I WISH 5

HAPPY READING!

Liv had just finished speaking with granny Pope and was feeling really good. She shared with her Angel's name and that she met someone new. She was so giddy on the phone with her granny that she couldn't stop talking about Fitz. She was now in a better place because of Fitz. He helped her begin her healing after the loss of her son. She never really got closure or dealt with his death. She just went with the motions to afraid to allow herself to grieve for him. Because of Fitz she was no longer afraid. She went on and on even telling her how Fitz went with her to pick up the portrait she and he order of Angel. So now a large portrait of her son hung in her apartment right next to her parents photo as a way to keep him close to her heart. Granny Pope was just as happy but weary at the same time for her granddaughter. She didn't know Fitz and only hoped he wouldn't break her baby girls heart. They hung up with a promise to introduce Fitz soon. All granny Pope could do was pray.

Since it was a workday and mid-week Olivia decided to call her girls and see if they wanted to have dinner and some drinks at Access Granted. They agreed to meet up there at eight. She decided to clean her apartment to kill time. After hours of cleaning she sits down and take a moment to talk to her parents.

Mom and dad please take care of my baby boy Angel. Yes, I finally named him. My new friend, his name is Fitzgerald Grant help me. Oh how I wish you guys were here to meet him. He was the one to convince me to name my baby boy. Angel Elijah Pope. Yeah dad he has your name. If I ever have a daughter mom just know I'll do the same for you. I know he's in good hands with you guys. I love and miss all three of you guys. I know that you all walk with me through life and are always with me, but to not have you physically here with me is hard, but it's getting easier each day. Well like I said, I love and miss you all. Talk to you later. Kiss my son for me.

She sits for a moment after wiping her tears. Then decides to take a nap and falls asleep right there on the sofa.

As the ladies pull up to Access Granted they all hang up the three-way call and exit their vehicles and meet up on the side walk since deciding to not use valet. They greet each other with excitement followed by hugs. "Okay ladies, now when I introduce you both to Fitz don't go all groupie on me."

"Girl, you act like we about to meet Denzel Washington or something." Abby states waving Liv off. Quinn remains quiet. "Whatever Abby, come on let's go inside." Liv rebuttals

They make their way inside. The cover charge was waved due to Fitz already expecting them. As they walked in they were greeted by their own personal waiter and escorted to their VIP section. "Mr. Grant will be down shortly. What would you ladies like to start off with. Appetizers, drinks, or dinner?" "Drinks." Liv answers and the ladies agreed. She took their orders and walked away.

The atmosphere was hyped tonight. The music was more upbeat with more of a dance vibe. There were people dancing, mingling, socializing, and just enjoying drinks at the bar and private tables. It was different then her first experience. It felt more like a night club energy and vibe. Maybe because tonight they had a DJ instead of the live band. Either way she was feeling it.

"It lit in her Liv." Abby states while bobbing her head.

Quinn was a bit nervous and unsettled, this felt all too familiar to her. She just set and scanned the room. "Quinn, are you okay? You're pretty quiet over there."

"Oh I'm good. I just thought you said this was a laid back social like club is all." Before Liv could answer Fitz appear. "Hello ladies. I see you guys made it." He bends down in Liv face. "Hi."

"Hi." She respond with a smile and a kiss. "Besties this is Fitz, Fitz baby these are my best friend/sisters Abby and Quinn."

"Nice to meet you ladies. Welcome to Assess Granted. Tonight is dance night. Each day of the week I have different scenes. It keeps the club interesting. Monday's are lover's night, Tuesday's are Jamaican night, Wednesday's are dance night, and Thursday's are karaoke night, The weekends are exclusive guests night."

"Wow, okay." Abby laughs "You got it going on Fitz."

"That explains the crowd." Quinn adds. "Nice to meet you Fitz." "Same." Abby piggy backs

Fitz turns his attention back to Liv. "So I gotta keep an eye on things, you and your friends order whatever you want. It's on the house."

"Thanks you, that's what we'll do."

"I'll be back to check on you."

"I hope so." Liv giggle and kisses Fitz again before he walks off.

"Okay Liv, we see you girl. He's handsome." Abby comments

"And white." Quinn adds "I didn't know you liked white men Liv."

"I like people Quinn. You're white and so is Abby."

"I'm actually Irish." Abby playfully corrects "But white is cool too."

"I didn't mean it in an offensive way, Liv. I was just surprised is all."

"Fine, whatever. Let drink and have fun tonight." Liv uncaringly states

The women drank and enjoyed the music as the place started to pack out. The dance floor was invisible due to so many people pack inside the place. Fitz had stopped over several times throughout the night. The ladies were laughing, dancing and drinking having a good time in their VIP section. Nobody bothered them because it was surrounded by security. All the VIP section had security during the week due to the different types of crowds.

Fitz of course had to work the floor, watch the camera's and entertained Liv. He was a busy man. As he set in his office taking a moment to check the security footage he notice his brother Lance walk in. He shakes his head as his security stops Lance and some guy with him in their tracks not allowing them in. How Lance and this guy even got inside of the door was something he would have to speak with his security about. The momentary disturbance was quickly squashed as Lance and his male friend where force back outside. Just as he figured his phone range seconds later. "What Lance!"

"Bro, what's up with yo security. They not letting me in. Talking bout I've been banned. What's up with that?"

"You know what's up. I don't fuck with you. Just like you don't fuck with our mom."

"Oh, so it's like that huh?"

"It is what it is Lance. I warned you. You chose the latter. You got your money, you don't deal with mom, I don't deal with you."

"Come on Fitz mann, we brothers." Lance pleads realizing the seriousness of his actions.

"Yeah, I thought so too. Bye Lance." Fitz hangs up the phone and blocks his number before heading back down.

The ladies were really enjoying themselves when they notice a commotion at the entrance, but it was quickly resolved without incident. For that Quinn and Liv was happy. Liv notice Lance right away and was glad that he was not allowed inside. She didn't see the other guy due to Lance blocking her view of him. Quinn on the other hand looked like she saw a ghost but only for a moment after seeing the men at the door, recognizing one of them. She was relieved they were not allowed inside but that didn't stop her nerves from going into overtime.

About 10 to 15 minutes later Quinn decided she need to leave. She now hates that she even came. "Ladies I'm not feeling well, I think I'm just going to go home." Both ladies turns to look at her. "Wait, what? You were fine just a minute ago. Come on Quinn don't start doing like you did when we first met. Always finding excuses to leave." Liv reminded her.

"I'm not making excuses. I really don't feel well. I'll just call you ladies tomorrow." She quickly stands and kisses both women on the cheeks and heads out.

"Party pooper. Your name should have been Karen instead of Amy Quinn." Abby shouts out

"Abby stop, she hates her first name. Quinn wait, we all can leave together, just let me say goodbye to Fitz." Liv decides and Quinn stops and waits as Liv walks over to the bar where Fitz now stood to speaks with him.

"Hey Fitz, umm my girl is not feeling well, so we are going to head out."

"Okay, let me walk you ladies to your car." Liv agrees as Fitz communicates to two of his guards to follow them in case he needed someone to watch over the ladies if his brother wanted to cause a scene.

Once outside there was no sign of Lance or his friend were nowhere in sight. Fitz made sure all the ladies were safely inside of the cars before walking back to Liv driver side door. Quinn and Abby pulls off waving and honking along the way. "Did you enjoy yourself?" Fitz questions Liv

"Yes I really did. Thank you for eviting us and making my girls feel welcome."

"Anytime Liv. I would ask you to stay but I know you have to work tomorrow. Please text or call me when you make it home safe."

"I will." She leans up and kisses him goodnight before driving off.

Xxxxx

The following week Fitz and Liv spent time getting to know each other more. They went on lunch dates, walks, and even ate dinner together. Fitz was smitten with Olivia and she was smitten with him but still a little cautious. She found herself sharing all of her past including what happened with her ex. She had the tendency to fall quickly for men but her past has shown her that if something seems to good to be true, believe it. Even though Fitz shared his story of his family dynamics as well Liv felt she needed to talk so her granny about what she was feeling so she headed to see her.

"Hey granny!" She squealed as she pulled her in for a hug. She kissed her on the cheek causing granny Pope to smile. "Hey, Livvie baby. Nanna just made some muffins cause I just knew you were coming. You always come to check on me."

"Oh, so I'm just in time? I can smell the blueberries." After closing the door they walked into the kitchen hand in hand. Liv takes a seat as granny grabs a saucer from the cabinet and places it down in front of Liv before placing a freshly baked muffin onto it. Liv scoops it up and takes a bit. She moans at the taste. "Granny, I love your blueberry muffins."

"I know baby. Enjoy." Granny takes a seat next to her granddaughter. "So tell granny how you week went. How's work?"

"Work is great. I've made so many investments that have turned over a good profit. I also met someone." Liv quickly adds.

"Really? Well, tell granny about this someone." She states biting into her own muffin.

"Well, he's one of my investments. His business is doing well and his loan is paid in full. His name is Fitzgerald Grant. He's tall and handsome and treats me so good."

"How long have you know him?'

"About a month now. We've been on dates, had dinner together, he's even met Quinn and Abby. He's like so perfect granny."

"When do I get to meet him, because the way you're smiling I think it needs to be soon." Liv hunches her shoulders in uncertainty. "He's seems too good to be true, granny. I don't want to introduce him to you and he ends up being another Phillip. I guess one day, when I know for sure he's someone I want to spend my future with."

"What is he doing that makes you feel uncertain?"

"He just does everything right. It's kind of scary because I'm just waiting for the ball to drop."

"So, he's been treating you good for the month that you've known him, but because of your relationship with Phillip you can't trust that this is real? Is that what you saying?"

"Nooo, I mean yes. I don't know granny. He's the total opposite of Phillip, but it still scares me."

"Livvie baby." Granny takes Liv's hands into hers. "You can't stay stuck in the past. You can't put all men you may meet in the same category and you definitely can't live in fear of finding true love. "Just take your time with this new guy and listen to your gut. You're gut never lies. What does your gut tell you about this Fitzgerald guy?"

"I'm not sure granny. All I feel is butterflies. I feel like a school age girl falling in love for the first time. I think about him all the time. I wake up thinking about him. Fall asleep thinking about him. He makes me smiles. I feel happiness when he's around. He's even in my dreams granny!"

"Oh dear Livvie. You're in love." "Huh?" A confused Liv presses her brows together. "You're in love baby. This man has swept you off of your feet in just a short amount of time."

"I can't be granny, I've only known him for a month."

"Has he mentioned anything about how he feels? You said, he really good to you."

"No, but he did say he likes me a lot."

"How does he look at you when you two are together?"

"It's like he's looking through me. His smile. He has like this smirk he has whenever I catch him staring at me. Oh yeah, he stares at me a lot. He's so gentle in how he handles me and he's funny too. His jokes are kind of corny but that's what I really like about him. He's never pushy. He respects what I want and don't want. He…he…he's everything I want in a man granny."

"Chile you're in love, so I need to meet Fitzgerald and I need to meet him sooner than later. When will you be bringing him by to meet me?" With a look of shock Liv answers "Okay, I'll bring him by this Sunday for dinner."

"Perfect. I need to meet the man that has stolen my grandbaby's heart. With a name like Fitzgerald I can only imagine how handsome he must be." She winks at Liv because something tell her Fitzgerald is not an average man, nor a black man, but she'll find out soon enough. They continues talking and spending time together before Liv returned home.

XXXXX

Fitz was still on cloud nine. Spending time with Olivia was the highlight of his day. She wasn't just beautiful outside, but inside as well. She had such a caring heart, and a loving spirit and disposition. Her ex was a fool who dropped the ball. How could you not love a woman like her. How could you abuse such a beautiful person he'd never understand. Just as he was about to call Olivia his phone rang. He looks at the caller id and read the screen. Private Call

He knows it's his brother and hit's the ignore button. Waits for the call to clear and call's Olivia. "Hi." She answers with glee in her voice

"Hi." He responds feeling all kinds of nervous. Why she made him nervous was still beyond him. He could since she liked him as much as he liked her but knew he needed to take it slow because of her past. "Um, my granny wants to meet you this Sunday. We're having dinner together."

"I'm there. Should I bring anything?"

"No. Just your appetite."

"Okay can I make dinner for you tonight?"

"Yes. What time?"

"8 is good."

"Okay, I'll see you at 8." Liv answers before ending the call and heading home to prepare for her dinner date with her man.

Later that night as Liv arrived at Fitz's home a car pulled up and Lance stepped out. As Fitz opened the door for Olivia to go inside Lance was calling out to Fitz. "Bro, hold up. Let me holla at you mann." Fitz blew out a breath and paused as he pulled his front door closed. "What is it Lance?"

"Look man, I'm sorry okay. You win. I will go with you to see mom. I get it, we're family and family comes first. Please don't shut me out."

"Lance you are full of shit and I don't have time for this."

"No mann, I'm serious. You all I got. I know you gave me my money, but I'll give it back if it means losing you as my brother. Please man?" Fitz thinks about what his brother was saying and decided to test him at a later date. "Fine bro, but I got company right now as you can see, I'll hit you later."

Lance smiles. "Okay cool, check you later." Lance turns and heads back to his car. No one seen Phillip sitting in the passenger seat, but Phillip definitely saw Olivia. He couldn't believe his eyes. He needed to figure out why she was at Lance brother's house before he put his plan to win her back into motion. "Sorry about that P. I had to make nice with my brother. Now we can hit up this club."

"You good bro, but who was that chick that went inside? she's fine."

"Oh that bitch this scary ass chick my brother got all bent out of shape about a nigga saying hi to. She was acting all scared of a nigga and my brother jumped in like captain save a hoe. You know what I'm saying?"

"Oh so is she's his girl or something?"

"Yeah, I guess. He never let bitches know where he live so if she just walked inside he definitely hitting that." Lance laughs as he lights a blunt and take a pull. He didn't see the jealousy on Phillips face while trying to light the blunt and drive at the same time.

Phillip would bid his time since he now knew where Fitz lived and what kind of car Olivia drives. He would start putting his plan into motion. So instead of going to the club with Lance he requested Lance take him to his mother's house so he could see if he could use her car.

What Phillip didn't realize is that Lance indeed did pick up on his sudden mood change and interest in his brother's girl. He didn't like or dislike Olivia but something was up. Phillip was way too interested in her. Him suddenly not wanting to hang out was another gut feeling that didn't really sit well with him. He needed to keep an eye on Phillip a little closer. He can fall out with his brother but he would not allow anyone else to feel like they can.

A/n: Leave a review…Until next time….Keke