New York. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. Olivia swallowed hard, gripping the handle inside the yellow cab. She glanced out the window admiring the tall skyscrapers. The pictures from the magazines didn't do the city justice. It was riveting. The cab abruptly stopped and the driver rolled down his window, yelling curse words at the driver next to him before sticking up his middle finger. She realized she was far away from the comforts of her hometown. The cab continued down the street and stopped in front of a tall building. Olivia eased out of the cab, breathing heavy from the intense drive. A melodious beat filled the air from a man who was beating two overturned buckets with drum sticks. Cars honked loudly. People zipped passed talking on the phone, walking their dogs, moving at a rapid pace. A person bumped her shoulder and only offered a simple "my bad." Back home the person would have stopped their movements and offered a real apology. The driver lifted her luggage from the trunk of the car and wheeled it to the entrance of the building. He tapped his foot and held out his hand, waiting for payment. "Miss." He groaned, knocking Olivia out of her trance.
"Yes."
"I don't have all day." He groaned.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Here you go." Olivia slipped her hand inside her purse and handed him the fair for the cab ride.
He nodded and stepped inside his yellow cab, speeding off.
The doorman tipped his hat and offered a small smile. "Welcome to Premiere Apartments."
Olivia smiled in return and wheeled her suitcase through the lobby. She stopped in the middle, admiring the view of the expansive lobby. Large gold chandeliers hung from the cathedral ceiling. White leather furniture filled the space with accented fluffy gold pillows, creating a sense of warmth. White calla lilies flowed out of vases. Framed pictures of New York adorned the walls. She gripped the handle of her suitcase. The realization she was no longer in the comforts of her small town hit her like a ton of bricks.
"Do you need help?" A woman asked from behind the desk.
"Um…yes. My name is Olivia Pope. I was instructed by my uncle to give my name when I arrived."
"Gregory's niece." The woman typed rapidly on her computer and lifted a folder from her drawer, handing it to Olivia. "Everything you need to know about the building is inside. It makes for good bathroom reading." She chuckled. "I'm here most days in case you have questions. I'm Tatiana, by the way."
"Nice to meet you, Tatiana. Thank you." Olivia cradled the folder against her chest.
"The gold key card will take you to the penthouse apartment. Insert it in the slot on the elevator. Enjoy your time here. I know a few local spots where you can have a good time in case you're interested." Tatiana flipped her long black hair over her shoulder. She huffed and pointed to the elevator as the phone rang.
The elevator sped to the top floor. The doors opened. Olivia stood still, her mouth agape at the size of the apartment. The doors started to close and she pressed her arm out, opening them again. The floors were white, crisp and porcelain. She took off her shoes unsure if she should walk on the floor with them on. It was breathtaking. The ceiling to floor windows gave the perfect view of Manhattan. The open concept allowed the sun to flow evenly through the massive kitchen and living room. It was too much space for one person.
"Do you like it?" A soft voice interrupted her stare of the city.
Olivia quickly turned, "auntie Monica…I…love…it!" She flew into her aunt's arms, hugging her tight, engulfing her rose scented perfume. A familiar smell Olivia loved. It reminded her of her mother. Monica was her mother's sister and the complete opposite of Maya. She was flashy and confident. Maya was quiet and soft spoken. Monica's hair was long. It flowed straight down her back, stopping at the curve of her butt. Her makeup was subtle, but noticeable. Her jewelry, mostly diamonds, shone brightly for the world to see. A ten-carat diamond wedding ring was the focal point. Her tall stature demanded attention when she walked in a room. Success followed her, just like it did her husband.
Monica returned the hug. "I'm so happy you do. It's not too much? Your mother warned me not to go all out." She rolled her eyes with a slight huff.
"She did…why?" Olivia asked, pulling away from the hug.
"Because she's always disagreed with my expensive lifestyle. Honestly, I think she is a little jealous." Monica shrugged. "While you're here I'm going to spoil you rotten."
"I can't wait." Olivia circled the large, plush, white couch. "I can get used to this."
"Good. Just don't tell your mother. She'll have you on the first thing smoking back to Georgia." Monica chuckled.
Olivia pulled the hem of her shirt. "I wish my mom wasn't so overprotective."
"When you lose a child, Livvie. It hurts. You keep the one who is left near and dear to your heart." Monica stared at the ceiling, plucking at her nail. "Anywhoo..." Monica turned and saw her husband enter the apartment. His cocoa brown skin was as smooth as his demeanor.
Her smile grew wide and her eyes lit up.
"How are the two most beautiful women doing?" Gregory walked through the doorway, strolling toward Olivia, kissing her cheek.
"Great." Olivia answered, leaning into him for a hug.
Monica strolled toward Gregory, kissing him softly on the lips. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her in tightly. "It's been awhile since I last saw you."
"I just saw you this morning." Monica blushed.
Gregory kissed her forehead. "And now it's the afternoon."
Monica beamed.
If this is what love looked like, Olivia definitely wanted to experience it. Her parents rarely showed affection for each other. She wondered many times if they really loved each other. "One day I'm going to meet my prince charming." Olivia smiled at her aunt and uncle.
"Prince charming doesn't exist, but a hard-working man who takes care of his family is real." Gregory walked through the apartment, looking around making sure everything was in place.
"Gregory, let the girl dream." Monica groaned. "Livvie, I hired a chef to make your meals. His name is Silas. Maryann will come and clean the apartment once a week."
"Wow, thank you auntie."
"Cancel Silas and have Courtney come instead." Gregory ordered, glaring at his wife.
"Silas is a great chef. He owns several restaurants."
Gregory glanced at his wife, cocking his eyebrow. "Silas is single. He'll be more focused on trying to get Olivia to date him rather than cooking."
"Olivia is a beautiful woman, Greg. She's going to date." Monica reached inside her purse, tapping on her phone.
Gregory stood in front of Olivia. "I called in a favor at one of the most prestigious advertising agencies in the city. Stay focused on your new job, Livvie. Don't get distracted by the wonders of the city."
Monica linked her arm through Gregory's and sighed. "He means, men."
"Maybe I'll find a rich husband like you." Olivia grinned at her uncle.
Gregory chuckled. "We're overrated. Your job is a few blocks from here. One of my men will escort you to and from work."
"I'm not a baby, uncle. I can make it on my own. I want to."
"Your parents entrusted you in our care, Olivia." His tone was final and left no room for negotiations.
Olivia sighed. "Ok." She wanted freedom and not a babysitter.
Monica placed her hand in Olivia's and squeezed it. "We want you safe."
Gregory kissed the top of her head. "I made sure the building is secure. You'll have privacy and your freedom. Don't worry." He glanced at his phone. "I need to make like a banana and split."
Olivia chuckled. "Uncle, you still use those corny sayings."
"I only use them around you. The people at my office despise them." He turned and kissed Monica on the lips. "You ready, baby?"
"I filled your closet with some goodies from my new fashion collection. Try them on. I wanted to surprise you. I asked your mother for your size, but she refused to give it to me. I had to guess it from your pictures on Instagram." Monica shrugged and hugged Olivia before leaving with her husband.
Olivia skipped to the couch and threw herself across the plush cushions, kicking her legs in the air. Excitement radiated through her body. Her life was changing…finally for the good. Her phone vibrated on the table across the room and she jetted to grab it. Her mother's name flashed across the screen, sighing, she answered. "Hi, mom."
Maya let out an exasperated breath. "Why didn't you call, Olivia?"
"Sorry, mom. I was trying to settle in."
Maya sighed. "Olivia, we agreed you would call me once you arrived."
Olivia rolled her eyes and pressed the phone on speaker, placing it on the coffee table in front of the couch.
"Have you seen your uncle and aunt?" Maya asked.
"Yes, they just left."
"Hmph…I'm sure they rolled out the red carpet for you." Maya laughed eerily into the phone. Monica and Maya were estranged as sisters. Olivia didn't know the reason. Her mother and aunt refused to talk about it.
"Mom, what's the issue between you and auntie Monica?"
"Sometimes things are better left unsaid. I'm hoping New York gives you the change of scenery you need. I know Callie's death was hard on you. I'm worried about you, Livvie."
Olivia shook her head. "I'll be fine. How's dad?"
"Sad. Both of his girls are gone." Maya answered.
Olivia sighed, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. Olivia shrugged. "Kiss daddy for me." She stood and walked toward the balcony, opening the doors, allowing the warm breeze to brush against her skin. She stared off in the distance, focusing on the clouds, and allowing the tears to drift down her cheeks.
X
Leaving Georgia was a permanent decision for Olivia. She had no plans on returning. Visiting…maybe. She did have some unfinished business. The few hours she'd been in New York had rejuvenated her. The air felt different. Less smothering. New York was a step toward her healing. She understood grief was a process. She was at the acceptance part. Moving away was her finally accepting Callie's death. Smithville, Georgia was still the same. It hadn't changed from the time she was a child. The haze of smoke from the factories, the stores were owned by the same families and passed them down to their kids. It was all the same. People congregated at the local grocery store every Sunday to catch up on the latest gossip. Her parents owned and operated a bed and breakfast in town for years. They had no intention of leaving. The top floor was renovated and made into the residence. It's where Olivia shared her fondest memories with her sister. They spent countless hours making up stories about the guests. They helped at the bed and breakfast by serving guests, making the beds, cleaning the rooms, and helping in the kitchen.
Callie was older, rambunctious and a rebel. Olivia looked up to her and followed her every move. She'd gained her confidence from being around her sister. Callie would tell her being shy was for cowards. A real woman goes after what she wants. It was a statement Olivia intended to live by now that her sister was gone. She'd cover for Callie a lot. Most nights Callie hung out with her friends or her boyfriend, Benjamin. He was new in town. A music producer with a new production company. He'd been meeting with local talent trying to find a new singing group or solo act. Callie was smitten by Benjamin. He could do no wrong in her eyes. Callie had snuck out to see Benjamin the night of her car accident. Olivia covered for her. Even though her parents didn't say it out loud, she knew they blamed her for Callie's death, she felt it. It didn't help that she blamed herself every day.
Needing a break from her thoughts, Olivia decided to get some fresh air. She'd hoped her uncle hadn't summoned his bodyguard. She wasn't up for conversation. Strolling down the long street, she took short stops to peek inside the small boutiques. Several stacks of large pretzels caught her eye and she walked over to the cart, ordering one. Taking the small packet of mustard, she squirted a sizeable amount around the salty treat and bit into it. She moaned at the taste. The last time she enjoyed a pretzel was at the town fair years ago. She relished in the treat and kept walking. She hadn't realized how far she'd walked when three large numbers plastered on a tall building caught her attention. She reached inside her purse and pulled out the paper her uncle had given her with the name of the building and address to her new job. This was it. She stared through the windows. Her image reflected in the icy blue windows. She glanced at her pink joggers and white tank top, swallowing hard. She wasn't dressed appropriately. "Going in?" A man asked, holding the door open.
"Um, yes…sure." The cool air from the air conditioner pricked her skin causing small bumps to rise up and down her arms.
"Excuse me, can I help you?" A gentleman dressed in a black suit asked from behind the security desk.
"I'm looking for Destiny Advertising Agency." Olivia politely stated, dropping the remainder of her pretzel inside the brown paper bag.
The security guard glanced over her attire and smirked.
"I start on Monday as an assistant. Brian McCall is my new manager."
"Name?" He asked, motioning for her to come closer to the desk.
"Olivia Pope."
He typed quickly on the keyboard. "Yes…I have you down for security clearance on Monday. Let's get it out of the way now. I'll take a few pictures for your ID. Don't worry about your attire. It's a simple head shot."
Olivia nodded. He instructed her to stand against a white wall and he snapped pictures from a small camera on top of his computer. He handed her two badges that dangled from a blue lanyard. "Welcome to Grant Industries. Your ID operates everything in the building, including the elevators. No ID, no entrance. The cafeteria is on the bottom level, you can use your ID to purchase meals. There is a convenience store around the corner in case you need to pick up items for dinner or snacks. The spa is on the tenth floor and the rooftop restaurant has great eggplant parmesan."
Olivia's mouth hung open, "wow. All of this is in one building."
The security guard chuckled. "You must not be from around here. Most office buildings in New York have some of these amenities. However, if it's a building owned by Mr. Grant it's top notch."
"I'm from Georgia, Smithville, actually. It's a small town." Olivia answered.
"I see. Well, make the most of your time in the Big Apple. Like the saying goes…If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere." The security guard smiled.
Olivia returned the smile. "Thank you for your help. What's your name?"
He pointed to the small gold name plate on his jacket. "Morris."
"Thank you, Morris." Olivia waved as she walked toward the elevators. She dangled the badge through her fingers and waved it in front of the silver censor close to the elevator buttons. She stepped inside and pressed the floor she needed. The elevator ascended with a quick burst and she held onto the cool brass rail, gripping it tight. She hated elevators. The doors opened quickly and she shuffled off. The agency circled the entire floor. Destiny Advertising Agency was plastered across the wall in big, bold, black letters. The lights were still on and she peeked inside trying to get a look at the office. Squealing softly, Olivia hugged herself. She was excited for her new adventure. Shaking her hips in a quick shimmy, she slid her badge across the censor and the elevator doors opened. Her eyes grew wide and fixated on the gentleman standing at the back of the elevator. He was looking down and focused on his phone. He glanced up slightly when the elevator doors started to close. He took two steps and stopped the doors with his long arm. Her feet were planted to the floor. Olivia couldn't move even if she tried. He ran his right hand through his sandy brown curls and offered a smile. "Getting on?" His voice was deep, smooth, and sensual. Heat rushed through her veins igniting her body like a fresh fire. She licked her lips and stepped on, turning her back to him. He shifted, inching close to Olivia, reaching around her and pressed the lobby button that was already lit up.
"It doesn't make the elevator move any faster." Olivia stated, sucking in a breath, inhaling his scent.
"I like to think it does." He stepped back toward the railing and placed his hands in his pockets.
His scent was delightful, arousing. It wasn't cologne. Body wash, maybe. Or shampoo. She wasn't sure, but it smelled manly. Her nipples became erect and pressed firmly against the soft fabric of her bra. She reached inside the brown paper bag for her pretzel and bit off a piece, twirling it in her mouth. Trying to distract herself from the man in the elevator. He moaned in a low voice, watching as she popped another piece of pretzel inside her mouth. A slight shiver crept up her back and she pressed the lobby button incessantly. She wasn't nervous. Her body responded in a way that almost made her lose control of her ability to think straight.
"It doesn't do anything, remember." He chuckled.
The elevator dinged and the doors opened. His hand rested against the lower part of her back, ushering her off the elevator. She was going to combust if he kept his hand there. His steps were quick as they walked through the lobby. He stopped, causing Olivia to hasten her steps. He turned to her and pushed a loose curl behind her ear. "I've never seen you here before."
"I'm new. Start on Monday." She wasn't sure why she answered his question with ease. He could be a stalker. Or worse a serial killer.
"Welcome to Grant Industries." He smiled. Olivia glanced at his crystal blue eyes getting lost in them. They were like Caribbean waves.
"Fitzgerald." A brunette shouted his name, tapping her foot, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "I've been waiting for over an hour."
He let out a long breath and walked to the brunette, kissing her cheek.
Olivia took a few deep breaths, calming the raging arousal overtaking her body. She felt alive for the first time since her sister's death. She followed him to the street, hoping to get another glimpse at him. Olivia rolled her eyes as she watched the brunette step inside the Black Bentley SUV. He undid the button on his navy suit jacket and turned toward Olivia, flashing his beautiful pearly white teeth. He slipped inside the SUV and was gone in a flash.
Mellie blabbered during the car ride. Fitz was consumed with thoughts of the woman he'd just seen at his building. She was beautiful. Cocoa brown skin, fluffy curls that hung down to her shoulder, and petite. Opposite of the women he normally was attracted to. He felt something when their eyes connected. A shockwave surged through his body. He had a brick wall up when it came to women. He didn't believe in love. He'd fucked his way through half of Manhattan for that very reason. Relationships were messy. He'd been burnt before by love, so he didn't have a great relationship with Cupid. Fuck Cupid and love was his motto. He could handle treating a woman to a nice meal and fucking her senseless at the end of the night. He never let a woman get too close to him. Talking about his past was out of the question. His fingers moved at a rapid pace on his phone. He texted the one man who would know the mystery woman's identity. Huck. His trusted advisor and director of his security team.
Fitz nodded as Mellie spoke. He tried to act interested in the conversation. His phone dinged and he smiled at the picture Huck sent him. Her name followed the picture. He clicked his phone off and rested it on his lap. He had a name. That was a start.
