TRIGGER WARNING: SEXUAL ASSAULT PLEASE READ WITH CAUTION
A/N: Hey everyone, it's been a hot minute. I wanted this chapter to outline the back story. That being said, the ball will be the next chapter. I have been updating other stories, this one is going to get the next update first, as I'm halfway into the next chapter already. Thank you all for your patience and I do hope I did the waiting some justice this chapter. Happy reading and please leave a review. Enjoy.
Chapter 25
25 years ago
Fitz was 10 years old. Big Gerry had just started his second term as Governor having been elected in a landslide victory over his democratic opponent. The celebration at the ranch house was going to last into the late hours, and Gerry had no consideration for his young son.
Sitting on a rocking chair out on the deck by the pool, Fitz looked through the big windows at all the men drinking expensive scotch, laughing, and patting each other on the back. He didn't understand what all the celebration was about. He shrugged, looking up into the dark sky.
"I'm just losing him again for another 4 years, right mom?" Fitz's eyes filled with tears. His father missed his awards day at school. Fitz was given three awards. One for outstanding reading, the other for high honor roll in fourth grade. That one was special, he was the only student to get that achievement in the fourth grade. High honor roll was an A+ in all subject areas. The final one was a student leadership award, proving at an early age he was destined to lead.
His teacher and administrators were so proud of how Fitz had grown over the last three years, especially after the untimely death of his mother. When he did look out into the audience, he did see his MiMi. MiMi was always with him. He stopped and upon being handed the award, he smiled at her.
She threw him a loving kiss and held up a picture of Emma for Fitz to see. Fitz waved to his MiMi so happy she was there for him. There was a void in his heart missing his father, but his father did call to tell him how proud he was. It wasn't the same as him being there.
When Fitz was walking back to his seat, he had to pass Charles Putney. He had known Charles since he was a baby, so his father told him. "Remember Fitz, Charles isn't like you, be nice to him, ok." He heard his father's voice but didn't understand. Charles was mean. He was mean to Fitz, and he was mean to all Fitz's friend. Charles just wasn't a nice person.
"Big deal, you big nerd, carrying all those awards home. No one cares, that's why you're the only one who wins them." Fitz ignored Charles's words as he walked casually back to his seat. "Your dumb ass father isn't even here, he doesn't even care, you mommas boy, no wait, it's MiMi's boy." Charles began laughing an annoying laugh.
Fitz could feel his face flush with anger. How he hated that boy, but he wasn't dumb enough to do anything physically to him. He was a better person. He was even better by not saying what was on his mind, what he really wanted to say to him.
MiMi came out to the deck where Fitz was sitting. "It's getting late Fitz, why don't you go get some sleep?"
"You think I can sleep with all this noise. Who cares he's Governor again MiMi? I don't care." Fitz looked back in the window. MiMi saw Fitz's lips go tight and his eyebrows cross with fury. Turning to see what the young boy was looking at, MiMi's heart sank a bit.
Jax and Charles had entered the room. Jax had his son sitting next to him, and saw Gerry begin to look around. MiMi looked at Fitz. "Honey, what is it? Do you want Charles to come out here with you?"
"No, MiMI, I hate him, I hate that boy so much. But…" Fitz stopped. He took a deep breath. "But at least his father loves him."
"Oh, Fitz, your father loves you. He loves you very much. He just gets his priorities wrong. Jax doesn't love his boy, Jax is a bully to his boy. Don't ever doubt your father's love for you."
"He's more loyal to Jax, more loyal to his friends then he is to me MiMi." Fitz's head went down, and he walked into the room. MiMi followed, not letting him face his father alone.
"There he is." Gerry said proudly. "Look Jax, take a look. There's the future Mayor, the future Governor, and the future President." Gerry put his arm out to his son.
Playing the role, Fitz went over to him. Gerry curled him up into his chest. "You can stay home from school tomorrow, Fitz, we're celebrating."
"Aww, dad, I have a science test tomorrow. I'm not going to miss it." Fitz looked over at Charles. "Mr. Rizzo's class."
"Who?" Charles looked at him. "I don't care about a science test."
"That's right, you're a failure I forgot." Fitz said. He saw Jax's face turn to anger.
"Son, you better watch your tone with my boy." Jax said, his words all slurred from too much scotch.
"Fitz, apologize to Charles." Gerry's words just as slurred as Jax's. Two drunk men, just what Fitz needed.
"No! He is a failure, he'll never amount to anything." Fitz said. It was his turn now, only Fitz was bold enough to say it in front of their fathers and all the political friends.
Some chuckles came from the people in the room, and they quickly stopped when Jax looked at them. Charles wasn't so tough after all. He buried his face in his father's chest and he began to cry. Jax looked angrily at Fitz.
"Some dumb awards and being able to read doesn't always get you very far in life." Jax tried to hurt Fitz like Fitz hurt Charles.
"It'll get me farther than your loser son." Fitz retaliated.
Jax stood up. Gerry stood up. MiMi ran to Fitz's side. "Easy there Jax. They're just kids, let them have it out, ok." Gerry put his arm out to defend Fitz.
Jax pushed Charles towards his driver. "Take Chip home, will you please?" The driver nodded and the young boy walked out, giving the middle finger to Fitz that only Fitz and MiMi could see.
"Dolores, why don't you take Fitz upstairs, get him set for bed and see to it his uniform is ready for school in the morning."
MiMi waited in her room while Fitz got himself ready for bed. When she saw his light turn off, she went in to say good night. "You can't get yourself all worked up over the Putney's, Fitz. Your father needs them as a political ally. You know who your real friends are."
"Yeah, I know. Cameron and Evan, they are like my brothers. They don't like Chip either. MiMi, thank you so much for being there for me today." He began to cry. "I miss her so much, MiMi. I can still hear her voice like she was reading to me yesterday." He buried his head into MiMi's chest and MiMi held him close. Her heart ached for him, he was just such a good child.
She sat on his bed. MiMi rubbed his head of curls, "Oh Fitz, your mother is looking down at you, so proud of who you are becoming. The way you defended yourself in there against Jax and Chip, that's something your momma would have done." She smiled at him. "Get some rest before that big science test tomorrow." She gave him a soft kiss on his head as she exited the room.
"I will. Thank you MiMi. I love you so much. I wish you had a child of your own. You take such good care of me, and my friends when they come over." Fitz turned, drifting into sleep.
MiMi walked to the doorway. She took a deep breath before she walked out. She heard the loudness from downstairs and wanted to scream at all of them to go home, but she refrained. MiMi would never go back on her promise to Emma. She would take care of Emma's pride and joy. Emma loved Gerry very much, but she knew politics came first, at times, even over her. MiMi knew what she was getting into. Fitz would always be her priority, Fitz, and his happiness.
Present Day
"You two still show up at the same time." Fitz opened the door for Cameron and Evan. "I'm surprised I don't see your bikes dropped on my lawn." He shook both their hands.
Evan took a whiff in the air. "Aww man, tell me she didn't." He looked at Fitz as they began walking towards the sitting room.
"Yeah, she did. She knew you were coming. She didn't even take Cameron's feelings into consideration. Heard her say, Evan is coming, he gets my homemade sausage and peppers." Fitz laughed.
Evan clapped. "Yes" He pushed Cameron's shoulder. "Told you MiMi always liked me better."
"Kiss off", Cameron said. "Don't you have tux fitting or something for your Cinderella ball."
"Jealous little tax man, are we Cameron?" Evan laughed.
"Ok, you two, geez, what are you back in second grade. I have a surprise for you, well, Evan I have two surprises for you. Cameron already knows about one."
"Ha", Cameron nudged Evan. "I'm Fitz's favorite."
Fitz rolled his eyes. They entered the sitting room, and Olivia stood up, smiling. Fitz walked over to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Liv nodded to Cameron and looked at Evan.
Evan was about as tall as Fitz. He had sandy colored hair, brown eyes, and a convincing smile. Liv thought how lucky Fitz was they were friends, because Evan read politician all over his face. He looked up at Fitz. "Who is this beautiful woman and what is she doing with you?" Evan smiled.
"Liv, you know Cameron." Fitz looked back at Evan. "Olivia Pope, meet Evan Bender, Mayor of Santa Barbara and host of the upcoming ball. Evan, meet the only woman I will ever love."
Evan's smile turned into a small smirk. "Get out, wow, good for you Fitz." He turned back to Olivia. "Pleasure is all mine, welcome to Santa Barbara. You won Fitz's heart, that's amazing. When's the baby due?" Evan laughed. "I mean no offense, Fitz has wanted to be a father…"
"Since he was ten." Cameron cut in. "They all sat down now and MiMi came in with some scotch and iced tea. "Remember the day of that Rizzo's big science test? Fitz came in all pissed because his father had a celebration being elected again."
MiMi stopped. She felt a numbness run through her body. Her face must have turned white for moment. Olivia noticed. "MiMi, are you alright?" She rubbed MiMi's back.
MiMi took a deep breath. "Yes, dear, I'm fine." She left the room in a hurry and the two gentlemen didn't notice she didn't even say hello to them.
"Oh yeah", Evan remembered. "When I become a father, I won't ignore my son like my father ignores me." Evan did his best voice impression.
Cameron said, "I told him, dude, you're ten years old, why are you talking about being a father?" Cameron looked at Olivia in the eyes. "He said it will be the best job I ever have, I plan to have five, maybe six kids." Cameron laughed taking a sip of his scotch.
"Well," Olivia said, looking at both of Fitz's childhood friends, "I don't know about five or six, but." She stood up and walked to greet Erin who was holding Grant. "How about one for now?" Olivia hugged Erin who retrieved back to her room.
Cameron and Evan both stood up in shock, they looked at Fitz, back at Grant, and then sat down as Olivia sat down, handing Grant to his father.
Grant was wide awake, as if to greet his company. His eyes growing bigger now on his four month old face. His cheeks as chunky as can be. He rested his head on Fitz's shoulder, recognizing now he was in his father's arms.
"Hey, Grant, say hello to your uncles, Cameron and Evan, huh, you going to say hi?" Fitz turned him now, so he was sitting with his head resting on his father's chest.
"Holy shit." Evan said. He looked at Olivia. "Wow, congratulations. Fitz, what the hell?" He looked at Cameron. "You kept this from me?"
"I didn't keep anything from you." Cameron's eyes didn't leave Grant, Cameron was wide eyed. "I just knew about Olivia. There is no denying he is yours Fitz, damn, he's your spitting image."
Fitz was bouncing him on his lap, Grant with a smile now as Olivia watched their reactions. "Fitz didn't know I was even pregnant. We have so much to talk about over dinner." Liv leaned over, giving Grant a kiss. He reached towards his mother.
"Wait." Evan said. "Grant, that's his first name?"
"Yeah, Grant Thomas Pope. Olivia had some problems during the pregnancy and birth in New York, and…" Fitz stopped. "Like she said there's a lot to talk about. Before I go further, Evan, I wanted to give you a heads up. I'm taking Olivia to the ball with me. A media frenzy will ensue, but I understand if you're not ok with that."
"Why wouldn't you?" Evan asked without any judgement "Let the media go wild, this is great. I'm so happy for the two of you."
"The fallout? You nitwit." Cameron answered. "She's not known by the public."
"Who gives a rat's ass? I would hope you're bringing Grant, too. Get him fitted for a tiny tux."
Liv shook her head disagreeing. "umm, I don't think he's ready for that." She looked at Fitz who was seriously contemplating it, she could tell. "Fitz, you don't think he's ready, we're not ready for that, do you?"
MiMi came in again, placing a tray of freshly made bruschetta bread on the table. "How's my big boy Grant?" Grant turned towards MiMi's voice. He made a few sounds. "Yes, I know you want some, but first get some teeth, ok my love." Grant smiled hearing the voice he loved talking to him.
"MiMi, you came and went so quick with the drinks I couldn't thank you quick enough for making my favorite meal." Evan stood up giving MiMi a kiss on the cheek. "You didn't have to."
"Yeah, and hear Fitz tell me how you complained all night if the meal wasn't sausage and peppers?" She looked over at Cameron, "Don't worry your time will come for your bbq smoked ribs. How is mom? I haven't been at the bridge club since Grant has been here. Give her my best."
"I will." Cameron smirked at Evan. "Ha ha, see."
Evan shook his head. "MiMi, you're coming to the ball right?"
"Nonsense." MiMi waved her hand. "And leave this handsome guy all alone here?"
"We're talking Fitz and Liv into bringing him." Cameron chimed in and stood up after Evan giving MiMi a kiss and a hug.
"Oh that's a wonderful idea Fitz, introduce him to everyone, they will fall in love with both him and Olivia at the same time."
Liv's shoulders slumped a bit. She tilted her head. She had Grant facing her and she put him over her shoulder. "I don't know MiMi, you think so?"
MiMi could see it in Fitz's eyes how much he wanted to do it. "I think so, sooner or later the truth is going to come out. Besides I could use a night alone and catch up on some work here. Erin could go, she can bring Grant back if he gets tired or agitated. Just a thought. Enjoy your dinner everyone. It's really a decision for you and Fitz." MiMi looked at Cameron and Evan. "Don't be strangers just because you're all big time Mayor and Governor's tax man."
Olivia stood up with Grant. Fitz gave him a kiss on the forehead, rubbing his curls to say good night. Evan and Cameron put their finger in his hand, shaking it saying it was nice meeting him, before Liv handed him off to MiMi, she kissed him a hundred times on the cheek. "Bottle is upstairs MiMi." Liv turned to Evan.
"So, I hear Huck is training your son, Toby for Secret Service, but aren't you too young to have a son as old as Toby?" Liv looked at Fitz as he held in his laughter.
"What's wrong with you Fitz, telling her Toby is my son, ass. Toby is my brother. When I was 19 our mom passed away and I raised him. It's an ongoing joke with these two that I became a father. Jerks."
Liv shrugged. "Anyway, he's good, very good and he's learning from one of the best." The four of them headed to the long table where their meal, drinks, and lots of conversation were awaiting.
25 years ago
Things finally began to quiet down as people began to leave. MiMi could still hear conversation going on and she wanted to see what she was up against to get everyone to be gone already.
She headed down the stairs and took a look into the sitting room. Gerry, sitting legs crossed with a full glass of scotch in his hand nodded to her. "The future president sleeping?" He asked and gave a hearty laugh to Jax. He pointed his scotch glass in his direction. "You wait Jax, that boy is going to surpass every political milestone this country has known." He downed his scotch and put his head back.
MiMi didn't answer Gerry's questions, instead she walked to the kitchen to get herself a glass of water. On her way back, she noticed Jax eyeing all the pictures Gerry had on the shelf of Fitz with his school awards. Gerry was snoring, already sleeping in a drunken stupor on his reclining chair.
Without being noticed, MiMi went back upstairs. She set the water glass down next to Fitz's bed. Sometimes he woke up in the middle of the night with dry throat, and with all the commotion she had forgotten to put the water there. Noticing his blinds were open, she went towards the window and the room grew even darker with them down.
Before she could move, she saw a shadow at the door. She heard heavy breathing and she could tell from the figure, it was Jax Putney. MiMi was not a mother, but the hairs on the back of her neck stood up in chill and she could feel something was off.
From being piss ass drunk, jealous, and angry as hell, Jax didn't even think anyone would be in Fitz's room. He figured MiMi had just come down to get herself some water. MiMi watched Jax's every move very cautiously.
He rested his head on the door frame, looking at the young boy sleep. "What can I do he whispered? Strangulation would be too messy, I want something neat, something tragic, something maybe like a young cardiac arrest? How can I make your little nerdy heart stop?" He began looking around the room.
"Maybe you could fall from your bed, your neck could break. That would be tragic and simple enough. What do you think little Fitzy boy, would you like to die tonight of a broken neck and go meet your mama in heaven?"
"I think you need to get the fuck out of here, Mr. Putney, right now, before I tell Gerry what I just heard you say." MiMi emerged from the darkness.
Jax wouldn't admit it at that moment, but she scared the shit out him. He kept his cool though. He licked his lips and looked at Fitz's precious Mimi up and down. "You know, you're not Emma, Emma was a fucking beauty. She was an all natural beauty from her hair to her skin to her smile. You though, your body is nice, your face is pretty, and the size of your breasts is very distracting."
"Shut up, you pig, get out of Fitz's room. I heard you threaten to kill him." She was trying hard now, through her anger to keep her voice to a whisper. She was bold taking a step closer to Jax, not knowing this man would have no remorse in killing both of them.
He reached out so fast, MiMi couldn't even react. He pulled her into him, grabbing her ass, circling his hand around her ass cheek. Slurring his words he said, "Want me to kill the punk, or will you take my mind off that?" He pulled her by the back of her hair, tilting her head in front of him and planting a drunk disgusting kiss on her lips.
Trying desperately to get out of Fitz's room now, MiMi pushed Jax back letting him kiss her for now, anything to get him out of the room. When they entered the small corridor, MiMi pushed him back. Wiping her lips aggressively with the back of her hand, she looked at him. Tears were filling her eyes. "Get the fuck out of here."
"Not without the death of Fitzgerald Grant the third, or maybe some nice hard core sex from you." His breath heavy now in her face. "What do you say to that?" He gripped her arms ready to push her out of the way and make his entrance back into the room where Fitz was still sound asleep. "Breaking his neck would give me such pleasure, but maybe something else could fulfill that pleasure." He smiled now, licking his way up MiMi's neck to her ear.
MiMi began to let the tears flow, both for fear for Fitz and adrenaline for feeling so helpless. She couldn't even call out because Jax would act so quickly. She turned her head, so she could connect her lips to Jax's. She used her hand to rub down to his sickening erection.
"My room is over there." She whispered, and suddenly Jax's obsession with Fitz's demise was just a thought.
She heard him moan, and he pushed her on the bed rather hard, and she watched as he pulled his belt off, and then his pants. He put his hands under her shirt, and lifted it, with a rip above her head, as he devoured one of her breasts in his mouth. All she could smell was scotch and her hands were frozen next to her body, she was just in complete shock that this was truly happening.
Present day.
"Honestly, it was a disaster, this woman cannot run for any kind of political seat, she is just an emotional wreck right now." Liv took a sip of her water before continuing about Joyce Waters. "She did love Andres, despite what he did to her and to find him dead like that, well, it's all just so much. The investigation is still ongoing, and Joyce is safe at her parents' house for now. Jax lost five million though, so I'm sure he isn't going to let that go. Legally, we have a long road to take, at least Jax won't own her in the California Senate."
Cameron was chewing his food slowly, looking at Liv as she spoke, his head shaking in disbelief. "Fucking Putney, that guy is beyond ruthless."
"I really don't know how you kept him out of Santa Barbara your whole life, Fitz, lucky he didn't do much hanging around here with his little spawn of Lucifer Charles." Evan said.
"Well, he moved out of Santa Barbara to Avila Beach not long after my father's second term began. "He was just never welcomed back to the ranch, but anyway, that's why Joyce Waters won't be at your ball on Saturday." Fitz rubbed Liv's back. "She's been working hard to help her and keep it out of the press."
"When I heard she was taken into custody for the murder of Andres, I knew something was off. Joyce Waters may be a bit corrupt, but she couldn't physically hurt a fly." Evan sipped his beer. "What's Putney have to do with you Olivia, you mentioned history."
Liv's fork dropped on her plate. She sat back and took a deep breath. She began with Abby, explained who Erin was, and how she met Fitz. "I had just buried Abby two weeks prior to meeting Fitz. It was such an odd series of events, one thing led to another and Grant was conceived. I went back to New York thinking Fitz went through with the wedding and contemplating ruining his life with a child. I decided against my terrible judgement to have him aborted and kept him, thank God." She picked her fork back up and continued her meal.
"My father." Fitz looked at both Cameron and Evan, "was contacted by Olivia. She asked him to tell me about the pregnancy since my campaign had me everywhere, but he didn't. He told her I was married and she was a fling. Told her I'd have no interest in the baby."
Now Liv was caressing his curls. "I was forced to induce labor because Putney was awaiting the baby's arrival." Liv put her head down. "So, I'm not sorry Chip is dead." She suddenly lost her appetite. "Now, I'm sure Jax is trying everything to get to Fitz, to get Grant, any kind of revenge. We think he may use the ball to do something which is why I wanted to be there on Fitz's arm."
Although his plate was cleaned, every crumb of food devoured, Evan held his fork in his hand, still trying to swallow everything just told to him. "I had an anonymous donor of 25 grand to get into the ball without a ticket last week."
"That's definitely Jax." Cameron finished up his meal. He wiped his mouth with the napkin and tossed it onto his plate. "Should've soaked him for a 100 grand. That guy has more fucking money than anyone I know."
"Can't you get him on any charges, arrest his ass, I mean anything?" Evan asked Fitz. "There has to be something, I mean he's fucking terrorizing your family, for God's sake."
"Well, everyone knows now there's a vendetta with him and me, especially with the oil companies and gas prices. I am targeting him. If something happens to him, something that doesn't stick, how does that make me look? I mean even if it isn't me, the press would have a field day with it."
"Which is why we want to be the ones that let our relationship out to the public." Olivia chimed in, "I just don't know how they will take to me…" Liv blinked back some tears., 'to me being his partner."
"Look, number one, you're gorgeous, number two, Fitz wasn't married, in fact he did the state a favor by not getting married. He showed it's sacred and you don't just marry someone for political gain. Number three, Grant is an absolute doll and when you're asked about his name, you make Jax public enemy number one, again." Cameron shrugged. "I think it will all work out."
"The fact that I'm black." Liv looked skeptical. "You don't think that may taint things?"
"Fitz was well known before he even thought of running for Governor for the diversity of his appointees and what his cabinet would consist of, I don't think that would be as much a factor as maybe him not telling the public about his child. But with Jax lurking, it could be a good cover up."
Liv took a sigh of relief for the first time all night. Evan and Cameron did make her feel better both about going to the ball and about introducing Grant. Maybe the vendetta, the running, the fear, and everything Putney would finally come to halt when the protection of Grant plays a part. They will have the whole state looking after Grant, all the people that love Fitz, not just Fitz's agents.
"We don't even know yet if Jax will make an appearance." Fitz reassured them. "We are going by intuition. He plays a variety of games with different sets of rules, so who knows. We have a busy week, though ahead."
25 years ago
"Asshole." Will nudged Nate who was sleeping on the couch. "Where the fuck is the Boss?" He asked about Jax.
"Dude is getting it on with the Nanny upstairs, you want to go interrupt them?" Will laughed. "Be my guest. Didn't you hear the bed squeaking. She's getting a deep supply of Jax Putney."
"Ugh." Nate made a face. "I guess her tits are something to want, but Boss must be dusty down there, can't blame the guy." He looked over at Gerry. He was passed out cold still in the recliner. "Where's his detail?"
Will looked out to the deck. He nodded in that direction. "Soundly sleeping poolside. This ass better not have an assassination attempt, or a kidnapping attempt. Those assholes could give a shit." Will and Nate shrugged at the same time. They sat back and rested on the couch waiting for Jax to come down.
Upstairs, the two guardsmen were right, the bed was squeaking, and Jax was getting his fill. Mimi, by the time it was all over was just lying there in shock. Jax rolled off her, grunted, breathing heavily, and he was sound asleep, his forehead leaning on Mimi's shoulder.
She cried quiet tears, sniffling low, and unable to move. She felt throbbing pain down below, she felt disgusting, and she felt sick. Her eyes were wide open, looking up at the ceiling in the dark room, she kept telling herself it was to save Fitz's life.
Pulling her shoulder towards her, so Jax's head would fall to the bed, she was able to step out of the bed and get to the bathroom. Her puffed, tear soaked eyes stared back at her from the mirror, and she began to sob all over again. She curled her arms criss cross to her shoulders, covering up her bite marked breasts.
She showered, letting the hot water beat down on her, scrubbing herself at least a dozen times with soap, trying to get the feel, his smell off of her. By the time she shut the water off, she could see a hint of daylight coming through the window. She moved quickly before Fitz woke up and went to her room.
Moving quickly, she dressed in just some sweatpants and a big hoodie, out of the ordinary, but she would explain to Gerry she didn't get much sleep. She looked at Jax, still sleeping, probably still drunk in her bed. She rubbed her face still not believing what had happened, and she rushed out of the room, closing the door behind her, trying to walk normally ignoring the soreness between her legs.
Heading downstairs, she noticed Jax's two goons sleeping on the couch. She kicked them both in the shin as they raised their heads. "He said go to his place, come back at 2pm to get him." The two idiots looked at each other, they looked back at MiMi. They both smirked.
"You did him tired huh little lady?" Laughing now, they walked out and did as they were instructed.
Mimi looked out to the deck. "Useless shits." She shoved Gerry. "Governor, Gerry, get up, Fitz will be coming down soon you want him to see you like this?"
Gerry's head rose in confusion. He jumped up. "Shit, what time is it?"
"6:30, take the small bedroom down here so Fitz doesn't see you going upstairs."
Gerry nodded, agreeing with her. "You may want to think about your detail, fine job they are doing." Mimi nodded over to the deck. "What kind of protection were they?"
She was right, he had to do better with protection, for himself and for Fitz. Gerry slid the deck door opened. "Hey, useless one and useless two." He yelled. They jumped up. "Meet me at the mansion tomorrow, you two are being relieved of your duties. Get the hell off my property." He was on the phone signaling for his two back up guards to come right away.
Turning back to Mimi, who was getting Fitz's lunch ready, he apologized. "Sorry about that Dolores. Sorry about everything last night, I know Fitz is your priority. What can I do to make this up to you?"
"Keep Putney and his little wise ass son out of this ranch house. I'm serious Gerry, I don't ever want that man or his offspring here again."
Nodding in agreement to fulfill her wish, Gerry said he would take care of it. "Is Fitz alright?"
"I'm going to wake him up now. You can shower in the bathroom down here, you smell of scotch." The smell was making her sick remembering her night.
"You look exhausted Dolores. When we leave, get some sleep, you'll have the day alone." Gerry thought he was doing her a favor.
All she planned to do was cry and make the emotional pain go away somehow. She was so ashamed, but it was her body, or Fitz's life, there was no doubt the choice she made was the right one.
"Good luck on your science test, although I'm sure you'll do fine." Mimi gave Fitz a hug and handed him his lunch. She watched as he entered the car his father was waiting in for him. When Mimi was finally alone, she grabbed a knife and headed up to her room.
Jax was still in the same position sleeping, and as much as she wanted to slit his throat right there, she spared herself the heartache of an arrest and a bloody mess in the house. She put the tip of the knife on his neck, and Jax immediately woke up.
"What the fuck?" He put his hands back, fear in his eyes.
"Get the fuck out of here. Don't you ever fucking return, you piece of shit." Mimi was screaming at the top of her lungs. She pulled the knife back, and Jax jumped out of the bed grabbing his pants and shirt. She walked slowly after him.
"Jesus, Dolores, what the fuck. Ok, ok, I'm out of here. Relax." He made a phone call, and a car was there for him in less than ten minutes. Mimi didn't put the knife down for an hour after he left in fear he would return, but he never did.
Present day
Fitz and Liv both did the duties of cleaning up after dinner. MiMi did enough for them all evening, including putting Grant down for the night it was the least they could do for her. Erin was still trying to get used to the time change. The poor woman didn't know if she was tired or energized.
Looking over at Olivia now, Fitz smirked at her. "Why are you looking at me like that?" He turned off the dining room light and walked towards her at the foot of the stairs.
Liv shrugged. "I don't know. Sitting down for dinner with two of your closest friends, introducing Grant to them, it just made me feel some kind of way. A good kind of way, like maybe things will be alright."
He wrapped her arm around her waist pulling her closer to him. He buried his lips deep into hers. When he pulled back, her eyes were still closed and she was still in the kiss. She opened them slowly to see him staring at her, his eyes and sensual grey now.
"I don't care if they impeach me and throw me to the ice in the Arctic, it would be worth it to be a family with you and Grant." Fitz was in his baritone voice and Liv needed to get him upstairs quickly.
"Well, Mister, I don't want to live in frigid air, so no one better impeach you. Worst case scenario, I move back to New York, you keep your adorable son, and I live a life of loneliness." Liv smiled on the inside, as if she could ever do that.
"Liv." Fitz asked, not convinced. He backed her to the wall on the second stair. "Don't even joke like that, I wouldn't survive without you."
Not making it a joke anymore, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and pulled him in for a kiss. Deep in a make out session against the wall on the stairs, she heard him begin to moan. "Let's see what I can do about this." Her hand reached down to his obvious erection now.
They turned to go upstairs, and MiMi was on her way down. Having seeing them kissing on the stairs, it gave her chills up her body. They were so in love and it's what she always wanted for Fitz, genuine happiness. Between Grant, and his love for Olivia, Fitz had achieved that. It didn't matter what his political status was anymore.
"MiMi". Fitz stopped short, taking a hard swallow and holding Liv in front of his body so she couldn't see his erection. His face was growing red, and Liv knew what he was doing. How would she play this? Fitz gave her a nudge, but Liv wasn't going to let him off so easily.
"Hey MiMi, thank you so much for dinner, it was so good. Grant go down ok?" Liv nodded her head, feeling Fitz nudge her again.
"That baby has no problem sleeping, an absolute pleasure. You two all ready for your two night get away."
"Uh, MiMi, we'll talk more in the morning," Fitz was trying to get upstairs because this whole moment was going to be lost. He took a deep breath. "We aren't leaving until mid afternoon anyway." He put his lips down on Liv's neck.
"Stop." Liv was so embarrassed now. Fitz stopped at her ear.
"Get going, Livvie, because I can do things to you to get back at this torture."
"Talk to you tomorrow MiMi, have a good night." Liv practically ran up the stairs, closing the door behind them, and losing her body under Fitz's naked on the bed.
Their hands interlocked on the headboard and Fitz was about to enter Liv from behind, she felt her body growing numb. Her mouth was open in anticipation of feeling him deep within her, but he guided his erection, around her entrance getting her juices going, and stopped.
She turned her head in shock. Breathing so heavily right now, she said "What are you doing?"
"You want to play games, Livvie?" His hand circled her beautiful ass cheek and went up under her and stopped at her breast where he played with her nipple. Her backside tried to push closer to him, but he pulled back. "No, wait for it ok."
A long, soft moan came out of the back of her throat and she squeezed his hand that was still interlocked with hers. If he kept this up she was going to orgasm as soon as he got in her, she could feel her wetness. "Fitz."
"Yes, baby?" He smiled as he kissed down her gorgeous smooth back. "What can I do for you?"
"You better pray your son doesn't get you back and wake up for a feeding, then you'll be sorry." Liv could barely get the words out.
"Ahh, I love when you talk tough being so weak right now." He watched her bottom move in a circle, trying to grab him, when he finally put her out of her misery. His hand gripping her shoulder, he put his condom covered organ into her, and he heard her breathe a sigh of relief.
He must have teased her something bad, because it didn't take too long for her body to fall onto the bed, where Fitz had to scoop under her and put her back into position. "Uh, God, Fitz." She had lost all control, and couldn't hold back her orgasm which was taking over her body.
Fitz rolled her to her back, taking position again on top and as she lay in weakness, his lips went to the crook of her neck, nibbling on her skin. He felt her breasts rubbing against his chest with every thrust, and felt her forehead rest on his shoulder.
With no more strength in her, and she felt he knew it, she hit her second climax, gripping her arms tightly around his back, as she felt him release into her. "My God, woman, what you do to me." He said after a minute of silence and heavy breathing.
He rolled to his side facing her. He rubbed her hair, putting some behind her ear. "I love you so much Livvie. I can' wait for the next two nights. How spoiled do you think Grant will be?"
"With MiMi and his Nana for two straight days? Only the two of them, with him? We have no chance when we come back and try to parent him." Liv laughed.
"No talking about the ball until Wednesday the latest, you hear? You looking forward to being in the duplex with me?" Fitz could feel his eyes getting heavy and he didn't hear an answer if she even gave one.
Liv just stared at him, contemplating if what she was doing right. Should she allow Grant to be introduced at the ball? She blinked her eyes closed and opened. This had to be done so Jax had nothing over them anymore. Protect Grant at all costs.
As if Grant knew his mother was thinking of him, she heard him stir, and then a blood curling cry. Something had to awaken him from his sleep. Fitz was exhausted, he's usually hopping up at a whimper, but he was still sound asleep.
Before Liv could get up, she heard MiMi get to the room. "Shh, aww, my big guy, Grant, what happened, did something scare you in your sleep? Come here, come to MiMi, let's sit in the rocker, ok?"
Liv listened. Her voice was so soothing and Grant stopped crying immediately. She heard some noises come out of Grant, and MiMi engaged back in conversation. Liv couldn't help but smile.
"What's that? Your father? Yeah, your father is so smart. I'm not lying, he was the smartest boy in his class. He has so many awards from school, I can't wait to show you." Grant grunted.
"Oh, don't be jealous, you're going to be smarter. Your father is going to teach everything he knows and your mom, well, your mom is beautiful, and talented, and she is one tough cookie. Yeah, Grant, your parents are going to raise you so well."
Liv crossed her eyebrows and looked over at the monitor, as MiMi's voice turned into sadness. Her lips were on his head and his head was leaning on his chest. "Raising your father was my biggest honor, Grant. I wish I could be around to see you grow." There was silence.
Liv saw MiMi just rocking him now. "Did I bore you? That's it baby, go back to wonderful dreams. MiMi loves you with all her heart." She put him back down in the crib as he slept soundly again.
Liv met her outside Grant's room. "Oh, Liv, he's fine, just a bad dream, he wasn't hungry. He's back sleeping again. Sorry if I didn't get to him fast enough and he woke you."
"You ok, MiMi? You didn't seem yourself at dinner."
She nodded, looking in the distance. "I'll be fine. Two days with my new friend Erin and that precious in there, why wouldn't I be fine."
"Ok, well Huck will be back and forth, so if there's anything you need."
She put her hands on Liv's shoulders. "I need you and Fitz to continue to be happy, to love like you do, and to give Grant the best life."
Guiding Liv to her room, she sat down on the bed and Liv took the chair. "I knew Emma in high school. When she met Gerry, they fell so in love, much like you and Fitz. Then Gerry got into the thick of politics, and Emma got scared she would lose him, but Gerry was a romantic believe it or not."
As tired as Olivia was, she wanted to hear this. "You began caring for Fitz when he was a baby?"
"No, not really. I came around here and there. I was with him and Emma, sometimes Gerry, but I was going to college. Anyway, when Emma got her diagnosis, that's when I moved in full time, at the mansion."
"Fitz loved his mother very much, he made that clear to me the first time we met."
"Oh, and she loved him, much like the love you have for Grant. I had to promise her I would always be there for him." MiMi put her head down. "Erin told me Jax knows about Grant and his paternity?"
"Yes, he does." Liv looked away. "I am afraid of retaliation. Not only on Grant, on Erin. Jax has it out for Erin, being Abby's mother and all." Liv shrugged the chills away.
MiMi got up and walked towards Olivia. She rubbed the scar on Olivia's lip. She cupped her cheeks. "You don't worry about that man Olivia. Don't you worry yourself one bit. He is done hurting you, hurting Fitz, and I'll be damned if he ever gets near Grant."
Liv nodded and gave MiMi a hug. "You're so good to us MiMi."
"I have a dress for Erin so she can't say no to the ball. I saw your dress, you are going to knock them out. Now go, go on, get some rest before Grant is up in the morning. You have to feed him, I'll need the bottles for tomorrow night."
Liv gave MiMi a kiss and headed off to bed. As she left the room, MiMi took out the photo albums. 25 years ago, her revenge against Jax began.
After her abortion, because she wasn't going to bring another spawn of Putney into the world, her hate and vengeance became harder to hold in, but she did for the sake of Fitz.
Because she saved Fitz, Grant now existed. California now had a Governor for the people, Olivia had love in her life. Now she had more meaning to kill Jax, to watch as he took his last breath. She looked at the headline she had saved in her album. "Two San Diego Police Officers Gunned Down in Cold Blood."
The next picture was of a young Jax when he became the leader of crime in San Diego. She rubbed her hand over his face in the picture. She pulled out the gun from her locked desk drawer he had used to murder the cops, something she was able to find through a private investigator.
The night of the ball would be Jax's last day on Earth, and she was looking forward to making him suffer, go down in torture to a long grueling entrance to eternity. She snapped a picture of the gun, printed it, and put it in an envelope, with a type written note, already addressed.
Jax Putney
934 Goldeneye Lane
Avila Beach, CA 93424
"Come get your gun, Jax, or the San Diego Police Department gets it. Go ahead, check where you were hiding it, it's not there. This is your first weapon for your first kill. It's not there, because I outsmarted you. Want the gun? Meet me at the Grant Ranch House Beach House, the night of Evan's ball, you come alone, or the deal is off."
Sealing the envelope, wearing her gloves, for everything she was doing, she had a long two days ahead of her preparing for Jax Putney's demise. The taste of revenge was delicious and MiMi fell into her bed, comfortable and secure with the knowledge that in less than a week, the world would be free of Jax Putney and the Grant family she loved so much would be free of his threats.