Hey everybody, y'all all right? I hope this update finds you all in good health and in good spirits. Everything here is everything. Thank you all you so much for continuing to read AWS, leaving your comments and suggestions, and for your PMs. Some of those really make me laugh, and also encourage me to keep going.
There's a lot (football, Wives Club, T.C.) going on in these chapters, and our favorite couple is just moving along in their relationship, and falling more in love. (if that's possible) Of course things can't always be perfect, so maybe this is the calm before the storm.
I think maybe you guys should just get used to the double chapters because I don't know when to stop. It's also a win for you. Either way, I enjoyed writing it, and I hope you enjoy reading it.
TBOT
P.S. Mask up when necessary, and get that booster if you can.
X
One week later, third and final preseason game…
Olivia sat in the Football Team's luxury suite next to Constance Grant, and JR sat on the other side of his wife. Fitz's parents had returned from their vacation in time to attend their son's third and final preseason game, along with T.C. and her roommates, Ashley and Tori. The Grants were all surprised at T.C.'s sudden interest in attending, considering she rarely, if ever, wanted to come. Fitz and Olivia suspected Tyson Henry may have been the reason for this sudden turnaround.
When the group had walked into the suite, all eyes were on Olivia, and Fitz's parents. She didn't really acknowledge them because a lot of those women hadn't been the most welcoming. Benny Maddox noticed Olivia and purposely turned to ignore her, making a comment to one of her friends. Olivia couldn't care less. She waved to Tracee and Chanel, who were sitting with a group of women Olivia didn't know. They would talk later.
The threesome bypassed the main area of the suite with its plush sofas and chairs, people mingling and waitresses floating around with trays of drinks, and walked out the door to the exterior seats. JR liked to concentrate on his son and these seats provided the opportunity to get away from the crowd, and the sometimes noisy chatter inside the suite.
Olivia proudly wore Fitz's jersey and she didn't give a damn what anyone thought because she was his number one fan. Those women were not going to interfere with her love of a lifetime. She was, however, surprised to see Constance Grant sporting Football Team gear from head to toe, and so was her husband. It only reiterated what she already knew: JR and Constance Grant were unpretentious, humble and down-to-earth, despite their wealth.
Fitz started the game and the threesome cheered him on, even though he only played a quarter and a half. At halftime, Olivia went to the ladies room, and when she returned to the suite, she stopped and talked to Tracee and Chanel, who introduced her to their friends. As the second half began, she bade them goodbye. Ignoring the pettiness of the other women, she smiled at them and returned to her seat. Sighing, she knew this would be her life, dealing with women who would dissect her every move, hoping for a chance with Fitz. Good luck with that, she thought.
X
Later, T.C. and her friends joined the Grants and Olivia, and gave her a play by play of all they'd heard while they were eating in the suite.
"Liv, the blonde lady with the deep tan was so angry when she saw you with Mom and Dad. Apparently, it means that big brother is very serious about you, and they don't stand a chance. I happen to agree with them, they don't" T.C. smiled, and her friends nodded.
"There are some jealous women in there, Olivia," Tori said.
"And if looks could kill, we'd all be attending your funeral," Ashley added.
Olivia chuckled and shook her head at her boyfriend's little sister and her friends. "How did you'll manage to hear all of this?"
"Because we've got skills," T.C. replied, causing them all to laugh.
"Yes you do," Olivia said, still not believing that some of those women were still trying it with her and Fitz.
X
Constance had noticed the looks Olivia received when they'd walked into the suite, and she'd also overheard the conversation she was having with her daughter and her friends.
"I can tell that a lot of the women here don't like that you're dating Fitzgerald, and that we're all here together. JR and I are usually alone when we attend the games. I think us being here with you means something."
Olivia nodded. "Yes, but some of them are player's wives and girlfriends, which means I'll always have to deal with them."
Constance lifted a perfectly shaped eyebrow, so Olivia explained the whole Wives Club drama.
"His career means as much to him as mine means to me, and because I love him, I'm going to do what I can to help with the Wives Club."
"Olivia, sacrifices and compromises, are all part of a functioning relationship. Fitzgerald has sacrificed years of not having a normal relationship with a woman because of his commitment to football, and now he's found the right woman who's worth making the effort to do both. He loves you."
Olivia nodded. "Yes he does. And he's never asked me to sacrifice anything to be with him. Our lives are equally important. He also hasn't asked me to put my career on hold, sacrificing my own happiness for his. The Wives Club is the only thing he's asked of me, and although it's not something I want to do, I feel it's the least I can do."
Constance put an arm around Olivia's shoulder. "You have what it takes to date my son. I just wish I had warned you that being with him would have everybody in your business. JR and I saw some of the coverage, in Europe, after your relationship was made public. That wasn't fair to you."
"No it wasn't, and I have to admit that I was a bit naive. I was so upset but Fitz was there, protecting me and helping me through all of that. I love him enough to put up with the stares, the lies and the lack of privacy."
"I know my son, Olivia. And I know how he thinks. For the past eleven years his sole focus has been his career. I've always prayed for the day when a woman would come along and remove those blinders so he could see that there was more to life than football. When you, rightfully, put my husband in his place the first time we met, I knew that woman was you."
Olivia was quiet as she thought about their first meeting. They'd come a long way since that day. "I love your son with all my heart, Constance," she said squeezing the older woman's hand. "But unlike a lot of these women, I don't need a man to define me. I know exactly who I am and what I want out of life without a man being in the picture."
Constance smiled. "Well, looking at the two of you together, I would say you've found a man who compliments you and your independence in every way. It is apparent that he is not only everything that you never wished for, but he is so much more. And I am not saying all of this because he is my son. But Fitzgerald is one of the best people I know, and trust me, if he believes you are his future and should be his wife, then he will not stop until you become his wife." She glanced at Olivia. "You are already family to me."
Olivia's heart flip flopped.
"And I do not want anyone but you to be my daughter-in-law."
Olivia was speechless. What had Fitz been telling his parents about their relationship? Whatever he'd said, it was obvious that they knew that the two of them were a lot more serious than they'd been the last time they saw each other. And in that time, all Fitz had done was love her, even when she'd given him reason not to.
"Thank you, Constance," she replied in a shaky voice. "I needed to hear that."
Constance leaned over and hugged Olivia tight and then the two women's attention went back to the field, where Fitz stood on the sideline, finished for the evening.
Watching him, Olivia sat thinking just six months ago she was working ten to twelve hour days, going home and falling face first onto her bed. If she had a date every other month, that was good. But there had been nothing like this. She'd never imagined this was where she would be, and that Fitzgerald Grant would be all she could think about. Especially considering how it had all began. She smiled as her gaze fell on him at the same time he looked up toward the suite, and grinned.
The ladies continued to chat until mercifully the clock read triple zeroes. They sat watching Fitz talking to some of the opposing team players before jogging off the field toward the locker rooms. Standing, they left the outer seating area and walked through the nearly empty suite and toward the elevator that would take them down to the private waiting area for families, to wait for Fitz.
Olivia was shocked when Constance greeted some of the players and coaches by name. She even inquired about children and wives, and complimented each of them on the game. Shaking her head, she smiled. Fitz's mother was full of surprises.
X
Olivia couldn't contain her excitement when Fitz exited the locker room and made the short walk toward her and his parents. She didn't think she'd ever get used to him in a custom cut suit. They always accentuated how fine he was. Tonight's charcoal grey, double button, notched lapel jacket and vest was paired with a lilac shirt and violet tie and pocket square. He looked like a male model, and the grin on her face told everyone around how happy she was that he was hers.
Seeing Olivia in his jersey always sent a surge of desire through his body. She was his, and everybody knew it.
"Hello, handsome," Olivia said sweetly, smiling up at him and stepping into his open arms.
"Hello, beautiful," Fitz replied before lifting her off her feet and lowering his lips to hers, kissing her as if they were the only two people in the hallway. She'd long since gotten over being embarrassed by PDA and just went it. He tried to deepen the kiss, tipping Olivia's head back, but she pulled away chuckling up at him.
"Fi…Fitz," she said, flustered. "Your parents are watching us."
Fitz looked down at her with a sexy grin on his face. "Stop looking so embarrassed."
"I'm not embarrassed. It's just that your parents are waiting for us."
Fitz finally looked down the hallway to his parents, who were standing wearing knowing smiles on their faces. Wrapping an arm around Olivia's waist, he led her to where they stood.
"Hello gorgeous," Fitz said, leaning down and kissing his mother's cheek.
"Hello, Fitzgerald, you looked good out there tonight."
"Thank you, Mom."
He turned to his father. "Dad."
"Hello, son." JR hugged his eldest, and Fitz smiled at the man he most admired. "You had a good half, son. The Football Team's looking really good. This may be the year."
Fitz chuckled. "I hope so."
The foursome began to walk toward the exit.
"Where's T.C.?" Fitz asked.
"Theodora, Ashley and Victoria are meeting us at the player's entrance," Constance answered, glancing back at her son.
Fitz nodded and turned to Olivia. "So, how'd I do?" he asked.
Olivia shrugged, rolling her eyes skyward. "I guess you did okay."
He laughed. "Just okay? That's all I get?"
She grinned up at him. "You did great, baby! Although I was glad when they pulled you after that late hit in the second quarter. How are you feeling by the way?"
"I feel pretty good." He leaned down and whispered for her ears only. "I'll show you how good later." He gave her that lopsided grin and her heart melted all over again.
She glanced at his parents to make sure they didn't hear him.
Fitz didn't care. He just shook his head and laughed. The two of them continued walking, enjoying the moment of light bantering.
When they made it to the entrance, T.C., her roommates, Tyson and a few others were all standing around talking.
T.C. approached them. "Good game, big brother. I saw you showing off." She hugged him, as did the other two young ladies.
"Thank you, T. I had someone to show off for." He kissed Olivia's cheek.
T.C. winked at her brother before rejoining her friends and her parents, who were grilling Tyson.
"I want you right now," he whispered. "Let's get out of here."
Olivia wrapped an arm around his waist and looked at him. "Fitz, your family's here, we can't just leave."
He grinned at her. "Wanna bet?"
"We're going to head back to D.C. for a late dinner with T.C. and her friends," JR said, interrupting their conversation.
"We'd love to join you."
Constance moved closer to Olivia and said, "From the way my son is looking at you, I don't think he wants us around tonight. We will be just fine. Don't forget we're having dinner with the two of you tomorrow and with your parents on Sunday." She hugged Olivia and then her son before taking her husband's outstretched hand and they followed their daughter and her friends to their waiting vehicle.
Fitz turned to Olivia. "I like you in my jersey."
"And I like everything about you."
"Let's get out of here." He took her hand and they started to walk toward the Cayenne. "I might like you in my jersey, but I'm going to love ripping it off of you."
"You're crazy," Olivia laughed, shaking her head.
"Crazy about you, Livvie. I am crazy about you." He planted a kiss on her lips as she laughed. It was going to be a long and eventful night.
X
Three weeks later, first game of the season…
There was a lot of excitement in the air for a Thursday night game, and the official kickoff of the Football Team's new season. The Team had won all three of their preseason games and was ready for the start of a, hopefully, winning season.
Olivia could barely contain herself as she kept her eyes on number seven during warm-ups. They were playing the Chargers, with their young rookie quarterback. The game had been dubbed the "new guard versus the old guard" and it was a big night for both quarterbacks. There were also questions and rumors swirling around if this would be Fitz's final season. He never addressed those questions with the media, just that he played one season at a time.
Olivia and Joey had been greeted warmly by Chanel, Tracee, Lauren McWilliams and a newcomer named Renee, who was newly married to one of the starting defensive backs, and a few others, when they entered the suite.
Unfortunately, Allison Brown was also there sitting with a small group of women, or haters, as Joey called them. She stared Olivia down before rolling her eyes and continuing to talk to her friends. Olivia chuckled. She must have still been pissed that her friend, Stephanie, had been permanently banned from all Team facilities.
If she'd kept her mouth closed, she could've been here today. Oh well.
Joey had noticed the silent exchange. "Hey, we're here for Fitz. Remember? Don't let her or her buddies get to you."
Olivia smiled at her bestie. "I know, and I'm not. Now, let's get a drink and join the other ladies so we can watch my man win this game!"
Joey laughed and followed Olivia to the bar.
Olivia had somewhat bonded with the other women at Speedy and Lauren's Labor Day weekend cookout. She wasn't surprised to see that the woman who'd smiled at her at the first Wives Club meeting she'd attended was Lauren McWilliams.
When Olivia and Fitz hand arrived at the McWilliams' home, and after formal introductions were made, Lauren had taken her hand and led her away from the few guests who'd already arrived, so they could talk.
X
Labor Day…
"I'm so happy to see you again," Lauren smiled as they both took a seat at one of the outdoor bars set up on the property.
"And it's so nice to formally meet you," Olivia said, smiling back at the tall and slender young woman.
"You too. And congratulations."
At Olivia's confused look, Lauren explained. "You just won the assault case you were prosecuting, right?"
Olivia nodded.
"We all received an update. You're not only beautiful, but you're also smart, and tough."
Olivia smiled. "Thank you. So everyone really does know each other's business, huh?"
"Fitz doesn't tell you things about the team?" Lauren asked, sounding surprised.
Olivia shook her head. "No. Not the player's personal lives." He did talk about the players he respected and the ones he tolerated. Of course she would never share that with Lauren.
"Oh. Drew tells me some things, but whatever we don't know Benny usually does, and she tells the rest of us."
Olivia made a mental note to give Fitz a heads up about that little tidbit so he'd know to keep their personal business to himself.
"I just want to say that I do not blame you for checking Benny. She works my last nerve."
Olivia laughed. She did have an ally.
"I've been going to those meetings for six years and the first one you attended was the most excitement we've ever had." Lauren chuckled and took a sip of her wine.
Olivia liked Lauren so far. She was also the kind of person who would get along with Joey. It looked like Lauren and Tracee were probably going to be her closest Wives Club friends. Since Chanel was a new mother, most of her time was spent with her baby.
"I heard about what happened at Family Day and I'm so sorry. Allison was out of order and just plain wrong for inviting that woman, knowing that you and Fitz were in a serious relationship. It's been all over the Wives Club private social media pages. Most everyone agrees that she invited that woman just to start drama."
Olivia agreed, but she had a question for Lauren. "The Wives Club has private social media pages?"
"Yeah girl. Wouldn't want our business out there for everyone else to see. Have you been invited to join?"
Olivia shook her head. "I'm not on social media at all. Given my line of work, it's best that I'm not."
Lauren nodded. "Understood."
"I'm actually glad I haven't seen what the wives and girlfriends are saying," Olivia added.
"Allison and Stephanie thought they were going to mess with you and Fitz, but he turned the tables on both of them."
Olivia smiled, thinking about the actions Fitz had taken to protect her and to make it clear to everyone that she was his woman.
"Olivia these women are crazy. Drew and I always have to remind them that he's married, and he's nowhere near Fitz's status. I can only imagine that it's ten times worse for him."
"Until Family Day, it was definitely more tolerable. But since then, it's been pretty bad. Don't get me wrong, I love Fitz, but when it comes to this life outside of just us…"
"I know. Hang in there, girl. It does get easier, especially if you get married. Not that it will prevent women from trying, but at least every woman won't think she has a chance because he's technically single. They definitely don't have respect for the girlfriends." She pushed her empty wine glass toward the bartender and he refilled it. "I do know one thing though, since Fitz started dating you, the club has gotten very interesting."
"Really? How so?"
"First, you challenged the Queen Bee, which is personally why I can't wait for you to return."
Olivia smiled embarrassingly. "Not my finest moment."
Lauren waved off her words. "Everyone thinks that Fitz tells you everything since he's the team captain, and they want to get to know you because they want to know what you know about their men. That's why Benny may feel threatened by you. We're all curious about you."
"What? Why? We don't discuss Fitz's teammates or their lives." Olivia took a long sip of wine, amused by the women in the club. "And if we did, I would never repeat any of it."
"Exactly." They both laughed.
"I'm glad I met you, Olivia. As I said, I've been in the club six years now and this is the first time Fitz has ever dated anyone. He was also adamant about Drew introducing us." She sighed. "I don't fit in with them because I was Drew's college sweetheart. I didn't pursue a football player like most of those women did. We met our freshman year of college, when he wasn't even focused on the NFL. He played football so he could go to college. I was an accountant, but once he signed with the Football Team, we thought it better I travel with him. We don't plan to have children until his career starts to wind down."
Olivia respected the other women's choices to put their careers on hold for their men. She currently had no plans to do the same. And Fitz really didn't expect her to.
"Lauren, I'm happy I met you. If I have to be a part of the Wives Club because of Fitz's leadership on the team, it's good to have someone on my side. And before today, I dreaded it. Having you, Tracee and Chanel there, will definitely make it much easier to attend games, meetings and events."
"It's going to get rough, Olivia, even with a few of us on your side. Bennedetta Maddox is the ultimate mean girl."
Olivia rolled her eyes. Something she'd been doing a lot of lately. "I know which is why I don't really like her. But as a prosecutor, I've handled worse, and tougher situations. Trust me, I'll be okay."
"Well after seeing you in action, I don't doubt it," Lauren said and raised her glass. "To new friendships."
Olivia repeated. "To new friendships."
The women continued to talk until Lauren had to leave to greet her guests and play hostess. Fitz took that time to walk her around and introduce her to the few people she didn't already know.
When Tracee and Chanel arrived with their husbands, the three women commandeered a table and spent all day laughing and talking. Lauren joined them when she could. They also introduced her to a new wife named, Renee Gillem. She'd recently graduated from college, gotten married and relocated to Virginia to be with her husband. None of the other wives would talk to her so the three women had taken her under their wings. While they talked, Olivia discovered that they were also sorority sisters.
It was a great day until Malcolm La Blue arrived with four women, two on each arm, and breaking an unwritten team rule: never bring strangers to a teammate's private residence. As team captain, Fitz had a conversation with the young man and he left in a huff not long after.
Fitz and Olivia remained for another hour before saying goodnight. On the ride back to Great Falls, he listened as she told him all about the other women she'd met and about the conversation she'd had with Lauren. Fitz was happy that she was actually looking forward to attending the next meeting. She needed friends in the Club and it looked as if she'd made a few.
X
Present…
Olivia was initially annoyed by the women sitting in the suite when she walked in, Benny included, but she shrugged it off. It came with the territory of dating a superstar professional athlete. Instead, she took her seat between Joey and Lauren, while Chanel, Tracee and Renee sat in front of them.
As expected, Joey and Olivia's new friends got along well. They all connected instantly, and the six of them talked like old friends. She loved Joey, but the other women were becoming friends that she could rely on, who understood more than Joey what it meant to be the significant other of a professional athlete.
She took a sip of her drink and focused on her man as the team captains headed to the middle of the field for the coin toss. About two minutes later, the kickoff commenced and the Team's new season was underway. After the return, she watched as the offense took the field and Fitz lined up under center. She had never been more proud.
X
Three hours later, it was all over and the Football Team had their first win. Olivia had yelled, screamed, cheered and cursed more than she would have liked in the presence of young children. Fitz had been hit, hard, and she had stopped breathing those few seconds afterward until she saw him get up and head back to the huddle.
The other women went downstairs to the private lounge to wait for their men, while Olivia and Joey went to the Team owner's suite where Julian, the Popes and the Grants had watched the game. The Popes had invited the Grants to Sunday dinner the last time they were in town, and this Sunday, the Grants were returning the favor. The two couples got along well, which was all their son and daughter could wish for.
X
"Congratulations on your first win, babe. You looked really great out there," Olivia said as they walked down the long hallway away from the locker room.
Fitz took her in, wearing his jersey and a Football Team baseball cap. She was stunning and still his sexy doe eyed beauty. Her excitement made him smile. He realized what he'd been missing. He'd had women sitting on the fifty or in the Football Team suite, but this was different, genuine. She loved him and was here for him. He hugged her tightly to his side and kissed her. They were laughing and talking in their own little world when Malcolm walked away from the women he was talking to and stepped up to the couple.
"Olivia."
"Malcolm."
The greetings were as cold as ice as neither tried to pretend they really liked one another.
"A few of the guys are heading to Woody's for a little celebration," he said to Fitz. "You in?"
Wrapping his arm around Olivia's waist, he declined. "Not this time, Mal."
"Come on, Liv. Let the man come out for once," Malcolm said, goading her.
Frowning, Olivia stepped away from Fitz and stood in front of Malcolm. "First of all, my name is Olivia. Only my friends and family call me 'Liv,' and you, Malcolm La Blue, are neither. Second of all, Fitz is a grown man and is free to make his own decisions."
"Whatever," Malcolm said, shaking his head. "Yo, Fitz, good luck with that one," he said walking away with the two women in tow.
"Aarrgghh!" Olivia growled when they were alone.
"Down, girl," Fitz said chuckling. "You know he does that on purpose," he said kissing her forehead to calm her down. "Don't let him get to you."
Olivia nodded. "You're right," she said, realizing she was allowing that idiot to ruin a great day. She looked up at him with a huge smile. "You really did great tonight."
"Oh yeah?"
"Absolutely. And had I known that you had such great skills, I would've been paying closer attention to Fitzgerald "The Golden Arm" Grant, years ago."
Fitz laughed. "Yeah, you've missed a lot of the magic."
"I still can't get used to the way you look in those football pants," she said, tapping his tight butt.
He leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips.
"Are you feeling extra tired after the win today?" she asked.
He kissed her. "I'm feeling pretty good. Why, what did you have in mind?"
Olivia looked up at him. "Why don't we go back to your place and I'll give you a nice long massage. Hot oil, candles, the works. All you have to do is lie there and accept the pleasure.
"Talk dirty to me, Miss Pope."
"Oh I plan to, Mr. Grant."
"I like the sound of that," he said as he took her hand and led her to his vehicle in the player's lot, ready for whatever the night would bring.
X
One month later…
The season was in full swing and the Team was on a streak, winning their first five games. They were the team to beat. Fitz was on fire and possibly headed for league MVP at the rate he was playing. He was giving his all on the field each Sunday, and during practice the rest of the week.
Olivia had attended all home games, and she was beginning to understand football. She never would've believed that she would become a fan just from watching Fitz play, but she had.
She watched all the highlights on ESPN, read stats and sometimes she sat with Fitz as he studied game film. Olivia wasn't just his girlfriend, she was also a fangirl. She believed the Team would win it all, but Fitz didn't want to get ahead of himself.
"I appreciate your vote of confidence, Livvie," he said as they lay in bed one night.
"How could I not believe in the Football Team?" She kissed his chest. "They have the sexiest quarterback in the league."
Fitz laughed. "If only being sexy was all that was required to win a championship." He hugged her tighter in his arms. "I wish it were that simple."
"Trust me, babe, you've been working too hard for too long to lose. This can only end with a Super Bowl win."
"Thank you, Livvie. I'm just too afraid to think that far ahead. I am on a high right now. I'm having the best season of my career, the Team's undefeated and I'm in love with the most incredible woman. My life couldn't be better."
Olivia couldn't have agreed more. Life couldn't be better.
X
The Second Wives Club Meeting…
"Ladies, ladies. It's time," Benny announced, loving and relishing her role as leader of the group. Olivia, Tracee, Chanel and Renee rolled their eyes, going through the motions, while Lauren, who was a committee chair and sat near Benny, tried to keep from laughing out loud.
The meeting went on for over an hour while they reviewed all upcoming activities and who was expected to be in each city for support. They were all expected to attend home games, but took turns attending away games. Olivia had chosen Dallas. The game was the day after Christmas. She didn't have small children so she didn't mind. Plus, she figured she'd rather be in Texas than Minnesota in December. Some of the women, including Chanel, were mothers or had other commitments and could not travel for the next five months, but Olivia was actually excited to experience a game in another city.
When they finally got around to announcements, Olivia asked if she could have the floor. There was a loud murmur and some tension in the air from a few women, curious about what she would say. She decided to remain seated since she could see the twenty-five women in attendance.
"I would just like to apologize for my behavior at the last meeting. I was a little nervous about how you would receive me. I'm looking forward to becoming a part of this group and helping wherever I'm needed."
Most of the women's facial expressions seemed receptive. There were even some who verbally accepted her apology and at least three whose faces were unreadable, but whose body language said it all. They didn't like her and probably never would.
They moved on to discussing the charities that they would support for the season. That's when Olivia brought up the idea of not just cutting a check, but also putting in a few volunteer hours. There were several who agreed which to Olivia meant that they had been thinking the same thing, but had never brought it up to the group. Benny made a snide remark, of course, and rolled her eyes, but Olivia continued.
"If the team can go out into hospitals and schools, there's no reason we can't. I think we should plan an activity for children in the hospital we send the check to."
Benny sat looking displeased with everything Olivia was saying. When she finished, Benny just stared at her. But when she glanced around the room and saw heads nodding, agreeing with Olivia, she frowned. Olivia had had enough.
"Benny, may I see you for a moment? In private?" she added.
She crossed her arms over her chest. "The meeting is not adjourned."
Olivia gave an exasperated sigh. "Benny, I'm asking to speak with you for a moment."
The other women looked between the two before Lauren spoke up. "Benny, just go and speak with Olivia, because whatever's going on between the two of you needs to end." There were voices of agreement from the others.
Benny rolled her eyes, again, but stood and walked out of the room with Olivia on her heels. They walked into a room with a picturesque view of the landscaped yard and pool, where Benny continued to stand with her arms crossed and her lips pursed.
Olivia knew that as the season went along, there were going to be too many games and events that they attended together to continue like this. She felt that she needed to make amends with Benny. The team was solid and genuinely tight-knit, which was good. The women needed to be just as close, and that would only happen if she and Benny buried the hatchet…and not in each other's back.
She stood breathing for a few minutes, trying to calm down. She'd allowed Benny to drag her down to her level during the last meeting by arguing in front of the Wives Club members, but not this time. Finally she spoke. "Benny you've got to help me, what am I doing wrong? I know you and I got off on the wrong foot, but we have to try and get along for the sake of the team and the Wives Club."
"Oh really? We have to get along? Please Olivia you're Fitzgerald Grant's girlfriend. Everyone will love you, whether we're friends or not."
"That was the point of my apology. Just because I'm his girlfriend doesn't mean I'm always right, or that I need to be rude."
"Well you've made everyone treat me like the bad guy."
"What?" Olivia nearly screamed. It was Benny's behavior that turned some members against her, not hers.
"You had Fitz come to your defense when Stephanie Smith said those ugly and racist things to you. He just had to protect his precious Olivia."
"You mean the same woman that you laughed and talked with the entire day? Your friend Stephanie?" Olivia was getting angrier by the minute and thought it might be best to just walk away without resolving anything. She'd tried to reason with the woman.
"Fitz loves me and he understood how hurt and offended I was. He was actually angrier than I was, obviously. And I love having a boyfriend who supports me and who loves me enough to want to protect me. I can't love him enough for that."
"Whatever. The two of you act like you have the perfect relationship, like you're so in love."
"We don't have to pretend, Benny" Olivia said through clenched teeth. "We are who we are." She exhaled and finally took a seat on the sofa. She really wanted to diffuse the tension, but also needed to ask a tough question. "Are you jealous of me, Benny?"
Benny stopped pacing and glared at Olivia.
"Of you and Fitz?" She scoffed. "Please, I love my husband."
"Then what is it? Why do you hate me so much? Is it because Stephanie's your friend and he's dating me?"
"Absolutely not. And for the record, I agree with what Fitz did. There's no room for that type of behavior here. I had no idea she was going to confront you. Allie is clueless and didn't realize she was being used. Anyone could see, even long before you came along, that he didn't give a damn about Stephanie. But it's different with you. I know it's only a matter of time before Fitz marries you."
That's when it dawned on Olivia. "And you don't want to lose your position in the Wives Club."
Benny stared at Olivia and then spoke. "Especially to a woman who couldn't give a damn about the club, and thinks all of this is beneath her."
"Benny I don't want your position. I'm a busy prosecutor, and I honestly don't have the time to do all that you do."
She glared at Olivia and Olivia felt a little guilty because in the beginning she did think the entire idea of the Wives Club was a waste of her time.
"Look Benny, these past two months, I realized that yes, I was judging you. None of the women I know have lives where they just sit around and look pretty. I mean no offense, but we know we can have an identity outside of the men in our lives."
"Exactly," Benny said. "This is all I have! I'm constantly looking over my shoulder for the next woman to come along and take my husband. Then you had to call me out about not having a life outside of him and I was pissed." She exhaled and looked away from Olivia. "But it was the truth."
Olivia relaxed. "Benny who says the wife of the captain has to be the leader of the Wives Club? Besides, Fitz and I are nowhere near marriage."
Benny gave Olivia an "are you kidding me?" look.
"I'm serious. Anyway, we can change the rules. The leader should want the position and she should also be qualified, and not hold the position just because she's married to the captain. Whether Fitz and I get married, you should remain leader unless someone else wants the role next season."
Benny nodded. "Then we have an election if someone does."
Olivia nodded. "Yes."
Benny smiled and stuck out her hand and Olivia shook it. An uneasy truce had been called. They returned to the large room where the other women were patiently waiting.
"Thank you all for your patience," Benny said.
"Yes, thank you," Olivia added.
"I really need to go, can we wrap up please?" Chanel said.
Benny looked at Olivia for a second before pasting on a fake smile. "Yes we can. Meeting adjourned." She hit the gavel.
"Good. Now let's go and get some drinks," Tracee said, standing from the sofa.
Olivia followed her friends toward the front door thinking she and Benny would probably always have their differences, and would never be best friends, but she could try to learn to like the woman.
X
Another week, another win…
Week six, Maya Pope and Constance Grant joined Olivia and Joey in the Team's family suite while their men sat in the Team owner's suite again. The women all knew that Olivia didn't like sitting alone with other wives and girlfriends. Although she had her friends, and a few others on her side, it still helped to have her bestie, her mother and her boyfriend's mother there to support her as well. It was also hilarious watching the usually reserved Maya Pope yelling at the referees and loudly cheering for Fitz.
Since her truce with Benny, Olivia was a little more comfortable with some of the others and mingled more during the games. The two of them were still only civil, but it cut down on some of the tension in the club. She hadn't told Fitz about her confrontation with Benny Maddox because he was having a great season, and she didn't want more on his shoulders. Besides, Benny and the rest of the ladies, for the most part, kept their distance.
She had been attending the Wives Club meetings and events when she could and Fitz appreciated her efforts. He knew that Olivia really wanted no parts of any of it, and that she only did it for him, and he loved her for it.
X
Bye week…
By the time the Football Team reached their bye week, they were undefeated. Fitz was more focused on his game, and spent a lot of time at the Team's facilities, away from home…and Olivia. This meant she didn't spend as much time in Great Falls because she would've been alone. They still talked several times a day and Fitz came into the city to check on her and T.C.
Not much had changed except a decrease in their sex life. Olivia reminded Fitz of what he'd told her when she'd visited him at training camp. He'd laughed, but then became serious as he explained that he wanted to abstain from sex because it increased frustration and aggression, and it gave him a boost of energy, making him a stronger athlete on the field. Since they weren't having sex that often, whenever they did, they tried to make it as hot as possible. They'd almost christened every room of his house, and his backyard at least twice, and every room of her condo multiple times.
It was also during this time that Olivia finally made an appointment with her gynecologist and started taking birth control. They'd used condoms until it was effective, but they were both happy that they were now free to love each other without restraints. Fitz had never once complained about having to use condoms, but he definitely liked no longer having to stop what he was doing and strap up. Of course they knew that no method of birth control was one hundred percent successful, and Fitz had been crystal clear that if she became pregnant, he would be happy. He wanted her to have his babies, and had no problem with leaving things to chance.
X
Fitz spent bye week in D.C. with Olivia. It was a week for the two of them to reconnect, and it would culminate with Joey and Julian's engagement party on Saturday. Olivia had taken a few days off, something that would have been unheard of before she started dating Fitz, but he was on his own Monday and Tuesday.
He'd played a few rounds of golf, which he hated, with Eli and Julian Pope on Monday, and spent Tuesday with the team from his foundation making final arrangements for the mini-camp he was conducting for a few underprivileged children, and with his management team going over his endorsement deals.
Wednesday evening the couple sat courtside at a Wizards game, courtesy of the team's owner, and then went out for a late dinner, where, for the most part, they were left alone.
On Thursday Olivia tagged along with Fitz to a photo shoot for a men's health magazine. She stood behind the scenes and watched as her man posed with a football and pretended to toss it. It emphasized his hard biceps. There were also photos of him pretending to lift weights wearing shorts, showing off his tight thighs. He was beautiful, and he loved only her. By the time he removed his sweaty shirt and revealed the muscles in his broad chest, she was hot and moist.
On Friday, Fitz had invited Olivia along when he visited Children's National Hospital in the District, and Olivia got to see just how scandalous some women could be, even with her there by his side. He was "accidentally" groped and given a few numbers. He seemed unfazed and handed Olivia the paper or whatever they wrote their numbers on, to discard. She stood by when they went into the rooms of the kids who were too sick to attend the ice cream and cake social planned for later. He answered the children's questions, signed footballs, jerseys and whatever else they wanted him to sign. He also made sure to take a photo with each child.
Later at the social, Fitz signed more balls, jerseys and a few casts. During that time, Olivia had befriended a bespectacled, big eared and snaggletooth, six year old little boy with bright red hair, who was there for a follow-up visit and had just blended in with the rest of the children. His name was Evan. When he saw Fitz holding Olivia's hand he pointed at her.
"Olivia's pretty. Is she your girlfriend?"
Fitz laughed, nodding his head. "Yes, why? Are you going to steal her from me?"
Evan nodded vigorously. "Yep, I will." He grinned at Olivia, and she broke into the biggest smile as she gave him her full attention.
"Hello again, Evan."
He laughed. "Hi again, Olivia."
"You know, Evan. I may be Fitz's girlfriend, but you're so handsome I might consider being yours."
The little boy suddenly became shy and smitten as he hid behind Fitz's big body.
Fitz chuckled at how shy he quickly became, and by the end of the visit, Evan had been added to the roster of the mini-campers.
X
Fitz and Olivia waited in a small private room before they left the hospital. He held her in his arms as she smiled up at him.
"I loved seeing you with the children, especially Evan. You're going to make such a wonderful father," she said.
His chest swelled. "You think so?"
She nodded. "I know so.'
"Shall we work on it tonight?" he whispered huskily.
Olivia's eyes widened. "Fitz, we haven't had sex in…"
"I know, and I don't know how much longer I can hold out."
"Well you'll get no argument from me."
He was about to respond when his phone pinged with a notification. Removing the device from his pocket he checked his foundation's IG and noticed that his team had already posted pictures from the day's event. He showed Olivia, who zeroed in on a photo of the two of them holding hands while he spoke with a little girl in a wheelchair.
"Those photos are only going to make other women want you more. I saw that today. Some of those women were very inappropriate. And while they were at work," she said incredulously.
Fitz looked down at her. "And I will still only want you."
She stood on her toes and kissed him. "I love you, Fitzgerald Grant."
"I love you too, Olivia Pope," he said, and smacked her butt.
"Ouch, Fitz! That was too hard." She pointed a finger at him. "I'm going to cut you off all of this if you do it again. Plus we don't have time for your kinky."
They may not have been having sex but when they did, it was always an adventure and never boring,
Fitz just gave her that lopsided grin, grabbed both cheeks and grinned. "Come on, Livvie, all of this is mine to do whatever I please."
Olivia leaned back in his arms and lifted a brow. "Come again?"
"I'm only kidding. But I do enjoy doing all those things you let me do to your body."
She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "So do I, babe."
He gazed down into her eyes and his grip tightened around her hips. She knew he was one second away from finding the nearest surface to lay her on.
She shook her head. "Um Fitz, no."
He kissed her neck. "Um Livvie, yes."
There was a knock on the door and Olivia had never been so happy for an interruption in her life.
TBC