"Why does she have to go with you though?"

"Because she's my secretary and it is her job. Damn it, Mellie, I'm going to be late."

Monday morning came around quickly and Fitz had his bag packed for the next few days in San Diego, but Mellie was trying to get him to stay home. For the last hour, she had been throwing his clothes out of his suitcase and onto the floor of their bedroom. He had listened to her complain all weekend that she did not want him to leave with Olivia. After not being able to convince him of it, she tried to make him take her with, but he was not having it.

"You just want to screw your little whore. There's probably not even a conference!" Mellie yelled after him down the stairs of the house.

Turning around quickly to her as he stepped out of the house, Fitz started to yell in her face. "Would you get a hold of yourself! Olivia is my secretary. She is going on this trip because it is a business trip and for no other reason than that! You need to stop your damn drinking and come into the reality that my entire world does not revolve around you and your fuck ups! Look at yourself. It's not even 8 in the morning and you are drunk."

"My fuck ups? What about your fuck ups, Fitz!" Mellie stood on the front porch of their house in a t-shirt with her bathrobe covering herself.

Not wanting to continue this fight, Fitz turned around stepping off the porch seeing Henry holding the car door open with Olivia in the back trying not to listen to the argument that was happening a few feet away. Throwing his suitcase in the trunk, Fitz got in beside her and closed the door.

Olivia kept her eyes on her phone and handed Fitz his morning coffee without saying a word. While Fitz was arguing with his wife, Liv was trying to get in touch with Abby to ensure things were going as planned. Henry took off to the airport avoiding the morning traffic with ease and let the two get themselves situated for the day.

"Is she more upset that I am going or that she is not?" Olivia asked when they arrived to check in at the terminal.

Finally hearing her voice, Fitz smiled and shook his head. "She's just upset that I am going."

"There was a lot of yelling about your whore of a secretary."

Fitz was more than embarrassed as he rubbed his eyes, still a bit tired. "You heard that, huh?"

"I think Africa heard it."

"Liv, I'm sorry. She doesn't know what she's saying and she's still drunk."

"You really do not need to apologize for her. I am sure she is a handful to deal with and I've heard her call me every name there is. I'd probably be a bit threatened too if I were her."

"What do you mean she's called you names?" Liv looked away from him and took a step forward in line. "Olivia?"

"You were busy all week and I didn't want her to disturb you while you were working so I've been fielding her calls to the office. She is very persistent. Friday alone she called thirteen times."

"But I was in court all day, what is she calling the office for?"

"To be sure I wasn't with you. Is she always that drunk?"

"Oh yes. Every waking moment; she is either drunk or getting there pretty damn fast."

"Not that it is any of my business but when was the last time she was sober?"

"2009 maybe?" Fitz laughed but saw how serious Olivia was. "Honestly, I do not remember. But that's something you don't need to worry about. I will handle Mellie when we get back. For now, I need you to focus on the trip."

Taking the death grip on her suitcase, she took a step forward again in the line. Seeing they were next, Olivia tried one last time. "Are you sure I can't stay here? I could take care of everything from my office and Abby will be there in San Diego to help you if you need it. You've never needed me to go along before."

"That's because I was never gone for three days and giving speeches. I need you there with me. Come on, Liv, we talked about this. You have to face your fear of flying at some point. You might as well face it with me beside you. I'm excellent moral support. And besides, if you don't go, who is going to make sure that my tie doesn't have a stain on it?"

"Next in line," the clerk called to get their attention.

"I want it on record that I strongly despise getting on this plane."

"Noted. Now let's get going."

Fitz handed the tickets to the clerk and led Liv down to their plane. Keeping an eye on her to make sure she didn't try to run off, he kept his stride equal with hers.

"Anything to drink?" a stewardess asked as they got to their seats in first class.

"Water please," Fitz said and looked at Olivia. "She'll have a red wine. Better make it two."

Liv was a little surprised when he ordered her drink. Being so early in the morning, drinking wouldn't be a good idea, but she did need something to calm her nerves. Putting on her seatbelt, she downed the two glasses before takeoff. Keeping her focus on what she would need to do when they arrived, Liv went over the checklist in her mind. While she did, Fitz sat beside her relaxed and ready to go. When he looked over, she had her nails dug into the arm rests deep. Gently, Fitz released her hand between them and held it.

"Breathe, Liv," he told her calmly, trying to get her not to panic. He couldn't fight the smile on his face when he felt her tighten her grip on his hand. "Here, let's talk about something."

"Tell me how court went on Friday, I didn't see you after that."

"It was fine. But let's talk about something else. You. Let's talk about you."

"No. I don't need to talk about me."

"Alright, how about work? When we get there, what do you need to do? Step by step tell me what needs to happen."

Running through it in her mind, Olivia started to tell him everything. All the little details that would seem unimportant she started on. After a few minutes, Fitz could feel the grip loosen on his hand.

"Okay, then what? What time do I need to be ready for the first speech?" The entire time, he made sure that she was looking at him. Keeping her attention on work and what he would need seemed to help her. "And you're meeting Abby in person for the first time?"

"Right. I've talked to her every day for a week now. I just hope I haven't broken her."

"I'm sure she's fine. She's a traveler, she's used to this sort of thing."

"I know, But I've asked her the same question a million times to make sure she knows what it is that you need."

"Liv, Abby has done these before. And she's done a great job. And let me tell you something."

"Okay?"

"We've just landed in San Diego."

"That's not possible," she scolded, shaking her head. Looking out the window, the tarmac was different from the first sight. "That didn't seem as long a flight as I thought it would be."

Fitz laughed and reluctantly let go of her hand he held the whole flight. "Time flies when you're having fun."

"Thank you," she smiled and pulled her hand back, "for keeping me distracted."

"Anytime. Let's go find Abby."

Getting her phone out, Olivia checked her messages and texted Abby letting her know of their arrival. Within the hour, they had met the driver and got their bags, heading off to the hotel and got checked in. Sending Abby the room numbers, Fitz and Olivia went to their rooms to get settled in for a few minutes and waited for her to arrive.

"Olivia?" Abby asked when Liv opened the door.

"Abby, it's great to finally meet you!" she shook her hand and let her in the room leaving the door open for Fitz. "Thank you so much for getting everything set."

"Not a problem. The firm pays me very well to do this," she smiled and sat on the chair in the room. "How was your flight?"

"Faster than I thought. But Fitz kept me occupied through it."

"Now it's Fitz? Thought it was Mr. Grant?" she smirked at her.

"He doesn't like it when I call him Mr. Grant. I'm still getting used to saying Fitz."

"Somebody say my name?" Fitz asked stepping into Olivia's open room. "Hello, Ms. Whelan."

"Mr. Grant, good to see you again. David is looking for you already. I believe something about twenty bucks you owe him from the last poker game?"

"Sorry, who is David?" Olivia asked looking between the two.

"My archenemy," Fitz told her. "Couldn't keep it to yourself that I was coming to this?"

"Absolutely not, I don't keep secrets from my husband. Besides, he's speaking tomorrow so he was coming anyway."

"Sure, take his side," Fitz laughed as he moved to lean against the wall.

"Well, he is my husband. I tend to take his side more than anyone else."

Olivia watched the two interact with each other as old friends would. "Fitz, you have to get downstairs for the dinner. You better go change," she told him breaking the friends' reunion in the room.

"Right, do you remember where I put my notes for the opening?"

"Briefcase pocket."

Abby caught the look on Fitz's face as he talked to Olivia. In the years that she had known him, he had never had that look before. The glint in his eye when he looked at her made Abby question what exactly was happening between the two of them.

"Great, I'll catch up with you and David later then Abby. Try not to stress out Liv too much please," he joked and left the room heading to his.

"How long have you known Fitz?" Liv asked her.

"He was David's mentor when David first started at the firm. That was about fifteen years ago. They've been friends ever since. Even after David moved to another location for the firm they kept in touch. David's not a big fan of Mellie's but plays nice for Fitz's sake. It's hard to describe her. Drunk bitch is one way though. Oh, don't tell Fitz I said that."

Olivia nodded and zipped her lips. "She doesn't seem to like me too well."

"She's insecure, that's for sure. But Fitz loves her for some fucked up reason."

"Yeah, he does."

Abby tried to get a clue inside how Olivia felt about him but couldn't get a good read on her. "I suppose I better go get ready for this dinner. You should get changed too. Don't want to be late."

"Oh, I'm not going. This is just for attorneys and their wives or whatever. I'm headed out for a run as soon as I am sure he is ready."

"You should come with, it'll be somewhat fun," Abby laughed.

"No thanks, you go enjoy it."

Closing the door behind Abby, Liv changed into her running gear and tossed her hair up. Being long after five, she was off the clock and could get a good run in, hopefully making her able to sleep tonight if she pushed herself hard enough. Lacing up her shoes, she heard the knock on the door and went to answer it.

"Ready to…" Fitz stood dressed in his grey suit and red tie in front of her as he looked her over. "I'm not sure that's the best outfit for this occasion."

"I'm heading out for a run."

"Uh, Liv, you are supposed to be going to this dinner with me."

"I don't think so. This is a you event. It's not in my calendar."

"Of course you are coming with me. I wouldn't just let you starve."

"I can find food when I'm hungry, Fitz. You better get going so you aren't late. Abby and David are probably waiting for you downstairs already."

"They can wait. Go change, I'll wait for you."

Olivia sighed and tightened her ponytail. "I am not going to the dinner. You are. Alone."

"And where are you going to run to? You don't know anything about this city. You could get jumped or hit by a car or anything."

"I survived a plane ride from the other side of the country. I think I'll take my chances today." Putting her phone and key card in her pocket, Liv closed the door behind her and walked to the elevator with Fitz. "You have your notes, right?"

"In my pocket. I wish you wouldn't go running this late."

"I'll be back before you even finish your dinner. Go enjoy time with your friends and do great on your opening remarks. That's going to set the tone for how this goes."

Knowing he wasn't going to convince her otherwise, Fitz let her out of the elevator before him and watched her walk out the front door before going to the ballroom.