He knew where he went wrong, but he couldn't believe it had possibly come to this. He couldn't even say he blamed her. He had a great life. He had the most beautiful wife, a beautiful 3 year old, a huge house on lots of land, and a great job. He had it all and then he ruined it. They had been walking on eggshells around one another for months and today she texted him they needed to talk tonight after Lincoln went to bed. He had a feeling he knew what was coming but was hoping and praying he was wrong. A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Fitz, man you coming to this meeting or what?"
Looking up from the picture of his family from their last family pictures 5 months ago he said, "Sorry Stephen. I lost track of time. Let's get going. Can't leave our biggest client waiting."
Noticing what Fitz was looking at and knowing that his friend's marriage was on the rocks, Stephen asked, "Liv still isn't talking to you?"
"No Stephen she's not. But she texted a little bit ago that she wants to talk tonight. I don't think that it is in my favor though."
"Come on man you don't know she could be wanting to work things out finally."
"Or she could be handing me divorce papers. But whatever it is I won't find out until she gets home later. Enough about me. We've kept Brad waiting long enough."
Across town, Olivia is having her weekly lunch with Abby at their favorite Italian restaurant. After the waiter took their order Abby decided to break the ice on the conversation she knew Liv didn't want to have.
"So have you decided what you're going to do with the whole Fitz situation?"
Taking a sip of her wine she decides now is as good a time as any to tell her best friend her decision.
"I found a house not far from our house. It's a 2 bedroom 2 bath. It will be perfect for me and Lincoln. It's a rental, so I would have to sign a lease for a year. My thinking is that that would give us enough time to figure out if our marriage is worth saving or if we need to cut our losses and just be the best co parents to Linc we can be."
Shocked with the news that Liv is actually leaving Fitz even if it's just temporary Abby asks, "How did Fitz take the news of you leaving? And what are you going to do about Linc? You can't keep him from his dad Liv."
"I know Abby. And I would never ever keep Linc from his dad no matter how bad things get. I want Linc to know he can always go see and talk to daddy whenever he wants. I would never do that to him. But I haven't told Fitz about my plans yet. I'm hoping to tell him tonight when we get home."
"How do you think he's going to take the news of you moving out?"
The waiter arrives with their food momentarily saving Olivia from answering Abby. After taking a bite of her food, "I'm not sure Abby. He's got to know it's coming. We haven't talked except for matters concerning Lincoln for a little over 2 months. We don't sleep in the same room and once Lincoln goes to bed I go into my office until I hear him go to bed."
Abby goes to ask another question, but Liv stops her. "Abby can we please talk about anything besides my failing marriage?"
Looking at how sad and exhausted her best friend is, Abby agrees and they start talking about the new clients they are taking on at OPA.
Later that day:
Dreading this moment, Fitz walks through the garage door of his and Liv's home for the past 5 years. He is greeted by the sweetest sound and the only thing to brighten his days recently.
"Daddy, daddy, daddy"
Grabbing his son up into the biggest hug he says, "Hey Bud, did you have a good day at school today?"
Lincoln grabs his dad's face and says, "Yes daddy. We learneded how to count to 20 today wanna hear it?"
"I'd love to hear it, but let me go change and see if your mom needs help with dinner and then you can show us both how high you can count."
Excited to show his parents Lincoln hops out of his dads arms and runs into the kitchen where he left his mom when he heard the garage.
Fitz walks into the kitchen to see his wife working on dinner. She's still dressed in her dress slacks. The ones that fit her ass perfectly. The ones she knows he loves when she wears them. He takes a moment to admire her from behind. He knows that this may very well be the last time he gets to admire her as his wife. The conversation they have both been dreading and avoiding is happening tonight after the second love of his life gets tucked in for the night.
Olivia heard him come in the door and the conversation between him and their son. She knew this would be one of the last times she would be privy to such a conversation between the two for a while. She sensed him as soon as he walked into the kitchen, but she didn't dare turn around. Fitz could read her like a book and she knew that if she turned around too soon he would see in her eyes that she had made up her mind. She was broken out of her thoughts by his voice.
"Hey Liv. Do you need any help with dinner?"
She finally turned around to look at her husband, "I've got it. I heard you tell Linc you wanted to change, so go ahead and do that and when you come back down, dinner should be ready."
"Mommy, when's dinnder going to be ready? I'm stawrrvingg."
Looking away from her husband, Olivia looks at her little boy, "Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes sweetie. Do you want to help mommy set the table while daddy changes?"
"Yes mommy. I be a big boy!"
Olivia and Fitz laugh at the youngster as Olivia responds, "You are a big boy huh Linc?" Then she looks at Fitz, "Go and change. We are good here aren't we Linc?"
"Yes daddy. We good here. Listen to mommy or you be in trouble."
Fitz laughs at his son and glances at Oliva. If only he knew how much trouble his dad was in with his mom. "Okay guys. I'll be right back."
Fitz walks up the stairs and goes into the closet. The closet that used to be filled with his and Liv's clothes. Recently, she has moved most of her clothes into the guest closet so now her side is almost bare. He runs his fingers through his hair thinking of times with his wife before the dreadful day she found out about what he had done. Hearing the laughter from downstairs he quickly changes into his joggers and a shirt and heads back down to join his family.
After dinner, Oliva and Fitz enjoyed some time with their son before it was time to put him to bed. Fitz gave Lincoln a bath while Olivia showered and got ready for bed. They met back up in Lincoln's room to read him a book before they tucked him in for the night.
"Daddy, one more book pweaseee," Lincoln begged.
"Buddy that was already 3 and it's way past your bedtime anyway," Fitz reluctantly told his son. He was never good at telling him no especially when he looked at him with Olivia's eyes that just happened to be the same color blue as his.
"Daddy's right sweetie. It's time for bed. You've got a big day at school tomorrow. It's pajama day," Olivia sweetly told him as she put the books away.
"Mommy loves you Linc. Don't ever forget it. I'll see you in the morning. Sweet dreams baby," as she kisses him on the forehead.
They said his nightly prayers with him. Fitz tucked him in and kissed him on the forehead as well, "Goodnight bud. I'll see you in the morning. I love you."
"Wuv you mommy. Wuv you daddy. Sweet deems," Lincoln said in his sleepy voice. Both parents knew their little boy was about to be out.
Olivia walked into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine and poured Fitz a glass of his favorite scotch. She knew the conversation she was about to have with him wasn't going to be an easy one for either of them. She walked into the living room carrying both glasses into the living room and she was met with Fitz walking down the stairs.
He looked at the two glasses in her hand and instantly got that feeling in the pit of his stomach. He watched her sit on the couch and set his glass on the coffee table. She patted the couch and told him "Come here. It's time we talked."
As Fitz sat down to join her, Olivia took a sip of her wine and sat it down on the table. She called the conversation, so she knew she was going to have to start it. She took a deep breath to give her courage to do what she had to do.
"Fitz, I want to start out by saying that I love you. So freaking much." He looked at her shocked that she said that. He hasn't heard those words in 2 months. It gave him hope that this conversation may not be too bad after all.
He sweetly smiled at her with tears in his eyes, "Livvie, I.." but she stopped him.
"Let me finish Fitz. I do love you. That hasn't and probably will never change. But you hurt me. You did the one thing you knew would ruin us. Whether it be you were too drunk to understand what you were doing or you did it knowingly doesn't matter. You did it. You broke my heart. I have stayed for the last 2 months hoping that by some miracle I would wake up one day and forgive you. That hasn't happened. I want it to, but I don't think it will happen with me living here with you."
Fitz knows she is about to tell him the absolute last thing he wants to hear. "I found a house, Fitz. It's 10 minutes away from here. It is a rental property, but I can sign a lease for a year and by the end of that year we can see where we are at. I'm not giving up Fitz. I just can't be here and see you everyday. It's been 2 months and I still cry myself to sleep every night. Lincoln asked me the other day why I am always so sad and why we don't talk anymore. He's three Fitz, and he is already picking up on the tension between us."
"Livvie, I know I put us in this position. I know it's all my fault. But you have to believe you're the love of my life. You have to know that. Please tell me you know that…"
"I don't know anything anymore, Fitz. Not anything that comes out of your mouth. How can you honestly sit there and look me in my eyes and tell me I'm the love of your life? You cheated Fitz. You slept with someone that wasn't your wife. That wasn't me. You lost the right to call me the love of your life as soon as you touched that girl." Her voice cracked a little as she talked about his infidelity.
Fitz solemnly nodded, "What about Lincoln? Are you going to keep me from seeing my son?"
"Fitz, honey, I would never ever ever keep your child from you. You can smash my heart into a million more pieces and I still would never keep him from you. You know that's not me. That's not the type of mother I am. We can come up with an arrangement that works for us and is in his best interest. We can have a family night once a week if you'd like where we do something together as a family. If he's with me and he would rather be with you, I will bring him over or you can pick him up. You not seeing your child is never a question I want you to ask me ever again. I promise no matter what happens you will always have access to him whenever you want."
Fitz knew he lucked out when he married Olivia. He's heard plenty of horror stories of how the dad never gets to his kid because the mom won't let them. He knows Olivia isn't like that, but he knows he's losing her. He can't bare to know he will possibly lose his son.
"I sign the lease tomorrow morning. With tomorrow being Friday, I am taking the day off and moving into it while Lincoln is at school. We will talk to him tomorrow when he comes home from school. We will put him to bed like we normally do and then I will leave and head back to my new house."
"I should be the one to leave Liv. I cheated. I am the reason we are here. It's only right that I leave and you and Lincoln stay here," Fitz says as he takes another sip of his drink.
"You're right. You should be the one to leave, but I don't want to be in this house that we built. The house that's full of happy memories. I can't be here and walk into a room and be hit with what used to be. You should be the one to leave, but I don't want to be here even if you weren't."
They both sat there not saying a word. Olivia finally finished her glass of wine. "Goodnight Fitz." As she moved to pass Fitz to go put her glass in the dishwasher, he grabbed her wrist to stop her.
"Livvie, I love you and I am truly so sorry for hurting you. I never wanted to do that."
"I know Fitz. You have been saying you're sorry for months. No amount of I'm sorrys will fix a broken heart though," she pauses for a second, truly looking at the man that broke her beyond belief. "I'll see you in the morning."
Fitz watches her walk upstairs before he breaks. He didn't want her to see him cry, because he has no right to cry over the situation that he put them in. He knew she'd been crying herself to sleep as he sat outside the door and listened night after night crying his own tears wishing that he could take back what he did.
As Olivia walked up the stairs she let her own tears fall. She was so proud of herself for getting through that conversation without shedding a tear. She had practiced in her head how she would tell him she was leaving and everytime she would break down. She did it though. She didn't want him to see her cry. She wanted to put on a front that she was strong and yes he had hurt her but she wasn't going to let him break her. As she laid down in the bed she called hers for the last two months, she let the tears finally fall.
Move out day:
Olivia woke up before her alarm not really sleeping much at all. She stared at the ceiling contemplating if she made the right decision. Was leaving really what was best? Was it in Lincoln's best interest? Would his smart little mind understand what was going on? Would he grow up to question her choice? All these thoughts were going through her brain. She loved Fitz and she knew in her head he loved her, but her heart wasn't on the same page. The life she was living wasn't the life she wanted to continue to live.
Down the hall, Fitz was doing the same thing as Olivia. Staring at the ceiling wondering how he got here. How he got to the point he would cheat on his wife and risk losing the best thing to happen to him. He started to think back on when they first got together.
Flashback:
Olivia and Fitz went to the same high school. Being both seniors this year, Fitz was the captain of the football team and Olivia was the captain of the cheer and swim team. They always hung out in the same circles but neither ever showed an interest in the other.
"Come on Fitz. We're all going to Abby's. Her parents are out of town and you know her and Liv throw the best parties. And all the cheer and swim team girls will be there. Plus I even heard the volleyball girls are coming tonight too." Stephen begged his friend to go. He knew that if Fitz didn't go then his parents wouldn't let him go and that wasn't an option he wanted to choose.
"Fine Stephen. We will go, but you know we have practice in the morning. If we're late to another Saturday practice we're benched for Friday's game. We will stay until 11 then we're leaving."
Stephen punched his fists in the air thinking he just won the lottery on convincing Fitz to go to the party. "We won't be late. I promise Fitz. 11pm and then we're gone. Got it. It's already 9 we got to get moving!"
Fitz laughed at his friend's excitement knowing he wasn't leaving with Fitz at 11. "Stephen, Abby lives 10 minutes from my house. By all means let's get going."
Fitz and Stephen pull up to Abby's house and see all the cars already there. He had to admit Stephen was right about Abby and Liv throwing the best parties. They walk in and Stephen immediately finds Abby and they go join the beer pong table. He goes and grabs a drink from the kitchen. He's met with the back of Olivia in a pair of biker shorts and a cropped swim team shirt. As he admires her he thinks, "damn has she always looked this good?"
Before he can stare any longer, Olivia turns around to find him looking at her funny. "Hey Fitz. You okay?"
Snapping out of his trance, "What? Oh yeah I'm good. I just came in here to find something to drink."
Olivia hops up on the counter and says, "I made a hunch punch last night. Here have some. It's perfect!" Handing her cup to him he comes closer to take it from her.
As he comes closer he takes in how good she smells. Taking a sip he agrees, "Damn Liv this shit is delicious."
Olivia takes her cup back and gets off the counter to pour him some. Handing his cup to him she tells him, "Come on let's go kick their ass in beer pong. You know we always dominate."
She was right. Everytime they partnered up for beer pong they won. Everytime. They made a great team. They walk out where everyone is gathered around for beer pong. They see Abby and Stephen lose and Jake shouts, "Who wants to get their ass kicked next?"
Olivia pulled Fitz behind her and said, "We're in, but it'll be yours that gets kicked into tomorrow." Fitz chuckles and sets his drink down to play. Of course they beat Jake and RJ plus 6 other teams before they decided to call it quits for a bit. Fitz went to go refill his and Olivia's cups and found her outside on the porch steps.
He sits down next to her and she thanks him for the drink. They sit in silence for a while and Fitz turns to Olivia and takes her in. She notices and looks up at him. "What is it Fitz?" She asks concerned as this is the second time she's caught him looking at her tonight.
"You're so damn beautiful Olivia."
Olivia blushes and sips her drink. "You're not so bad yourself Fitz, but I'm sure you already know that."
She doesn't know if it's the alcohol or what, but Olivia slowly leans in to kiss him giving him time to reject her. To her surprise, he cups her face and pulls her the rest of the way to his lips. Olivia deepens the kiss, but Fitz stops her.
Still holding her face he says, "Livvie, I don't want to do this out here. Anyone could walk out right now."
She knew he had a point. They both had reputations at school to uphold and someone walking out on them… the whole school would know by morning that they hooked up. Olivia stood up and took his hand leading him inside and up the stairs to the room she normally stays in when she stays at Abby's.
As soon as the door closes behind Fitz, Olivia pushes him up against the door. Fitz's hands roamed down her body as he kissed down her neck. When his hands reach the back of her thighs, he picks her up carrying her to the bed. Laying her down he begins to trail kisses along her body over her clothes. When he reaches the hem of her shorts, he pulls them off. Showing off her pink lace underwear. He softly kisses her core as she moans, "Fitz please!"
"What do you want, baby?"
"I want you Fitz. I need to feel you."
He smirks at her response. "Soon baby. Soon. Let me take care of you. Take off your shirt."
She sits up and slowly takes off her shirt. Revealing her matching pink lace bra. Fitz takes her all in. At this moment, he has never seen anyone as beautiful as her. He lifts up his shirt showing off his sculpted body. As she licks her lips he lays her back down kissing her soundly on the mouth. Taking off her underwear and throwing them behind him somewhere. Olivia's hands go to Fitz's joggers and unties the drawstrings to pull them down. He helps her take them off completely and is left in just his boxers. As he kisses her neck he slowly sticks two fingers inside her curling them just right to reach her sensitive spot.
She arched her back, her breasts pushing into his chest begging to be touched. His lips dropped to her exposed cleavage and he continued to pump his fingers in and out of her. He slowly starts rubbing his thumb against her sensitive spot, gaining yet another moan out of her.
"Fitz I'm close!"
"Come for me Livvie." At that she screamed out his name as her orgasm ran through her. "You're so beautiful when you come, baby." He pulls out his fingers and sticks them in his mouth, sucking her essence off of them.
Taking advantage of him being off guard she flips them with her straddling his waist. Fitz looks up at her in admiration and is so incredibly turned on. Olivia reaches behind her unclasping her bra as Fitz reaches out to cup her breasts.
He grabs her by the back of her head and brings her lips down to meet his. She can feel how hard he is underneath her as she grinds her core onto his bulge. She moved to kiss under his ear as she whispers, "Fitz I want you inside me now." Fitz doesn't know how much longer he can go without being inside her. Kissing down his stomach, she can hear his breathing change as he musters out, "Livvie". When she reaches the hem of his boxers, she pulls them down freeing his erection. Rubbing her hands up and down his shaft she slowly takes him in her mouth. Making eye contact with him she can tell he is close.
"Livvie,baby, you gotta stop or I'm going to come too soon." She heard his plea and sucked him one more time before coming up and reaching into the nightstand for a condom. "Really Liv? You just have a stache here?" Smirking at him she replies, "Baby, don't ruin the moment." She tears the condom wrapper and slowly puts the condom on his erection.
She climbs back up to straddle him as she slowly lowers herself onto him. They both moan as he fills her up. Fitz gives her a second to adjust to him, "Livvie, I need you to move baby." As she begins to move up and down, he grips her hips pulling her deeper when she comes down. He drags his hand up her side bringing her breast into his mouth sucking on her hard nipple. Releasing her nipple he flips her on her back all while staying inside her. He lifts her leg up and props it on his shoulder to give him deeper access. He brings to pump inside her hard as he can feel his release coming, "I'm about to come baby. I know you're close too. Let go with me." He reaches down to rub her clitoris bringing her to the edge.
"Fitzzzzzz," she screams as she releases and he's right behind her releasing his load in the condom. He rolls off of her and goes into the adjoined bathroom to get a damp rag to clean her up with. Once he's finished, he pulls the covers down and they climb into bed together knowing this was the start to something beautiful.
End of flashback:
Fitz decides he's going to do everything he can to save his marriage and get his wife back. Getting up he goes to take a shower to start the day before his son wakes up. After he gets dressed, he goes in to wake up Lincoln knowing that Olivia is still in her room.
Looking down on his son sleeping peacefully not knowing what is happening today, Fitz feels more determined to fight to keep his family together. "Lincoln, it's time to wake up." The little boy stirs letting out a, "No daddy. Not time yet." Fitz chuckles thinking he is so much like Olivia in the mornings. "But don't you want to make mommy breakfast with me? It's Friday. We always make mom breakfast on Fridays."
That got Lincoln's attention as he jumped up to go help his dad. "You right daddy. It is Friday. Let's go!" The two Grants walk down to the kitchen. "What are we going to make mommy this morning Linc?" Lincoln crosses his arms and puts his hand on his chin thinking about what his mom would like. Finally deciding on something, he dramatically slams his hands on the counter, "The egg quesadilla daddy. That's mommy's favorite!" The two boys get started on Olivia's omelet or as Lincoln calls it the egg quesadilla. After they make Olivia's breakfast, Fitz makes Lincoln a little omelet with some buttered toast to eat.
Olivia walks into the kitchen to find both boys putting the final touches on her plate. She smiles, "What do I get to eat this morning Linc?" Turning to his mom with a huge grin on his face, "Me and daddy made you an egg quesadilla mommy!" Olivia walks next to her son kissing him on the forehead before taking a seat next to her little love at the island.
Taking a bite, she moans dramatically, "mmm Linc this is so good. It may be the best one you and daddy have made for me." Grinning ear to ear Lincoln high fives his dad. Fitz smiles as he observes his wife and their son, but it slowly fades as he realizes this is the last Friday morning he will be able to do this.
Noticing his change in demeanor Olivia states, "Lincoln, mommy took the day off today so how about I help you get ready for school so daddy can get himself ready this morning." Eating his last piece of fruit Lincoln states, "Okay mommy. That be very cool wif me."
Taking their empty dishes to the sink, she glances at Fitz and softly smiles knowing he's been thinking the same thing she has. This is going to be a rough day emotionally.
While Olivia is getting Lincoln ready, Fitz is in their bathroom getting himself ready for the day and decides to text Stephen really quickly letting him know that Olivia is moving out today.
Fitz: Liv is moving out today.
Stephen: Damn. You okay man?
Fitz: No, but this is what she needs so I'm going to do everything I can to get her back.
With that he puts his phone in his pocket and heads out to check if Lincoln is ready to go.
Both Lincoln and Olivia are in the kitchen getting his bookbag ready to go. He looks at Olivia's outfit. Seeing her in black biker shorts and one of his old college shirts that she cut, the reality sets in that she won't be under the same roof as him tonight. "You ready Linc?"
"Yeah daddy. Let's get a move on, because I not gonna be late on PJ day!!"
Both parents laugh at their little boy as he jumps down from the bar stool. Fitz looks at Olivia and kisses her cheek, "if you need any help today let me know." She nods, "Abby is going to help me, so I think we'll be okay but thanks." With one final nod he says, "I love you Livvie." Knowing he won't get a response the boys head out.
Later that morning
After Fitz drops Lincoln off at school, he heads to the office. Sitting behind his desk staring at the computer screen he is torn on if he should be at the house helping Liv or just continuing on with his work day like he planned. His heart is in pieces knowing that this is all his fault. Fitz is so in his own head that he doesn't hear the knock on his door.
Stephen opens the door after getting no response to see his friend completely zoned out. Walking over to the desk still with no acknowledgement from Fitz he snaps his fingers and states, "Fitz. Man snap out of it." Fitz finally shakes his head and looks at Stephen. "Sorry man. I'm just not all here today."
Feeling bad for his friend, Stephen offers, "You want to tell me how last night went?" Fitz tells him everything that happened. He tells him how torn he is and that he doesn't even want to be at the office today. Stephen sits there for a minute taking everything in. He finally thinks he may have come up with a solution. "Fitz, why don't you go to your parents for the day. I know they have no idea what's going on between you and Liv, but you could either tell them or just go over there and hang out. I'm sure your mom would love to see you and who knows your dad may have some things for you to help him do on his daily honey do list your mom gives him." Fitz thinks about it for a moment and says, "That might not be the worst idea. I'm going to try and send a few emails and then I will probably head over there." Stephen gets up and walks to the door. Before walking out he says, " You know if you ever need anything I got you."
Meanwhile, at the house they share together, Olivia and Abby are putting her things in boxes to take to her new place. She wasn't taking too much, because she had ordered new furniture for the rental home earlier that week that was going to be delivered this afternoon. Abby came across a picture of the Grant family that was taken a few months before everything went south. She turns and looks at Olivia realizing that she had been quiet for some time. Breaking Olivia out of her silence Abby asks, "What about this?"
Olivia takes the picture from her and just stares at it for a second. "I just don't get it Abby. How could we be so happy one moment and then the next it all be ruined? It just doesn't make sense. I know what he's said about that night and his story adds up. It's not that I don't believe him. It's just.."
"You're hurt," Abby finishes.
"So hurt. I knew what everyone said about him in high school. I mean shit. When we first got together at that party I knew his reputation. I just thought that I was it for him. We've been together for 10 years and he's never once made me question him. Until now. Now I have no idea who he is." Wiping her tears that fell, "I don't want the picture, Abby."
Abby takes the picture back and puts it on the dresser. "I'm going to start taking these boxes to the car. You're almost done with the closet and then we should be ready to head over there for the furniture delivery," Abby states.
Olivia finishes packing up her stuff and helps Abby bring the boxes to her car. They get in the car and head over to Olivia's new home for the next year.
At the Grant Estate
Fitz pulls up to his parent's home just in time for lunch. He walks in like he always does and finds his parents in the kitchen. Both parents are surprised to see him in the middle of a work day.
Big Jerry gets up to hug his boy, "Son. Good to see ya!" Hugging his dad back Fitz replies, "Yeah. It was a slow day at the office, so I thought I'd come see if you needed any help with your honey do list today." Big Jerry laughs, "I could always use an extra hand. Your mother thinks everything on this property is broken or needs updating." Elizabeth swats Jerry's arm and hugs her boy, "Jerry, you hush. Half the stuff you end up working on isn't even on the list." Taking a step back from Fitz, she gives him a once over. He looks tired and sad, but thinks he is putting on a good front for his parents. However, the two of them know him better than anyone. Instead of questioning him, Elizabeth offers, "Fitzy, I just finished lunch. Why don't you join us before you and your father get started?" Nodding his head, "That sounds good mom."
Elizabeth and Jerry observe their son while they eat lunch together. Fitz is more pushing his food around on the plate than eating it. They share a look and Elizabeth jokes, "Don't tell me you don't like chicken salad anymore Fitz." Chucking at his mom, "No I do. I guess I'm just not very hungry right now." The parents leave him be and finish their lunch. Big Jerry and Fitz head out to get started on the latest project Jerry has going on.
When they get to the shop a little down from the house Big Jerry says, "You didn't stop by in the middle of the day because the office was slow." Looking at his dad he knows he's been caught. He shakes his head no and says, "It's been a rough couple of months at home and today is going to be a real kicker. I wasn't going to get anything done sitting at my desk, so I thought I'd come see what you had going on."
Fitz' statement shocks Jerry. Fitz and Olivia have been thick as thieves since they were in highschool and once they started dating you couldn't keep them apart. Jerry knew something bad must have happened if Fitz was coming over to their house instead of going home to his own. Breaking out of his shock he says, "You want to talk about what's been going on at home?" Fitz looks at his dad and runs his fingers through his hair, "I fucked up dad. Like big time. A year from now I might be getting a divorce."
At that, Jerry sits down on the stool he keeps in his shop. "What did you do?" Jerry asks skeptically. Fitz starts pacing, a habit he picked up from his wife in college. After a few minutes pass, he says, "I slept with a woman that was not my wife." Once he says that, he starts sobbing. Jerry walks up to him and hugs him until he is done.
When he collects himself he tells his dad, "She's leaving me. Olivia is moving out today. She said she found a house 10 minutes from ours that she is going to rent for the next year. She can't even look at me. Last night was the first time she told me she loved me in 2 months. My marriage is falling apart right in front of me and it's all my fault."
They both sit there in silence letting the words hang out there for a bit. "Dad, say something."
"Fitz, you fucked up." He responds.
Throwing his head back in frustration, Fitz says, "No shit dad. I already know that. I fucked up. I broke Livvie's heart, I broke my own heart, and tonight I'm going to break Lincoln's heart when we tell him mommy won't be living at the house anymore."
Jerry slowly nods in agreement. "I cheated on your mom once. It was before we had you and your sister. A few years after we were married, your grandfather finally promoted me to CEO of the company. I started staying later at the office and going out of town on business more. Your mom didn't care for that. She was ready to start a family. We had gotten into a big fight about it. She said that if that was the type of man I was then she wasn't going to have children with me and practically be a single mom. She wasn't speaking to me and I continued to stay late. One night, an intern came into my office to give me some documents for the meeting the next day. I was already drunk and she could tell. It all happened so fast. After she left, I stayed at the office. I didn't go home. I was too ashamed of what I had just done. That night I vowed that if your mom didn't leave me then I was going to be the man she married again. I didn't go home for a few days. Once I finally told your mom, she packed me a bag and kicked me out. She told me to come back when I had no more clean clothes. 2 weeks later I came home and we talked. It took 2 years for us to get to a good point in our marriage again. But Fitz, we still go through stages where she doubts me. And that's okay. I put that seed there. We've been married for 34 years and I have never even thought about doing that again. Your mom forgave me and she still loves me, but she never forgot what I did. It may be in the back of her mind most of the time. She still remembers. And each time we go through a phase where she doesn't trust me I reassure her, everytime, that she's the only one for me."
Jerry pats Fitz on the back, "But son, not every wife forgives their husbands after they cheat. You need to be prepared that no matter how hard or how long you work on repairing the relationship it may not be fixable. Liv is a great woman. Any man would be lucky to have her, and you just threw that away. I love you son and there is nothing you could do that would change that. However, if Olivia decides she wants a divorce you need to accept that because you fucked up."
Jerry lets his words sink in for a moment then hands Fitz a drill. "Now come on. You can sit there and mope like you were going to do at the office or you can take this and help me." Grabbing the drill from his dad he gets up.
Later that day
The furniture came and everything was set up how she wanted it for now. She looks at her watch and sees that it's already close to 4. Knowing Fitz and Lincoln are already back at their house she tells Abby, "I think that's all we're going to get done today. I think it looks great. I'm going to head over to the house to see my baby."
Abby and Olivia share a hug bye, and Olivia thanks her for helping her. Before Olivia gets in her car Abby stops her, "I'm one phone call away if you ever need me to come over."
"I know. Be safe. Love you."
When Olivia gets to the house, she walks in through the garage. She doesn't hear them inside but knows their home, because Fitz' truck is in the garage. She walks to the back windows and sees them playing ball out back. She opens the door and walks out to watch them. Lincoln sees his mom and runs over to her.
"Mommy mommy did you see me hit the ball? It went so far!"
She picks the little boy up and hugs him tight. "I know, baby. You're getting really good at that. Maybe we should sign you up for tee ball this year."
Fitz stands over where Lincoln hit the ball not wanting to interrupt mother and son. Olivia makes eye contact with him and smiles to greet him. Fitz walks over and says, "We got stuff for homemade pizza tonight for dinner." Olivia nods, "That sounds great."
At the sound of pizza Lincoln tells his parents, "I hungry now. Can we make it soon?"
"Yes baby. Why don't we go get you washed up and then we can start making it." Olivia says.
Lincoln quickly picks his toys up and runs inside so wash his hands. Once hands are washed and Lincoln's chef apron is put on, Fitz lays out all the ingredients for the pizza. Lincoln is the first one to be done because he only likes cheese and pepperoni on his. He takes a seat at the island and watches his parents finish theirs. Once all three pizzas are in the oven, Olivia looks at Fitz and says, "I think it's time."
Knowing they had to tell Lincoln at some point Fitz nods his head. "Linc, mommy and daddy have something we need to tell you."
"Okay daddy. I listening."
"You know how daddy told you that I hurt mommy's feelings and that's why she's been sleeping in the other bedroom?" Lincoln nods his head. "Well daddy hurt mommy's feelings really bad and she's not ready to forgive me yet."
"Daddy, have you said sorry?" Lincoln asks.
Olivia can tell Fitz is struggling so she decides to take over. "He did Lincoln. Several times. But you know how mommy and daddy always tell you that just because someone says sorry doesn't mean you have to forgive them yet?" Lincoln nods.
"You forgive them when you heart feels ready to." He says. Olivia and Fitz nod. Olivia continues, "Mommy's heart isn't ready to forgive daddy yet. And I need some time away from daddy in order for my heart to forgive him. So mommy has a house not very far from here when I'm going to stay for a little bit."
Lincoln thinks he's understanding and his lip starts to quiver. "Mommy, you leaving me and daddy?"
"No baby. I'm still going to see you all the time. But sometimes you're going to come stay with mommy at her new house and when you stay with daddy here, mommy won't be here every time. But I'm not leaving you baby."
Lincoln nods his head and starts crying, "I hold you mommy." Olivia goes and holds her baby while he cries and she reassures him that she would never leave him and that she loves him so much. Fitz and Olivia both have tears in their eyes at this point knowing this won't be the last time he cries.
When the tears subside, they pull the pizzas out and eat. They focus on talking about Lincoln's day and how much fun pajama day was.
With it being Friday night, they always watch a movie together. Lincoln picks Cars to watch. Olivia gets Lincoln ready for bed in case he falls asleep during the movie. Lincoln and Olivia head back downstairs and Fitz has the couch ready for them. Sure enough half way through the movie, Lincoln is asleep. Fitz carries him upstairs while Olivia folds the blankets and puts them up.
Fitz comes back down and knows that Olivia is about to head to her house for the night. They haven't talked about it since they told Lincoln. "Did you get everything moved in okay?"
Olivia turns around and replies, "Yeah. For now. I need to get a few more things to make it feel a little more homey, but other than that it's all good to go." They both stand there awkwardly for a second before Olivia says, "I know this is going to be hard Fitz. But like I told Lincoln. My heart isn't ready to forgive you yet, and I don't know when it will be."
"Livvie. I am so so sorry. I know I broke your trust and heart. But I'm going to do everything I can to show you that you're the only one for me. I will spend the rest of my life showing you that I love you if that's what it takes." Fitz slowly takes a step towards her.
Olivia takes a step back. "I love you Fitz. But I can't do this right now with you. If I was the only one for you, you wouldn't have slept with that girl." She now has tears spilling down her face. "You hurt me. And I'm angry that you threw 10 years down the drain for one quick lay. I could easily serve you with divorce papers tomorrow if I wanted to, but I don't want to call it quits just yet. But I'm also not ready to sit here and hash everything out with you." She takes a minute to wipe her tears and gather her thoughts. "Lincoln's birthday is in 2 months. After that we can talk to someone about repairing what you broke. I'm going to get going. I'll see you in the morning for breakfast." With that she turns and walks out the door.
Fitz stands there for a minute thinking how stupid he is. Watching Olivia cry made him hurt even worse. He sat on the couch and tried to watch tv before he went to bed but all he could do was cry. He went up to his room and laid there looking at the ceiling until he finally went to sleep.
Olivia got to her house and cried herself to sleep for another night. Thinking how did I get here.