch the jet. He'd text Liv later to let her know he had left. Maybe not, would she even care?

"Olivia Carolyn Pope, have you seriously lost your damn mind!? I don't know what is wrong with you children these days!"

"Ma"

"You know, your father and I did not bust our asses our entire lives to give you the best of everything, only to have you throw your life away for a married man! The man is married Olivia! He chose someone else. He belongs to someone else. So what is he doing there with you? Especially when you have a man so desperately in love with you who is willing to treat you right and make you his wife if youd just give him a chance."

"First Ma, Fitz and I are just friends. We have been since kindergarten and in spite of the divorce, Fitz is still married. IF we enter anything at all, it will be on our time, and the slate will be clean. I will not become Fitz's mistress whether you approve of it or not."

"But you can be Kenneth's mistress. Is that how this goes?"

"Look ma, I'm not sure how you found out, but Kenneth is here on business-"

"Mmmmmhmmm, more like he's there trying to get all up in your business if you ask me! Hmph!"

"Ma, Kenneth's company is a client. I had no idea Kenneth was coming on their behalf, and yes, he is married. But mom, I am an adult. I know what I'm doing. This is just business, nothing is going to happen..."

XX

"Mmmm Kenneth that feels so good. Don't stop."

After spending the majority of the morning together going over points of GlobalCom's case, Kenneth had convinced Liv to have lunch with him. They grabbed Thai takeout, and ate lunch in the park. Liv returned to work to finish out her day, while Kenneth returned to his hotel. Just as Liv was heading home for the evening, Kenneth showed up in her office once again.

After begging and pleading for almost an hour, Kenneth convinced her to have dinner with him. Liv thought of making up an excuse. She even thought of saying she and Fitz already had plans, but Fitz hadn't been returning her calls all day. She called Cyrus and found out Fitz had flown to Chicago to take care of an issue with the restaurant. With nothing else to do, and not ready to go home just yet, Liv agreed.

Their dinner went well. They talked and laughed and for a moment Liv forgot he was married. That may have had a lot to do with the fact that Kenneth never wore his wedding around her, saying that when they were together, he belonged to only her.

Liv couldn't honestly explain what happened, it was either the copious amounts of wine she had with dinner, or the fact that her body needed the attention. Somehow she soon found herself back at her condo with Kenneth, who was now treating her to a full body massage as she laid on her stomach, moaning in pleasure.

"Mmmm Kenneth that feels so good. Please don't stop!"

"You like that baby?" Kenneth asked as his hands worked their way up her thighs. His hands slid a little further and Liv gasped as she felt his finger enter her core.

"God you are so tight. Baby, open up for daddy. Let me see how wet I can make you baby."

Liv spread her legs further, allowing Kenneth deeper access. She couldn't put her finger on it, but as good as this felt, it just didn't completely feel right. Normally Kenneth would say hello and her panties were immediately soaked. Now he has to work to get her to that point? Something was off.

Not really feeling into it, but knowing her body needed to find release, Liv allowed her thoughts to drift to Fitz. Liv felt the moisture begin to flow between her thighs as she pictured Fitz's hands roaming her body. She moaned louder as she imagined they were Fitz's fingers currently stretching her walls, and making a slow assault on her clit.

"Yea baby, that's it. You are so ready for me. Are you ready for big daddy?"

"Mmmm, yes." Liv moaned as she licked her lips in anticipation.

Liv gasped as she imagined it was Fitz's body that slid up to cover hers, and it was his hands that placed the pillow under her stomach before entering her. She forced her walls to contract, gripping him tighter as she imagined it was Fitz who was thrusting in and out of her. Liv began crying out, feeling herself nearing her climax as she imagined it was Fitz's fingers that were intertwined with hers as he repeatedly pounded into her, repeatedly hitting her spot.

"That's it baby, come for me. I want to hear you scream my name as you come."

That's when it happened. Liv was too lost in her fantasy of Fitz as her orgasm violently shook her body. "OH MY... YES! YES! OH MMMM YES! I'M COMING! I... FFFIIIITTTZZZ!" Liv screamed, causing Kenneth to halt all movement right then and there. He rolled off of Liv and jumped to his feet as if he had been burned by her words.

"Kenneth I-"

"Are you fucking him Liv!?"

"I am so sorry!"

"Are you fucking Fitz?!" Kenneth spat causing Liv to flinch. That had honestly never happened before and Liv wasn't sure what brought it on.

"I'm not!" Liv spat back, honestly mortified and confused about what had just occurred.

"Then why are you screaming his name when you're with me!? I thought you loved me Liv! I thought what we had was special. You're mine! Not his! The least you can do is act like it when it's my dick hurried inside of you!"

Liv felt her blood begin to boil as all she could see was red. Did he just try and claim her like she was some hen? Did he seriously forget who he was talking to?

"Five, you do not own me, you do not control me. I am not some hen in your hen house that you can lay claim on. Four, I am grown, I am single, you are not the only person in my life. You really need to get over yourself. Three, you go away for three years without a word, not so much as an explanation or a phone call, and you think I'd be sitting here waiting on you? You are delusional and severely misguided. Two, you are married with a child. You don't belong to me just as much as I don't belong to you so- One, what I am or am not doing, who I am or am not screwing, is no longer any of your damn business."

Kenneth stood for a moment completely stunned. He had witnessed others fall victim to the Olivia Pope countdown, but never in his life did he think he would be on the receiving end. She had a point, he was married, but that didn't mean he liked Liv sleeping with other men, especially when said man was Fitzgerald Grant.

"Liv, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. It's just that I don't get to see you that often and it hurt to know that you were thinking of someone else while I was making love to you. I love you Olivia."

Liv felt her anger slipping away as she looked up at Kenneth wearing nothing but a pouty face and a very prominent erection. She thought she was in love with Kenneth, but this moment served to prove that the love she thought she felt, was nothing more than lust. And she planned to exercise all of the lust in her body for the rest of the evening. It wouldn't mean anything, it's just sex.

"You're right, we don't get to spend that much time together and I'm sorry. Come back to bed. I promise I'll make it up to you." Liv replied as she bit down on her bottom lip. Kenneth returned to bed, and they continued going at it for the rest of the evening.

Abby was sitting in her apartment excitedly waiting for Stephen to arrive. It had been so long since she had seen him and her body needed him more than anything. She heard the knock on the door and almost fell rushing to open it.

"Hey baby, did you miss me?" Stephen said causing Abby to smile harder than she had in years. Not wanting to waste time, Abby took Stephen's hand and led him into her bedroom.

She moaned as his lips came crashing down on hers, neither of them stopping until their lungs were desperate for oxygen. Abby climbed onto the bed as Stephen watched her, carefully planning his next words.

"Abby, where are my pajamas?" Stephen asked as he really wasn't in the mood in that moment.

"Hmmm,you've never needed them before." Abby said hoping he would change his mind and ravish her. After seeing He wasn't playing, Abby walked over to her dresser, and pulled a pair of pajama pants out of the bottom drawer.

"Did you sleep with her?!" Abby asked as she threw the pants at Stephen.

"I need to come here and be pressured about what I'm doing with my own wife!" Stephen spat as he changed into the pajamas and climbed in on his side of the bed.

"Stephen it's just that we don't get to spend that much time together and-" Abby was cut off by the sound of her phone ringing.

"Hello"

"Hey sexy it's Jason."

"Hey, how's not a good time."

"I'll let you go, but first, say something dirty to me."

Instead of responding, Abby simply hung up and turned her ringer off before laying down with her back to Stephen.

"I'd suggest you tell your little boyfriends not to call after 10." Stephen said before going to sleep.

Abby laid there and couldn't help the smile that was forming on her face.

Are you kidding me? He's jealous...