Chapter 15: Oh Costume Shopping!
"Yeah..."
Yes! She called back!
"Oh thank God I got to the phone in time!"
"Did I wake you? I wasn't going to call back tonight but I figured your phone would go to voicemail and planned on just leaving a short message since it's so late," Why am I talking so fast? "We don't have to talk tonight- "
"No! No! It's fine. I was just coming from putting Jerry back to bed. Thankfully I got back to my room just in time to answer the phone. Believe me, I'm glad you called.".
The only bad thing about this is that she heard all my ridiculous attempts at leaving a simple message.
"Sorry I kept leaving messages on your answering machine. I was just trying to make sure I got everything in but it wasn't working out."
He immediately heard laughing on the other end.
I knew she would find it funny.
"You can stop laughing now." He said after several seconds.
"Sorry. It was actually more cute than funny."
"Always great to be thirty-two and still be described as cute."
"I find it attractive." She told him.
"Hell then I'll keep it up!"
I'm glad I called him. He's completely changed my mood around.
Wait, where's he calling me from? He said he returned to his room. Wouldn't that be the bedroom? Where's Mellie?
It would be a dream come true if he tells me she moved out and he's filed for divorce.
Wishful thinking at its best.
"Are you ok?" Olivia heard him ask.
"Yeah. Why?"
"You suddenly got quiet."
"Oh I didn't even realize. I guess I got lost in my own thoughts." She said.
"Well, I've heard from many other women in the past that that happens when I'm on their mind."
I know he has that grin on his face. I can sense it from here.
"Is that so?" She asked with a laugh.
"Most definitely."
"Sorry to disappoint you but I'm not like most other women."
That's for damn sure! Fitz thought with a nod.
"Though you couldn't disappoint me if you tried.," he told her, "I'm too hooked on you."
Maybe I shouldn't have confessed that. I don't want to scare her off but at the same time I want her to know that I'm genuinely into to her. Though I'd think she would know that by now. I wish I had some confirmation from her that she feels equally the same way.
Should I let him know I feel the same way. I could but the problem is that it might put me in a vulnerable position and I hate that! I always end up hurt when I allow myself to be vulnerable in any kind of way. Though I guess I'm kind of already in that situation. I mean I practically lose my common sense around him.
Maybe it's possible to let him know I'm really into him without making it sound like a definite thing.
God that's dumb.
"You've gone quiet on me again."
She could hear the concern in his voice.
"That's because I was actually thinking about you this time."
Well I was earlier too but not this deep in thought.
"Oh yeah? What exactly were you thinking about me?"
"Just how much I enjoy talking to you and being around you even if it's only for a little bit at a time. I meant it when I said I really want to get to know you."
Whatever this is between Fitz and I it's real. Scary real.
Fitz was smiling so hard his cheeks were hurting.
She didn't say she's "hooked on me" but I'll take it!
"I meant it too Olivia. If I could-"
I can't continue with where I was about to go right now. That's a talk for another time.
"I mean I really want that too."
Olivia let out a sigh of relief.
I think we are both on the same page. At least when it comes to that. I don't even want to think about the other things right now.
Olivia looked at her clock.
"I hate to end this but it's very late and I know in a few hours you'll have the energy of a seven year old coming for you full force."
"How right you are. If I don't talk to you tomorrow I'll see you Sunday...right?"
"Unless something ridiculously crazy happens you'll definitely see me."
"Great! Well, goodnight Olivia..."
"Goodnight Fitz."
"Ugh!" Fitz said as he felt something heavy plop on his stomach.
"Dad wake up! It's costume shopping day! We have to get going!"
Fitz opened his eyes to see his son sitting on him.
Wow he's dressed and like Olivia said he came at me "full force."
"Did you wash before you got dressed?"
"Yeppers!"
"Did you have any breakfast? And I don't mean one of those nutrition bars your mom tries to pass off as a full meal."
"Yeppers again! Mom actually got me down some cereal."
"That's a shocker. Ok well I'll do my best to hurry up so we can be on our way."
Jerry climbed off of Fitz so he could get up. As soon as his feet hit the ground he let out a huge yawn and stretched. When he was finished he saw his son frowning at him.
"I promise I won't take long so you can turn the corners of your mouth up." Fitz told him with a smile as he stood up and headed for the door. "See I'm moving faster already."
"Yeah for a turtle." He heard Jerry mumble under his breath.
Fitz laughed.
I'm going to need a serious nap this evening. Olivia thought when she finally managed to finish her lunch.
I seriously think it took me 45min to finish that salad. Abby's going to have to drag me through the mall. I hope we both find our costumes fast!
Olivia heard a knock on her door.
Perfect timing.
"Hey Abby."
"Hey Liv! Are you ready? You look a little tired still." Abby said.
"I'm fine. Though I'm glad you're driving because I'm pretty sure I'd be a hazard on the road right now."
Olivia grabbed her coat and purse. "Alright let's go!"
I'm actually feeling excited to pick out a costume for the party. I have no idea what I'm looking for but I'm going to make sure it's awesome!
"Zipper up your jacket."
"It's not that cold out today."
"Jerry..." Fitz said in a warning tone.
"Alright. Alright."
"Wait for me guys!"
No. This can't be happening!
"What do you mean 'Wait for me'? Where are you going?" Fitz asked Mellie.
Mellie smiled. "Didn't Jerry tell you? I'm coming along."
Fitz looked down at his son.
"Oops!"
"Is there a problem?" Mellie asked.
"Why are you coming along to costume shop with us?"
"I thought it would be fun plus I have a little shopping I want to do also."
Oh no! I'm not spending my whole afternoon walking all over the mall watching as she tries on everything in every possible store.
"If you want to join in on our costume shopping that's fine but we're going to drive separately." When Fitz saw the look of confusion on her face he further explained. "I'm not subjecting myself nor Jerry to the torture of your endless walking around the mall to every store to try everything on. It's never a little shopping with you."
"Fine! But you better wait for me if you arrive at the mall first. I mean it Fitzgerald! Don't think I won't hunt you down."
"Oh I believe it." He said with a smile. "Don't worry we'll wait for you."
"You can't criticize me about not spending enough time with our son and then not want me to go places with you."
"So true Mellie." Fitz said as he rolled his eyes. "We'll see you there. Come on Jerry."
She's never cared before when I've told her she needs to spend more time with Jerry. Why now? I'm not sure what's changed but I'm hoping she doesn't suck the fun out of this too.
"So what did you dress up as last year?" Olivia asked Abby.
"I dressed up as Wendy."
"Wendy who?"
"You know, Wendy from the food place Wendy's."
Olivia couldn't help but laugh. "Well that's definitely different Abby."
"Nobody knew who I was. I had to keep telling them and when I did they just looked at me puzzled."
"What kind of costume are you looking for this time?"
"I don't know. Should I go slutty disney princess, wholesome, silly, predicatable? Uh definitely not predictable."
"And definitely not slutty!" Olivia said.
"Why not?"
"Because that's not an attractive look on anybody and it makes a person look desperate for attention."
"I guess so. That leaves me with wholesome and silly. What kind of costume are you looking for. Something that will capture a certain someone's attention?" Abby asked wiggling her eyebrows.
"No. I'm not thinking about him. I'm not even sure if he's going to be there. I'm just looking for something that fits my personality. My outside of work, no kids around, had a few drinks personality."
Abby laughed. "Yeah I've seen that side of you and it's pretty fantastic."
I think I'm going to go for dangerously sexy. I have no idea what that costume will be but I'm determined to find it.
If Fitz happens to be at the party and sees me. Bonus. If not, his loss.
"OLIVIA! RED!" Olivia heard a someone yell.
Sounds like a little kid. What little kids do I know?
Oh shit there's only one kid I know who calls Abby "Red."
Olivia turned around just in time to receive a big hug.
"Jerry!" She said with a mix of excitement and surprise.
"Mom! Dad! Look who it is!"
Mom? This is really "Oh shit"!
Olivia looked at Abby and saw her mouth the letters "W.T.F."
"I know!" Olivia mouthed back.
"Mom! Dad!"
"We're coming Jerry! Calm-"
Fitz froze in his tracks when he saw who his son was hugging.
This is a mixture of a dream and nightmare. The dream being the surprise of seeing Olivia. The nightmare will begin in a second when Mellie comes around the corner...
"Jerry stop all that-" Fitz looked beside him to see a shocked look on Mellie's face that was quickly replaced by one of disgust.
"Jerry why don't you let Ms. Olive go." Mellie said.
And it starts.
Jerry unwrapped his arms from around Olivia. "Her name's Olivia mom!"
"I think she calls you that on purpose." Fitz heard his son say.
My son has no idea how to whisper.
"I most certainly do not! Come over here. We found your costume now it's time to go." Mellie held out her hand but Jerry ignored it.
"I'm super excited to see you! Remember I asked if I'd see you soon?"
I love that smile. Fitz thought as he watched Olivia bend down to Jerry's level.
"I'm excited to see you too! You're my favorite little guy! I wish I could spend more time with you but it looks like your mom is ready to leave."
"Yes! I am ready to leave. Now come on Jerry before I put your costume back and then you'll be the only kid at the party without one."
Mellie makes me sick to my stomach. Why can't she let her son enjoy this moment of happiness? Put aside her issue or whatever with me that started before she ever set eyes on me.
"I'll just pick up another one." He said. "My dad and I didn't even come here with you."
Olivia had to fight back a laugh.
This kid's too smart for his own good.
"Jerry!" Fitz warned. "You don't talk to your mother like that."
"Thank you Fitz." Mellie said as she placed her hand on his shoulder and looked squarely at Olivia.
Fight back the cringe. Don't give her the slightest hint that you want to punch her in her fucking face!
Olivia straightened up and grabbed a random costume off of a rack.
"Abby I'm going to try this on."
Abby nodded.
Before walking away Olivia said, "Jerry it was awesome to see you again. Maybe next time we'll actually get to hang out!"
"I doubt he'll have time for that. He's very busy. His dad and I are planning to spend more time with him."
What the hell is she talking about?
Fitz moved his shoulder out from under Mellie's hand. "You'll have to fill me in on those plans Mellie because I did not get that memo."
He looked at Olivia.
She's barely acknowledged me. I need to talk to her even if it's only for a minute or two. Damnit why did Mellie have to come along?
"Bye Jerry. Bye Principal Grant." She said without looking at him. She waved to Jerry and walked away.
"Hey um, Jerry why don't you take these quarters and go to the arcade with your mom. Show her some of your favorite games."
"What about my costume?"
"I'll pay for your costume after I find my own costume. It won't take me long. Ok?"
I do already know what costume I'm getting so that will buy me some time.
"But Fitz-"
"Mellie you want to spend more time with him. Why not have some one on one time? He loves the arcade. I'll catch up with you in a bit."
Mellie narrowed her eyes, leaned in, and whispered to him, "You better not be over here fucking around. If you go near that bitch there will be hell to pay."
Well, I'll suffer the consequences then. I'm not even going to address what she said.
"I catch up with you." He told Jerry.
"Come on mom!"
Fitz followed them to the doorway and watched them walk down the hall before heading in the direction of the dressing rooms.
I hope nobody else is back there or they're going to be in for a shock.
I'll just claim I didn't know these were the ladies dressing rooms.
Fitz stepped inside the dressing room area.
I can't call out her name. How do I find out which room she's in. There's no way I'm getting caught looking under each door. Plus that's only asking to find something disturbing.
Fitz started down the small hallway.
Maybe I'll knock on the doors and listen for the sound of her voice.
She might not even be-
Before he could finish his thought he felt a strong pull force him into one of the rooms.
"Whoa!"
"Sshhh Principal Grant! We can't be too loud..."