Chapter 20

Today Olivia was to see her OB/GYN. Together they would decide the most efficient method of birth control for her. There was the pill, the patch, the diaphragm, spermicides, the IUD, the female condom, the vaginal ring, the shot, the sponge, the implant; the list was long. Olivia had done her research and she wanted her final decision made today. She had narrowed it down to three for their discussion. She had wondered out loud if this was something she should've discussed with Fitz after all they had vowed to share everything.

She didn't want to appear naïve but she was. All of this was new for her! In the end she decided the actual choice would be between she and her doctor. It was her job to protect herself now that she had entered into this new phase of her life. He had protected her from pregnancy up until now. She would now take the reins. After all she was the physician in the family. She wanted the issue of pregnancy right now off of the table and no longer an issue between them. When they came together again, she wanted a birth control method in place. The condom in the future to be known only as a backup.

This experience today made her think of Darcie. What does Darcie have to do with Olivia Pope and birth control? According to Darcie (ATD) using a condom was archaic and out of fashion. You had to sail without a raincoat in the twenty-first century! Darcie had built up "sailing without a raincoat" so high that Olivia could hardly wait to experience it. If having sex without a condom was going to add new heights and sensitivity to what she and Fitz already shared she was ready for it!

ATD she was going to be screaming out louder and much longer. Darcie had been on the pill since she turned sixteen. From that point forward the woman had been spontaneous in her sexual exploits. That wasn't to say she was promiscuous even though she had obviously had a number of one-night stands in her past. She more or less stopped the practice some years ago when she began her quest for a committed lover. Darcie now took time to know the men she slept with. A book she had read by Steve Harvey, the talk show host, had convinced her that sex early on in a relationship spelled trouble. Only after a protracted time of dating did she allow intimacy. And that was only after she ascertained that her lovers had a clean bill of health. Yes, only a certified letter would get you into Darcie's bed!

That way, she eliminated so many people out of her orbit. There had still been the occasional one-night stand facilitated by the ever-popular condom. Her current relationship had more or less eliminated the one-nighter for her. Before she and Nnamdi, she conducted her sexual affairs very differently. When she met him, she was already requiring a medical history in order to get into her bed. How long you stayed there depended on several things. First and foremost, you had to know what you were doing and keep her happy in the sack. Men were funny creatures she had said. Selfish men may have made their way into Darcie's bed but they could be kicked out quickly. Sex was about sharing and giving each other pleasure. One-way lovers were shown the door.

It didn't take Darcie long to know if a lover didn't fit. And she didn't give second chances. Life was too short. Before she had met her current boyfriend her sexual relationships were lasting on average of a week or two. The two of them had hit it off right away. There was an intense sexual attraction. When she told him what would be required to sleep with her, he had laughed out loud. Was she serious? She was! The question was, was he? He was. He produced his paperwork! The two of them had been exclusive ever since.

Olivia hadn't read the Steve Harvey book nor had she gone the same route as her best friend because she didn't want to. She had been saving herself for marriage and vicariously living her sex life through her best friend. All of that changed when she met Fitzgerald Grant. She had known it right from the beginning she was going to have sex with him. She wasn't going to wait for him to produce papers. Their love had been spontaneous and as she saw it, neither one of them were prepared for a long wait to consummate it. Darcie had been right about one thing, what she had experienced with Fitz on their very first night together had been extraordinary. Being in love with someone was very nice but having an out of this world sexual experience with them was even nicer! ATD she and Fitz were in for entirely new delights once they dispensed with the condom.

Olivia had been a little shocked when Darcie told her that she made her lovers produce a letter from a physician stating they were free from disease. That was the price to pay if they wanted the privilege and freedom of entering her body without a condom. It had made sense to Olivia at the time and it still did. She and Fitz had never had sex without a condom but they intended to. She trusted Fitz with her life and without a doubt he trusted her. Still, as two responsible adults they should discuss where they were going.

Once her birth control method was decided she wanted no obstacles preventing them from having what Darcie called the ultimate intimacy. Olivia actually got goosebumps thinking about it. To put it in simple terms, she was hyped about feeling Fitz deep inside of her without a condom. She suspected it could be a little bit hype but Darcie tended to be right about a lot of things. It was silly but she couldn't help herself. She couldn't wait! It was hard for her to believe that the intimacy between she and Fitz could be any better!

Dr. Tomlin had been recommended to Olivia a couple of years ago when she had decided to transfer her medical care to doctors in the states. She intended to make the United States her home. She would need doctors that practiced medicine where she intended to live. After graduation she intended to get a workplace visa as she intended to call the USA home. Her father of course hadn't known of her intention not to return to the island. Thomas Pope had planned out her life just as he had for Tommy and that had backfired. It was her dream to practice medicine in the USA and she fully intended to do so. As it turned out she was never going to have that particular discussion with Thomas Pope because her ensuing relationship with Fitzgerald Grant had made it a moot point. Right now, her most pressing decision was what birth control method to choose.

"Good morning, Olivia. It's good to see you again. How is my alma mater treating you these days? You are in the home stretch, right? I was surprised to see you on my schedule for today. Your annual exam is five months away. Is everything alright?"

"Good morning, Dr. Tomlin. Everything is fine. I'm not having any medical problems. I didn't get into details when acquiring the appointment because it's a personal matter. I'm here today because I've decided that I need a reliable birth control method. I've recently become sexually active and I don't wish to rely exclusively on the condom as the primary method to prevent conception."

"Knowing you as I do Olivia, I'm sure I don't have to tell you the reliability numbers for the condom nor its ability to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. It's one of the least problematic methods to protect you from pregnancy and disease. What was it, almost four years ago when you first came into my office seeking only a yearly exam and so very sure that you would only need birth control once you were married? You've had a change of heart? And please don't get me wrong. My questions aren't about morality or even other issues. It was just that you were so adamant about things back then."

"I know I was. I was so sure that I was on a certain path that I intended not to veer from. I hadn't any idea that things could change so quickly. Of course, four years ago and in all the years in between I wasn't in love with a man. Things are different now. I've met the man I intend to marry and our relationship has become sexual.

We are presently using condoms for birth control which has been fine simply because it's his preferred method. I've been fine with it because it's all I have ever known. I'm in the midst of a medical career and as you well know pregnancy and the next several years do not mesh. Marriage and children are on the back burner at the moment. We've established that we are sexually compatible. At this point a pregnancy isn't on the agenda. I've done my research and I have a list of my top three selections. I'm hoping with your expertise you will assist me in choosing the best method for me. Am I making sense to you?"

"Of course, Olivia. If you've done any research at all I'm sure it's thorough. So, what have you come with?"

"My three top choices are the pill, the shot, and the implant. I would like your input on those three. My understanding is that all of these methods are very effective. It's also my understanding that all three methods are effective within days. Have you found this to be true in your practice?

"These are very safe and effective methods of birth control Olivia. It's also true effectiveness comes in most instances within days. Let's go over your medical history and decide which is best for you. As you know I've been doing this for a while. I will give you my best attestation for their performances. I have some very detailed findings for you on these methods as I have done studies on all three. Let me go into my office and get my personal laptop. I'll be right back."

Olivia wasn't anxious or nervous in the least. She had known Dr. Tomlin from med school and had actually worked on one of her projects and assisted her with collecting data for a paper she was writing. She was very comfortable putting herself in her care. This was a very important step she was taking. She wanted the issue of birth control behind her before she began her Christmas holiday.

Dr. Tomlin returned and they discussed her medical history and each method individually. Pros, cons, and side effects were all discussed. Olivia knew that the pill was the least invasive procedure. However, she was leaning toward the implant. The idea of not having to worry about pregnancy for five years was appealing. Presently she wasn't taking any prescribed medicines. She occasionally tried some supplements. Olivia was in very good health. The shot had to be taken every three months and the pill was taken every day.

Olivia would be in a very different place in five years. The most demanding phase of her march toward becoming a physician would be over. She would be in the specialization phase of her career and she would hopefully be able to breathe. She and Fitz could consider getting married and maybe even starting a family. It was a glimpse into their future and it made her smile. They were going to have children she had seen it in her visions. It was only a question of when.

"What do you think doctor Tomlin? What has been your experience with the implant? I know I can speak freely with you. We have a doctor-patient relationship as well as a mentor-student relationship. We are also friends. Do you recommend it? I like the idea of an uncomplicated implantation in the arm. And bearing no complications, it's implanted and you go on your merry way, right?

"You are right and I do recommend it Olivia. I have implanted it many times in my practice and thus far I can say nothing negative about it. As with all methods there are cons but the question is, do they outweigh the pros. The pill is the most popular form of birth control but the others are very effective as well. The shot is effective but the injection every three months is a turnoff for many. Based on your history I see no problem with you going with the implant. Why don't we get you on the schedule next week for the procedure? That will give us almost two weeks to see how your body adjusts. We would want this behind you before Christmas."

"Yes, we would, Dr. Tomlin. Thanks so much for your help."

"Let scheduling know I want you in next week. Good to see you, Olivia."

Olivia had a break in between classes today because her professor was involved in an emergency surgery this morning. Instead of joining a study group today she was going call Audrey. She had her schedule for the holidays and she should have called the woman already. She had been putting it off. And for what? Supposedly nothing intimidated her so why was she avoiding this conversation?

Fitz wouldn't have told her to contact the woman without good reason. He was a busy high-powered lawyer that had a lot on his plate. It was only normal that he would have an assistant that he relied upon for the things that he didn't have time for. That was the rub for Olivia. It seemed like he didn't have time for her and was pawning her off on his assistant. If she were truly the most important thing in the world to him, why did they need a go-between? The woman was nice enough the one time she had met her but it didn't seem right to have to go through another woman to get to her boyfriend!

Olivia knew in her heart that she was being petty and jealous. Fitz was committed to her. She knew that. What was this jealous streak all about? Why had she developed almost an instant dislike for Fitz' righthand man or woman as it were? Was it because the woman was one of the beautiful women she had ever seen? She was as gorgeous as any model gracing a magazine cover. She carried herself like she was on the runway. Audrey was a tall woman that looked like a goddess and she spent an inordinate amount of time with her boyfriend every day! It wasn't like Olivia to be petty and jealous. Yet, she knew that she was!

She was going to have to discuss this with Fitz. She should've already done it when the emotion had first reared its' ugly head. Having never had a boyfriend before she was bound to get a lot of things wrong. She loved Fitzgerald Grant and he loved her back. Those were the facts. That being true there wasn't anything that they couldn't face and work out. Call Audrey and get your plans confirmed. If the woman could get her to California and to Fitz smoothly, she needed to get it done!

"Good morning, Mrs. McDaniels. This is Olivia Pope. I hope I'm not disturbing you this morning. I understand that you are indispensable to the running of Grant and Associates. I don't plan to take up much of your time. Fitz has asked me to contact you with my schedule for the Christmas holidays. Are you able to talk to me right now?"

"Good morning, Ms. Pope. I have been anxiously awaiting a call from you. Mr. Grant has been more anxious than me. And he is rarely anxious about anything. And please, call me Audrey. I understand from him that you were hesitant to call and even more hesitant to have me an as intermediary between you two. I think I understand your hesitancy Olivia but I'm not sure. In any event if we don't finalize these plans, I'm afraid this office may have to close! The boss is more than thrilled that you are spending the Christmas holiday with him and he wants everything to go smoothly."

"Well, I certainly didn't intend to cause any problems at Fitz' place of business. I should've called you already. The delay has been all mine. There has been a hesitancy to call you on my part. I'm new to relationships and romance. As you well know Fitz and I are brand new and finding our way. I'm sure I should be thanking you for helping us navigate through troubled waters. In advance, thanks, I do appreciate your help. And please call me Olivia."

"I've been with Fitz since he first opened his doors for business. I'm part of the team but Fitz and I are also very good friends. I consider it an honor that he trusts me to act an intermediary between the two of you. Fitz is a workaholic, Olivia. Even when he was married, he never put anything before his work. Of course, he didn't love his wife but he does love you and that puts an entirely different perspective on where we are.

An open line of communication with you is paramount to him. Celebrity clients, court appearances, and an overwhelming amount of paperwork keeps this office humming like a work bee every day. Rarely is there a minute of Mr. Grant's day that isn't accounted for. When there is one, two, fifteen, or twenty of them; I am the one that will know where those minutes are Olivia. I do understand that you and Fitz are brand new. I do understand that you are the most important thing in his life right now. And right now, it is part of my job to help him more as a good friend than employee. I hope you understand that, Olivia."

"Your words are helping me to understand better Audrey and I appreciate all you have said to alleviate my concerns. Sometimes women can communicate so easily what men cannot. I'm so looking forward to spending the Christmas holidays with Fitz and his family. Let me give you my schedule so you can make the necessary arrangements. Also, next week, on Wednesday to be exact, I will only have a half day. I will have two early morning labs and I will be free the rest of the day and night. Would you please let him know?"

"I will. I know he gave you my email address but I have added another address that is specific to you. This is for our communication only. That way it is separated from information associated with Grand and Associates. Is that okay with you?"

"Of course. Please send it to me."

"Great. Send me your information and I will get back with you on the particulars of your vacation. As for next Wednesday things aren't looking that good for a possible connection between the two of you. He has a full schedule that day as well as the following day."

"I will send you the info as soon I as hang up Audrey. Thank-you for our brief but very enlightening conversation. I think I understand some things much clearer now. Fitz and I are finding our way into this love affair. We both need friends. Thanks for your help."

"No problem Olivia. I will expect to hear from you. Good-bye."

Olivia was thinking that went much better than she had expected. Apparently, Audrey would be an asset to her relationship with Fitz if she could find it within herself to embrace it. Their little talk was enlightening. She knew that it was possible for men to have relationships with women that were friendly and platonic in nature. It appears that was the case with Audrey and Fitz. The woman was married with children. And she was in her forties. Olivia was going to need allies in this relationship that she hoped to cultivate for a lifetime. Hopefully, eventually she could call Audrey her friend as well.

Audrey walked into his office smiling. Her smile made him smile. His assistant was often the bearer of bad news. He could use a good news day. He was just about to head out the door. He had a meeting but of course Audrey knew that."

"What's up Drey? Make it quick. I gotta go."

"Olivia called. She also just sent her schedule for the trip to California. I'm going to work on making some final plans later. I thought you would want to know. I know you were anxious about her calling me, as in if she would call at all. Well, she did, although I think it was reluctantly. She's young Fitz and I don't think she particularly liked going through another woman to get to you. She reminds me of my Monique. She's obviously independent and she's feisty. It's probably going to take her a while to get accustomed to being the girlfriend of a big-time celebrity lawyer. The more she understands that you and I are not only boss and co-worker but best buddies the more she will understand why you depend on me.

You can't simply fall in love with someone of the XYZ generation and expect them to understand us Fitz. Look how long it took James McDaniels to come around. I know he's a baby boomer but he was just as insecure as Olivia is right now. No matter the age group most men and women are territorial. I touched on our working relationship and our unusual friendship but only a little. The main conversation you will have to have yourself and you'll need to get more specific with her. Simply tell her the truth, my story and how you saved me. You have my permission boss."

"I intend to do that Drey. Thanks in advance for your help. Damn I miss her so much. How in the hell do I wait to almost the end of December to see her? I swear being in love isn't a fucking cakewalk."

"No, it isn't. Go to court tiger. You'll live through it. Remember, Christmas is right around the corner only weeks away. I'll talk to you later."

Back in the Caymans today was a big day for Tessa. She was going out of the resort today for the very first time. It had been more than a week and she'd had enough of seeing just the maid and room service. She was going down stairs for lunch and afterwards she was walking on the beach. More than likely, she would run into someone that knew her and the jig would be up. Her sisters had told her Thomas was all over the island looking for her. The man was discreetly offering a modest reward for information as to her whereabouts.

A thousand dollars was a lot of money to the locals. She was shocked he would offer any amount the man was so cheap. Someone out there needed that money and they would be looking for her in order to claim it. Well, let them find her! It would change nothing. She was never going back. As far as she knew Thomas had been served with her divorce papers four days ago. He still hadn't responded to her lawyers. It wasn't surprising. He probably felt if he ignored them, they would go away. They wouldn't. She wanted a divorce and she would have it!

Her hair hung down her back, she had make-up on her face and her lips were painted. She looked good and she knew it. She was going to lunch and after that for a walk. She wasn't a prisoner and she was through acting like one. Nor was she afraid to face Thomas Pope. It was time that he knew that his hold over her was now non-existent. She had ordered her a new wardrobe and today she would try it out. She hadn't worn heels in years. She did today, she wanted to look and feel beautiful. She wanted to be noticed. Tessa picked up her purse and left the room.

Thomas Pope was sitting at the desk in his study. He still couldn't believe what he was reading. Tessa had served him with divorce papers. That bitch had actually gone to a lawyer and had divorce papers served against him. She was charging him with adultery and unreasonable behavior, to include mental cruelty.

The activities of his life at Bellehaven were outlined in the divorce papers. Those activities and his participation in them were indisputable. He had been committing adultery for years. To the extent that his wife knew so much of the details was unbelievable. The complaint claimed that his fellow fornicators would be named if he protested the divorce. She claimed to have tapes of him committing adultery in his own home. Tessa had recorded him on Overton Place?

The divorce papers charged him with unreasonable behavior and because of that behavior, Tessa Pope cannot continue to live with him. He had bullied her, emotionally and physically abused her, and throughout the marriage he had belittled her in front of her children. She accuses him of depriving her of the love of the said children by denying her the right to see them. His behavior was being described as cruel and unusual punishment.

He still couldn't believe what he was reading. Tessa had gone to a group of attorneys and supplied them with unbelievable garbage against him. She had made him to be a complete ogre within the papers of this complaint. The woman had indeed gone mad. To air this list of grievances before a court instead of coming directly to him was unconscionable! She had led him to adultery, no one but her. Tessa was a cold fish!

She had given him permission to seek his pleasure elsewhere! She had all but sent him to Bellehaven. Now she had the unmitigated gall to threaten him with exposure. She would name names if he didn't capitulate to the demands of the divorce. She wanted half of his savings including all of his "offshore" accounts. He could lay claim to all else they had accumulated in the marriage! She had no desire to have any of his properties. She wanted nothing material from him; not the house, cars, jewelry, painting, furs, none of it. How did she know about his "offshore" accounts? Tessa had been rifling through his papers.

He hadn't contacted his lawyers yet. He was too embarrassed by the content of these papers. Surely Tessa was testing him in some way. She was going to demand that he give up Bellehaven and his adulterous ways before she returned home. And of course, she wanted her precious children back into the fold. This is what these divorce papers were all about! She thought to blackmail him into becoming a lapdog husband! He could never be such a man. Tessa would return home at once. He would amend some of his behavior perhaps but she didn't tell him what to do! She could have made her demands known in another way. Divorce papers and threatening to air his dirty laundry to the entire island, it was playing with fire!

Again, Tessa had lost her damn mind. He was going to have to spend money on a private detective to find her! His anger at this point had no bounds. He had been stewing over these papers for days. When he found her, he wasn't sure he could check himself but he had to. He had to get her back home before he could solve this problem and it was a problem. He threw the divorce packet against the wall and walked out of the room.

James Lockheed was fidgety. He knew where Tessa Pope was yet he didn't dare go to her. It wasn't his place to do so. Whatever she was doing this time he was going to stand back. She had come to him once in desperation from a man that was abusing her. She had been traumatized and he had taken advantage of that situation. He knew that now. He loved her and he wanted her. To that end he was willing to take her anyway he could have her. It had been a mistake.

Tessa Pope had lain in his bed and responded to him as no other woman had ever done. They had made love from sundown to sunrise. It had been blissful, to him. For her it had been a distraction from her problems with her "husband." She had used his body and then gone home to her husband. It was a humiliating experience for him. She had cried out how much she loved him. Obviously, it had been the pleasure she felt talking. He had begged her not to go but she had. He had begged her! The memory of it shamed him. He would never be that vulnerable again.

The woman was in a safe place. He had his security force looking out for her. He wouldn't allow Tommy to abuse her again but he and Tessa were done. Unless. Unless what? What did he want from her now? He knew he still loved her. No matter how many women he had been with, he had never been able to love another. He never married. He had no children of his own all because of Tessa Pope. He couldn't stop loving another man's wife. Unless. There was that word again. It didn't matter! Until Tessa wasn't another man's wife, they had no future!

He was keeping himself occupied with his businesses and his properties. His head was on backwards but he was making it. If he didn't keep himself busy, he was afraid he might do something stupid like take a ride over to The Roma Resort. His phone rang and his heart fell into his throat. Was it her?

"Hi, Uncle Jim, it's me Olivia. I know you are up late so I called. I have the update you wanted. Everything is going great and Fitz has moved in with me sort of. I asked him to stay with me whenever he can. It's not a permanent arrangement but it's the best we can manage right now. He plans to commute here when he can and he's promised not to interfere with my studies. Everything is still on track just as before Uncle with the exception being I have a sometime live-in boyfriend. I know it was presumptuous of me to move him in as your name is on the mortgage here but I was hoping you would understand."

"I do understand Olivia. I'm human. You're in love as well as in lust. You haven't the initiative to be without each other and this solves the problem somewhat. You're a grown woman Olivia. I expect you to make grown woman choices. You love the man, right?"

"I do."

"I'm in your corner Olivia. Never forget that!"

"Good, Uncle. Have you heard from my father? Do you know that my mother has left Overton Street, that she has left him because of his behavior? As of now both Tommy and I are banned from the house. I don't think my father realized that once he abandoned us my mother would follow suit. She didn't go along with him this time. She left him after all these years. I'm happy she did Uncle. He was stifling the life out of her. Within her wasn't one bit of joy. I don't think she had smiled since Tommy was at your place two years ago.

I'm not there to encourage her and I pray she won't falter. My parents aren't compatible. I assume you know that as well as do. My father and your friend, has been having affairs for years. Mother knows about the suite at Bellehaven. I found out she has known about it for years. To be honest I don't think she cared but it had to hurt her to know he cared so little for her. It hurt me to know what type of man he is. I can only imagine what my mother feels. Every woman wants to be loved. Especially by their husband, a husband that has taken vows. Anyway, I know you're Daddy's best friend but would you look out for my mother? If she should come to you for help, will you help her?"

"Of course, I will Olivia. Your mother is my friend as well."

"Thank-you Uncle Jim."

"So, your paramour has moved in from New York City? How is this working out with school?

"He's only spent a couple of nights so far. We haven't actually moved in together. I've given him access to the condo whenever he can come down to Cambridge. He hasn't been free to do so yet. He's very busy and my schedule hasn't allowed it. It's a first step for us. We intend to marry at some point."

"I know you are in love Olivia but are you sure you aren't rushing things?"

"Trust me Uncle. This is what I want. It's what we both want."

"Good enough Olivia. If I hear from your mother, she can depend on me."

"Thanks, Uncle. I'll let you get back to work. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Just as she hangs up her phone rings. Perfect timing. He's late calling tonight.

"Hi."

"Hi Babe. Sorry to be calling so late but the meeting I had tonight dragged on and on. Contract negotiations are a terrible process. My client is filming in the South American jungle plus they want her to do a nude scene, not her body double. She literally shows off all of her assets every time she leaves her house, but she doesn't want to do a nude scene. Go figure.

How was your day? Audrey told me you called her today. I'm so happy about that, Olivia. We are going to have such a fine time. I could hardly contain myself when she told me. It wasn't that bad I hope talking to Audrey, was it?"

"No, it wasn't. She was even more pleasant than I remember at Thanksgiving. I felt very comfortable talking to her. I can't wait to see you Fitz. I miss you. I miss you so much!"

"I know Sweet Baby. Audrey tried everything in the book to free up my upcoming Wednesday but it wasn't to be, I'm sorry. You know you have an open invite down here to the city any time. Let Audrey or me know. We will use the jet if it's available, if not we will get into public transportation. It's been a while since I've flown First Class but I know it's easier to book."

"Fitz, I usually travel First-Class when I travel back and forth from home. It's only because Uncle Jim bought my fares through his business. Coach was a mainstay for me during undergrad. The upgrade to First-Class was a gift from Uncle Jim. I love to travel by train. So, it won't be a problem should modes of transportation or lack there-of ever come up. I would use any mode of transportation to see you."

"Comments like that go straight to my head Olivia. These two-plus weeks can't pass quickly enough. I can't wait to have you back in my arms again. I miss you so much."

"Fitz, what will the climate be like in California this time of year? Does it get really cold there in the winter? My Cambridge wardrobe is different than my Cayman one. I want to have weather appropriate clothing in California."

"Just pack the necessities, Olivia. Days are usually warm and mild. Nights could vary but usually there is a notable temperature drop. Bring something nice to wear for Christmas day, something festive. We Grants are partial to a lot of red during Christmas. I'll take you shopping the day after Christmas to get you a California wardrobe. You can leave it here for when you visit. I believe in traveling light. Would you like to go on an after-Christmas shopping spree? That way you can get what you really want for Christmas!"

"Of course, I would! You are going to have me so spoiled, Fitz. I know you want to spoil me because you can. You offer me so much, so many things. I have yet to buy you one thing. Nothing! I have to get you something very special for Christmas. What do you want Fitz that I, a struggling medical student, could get you for Christmas?"

"I like material things Olivia just like everyone else but the greatest gift you can give me you have already given to me. You. Olivia, you're all I have ever dreamed. What more could I possibly ask for? My mother makes a big to do about gifts, just so you know. We still gather around the tree on Christmas morning and unwrap gifts. Written in stone, that would consist of mom, dad, grandpa, and Aunt Amalie and probably just her husband. However, my mother has a written invitation to her family in France to come anytime they wish. I will let you know if others will be there. I will make sure everyone is covered from our end."

"Our end?"

"I know we aren't married Olivia but we are together. We're a couple. Everything I do from this point on is attributable to the two of us. I'm hoping you feel the same way. For example, when I asked you if you wanted me to intervene with your mother to help her in her push to escape your father. You said no, but if you had wanted me to that would've been on behalf of two of us. Things that make you happy, things that make your life and the life of those that you love easier are things that I want to do for you, for us. I intend to make your time on this planet as pleasant and joyful as possible Olivia. I love you and I want you to know that every single day!"

"You are such a wonderful boyfriend. Whatever will there be left for you to do as a husband?"

"So much more my Sweet Baby. We will have so much to do in this life as a married couple. For starters we have babies to make which will be my ultimate joy and pleasure to accomplish. We have houses to build and then strive to turn those houses into loving homes. We have an entire world to see together. Those are just some of things left for us to do. I will never become a complacent husband, Olivia. The transition from boyfriend to husband opens a world of possibilities to me!"

"It was a rhetorical question Fitz. I expect the world from you because you are such a giving soul! Oh yes, babies, little Grant babies all over the place. And yes, turning houses into loving homes, you could never understand how much that will mean to me. My point is that you have already proven to be such a wonderful boyfriend that as my husband you would have to be the ultimate partner. To be honest I knew that when I turned and saw your face for the first time. Spending a lifetime with you is going to make me so happy. Now if you could only make the days before I see you again go by faster. I'm so anxious Fitz. I'm like a child getting to go to a toy store for the first time. This is going to be such a wonderful Christmas, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is Olivia. The first of many for us. I promise we will have a lifetime of Christmases together."

"Talk to me Fitz. I plan to do a little shopping on my own. I want to get things that are very special for your parents and grandfather. I want to make a great impression. Knowing a little more about them could help me choose just the right gifts. Also, I want to know your Godmother better. I'm so intrigued about the long-standing relationship between she and your mother. You don't believe her children will come for Christmas?"

"Probably not. You met them at Thanksgiving which they rarely miss. Their lives are in France as they have families and close ties there. Aunt Amalie moved to the states years ago to establish her own career when she and her first husband divorced. The girls were teens then and chose to stay in France with their father. Not that they loved their mother any less it was a matter of convenience. Thanksgiving in the islands is a very nice treat for her to see her daughters. They are lovely young women now, close to you in age. They often show up in America to visit her but usually not right after the Caymans. I will give you a heads up on exactly who will be there Olivia. We will cover all the bases.

The lovers continued their conversation as they usually did covering an array of topics. After all they had only known each other for about three weeks. They were still learning so much about one another. The love and the bonding they were doing had made the two of them believe anything was possible between them. They only had to put it on the table and discuss it. So far everything had been so wonderful. They had spent a wonderful ten days together and now they were trying to adjust to being apart. They talked everyday sometimes more than once. He called her every night usually around eleven-thirty. Tonight, it had been closer to midnight. Their calls aways ended the same. He would ask her the question and Olivia Pope's would get goosebumps and the biggest smile would come across her face. And then she would answer him.

"Tell me what are you wearing tonight?"

"Are you being your usual naughty self, tonight? Of course you are! It's the plum set you bought for me and little else. I wish I could send you pictures, Fitz."

"I imagine you are a vision but no pictures Olivia. The internet is a world wide web and every picture you put on it is out there somewhere. You and your body are for my eyes only. My imagination is running wild as it is! No pictures, yet. My sweet, Sweet Baby, you are in trouble in a couple of weeks I can assure you!"

"How so, Mr. Grant?"

"Remember how according to Darcie women tend to walk sideways from being traumatized with a big dick? It won't be out of the realm of possibility once we are back together, Olivia. We will get started onboard the aircraft as we make our way West. Then once we are in California, I intend to keep you in my suite of rooms for days. No one would dare to naysay me. I think it would be safe to say you could be walking sideways! My family knows we've been apart for weeks. And I think they know we like to do it, a lot."

"Fitz no, I don't want your mother or your family for that matter to think that I'm flighty and a sex fiend. I want your family to think I'm a nice girl. You're supposed to bring nice girls home to marry, not someone willing to shack up with you for days!"

"Oh, really? That's not how I feel. Olivia that outlook of the virtuous woman is crap from Jeff Davis' days. Anyway, you were a virtuous woman until several days ago. I want you just the way you are and my family knows it, especially my dad. He knows that you and I are in a honeymoon phase."

"We aren't married Fitz. We aren't supposed to be honeymooning. Should you even be thinking of having me stay with you in your rooms. Your family may object."

"They won't object Olivia. I'm a thirty-six-year-old man. I do what I want. I expect to spent time with my girlfriend and my family but in that order. My family knows how much I love you, Olivia. The only reason we aren't married right now is because you get to set the pace in that area. When you are ready, we will be married. I'm willing to wait Olivia because you're the only one for me!"

"I'm so glad that you are willing to wait. You are the best of boyfriends, so amenable. I can't wait for you to see me in my new unmentionables. You get to see them and then take them off. And then I get to experience that delectable trauma you are speaking of. Who is coming to Cambridge to pick me up?"

"I plan to come and pick you up myself and we will board the jet and fly west. I can't wait to get you back up in the skies. I'm horny as hell right now. I'm sure that I don't have to tell you that my big traumatizing dick is on Olivia alert."

"I love it when you talk dirty Fitz but we shouldn't start this again tonight knowing it can't go anywhere. You have promised to teach me the nuances of phone sex but you haven't done so. I have retired my battery-operated boyfriend in favor of a real live boy. What's a girl to do?"

"Wait for me Olivia just as I am waiting for you. This separation is going to be good for us in a lot of ways. Once I have entered you into the Grant network and our security system, I will introduce you to the nuances of a selective phone conversation. Done correctly, it's quite enjoyable. I haven't done it in years. We are going to create quite a combustion when we next meet."

"Yes, we are. I don't have to tell you that I'm extremely jealous of that Jennie person that you've had so many "firsts" with. She took your virginity. You had phone sex with her and…"

"Olivia, you shouldn't be jealous of anyone. I've engaged in sexual relationships with other women you know this. Not one of these women have I ever loved. Just you, Olivia. I have only loved one woman in my entire life, you. All sexual encounters before you were meaningless. I'm truly horny right now. I imagine that you are too. All I can think of is you. It's you I want, only you. I ask you every night as we end our conversations what you are wearing because you fill my dreams, Olivia. And some of those dreams are red hot. Rest assured that I am a real live boy that can't wait to see my girlfriend again.

You are right though, this conversation needs to stay away from bedroom talk. I'm already walking a tightrope. Let's call it a night. We should turn in and get some rest. We both have a busy day tomorrow, right?"

"You are right. I'm being very silly right now. It's all because I miss you so much. And you are right, I'm horny too! I was hoping against hope that we would see each other this week. I'm disappointed is all. We end all of our frustration in two weeks. We should get to bed. We both have to be up early tomorrow. What's your court schedule like for tomorrow? Will I be able to reach you or should I just wait for your call tomorrow night?

"Check with Audrey if you get free. She'll know where I am. I love you girl, so damned much! Talk to you tomorrow and sweet dreams."

"I love you too, sweet dreams and goodnight."