Chapter 18
She had left her home three days ago and she felt good about it. She had spoken to her children and advised them of her situation. Thomas Pope and all that he encompassed had been left behind on Overton Place. She hadn't any plans to return there. Thomas was actively looking for her. Her sisters had heard from him. He had the nerve to show up at their homes making demands. Her sisters weren't Tessa. They very impolitely told him so and showed him the door. They were pleased with the steps she was taking. Thomas Pope was unworthy of her. They had known it forever. Finally, she realized it for herself.
Tessa had thus far blended herself into the woodwork. This wasn't a spur of the moment ride she was on. She had been planning it for years. She was to fly the coop right after Olivia's graduation from medical school. It wasn't going to be a secret. She had planned to return home from Massachusetts and tell Thomas of her plans. The fool had precipitated her early departure with his cold and callous disregard for her and her children. When he had turned on Olivia, that was the last straw. Tommy was bad enough, but Olivia? That he would treat her as he had, calling her whore and slut, it was too much. A woman had the right to choose her own mate. It was not to be decided by barter or archaic practices. Olivia had chosen her own path as Tessa should've done.
Tessa stood in front of a mirror looking at herself knowing she had made the wrong choice all those years ago. It all amounted to spilled milk now. She knew what she had to do and at this point she felt she was strong enough to execute her plans. Tessa was looking at the signs of aging on her face. They were there but she was still an attractive woman. The years had been kind to her. She could easily pass for a woman in her forties, perhaps even early forties instead of the fifty-two-year-old she was. She had given birth to two children with only a couple of stretch marks to show for it. She had flawless skin and a beautiful head full of hair.
She had started pulling it back in a bun about ten years ago. Thomas had suggested it. His suggestions were more or less a command. She shook her head to clear an ugly image from Overton Place. No, she would never go back there and suffer humiliation at the hands of Thomas Pope again.
As soon as she had checked into the resort, she had removed her hair out of the bun. She had brushed her hair for one-hundred strokes. It was a nightly ritual for her. Did performing that ritual mean anything? No, it did not! It meant nothing. It was just another tale foisted on to young gullible girls. She decided right then and there to stop the foolish ritual! She had parted her hair down the middle, gathered a small portion of it atop of her head, clasped it and let the rest of it fall upon her shoulders in all of its glory. Tessa had the long sleek neck of a model. That and her neck were one of her best features.
Thomas had forbidden make-up. Her face was bare. She retrieved the small cosmetic case which held her newly purchased cosmetics. After plucking her brows and applying a light base, she tinted her lips with her favorite color from thirty years ago. The transformation had been immediate. She looked good and she knew it.
She was definitely not the young collegiate of thirty years ago. She was a mature woman and she was on her own! Nothing that was going to happen in her future would be easy. Thomas Pope would try to strong-arm her and cajole her back into his gilded-cage. She hadn't lived with the man for thirty years and learned nothing. He would be desperate to have her back under his control. Therefore, he would be at his worst.
Once upon a time she had a champion in her court. He was still out there. He simply didn't champion her any more. Whether or not he even cared about her plight now was debatable. Essentially it didn't matter. This was her battle. She would fight it herself. She would win and when she did, she would be seeking a restart her life with or with a champion.
Meanwhile up in New England it was his last day in Cambridge. Fitz was flying home to New York tonight. How she wished that he would never part from her. She wanted him with her forever. Then why was she lying here in the dumps about it? She was the one that could change things. He had made himself plain. Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III was in love with her and he wanted to marry her. She could pack a bag and get on that plane and fly to New York City with him. She could become his wife and take this ache out of her heart.
She thought of the name plate on her desk in her study. It read Olivia C. Pope, MD. It was one of the gifts her parents had given her when she left home to begin her medical studies. It was there to remind her of her goals. She had intended to be a doctor for her entire life. She desired to help people and make the world a better place. As a doctor she would attend to the body as well as the soul. Healing was her calling. Yet there was to be more for her than just the title of doctor. She also had dreams of becoming a wife and mother.
These extended days with Fitz had been idyllic. He had been waiting at home for her every day when she came in from her classes. Friday, he had been there waiting. Saturday, he had been there waiting. Every night he had been patiently waiting to feed her and spent time with her.
She had a Saturday evening study session. Every Saturday night the conscientious members in her class got together for a rigorous study session. Olivia could've easily missed the session. She knew the stuff backwards and forward. Fitz didn't want her to change her routine. In fact, he had insisted that she not change a thing. He had told her it was his job to blend in. He wasn't there to disrupt her life. He wouldn't hear of her missing one class, let alone a study session.
For the next several weeks Olivia and her cohorts would be shadowing hospitalists during their rounds as wells as some supervised direct patient care. Their instructors and the hospitalists were harsh taskmasters. Slackers would find themselves if not out of the program, starting their internship just short of Timbuktu. The prestige that Harvard represented and being in the top ten on the class roster all but assured you would get if not your first choice for internship, you were a shoo-in for your second.
In the Spring there would be final exams and graduation. For the remainder of the term, she and her classmates would be firmly engrossed in patient care. All of it in preparation for the first phase of residency or as it was better known, internship. Every graduating medical student should have their list made out by now. Olivia had a first, second, and third choice. They all did. However, she was sure that she would get her first choice. It made her smile. She was truly going to be a doctor in less than six months.
At the moment she was smiling about something else. Currently she was wrapped in the arms of Fitzgerald Grant. He had made love to her so sweetly last night. It had been so magical. It has been the first time for them since their extraordinary marathon aboard the family jet. She had come home bone tired from starting her day so early. She had been at it six since in the morning and she hadn't gotten home until almost eight that night.
Fitz had been waiting for her just as he had been the night before ready to prepare them dinner. Her boyfriend was quite the chef. Dinner had started with a delicious homemade French onion soup, fresh grilled tuna, scalloped potatoes, fresh asparagus and dessert. The tuna steaks were perfectly marinated and cooked. The entire meal was outstanding. Fitz ate every bite of his meal whereas Olivia only ate half of the tuna steak and potato. She had eaten all of her veggies.
"You are so handy in the kitchen Fitz. Actually, handy isn't the appropriate word. You are great cook. You were truly paying attention in your mother's kitchen. That was delicious. Thank-you."
He was a good cook. Most of what he had learned was at his mother's knee. It of course improved matters that Fitz and his mother both held diplomas from the famed Le Cordon Bleu! Being a great cook only intensified what would happen between the lovers later.
Fitz had fixed a delicious fresh strawberry concoction for dessert. It was layered with white cake strawberry jam and fresh whipped cream. Topped with fresh glazed strawberries, it was beautifully prepared. It was so pretty Olivia hated to have it cut. They did cut it and it was magnificent. Olivia had never been one to indulge in sweets but watching Fitz get so much delight in the sweet concoction intrigued her. She had delved in. Strawberries, cake, and cream were one of his greatest undertakings. He loved the stuff. Olivia was learning to love it too. In the right combinations it was delicious.
They had dessert and an after-dinner glass of wine. As he had done the previous days, he encouraged Olivia to share her day with him. She did and he in turn shared his. They were the epitome of domestic tranquility. It was as if they had been doing this for years. Olivia was ecstatic and so was Fitz. He wanted Olivia to see their compatibility. They could come together and have a sustainable relationship. All they had to do was put the work into it. He wanted her to know that he was willing to make the most changes. He wanted her to fulfill her life's dream. He would see to its' completion and he wouldn't allow for any bumps in the road.
"I'm glad you enjoyed dinner Olivia. I know how much you enjoy fresh tuna. Come sit with me. I'll take care of the dishes later."
"I will come and sit with you Fitz but no way are you doing the dishes after that marvelous dinner. It was perfect in every way. I'll get the dishes. You have cooked and cleaned up two nights in a row. It's my turn. Come, sit next to me."
He sat down beside her and meshed their hands together. He brought those hands to his lips. He kissed her hand reverently. His blue eyes found her brown ones.
"I love you so much Olivia. The intensity of it frightens me sometimes. I think it's because everything happened between us so quickly. Sometimes when I'm holding you, I hesitate to let you go. I've never been in love before. I know it's not a new concept, a man loving a woman. I've seen it every day of my life since I was old enough to realize what it meant. My parents quantify what love is, what it should be. It's what I have wanted for myself all of my life.
I married a woman I didn't love and I tried to make the best of it until I saw that the marriage would destroy us both if we continued it. After my divorce I was truly that international playboy that your father accused me of being. I hesitate to say I used women even though some will accuse me of that behavior. I always presented myself upfront as to what I was seeking from my interactions with women. If they were looking for more than I had to offer we would agree not to move forward. I'm not exactly proud of who I used to be Olivia but I know I will never be that man again."
"I know that Fitz. We have already talked that out. There's absolutely nothing in your past life that I would hold against you. Nothing! We both are walking on new ground. I've never loved a man before and the intensity of my love for you sometimes leaves me shaken. If you didn't love me back as I love you, what would I do? I'm so glad that you found me. The fact that we both realized that we knew each other before is uncanny. We are meant to be Fitz. We should stop entertaining any thoughts to the contrary. I promise I will never leave you. I love you too."
"I've missed you, Olivia. It's been two whole days since I've made love to you. You've had two very long exhausting days. I imagine you are very tired. Are you up to making love with me tonight, Sweet Baby? Have you missed me too?"
"Have I missed you? If only you knew how much. You spoiled me while we were in the Caymans. And God knows what we shared at 30,000 feet; I will never ever forget. I need you so much right now. Come to bed with me and let me show you how much I need you, how much I love you."
He stood up and reached out a hand to her. She stood up and took his hand. They were walking down the hallway to their bedroom when suddenly Fitz stopped.
"Stand right there Livvy. I'll be right back."
He came back holding a shiny new aluminum whipped cream dispenser. She knew that Fitz made his own whipped cream when strawberries were involved. He hated the bought stuff. He had obviously purchased the dispenser for his baking today.
"You have been busy today. Cooking and buying items for the kitchen that have a dual purpose. I like men that are wise and practical. I know what it is used for in the kitchen but what exactly will you do with that gadget in the bedroom Mr. Grant?"
"As you know, we've had dessert already but I have quite the sweet tooth. I wanted something more. I want certain parts of your body slathered in the delicious cream in this dispenser, Olivia. And then I intend to feast again, upon you."
"That sounds down right decadent Mr. Grant. Do we have an adequate supply of condoms for the intimacy you propose and do I get a turn to feast upon you?"
"Of course I do and of course you do, Ms. Pope. We are in this together."
Their night was wonderful. It was another night that she would place in the vault of memories she had shared with this man. They had feasted upon each other and it had culminated in incredible rounds of exquisite intimacy. They had truly missed each other. Afterwards they had stripped the sticky sheets and remade the bed. They had thought they were done until they made the mistake of kissing in the shower. It had led to another round of blazing fire. They would never have enough of each other.
Fitz had whispered in her ear after he exploded within her. Olivia was still attempting to come back into herself after a mind-blowing orgasm. The man had literally "nailed" her to the shower wall. She was only standing up because he held her.
"Oh my darling Livvy, how you make me burn. I had missed making love to you. Thank-you for indulging me tonight. You were wonderful." He still held her tightly against him.
"You were wonderful too. Promise me you won't ever let me go!"
"Never in this life, Olivia. I promise."
They completed their shower and had gone to bed. They both were asleep in minutes. Those memories of last night left her warm inside. Wrapped in Fitzgerald Grant's arms was where she belonged. It indeed made her smile. How would they spend this last day together? They hadn't made any permanent plans for the future. They only knew that they would be together! He was going home tonight. How would she bear it?
"You are awake Sweet Baby. How did you sleep last night? Sorry to have kept you up late. I'm so sorry, will you forgive me?"
"Love means never having to say you're sorry, Fitz. I slept very well, thank-you. We had such a wonderful evening. I'm laying here thinking about you going home today. It makes me sad. This has meant the world to me, you changing your schedule and extending your vacation to be with me. It's going to be hard to let you go. Eleven days will never be enough. I can tell you that. When do you think we see each other again?"
"Babe, I've told you we will work this out. I've already given you Audrey's private number. She has my entire schedule for six months in advance. All of this is very workable."
"Fitz, I feel funny calling another woman to schedule time with you. I know you said she wouldn't mind me calling but it seems wrong. I want to call you. I want to talk to you!"
"Olivia, you can call me whenever you want as often as you want. Unless I'm actually in the courtroom, rest assured I will answer you, always. Audrey is the heart and soul of my business Olivia. She runs it literally. Meaning she schedules everything for me including my court dates. She keeps me sane. I never have to worry about hiccups because she knows what to do. I understand it's difficult for you. It's out of your element. As I said you can call me and I will do what I can but eventually it will have to go through Audrey anyway. I gave you her number so you can avoid all the steps in between.
If you find that you will be free, let's say, randomly March 16th through the 18th Audrey will know what I'm doing on those days. And I will as well because it will be on my calendar. However, if it's known to Audrey right away, she can possibly rearrange my schedule, plan flights, assist with lodging, get my bags packed etc. I lead an exciting complicated life Olivia that is made easy by my personal assistant. Audrey is my right-hand woman. She is essential to us moving forward, I think. As I said I understand your hesitancy but believe me she can be a vital link for us as we blend our lives together. Trust me."
"I know you are right Fitz. Please bear with me. I've never really had a boyfriend before and definitely not a rich handsome attorney with his own striving business. Not to mention that he is a member of the Santa Barbara Grants of Grant Global. I will muddle through I suppose. And if my ability to see you whenever I can, involves a third party I will have to adjust."
"Everything will work out I promise, Olivia."
"I know it will. What shall we do today? Shall we get up and eat something and make some plans for the rest of the day? What is the latest time you can arrive at the airport?
"The plane is due back in the Caymans tomorrow. I don't want the flight crew worried about turn-around times so I would like to be at the airport no later than six this evening. That ensures that the guys get a good night sleep and have contact with their families before flying out tomorrow. Grant Global runs a tight ship but we are very appreciative and protective of our employees."
"It must be awesome to work for your organization. I get the impression that it's one big happy family. Okay it's almost ten. What's on your mind Grant? How do you want to spend your final day in Cambridge?"
"Grant Global is one big happy family Olivia. In time you will get to see that for yourself. I noted some very interesting shops in the market place when I went shopping for our meals. Let go out for breakfast. The weather is actually supposed to be nice. Let's walk around eat, talk, and if you want, we can shop. There are some magnificent shops in the square. Is there anything out there that you have seen and wanted for yourself and you didn't buy it for whatever reason? Let me pamper you today, Olivia. How about that?"
It was Sunday and Tessa was going stir-crazy. She had been in this suite since Thursday. At this point she was stir-crazy. She was existing in the confines of these rooms. She had spoken to her sisters daily. She had given the children her new cell number. Tommy had called her every day checking on her. She had heard from Olivia Friday morning. She wanted to know if she needed anything. Both of her children were obviously concerned but she didn't want them to be. Tommy was busy trying to mend his own marriage and Olivia needed to stay focused on her final semester of medical school. She would call them if she needed them was what she had said. She wasn't going to!
She wanted to get out of this place. A walk on the beach would make her feel so much better. Tessa could always think better with the Caribbean sun shining on her and the sea breeze at her back. It was risky though. Someone could see her and report her whereabouts to Thomas. Not Yet! Tomorrow she would meet with the lawyers again. She wanted everything in motion and no loose ends when this thing was finally put into motion and concluded. Thomas Pope was dead to her. She wanted all traces of him gone!
James Lockheed had put his people on the job of finding Tessa Pope as soon as offices had opened on Friday morning. He had two private investigators on the job and he had sent a few guys from his own security force out into the streets looking for Tessa. He simply wanted to know where she was and that she was alright. He had made up his mind he wouldn't interfere. He wouldn't do it for Thomas Pope and he wasn't going to do it for himself. Tessa Adderley Pope was a grown woman. He thought of the woman that she was before she had chosen Tommy. If that woman was within her, he wanted to see that woman again. If that woman still existed, he was interested to know.
Thomas Pope hadn't turned up jack shit about his wife. He was beginning to believe that the woman had left the Caymans. No one had seen or heard from her or so they claimed. Where in the hell had she gone? She wasn't answering her cell phone and finally he found out why yesterday. It was turned off and in a kitchen drawer on Overton Place. She had ditched it so he couldn't track her down. Jimmy wouldn't lift a finger to help him and he could easily. What a best friend he was turning out to be!
He wasn't going to spend money on a private security firm to find her. That was a waste of money. Tessa was like an old penny; she would show up. Plus, he had cut her funds off by Friday evening. She probably had a small stash somewhere, but it couldn't sustain her. She was accustomed to leading the good life. She would need money to do that here in the Caymans.
He still had it in his mind to punish her once she returned to the fold. She needed to know that he wasn't going to stand for this shit. She didn't leave him and have him out in the streets looking for her. If this got out, he would be the laughingstock of the island. Short of taking his hands to her, he couldn't think of a substantial punishment for her actions, yet. He had struck her once in anger and he had regretted it. He wasn't a very nice man and he knew that. However physically abusing women was even beneath him.
When Tessa had come back before, she admitted that she'd been in the wrong. She had acknowledged that right away. A man must be the king of his castle! She had realized the foolishness of her ways then and she had come home the next day with her tail tucked between her legs. She had spent the night with her sister. He had taken her back and had punished her with the silent treatment for days. He also lowered her personal allowance. He refused to even look upon her let alone relieve his lust upon her. She had totally shunned her for more than a week. Women had to know their place in the world.
Things would change when she returned this time. He would let her know that all she had was a privilege and if she couldn't show that she was grateful he would strip her of everything except the basic necessities. Tessa was a smart woman. It shouldn't take long to get her back on the straight and narrow. Tonight, was his regular night with Marcel. He needed a diversion. The girl was young and lush. She would take his mind off of his troubles. He smiled thinking of her ruby red lips.
Fitz had insisted that Olivia not drive him to the airport. He was going to be picked up at five-thirty. They had come back from their adventure in a very happy mood. They had a delicious breakfast and talked for more than an hour afterwards in the corner of the restaurant. They touched on a variety of subjects. Fitz really wanted her to join he and his family for Christmas. She wanted it as well. It looked as if she was going to get a three-day break right after Christmas. That would give her five entire days with Fitz and his family. He had said he would pick her up and they could fly out to California together.
It would be great if she had resolved the issue of birth control by then. Even after she made her choice, she knew it could be weeks before she was protected. Olivia had an appointment on Wednesday with her OB-GYN. It was the earliest appointment she could get. She wanted to decide along with Dr. Hickman which would be the better birth control option for her.
Olivia had never even considered getting birth control before because she had never needed it. Her circumstances had changed. She was now sexually active and she didn't want to become pregnant at this juncture of her life. So far, the condom route had been working for them she hoped. Her cycle should appear in the next several days.
One goal at a time had become her new motto. Finishing Med School and residency had been her only immediate goals. Those goals were clear cut. It was what would follow that which wasn't clear to her anymore. She didn't want to wait a minimum of six to eight years for a future with Fitz. He was thirty-six and he had said he wanted marriage and children before forty. That was only four years away. There wasn't any way she could complete a residency and a fellowship in that amount of time. She closed her eyes and prayed for guidance.
The lovers didn't get back to the condo for several hours. Fitz had indeed taken Olivia on another shopping spree. He bought her a new fur-lined coat, hat, gloves, boots, shoes, some other winter clothing and more jewelry. They had come across some earrings, heart-shaped and made in the same mold as her pave necklace from the islands. Fitz insisted that she have them. And once he knew that she was born in May he had found the most beautiful ring for her. He said he wanted her to have something symbolic of their love. The ring had a beautiful flawless emerald as a center surrounded by diamonds. It was simply the most beautiful ring she had ever seen and he bought it for her simply because she admired it.
She was admiring it right now. Holding it up to the light. Fitz had said it was simply another reminder for her not to forget how much he loved her. He promised to shower her with gifts for the rest of their lives. She had yet to give the man one tangible thing and he was still indulging her, spoiling her! It was his job he had said to spoil her and keep her happy. And she was, so very happy until she looked at the clock. Sadness crept up on her as the clock rolled on into the evening. He would be gone in a couple of hours.
"How shall we spend these last few hours Fitz? What would make you most happy right now? We've had such a wonderful day. You've treated me like a queen all day. What can I do to make this a most memorable day for you? I feel as if you have been slighted you in some way."
"Olivia this has been the most amazing day. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute. You must get over this feeling that you have to return something to me for all that I would do for you. You have chosen me Olivia and that is all I need. I don't feel the least bit slighted. Several days ago, if you had asked me such a heated question, I would be picking you up and heading to that big bed of yours. I shared the best sexual experiences of my life with you. I seriously doubt I will ever get enough of you, but sex is the farthest thing from my mind right now. I feel totally complete. My heart feels whole and my body is free of cravings. I just want some quiet time with you. Let's talk some more about things we haven't discussed. You choose a topic. I'll choose a topic. We have so much to learn about each other. We have shared so much but the more we know, I have to believe the more solid our relationship will become.
We have my parents to lead us where we are going. They fell in love first thing and they built a lifetime of love around that. They have both told me that the physical love that they shared is highly compelling but learning about each other sustained them. I want to know everything about you Olivia. All that you deem fit to tell I want to know. Does that seem reasonable to you?"
"It does. I want to know all about you as well. Tell me something you would like to know and I'll do the same."
The lovers spent the next hour talking of their pasts. They both were very open, telling things that they had never told another soul. It was an enlightening hour. They promised to make this "learning to know each other ritual" a part of their lives. When the dinner hour rolled around, they ordered Regino's fresh antipasto salad and a grilled ribeye for Fitz. Their delectable garlic knots were the talk of the town. Olivia chilled her favorite wine. The meal was delicious but the inevitable melancholy of their separation was creeping into their last minutes together.
The car would be here in less than thirty minutes and this chapter in their lives would be over. They had both agreed to no frenzied lovemaking. They would have a lifetime of loving. Olivia put on a track of her favorite songs and asked Fitz to end the evening dancing with her. That was how they ended their last day together dancing to love songs. It was a perfect ending to eleven days of bliss.
Much too soon his phone rang in his pocket. He answered it. His ride was here. He pulled her back in his arms and finished their last dance. It was a beautiful song. Fitz asked her what the name of the song was, he wanted to remember it. It was a very stirring song. He kissed her passionately one last time before walking out the door.
"I love you, Olivia. Remember as soon as you can shore up any dates for us call. I'll call you when I get home. I'm going to miss you so much."
"I love you too. The Bard was right, parting is such sweet sorrow. As soon as any reasonable dates comes round, I will let you know. I'm almost positive we can spend some of the Christmas holiday together. And of course, if there is a lull anywhere here in my schedule before that, I will let you know. I can't wait to have you back here. Have a safe trip and don't forget to call me when you get home. This is harder than I thought it would be. I don't want to let you go. I'm anxious and a little afraid."
"Don't be afraid Sweet Baby. Things only get better from here. I promise. Remember call Audrey. I will take whole days, half days, several hours, anything you have. We can work it out. I have to go Babe. Never forget how much I love you.
Another sweet kiss and he was gone. Olivia shut the door and engaged the alarm. She went to the window and waved good-bye. She followed the lights of the car until they disappeared. She sat down on the sofa and picked up the pillow Fitz had been holding and fidgeting with while they talked. She held it to her chest and closed her eyes. She tried to hold them back but she couldn't. The tears flowed from her eyes! Was love supposed to hurt?
