FITZ'S POV

"Sir, do you have to go to Washington tomorrow?" Cy said as i sat in my office going through some paperwork.

"It's a family event Cyrus" i said a bit ticked off. "Do you have the folder i asked for?"

"Yes but-"

I stuck out my hand and he handed it over "that is all Cyrus" i dismissed him quickly. I waited until he was gone to open the folder. I looked down to see pictures of Liv's graduation, the office she owned, her with some politicians or ambassadors. I read all about OPA and how she had worked for a prestigious law firm before starting her own. She was known as world's best political fixer and while she was stationed in Washington she always traveling and handling cases all over the world. There were pictures from company parties for Grant Oil Industries. I sighed running a hand over my face, i had been a a coward and i didn't fight for her when i knew i should have but i was scared and now that seeing her again made me realize how stupid i had been and how much time i had lost with her.

I knew then that i would have to show her i wasn't as much if an asshole that i used to be.

(Break)

"Hi Fitzgerald!" Mom said laughing as someone mocked her.

"Who's that?"

"Libby's here would you like to say hello?" It was too late for me to protest as i heard her shove the phone into Liv's hand.

"Governor Grant"

"Hi Liv"

"Hello, how are you?"

"I'm well yourself?"

"I'm okay"

"And Avery?"

"Aves is great" she sighed "i spoke too soon, i have to go. Good speaking to you" she shuffled the phone "Aves! No candy"

"Sorry sweetheart, Liv is a bit strict with the sugar i'm sure she didn't mean to dump the phone" mom laughed "what's up?"

"What time is the gala? I have a meeting in town around 8"

"It starts at 8 but just come after your meeting"

"Alright, i'll see you tomorrow then"

"Bye sweetheart"

(Break)

The gala was my father's biggest event of the year. Each year it got bigger and bigger. This year it was being held at a large hall. I walked in to see the room was filled with families and people in gown's and tuxes. Ever since Mason was born my father had changed it into a family event.

"Uncle Fitz!" Mason's voice pulled me from checking out the room. He was holding someone's hand as they approached me. My heart was completely gone when i noticed it was Avery. She was dressed in a red dress, white tights and black shiny flats. Her curls were pushed out of her face by a black headband. She smiled shyly, twisting her body from side to side as Mason hugged me. I bent down and watched her grin.

"Hi Avery"

"Hi Fitz" she hugged me

"You look very pretty"

"Tank you, mommy said i look like a princess"

"You do" i agreed smiling as she clutched Mason's hand as he turned to talk to go back to the kids area. She waved as Mason dragged her away. I stood and went over to the main table where my family always sat. We all greeted each other and i watched as Teddy stood by the bar with Liv who was dressed in a purple strapless gown that hugged her curves. Her hair was no longer halfway down her back. She had cut it to her shoulders and it was curled out of her face. In a split second i went from being consumed with her to being pissed because she had someone touching her waist.