Chapter 38

It had been almost a month now and Thomas Pope hadn't answered his phone nor had he responded to the messages Fitzgerald Grant had left. He hadn't been demanding. He simply stated that there was a matter he wished to discuss with him. He had left the office number. He wasn't comfortable giving the man his personal number. If and when he returned the call, Drey would reroute it to him. He wanted Olivia to have her car and her grandmother's mirror when they moved into the Penthouse.

He had cars, very expensive cars that he rarely drove. Olivia on the other hand liked to drive. He was going to agree to it as long as she had security with her. A second car would always be following close behind. Olivia had agreed to be part of his world. Still, he wanted her to have elements of normalcy.

Under no circumstances would he agree to her driving or riding a motorbike in the states. The woman drove a bike in the Caribbean like she was doing motor cross. It wasn't safe to ride them here in America. Olivia had accepted the fact that her bike riding days were over. One day maybe he would buy a property where she would be able to indulge in bike riding safely. In the meantime, he was going to call Thomas Pope one more time. This was business that could be handled by a simple phone call. Surely the man didn't want him to return to Grand Caymans to conduct this transaction. He possessed property that belonged to Olivia. She would have it! He called again.

"Hello!"

So, the elusive Mr. Pope had decided to answer the phone. His tone spoke of annoyance. Well Fitzgerald Grant was annoyed as well. He'd been calling for weeks. He didn't like the man. He had physically and emotionally abused his wife and daughter. The man was a bully and a lecher. There wasn't really a reason to be polite. However, the man had sole possession of items that would make Olivia happy. He curbed his annoyance for the moment.

"Mr. Pope, this is Fitzgerald Grant. How nice of you to take my call. How are you?"

"How do you suppose I am? My wife has divorced me and my only daughter has selfishly decided to live in sin with you. These particular set of circumstances I didn't condone or relish. Is my daughter alright? What do you want?"

So much for pleasantries. His annoyance and dislike for this poor excuse for a man intensified. He took that breath he sometimes took when he was dealing with fools that underestimated him. After all he was a rich Hollywood-bred son that had everything served up to him on a silver platter. He wasn't too smart even though he had an MBA and a law degree from two of the most prestigious institutions in America. He was the scion of a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate. He was celebrity lawyer to the rich and famous. Yet as he said, fools had a tendency to underestimate him. He decided he would be direct.

"I suppose you're licking your wounds, feeling sorry for yourself, imagining ways to inflict harm to those you feel caused your present situation. Whether that's true or not, I don't really care. I've been calling you for weeks and you have chosen to ignore my calls until now. Your particular set of circumstances you brought totally on yourself. You know the type of husband you've been. Your wife should've divorced you years ago. And you were hardly a shining example of fatherhood. As for Olivia, she is fine. She's with me and we are to be married. There's nothing sinful about couples living together before marriage, this isn't the eighteenth century.

At any rate, I haven't called you to dwell on the past, Mr. Pope. Olivia and I are building a future together. Her happiness is my utmost concern. You have some possessions of hers. I'm calling to determine how soon I may retrieve them."

"I was an exceptional husband and father. Neither my wife or my children appreciated that fact! So be it! I've washed my hands of all of them. I boxed up all belongings of Olivia's and her mother months ago and delivered them to charity. Also, all personal items such as jewelry and what nots, I sold them. They were purchased with my hard-earned money after all. Surely if Olivia had left behind anything that she valued she would have come for it herself months ago. I only have one item of hers. That motorbike was in my name. I had every right to sell it. As for her automobile, it's in storage. If she wishes to retrieve it, she must pay the storage fees for the months I have housed it. I have nothing else that belongs to the little ingrate."

"Please be very careful as to how you discuss and refer to my fiancée Mr. Pope. An affront to Olivia is an affront to me. Please don't disparage her again. Be assured I shall hold it against you. The consequences to those that disparage my family can be harsh ones. Again, be very careful as to how you discuss Olivia to me!"

"Are you threatening me Grant?"

"Of course not. In the future you will observe that I never threaten Mr. Pope. I simply make assertions to facts. I still have hopes that we may be able to conduct the business at hand in an amicable way. That may not be true. Some in-laws will never be on good terms. I can accept that and so should you. You were free to dispose of your property as you saw fit, which you did. That car however belongs to Olivia. She has the paperwork for it. She paid for it herself. You knew that, which is the only reason you didn't sell it. Where is it located in storage?"

"On Overton Street, in my garage. It has been stored there since Olivia left for the states. She will pay the going rate for storage fees if she wished to retrieve it. My home isn't a parking garage!"

"Of course, it isn't. Nor is it a storage facility. We both know what this is about so let's cut to the chase. I need the final bill and a time within the next week that the car can be picked up for transport to the states."

"What wrong poor little rich boy? You can't buy your fiancée a car."

"Olivia can have any car she wants, as many as she wants. She wants that one; and she shall have it! As I said I need a final bill and a time set up for retrieval. This isn't a game for me Pope. Olivia wants that car and I intend to see that it's in her possession before we move into our new place."

"Very well. I haven't any need for that overrated automobile besides it's taking up valuable space. I can produce the final bill tomorrow and we can conclude this business."

"Not quite. There's something else of Olivia's that you have."

"No, that car was her only possession here."

"Your mother wanted Olivia to have that antique Italian mirror in her bedroom in the house. Olivia says the mirror was willed to her. She's very sentimental about it because it belonged to her beloved Nana. It has been in her possession since her Nana's passing. It's hers and I intend to see that she has it. It will be picked up the same day as the car."

"My mother's will made no mention of the mirror being a gift to Olivia. I purchased that mirror for my mother myself. It's sentimental to me. I haven't any intention of parting with it. That mirror belongs to me!"

"We both know that you are a liar and a cheat Mr. Pope. Olivia was shown the will by your own mother. Your word and your sense of sentimentality is nonexistent and we both know it. Your mother wanted Olivia to have that mirror and if necessary, I can prove it in a court of law. Name your price!"

"I had that mirror imported from Italy. It's of the finest glass and wood. It's etched with fourteen carat gold on its frame. It's an antique and probably belonged to some royal. I had thought to have it brought up to the main house and placed in my foyer."

"Research the current value of the piece. I intent to. I will triple the price. Don't push me on this Pope. I can assure that you won't like the outcome of a scrimmage with me. Don't underestimate this little rich boy. I want that car and that mirror on the way to the states within the next few days. This is your cell phone correct?"

"Yes, it is."

"I'll send you the phone number of my personal assistant. All arrangements and legal documents concerning the pickup and transfer of Olivia's property will be done through Mrs. Audrey McDaniels. I assume we have a deal. If not, you can expect paperwork for an international court action to retrieve the property. I'm a very direct man Mr. Pope. I rarely play games especially when it comes to family. And Olivia, she's my family. You would do well to remember that in any future dealings we may have.

And another thing. You haven't responded as to whether you will attend Olivia graduation. I should warn you that I won't tolerate anything or anyone spoiling this special day for her. Simply don't show up if you are unable to act civilized. You've been warned."

Fitz hung up the phone. He was seething. He knew that this property thing would become transactional. Thomas Pope was a fool. It was obvious that he only worshipped himself and the almighty dollar. He couldn't just give the daughter that he claimed to have loved her property without holding out for cash? Of course, he couldn't! Thomas Pope was a no-good scoundrel. He really hoped the man didn't come to Olivia's graduation! No way would he get an invite to her party, to spoil it. Once this transaction was completed, he hoped the man would exit their lives for good.

He called Drey and apprised her of the outcome of his phone call with Olivia's father. If possible, he personally wanted no more contact with the man. He sent Pope Drey's phone number. He closed his eyes and attempted to banish the disdain he had for Thomas Pope. Sadly, the DNA of his children would include genetic material from the man. Perish the thought, but then Olivia had the DNA of Thomas Pope as a blueprint. He loved Olivia unconditionally. He would love his kids the same way. He dismissed the sentiment concerning Thomas Pope and thought of Olivia. He said her name out loud and smiled. He was in New York. It was time for his nightly phone call to Boston.

Thomas Pope was smug in his thoughts. He was going to milk Grant for every cent he could. Grant's presence in the Grand Caymans had been a catalyst for bad voodoo. He had lost a wife and daughter once he showed up. The man deserved to have to pay up. He planned to get minimum fifty grand from the fool. Grant wanted Olivia so badly, he could have her and her possessions for a price! His phone pinged. He picked it up. The phone number of some Grant lackey no doubt. He smiled. He was right to ignore the man for a couple of weeks. Fifty grand was a lot of green stuff!

On the other side of town Thomas Pope's ex-wife had arrived at the casino resort. It was Jimmy's resort and his casino. She went straight to the blackjack table. She was getting good at the game. She concentrated, bet strategically, and she was winning!

James Lockheed had seen her come in. He was watching her from the security room. As usual she was winning! He wasn't sure but he believed the woman was a card counter. Some casinos frowned on those that counted cards. He didn't. It was a strategy and if a person was cunning and smart enough to pull it off why not? People winning his money was never going to make him go broke. He simply had too much money for that.

Plus, this was Tessa. She could've had every cent he possessed years ago if she hadn't walked away from him. He had taken up a position at camera eight. He'd been there now for almost an hour. She was still a raving beauty. Absolutely no one would believe she had close to a thirty-year old son and a daughter in her twenties. She could pass for a sibling to her children. To his knowledge she had never had cosmetic surgery. Tessa was simply a beautiful well-preserved Black woman!

For the past couple of months, she had inhabited his establishments like clockwork. And he had stood in the shadows watching and waiting. Watching because he couldn't help himself and waiting because he was afraid to do anything more. He had come out of the shadows once and anger had engulfed him. It was Tessa that had taken them into darkness and decimated the love between them. He wanted her to fix it, to fix them, dammit!

There was no one to discuss this situation with. Who could he tell that he had loved and lusted after another man's wife for thirty years? Who could he confess such mortal sin and weakness to? Joel, head of security was a friend to some extent. Joel had to know that there was something going on between he and the woman he was surveilling. Still, he couldn't bring himself to broach the subject with him or anyone.

When he and Olivia talked which was fairly often, he would try to gather what information he could from their conversation as to what her mother was doing. One statement Olivia had made about her mother stuck in his head. "Mother is moving on with her life. She was broken during her marriage to Daddy. She's putting herself back together. She was battered emotionally and physically. I think what she's trying to do is redefine herself." Without a doubt, Olivia was correct!

Tessa hadn't changed her looks. She had dropped the dour and severe look that Thomas had insisted she adopt. She took her hair out of that damned bun and freed its beauty. She was no longer hiding her body. No long matron-like skirts and shapeless blouses. Her beautiful shapely legs were exposed. You could see the delicate curves and shape of her breast. She still had a tiny waist after giving birth to two children! She wore pants again and you could see that fine shapely ass of hers. In other words, she was being herself before Thomas Pope!

And what was he doing, a grown-ass man over a half-century old? He was acting like a goddamn stalker. He lusted for her still. He couldn't forget what she had meant to him. They had loved each other. Of that, he was sure. Tessa Adderley had thrown it all away to become a doctor's wife. James Lockheed was angry still. With so much anger inside him, how could he still love her?

She was at his casino tonight. She had sashayed into his establishment looking beautiful and available. He had guessed she would show up tonight and she had. Approaching her again wasn't a great idea. His very first approach hadn't exactly been what he had hoped for. What he hoped to accomplish with his actions even he didn't know. One thing was for sure. Anger never solved anything.

Tonight, he would once again come out of the shadows. He was testing the waters. He wanted to know what she was about. Why was she doing what she was doing? He approached the blackjack table and said hi to Shawn, the dealer. He acknowledged the other people at the table including her. He often stepped onto the floor and mingled with his patrons. It was a skilled business tactic.

"Drinks for everyone Shawn. Call Alicia over to the table. Is everyone having a fine time?" He heard various answers but nothing from Tessa.

She had been waiting for him to approach her again. Well now he was here! She was unable to respond sensibly. Tessa's heart was beating so fast she couldn't deal with it. She signaled to the dealer that she needed a five-minute bathroom break. She left the table. Jimmy followed her.

"Are you alright, Mrs. Pope? You look pale."

"I'm alright. Don't call me that. My name is now Tessa Adderley. You startled me is all, Jimmy. I wasn't expecting you to walk up to my blackjack table!"

"So, you are divorced. You're no longer the doctor's wife. I would have thought it hard for you to give up your lofty title. Being a doctor's wife was everything to you, wasn't it? Don't answer that. I found out the answer the hard way. Besides it's not my business. Why would you expect me not to walk up to my blackjack tables, Miss Adderley? I own the place. I can't walk around my own damned casino?"

This encounter was going south and she wasn't sure what to do. Her statements had irked him! It wasn't what she wanted. Tessa was here in this place for a reason! Jimmy was angry. Very angry. Whatever he was seeking from her for penance for her sins, she would have to discover them. He was being petty in her opinion. He had sought her out to turn on her? She supposed that he had a right to be mean and wretched. She had broken his heart and thrown it into his face. Those were the indisputable facts in her case. And she was going to have to deal with them.

She regained her composure and spoke again. She thought her trend of thought was safe. She hadn't any idea way it would trigger such emotion in him. Hopefully, she could savage this situation.

"I wasn't questioning your position in your own casino, Jimmy. I simply hadn't expected to see you. Your sudden presence threw me off. We were friends once, very good friends…"

"Yes, we were very good friends. Very good friends with benefits. You got most of the benefits if I recall correctly!"

Bitterness had risen in his throat like bile. His anger at what she had done to them flooding his psyche. The pain he felt at that moment overwhelmed him. He had to get away from her before he said something he would regret. He was approaching this thing this time with unprecedented caution. He still loved the woman but he was no longer a young fool. He would have all of her or nothing! He needed to stay away from Tessa right now. He had left the table as if the hounds of Hell were after him. He wouldn't go to her again! He returned to the observation room and stared at the woman he loved.

Tessa was beside herself. What in the hell was she doing wrong? She had presented herself into the lion's den and once again he had pounced! However, once again she had said the wrong thing and the encounter had gone wrong! After months of putting herself on display, more so directly in the path of James Lockheed, he had done nothing but lash out at her. This wasn't what she was expecting nor was it what she wanted. He finally appears again and it's yet another disaster.

Two weeks ago, he approached her at his restaurant. She was having her biweekly dinner there. He came into area and acknowledged her presence with a nod of his head. She imagined that he would be somewhat angry with her, but all of that ugliness between them had happened years ago. Surely, he wouldn't hold what she had done against her forever, would he?

Tessa had wanted more contact from the man than a nod of the head. She was being bold inhabiting his properties. She wanted to interact with him and he was totally avoiding her. She decided she would take the initiative since he had not. She'd had two glasses of wine with her crabs. It was a delicate white and she didn't particularly like it. She couldn't remember the one she and Jimmy always had when they ate crabs. She motioned for the waiter. Was the owner still in the restaurant? She had a question about wines. The waiter suggested he would get the sommelier for her.

"No, would you please enquire if the owner Mr. Lockheed is still here? I saw him earlier. He would be able to answer my questions directly."

"I'll enquire if Mr. Lockheed is available."

Her heart was about to beat out of her chest waiting to see if he would appear to her summons. He came.

"Good evening, Mrs. Pope. I hope you are enjoying the crabs this evening. I had some myself earlier. They were delicious. I understand that you had a question about wines."

He was throwing down a gauntlet by calling Mrs. Pope. That was no longer her name but presently she had bigger fish to fry. She would inform him later as to who she was. She took a deep breath. At least he had come. That was a start.

"Yes, I was wondering if you remembered the name of that wine we used to have with blue crabs. It intensified their peppery flavor."

"I'm afraid the one you might be looking for isn't on the wine list. It was a cheap white which we don't carry here. Might I suggest the Reinier 88. My upper crust clientele, including your ex-husband by the way, love it. And it's an excellent choice with crab."

Tessa choked on her wine. She tried to cough it out. She was momentarily stunned at his rudeness. Her coughing fit was prolonged. She couldn't come out of it.

James came up behind her and placed two forceful blows to her back. His actions helped to clear her throat. The coughing finally stopped. She looked up at him and her heart literally jerked in her chest. It was staggering what she felt. All the love she had denied herself to feel came roaring back to life so intensely, she still couldn't speak. She placed her hand atop of her chest, gasping not for breath, but at her own stark reality. She had wasted years of her life. Years that she had been without this man.

"Are you alright, Tessa? Do you need further assistance. Should I call for the medics?"

Finally, she regained her voice and spoke.

"The wine went down the wrong tube. I coughed it out and your back blows helped, I'm sure. Thank-you, Jimmy. The crabs were delicious but not as good as others I've had. I was reliving a small bit of my past, forgive me. My compliments to the chef, though."

She had come this far and she finally had his attention. The way he was responding to her wasn't what she was hoping for but it was a beginning. She would push a bit further.

"I'm thinking of having dessert. I know you're working and I imagine you are busy but why don't you join me?"

"Unfortunately, I can't. I am working Ms. Adderley, on the clock. Enjoy your dessert. In fact, your entire meal is on the house. Please come again."

It had been an angry first encounter. His eyes were ablaze with anger and hurt. Her betrayal was still with him as if she had done it today instead twenty-four years ago. Dammit, she knew she was going to have to knock down walls he had put up but she had underestimated how thick they would be. A stubborn hurt man would be hard to break!

That night Tessa had nixed dessert, paid for her own meal, and left his restaurant. Now several weeks later he had appeared again and she had made another mess of things. In her heart she knew that he wouldn't make it easy for her. She was hoping he wasn't expecting her to get on her knees and beg. She was done with begging for anything. She would fight for what he wanted on her terms. James Lockheed was worth a battle and she would wage one! The man was her future and she wasn't giving up.

In three weeks, Olivia was graduating from medical school. She was going to Boston and so was James Lockheed. Olivia had wanted her to stay at her place with she and Fitz. She was right they needed some time together. They hadn't really talked about things that needed to be talked about. Olivia had left the island with Fitz and had not returned. They talked several times a week on the phone but nothing compared to what they used to share. The talk they needed to have would come in its own time. She wasn't ready for it right now. In some ways she wondered if she would ever be.

She had been about to accept Olivia's invitation when Olivia had told her that Jimmy was staying at the five-star hotel that Fitz was providing for graduation guests. Maybe an atmosphere away from the island would be more conducive to beginning a reconciliation between them. They needed to talk without anger in their path. A reconciliation was tantamount to building any type of future together. She wanted a future with James Lockheed and she intended to have it. He had loved her once. She would get him to love her again.

"Olivia, thanks so much for your invitation to stay with you and Fitz at the condo but I know you two are actually packing in preparation of your big move to Boston. I would only be in the way. Besides its your graduation and all sorts of things are going on. I've decided to take Fitz up on the hotel accommodations in Boston. I hope it's not too late."

"Goodness no mother. You were always on that particular list. There are still plenty of suites left for family. I can put you in a suite on the same floor with Tommy, Uncle Jim, and Fitz' family. Would that be okay? I will put you wherever you want to be Mother."

"That sounds great Olivia. Keep in mind that your Uncle Jim and I aren't on the best of terms. The two of us on the same floor may not be ideal. I wouldn't want our bad vibes to affect your special day. I want your graduation to be a perfect experience for you."

"And it will be. You and Uncle Jim were friends back in the day. He told me so himself. While in Boston you two should try to resolve your differences. You and Dad are divorced. He and Uncle Jim aren't that close anymore. Whatever the problem was maybe you two can talk it out in neutral territory so to speak. I'd love for two of my favorite people to be on good terms. Please consider having a sit-down with Uncle Jim, mother. It would make me happy to know you two had made peace."

"I was thinking the very same thing, Olivia. There should be peace between your Uncle Jim and I!"

The weeks were going by quickly. Fitz was back in Cambridge things couldn't had been more splendid. As it turned out Fitz hadn't missed a weekend visit since he had moved in. It was like the stars had aligned for them and they were grateful. Olivia hadn't been free on all weekends but she had come home to him at night. Their lovemaking was still very intense however their nights of marathons were at a minimum. They loved each other knowing they had made a commitment for forever. The feeling of not knowing when they would meet again was gone. They were a couple and as good as married!

For Fitz it was the most wonderful thing what he had found with Olivia. His need for her hadn't waned a bit and Olivia seemed to desire him with the same fervor. They were a perfect match for each other in every way. Love was indeed grand! This particular weekend was at an end. They had begun the day with Fitz serving Olivia breakfast in bed. She was bone tired last night after spending an ten-hour day in training. She had showered and gone straight to bed. She had fallen asleep in his arms telling him about her day.

It was Sunday and they were going to a Woman's Shelter for a couple of hours. It was actually part of a continuing assignment of Olivia's in reference to finals. Her days were limited at Harvard Med and you could tell there was some ambiguity and melancholy about it. When she had left Spelman, she hadn't felt such a profound sense of loss as she did now. Olivia figured her doldrums were because she had allowed herself be part of a group this time. A group of people that had absorbed knowledge together. The comradery she felt with her Harvard classmates was very different.

A little part of herself would be lost as they all went their separate ways. Donica, her closest friend here at Harvard was headed out west for her residency. Only one person from their intimate study group had ended up here for their residency. She was going to miss the rest of them.

Olivia imagined just as she had established a set of friends here, she would acquire new ones as a first-year residence. It was hard to believe that this chapter of her life would soon be over. Officially she would be Dr. Pope in less than a month. Thoughts of having the responsibility of a patient's welfare brought a smile to her face. Technically she wasn't on her own but it was an awesome feeling knowing she would be called Dr. Pope. How she wished that Nana had lived to see her become a physician. She was carrying on a family legacy in a family that no longer existed.

No longer corresponding with her father in some ways left her sad. In other ways, she simply could no longer care. She had sent him an invitation to her graduation, after all he was her father. Within the invitation was a handwritten note.

"Father if you cannot find it within you to be cordial and civil to Mother and my fiancé, please don't accept this invitation. It will be a very special day for me. I won't have it marred by controversy. I hope all is well for you as you navigate a new path in your life."

She had not received a response by the RSVP date. In fact, she hadn't heard from her father since she refused to help him lure her mother back into his lair! Assuming that her father wasn't coming, she continued ahead. Fitz had an elaborate graduation celebration planned for her later in the evening. He and Gabriella had planned the party for her. There was a small reception that the university held directly following the graduation ceremony. The plan was to attend that and return to the hotel. She and Fitz intended to spend the night at the hotel rather than return to Cambridge. The party wouldn't start until eight o'clock.

Her Aunts and a few cousins were expected from home. Of course, Darcy was coming with her current beau. They were still going strong. Her mother, brother and his family, and Uncle Jim made up her immediate family. Others on her list of invitees were her friends from Harvard and her treasured professors. Her first roommate from her early university days had been invited and accepted. They had kept in touch and had remained friends. The Grant's had invited a few intimates to Olivia's graduation party. She expected to see Fitz' Aunts and godmother again. Fitz had invited his friends from California. Also, the New York Office was coming. Olivia was looking forward to seeing Audrey again. She owed a lot of her current happiness to the woman. And of course, some members of the security teams would be there.

Fitzgerald Grant was very proud of Olivia. She was going to be his wife. For now, she was his beloved fiancée. He had found the love of his life. She was a beautiful, charming, educated woman. He wasn't above wanting to show her off. She was his and he wanted the world to know it. Her graduation and the party would make the news. Fitz had told her what to expect and not to worry. He, his family, and his friends had her back. Olivia had given her approval for him to include his friends, family, co-workers, and others in his world. Her over-the-top graduation party was her acceptance of his life and the world in which he lived. Her fiancé was part of the world of the rich and famous. It was her world now!

The visit to the shelter had a been on Olivia's schedule. She had given Fitz an out option that he refused to take. The days that they spent together were very important to him. Anything that was related to her life as a med student that could include him, he didn't hesitate to be part of.

Olivia found out that during their visit Fitz had made a twenty-five-thousand-dollar donation on the spot after spending time with the director. He also had guaranteed to make substantial improvements to the facility at a cost of more than fifty-thousand dollars. When Olivia found out what he had done she could only express more love for him. She was engaged to a very special man.

"Thank-you for what you did for the shelter today. I started out volunteering there as a project assignment four years ago. I was drawn to the place once I actually found out all that it does to help battered women. There are other shelters in the city but this one is very special. This was a property inherited by a donor and given to the city under specification that it become a women's shelter. The city provides a yearly stipend but the facility exists mainly through contributions and the largesse of donors. Your donation will make such a big difference. Every cent will be used for good. Your promise to replace the plumbing and update the HVAC system is so generous. Fundraising has been good but we were far from reaching necessary goals for those major improvements. Again, thank-you not just from me but from the entire group of people that keep this shelter running 24/7."

"Olivia, I know that this place is special to you, particularly because of your mother. A place like this may have helped your mother seek sanctuary from your father sooner. With your chosen profession of healer, you were naturally attracted to this place. Right away I could see why you were intent to become a part of what goes on here. I know you will continue to offer your expertise and services to the unfortunate souls that end up here. Know that as in all things between us, I will support you. My donations are only a small part of what is possible with your connections to Grant global. Confer with father and he will direct you to the proper channels."

"Fitz I'm not a member of your family yet. It's bad form to exploit my connection to you. Your family may believe that I'm using you. I don't want them to think less of me. We've only been together not quite six months. I can't go to your father asking for donations!"

"Sure, you can. Everything that I have in this life I intend to share with you. My money, my family, my friends, my connections, all that I have is available to you. My parents are an extension of me. I love you and they love you too. Surely you realize that you are the daughter they never had, Olivia. You and I are couple, a happy couple. I'm a very happy man, Olivia. My family knows that you are the most vital cause of that happiness. You can ask them for anything, believe me."

"I believe you. Your family are the kindest, most giving, and loving people I've ever met. They've accepted me unconditionally right from the first. I wasn't sure what to expect from one of the premier and wealthiest families in the United States of America. You brought home an island girl and said that you loved her basically at first sight. They didn't bat an eyelash. Your family is a shining example of love, tolerance, and acceptance. They mean the world to me. I've come to love them as my own."

"They love you the same way. Ask them for anything, Livvy. Please know that you can. My family is now your family. Now, how can we end this perfect day?"

"I meant to mention it last night knowing we would be in town today. I was exhausted last night. We barely got to talk about anything. I owe you a great day and an even greater night. How would you like to walk along the Charles River? They call it the Esplanade. It's quite an experience. We don't have to do it all today. We can walk around and explore until we are tired. There are some new murals on display by some fantastic new Black artists that Donica has been raving about. There's also some jazz along the riverfront this evening. We could check it out, get a bite to eat and call it an early night. I love being in our home with the world shut out on our Sunday nights. I want you all to myself before you head back to the Big Apple tomorrow."

"That sounds like a delightful plan to me. Anyone I know on the jazz front?"

"Sorry, no big names. It's just local talent but they've gotten some great reviews these last couple of weeks. I'm not sure if it's the same artists I saw last year. Probably not."

"Not a problem. Just asking. Let's do it! Are you done here?"

"Yes, I am. I'm glad you came with me. To say the least you were a big hit today. Most of the ladies fell head-over-heels in love with you. You impressed everyone big time. You impressed me more and I for one didn't think that was possible. You're such a special man. You care about the planet and everyone in it! I sometime forget how rich you are and your philanthropic nature. Thank-you for contributing to this place. Every cent you donated here will be well spent."

"I know it will be Olivia. I am more than happy to help out. The tour given by Mrs. Childress was very enlightening. A place like this should be allowed to strive. The things being done here are crucial to women and children under the siege of domestic violence. I know we aren't married yet but you may assign your philanthropic nature behind the projects of your choice. You need not wait for me to claim all the glory. We're a team. I would throw my support into any cause that you deem worthy. We have money to spend. Think about it. I know you will be leery to reach into the pot but eventually you have to adjust to the fact that 'we' have money. We can enjoy things that we each love and contribute to things that inspire us."

"I love you Fitzgerald Grant. When I think that I almost called Uncle Jim to tell him to give my shift to someone else. I wasn't in the mood to get my hair wet that night. Suppose I wasn't there to meet you?"

"Then I would've met you another night. We were lovers waiting for our destiny Olivia. We would have happened somewhere eventually. I would have never stopped looking for you. You're the love of my life. Stop looking at me like that or I will take you home right now and have my way with you. We're supposed to be going to the Espinosa remember?"

"You're so silly. It's the Esplanade. I was just looking. There's nothing out of the ordinary about my gaze. Can't I look at my fiancée and appreciate him?"

"Sure you can, but not with bedroom eyes, LIvvy. I can see the fire behind them. I can see the tell-tell racing of the pulse in your neck. Your nares are flaring and your breathing is just a little off kilter. You saw something between us. Tell me what was it?"

"I don't know what to say. I was thinking how much I love and how happy we are right now. You are everything to me. You give me so much and then you're here at the Women's Shelter opening up your generosity to them. My love for you overwhelmed me. I closed my eyes and I went to a place for a moment. I think it was a vision. It seemed so real. I was so tired last night. I fell asleep on you. I think now I'm feeling a little horny. I'm a little embarrassed that it was so obvious."

"Olivia, don't you dare be embarrassed about the love between us, about the heat between us. I want you to want me. It's magical our sexual need for each other. It's a blessing. I would give away every cent of my money to keep that fire in your eyes. You know that don't you? You are everything to me too, Sweet Baby. I love your heat and fire. I love that you can close your eyes and see us! So, are we going to the Esplanade or are we going home?"

Olivia walked into his arms. He welcomed her pulling he close. He inhaled her scent, thankful that she was his. He lifted her lips to his. Their kiss was filled with fire, passion, and promise. They had completely forgotten that they were standing in the foyer of a women's shelter.

They only parted after hearing someone discreetly clearing their throat. It was Mrs. Childress.

"You two are still here? Thank-you both for coming. You're welcome anytime. Have a great evening."

"We intend to, you have a good one too. Fitz and I were just about to go out the door. See you in two weeks."

They walked hand in hand from the shelter. One trusty member of security stood at the entrance waiting for them, another stood at the car.

Fitz looked at Olivia with pure devilment in his eyes. He was literally devouring her. Heat was searing them where their hands joined.

"Well Ms. Pope?"

"I have years to show you the River Walk. We're going home!"

Jensen opened the door and they entered the car. They turned to each other in anticipation. Fitz caressed her face and whispered how much he loved her. Olivia whispered back how much she loved him and wanted him. Fitz spoke into the intercom.

"Jensen, the windows and the barrier please. We had planned to walk around the river. There's been a change of plans. We'll sightsee from the car instead. Perhaps for an hour or so. We want to see nothing in particular."

"Sure thing, Mr. Grant."

Within minutes they were very much alone. Barred from the eyes of others, they were able to see outside but no one could see in. As it was, at this very minute the outside world didn't exist for Fitzgerald Grant and Olivia Pope. It was just them and what was about to happen. They'd been in this situation before; they'd been there, done that. The expressions of love they were about to experience would be no less wonderful if they occurred in their own bed. Wherever they loved, it was perfection. The soon to be lovers were full of anticipation as they rolled along a Boston Street next to a river.

His first thought was that Olivia had on a dress. That was good thing. His second thought was how easily his hands could slip into places because of it. They cupped her perfect breasts and his thumbs gently circled her nipples causing them to harden. Olivia threw back her head and purred as his touch thrilled her. The walls of her sex clenched at the thought of eventually having him deep inside of her. Her hands found the front of his jeans. She stroked the hard length of him causing him to hiss, suck in gulps of air, and call her name. He had been needy since last night. He had curbed his desires and chose to watch over her as she slept. Tonight, would be different. His tongue delicately licked the whorls of her ears. He sucked at the rapid pulse in her neck while his other hand began to roam down below. His ministrations caused her to moan and her sex started to weep. Their mutual foreplay was extraordinary. They continued to play with fire as they both burned. Finally, Fitz whispered in her ear.

"Tell me what you want Livvy."

"You know what I want and I know that I'm going to have it, but not just yet. It's not going to be about me right now. It's going to be about you. Tell me what you want."

"That vision you saw. Show me."