A Match to remember
Chapter 12
Meeting the Family II
Darn I did not realize I posted two chapter so close together but often if they are related I try to post them, so they will flow. This is the third update of four relating to Olivia traveling to and meeting the Grant Family
One Guest reviewer could not understand why the two would worry about what others thought about their relationship. WE live in the real world. Although all these stories are fiction at some point even fiction must have some ring of truth. Olivia ran from Fitz because she thought their relationship would fail because of their differences. It would make sense that she and Fitz would address her concerns. Just as she felt it may be a problem…...his family may have like concerns. Fitz said he wants his children to be included in future photos of his family ….that meant they discussed Olivia's concerns. I always try to include some realism in my stories when the realism fits the plot …...and in this case it fits the plot.
Mstlove thanks for letting me know I was not overwriting by including the source of this AU Grant family money . I wondered … does anyone really care…..thanks for letting me know you care.
Thanks to everyone who have taken the time to write a comment. This story will probably end…. …in September 2018 where it all started, during the 2018 USO.
And away we go to the chapter 12 update
Mary and Fitz watched younger brother Will exit his car, his girlfriend Lori remained in the passenger seat.
"Will what are you doing here didn't I just leave you…..., why are you in such a hurry?"
"Yes, you did …. Hi Mary…where is Olivia I'm here to see her before we get to the house then I won't get a chance to talk to her?"
"Why do you want to see Olivia?" Fitz asked
"I want to say hello and thank her for keeping in touch…...she is going to be a kick ass sister-in-law.
Fitz frowned when her heard his brother swear …..." sorry Fitz…. great sister-in-law…. where is she?"
"What do you mean she kept in touch?"
"Last Easter break when we visited DC and Georgetown she was there. I loved what she had to say. I gave her my e-mail and we have been in touch."
"Wait…..." Mary interrupted him…." you know Olivia?"
"Of course…...I told you guys when I came back."
"No" …. both Fitz and Mary responded…." you did not."
"Ok maybe I didn't but maybe you guys were not listening …. you never listen to anything I say."
"Are you referring to when you were talking about becoming POTUS because a professor at Georgetown told you as students you should strive for something more than fortune and fame."
"yes"
"Were we supposed to take you serious?"
"Yes, you were…... my parents as well all my sisters and brothers are successful I just wanted to let you guys know my plans for my success.".
"Were you talking about Olivia?"
"Olivia and Dr. Beene"
"Hold on Will…. How did you meet Olivia and how do you know it's the same person?"
"Seriously Fitz…. her name is Olivia Pope, she's an attorney and she went to Georgetown, she's a legend there."
"And you know this how and why?"
"Mom said your Olivia was connected to the water project, so I googled her on the way here to make sure it is the same person."
Fitz threw his hands up in a what the hell …..." he googled her".
"Did you google while you were driving?"
"Fitz are you seriously asking me that…..no I did not google while driving …..Lori did the search I just told her what to enter."
"She stopped by to see Dr. Beene who was meeting with a group of students visiting their campus. She stayed a while to talk to us. She gave us her -mail address and told us to feel free to contact her …so I did. We have been buddies for a long time."
"I wonder why she never told us she knew you?"
"Maybe because we never exchanged any personal or family information. We talked about school…. how I could help myself once I enrolled and how I should use my free time. During our exchanges she told me what clubs or activities I should consider joining and some I should avoid. While everyone else we met stressed taking heavy class loads she advised one fun class every semester. That class could be my non-stress class. Having her as a semi-mentor has been fun and she is pretty which makes her suggestions easier to take..."
"Enrolled do you think you will get in?"
"Of course, a recommendation from Olivia and Dr. Beene…...it's a lock… where is she?"
"Will I believe she is dressing…. why don't you take Mary home to change clothes ….by the time you get back we should be ready to go …. she can ride with you to the house then you can talk in the car."
Marcus who had finished dressing heard the voices and walked out into the yard.
"Hi everyone…am I holding things up?"
Fitz turned to Marcus…..." this is my youngest…...can't say baby…brother Will… formerly called Billy. That's his girl Lori in the car." Pointing to the car in the driveway.
Will and Marcus shook hands then Marcus waved to Lori who decided to get out of the car and join the group.
"Do you work with Olivia…...did you know her when she attended Georgetown?"
"Yes, I work with Olivia…...I did not know her when she was a student at Georgetown…... I knew of her, she's a legend …Professor Beene put us together to work on the water project…. What do you know about Olivia Will?"
"I met her last spring when I came for a school visit. …. she's awesome…...we have been exchanging e-mail notes about Georgetown. I also met Professor Beene."
"Fitz, I feel like Dorothy…...You met Olivia in New York but lost touch …. then you asked Huck who knew her to help you find her. Now we discover your younger brother Will….…formerly Billy…. met her last spring. I don't believe in coincidences, but this is one really big coincident."
"Ok Fitz I will take Mary home to change and get her car, so she can have her own ride when family group gets too big for her to handle. Marcus do you want to ride with us…you can tell me more about Georgetown."
The four piled into Will's car Mary winked when she told Fitz they would not be gone more than an hour.
Fitz went into the house to look for Olivia knowing if she was up she would have heard them talking. He checked both bedrooms and the den but no Olivia. He knew she had to be around, so he decided to take his shower and get it out of the way…. that way his hair would have time to dry. He entered his bedroom toeing his shoes off as he went…. straight into the bathroom and started removing his clothes. Throwing them in the hamper then he went into his closet to find his outfit to wear.
"Is it for me or do you just enjoy parading around in absolutely nothing?"
Fitz turned to see Olivia sitting in the middle of his bed propped up on her elbows …dressed in his bathrobe...
"So there you are…I checked the bedrooms and den I don't have that many rooms so I knew you were someone close…I never thought to check for you in my bed….but I like it and I like that outfit you are wearing it looks familiar…."
"'Mary directed me here supposedly because Marcus was using the other bathroom. I think it was because she wanted some privacy with him. The bathrobe I could not resist it smelled like you. Didn't you miss it when you undressed?"
"I never looked for it because I rarely use it since I live alone."
Fitz walked over to her and laid her back on the bed as he kissed her
"Mary said we have about an hour…...should we find something interesting to do in that hour. It will only take me ten minutes to shower and dress afterwards."
"Nope Mr. Grant we have to get dressed so we won't look like we just got out of bed which is where we would have just gotten out of."
" Ms. Pope you spoiled my expectations of as Mary said, "a chill pill piece to take the edge off."
"Mr. Grant I am not sure we could finish and make ourselves presentable in the time allowed. I promise I will make it up to you. Now take your shower and please cover that beautiful body of yours before I change my mind."
"If you insist but when we are old and gray, and I can no longer hit your sweet spots I will remind you the time you let one of my best boners go to waste."
"Don't worry I will give it mouth to mouth resuscitation when needed."
"Woman you are killing me…. I'll be back as soon as possible."
While he was in the shower Olivia dressed in clothing that she loved wearing when her yogi pants were too casual…A pair of nice fitting boot cut jeans with a long sleeve hot pink V-neck tee. She decided on the color, so Fitz could find her in the crowd. She topped the outfit off with her favorite pair of L.L. Bean walking boots with just enough of a heel to make the boots hang nicely... She hoped for the casual look but not too casual. She decided not to fuss over her hair, so she pulled it back into a messy bun and put a scarf around her neck. The look was completed with a hat that said "Iowa - my first visit ". The scarf she could use later for cover if it got windy.
She heard a whistle…" you clean up pretty well, I like the hat. When did you get it?"
She looked around to see Fitz …this time with a towel draped around his waist getting his clothes out of the closet.
"A towel…. aren't you overdressed? …...I got the hat when you guys went to take the car back."
" Overdressed….Not really I'm still wet but I can always take it off." which he did and stood there with his hands on his hips.
"Fitz you are a showoff…...are you through in the bathroom so I can check my hair and put on a little makeup."
"I was just reacting to your comment…"
Olivia headed for the bathroom…." you are such a tease."
"You will have fifty years to get tired of it."
Fitz continued to dress while they talked through the open door
Fitz came to the door wearing black slacks…. a fitted sky blue long sleeve shirt and comfortable short boots. Olivia took one look and gave her nod of approval.
"Olivia do you remember one of your e-mail contacts, William, who you met last spring when he was visiting Georgetown."
Olivia thought for a couple of minutes trying to recall her list of contacts.
"Yes…...you mean Will… I consider him a friend. We have stayed in contact since we first met. He is really a smart kid I hope he decides to attend Georgetown I will do what I can to convince him…why do you ask?"
"Do you know his full name….?"
"no, he's Will…. I am Olivia…. why?"
"I don't think he needs any more convincing to go to Georgetown."
"Why….do you know him do you know the fam….". Olivia stopped midsentence as she looked at Fitz who was smiling and shaking his head.
"Who is he?"
"The person you have been communicating with…who you, and Cyrus Beene, have convinced to apply and according to him attend Georgetown since he has the support of Dr. Beene and the legend Olivia Pope was born William Anthony Grant."
"He's in your family…... is he's related to you?"
"You could say that."
"Fitz who is he….no more suspense."
"He's my youngest brother."
Olivia dropped her makeup into the sink "No way there are just too many connections between you and I Fitz I don't believe this. "
"Olivia it's true…you met Huck and you met my brother…. both before you met me. I think your connection to him will go a long way towards helping us with the family."
"Are you intending to use your brother to convince your family to like me."
"As odd as it seemed you are one of the few people who have made an impression on him…that should carry some weight in our favor. It's not liking you my mother thinks we should wait she thinks we are moving to fast."
"Is that the only objection she made?"
"Yes, the only one… and if I may add the only one she made after my dad showed her my screen saver page."
"And your dad?"
"He said go for it."
"Olivia stood with a quizzed look on her face. "We talked about everything, including your siblings …. I know I did not forget everything you told me so soon. I remember you told me you have two brothers and two sisters. Older sister Dot and two brothers John and Billy and of course sister Mary who answered the phone when I called and who came to Chicago with you. I don't remember a brother Will."
"That's because for sixteen years we called him Billy. When he came back from DC he insisted on being called Will…. short for William."
"A little vanity there…I see now where he got that from. He is also a lot like Mary…very open I enjoyed exchanging information. He asked some interesting, very adult, questions about Georgetown and living in DC."
The two heard the door open and voices then footsteps coming down the hall
"Fitz, Olivia" a voice Fitz recognized as his brother called out.
"Ok…we will be right out…"
Olivia took one more look before following Fitz to the den where they found the group sitting.
As soon as Will saw Olivia he made a beeline towards her. As she offered her hand he brushed it aside and grabbed her in a bear hug.
"Olivia…... it's great to see you again so soon. I heard you will soon be my sister-in-law…...that is great. When is the wedding…...Fitz since I know both you and Olivia can I be the best man."
"Will slow down…."
"Why?"
"We need to let Olivia and Marcus do what they came here to do…...meet with those who contributed. In the meantime, we will plan a wedding, but we haven't announced it yet so can you keep quiet for just a little while… and yes you can be my best man. Now let's go and get this show on the road."
Olivia looked at Marcus…..." I like the look."
'" Me too…. the untuck it looks a lot better on me than the regular polo and I like it…. it goes well with the jeans …and the shoes."
"The color is very nice."
"Yes, I like the blue check patter…. I hope it doesn't look like I am trying too hard."
" That is the same think I though…..Marcus you look fine. I'm not sure a suit is expected attire for a farm cookout. The shoes are interesting not what I am used to seeing you in."
"Not what I usually wear. I bought them when we went out yesterday. Mary suggested them after she saw my casual Duck's…" Marcus looked down at his boot clad feet. … they were more a work grade boot than the casual shoes he wears when away from the work environment.
"Ok guys time to go" …Olivia can I have just a minute Fitz said as she followed him into the kitchen.
"Olivia, I know from New York you are not a big meat eater…...I will fix you a plate and bring it to you …... Also, I am bringing a couple of bottles of wine…same thing. Only drink the wine I give you."
"Should I fear someone will try to poison me?"
'" Maybe Mellie" This made them both laugh.
"Nope but we eat real meat here and some of it is meat we have just slaughtered. I am not sure your system will adjust to it in a large quantity… I know you like grill cheese sandwiches, so I will make you a plate with a grill cheese sandwich, chicken, some commercial sausages and some safe sides, stay away from everything else."
"Fitz I can eat the food."
"Just humor me ok…and don't drink anything especially anything my uncle Harry gives you, I'll make sure to introduce you to him… if he offers you anything take it maybe take a sip but do not drink any more than a sip."
"Why not what's wrong with it?"
"Absolutely nothing but it's so potent even I don't drink it."
"I am beginning to think this sounds like an average cookout in America …...crazy uncle, gossiping neighbor, panther juice masquerading as a beverage of choice and more meat than vegetables. I should feel right at home I have attended some just like this."
"Olivia it's not funny. If you drink a cup of uncle Harry's hooch you will take your vows from the bed."
"Not a bad idea …. then I would already be dressed for the honeymoon. And I thought the only thing I had to be concerned about was your family liking me. Now I must worry about alcohol poisoning and eating real American food…... grown and produced without additives and eaten in the year it was produced. Who would ever think real food could be a liability."
"It's not a liability but it does create problems for some."
"Wont your family know I am not eating won't they think that's odd?"
"Nope…. like I said I will make you a plate."
"Fitz"
Fitz kissed her…...it will be ok.
Lori rode with Will in his car...… Marcus rode with Fitz in his truck and Olivia rode with Mary in her car….it was their way to be politically correct. Fitz convinced Will he would have plenty of time to talk to Olivia, he, reluctantly agreed she could ride with Mary.
When Mary and Olivia pulled up Will was waiting for them. Before Olivia could figure out what happening Will had her hand and was pulling her towards a table filled with teens about his age. He found a seat for her and started to introduce her to everyone which lost Olivia after the fourth name.
"Olivia, I decided to hide you from the rest of the family, so you could talk to my friends. Maybe answer some questions... …. Guys this is Olivia…. she is the one who convinced me that Georgetown is the school for me. If any of you need to talk to someone who can give you all the information this is the lady. So, ask her any questions. If she does not know the answer she will get them for you. One at a time please guys."
The group was orderly as they asked about housing, scholarships, classes, athletic teams and professors. Olivia took time answering every question and every second question and address every concern. She answered the questions so thoroughly there were few follow-up questions. . Soon Mary would be wading through the group trying to rescue Olivia after numerous inquiries about her.
While Olivia was with Will and his friends Margaret saw Mary and Fitz but did not see Olivia. She waved them and Marcus over. Where is Olivia….. did she come?"
"Hi mom, yes she is here. Marcus this is my mother Margaret mom this is Marcus."
"Where is Olivia?"
Gerry Grant walked up and introduced himself…" Marcus let me introduce you around. It seems my son Will has kidnapped Olivia. Margaret …. She is with Will and his friends?"
"Fitz …...Why is Olivia with Will?...
"Mom I don't know …. He took her over to meet his friends as soon as she got out of Mary's car."
"Mom she's somewhere in that big group of kids sitting under the tree. By the time I parked …... Will had taken her to talk to a group of his friends." Mary answered them.
"Mary go rescue Olivia while I update Fitz on the latest Mellie alert."
"How bad is it?"
"She said you had to pull over because of an argument between you and Olivia, something about comments she was making about Iowa…saying she was sorry she came. Saying she was trying to come on to you to while you guys were parked on the side of the highway but you kept your distance from her.…... Welcome to Millie land."
"Mom I tried to tell you… we were parked in a rest area not on the side of the highway and we were nor arguing I had just proposed she had accepted and we were trying to figure out the best way to tell the family…...that's why I had to come straight here and explain I knew Mellie would try to torpedo her trip. When she saw Olivia, Mellie saw Olivia as a threat to her as she sees any other woman that is near me…. She thought her gossip was stopping something …...she never knew what was happening could not be stopped. I want to see her face when she finds out."
"Fitz you proposed to the woman you want put Mellie behind you."
Margaret saw Mary and this gorgeous woman coming towards them. She saw her stop among the group of people….. shake hands and interact like a native. Margaret watched her body language as she walked and introduced herself. Those meeting her were as impressed with her up close as she was at a distance. She saw the look on her son's face as he watched her…. there was a smile…. a glow on his face.
Margaret decided right then…this was not about her and the family it was about Fitz…. what will make him happy not what will make life easier for her and the family. If Olivia makes him happy…Olivia will make her happy…that's it.
Fitz never left his mother's side as Olivia moved through the crowd greeting people…shaking hands as she passed…as she and Mary made their way to them. He always knew Olivia could handle it…she was showing him she could handle meeting his family and friends without fear., without him as a buffer.
Olivia and Mary finally made it over to Margaret and Fitz
"Mom this is Olivia…...Olivia this is my mom Margaret."
The two ladies started to shake hands until Margaret pulled Olivia in for a hug. This surprised Mary, Olivia and Fitz as they made surprised faces over Margaret's shoulder.
"Come on Olivia let me introduce you to some of my group. " The two left Mary and Fitz standing there with a "what happened look on their faces.
"Mary that is not the lady I talked to earlier what happened.?"
"I think Mellie did something she never intended and Olivia's relationship with Will helped."
"Have you seen Mellie Fitz …I'm surprised she isn't handing on your arm."
"I saw her but when she saw Olivia talking to Will and his friends I think she knew her plan did not work, she may have left already."
"Smart woman to retreat….she figures she will wait Olivia out….wait until she leaves."
"Mary that will be a very long wait. Olivia may leave but my heart will leave with her and I will follow my heart wherever it leads."
Olivia was enjoying her time meeting the Grant family and friends. She felt at home.
Too soon the evening grew to a close there was school and work tomorrow. There was only a small group left after everything was cleaned up and packed away. Margaret fixed several plates for Mary and Fitz to take with them. She remarked "'Olivia I did not see you eat except the plate Fitz brought you…do you want something else now? I will add you were smart to stay away from, Harry's elixir."
"Marge you are always spoiling things for me, I always like to see how many cups the new guy can handle. Marcus you did ok…. three cups."
Marcus turned to Harry "were you counting?"
"Yes"
"Harry just because you have been drinking your special brew for 40 years doesn't mean everyone have a cast iron stomach."
"Mrs. Grant…. I decided to eat, and drink, light. Fitz warned me you guys were making real beef. I had some chicken, some great sausage along with a grilled cheese sandwich and some tasty sides. The slaw was really good..."
"Grilled cheese…who made grilled cheese?"
"I did" Fitz answered …" I've been practicing for a month…I'm beginning to develop a taste for them."
"Why grilled cheese?" Margaret questioned her son
"In New York it was all that Olivia would eat after the second day after eating mystery meat and bread the first day."
"Olivia you do not eat meat…...Fitz why didn't you tell me."
"I eat meat but when the only selection is red meat wrapped in bread….…it gets old quick. After my second day in New York I was searching out dishes that did not include just red meat with bread.
"'I thought New York had some of the best restaurants?"
"I was at the Tennis Center from noon until midnight for four days."
"why so long?"
"There was always a great match going on …...When I found Grilled Cheese and Salads were available I stuck with them for three days. . . Staying in Queens helped some. The hotel where I stayed had a lot of Asian restaurants nearby but unfortunately, they were closed by the time the matches were over. I had to find something to eat….. my daily meal was Grilled Cheese and a Salad. For my morning meal I found a shop with a soup, stew or fish dish and my new favorite Scallop Pancakes."
"Scalloped pancakes?"
"Don't ask… egg is one ingredient the rest I don't know but they are delicious."
Margaret looked around at the group …the ones she had asked to stay after the get together ended.
"Guys I would like to invite you to a wedding on Wednesday. The wedding will be at the church a small get together will be her after."
This took Olivia and Fitz totally by surprise who looked at each other then Margaret Grant.
"Who is getting married…...you Mary?" Harry asked
"'Nope…. its Fitzgerald and Olivia. We hope you all can make it. I am thinking 6pm….and we will come back here for a small celebration."
The group congratulated both Fitz and Olivia who remained speechless.
"The women chimed in…" what do you need us to do…...?"
Olivia looked at Fitz and the group not being able to say anything
Fitz spoke up "my fiancée is speechless which is hard to believe since she talks for a living. We did not realize my mother would make this announcement. We haven't made any plans but ok…the wedding Wednesday…the reception here. I guess we need to find Olivia a dress, get the license and get my best suit cleaned. We wanted to get married here and we wanted to get married Wednesday, but we never expected Margaret Grant…..." Fitz looked at his mother "would spring it like this."
"Is it supposed to be a secret? "Margaret's sister Cora asked.
"Nope…not a secret pass on the information. We don't have a guest list…...I just wanted close family to know first and tell you in front of the couple."
"I can't wait to tell Mellie after that tale she is spreading around." Harry's wife Mary said.
"Aunt Mary this is not about Mellie she nearly caused a problem already…we will not let her into this happy moment."
"What problem…tell it all we have all the time you need, " Cora spoke up settling in…... waiting. "A little true gossip is good for the soul. Better to hear the real story from you than the tale from Mellie. "
Olivia and Fitz looked at each other …Olivia nodded at Fitz who told about seeing Mellie on the highway. Knowing she would spread her own interpretation Fitz had to see his parents alone without Olivia and tell and tell them about their engagement. Before Mellie spread her tale …. whatever that tale would be.
"Tell her own interpretation you mean tell her own lie." Cora said
"Just so we will know the truth…. when did you guys meet I thought you first met when you went to take the donations to Chicago. Now with the talk about New York and sandwiches sounds like you guys met months ago." his brother John questioned.
Fitz smiled as he told his family how they met …each telling made him feel even happier and lucky.
"'Another fun fact…...Billy…. yes, Billy not Will …. met Olivia when he was in DC last spring. Looks like Olivia has been in this family for longer than any of us knew…. long before it became official.
"Marcus are you ok with this?" Gerry Grant asked
"Mr. Grant…. sorry Gerry…. this is as much a shock to me as it is to you. When we left Chicago, a wedding wasn't on the travel plans but it's ok…...they are both adults and both want to get married. It sounds like it's rushed but they talk several times a day every day and have for the past six weeks."
The group broke up…everyone heading out after being told they would meet tomorrow, here at 6pm...
Mary decided she would go back to Fitz' with the couple and start working on the wedding that way there would be some ideas on the table when they met tomorrow evening.
"'Mary are you taking over…. are you planning the wedding?" her mother asked
"YES "she exclaimed.
"Ok Mary…...we will meet here tomorrow night at 6pm…" Margaret answered.
Keeping things politically correct…...Olivia rode with Mary…...Marcus with Fitz.
They all settled at Fitz's dining room table…... Fitz looked at his sister.
"I'm going back with Olivia to plan the wedding…you may have been coming back to my house, but I guarantee your intent was not to plan a wedding Mary."
"Look Fitz leave me alone…let's make these plans so we can all do what we really want to do… go to bed. "
"Olivia, I told you back at the airport in Chicago my sister does not have a filter on her mouth."
"She's right let's get this over with fast."
"Olivia it's your wedding, the only one you will ever have don't you want more planning?"
"Fitz, I have a small family. I will call my dad in DC and my aunt in Chicago…maybe Cyrus, maybe my friend Abby in New York.. Not a lot of planning from my side I will book the flights."
"nope don't book the flights…. Huck will do that. That way we can make sure we get what we want…in and out." Fitz broke in. "Friday would be better than Wednesday…. who decided on Wednesday?"
"We decided on Wednesday because Olivia and Marcus originally planned to leave on Thursday. "'
"Why did you guys decide to leave on Thursday? The middle of the week."'
"Because guest…like fish …. go bad after three days. We decided we could see everyone in three days …spend some time with you guys then go home."
"We could change the wedding" Marcus chipped in.
"A chorus of No's filled the room. It's Wednesday… Margaret Grant said Wednesday and it's Wednesday.."
"Right…. let's get this wedding planned.
.