xoxo
X
Since Ryan's return to DC, he's been very peaceful. It feels right to be back and working alongside President Grant and his staff in hopes of doing good work for the American people. He plans to buckle down and see what they accomplish.
With this being his first official day on the job, he knows he must be prepared for all possible contingencies on the off-chance that something unexpected happens because, in DC, it's always best to be ahead of the pack rather than behind it.
He's dressed in an all-black Gucci crew-neck wool sweater and floral-embroidered slim-leg jeans with a pair of black Christian Louboutin Gregossic leather shoes. He tops his look off with an elegant gold rope necklace, departing from his bedroom closet to the living room.
Proceeding to the windows opposite the apartment door, he opens the maroon curtains to let in the light. He takes a moment, relishing the sun's beauty rising over the cityscape. It's beautiful.
His phone rings snapping him out of the moment, and with haste, he walks over to the glass coffee table, picks his phone up, and answers it.
"Hello?"
"Hey Ryan, it's Abby. I was wondering if you were on your way by any chance. I'm ecstatic for our first day together."
He smiles, proceeding to the couch, grabbing his maroon Balenciaga Notch-lapel single-breasted coat and maroon, black, and navy-blue striped Bazar leather tote from the same designer.
"I'm on my way." He chuckles, walking to the door and grabbing his keys off the bookshelf to the right. "I'll see you in a few. I'm getting ready to leave now."
"Okay." She chuckles. "I'll see you when you get here."
Hanging up the phone, he tucks it in his back pocket and exits his apartment, locking it up behind him. Tossing his keys into his bag, he walks to the elevator and pushes the button. A few moments go by until it reaches his floor.
A small ding fills the silence, and the doors open, revealing Eli Pope standing directly in the center. Eli's presence, however, doesn't faze Ryan one bit as he walks onto the elevator, pressing the lobby button.
"Nice to see you, Ryan," Eli watches him through the door's reflection.
"I would say the same, but you aren't looking so well." He retorts.
Silence ensues for a moment. A knife can cut through the tension building between them.
"I don't think it's a good idea for you to be here." Eli states. "Your presence is only going to complicate these already complicated matters."
Ryan chuckles. "And what do you suggest I do? Pack up and leave because I make you uncomfortable? Not happening."
Eli turns to face him. "If you don't leave, there will be serious consequences for you . . . consequences you don't want."
A smile. "I'm not afraid of your spineless threats, Eli. Got any more harsh digs?"
Eli pushes the stop button on the elevator before it reaches the lobby.
"Listen, I know you think you're above the fray, but you are not." He stings.
"You are just a scared and confused man who believes he has a purpose. You have no purpose! You aren't here to be anyone's crusader or gift from God! You are power-hungry and only out for yourself like everyone else here."
Ryan decides to indulge. "I don't know what fear you intend to evoke with this fatuous speech, but I'm not afraid of you, Eli. I never was, and that explains the hostility." He turns to face him.
"You're the one that's afraid. You're afraid that your precious creation, Olivia, will discover I'm her half-brother."
Eli is speechless.
"I wonder why she doesn't know this information yet." Ryan continues.
"Could it be because you're constantly manipulating her to do your dirty work, making her second guess everything? Or is it because you're keeping her cooped up inside some mental cage she can't seem to escape from because you're always whispering into her ear? No, wait, I think it's because, in some twisted way, she's power, and with you being a mere man now, you need a win, and she's your golden ticket."
Eli swallows hard, taking a step back from Ryan.
"You came here to manipulate me into leaving because you're afraid." He laughs. "And you should be."
"I'm not afraid of you. You're a parasite just like your mother."
"You've lost touch with yourself, Eli because this is pathetic and honestly beneath you." Turning toward the doors, he presses the button to start the elevator.
"My mother, who is still legally your wife, raised me to be better than the rest while also giving me freedom, which you can't seem to give your daughter. It hurts you to know I'm everything you want her to be. It burns you up inside to know that I don't need a machine or a pretty White House to be powerful because I'm powerful on my own. It burns you inside to know that you can't control me."
His hands shake. "Enough!"
"Okay." Sliding on his coat, fixing himself up. "Next time I see you, make sure you come with a better attitude because, for one, you're not my father, Eli." He doesn't let up.
"My mother . . . your wife, made that crystal clear. She may have had me, but you didn't plant the seed, so, therefore, I have zero relation to you, and it feels grand because I'd hate to have a father like you." He stings.
"She told me everything, and if I were you . . ." entering Eli's personal space. "I would tell Olivia because if I have to . . . it won't end well for you. Not with her being command and all."
The elevator dings, and the doors open.
Ryan hums. "This is my stop, and I hope you take my words to heart, Eli." Walking off the elevator, stopping in the lobby.
"And one more thing." He turns to face him, studying him. "Have a good day."
As Ryan walks away, Eli stands in the elevator, looking sick, realizing his worst nightmare has come true.
X
In her office, dressed in a Prada royal blue dress and matching blazer, Mellie smiles as she reviews the poll numbers. She made it to the top three, a feat she never thought she would've accomplished independently. Nevertheless, she's grateful.
It's a dream come true for her; a dream once a distant fantasy is now an undeniable reality that she can almost grasp with her two hands. And although she's in the home stretch but still far away, she can feel the power coursing through her veins.
As she continues to study the stats to see what areas she needs to improve, Olivia walks into her office dressed in an all-red Armani suit with black vertical stripes on the blazer and white pumps, setting her bag down on the chair.
"So, how does it feel to be top three?" She asks, folding her arms, a beatific smile upon her face.
Mellie lifts her head, focusing on Olivia. "Liv, it feels amazing. All my hard work will pay off because of you." She's being sincere.
"If I didn't have you on my side, I don't think I would've made it this far."
Olivia's smile remains as she crosses her legs at the desk.
"This is why we have to continue full force with this campaign." She informs. "Did you go over the weak spots?"
"I did." She confirms. "The younger women with common sense seem to flutter to me, but the older women stuck in the seventies are hard to crack, also, men. I haven't gotten enough votes from men."
"Then we have to start trying to win them over."
"You're kidding?" She scoffs. "I don't want to pander to their kind."
"Well, it's the only way. We must clarify that you're just as good for them as you are for women. Many men struggle with their superiority complexes regarding women because they don't want to feel inferior. You make them feel inferior." She jabs a finger at her.
"Because you're a woman in power, and a woman in power is a nasty woman. You're about to be the first woman President of the United States. Do you have any idea how incredible that is? How impossible?" There's a pause.
"You're doing this. End of discussion."
Mellie takes a second to process Olivia's words. Olivia's incredible at what she does - with what she says, and although Mellie disagrees with pandering to men, she nods to confirm agreement because Olivia is always right.
"Fine." She huffs. "Just don't expect me to play the clueless bimbo in hopes of impressing these men because you know they like women who have no sense of direction or coordination."
Olivia chuckles. "You don't have to do any of that. They have to feel like you're relatable. So, be relatable."
"Easier said than done." She sighs, leaning back in her chair. "Anything else?"
"Yes. Do you know of Fitz's new addition to the Grant Administration?" She inquires.
"I don't know anything regarding Fitz's team." She raises a brow. "Why? Are they someone I'm going to have to-?"
"No. I was just curious." It was worth a shot. "I should go." She rises to her feet, walking over and grabbing her bag. "I'll have some talking points available to you by the day's end."
"Okay." She smiles, watching as Olivia opens the door. "Liv?"
"Yeah?" She turns around, brows slightly raised.
"Thank you."
Olivia exits Mellie's office with a nod, leaving her to finish analyzing her voting data.
X
Fitz, Abby, Cyrus, And Ryan are busy going over some essential details regarding Fitz's foundation in the Oval Office. It's a slow process, but a step is still a step. Ryan and Abby worked through the morning in her office while Cyrus took a trip to speak to a few locals.
Rising to his feet with a smile, Fitz walks to the couch and sits beside Ryan, crossing his legs.
"So, where are we at?"
Ryan clears his throat. "Well, many men and women, preferably African American men and women, are having trouble finding good representation. That's a major issue in the community, aside from your blatant racists and fabricated evidence placed by our officers."
"On top of that, there are tons of cases of missing men, women, and children, and nothing's changing," Abby adds, passing Ryan a folder he hands to Fitz, who immediately opens it, taking notes and listening.
"And based on your polls, Mr. President, you have the power to change all of this," Cyrus informs. "This foundation can be the salvation these people need. It may not eliminate the corrupt policeman or the racism, but it can be a beacon of hope that change will come."
"Exactly." Ryan agrees, exchanging a look with Abby and Cyrus, who nod, giving him the 'ok.' "I also think that if you truly want to help these people live better lives, you could perhaps suggest a bill to Congress to bring awareness to racism." He leans forward.
"I know it's a stretch, but the hierarchies in place, we need to eliminate them because the times we are facing now are completely unfair. Also, the corruption of our police officers needs addressing as well. Too many African Americans go to jail for crimes they didn't commit, whereas the real murderers get off with a tap on the wrist." He informs.
"The entire system is flawed, and if you can do this . . . you will have the backing you need for your foundation."
"Plus, you have the power and the resources to ensure that everyone in the country can afford legal representation. That includes African American men and women." Abby adds.
Fitz is highly impressed. He didn't think Cyrus was kidding about Ryan, but witnessing him being poise and direct was gratifying to him. He knows he made the right choice.
Setting the folder down on the coffee table, he moves to his feet and proceeds to his desk.
"I think that's a brilliant idea. I'll get started on that right away. You three just keep doing what you're doing. Good work today." He smiles.
"This is going to be magnificent."
"Of course, Mr. President." They say simultaneously, gathering their belongings.
"Oh, and before you go, I want to tell you how I plan on going about it so that you won't feel blindsided."
They glance at one another, then at Fitz, nodding their heads.
"I'm going to host a dinner here at the White House. I think that's the more efficient way of handling this situation. If I invite the members of Congress, we can attempt to butter them up so we can get their support."
"This could work," Ryan's sure. "Plus, it'll be a good way for senators to come and work their charm to secure more votes. Could I suggest something, Mr. President?"
"I'm all ears."
"What if you invite a few lucky locals to join you? Take them on a White House tour, hear their stories, and allow them to meet some of your staff. It'll score you some points for your foundation."
Cyrus bursts into laughter. "He's brilliant!" He exclaims, causing the others to laugh. "I think that's a damn good idea, Mr. President."
"Then it's settled. That's what we'll do." He's proud. "Let's get back to work."
X
He's desperate. Eli has been in disarray after seeing Ryan for the first time since his arrival, unable to wrap his brain around his failed attempt at getting his worst fear out of sight. After reaching out to her, he waits outside Olivia's apartment, hoping she will agree to what he plans to propose.
Right on cue, she walks off the elevator and over to him. She could sense his distress. The look on his face tells her everything she needs to know. He's pusillanimous, and she's curious to know why. Folding her arms across her chest, she huffs into a smile.
"How can I help you?"
"I have a proposition for you that could benefit us both."
She chuckles, walking over to her door. "And what may that be?"
"Ryan Lewis — the man that's working close to President Grant. He's a bad man, Olivia."
The mention of his name sends a chill down her spine. "And what do you want me to do?" She turns to face him, indifferent. "He is of no interest to me."
"And that's how I know you're lying. I can read you better than you can read yourself." He sneers, watching her face turn cold.
"You met him, didn't you? He made you feel hot and bothered inside because he is where you want to be, and he's with who you want to be with so damn bad. So, I ask you this question: will you let someone waltz in and take what's yours, or will you do your job and handle the situation?" He questions.
She watches as he reaches into his coat, pulling out an envelope and holding it out to her. Part of her wants to walk away and pretend this conversation never happened, but the other part of her, the command in her, is itching to find out more about Ryan.
A sigh, snatching the envelope from him. "If this is some kind of trick, I won't hesitate to-"
He raises a hand to stop her. "Relax, Olivia. It's not a trick. Do this, and the White House is yours. Remember, you are no longer smart prey. You are the predator."
With her lips quivering in anger, she calms herself and pulls her phone from her bag, immediately dialing Jake. It rings a few times before he answers.
"What do you need?"
Opening the envelope, she pulls out Ryan's scarce file, instantly noticing the written address courtesy of Eli.
"I need you to look up a name . . . Ryan Lewis." She takes a picture of the file sending it to him.
"I sent you a picture of him along with his address. Let me know what you find." She ends the call, folding her arms across her chest.
Eli smiles. "That's my girl."
X
Enjoying a much-needed break from work, Cyrus and Ryan sit at a local cafe not too far from the White House to catch up before heading back to work. Taking a small sip of his warm mug of tea cradled perfectly in his hands, Cyrus heaves a content sigh.
"I'm glad you decided to come back, Ryan."
Ryan smiles. "Yeah? And why is that?"
"It just feels right to have you here working with us in hopes of making a positive change to this failing country."
He agrees. "Yeah. I can agree with that. I can honestly say I'm glad I'm here too. Being cooped up in Paris was becoming my everyday life, and as fun as that sounds, it's extremely monotonous. And although I was able to do some work out there, it doesn't compare to this."
"It's almost as if you belong here." He chuckles, setting his mug down.
"Maybe I do." He smiles warmly, watching the people pass by their table. "Certainly, feels that way."
Cyrus smiles. "I missed you."
Leaning over the table with a smile, Ryan interlaces his fingers.
"You missed me or my unprecedented influence?"
He's shocked. "How did you?"
"Abby." He laughs.
Cyrus bursts into laughter. "Would I be a terrible person if I said both?"
"Nah, I would expect that from you." He smiles. "You've always been honest."
"As your friendly, neighborhood, older but still spectacular gay man, I have no choice."
A momentary silence ensues before they both burst into uncontrollable laughter, hands upon their stomachs to ease the tightening. It's a moment of peace, and reconciliation, seeing as the two of them have known each other since Fitz's first term.
They were close once before, and right now, nothing has changed. Calming from the laughter, Ryan shakes his head with a grin.
"I missed you too." He admits. "And although we work together, we have to have more moments like this."
"I agree." He nods, smiling. "I have to ask, though."
He raises a brow. "About what?"
"Secret Serviceman Danny." He leans forward on the table, brows wiggling suggestively.
"I noticed his uncontrollable urge to watch you when you returned."
Leaning back in his chair and grabbing his bottled water from the table, Ryan takes a nice sip before setting the bottle down, doing his best to hide the blush.
"Danny's kind. We talked."
"Don't forget, handsome." He adds.
He chuckles. "That too."
"Thinking about letting him reap the benefits of you? If you catch my drift." Eager to know the answer.
He laughs. "Cyrus Rutherford Beene."
"Come on, Ryan." He laughs. "I've asked you much worse."
Ryan ponders the question, heaving a soft sigh as he leans forward on the table.
"Well, if the man can earn me, then the man can have me."
"I'll drink to that." He chuckles, grabbing his mug that's still warm to the touch and raising it. "Cheers."
Grabbing his water bottle with a smile, Ryan raises and taps it gently off Cyrus's mug.
"Cheers."
X
Arriving at Ryan's apartment building, Jake cautiously makes his way through the lobby, careful not to get caught on any security cameras. He opts out of taking the elevator and decides to take the stairs with little to no security.
Effortlessly, he strides up the stairs to the top floor and proceeds through the door and down the hallway to Ryan's apartment, sliding on a pair of leather gloves before reaching into his inner coat pocket and pulling out a lock pick and torque wrench.
He hastily picks the lock and enters the apartment after reaching the door, closing the door behind him. He doesn't bother turning on the lights due to the sunset lighting up the place. With his gaze drifting around the living room, he notices a laptop on the couch and walks over to see if he can find anything on it.
Kneeling to unlock the computer, he realizes he doesn't have to bypass it, so without wasting any time, he begins to go through all the files but finds nothing. Closing it back, he moves to his feet and searches the entire apartment from top to bottom, every room, every crevice, every electronic device he could find. Nothing turns up.
With no incriminating evidence or anything that can be of use to Olivia, he exits the apartment, locking the door back and exiting the building the same way he entered.
X
"Is there a reason why you aren't getting ready?" Abby asks, entering the Oval Office and attracting Fitz's attention.
"Charlotte informed me that you were still here when you should be making your way to the State Dining Room by now, and why aren't you dressed?"
"Relax, Abby." He smiles, setting down his pen. "I'll be ready in time. I just wanted to take a moment for myself."
"Everything okay, Mr. President?" She asks, standing in front of his desk.
"I am." He confirms. "I thought about how crazy things have been this past year and how I've persevered. I never thought I'd be happy, you know?"
"Yeah." She murmurs, looking around the room. She doesn't want to open Pandora's box, but she does under the guise of being a friend to him.
"You loved her."
"I still do." He admits. "We're just on two different paths right now."
"Do you think they'll cross like they once did again?"
"All roads lead somewhere." He smiles. "However, I know that her only focus is the White House, and I want that for her because even though we aren't together, her happiness is still important to me."
"It always has been."
"Yeah." He chuckles. "It's just different this time."
"Because you aren't tethered to her every being. You can focus on you as a president and a man."
He nods, a soft smile on his face. "Do you think I've done well?"
"I think you've done amazing." Her answer is sincere.
"Me too." He leans back in his chair. "It feels nice to have my head above the water for a damn change. It feels great to walk freely in the light without constantly feeling consumed by everything I know she is. I'm free, and I hope she is too because she will have a country to run within months, and she doesn't need any distractions."
"Right." She smiles, proud of the man Fitz has become. He shows no ill will towards the woman he will always love, but he also knows it's not their time. She can sense that he still has hope, although he doesn't say it directly. More importantly, she can see him, and he shines brighter than any star.
"I'm proud of you, Mr. President, and I'm proud of you as Fitz too."
"Thanks, Abby." He smiles. "For not only helping me back up after my fall but for being a friend."
With a warm-hearted smile, she nods, appreciative of his words.
"It's the least I can do. Now get ready!" She exclaims, causing him to laugh, proceeding to the exit. "Everyone besides Danny left to get ready, which means you need to get ready. We still have a job to do."
"Right away, Ms. Whelan!" He rises to his feet, proceeding to his chambers. On the way, he sees Danny making his rounds.
"Danny? Why are you still here?"
"Mr. President." Walking towards him. "I was securing everything for the event, sir."
"Go." He commands with a smile.
"I'm sorry, sir?" He's confused.
Fitz smiles, placing a hand on Danny's shoulder.
"You should be somewhere, and his address is on my desk." He nods, continuing to his chambers.
"Thank me later."
X
Standing in the closet mirror in his bedroom, fixing his now straightened, sleek, middle-parted hair, Ryan examines his outfit for the last time before walking out of the closet and over to his nightstand, grabbing his phone, wallet, and keys. He still had time to spare, so he didn't have to rush.
He's dressed in a tailored Off-White navy pinstripe suit with a red Off-White waist off Black Industrial belt with a pair of Dolce & Gabanna Crown and bee-embroidered velvet loafers. He tops the look off with a gold cross pin on the left lapel, diamond earrings, and a gold bracelet on his right wrist, and he proceeds to the living room.
He takes a moment to ensure everything is how it should be when a knock at the door attracts his attention. Making his way over to it, he opens it without looking to see who it is, brows furrowing when he sees Danny standing in front of him dressed in a maroon Calvin Klein suit with black loafers from the same designer.
"Hi there," Danny greets him.
He's surprised. "Danny? What are you doing here?"
"I originally came because President Grant, in a sense, ordered me to come; however, I realized that I wanted to see you on the way here." He admits. "So, with that, I want to know if you would accompany me to the White House?"
There's a lump in Ryan's throat that's hard to swallow. Staring into Danny's grey eyes, he finds himself speechless for the first time. To stop his heart from beating quickly against his chest, he folds his arms across, inhaling and exhaling.
"Are you asking me out on a date?"
"Whatever you want to call it, no pressure," His voice so rich. "As long as you say yes."
Ryan blushes, his heart still beating rather uncontrollably. He looks away, seeing Danny's consuming stare melting his exterior. Saying no would be easier, but having someone like Danny on his arm doesn't seem bad.
He focuses his stare on Danny. "And what if I say no?"
Danny chuckles. "Well, I'll just have to keep trying."
There's something in the way Danny speaks that exudes confidence. He's magnetic, charismatic, and unexpected to Ryan, who knows him solely as Secret Service. His charm is undeniable and attractive to Ryan, making him think his mom's right because he feels everything for the first time in a while.
Stepping out into the hallway, Ryan closes the door behind him and locks it, focusing his stare on Danny, who smiles when their eyes meet. It feels good, but it makes Ryan nervous.
"Arre you sure you want to accompany me? I'll be working the rest of the night."
Danny chuckles. "Say yes. You can make it up to me by saving me a dance."
"Fine." He chuckles. "Yes."
X
The State Dining Room of the White House is buzzing with excitement as the dinner hosted by President Grant commences. It is lively and extravagant, and everyone attending couldn't wait to show off their best looks while pushing their agendas down each other's throats.
It's bound to be an unforgettable night with senators, members of Congress, and the Grant Administration, including Cyrus, Abby, Ryan, and the President himself. Not to mention a small group of locals Fitz invited on Ryan's behalf. It's beautiful. Different.
Entering the dining room, dressed in a stunning gold metallic off-shoulder sheath dress by Michael Kors with a diamond necklace from Tiffany and Co and Midnight Sun pumps, Abby smiles and nods at a few senators, making her way to Fitz. The president looks dapper in a tailored Tom Ford black and white Prince of Wales Check Atticus suit with black suede Wilton Chain loafers from the same designer while entertaining Congressman Shaw.
"So, as you can see, I hope to get these bills passed to shine a light on these inequalities the American people face, Congressman Shaw."
"The American people or minorities?" He questions, taking a sip of his champagne. "Although I admire your courage to bring this information to me, Mr. President, I don't think I can help you get this to where it needs to be."
"I hope you'll reconsider."
"And why would I do that?"
"Because you don't want to be on the wrong side of history when all is said and done." He doesn't waver.
Congressman Shaw glares at him with furrowed brows, but he doesn't falter.
"What do you know about-?"
"Congressman Shaw, Mr. President." Abby greets them, her twisted topknot messy bun enhancing her features, attracting Shaw.
"I hope you two are enjoying yourselves thus far."
Fitz nods his head with a delighted smile while Shaw steps closer to Abby.
"Ah. Ms. Whelan. Aren't you looking mighty fine?" Congressman Shaw takes a moment to admire her.
"Thank you, Congressman Shaw." She's disgusted, but she plays along. "I hope you'll come around to support our new agenda at the White House. We're looking forward to your backing on this."
"I'm not sure this new agenda is what the White House needs. We need to focus our efforts on anything else but this because minorities aren't a factor to us. They have never been."
"And that's exactly why they should be now." Fitz retorts. "This nation is divided, and with division comes war, and with war comes the destruction of the constitution. Is that what you want?"
Just as Shaw speaks, Cyrus proudly approaches the group dressed in an all-black Prada Wool and mohair single-breasted suit with a pair of black and white leather logo loafers from the same designer, attracting their attention.
"Sorry to interrupt, but Mr. President, the families you invited, would love if they could meet you and express their gratitude and concerns. I already took them on a tour of the place."
"Of course." He nods, reverting his attention to Congressman Shaw. "I have matters to attend to, but don't let that stop you from enjoying yourself, Congressman."
"I'm sure Ms. Whelan here wouldn't mind keeping an old guy like me company." He attempts to touch her, but she smacks his hand away.
"Now, now, Congressman Shaw. You keep your hands to yourself and let me treat you to another drink. You're empty."
He grins as she leads him away. "Now we're taking."
"He's . . . different." Cyrus quips.
"Tell me about it." Fitz laughs. "Abby knows what she's doing, though. We will get this plan to move forward."
"And we won't have to play unfair."
"Precisely." He nods affirmatively. "Let me go and talk to the families now, and you do your best in securing Congresswoman Harper's vote."
"Right away, Mr. President." He proceeds over to her while Fitz tends to the families.
Next to enter the State Dining Room is Olivia, with Jake by her side. She looks beautiful with her hair pinned up in an elegant twisted bun with crystal chips, dressed in a stunning Rubin Singer black and white gown paired with white Prada pumps and Tiffany and Co earrings, making her way over to grab a glass of champagne.
Along the way, her eyes focus on Fitz staring back at her. Her heart drops into her stomach, and her hands tremble. He still has control over her entirety, which is both rewarding yet problematic for her, seeing as the two aren't together. She smiles and nods in his direction, which he reciprocates before reverting his attention to the families.
She wants to know how he feels about her. She wants to see if she affects him and how he affects her, but she can't tell. She misses him more than she wants to admit, but they should remain apart. He's in a fantastic place, and to her, she is too.
Grabbing two glasses of champagne, she hands one to Jake and clinks her glass off his before taking a sip.
"Keep an eye on everything." She commands, looking through the diverse crowds of people. "I'm sure he'll be here."
"On it, boss." He disappears into the crowd.
X
Arriving at the White House better late than never, Ryan walks down the quiet hall towards the State Dining Room alongside Danny, their arms hooked. They walk in silence as they admire the portraits of past presidents hanging on the walls, glancing at one another periodically, immediately blushing afterward.
"Amazing, huh?" Danny asks.
"Yeah." He nods. "They're beautiful. Do you think they'll add one of President Grant?" Fixing his gaze on him.
"I do." He confirms. "He's done amazing work here, and I feel he deserves a spot on this wall so that the next man or woman president can see that he's solidified his spot in history."
He chuckles. "I agree."
"Do you think you'll solidify your spot in history?" He inquires, focusing on Ryan's browns. "I mean, you are amazing at what you do."
"Thank you, but I don't know." His shoulders rise and fall. "It would be nice, but I don't need to be solidified in history to know I've done good work. My accomplishments are good enough for me."
Danny smiles. "Most people would've jumped to be remembered in history."
"Most people aren't me." He smiles. "I'm not in this for history."
"Then what's your motive? Everyone has one." He raises a brow.
Ryan hums, gaze focusing on the crowded dining room ahead. "I'm in this to make the world better, and that's how they'll remember me."
"Another good answer." He chuckles, entering the dining room, the two of them attracting a great deal of attention.
"Hey, Ryan!" Fitz exclaims from the left, surrounded by a small group of children away from the grownups and alcohol. "Come here for a moment. I have some people that would love to meet you."
Ryan turns to Danny. "Duty calls."
Danny leans in, lips to Ryan's ear, smiling. "You promised me a dance. Don't forget." He departs to join Abby and Cyrus while Ryan joins Fitz.
"Mr. President. I'm sorry I'm late."
"Nonsense, Ryan. You're right on time." He smiles, kneeling in between the kids.
"This is Javon, Kendrick, Brittany, and Monica. After the tour of the White House and hearing their parents' stories about the inequalities they are facing in their community, they wanted to meet everyone in the administration helping to change that. They had already met Cyrus and Abby. The only person left was you."
With a smile on his face, Ryan kneels to their level.
"So, are you beautiful children enjoying yourselves tonight?"
"Yes!" They exclaim happily in unison.
"Perfect!" Hands clasping together. "Now I have a few questions for you all, okay?"
They all nod, excited.
"Okay. Question one, do you think President Grant is a good president?"
"Yes." Javon answers. "He said he would help people of color like my friends and me."
"Wonderful. And do you believe that Mr. Grant will keep his word, or do you feel he will lie to you?" His gaze fixes on Monica, who's antsy to answer.
"I feel like at first, I was unsure because most white people don't care for us black people, but the more he continued to talk to us . . . I started to believe him."
"And do you believe him? Or is he still like the others?"
She smiles. "I do. President Grant is the first white man to make me feel like I mattered."
"He made us all feel that way," Brittany adds. The others nod in unison as Ryan's gaze fixes on Fitz. He's proud of him.
"Last one." He smiles. "Who here wants to be president one day?"
Posthaste, the children raise their hands as high as they can. Both Fitz and Ryan laugh as they relish the moment, Olivia glowering in the background.
"So, do you have any more questions for the president or me?"
"I have one!" Kendrick answers.
He grins. "Okay, I'm all ears!"
"Will you be working with the president at his foundation?"
"I-" he looks at Fitz, who shrugs with a smile.
"Please!" Kendrick begs. "I think that would be awesome! You're like a superhero!"
"You can't leave after doing so much!" Brittany adds with praying hands.
"Do it! Do it! Do it!" Javon chants continuously, with Monica joining in.
Laughing as he rises to his feet, Ryan folds his arms and glances down at Fitz, who's as excited as the kids are.
"So, what do you say, Ryan? Will you do the honor of working with me at my foundation once we check all the boxes here?" His brows raised. "You can't let these kids down. Look at them."
Ryan chuckles, taking notice of the children's faces. They're happy and hopeful.
"I'll do it." He smiles as they cheer. "Under one condition." He holds up a finger. "I want to see good grades on your upcoming report cards. Can you do that for me?"
"Yes!" They exclaim.
"Then it's settled. All you have to do is get my address to mail your report cards from the President while I go and handle something, okay?"
"Okay!" They smile, reverting their attention to Fitz as Ryan makes his way over to a tense Olivia, grabbing a glass of champagne.
"Ms. Pope." He attracts her attention, taking a small sip from the glass. "Your candidate seems to be right at home."
"As she should be. We've worked hard to get here." She gives a fake smile, uncomfortably shifting when he stands beside her. "Shouldn't you be mingling with the Congressman and women?"
"The president doesn't need me as his mouthpiece, nor does anyone else on the Grant Administration." He smiles. "He's good."
She winces, taking a sip of the half-empty glass of champagne.
"So why are you over here?"
"Well . . . I originally came to apologize if I overstepped when you came to the White House, but then I realized that you've been up to some mischief, Ms. Pope."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"I don't have time for games. So, I will make this clear for you." Turning to face her. "The next time you have your puppet break into my apartment . . . I won't hesitate to react, and that is something you don't want to happen."
She's shocked, heart beating out of her chest as she turns to face him, mouth agape with incredulity and lips quivering with fear. She gazes into his eyes, looking for weakness to exploit, but finds nothing. He's undaunted.
"How did you know?" She asks, voice trembling.
Taking a sip of champagne, Ryan chuckles. "Like father, like daughter."
He walks away before she can utter a word, joining Danny, Cyrus, Fitz, and Abby at their table accompanied by Congressman Shaw and a few of his colleagues, leaving her guilty and angry.
"Liv?" Mellie asks, approaching her wearing a coral Melinda Eng crystal beaded silk-chiffon gown paired with Nadri slim-long chandelier earrings and nude knotted silk sandals from Prada.
"Are you okay?"
Clearing her throat, Olivia compartmentalizes her feelings for the moment and turns to Mellie with another fake smile.
"I'm fine."