Chapter 39

Tomorrow was graduation day. Olivia was more than excited. She was elated! Her university graduation had been nice and rewarding. Why wouldn't it have been? After all she had a top-notch degree from one of the most prestigious HBCU's on the planet. She was proud to have matriculated at Spelman. She entered there as sixteen-year-old wunderkind and left there a sophisticated young woman of twenty. Now she was leaving Harvard a woman grown and fulfilled in so many ways. She had realized her dream of becoming a doctor. Inspired by her father she had wanted to help people all of her life. Thus, she had chosen to become a healer.

Thomas Pope wasn't her only inspiration. There was her dearly departed Nana. She was her closest friend and confidante in her early years. She and Nana were inseparable as they maneuvered the ins and outs of the absurdity of Thomas Pope. Contrary to all reports Nana had been sorely disappointed in her doctor son. Instead of becoming the loyal compassionate son and doctor she had hoped he would become, he had become a vain inconsiderate man. Entering the medical profession, he thought only to enrich himself and have the servile devotion of others. He had disappointed his own mother and most surely his daughter. Olivia planned to be all that Thomas Pope was not!

Complications from diabetes had ended Nana's life. When she became a world-renown Endocrinologist, she would decimate the horrible disease. She wouldn't disappoint Nana as her son had done. She would make her proud. All that Nana had sacrificed for her son wouldn't have been in vain. She had promised Nana.

She would miss the hubbub of medical school. She would miss the few close-knit friends she had made. In a few hours, she would be Dr. Olivia Pope. Another of her dreams had come true! And in about a week she and Fitz would move into their freshly remodeled penthouse. Fitz had come into town Friday and he was staying over on Monday! Could life be any better than this? Even she had a long weekend! Maybe they could get in an hour or two of online furniture shopping. A few of the things from Cambridge were going to be incorporated into the new house. Those that weren't had been designated for charity.

Fitz had suggested new furniture for their new life in a new house. Excitedly she was mostly in agreement. She would be mistress of her very own castle and her very own knight was insisting upon taking her shopping! New beginnings included new furniture. After all they both had their own office spaces to fill. There was a complete library in the house. Half of it would be Fitz' law library and the other would hold literary classics, and other books that they liked. There were two kitchens; one in the main house and another on the roof. The master suite would have an entirely new look.

Olivia's bedroom furniture from Cambridge was to become part of the mother-in-law suite. There was actually a giant family room in the main house and another leading to the roof. There were six bedrooms outside of the master and mother-in-law suites, all with their own baths. There was a game room and a billiards room. The place was huge.

So, the previous weekend they had shopped until they dropped mostly from the confines of home comparing notes, expressing their hopes, and desires. They had spent some of their precious weekends together at the penthouse watching their choices arrive and beginning to turn their penthouse into a home. Olivia had never imagined online shopping could be so rewarding but it had. Most of their choices so far hadn't disappointed neither one of them. There was the indomitable fact of course that they were purchasing the very best that money could buy. Their home was going to be an absolutely beautiful place. Fitz had told her to stop seeing price tags and simply get whatever would make her happiest. They had conferred together and she was very pleased with the outcome.

Now they were at the last stages of pulling it all together before they actually moved in in ten days. They were completing the various positions of staff for the house. Olivia was more than a little shocked at what would be needed to "run" the penthouse efficiently. A cleaning lady coming in a couple of times a month would never do. Her new home required a full-time staff. Fitz knew what was required because he already had such a place in New York City. She wasn't totally naïve about how the very rich and famous lived but she had balked at the idea of a "House Manager."

They had a housekeeper, a chef, and there was also to be a house manager. He or she would be in charge of the entire staff. The chef and the housekeeper would arrive at penthouse daily. The House Manager would actually live at the penthouse to ensure that it ran efficiently. All people of means apparently had a person that actually "ran the house."

It had become obvious to Olivia that her life was to be one of leisure when she wasn't being a hospital resident. According to Fitz they both would sit down with this person on Sundays and plan out weekly household matters. That person in turn would ensure that they would face no problems on the home front when Fitz was in Boston or in New York City. The House Manager would be a highly trained individual that specialized in running and organizing the lives of busy people. Rich busy people. Olivia was shocked to find out that Fitz paid Beasley two-hundred grand a year to manage the New York Penthouse!

It all seemed a little too coerced for Olivia. She didn't want their lives relegated to a schedule. She was worried about spontaneity and everything that goes with it! Wouldn't she and Fitz tire of the same thing from week to week. Fitz sat down with her and tried to assure her that what she was experiencing was nothing more than moving in jitters. Also, she was adjusting to the fact that being "rich and famous" was changing life for her as she knew it.

"Talk to Maman when she gets here next week, Olivia. It isn't as ominous as it seems. If you decide you don't want a house manager that's fine. No one is going to force you to do anything you don't want. Everything we do is about making our lives together a smooth transition. We have a chef because you or I may not be up to cooking all the time. We have a housekeeper with an accompanying staff because we will live in a huge property, Olivia. Even you had a housekeeper come in twice a month at the condo. A house manager is simply in charge of all of it to make sure the household is run smoothly. I would bring Beasley with me here but it simply wouldn't work. Unfortunately, right now we have two different households. We must find our own house manager for Boston if you decide that is what you want.

I assure you that we will still be us, Olivia. You will see. Some things will change but not us. Never us. I will always love you and hopefully you will always love me. We can get through anything. Having money is a blessing, Olivia. We will use our blessing for good and to make our lives the best they can be. Nothing is going to change us or come between us. Sweetheart, Talk to Maman. If anyone can alleviate your fears, its Maman."

"You're right Fitz. It's all the newness of moving into a mansion I suppose. Having servants or a large staff is something I never envisioned in my life. It's a bit scary. I will talk to Gabriella, maybe tonight. If not tonight, I will talk to her soon. Not that you haven't allayed a lot of my concerns but I would like to hear her prospective."

Olivia had called and talked to her future mother-in-law. Fitz had been right. Gabriella had put everything into prospective. Of course, Olivia knew that Fitz' mother would want everything perfect for her son but she seemed genuinely concerned for Olivia as well. Their goal in moving in together and starting their lives before marriage wasn't a novel idea. Couples did it all the time. The one difference between them and other couples was the fact that they had the ability to remove obstacles from their path that could possibly cause problems. Gabriella advised Olivia to take advantage of their blessings. Like her son, Gabriella saw money as tool.

She had fallen in love with a rich man and that was that. If she was to be a part of his world, she would have to embrace it fully. Doing so didn't diminish her in anyway. If anything, it enlightened her. She was happy and she was in love with an incredible man. In fact, the incredible man was behind her as she stood in front of mirror removing her make-up from her face.

"You looked lovely tonight, Olivia. You simply took my breath away in that dress. All that concerning the penthouse is a discussion for later. Let's get back to tomorrow. All most everyone has already checked into the hotel. We have to assume that your father is a no show as we've heard no reply him. I hope this doesn't damper your night Olivia. The man doesn't deserve you as a daughter anyway. He's a trifling asshole. Please don't let thoughts of him intrude on this special time in your life. This weekend is all about you, Olivia. You're becoming a doctor tomorrow and I don't want your head filled with anything but joyous and happy thoughts. Our families and friends are here to help us celebrate. I'm super excited for you, for us. We have a doctor in the family. I'm so proud of you Olivia."

"I'm proud of me. I've fulfilled a childhood dream. And you have done nothing but encourage me from the first day we met. Thank-you Fitz for loving me unconditionally. Thanks for being by my side as a friend, a lover, and a confidante. I'm so lucky to have you.

Speaking on tonight. Renting out an entire restaurant for dinner is such a grand gesture. I can't wait to see everyone again. Luigi's has the best food in the world. I know everyone enjoyed it. Thanks for your generosity."

"It's just dinner. Our families and friends are here to celebrate you. We invited them. I want them to enjoy this weekend."

"Fitz, you are fitting the bill for everything. Their lodgings, food, and transportation; it is all taken care of. Darcy is over the moon with her suite. Having a carte blanche weekend is amazing to her. I imagine it is for a lot of our guests. Uncle Jim says that you are doing too much. Of course, he could afford to pay for a weekend like this himself, so naturally he tried to. Finding out that his money is no good when dealing with you has irked him a little. I finally got him to see that we are as good as married right now and fighting with you about money was a losing battle."

"Good. I just want you to have a splendid graduation weekend. I want the people that you love and care about here celebrating with you. I could easily make that happen and I did. Did you enjoy the hospitality hours last night as well?"

"It was so good seeing everyone last night and it would be tonight as well. Everyone was enjoying the moment. Darcie and her beau looked very happy. I hope they last. She's usually on to brighter pastures by now. I'm intrigued that she's still with him. Maybe he's the one!"

"He seems to be a very nice guy. He was very much into Darcy from what I remember from the first time we met. He still is. I noticed that your mother still hadn't arrived. She is coming, isn't she?"

"Yes, she is. Flight delay from the Islands. Momma would never miss my graduation Fitz. Surely you know that?"

"I do know that. She would never miss your graduation on purpose. I also know men like your father. He's capable of anything. I trust the man as far as I can see him. I'm afraid he's going to disappoint you. Olivia in a lot of ways."

"He is very devious but to interfere with mother coming here? Surely not! Let's get him out of our conversation. Mother will call us when she arrives no matter how late it is. Thomas Pope is persona non grata, okay?

Tommy and Sandra look well and happy, don't they? They appear firmly on the right track after several bumps in the road. My aunts looked well and the cousins too. I saw that Aunt Naomi kept you in stitches. She has quite a sense of humor. She's also the eldest of momma's sisters. She practically raised my momma. Rumor is that she ran a bawdy house back in the day. I don't know if it's true or not but momma said she paid for university for her and my aunts."

"Aunt Naomi is a vibrant colorful woman. I wouldn't be surprised at how she lived her life. I truly enjoyed her company. She had a lot of funny anecdotes about the Adderley family. Some of them were quite hilarious. She is quite the comedienne. Uncle Jim was even polite tonight. He even tried to reimburse me and pay for half of the graduation weekend expenses. The man is more of a father figure than your own father. I refused him again on our behalf."

"I've told you Fitz, Uncle Jim was like a father to me. He's always been there for me. I'm proud to be his goddaughter and I love him like a father. I've already decided to let him be my father-figure this weekend. It was good seeing your side of the family again as well. I was glad to finally meet your mother's brother. Papa Joe looks marvelous. And your buddies from Santa Barbara and their wives look great. The meet and greet was extraordinary. I loved that format with the roving waiters supplying drinks and hors d'oeuvres for two hours. And dinner tonight, again, you spoil me, Fitz. I can only imagine what my actually graduation party will be like."

"It's will be a celebration befitting a wonderful woman that is my fiancée and a medical school graduate. It's another sit-down dinner followed by dancing and an open bar. We are going to have a blast celebrating with friends and family."

"Tomorrow begins a new era for us, Fitz. Tomorrow, I become Dr. Pope. In exactly two weeks my residency will start. Our lives will never be the same."

"True, our lives will never be the same but we will be. I'll love you just as much tomorrow as I did today! We are going to be fine Olivia. You will see."

"I have to be dressed and at line-up by seven-forty-five. It's after one o'clock in the morning. We should have come home hours ago. I'm dead weight right now. Please make sure that I'm up and ready this morning. You said we should go home two hours ago and I blew you off. I was having such a great time with everyone. With you by my side it was a great evening."

"It was a great evening, Olivia. And now it's over. Do you want to shower now or in the morning? I suggest we shower now. We get up in a couple of hours and get dressed for your big day."

"That sounds wonderful but from the moment you got here we've been moving like chickens with our heads cut off. We came home last night exhausted. This morning was busy and this afternoon we had more guests arriving. Tonight, dinner was another long even. I haven't had a chance to welcome you home properly. I wanted…"

"It's alright Livvy. We still have "quickie" in our repertoire do we not? If memory serves me correctly, a quickie as defined by the two of us is just as fulfilling as orgasms steeped in longevity."

"My goodness! You do have a way with words counselor. Orgasms and longevity in the same sentence."

Olivia knowing where this was headed. She stripped down to her birthday suit. Fitzgerald Grant wasn't a fool. He started stripping too. Olivia stepped up to him and began to help him finish undressing. Upon completing the task, she smiled up at him and reached out to touch the object of her desire. Fitz let out the breath he was holding. The woman turned around and headed for their bathroom. Looking back at him she spoke.

"Come with me Mr. Grant. As a soon to be physician I believe you will need a quick but thorough examination."

Admiring her well-formed derriere, he strode behind her.

"I'm right behind you doctor."

It had been good to see Olivia again. He has missed her. There had been other familiar faces from the island in the mix. He'd been here since early Friday. He hadn't seen "her" face though. Tessa wasn't at the hotel. Where in the hell was she? Her daughter was graduating from medical school tomorrow. Surely, she planned to attend. He noticed that Thomas Pope was nowhere to be found. Perhaps he wouldn't show up at all. He would probably show his ass and he would have to beat the man senseless. Olivia would have peace on this graduation weekend.

As it was, he was probably jumping the gun anyway. Fitzgerald Grant was watching over Olivia like a hawk. He wasn't being overbearing from his point of view but it was obvious that man always had Olivia within his sights. James knew security when he saw it and there was a presence of it in this hotel. It was swirling around the Grants. And Olivia. Apparently, she was well ensconced into that family from what he could see. If Thomas Pope attempted any of his usual shit, he would likely be cut off at the pass!

He didn't want to be too obvious about his concern of Tessa's whereabouts, so he had said nothing and asked no questions. After dinner he had a couple of drinks and retired to his suite. It was an excellent hotel; five star was an under-rating. Grant was paying top notch money for this place. The hotel was housing his family, Olivia's family, and their friends all at his expense. As a billionaire Grant could afford it. With the American tax laws, he would probably have the entire thing written off! Not his business nor his problem. Olivia wanted him here, in this hotel. He was here. He would do anything for his goddaughter.

He sat down on the divan. He picked up the phone and ordered himself a full bottle of cognac. There were unwanted images in his head causing upheaval within his body. He didn't want or need to get drunk. He had a graduation to attend to tomorrow, early. Still, he needed to unwind and mellow out. He opened the bottle.

Tessa Pope had been late getting into Boston. Delays in the Caymans had her just arriving at the hotel. She had missed two events thus far. She would have loved to have seen her family. All of her sisters were here, even Naomi according to Olivia. Tommy was here with wife. She hadn't seen them since Christmas. She had some gifts for her grandkids. And she had missed her daughter. She would be glad to see her and know that she was faring alright in this relationship with Fitzgerald Grant. Olivia sounded happy. Every other word involved Fitzgerald Grant. The girl was obviously head over heels in love with man. And the man was totally in love with her. He was paying millions she imagined on this graduation weekend right here in this hotel. She walked up to the front desk.

"Good evening. The name's Tessa Adderley. I called earlier concerning a late check-in. I hope there isn't a problem."

"No, of course not Mrs. Adderley. We were expecting you. You're the mother of our special guest this weekend. I'll have someone take your bags to your suite. You missed tonight's festivities but if there's anything you need, please let me know. Room service is available around the clock. Would you be needing one key or two?"

"I will need assistance with my baggage but that will be all. It's Ms. Adderley not Mrs. Adderley. Are my daughter and Mr. Grant here at the hotel?"

"The correction is noted Ms. Adderley. Mr. Grant and Ms. Pope left here only about an hour ago. They aren't staying with us tonight. Ms. Pope had left specific instructions here at the desk to notify them upon your arrival. Will you contact them, or should I?"

"I'll contact them myself, thank-you. By the way, could you tell me if Mr. James Lockheed has checked in?" The attendant checked the register.

"Yes, he has."

"What is his accommodation number?"

"Accommodation number?"

"His room number, here at the hotel?"

"Oh, his room number. I'm very sorry Ms. Adderley. We're not allowed to give out the room numbers of our guests. However, I can surely ring him for you and he can give it to you himself. Would that be satisfactory ma'am?"

"No worries. It's very late anyway. I'll see him tomorrow. And I will need two keys please."

Olivia Carolyn Pope! She heard the dean call her name but she didn't move. She was letting it soak in. In perhaps as little as two minutes she would be a Harvard graduate with a medical degree. This little girl from the Caymans had done good. She smiled and looked in the direction of where her crew was seated. This was her moment.

"Girl, are you going up there or not? They called your name Olivia. You daydreaming again?"

"No Rusty, not daydreaming but something close. I know I'm up."

She stood up and walked to the stage. She had worn kitten heels underneath her gown and the beautiful dress Fitz had bought her a couple of weeks ago from New York. It was a hot number from some designer's fashion show in the city. The designer was the latest sensation out there in women's fashion supposedly. Fitz was always bringing things for her. He was spoiling her rotten without a doubt and surprisingly she was here for it. Once she talked to Gabriella about the house manager, she was sure she would understand the reasons why one was needed in her household.

To be sure she was just an island girl that had chosen a certain path in life. And then, her knight had come. She was now on a different path and she was happily walking down that path. She was embracing it and she was happy! Right now, she needed to get up and walk across that stage and receive the dividends of all her hard work.

As Olivia stood there holding the Chancellor's hand, with her medical degree in the other, she looked up directly into the warm smile of Fitzgerald Grant. She thought of Nana and her smile brightened more. She had become a doctor today!

The University reception was pure ritz. Graduation from such a prestigious medical school was a big deal. Who's Who of Boston was on hand. The keynote speaker was a former MD that had matriculated at Harvard and was now a sitting US Senator. Turns out that Papa Joe and the senator's father were friends. Thus, Olivia was introduced to the speaker and actually got to discuss American politics with him very briefly.

Gabriella Garnier's presence at the reception created quite an initial stir. After all she was an A-list movie star and director. However, she refused to become a distraction from the point of why she was in attendance. She quickly let it be known that her future daughter-in-law was the star of the show today. She and her family were here to support Olivia Pope's achievement. She wasn't doing any interviews. She would personally frown on any protracted photography of her outside of the context of that particular connection. Those involved in celebrity photography were well aware of what she meant.

Olivia was indeed the center of attention. She had made quite an accomplishment. She was now officially a medical doctor. This was the first opportunity to see some of her guests so she and Fitz were making the rounds saying hello and thanks for coming to those they hadn't seen. They were speaking with Uncle Jim when a person that identified himself as a reporter from ET joined them. That would be Entertainment Tonight, the Hollywood gossip show. He congratulated Olivia and asked her when were she and Fitzgerald Grant planning to be married? Did she actually intend to practice medicine? Which coast were they going to live on? How does it feel to be a part of such a well-known industry family? The questions were fired off one after the other not really giving Olivia a chance to answer any of them. Out of the corner of her eye she saw members of tonight's detail move into their space.

Fitz immediately placed a hand on her waist and laid his hand on Olivia's shoulder. He gently rubbed it. He was right there beside her to support her. She could tell he was giving her the option to answer the questions or not. He would and could end the impromptu interview as quickly as it started. She immediately relaxed at his touch.

"Thank-you for your congratulations. Of course, I intend to practice medicine, that's the reason for studying at this great institution. I'm sure you are aware that Fitz and I were only recently engaged. We haven't set a date yet. Presently we are on the east coast as my residency is here. I'm overjoyed to be part of the Grant family. They are very remarkable people. I cherish their love and support today. It's not every day that one becomes a doctor. So, if you will excuse us while we continue to celebrate."

"Any comment from you, Mr. Grant?"

"None." His tone and his stare suggested the man move on and he did. "I didn't like the way he shoved that microphone in your face. I felt he was a little obnoxious. You handled that well. Are you alright? I know you aren't accustomed to the cameras and lights. They always ask a barrage of questions, hoping to throw you off with your answers. You were brilliant by the way."

"You are biased Mr. Grant. Answering a few questions truthfully is hardly brilliance."

"If you aren't brilliant, then tell me why you are graduating from Harvard Med amongst the top your class, under twenty-five, and have stolen the heart of America's most eligible bachelor Dr. Pope?"

"Flattery will get you everywhere Mr. Grant, but of course you knew that."

"I did. Shall we mingle a bit more?"

Olivia and her guest stayed at the reception for about an hour. They all left together for the hotel in very high spirits. Fitz and Olivia were checking in today. Everyone seemed most excited about the dinner party tonight. Graduation had been such an early morning event nothing else had been planned for the rest of the day.

Tessa was so proud of Olivia. Her daughter was now a physician. She could recall Olivia running around the house with her Fisher Price doctor's kit taking temperatures and listening to heartbeats with her fake stethoscope. The girl had loved medicine even then. If Olivia would listen to Tessa's heart right now, she would probably recommend a visit to the infirmary. The vital organ was skipping beats as she stood in the shadows watching James Lockheed in the hotel's grand foyer.

He was very engrossed in a discussion with some woman that seemed just a little too friendly to her. There wasn't any way that he had met the woman before this weekend. A mere conversation shouldn't involve such touchy-feely moments in her opinion. Jimmy appeared to be hanging on to her every word when he wasn't ogling her cleavage. Men could be such fools. She turned away from the spectacle. Tessa knew the emotion she was feeling. She was jealous and she had no right to be.

She looked around until she saw Tommy and his wife. She had spoken to them on the phone but she hadn't seen them since Christmas. The kids weren't with them. They were extending their stay with a trip to New York City to have some alone time. Finally, it seemed that those two were on the proper track. She left the shadows and went over to her son and his wife.

There she was. He was wondering where in the hell she had gotten to. Only a couple of seated bodies had separated them during Olivia's graduation. He had sat with the immediate family. Olivia had insisted! Thomas Pope was a no-show to his own daughter receiving a medical degree. That was some messed-up shit. The man was a cold and calculated degenerate but he thought that he loved his daughter. Disowning her because of whom she chose to love was archaic. He had said he was done with Thomas Pope before today. He had to be done because he intended to have his ex-wife for his own at some point in this tangled web. After he hadn't shown up for Olivia's graduation he was done-done. A daughter deserved better!

Not that Olivia was up in arms about it. She told him she was resigned to the fact that her relationship with her father was beyond repair. She was concentrating on her own life. That life included a man that her father refused to accept. In not accepting Fitz, her father wasn't accepting her. That was her logic and she was moving on. Olivia was radiant and she was happy. Fitzgerald Grant made her happy. Thank the Lord up above for getting that trifling Peter Hansen out of her life. He was no match for the fire in Olivia.

Speaking of fire, Olivia's mother ignited a fire deep within him. She always had and unfortunately, she probably always would. The dress she was wearing showed off her alluring figure. She looked positively gorgeous. He had never wanted anything or anyone more. She had sought him out on the island, would she do so here in America? Their first two meetings had gone the way of the wind. His anger had betrayed him and he had lashed out at her. The woman may have decided that he was simply too angry to approach any longer!

He couldn't and wouldn't accept that. He had made the condition that she had to come to him. Whether it was to offer a balm to his wounded pride and ego or the fact that in a sense he wanted her to seek his forgiveness. He wasn't asking her to beg him. He simply wanted an acknowledgement from her that she had been wrong to leave him after what they had shared. He wasn't talking about the one night that he solely possessed her body. What about all the other nights she had lain with him professing love. Had she been lying?

Maybe he should just stay away from her until he had some counseling or something. He didn't want to fuck this up. There just seemed to be so much anger toward her. Whenever he was near her, in his mind he could see her walking away from him back to her husband. He would become so angry he felt the urge to do violence. Never actual violence toward Tessa, he knew what she gone through in her marriage. He would never harm her. He'd harm himself first. His heartache at her betrayal was as fresh in his memory today as it was all those years ago. Broken heart or not, he couldn't deny how much he loved her still. This dilemma of his was too much!

Jimmy looked over to where Tessa stood with her son and his wife. So many emotions were running through his body. Could he walk over there and be civil? Could he walk over there and put on the same façade that he had put on year after year on the island? Everything was different now that she was free. That façade came with a stiff dose of reality. He could walk over there and claim he just wanted to talk to Tommy and Sandy. He had seen them at the graduation but it had basically been a meet and greet. It wouldn't seem that much out of the ordinary. After all he was Tommy's godfather as well. He walked towards them.

"Hello everyone. I'm so happy you two are here, Tommy. Your sister has made quite a big step today. Having her family here means a lot. Your father's choice not to show up was bad form. He should be ashamed."

"Yes, he should be Uncle. But we all know that Thomas Pope Sr. hasn't any shame. His not showing up today is some twisted type of revenge on Olivia for not siding with him in mother's divorce action. Olivia wasn't surprised by it. She's moved past Dad and the games he plays. She's found her true purpose in life. And she's found true love. I've never seen my sister this happy. I love seeing her this way."

"Yes, she seems very happy. As do you and your lovely wife. Love and happiness seem to be in the air. How are the little ones?"

"They are super. A little perturbed not to come to Auntie Olivia's graduation. We on the other hand are glad to get away just the two of us. It's only a mini vacation though. We head back home Thursday after three days in New York City. Do you head back to Grand Caymans Tomorrow?"

"No, I actually plan to spend a couple of days here with Olivia. As you know, I moved her here four years ago. She will be closing down the Cambridge Condo and has proposed putting it on the market. I'm considering buying her out and keeping the property myself. With her residency set to last for years in the area, I want to be able to visit from time to time."

"Uncle Jim, Olivia is going to be fine with Fitz. He loves her to death. You won't need to watch over her. I've had a heart to heart with the man. My baby sister chose well. You have loved us like we were your own children. You've been like a father to me Olivia and you didn't have to. Thank-you for always being there. Believe me, Olivia is in good hands."

"The man has been very impressive and your sister is happier than I've ever seen her. It still won't hurt for family to show up from time to time. I'm considering holding on to the property. You never know when Olivia may need family nearby. How are you, Tessa? I understand you were held up with flight delays."

"I'm fine thank-you. I had a canceled flight and had to wait for another. Luckily, I was able to get in last night. My heart would have been broken not to see Olivia graduate from medical school. Sometimes things have a way of working out. I was very lucky. You had no problem getting off the island?"

"No, I didn't. I had the early morning flight to JFK and a quick connect to Logan International. No problems at all. I imagine everyone is pleased with their accommodations. This is one swanky establishment. Grant seems to have spared no expense with the housing of Olivia's family and friends."

"Yes, our suite is magnificent and fit for king. From what Olivia told me we are on the all-suite floor. Based on what we saw online even a regular room is very opulent. I suspect a man as rich as Fitzgerald Grant never does anything half-ass, Uncle. Mother, everything is satisfactory for you? We will see you at the shindig tonight?"

"The suite is extraordinary to be sure. Yes, I intend to come to the party, why wouldn't I Tommy?"

"It's not a trick question Mother. I know you don't particularly like parties. I asked because…"

"Tommy, I love parties. I always have. If you got the impression that I didn't, it's a wrong one. Your father disliked parties and he preferred not to attend any, at least not with me. As you know your father's preferences more or less influenced the entire household. I'm no longer in his household and I do as I please."

"Mother, I worded that badly. Of course, we will see you tonight. This is a huge family celebration. Perhaps we can add a little island spice to it. Sandy and I are looking forward to it, aren't we babe?"

"Yes, we are. I'm so glad to see everyone again. Especially you, Mother Pope. You look positively radiant. I can hardly believe your transformation. You look more like the sibling of Tommy and Olivia rather than their mother. Divorce agrees with you."

"Yes, it does. I relieved to be free. I am also relieved to see you and Tommy doing so well. I was watching you two before I came over. You seem to be in a good place."

"We are in a good place. Counseling was a godsent for Tommy and I. That and the fact that Tommy was willing to wait for me to grow up. We are great. The kids are great as well. Olivia's graduation has given us the opportunity to make this a two-for-one event. We've turned it into a mini vacation. We're going up to the Big Apple for a few days. I'm extremely hyped."

"Enjoy yourselves. What are your plans while here in the States Jimmy?"

"I haven't any particular plans other than those concerning Olivia and then the house in Cambridge. The States do not hold a great fascination for me. After I conclude that business I will probably head back home. You?"

"It depends."

"On what?"

"I'm not sure myself but I imagine it's a lot of things.

Olivia and Fitz were getting ready to go down stairs to the Grand Ballroom where her party was being held. It wasn't a formal affair but rather a dress to impress event. Olivia was wearing a new Vera Wang number that Fitz had brought her from New York a couple of weeks ago. The little black dress came above her knees several inches. There were tiny sequined tee-straps and her shoulders bared while the short sleeves bunched at her elbow. She had black diamonds around her neck and hanging from her ears. Her hair was long, flowing with curls down her back. She was a vision.

Her closet had been transformed because of her fiancée. She couldn't complain. The gifts she had received from Fitz were wonderful. Naturally some of them were extremely expensive and the others were simple expressions of love. Every weekend he entered their home with something for her. She turned to him and once again said, thanks for loving her and sharing his life and wealth with her.

"I love you, Olivia. I see things that I think will make you smile or make you happy and I buy them. What's the need of having lots of money if you can't spend it on those that you love?"

"I don't know what I'm going to do with you Fitz. You spoil me rotten. What will you do when we have our babies? Will you spoil them rotten too?"

"You know I will. Our children will be created by us, an extension of our love. Surely, I don't have to tell you how much I will cherish them? They will be the greatest gift I have ever received. Our babies will mean the world to me."

"You're going to be an excellent father. I wish…"

"No, no, no, my Sweet Baby. Not tonight. Tonight, is all about you. Our family and our friends are celebrating you and your accomplishments. You are a Harvard grad with a medical degree. You were in the top five of your class and have received the residency of your choice. We are honoring your unique and brilliant mind tonight. Just you. Don't let anything else float around in that beautiful head of yours but thoughts about that. I want your promise, Olivia. Your night, your joy!"

"I promise Fitz. I am so happy right now. There's very little that can change that but I want you happy too."

"Do I look unhappy? I'm engaged to the most beautiful woman in the world. She's smart as a whip. I get to sleep with her most nights and she says that she loves me. Girl, I can assure you that I'm happy. In fact, I'm happier than I've ever been in my life. You've made me whole Livvy."

Olivia ran into his arms. They embraced longingly holding each other tightly. For long moments they just stood there holding on, taking in each other's scent, drawing strength from the love they felt for one another.

"Don't ever let me go."

"Never, Sweet Baby."

Tessa wanted to look her best tonight. She wanted his eyes on her tonight. She wanted him to remember. She was hoping that their memories would draw him to her. They had conversed in a hallway and for once he hadn't combusted into a firestorm. He had been calm and amenable. It wasn't all she hoped it would be but it was a start.

Her hands trembled as she applied her lip stick. She was slowly getting into the habit of wearing make-up again. Thomas had forbidden it after Tommy was born. "You're a mother now Tessa, act like one." She often wondered what did a mother act like. It certainly wasn't the way she had acted with her own children! She had allowed her husband to dictate who she was. She'd allowed him to alienate her from them. It was a profound regret.

It had taken her years to gain a meaningful relationship with Olivia. Only recently had she taken Olivia into her confidence. She had told her of her deception and that she had once truly loved a man. She hadn't been the model of virginity she had claimed to be. She had taken on the persona that her husband thought her to be and she had lived the lie. She had known the loving touch of a man. She had received pleasure and passion before she had married Thomas Pope. Olivia didn't ask who her lover was and she wasn't at liberty to say, not yet.

Tommy had slowly come around after he left for college. With his marriage came an understanding of her situation. He offered her a place in his home to get her out from under the thumb of Thomas Pope. She would never forget his offer and the profound sadness with which he had made it. "Your husband is a weak, narcissistic bully, Mother. He loves no one but himself. Not you, not me, not even Olivia. He's incapable of loving anyone. Leave him. Come to us. We will give you sanctuary." At that time, she was too weak to leave her prison. She was out now and she would never go back.

She smiled into the mirror. Not bad for the mother of millennials. Men were thought to be in their second prime years in their fifties. Why not women? She intended to win James Lockheed back by any means necessary. Her beauty, her body, and her bank account were assets. She intended to use them to get what she wanted. What she wanted was another turn at love!

James Lockheed was dressed to the nines. He was a good-looking middle-aged man from the Caribbean with a deep sexy accent. He sat on a small empire back in the Caymans that yielded him loads of money. He had millions in the bank, more money than he could spend. He had done what he wanted with his life because he could.

The one thing he couldn't have he had learned to live without. Now that "one thing" had flittered into his life as free as a bird. Tessa Pope was free. She had been for months and he was moping around with anger in his belly and an ache in his heart. Was he being stubborn and unreasonable in wanting Tessa to make the first move. She had destroyed them. Shouldn't she repair them? She had broken his heart, torn it to shreds. Didn't he have a right to want some recognition of that fact? He wasn't a hard man but he felt that was what he deserved. He wanted her to acknowledge what she had done to them. Up to this point it had been his only strategy.

Was his strategy flawed? He was beginning to think so. Their meetings on the island had been awkward and tense. His anger had teetered at the front of his brain. He couldn't seem to help himself. This afternoon he had promised himself he wouldn't utter a disparaging word when he saw her talking to Tommy and his wife. And he hadn't. They had carried on a civil conversation. Maybe it was the atmosphere, being in another country celebrating Olivia. They both loved Olivia and wouldn't want her celebration marred by the rift between them

Whatever the reason it felt good to be talking to her and not be burdened with anger. They had a past and it was a rocky one. That past, as odious as it was should've been behind them by now. He wanted her back and he wasn't going to achieve that standing in a corner ogling her. And that was what he was doing right now. She looked so beautiful tonight and vulnerable. He was reminded of the first time he saw her romping in the Caribbean Sea with her cousins. He had wanted her then and he wanted her now.

The party had been in full swing for about a half-hour before Fitz and Olivia entered the ballroom. They were a dazzling couple. The petite dark-haired caramel-colored exotic beauty from the Caribbean and the tall alluring and handsome white American billionaire were a sight to behold. Cameras were flashing. This was news on a lot of fronts. However, this was a private party. The Grant family photographer and one of Fitz' celebrity clients, a renowned celebrity photographer was on hand to memorize the event. Guest had been requested not to take photographs. Only photography they wanted released to the press would see daylight from this ballroom.

The music stopped and Fitz walked up to the microphone holding Olivia's hand. He looked back at her before he spoke. Love was shining brightly in his eyes. She was so damned beautiful. He was so very proud of her. He started speaking.

"I wanted to thank everyone for coming tonight to celebrate Olivia's gigantic achievement. Her hard work and perseverance have paid off. It's Dr. Pope now and it's well deserved. There's delicious food and excellent music. Enjoy yourselves. Come Olivia, say something to our guests."

"Thanks for coming everyone. It means the world to me that you're here. As the party progresses, I hope to speak to the majority of you personally before the night is over. In the meantime, let's party like it's 1999!"

The DJ was hot. Another one of Fitz' New York City clients. He guaranteed satisfaction. He assured Fitz that he had music for everyone and he did. Revelers stayed on the dance floor including Olivia and Fitz. There were plenty of love songs which Fitz had requested be played throughout the night. He had inferred that the party was filled with couples in love. And it was.

Gabriella and Jerry loved to dance. They stayed out there. The crew from Santa Barbara knew how to party. They stayed on the floor. The current batch of line dances were thrown in the mix and the party revelers loved them. Olivia knew them all. She was up every time. Fitz wasn't up on the new line dances and was content to watch Olivia dance to the music. She was sexy and hot. He had closed his eyes and had seen her dancing for him later tonight in the privacy of their suite. When he reopened them, he wondered how he would get through the next hour without making an escape with her from her own party.

Tessa knew a few of the line dances because Olivia had taught them to her. She was enjoying herself for the most part. So far, she had danced with Fitz, his father, his grandfather, her son and a couple of perfect strangers. She was seated at the guest of honor table. So was James Lockheed. He participated in the lively conversation at the table but never directly with her. She knew the man could dance but he had yet to ask her. He had danced with Olivia, Darcy, and Fitz' mom, Tommy's wife, and the date of Papa Joe. He had danced with every woman at the table but her. She was having a fun evening but still, she thought he would've asked her to dance by now!

He hadn't. There were other men in the room asking her to dance. Let him be stubborn. She would have a good time despite James Lockheed. After her latest dance, she returned to the table and noticed that he was gone. It was getting late maybe he had called it a night. She looked around trying to spot him and then she saw him. He was dancing with the buxom woman she had seen him with earlier today. It was a slow dance and the woman was all over him. Her body was molded to his and she was looking at him like she wanted to eat him whole! He was talking to her but again his eyes were trained on her bosom.

Tessa's heart dropped in her chest. The beautiful woman obviously wanted to fuck Jimmy; she knew that look. And he, slimeball that he had become, would take her up on it. She was leaving before she made a scene and a fool of herself.

"Tommy, have you seen Olivia? I've got a crushing headache. I'm going to head up to my suite and call it a night. If I don't run into her and Fitz, would you let them know. I'll see you all at breakfast tomorrow morning, okay?"

"Sure thing Mom. Can I get you anything? I'm sure we have some Tylenol or something back in our suite."

"No, I have something prescribed for these headaches in my room. It's been a long day anyway. Good night. See you tomorrow."

James Lockheed hadn't taken his eyes off of Tessa Adderley all night. How could he? She was the most beautiful woman in the room. He had watched her dancing all night. Her body swayed in perfect harmony with the music. Her movements were sensual and hot. He had politely danced with the all the women at the table but Tessa. He was trying to get up the nerve to approach her. He wasn't sure he could touch her without wanting to take her from this place and make love to her.

He had been watching Tessa on the dance floor when a woman he had met earlier today had come to their table and asked him to dance. He wasn't surprised. The woman had been very bold today during their first encounter. She was offering him something if he wanted it. He listened to her make the offer again on the dance floor. And like he had the first time, he turned her down. She wasn't the one he wanted. He was too old to play indiscriminate sex games.

He arrived back at the table and Tess was gone. He imagined she was back on the floor with one of those young bucks that had been salivating over her all night. And it wasn't just the young ones. Middle aged ones and some old fools were looking at her. Even the grandaddy at this table was looking at her! Where was she? He was frantically searching the dance floor. They needed to talk.

"Looking for Mother, Uncle Jim?"

"Well yes, I was meaning to talk to her about a matter from home."

"Did you now? Well, she has retired for the evening. Something about a headache."

"Well, I'm going to call it a night as well. Perhaps I'll talk to your mother tomorrow. Let Fitz and Olivia know that I'll see them at breakfast. Goodnight."

"Uncle Jimmy?"

"Yes, Tommy."

"Her suite number is 110621."

James Lockheed didn't respond to his godson. What could he say?

"Tommy, is everything alright. Your mother was visibly upset when she abruptly left the party and now your godfather is leaving. Is something amiss?"

"Actually; I think so. We'll talk about it later."

"Good enough sweetheart. They're playing our song anyway. Dance with me."

He had been pacing outside of room 110621 for about ten minutes before security showed up. He should've known they would. This entire floor was being monitored. The Grant family was on top of everything concerning them. Tessa was part of the family now.

"Sir, is there a problem? We know you are a guest here. Why are you out here in the hallway pacing? Is there anything that you need?"

"Not at all. I need to speak to the woman in this room. It's complicated."

"I can understand that. However sir, it's not allowed, pacing outside of a suite. I have to enquire as to what your intentions are.

"I'm sure you do. I need to speak to the woman in this room. Sorry to have caused concern, excuse me."

Finally, he knocked on the door of 110621. He waited what he considered a reasonable length of time and he knocked again, a little more forcefully. The door opened. There was Tessa Adderley looking bewildered her eyes filled with unhappiness. However, seeing him at her door sent her from unhappiness to anger in seconds. It was all there on her face.

"James Lockheed, what do you want? Why are you here?"

"Tessa, I need to speak with you."

"No, you don't. Go speak to that trollop with the oversized bosom. I don't want to talk to you!"

"May I come inside Tessa? I need to speak with you."

"No, you may not! You've had ample time to speak to me all evening. I don't wish you hear your voice right now."

"Then I suppose we will talk right here in the hallway for everyone to hear including Mr. Security. We are going to talk tonight!"

"Are we now? I intend to close this door in your face."

"Then I suppose I'll just have to knock it down."

"Sir, I must warn you that's a threat of violence. I don't know what the beef is with you and the lady but you can't resolve it out here in the hallway. And there can't be any breech of doors."

"Stop this Tessa and let me in. We need to talk."

She looked at him hard. To think she was almost in tears over this foolish man. Her eyes were now blazing with indignation. Not thirty minutes ago he was on the dance floor eyeing some floozie he met here in America! He can be nice to some woman he just met, but not her? His crassness had hurt her. The nerve of him to come here and threaten to cause a scene. She wanted to give him one but she wasn't about to cause a scene here in the hotel on her daughter's big night. She stepped back from the door into the room.

"Make it quick Casanova. I'm tired. I had a long day."

He walked into the foyer and turned around to face the hotel security.

"It's okay. There'll be no problems. We're friends actually. We're having a friendly spat."

"Ma'am, is everything okay?"

"Sure! Everything is great, just two friends spatting."

Jimmy closed the door and walked into the suite. Tessa walked away from him and kept her back to him. She wasn't sure she could face him right now. It had dawned on her as she had watched him flirting with that much younger beautiful woman that maybe things were never going to work out. Maybe their time had passed. Maybe all that was left for her in reference to James Lockheed was memories. Anger had engulfed her. Anger at herself for walking away from him, but mostly at Jimmy, he was supposed to wait for her dammit!

She was a woman grown acting like some starry-eyed teen. What had she thought? A man that she had walked out on almost a quarter of a century ago would wait for her forever. That if she presented herself now to the man free and unincumbered that he would jump at the chance to have her? He had ignored her for months. And now he obviously preferred the company of anyone but her. This game she was playing had to end. She had absolutely no right to be mad at the man because he preferred someone else. It still hurt but she had to face the facts. James Lockheed was lost to her. She turned and looked up at him. She tried to appear calm but she wasn't.

"What do you want Jimmy? Why are you here?"

"Well now, that depends."

"Depends on what?"

"I suppose it depends on a lot of things. Mostly it's going to depend on you."