I apologize if the topic of sexual assault is a potential trigger for some readers and for not adding a disclaimer. Please accept my deepest apologies.
Hey everybody, y'all all right? Happy Holidays! As the year winds down, here's wishing you all Merry Christmas and a Happy and healthy New Year in 2022!
Wow! Wow! So a lot of you are still pissed with Fitz, and some of you could understand "both sides." Then there were those who felt that the no-nonsense and confident Olivia Pope from the first few chapters was gone, which was an interesting observation. As always, I love reading your reviews and PMs, (even the passive aggressive ones) so keep them coming. I also want to take the time to thank those of you who are still here for Chapter 26, I appreciate you all.
Last chapter, our favorites were still at odds with each other because of an outside force. Is their love strong enough to overcome this latest challenge? Read and see.
TBOT
P.S. Please keep yourselves safe and wear a mask.
Note: I've been reading the reviews and PMs, and noticed a few of you have made sure to note that the majority of women do not lie about sexual assault. This is absolutely true. Statistically, women do not lie about sexual assault. To the contrary, sexual assault is under reported, since most victims know that coming forward means sometimes facing retaliation, especially if the alleged assailant is a professional athlete, celebrity, politician, etc. We all understand and know this.
I just feel that you all are capable of reading fiction as fiction, and processing it as adults. This is a work of fiction and the foundation of the story is simply learning to love and be loved. Nothing more or less.
Week 13…
Going into the third week of the change in their relationship, Olivia sat in the Team suite on Sunday evening with Joey, Julian, and the Wives, trying hard to pretend that everything was okay between her and Fitz. Julian had joined her for support otherwise he would've been in the Team owner's suite, again. There were only two more home games left in the regular season, so she'd just have to push through.
She sat staring at Fitz. He was in his element and looked as confident as ever. He was also so handsome with the beard and mustache, and she still felt a twinge of sadness that they weren't together.
"You are so in love with that man. I thought I was crazy about my husband, but you can't keep your eyes off Fitz," Lauren bumped her shoulder, smiling.
"I don't know what you've been doing to him lately but Drew says he's on fire, and has been like a crazy man since the loss in Carolina.
No one in the Wives Club or on the Team knew that she and Fitz were on a break, therefore they didn't know that whatever was going on with him had nothing to do with her…directly.
Olivia just nodded in the right places.
"Drew says he's tuned out everyone and the only time he speaks to them is when they're in the huddle and he's calling plays. But no one's saying anything because he's killing it, and making them all stronger as a result. He's in a zone right now and the teams they'll have to face in the playoffs won't know what hit them."
Both women laughed.
"Seriously, Olivia, Drew's been playing with Fitz for six years and this has been his best year yet. He's so grateful to be a part of such an awesome team. And it's all because of their Captain."
Lauren raised her glass, and they touched glasses, before taking sips of wine.
"Are you sure you won't be able to attend the Dallas game?"
"No. I have a trial scheduled and I don't know how long it will last."
"Aww, I was looking forward to hanging out with you, and maybe doing a little shopping."
"I know, Laur. But I have a lot of pre-trial work waiting for me."
The two women, along with Joey, Tracee, Chanel and Renee, kept up the conversation until they were interrupted by Benny.
"Ladies, we're having a clinch party after the game. It's at our house, and I'm not taking 'no' for an answer. See y'all there." She disappeared as quickly as she'd appeared.
Olivia exhaled deeply. How was she going to fool everyone in the same room with Fitz? "I'm really not in the mood for a party."
"I thought you and Benny were cool now," Tracee said.
"We are. I just have so much work to do, and Fitz really likes to rest after a game."
Joey turned to look Olivia, ready to come to her friend's defense.
"Come on, Olivia," Lauren prodded. "You don't have to stay long. It's not a party without you and Fitz, especially now. And you know Benny got his okay before putting this impromptu team event together. You can ride with me and we'll meet the guys there."
"Liv, you don't have to go if you don't want. Fitz will be just fine without you."
"I know, Jo. But they're clinching tonight and I want to celebrate with the guys."
Joey looked directly into Olivia's eyes. "Are you sure?"
Olivia nodded and squeezed her hand, sending Joey the message, I've got this.
"Well you rode with me and Julian, how will you get home?"
Olivia shrugged. "Uber, Lyft, private car. Don't worry about me."
Lauren leaned in closer. "We'll make sure she gets home safely."
"Okay. But you make sure you call me as soon as you get home."
"I will."
The ladies spent the rest of the game cheering on the Team, and encouraging their men. Not that they needed much encouragement, because Fitz and Malcolm were on fire out there. Seeing her man put his all into the game put a lot of things into perspective.
X
Leesburg…
The ladies arrived at the Maddox's home shortly before the team. Olivia was standing near a bar sipping on a glass of sparkling water when Tyson and Brice, along with Brice's wife, showed up. Tyson saw her and made a beeline over to give her a hug. She liked the young man, and he had been a good friend to T.C.
"Congratulations, Ty."
"Thank you, Olivia. Thirteen and one, can you believe it?"
"Yes. You guys worked hard, you deserve it."
He nodded. "Thanks to our awesome captain."
She chuckled.
"You okay? You need anything?" he asked.
"No, I'm fine."
"Okay. Fitz and the rest of the guys should be here shortly."
"Thank you, Ty."
"No problem. Let me know if you need anything," he said before moving on to talk with the other guests, and Olivia joined the other ladies at one of the tables set up for the event.
X
Fitz entered the house with Jake, Drew and Victor, and everyone stood cheering and chanting his name. He looked embarrassed but smiled anyway.
Olivia's heart stopped and in that moment all she wanted to do was run to him and throw her arms around his large body.
She watched as he hugged a few wives, exchanging a few words. Then he moved on to a few people she didn't know
Finally, Jake quieted the room
"I'm glad everyone could attend on such short notice. And I'm also glad that my wife keeps our home party ready."
Everyone laughed because Benny was the consummate hostess, and the Maddox's hosted a lot of parties.
"It has been a crazy season so far, and still hard to believe that we only have one loss, and all our success is largely due to this man." He pointed to Fitz, who pointed back to him, before searching the room. He stopped when he made eye contact with the one person he was looking for: Olivia. He smiled at her, and she returned his smile with a small one of her own.
"He has been a true leader and one helluva Captain." The room erupted again. "Even when we lost our first game, he held us together and we persevered. Four more games until the playoffs. We still have a lot of work to do, but we'll get it done for him." There were more cheers and catcalls. Fitz hugged Jake and then Drew, and thanked them both.
"If he doesn't win league MVP, he'll always be our MVP."
The room erupted into shouts of MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP!
"I told you they were all grateful to Fitz and his leadership," Lauren said over the noise to Olivia.
The cheers continued and at that moment, Fitz headed toward Olivia with a purpose. When he stood before her, he lifted her in his arms and gave her a big kiss, which caused the room to go wild again. This wasn't a "pretend" kiss, because it was too filled with emotion. She hugged him tight and allowed him to kiss her again. Eventually he placed her on her feet and before either of them could speak, his teammates were upon him.
Olivia took this time to take him in. It was the first time she'd seen him in anything besides a suit post game. Today he wore dark wash jeans, chambray shirt, cranberry colored cashmere pullover sweater, a chocolate leather jacket and Paul Evans calfskin lace-up boots in chocolate. He looked a little thinner, but he was still solidly built. His hair had been cut and his beard and mustache were neatly trimmed, adding to that tall, dark and handsome thing he had going on. Fitz had always been too damn sexy for his own good, and hers too for that matter.
Just looking at him she understood why it was so hard to stay away from this man. She lost her good sense around him, and she couldn't take her eyes off him, and that gorgeous face, those eyes. How could she resist? One look and all her defenses were weakened.
X
Olivia watched as Fitz was swallowed by other partygoers and she used the opportunity to sneak away to the large deck.
"Will you excuse me?" She said to Lauren and Tracee, and turned to leave the room, and finally made her way to the Maddox's deck.
The large space was empty because it was cold. She didn't care as long as she could escape being in the same room with Fitz, knowing the status of their relationship. Silently she took a seat in one of the chairs that looked out over the Maddox's private lake.
After a few minutes, the door opened and she heard footsteps approach. She didn't have to turn around to know Fitz was behind her. Only the smell of his cologne and the heat from his body caused her body to react the way. it did. She turned to him before he even spoke. He smiled at her and then walked over, stood next to her and put his hands in the pockets of his jacket, to keep from touching her.
"I'm sorry, Livvie. I didn't know there was going to be a party. We can make our excuses and leave."
Olivia shook her head. "It's really okay, Fitz, and I'm here now. We can mingle like we always do. It's not a problem." She smiled at him. "You played a great game tonight. Congratulations on clinching the division."
"Thank you, Livvie. Are you sure you want to stay? I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
She rolled her eyes. "I'll survive. Besides, this is where I want to be."
He looked away. "I know but…"
Olivia stared at him. "What?"
He shook his head. "Nothing. You look great as always," he said, changing the subject.
Olivia chuckled and he thought he'd never heard anything more beautiful. She wore a custom burgundy, gold and white Football Team sweater with his name and number on the back, faded skinny jeans and long brown leather boots.
"Fitz, I always wear something with your name and number on it to your games."
He smiled at her. "I know. And I always like it."
She stared at him before turning back to the lake.
"I miss you, Livvie."
Olivia turned back to him again. "This break was your idea, Fitz," she reminded him. "The last time we talked, you basically said you couldn't deal with the additional pressure of a relationship on top of everything else going on. Remember? I'm a distraction."
Fitz sighed deeply. "I know what I said. But I still miss and love you."
She didn't respond. She missed and loved him too but this was what he wanted, and she was going giving him exactly what he'd asked for.
"Yeah, well I'm still a distraction. I wouldn't want to be the reason for another Team loss."
Fitz lowered his head. He deserved that dig. He'd hurt her, and he knew it.
"My point is that I'm the same woman you dumped a few days ago, Fitz. Nothing has changed."
"The fact that you agreed to this break and to keep it between us was more grace than I deserve. It also showed me just how much you really love me."
"Is that what it took to prove that I love you?"
He shook his head. "No, that's not what I'm saying at all."
"Then what are you saying, Fitz?"
"Livvie, I was being a jerk. I'm embarrassed and ashamed by my behavior and every unkind word I said to you. But most of all for hurting you," he said, still not answering her question. "I was completely out of order and disrespectful. That's not the kind of treatment I give to anyone, especially you. You deserve my best and that wasn't it. I'm so sorry."
"You should be. And you're right, I didn't deserve to be treated that way. You took me for granted, Fitz. I gave you everything, all my love and time, and when things got a little crazy, you walked away." She turned back to the lake.
"I said I was sorry, Livvie. Sorry for how I handled things. The pressure was starting to mess with me and I couldn't deal with it. So I took the coward's way out."
She was shocked he admitted it. "You did, and I'm glad you're not throwing blame around. You were a coward. But I haven't heard an apology for you not contacting me to let me know that you were okay. No apology for dismissing me from your home. No apology for treating me like I was disposable, and, no apology for not having the decency to just be honest with me. Is that everything?"
A wave of shame fell over Fitz and he closed his eyes, wishing he were anywhere but here, because she was right. He had treated her horribly and his only excuse was that he felt she was responsible for all the stress that he was under."
"I know I was wrong, Livvie. As I said, I was running scared. I didn't mean to hurt you." What else could he say?
Olivia turned to him again. Intention didn't absolve him of the hurt he'd inflicted. "But you did hurt me."
"If I could take back all the things I said to you, I would. I've been an asshole. Please forgive me, Livvie," he said, finally getting the words off his chest. His voice was filled with remorse and regret.
"You're right, you have been." She wasn't making any of this easy for him, and she wasn't ready to forgive him just yet. "So now you're saying that the break may have been a bad idea?"
Fitz sighed. "I'm just saying I want you in my life, Livvie, however that looks right now," he said with a hint of pleading in his tone.
She shook her head. "No, you need to focus on the team."
"We've won the last two games and I'm not so sure it was because I was concentrating on my job. Hell, not when all I could think about was you."
Fitz moved and took the seat next to her. Other than the gentle rustle of the branches and leaves, the dark night was quiet. He turned to look at Olivia, and finally broke the silence.
"It's been too hard to do anything else." If he was being honest with himself, he would admit that it's been downright difficult. Going through practice on autopilot, he was producing the necessary work, but some of the passion was gone. Not seeing her caused an ache he'd never experienced. He missed his Livvie.
"Yeah, it's been hard for me the last two weeks, too."
Fitz didn't have to ask what she meant. "Dre basically told me I was being a fool. And when we argued last week, when I said I needed a break, and you walked out of my house, I was so angry because you were making assumptions again and I couldn't believe that after all of the time we'd spent together you would disagree with me. But the real issue was that I didn't believe in us. I didn't believe that I could have you in my life and win."
Olivia chuckled wryly. "You won already Fitz. I'm the damn prize in this relationship, and you didn't appreciate me. Otherwise you wouldn't have behaved the way you did."
Fitz shook his head. "No, no. Livvie, I appreciate you and I love you, and if you ever felt I took you for granted, I'm so very sorry."
Olivia smiled, and Fitz stopped talking. "What?"
"Fitz, I was only kidding. Well, a little anyway."
He inhaled deeply and exhaled, relieved.
"So what now?" she asked.
He turned to face her. "I've loved only two things in my life, football and you. And I'm not giving up either one. I want you both…now. I love you. I have never loved any woman as much as I will always love you, Olivia Pope."
"I love you, too, Fitzgerald Grant. But this conversation is nowhere near finished."
Fitz nodded, he knew it wasn't. He reached for her hands. "Your hands are ice cold." He took her small hands into his much larger ones and began rubbing them between his.
Standing, he reached out for her and helped her to her feet. "Come on, it's too cold out here for you without a jacket. Let's go inside." He wrapped her inside his jacket. She pressed herself against him tightly and inhaled the familiar comforting, woody scent that surrounded him. Just the smell of him was turning her on, but that was not going to happen tonight. She relaxed in his arms as he led her back inside.
X
Over the next hour, Fitz and Olivia mingled with the other guests, laughing and talking. Whenever she tried to walk away, he put his arm out to gently hold her arm, keeping her at his side. Every time she felt his hand on her, her skin began to tingle. The same tingles she always got whenever he touched her. She looked up to see a huge grin on his handsome face. He looked much happier than he had when he'd arrived earlier. It was easy to forget that they hadn't spoken in over a week.
A little while later, Olivia, no longer at Fitz's side, began saying her goodbyes. She found Lauren quietly talking to Drew, and hugged them both.
"Hey, I'm leaving. I have an early day tomorrow."
"Aww, Liv, the party's just getting started," Lauren complained. "And you rode with me."
"I know. I have a ride. I'll call you, okay?"
"Okay. Text me when you get home."
"Will do."
"Don't forget," Drew added as she walked away.
On her way to the front door, she hugged Benny, thanking her for the invite, and a few other guests.
"Olivia?"
She turned around to see Jake Maddox holding her camel midi wool wrap coat. "You can't leave without this. It's cold outside."
"Thank you, Jake," she said as he helped her into the beautiful garment.
"You okay? You need me to walk you to your car?"
"I've got her. She's okay, Jake."
They turned toward the deep, familiar voice to see Fitz standing at the entrance to the foyer.
"Okay." Jake hugged Olivia again and then gave Fitz a friendly clap on the shoulder before leaving them alone.
Fitz stepped closer to her. "Why are you leaving so soon?"
"I have an early meeting tomorrow morning before I have to appear in court."
He nodded and held out his hand. "Your keys?"
"I rode with Lauren."
Fitz frowned. "How are you getting home?"
"I'm calling an Uber."
Fitz shook his head. "To D.C.? Tonight? I don't think so. I'm taking you home."
"Fitz it's really okay."
He ignored her and reached for her hand. She stared at it before moving her gaze to his face.
"Now, Olivia."
She groaned but allowed him to lead her out the front door and to the Cayenne, parked in the circular driveway. As he assisted her onto the passenger seat, she felt a mixture of guilt that he was leaving the Team's celebration, and a bit of joy that he was leaving with her.
Fitz got into the driver's seat, started the engine and sped away from the Maddox's home. Olivia stared out the passenger window and he focused on the road.
"Are you still going to your grandparent's home for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday?" he asked after they'd been riding in the quiet for a while.
Olivia took a moment to study Fitz's profile before answering. He was looking straight ahead.
When she didn't immediately respond, Fitz briefly took his eyes off the road. "You okay?"
"Yes, I'm still going." Her maternal grandparents, Harrison and Carolyn were hosting this year. Fitz had been invited but wasn't sure what his schedule would look like, so he hadn't accepted. Now she was glad he hadn't because it would have been quite difficult to fake anything with Maya Pope around.
"T.C. told me your parents decided to spend the holiday with you."
Fitz glanced at her. "They are, and Mom wanted to invite you to dinner but I told her we'd decided to spend the holiday with our respective families. She's still going to want to see you while she's here, so expect a call. And be prepared to answer questions about the bird's nest, her words, growing on my face. She says it's out of control and I need to shave. I told her I was growing it for you."
Olivia threw back her head and laughed. "Thank you for throwing me under the bus, mister. I'll call her tomorrow and we can plan something."
She'd like that," he said, reaching for hand and squeezing.
"I know it's not easy being in a relationship with me, and Livvie, if I could turn back time, and change the way I reacted to the entire Malcolm situation, I would."
This was the first time tonight that the wide receiver's name had been mentioned. He'd been conspicuously absent from the party, probably on the advice from his legal team. He was keeping a low profile, which was smart.
Olivia nodded. "Me too. Especially if I had known that it was going to lead to us fighting and then not talking. But I have learned something from all of this."
"What's that?"
"We cannot discuss what goes on in the AUSA's office. We've got to erect a wall or barrier when it comes to what goes on in my office and our personal relationship. I mean, I'm not even assigned to the case but I reacted as if I was the prosecutor."
"I agree. We should've at least discussed it without taking sides."
"Well due to the nature of my job that's sometimes hard to do, but I'm going to do better."
"We're going to do better."
Olivia nodded. "And Fitz?"
"Yes?"
"I do believe in you." As angry and hurt as she was initially with Fitz, she replayed their relationship over and over in her head to see where they'd gone wrong. He'd said that she stopped believing in him, which wasn't true. However, she couldn't deny that if he felt that way, her actions somehow led him to believe it.
"I know you do." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers.
"These past few days have been torture and the only time I didn't think about you was during practice and games."
Olivia thought her heart would burst into a million little pieces.
"I'm sorry for not responding to your calls and texts. I smiled each time I saw your name pop up on my phone screen. I wanted to see your beautiful face and make love to your gorgeous body, but with the Malcolm situation and the loss to Carolina, I just needed to regroup. Obviously that didn't work because I couldn't get you out of mind...or my heart."
"I feel the same way, Fitz. Even though we were physically apart and not communicating, you were the first person on my mind when I woke up in the morning and the last person I thought about when I fell asleep at night. How did we ever think that we could stay away from each other?"
Fitz chuckled. "We can't, Livvie."
Olivia nodded. "I want you to continue to play well. I don't want to be blamed for another loss, or for being a distraction."
Fitz's laughter filled the truck's interior. "You, Olivia Pope, are a beautiful distraction." And she was.
"I'm serious, Fitz. If you lose another game because you were with me, or you were thinking about me instead of the game, I don't want to be treated like it's my fault."
He sobered and shook his head. "You won't be."
She looked at him. "Oh, I know."
He heard the clear and no nonsense tone in her voice, and could sense what a huge mistake he'd made. If she refused to forgive him and give him, give them, another chance, he didn't blame her. But he hoped she loved him enough to do just that.
Fitz drove around the city trying to prolong their time together before pulling into the circular driveway of Olivia's building. Jonathan was there to open her door.
"Good evening, Miss Pope."
"Hello, Jonathan."
"Great game, Mr. Fitz. Congratulations. Do you want me to move her to the garage?"
"Not this time, Jonathan. I won't be long."
The young man nodded and watched the couple walk toward the glass doors and into the lobby.
Fitz wrapped an arm around Olivia as they walked toward the elevator. He was stopped a few times and congratulated on playing a great game, and winning their division. He smiled and thanked everyone, before hurriedly stepping onto the elevator with Olivia.
"Sorry about that, Livvie," he said, pulling her closer to his hard body.
"It's okay. The building's tenants rarely bother us, they were just excited."
He caressed her cheek and angled her face so that he could see her clearly. "Are we going to be okay?"
She shrugged. "I honestly don't know." And she didn't.
"May I kiss you?"
Olivia slid her arms around Fitz's trim waist. Resting her cheek against his chest, she inhaled his scent. Leaning back in his arms, she kissed him on the lips, his mustache tickling her lips. It was a gentle kiss, but it shook him.
Fitz pulled her closer to his body and deepened the kiss. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and didn't stop until they both needed to come up for air. Just as the elevator beeped, indicating they were on her floor. Hand in hand, they walked to her door and he waited patiently as she disengaged the locks and deactivated the alarm.
He didn't attempt to enter, but he definitely wanted to.
She leaned up and kissed him again, and he slipped his tongue into her mouth and deepened the kiss, again.
"Fitz!" She smiled. "I was just saying thank you for bringing me home."
"And I was saying you're welcome." He gave her that crooked grin that she'd missed so much, and stepped back into the hallway. "Goodnight, Livvie," he said then turned and walked back to the elevator, before things really got out of control.
Olivia watched him until he disappeared. Closing and locking the door, and activating the alarm, she made her way to her bedroom, realizing just how empty her home was without him.
X
Week 14…
Thanksgiving dinner had been a festive affair. Everyone wanted to know why Fitz hadn't joined the family for dinner, but Olivia explained that he was spending the holiday with his parents before the Team left for their game in Las Vegas. They all seemed satisfied and the conversation shifted to Joey's and Julian's wedding, and Harrison's new girlfriend. Olivia may have fooled everyone else, but Maya Pope knew her daughter all too well.
"Are you okay, baby?" Maya asked when she found her daughter in Harrison Lewis' den, alone.
"I will be, Mom."
"What do you mean, you will be? What's going on, Olivia Carolyn?" Maya listened as Olivia gave her the abbreviated version of what was going on between her and Fitz.
"Jo and J are the only two who know; and now you. We didn't tell anyone, and honestly, a part of me wasn't ready to answer questions about my relationship."
"I know we've had our issues, Olivia, and you've never come to me for advice on men, but I thought we were close enough that you'd feel comfortable with me being a sounding board." She sounded hurt, which was the last thing she would ever want to do to either of her parents.
"Mom, I love you, but I'm an adult. If I decide not to tell you something, I have that right. It doesn't mean I don't think we're close."
Maya pursed her lips, while Olivia focused her attention on the black and gold sphinx head on the bookcase on the opposite wall. She didn't feel guilty, even though she knew her mother wasn't pleased.
"You're right, baby. You don't have to tell me any of your business. But I don't like being kept in the dark when it comes to my own daughter's life."
"I know, Mom. And I love you." Olivia leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"Are you and Fitz going to be okay?"
"I think so."
"You think so?"
"We're working on it. The 'break' was what he THOUGHT he wanted at the time, but I'm not ready to just let him back in either."
Maya nodded. "So you're punishing him for what he did?"
"Yep. Let him be anxious and upset about our relationship for a little while."
Maya arched a brow at her daughter. "Are you serious?"
Olivia nodded. "I am. Maybe next time he'll think long and hard, and talk to me before making such a big decision on his own."
Maya sighed then kissed her stubborn daughter's forehead. "Yes, baby, you will be okay."
Olivia smiled at her mother. "Thank you, Mom."
Arm in arm, the two Pope women left the room to join the rest of their family.
X
Sunday...
The Football Team was on the road again the Sunday following Thanksgiving. They were playing in Las Vegas. The Popes had invited the Grants and the de Matteos to dinner, and to watch the game. Olivia and Julian were now happy to join their parents for dinner since they no longer had to worry about their mother setting them up with blind dates.
Everyone yelled and cheered as they watched Fitz and the rest of the Team execute their game plan with clockwork precision, and won again. Olivia's heart flipped every time the camera caught a glimpse of Fitz's handsome face. She was happy. They still loved each other, the team was still winning and their relationship was getting back on track.
Constance Grant smiled at Olivia, and Olivia returned her smile. They'd met for brunch the previous day, and Fitz's mother didn't bother beating around the bush.
"What's going on between you and Fitzgerald?" She'd asked as soon as the waiter left with their drink orders.
"Nothing. If anything, he's nervous about the Team, and worried about his teammate's case. And you know how he gets close to game day." Olivia waved her hand hoping her answer was sufficient. It wasn't.
Constance shook her head. "No, something is different. Lately, he has not mentioned your name as much when we talk and before you were all he talked about. And he tries to avoid questions about you. What are you not telling me?"
Olivia looked away from the woman's piercing gaze then back. "It's just a crazy season for him. We're fine."
"Olivia, my son loves you. I do not know what he did to take the fire out of your eyes, but he loves you. And there is still so much love between you. I see it all over your face right now, and Fitzgerald's too, even though he doesn't realize it. Can whatever happened be fixed?"
"It will be…eventually."
Constance nodded. "That is all I ask." She looked around the crowded restaurant and then back at Olivia. "I have always believed that you should love your partner the way you love your children, unconditionally. I love JR that way. And you are so much like me. You are strong and know who you are. Loving unconditionally requires that you know who you are so that you know when to pull back and let that person be, and when you need to hold on tight."
"But you can't love unconditionally forever."
Constance leaned in closer. "If it is not right, it is not right. Your gut will tell you if Fitzgerald is the one you should love no matter what. There is a reason some couples stick it out regardless. They just cannot seem to get enough of each other even if they are with someone else."
"You think that's what Fitz and I have?"
"Only you know the answer to that question, Olivia. I am on the outside looking in. But from what I know about my son, I have never seen him look at another woman the way he looks at you. It is as if no one else matters but you."
Olivia smiled at the woman who was so sure that someday she would be her daughter-in-law, and Constance reached across the table for her hand.
"It's just frustrating to talk to a man who won't listen to reason."
"I understand. I have had to deal with JR for years, and he is as stubborn as they come, much like his son."
Olivia chuckled, nodding.
"I do not want to know what happened, Olivia, but I am sorry that you are dealing with it alone. I know how you and my son feel about each other, and I just pray that the two of you can work it out and find your way back to each other. And then maybe he'll shave that bird's nest on his face."
Olivia's laugh could be heard throughout the restaurant. She wiped at her eyes which were filled with tears, and finally gathered herself. "Thank you, Constance. I needed that."
"You are welcome. My son knows you are the woman for him and that's all that matters. Now, where in the hell is that waiter with our drinks? I'm ready for a liquid brunch," she said looking around, causing Olivia to erupt in shocked laughter, again. Fitz's prim and proper mother was definitely full of surprises.
X
Monday…
Olivia spent most of the morning in court handling initial appearances, and motion hearings. She grabbed lunch on her way to her office, and ate at her desk before her next meeting. Her thoughts went back to the previous ten days. Though she hadn't seen Fitz since the Sunday of the Maddox's party, they talked often and he texted her daily to wish her a good day, something he did a lot when they'd first started dating. Even in his tendency to take her for granted, he was usually thoughtful. It was still easy for them to converse, which is why she was blindsided when Fitz stopped communicating with her after the Team loss. But now they were getting back to the relationship they had, and they were now on the mend.
X
Later that afternoon…
Olivia stood outside the interview room looking at the young woman who'd accused Malcolm La Blue of assault, and possibly held his future in her hands. Marc was going over her statement line for line, putting the final pieces together for his case. As with most assault cases, the woman's identity had been kept from the media for her protection. It was not uncommon in these cases for fans to threaten the victim, blaming her instead of the defendant.
Dressed in a simple black skirt and a white blouse, her red hair was pulled into a neat ponytail. Her pale cheeks were currently red as Kelsey Wallace sat next to her attorney, wiping tears with a balled up Kleenex.
"What time did you arrive at the club, Miss Wallace?"
She shrugged her thin shoulders. "Around eleven I think."
"How did you get into the VIP section?"
Her voice was soft when she spoke. "It isn't hard when you're a woman and you're pretty. My friend Jasmine just moved to D.C. and we decided to go out to the club at the last minute."
"How soon before you met Malcolm La Blue?"
"About thirty minutes."
"You said in your statement that he pulled you onto the dance floor."
She nodded. "Yes, we were dancing and I could tell he was getting excited."
"Excited?"
Kelsey glanced at her attorney, who nodded for her to continue. "We were grinding against each other and I felt him becoming aroused."
Marc wrote down a few notes. "When did you decide to go to the VIP room?"
"Around midnight. He said he had a few bottles of champagne on ice and wanted to drink with me."
"Didn't you find it odd when everyone left the room but the two of you?"
"No," she said defensively. "We were in a club. I didn't think he'd do what he did with a bunch of people on the other side of the door."
Marc nodded. "What happened after the assault was over?"
Sniffling, she blew her nose before answering Marc's question. "I gathered my clothes, left as fast as I could and went to the hospital. I called the police from there. A detective showed up an hour later, after the exam, and took my statement."
Olivia frowned. Something seemed off. She'd heard enough and left the observation room. They could continue the interview without her.
Almost an hour later when Marc returned to his office, Olivia was there pacing in circles, waiting for him. He knew what that meant.
"Something's not right, Marc."
"With what?" he asked, taking a seat behind his desk.
"With her," Olivia stopped pacing and stood staring at him.
"She came across as extremely credible and the physical evidence supports her statement, Olivia."
Olivia nodded in agreement. Kelsey Wallace was believable. "She said she ran from the VIP room, went directly to the hospital and then called the police," Olivia said, quoting the young woman. "How would she know to do all that?"
"Come on, Olivia," Marc said. "Anyone who watches television or has internet access knows to do that."
"Okay," Olivia relented. "What about Jasmine Brooks?"
"Her friend?"
"Yes."
Marc opened his notes. "There wasn't much said about her. She didn't see anything."
Olivia began pacing again. She had an uneasy feeling about all this and she didn't know why. "Your friend is new in town. You take her to a club filled with rich, professional athletes and you're sexually assaulted."
Olivia stopped pacing and stared at Marc again. "You don't search for your friend, who's new and doesn't know anyone else? You don't have her accompany you to the hospital for support after a traumatic event? You just leave…without her?"
Marc could see where Olivia was going and sat back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. She wasn't called the formidable Olivia Pope for nothing.
"Be careful, Olivia. You're skating on really thin ice here. If you fall in, we all drown."
She nodded. "I know."
He hoped he was getting through to her, but he also gave her what she wanted. "I'll see what I can find out about Jasmine Brooks."
"Good. Also, find out where she just moved from," she said as she walked toward the door.
Marc paused at her tone, and stared at his star prosecutor. "Are you working for the defense, or the prosecution?"
Olivia stopped and looked back at her boss and onetime mentor. "I'm working for justice." Turning on her heels, she left his office.
X
Wednesday…
Marc and Olivia sat around a conference room table reviewing the investigator's report on Jasmine Brooks. The young woman had moved to D.C. over a month ago from Atlanta. A year before that she lived in Miami. She'd worked as a part-time manicurist and a bottle service girl in several clubs, but hadn't worked since she arrived in the District.
Marc shook his head. "Nothing out the ordinary," he said, glancing across the large table at the Olivia.
Olivia stared at the notes, wondering if she had allowed herself to get caught up in Fitz's belief that Malcolm La Blue was innocent. Was she allowing her feelings for Fitz to compromise her job?
"Are you okay?" Marc asked.
Suddenly, her eyes grew wide.
"Call in Jasmine Brooks."
X
The following afternoon, Olivia once again stood outside the interview room watching Marc question Jasmine Brooks.
"I just have a few routine questions for you since you were at the club on the night in question."
Dressed in skinny jeans, a fitted cream sweater and brown four inch, suede thigh high boots, flawless make-up and an almost waist length weave. She reminded Olivia of the singer Ciara. Jasmine Brooks was a beautiful young woman. When she'd been contacted, she didn't have any objections to coming in and meeting with them. The only sign that she may have been nervous was the twisting a long lock hair around her finger.
"Sure."
"What time did you and Kelsey arrive at the club?"
"About eleven."
"And how long before you noticed Malcolm La Blue and Kelsey dancing together?"
"Probably about thirty minutes later."
"Did you see them go into the VIP room?"
"No."
"Weren't you at all concerned when you looked around and didn't see your friend?" he asked.
Jasmine shrugged. "We were in a club. I figured she was around and that she was okay."
"How did you find out what happened to Kelsey?"
"Kelsey called me," Jasmine said. "She was hysterical, extremely upset."
"When did she call?"
"Around five the next morning."
Marc glanced down at his notes before looking at Jasmine again. "You mean you're new in town, staying at your friend's apartment, went to a club together, but then went home alone, without her? You weren't afraid, or concerned about her whereabouts?"
Jasmine sighed, exasperated, but she never lost her composure. "Kelsey and I have partied together before," she said. "It's not unusual for us to hook up with someone."
When Marc didn't respond, she continued. "We're young, single, pretty and always protect ourselves."
"Yes," Marc said, closing his notes, sitting back in his chair, and getting ready to go in for the kill. "The two of you have partied together before."
"That's what I just said."
Marc nodded. "You did say that. Let's see, you've partied in Miami and you partied in Atlanta."
Jasmine stopped twirling her hair. "So?"
Marc leaned forward. "So, if this case moves forward, we're going to be forced to introduce all of the information we have on each of you."
The hair twisting began again, along with crossing one leg over the other and nervously shaking her foot. She looked as if she was trying to come up with an escape plan.
"I want a lawyer."
"I thought you would."
X
Three hours later Olivia drove through the black iron gates to Fitz's home in Great Falls, her heart a little lighter. She knew he had individual practice for two hours daily so she'd called before making the drive, to make sure he was home. He was happy to hear from her and invited her to have dinner with him, and she'd accepted. He was standing on the porch waiting with a smile on his face, when she drove into the circular driveway. Wearing black sweatpants and a Team sweatshirt, he looked as sexy as she remembered.
Grinning, Fitz rushed down the steps and quickly opened her door so she could exit the vehicle. Olivia reached for her purse before taking the hand he offered and stood in front of him with a matching smile on her face.
"Hi," he said.
"Hi," she responded.
Fitz leaned in slowly to kiss her, giving her the opportunity to say no. He'd never force her. "May I?"
She looked up into his beautiful eyes. "Yes."
Slowly he cupped her face and brushed his lips over hers. God, he loved this woman. "I missed this, Livvie," he said before deepening the kiss. He slid his tongue over bottom lip and she shuddered.
Olivia moved closer and kissed him harder. Then she opened her mouth and Fitz felt her tongue against his. He ran his hands along her back, prolonging the kiss. When they finally came up for air, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her as close as he could. The feel of his girlfriend in his arms this way again had him hard and ready. He wanted to take her upstairs, undress her and get reacquainted with her tight little body.
Fitz squeezed her to him one last time. "Come on, it's chilly out here. Let's go inside, dinner's ready."
Arm in arm they climbed the porch steps and entered the place that was as familiar to her as her own home. Olivia set her purse on the hall table, and Fitz helped her remove her leather jacket and hung it in the coat closet. She'd obviously changed before coming. He knew she hadn't worn the black skinny jeans, grey and black sweater, and black suede booties to work. She was beautiful and sexy as usual.
He reached for her hand and together they walked to the kitchen.
"Something smells good," Olivia remarked when they walked into the large room. She glanced over at the Miele range where several covered dishes sat warming.
"I called Bert and told her that you were coming for dinner, and she whipped up your favorite before she left."
Olivia shook her head, grinning, eyes wide. "She did not."
Fitz chuckled and nodded his head. "Yes, she did. Now have a seat while I fix our plates."
Instead, she walked around the island and joined him at the sink to wash her hands.
"May I help?"
"No, you just have a seat," he said kissing her forehead and pointing at the two place settings at the island where they always sat next to each other as they ate.
Olivia did as she was instructed and walked around the island. She took a seat, while Fitz plated their food, and poured two glasses of tea sweetened with honey for them both. A minute later he joined her, placing a plate in front of her and the other at his setting.
"I didn't know if you wanted wine with dinner," he said as he took the seat next to her.
Olivia shook her head. "Tea's fine." She knew Fitz rarely imbibed during the season.
"Damn, I've missed this," she said, her mouth watering.
Fitz laughed.
"I'm serious, Fitz. I will do almost anything for Bert's cilantro chicken with roasted vegetables and cauliflower mash." His housekeeper/cook usually cooked healthy meals because Fitz was always in training mode during the season. The cilantro chicken had become Olivia's favorite.
Fitz raised a brow. "Anything?"
"I said almost anything, mister."
They both laughed and then dug into their dinner. Olivia moaned after the first bite and closed her eyes as the lime and cilantro flavors burst into her mouth, and Fitz's dick hardened at the sound.
"I could always eat healthy and stay fit if the food is this good."
"Well you can always have any meal you want here with me."
"Thank you."
He leaned over and kissed her cheek and they continued to eat in companionable silence until Fitz spoke. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
Swallowing, Olivia responded. "Let's just enjoy dinner first."
He nodded and they ate and conversed as if nothing had changed between them.
X
After dinner, together they cleared the dishes and loaded the dishwasher. When they finished in the kitchen, Fitz took Olivia's hand and led into their favorite room. Taking a seat on the sofa, he pulled her down next to him and stretched his arm along the back of the sofa near her shoulders. His fingers played with her long hair making her scalp tingle, and his nearness was wreaking havoc on her senses. All she wanted was for him to take her into his arms, and carry her upstairs to his bedroom like he'd done so many times before. But that wouldn't happen tonight, or anytime soon.
Olivia turned to face her boyfriend. As far as she was concerned, he still was. "I wanted to tell you first."
Fitz's face was unreadable, and he swallowed. Was she about to say what he thought she was saying?
"Tell me…what?" he asked, anxiously.
Olivia exhaled deeply. "All the charges against Malcolm La Blue are being dropped."
Fitz was a little disappointed because he had been expecting her to say something entirely different. But he quickly recovered. While he'd strongly defended Malcolm and his innocence, he was still surprised at hearing the news.
"Really?"
She nodded. "Yes. Earlier today."
"Why?"
"It was actually something you said."
Fitz frowned. "I don't understand."
"You said he broke the rule of being alone with a woman he'd just met."
"So?"
"Well he half broke it. He'd met the accuser's friend before in Atlanta. Their paths crossed a few more times at some other parties and events, so when she introduced the accuser to Malcolm, he felt he could trust her."
"How does that equal dropping the charges?"
"Turns out the accuser and her friend had done this before, one in Atlanta, the other in Miami. They both have a reputation for doing stuff like this."
"Stuff like what?"
Olivia took a deep breath before continuing. When the AUSA's office had finally figured out what was going on, both women started crying and begging for charges not to be filed against them. True to her reputation, Olivia charged Kelsey Wallace with filing a false police report and was waiting to find out what other related charges she could add.
"They did this to a player in the NBA in Miami, and another player in the NFL in Atlanta. In both cases, they claimed sexual assault. After filing charges, they both refused to testify and the prosecutors dropped the charges. To avoid a civil suit and unwanted media attention, both men settled out of court."
"I see," he said. "And you were the one who figured this out?"
Olivia nodded. "It was a team effort. One of our investigators scoured their social media accounts. The accuser's friend wasn't too bright. On the day before the alleged assault, she'd posted a video of her and the accuser, both drunk, bragging about how the accuser was about to get paid. She was too drunk to realize that she was incriminating her friend. The two women laughed about how they were about to scam a baller."
Fitz listened intently, but didn't say a word.
"This is their thing. They party with celebrities and professional athletes, get them alone, sleep with them and then accuse them of sexual assault in an attempt to extort money."
Olivia glanced at Fitz. "I was wrong, Fitz. Malcolm was innocent in all of this."
Fitz nodded. "Yes, he was." He wanted to add I told you so, but at this point it didn't seem necessary.
"But it was my office's job to fight for the victim and follow the evidence, no matter where it led."
Fitz digested her words. "Or you could've stepped back from the case, let your office handle it and just been my girlfriend."
"Babe, if I could take back my reaction to this situation with Malcolm, I would. You needed your girlfriend, not a prosecutor. I was wrong and I'm sorry."
Fitz lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. "It's really okay, Livvie. I'm just glad it's over," he said, looking at her.
"Me too." She leaned over and kissed his lips softly, but Fitz slipped his tongue into her mouth and deepened the kiss. When she moaned into his mouth, he pulled back and leaned his forehead against hers.
"I missed you, Olivia Pope. I missed your smile, your touch, going to bed and waking up next to you. I even missed all of your random questions, and endless discussions. I couldn't get you out of my head…or my heart."
"I know."
Fitz sighed before sitting back against the sofa and pulling her into his arms.
"Livvie, that could've been me or any other professional athlete. That's why I responded the way I did. Do you remember the reason I moved out of my condo in D.C.? That situation could've been so much worse, and it would've been my word against hers."
Olivia nodded. She did remember. Overzealous women were a hazard in his profession.
"It isn't the only time I've been in a difficult situation with a female fan. It's a risk I face every day because I'm Fitzgerald Grant, and everything that comes with that."
She squeezed his hand, encouraging him to continue.
"A few years ago we were in L.A. for a game, and when I walked into my hotel room, there was a naked woman lying across the bed waiting for me. I quickly ran out and called security. After that incident, I always made sure to have security check the room before I entered."
"How do those women even know which hotel you're in, and which room is yours?"
Fitz hugged her tighter. She really was new to this.
"Livvie, a lot of women can be manipulative to get what they want."
"I know. I also know what a lot of women do to get a man, and those who are best at it, end up with that man. Half of the Team players are with women who manipulated their way in. And some feel I did the same thing to get you."
"But you didn't."
"I know that, Fitz."
"Good." He leaned down and kissed her hair. "So you see how easy it is for women to get that information. I also suspect they get help from hotel staff as well."
"Wow, they put you guys in dangerous situations doing that."
Fitz nodded. "And all they have to say is that I put my hands on them and my life can change just like that."
"I'm sorry, baby." She leaned up and kissed his chin.
"Why? It isn't your fault that there are women, and some men, out there whose sole purpose in life is to take down a rich, professional athlete with their lies. It's part of the risk of being a public figure."
"Does this kind of thing happen to a lot of players?"
"Just about. We all attract crazy women who will do God knows what to get with us. Most of my teammates have had it happen, so they can relate."
Olivia caressed his jaw. "I wished none of you had to go through any of that because of who you are. Even Malcolm."
"Unfortunately, these things happen. Malcolm made a huge mistake, but he didn't do what that woman accused him of. Imagine if he wasn't rich with the support of a billion dollar organization behind him, and a teammate whose girlfriend is a kick ass prosecutor, and whose sheer, dogged determination wouldn't allow her to give up until she got to the bottom of this entire mess."
Olivia smiled. "Damn right."
Fitz chuckled lightly and then sobered. "Malcolm's future and reputation were on the line. He got a little crazy after he signed his new contract. Now he has a lot of money and a lot of access, so he's a perfect target for women like those two. But he needs to stop placing himself in these types of situations. Make smarter choices."
"We almost allowed the actions of others to come between us."
"And we almost broke up because of it."
Fitz shook his head. "Never again."
Olivia grinned at him. "Never again."
"So where do we go from here?" he asked.
"Well, professionally, tomorrow my office will call a press conference to inform the public that all charges against Malcolm La Blue have been dropped. Personally, I'm not sure, Mr. Grant."
Fitz began to caress her thigh, placing kisses along her neck. It felt amazing to be back in his arms, but she knew they shouldn't.
"I want you," he whispered in her ear.
"I want you, too."
"God I love you," he said in a gentle voice. "It's always been you, Livvie."
"Fitz…we're not doing this. I love you, but I…" she tried to get her reasons for not having sex with him together, but before she could, his lips were on hers again, taking over her thoughts. She tried to hold onto her sanity, but the problem was the fact that Fitz knew she couldn't tell him 'no.'
"Can we, Livvie?" he asked as he dropped kisses down the column of her neck.
"Mmm…no."
"Please, Livvie."
"No, Fitz." She vowed to hold onto to her resolve. She was not going to cave.
"Livvie, I love you."
Olivia leaned away from him, out of his reach. "And I love you, but this isn't happening tonight."
He sat up. "Why not?"
"Fitz, please don't do this. We've spent a pleasant evening together."
He groaned but he also knew she was right. "I'm sorry."
She looked at him in frustration, then understanding, which he knew he didn't deserve.
"I feel like I should say something more to you."
"You should," Olivia agreed, nodding her head. "You also have a lot to think about, Fitz. It takes two people to have a relationship, good or bad."
"I know. And while I was telling you that you didn't believe in me, I should have had more faith in your love for me."
Olivia turned to face him on the sofa, placing her hands in her lap. "But you didn't Fitz. You chose to put your teammate before me, us."
Fitz leaned over and lifted her chin with his fingers so he could look into her beautiful doe eyes. "I love you Olivia Carolyn Pope, and I never meant to hurt you. I promise if I could take it all back, I would."
When she just stared at him, dread turned to fear. He should've gotten his shit together sooner. Now he was scared as hell.
"Livvie, baby, tell me what to do to make all of this right and I'll do it."
Olivia's eyes bore into his. "You weren't supposed to ghost me, you were supposed to talk to me and listen. No relationship is perfect but what happens the next time we have a disagreement? Are you going to shut me out again? Stop answering my calls and texts? These last few weeks have been a living hell, and if this is what being with you is destined to be like, no thank you. I love you, but I am not cut out to live my life on an emotional rollercoaster. I won't go through this again with you. I can't take you cutting me out of your life the next time something goes wrong between us. And something most certainly will go wrong."
Fear gripped him. Olivia's words had an edge of finality to them.
"Livvie, I promise it's not going to happen again. I won't ever doubt you again."
Moving closer to her he took her face between his large hands and kissed her.
Breaking the kiss, Olivia looked closely at the man she loved more than life. Her next words were controlled and measured. "Fitz, if you ever hurt me like that again, I will never come back to you. Ever."
Although her words scared him, a large weight was lifted from his broad shoulders. Trust had been shattered between them because of someone else's drama, and it was up to him to restore their relationship and to make Olivia feel secure. If he had to work forever to fix the damage that he'd caused, then he would. He loved Olivia and she deserved that and more.
"I took a risk knowing you could break my heart. Then you did break my heart."
"And I'm sorry for breaking your heart, Livvie," he apologized yet again.
Olivia nodded. "We've endured a lot of drama from the outside. You are so much bigger than life, Fitz, with the attention of the world always on you. I consider myself a confident and secure woman but I've struggled trying to understand my place in your world." She gave him that beautiful smile. "But neither of us plans to give up on the other, so we need to work on communicating better, and being there for each other even when it seems damn near impossible. We have to create our own world that no one can touch."
"As I've said before, Livvie, I know it hasn't always been easy to be with me, and I've made some mistakes, obviously. I know how reluctant you were to date me because of who I am and the scrutiny of being in the public eye, but you did, and we fell in love and our love only grew stronger. But I failed this first test miserably. I allowed my insecurities to rear their ugly heads. We lost that game because we were sloppy. It had absolutely nothing to do with you. But it was easier to blame you than to admit that I have flaws." A lone tear slipped down Olivia's cheek, and he reached out and used his thumb to wipe it away. "I know that if we want a healthy relationship, neither of us can be afraid to leave ourselves bare to each other. You're right, we have to be able to talk about our true feelings and listen. I always want to protect you yet here I am hurting you the most. I didn't just miss you over the past few weeks, I missed my best friend. I need you like I need air. I can't breathe without you."
Olivia nodded, understanding what he meant. She stared at the man who'd invaded her heart, body and soul the moment she walked into his home searching for a bathroom, and whispered, "I missed my best friend, too, and I need you like I need air. I can't breathe without you either. Do you think it was easy for me when you broke my heart?"
Olivia's admission brought tears to Fitz's eyes. He shook his head and reached for her hand, tugging her closer to him, and she laid her head on his strong shoulder.
They remained that way, silently, for a few minutes.
"Forgive me," Fitz said. His voice was filled with remorse and regret. "For the way I behaved, for the uncalled for things I said to you and for hurting you."
Olivia raised her head and looked at him. "I was wondering when you were going to get around to that."
Fitz chuckled. "I'm stubborn, Livvie. So are you."
She laughed and rolled her eyes. "Okay. Give me one reason I should forgive you."
He looked at her with seriousness and love in those gorgeous eyes. "Because I want a life with you."
His simple and honest words brought tears to her eyes…again.
Olivia sighed before responding. "Fine. I forgive you. But I won't forget."
He nodded. "That's fair. I know your feelings won't go away overnight. I just hope you understand why it's so important that you forgive me."
"I do. But at the same time, you need to understand that forgiveness is an action. There are layers to it"
Fitz nodded solemnly. "I get it. I really do. I just want to move forward, with you."
"So do I."
He kissed her hair. "Are we good, Livvie?"
Olivia stared at him before answering. "Yeah, we're good." She kissed his cheek. "I love you Fitzgerald Grant, and I always will."
She sat back and looked at her watch. "It's time for me to go."
"You really should stay."
Olivia shook her head. "No, I need to get home. It's already late."
He grinned. "Your things are still here."
She smiled. "I know." Fitz hadn't done as she'd requested: pack her things and send them to her.
"I can drive you back to D.C. early tomorrow morning," he tried again.
"Nope. That won't be necessary."
Fitz sighed wearily. Olivia was not budging. "Okay." He stood from sofa and reached out to her and she took his hand. They left their favorite room and walked to the foyer where he retrieved her jacket and helped her into it. Together they buttoned the soft leather and then tied the belt at her waist. When they finished, Fitz couldn't resist and pulled her into his arms, and held her like he was never going to let her go.
Olivia wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his chest and melting against him.
His fingers massaged her scalp as he held her. Lifting her chin, he stared into those eyes for a brief moment, tilting her face at a perfect angle for his kiss. Lowering his head, he kissed her hard like he didn't want their evening together to end.
Finally, he came up for air and hugged her tightly. He pressed a kiss to her hair, and closed his eyes. He'd almost lost the best thing to ever happen to him because of his stubbornness. He would never make that mistake again.
Olivia relaxed into the rhythm of Fitz's breathing, while he held her, and she felt protected, feeling like nothing else in the world mattered. He ran his hands up and down her back, enjoying her slight weight against his chest and thighs.
"We have practice tomorrow afternoon, but I want to see you later. Is that okay?"
She leaned back in his arms and reached out to caress his beard, the beard that he'd grown and kept, just for her. "I'd like that."
He kissed her forehead. "Great. I'll make all the arrangements, and I'll be in D.C. tomorrow evening."
Olivia smiled. He was so excited. "Okay. I really need to go, Fitz."
"Stay," he pleaded one last time.
Olivia shook her head. "No, we'll see each other tomorrow. Now walk me to my car."
Fitz sighed. Sliding an arm around her waist, he walked her out of the front door and toward her car which started when she got close.
Opening the door, he assisted her inside.
"Thank you, Livvie."
"For?"
"For giving me another chance. You won't regret it."
"I hope not. I can't go through this again."
"You won't have too," he promised.
She nodded. "Good night, Fitz. I love you."
"I love you, too. And you know the drill."
Olivia laughed. The constant heaviness that had been in her heart had began to lift. "Yes mister. I will call you once I'm outside the gates so we can talk on my drive home." It was Fitz's way of making sure she made it home safely.
"Exactly."
Fitz closed the door and watched as she drove away. His heart was full and he couldn't wait to see her again. Yes, he thought to himself, he had his Livvie back.
He was climbing the steps when his phone rang. He removed the device from his pocket and smiled before answering.
"Hi."