Chapter 22
Three days and he would be here. Her heart was filled with so much joy and happiness she could hardly contain it. In three days, Fitz would be here to pick her up and fly her to his hometown for Christmas. How she had made it this long without him she didn't know. She missed him so much. Talking to him every night was fine and dandy but those days and nights they had shared on her Caribbean island had spoiled her. She had tasted bliss and the sweetest love she had ever known. They had been in love for more than a month and she was over the moon about it.
Olivia had shared with her friend at school, Donica that she was dating someone that she had met over the Thanksgiving holiday and it was pretty serious. Donica had honed in on something right away. She knew that her friend Olivia had been one-way for three and a half years. She hadn't missed a study session nor a chance to head class projects since day one. She had noticed that Olivia was taking a backseat to almost everything. She knew something was up, so she had asked about her turnaround.
Olivia and Donica had hit it off right away. Even though Donica was five years older than Olivia they both had similar personalities and drive. After college Donica had spent three years doing biological research before deciding that rather than finding cures she had wanted to be a healer. Donica had put herself on the fast track to become a doctor and she had time for little else. That commonality had drawn she and Olivia together and the fact that they were two Black women in a sea of white males. There were a few other females but the two of them had clicked. Olivia was friendly with them all but Donica had approached Olivia and simply stated she would like to be her friend. Over the past three and half years they had become chums. Their friendship didn't rise to the level of her friendship with Darcie but they had become friends.
Donica had gone with Olivia on her shopping trip. She was doing shopping of her own plus she was giving her input to Olivia for her Christmas list. They had an absolutely fun day capped off by having a delicious dinner at the Oceanaire Seafood Room. Olivia was raised in the Caribbean and Donica was a Miami Beach baby. After their love of medicine, there was the water and good seafood. Oceanaire was a high-end restaurant in the ritzy section of the city with delectable seafood. Whenever they could swing it, they would eat there. Olivia loved the appetizer called Charred Spanish Octopus. She usually made it her meal along with a fresh chopped salad. The octopi pieces were seared in butter and a blend of spices that made Olivia feel like she was at home. They were served with fried plantain, avocado aioli, and a mango salsa. The mango salsa was to die for. Donica had her usual the lobster mac and cheese with grilled asparagus and their to die for cornbread. Their ride back was companionable and light-hearted. They were friends.
"You are in love Olivia. I can tell. There's a certain glow to you as well as a newfound happiness. Also, I can see how important this shopping spree has been to you today. It means a lot to you to have the perfect gifts for your boyfriend's family, doesn't it? I've been there, done that. As you know I was married and it didn't work out. That's not to say your relationship will not. In my case we simply didn't belong together.
However, in the beginning I was just like you with the newness of it all and wanting his family to like me. It's only natural to feel as you do. I'm so happy for you Olivia. Honestly that ex-boyfriend of yours was a loser if I ever saw one. He was a complete jackass. You dodged a bullet with that one. I got the feeling you were never that serious about him. Seeing you realize that medicine is just a vocation and a part of your life puzzle, not all of it, makes me very happy for you Olivia. You needed something other than your love of medicine to sustain you. I'm glad you figured that out."
"You were so right about Peter. I should've broken it off a long time ago. I knew we weren't compatible. I think I was drawn into this thing of trying to please my family instead of myself. I'm beyond that now thanks to my better angels. And of course, I met Fitz. I met him and I do love him already. It was love at first sight for both of us. It's been a lot to take in being in love with someone and sharing your life with them. I'm up for the task though. I have to be.
I've actually already met his family and I'm spending Christmas with him and his family. I want things to go well. Thanks for coming with me today. Your input was very helpful. I found some wonderful gifts thanks in part to you helping me make decisions. What a day! At least we have one more day to recoup. You made some wonderful selections yourself."
"Yes, I did. Are you ready to share more about your boyfriend? He seems so sweet and loving. Not to mention he flies around in a jet. That's impressive shit Olivia. You've caught yourself quite a big fish."
"Well, he is sweet and loving. He's the best. I know I haven't told you that much but there's absolutely nothing to tell Donica. It's just that we are so new I'm simply keeping everything close to my chest and my quickly beating heart. As you have surmised, he comes from money not that it matters to me but there are some security issues he wants to work out before he announces to the world we are dating. I personally don't want to announce anything but I understand what he's doing. Anyway, all I want is to be happy with him. As you have said, he's the big fish let him make the announcements. I'm a simple island girl that fell in love with someone that isn't very simple at all."
"Okay, Cinderella. No problem. I only need to know what you deem I need to know. Can you believe we are actually out of the classroom once we get back from the holidays? No more tests just oral arguments and presentations during rounds. I'm stoked for it. I know you are. You will really get to shine in rotations Olivia. I don't think I've ever met anyone as smart as you. If I haven't said it lately thanks for befriending me and taking me along for the ride. I thought I was highly intelligent until I met you. Thanks for the invite today. I enjoyed myself tremendously. We will have to do it again, my treat."
"Yes, we will. My place is coming up. Thanks again for coming with me. Here's the tip for the Uber guy. See you in class."
"Okay, Olivia. See you later."
Fitzgerald Grant III had done nothing all day. He was sitting in his study trying to get his head into the brief he was supposed to be reading. It wasn't happening. Why didn't he have any pictures of Olivia in his study? In his office? In his wallet? They weren't that new. He should have some pictures of his girlfriend. He wanted some pictures of Olivia so when he was missing her, he could turn and look them or pull them out of his wallet.
Olivia was going shopping in Boston today. She was going to call him when she got back home. She had said she was going to start around nine o'clock in the morning. Wow! It was almost eight o'clock. Twelve hours of shopping? What would he do when it was his turn to go shopping with Olivia? He would do it with a smile on his face. He couldn't think of one thing he wouldn't do for Olivia including shopping. As it was his mother and Audrey helped him shop when it came to shopping. Now that he had Olivia, she could help him. Not for her own gifts but those for family and friends.
All she had to do was give him hints or a sign. He would give her anything! He planned to give Olivia Pope the world and more. Was it too early to be thinking of an engagement ring for her? The heart necklaces were tokens of his affection but he intended to marry her. Even though marriage for them seemed far away he was ready to put a ring on her finger. He wanted to get down on his knee and propose to Olivia while they were in California. She was his and he was hers, he knew that. He just wanted every other Tom, Dick, and Harry to know. He had an appointment at Harry Winston's tomorrow. He had thought for them to shop for the ring together at first. He changed his mind. He wanted to surprise her at Christmas.
It was almost nine-thirty before she called. They said "Hi" and both of them remarked on how time seemed to be standing still. They both were on countdown. They would meet again on Wednesday and their drought would be over.
"God, I miss you, Olivia. This has been so hard. I can't wait to see you. How are you by the way? I imagine you are tired as can be. Are there any gifts left in Boston? I see you made a day of it."
"I miss you too. Actually, I got home about an hour ago. I was truly exhausted Fitz. I haven't walked around like that in years. I don't even think Darcie and I shopped like that when I lived in Atlanta. And we did a lot of shopping. My friend Donica from school was with me. It was a fun day. We ended it with dinner adding to the long day and then we came home. I found some wonderful things Fitz. I'm very pleased with my bounty.
I came home and packed up my presents and decided I wanted to lie in the jacuzzi and rejuvenate myself. Those bubbles and hot water did wonders for me. I feel so relaxed now. I'm actually in bed propped up on pillows and talking to the love of my life. Still if you were in bed with me, I would be much happier right now! What did you do today Mr. Grant?
"It was another day at the office for me. I actually took on two more clients today. Honestly, I wanted to remain at the level that I am right now but these clients were referrals that had really shitty representation. This is it though, no more. Now that I've found you Olivia, I don't want my work days to always be in overload. Of course, with Drey as my assistant things will continue to run smoothly. Once she passes the bar in a year or so my work load will drop tremendously. As my paralegal she has been a godsend. To be honest, Drey is better at almost being a lawyer that some of the dingbats I try cases against in court. She is going to be an excellent lawyer and colleague."
"I'm changing my mind about your assistant every day. She makes your life so much easier and for that I'm most grateful. And she has been so nice and understanding to me. I hope we can become friends."
"Drey is already your friend Olivia. I can assure you of that. She knows how much you meant to me. Already she understands that you are to become a permanent fixture in my life. You will see. So, Ms. Pope, are you getting excited for your next excellent adventure with me? Can Wednesday get here fast enough for you?"
"Oh Fitz, you can't possibly know the speed that adrenaline is flowing through my system. I'm so ready to see you. I have missed you so much. This separation has almost been unbearable. I was so spoiled sleeping with you every night, having you cook for me, and make love to me during our days together. I miss us so much and the things we do. Is it wrong to crave you so much?"
"Not at all. I have the same feelings. Let's not talk about our craving right now. Let's save them for later. Tell me about your shopping spree Olivia. Did you have enough money to get the things you wanted? I'm almost finished with most of the shopping I plan to do. I can't wait for you to arrive in Cali then we can finish our Christmas shopping together. In the meantime, tell me about your bounty Ms. Pope."
It made her feel so special the way Fitz wanted exact details from her about her day. As she talked, she thought about how her life was changing. Once it had been she and Darcie against the world. Now she had a boyfriend, a serious one. She had a group of friends at Harvard. She hadn't been able to cultivate friends while in school in Atlanta. Having totally shunned any aspect of a social life, refusing almost all dating with a few exceptions, and of course refusing to have sex with anyone had made a her a social pariah. She had two different roommates for two semesters before Uncle Jim got her own place. Once there she practically became a hermit.
Olivia had spent three years in Atlanta basically isolated and alone. At the time she had seen nothing wrong with the way things had gone. She did have a couple of female acquaintances over to study. However, she never held one party. Other than the few times her brother and father had come to visit her, she could only remember maintenance men coming inside her condo. People on campus had more or less labeled her bourgeois because of her reluctance to mingle. She wasn't. She had been on a mission and having loads of friends, parties, and boyfriends weren't on her mission list.
After befriending Donica and listening to her talk of her university experience at an HBCU she felt she had missed out on so much. Listening to Donica talk about the place where she had formed spirited friendships, and alliances that she would treasure forever, she wondered if she had taken the wrong approach to campus life. Donica had what most would deem a normal life. She had plotted a course just as Olivia had but she had included other things and she was still living out her dreams.
It wasn't so much that she now wished she had taken more to the "College Experience" that Donica so often talked about, she simply wondered if she had possibly missed something important. Olivia felt that if she had been more outgoing and had embraced college life in America rather than to shun it, perhaps she would be more up to date on things. Being only fifteen, having the sheltered life she had led, and being in a foreign country only added to her problem. Things could have been on a more uneven plane right now. She was a quick study; she would catch up! And she and Fitz were discussing a plan to do couples' therapy. They weren't leaving any unturned stones in their quest to have a thriving relationship.
Olivia went right down the list of the things she had bought today. She explained why she had bought each gift and how she felt it would align with the character and brief summary Fitz had given her of the individuals on her list. Olivia was extremely thorough and he loved it. Listening to her voice drift back and forth from cultured English to her true Caribbean accent was music to his ears. He loved to hear his woman talk. It was sexy as hell plus the more Olivia talked, the more he learned about her. And he wanted to know everything.
She told Fitz all about her dinner. When Olivia described something, she could put you in that place. Her description of the food made his mouth water. He liked calamari but to date he had only had it fried. He made a mental note to take her back to Oceanaire the next time he visited. He had already discussed his day and as usual his commentary was usually short and sweet.
Last week when he had told her about the incident in his office with DeVaughn Langston Olivia had asked him if he found all American women to be aggressive. His answer had been that they were no more aggressive in his eyes than any other group. She also wanted to know if he had that type of scenario go on in his office a lot. His answer had been it was extremely rare. There had been only one other offer similar to that made in his office and it had been from his ex-wife. She was trying to get him to end his divorce proceedings against her. He assumed she felt that a fake sexual encounter in his office would be the start of a turnaround. It wouldn't be. He had turned her down as well.
He and Olivia were keeping to their pledge of honesty in their relationship and he was thrilled about it. Olivia was always so open and frank about everything. It was one of the things he loved about her. He thought about the night she had finally built up the courage to tell him about her virginity. What a night that had been! Had they truly only met thirty-five days ago? They had spent ten of those days in idyllic bliss learning each other's body in every way possible. Now they had been separated for almost three weeks and a big reunion was in the cards for this Wednesday! The day couldn't get here fast enough!
Their precious phone call was coming to an end. Olivia had tried to disguise the fact that she was yawning but he had caught it. She was tired and they both should call it a night. They would be together soon. He couldn't wait to get on that plane.
"Alright Sweet Baby. I know you are tired and you have classes tomorrow. I'm going to sign off. You told me you were in bed but you didn't tell me what you were wearing tonight. Be very specific Olivia, I could use some sweet dreams."
"Actually, I'm not wearing a thing right now. I'm naked lying atop of the covers talking to my boyfriend. My hair is curly and damp in all places. I'm been thinking about my handsome boyfriend coming to pick me up in his jet. I'm been thinking about all we gonna do at thirty-thousand feet. I can't wait to see you Fitz, I swear I can't!"
"Dammit Livvy! That's not playing fair and you know it. You are going to make me soil my sheets in my dreams tonight. You know your dirty talk inspires me. In fact, your inspiration gave me a growth spurt. Girl, you are playing with lots of fire. Come Wednesday, I'm going to make you burn."
"Can I count on that Mr. Grant? You know I love playing with fire and big dicks. Oh, I'm sorry, correction; I meant to say big sticks."
"Olivia Pope, you are incorrigible and I love it and I love you. It's after midnight, we now only have two days left. Two Days! I'll talk to you tomorrow pretty lady. Goodnight." He had to get off of the phone. Olivia was making him so hard. He placed his hand over his erection that was about to burst the zipper on his pants and sighed. He was hot and bothered. Boy he would love to explode right now. That wasn't going to happen. Nothing would give him satisfaction at the moment but to be inside of Olivia and she wasn't here. He undressed and got into bed. He closed his eyes, and waited for his dreams.
"Goodnight Fitz. I love you too." They usually ended their nightly talks with a bit of sexual banter. Their thoughts and words to each other were becoming sexier and sexier the closer they got to Wednesday. Olivia's entire body was on fire! To intensify matters Olivia had just seen a vision of the two of them as they were talking. In the vision she and Fitz were making love. She had felt her juices flow and she was wet in that place. How did she know? Instinctively she had placed a finger down there. Immediately her thoughts were of all the wonderful things Fitz did to her with his fingers. It was crazy this hot burning feeling inside of her. It wasn't what she wanted, to pleasure herself. She wanted her lover, she wanted Fitz. Nothing else would do. Olivia let out a longing sigh and pulled the sheets over her, closed her eyes, and waited for her dreams.
It was Tuesday morning and Tessa had an in-person appointment with her lawyer. She had dressed for success in her new wardrobe and left the building. Her taxi was waiting. She arrived at Huntington and Huntington right on time. She was anxious to get her divorce moving along. Unbelievably Thomas Pope had yet to reply to her petition for divorce. Her lawyers hadn't heard a word from him even though he had personally been served.
"Well, what do we do Mr. Huntington? I refuse to stay married to the man. I have been more than generous in that Mr. Pope has tried to deceive me as to the true value of our holdings and assets. Luckily, I was able to obtain copies of his files and paperwork exposing his deceit. I haven't any intentions of jumping through hoops for Thomas Pope. I want a divorce! I've read the laws. There isn't any reason for a delay. There aren't any minor children. I have relinquished all right to any tangible property. All I want is due compensation for my thirty years of laboring within the marriage which would entitle me to half of our joint assets. How do we get him to respond and finish this?"
"The contact server assured me that Mr. Pope received his paperwork. It was handed to him personally, in front of witnesses. His nonresponse is purely without merit. The Respondent has fourteen days to respond to your petition. His fourteen days are up. In anticipation of your visit today I have composed another missive advising Mr. Pope that the first proceeding regarding this matter scheduled for the January 6th will commence with or without him. His noncompliance will only assist the judge in ruling in your favor. I only need your approval to send it posthaste."
"By all means send it. You have my approval to send anything that will hasten the end of this marriage. The sixth of January is about two weeks away, right?"
"Yes Madame. That is the case."
"So other than this missive what else can we do?"
"Mr. Pope must file with the courts his intentions. Does he intend to defend against divorce or will he agree to it. If he agrees to the divorce this thing will proceed through the courts fairly quickly. Mediation is a compulsory part of divorce proceedings. However, if one party from day one states unequivocally refuses mediation, the case moves on. I assume you will have no part of a mediation, is that right Madame?"
"That is correct, no part at all!"
"Since there will be no mediation the next step is the negotiation of settlement. You have made plain what you want in the settlement. If Mr. Pope agrees we could have a final decree in about six weeks. So, it seems to me your divorce relies only on the settlement agreement between you and your husband. We are talking about a vast fortune. Do you believe that your husband will depart with his money easily?"
"No, I do not. However, I believe that Thomas Pope would be willing to give me what I'm asking for two reasons. Number one, rather than to lose a majority if not all of his fortune to the Cayman government I believe he will share it. Thomas Pope is an unscrupulous and deceitful man. He loves money. I will be willing to live as a pauper and allow the spoils of his under-the-table collaborations go to the government. I counting on thirty years of living with this individual and knowing him like a well-read book, that he will not. Secondly, I will advise this entire island of the type of man he really is. I will expose not only his treatment of his wife and children but I will expose his under the cover life. Thomas Pope will never allow that to happen!"
"I suspect that you may be right Madame. I've seen it happen before. Let me get a letter off to your husband explaining his options. I will see that it is delivered today. Did you have any further questions for me Madame? I understand you have left the marital home. Are you alright? Is there any way that we may assist you?"
"All I seek is the final dissolution of my marriage to Thomas Pope. The sooner I can call him my ex-husband, the sooner I can rebuild my life."
"I understand that. We intend to see that happen I can assure you. I see you have given us the pertinent information as to how to reach you. As soon as we hear from Mr. Pope, I will contact you. If he should attempt to contact you directly instead of us, please don't entertain him. If Mr. Pope does choose to protest, he will start by trying to sway you from your position. Please be on the lookout for this type of ruse and behavior. His nonresponse is a sign of desperation. Most men are quick to believe that a woman doesn't know her own mind. I have practiced law here for many years and I have seen and I am wise to a lot. Take care Mrs. Pope."
"Please call me Tessa or Ms. Adderley. I have every intention of reverting back to my maiden name. At any rate I don't wish to be called Mrs. Pope."
"No problem. Good morning Ms. Adderley.
Tessa left the office and decided she would walk through the mall adjacent to the lawyer's offices. She needed a few things and there was a pharmacy on the corner. She wasn't kidding. She was no longer in hiding. She had gone to the bank before coming here and had opened up a personal account in her maiden name. Even doing that she still had a sizeable bankroll in cash. If things progressed the way the lawyer had laid them out moving forward, she should be free surely by April. She wanted this. She wanted to be free. When she was truly free there were things she had to do!
Meanwhile one of the goons that Thomas Pope had hired to find his wife had spotted her going into her lawyer's office. He had been on stakeout there for days. Thomas Pope had known that sooner or later she had to show up there to conduct this messy divorce business. Once she showed up there, he had wanted her followed to wherever she was staying. He would take it from there.
Tessa looked around her and wondered which one of these people in her orbit had been sent to spy on her by Thomas Pope. Without a doubt he would be told she had visited her lawyer today, strolled through a mall, and had gone back to the Roma Resort. Guess what, she could give a damn. Let him show up here. It would do him not a bit of good.
Tessa was also working with a realtor on finding her a house within her budget. She was prepared to place a sizable down payment and she was looking for something under a million dollars. She knew that she would have to pay a minimum of 500K for what she wanted. Her wish list was for a three to four-bedroom house or condo.
If she were to conclude this divorce business quickly, perhaps she would be in a different price range. Her sister Naomi had invested some monies that she had given her years ago. She had quite a portfolio according to her paperwork. That was another small fortune she could use as she rode out this divorce fiasco with Thomas. Thank God, she had prepared herself. She knew good and well Thomas Pope wasn't going to play fair!
Thomas had just gotten the news. His wife, and he was using the term loosely, had finally shown up at her lawyer's offices. After doing some shopping she had gone to the Roma Resort. How in the hell could she afford to stay there for all these weeks? Someone was bankrolling her. Ten to one it was that chicken-shit whore of a sister of hers. Naomi had money flowing from everywhere. The woman had her hands into everything on three islands.
Thomas thought that Tessa and the rest of that nonsensical family of hers had cut ties with Naomi. He had told his wife himself about where her sister's money really came. She of course had run to her sisters and found that they were unconcerned, which meant they already knew her true occupation. When he had found out about the relationship between his wife and the owner of A Gentleman's Place, he had been floored. He had absolutely forbidden his wife to consort with her. Apparently, Tessa had decided to disregard another of his dictates!
Why those Adderley girls thought they were fucking bluebloods he would never understand. They were hardly Cayman royalty. Two of them had married men that were classified as rich. However, owning two grocery stores and inheriting the family furniture business didn't elevate you to the top of the food chain. Tessa had elevated the entire bunch when she had married him. Now she thought to divorce him after sucking the life from him with her indifference? He had given her everything. In return he had received nothing but two ungrateful children and her coldness in his bed.
According to the divorce paper Tessa sought to take half of his hard-earned money. That was money that he had invested for their future. True, much of it was "under the table money" but that was an acceptable practice. Not necessarily legal but acceptable. She also sought to brand him an adulterer. She had sent him outside of the marriage; she condoned it. And her stance that she can no longer live with him because of his cruelty and indifference is hogwash. He hadn't responded to the papers because this divorce was never going forward. This had gone on long enough. He was on his way over to the Roma and he would bring Tessa home this very evening. She was his wife and she belonged with him!
Tessa arrived back at the resort. She was feeling good about where she was right now. Things would go forward because she intended to see that they did so. There wouldn't be any mediation and her demands were non-negotiable. Her attorney would make that clear in the missive he sent out today. She would tell Thomas herself when he showed up here today. And he would show up without a doubt. He would try and strongarm her; she was sure. It wouldn't work this time. There was nothing he could say or do to change things now. She would never go back to him.
She had talked to both Tommy and Olivia today. She had finally told them where she was staying and her immediate plans. She intended to go through with the divorce and start a new life as a single woman. She had some skills. It was very possible that she would re-enter the work force. She wasn't sure. She didn't intend to be idle and wallowing in self-pity over her failed marriage.
She wanted them to know that if they pursued a relationship with their father beyond the divorce that would be fine with her. Whatever relationship they would forge with Thomas Pope would have nothing to do with her. He was their father after all. Both Olivia and Tommy had said they wouldn't take any steps to mend the relationship. Their father had severed it and he would have to repair it. That being said, all three of them knew that would never happen!
Tessa realized that all that happened between she and Thomas Pope wasn't his fault. She should have never married him. She didn't love him. She couldn't respond to him because she didn't love him. His touch had repulsed her. Instead of ending the marriage she had stayed and it had become a hellhole for the both of them and their children. She would have to atone for her sins to God. Only he could judge her, no one else. Thomas Pope could've ended the marriage himself but he didn't. Instead, he chose to punish her for not loving him. Their marriage was doomed from the start. It would be a blessing for them both to put the marriage out of its misery!
She had changed into something more casual. She was going over to building three this evening for the seven o'clock show. It was an oldie but goodie R&B review. It had been recommended in the daily bulletin. She was living here she was going to start enjoying the amenities. She revitalized her make-up and she had taken her hair out of the fashionable twist to allow it to hang down her back. She looked good and she knew it. She left her room.
Getting off of the elevator she saw him standing at the check-in desk. She couldn't hear what he was saying but he was being rather animated with his hands. He pointed a finger at the clerk. As she left the elevator, she could hear him asking for a manager or someone in charge. He was looking for his wife and he knew that she was registered at this resort.
The two people at the desk were ensuring him that there wasn't a Tessa Adderley or Tessa Pope registered at this establishment. Calling in a manager would be futile. Furthermore, they were unable to give him any information even if she were registered at the establishment. Thomas was furious because he knew his wife was here. He proceeded to berate the crew and promised to have their jobs. In other words, Thomas Pope was being Thomas Pope, thinking to rule all before him.
Tessa could have quietly made her way out of a side door and headed on to building three but she didn't. She knew this day was coming. She had given herself a couple of weeks to get herself together and build up her resistance to this day. She hadn't expected him to show up today maybe tomorrow but not today. Yet there he was. Why not today? This day was inevitable. She walked over to the desk. His back was turned away from her. She spoke his name,
"Thomas, you are looking for me?" He turned around upon hearing her voice. He did a double take because he didn't even recognize his wife. She looked nothing like the woman he had last seen get into a cab and leave Overton Place. It was the Tessa of thirty years ago staring at him. She had aged but barely at all. The shock of seeing her this way was written all over his face!
"Tessa what have you done? I hardly even recognized you. I knew you were here. No wonder those imbeciles didn't know you from my description. You have disguised yourself!"
"I'm hardly disguised Thomas. This is the real me. I've done nothing at all but get up in the morning and be me. This is how I've looked every morning for thirty years until I transform myself into the woman you have insisted that I be. I'm no longer the haggard, worn out, frazzled, and frightened jack rabbit you want me to be. I assure you it is I. Stop badgering these people. What do you want? Why are you here?
"You know why I'm here Tessa. I here to bring you home. Get your things and let's go!"
"I'm not going anywhere with you. Leave here Thomas and go back to your house. Find the divorce papers and sign them. We are done!"
"That's what you say! I say we aren't. You are my wife and you will come with me." Tessa had seen security arrive in the form of two uniformed guards. Apparently, the front desk had called for them. They had briefly spoken to them and had quickly moved over to where they were standing.
"Madame is there a problem here? Sir, please produce your identification as to prove you are staying at this resort. I must see it immediately. If you don't have the required identification and property passport, I must ask you to leave at once. I understand that you were let through the gates pretending you were a doctor responding here for an emergency. Lying to obtain entry into these grounds is a crime sir. Produce your papers."
"I am a doctor. I'm here to see my wife. I have every right to be here. I'm here to take her home. We had a disagreement and she came here. I will apologize to the staff if you would like. My wife is apparently registered here under an assumed name. I became irritated when they told me she was here. There isn't a problem."
"Is that true Madame? Is this gentleman not presenting a problem to you? The crew indicated that there is a problem."
"There is some truth in what they're saying. This man is currently my husband but we are in the middle of a divorce. I'm staying here as we go through the process. My husband was of the understanding that we needed to converse about some issues, we don't. We have nothing to discuss. I was about to tell him that all correspondence between us should be handled between our attorneys. I don't think there's going to be a problem. I gather that my husband didn't get the memo is the only problem here. If you will give us a few moments, all will become clear. Thomas let's move over there to that corner so we may discuss our issues in private. I'm sure you want to avoid a possible arrest."
"My wife is correct gentlemen. If you will excuse us while we address our misunderstanding."
"Are you sure Madame? You are a guest here and we don't tolerate intimidation to occur to our guest on any front. You are on this property by fraudulent access doctor and to add to that we were dispatched here because you were causing a disturbance. Conclude your business here and remove yourself at once."
"Excuse me sir but do you not know who I am? I'm a respected doctor on this island. I had every right to come here and visit my wife."
"No sir, I don't know who you are. As of this moment you are an uninvited guest causing a disturbance at the Roma Resort."
"Thomas please come with me so that we can conclude the business at hand." Thomas Pope was beyond himself with anger at the belligerent security person and Tessa as well. She was responsible for this entire mess. If she were at home where belonged, none of this would have happened. He gave the officer a dirty look and followed Tessa to the secluded corner.
"Tessa, get your things and let's leave this place. I have no desire to air our dirty laundry in a resort lobby. That foolish security guard will be sorry he spoke to me like that. I will have his job."
"Thomas don't think to bully the man because he's doing his job which is to protect the people that are guests here. I'm a guest, whereas you're an uninvited person that has lied in order to get through the gate. I wouldn't push this Thomas as you may find yourself arrested for trespassing on private property.
I want to very quickly address some things with you. Number one please don't contact me again. Any correspondence you wish to have will have to be done through my attorney. As you know that would be Huntington & Huntington. I've been told that my petition for divorce has been handed to you personally so I suggest that you respond to it immediately. I want a divorce Thomas, in fact I wanted it yesterday. I'm never going back to Overton Place too many awful things have happened there. It was never my home only yours.
There isn't anything for me there. You banned my own children from a home that was supposed to be ours. You treated me with disdain every day I lived in that house. No matter what I did it was never enough. I'll admit that all the fault for our failed marriage doesn't lie with you. I was to blame for my part in it. We made a mistake in marrying and complicated that by having children. Those children are now adults and hopefully can live their own lives. That's what we must do Thomas, be adults and move on. We are incompatible and we don't love one another."
"What is this nonsense? What has love got to do with it? You're my wife and as my wife you belong at home with me, not holed up in some fancy pansy resort living well above your means. I'm sure that wretched sister of yours helped you to facilitate this mess. You can't just walk out on me, your home, and your marriage. It isn't done Tessa. This will cause me public humiliation. I won't allow it. Get your things!" He grabbed her by the arm to pull her from the small alcove they had been in.
"Thomas, remove your hand from my person at once! I swear I will have you arrested for battery. You haven't any say about me anymore. You should remember that in the future. If you don't release me, I will scream bloody murder and have you arrested. Unhand me!" Tessa didn't scream her words in fact they were uttered very quietly for his ears only. She was very serious. This man would never harm her again.
Two men that had been detailed to watch Tessa Pope by James Lockheed were eyeing the couple secluded in the small corner. They had been instructed to intervene on Mrs. Pope behalf if her husband should accost her. With his back to them they were unable to see Thomas Pope grab his wife's hand so they hadn't intervened. So far, they couldn't see anything out of the ordinary but they were watching to see what was happening.
Thomas couldn't believe his ears. His wife was threatening him with arrest if he didn't let go of her hand. She had threatened to call attention to them and this unseemly situation. She was refusing to come home and she wasn't going to have a reasonable conversation with him. He could see that now. She was rebuffing him, her legal husband. What was this world coming to? Tessa had turned herself into some type of femme fatale. She was dressing like a harlot and she was using make-up. It was all unbelievable!
Above all of that he knew that Tessa was serious she really wasn't going to talk to him and she wasn't coming home. If he tried anything right now without a doubt he would be arrested and he knew this. This wasn't over not by a long shot.
"Have things your way for now Tessa. You think this is all some grand theater I suppose. Our marriage isn't over. I will never sign those divorce papers, not ever!"
"Then prepare to lose everything you have Thomas. I will bring you down I swear. I meant every word in that petition. I have a records and files of you perpetrating fraud against our government. I have times and dates of your adultery. I have all of the days documented of your assault upon my person that will include your actions here today. You have forced yourself on me against my will, that's rape Thomas. I will tell it all. And I will name your whores in open court. Will your fellow doctors call you friend once they know you are fucking their wives? In short, I will ruin your precious reputation, Thomas. Give me what I have earned for being your door mat for thirty years. Let me go. Find yourself another fool."
He was shaken by her words. He suspected that she meant them. She would destroy him in order to secure her freedom from him. She believed herself treated so poorly that she was planning to resort to blackmail to get him out of her life. It was daunting that this was what their thirty-year relationship boiled down to. He could see it in her eyes. Tessa didn't simply dislike him, she hated him! He turned and walked away.
Tessa was no longer in the mood for a musical revue. As she was telling Thomas Pope about his perfidy it amplified her part in her debacle of a marriage. She was ashamed and not just for Thomas but for herself. She had married him knowing she loved another. In the process, she had ruined five lives. She had done that and now she wanted to be free from a disaster of her own making. Did she even deserve a second shot at happiness after what she had done?
She walked back over to the desk. The staff and the officers were obviously waiting for her. She was feeling absolute shame right now. Moments ago, she had been defiant and headstrong. Now she was just sorry for all of it.
"I wanted to thank you for actions today, all of you. I'm staying here to avoid my husband and I'm sure you can see why at this point. We are going through a divorce that he obviously doesn't want but it will happen nonetheless. I checked in here under an assumed name for privacy while the details were being worked out. I appreciate your help this evening. I will speak to my lawyers tomorrow to determine if a restraining order is necessary. I hope I've convinced Mr. Pope that we have nothing to discuss."
"Not a problem Ms. Locks. I'm Captain Rawlings. I'm in charge of resort security. He won't be allowed on this property again. I don't care who he is. I could technically have him arrested for his actions today. If he should show up here again, I'll see that my security staff is made aware that he should be detained and booked. Are you sure you are alright?"
"I'm fine. Thank-you Captain for your concern. And thank you Cheryl and David for your diligence in doing your jobs."
Tessa returned to her rooms. She undressed and headed straight for the shower. Her encounter with Thomas had left her feeling dirty and soiled. She turned on the water and stepped in. Her tears mingled with streams of water. Why in the world had she allowed herself to get into this mess?
It was a brand-new day. Tessa Pope had given into her melancholy, cried about it and moved on. She knew that today she would have to be stronger than she had been she yesterday and the day before that. Yes, she was the blame for her current predicament but she still had to move on and rise above the guilt that she felt. Again, the milk was spilled, move on!
It was a brand-new day for Thomas Pope as well. He was up early going to his lawyer's office this morning. He had thought he could handle Tessa. She had moved into the Roma and had placed walls in front of him. He wasn't going to be able to approach her within those walls. If she walked the regular streets again maybe he could approach her. His main thing now was protecting his fortune! He needed assurances from his lawyers that he didn't have to give her a red cent. She had walked out on the marriage. He would give her nothing. The nerve of the woman to threaten him with criminal exposure about his "off shore" accounts. That was his money!
Olivia was already in class. It was her final one actually. After the holidays she would begin to actually practice medicine under the supervision of a real physician. From now until graduation day she would be seeing actual patients as part of her studies. She was very excited about that but she was even more excited because tomorrow was Wednesday. Fitz would be here tomorrow. She would get her early Christmas present. Her happiness radiated from her!
Donica had said to her, "Girl, you are lit up like a Christmas tree. You are leaving for California tomorrow, right?"
"Yes, I'm leaving tomorrow. I've never spent Christmas with anyone other than my family. My mother and I visited my brother and his family a few years ago but that's it. Besides I haven't seen Fitz for a couple of weeks. I'm very excited to see him again."
"I bet you are. He sounds wonderful. I envy you. I'm headed down South to see my folks. My two brothers and sister will be there. It will be a blast and I have to try and keep myself from gaining twenty pounds while I'm down there. My mother is the world's greatest cook."
"Well, you have fun. I know I will." Their professor was at the podium. They took their seats both eager to start their vacations.
This was what was called a wrap day for Fitz. He would be gone for almost two weeks. He and Drey would go over the schedule for the next two weeks. He had some cases that would be turned over to his partners in his absence. A few of his cases had been postponed to ensure he had the days off. Drey had it all worked out. He wouldn't return to New York until January 30th. There was a New Years' eve party being thrown by his firm. He hadn't missed one since its inception. Clients, family and friends would be there. This year he would be there with Olivia. He couldn't wait to introduce her to everyone. It had become an annual event started five years ago.
This was going to be a very special vacation for him. He had nothing on the books but he and Olivia for the next twelve days. His heart was filled with joy. Tomorrow he would fly into Boston and pick her up at Cambridge. She was going to spend Christmas with he and his family. He would have to give her over to his family for a bit, especially his mother but for the most part he intended keep her to himself. Was it selfish? Of course, it was. He had never missed anyone so much in his life. All is fair in love was all he could say.
Olivia was finally on board in the family's security system and her brand-new phone arrived yesterday. Drey said she could still get it to her today by special carrier if he wanted to. He had considered it. They could possibly use it to play tonight. He decided against it. He still wanted to discuss it with her first. And tomorrow he would see his love for real! Besides, the possibility of phone sex wasn't the only reason for Olivia getting the phone. Having a secure line was very important for all members of the Grant family. He hadn't married her yet, but as far as he was concerned she was already a member of the family. The phone would be another one of Olivia's gifts. He would be able to look into her eyes tomorrow. What more could he ask for as an early Christmas present?
