Part 15
"So when were you going to tell me you were back?"
"Hello Eli..."
"Don't you hello me Fitzgerald Grant... Imagine, I had to find out you were back from Liv's new boyfriend!" He rants, although there is a definite jest to his tone, putting Fitz at ease.
"Eli, I can only apologise... it's been a busy couple of days..."
"Oh, never mind all that; I tell you what, you can make it up to me by gracing us with your presence tonight, all you need to do is bring a bottle with you; the good stuff mind... As we shall be celebrating!"
Even though his whole world seems to be crumbling around his feet, somehow, he manages to fathom a smile... He really does miss their comradery. "Yes of course, how could I possibly forget your anniversary old pal..."
"Less of the "old" pal... But, yes... we would love to have you over..."
He was going to live to regret this, he's sure of it... But if this baby turns out to be his, this could be his last opportunity to spend time with his best friend in companionable ease... "What time do you want me over?"
"Oh, let's say around 7.30ish..."
"I'll be there..."
xXx
Liv had an hour left to her shift and then she was heading over to her folks for dinner. Twenty-three years of marriage was quite an achievement. Sadly, with her track record, she could only hope to aspire to such a union.
Although, there was a time that she had believed that she had found that with Fitz... No good dwelling on that, she thinks; that boat had set sail two months ago. Nevertheless, she had more pressing matters to iron out with Fitz now... like this baby for one.
The last few days have been quite the rollercoaster. She's glad that she bit the bullet and told Franklin the truth. Granted, telling him wasn't easy, but it did serve to remove a massive weight off her shoulders... She has seen him in passing a few times during her shift today; he had kept his distance, not wanting to speak to her, but he wasn't nasty to her either- so for that she is thankful. And as fate would have it, he's on a two-week surgical rotation with paediatrics, which happens to be based on the other side of the hospital. Ideal really, because it means the chances of them having to work together for the rest of this week is minimal. He's probably just as grateful for that as she is.
As for Fitz; since she told him about the pregnancy, he has only messaged her once; to reaffirm that he will remain in DC, until they can arrange a time to meet and discuss the paternity of her child. His message had felt so clinical and impersonal that it got her hackles raised. Incensed, she had been tempted to message back, a Maury Povich inspired... "YOU ARE THE FATHER!" But then she thought better of it- and replied with a less evasive "fine" instead. Even if she was annoyed with him, he didn't deserve to find out like that.
On that front, she's decided that she's giving him two days. Conscious of the type of man she is dealing with, and his tendency to unpick and over analyse everything before making a move, she suspects that he will need a few days to sort his head out. So, she will grant him that small token of reprieve. But, if she doesn't hear from him by the weekend, then she will take the bull by the horns and lay it all out on the line.
Until then, for tonight at least, she plans to forego all the drama- and simply enjoy her evening with her parents.
xXx
She was running a bit late, but it was totally worth it... After getting back and having quick a shower, Liv had made up her mind, to dress up and make a real effort tonight... She figured that whilst the physical signs of her pregnancy remained at bay, she should really make the most of her figure. So, having picked out one of her favourite slinky black numbers; pleasantly surprised to find that it still clung to her in all the right places, she tonged her hair and carefully applied her make up. Pleased with the end result; and receiving that all-important thumbs up from Quinn, she jumped in her Uber and headed over.
"Happy anniversary Mum..." Beaming brightly, Liv hands over a bottle of red, which Maya accepts, before pulling her in for a hug...
"My darling, you look simply stunning... Dare I say, it's like looking in a mirror..." She chuckles, taking her by the hand and leading her into the dining room...
"Guess who's here!?"
"Hey Sweetpea..." Drying his hands in a tea towel and smiling from ear to ear, Eli exits the kitchen and walks over to her, placing a kiss to each of her cheeks... "You're late Missy..."
"I'm sorry Dad..."
"Don't worry; you're forgiven... besides, you weren't the only one late..."
"Oh Really? Who else is here?"
And, as if on cue, Fitz enters the room...
Caught completely off guard, her heart misses a beat. As does his; only his skips for an entirely different reason... The sight of her has taken his breath away... "Hi".
Recognition sinking in fast, she blushes involuntarily... For she knows that look all too well, he's undressing her with his eyes... "Hi".
In that moment, it is as if they are the only two people in the room.
Oblivious to what is taking place in his own house... Focused solely on the dinner now, Eli rubs his two hands together in excitement; because finally, they can eat... "Right then, let's get this dinner served... Fitz?"
"Ah... ah... yes?"
"Pour Liv a drink; Maya with me in the kitchen please..."
"Coming dear".
xXx
Dinner passes by without incident. Well, as far as Liv is concerned... Her appetite was back, and she had eaten with gusto. And in the spirit of celebration, she had also afforded herself a glass of wine... With the dishes clear, and her parents in the kitchen sorting out desert, she reaches for the open bottle to top up her glass... However, Fitz stops her, by hovering his hand above the rim of her glass... "What are you doing?" He whispers in disdain.
Not a fan of his tone, she tells him to move his hand. But he refuses... "You shouldn't be drinking Liv".
"Oh, so now you want to acknowledge my pregnancy... give me a break Fitz..." She tries to prise her glass away from him, but it's clear that he has the upper hand in the situation, and prevents her from doing so... "What is your problem?" She seethes.
"My problem is your total disregard for this baby..."
"Don't you dare!"
"Is it mine?"
She can't believe his audacity! Taking a brief peak over his shoulder, making sure that the coast is clear, she retorts... "Are you seriously trying to do this here?"
"If you insist on drinking, then yes..."
"Fine, no more wine... but you and I are going to finish this later..."
"That's fine by me".
"Anyone for dessert?" Maya announces merrily.
xXx
"Well, it's been a pleasure, but I'm afraid it's time I made a move". Fitz declares, rising to his feet.
"I suppose it is getting late..." Eli agrees, following suit... "Well my friend... It's been far too long, I've missed you; that's why I must implore you to move back to DC..."
"Eli, leave the poor man be... you've been pressing him all night..." Maya opens her arms to receive him... "Come here you?"
Fitz walks into her embrace. "Thanks Maya, and congratulations once again..."
While they hug it out, Eli quickly turns his attention to his daughter... "Liv, you might as well catch a lift back with Fitz, don't you think?"
She looks at Fitz pointedly, as she replies to her father... "Great minds think alike Daddy, I was just about to ask Fitz for a lift myself..." If he thinks he's getting out of this one tonight, he has another thing coming, she tells herself.
After another round of goodbyes and "see-you-laters", the pair finally exit the house. Without a single exchange, both climb into his jaguar and secure their seat belts. The tension between them is so thick, it's close to suffocation, but taking courage, Fitz breaks the silence first. Firing up the engine, he turns and faces her head on... "So, where do you want to do this?"
"Yours".