Chapter 7

"Wait a damn second, where the hell is the Young/Danforth wedding? Why isn't it on our calendar? That's supposed to be in five months. Justin? Justin, are you hearing me?" Fitz was turning pages of the calendar at his desk in FTG Banquet Hall.

"I'm hearing you sir; I thought you were aware."

"Aware of what, exactly?" Fitz finally looked up at a slumping Justin standing in his doorway. His face was flushed, and he was trying wholeheartedly to control his anger.

Justin bit his top lip hesitant to speak. He took a long deep breath. "Fiona Young's parents called the other day, they cancelled the venue, the whole venue. They are going with Ballard Entertainment."

Fitz squinted at his young manager. "Tell me this is a fucking joke, Justin, who the hell authorized that, who let that happen? Do you know who these people are? We came highly recommended to them from the Dyson wedding people. What went wrong?"

Justin shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't have the answers, they called up, well the mother did last week, said they're going elsewhere and to cancel the venue."

Fitz rubbed his hand down his face and let out a deep breath. "When did you deem it important enough to tell me this JUSTIN?" He pounded his fist on the desk, causing his stapler to tumble to the ground.

"Sir, Jeremy said."

"STOP, JEREMY?"

Taking a deep swallow now, Justin nodded. "Yes, Jeremy said he would take care of it, not to say anything to you because he would handle it."

"Son of a bitch. You know what, I should fire your ass right now Justin, I really should. What kind of incompetence…" Fitz stopped. "Damn it Justin, you know better, this is horrible. This wedding was bigger than Dyson. Fiona's father is the top guy at Galaxy Industries, and the guy she's marrying, his mother, is the Academy Award Winner from 2017. I can't believe this."

"Sir, if I had any idea, you didn't know I would have…" Justin grew tight lipped when he saw Fitz put his hand up.

"What are you not telling me Justin? I'm going to let you know you are riding my last nerve. Tell me what you're NOT telling me."

"Jeremy got the older daughter pregnant. He met her after your initial meeting with the parents. You were away at a conference with your father. He met her afterwards and a few weeks later he's paying for her abortion. The Young's got wind of it and pulled out immediately."

Justin jumped up and over to the left when he saw Fitz leap from his desk. "He's fucking done." Fitz stormed to the door. "I will deal with you AFTER I deal with him, and you better never hold shit like this from me again. Where is he scheduled to be right now?"

Justin looked at his watch. "He should be at the Atrium. He has a list of inventory he's collecting from Ernie. Fitz, Mr. Grant, please, don't let him know it came from me."

Fitz froze in his tracks and stared at the young manager. "Justin, like I said," Fitz spoke with his teeth grinded, "I will deal with you after I deal with him."

Once Fitz was out the door, Justin looked at the phone on Fitz's desk. He was about to give Jeremy a warning call, but thought against it. The prick said he told Fitz, and he knew he was lying, now Justin may pay the price. "Fuck you, Jeremy, you have what's coming to you."

Felix saw Fitz come out the door. He went to open the car door for him. Fitz had been a changed person since he last had contact with him. Felix wasn't sure what happened to Fitz over the weekend, but he wasn't ready to question it just yet. Right now, he was enjoying the kindness coming from his once nasty and mean boss.

Knowing Felix would take the most of his wrath if Fitz let him drive, Fitz held his hand up. "Sit this one out Felix, it's fine. Go get some lunch with Justin." Fitz jumped into the driver's side and pulled out of the lot before Felix could answer.

He had a half hour drive to clear his mind, but he was fuming. Jeremy fucked up one too many times and Fitz didn't give a shit what he had on him anymore, he was firing him on the spot, today. He pushed a button in the car and his father answered.

"Fitz, everything ok, I'm about to go into a meeting. Your mother is having a charity event with her club over at the…."

"I don't care, really dad, I don't. I'm calling to tell you I'm firing Jeremy, so anything he has on me, be prepared for it to come out. He fucked up big time, we lost the Young/Danforth wedding to Ballard."

Although Fitz couldn't see it, Gerry took a seat on the nearest chair, watching as Jeremy just entered the Atrium. Had Fitz let Gerry finish, the meeting was going to be with Sarah's club. Gerry was going to speak to the group of women about the booming real estate markets in the area and how to refinance any properties they owned.

Jeremy nodded to Gerry as he walked swiftly over to Ernie and began talking. "What exactly did he do this time? Or was it you and you just are blaming him, per usual?"

"Once, dad, just once I wish you would believe me, trust in me, and know that I know a fuck up when I see one. I have bypassed every single fuck up Jeremy has made, all over one night of me breaking his nose. It was the best thing I did for the guy, he needed it reconstructed anyway. You know what, just know he's out of a job. He'll be fired, and I'm sure you'll be getting phone call."

Gerry heard the line go dead and he looked back at Jeremy walking into the back room with Ernie. He trusted his son when it came to the business aspect of anything. He didn't trust his son when it came to any PR for the business. He was just about to follow Jeremy to warn him when he heard his name being called.

"Gerald, Gerald, come over here." Sarah saw her husband enter but waited until he was off the phone to call him to meet Olivia.

Sarah had been chatting for over fifteen minutes with the two young ladies and the more she spoke to Olivia, the more she liked her. Her friend Abigail was funny and had them both laughing the majority of the time. Sarah couldn't wait to meet Abigail's little girl when she was born.

"I bet she has beautiful red hair like you, girls always seem to get their mother's hair." Sarah gave a pat to Abby's hand.

After she had introduced herself to Olivia, she told her how taken she was by Fitz's talk with her last night. "Suddenly, my son has a picture on his phone. I can assure you, Olivia, he never even had a picture of me on his phone." She smiled softly.

"So that's how you recognized me." Olivia understood and she felt her body turn numb. Fitz really put a picture on his phone, one from the picnic. She looked at Abby with her smiling eyes, and Abby tilted her head, the "you both are in love" look.

"We did have a very nice picnic yesterday. Did he tell you how we met?"

"Oh, he sure did, the whole made up name thing." Sarah waved her hand. "That boy doesn't think things through at times. You sure did humble him, though, and that's why I want to thank you."

"Actually, he's humble already, it's in there." Liv said looking at his mother. Even Sarah could see the care Liv had for Fitz. "He met one of the boys from the shelter, a four year old, and Fitz bought him a Lego set. That's upbringing, mom." Liv smiled.

"Oh, Fitz always did want a little brother. A story like that warms my heart. It's so heartbreaking to hear what they say about Fitz. He does have a temper, anger issues, at things he lets go by." Sarah took a concerning breath. "Most times Fitz takes the fall for others because he doesn't care about what is said about him." Sarah looked up at Ernie.

"Mrs. Grant, the camera guy is asking where he should go." Ernie looked at Abby and Olivia. "If you're ready to order, I'll put that in, then I have a meeting to tend to."

Liv's eyebrows crossed. "Camera guy?"

"Nothing can ever be done without publicity around her. My women's group back there is listening to my long winded husband speak on real estate. Most of those stuck-up fakes own so many properties, they don't know what to do with them. Gerald is speaking and Mrs. Falcon is having this all recorded. That woman can't remember what 2 plus 2 is without writing it down."

"Raquel's mother?" Liv looked at Abby making a face.

"Yes, that nuisance to Fitzgerald. He tries to shake that girl, but she won't let him be." Sarah looked up and saw Gerry come in. Behind him and heading to the back, just passing where Sarah sitting, was the camera guy. "I best be heading in there with him." Sarah put her hand up telling him to wait and called for Gerry.

Olivia nodded to Abby for her to look. "That one that just walked in, the one heading over to Ernie, that's Jeremy. He's Fitz's assistant but by daddy's choosing. He's no good Abby. Usually I don't judge, but one meeting with that guy and I could tell he was trash."

"Why does Fitz keep him around?" Abby watched as Jeremy disappeared to the back room.

"Fitz beat the crap out of him, busted him up bad, as a favor for not pressing charges, his father hired him as Fitz's assistant. Now, Fitz deals with it, and gets bombarded with bad press in the long run."

Gerry walked over with Sarah to the table where Abby and Olivia were being served their food. "Ms. Pope, pleasure to meet you, I am Fitzgerald Grant, Fitz's father." He nodded at Abby and turned back to Olivia. "Sarah tells me Fitz is quite fond of you."

Liv smiled. "Thank you, as I am with him. He's a good person, Mr. Grant, please, call me Olivia. I look forward to getting to know Fitz better."

"Olivia is an author; she just signed her first book deal. She's here celebrating with her best friend."

"Congratulations, that's wonderful news. I'll be sure the lunch is paid for. Pleasure meeting you, and let's hope you can help keep Fitz's temper in check."

"Thank you, Mr. Grant, for lunch. The side of Fitz I have seen has been gentle and kind."

No sooner did she say the words, Liv saw the camera guy fumble quickly with his camera and put it up focusing on something going on outside. Before anyone could react, the door to the restaurant banged open and Fitz stormed towards the back room.

The guy with the camera chased behind Fitz as Liv heard him yelling for Ernie. "Ernie, if Jeremy is back there, you leave, you don't want to testify in court."

Liv stood up, ready to go back there herself and Gerry stopped her. "No, it would break him if he knew you were here, I know some of what's going on, let me handle this." Gerry walked away as all eyes were now focused on that area of the place.

Liv, without realizing, had put her arm around Sarah as they both watched Gerry head in the same direction everyone was looking. Sarah turned to the guest room and told Olivia she was heading to the back. "I don't want rumors spreading before we know what's really going on. I am so sorry this is happening on such a wonderful day for you, sweetheart." With that Sarah was off.

"Holy Crap, this is drama at it's best, what do you think is going to happen." Abby stood up trying to get a good look. "I mean this is what I read about the guy on Google." She stopped and looked at Liv. "I'm sorry, that was wrong." She held Liv's hand, "I'm sure it'll blow over."

"He was in such a good mood this morning." Liv said in a voice that clearly sounded worried. "Wonder what happened?"

The first person that came out of the room was the camera guy, holding his broken camera. "You're paying for this Grant!" The guy yelled as he headed out the door, visibly upset.

"Oh, boy, that can't be good." Abby said, as she sat back down to eat her food.

"Abby, how can you eat with all this going on?" Liv looked at her.

"Blame your god daughter. Anyway, you were hoping you would see Fitz, well, you're going to see Fitz."

Several minutes later, with yelling being heard, but mumbled, Jeremy swung the door open. It was a hard swing and the door hit the wall slamming shut on its own. All the patrons looked down quickly trying to get back to their business. That all changed when Jeremy stopped short seeing Olivia about to sit down. He took a swift turn, laughing and stood right next to their table.

"Seems about right you would be here; did he know that?" Jeremy's thumb pointed towards the back room. "What is he putting on a show for you? You all pissed off because I got him the info on you? Well I hope you're happy, you got your wish, I'm fired."

Liv looked at him about to say something. "Look I don't have the slightest…"

Jeremy stopped her and looked around the place. The back door, where Sarah was with her friends, had opened now, Sarah being held back by one of the women. "That's right, look, everyone look, this is the show Fitz Grant is putting on for you. Mr. Tough Guy, with the girl he's been slumming with."

Sarah's hands went to her mouth and covered them in shock, and Liv squinted, trying desperately not to lose it around everyone in one of Fitz's restaurants. She didn't have to, Abby stood up and poured the glass of water over Jeremy's head and watched as he stiffed up when the ice hit him.

"You bitch," Jeremy turned now, but was swung back around by Fitz. Fitz pulled Jeremy's collar and dragged him to the door.

"Get the fuck out, you hear me, stay the hell off every single one of my properties. I'll have you arrested for trespassing." Fitz watched as Jeremy got in his car and screeched away up the block.

Fitz turned and looked into the restaurant, knowing Liv was in there but was now too embarrassed to go back in. He just wanted to just run away, go before anything else happened. He rubbed both hands down his face and looked down, he started a fast pace towards the car.

"Gerald, don't you dare let me hear you defend that Jeremy boy after what he said to Olivia in front of her friend, and everyone, don't you dare, I won't have it."

Gerry hugged his wife. "I'm not defending Jeremy, believe me, I don't agree with the way Fitz handled things, but I understand his frustration." They were about to walk to Olivia, but only Abby was there, they were pleasantly surprised to see Liv heading out the door to get to Fitz.

Abby looked at Fitz's parents. "She would have made me chase him anyway, it's better if she gets to him alone. I would just be a third wheel. Besides, this food is so good, I'm going to eat Liv's also." Abby shrugged, knowing she would hear all about it at dinner. Eli had invited her tonight.

"Fitz, FITZ, FITZ, come on, don't make me run." Liv pleaded as she saw Fitz get to his car. He stopped and wouldn't turn to face Olivia.

When Olivia finally reached him, she went for his hand, but he pulled back. He wasn't angry, he was upset, felt foolish, and he didn't want any comfort. He knew he wasn't right for her; he would never be. "Look, why don't you just go finish your lunch with Abby." Fitz opened the car door.

"Fitz, why don't I get in, we can just drive, anywhere, you don't even have to talk. I don't want to leave you alone right now. How about, if you want, we head over to the shelter. Nathaniel is there, I am sure seeing his Lego gift will cheer him up, maybe even cheer you up."

Fitz walked around to the passenger side. He opened the door for Olivia. She put the Lego box on her lap as he closed the door and she took a sigh with relief. She just wanted to be there for him. She didn't want him to think there was anything to be embarrassed about. There was a good explanation for his outburst, she was sure of it.

"You should be celebrating your big day, your great news, not riding around with me, Liv." Fitz pulled out of the spot and just began to drive, not knowing where to go. He figured he would end up at the shelter, this way Liv could go. He didn't want any bad news being reported or her being seen with him, that was the last thing she needed.

"I am celebrating with someone I want to be with, ok. Is that alright with you? If you really want to be alone, you can…"

"No, it's fine. We'll take the gift to Nathaniel." Fitz still hadn't looked at her. He couldn't look into her eyes.

"Well, I got to meet your mom today. What's this I hear I am the picture on your phone?" Liv smiled, trying to change the mood.

"That's good. My mom is a good-hearted person, genuine. I'm glad you got to meet her." He continued to just stare in front of him.

"She took a liking to Abby, also. I see where you get your blue eyes from. I was surprised she knew my name, but when I saw her eyes, I knew who she was." Liv smiled, looking at him. They were stopped at a red light, but he still hadn't looked at her.

"We're having a little celebration dinner at my house tonight, you're welcome to join us. I would really like it, if you can." Liv turned now and looked out her side window watching some kids playing on the sidewalk.

Fitz turned to see her not looking his way. Did she still want him around after what she witnessed today? Why? Most of his body was still on fire, wanting to hunt down Jeremy and punch the daylight out of him. He heard what he said to Olivia, and the only thing holding back that punch was Olivia herself. He would get it though; Fitz would be sure of it.

Liv turned back before Fitz could turn away. She smiled. "There you are," she said as their eyes met, and Liv's heart melted. God, she loved this feeling. "Hi."

Fitz pulled the car over, in front of the shelter building. "Hi," he said back quietly. "So a book deal, huh? That's just amazing. I can say I drove a car with an author."

"Yes, you can. I am meeting again with Destiny at the end of the week and we'll begin editing. The book should be published in three months, then I begin working on my next one." Liv smiled proudly.

Fitz just looked at her. She had everything going her way. He would just ruin everything for her. He did admit to himself when she smiled a minute ago his heart skipped a beat. Her smile lit up his dark world. "You deserve it all, Livvie." He looked at the building. "Mind if I ask, it's the middle of a weekday, why isn't Nathaniel in school?"

"He doesn't have an address. The pre k is a free service through the public schools and they need proof of address. We are working on getting the shelter as his proof of address. It's only with pre k though, since it's a free service here, but not throughout the city. Like on your side, no offense."

"None taken. So, he needs an address to go to school?"

"Unfortunately, yes because so many take advantage of the free pre k since it's not universal free." Liv shrugged. "I'm confident, though, that we'll get him in the school. It's just if he finds a place and has to change addresses again, it can be confusing. Emmie too. She lost her place, but we'll get her into a senior facility, she's on the waiting list." Liv opened her door, but stopped when she felt his hand touch hers.

She turned and saw him looking at her. His hand cupped her face, and she closed the door facing him now. His thumb rubbing her cheek, and she leaned into his hand. Her hand went over his. "You can talk to me Fitz."

"I know." He pulled her forehead to his lips and gave it a gentle kiss. "Let's make Nathaniel happy."

"FITZ!" Nathaniel bypassed Olivia just waving at her and jumped into Fitz's arms. "Patterns?" He asked smiling.

"Well, look what I have, but since you ran to Fitz, I'll go over there." Liv pretended to walk away.

"No, no, Olivia, I'm sorry, please." He was reaching out for the box. When Liv handed it to him he stared at it. "This is way too cool. Come on Fitz, over here, we can make some patterns."

"Olivia, can I see you in the kitchen please?" Liv was a bit surprised to see her father here.

"Who's watching the store?" Olivia asked, leaving Nathaniel with Fitz.

"DC is there. I'm just picking up Emmie to take her to the house for dinner. Why is he here?" Eli pointed up at the tv. "You know anything about this?"

The camera, before it broke, showed Fitz push a confused Jeremy into the wall. Fitz turned towards the camera and the screen went black. "We don't know the circumstances yet that led up to the pushing match. The camera was broken, a known trait by Fitz Grant. We are still working out the details. Several patrons said the melee continued outside, where Fitz physically removed Jeremy Lange from the establishment. This is of an interesting note, as Jeremy has been Fitz's longtime assistant. More details will follow."

"I was there when it all happened, yes. I didn't ask, and he gave me a ride here so he could give Nathaniel a gift. I also invited him to dinner tonight." Liv said as she went to walk out.

"You did what?" Eli stepped in front of her. "Liv, you just signed the book deal." He lowered his voice a bit. "You don't need negative publicity."

"What does my writing have anything to do with this?" Liv stepped around Eli just as Emmie was coming in.

"Olivia." Emmie rubbed her back. "I saw Fitz out there. He's a natural with Nathaniel. I never heard that little boy talk so much as he does with Fitz. I'll see you over at your place." Emmie cupped Liv's face. "I am so proud of you. An author! And a handsome man by your side to celebrate." Her smile erased when she looked at Eli.

"Stop looking so angry, she deserves it all. Come now." Emmie walked out and Eli kept his cold stare on Liv.

Fitz was smiling and Liv wasn't going to be the one to take that smile away just yet. She would wait to tell him the camera footage made the news. Right now, there were three stacks of blocks in front of Fitz and Nathaniel all with different colored patterns.

Nathaniel had been a very shy boy, coming to the shelter about five months ago. He rarely spoke to anyone and only took a liking to Liv. She began talking to him and he would say a few things here and there, but mostly, he would just cling to her.

Emmie was right though, he was talking and talking to Fitz, who just listened and let him rant. He was reciting colors, telling Fitz about the toys he liked, and wouldn't stop telling him about Olivia being his best friend.

It was hard to say goodbye, but Fitz told Nathaniel he would be back. He couldn't promise when, but he would see him again. When Liv looked back before leaving, Nathaniel was still pointing to all the piles of blocks they made and was reciting the pattern colors.

Liv interlocked her hand with Fitz's, much to his surprise. He looked at her and pulled her hand to his lips giving it a small kiss.

"You made his day, Fitz. I never heard him talk so much."

"Ah, it was nice. He's a great kid." As they turned towards the car at the bottom of the steps, DC was leaning on the car. One hand was in his front pocket, the other scrolling on the phone.

"Hey Liv," He looked at Fitz. "How you doing, Fitz." Looking back at Liv, he said "Your dad told me to pick you up, you'd need a ride home." Turning again to Fitz, "you live a ways out, I got it from here."

"I'm fine, Fitz is joining us for dinner. Excuse me, DC, I'm getting in the car, I'll see you at the house."

Taking his hand out of the pocket and putting his phone in the other pocket, he put his finger up. "Hold up, Liv, can I just talk to you for a sec." He pointed over to the wall.

"No, I'm..."

Fitz squeezed her hand. "It's fine, Liv, go talk to him. I'll wait in the car." He needed to get into the car to cool off, he wanted to grab DC by the shirt.

"You saw the report, you just got your big break, the fuck are you still doing with him." DC was a bit too close for comfort and Liv wasn't having it.

"First, back off. Remember you are my friend, not my brother, not my father. Who I am with is none of your god damn business." Liv saw him take a step back. "I told you before, you need to know the whole story before you make a judgement. Don't worry about my big break, I know you were there with us every step of the way, I'll thank you in the book." She used the back of her hand to move him aside, and got in the car with Fitz.

"What was that all about?" Fitz pulled away slowly.

"Nothing. Look, Fitz, your little scuffle today hit the news. That's why my father called me into the kitchen. It shows you pushing Jeremy, then the camera goes dead. Some eyewitnesses are saying stuff, but that was it." Liv watched as he stopped the car.

He took his phone out and looked at the display. There were a few messages from his mom and dad. They were all asking if he was alright and to call them. There were two messages from Justin asking if Felix could leave and how things went. There was one more from Jeremy that simply said "Fucker."

He called his mother to tell her he was fine, he was with Olivia and he would stop by later. He called Felix and apologized but said he would be paid for the day. He called Jeremy and said to meet at FTG at 8 in the morning. He ignored Jeremy completely.

Before he began driving again, he looked at Liv. "You sure it's ok to go to dinner. I'm not your father's favorite person, DC wants to choke hold me, and…."

Liv just took his face and pulled him to her, kissing him, with passion. She wanted to take away his anger, his nerves, his frustrations. For the first time, she used her tongue to part his lips and tilted her head towards the kiss, her hand reaching the back of his head to rub his hair.

With relief to Liv, he pushed into the kiss, pushing his tongue into her mouth, and making her moan softly as he caressed her face. He pulled back and rested his head on the bridge of her nose. "Livvie, this can't work."

"Why?", she whispered. She closed her eyes and kissed his forehead.

He pulled back, licked his lips, and shifted a little to calm his body down. "So, what's for dinner?"

"My dad's famous mac and cheese, breaded chicken cutlets, scalloped potatoes, and honey glazed carrots. We'll finish it off with Emmie's delicious lemon pie."

"Sounds good." They were walking up the front stairs now and Abby swung the door open.

"Hey Fitz." She looked at Olivia with a smirk. A smirk that read "Wow, you really brought him."

"This is Leo, my baby's daddy. Leo, Fitz." Abby pulled Liv off as Leo got to know Fitz. "I can't believe you brought him; your dad is having a meltdown you know."

"I don't care." Liv's head was still reeling from that kiss. "This time we touched tongue." Liv smiled and went to the table, noticing Emmie was in the kitchen. Her dad walked out with the chicken, and Liv went to help Emmie with the rest of the plates.

It took that one moment for Eli to corner Fitz before he went to the table. He took Fitz to the living room, pointing up at the many awards Liv had won. "Look, you see those? Her whole life she has worked her ass off to succeed. She has a giving, caring heart, and I don't intend to let you break it with your outbursts of anger and frustration."

Fitz looked up. There were numerous humanitarian awards, community awards, literacy awards, and pictures lining the wall. Fitz nodded, not disagreeing with Eli at all, and wanting only Liv's happiness.

"This book deal is everything to her, and one, just one negative story to come out can ruin everything she has worked years for. I know she likes you, and she is head strong to get the things she likes, but I'm not having it. I know where you come from, you don't know struggle, and put it in your head now, she's not right for you."

"DAD!" Liv was in the room, her arms crossed, and anger flushed over her face. Fitz turned and headed towards the door, just as DC was walking in. Their shoulders bumped, and DC said, "What TF?" as he watched Liv storm pass him after Fitz.

"He was out of line, Fitz, don't go, I really want you to have dinner..."

"Do you know how awkward it would be for me. Livvie, he's right, you have your whole life ahead. I'm just going to ruin it. Today I found out Jeremy did something so despicable and I'm sure he's going to try to spin it. This is just the beginning of something big going down."

He put his hands on her shoulders as she rested her forehead on his chest. She shook her head in disagreement. "Just please, Fitz, don't go."

He kissed her gently on her head. "I have to Liv, good luck with everything. Go enjoy your dinner, and we'll be in touch again someday, I'm sure."

Without looking back, he got in his car and pulled away, and for the first time in a long time, Liv had tears coming down as she hugged herself, already missing the man she's fallen in love with.