Chapter 7
They left the movie theater hand in hand. For lack of better wording the exceptionally good-looking couple that seemed to have eyes only for each other were "head over heels" in love. They weren't trying to deny it to themselves nor were they trying to hide the fact. Fitzgerald Grant had known from day one. Skeptical for a day and half his counterpart Olivia Pope had now accepted the fact that she was in love with a man she barely knew. She had always imagined that when she fell in love it would be a hard fall. And it was. Olivia had never done anything in her life in a small way. Things that involved her were usually out of the ordinary. This love affair of hers was going to ignite a firestorm. Her family, Peter Hansen, the islanders that she knew, they would all probably question her sanity. Olivia Pope had always been the voice of reason. She never broke the rules. She was the good girl. She was over it. All of it. She wanted him! He was her choice.
She looked up at Fitz and smiled. He had smiled back with that boyish mischievous smile of his. As he had done many times over the last two days, he brought their joined hands to his lips. He placed a tender kiss upon her hand. Olivia gave the parking attendant her ticket. Fitz had pulled her into his arms into a loving embrace.
"Olivia, you bring out such overwhelming responses from me. Tonight, has been a wonderful night. It was a great date, Olivia. I don't know when I've been to a movie experienced such delight and it had nothing at all to do with the film. To be honest I barely glanced at the thing. You made me forget everything in that theater but you Olivia."
"I thought the movie was a great idea and it actually wasn't. This thing between us is too new right now. It seems as if no matter what the setting, it's combustible. I think the heat between us, our need for one another is too great for even the long enduring 007. I will admit that I haven't any idea what James Bond was up to tonight either and I don't care. We will have to watch the film at another time.
As a student of medicine that has studied human sexuality, I know that what exists between us is the norm, rather than the exception. This heat, this fire we can hardly control it. Humans aren't really that far removed from animals you know. Animals come together and they realize they have found their mate, and in some cases it's for life. There is a certain amount of fanfare but in the end, they simply want to be together. They mate and share each other's bodies. I think you and I are going to have to assuage this hunger, this incredible sexual energy between us before we can do much of anything else.
What is going on between us, I first thought to deny it and then I thought to even disbelieve it was happening. It's happening though. We met and we have fallen in love. The next logical step is the mating process. I want you to know that I'm looking forward to it Fitz."
"Dr. Pope, thank-you for the biology lesson. I know that human sexuality has its roots in the ways of animals after all we evolved from them. There will be a mating process but let me assure you that the similarities end there. We have met and fallen in love. I want you and you want me. We both know what the "mating process" is Olivia. We have done it before but never have we done it with another human that we love. That is what will change it for us, Olivia. Sex is a great and amazing thing. I can only imagine what it will be like with you. I have never been in love with a partner before Olivia and because of that fact I have never been so eager. Tomorrow night can't come soon enough."
"Do we have to wait until tomorrow night? We really don't have to you know. I want to be with you too."
Olivia's car was returned from valet parking by a young islander obviously in his teens. Fitz tipped the young man a hundred-dollar bill and thanked him before Olivia could even open her purse. Fitz' actions put a big smile on her face. The man she had chosen was rich and he was generous. That money would go a long way for the young man's family. She knew them. This kid worked this job after school to help support his family. They got into the vehicle and started the ride back to the resort.
"That was a very generous thing you did back there. That young boy works to help support his family. That money will be put to good use. He thanked you. I wanted to thank-you as well for being a kind and considerate person. I value kindness in people. I find that people that are kind have the most to contribute to society. We see and hear about so much ugliness everyday."
"I'm glad then that I gave him a large tip. I now wish it had been more. There needs to be a lot more kindness in this world. As for us and continuing our night. Olivia, I probably won't be able to move into my new accommodations until tomorrow morning. To be honest I have reservations about you coming to my rooms at your uncle's resort. The man knew our every move two night ago. He found us in the darkened corner of a bar. That wasn't a coincident Olivia. The place is wired and monitored which is normal and as it should be. And Uncle Jim is aware of all that goes on! I simply don't want our relationship under scrutiny. Wouldn't it bother you to know we are being watched?
"It would. And you are right of course and under normal circumstances I would agree wholeheartedly. However, Uncle Jim would never spy on his clientele in the privacy of their rooms. The man adheres to a strict code of honor. His word is his bond. I asked Uncle Jim not to tape us at the Point today and he did not. If we chose to go to your room tonight, I could request that he look the other way."
"Olivia, the man loves you like a daughter. It is bad enough that you have asked him once to discontinue security at his private property, but to put stipulations on his private businesses as well? The man isn't a fool Olivia. He knows that I intend to have you in my bed. I already have a hard ship to row with your family. If Uncle Jim thinks I have encouraged you down the road of "ruination" it would alienate me further. You and I are about to embark on an incredible journey. I don't expect it to all be smooth but some things, things that spell trouble for us we should avoid."
"Fitz, my uncle knows that you are my choice. He wouldn't think it out of the ordinary for me to use subterfuge in order to be with you. I have made myself plain to him. Yes, he knows that you want me in your bed but he knows that I want to be there. He will be on my side in this. Uncle Jim is always on my side when I make myself plain."
"Olivia, what have you made plain to uncle Jim? The man already looks at me as if I am the debaucher of innocent virgins. He knows we only met days ago and if you have implied to him that I have taken certain intimacies with you Olivia his dislike for me will only grow. We are going forward we both know that but I don't want you alienated from your family. I know your family is important to you and so is Uncle Jim. In time he and your entire family will see that my intentions are honorable."
This would've been a great time for Olivia to speak up and say that she was in fact an innocent virgin. She thought about trying to insert it into this current conversation. As it was, her virginity wasn't something she wanted to discuss as they drove along in a car. This was a delicate matter and it deserved a "proper setting." It was obvious that Fitz thought she was a woman of the world. He thought she'd had sex before but she hadn't. As of right now there hadn't been a right time to tell him otherwise.
He obviously didn't expect her to be a virgin. Part of the dilemma for Olivia was, what did he expect of her? How was she expected to please him when she knew next to nothing? She wanted him to be pleased with her and she was worried more about her naivete in the sexual realm than the breaching of her maidenhead. Nonetheless time was becoming a precious commodity. Tomorrow night she would meet his family and when they left that gathering, they would begin their true sexual relationship in earnest. She needed to tell him! Yet she didn't.
"Just that I have chosen you and what ever having made that choice entails. Uncle Jim knows I intend to have sex with you Fitz. Like any parent would do, he simply asked to me to protect myself from pregnancy and disease."
"I can understand his concerns. A father or even a protective godfather isn't wrong to show such concerns. On my life Olivia, you will be safe with me. And you will be protected from pregnancy and disease."
"I'm not on birth control Fitz. Should I take care of that aspect of our liaison, or will you?"
"All you have to do is show up Olivia. Leave the rest to me. I love the way you don't hesitate to talk plain talk to me. It's so refreshing your openness. Tomorrow night is going to be so good for us. I can't wait. Would you consider coming inside for another drink? It's only eleven-thirty. Uncle Jim can see that you are alright."
"No, I had better not come in. I don't want to leave you as it is. I'll probably keep trying to persuade you to change your mind. When I really want something, you will find I can be relentless Fitz. I'm going to go home. In the long run your deciding not to extend our night any further is more or less a good thing. I have some things I need to do before tomorrow. You are picking me up at nine for our shopping spree and time will simply fly. I have certain things that must be done before the dinner party. I'm meeting your parents for the first time and I want them to like me."
"Neither one of us want our day together to end. If I could right now, I would never let you go. I can be very relentless when I want something too Olivia, and what I want is you. As for my parents, no worries there. They will like you because I like you, because I love you. They will know that right away. You will be fine Olivia. Simply be yourself. Promise me you won't fret over this. When you are with me, I promise you that all your dragons will be slayed."
"What in the world did I do to deserve having you walk into my life Sir Fitzelot, slayer of dragons? I'm so grateful for whatever it was. I really do hate to say goodnight."
"Both of us have had some very good fortune. My leaving Grantiosity three nights ago and choosing to come to this resort. And of course, you scheduling yourself to work at the resort pool that night. It was a collision course made in heaven from my perspective. I'm grateful as well. I will pick you up bright and early at your place?"
"Are you sure Fitz. I could meet you here." He was picking her up at the apartment. Her father would be gone by nine but her mother would be there in the family house. She didn't expect anything untoward from her mother. If for some reason Thomas Pope was at home tomorrow morning, he would notice a car coming to pick up his daughter. As to her father's behavior she was less certain. He wasn't happy with her defiance and Olivia knew this. The two of them were headed for a showdown. Nonetheless her path had been chosen. She would go forward with Fitzgerald Grant with or without the blessing of Thomas Pope!
"Olivia, we exchanged information for a reason. I have your address and phone number and you have my addresses and phone numbers. I'm not afraid to face your family, Olivia and that includes your father in particular. If meeting your family doesn't happen spontaneously, you will let me know when you want me to meet them. I love you Olivia and I intend to treat your parents as an extension of you. You aren't to worry. I will pick you up promptly at nine on Overton Place. Please text me on my private line when you are at home."
Fitz pulled her into his arms for a kiss. He didn't have the strength for a prolonged kiss knowing that she would leave him tonight so he kept it brief. He brought her hand to his lips and said goodnight. Olivia said goodnight and she drove away.
She headed home. Darcie was already there waiting for her. Olivia had called for an emergency meeting. Either one of them could call for one if the other had a serious problem and needed help or advice. Olivia needed to talk to Darcie about tomorrow night. She had questions that she hoped Darcie could answer. Darcie had promised to wait for her no matter how late she would be. Darcie had keys to her place and she had keys to hers. She had hated to leave Fitz but in her heart of hearts she knew it was for the best. She let herself into her place. She walked in and straight away Darcie bombarded her with questions.
First things first, he quickly texted Fitz. She was safely home. She then proceeded to answer most of Darcie's questions. Darcie had always told Olivia everything leaving out nothing. She had listed to her every word. Olivia usually told Darcie everything. She knew about the mess with Peter because she had shared it all. On the other hand, Olivia edited out some of the things she felt were for she and Fitz alone. Darcie was on cloud nine listening to the edited version of her steamy romance with the tall blue-eyed American. As Darcie polished off the left-over salsa and chips Olivia began to go over her day. Darcie was anxious to hear of the latest entry into the saga of Olivia and Fitz.
Olivia was about to embark on the most exciting adventure of her life. She had met a man and she had fallen in love with him. Tomorrow she would meet his family and later that night he would join his body with hers. She and Darcie had shared everything for as long as she could remember. Their dolls, toys, bikes, clothes, and their hopes and dreams; they had shared every detail. When Darcie had lost her virginity at age eighteen Olivia was the first one she had told. Olivia wanted every fine detail and Darcie had told her. Every boy, every man she had been with since then, Olivia had gotten the details. It was a raw unusual sexual education but it had been all she had!
Olivia wouldn't exactly call her best friend promiscuous. Darcie wasn't out there screwing every Tom, Dick, and Harry. Darcie in her own defense of her actions had said until she found the right "Dick" she was on a journey of enlightenment. She would date a guy sometimes for as long as six months before she knew she wasn't the one. Darcie didn't necessary flaunt her sexuality but she had claimed her sexual autonomy long ago. She wouldn't let the stringent dictates of a society that catered to men determine how she led her life.
Olivia admired Darcie for her convictions. Why was a man allowed to sow his "wild oats" from island to island while women were supposed to sit at home chaste and virginal? Olivia had always shared Darcie's beliefs. She had never acted upon them up until now. The reason was simple. She had never met a man that she had truly wanted to become intimate with. Now she had and she needed Darcie's recall and expertise!
Darcie had told her she would wait for her to get home. She had promised that she wouldn't leave no matter how late Olivia had come home. She had tried only once to get Fitzgerald Grant to take her to his bed tonight. He had said no again. She was expecting it. Again she had simply wanted him to know that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. It was the reason she tested his resolve. If he had of said yes, what would she have done? More than likely she wouldn't be home right now.
"Girl I was wondering if you had decided that tonight was the night. Obviously you didn't! So, you decided to keep the prize intact. You said he's the one, right? Girl I would've sampled that joy stick by now. What are you waiting on?"
"It's him really. He has special plans for our first time. He wants a bed to be involved, the bed of his choosing. I've offered myself up a couple of times already. I think it's simply that he wants to lead. He is a man after all."
"Yeah, there is that. Come on tell me all about it."
"Our date tonight was great. Not as "climatic" as the lunch date was if you know what I mean. We did make out a little up in the VIP section but he didn't venture far from a strait-laced night at the movies. I didn't wear a bra and my thong was virtually a piece of colored string and a patch of cloth. He was very shocked when she found out what I wasn't wearing. I think Fitzgerald Grant is a highly sexual man but essentially he is strait-laced and values his privacy. As for sex, I think he may practice it as an art form."
"What is the hell is that supposed to mean Caro?"
"I get the feeling he is very experienced and plans to do all sorts of things to me. I don't think he will be kinky or anything like that. He simply wants our first time to be special and private. I think that's all it means. I know how much he wants me. I can see the evidence and he has told me as much."
"Have you seen it yet?"
"No, not really but when he's aroused it seems rather large. It's long and thick. I've touched it through his clothing and I'm thinking it's going to be very different from the one I've seen before. I think it may be on the unusual side of the penile spectrum. You got through your first time and so will I. If I recall you said Alexander was hung like a horse. Well, we both know that no man is truly hung like a horse. However, I think I maybe dealing with something very impressive."
"Girl, you are too funny. I told you that Harvard education of yours makes you way too intellectual! Different, on the unusual side of the penile spectrum, and impressive, is he? If he is "impressive" that's a good thing believe me. I thought that thing of Alex's had torn me apart until it started nipping my clit on the upstroke. The pain I felt in the beginning became a distant memory. Size makes a difference Caro, you will see. You simply need to get through that first time. Believe me, virginity is highly overrated."
"I remember you told me everything but that's been almost six years ago. Did Alex know that you were a virgin? Was the pain unbearable? Did you bleed? Were you able to have complete intercourse that first night? I know you two were exclusive for about two years so something about your first time was right."
"He knew I was a virgin because I told him Caro. He was experienced in deflowering virgins apparently because he knew what to do. He talked me through it and he had made sure I was slick and wet. Eventually I was begging him for it. As I recall it, he simply kept pushing until he was in. I'm not going to lie to you Caro. That first time, the entry hurt like hell, but there was very little bleeding. After that first time all the others were heavenly. You will be fine my friend. Lay back and let it happen. You two are in love. He knows the situation. He will be gentle. He wouldn't want to hurt you."
"I haven't told him Darcie. He doesn't know."
"Caro, you are a doctor for goodness' sake! Tell the man you are a virgin so he doesn't hurt you unnecessarily. First times are important. A woman takes that first time into every relationship she has. In your case I know you plan for this relationship to be your first and last. Nonetheless virginity is very important information a potential mate must know about."
"You're right of course. I have had ample opportunities to broach the subject. I'm afraid Darcie. He obviously very experienced and women all over the world are vying for his attention. These women are versed in the nuances of sex and I know nothing but what you have shared with me and that awful mess with Peter. I'm afraid that my inexperience will be a turn off. And plus, I haven't any idea what I'm doing. Of course, I'm learning some things and some things are occurring naturally. I have responded to his kisses by giving him as good as I got. I've wanted to touch him and I have."
"You've touched the joy stick Caro, and of your own volition. I'm impressed. Timidity will get you nowhere in a sexual relationship. Most women are afraid to take charge of their own sexuality and ask for what they want. Promise me you won't be. Now describe "it" to me!"
"I haven't seen it in the raw. I've run my fingers down the length of it and I've grasped it within his trousers. I had no aversion to it at all. In fact, I wanted it out of his trousers for me to touch and feel. Darcie, I felt like I wanted it out in the open so I could lick and lap at it like it was a popsicle! I don't think I'm going to be turned off by an oral connection if he desires one, not at all. I honestly feel like I could lick him from head to toe. I know for a fact that I wanted to suck at his nipples the same way he had suckled mine. I'm so very eager to mate with him!"
"My darling Caro, you are so precious with this astonishing love you already have for this man. All of these feelings of yours in my opinion are all normal. Remember though, that sex is much more than mating. It's not that just that clinical bullshit you are reading in your textbooks. Nor is it the gratuitous activity in those silly porno films that I beg you to watch with me. I consider them training videos and little else by the way. Your initial involvement sounds so much like me with Alex. I was all in from day one too. My single goal at the time was to please him. Be careful Caro. Make sure that he desires to please you as much as you desire to please him. Love and sex go together but they must also be reciprocal. It isn't only the job of the woman to please the man. He must please her also. And from my point of view, it must be done with regularity."
"I'm listening Darcie to every word you are saying. I definitely have to tell Fitz about my virginity tomorrow before we do the deed. He must know and he will. Now tell me what I can expect from my lover tomorrow based on your unique perspective."
"Sit down Caro and let me impart to you some wisdom."
As soon as Darcie left, Olivia put on her pajamas and went to bed. Darcie was something else, she was her friend, the best one she had ever had. They had started out in kindergarten together and they were still going strong. She had asked Darcie to tell her all she knew and she had. She would however plot her own course in this endeavor. Olivia Pope was her own woman. She had only wanted the prospective and outlook of another woman.
Perhaps some women in her unique circumstance could have gone to their mother. She didn't have that option. Her mother would never have discussed sex with Olivia. It was a forbidden subject. All she had been told all of her life was to save herself for marriage. Sex happened only between a husband and a wife. Her husband would teach her all she needed to know. Olivia had known it was bullshit but she had listened to it as the dutiful daughter. She loved her mother but sometimes she often wished she was a different type of woman. Tessa Pope was leading the life she wanted to lead supposedly. Olivia wished her well. It wouldn't be the life she would lead, not at all!
It was almost three o'clock in the morning. Darcie had a lot of wisdom to impart. Olivia was wired. Tomorrow was going to be such a great day for her. She was anxious but at least now she felt somewhat fortified. She and Fitz would get through tomorrow night and all would be well. She was thinking about him and had to assume that he was asleep in his bed as she should have been. What would he think if she called him this time of night? He'd said she could call him anytime, day or night, regardless of time. He would always answer her calls. He had given her the name of his most trusted employee, Audrey. If for some reason he didn't respond to her she was to call her. She picked up the phone.
His phone had rung three times and she was about to hang up. Of course, he was sleeping. It was three o'clock in the morning. Just because she was awake and thinking about him didn't mean he was awake and thinking of her. It was a silly thing to do. Then she heard his voice.
"Olivia?"
"Fitz, yes it's me. I'm sorry. I shouldn't be calling you this time of night."
"Olivia is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine. Please don't think bad of me. I couldn't stop thinking of you. Memories of today on the beach and the cinema were flooding my thoughts. You said I could call you any time and I wanted to hear your voice."
"Olivia, I meant what I said. You may call me any time day or night and I will answer your call. I couldn't stop thinking of you either. What time is it anyway?"
"It's three o'clock."
"I had finally drifted off Olivia thinking of you and our entire day. I enjoyed it tremendously. Everything about it was perfection. But you know what was most perfect? When you exploded in my arms at my touch. When you called out my name, Olivia, it was music to my ears. I can't wait to hear it again and under very similar circumstances. Also, Olivia, just so you know, what you felt on that beach today is just the tip of the iceberg as to the pleasure I plan to give you. Trust me it is going to be so good between us."
"I do trust you, explicitly Fitz. Tonight can't come fast enough for me. I'll let you get back to sleep. I'll be ready at nine. I love you Fitzgerald Grant, good night."
"I love you back Olivia Pope. See you in the morning."
The lovers ended their call and went to their prospective beds. They closed their eyes. Peace had come over Olivia at the sound of his voice. She was asleep within minutes. Fitz was pleased that she had been awake thinking of him and all they had shared today. Now more than ever he had wanted to put himself back into the dream her call had interrupted.
Olivia awakened bright and early. She felt renewed and refreshed. That voice, his voice it warmed her soul every time she heard it. Normally she would go upstairs and work-out in her father's exercise room. He had quite a mini gym up there. She knew he would be up there expecting her and ready to pounce. She wasn't going to let Thomas Pope dampen her joy right now. She was pretty sure she had discovered the love of her life. She had shared what she could and wanted to share with Darcie. The people upstairs wouldn't embrace her joy; therefore, they were out of the loop. She intended to talk to her mother today before she left for the party only because her mother had asked her to.
Her father worked twelve hour shifts Wednesday through Saturday. Sometimes he even picked up an overtime shift on his days off or so he said. "Overtime" doing what is the question? Darcie claimed that Marcel had said she had conducted her rendezvous with her father at one of Uncle Jim's lesser-known resorts. Olivia had promised herself that she would never hold anyone accountable for the actions of Thomas Pope but Thomas Pope. Uncle Jim may have provided her father with the room but her father was the one that had chosen to use it for his adulterous affairs.
No, she wasn't going to let her parents spoil what was going on with she and Fitzgerald Grant. And most surely not today. She spent thirty minutes on her stationary bike and did thirty minutes of yoga. She would get in the shower and get dressed. Fitz was taking her shopping this morning. She had made the decision if he wanted to buy her things, she would let him! She felt like they had declared that they were in a real relationship. People in real relationships shared things.
Olivia would miss going up to her father's converted gym. He had blueprinted it out himself. With she and Tommy out of the main house he had converted two of the five upstairs bedrooms in a huge gym. The entire thing was mirrored with all of the latest equipment. He had recently acquired a Peloton bike. He already had a Tonal smart gym set up there. He also had the usual things like weights, abdominal and crunch machines, it was truly state of the arts. Thomas Pope lived well and it showed in everything he did. He dressed well, he ate well, and lived like the rich man he was. After a workout in the gym Olivia would've sat at their table and they would've talked about menial things. Not today! It would have been different today. The subject would've been Fitzgerald Grant.
She expected to be trying on things today so she was dressed in a summer easy on and easy off dress. She also had on panties and a bra. She wore slide on sandals. Her six-inch heels were in her drawstring bucket satchel in case anything needed to be hemmed. She was short and usually hemming was necessary. She was thinking to show off her legs tonight, so a long dress or pant suit was probably out. She had her keys, ID, and credit card with her. She wasn't expecting Fitz to buy everything. She may well need new accessories or even some new shoes.
Her hair was cornrowed in a single braid down her back. She wore no make-up this morning only her lips were tinted with a flesh tone lip gloss. She had misted her entire body with an unbelievable body oil that made your skin glow and kept it subtle and soft all day. It also protected her skin from the Caribbean sun. She placed her scent that she had especially made for her behind her ears and she was ready. It was eight-forty-five. She was anxiously awaiting his arrival. She had heard the garage door open before eight o'clock. Her father was gone. There wouldn't a confrontation.
The driver had been on time as Fitz knew he would be. Audrey had been with him since he started his practice ten years ago. She had been a fortyish mother of two that had put herself through Columbia while working two jobs. He had taken a chance on her and it had paid off in spades. Audrey was now a fifty-five-year-old spit fire. She had run his office with precision until he had told her to hire an efficient office manager. He promoted her to his administrative assistant because she had been that and more for years. He paid her well and she had never let him down. She was going to love Olivia. She had told him many times he was dating the wrong type of woman.
Fitz was dressed in a pair of khakis and a light blue and brown paisley shirt. The shirt had a khaki collar. He wore a pair of Versace sunglasses and his Rolex. He had on Armani sandals. As usual he looked like a model off of a magazine cover. He was smiling already. He would be at her place in five minutes according to the driver. He was looking forward to seeing her. She had told him that her apartment was on the first floor of the home. It was located on the right side of the house with its own entrance. He could park along the side and she would come out and meet him.
No, he had told her. He intended to come up to the door of her home and retrieve her. They had arrived. Fitz looked at the beautiful home. The grounds were immaculate and the home was well-maintained. Olivia's father was a well-respected doctor that still practiced medicine. He had invested wisely and had a considerable fortune. He was impressed with the Pope family home. He spied the entrance to Olivia's place and he got out of the car. He had two dozen beautiful red roses in his hands. They were freshly cut, wrapped in cellophane, and held together with beautiful red ribbon that eventually turned into a magnificent bow. He had told Audrey he wanted something impressive. This was impressive.
Olivia had been looking out of the window for more than thirty minutes. She was so anxious. He had wanted to pick her up he had said. He would come to her door; he had insisted. He rang the doorbell. She answered it with her heart on her sleeve.
"Good morning. You brought me flowers, roses."
"I did. Good morning Olivia, may I come in?"
"You want to come in?"
"I do. Do you mind Olivia?"
"Of course not Fitz. Come in."
He walked in and Olivia closed the door and locked it. It was out of habit, she wasn't being naughty. Her heart was beating so fast. He had come to pick her up and he had the most beautiful bouquet of roses in his hand. They were exquisite and he had wanted to come inside of her house!
"The roses are beautiful Fitz and they are for me! I've never received roses before from my callers. Let me put them in some water. No, wait I want a picture first of them just as they are. I love them Fitz. Come in and sit down while I get my camera."
The foyer area led to a large great room that was beautifully decorated. There was a beautiful sectional couch as the centerpiece of the room. There was a fireplace surrounded by some very expensive marble. A huge big screen television hung above the fireplace. The walls held pictures of her family. There was also an area where apparently all of Olivia's notable accomplishments lined the wall. They all surrounded her college degree which was displayed prominently and had been beautifully framed. The kitchen was state of the art from what he saw. Olivia had disappeared through a door at the end of a lengthy hallway. He assumed that was her bedroom. She had said she lived in her own separate part of the home. This place had been built for her grandmother that had passed away some years ago. Her parents had more or less gifted it to her when she died. Olivia said she loved the place because the spirit of grandmother resided here.
"Fitz, again the roses are so beautiful. Let's lay them on the kitchen counter for a picture. I also want one of you holding them, do you mind?"
"Of course not Olivia. All I ask is that you provide me with one of you holding them as well."
She smiled and took a picture of the flowers on the counter and one with Fitz' holding them. Then he took one of her. She suggested that they take a selfie together. They did and they looked wonderful together. Fitz made her promise to give him both copies of her with the flowers and the selfie. She promised that she would. Olivia found a vase and placed the beautiful roses in it. Then with notable flair she tied the ribbon around the vase and ended with a big bow. Olivia placed the now beautiful centerpiece on a table in the great room.
"Fitz I wasn't expecting you to come in but now that you are here, would like a tour of my little abode? I've already told you about it, how this was my Nana's place. As you can see, I'm a neatnik. I don't mind showing it to you because I always keep my place clean and neat. Would you like to see it?"
"I'd love a tour of your place. What I can see is very nice. Your grandmother loved it here, I'm sure."
"She did. I'm honored to take care of this place for her. I think she would love the fact that I live here. She had great pride in this place and her independence. She did everything for herself as long as she could. When she died, a little bit of me died as well. For a while I was lost. Nana was more than a grandmother she was a mother figure and confidante. She came to me in dream Fitz and told me to snap out of it. You can mourn someone but you must continue to live. I think she would have approved of us. She wanted me to be happy."
"Are you happy Olivia?"
"I am. I'm very happy. Come, let me show you my place."
It was a short tour with notable commentary and Fitz was impressed with her every word. She looked so beautiful this morning and he honestly believed she didn't have on a bit of make-up. Make-up enhanced her beauty of course but there was nothing like a beautiful woman comfortable in her own skin. And the fact that she didn't hesitate to show him the real her thrilled him. She trusted him to love her unconditionally and he did.
They were now in her bedroom and he wondered what her commentary would be. He had hung on to her every word thus far. He wanted to know everything about her. This was her home. It was here where she had gotten her footing in the world.
"I used to sleep down here in this room with Nana a lot as a child. It was a delight to lie in that bed with her and watch American soap operas and reruns of her favorite TV shows. She was a feisty strong Black woman that broke rules when she was young. She didn't tolerate fools and she was very loving to those that she felt deserved it. She loved me and Tommy unconditionally but I was her favorite because I was a girl. Nana would say, 'Livvy is a girl I can mold her whereas you Tommy are a man destined to follow the path of your father. I love you both but Livvy and I have more in common.' Tommy understood, I think. He didn't mind that she played favorites. Nana was the only one that has ever called me Livvy. It was her special name for me.
She showed him the master bath and that was the end of the tour. They re-entered her bedroom. She smiled up and him and said, "What do you think of my little place Fitz?"
"It's lovely Oliva. It's you, this place. I can imagine that your grandmother is very happy that you are here. What a unique mirror. Is it an antique piece?"
"It is. My father had it imported from Italy when he had the place built for her. She was my paternal grandmother by the way. My father truly loved his mother and once he acquired money, he doted on her. She worked two jobs during the week and worked a full-time weekend job to send my father to university. She continued to work those jobs when he was in medical school to help facilitate his education. He promised her she would never have to work again once he became a doctor. He kept his promise and much more. My Nana loved that mirror and I learned to love it as well. It will be hard to part with it once I leave this place."
"You don't intend to make your home here in the islands."
"No, I don't. I intend to practice medicine in the states."
"That's good Olivia for me because I would have to move here if you intended to stay."
"You would move here to be with me?"
"In a minute Olivia. Believe me when I tell you, I love you and we are destined to be together. Wherever you are is where I will be."
They were standing in front of the mirror facing each other as they spoke. Fitz moved to stand behind her and have them both facing the mirror. He then pulled her back into his arms. They both were looking in the mirror. His hands went to her breast and cupped them. She could feel his hardness nestled up against her. His mouth was at her ear nibbling and his fingers were now squeezing her hardened nipples.
His voice was so gentle, yet it was forceful. "I want you so much Olivia. Tonight, I will make you mine and give myself to you. I can't wait to taste you and place myself deep inside you. Can you feel how much I want you?"
From the moment he had stood behind her and pulled her into his arms she was lost. She couldn't have answered if she had wanted to. If he had not been holding onto her, she might have dropped at his feet into a puddle. Both of his hands massaged her breast and his fingers did things that awakened her core. She pushed her backside into his hardness and she reached for his face. Abruptly he turned her around pulled her mouth into a ferocious kiss. It was searing. It was pure fire. Out of pure instinct she lifted up on her tiptoes and she rocked her body onto his. His hands now held onto to her ass molding her to him. They stayed that way for minutes, stoking the fire. Finally, Fitz broke off the kiss. He had to because there was a bed behind them and this was a private setting, yet it wasn't the one he wanted. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. He was dead serious! Once he got this woman into his bed he didn't know when he would let her go.
This was her place, a private place but her parents resided upstairs. He believed Olivia when she said they would respect her privacy. However, she had "entertained" her boyfriend in this place. They had laid down on that bed and Olivia had given herself to him. He would never be able to lie with her in that bed and he knew it. He had never experienced jealousy before. He didn't like it!
He placed his head atop of hers and he kissed her cheek. He sighed with regret. Their time would come tonight and he would revel in it. Olivia was finally coming back into herself. She had been lost on a wave of sensation that had her reeling. Rubbing her body against his had been the most wonderful feeling. He was so hard and he seemed to fit perfectly between her legs creating a delightful friction even through her clothing. Goodness, she could hardly wait until tonight.
"Olivia let's go buy you a dress, a pant suit, whatever you want but we have to leave here. You tempt me in ways you will never imagine."
"And you tempt me. You make me lose myself. Yes, we had better go."
Olivia grabbed her bag and they left her place hand in hand. The driver exited the car and opened the door for them. Olivia got in and Fitz right behind her. He placed an arm around her and placed his other hand in hers. They went shopping. The first boutique that they went to Olivia knew the owner. Regrettably she was a "friend" of her father. Nonetheless, Olivia felt she might find what she wanted here. She also knew that it would be all of the island by noon that she had come into this shop and that she wasn't alone. She didn't care.
"Good morning, Miss Gloria. I trust that you have been well. I'm in need of an after-five dress or a fancy pant suit for a social event tonight. It's black-tie so something grand but not too fancy is what I'm looking for."
"Good morning, Olivia. I'm well, thank-you. How nice to see you back on the island. How is medical school? And is this gentleman is with you?"
"Medical school is great, thank-you. Yes, he is. He's here to help me with my selections. Will that be a problem?"
"Of course not my dear. You two follow me to the back and please do take a seat. Will you allow me to get you some refreshments while I seek out some selections for your perusal? What would you like?"
"Nothing for me Miss Gloria. Fitz would you like anything. They usually have water, beer and wine I think."
"No thank-you, Miss Gloria."
"Fine. Olivia are you still a size four or is it a five?"
"Actually, it's three. I'm here early hoping if alterations are necessary, you could have them done before seven tonight."
"Seven tonight? That could be a problem. If alterations are necessary I would have to call in a seamstress or do the work myself. I am here alone today. If I couldn't get a seamstress called in, I would have to close my shop in order to do the work myself. I want to help you but I may not be able to Olivia."
He was sitting in the chair the woman had offered him with his legs crossed. His hands were folded in his lap. Up until this point, he hadn't uttered a word. Very adroitly Fitzgerald Grant injected himself into the conversation. Certain men with power and money gave off vibes that said they were such men without even trying. He tented his hands in front of him the epitome of male privilege.
"Miss Gloria, this is a very important event tonight and Olivia wishes to look her best. If in fact she finds something she wants here, being paid for your services won't be a problem. If you should need to shut down your establishment please don't hesitate to do so. I will pay you for your time. In fact, why don't you shut it down now so you can check your inventory without interruption and see if Olivia will find anything that interests her. If she does not, I pay you for your time anyway and we move on to another shop. If she does find what she's looking for you will apply the alterations if necessary. Then you will simply present me with the amount of revenue you would have lost during the time of your shutdown; I will double it. That doesn't include the price of the outfit or the cost of possible alterations."
Olivia wasn't shocked at the audacity of the man. She knew that he was bold and apparently accustomed to getting what he wanted. She sat there, not saying a word. Once Fitz had started to talk she had seen Miss Gloria slowly turn her body from talking directly her, to look at Fitz.
Gloria Andrade looked with renewed interest at the man that had entered her establishment with Thomas Pope's daughter, but only for a minute. She turned from the two of them and walked back out to the front of her store. She then proceeded to pull down the shade on the door and close the blinds. Next, she turned the open sign over in the large window to say her establishment was closed. She walked back into the area where her two customers were still seated.
"Well, let's see what I have in my inventory that may be suitable for such an event. And you sir, who are you to Olivia?"
"I'm Fitzgerald Grant. I'm the man that loves her."
Miss Gloria just about lost her shit. Her eyes had widened and her breathing pattern had changed. There was no comeback line for what Fitzgerald Grant had just said. The woman turned and walked away.
Olivia Pope had a smile on her face that could light all of Broadway. Yes, the man had displayed a trait that was almost exclusive to those with money, power, and privilege. The man was accustomed to getting what he wanted. It was a trait that normally left her cold. Not this time, not now, not in this place. Fitz had just told a complete stranger that he loved her. He had stepped in on her behalf to secure what she needed because he had the power to do so. All of his words had made her happy but his last words when he had told Miss Gloria who he was, had made her heart soar! He loved her and she loved him back! She got up from her chair walked to where he sat. Without a thought she sat down in his lap. She cradled his face in her hands.
"You make me so happy Fitz. This all seems like a fairy tale and I'm Cinderella. Everything, our meeting, falling in love with each other, and now you buying me an outfit for what amounts to a ball; it all seems so surreal."
"This isn't a fairy tale Olivia. All that has happened between us is real. In case you don't remember, I've told you in the last forty-eight hours again and again how much I love you. I also told you to tell me your hopes and dreams because I intend to make them all come true. It wasn't a cliché. I was speaking truth Olivia. I'm in this thing because I love you and your happiness has become paramount to me. I intend to give you all your heart desires!"
Olivia was the one to take his hand and entwine it with hers this time. She brought that hand to her lips and gently kissed it just as he had done to hers over and over these last two days. You looked up into his eyes and it was at least a minute before she spoke.
"I've often wondered why I could never drum up one bit of interest for the different men that have pursued me. I now know the reason. I've waited my entire life for you. I'm so glad you are here and that you love me."
Fitz pulled her into his arms and put a delicate kiss on her forehead. This woman that he had found by chance and now held his heart in her hands still didn't realize how precious she was to him, but she would. She was all he had ever dreamed!
