The car ride from downtown to the cozy neighborhood in Chevy Chase took about fifteen minutes. It was a simple route, down a couple of busy intersections, and eventually a series of quaint roads. Fitz Grant drove to the house in silence, but wore a shit-eating grin the entire way back, breaking the monotony of the regular commute. Marveled that a random date could turn his world upside down and right to where it needed to be. Pure excitement ran through his veins as he pulled the car into the driveway, arriving home.

Turning off the car, he turned around to gently shake the sleeping Teddy's leg.

"Buddy, we're home."

Teddy groaned as he rubbed his eyes, getting reacquainted with his surroundings. Fitz quickly opened the door to release him from the booster car seat.

"You did great tonight," he said, hugging the boy as they entered the house.

Teddy mumbled, "Thanks."

Fitz was very proud and appreciative of his son's behavior. It was a mad rush to get from the house, attempting to bypass typical post-work traffic, and then sitting for a few hours. The quick change of routine could have thrown him off, but it was amazing that he could be so awesome.

Now that they were in the comfort of their home, Fitz wanted to know what his favorite guy thought. Teddy's opinion meant the world to him.

"It was nice."

"Yeah?"

Gradually ascending the stairs, the Grants migrated to Teddy's room.

"Mmhmm," he added. "Lots of yummy food."

"Awesome."

Switching out of his clothes and into comfy pajamas, Teddy climbed into the rocking chair that has been passed down from his late grandmother.

"Hey, buddy."

Teddy slowly rocked as he answered, "Yeah, Daddy?"

Fitz ruffled his son's hair. "What did you think about Miss Olivia?"

"Miss 'Livia?"

The boy gave a quizzical expression.

Kneeling down to blow raspberries on Teddy's cheeks, which always made him burst into laughter. "Yes, we joined her for dinner tonight."

Teddy's eyes widened as he gasped in realization. "Oh, yeah, I liked her. She was very nice even though we were late and she laughed at our jokes!"

Receiving a truthful analysis like that, Fitz smiled from ear to ear. "That's great, Ted."

"How about you," the younger Grant asked. "Do you like her?"

"I do," Fitz answered calmly. "I'm hoping I can see her again. If she says yes, will that be okay with you?"

With a nod, Teddy began tapping his father's arm. "Of course. Sure."

After a few kisses on the cheeks and high fives, Fitz could tell everything would be okay between them. "Okay," he started in a low and soothing tone, "It's time for bed."

Teddy scrambled into bed, pulling the dinosaur patterned covers up to his neck. Fitz kissed his forehead once more.

"I'll see you in the morning. I love you, Teddy Bear."

"Love you too, Daddy Bear."

Fitz clicked the nightlight on and left the door ajar, before returning downstairs. As he surveyed the dimly lit kitchen and living room, he got to thinking. Maybe send a text Olivia. Just to see if she made it home alright. Was it too bold of a move?

He wasn't the biggest fan of texting; only using it for emergencies with friends or other work buddies. But it was very late and it would have been extremely creepy to call. Of course, she would have arrived home well before he and Teddy did.

Fitz bit his lip as he thought out his plan. Something simple, yet effective.

Thank you again for a great evening. -Fitz

Satisfied with his idea, he placed the phone on the kitchen counter, focusing on his pre-bedtime routine. About twenty seconds later, the buzzing that came from the phone nearly startled him. It had to be her because who else would be up at ten o'clock?

Fitz checked and smiled.

You are very welcome. Let's get together soon. :)

It made him so happy Olivia responded. She responded! Something so mundane could brighten his mood.

Should he leave the convo there or work on a new line to keep things going?

Okay, sounds like a plan!

He noticed that she also owned an iPhone รข" the floating dots encouraged him. Eyes glued to the screen, waiting for the text to come in.

Are you going to bed now?

Surprised by the question, but wildly enthusiastic, Fitz answered at a rapid pace.

Not yet. You?

Fitz waited for the reply, but the floating dots ceased. Anxiety filled his thoughts; maybe he had crossed the line. He probably shouldn't have answered so quickly. The ins and outs of texting etiquette, after meeting a new person, was not a familiar concept. Even with his uncertainties, Fitz knew he did the right thing. Tonight was extraordinary and he didn't regret meeting Olivia --this confident and beautiful woman. Missing any chances to talk to her would be devastating.

"Okay," he sighed, keeping the phone right where he needed it to be. On the counter. Downstairs. Hoping the glass of scotch and the book on the dresser would distract him from what was really on his mind.

Fitz crossed to the stairwell when the phone faintly began to ring. Thankfully, the familiar tone was low enough, it wouldn't wake Teddy. Jogging back, he glanced at the name, and pressed "answer".

"Hello?"

"Hi."

Fitz grinned, silently thanking his lucky stars that Olivia decided to call.

"Hi."

There was a pause on the other end.

"Hi."

"Is this all we're going to do? Greet each other different ways," Fitz slyly inquired.

"No," a sweet laugh arose. "How are you?"

"Better now that I'm talking to you."

Olivia let out an aww, responding to the incredibly corny line. "Is that so?"

Fitz affirmed, "I tell the truth, Miss Olivia--"

"Pope. My last name is Pope."

Her name sounded so lovely in his ear. "Nice to officially meet you, Miss Olivia Pope. Mine is Grant."

"Okay, Mister Grant. Lovely to meet you too."

Fitz could feel his cheeks rise. Listening to her speak was like heaven. He must have zoned out again like earlier because Olivia asked him something and he didn't hear her.

"I'm sorry?"

"What are you up to," she repeated. Fitz was thankful that she had a playful vibe going on and not irritated at him.

"I said good night to Teddy and I was about to participate in my nightly routine."

"And what is that?"

"A book and scotch."

"That sounds like fun," Olivia stated.

Fitz reached over to take a sip and gave a nod. "It calms me down. Nothing fun about having a busy mind before bedtime."

She hummed in agreement, "I know what you mean."

"How about you?"

"Prepping my bag for tomorrow."

"That's great."

Like earlier, a silence halted their awkward flow. But in a way this was comfortable, feeling nice to just breathe and know she was on the other line. As if she was right there in the kitchen. This was organic and not too forced, which was honestly refreshing to him.

Fitz leaned against the counter, with the phone glued to his ear. He sighed.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine," he spoke. "You must be tired, so I'll let you go."

"Trying to get rid of me?"

Fitz laughed at the sassy remark, quite amused. "No! I didn't want to bore you and it is late."

Olivia replied in a softer tone, "I suppose. Alright. Thank you for texting me. Talk to you tomorrow?"

"Absolutely," Fitz enthusiastically replied.

"Great."

He could envision her smile through the receiver.

"Good night, Olivia."

"Good night."

They simply grew apart.

On paper, the divorce was clear cut. Being a lawyer and knowing all of the jargon and time frames had its perks; the mental and emotional strain of a dissolving marriage while taking care of a one-year-old had taken a toll on Fitz.

They met in law school. Top of their class. It was easy. Two passionate individuals drawn to each other physically and mentally. After three years of marriage, he hinted at possibly including a child. She wasn't so keen on the notion. Ambitions reigned in this union. They both had plans and goals; hers involved a rise to power. Children were not in that plan.

Teddy was a surprise. Mellie loved the baby, but was not receptive to the responsibilities of motherhood. It crushed Fitz to see her with their son. She was trying, but in his mind, it was different than what he was used to. On top of this, they hadn't spent any quality time together. Every discussion was short and temper-filled.

Fitz and Mellie were going in different directions.

If there was a way to fall in love, the Grants fell out. No one cheated, but seeing one another put a wall between them. There was a time when Fitz and Mellie could only communicate via email from their personal accounts. Hearing her voice was too much and nothing productive could happen. All of the unresolved hurt and anger rehashed every detail in his head.

He had a part to play as well. Resentment clouded his vision. Fitz used his work and the company of friends to replace the intimacy he craved with his wife. She wouldn't look his way, his touch made her cringe, and it was devastating. At the time, he wasn't seeing how the changes affected Mellie. How this new chapter was not what she wanted. Now, several years out, he understood that her dreams were not his.

When the divorce was being finalized, she suggested that Fitz take full custody of Theodore. Mellie found a job out of state and she believed the move would affect Teddy, so staying in the District would be best for him.

Fitz was pissed that the mother of his child would easily relinquish her rights. It was like she was giving up on the baby. On him.

Scotch and sleep helped bandage the pain of being alone. Everything now surrounded plans with the baby. Taking classes to learn how to support his child and himself, while moving up the ranks of the law firm. Thankfully, he found a great daycare facility and babysitter who were very understanding. And so his life as a single father began as the weight of a loveless marriage was gone.

But something else was missing -- his own happiness. There needed to be a way to find his true self again.

Feeling the tug of his son's hands on his arm, Fitz awoke and rose from bed. The clock read 8:30 and he was thankful. He had the day off, so he could hang out with Teddy. With his free time, Fitz was hoping the constant bad dreams of his failed marriage would wear off.

"Ready for breakfast, big boy?"

Teddy jumped on the bed several times, going higher each time. "Yeah! Yeah!"

After quick showers and brushing teeth, Fitz started a waffle breakfast for the two of them. Not expecting anything, he glanced at his phone. Two text messages.

Both from Olivia.

Good morning, hope you have a great day.

The second message was a picture. She had taken a selfie on a walking path in Georgetown, which he easily recognized. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and sporting a grey athletic top. With a huge smile and bright eyes.

She was absolutely stunning.

"Daddy, why are you smiling?"

"Huh," he asked, meeting the curious eyes of Teddy. He knew something was going on with his father. For a child a few months shy of entering kindergarten, Theodore Wallace Grant sure knew how to read people.

"Nothing much. Just got a really nice message. It made my morning."

Fitz waited for his son to respond. All he did was smile and return to his toys.

As he finished making breakfast, Fitz kept thinking about the picture. He was on her mind as well and that excited him.

His heart hadn't raced that fast in years. But he desired to learn about her, know her better. He wanted to tell her the truth -- he was fucking lonely. Rarely attending social events with the guys. Since the divorce, Fitz had only been on four official first dates and two girlfriends.

Every attempt at a relationship had failed miserably. One woman thought having a kid involved was a turn off; the other came on a little too strong and Fitz wasn't ready. So rusty, it could have sealed the deal for him to not try again.

But after meeting Olivia last night, he was now determined to be ready. He was willing to take a chance, go for what he deserved.

True happiness.

He saw a glimpse of that in Olivia.