Hey everybody, y'all all right? Everything's good over here. Still moving chapters. lol Thank you all so much for reading, following, favoriting and writing reviews for AWS. Your PMs are always appreciated.
Can you believe what Fitz did? Would you be upset? The man was desperate, after all. This chapter picks up with Olivia being introduced to Fitz's parents. Sorry to leave you hanging, here's part two. Enjoy, and happy reading.
TBOT
Brunch...
Fitz watched Olivia's facial expression go from annoyed to shocked in a matter of seconds. Bringing her here today was a huge risk, but considering all the beliefs she had about him and the type of person he was, he figured desperate times called for desperate measures. Of course there were many other things they could have done to spend the day together, but having Olivia meet his parents would throw her completely off balance, and hopefully, she'd see him differently. Hopefully.
"My parents are staying at their home in Chesapeake Bay for a few days, and we decided to meet for brunch."
Olivia could see his mouth moving, and knew sounds were coming out, but she had a hard time understanding his words. It was as if she'd completely shut down after the word, parents. After accusing Fitz of bringing her to a hotel, with the intention of getting her into bed, the last thing she expected was to be standing in front of his parents, getting ready to sit down to brunch.
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Grant," Olivia said, finally finding her voice. Dressed casually, JR Grant wore a pair of light blue chinos, white shirt and summer blazer. He was a tall man with cropped blonde hair with a few strands of gray, and blue eyes. Olivia knew what Fitz would look like in about twenty years. Father and son had the same lean face and eyes. Although JR didn't have the muscled bulk of his son, she assumed he worked out because he was clearly in shape. He stood in a rigid stance, looking at her, and it wasn't very inviting. Olivia wondered if that was his disposition with everyone, or was it just her.
Constance Grant stepped from behind the table to greet them. She was tall and slender with hair several shades lighter than her gray eyes. She was the epitome of casual chic: white silk blouse, navy linen slacks, and Gucci loafers. Like Olivia, she wore the requisite diamond studs in her ears, and an eternity band on the ring finger of her left hand. She was a lot friendlier than her husband, and her smile reached her eyes, and seemed genuine.
"Fitzgerald was right," she said, taking Olivia's hands in hers. "You are absolutely beautiful. And please, call me Constance."
Smiling at Fitz's mother, Olivia swallowed nervously. Her mind went back to the last few years of her life. The few men she'd dated, and the two or three she'd considered "serious" relationships. Had she met any of their parents? She had not. They either didn't live in the area or she saw no reason to get to know family members when the relationship probably wouldn't last. This was definitely a first for her.
"It's…um…it's a pleasure to meet you both."
"You're in shock," Constance said after seeing Olivia struggling to greet them. "Your face says it all. Fitzgerald didn't tell you that you would be meeting us today."
It wasn't a question, but a statement, and Constance glared at her son, obviously disapproving of his tactics.
"He shouldn't have done that to you."
Olivia agreed. Listening to Constance Grant gave her the time to regain her composure. What would possess Fitz to bring her here?
"I'm a little surprised, but thrilled," she said, smiling at the elder Grants.
After they were all seated, the conversation turned to the menu, and what they should order, but Olivia's participation was minimal. Instead, she stared at the menu, not really seeing the words. Her mind was too busy trying to figure out the meaning of this impromptu meeting.
"He asked us to be on our best behavior," Constance said, interrupting Olivia's thoughts.
At hearing her voice, Olivia set her menu on the table.
"Mother," Fitz warned.
Ignoring her son's attempt to silence her, she continued. "He told us he was trying to impress you and wanted to make sure that we didn't do anything or say anything to embarrass him."
"I don't believe this," Fitz said, smiling and shaking his head. He should've known better than to think his mother would keep her mouth closed.
Olivia smiled at his mother. She thought it was sweet that Fitz was nervous about this meeting.
"As if I could embarrass him by just having brunch." She smiled and winked at Olivia. "If you want to talk about embarrassing, let's talk about the year Fitzgerald had that God awful mullet haircut. You know, business in the front, party in the back. Apparently a young lady told him he'd look good with it, and he cut his hair. Can you believe that?" she asked, chuckling. "When he went away to college, I noticed that all of the photos with that haircut mysteriously disappeared from our home. I guess he was embarrassed too."
Fitz was horrified. "Uh…Mom…I don't think we need to hear…"
"Or his sophomore year at Stanford," she continued, ignoring her son. "We were watching a game on television and saw him being taken to locker room. Of course we were concerned, and assumed he'd been injured. JR made a few phone calls to find out what was going on, and turns out, our very smart and talented son had taken a bulk-forming laxative before the game and it had begun to work."
Olivia burst out laughing.
"He's done more to embarrass himself than we ever could," Constance added.
"That is enough, Mother," Fitz said, as he listened to Olivia next to him. Turning to her, he watched her and then relaxed. The laugh was natural, genuine.
"I'm glad you find this amusing."
"Are you kidding?" Olivia said, encouraging his mother to continue. "With all of the accolades you receive from the media and fans, it's refreshing to hear that you're human just like the rest of us."
After they placed their orders, the conversation turned to the Grant's upcoming European vacation. They hadn't planned to open the Chesapeake house, but did it out of necessity. They would stay a few days, before leaving for a month the following week.
"You're the first live one since college," Constance said, looking at Olivia and taking a sip of water.
"What do you mean?" Olivia asked, looking at her in confusion.
"You're the first woman he's introduced us to since he was drafted. Even when we visit him at his home in Great Falls, or when he visits us in Chesapeake, or New York, he's always alone. No women."
Olivia found that bit of information from Mrs. Grant hard to believe, and gave Fitz a questioning look.
"The only way we knew who our son was dating was through those tacky entertainment shows, magazines, newspapers, the internet or seeing him on the red carpet at various events. You are the first live girlfriend we've met."
The idea that Fitz thought enough of her to bring her to here today warmed her heart. But she still didn't want to give them the wrong idea.
"I'm not his girlfriend."
"Oh, is that so?" JR asked. "It doesn't appear that way to me. As a matter of fact, you look as if you're excited to be here with him."
His voice was deep, like his son's, and it had a hint of accusation to it. It was the first time he'd spoken since they'd been introduced. Leaning back in his chair, his eyes narrowed and he crossed his arms over his chest. His body language said cold and unapproachable, and no one spoke for a full minute after his comments.
JR's words had an edge to them and Olivia wondered if she had said or done something wrong. He had been quiet throughout most of the conversation, so she was curious if this was just his personality, or was his problem more specific. Maybe the only problem he had to today, was her.
Olivia's nostrils flared for the second time that day as she tried to process what JR was trying to say. Did he honestly think that she was here because of who Fitz was or what he had? Instead of causing a scene, she smiled politely and spoke.
"We're just getting to know each other."
"Well you must be pleased with the way things are going."
"Dad," Fitz said. The warning in his tone was loud and clear. Olivia wasn't the only one who believed that JR Grant was way out of line with his accusations.
"What? I'm just asking a question," he said, never taking his eyes off her. "I would think that Olivia wouldn't have a problem with being called your girlfriend. I mean, it would get her picture everywhere, and invites to fancy events. Or maybe even an exotic vacation for a week or two."
"Dad, that's enough," Fitz said through clenched teeth.
"It sure is," Constance added, her eyes narrowing at her husband.
"No," Olivia said, shaking her head. If JR thought he was going to intimidate her, then he was mistaken. She didn't scare easily. She'd had to prove herself over and over in the AUSA's office, and in the courtroom. She didn't need anyone to fight her battles for her. If she could handle the pressure that came with prosecuting high-profile cases, she could certainly handle the likes of JR Grant.
"Your father asked me a question. It would be rude of me not to answer."
She watched as JR leaned back in his chair with a self-satisfied smirk on his face, waiting.
"You asked what I meant when I said that Fitz and I were just getting to know each other. Well let me spell it out for you."
Fitz relaxed, crossed his leg over his knee, and took a sip of water. He'd heard the short, clipped tone with the overly enunciated words each time she'd put him in his place, so he knew what was coming. And although he was prepared, he saw no need to jump to her defense. If he had learned anything over the past month in dealing with Olivia Pope, it was that she was more than capable of handling herself.
"It meant that I just met Fitz a little more than a month ago. And guess what, I wasn't interested, nor was I overly impressed. He may be on the cover of magazines, and all over the internet and television, but I don't need to be seen to be validated. He may be able to buy anything he wants, but I'm no pauper. I don't need to latch onto a rich football player to get by in life. He may even be able to get people to do whatever he wants, but I couldn't care less." She took a quick breath and continued. "As a matter of fact, all those things worked against him. I mean, who'd want to deal with a professional athlete who eats, sleeps and talks sports all day. Who would want to begin to really care about someone and then watch a bunch of three-hundred-fifty pound linemen chasing him around and beating the crap out of him every Sunday, all while praying that he doesn't end up being carried out on a stretcher. Who would want to have their quiet dinners, long walks and private time constantly interrupted by road games, for weeks at a time?"
She leaned forward. "Let me make myself crystal clear. Your son asked me out over and over and over again, but it wasn't until he showed me the man that wasn't in the spotlight and wasn't interested in just spending money, that I finally agreed to one date. So, the last thing I'm interested in is being known as Fitzgerald 'The Golden Arm' Grant's girlfriend. I had a name, a career and a life before I met him, and I plan to keep it that way."
Olivia ended her speech the same way she began, staring JR Grant directly in the eyes. No one at the table spoke or made a move until Fitz leaned over and kissed her hair, then grabbed her hand, and whispered near her ear.
"Good response."
Olivia was surprised by Fitz's public display of affection, and his support meant more to her than she realized. She gripped his hand tight, and leaned back, closer to his side. Now that her tirade was over, she could feel her heart almost beating out of her chest. She'd meant every word she said, without a doubt, but a small part of her wondered if she'd come on a little too strong.
The food arrived, and the waiter, sensing the tension, quickly placed the plates in front of everyone and disappeared.
Finally, Constance picked up her fork and spoke.
"Yep, Fitzgerald, she's definitely a keeper."
The small joke eased the strain around the table and soon, everyone was eating.
JR's body relaxed and he leaned forward, and nodded to Fitz. "Looks like you were right."
Olivia heard him and was dying to know what he meant, but when neither man chose to comment further, she decided to ask Fitz later.
The mood lightened around the table and the conversation turned to everyone's plans for the rest of the day. As they discussed the various attractions, the time passed quickly.
X
The table had been cleared, and everyone offered compliments to the waiter. Constance added honey to her tea and turned to Olivia.
"I understand you were a little tough on Fitzgerald when Theodora Constance was arrested."
Thinking back to that day, Olivia remembered how upset she'd been when Fitz had attempted to use his name and status to get his sister out of trouble.
Olivia smiled. "Not any tougher than I normally am. It was a new case, and I hadn't had a chance to review it. I was just doing my job."
"That's why we made the trip to Chesapeake. We need to see our baby and make sure she's okay. We're worried about her."
Fitz's parent's concern about their daughter wasn't surprising. It had to have been tough to receive the phone call that their daughter had been arrested for shoplifting.
Olivia nodded. "When I picked her up from the Metro jail and took her home, we had a little talk."
Fitz raised an eyebrow in surprise. T.C. hadn't mentioned anything about a talk.
"That entire incident scared her. According to T.C., her friends could be a little loud, and sometimes tried to make her feel bad about having money and not really having to work, but she never thought that any of them would resort to stealing. She told me that she was going to stop hanging out so much, and focus more on the reason she went to D.C. in the first place, school."
"Fitzgerald said you were passionate, and very good when it came to your work," Constance said. "I appreciate you taking the time to talk with Theodora."
Olivia glanced at Fitz and smiled. She was secretly pleased that he had shared so much about her with his parents. Before today, she had assumed that he would rarely, if ever, talk about women with his parents. He was right, she'd made way too many assumptions, and they were all completely unwarranted.
X
A half hour later, the four of them stepped from the elevator into the hotel lobby. Apparently, the time during brunch was enough for Constance Grant to agree that Olivia was different. She appeared to genuinely like her, while JR Grant had sat eating humble pie as he watched both women converse. He eventually caught his son's eye and winked. He'd been way off base about Olivia Pope.
The women walked ahead talking non-stop until Olivia excused herself to visit the ladies room, leaving the three Grants alone.
They stood watching her as she walked away. Fitz turned back to his parents.
"Thanks for coming, guys."
"Fitzgerald, it's not every day one of our sons asks us to meet the woman he's very interested in," Constance said. "I'm just glad we were able to meet her before we leave next week."
"I still appreciate it," he said kissing her cheek. "So, any thoughts?" He looked from to the other.
"On?" JR asked, looking blank faced at his son.
"Stop, Dad."
They both laughed.
"I like her, Fitzgerald. She's very lovely," Constance said. Fitz hugged his mother extra tight.
"You've got yourself a live one, son," JR added. "She's going to keep you on your toes."
Fitz laughed. "She already does, Dad. She already does."
"She's the real deal. I suggest you do right by her …or else," JR responded, with a serious look on his face.
Fitz smiled, touched, and surprised, by his father's words. "She'll only get my best."
JR nodded and turned. "I think I'll visit the men's room before we get on the road." He walked away, leaving Fitz and Constance in the lobby.
X
Olivia exited the ladies room and found JR waiting in the hallway. She stopped short, her hand touching her chest.
"JR? Did you need something?" she asked, shocked to see him.
He nodded. "May I speak with you for a minute, alone?"
She didn't really trust this man, but wanted to hear what he had to say. "Okay."
They moved away from the flow of foot traffic and stood in an alcove.
"First, I'd like to apologize for my earlier behavior. You didn't deserve that kind of treatment. I behaved rudely, and was completely out of line. I'm sorry. Will you accept my apology?"
Olivia stared at the man whose son she was falling hard and fast for, wondering if she could trust him. She could tell that he wasn't a man used to apologizing.
"Yes. But Mr. Grant, you might want to work on your social skills when you start questioning people about their intentions," she advised. "You don't know a thing about me yet you assumed and passed judgment." Wow! Now she understood how Fitz must have felt. She was being a hypocrite. "You won't get another chance from me."
JR smiled. Years ago he'd told Fitz that he'd married his mother because she was beautiful, feisty and outspoken. He saw the same characteristics in Olivia Pope, and now understood why his son was so smitten, and suddenly ready for a relationship, marriage and life after football. She was gorgeous, and full of fire, just like Constance Bennett Grant.
"Please call me JR."
Olivia nodded.
"My son has chosen well."
She frowned. "Excuse me?"
He sighed deeply. "For eleven years, Fitz made it clear that he wasn't interested in committing to anyone, because the game always took precedence. He didn't need or want any distractions. I was happy about that because I didn't have to worry."
"Worry about what?" Olivia asked.
JR looked away and then back at Olivia.
"I've always been afraid my son would be taken advantage of for his kindness, and for who he is. I stressed that he needed to be careful, and wait for a woman who will love him for what's in his heart, not because of what he does or the money he has. He needs a woman who will challenge him and make him a stronger man, a woman like you," he said smiling.
JR was clearly impressed by Olivia. He could see that there was definitely more to her that met the eye, and what he'd seen so far was quite imposing. He smiled at Olivia's loss for words. He could also see her mulling over what he said.
"I was very wrong, and I also think that you and Fitz will be good together. He would do well to marry such a beautiful and intelligent woman, like you, Olivia Pope."
Olivia could feel herself blushing. She would never admit it to JR Grant, but his son was constantly on her mind. She woke up thinking about him, and went to bed wondering about him.
She laughed. "Marriage? I don't think so, Mr…uh...JR," she said shaking her head. "As I stated earlier, Fitz and I are just getting to know each other."
JR smiled at Olivia. "Now, who are you trying to convince, you or me?"
She had no response.
"As I said, you like my son…a lot. But you don't have to say anything right now," he said chuckling.
Olivia chuckled along with him. "This is still very new to both of us. We have a lot to learn about each other."
"Oh, I'm sure you do, but I think I know where it's headed. And I like it."
She threw back her head and laughed. "I like you, JR," she said, surprised that those words came from her mouth. "I think you and I are going to be great friends."
"We most certainly will," he said as he offered her his arm. "Shall we?"
Olivia wrapped her arm around his and they made their way back to the lobby.
X
Constance noticed Olivia and JR and nodded her head in their direction, prompting Fitz to turn. He saw Olivia and his father walking toward him and his mother with huge smiles on their faces, and talking as if they were old friends. What was that about?
His brow was raised in curiosity, as he reached for Olivia's hand. She ignored him as they all walked outside to where the valet had parked the elder Grant's vehicle.
"It was a pleasure meeting you both, Olivia said.
"The pleasure was all ours," Constance said, smiling at Olivia. She pulled her into a hug and squeezed her tight, whispering in her ear.
"You're just what he needs, and I suspect he's just what you need."
She released Olivia, giving her a knowing smile as she stepped away. JR stepped forward giving his son a hug. He then turned to Olivia.
"You've made an impression on me that I won't soon forget, and I mean that in the nicest way."
She knew he did. Watching Constance nod and squeeze her husband's hand, Olivia understood that was a good thing.
Olivia winked at JR, and then she and Fitz watched as he assisted his wife onto the passenger seat of a vintage, convertible two-seater, white Mercedes Benz. Constance tied a colorful scarf on her head and waved as the couple drove away from the hotel, headed back to Chesapeake Bay.
X
Two hours later, Fitz and Olivia were back on the road to D.C. Earlier, they'd strolled around the Inner Harbor, taking in the sites, and talking. Their conversation was easy and comfortable, as they continued getting to know each other. Fitz asked questions and so did she, and they both learned new things about one another. He made her laugh, and made her feel so at ease with him.
Olivia also learned that Fitz was a hand-holder and a hugger. Public displays of affection were second nature to him and he thought nothing of placing his hand in the small of her back, or wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. And he held her hand. He'd held her hand as they walked from her condo to his truck, from his truck to the restaurant, never letting go until he'd pulled the chair out for her to take a seat. Even during brunch, he didn't think twice about reaching for underneath the table to caress her fingers. It wasn't the kind of affection Olivia was used to from the men she dated, but she knew she could easily get used to it.
Their time in Baltimore seemed to fly by too fast, and soon they were back on the road.
X
They rode in silence until Olivia asked the question she'd been dying to ask all afternoon.
"Why did you take me to meet your parents?"
Fitz glanced at her. If only he had an answer to that question. When he'd informed his parents about the situation with T.C., they'd dropped everything and made arrangements to go to Chesapeake Bay as quickly as possible. When his father told him that he'd wished he could meet Olivia before he left the country, this seemed like the perfect time. Fitz had never felt the urge to introduce any of the women he dated to his parents. But when it came to the beautiful woman sitting next to him, he couldn't have imagined coming to Baltimore without her.
The feeling of wanting someone to be such a part of his life was completely foreign to him. How could he explain it to Olivia if he didn't understand it himself? So he decided to tell another truth.
"It was the only date I think I could have taken you on without you wondering if I had an ulterior motive, or if whatever we did was what I did with all of the other women I'd dated."
Fitz had said all of the right things. Olivia's constant fear, since the day they'd met, was that he would see her as just like the other women who were interested in him, because of who he was. But his actions today had proved that he really did see her differently. Now, she wanted an answer to her second question.
"What did your father mean when he said you were right?" She had yet to tell him about the conversation she'd had with JR Grant, but she suspected that he knew that they'd talked.
Fitz briefly took his eyes off the road and looked at Olivia, debating what to say.
"I told him a few things about you that he didn't quite believe. And now he does, which means I was right."
Fitz thought back to the conversation he'd had with his father four days ago. They'd been discussing his parent's upcoming trip to check on T.C...
"Son, I'm talking to you, but it looks as if you have something else on your mind," JR said with a chuckle.
Fitz smiled at his father, regretting that they were was using Facetime to talk. That meant his father could see his face.
"What's her name?"
"Olivia."
He constantly thought of her. Her scent. Her touch. Her smile. Her sense of humor, Her body. Her beauty. He'd last seen her two nights ago and he already missed her petite presence by his side.
"Is it serious?" JR asked as he noticed his son looking off into the distance with a small smile on his face.
Fitz focused on his father again and his small smile turned into a huge grin.
"In a good way or bad way?" JR asked with concern.
"Definitely in a good way, Dad. A damn good way. She could be my soul mate."
"Your soul mate, huh?" JR asked his son. "This young lady has your nose wide open. I wish we weren't leaving for Europe next week, so we could meet her."
"I think I may be able to make that happen this weekend."
"That soon?"
"Yeah. It's just that I've never met anyone like her. She's the first woman, in my life, who doesn't want anything from me."
JR raised his brows. "So tell me about her."
Fitz sat back in his chair, looking at his father on the laptop screen.
"Her name is Olivia Pope, and she's beautiful."
Minutes later he'd told his father everything he knew about Olivia. He told him about the pool party, her career and her connection to his sister. He also told him about their upcoming first date.
JR sat listening intently, asking a question here and there, that Fitz was happy to answer. When there was nothing left for him tell, he waited for his father to say something. Anything.
"So you think you've finally met the woman who could be a top priority in your life, along with football? One that you're willing to commit to?"
Fitz nodded.
"If she becomes important enough for you to change your stance on being in a relationship while you're still in the league, you will need to find out who she really is, and if she's really worth it."
"She's already important to me, and she's worth it," Fitz said, a little anger in his voice. He didn't appreciate what his father was insinuating about Olivia. Oh he knew what he meant, but she was not one of the women that JR had warned his sons about. Shallow and callous women, who were desperate for a rich husband.
"Well take your time, son," his father warned, ignoring the anger in Fitz's voice and his face. "Everything's good, and things are always great…in the beginning. But remember, no one's perfect."
Fitz nodded, but he couldn't help but think Olivia may not be perfect, but she was definitely perfect for him.
Present…
That answer confused her more. "Things like what?"
"I told him that you were different than any other woman I'd ever met. That you had this determination about you, and that you were full of fire, and then some." He glanced over at her, and saw that she was waiting for him to say more. "You were quick to put me in my place and have kept me in line since the day we first met. I also told him…"
His voice trailed off as Olivia listened to everything he had to say.
"You told him what?"
"I told him that for the first time in my life I met someone who truly doesn't want anything from me. Someone I could be myself with."
He thought of his father's words then. Never be with someone who won't let you be yourself.
The more Fitz spoke, the softer his voice became and the more sincere he sounded.
"And after you so eloquently told him a thing or two about who you are and what we are to each other, you proved my point."
"Yeah, well he didn't seem to like me at first," she said.
"Oh believe me," Fitz chuckled. "I know my father very well. After you set him straight, you definitely moved up on his list."
Olivia frowned. "What list?"
JR Grant had always preached to his sons about keeping the opposite sex in perspective.
"My father insisted that my brother and I be extra careful with our dating choices. He believed that most women were looking to cash in on a possible meal ticket by either marriage or…"
Olivia watched as Fitz shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"Or what?"
Fitz looked straight ahead.
"What is it?"
He finally looked at her quickly. "It's just that I've never had such a candid conversation with my girlf…, I mean with a woman."
Olivia heard his slip, but didn't say anything. Girlfriend meant exclusive, seeing no one else, someone special. Is that where this was headed? Could Fitzgerald Grant, star quarterback and eligible bachelor, really be looking to settle down with a girlfriend? And could that girlfriend be her? She didn't want to think about it, so she just nodded her head, encouraging him to continue.
"Either by marriage or by getting pregnant."
"Your father thinks I want to trap you?" she asked in a loud voice filled with disbelief.
"No. My father thinks all women want to trap me."
Olivia turned away from him.
"Look, Olivia, I know all women are not like that, but in my father's eyes, he thinks he's looking out for my best interest, trying to keep me from being taken advantage of. As if I'd ever allow that to happen."
Having spoken with JR Grant earlier, Olivia could now see things from his perspective and it helped her understand, even though she didn't like being lumped into that category.
"Do you want to know why I never introduced any of the women I dated to my parents?"
She'd planned to ask that question next. "Yes."
"Because deep down, I wondered if my father was right. I would take a woman out and wonder if she had ulterior motives. If I bought her a gift, I would wonder if she was just in it for what I could give her. If we were on the red carpet and she smiled bigger and posed more than me, I wondered if it was just about the fame. I haven't thought about any of that with you. Since the first time I laid eyes on you, the only thing I've been wondering is how I could convince you that I'm seriously interested in you. This seemed like the best way to do it."
Olivia swallowed and for the second time that day, she was speechless. She had spent the past month wasting time, placing him into the category of a spoiled, rich, and entitled celebrity who cared about nothing but himself.
She smiled. She believed him, especially after Constance Grant's candor today. She turned to him. "I still can't believe a man like you is still single."
"Well as my mother and my sister gladly informed you, I haven't been with anyone in a long time."
"Really?"
"Why is that so hard to believe, Olivia?"
She shrugged. "Because it is. Maybe it's unfair and judgmental, but I would've assumed that a man as remarkable as you would have at least one, if not more, women."
He grinned at her. "Miss Pope, you're sexist and sinister. You gave me a compliment and insulted me all in one breath."
Olivia laughed. "Okay, fine. I'm wrong for assuming…"
"Again," he said, cutting her off
"Again," she nodded. "But you're an extremely handsome, superstar quarterback who's constantly in the spotlight. That puts you in front of a lot of female fans," she tried to rationalized. "I don't know what your on-the-field persona is like, but you're easy to talk to, you have a great sense of humor and…"
"According to you, I'm remarkable," he grinned at her.
"Well, you are," she said.
"Thank you," he said, looking at her with a sincere expression on his face. "I've never had a problem with attracting the opposite sex, and I'm also not ignorant to fact that in some matters my career and my last name might give me unfair advantages with women." He shook his head. "But no, no harem of women or friends with benefits."
She studied his profile, feeling the barriers she'd put up, coming down little by little.
"Honestly Olivia, you are definitely more than enough woman to keep my attention,"
Olivia grinned at him. "Are you trying to make me like you, Fitzgerald Grant?"
"Are you kidding, Olivia Pope?" he said. "You already do."
She was quiet for a full minute before she responded. "You know, you're not too bad at this chasing thing."
Fitz chuckled. "Are you still running at full speed?"
Olivia shook her head. "No. I think I might have slowed down just a little, for you."
"Does that mean we can continue our date this evening?"
"What did you have in mind?"
"Nothing fancy, just put on your favorite cocktail dress."
X
By the time Fitz pulled into the circular drive in front of Olivia's building, they were teasing one another like an old married couple, and she found herself falling a little harder for him. She found him to be quite charming and fascinating. Fitzgerald Grant was definitely no dumb jock. He'd told her about some of his business ventures and investments. He'd surrounded himself with advisers who'd helped to increase his net worth three-fold. He also had a strong business mind and was still weighing whether he was going to join the family business when his football career ended. Whatever he decided to do, she knew that he would be successful.
X
"The Wizards?! Are you serious?"
"Yes, I'm serious," Olivia said, laughing at the expression on his face. "My father has been season ticket holder for years. He goes back to when they were still called the Bullets. Let me guess, you're a Knicks fan."
"Damn right!" Fitz said with conviction.
Olivia laughed harder. "Well neither team will be winning any championships anytime soon."
Fitz glared at her with those blue eyes before opening the door, exiting the vehicle, and rounding the back of the car. The doorman had already opened Olivia's door but he extended his hand and helped her out.
"I will not tolerate Knicks slander, Miss Pope," he said as he slid his arm around her small waist.
She continued to laugh. "I'm sorry." He could tell that she really wasn't.
"Okay, favorite movie?" he asked as they walked across the lobby toward the elevator, oblivious to the stares of the few people milling around.
"Comedy, drama or sci-fi?" Olivia asked as she rested her head on against his arm.
"How about of all time," Fitz countered grinning, as she playfully pinched him.
Fitz nodded at the evening security guard who stood at the elevator, while Olivia greeted him.
"Hello, Anderson. How are you?"
"I'm fine, Miss Pope."
"Anderson, this is Fitzgerald Grant."
Fitz offered his hand, and the young man shook it profusely. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Grant."
"Please call me Fitz."
"Fitz. Looking forward to the new season."
'So am I, Anderson. Hope we can bring it all home."
The elevator arrived and as Anderson held the doors open, Fitz allowed Olivia to enter, and then followed.
"Where were we?" he asked. "Oh yeah, favorite movie of all time."
"That's a hard one, but I think I'll say The Godfather."
Fitz nodded. "Good choice and two is better than one."
"Exactly!" Olivia said.
"Now, what's yours?"
"Any of the Star Wars movies," he admitted.
Olivia's mouth fell open. "So you're a Trekkie?" she asked as her laughter filled the small space.
"No, I'm not. I said Star Wars, not Star Trek."
Olivia shrugged. "Same difference."
The beep from the elevator indicated that they'd reached the seventh floor. The doors opened and Fitz held the door for her. She stepped off and he took her hand as they strolled toward her condo.
"I like all types of movies, but I've missed a lot in the last eleven years. I haven't really had time to just sit and watch."
She looked up at him. "Well, we'll make time."
Fitz returned her smile. "Sounds like another date, Miss Pope," he said as he leaned down and kissed her cheek.
"Sure does," she answered as her heart pounded wildly when they approached her door.
Olivia fumbled in her purse for her keys, her mind suddenly racing too. She managed to unlock the door and Fitz opened it, and allowed her step in first. She deactivated the alarm, while he closed and locked the door. They stood in the foyer staring at each other before he pulled her into his arms. Without saying a word, he lowered his mouth to hers for a short, sweet kiss, and then rested his chin atop her head.
"I feel like I've known you forever, and I don't ever want to not have you in my life. Am I crazy?"
Olivia tilted her head back to gaze up at him. "I never believed that I could feel so strongly about someone so quickly…until now."
Fitz took her head in his large hands and captured her mouth in another kiss. His tongue plunged in and out, in and out, sending tremors directly to that spot throbbing between her thighs.
After the kisses they'd shared in his home and his car, she thought that she would have adjusted to the pure adrenaline rush that she felt whenever their lips connected. How wrong was she? This kiss was just as breathtaking as the others. The sports media may have called Fitz's arm golden, but it was apparent that his arm wasn't the only part of him with super powers.
All too soon, the kiss ended, and Fitz stepped back.
"I'll be back for you at seven."
"I'll be ready."
He turned and walked to the door, with Olivia following behind. He opened it and she stood and watched him until he disappeared around the corner toward the elevator, before closing and locking it again. With her back leaning against the closed door, she pressed her fingers to her lips, wondering if Fitz was already missing her, the way she was missing him. Standing, she glanced at her watch. She had three and half hours until she would see him again.
X
Joey's cell phone rang and she lazily rolled over in bed. Checking the caller, she answered.
"Are you back from your date already?"
"From part one," Olivia said excitedly. Then she began to tell her bestie about her day, from the moment he picked her up to the kiss they'd just shared in her foyer. "We're going out tonight."
"Sounds like you were all wrong about Fitzgerald Grant."
"Yeah, well, I'm allowed to be wrong once in my life," Olivia said laughing. "Jo, Fitz is handsome, exciting, incredibly sexy, and definitely not the entitled dumb jock I thought he was. He really is the total package."
"Listen to you," Joey said with a chuckle. "I can't believe I'm talking to the same Olivia Pope from a month ago."
"Well, I'm going to let the evening unfold and see where it goes" she said as she selected a pair of shoes from the rows of shelves lined up in her closet. "Would you like to come over so we can continue this conversation while I get ready?"
"I'd love to, Liv, but I've been lazy all afternoon. I got home from the gym and crashed."
Joey yawned, confirming her words.
"You did sound sleepy when I called."
"What are you wearing," Joey asked, changing the subject.
"The silver Naeem Khan sequin slip dress that I bought last year and never wore."
"Ooh, good choice. When you open the door, that man won't know what hit him."
Olivia stared at the dress. "You don't think it's too much…or too little?" The dress looked perfectly innocent from the front with a straight neckline and clung to her curves, stopping just above her knees. The back told a different story. It dipped low, leaving her completely bare down to the small of her back.
"He said cocktails, and, thanks to me, you have the body for it," Joey said convincingly. "It's perfect."
Olivia paused at Joey's rushed tone. "Is everything okay, Jo? You seem to be in a hurry to get off the phone."
"Actually, I am. I was on my way to the bathroom when you called."
Olivia chuckled. "I'm sorry. Go handle your business. I'm going to shower and get dressed. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Okay. Have a good time, Liv."
"I will. Goodbye, Jo."
"Bye, Liv."
X
After Olivia ended the call, Joey stared at her phone before placing it back on the night table. Releasing a deep breath, she lay back. When she felt an arm wrap around her, she snuggled into it.
"I don't like lying to her."
"This was your idea, not mine," he reminded her. "You can call her back right now and tell her everything."
"I know, I know," she said with a sigh, recalling how many times she'd tried to do just that. "I didn't think it would be this hard."
"Come here, baby," he said, kissing her on the forehead. "This has been hard for me, too. If you want, I can call her back and tell her everything."
Lying across his chest, she reveled in the peace and calmness she always found in his arms.
"She probably wouldn't believe me if I did tell her."
"He laughed and agreed. "I don't think anyone would believe us."
"I guess."
The sadness in her voice made him feel horrible. Nothing could be worse than Joey being stressed because of their deception. Keeping this to themselves was a good idea in the beginning, but how long was their secrecy supposed to go on?
"We don't have to hide this from anyone. It's nothing that I'm ashamed of. Besides, the sooner we let everyone know about us, the sooner you can stop playing the role of a single woman. According to Olivia, you embraced the part too well."
She looked at him. "What do you mean?"
"Does the name Kellan mean anything to you?" he asked. "Didn't you spend quite a bit of time with him at that pool party you two went to last month?"
He raised his voice and it made her smile. "Julian Pope, are you jealous?"
"Hell, yeah, I'm jealous," he said, seeing no reason to lie or apologize. "I also think it's time we come clean to our families and friends."
"I don't know," Joey said hesitantly. "This started out as something to get out of our system. We don't like each other, remember? We can't stand the sight of each other. We argue constantly, we don't agree on most things…"
"But we can't stay away from each other."
"What about your family, Julian?"
"I couldn't care less what my family thinks. The only reason I agreed to this secrecy was because you didn't want things to be awkward between you and Olivia if things didn't work out. It's been almost six months, Josephine. I don't think we have to worry about things not working out between us. And frankly, I'm tired of hiding. I want people to know we're together."
"Oh yeah? She asked. "How can you be so sure?"
Moving her curls away from her face, he leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Because things always work out for those who truly love each other."
Joey's smile faded and she moved away from him, sitting up against the pillows. "What are you saying, Julian?"
Pulling her back into his arms, he kissed her, deeply, before breaking the connection. "I'm saying I love you, Josephine Sofia de Matteo."
Joey scowled. "Love me? Six months ago you didn't even like me.
"Well, that was then."
She processed what he'd just said, and remembered the day that changed everything between them. She'd been sitting in Olivia's office whining about her last minute cancellation…
"Come on, Liv. I've had this reservation for almost a month."
"I know, Jo, and I'm really sorry. But this trial is huge and I just can't go."
Joey was visibly upset. She'd been looking forward to trying out the food that everyone was talking about at D.C.'s newest and hottest restaurant. Of course she could go alone, but she didn't want to.
"I understand, but you also have to eat, Liv."
The knock on the door interrupted their conversation and Julian walked in. Joey rolled her eyes at her best friend's arrogant and uptight brother. They had never gotten along and it had only gotten worse as they got older. It also didn't help that they were complete opposites. Julian with his custom suits and power lunches was too stiff for her taste.
"If it isn't Mr. Prim and Proper. Here to bore us to death?"
"Hello to you, too," Julian said, ignoring the dig. He took in her black, skin tight leather pants and black midriff turtleneck which showed off her navel piercing. "Nice to see you in some clothes."
"Please don't start, you two," Olivia said as she stood and walked over to her brother. She kissed his cheek. "What are you doing here?"
"I was on my way home and wanted to stop by and see if you needed anything. I know the Westmoreland trial is about to get underway and you're pulling an all-nighter. Just wanted to wish you luck and bring you this."
He held up a take-out bag from her favorite Greek restaurant.
"Mom figured you'd skip dinner so she made me pick up something for you."
The siblings laughed. "Thank you, big brother." She took the bag and set it on her desk.
"There went our dinner plans," Joey said, as she slid down further in her chair, with a dejected look on her face.
"What's up with her?" Julian asked his sister.
"We had a reservation at Plume, but I'm going to have to bail."
Julian looked at the pouting Joey before turning back to his sister. "How are things going? The media says it's an open and shut case. Do you think you'll win a conviction?"
Joey sighed loudly, with a pitiful look on her face, hoping to convince Olivia to change her mind.
"We have evidence that he was at the scene, there's a DNA match, and his alibi has several holes. He's looking at twenty-five to life."
Joey stood and gathered her things. "I'm going to head out, Liv. Are you sure you can't get away for a few hours?" she asked hopefully.
"Oh, for goodness sake, I'll go out with you."
The words shocked both women and they stared at him. One in surprise, the other in horror.
Present…
"Who would have thought that that one night would lead to this?" Joey said as she ran her hand along his chest and bicep.
"I couldn't take the pouting on your beautiful face, and I would've done anything to make you smile." He looked at her. "I'd been so busy finding everything wrong with you because I didn't want to admit that everything about you was so right. It was there, in Olivia's office, that I realized how attracted I was to you. I couldn't stop myself from offering to have dinner with you that night, and you paid."
Joey laughed as she sat up and straddled his body. "You're still not my type."
Raising her tank over her head and exposing her beautiful body to him, he smiled. "You're still not my type, either, but I love you anyway."
"I love you, too," she said as she leaned down to kiss him.