Chapter Twenty-Four: Meet The Exes
Three Months Later…
"Remember the twins have their appointment this afternoon at three." Oliva reminded Fitz once again. He hadn't forgotten, and how could he forget when he was being reminded every hour.
"I know Liv. I'll be there." Fitz finished tightening his tie around his neck in the kitchen, while waiting on his bagel to finish toasting. Today was a breakfast on the go type of morning. He had a busy day today and he needed to make sure he was on time, so that he could leave early to make the twins appointment.
"Just please don't forget again, I don't want to have to reschedule again."
"Liv, I told you I didn't forget. There was traffic."
Olivia didn't respond, she just went back to her task of feeding the twins. They were both strapped in their highchairs and Olivia was alternating between the two, feeding them spoonsful of oatmeal. Sophia was in her own high chair and she was feeding herself. She'd become very independent lately.
"Busy day today?" Olivia asked, trying to keep up the small talk. For the past three months, Olivia and Fitz had learned to live together again, but it wasn't the same. They were truly only housemates at this point. After their big fight, Olivia had expected Fitz to move back to his apartment. And she had conflicting emotions when he failed to do so. For a while things between them were awkward and tense. They hardly said a word to one another. And they were rarely in a room together. If it didn't have to do with the kids, they chose to avoid and ignore one another. Slowly they begin to fall back into routine and things began to reach a mutual understanding.
Although they were being cordial with one another, they still weren't the same. There were no more movie nights, no more joking banter, no endless conversations about any and everything. And Olivia was no longer waking up in Fitz's bed. Her nightmares had not stopped, but instead of going into Fitz's room at night, she resorted to either the twin's nursery or Sophia's room.
Olivia had no idea how long Fitz was planning on staying with her, and for the moment she didn't mind. But she knew it wasn't going to last. Especially since he was dating again. A couple of weeks after their argument, Fitz announced that he had begun dating Claudia. Turns out she was eagerly awaiting his call, since Stephen had put in a good word on Fitz's behalf.
To say Olivia was jealous would be the understatement of the year. She was beyond jealous, she was hurt. Not too long-ago Fitz was professing his love for her and now he was dating someone else. How could he want to get back with her, and then in the next breath announce he was seeing another woman. Olivia knew it was her own fault. She could have told Fitz how she felt and possibly tried again with Fitz. But her apprehension was purely based on fear. Fear of having her heartbroken again.
She'd pushed Fitz away and now another woman had scooped him up. And Olivia had to accept it.
"Yeah, I have patients coming in back-to-back today. So if you need me, it might be best to call my secretary. She knows to put you through." Fitz smeared the cream cheese on his bagel before checking his watch. "Snap, I gotta go." He spoke with the bagel hanging out his mouth. He kissed both the boys goodbye, before heading out the door.
X
"Well, it seems like forever since we talked." Abby spoke through the phone in her office. Abby had called Olivia earlier that day, and got no answer, so she tried again and this time she got an answer. Abby and Olivia's relationship hit a rough patch for a while. When Olivia found out Fitz was dating another woman she was hurt, and then when she learned just how Fitz had met this new woman, she was livid. She was pissed at Stephen for one, convincing Fitz that he needed to start dating again and then for introducing him to Claudia. She'd stopped talking to both Stephen and Abby for a while, until Abby showed up at her house out of the blue. Abby told Olivia how ridiculous she was being, but she still assured her that yes, she did know Claudia, she had nothing to do with setting her up with Fitz. It was all Stephen's idea. Abby basically threw her husband under the bus.
"Yeah, I've been busy." Olivia replied. She was still somewhat annoyed with Abby for not warning her about Claudia.
Abby chuckled, "Yeah, I bet Adam does keep you busy." Abby said. Abby knew why her friend was so upset, but she really didn't have a right to. Especially since she was also dating someone else.
After Fitz moved on with Claudia, Olivia really wasn't looking for a relationship. But out of the blue, Curtis's friend called her. Olivia had honestly forgotten about him and the fact that Curtis had given him her number. At first, she wasn't interested, but eventually she welcomed the distraction.
"I meant my three kids Abby." Olivia rolled her eyes.
"Well that too but come one I'm being nosey. How're things going with Mr. international?"
"He's fine."
"That's all I get?"
"What do you want me to say Abby?" Olivia didn't know what else to say. Adam was a nice man, he was good-looking, smart, successful, funny and he treated her like a lady. They haven't been on a lot of dates, but Adam was a great man and Olivia enjoyed spending time with him.
"I don't know, it just sounds a little dry." Abby made a face. She knew Olivia would never get over Fitz completely, but she had to move on already. She couldn't spend the rest of her life comparing every man to the great Fitzgerald Grant.
"Abby we're fine, he's great." Olivia was getting annoyed.
"No need to get annoyed Olivia, I'm just making conversation."
"I'm not annoyed." Yes she was. "I'm just busy right now. I have to get all the kids dressed and in the car in the next twenty minutes to leave for the twin's appointment."
"Oh, okay, while then I'll let you go. Talk to you later."
"Yeah." Olivia hung up the phone and put it back on the receiver. Yes she was getting the kids ready to go, but she had over an hour before she needed to leave the house. She wasn't in a big hurry to leave, she was just in a hurry to get off the phone.
X
Abby sighed as she put her phone down. Her best friend was such a complicated woman, and a frustrating woman. Dumb smart people were the worst.
"Come in." Olivia spoke after someone knocked on her office door. She smiled when her husband walked through the door. "Hey."
"Hey, I come bearing gifts." He held up the two takeout bags he was carrying. "I thought we could have lunch together today." He sat the bags on her coffee table and went to greet her with a hug and kiss.
"Aww that was sweet and right on time too, because I am starving."
"I heard you on the phone before I knocked, I'm not interrupting am I?"
"Oh no, that was just Liv."
Stephen smiled tightly. "Oh. She still hate me?"
Abby rolled her eyes. "She never hated you, she was just pissed."
"I don't know baby. I think this was more than just a little pissed. She almost chewed my head off. I honestly don't even know why she was mad at me. All I did was give Fitz a number, I didn't make him call the woman."
"Stephen you know why Liv was so upset. I mean imagine that was us and Olivia set me up with another man. You know she isn't over Fitz yet."
"And he's not over her, but enough is enough. If they aren't going to get back together then it's time to move on. Claudia is a great gal, Fitz moved on and so should Olivia. Maybe you should set her up with someone." No one besides Abby, the girls and Olivia's family knew Olivia was dating Adam.
"Oh no, I have learned my lesson. I am not playing matchmaker with anyone, I didn't even do anything this time around and I got cursed out. I'm not meddling."
"I still think she's overreacting, but I guess I somewhat understand. And for the record that will never be us, because I am never letting you go."
X
Olivia pulled into the parking lot at the pediatrician's office and was pleased when she saw Fitz's car in the lot. He must have been watching out the window for her car, because as she parked her car near the front entrance, he was making his way towards her.
"Hey."
"Hey."
They exchanged greetings, before Fitz opened her car door. He took both the twins out of their car seats, while Olivia got Sophia. Fitz didn't bother getting the double stroller out, it was too much of a hassle and it was easier for him to just carry the boys inside.
"Noah and Jonah Grant. We have an appointment with Dr. Tutuola." Olivia checked the boys in before sitting next to Fitz in the waiting room. They sat in silence for only a short while before they were called back. Once in the room they worked on undressing the twins so they could be weighed when the nurse returned.
"I hope she tells us that Noah can finally take his helmet off." On their six-month checkup, their doctor expressed her concerns with how Noah's head was shaping and she recommended that he begin helmet therapy to help reform the shape of his head. It was always something with Noah. And although his helmet didn't hurt him, it was just something else he had to go through.
"I know he hates that helmet, but he looks too handsome with it on." Fitz smiled at the baby boy who was mesmerized with his reflection in the mirror.
"He does look adorable in it doesn't he." Olivia agreed. When she learned that Noah would have to wear a helmet, she knew right away that she didn't want him to have some boring helmet. She'd seen babies with their helmets on that had been customized and she had Noah's helmet customized in a Black Panther theme. Olivia was obsessed with Marvel movies and Black Panther was one of her favorites and the kids always got stuck watching the action movies.
"Knock Knock." Dr. Tutuola walked into the room with a smile she was always smiling. "How are we this afternoon?"
"Great. We'll be even better if you tell us we can stop the helmet therapy today." Olivia answered.
Dr. Tutuola smiled, she knew Olivia was anxious to get that helmet off Noah. "One step at a time momma." She flipped through the chart in her hands reading through the twins' info. "Well it seems both boys are gaining and maintaining a healthy weight. Jonah is still larger than his brother." Dr. Tutuola started with Jonah, rotating his hips and joints. Stretched out his limbs testing their strength. Jonah fussed when she checked his mouth, ears and eyes. "How's the at-home therapy session going?"
Since they were premature, the twins were given an at-home therapist to help them with their development and to chart whether they were developing normally. The therapist came by once a week to help the twins reach their developmental milestones. The latest was sitting up and crawling.
"It's going great." Olivia answered, since most of the time she was that one home with the twins when the therapist came. "Their therapist is very pleased with the development they've been making. Though she was concerned with Jonah that he still keeps his hands balled up in fists. He rarely uses his thumbs, even when he's reaching for things."
"Hm." Dr. Tutuola checked Jonah's hands herself. She noted that Jonah kept his thumbs tucked in, and rarely flexed them out. "While it's normal for a baby to bend their thumbs across their palms in the first few months after birth, it gradually begins to release, or so it should. Jonah doesn't seem to be releasing his thumb or even using it really. This could be the cause of a weakened tendon muscle, or even missing muscle."
"Congenital clasped thumb." Fitz said.
"Yes. But there is no call for great concern. And since we're just identifying this, I'm going to recommend to his therapist that they begin massage and stretch therapy on his thumbs, helping him to open them up and release them. And after a few weeks if there is no improvement, we will have to consider getting some splints on his hands that will stretch out his thumbs and keep them in place. Other than that, I don't see any other reasons for concern. Any other issues with this one?" Olivia and Fitz shook their heads no and Dr. Tutuola moved on to Noah. She removed his helmet so she could see the progress he was making, and she was quite pleased. Before they begin his helmet, therapy Noah had a very visible deformed head. But now the deformities were less noticeable, but still present.
"Well, I'm pleased with the progress he's made, but I think he's not ready for the helmet to be removed." Both Olivia and Fitz were disappointed. "I'm pleased with the improvements to his mobility in his joints." Noah laughed as Dr. Tutuola rotated his hips in a circle. "However, I see in his chart that the therapist listed a small concern for his vision."
"What kind of concern?" Fitz asked.
"She listed that he might have a vision problem. Seems he doesn't follow objects and respond to light as his brother does." Dr. Tutuola flashed a light in Noah's eyes. He squinted at the light, but he didn't follow the light when she moved. "Have you noticed that Noah rubs his eyes consistently or they water even when he's not crying?"
"Yes." Olivia answered.
Dr. Tutuola nodded. "I think Noah might have a vision problem. I don't want to alarm you, I'm confident this is only a result of his premature status and most likely only means that he will need glasses in the future. I'm going to refer you to a pediatric optometrist, and she'll be able to run more tests and better explain the situation for you."
X
"Hey, so I've got to meet Harrison later. He wants me to help him plan Erika's surprise birthday party." Olivia said. They were standing in the parking lot after Fitz helped her to load the kids back into the car.
"Oh yeah, she's going to love that."
"Yeah, but before I meet him I was going to take the kids to the park to ride the train. You can join us is you'd like."
"Oh. I actually have plans with Claudia this afternoon."
"Oh! Oh, that's... that's great. I mean of course you have plans, it was just a thought." Olivia was stuttering, something she rarely did. "Well I'll see you later then." Olivia quickly got into her car to hide her embarrassment. She zoomed off, leaving Fitz standing there still in his spot.
That was weird. Fitz thought.
His cellphone started ringing as he watched Olivia drive away. He saw who was calling and sent a quick text that he was five minutes away. He waited until Olivia turned onto the street, before he got in his own car and drive off.
It actually took him seven minutes to reach his destination. He parked and walked into the busy restraint looking for his lunch date. Claudia smiled brightly when she saw him walking towards the table. She stood to greet him and welcomed the warm kiss to her cheek.
"Hi." She said sweetly. "I ordered you an Arnold palmer." She pushed the glass of half tea, half lemonade towards Fitz with a smile. Claudia wasn't much of a drinker, and that was her one qualm with Fitz. Fitz was definitely a drinker. He loved his scotch and she learned that on their first date.
"Thanks." Fitz took the glass, wishing it was a long island, but he respected that Claudia wasn't a drinker so he didn't drink too much in front of her. Besides it was still early in the afternoon, he didn't need to be drinking anyway.
"Welcome, my name is Trina, I'll be your server this evening. I see you already have drinks are we ready to order?"
"He might need a moment." Claudia answered, she already knew what she wanted because she arrived early.
"Okay, I'll be back in a few to check on you."
"Perfect." Claudia smiled. She was always smiling. Fitz appreciated that about her, she was always in a good mood. Though while he appreciated it, he had to admit that he sometimes missed the spunk in a woman that drove him wild. Olivia has that spunk, her attitude could aggravate him to no end, but it could also turn him on in the best of ways. "So how's your day been?"
"Good, I've been busy all day for the most part. But you know the twins had their appointment this afternoon."
"Yeah, how'd that go?"
"Well Jonah might have to start wearing thumb splints and they think Noah might need glasses, which wasn't really a shock to me. I've noticed a few things about him that suggested it."
"Your boys are absolutely adorable." Claudia recalled from the many pictures she's seen of the twins on Fitz's phone. She could tell that Fitz was a devoted father and loved his boys wholeheartedly. But she'd yet to meet them in person. She met Olivia only once and it was brief, and Olivia hadn't said much. She seemed tough, that was Claudia's only impression. "You know I'd love to meet them one day."
Fitz didn't respond. He hadn't introduced Claudia to his children yet and honestly, he wasn't exactly sure why. He didn't bring her around often and the one and only time she'd met Olivia was purely by accident. Fitz wasn't aware that Olivia was at his parents' home.
"I know parents can be apprehensive about introducing their kids to new people that they're dating, but I think I'm ready." She reached across the table to hold Fitz's hand. "I think we're ready. I'm also ready to meet your ex-wife." Fitz gave her a funny look. "Well I know I met her that one time, but she barely said anything to me."
"That's Olivia."
"Well she's part of your life Fitz and I want to be a part of your life, so I think we should get along."
"You don't have to be friends with my ex for us to date one another."
"I know that and I'm not looking to be friends, I'm actually very nervous to meet her, but it would help if we were cordial."
Fitz sighed. Fitz couldn't tell Claudia that he had no intentions of introducing her to Olivia anytime soon. Or even ever. And the one time they did meet was completely nerve-racking to him. And he was glad that Olivia rushed out when she noticed Claudia was with him. But he knew he had to be realistic and Claudia was right. If they were dating, it was only a matter of time before Olivia and Claudia were in the same space. They had to meet properly at some point.
"Okay. My sister's boyfriend is throwing Erika a surprise birthday party, my whole family will be there including Olivia. I'll introduce the two of you then."
Claudia smiled. "Perfect."
"But as far as meeting my kids… I'll have to talk to Olivia first."
Claudia nodded. "I understand."
"Alright then now that's settled, let me figure out what I want to eat."
X
"Right, so Bootsy Bellows is her absolute favorite nightclub. She loves the old Hollywood vibes."
"Yeah, she's mentioned it a few times." Harrison said. He was glad he asked Olivia to help him plan Erika's birthday party. He hoped that Abby wasn't upset with him for not asking for her help, since she planned events for a living. But he knew that Erika and Olivia were closer so he figured Olivia would be better to ask for help since she knew everything that Erika liked and didn't like. Besides, he needed Olivia's help with more than just the party.
"Yeah and that means we won't have to do as much decorating since the venue is honestly stunning, open bar, live DJ and I was thinking we should come up with a signature cocktail or the evening. She loves anything overly sweet and colorful."
"I really appreciate you helping me out with all this Liv."
"Of course, Erika is like a sister to me. I'm just glad she finally found someone. She's too good a person to be alone. You're good for her, bringing her out that shy shell of hers, she is different with you. I like it." Olivia smiled at the look of love on Harrison's face.
"I'm different with her. And you're right, she's far too good a person to ever be alone. Which is why I need your help with her birthday present." Harrison paused and Olivia nodded for him to continue. "I plan on asking Erika to marry me." Olivia wore a look of shock on her face for a moment. "I know we haven't been dating that long, but my mother always said that when you know you've found the one don't waste time making them the one." Harrison smiled. "I love Erika, I really do. And I know in my heart that she's the one for me and-"
"Harrison, you don't have to convince me you love her. I can see it on your face. Nor do you have to explain to me why you want to marry her or if it's too soon." Olivia smiled. "Just as long as she's just as in love with you, and I know she is. Then that's all you have to think about. You don't need to explain your decision to anyone."
Harrison was relieved Olivia didn't give him a hard time, like Gerry did when Harrison asked for his blessing to marry his daughter.
"Did you speak to Gerry? I mean you don't need his permission or even his blessings, but his approval would be nice."
Harrison chuckled. "Yeah I did and he gave me a hard time at first. He gave me the whole too soon speech and we barely know each other. But after a while, we just talked and I guess I convinced him that I really do love his daughter and her eventually and reluctantly gave me his blessing."
"Good. Her father and her brother are the two most important men in her life, She values everything they say, so you get in good with them and you're solid." Olivia abruptly hugged Harrison around the neck, so completely happy for her. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks Liv. One more thing." Harrison pulled a ring box out of his pocket and opened it. "You think she'll like this ring?"
Olivia took the ring box and smiled widely. It had Erika written all over it. Harrison knew her well and Erika was going to love this ring. "It's perfect for Erika." Harrison breathed, relieved he made the choice in a ring. "So how are you going to ask her?"
"Well you know how much she loves old cheesy romance movies." Olivia rolled her eyes, because Erika was in fact obsessed with romance movies. Every time they had a movie night it was always Erika's go-to genre. "Well I was going to take a scene from one of her favorite movies." Harrison went on to explain just how he planned on proposing and Olivia couldn't stop smiling. "So what do you think?"
"I think you are so corny, you two are perfect for each other."
X
One Week Later…
"Did you ever tell Fitz that you were dating someone?" Abby asked over the speakerphone. She was in her bathroom, curling the last strands of her hair as she spoke to Olivia on the phone.
"It hasn't come up. Why?" Olivia was also getting ready in her home. It was the night of Erika's birthday party. Olivia and Harrison had planned a full night out for Erika. Starting with dinner at her favorite restaurant and then a night of dancing at her favorite club. They thought of having dinner first, so Erika's parents and all the other older friends and family could witness Harrison proposing to Erika. Olivia knew the Grant's were not up for a night of partying.
Abby sighed. "Seriously Liv, you still haven't told him yet."
"Who says I have to?"
"It's just a courtesy Olivia. I mean he told you when he started dating Claudia."
"Okay and that was his decision, I didn't make him tell him."
"No, but you know you would have been upset if he hadn't told you and you still found out." Olivia didn't answer. "Are you bringing a date tonight?"
"Adam will be joining me, yes." Olivia had invited Adam to Erika's birthday party a week ago. Adam was eager to accept. He hadn't met any of Olivia's friends except Abby and Erika. He'd already met her family, because he was friends with Curtis.
"So you're just going to throw him in Fitz's face."
"He's going to be there with Claudia. I don't see what the big deal is here."
"Yeah and you already knew that, there won't be any surprises for you."
"Look Abby, Fitz is a grown man and I am a grown woman. He can do what he wants, and I certainly can do what the hell I want. Fitz does not dictate what I do or who I do it with."
"I just think you should tell him Olivia. I think he deserves at least that." Olivia rolled her eyes. She sometimes hated how involved in other people's business Abby got. "Just don't have the man looking confused, when you show up with on another man's arm."
"You know what Abby I have to go." Olivia was tired of this conversation. "I need to get ready to make sure the kid's bags are packed for tonight and I have to finish getting ready." Olivia had finally gotten a sitter for the kids after all her apprehension. She still was a nervous wreck any time she left the kids alone, which wasn't often. Most of the time it was for a doctor's appointment or when she needed to run an errand and didn't want to drag the kids around with her. And she only used the sitter after she called Fitz, and both sets of grandparents.
"Yeah okay." Abby knew Olivia was rushing her off the phone. "Just think about what I said."
"Yeah."
Olivia hung up the phone and put it back on the charger. She did think about what Abby said. She didn't want Fitz to feel that she was lying or keep something from him, although she was. She didn't know why she was hiding Adam, she wasn't even really hiding him. Her family knew she was dating and some of her friends. She didn't know why she hadn't told Fitz yet, she just honestly felt it wasn't his business. She didn't consider herself serious with Adam yet, they were still new. She didn't feel there was a point in mentioning something that was still new.
But the more she thought, she began to see it another way. Abby was right, and if the situation was reversed and Fitz showed up to a party with another woman on his arm Olivia would feel some way for not knowing sooner.
After she finished her makeup, Olivia put her robe on and went downstairs. The twins and Sophia were down for a nap before dinner and Fitz was getting ready at Claudia's.
"Hey." Fitz spoke when Olivia made it downstairs in her silk robe.
"Fitz." Olivia instinctively pulled her robe closed. "What are you doing here? I thought you were getting ready at-"
"Yeah, I was. But I thought I should come back and help you get the kids ready and out the house."
"Oh. Okay then, thanks."
"Yeah." Fitz went to grab a beer out of the fridge and Olivia followed him.
"Hey Fitz can we talk for a sec?"
"Yeah sure, I was actually going to ask you the same thing later."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I was just going to say that you know Claudia's going to be there tonight." Olivia tensed up. "And she's looking forward to meeting everyone. But she's a little nervous to meet you again."
"Why?"
"I don't know, but she thinks that you two should get along."
Olivia snorted. "I don't need any more friends."
"She's not looking to be your friend, she just thinks that the two of you should get along for everyone's sake."
"Well I don't plan on being around her like that but okay." Olivia shook her head.
"Look, just when you meet her tonight can you please be nice? The last time you meet, you didn't even speak to her."
"I said hello." Olivia said in her defense.
"Barely, and then you were out the door the next second."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "Fine Fitz I will be nice to your girlfriend." Olivia said with a sugary attitude.
"Thank you." Fitz said in the same tone. "What did you want to talk to me about."
Olivia was annoyed now, so she just came out with it. "I'll be bringing someone tonight as well."
Fitz looked shocked. "Oh… okay."
"I didn't think it was any of your business, but Abby thought I should tell you. Something about not being blindsided or whatever, but there now you know." Olivia stood up from the table ready to go.
"Well thanks for telling me."
"Yeah." Olivia said as she walked away.
X
"Surprise!" Everyone shouted when Harrison and Erika walked through the door of the private dining room reserved for her birthday dinner.
"You guys! Harrison." Erika smacked Harrison's arm with her clutch purse. "Oh my God."
One by one everyone got up to greet the birthday girl. "Happy Birthday baby sis."
"Thanks Fitz."
"You remember Claudia." Fitz introduced.
"Yes." Erika smiled.
"Happy birthday." Claudia said quietly, as always.
"Thanks."
"Aye happy birthday girl!" Olivia came barreling over, full of energy and excitement. The complete opposite of the woman standing next to Fitz now.
Erika smiled brightly and laughed as Olivia hugged her tight. "I know you helped him plan this. Thank you."
"Of course." Olivia kept on with the conversation like the two people standing in front of her weren't there. That is until Fitz cleared his throat. He knew Olivia was purposefully ignoring him and Claudia.
"Olivia."
Olivia stopped speaking and looked to Fitz expectantly. "This is Claudia, you met once before."
Olivia gazed at Fitz for a moment more, before she finally turned her attention to Claudia. And for the first time, Olivia actually looked at the woman, when she met her the first time she barely looked at her as she muttered a hello on her way out the door. She was a beautiful woman, she looked young and innocent. Sweet. She was pale with slightly rosy cheeks. Her hair was a light brown with blonde streaks. She was smaller and shorter than Olivia. Olivia wasn't a tall woman, but she towered over the woman in her heels.
Olivia didn't hide the fact that she was looking over the woman, eyeing her up and down with her eyes. Minimal makeup and jewelry, basic black and white vertical striped dress that fell to her knees and low black heels. Sensible. That was the only word Olivia could come up with.
"It's nice to meet you again." Claudia said after an awkward moment of Olivia not speaking. She could feel Olivia's eyes on her. "Properly this time."
Olivia looked back at Fitz for a split second, before she finally shook Claudia's outstretched hand. "Hello."
"Nice to meet you." Claudia said again and Olivia just smiled. "Fitz has told me a lot about you."
"Really, he talks to you about his ex-wife." Olivia cut her eyes at Fitz. "Good things I hope."
"Of course." Claudia nervously laughed. Claudia was uncomfortable. A feeling she rarely felt. Normally she had no problems meeting new people, she was a people person, people loved her. She's never had a problem meeting someone before, but now she was meeting Fitz's ex-wife and she'd forgotten how to talk.
From the first moment Olivia looked at Claudia, she felt like the woman was shooting daggers at her. She was smiling, but her smile never quite reached her eyes. And Claudia felt so small under the woman's gaze. She was the complete opposite of the woman standing before her. The woman in front of her looked like money and she even smelled expensive. Claudia could tell Olivia was a woman who took pride in the way she looked, and so did Claudia, but not nearly in the same way Olivia did.
Claudia didn't get a good look at Olivia's the first time they met. But now, she was up close and standing still and Claudia could see just how beautiful she was. Her skin had a beautiful natural glow, she had high cheekbones, full lips, and a slender but curvy frame. And her dress. It was a form-fitting, red wine-colored, long sleeve dress with a plunging neckline and it flowed to her ankles. Claudia didn't own anything as racy and she didn't think she could even stand in the shoes Olivia was wearing. Much less walk in heels that tall.
Claudia pulled at the hem of her dress, suddenly feeling dressed like a child compared to the woman in front of her.
Erika could feel the awkward tension in the room and she felt slightly bad for Claudia. She had no idea what she was walking into. "Olivia let's go get a drink." The room they rented had a small private bar for the room.
"Sure." Fitz and Claudia were about to walk away, when Olivia stopped them. "Claudia why don't you join us."
"Oh."
"Actually we were-"
"It's just across the room Fitz."
"Yes but-"
"Oh Fitz relax, I don't bite." Olivia did bite. "And I promise, to return her." Olivia didn't give Claudia a chance to decline as she led by the arm to the bar where Abby, Quinn and Althea were already ordering. "Ladies this is Claudia. You already know Abby but this is Quinn. She's Huck's wife and this is my older sister Althea. Quinn, Thea this is Claudia… Fitz's girlfriend." Olivia sad the last part as sweetly as she could, but her friends all knew it wasn't genuine. "Drink?"
"Oh, I don't drink actually." Claudia declined.
"Hmm. Vodka martini please and something sweet, perhaps a Shirley temple?" Olivia ordered with a smile. She ordered the last drink for Claudia.
"Um, sure thanks." Claudia accepted, but she felt even more awkward. All the adults were drinking their beverages and she was drinking a Shirley temple like a kid.
"So." Quinn said. "How do you and Abby know each other."
"Um, yoga. We took a hot yoga class and kind of hit it off."
"Yeah, the same class I invited you all to but you refused."
The ladies all laughed. "It's not for everyone." Claudia said.
"So what do you do for a living, I'm realizing when my brother brought you over we hardly talked."
"I'm a veterinarian."
"Oh cool."
Olivia didn't speak, she just watched Claudia over the rim of her glass. She wasn't trying to be rude, but she didn't know what to say.
"That's actually how I met Fitz. Through Abby."
"Really." Olivia said, and Abby sighed. "How nice."
"Yeah, well she and Stephen. I'd seen him at their house one day and I told Abby he was hot and…" Claudia paused and looked at Olivia who only raised an eyebrow at her. "I gave her my number to give to Fitz and he called me."
"Hmm. Doctor, event planner and matchmakers, how… wonderful." Olivia finished her drink and ordered another.
"Fitz has shown me a lot of pictures of your kids. They're beautiful."
Olivia smiled genuinely for the first time since. "Yes they are, my pride and joy."
"I'd love to mee them one day."
Olivia looked at the woman. What does she need to meet my kids for? What is she trying to be a step momma? "Hmm." Was all Olivia said.
"Um Liv, where's Adam?" Erika asked.
"Uh he called me, he had a work emergency, but he'll be here."
"Sorry to interrupt ladies." Fitz came back over to rescue Claudia. "There are some people I want you to meet."
"She didn't bite your head off did she?" Fitz asked jokingly after they had walked away.
"Nom actually she barely said anything to me. Is she always that quiet?"
"Who Olivia? Hell no! She's the loudest one out of all the women over there and that's saying a lot."
"So it's just me?" Claudia asked. "Does she not like me? Did I say something wrong?"
"What? No, no I'm sure it's not that deep." Fitz didn't know why Claudia was so worried about whether or not Olivia liked her. "It' nothing like that, I promise she likes you. Trust me, if she didn't like you, you'd know it." Fitz hugged Claudia and kissed the side of her head.
Across the room, Olivia was once again gazing over the rim of her glass. This time at both Claudia and Fitz. She became slightly sad as she watched Fitz hug and kiss the side of Claudia's head. She looked away before anyone noticed she was staring at the couple.
"You okay Liv?" Thea asked.
"Yes. Fine." She finished her second martini and was about to order another.
"Hey maybe you should slow down on those." Thea suggested. Olivia had already gone through two vodka martinis, and she was still on her first drink.
"I'm fine. Another please."
"Hey, Adam's here." Thea said, when she noticed the tall handsome man walk through the door.
Olivia turned towards the door and once again she smiled genuinely. She sat her glass on the bar and went to greet him at the door.
"Wow." Was the first thing Adam said when he saw Olivia coming his way. "You look absolutely stunning sweetheart." He hugged her around the waist when she reached him.
"Thank you." Olivia pulled back and straightened his collar. "You look handsome yourself. And you are also very late mister."
"I know, I'm sorry."
"Is everything alright?"
"Of course."
The two fell into an easy conversation in their little bubble, unbeknownst to them that they were being watched. Fitz was across the room, engaged in a circle of his own with Claudia and a few friends. He'd noticed the man when he was escorted to the room by a waiter. Fitz didn't recognize him at first, and then he noticed Olivia making her way to him. So he assumed that this was her date for the evening.
Fitz watched the two of them together with slight confusion. He was under the impression that the man was just a date for the night, someone she'd only recently met. But they were too familiar for this to be a first date or even a fifth. The way Olivia was leaning into the man, the way she had her hands placed on his chest, looking up at him with a bright smile. And the guy, looking like the Cheshire cat with his hands resting low on Olivia's hips. And then he kissed her. No, no this was not some man she'd just met and told him about today. She had to have been seeing him for some time now, why had she only just now said something?
"Fitz you okay?" Claudia asked, when she noticed his attention was elsewhere. She looked off into the same direction Fitz was focused on.
"Yeah, I'm good."
"He's handsome. Is he Olivia's boyfriend?"
"Looks that way."
The waiter for the room came back to announce that dinner was being served and everyone took their seats. When Olivia sent out the invitations, she had people RSVP with their dinner order that way she could call and order ahead and wouldn't have to wait so long for food to be prepared. Harrison was so glad he had Olivia's help. He was already nervous enough preparing to propose to Erika, he didn't want to have to worry about a dinner menu.
Everyone began to take their seats at the tables, but Olivia excused herself to check on the kids with the sitter. When she returned, she saw that a seat had been saved for her beside Adam, but directly across from Fitz and Claudia.
Adam stood when Olivia returned, and he pulled her seat out for her and helped her push in once she was seated.
"Thank you."
"The kids okay?" Fitz asked, he knew Olivia had gone to call their sitter. He was glad that he'd finally been able to convince Olivia to hire a sitter. Olivia still hasn't gone back to work and she rarely went out, so they didn't use or even need a sitter often, but it was a huge help when they did. It took months of convincing, but Olivia was glad she finally did it. She ended up hiring a neighbor of hers, she was a fifty-two-year-old widow who lived a few houses down from Olivia. Mrs. March was a tough woman, but she had a kind heart and she loved having kids in the house again. She said she wasn't so lonely anymore. Olivia had known the woman for a while now, and she was always kind to her.
"Yes, when I called, Mrs. March said quote that they were all drooling in their sleep, not getting on her nerves anymore." Olivia laughed, Mrs. March was an honest woman and while she loved those kids they did get on her nerves sometimes.
"So Adam, how's the business treating you?" Curtis asked from the head of the table. The other half of the table carried on with their conversations.
"It's going well sir. I'm breaking ground on a new building here in LA."
"Does that mean you'll be staying here in the States longer?"
"Yes sir. Traveling the world has been fun, but I'm looking to settle down now make a home." Adam lifted Olivia's hand to his lips and kissed it.
Fitz cleared his throat. "New building? You in construction? Architect?"
"No, I'm an entrepreneur. I own and operate a few luxury hotels here in the states and abroad."
"How many buildings do you have now?" Junior asked.
Adam thought for a moment, he honestly didn't know the exact number off the top of his head. "A couple dozen."
Fitz was shocked, who was this guy? He must be loaded. "Wow, sounds lucrative."
"I can't complain, I have been blessed." Adam said the last part as he looked over at Olivia and she gazed back at him adoringly.
"So how long have you two been seeing one another?" Stephen asked. He was curious seeing as how upset Olivia was when he set Fitz up with Claudia. How long had she been dating the hotel mogul?
"A few months." Olivia answered staring right at Stephen.
"Right and how'd you two meet?"
"Junior and I go way back, we went to college together pledged the same fraternity. He introduced us."
"Yes, it seems Junior likes to play matchmaker just as you do." Olivia sneered at Stephen. "You're responsible for these two right." Olivia gestured towards Fitz and Claudia and the topic of conversation flipped to the two of them.
"Forgive me darling, I don't think we've been introduced." Adelle said to Claudia.
"Sorry." Fitz said. "Everyone who hasn't met her yet, this is Claudia. Claudia this is Olivia's parents Curtis Sr. and Adelle" Fitz went through the lineup at the table including Olivia's entire family and then Harrison's parents.
"It's lovely to meet everyone." Claudia said sweetly.
Olivia internally rolled her eyes, why does this woman constantly speak like a fairytale character? Every word she spoke was just laced with a sugary sweetness. And why was she always smiling? No one is that happy all the time. Ugh! It annoyed Olivia to no end.
The topic shifted once more as the main entrees were being served. The servers took away the plates from the appetizers and served the dinner plates. Olivia and Fitz had been to this restaurant a number of times together and they'd inadvertently ordered the same dish. The shrimp risotto.
When the server placed Fitz's plate down in front of him, Olivia got excited for her own plate. But when hers was placed in front of her she had a different reaction, she frowned. She looked at Fitz's plate and then back to her own and her frown deepened. Fitz's plate had more shrimp than hers had. The shrimp was her favorite part of the entire meal and she barely had any.
"Something wrong?" Adam asked, but Olivia didn't answer. Instead she looked over at Fitz who had already started eating, but he could feel her looking at him. He'd seen her face when she got her plate and knew what her problem was. He laughed, knowing just why she was pouting. Olivia kept her pouting look at Fitz until laughed again and lifted his plate and handed it over to her. Olivia grinned as she took Fitz's plate and switched it with her own. The pout always worked on Fitz.
Claudia and Adam, who had just watched the entire exchange between the two exes, looked at each other with a thin smile, before going back to their meals.
After the dinner had been served and everyone had finished their meals, Olivia stood and gave a toast to the birthday girl, followed by several others in attendance. Harrison knew it was his turn when Olivia looked at him a nodded. He'd been a nervous wreck all night long building up tot his moment.
"I guess it's my turn to speak." Harrison said in a shaky voice. He stood up from his chair and smoothed out his suit jacket. He is really nervous. It's adorable. Olivia thought watching the man. "As you all know, Erika and I have been dating for a while now. I guess I have to thank the matchmaker extraordinaire Stephen, since he's the one who introduced us." The table laughed. "Um… I have something for you E. Harrison reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, but it wasn't a ring box. He gave the box to Erika and watched her face go from excitement to confusion when she opened it and the only thing inside was a small spool of thread.
"Um… thank you?" Erika was entirely confused, along with the other guests at the table, who gifts someone a spool of thread for their birthday? Olivia smiled from her seat, knowing Erika's expression was about to change.
"E when I met you, I knew you were different and I knew that I was different with you. I knew that you would change me and my life only for the better. We haven't known each other as long as most who have reached this point in a relationship, but it's long enough for me to know that I love you." Harrison took the thread and tied a small piece onto the tip of Erika's left ring finger. "I love everything about you E. I love that it takes you forty minutes to order food and under five to eat it. I love that you have to stop and pet every dog you see on a walk. I love that even when you're not having a good day you still make everyone around you smile. I love that after spending the day with you I can still smell you after you've gone. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to at night and the first person I want to see when I wake. And I've realized that when you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with that you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." Erika's breathing began to change at the realization of what was about to happen. "A wise man once said For two people to really love each other and commit to one another it has to be an act of will. And those two people have to live with that decision every day, through the good times and bad. You have to hold onto that decision to love each other even if it's only by a thread. Some have let that thread break, but I'm making you a promise here tonight that I will never let our thread break." Olivia looked over to Fitz briefly before turning her attention back to Harrison. This wasn't about her thread with Fitz. "Erika what I'm trying to say is that I want to be your wife and I want you to be my husband." The entire table erupted in laughter at the mistake Harrison just made, his nerves were really getting the best of him. Erika only continued to smile up at him. "I mean, I want to be your husband and I want you to be my wife." Harrison released the ring in his hand and let it slid down the string and onto Erika's finger, just like the scene from the movie Stepmom. "Will you marry me?"
Erika didn't hesitate to answer "Yes!"
The table once again erupted, this time in cheers for the newly engaged couple. Erika and Harrison went through the rounds of hugging and kissing every person in the room.
"Congratulations baby sis." Olivia finally managed to get Erika alone for a moment. After the proposal, everyone was in her face wishing them well and wanting to see the ring.
"Liv." Erika hugged Olivia around the neck tightly. "I'm engaged." Erika said gazing at the pink teardrop-shaped diamond on her finger. "It doesn't seem real yet."
"Well it did only happen half an hour ago."
"Thank you Liv. I know you helped him plan all of this."
"You know you don't have to thank me. For anything. I'd do anything to make you happy, so when he asked for my help it was a no-brainer."
"Did you give him the idea to propose to me with the scene from Stepmom?"
Olivia laughed. "No I did not. And when he told me what he planned on doing I knew then for sure that you two were the corniest and sappiest people on earth and you belong together." They both laughed. "I can only imagine how many times you've made that man watch that movie and fifty more just like it."
Erika looked over at her soon-to-be husband. "I love him so much Olivia."
"I know." Erika and Harrison were reminding Olivia of herself and Fitz when they first met. How doe-eyed she was for him, how so was blindly in love with him.
"I think this is my best birthday yet."
"Well it's not over yet honey. Now it's time to ditch the old folks and go party it up."
Now that the dinner was over, everyone was going to Bootsy Bellows for a night out. Some of the guests were calling it a night, and of course all the parents were calling it a night. After congratulating the couple again, they made their way home.
Olivia called Mrs. March and let her know that her parents were on the way. They were going to keep the kids for the night, since Olivia didn't know what time she would be getting in tonight.
"Adam could you go get the garment bag out of my car and the small duffle bag in the back seat?" Olivia gave Adam her keys and he went to get her garment bag.
"You brought a change of clothes?" Erika asked, dammit now she wished she had a change of clothes. "Ugh! If I had known we were going to Bootsy bellows after I would have worn something different."
"Well that's the point of a surprise honey and don't worry. I brought a change of clothes for you too."
"I love you!"
"Women." Fitz shook his head. "You have to make a wardrobe change just to go to another location?"
"What, you didn't think I was going to wear this did you? Honey this is a dinner dress." Olivia told Fitz. "This is not a nightclub outfit." The women walked off to the powder room to change.
"Claudia, you want to join?" Althea asked.
"Oh, I didn't bring a change of clothes." Claudia said, wishing now that she had.
"Oh don't worry dear, you look fine." Olivia said patronizing tone, before the ladies all went off to the bathroom.
"This is going to be an interesting night." Fitz mumbled to himself.
X
To be continued...