Hey everybody, y'all all right? Things are great here. I'm headed out to attend Homecoming weekend at my friends HBCU. It's something we've been doing for years. Theirs is a hell of a lot more fun than mine. Anyway, before I leave I'm posting not one but TWO very long chapters to get you guys through the weekend. I started writing and couldn't stop...again. But the end result is always more Olitz. Win-win, right?
Like IOYK, this story is becoming the beast that I didn't expect, or intend. It's a lot but I'm really enjoying writing it. That's the beauty of Fanfic, you can write as many words and as many chapters as you want, and there's no editor telling you that you need to cut most of it. So you guys get it all.
As always, thank you all so much for reading AWS and leaving your comments, and sending the kindest PMs. You all encourage me to keep going, and I appreciate it.
Things are getting tense with out faves as they move along in their relationship. Outside forces are busy at work to try and break them up. A lot is happening in these two chapters, so buckle up. Also thank you Shonda for a few words from Season 5, Episode 1. I do not own ANY of them. Please let me know what you think, and happy reading.
Warning: Colorful language.
TBOT
Mask up!
The Capital Tales blog post spread like wildfire and it wasn't long before it was picked up by the national media. Fitz and Olivia had endured the looks and the whispers at dinner in the restaurant of her hotel but nothing compared to what she walked into when she returned to work on Monday morning.
As she walked through the lobby of the Judiciary Center building, she felt like a specimen under a microscope when eyes followed her every move. She'd received nods of approval and some glares, which had certainly surprised her. Thankfully, no one had questioned what she knew many had suspected; that she and Fitz were dating. She allowed the rest to draw their own conclusions as to the nature of their relationship.
The media waited outside her condo building and her office. They yelled questions, and her quick mind and razor sharp tongue quickly had them wary of her. She could barely leave her building, she couldn't go out to lunch, nor could she meet her best friend and her brother for dinner or drinks. If she visited her parents, it had to be planned ahead of time so she wouldn't be followed. She didn't want them caught up in the media circus that was currently her life.
The couple still spoke every night and as the week went on, Olivia's resolve had began to falter. She expressed her concerns to Fitz about the entire situation during their nightly FaceTime call.
"Livvie, why don't you go to Great Falls for a few days? It's more secure, and not many people know where I live."
Olivia shook her head. "No. I'm not leaving my home, at least not yet. Besides, I still have to go to my office and the courthouse, and I can't hide forever." She closed her eyes. "This is just too much too fast."
"Look, you have eight days until I'm home, and then you're coming home with me, like we've already discussed. My priority is keeping you safe."
Olivia's shoulders sagged in defeat. She didn't want to fight so she just nodded.
Fitz knew how to deal with the media, while all of this was new to Olivia, and she wondered if she would ever feel completely comfortable with the attention that came with dating him. She'd seen enough entertainment news to know that once a person became a public figure, it was almost impossible to disappear.
"This is all getting so crazy, Fitz," Olivia said. "There have been reporters outside my building and my office since Monday. Thank goodness security officers at both locations have kept them far away from me, my neighbors and my co-workers. With the way they're behaving, you'd think we were Meghan and Harry."
Fitz chuckled at her comment but he couldn't hide his concern. "I know that people are curious about my personal life, always have been. I've never really been all that comfortable with it, but I've tried to develop a thick skin about the level of media that comes with it."
"Well I'm not there yet," she said in an exasperated voice. "All of these people want to know everything about me…and you." She sighed and shook her head. "I'm losing my sense of normalcy, and my privacy." She looked at him. "I was just living every day, and then you came into my life and changed all of that. But…"
Fitz looked at her. "So what are you saying, Livvie?"
Her eyes pleaded with him to understand. "You know what it's like to live in the spotlight Fitz, I don't."
He nodded. "All of this craziness is because our relationship is new to them. Once the season begins, the noise will die down and we can go back to being Olivia and Fitz." Fitz smiled at her. "I've got you," he said. "We're going to get through this together, I promise."
Olivia shook her head. "I don't see how. The gossip blogs and some entertainment outlets are saying that I chased you, and that I went to your pool party specifically to meet you. How do they even know that's where we met?"
Fitz had an idea but he kept his mouth closed.
"And the comments are the worse," she continued. "If only these people knew how hard you had to work to get one date with me."
"Livvie, we know this isn't true. They're just trying to get the big story, and they don't care about the truth."
"Why can't they just leave me alone?"
"They're vultures, baby. They don't care about your feelings. It's all clicks and views for money for most of those publications. And they will do or say anything to get them."
He was right, of course, but it still bothered her because there were people who believed that she was a clout chaser, only after Fitz's money. That somehow her dating him was going to tarnish his name and his reputation. She was shocked at how sympathetic people were to him, because she must have used her feminine wiles to tempt him. Used her body and her beauty to get his attention. As if Fitz didn't have the freedom to make his own decisions. As if he was a puppet and Olivia was pulling the marionette strings, and it all pissed her off.
"They're acting as if I somehow took advantage of you, a grown ass man."
"Listen. Don't read anymore blogs and definitely stop reading the comments."
"Everybody has opinions on why you're dating me and my obvious motives for dating you," Olivia said as if Fitz hadn't spoken.
"Olivia, turn off the computer," he said more firmly.
Olivia looked at the screen on her phone. Fitz rarely, if ever, called her Olivia. She took a deep breath.
"I'm fine," she responded, her voice breaking. "I'm just..." she looked away to compose herself. When she faced him again, he saw the tears. She looked so strained and broken, and it broke his heart to see her like this. "It's all so overwhelming, and all because of who I chose to fall in love with."
"Livvie, you can't allow anonymous trolls to get inside your head. People are mean and hateful, and they know absolutely nothing you, about us. Just ignore them."
"That's easy for you to say," she said in a frustrated voice. "It's not your life they're splashing all over the internet."
Fitz sighed deeply, knowing nothing he said was going to make any of this any better. But he would certainly try. "I know this is difficult," he said but please stay away from social media. Also, ignore all of the sexual innuendo from those entertainment shows."
He waited for her to acknowledge what he'd said. "Before you go out, decide ahead of time that you aren't going to get upset, and then act that way."
Olivia exhaled. "I was so naive and I didn't realize how complicated all of this was going to get."
"It doesn't have to be. When you're in the presence of the media, I want you to ignore them as much as possible. Be cordial, but try to avoid conversing with them."
She frowned. "Won't that make them angry?"
"Livvie, they're going to be angry whether you talk to them or not. If you do, it won't be what they want to hear from you. So just don't do it. Okay?"
Olivia looked at him and saw nothing but love for her. She nodded.
"There will always be some story about my life that the media wants to know about or that they have made up. I love you, Livvie, and I want this. I will do whatever I have to, to make this work," he said with conviction. "I want to believe that we will make it through all of this but it will not be easy."
She nodded.
"You're not going to worry about the drama being created around us, and you are, under no circumstances, reading anymore gossip blogs or the comments."
"Okay, mister. I won't," she replied with a small smile.
It was the first he'd seen since their call began. "We're going to get through this, Livvie. Eventually they'll get used to you and I together and the ugly gossip will stop. And if they don't, well, that has nothing to do with us."
X
The following week...
Olivia and Marc sat in her office having lunch. She no longer left the building unless she was going to court or home. Parking in the underground garage, and security kept the photographers at bay. But having lunch with Joey, her brother or even her parents was out of the question.
They were sitting at the small table in the corner of her office enjoying the large Greek salads they'd ordered.
"I was a little disappointed you didn't confide in me about Grant. I mean, I had my suspicions but I was waiting for confirmation from you."
Olivia was surprised to see the hurt look on his face. "Marc, we kept our relationship under wraps because we needed to handle our business first. We needed to be ready before the world was watching because we knew that once we officially went public we would be picked apart and stretched in every direction, and we would probably never get the chance to get things right."
Marc gave her a look that said I'm not everybody. "While I completely understand your's and Grant's reasons for keeping your relationship private, that's not my main concern." He sighed. "I see you as a daughter, whether you know it or not."
Marc smiled when he saw the shocked expression on Olivia's face. "What I'm concerned with is if you know what you're getting yourself into."
Olivia bristled a little. "What do you mean?"
"I mean we may be living in the twenty-first century, but there are people who haven't made it here yet. I am going to speak frankly here. There are people who aren't going to be too happy about a white, star quarterback having a Black woman on his arm. No matter how beautiful you are."
Olivia's head jerked back as if Marc had just slapped her. At least that's what it felt like. She opened her mouth ready to let him have it, but he lifted his hand to stop her, before continuing.
"I see the wheels turning in your head. You have known me for years now, Olivia. I have never treated you as anything less than the amazing attorney you are. So reel in the anger, okay?" he said giving her a serious look. "I've been around a long time and I've watched many people, including your father, fight their way through a lot of closed doors. They paved the way for brilliant minds like yours. What concerns me, Olivia, is that some people, including some in the NFL, will look the other way on many things but maybe not this."
Olivia sat in stunned silence, staring at Marc. He appeared truly concerned and sincere. He'd always been kind to her, but she'd never seen him show so much emotion.
"After witnessing all of the media attention you've been receiving, I want to make sure that we're protecting your best interest here, in this office. I have watched you work too hard to see anyone or anything take that from you." He paused and gave her a look that she couldn't read. "I've seen what this type of situation leads to."
Olivia couldn't help but wonder what Marc wasn't telling her. He looked away for a moment before facing her again.
"Is this something you really want? Is it serious? And I'm not asking to get in your business Olivia, I'm asking because I want to be prepared for whatever comes our way."
Olivia didn't immediately speak, as she tried to gather her thoughts. "Marc, we're in a serious relationship but I'm not sure where things are heading." She said this despite Fitz practically declaring that he wanted to marry her and start a family. "We're just trying to take it slow."
Marc threw back his head and laughed. "Olivia, taking things slow went out the window with the snap of that first photo of you two together," he said with a huge smile on his face.
Olivia massaged her temples, trying to ease the headache coming on. Groaning, she tried to wrap her head around what was happening. All of this, because she and Fitz wanted to be together. Weeks ago they were so happy in their bubble, how had it come to this?
"Listen, Olivia," Marc sighed. "I want you to know that I will support whatever you and Grant want to do. I'm in your corner. You need to remember that you have people here who have your back, who care about you and who will always be there for you."
"Thank you, Marc," was the only thing she could say. She'd known Marc McField for as long as she'd worked in the AUSA's office and had never known him to show his emotions so easily. It's what made him an excellent attorney. But just like that, his mask slipped back in to place.
"Anytime."
They continued to eat their lunch in companionable silence. Olivia set her fork down, and wiped the corners of her mouth.
"Marc," she said curiously.
"Yes, Olivia," he answered in a fatherly voice.
"Why does this concern you so much?" she asked.
He stared at her, trying to decide how he would answer her question. "Olivia, when we enter interracial relationships, we do it for love. Nothing else. My first wife," his voice broke, "I loved her hard. She was the most beautiful woman in the world to me. I called her my honey goddess, and I was madly in love with her. She was brilliant, fierce, loving and the most kind person you would ever meet. I lost her to breast cancer over fifteen years ago but not before we had two beautiful daughters. Things became strained when we lost their mother and I didn't handle it well."
Olivia was having a hard time keeping her mouth from falling open. A wife? Daughters? She was in shock. She thought she knew Marc well, but apparently not.
"My youngest, Celeste, is married to a white man. But when they were dating, she convinced herself that I, her white father had a problem with her dating him. Now I have a granddaughter that I rarely ever get to see. It also put a strain on my relationship with my other daughter, Celine. Not that I don't try. I couldn't be there for Celeste but I'm here for you. I'm going to see you through this because you deserve to be happy. Your parents raised a fine young woman."
Olivia was still stunned by what Marc had just told her. "Wow, I didn't know you'd been married, or had children."
Marc nodded. "You'd have to have been in the AUSA's office a long time to know. Everybody who was here then knows that talking about my late wife, or my daughters, is a big no-no. But I do hope that someday you'll get to meet my daughters and my granddaughter."
Olivia smiled. "I hope so too."
Marc's phone pinged with a text notification. He looked at the device and read the message. "Looks like I'm needed in a meeting," he said and began to gather the remnants of his lunch.
"I've got it Marc, since you paid."
Marc looked up and smiled. "I did, didn't I?"
Olivia rolled her eyes and laughed. "Go. Get to your meeting," she said as she shooed him away with her hands.
Marc raised a brow and then said, "You're one of the few people I allow to speak to me that way."
"I know," she said as she watched him walk to the door. "And Marc?"
He stopped and turned to face her. "Yes?"
"Thank you."
Marc smiled and nodded before opening the door, and leaving Olivia's office.
X
Family Day…
Olivia wasn't expecting any of this as she, Fitz and T.C. walked toward the Football Team's Ashburn practice facility. The media was out in full force, which made her stomach turn. They yelled out questions for her and Fitz, and he answered good-naturedly. There were also requests to pose for photos, but Fitz declined, taking Olivia's hand and rushing inside.
Players and staff were milling around with their families, and some of the wives and girlfriends were standing in groups, talking. Fitz stopped to speak with a member of the executive team, while Olivia and T.C. walked farther into the facility. They were approached by a tall, slender woman with too tanned skin. She was dressed in the same Football Team t-shirt as everyone else.
"Hello, I'm Claire Novak. I'm on the committee to welcome the wives and the girlfriends today," she said, looking down her nose at Olivia. and holding her hand out limply.
"Olivia Pope," she said, giving the woman the same look before taking her hand to shake it.
"Oh yes, I thought you looked a little familiar," she said with a pasted on smile. "I wasn't sure."
T.C. coughed loudly and Olivia swore she heard "bullshit." She glanced at the young woman and tried not to laugh.
"T.C. Grant," she said, offering her hand, "sister of the 'Golden Arm.'"
Olivia felt a hand on her shoulder and relaxed. Fitz had joined them. "Hello, Claire. I see you've met my beautiful girlfriend and my lovely sister," he said smoothly
"Yes, it's a pleasure." She still had that pasted on smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Thank you for welcoming them. We'll let you get to the others," Fitz said as he put an arm around each woman's waist and walked away.
"Why is everyone staring at me?" Olivia whispered to Fitz.
"Because you're the most beautiful woman here," he answered with a grin.
"And they're worried about their husbands and boyfriends," T.C. added and laughed.
"Behave," Fitz said.
They continued walking but were stopped several times by someone who wanted to introduce Fitz to their family, and he in turn introduced Olivia and T.C. The guys were really nice but she received mixed reactions from the women.
They kept moving until they came upon Tyson Henry. He smiled and said hello. He also remembered T.C. from the pool party and asked if she wanted to hang out with him. Fitz glared at him, but both Tyson and T.C. ignored him.
"Have a good time," Olivia called after them. She looked up and saw the look on Fitz's face. "Leave her alone Fitz. They can't get into too much with all these people around."
"They'd better not," he growled.
Olivia laughed and pulled him in the direction of the tent where the guys she recognized were sitting. "Come on."
X
"The superstar has arrived," Victor said, and stood as they approached the table. The others around them laughed at his antics.
"What's up, Vic?" Fitz said grinning.
Victor reached for the woman sitting next to him. "Baby you know this guy, but the beautiful woman with him is his girlfriend, Olivia Pope."
The young woman stood and offered her hand. "Hello Olivia, I'm Tracee Fuller, Victor's wife. Vic can't stop talking about you."
Olivia rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Hi Tracee, it's nice to meet you."
"Hello, how are you?" Olivia turned to see pretty and petite woman, with micro braids, approaching the table.
"Hello, I'm fine," Olivia replied, holding her hand out. "Olivia Pope."
"Livvie, this is Chanel Davis. The big guy holding the baby is her husband, offensive tackle, Lincoln Davis, he protects my blind side. And the beautiful little princess he's holding, who also has him wrapped around her tiny fingers, is their daughter, Nyla."
Everyone laughed at Lincoln's nodding, agreeing with Fitz.
"It's so nice to meet you. Fitz has told me a lot of nice things about you guys."
"He better," Speedy responded, coming around the table and kissing Olivia's cheek. Fitz glared but didn't say anything. "Nice seeing you again, Olivia."
"You too, Drew."
"Where's Lauren?" Fitz asked, looking around.
"She wasn't feeling well. Asthma. Otherwise you know she would've been here."
"Well give her my best."
Speedy nodded.
Nick and Atticus nodded in her direction, and Olivia gave them a small wave. "Hi guys."
"Hi, Olivia," they said in unison, which made her smile.
Both Tracee and Chanel approached Olivia. "Come on, we'll introduce you to the other wives and girlfriends," Tracee said. They walked away in the direction of the other women.
"Linc there are bottles in the bag if she gets hungry," Chanel called out as she followed the two women.
"I got it," he replied, shooing her away.
All the guy's eyes were on Olivia until Fitz cleared his throat. They all looked at him, grinning. Fitz ignored them and took a seat next to Speedy.
"Wow, she's bad," Kenny Stone, the third year fullback said as he walked up and followed everyone's gaze.
Fitz nodded. "Yeah, I know."
Kenny didn't miss the tone of his voice. "Man, you always manage to get all the beautiful ladies."
Fitz just laughed, shaking his head.
The guys and most everyone else knew who she was because the sports and entertainment media had been relentless in their coverage of the couple. They sat talking but Fitz kept one eye on Olivia, and the other on Tyson, who appeared to be behaving like a gentleman.
Olivia seemed to fit right in, and by the way Tracee and Chanel kept her in conversation and laughed with her, it was apparent they liked Olivia. It was really something to see because he knew that neither Tracee, nor the absent Lauren McWilliams, took too well to some of the other wives and girlfriends. It was important to him that his girlfriend was accepted by the others, and she was off to a good start.
X
Olivia stood between Tracee and Chanel taking in the glamorous wives and girlfriends around her, thinking that the lifestyle most of these players lived was evident in so many ways. The clothes, shoes, large diamond rings, and the flawless hair and make-up. Most of them looked as if they'd consulted with a personal stylist before showing up to the picnic in the same tee as everyone else.
She'd been introduced to almost all of them and they were all polite, but she saw through their façades. There were four women sitting at one table and Olivia swore she'd seen one of the women before, she just couldn't remember where.
Fitz walked up behind the trio and kissed the back of Olivia's neck, and slid his arms around her waist.
"How's it going, everybody?"
"We're great," she said smiling over her shoulder at him. "We're just waiting for the games to begin."
He looked at his watch. "Shouldn't be much longer. Have you eaten?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Not yet, but I will."
Jake Maddox shouted his name from across the field. "That's my cue." He winked at Olivia. "Don't forget to eat something. Okay?"
"I won't," she said as she watched him jog off. She was transfixed by his ass in the lightweight gray sweats he wore.
Olivia looked around and realized she wasn't the only one watching him. Another group of women nearby, which now included "Miss Fitz gave me a private tour," were similarly entranced by the beauty that was Fitzgerald Grant.
"What are you looking at?" Tracee asked, nudging Olivia. Chanel had gone to check on Nyla.
"Oh, nothing." Olivia frowned, bringing her gaze back to Tracee. "I just saw someone I recognize in that group of women over there."
Tracee looked in the direction Olivia was looking. "You know Dana Rogers?"
Olivia nodded. "I met her months ago at Fitz's pool party."
"I'm not surprised. She does make the rounds. Being a Nike rep puts her in the same rooms with millionaire athletes, and she takes advantage of it." Tracee lifted a brow at Olivia to make sure she understood what she meant. "She's good at her job, but I don't trust her."
Olivia agreed, but she wasn't going to let Tracee know that.
"She's here on business," Tracee said, holding up her fingers in air quotes. "Trust, she and a few of the others in attendance, who aren't even family, have their eyes on some of the players, married or not."
Olivia glanced at Fitz who was across the field with several other players and a few coaches.
Tracee turned to her and smiled. "Fitz is a good guy. There are some questionable ones on the team, but he's not one of them."
Olivia nodded. She knew this.
"I've learned that not all NFL players are created equal," Tracee continued. "A few of them are some of the biggest skirt chasers you'll ever meet. And others are as loyal as they come."
"Thank you, Tracee." Olivia appreciated her attempt to make her feel secure, but she didn't need it. She was as certain of Fitz's love for her as he was of hers.
They continued to talk about other, non-NFL topics for a while, until Olivia's stomach began to grumble and they made their way to the food tent. Olivia liked Tracee. Hell, she needed a solid friend in this strange sports celebrity world, and Tracee Fuller could be that friend.
X
Once everyone ate and speeches were made from the team owner and the head coaches, the games began, and everyone was expected to participate.
Team Olitz won the Giant Jenga tournament, and Olivia won the ladies sack race and the Hula Hoop contest, and she and T.C. came in second place in the three-legged race. Of course that didn't go over too well with a few of the other ladies, but at this point, she didn't care. She was having a good time and was happy she'd agreed to attend.
Most of the people in attendance had been nothing but kind and gracious, but not all. Some of the wives were standoffish and at least two were openly hostile toward her. Olivia just chalked it up to being the newcomer who was dating the star quarterback. Tracee had informed her that some of the women had tried to fix Fitz up with their friends or family members, and felt she was the reason why he wasn't interested. They considered her an interloper.
That's why she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up whenever she turned to see who it was and there was no one there.
X
Later, Olivia made a trip to the ladies room inside the training facility. After pushing through one of the doors into a stall, she handled her business and just before she flushed, she heard the door open and voices.
"Well, now that she's snagged a pro football player, she won't have to work," one of the women said.
"Not everyone is out for a payday, Stephanie," another woman replied.
"Come on, Allie," she's Black. You'd think if he was going to experiment with a groupie, he wouldn't bring her to a family event."
Not wanting the women to think she was eavesdropping, Olivia flushed and exited the stall, walking over to the sinks, where the two women were standing. The tall brunette looked as if she'd seen a ghost, while the shorter blonde just smirked. Olivia wanted to slap the smirk off her face. She'd seen her earlier thinking she looked familiar, but she couldn't place her. Olivia knew that they knew that she'd heard them talking, but didn't say a word as she washed and dried her hands.
She didn't miss the way they watched her through the mirror as if deciding whether they should say anything else.
"So you're Fitz Grant's girlfriend," the blonde said.
Olivia ignored her statement.
"Been together long?"
Random and too personal.
It was apparent that this woman knew Fitz and possibly had a history with him. Either way, Olivia was tired of the bullshit.
"That's an odd question to ask, and instead of finding out or even caring why you're asking, I'm going to get back to my boyfriend. Enjoy the rest of your day, ladies."
"I guess snapping up Fitz is working out well for you. You'll never have to work again," the blonde said.
"Excuse me?" Olivia's head snapped around and she glared at the woman.
"What is it that you do again?" she asked, ignoring Olivia's words.
"I didn't say," Olivia responded. But she knew the woman knew. Hell, everybody knew. "Trust me, I have no intention of ever living off Fitz or his money, so you don't need to worry," she said sarcastically.
"Oh please, you saw a payday and took it right away."
"Stephanie," the taller woman warned.
"No, please let me," Olivia said. "It seems that she's had this on her chest for some time. You know absolutely nothing about me other than what the media has reported. But I can assure you that I don't need a dime from Fitz Grant, never have and never will."
"You have no right to be here," the woman huffed.
"I have no right to be here?" Olivia scoffed. "Who the hell are you tell me where I belong?"
"You're not stupid. Name one star football player with a Black girlfriend. Name one quarterback. Name an open relationship between a white player and his Black plaything. I didn't think so. You see, that's all you are, a plaything. When Fitz gets tired of you, he's going to find himself the right kind of woman to be by his side, a woman that will fit into his world. You won't be around long, especially when he remembers how good he had it before you." She finished with a nasty grin.
Olivia refused to let her words sting. She wasn't that naïve and had expected there to be some undercurrent of racism since she began dating Fitz, but to hear it so outright was very shocking. She knew that a lot of people were going to have a problem with their relationship, including some of his teammates. Marc was right. Her skin color was going to play a big part in how other's reacted to him.
She narrowed her eyes. "Last I checked, neither Fitz nor I gave a damn about what others thought," she snapped. "If you have a problem with me, that's on you." She stepped closer. "But I will tell you this. Call me another name and you will find out what a plaything is because I will beat your jealous ass like a ragdoll."
Olivia stared at the stunned looks on both women's faces. She knew she'd gone too far, but this chick needed to be put in her place, just like she'd been trying to do to her.
"Does he still have that insatiable appetite?" Stephanie asked, her lips curling into a slick grin. "What about his superpowers?"
THAT'S where she knew this lady from. She was the ex whom the media claimed Fitz had broken up with and left at a party. Why was she here? Why hadn't Fitz warned her that she was in attendance? First Dana, and now this.
She knew that Fitz was aware that she was here and not once had he mentioned it to her. Olivia was furious, but she would never let this bitch know that. She chuckled and shook her head, but was seething inside. This woman knew him intimately and wanted her to know that she did. This went far beyond "we were just getting to know each other."
"Cute. You had a sexual relationship with Fitz. As long as it's in the past, it's not my problem."
"Definitely past. I made the mistake of trying to manipulate him. Big mistake. He doesn't talk to me, but he's always cordial. Of course that could change. I mean, I hooked him once, there's no reason I can't hook him again. Who knows? Anything's possible."
She winked and headed to one of the stalls, and Olivia angrily turned and quickly left the ladies room. Standing in the hallway, she took a minute to regroup. Fitz had told her that he and Stephanie were never serious, that she was not his girlfriend.
Olivia was barely holding it together as she nodded and smiled at a few other people inside the large facility on her way outside. She refused to allow that woman's words to plant poison in her brain. They were just that, words. And she was not going to make her behave like someone other than herself. Was she pissed? Absolutely. Would she really kick the woman's ass? Of course not. As an officer of the court, she could lose her license to practice law and nobody was worth that.
X
Olivia sighed and looked around the field for Fitz. She finally found him standing with a teammate and his wife, holding their toddler. As she approached them, she hated how sexy he looked in his practice jersey, holding that baby. Fitz's face lit up and his smile grew wider when he saw her. "Hey Livvie," he leaned down and gave her a peck on her cheek. "There you are," he said cheerfully.
"I'd like you to meet Declan Terrill, offensive lineman, and his wife Lisa. And this big guy is their son, Angus."
Olivia smiled at the baby resting against Fitz's shoulder. This was what he wanted…and so did she. But after the conversation she'd just had, she was no longer sure any of it was possible.
They all exchanged pleasantries and talked until the baby started to whine and Fitz handed him back to his mother. He then wrapped his arm around Olivia's waist, holding her tightly. He kissed the top of her head, rubbing up and down her arm. It took everything in her to keep up the happy façade as Fitz pressed his face to her temple and Declan kept up the conversation. Soon, the young couple decided it was time to get their son home and bade Fitz and Olivia goodnight.
"You okay?" Fitz asked.
"Yeah, great," Olivia answered. Her body was stiff when he placed his hand at her hip, guiding them through the crowd. She smiled, and he frowned a little, but got sidetacked when a teammate walked with his family and introduced them. They made more small talk before moving on.
Fitz guided her to an empty table away from the crowd and they sat down.
"What's wrong, Livvie?"
Olivia sighed. "I don't want to talk about it right now, Fitz. Not with all these people around," she said more bitterly than intended.
"Everything isn't okay," he said looking confused and concerned.
"I don't even know what to think right now," she said and pinched the bridge of her nose. "We'll talk about it later."
He nodded and smiled as T.C. and Tyson joined them at the table, and Fitz's attention was taken by his little sister and his teammate.
X
"You ready, Livvie?" Fitz asked, reaching for her hand.
She took his hand and nodded. "Yes, let's go." Her voice sounded strange and tight, and her hand was cold and sweaty.
He pulled her close and asked again. "What is going with you?"
"Nothing," she said again. "I'm just tired. It's been a long day. Let's find T.C. and get out of here."
Fitz had tried to figure out what would have changed her mood from earlier. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again.
"I'm fine," she said, looking around for T.C.
"Will you please tell me what's wrong? You're tense and on edge, almost angry. So don't tell me it's nothing, Livvie."
Olivia looked up at him. "Not here, Fitz."
He knew it. Someone had said something to her and he hoped it wasn't who he suspected. Damn. If so, he needed to know what was said, and what lies Olivia decided were true, so he could disprove them.
"Let's go, baby," he said. She took his hand, but not eagerly.
X
The ride to Great Falls was so quiet that Fitz broke into a nervous sweat. T.C. must have felt the awkward tension between her brother and his girlfriend because she didn't say a word to either of them, and played on her phone.
Olivia could feel Fitz's eyes burning a hole through the side of her face, but she wouldn't look at him. Instead, she did a Google search of Fitz and his ex on her phone, and there she was. Her name was Stephanie Smith. She hadn't remembered her name, but she definitely remembered her face. This was the same woman who'd just told her that she had no right to be with Fitz because she was Black.
"Livvie, I wish you would tell me what's wrong," he said. He was now pleading and didn't give a damn.
Aware that they weren't alone, she turned and finally looked at him. "It can wait until we get to your place," she said quietly.
She was angry and he didn't know why.
Olivia went back to scrolling on her phone. There were photos of Stephanie with a few of the wives at various Football Team events. So she also knew those women, Olivia thought, and they wanted her to become what they were, an NFL wife. And more specifically, Mrs. Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III.
X
When Fitz pulled the Cayenne into the garage, Olivia was still scrolling. He glanced at her before exiting the vehicle and walking around to the other side. He opened T.C.'s door first and then Olivia's. Both women climbed out and he closed the doors. The trio made their way inside and T.C. quickly said goodnight to them and made her way to the kitchen, but not before pulling her brother aside and demanding that he fix whatever was wrong between he and Olivia.
Climbing the stairs, they made their way to Fitz's suite at the end of the hallway. After walking inside, he closed the door and they stood staring at each other.
"Will you at least sit down?" His voice was calm, and he was visibly angry, but composed.
"I don't want sit down. I just want you to tell me what I want to know so I can leave."
As soon as he heard the word leave, his body stiffened and his fingers curled into his palms and he moved them to his hips.
"Please sit, Livvie."
"No! I don't want to sit."
Fitz was physically trying to keep his cool, and Olivia knew it. She also knew that he would never harm her.
"Fitz a woman who said she was your ex confronted me in the ladies room today and told me that not only was I the wrong color to be dating you, but that you would eventually get tired of being with me and cast me aside. I just did a quick Google search and what do you know, it was Stephanie Smith, the ex that you were accused of breaking up with at a party and leaving her there. Oh, and let's not even get started on what she told me about your insatiable appetite."
He'd had words with Stephanie earlier and had warned her to stay away from Olivia. Apparently she hadn't listened, and now here they were arguing about what she'd said.
Earlier…
Fitz was on his way from the locker room where he'd changed into dry clothes. The water balloon toss game had turned into an all out water balloon fight and he'd gotten soaked.
"Hello, Fitz."
The sound of her voice made his skin crawl and he didn't bother to acknowledge her presence.
"Get away from me, Stephanie."
"You don't mean that."
"Yes, I do." He was actually surprised to see her since this was a family event and she was no one's family. She must have come as someone's guest. He'd tried to avoid her most of the afternoon but she'd finally caught him on his way back to the field. "What are you doing here anyway?" he asked.
"Aren't you happy to see me?"
"No," he hissed.
"Oh come on, Fitz, we could've been so good together. Why are you being like this? You can't really be happy with that woman who's been all over the media lately. Not after the chemistry we had."
Fitz's head jerked back as if he'd been struck, and he looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. She must have.
"I don't know what chemistry you're talking about, Stephanie. Maybe we were in two different relationships because I told you that there could be nothing between us. You pushed for more than I was willing to offer, and I gave you the only thing you were going to get. We were over before anything really began."
He stepped closer. "I am dating Olivia Pope. I love her. I'm in love with her."
"Oh please Fitz, she will never fit into your world, and you know it. We, on the other hand, fit perfectly together."
Fitz groaned internally. Was this woman always this clueless and he'd just ignored it? Her delusion was unreal. He'd made it clear back then that it was over. What the hell was she going on about?
"Look Stephanie, I don't know if you're on something or not, but you have lost your mind if you think I'm going to leave Olivia to be with you. How did you get in here anyway? This event is for families only," he said, narrowing his eyes at her.
"I came with Allison Brown, Adam Nicholson's girlfriend," she said with a smug smile on her face. Adam Nicholson was the three year punter. Fitz made a mental note to speak with the young man about his girlfriend's choice of friends.
"Well Allison should've never invited you to a Football Team family event, and she'll hear about this. Meanwhile, stay away from Olivia. Don't look at her. As a matter of fact, don't even speak to her."
He was pissed and he needed to get back to his love. Stephanie was just staring at him with crazy eyes. Without another word, he left the building to search for Olivia.
After a few minutes, he found her talking to Tracee, Chanel and T.C. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"You okay?"
Olivia turned in his arms and smiled up at him. "I'm fine. T.C. and I are entered into the three-legged race. We're just waiting for it to begin."
Fitz laughed. "Well this should be interesting, because my sister isn't the most coordinated or athletic."
"Hey!" T.C. said with mock indignation. "I liked playing some sports. I just didn't have the self-discipline to work hard at any one of them."
They all laughed, and he was feeling like himself again.
Present…
"I researched her because I felt it was only fair that I know who she was since she thinks she knows me. I'm sure it's just because we're dating, but then again, maybe you told her."
Fitz sighed. "What do you want me to say, Livvie?"
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe 'I'm sorry for taking you to an event where my ex was in attendance, and even if I didn't know that she would be there, when I saw her I could've given you a heads-up.'"
"I didn't think it mattered. She's someone from my past, and I haven't seen or talked to her on a personal level in at least two years. I'm sorry. She shouldn't have said anything to you."
"Oh but she did. She had plenty to say. And you're absolutely right, you didn't think."
"She shouldn't have."
"Damn right she shouldn't have. You should have given me a warning that she was there the moment you saw her," she said, her voice rising.
Fitz's jaw tensed and he brushed his hand down his face before he spoke. "You're right. When I saw her I should've said something to you. I apologize. But I still don't see why it matters."
"Because it does! It matters because when she and her friend were making racist statements about me, I would have at least been somewhat prepared for the bullshit she threw at me. Do you know how that made me feel?"
Fitz stared at Olivia across the room. His eyes were filled with rage, and his blood was boiling and he almost broke into a sweat, feeling like he was going to explode in anger. "What did she say to you?" he asked through clenched teeth.
She shook her head. "I don't want to repeat it, Fitz."
He wanted to beg, but from her stance, he knew she wouldn't tell him. "What I told you was true. We weren't serious, but we did have a sexual relationship. It was just that, sex. I was never serious about her. Never. I don't even understand why she would approach you. This event was for families so I'm also not sure how she even received an invite." He walked closer to her. "But Livvie, I promise you it won't happen again. You will never have to worry about seeing her at a Football Team function ever again."
She stood staring blankly at him for what felt like forever before he finally spoke again.
"Please say something, Livvie."
"I don't know what you want me to say. I believe you, but why didn't you at least tell me she was there? I had a feeling that I was being watched all day. Now I know it was her."
"Yes I should have said something but I just didn't feel it was important. But now, in hindsight, I see that she was there for two reasons: to see me and to hurt you."
Olivia crossed her arms over her chest and raised her chin. "She still wants you, Fitz."
"I don't give a damn what she wants. You are the woman I love and the woman I want. I have never lied to you, Livvie, and I don't plan to start now."
Olivia knew this was true. She knew he loved her. Of that she was sure of. "She also said some vile things to me."
Fitz swallowed before he asked again. "What did she say to you?"
Olivia repeated the entire conversation she'd had with Stephanie, leaving nothing out.
By the time she finished, Fitz was like a caged bull. He was so pissed he couldn't see straight. He'd seen and heard a lot in his life but this was too much.
"Stephanie said all of that to you?" he asked, his voice low and lethal.
Olivia nodded.
"You have got to be fucking kidding me. We had words earlier and she said some crazy shit to me, but I never thought she would approach you. I'm so sorry, Livvie."
"Well, now at least I know why she had all that hate for me. She feels you're supposed to be with her, and she's not going to stop until she has you."
"Well I don't want her, so you have nothing to worry about."
X
"So what now?" Fitz asked.
He was frustrated, defeated and exhausted, and so was Olivia. She wanted to go to sleep, but the struggle was that she wanted to sleep in his bed, with him, yet the reality of that happening didn't feel right.
"I'm going home."
"Livvie, baby, it's late. Just stay. You can have my bed or any other bed in the house. I'll sleep somewhere else. But I don't want you leaving tonight. Not like this. I can't let you leave, because you might not ever come back."
He didn't care how desperate and weak he sounded, but he needed her to stay. Even if it was only for tonight.
"Please stay so we can talk this out in the morning with leveled heads and less emotion. Maybe you'll forgive me then, even if you won't now."
"Fitz…"
"Livvie, just give me tonight. Please. Just tonight."
Against her better judgment, she agreed, and after collecting a few things from his room, Fitz did as promised. She had no idea where he was sleeping, but it wasn't in his bed with her.
Olivia showered, changed into one of his comfy Football Team t-shirts, which swallowed her, and climbed into bed. Being there without him felt different but she was too mentally exhausted to think or care why. Instead she curled up in the center of the big bed, underneath the duvet that smelled like him, and fell asleep, hoping tomorrow she would feel a lot better than she did right now.
X
"What did you do?" Dre asked from his perch at the island in Fitz's kitchen, sipping a glass of orange juice. He'd stopped by earlier so they could go on their Sunday morning run. But Fitz had begged off, and instead offered to cook breakfast.
Fitz turned from the stove and looked at his friend. "We had a disagreement about something."
"Did that disagreement have anything to do with Family Day?"
Fitz frowned. "How did you know?"
Dre shrugged. "I heard Stephanie was there and may have said something to Olivia. What was she doing there in the first place?"
Fitz turned back to the stove and removed several strips of bacon from griddle, placing them one by one on the platter next to the eggs, and then continued.
"Doesn't matter. I knew she was there. I saw her when we arrived. Later we had a run-in and I still didn't tell Olivia. I felt it wasn't a big deal, or I would have told her."
"Now why would you do something stupid like that?"
Fitz glared at Dre. "I didn't think it would matter. Stephanie is in my past, and I've long moved on from her. We don't talk or communicate at all, so I just felt there was nothing to tell."
"But she felt it necessary to confront Olivia and say some foul ass shit to her."
Fitz nodded. "Yes."
"Dude, when did you get so clueless about women? You let Stephanie ambush her even though you knew she was up to no good and behaving erratically. You shared a bed with that woman, and didn't think it was important to tell Olivia, which only makes it worse. To have her walk blindly into that situation with another woman, whom you knew was shady as fuck, was just stupid." He saw the look on Fitz's face. "Sorry but there's no other way to say it, brother."
Fitz knew that Dre was right. He'd given Stephanie the opportunity to verbally assault Olivia, and he was very sorry for that. He'd take care of Stephanie Smith sooner rather than later.
"I hear you, brother," Fit said, smiling. "And I'm going to fix this entire mess."
Dre nodded. "Make sure you do, because I'm Team Olivia all day long."
Fitz laughed, somewhat relieved. Placing the platter on the island, he turned to leave. "I'm going up to wake Livvie, and let her know that her number one fan is waiting to have breakfast with her."
Dre laughed, giving Fitz the middle finger, as he watched him leave the room.
X
Earlier that morning he'd seen T.C. off, with promises to fix whatever mess he'd caused with Olivia. It was apparent that she blamed him for whatever was going on between the two of them, and rightfully so.
When he'd gone back inside and up the stairs, he peeked inside his bedroom, and Olivia was still asleep. She was buried beneath the duvet, and he could only see the crown of her head. At least she didn't leave in the middle of the night, he thought. Quietly closing the door, he went back to the guest bedroom, showered and went downstairs to start breakfast.
Fitz knocked on his bedroom door but didn't get an answer. He slowly turned the handle on the French door. When he stepped inside, he saw that the bed was empty. Walking farther into the room, he heard the shower and smiled. Turning around, he left and headed back downstairs to wait for her.
X
Fitz, Olivia and Dre ate breakfast with Dre and Olivia doing most of the talking. Olivia asked several questions about Jada, who was getting closer to her due date. Dre claimed she was driving him crazy, and Olivia had no problem defending her new friend. They also shared jokes at Fitz's expense. He'd remained quiet so he wouldn't say the wrong thing and ruin the moment. Olivia was here, sharing a meal with his nosey friend.
An hour later, they were saying goodbye to Dre with promises to have dinner before the baby was born.
X
Fitz closed the door then turned to Olivia. "Thank you for staying for breakfast."
"Are you kidding? Who turns down a home-cooked meal, which was great by the way?"
He nodded. "Yeah, but with everything going on, I'm surprised you're still here."
Olivia shrugged. "Last was night was crazy, and I'm still pissed. But I won't give up and run because things are getting a little tougher."
Fitz wanted to pull her into his arms and bury his tongue in her mouth, and then take her upstairs to bed. But he knew better, and instead pushed his hands into his pockets.
"You ready to talk?" he asked.
"No." She shook her head. "I still need a minute to process everything, before I can deal with us."
"Us?"
Olivia nodded. "I told you I'm not running, but I also don't like what happened. I'm still angry and I need a little space to wrap my mind the fact that there are women out there who hate me because of my skin color, and because I'm dating you. I'm asking you give me what I need."
"I can do that."
"Thank you."
She turned and headed up the stairs to retrieve her purse and keys, while Fitz sat on the bottom step waiting for her to return. He stood when he heard her feet on the steps. Taking her hand, he led the way to the side entrance of the three car garage, where her car was parked. Needing to touch her, he pulled her into his arms, and he was relieved when she hugged him back, and when he pressed his lips to hers, she returned his kiss. Releasing her, he opened the driver's side door and she settled behind the wheel. He closed the door and walked over and hit the button on the panel to lift the door and she started the engine.
Fitz stood watching as she backed out of the garage, and until she was out of view. He hit the button again before heading back inside. Walking into his favorite room, he took a seat on the sofa prepared to shut out the world and deal with the reality of not having Olivia for a few more hours.
TBC