Chapter Twenty-Nine: Growing Pains
The day was here to travel to Italy for Erika and Harrison's wedding. Erika, Harrison their parents, plus Olivia's parent flew in the day before. Adam also flew in on an earlier flight to take care of some last-minute things with the hotel. Everyone else had managed to get tickets on the same flight, although not all their seats were together.
And Olivia was so glad she'd convinced Mrs. March to come along with them. Olivia knew Erika had planned some activities for the group away from the hotel, and she brought Mrs. March along to keep an eye on the kids. It took some convincing, Mrs. March wasn't a fan of airplanes and she'd never been outside the country before. But Olivia offered to pay for her plane ticket and doubled her already generous pay and her hotel room was already handled. Mrs. March couldn't refuse a free trip to Italy. She did, however, request that her adult daughter come along with her. Olivia agreed, she understood not wanting to be alone in a foreign country. Honestly, she would have agreed to anything to get Mrs. March to agree to come.
They booked their flights, and with the time difference they should land in Italy around 2 pm. Olivia kept the kids awake from their naps today, she really wanted them to sleep for a good portion of the flight. They had never been on a plane before and she had no idea how they would act. Jr had given her a ride to the airport and helped her get all their bags from the car to check in. With the amount of bags Olivia had with her, you would think she was moving to Italy. And Quinn's pile of bags looked just the same.
"Oh everyone this is Mrs. March, I think you've all met her. And this is her daughter Tommie." Olivia introduced them to the group.
"Jesus lady's do you think you brought enough bags?" Jr complained, pulling Olivia's bags out of the car.
"I have three kids and only one of them is somewhat potty trained." Olivia said. "Do you know how many backup clothes you need and how many diapers and wipes you need for twins? Plus-"
"I get it! My apologies. Who are we waiting on anyway?"
"Fitz." Stephen answered. "But he just text that he was five minutes away… Oh there he is."
They all looked down the way and Saw Fitz coming their way. Olivia noticed that he was walking to them alone. She remembered he'd told her he broke up with Claudia. She wondered did he tell anyone else they had broken up.
"Hey guys."
"Glad you made it."
"Oh I know you would have held the plane for me." Fitz smirked.
"Please, I would have been in my seat, reclined and sipping my drink."
Sophia pulled on Fitz's pants leg for him to pick her up. "Well my turkey wouldn't have let you leave without me."
After they got all their bags checked and went through security, they still had some time to kill before they boarded the plane. They found a section in the back they could all fit in and the kids could run around without bothering anyone. Normally, their parents would have told them to sit down somewhere. But instead, they wanted them to play and run out all that energy, so that when they boarded the plane they were ready to go to sleep. Olivia may not have been ready for the ride itself, but she was excited to leave. It's been so long since she's been to Italy and now she was going back to her favorite place on earth. It was like a child's excitement at going to Disney.
Fitz came to sit next to Olivia on the row of chairs they'd occupied. "You ready for this twelve-hour flight?"
"Please don't keep reminding me just how many hours this flight is." Olivia laughed.
"So I take that as a no."
"That's a hell no. I'm hoping they sleep most of the way, and if they start acting up, I'm sending them right to you."
This time Fitz laughed. They were both glad they could be lighthearted with one another. They haven't spoken about what happened or Fitz love confession that day at her house, but that didn't mean Fitz was giving up. He was just waiting for the next opportunity to talk to her. But with his luck, he needed to lock her up somewhere to have a moment alone.
"Oh Claudia's here." Abby said out loud but directed at Fitz.
Fitz looked confused. "What?"
Abby pointed off in the distance and they all turned to look. Sure enough, there was Claudia pulling her small carry on behind her. Fitz didn't tell anyone here but Olivia that he had broken up with Claudia. So they didn't think twice about her being there. But Fitz was certainly thinking twice. What the hell was she doing here? And yes, he had invited her to the wedding when they were still together, but she didn't expect to still be going now they that were broken up right? How could she think that.
Immediately Olivia's entire mood changed at the sight of Claudia. She absolutely didn't expect to see her today, and why would she? She and Fitz broke up, so surely she wasn't going to his little sister's wedding. Erika didn't even like her, she only got the invite because she was Fitz's plus one.
Did he even break up with her? Olivia thought. Was it just a lie to get me to give into him?
"Excuse me." Fitz excused himself and met up with Claudia before she reached the rest of the group.
"Hey baby."
"Claudia what are you doing here?"
"What do you mean? We're going to Italy for the wedding." Claudia looked genuinely confused.
"We? Claudia why would you think we're still going together."
"Because you asked me to go with you. And as your girlfriend I'm your plus one."
"Girlfriend?" Now Fitz was the one with the look of confusion. He thought they were on the same page after the breakup. "Claudia we broke up. We haven't spoken since we broke up."
Claudia shook her head. "That wasn't a breakup Fitz. You said you needed a break."
"Right."
"And that's what I gave you Fitz, a break. You had time to yourself and so have I, and now the break is over."
Fitz drug his hand down his face. He was trying to remain calm. Fitz was not going to lose his cool, he hated making scenes. And he certainly wasn't going to lose his temper in an airport, then neither of them would be going to Italy. "No Claudia that's not what I meant, and you know it."
"All I know is what you said. And I gave you what you wanted and now you're still complaining."
"God dammit Claudia." Fitz growled.
"Relax Fitz. I know how you hate to make a scene." Claudia smoothed a curl that had fallen on his forehead. "Now, how about we just table this conversation for when we get home? Let's not ruin Erika's wedding before it even happens." Claudia walked off towards the group and Fitz reluctantly followed behind her.
Claudia was right, Fitz didn't want to make a scene, but he should have. And when he caught Olivia's eyes, he knew he should have made Claudia leave.
"Hello everyone." Claudia said cheerfully to the group.
"Thea, you look thirsty." Olivia said, getting up to leave, not waiting for a response.
Althea understood her sister's silent request and followed behind her. "I could use a water."
"Liv." Fitz tried to catch her hand, but she pulled away. They had taken so many steps forward, and now it felt like they were all the way back to square one.
X
The plane ride went better than everyone expected. For the first few hours, all the kids slept. Then the older ones woke up and just chilled with their tablets or watched a movie. When the little ones woke up, they were hungry, that was the only time they cried during the flight. And after they were fed, they were somewhat restless, there was no way they were just going to sit there. Everyone took turns walking with a kid, didn't have to be there's. They hopped from seat to seat, lap to lap, until they got tired again in the last few hours of the trip.
Everyone was so grateful when they finally landed, and they were able to get off the plane. To stretch their legs, and feel the warm weather as opposed to the cold air on the plane. After everyone's bags were accounted for, they made their way to the pickup area. They had arranged for a bus pickup, so they wouldn't have to worry about renting a bunch of cars to carry them all to the villa.
Olivia was struggling to get her suitcase onto the back of bus. Fitz saw her struggling and went to help her, but she refused his help.
"Olivia just let me help you."
"I said I'm fine." She hissed at him, and then dramatically shoved her bag onto the bus. She gave him one last look and then left to find her seat. She's been giving Fitz the cold shoulder ever since Claudia showed up. She couldn't believe he lied to her and then had the nerve to bring her on this trip. Never mind him lying about breaking up with her, Olivia was still red hot about her putting her son in the hospital.
"You didn't offer to put my bag on the bus."
Fitz glared at Claudia. He completely ignored her and walked to the front of the bus. "I should have left her ass in L.A."
X
"They're here! They're here!" Erika came yelling from the hotel with a wide smile on her face. She's been waiting and watching for the bus all morning long to finally pull up. Harrison and all of the grandparents came out after her. "What took you guys so long."
"It took the same amount of time as you to get here." Abby said, giving Erika a hug.
"Hey Liv." Erika hugged her, but sensed something was wrong. "You okay?"
"Yeah, just tired. It was a long trip."
"Oh well, you'll be able to get some rest. Our parents decided they were going to kidnap all of the kids as soon as you got here." Adelle and Carol had already taken the twins and the rest of the kids, including Quinn's and was headed off somewhere.
"Hey big bro." Erika hugged Fitz and then noticed Claudia standing behind him. She turned her lip up at first and looking back and forth between Fitz and Claudia. "Claudia. You're here."
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it. This all looks so beautiful, I can only imagine what the inside looks like."
Erika smiled politely, hooking her arm through Fitz's and walking towards the front entrance. "What is she doing here?"
"It's a long story."
"How long can it be? You told me you broke up with her." Besides Olivia, Erika was the only one Fitz told about the breakup.
"I did."
"Then what is she doing here?"
"Well apparently when I broke up with her, I didn't use the words breakup. I just said a break, and she has convinced herself that we were just giving each other space and we're still together. I haven't spoken to her since I thought I broke up with her and then today she just shows up at the airport."
"Well why didn't you set her straight Fitz?"
"What was I supposed to do she wouldn't leave. I didn't want to cause a scene in an airport."
"And you thought my wedding was a better option?"
"Erika-"
"This is my wedding Fitz. I don't want any drama this week from anyone."
"And there won't be, okay I promise." He kissed her forehead, and they continued inside.
"Oh my God, this is even better than the photos." Abby said.
Everyone was in awe just by the front entrance. Everything just looked clean and elegant. The mixture of whites, creams with gold accents. Large double staircase, with the most gorgeous chandelier hanging in the middle. The sun shining through the many windows flickering off every piece of glass, making the chandelier shimmer even more.
This place had definitely received a facelift, but Olivia was glad to see it still had its original structure. And the art on the ceiling that she fell in love with was still there. It brought her back to her honeymoon. The first day there when they walked in, the first thing Olivia saw was the ceiling. Fitz had carried her through the doors, to the cheering staff congratulating the newlywed couple. It was the type of art that just made you want to weep tears of happiness if you look at it long enough. When she looked back, she noticed Fitz was staring at her and she locked eyes with him, but quickly looked away.
"Hey, glad everyone made it safely." Adam came from around the corner. "Hey beautiful." He hugged Olivia and kissed her lips. Fitz rolled his eyes, gripping his bag strap tighter. "So, everyone has already been assigned a room. The front desk has your keys and your bags will be taken up to your rooms for you."
"Thank you, Adam." Erika said. "You guys are free for today, I know you're all tired from the flight, but tomorrow we all have plans. I left an itinerary for everyone in your rooms."
"Itinerary?" Quinn questioned.
"Yes. This is my wedding week, Olivia and I planned out every aspect. Starting with breakfast on the garden pergola at 8 sharp, followed by a tour of the grounds and the wedding space. Then the ladies and gents will part. Gentlemen, you are going on a guided fishing trip with the groom. And ladies while the men are gone, we will be pampering ourselves at the spa."
"Oh God that sounds amazing." Abby moaned. "I have so many kinks in my neck from that plane ride."
Everyone went to the front desk to get their room keys and began breaking off to their assigned rooms. Mostly everyone was just looking to get a nap in, especially the parents, while their kids were gone.
"Mrs. March since my mother has the kids you've got some time to yourself, feel free to do whatever."
"Oh I think Tommie wants to go for a run down by the water. But I'm going to cash in on a nap."
X
A cloud of steam emerged from the bathroom as Olivia opened the door. She'd just taken a shower in a bathroom twice the size of hers at home. She was a little thrown off when she turned the nob, and water started coming from two different directions plus the ceiling. But it felt so good to have all the hot water pouring down on her aching muscles. Erika's spa day couldn't come fast enough.
She spent a little more time in the bathroom than she needed to. She knew Adam was waiting for her in the room and she was prolonging the time to go back out. Olivia had a long and hard reflection with herself regarding her relationship with Adam. And she came to the conclusion that she was being selfish. Olivia knew she liked Adam, but she also knew that she didn't love him. She thought she could endure, and hope for the best. But she realized that she was only holding onto their relationship, because she didn't want to be alone. But that wasn't fair. It wasn't fair to Adam, who thought their feelings for one another were mutual, not knowing that he was just merely a social companion. And she no longer wanted to settle.
Olivia felt awful for stringing the man along, knowing that there was no future for them. At first, Olivia might have seen something in the future for them. But now, now that all her thoughts were consumed with another man, she knew her relationship with Adam was coming to an end. Honestly, it had ended a while ago. But Olivia was waiting for the right time to break things off. And it might sound awful or selfish again, but she didn't want to break up with Adam until after Erika's wedding. Afterall the wedding was being held at Adam's resort, and for free. Olivia didn't know how Adam would take the breakup, she didn't think he was a spiteful man, but Olivia wasn't going to risk Erika's wedding day by breaking up with Adam now. No, she had a plan for after the wedding and when they got back to the states.
Her only problem now was trying to keep Adam off of her. Adam was a very generous and frequent lover. He had the energy and stamina of a man half his age, he could go for hours and hours. And lately he's become even more insatiable. Possible because he and Olivia haven't had sex in so long. Every time Adam would make a move on her, she'd come up with some excuse to why she couldn't. If he called her to come over, she would say she was busy with work or something with the kids or some other excuse she came up with on the spot. Last week, she got real desperate and told him she was on her cycle. It was either that or she was going to lie about a yeast infection. She was running out of excuses to give him. She needed this week over with and fast.
"Hey. I was just about to come in there after you. Thought you got lost." Adam joked.
"Oh I probably could have. That shower is massive."
"Nothing but the best in my villa. Especially the presidential suite, I've got a waitlist for this room alone. When people call to book, the first thing they ask for is the presidential suite."
"I can't blame them." Olivia walked over to the double balcony doors in her robe.
The views from this room alone were enough. An elegant master bedroom with a king bed, separate sitting area and walk-in closets. Oversized 1.5 bathrooms with a large soaking tub and walk-in shower. An office, living room with two separate sitting areas, dining room with a eight seat dining table. A butler pantry, and kitchen space. Although Olivia didn't know why they would need a kitchen when the hotel offered Michelin-rated dining experience.
"And the honeymoon suites are just as nice. I made sure to put Erika and Harrison in our best."
"Thank you, Adam really. You didn't have to do all this. And at no cost, I can only imagine the amount of revenue you're losing out on this week."
Adam shook his head. "The money I'm losing out on for these rooms, I'll can make up for in two days next week." He wasn't bragging, just being honest. "Besides I have two weddings booked right after this one, I'll be fine."
"Jesus, I want to be like you when I grow up."
Adam laughed. "Oh I promise, you'll be reaping the benefits of my success."
Olivia was still standing in front of the balcony doors. Adam got up from the bed and made his way over. Olivia could tell by the look on his face what his intentions were. She was already getting her lie together in her head. When Adam reached her, he slipped his hands in her robe, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her into him. He kissed her neck, then her cheek and her lips. Olivia allowed him to grope and caress her as he slid his tongue in her mouth. But when he pulled the knot on her robe, she stopped him.
"Adam, I can't."
Adam sighed. "Why not?"
"I- I'm on my cycle." Olivia lied.
"You said that last week."
Shit. Olivia forgot she used that excuse already. "That was a false alarm, it was just spotting."
Adam stepped back. "Oliva what's going on? What's the problem?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"The excuses Liv. We haven't had sex in… I don't even know how long it's been."
"I don't control my cycle Adam."
"I didn't say you did. But last week apparently you were on your cycle. The time before that you couldn't come over because you were working late. Or I couldn't come over because something with the kids. Or you're tired or-"
"I can't control that either Adam."
"Well you can control your work hours. And what about the time you left early because Erika had a wedding emergency? What the hell could have been so important."
Okay that was a stretch. "Adam-"
"What is going on Liv? Is it us?"
This is an out. Olivia thought to herself. He's giving you an out, take it. "No." Dammit! "No, baby I'm just tired okay. I've got a lot going on right now, too many things really. I'm sorry I've been neglecting you but it's not intentional." Coward.
Adam wasn't sure if he believed her or not. Olivia has been pulling away lately, and he felt it. He didn't know what was bothering her, but he wished he could fix it. "Okay. But whatever's going on with you Liv, I wish you would just tell me. Tell me so I can fix it for you."
Olivia smiled sadly. "I appreciate you for saying that. But this isn't something you can fix." And it wasn't. "But I promise I'll fix it." And she will, he just won't like her solution.
"Okay."
X
"This room is really nice. I've never seen a view this nice." Claudia pulled back the balcony curtains in their room. She and Fitz were getting settled in and unpacking. "I was sure Olivia would have Adam put us up in the worst room."
Fitz rolled his eyes. "Don't start."
Claudia shrugged. "Whatever. What do you want to do first? The water looks great I was going to take a swim."
"Have fun."
Claudia paused. "You're not coming with me?"
Fitz looked at her like she was crazy. "Claudia do you truly not understand or are you just ignoring it. We are not together anymore. You basically forced yourself on this trip. So no, no I will not be joining you. I will not be joining you on anything the entire time we're here. We're merely roommates, you do your thing and I'll do mine."
"You're being an asshole."
"I'm sorry Claudia, but I tried to be nice about this. But you're making it impossible."
"Why are you doing this?"
"Claudia please. We've already gone through this, we've had this conversation and we've had our breakup. There's nothing left to do but to go our separate ways."
"Is this because of Olivia?"
Yes. "No. This has nothing to do with Olivia and everything to do with you and me. You're the one who keeps bringing Olivia into things, you and your jealousy."
"I am not jealous."
Oh she was jealous. Jealous, intimidated, envious the list went on and on.
"What if I work on it." Claudia suggested, walking closer to him at the bed. "You're not happy, but you were once before. We can go back to how we use to be."
"Claudia we haven't been dating long enough to have the problems we've been having. It's a sign."
"I'll work on it. I promise. Whatever is wrong, I'll fix it and things will go back to normal." She held his face in the palm of her hands.
"Claudia." Fitz tried to pull away from her grasp.
"I'll fix it." She kissed him, and he didn't resist her. Before he could say anything else, Claudia was out the door.
"What the fuck?" How the hell was he going to get rid of this woman?
X
The next morning everyone woke up earlier than they would have liked, but they had an itinerary to keep to. They all met in the garden for breakfast, which was amazing. The spread on the table looked fit for royalty. They all enjoyed a nice breakfast over easy conversation. Then per the itinerary, following breakfast they took a tour of the grounds, guided by Adam. Everyone was in awe of the garden space where Erika and Harrison would get married.
The garden was built over the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, with a beautiful view of Lake Como. A luxurious green lawn, terracotta statues, tall trees, perfectly manicured shrubs, and boxwood hedge line the space of the garden. Mapping out a path for seating and leading to a fountain. But Erika's favorite part about the space was all the colorful flowers. Camellias, Roses and hydrangeas were everywhere, adding color to the entire space. It was perfect.
After they toured the garden, they went back inside to see the space where the reception would be held. They were going to have a rehearsal the next day.
When they were done, Erika announced it was time for the men to go on their fishing trip and the ladies were going to the spa. They all parted ways to go change and met back at the front of the hotel. Olivia and Erika had everything planned out including the vans that would take both groups to their destinations. All everyone had to do was show up. The guys all climbed into their van and the ladies got into theirs and off they went.
X
Hotel Tremezzo looked even better in person. The five star luxury hotel with a stunning view of Lake Como and the Grigne mountains was the perfect spot for a pre wedding spa day. They had a large section of spa treatments, and the ladies were taking full advantage.
"I don't think I've ever felt this relaxed before." Adelle crooned. She was in heaven, reclined in her lounger, sipping champagne while two women rubbed circles into her legs. "Can't remember the last time someone gave me a massage."
"Momma, daddy gives you massages all the time."
"Yea, but not like this." The ladies laughed. "I think I want to try that mud bath too."
"Oh, count me out." Abby said. "Had a bad experience with a mud bath before."
"Yeah I don't feel like cleaning up after that." Quinn chimed in.
"Oh come on ladies, when is the next time we're going to be in a five star luxury spa. We might as well take full advantage."
"Count me in Delle." Carol said.
"See there we go. These other scaredy cats are frightened of a little mud. Claudette, you joining?" Claudette was Harrison's mother. She, Carol and Adelle had hit it off rather quickly when they met and she fit right in with the group.
All the older ladies left to go to the mud room, leaving the younger ladies behind.
"So how do you think the guy's trip is going?" Athen asked.
"I don't know and I don't care." Quinn answered. "I am grateful for some R&R away from my kids and their daddy."
Athena laughed, "Damn Quinn."
"Oh don't look at me like that. Like you're not glad Jason and the kids are not bugging you right now." Athena got quiet, thinking about how relaxed she was at this moment. "See."
"Well you all can thank Olivia." Erika said.
"More like Adam E. He's the one with the rich friends." Adam was friends with the owner of the hotel and arranged the spa day for the ladies.
"Yeah well he's your friend now too."
"Damn, I wish Stephen had rich friends that can give me five star spa days."
Olivia didn't chime in. She hasn't told anyone of her plan to break up with Adam. She figured she'd just tell them after the breakup. She knew if she told them now, they would have questions, too many questions and she didn't want to answer any of them.
"Oh my god this place is amazing."
Olivia serenity was broken by the sound of a certain voice. She was even more annoyed when Claudia sat in a lounger right beside hers. Claudia had mostly kept to herself all morning long. Perhaps she'd picked up on the fact that no one wanted her there. During the bus ride to the spa, she sat in the back and didn't speak much. And when they got to the spa, while all the ladies went to get full body massages, she opted for the steam room instead. She'd kept to herself until now. Everyone was out by the pool, soaking up the sun and getting foot massages.
"Yeah it is nice." Abby said.
"I've never been anywhere this nice before."
"You ladies here for vacation?" One of the masseuses asked. She was an older woman with a gentle smile.
"Un no, we're here for a wedding." Erika said giddily. "My wedding actually."
"Oh congratulations."
"Thank you, I'm so excited."
"You staying at the hotel?"
"No, we're actually staying at The La Dolce Vita. There's where the wedding will be too."
"Ooh nice, so beautiful. And you know the owner?" The masseuse asked Olivia."
"Uh yeah, we're uh dating."
"Mhm Lucky lady. He comes around here a lot, trying to woo his big money investors. He's a handsome man, I'm glad I know he's spoken for. I've been trying to push my granddaughter on him for a while now." The women laughed. "Well it was nice of you all to make the trip down. Are you all family?"
Erika realized they had yet to introduce themselves. "I'm sorry we didn't even introduce ourselves. I'm Erika, this is Olivia, Quinn, Abby and Althea. And yeah, we're basically family, all these ladies are like sisters to me." Erika didn't introduce Claudia as a sister. "And Claudia is here with one of the groomsmen."
Thea, Abby and Quinn all gave each other a look. It was becoming more and more apparent that Erika was not fond of her brother's girlfriend.
Claudia felt the not-so-subtle dig to her. She knew she was not anyone's favorite person here, not even Abby's. She'd been feeling iced out for a while, and it only got worse after the incident with Noah. Claudia truly felt bad about the situation, but she was ready to move on from it and forget the whole thing. But it seemed everyone else was set on remembering and blaming Claudia for everything. Claudia was sure Olivia had told them all about what happened, and she was sure she'd let the part about her breaking her nose out of her retelling.
"Yeah, I'm new to the group." Claudia laughed to mask her embarrassment.
"You know, I noticed some swelling in your face, mainly around the bridge of your nose." The masseuse said. "I think you should try one of our lymphatic facial massages. It could really help with the swelling." The masseuse was only trying to be helpful, she didn't know the whole story.
But Olivia certainly did, and she didn't help the situation. "She recently broke her nose." Olivia offered an explanation for the swelling.
"Olivia." Thea called out her name in a warning.
Olivia lifted her shades up. "You know what, I do see some swelling. Perhaps you should look into one of those massages."
Claudia glared at Olivia. "Perhaps."
Olivia smiled. Never in her life had she been so petty with a woman before. But there was something about Claudia that just brought it out of her.
"Well ladies that's it for us." The masseuses gathered their things. "If you need anything else please let us know."
"Okay, thank you so much ladies." After they had left Erika realized she'd forgotten to give them their tip. She excused herself from the group and went to find the ladies.
Once she was out of ear shot, Claudia spoke. "You know Olivia, I think that was uncalled for."
Olivia looked at her. "Excuse me?"
"Olivia I have apologized numerous times for what happened. How many more times I can say I'm sorry?"
"I don't know Claudia. How many times do you think is appropriate for almost killing my son?"
"Ladies, I don't think this is the right time to discuss this." Quinn tried, but no one listened.
"I know you hate me for it, I know all of you hate me, it can feel it. But it was an accident."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better? It was an accident, so I'm just supposed to forgive and forget?"
"Well-"
"Have you lost your fucking mind?!" Olivia raised her voice, getting some attention from the other ladies around the pool area.
"Olivia lets go for a walk." Thea said, but Olivia ignored her too.
"This wasn't some small little accident, you didn't step on his hand. Bitch you put him in the fucking hospital. He could have died, he literally almost died because of your carelessness. Because of your stupidity."
"I'm sorry okay!" Claudia stood up, towering over Olivia. "What the hell do you want me to say."
Olivia stood as well, getting right in Claudia's face. Althea jumped between the two. She wasn't going to take a chance on Olivia hitting the girl… Again.
"I don't want you to say anything. I don't want you to talk, I don't want to see you. I don't even know why the hell you're here. It's like you said, everyone here fucking hates you-"
"Olivia!" Abby and Quinn cried.
"You're just a lost little girl feigning for some friends, but no one wants you here. So why don't you just do us all a favor and disappear for the rest of the day."
"You're a real bitch you know that."
"And you're a desperate loser."
Althea spotted Erika coming back to their loungers. She wasn't going to let these two and their drama ruin Erika's mood. "Okay Olivia that is enough, let's go." Thea pulled Olivia away towards the pool.
"What did I miss?" Erika asked.
Claudia shook her head. "Nothing." Claudia put her shades on and sat back down in her chair. She was beyond embarrassed and uncomfortable, but she was not going to let Olivia run her off. No matter how badly she wanted to just crawl in a hole right now.
X
"Olivia you have got to calm down." Althea spoke to her sister. She'd taken her away from the group and into the pool to calm down. They were leaning against the side of the pool, facing away from the group and looking out at the view.
"How the hell am I supposed to relax with that bitch here? I mean honestly, if you were me, tell me you wouldn't want to just punch her in the face every time you saw her."
Althea sighed. "Okay you got me there. But Olivia think about Erika. This is her wedding week, she is the happiest I've ever seen her. Do you really want to ruin this moment because of a feud with your ex-husband's girlfriend? You would never forgive yourself."
Olivia knew she was right. This week was about Erika, and Olivia didn't want to make it about herself and her drama. She was the maid of honor, she was supposed to make sure Erika was in complete bliss until the wedding. The last thing she wanted to do was ruin this time for Erika.
"I know, you're right. She just.. she gets under my skin Thea."
"I know. But what happened with Noah is not the only reason you treat her like you do."
Olivia knew where she was going. "Don't."
"All roads lead to Fitz. You're juggling two men."
"I am not."
"You're juggling two men and one of them is spoken for."
Olivia rolled her eyes. Why did all her conversations somehow end up about Fitz. All roads really did lead to Fitz. "He asked me to get back together."
"What?"
"He wants to get back together, he asked me for a second chance."
"Oh my God!"
"Yeah."
"Oh my God! Well what did you tell him?"
"Nothing. Erika came in before I could answer him."
Little cockblocker. Athena thought. "Well what would you have said?"
"I don't know Thea." Olivia answered honestly. "In my mind, know what I would have liked to say. But I don't know if I would have said it."
"Which is?"
Olivia smiled weakly. "I would have told him yes. I would have told him that I miss him too, and I want us to try again."
"So why can't you just tell him that?"
"Because I don't know if I can trust him Thea. I mean he tells me he broke up with Claudia and he wants us to try again, but then she shows up at the airport all smiles and ready for a baecation."
"Well maybe there's an explanation for that."
"What explanation is there other than he lied to me?"
"You don't know that Liv."
"Thea she's sitting right there. If they broke up then why is she here? It's not like Erika invited her."
"Did you ask Fitz about it?"
"No, I've been avoiding him since we left L.A."
"Liv, give the man a chance to explain before you start jumping to conclusions."
Could there be some explanation? All Olivia could think was that Fitz lied to her. That was the only explanation she could come up with.
"So you're just not going to tell him how you feel?"
"I don't know Thea."
"Well what about Adam?"
Olivia groaned. He was another topic she didn't want to discuss. "I have to break up with him."
Althea wasn't surprised, she saw this coming. "So you can be with Fitz?"
"No, I don't know… no. I, I'm just keeping him around because I'm lonely." Olivia chuckled sadly. "I'm lonely. I spend most of my days with my kids in the house. I love my kids, but I need some adult interaction. When I put the kids down at night, I lay in my bed staring at the ceiling, it's pathetic. And before, I was only using Adam to fill that lonely void. But I know it isn't right. He loves me but…"
"You don't love him." Althea finished for her.
"I have feelings for him. But I don't love him. I thought maybe if I just stuck it out, I could maybe love him one day. But I don't want to settle."
"You shouldn't have to settle Liv. No one should. There isn't a rule that says you have to love him back."
"I just don't want to hurt him."
"Well I think it will hurt worse if you continue stringing him along and down the road, after he falls harder for you, he realizes you don't feel the same. I think it's better to just close the door now."
"I know." She'd already made up her mind. This conversation was just reassuring her of what she had to do. "I thought it was best if I did it after the wedding. Adam doesn't seem like the vindictive type. But we are having the wedding at his hotel and I don't want him to kick us all out on our asses because he's pissed at me."
"How do you think he's going to take it?"
"I don't know. But I'm not even going to chance it that he doesn't take it well."
X
The guys fishing trip was going a lot smoother than the girls spa day. They had taken a boat out on the lake and was having a good time drinking, talking smack and fishing. Perfect outing.
"Man last time I went fishing I caught a 13 foot fish."
"Junior shut the hell up." Jason laughed along with the rest of the guys. "You know damn well you ain't catch no 13 foot nothing."
"What? I swear to God. The shit was crazy, had to get help pulling it up."
"Son what kind of fish was it?" Curtis asked.
"It was a uh.. damn a uh.." Curtis snapped his finger together trying to jog his memory. "I- I can't remember what kind, but the thing was just big."
"Aye man quit all that lying." Fitz laughed.
"What you talking about?"
"You know you start stuttering when you're lying."
"No- No I don't."
"Yes, you do man." Stephen said. "It's your poker tell."
Curtis wasn't aware he had a tell. No wonder he wasn't any good at poker. "Man fuck yall!"
The guys laughed loudly again at junior's expense. "Don't worry son, we'll tell the ladies you caught the biggest fish today."
It was a slow day, not a lot of bites on the hooks. So the guys took a little break and just relaxed on the deck. The crew had music playing through the outdoor speakers. Jason had brought a deck of cards with him, so they played a few hands of cards, drank and smoked a few cigars.
"So Harrison, ready to the first day of the rest of your life?" Curtis asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
"No one's ever completely ready for marriage son." Harrison's dad, Randall said. "Believe me."
"Well that can't be true."
"No, listen to your dad kid." Gerry said. "You may think you're ready, but then life hits you with a curve ball and everything turns upside down. You may think you're ready because you're blinded by love, but that can turn on your quick."
"Well hold up, are you guys trying to talk me out of this?"
"Of course not." Randall said. "Just trying to prepare you. It's hard work son. Satisfying one woman for the rest of your life sounds easy enough."
"But it ain't" Jason chimed in.
"Still sounds like y'all trying to talk me out of it."
"Ain't no talking you out of it son, you're getting married in three days." Randall said. "As much money we put into this wedding, oh you're getting married."
"Venue was free."
"The venue might be free, but food ain't. Flowers ain't. Do you know how much crab cakes cost for a room of folks?" Randal turned to Adam. "I don't even want to know how much you charge for weddings."
Harrison laughed. When Erika first showed him the hotel she wanted to get married at, his stomach dropped. Harrison knew his parents were going to help with the finances for the wedding, but he was still responsible for the majority of the cost. Harrison wanted to make Erika happy, but without Adam waving the fee for them, there was no way they would be able to have the wedding where she wanted.
"Yeah man, E showed me the prices, and I've realized I'm in the wrong line of business." He tipped his beer up to Adam. "You really looked out."
Adam shrugged. "You know I could say I did it to be nice, but truth is I was just trying to look good for my girl."
The guys laughed, but Fitz scoffed and drank his beer. Fitz had been chill the whole day, but he was getting annoyed by the minute. Fitz thought Adam was a cool guy, and Fitz could see himself being friends with Adam… if he were dating any other woman on earth. But he wasn't he was dating Olivia, his ex-wife, and Fitz didn't like that reality.
Fitz hit a setback in his quest to get Olivia back, Claudia being that setback. But he wasn't giving up. Before, he'd given up and that's how he ended up with Claudia, but he wasn't giving up this time. He loved Olivia and he knew she still loved him, she was just too afraid and stubborn to admit it.
"Alright!" Harrison clapped his hands together. "Let's get this over with. This is the part of the movie where the bride is off having her wisdom moment with her girls. And now y'all have to give me some manly marriage advice."
"Well I've never been married, so I'm no help." Adam said.
"Well I am." Jason said. "And first things first, all women are crazy." Jason said it with a straight face, but it made everyone laugh.
"Hey, not too much. That's my sister you're talking about." Junior said.
"Then you should know how crazy she is."
"What, dad? You just gonna let him talk about your first born like that?"
"You know son, I would defend your sister if it wasn't so true." Curtis laughed. "I promise you she gets it honest, that crazy gene runs on her momma's side of the family."
"Don't get me wrong, I love my wife. But it's just like your dad said Harry, you're never completely ready. And it ain't easy. I know Erika likes those cheesy romance movies, but that isn't real life. In real life you gotta be prepared for the ups and downs of real marriage."
"So what do you do to make yours work?"
"Well it helps that I married my best friend. Thena's my partner in everything man, everything we do we go into it together. We make decisions for out family together, we raise our kids together. But it's not always 50/50. You know there's times when I can fall or she does and it's 60/40. But she knows she can lean on me and I can fall back on her. Trust, partnership and love man that's what drives our marriage."
"Well you're gonna be falling back against a wall when I Tell Thea you out here calling her crazy." Junior laughed.
"What? I ain't lying, your dad just said she gets it honest. But she ain't even the craziest Pope woman."
"Oh now you must really have a death wish. You know Olivia's crazy ass got that dog hearing, she probably somewhere listening to us right now." Junior joked.
"See I didn't even have to say her name and you knew who I was talking about."
Harrison shook his head, laughing. "Alright, so be her partner got it. Next?"
"Well-" junior started to talk, but Harrison cut him off.
"Whoa J you ain't even married."
"Nah, but I've been with enough woman to know how to satisfy them."
"No thanks, I don't need tips on flings." Harrison looked at Fitz. "Fitz?"
"Wait! You don't want my advice but you'll take his? This man's divorced."
"Right, so he can tell me what not to do." Harrison laughed.
Although Fitz was laughing along with everyone else, he didn't find that comment as funny. Fitz wasn't proud of his divorcee label. When Fitz got married he had planned to be married for the rest of his life. To live his life, raise his family, and grow old with the same woman. And now here he was fighting to get is life and wife back.
"Come on man, I'm only going to tolerate this for about five more minutes."
Fitz sighed. He didn't want to do this. He was always very aware that Adam was a part of this conversation. Fitz didn't want to just be flat out disrespectful, although he was actively trying to steal his girlfriend.
"I don't know man. It's just a combination of everything everyone said. But I think you and E had a good thing going right now. You know, you got a good foundation and now you just need to build on that foundation in your marriage." Fitz kept his comment very vague, not mentioning his marriage at all.
"And honestly man, you got it easy. I know my sister, she is not a hard woman to please and she is an easy woman to love. Just as long as you're true and loyal to her, I promise you won't get nothing but the same in return. I still think of her as my baby sister, and she always will be. But she's grown I guess." Fitz joked. "And I'm glad she has you. You're a good one."
"Appreciate it man."
"No doubt. But on another note, Erika does spend too much time around Olivia and she's beginning to rub off on her. And she is definitely the craziest Pope woman."
"Hey. Jason can say that. He's still married into the family, you ain't." Curtis joked, patting Fitz on the shoulder.
"Hey I'm just being honest Mr. C, you know you're daughter. She can be stubborn as all hell. She thinks she knows everything, she's always right and I hate to admit it, but she usually is."
They all laughed. "Aye." Junior nudged Adam's shoulder. "You gonna let him talk about my sister like that?"
Adam smiled and shrugged. "No offense, but your sister is a lil crazy. I mean I've been witness to it myself. Fitz and I both had to get her off that girl in the hospital. Takes some good strength to bust somebody's nose with one punch." Adam then realized he was talking about Fitz's girlfriend. "My bad man."
Fitz just waved him off. If he was still with Claudia maybe he would be a little bothered, but he can't be mad at the truth. Now with all the annoyance Claudia was putting him through he wished he could turn Olivia loose on her again.
"Well I don't know how we got to the subject of my passionate daughter." Curtis said, using the term passionate instead of crazy as he grabbed his fishing pole. "But I'm going to go see about these fish."
X