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"Hey! I'm pulling up now. Can you make sure the door is open? I gotta use the bathroom before I burst."
Fitz laughed into the phone."Well I guess this conversation confirms that we're into the comfortable stage in our relationship!"
"Yeah, whatever. I'm running in now. Open the door."
Fitz leasurely walked over to the door of the log cabin he had rented for the two of them and opened it as Olivia's car pulled into the snow-covered driveway. He watched as she hurriedly jumped out of the car and ran quickly into the house.
"Hey babe! Be right back!" She ran past him at full speed and headed straight into the bathroom."Oh, my, god! I seriously thought I wasn't going to make it!" She yelled from the bathroom. As she pulled herself together and tidied up she calmly walked into the main room where Fitz stood in disbelief with a smirk on his face.
"Sorry," she said slightly embarrassed and shrugged her shoulders,"when a girls gotta go she's gotta go." She walked over to him and stood right in front of him with her arms hanging by her side, still wearing her winter pea coat and black beret hat. Her head tilted back so she could look at him given the major height difference due to her flat riding boots.
"Hi," he said with a smile as he put his hands on her waist.
"Hi, handsome. I've missed you," she stood on her toes to reach his lips. They sweetly kissed as he tilted his head down to meet her halfway.
"I've missed you more, Liv."
"Mmmm. Not possible. But that's sweet."
"Two and a half weeks? We really have to do better than that."
"I know, I know. I've been so busy with my latest clients, and between your conference in Germany and getting settled in New York...it's just been a lot. We'll do better, I promise. But enough of that, I'm just glad we're here now." They talked as they stood in each others arms, Livs head resting on his chest.
"I'm so happy we got to take this trip." He kissed the top of her head.
"Ummm, Fitz. This is really nice, but I was expecting a little more noise in the house. Where are the kids?"
"Oh, they'll be here a little later. They went snowboarding while they were waiting for you to get here." He pulled away to grab her jacket for her."Let me grab this for you. And I guess you have some luggage in the car, right?"
"Such a gentleman," she smiled at him.
"Make yourself comfortable, I'll grab your stuff from the car." He put on his shoes as Liv walked around exploring the cabin. She'd heard them talk about this Ski Resort as one of the families favorite but this was her first time there. The cabin was large, made from logs, but had a very modern interior. Family pictures of the kids and others from the Grant side graced various parts of the house. Olivia stopped and smiled as she saw one above the fireplace of her, Fitz, Jerry, and Karen on the trail.
"Seems like forever ago, huh?" Fitz took her by surprise as he watched her from a few feet away.
"Wow, yeah." She shook her head almost in disbelief in all that had happend since that picture was taken.
"That was before everything. Before our first time...before the inauguration, before the divorce. That was back when you were just my beautiful campaign fixer." He walked up behind her and rubbed her shoulders whispering in her ear,"I couldn't have imagined how hard I was gonna fall in love with you."
She turned around to look at him him holding his face in her small hands."Me too."
"Liv!" Karen yelled from the front door.
Fitz turned around grabbing her hands to walk them over to the front of the cabin.
"Ahhh Livvie!" Karen ran over to her, her face red from the cold. She threw her arms around Olivia. They embraced one another.
"Hey beautiful! Gosh, you look so much like your mom!"
"Thanks! You look great! I'm feeling this outfit! Very French of you." She stepped back to take a full look at Olivia.
"Oh, thanks. Hey, where's your crazy brother?"
"Crazy?!" Jerry exclaimed as he walked in, almost on cue.
"Oh, man, Liv! My heart can't take it! You look great!" He stood tall over her, the same height as his father.
"Still very much the flirt, huh,Jer?" She laughed as they hugged.
"Listen, next time you and dad go on a break, I'll gladly take you out."
"Next time?" Fitz chimed in, with a laugh."I wouldn't bank on a next time, sport. How were the slopes?"
"They were good, the powder is perfect today. I know it's kinda late, but you're comin out boarding with us tomorrow. Right, Liv?" Jerry asked.
"Yup, I'm there. In the meantime, you kids hungry?"Olivia asked.
"Kinda. We had lunch with The Tresnick kids. I can always eat ya know," Jerry answered.
"Really? Are they here with their family?" Fitz asked curiously.
"Yeah! Oh by the way, Dad, they asked us to go to some party they're parents are throwing tonight in the main lodge. Mr. T actually told us to bring you, too. So you gotta come." Jerry was talking and making a mess in the kitchen, trying to fix himself some food.
"Jer let me do that for you." Olivia took over preparing his food. "So, we're supposed to go to some dinner party with this family, but who are they?"
Fitz stood with a smile on his face, in his mind he was going down memory lane. "Bob Tresnick, I've known him for years. We were in college together. Went to law school together. Pretty much his entire family practices law. Hes a good guy, always a good time. I'm sure it'll be fun if you're up to it Liv."
"I don't see why not." She looked up and smiled, handing Jerry a plate of food.
"Thanks Liv!" He leaned forward to kiss her cheek. She smiled widely, showing all her teeth and blushing a little."I'm gonna take this to go. C'mon Karen. I'll drop you off at your cabin before I head to mine. We'll meet you guys for the party in the main lodge at 8 tonight. Is that cool?"
Everyone agreed to meet at the party. The kids left and Fitz and Liv took a nap on the couch. As soon as they woke up they began talking and catching up on what's been going on in one another's lives and work. That lasted only but so long as they began making love right there on the living room floor. Afterwards they were exhausted but managed to take a shower and get to the party promptly at 8pm.
They mingled with the guests, many of whom Fitz knew from vacationing at the resort for so many years. He enjoyed catching up with Bob and his wife, Taryn. Liv was surprised at how much she was enjoying herself. Even though the room was full of powerful businessmen and their wives she felt comfortable. The atmosphere was nice, large fireplaces burning wood throughout the lodge. Everyone was dressed in casual yet expensive winter clothes. It was nice to just relax among Fitz's peers as a doting couple. She looked and noticed the kids were in a corner mingling with others their age.
"Oh, there's Katarina. Katarina! Over here!" Taryn yelled across the room waving her arm.
"Leave it to my baby sister to get here as the party is ending." Bob said in a playful tone.
As Olivia looked to see who they had called over to join them she noticed a tall, blonde woman with bright blue eyes approaching them. She wore a thin, cream colored, off-the-shoulder sweater with dark tight fitted jeans. She clearly was around her age, and it was plain to see she that her body was in great shape. Liv was actually impressed.
Katarina embraced her brother and sister in law. When she looked at Olivia she gave a simple smile and introduced herself. As soon as she turned to Fitz, though, a wide smile covered her face.
"Well, well, well. Fitzgerald Grant the Third. Long time no see." She kissed his cheek , noticeably the same height as Fitz.
He gave her a slight hug. "Hey, Kat. Didnt know you'd be here this weekend."
Olivia noticed Fitz's uncomfortable response. To anyone else it may have seemed like nothing. But to her, a flag went up. His grey eyes tried to remain neutral but his breathing slightly changed and he wasn't making eye contact with her.
"Olivia and Fitz are here together, Kat." Taryn chimed in.
"Oh, really?" Katarina seemed genuinely surprised looking at Liv, staring at her from head to toe.
"Kat, you've probably heard of her. DC's number one fixer! Olivia Pope." Bob sounded like a personal advertisement for her.
"Olivia Pope? Of course I've heard of you." She turned her attention to Fitz."Wow, I had no idea, Fitz."
He laughed slightly trying to brush off any obvious tension.
"It's nice to meet you. Katarina, is it?" Olivia knew she was being petty but she didnt care.
"Yes, Katarina. You can call me Kat if you'd like."
"Kat's been working under Fitz at the firm for some time now. Well after she finished Law School and all. Hopefully she'll be sitting on the Board right along with him before long." Bob chimed in. He continued to explain all of the trips she had been on as one of the newer members to the firm. Katarina was genuinely amused by her brothers enthusiatic portrayal of his sisters work. Every so often she would add little tidbits from the trips and conversations she had shared while working with Fitz.
"Yes, I've been very fortunate. The last name does help. And working with this guy here," she smiled at Fitz and made strong eye contact,"well, our time together has been...very productive."
Liv had enough of the conversation."If you all would excuse me I'm going to go use the little girls room." Fitz went to follow her. She turned around as soon as she felt him shadowing her."I'm fine, Fitz. Stay with your friends. Catch up with them. I'm sure Kat has some more stories to tell."
He stood in place and watched her walk away.
"Great," he said to himself in a low voice.
The night ended shortly after that, and everyone went seperate ways to turn in for the night. The quick drive back to the cabin was a silent one. Fitz parked the car and before he knew it Olivia was already in the cabin.
"You're mad at me." Fitz stopped dead in his tracks and stated bluntly.
Olivia rushed around the house picking up plates and cups the kids neglected to clean up earlier.
"I'm not mad at you, Fitz. You give yourself too much credit sometimes." She snipped back harshly, not making eye contact. She tried to appear busier than she really was, walking past him to the kitchen. He followed her.
"Right. Well before we left for the dinner party at the lodge you were fine, now you won't even stand still for a minute to look at me."
She stopped everything she was doing, loudly placing all of the objects in her hands on a nearby table and stared at him across the room.
"I'm looking at you," she responded rudely with her arms crossed in front of her small frame.
"Okay."
"Okay...so, what? You need me to assure you every 5 minutes that I'm thinking about you and only you?"
Fitz gave her a puzzled look.
"Right. Well, that's not me. And I think you know that." She picked up her items from the table and brought them to the kitchen sink where she began washing them.
"What the hell has gotten into you? This shitty temper tantrum you're throwing is starting to piss me off!" He yelled at her.
"Do NOT talk to me like that. I'm not one of your subordinates. I don't take orders from you." She darted him a look.
"Liv, don't pull that with me, alright? I can ask you what's wrong without it being about which one of us is wearing the pants. Besides, we both know who that is most of the time!"
She turned around slowly, seething with anger while drying her lips were tightly pursed. The dry towel she was using was quickly thrown to the counter.
In an unusually calm voice she slowly said, "You wanna know what my problem is, Fitzgerald? Ill tell you what it is. Tonight, at that dinner, you're little board member Katarina seemed pretty comfortable around you. And, you know what, that's fine. She can laugh at all of your corny jokes, she can grab your arm or touch your back when she thinks I'm not paying attention. Hell, you can even let her do those things. Whatever it takes to keep the peace between you and your business partners. That doesn't bother me," her voice raising as her rant went on,"what DOES bother me, is the fact that you didn't tell me she was with you on your ENTIRE trip to Germany. Or that she was being trained under you while you were in Japan. Or that every meeting, call, and weekend business trip, has included her in some way or another. The fact that you didnt even mention any of that to me means that you felt the need to HIDE that information. So, clearly, there's a piece to this little puzzle that you've been keeping from me."
"Are you out of your mind? I think the elevation up here is causing you to lose it. I didn't mention it because its not a big deal! We work together, that's it!"
"Bullshit! I heard her talk in detail about how she finds your everyday morning routine hilarious. Now, how would she know anything about that?"
"Oh my god," he said in a dry tone as he rubbed his temple with both hands,"Olivia! That's why you're mad?! You think Im sleeping with her?!" His face was turned towards her, staring into her eyes in utter confusion.
"Maybe not right now, but tell me you've never had a relationship with her, other than work. You and I see each other, what? Every couple of weeks? If that? The whole time you and I weren't together, you never once went out with her? Come on Fitz, don't come at me with some pathetic story about only having a work relationship with her. It insults my intelligence!"
"It's never enough, is it? I do everything I can to make this work, and you LOOK for reasons why it can't!"
"Tell me I'm wrong then. Go ahead! Tell me I'm completely delusional!"
He stood in front of her, both of them breathing heavily from the argument. Fitz couldn't believe they were having this conversation on a perfectly relaxing family trip. Why did he have to run into Katarina at the Lodge?
"Well?" She asked waiting for his response.
"Yes! Okay?! While you and I weren't together I went on a few dates with her."
"Wow, Fitz. That's just great, really,that. Is. Great." The sarcasm in Olivia's voice was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
"Liv, you weren't returning my calls, we were clearly not together. And quite frankly, I didn't know if we would ever GET back together."
"Did you fuck her." She said it more as a statement then a question. Her voice sounded controlled but it was clear she wanted an answer, and quick.
"Excuse me?"
"Did you. Fuck. Her." She annunciated her words slowly in the slight chance that he didnt hear her correctly the first time.
"Olivia, considering that you and I weren't together, I don't see why you're bringing that up."
"The same reason that you would bring it up if the situation involved me!"
He scoffed at her."well then. to answer your question, Not exactly," he said in a cold emotionless way.
"Not exactly? So, then what? You went down on her?...No. Let me guess. She gave you a blowjob."
"Wow, that's classy Liv. You know what, you're a grown ass women so Ill give you the grown ass answer. Yeah! We went to dinner, and she gave me a blowjob after. Is that what you wanna hear? Will that help you sleep at night now?! Do you want the details about where and when and how and if she was any good? Maybe we could get her in here so she can give you the details herself, maybe you two can swap notes." As soon as Fitz felt those last words come out he knew he took it too far. He immediately shut his mouth and wanted to apologize. Olivia stood in front of him disgusted. Tears were beginning to well in her brown eyes. Her full lips slightly parted letting out quick exhalations.
"You're a real jackass you know that?" She whisked by him to grab her jacket and car keys. He felt the size of an ant.
"Olivia, don't go," he grabbed her arm holding it firmly.
"Let go of me, now!"
She ripped her arm away from him angrily and stood in place trying to compose herself. Thick tension filled the small space between them as she refused to look at him.
"You shouldn't drive when you're upset, especially in this snow. You stay, Ill go. Jerry has an extra bedroom in his cabin. That's where I'll be." Fitz was still mad but he also felt embarrassed at how quickly things escalated. He didnt want it to get any worse then it already had. Within seconds he walked out, not grabbing anything but his keys. Olivia stood in the same spot for moments trying to wrap her mind around what had just happend.
She couldnt sleep and called Bradford, figuring that he would be the only one up late into the night.
"Damn, Liv. You really asked if she gave him a blowjob? Lord, honey. You just went right for it, didnt you."
"I know. That was fucked up. I shouldn't have asked. I didn't really want to know, now that I think of it. But he just stood right in front of me with that coy response,"not really". Not really? Not really? Of course I'm gonna get to the bottom of that stupid answer."
"Well, yeah. But, sweetie, and just listen to me when I say this, you two weren't together. It's not like he cheated on you."
"I know that," she replied in a soft, girlish tone."I just...if Fitz told me from the beginning that he had a coworker who he dated briefly and that they still work closely together, then, yeah, I would want some details. But I would have let it go. The fact that I didn't even know she existed just made me suspicious. Here I am, his ignorant little girlfriend just smiling away, while hotstuff Katarina is standing there knowing my boyfriends penis size, from personal experience. He should have told me."
"Sounds like you're mad at yourself for not knowing. You're right, he should have told you. I know you, and I know you would have taken it well. More than well. But, do you think there's anything still going on? I mean, Fitzgerald Grant loves himself some Olivia Pope! I doubt he would even dream of cheating on you, especially after all you've been through."
"I honestly don't think he's cheating on me. But I wish he had told me. He can't just keep major stuff from me. If you really love someone, you should be able to tell them things no matter what it is."
"Interesting choice of words, Olivia. What's that saying about a pot? And a kettle? And theyre both black? Hmmmm..." He teased her playfully, both of them knowing what he was referring to.
"Hey, the pregnancy thing is totally different."
"But, honey, it's the same idea. You guys have to realize that you really can talk about anything. I don't think you give each other enough credit. Maybe the response won't always be exactly what you want, but communication is key, in any relationship. You have to be willing to go there, even when the you know it might be uncomfortable."
She laid in silence and stared at the ceiling as she took in everything Bradford had just said. She was always pleasantly surprised and impressed at the moments when he sounded so mature and thoughtful.
"I love you B.E."
"I love you more O.P."
She sweetly smiled into the phone.
"So are you going to try and get some sleep now?"
"I want to, but I can't sleep in this cabin alone. I'm too jumpy for that."
"Well, why don't you go get your man! Drag him back to bed with you."
"It's the middle of the night. He's probably asleep. Plus Jerry prob-"
"Excuses, excuses! Girl, you better throw some leggings on yourself, because I know how you like to sleep in those teeny tiny panties, throw on a jacket, take the five minute drive, and go makeup with your man! We both know he's probably in a corner rocking himself in the fetal position after that nasty argument you started."
Olivia laughed."Okay, I'm going! Thanks. Every girl needs a Bradford."
"I'll be expecting my check in the mail. Bye, Liv." She grabbed some leggings as suggested, and a heavy sweater. There were snow boots by the door she put on before she left and headed to Jerry's cabin.
She was there within minutes knocking on Jerry's door.
"Liv!" He said excitedly, and then looked down at his watch. "It's like 3 in the morning."
"Yeah, your dad isn't here?"
"He is."
"Can I talk to him?"
As she asked that question Jerry closed the front door and stepped outside to talk to her.
"Jerry, what's the problem?"
"Okay, so, my dad is here. But he's upstairs, listening to some sad depressing music, sitting by the fire. Anyway, enough about him. I may have invited some girls over, that may be using the hot tub."
"What?" Olivia was genuinely confused and her facial expression showed it.
"I don't even think my dad knows they're here. We're being quiet, I just don't want him to come down and ruin the party, you know what I mean?" He gave her a wink and a weak smile, hoping for her assistance in this matter.
"Jerry, are you doing drugs with them or something?"
"God, Liv! No! I don't do that mess! It's just kind of a damper if my depressed Dad comes downstairs. I'm sure that's the exact opposite of what half naked girls want to see when they're trying to enjoy themselves with a prince like me."
"Jerry. As long as nothing's illegal, I'm sure you're fine. Now, I'm freezing my ass off out here. Can I come in or what?"
"Yeah, just, can you just make sure you guys don't come downstairs until morning. And if you leave, I mean, that'd be great. But just be discreet. It's not every day I have multiple girls giving me attention. I'm trying to get as much out of tonight as I can."
"Right. Jer, I know I'm not your mom, and you're old enough to understand how this all works. But, one piece of advice: wrap it up." She patted his chest twice and let herself into the house as Jerry stood in place laughing to himself about their conversation.
Olivia walked up the stairs slowly and followed the sound of the music. It was softly playing as she looked around for Fitz. At the end of the hallway was a large open room with windows looking out to the mountains. The fireplace was flickering. As she stepped closer to the room she saw Fitz sitting on the ground, his head leaned back into the couch, his legs extended straight in front of hom as his hands tapped lightly on his thighs to the rhythm of the music. He looked up when he heard movement, only to notice it was Liv. He threw his head back, seemingly disinterested in the fact that she was there. He closed his eyes and began talking.
"Before you start, Liv, there are two things you should know. Number one: I've been drinking since I got here a few hours ago. So, if i say something out of pocket, its not necessarily my two: I don't want to argue any more tonight. This is one of my favorite places in the world, Jerry's asleep so I don't want to wake him, and honestly, I'm just too tired to yell."
Olivia kept walking towards him gingerly. She took off her boots and sat down next to him in the same position that he sat, staring at the fireplace. They gazed into the flames sitting shoulder to shoulder in silence.
She began talking in a quiet tone, just above a whisper."In response to your greeting just now, I think you should know a few things. First, Jerry isn't asleep, he's having some fun time downstairs with a few of his lady friends."
"What?" Fitz sat up as quickly as he could, considering the amount of scotch he had consumed.
Liv laughed at his disturbed look."He's fine. I think he's just excited to have girls over. He's old enough to know what he's doing. He's not 5 anymore..."
Fitz sat back in his previous position rolling his head back to the couch.
"Back to what I was saying. Second, I'm not here to argue. I'm here to tell you that I'm sorry, and I love you."
Fitz looked over at her, rolling his head to the side so he could stare into her eyes. He grabbed her hand.
"I love you too, Olivia. I swear, I'm not cheating on you. I never have and I never will."
"I know." She smiled at him softly.
"I'm serious, baby. It was a few dates, the last date was when it went a little further. And then I realized, 'I have no interest in this woman'. I was trying to distract myself from missing you. It was a terrible, terrible distraction. I should have told you, as soon as we began talking again, I should have said something. But I didn't want to make it a bigger deal than it really was. I love you so much. I don't want to give you any reason to doubt that. You are the most important person in my life. There's isn't another woman in this world that can come close to being as right for me as you are."
Fitz spoke and stared at her with the flickering red and orange hues from the fire bouncing off his grey eyes. He looked so perfect and handsome to Olivia. She positioned herself against Fitz with her arms around his waist and her head resting on his shoulder. He cuddled closely to her and kissed the top of her head.
"I love you too Fitz. I'm sorry I got carried away earlier. I turned into a crazy jealous bitch, which isn't like me at all. I was just so mad that you didn't feel like you could tell me what happend. I'm a big girl, I can handle it."
Fitz laughed into her hair."You're a big girl, huh?"
"Kinda. You know you can tell me anything. I want you to understand that."
"Anything?"
"Yeah, anything."
"Okay...well then I have a confession."
Liv braced herself and tensed up slightly preparing herself for what he was going to say.
"She wasnt even good. Actually she was terrible. Like really really...just, terrible."
"Fitz...okay I don't wanna know anymore." She lightly laughed into his side squeezing him closer."But I will admit I'm a hard act to follow."
"God yes, you are." He rubbed her back deeply with his large hands.
They sat there in silence and enjoyed the warmth of being entangled with each other in front of the fire. Both of them fell asleep and ended up staying at Jerry's cabin until morning.
For the rest of the trip the family relaxed and took in the beautiful nature that surrounded them. The kids were the first to leave so they could return back to school. They made plans to visit Olivia in DC. As Liv did one last walkthrough of the cabin to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything, Fitz stood at the front door waiting to see her off.
"Liv, come on. I don't want you on the roads late tonight. You gotta get driving babe."
She walked to the front door in her favorite grey peacoat, a dark denim pair of skinny jeans, and camel colored riding boots.
"Okay okay I'm ready." She gave his lips a quick peck as she walked by him heading towards her car.
Fitz closed the door and followed behind her, quickening his pace to catch up to her. He grabbed her from behind and picked her up to twirl both of them together.
"Fitz!" She laughed loudly as he spun her around in the snow and slowly put her down for her feet to touch the ground. He leaned forward to make up for the height difference and gave her a slow passionate kiss.
"I hate saying goodbye to you." He said against her lips. His long arms snaked around her small waist.
"I know, but you're coming down in two weeks. That time will fly. Plus you have your trip back to Cali for a few days. You won't even realize your missing me." She gave him a big smile and winked causing him to smile wide.
"Oh, I'll notice. By the way, Katarina will be on the trip too. And she asked if we could share a bedroom and I said yes."
Liv snapped her head back in confusion.
"What?"
Fitz let out a hearty laugh due to her reaction. "I'm totally kidding Liv, it was a joke. Too soon?"
She smiled at him but winced her eyes in suspicion. "Uh, yeah, too soon."
They stared into one another's eyes for a minute, neither wanting to be the first to end their time together.
"I should go."
"You should go," he responded."I love you. Don't text or email while you're driving, try not to make too many phone calls. Please call me as soon as you are in your driveway. Okay?"
"Yes, Fitz. I know. I love you too. I'll see you in two weeks babe."
"Two weeks." They kissed quickly and sweetly and Liv got in her car to head home to the nations capital.