A/N: Hey all. I hope everyone is staying safe. This is crazy times. So this is it. This chapter and the next is what we have been waiting for. There's still so much to come. The next two chapters will focus on Olitz.
Some have mentioned DJ, he will appear again, as will Mellie. For now, let Huck get his toolbox to good use and take care of Edison and friends.
This update may leave you with questions. I promise they will be answered in the coming chapters.
Thank you, as always, for your support and kind words for this story. Stay tuned. Happy Reading and enjoy.
Chapter 21-Apart
Olivia found no use in trying to sleep. She didn't want to, but she woke Huck up in the middle of the night. She just had to get on the road and make her way to NY. She couldn't stay another minute in Rutland knowing Fitz wasn't there.
She asked Huck if he was alright to drive, despite the time. "At least the roads would be clear." Liv said to him as he gave her the leave me alone look.
The car was already packed from this afternoon. Liv made sure everything was locked up and everything was turned off. For some reason, she checked the stove knobs twice, even though she never used the stove. When all was clear, she headed to the car with Huck inside, having it heated and ready to go.
"Liv, I cannot believe it's 2 am and we are driving back to NY, what is wrong with you?" Huck shook his head in disbelief.
"I just can't sleep, Huck. Besides the earlier we get there, the more I can set up my place and make it decent for my mom's arrival on Wednesday. Are you sure you're ok to drive?" Olivia asked again, as it was the one thing that worried her.
"Yeah, I am fine, just talk to me, ok. Tell me how you met Fitz, tell me about your time in Rutland, tell me about the families you've met, just keep me entertained. Because if I am not sleeping you aren't either."
Through the four-hour car ride, Liv told Huck everything. From the moment Daisy scratched her door, to the picnic, meeting the "Rutland gang", and the Fairytale festival. Huck was smiling at times, glancing over at Olivia who was so caught up in talking she didn't notice.
At one point she did catch Huck look over at her with a smile from ear to ear. "What?" she questioned.
"When I met you and began working with you in the office, I had no idea how you did it. I figured it was pure adrenaline that kept you going. I never saw you drink one ounce of coffee. You did your job like no other. You brought in clients, you knew your numbers, and you never rested. You worried me within the first week of me watching you in action."
"Ok, what's your point?" Olivia had no idea where this was heading.
"Promise me that won't happen the next few weeks. I know how important it is for you to get the clients on board for Mr. Harris but promise me Liv you aren't going to drown yourself. You are so happy in Rutland. I have seen a side of you I didn't know existed and that's the person I want you to be."
Olivia waved her hand. "Oh stop, Huck, I will be fine. I know what I have to do, and I will do it, and I promise, I won't work 12-hour days. Maybe just 19-hour days." She looked over at him and swatted his shoulder.
"So why don't you tell me a little about your time in Iraq. I never asked before, and I am not asking about Fitz, I am asking about you. I would like to know more about your assignment there, or is that sacred ground also?"
Huck shrugged. "Like I have said before, there really isn't much to tell. We are given a mission and are trained to carry out the mission. Fitz was a pilot; I was an operative. My mission, like his, is classified. There are certain things I can't share with you even if I wanted to. I trust you, but it's just the law that it can't be shared. I will tell you one thing, Liv, Fitz was one of the bravest soldiers I ever came across over there. I was assigned to many areas and ran into many officers, soldiers, and military personnel, Fitz was by far the best. I just want you to be forewarned, there is nothing I wouldn't do for the two of you. You belong together, I am certain of that. This wasn't coincidence, Liv, and what I did to Dante I would to a dozen others to keep you safe and together with Fitz."
"Huck let's hope it never has to come down to that again. I know where your loyalty lies, and I've seen how Fitz respects you. We'll be fine. I don't want you risking prison for me. No more killing Huck."
"If your life is in danger, if someone is jeopardizing your happiness, there will be killing, know that and accept it. It's better I do it than Fitz, I am trained more in that than he is."
Liv wanted to change the subject. She didn't want to think of anyone else dying because of her and she didn't want to think of her life being in any kind of danger. She remembered what she saw Fitz do to DJ, and she didn't need a repeat of that either.
"How did you save him? I mean I know he was a pilot, but you were more on the ground. Did his plane crash or something?"
Huck side eyed her, and she knew she hit the stopping point. "Ok, forget I asked. Just trying to make conversation. "They had been driving a bit over three hours now and they were about an hour from NY.
Olivia looked at the ETA and she suddenly got excited. "Huck, Harold should be opening the bakery when we get by my condo. Do you mind if I go in and talk to him?"
"Sure, not at all, you can do that, I'll get the things up to your place. Then I am going to crash there, because I am going to sleep. Unlike you, I don't have a battery that doesn't need charging."
"Sounds good. I'll bring you some of his Danish, oh you're going to love it. I cannot wait to see him. He is the reason, well one of them, I wanted to find a place like Rutland. I always wondered if I would find my own Harold. Now look at me."
"It's funny how things work out." Daylight was making its way through the darkness as the city lights began to dim. Liv looked around at all the city streets and she couldn't remember a time she wouldn't be happy to be in NYC, but this time, she wasn't.
She knew she had a job to do, and she intended to do it as badass as she always had. She had a piece of her heart missing, though, even though he was in Atlanta, the piece was in Rutland. She never would have thought she would feel this way.
If you asked her when she left the city if she was sure she made the right decision in buying a place in Vermont, she probably would have doubted it, but now it's the only place she wanted to be. She wanted these next few weeks to fly by.
Huck approached the bakery just on the corner from her condo and a feeling of nostalgia grew in the pit of Olivia's stomach. She felt it had been years since she last heard the jingle on that door. She was eager to get inside, and she had plans to go see Betty during her stay.
As Huck drove off, Olivia was saddened to see a sign in the window. Final two weeks. Final day, after Christmas. Order your Christmas platters soon for prompt delivery on Christmas Day. She just stared at the sign. Harold's was closing. She wondered if Edison had anything to do with this. Why else would Harold sell his place? She hoped nothing was wrong with him or his family.
She opened the door and the aroma hit her hard. No matter how good a baker Leo was, nothing would compare to Harold. The smells were amazing. The bakery was empty, having just opened, and Harold turned to greet his first customer as he heard the bell jingle.
"Oh my, Olivia Pope. How are you? What are you doing here? Don't tell me you are back for good. Did things not work out for you?" Harold walked from behind the counter and gave her a tight hug.
"Things are good Harold. I had to come back to close out a few things with work, then I am moving back up to Vermont. What about you? You're selling? I hope Edison…."
"No, no, don't think that man bullied me in any way. I haven't seen him since I spoke to you. He has stayed away. I was given an offer. My little bakery is becoming a soup kitchen for homeless veterans. I received a phone call about a week ago. I believe they said the buyer is Grant Industries. I had no intention of selling, trust me, but this sounded so good. It's time for me to stay home and spend time with the love of my life."
Olivia couldn't believe what she just heard. She knew there was no Grant Industries, at least she didn't think there was one, but she knew who bought the place. She had told Fitz about Harold. Harold was a veteran, so of course to save his place from gentrification he would jump at the chance to make it a soup kitchen.
"Wow, that's great, Harold. Your stories always inspired me to find a life I wanted to live. I am going to miss you terribly."
More customers began coming in, Harold walked back behind the counter and put together a box of Danish for Olivia. As he handed her the box he said "In case I don't see you before I close, promise you won't ever put yourself back in that zombie Wall Street life. There were times you walked in here and I could tell you hadn't slept in days. Don't do that to yourself. Live your life, Olivia."
Olivia took the box. She had tears in her eyes. She didn't want to think about not seeing Harold again. She paid for her Danish and headed out of the bakery.
As she stepped out and rounded the corner to her condo, she didn't notice the gentleman who took a step back out of her sight. Randall Jenkins was Edison's assistant at Davis Enterprises. He had just moved into the area and was getting some breakfast from the bakery.
He noticed Olivia immediately. He had to do a double take to make sure it was her, but seeing her walk towards the condo, he knew his eyes weren't playing tricks on him. Within moments he was on the phone.
"Boss, you'll never guess who is back in the city." Edison was listening contently as Randall told him who he just saw.
Huck had been off his game being in Rutland. Olivia was close by, and he didn't need to protect her as thoroughly. Now, as Huck lay sound asleep on Olivia's couch. Edison spoke on his newly purchased phone to Randall figuring out a way he would be alone with Olivia Pope once again.
"You need me to do anything? I can take her right now." Randall offered Edison.
"No, let's see what Olivia Pope has up her sleeve. Stand back for now." Edison failed to tell Randall the last guy he sent for Olivia wound up dead. Edison wanted to make sure there were no problems this time.
After Fitz settled in his hotel suite in Atlanta, he texted Olivia that he had arrived safely. He was going down for a nap and meeting Two Shot and Sparks for drinks and dinner. He figured the nap would do him good because he didn't plan on getting much sleep anyway. His mind would be everywhere, but mostly he would be thinking of Olivia.
He was worried with her return to NY. Huck had spoke in length how Liv can get lost in her work and overdo it at times. He didn't want that to happen to her. Fitz knows she can be an overachiever not taking care of her needs. He would be busy with meetings every day, but he hoped to face time her as much as possible.
He figured by face timing her he could at least see if she was getting enough sleep. He thought of their last conversation in the car. It wasn't a straight out "I love you" but she did admit her feelings for him, which was a big step for him.
She had told him she fell in love on that pile of leaves at the picnic. Little did Liv know the first time she crossed her arms in defense on that porch, standing next to Daisy, that's when he fell in love. For him, it was love at first sight.
Knowing she was so far put an ache in his heart. This was something he had to do. He had to do it to continue the healing for himself. If he eventually wanted a life with Olivia, he had to create a life for himself. It was time for him to enter the real world and stop hiding in the shadows. Huck was able to do it. Huck inspired him, made him realize drowning in fear and sorrow would get him nowhere.
He took a long look around his lonely hotel room. He called Two Shot, told him he had arrived, and he would meet them both for their 6:00 dinner reservation. He was eager to talk to them about anything they could help him remember about the mission.
Within five minutes of being seated at their table, three women approached them. They all knew Two Shot by name, and Fitz could see his friend squirming just a bit. "Hey ladies," Two Shot said casually.
"Sammy," the blonde one said, "who is your friend?" She was eyeing Fitz up and down and walked over to him before Two Shot could answer her. "I am Tina, my father is the manager, and my uncle is the GM for the Denver Mounts, the minor league team. It is all my pleasure to meet you." She put both her hands out to rub his shoulders, and Fitz gently stopped her with a small smile.
"Pleased to meet you Tina, but I am not interested. I am flattered, but I am here strictly on business." He turned away to look at Sparks who was shaking his head.
"First thing they notice Fitz is that you're not wearing a wedding ring. Tina, this is Fitz Grant, he is part owner with us, and I assure you he is not available. Tell your father and uncle we look forward to seeing them tomorrow."
Just like that the two ladies that were with Tina turned and walked away to find some victims at another table. "Get used to it Fitz, with money comes the women and now that they know you have money, the women will be on you. Make sure no cameras are around. You don't want Liv thinking the worst." Two Shot spoke from experience.
"I'll keep that in mind", Fitz said shaking his head. "I really am looking forward to getting to know the ropes, though, and trust me I have no interest in any woman other than Olivia."
The beers came and Sparks held his up as the others did. "To Fitz, coming on board and joining his Navy brothers. Glad to have you here buddy." The glasses clinked and the waitress came over to take their order.
As they waited, Fitz began talking. "I need you guys to tell me everything you know about the mission I was deployed for. Two Shot, I know you have friends at the Pentagon, and I am not asking you to do anything illegal, but I need your help with this. Sparks, anything you can tell me about my father, while I was deployed, that would be helpful also."
They both looked curiously and confusingly at each other. "Fitz, your dad was one pissed off dude when you got deployed. I know with you he acted like he didn't care, but it really burned him they chose you. He had it out with the Commander." Sparks was telling Fitz with a serious look.
"Fitz, what's going on, why the sudden curiosity in why you were deployed?" Two Shot didn't understand where this was coming from.
"There are things the two of you don't know. I know you think I was deployed for two years to complete a mission, but that isn't the whole truth. Sparks, if you had to have someone fly an F-15 in combat who would you choose?"
"Hands down you Fitz. In the academy you were Top Gun, no one flew better than you. No target was missed."
"Let's not forget", Two Shot chimed in, "when my ass was about to be shot down in training when you came out of now where and saved it. I'm with Sparks on this, you would be my F-15 guy no question."
"You both know my father hated the fact I chose the Navy, are you sure he was upset about my deployment, I would think he would have welcomed it, kind of like an I told you so type of glory."
Sparks shook his head. "No way Fitz, it bothered him, and it bothered him for months. He had problems in DC because of it."
"You know he resigned from the Senate, right, he didn't finish his term." Two Shot looked at Fitz and judging by Fitz's expression he had no idea.
"What do you mean he resigned, I thought he just didn't run again."
"No, man, he flat out left the Senate. The replacement was dud and DC was buzzing about it. This happened about a month before you came home. Fitz, what happened over there?"
The servers brought the food out with a refill on the drinks. Fitz took a deep breath before he began talking. He looked specifically at Two Shot. "I know you understand classified is classified, but I am going to share with you what only two other people know. I am going to share with you only the basics, but, Two Shot, when you dig for information for me, tread carefully ok."
Fitz took a quick bite of his chicken and began telling them about the flight plan, the wrong turn and shoot down. Two Shot dropped his fork. "No way, Fitz, not a chance you make a wrong turn, that's some bullshit."
"Who handed you the flight plan?" Sparks asked.
Fitz shrugged. It was given by the chief officer at the base in Baghdad, he said it came from the Commander at the Pentagon. Who was I to argue?"
They continued to listen to Fitz talk of his imprisonment and Sparks pushed his plate away, having barely ate a bite of his food. Sparks had always been the sentimental one and at one point Fitz saw him wiping his eyes.
"Jesus, Fitz, for two fucking years?" Two Shot couldn't believe his ears. "You better believe I am looking into this, fuck protocol."
"NO!", Fitz said louder than he wanted. "You do nothing to jeopardize your safety and your freedom, I said tread carefully."
"Blackmail." Sparks said. "They must have been blackmailing your father in DC. Give me a few days, Fitz, let me go back and look at some things. We'll get answers about this."
"Shit, Fitz, were you tortured or hurt in anyway?" Two Shot was still steaming with anger.
"Huck, he was an operative known as Mike. I didn't know it at the time, but he low key took care of me. He saved me so many times. He was undercover as a translator. Sometimes torture doesn't always come in the form of abuse."
"No wonder you secluded yourself for years, Fitz, I am so sorry." Sparks was still trying to make sense of it.
"It's nothing you did. Ok, that's that for now. We are here for baseball right. I am counting on you two to help me with this ownership thing. Sometimes this scares me more than combat."
"We got you. And we got you on the other issue too, we'll get to the bottom of this Fitz, I promise you!" Fitz had no doubt in his two best friends. He felt so much better just telling them about it. It was the first time he was able to talk about it and he couldn't wait for the time he got to tell Olivia.
It was late Sunday night, just before midnight. Huck had just left Olivia's to get himself ready for tomorrow. He got into his car, getting ready to drive across town to his place. Randall thought he was slick, but no one is slick enough for Huck. Huck saw him hiding out by Olivia's building.
He immediately called the front security desk. "Jose, you know why I pay you the big bucks right?"
"Yes, sir, Huck, I do, what's up?"
"No one up to Olivia's place, no one, you hear me. Anyone tries to go up, get his name and copy the ID to send to me, got it."
"Got it, Huck, don't worry, it's taken care of."
Two hours later, Huck received a text from Jose. No one tried to go up, but I saw this guy lingering in the lobby and asked him to leave.
Huck saw the picture of Randall come through on his phone. Huck knew there would be trouble, only difference, is now he was aware.
The moment Huck left; Liv filled her bathtub with the hottest water she could stand. She poured herself a bottle of wine and tried to calm her thoughts. They had been everywhere. She was laughing to herself because she downloaded the ESPN app on everyone of her devices. She had every intention of following the baseball winter meetings. She would listen to every podcast, watch every interview, and know every move each team made.
She was also hoping at some point she would get a glimpse of Fitz. She had cleaned her condo, had Huck hang the picture Fitz had given her, and put all her clothes from Rutland away. She hung Chloe's masterpieces on her fridge. She wanted a bit of Rutland with her. She reminded herself to call the girls tomorrow to show them her office building.
Now, alone with her thoughts in the bathtub, she thought back to the conversation she walked into with Fitz and his father.
The way he walked over to her after he hung up, the way he kissed her, and touched her. The heavy breathing, her reaction, and his fingers. Liv grabbed her glass of wine. She drank what was left of it in one sip. Then, she saw his eyes, not his calm blue eyes, his seductive gray eyes.
She closed her eyes, and suddenly she was in her bed in Rutland. She had pleasured him, and it made her feel so good. Watching him as he melted to her touch. Liv took a handful of water and splashed it on her face. She had to stop. She needed to focus on work.
She had everything planned with her meeting with Mr. Harris. She had to bring up Edison, Quinn, and Citicorp. She had all the summaries she needed. She needed to be on her A game. She was trying to imagine the looks on all the faces when she walks in tomorrow. This should be fun.
Then, back to Fitz, his arms, his chest, and his taste. She got to taste him, all of him, and Liv couldn't take much more. She stepped up in the tub, pulled the plug on the water and dried off. She ignored her body in the mirror as she wrapped the towel around herself and then switched to her bathrobe.
She couldn't believe what she was about to do, but she couldn't take it anymore. She missed him and the need for him became a want, so she had to pleasure herself to the thoughts of Fitzgerald Grant.
She went to her top drawer in her nightstand. It was still there, where she had left it the last time, she used it over a year ago. She had bought it as a joke to herself, but it did the job. She was not sexually active, and a woman had needs, so she fulfilled her needs.
She reached in and grabbed her vibrator. She couldn't imagine the places this device would take her as she now had Fitz to think of as she used it. She found a comfortable spot on her bed, put her headphones on connected to her iPad to some soothing music, and separated her bathrobe at the opening down below.
She turned the vibrator on and at the first touch, a sensation ran through her body as she thought of his eyes watching her. She let out a small moan as her body began to react to the vibration.
Just at that moment, as her breathing became heavy, her iPad began ringing for a face time. She put her head back on the pillow. "You have to be kidding me, mom, really?" she whispered to herself. She was still breathing a bit heavy, but she picked up without looking at the display.
"You never texted me that you got there, sorry to be face timing you so late, but I was worried." Expecting to hear her mother's voice, she heard Fitz's instead.
"Fitz!" She began fidgeting and moving things around out of sight. "I thought you were my mother calling. Give me a minute."
"Liv, you ok? You seem flustered. Is someone there with you?"
"What? No, no one is here, I just got out of the bath, and I am trying to. Hell, Fitz, I was thinking of you alright."
"Ok, and that has you all hot and bothered? Tell me more Livvie."
"The truth? I was using my vibrator."
Fitz's mouth went wide open in shock. "Your what?"
"You heard me, a woman has needs and I couldn't stop thinking of you, and well, yeah, I have a vibrator, from way before I met you so don't flatter yourself."
"Can I watch?" Fitz pleaded.
"Fitz" Liv blushed. "Really? You want to?" All Liv could think of was if she heard his voice, she wouldn't last long.
"Nothing more I would rather be doing. This is hot and a turn on. Let me see the lucky device."
Liv laughed and held it up. "Doesn't compare to your size, that's for sure," Liv reassured him.
"I can't believe I am jealous of a vibrator, but by all means, don't let me interrupt what you were doing, go back to it, pretend I am not even here."
Liv angled the iPad, so he could have a view below. "Oh, Liv, that is perfect, and I remember how delicious that tastes." He heard the vibrator start up. She had angled the iPad to have a view of her performing and of her face, Fitz was bracing himself to get through this without making a mess of himself.
Liv couldn't believe she was doing this, but it turned her on, and she felt so comfortable doing this for him. She put the device on her clit and she heard his voice deep in her ears through her headphones. "Liv, show me your breasts."
Liv suddenly stopped. She looked at him. "Fitz, I don't want the first time you see my breasts to be when you can't touch them. Aren't you seeing enough with this view?"
"Can't argue with that. Fine, go back to what you were doing."
Liv rubbed the device on her clit once again and heard his voice say "up and down the fold, Livvie, slowly, nice and slow"
Liv did as she heard, her eyes closed as she focused on seeing his face. She didn't realize the moan that was coming from deep in her throat. "Slowly Liv" and Fitz saw her head tilt back on the pillow. He heard her breathing become heavier and the soft moans were causing an erection he wouldn't be able to ignore.
"Gently, Livvie, gently put the tip in, keep it vibrating." As Liv did what his voice was saying, almost hypnotizing her, her hips raised voluntarily in the air. Fitz could see her becoming weak, and he wished he could be there, as he freed his erection and began stroking himself.
"Livvie, take it out, circular motions, circular, slow, right up to the…" he watched her get to her spot. "Right there Livvie, circular, slowly." The moan Liv let out was deafening, but when she called his name, he saw her body tremble as the vibrator fell from her hand. His strokes became faster, as he continued to watch her weaken through her orgasm. As his hit at the same time, he had to reach over for some tissues, as not to leave the gorgeous sight in front of him.
She curled her body towards the iPad closing her legs to stop the spasms. Her orgasm hit her hard, and Fitz could see her face, pained but pleasured. It seemed like a good thirty seconds before she opened her eyes and looked at him.
"Hi" he said. "You like, because the was the hottest thing I have seen."
"Hi" she said, weakly. "Did I like, holy, Fitz, your voice, your commands, that was intense."
"Please promise me you won't use that without me watching again."
Liv laughed. "Well my mother is coming and once work starts up in a few hours, I don't know how much time I will have for that." She was still breathing sporadically, coming down from her pleasure.
She just looked at him, headphones still in, and her hand reached out to trace his face. "How was your first day there?"
"Good, I'll let you know more tomorrow after the first round of meetings. Any free agents you think I should talk to?"
"No way, Fitz, I am not letting you take anyone from my Yankees, you're on your own Mister."
"Wow, I'll remember that Liv."
"So, you bought Harold's place?" Liv said smiling.
"Whatever do you mean?" His hand went up shrugging.
"Thank you Fitz, that was great. He is so happy about it. You gave him a way out, a way to spend the rest of his days with his wife." She looked longingly at him as she yawned.
"I'll let you go get some sleep, Ok."
"No, Fitz, stay on the line with me. Talk to me. I'll fall asleep listening to your voice."
He began talking about the flight. He talked about checking in to his hotel room, and missing her . Then, the last thing Liv remembers hearing is he had chicken for dinner with his partners.
Once Fitz saw Liv's eyes closed, he reached to his screen. "Sleep well, Livvie, I love you."
She looked around the train station. Nothing had changed. She even recognized a few faces, like she never left. Harold was right. We were zombies. She took her usual spot on the train as if it had been saved for her and headed downtown towards Wall Street.
Upon entering the building, she was greeted by smiles by the lobby staff. Walking onto her floor, the workers standing around the water cooler scrambled back to their desks, shocked to see who just walked in. She nodded at them. "Good Morning. Not too worry, it's only temporary. Relax. I have no intention of ruling with my iron fist. We have work to do. By the middle of next week, Christmas Eve, I want three new clients. Citicorp, USB, and Morgan Stanley. Let's get to work people. I want folders, numbers, and proof of conversations on my desk in two hours. Go!."
Mr. Harris emerged from his office. "Olivia, so good to have you back, come on in."
"This is disturbing and I thank you for bringing it to my attention." Olivia had began with Edison and how he had to drop him as a client.
"I have provided a summary on how to keep his employees, but there is a good chance he will be brought up on charges, Mr. Harris, we may have to reimburse them what's left on their contracts. Either way you choose, it's all there for you for a smooth transition."
"This is fine, call him in, I'd like this settled today. So, you think Quinn is up for the job? She can handle this?"
"Mr. Harris, I have no doubt. I will have Lois call her and when we meet with Citicorp tomorrow, Quinn should sit in. Is that ok with you?"
"Upon your recommendation that is fine with me. So we are going with Citcorp first?" He looked at the next summary Liv had given him.
"If they jump on board the other two will also. I am sure of that", Liv handed him one last summary.
"This is amazing, Olivia, I am going to miss you and your thoroughness. You are always so organized and prepared. Is there nothing I can do to make you stay?"
"I am flattered Mr. Harris, I truly am, but getting a taste of a different life, it suited me. I am ready to hang this life up and move on."
"As long as you are happy. You know young lady, if these accounts go through, you stand to make a pretty penny."
"As do you, sir. Look those over and I will get Lois on making the appointments for me."
She had spent an hour and a half in with Mr. Harris, and she wasn't done yet. Where the hell was Huck?
She told Lois to have Edison come in as her last appointment for the day. Have Quinn come in within the hour. She walked into her familiar office, but she felt like a stranger being in there. She was looking forward to 3:15 when she would give the girls a call from outside to show them the buildings of Wall Street.
Huck wasn't taking any chances, not when it came to Olivia and he wasn't going to underestimate Edison. Edison was already one step ahead of him, but that was changing. After seeing Randall entered Liv's building, something snapped in Huck. He wasn't having it. And so, he began his journey to the end of Edison.
He followed Randall to just outside Randall's building the night before. He grabbed him in a choker hold, until Randall had fell unconscious. The next time Randall woke up, he would be gagged and bound inside Huck's apartment. Huck was eager to put his toolbox to use, but that would have to wait until he got back from work .
He walked out the door, already two hours late, making sure the tape around Randall's hands, feet, and on his mouth was secure. He patted his face, "see you soon Randall."
He called Liv on the way in. He apologized, but the car drive and not getting sleep caught up with him. She understood and was just happy he was on his way.
Fitz had met more people in two hours than he had his whole life. Handshakes, pats on the back that made him just a bit uncomfortable, and conversations with so many, but he wasn't close to ending his day. Two Shot and Sparks led the way for him, but had to go their own way and soon enough Fitz was on his own.
He met owners, managers, free agents, and player agents. He was able to hold his own and the buzz around the meetings was the sudden arrival of the third owner of the Lake Monsters. Fitz never had a problem talking to others and this was no different. He made an impression on everyone he talked to.
By the end of the meetings at 4:00 he was exhausted. He didn't know how Liv did it, working until all hours. He couldn't wait to get back to his room and go to sleep having declined many dinner invitations. He made plans with Two Shot and Sparks to meet later on at the hotel bar to talk about further moves.
Quinn Perkins was beside herself. She couldn't believe she was sitting in the same room as Olivia Pope. "I have followed your career since I came onto Wall Street. You are amazing. You have paved the way for so many women."
"Thank you", Olivia nodded to a chair. "This is Huck. You will want to know Huck, he takes care of all your technology needs. There isn't a hack or a virus he can't intercept."
"Nice to meet you," Huck shook Quinn's hand. "I look forward to working with you."
For about two hours, they went over all the records and needs for the clients. Liv made it clear to Quinn she was taking the lead on the Citicorp interview tomorrow, so she had to do her homework. Quinn was up for the challenge and after getting the information she needed, she was looking forward to coming back in the morning.
Before she left, she thanked Liv for the opportunity and for the recommendation. Liv walked her to Mr. Harris's office, where she left her and headed out to call the girls.
Chloe's little face answered the call. "Wivvie. I miss you so so much. Are you New York? Is it busy there?"
Before Liv could answer she saw Brianna's face. "Hi Olivia can I see the building you work in, I couldn't wait for the call."
Liv was about to turn the screen towards the building when Brianna screamed, "Hey, no fair."
Alyssa was on the screen now. "Hi Olivia. How did it go with your clients are you ready to come back yet?"
Finally Lara's voice chimed in. She came on the screen. "Hey Liv, sorry about that, let me get them on the couch so they can all see you. They have been so excited all day."
"Good to hear your voice Lara. Yeah, they seem excited. I will call them tomorrow night also so they can see the lights on all the buildings from my balcony."
"Wivvie, that's so high up, you be carefuw you don't faw down. That looks so so scawy. How do you get up so high?"
Liv had to laugh because Chloe's eyes were wide with curiosity. "I take an elevator, Chloe. It takes me all the way up the 75th floor."
"How many floors in the whole building, Olivia?" Brianna had asked about four questions before settling on that one.
"There's a total of 85 floors. And, " Liv moved the screen to across the street, that building has 100 floors."
"That's amazing." Alyssa couldn't believe how busy the streets were as she noticed all the people walking about.
Liv ended the call with promise to talk soon. Before she hung up Chloe said, "Pwease say hi to Huck and I miss him so so much, wemember Wivvie, he's going to pwotect you."
Liv lost herself in employee profiles of Citicorp. She was writing, estimating, and calculating. She didn't even realize the time had reached 6pm and she wasn't close to being ready to go home. She also was awaiting her meeting with Edison. Huck had made it clear no meeting without him in the room.
When Edison arrived, Lois was about to call it a day. He stepped into the lobby of Financially Yours. While Lois wasn't looking, Edison kicked the plug out of the router. As Lois noticed his entry, she looked down to log it into the computer.
Having no service, and a blank screen, she tried several times to get the computer back up before she finally called Huck's extension. "I need you to come in here, I think my computer completely crashed."
She looked at Edison. "Ms. Pope is in there; you can go on in."
Olivia was engrossed in her paperwork, she didn't even notice Edison approaching her door. Usually, her door is closed, but she had left it open awaiting his arrival. She didn't notice his presence until he was standing right in front of her desk.
"Hello Olivia"
His voice scared her as the papers she was holding flew from her hand. "Edison, I didn't know you were here." She jumped up as she said the words. "Have a seat."
Instead of sitting down, he closed the door. "Open the door Edison." She moved towards the door and reached for the doorknob, but Edison grabbed her hand. He rubbed the top of her hand and brought it up to his lips and put a gentle kiss on it, as she tried to pull away.
He gripped it with his other hand and his two hands were too strong for her one to pull away, so she left it there. He put it up against his cheek. "I've missed you, Olivia. You know I love you, why did you just leave like that."
She turned her head away from eye contact with Edison. "Olivia, look at me. He can't satisfy you, not Fitzgerald Grant, he isn't a full man, he secludes himself, lives a life of secrecy. Tell me you left him for good."
She pulled her hand down again and walked away from Edison towards her desk. As she tried to take another step, he grabbed her shoulder to turn her around. "Tell me Olivia, tell me you don't want a life with me."
The door busted open as Huck walked in and grabbed Edison's hand. "Don't you touch her, get the hell away from her. You do realize, I will kill you, I have no problem doing that, and trust me, no one will miss you."
Edison backed away. "Down boy, easy, I was just talking to her."
Huck turned to Olivia. He had both his hands on her shoulders. "Are you ok, did he hurt you.?"
Liv, knowing Huck would kill Edison on the spot, said she was fine. "Let's just get this over with." She nodded to Huck to take over. She was too shaken to say anything, she didn't want to look at him, let alone talk to him. She just closed her eyes and ignored the stare coming from Edison.
Huck handed the warrant to Edison. "This is your fair and final warning to stay away from Rutland. A judge has issued an arrest warrant and extradition from New York if needed of the attempted kidnapping of Olivia Pope and a conspirator to trespassing. The punishment can be up to ten years in prison."
He grabbed the warrant, never leaving his stare from Olivia. "You don't mean this, Liv, stop this will you? Does Grant know the truth of what we had? Does he, have you been honest with him?"
Liv didn't say a word. "Hey," Huck yelled. "You don't get it, it's over. Keep it up, I will start with your fingertips, Edison, I'll peel each one off one by one, as you feel the skin leave your body. I am that serious." He turned to Liv. "Liv, give us a minute."
Liv had her arms crossed, tight across her body, trying to calm her anger with thoughts of Fitz. He lives a life of secrecy. She was trying to disregard Edison's words. As she was about to leave the office, Edison took a step to block her, but Huck blocked him. As Liv left the room, Huck turned to Edison.
"How many times do you have to be told? She doesn't want anything to do with you. You missing your friend Randall yet, he didn't show up for work did he? Did you file a report? See Edison, I can make your life a living hell, or I can end it. Your choice." He gestured to Liv to come back in.
Liv took a deep breath and handed a folder to Edison. "This is an end of contract with us. Your employees will be contacted one by one. They will be given further instructions about leaving the company. Mr. Harris is cutting off any connection or business with you effective immediately."
Edison grabbed the envelope. "He'll never make you happy Liv, every time you look at him, you'll think of me." He looked at Huck, took a deep swallow, and left Liv's office, not realizing it would be the last time he ever saw her.
The news would make the headlines two days later. Edison Davis had been under arrest for the death of longtime assistant Randall Jenkins. Jenkins was found in Davis's home, stabbed to death. Davis was having financial difficulties and his business was failing. After neighbors heard a loud argument, police were called to the scene, where Edison was found covered in Randall's blood. Further details would be given as the investigation was ongoing.
By the time Liv made it home, it was already 11:00. She was exhausted but had no desire to sleep. Her encounter with Edison still had her shaken. She texted Fitz.
Liv: Hi. Long day. I will call you tomorrow. I miss you.
Fitz: Hi. Was looking forward to a face time, but it you're too tired I understand, but definitely tomorrow.
Liv: I promise. Face time, tomorrow at 10, how's that Mister?
Fitz: Good night Livvie.
Two Weeks Later: Christmas Eve/Early Christmas Morning
Maya and Liv watched the lights on the small Christmas tree in Liv's condo. They were just finishing up their bowl of popcorn and were ready to call it a night.
"Baby, I have to say these past two weeks have been eye opening for me. I thought you were happy with your life, with your career, but girl you work yourself to near death. I don't think you've slept more than two hours these past two weeks."
Liv shrugged it off. "I had to finish up and I had to do it right. We met our goal. We closed all three accounts, and you know the payday I am getting, right, I can't argue with that."
"Yes, but money won't buy your happiness. I am happy you are walking away. And Fitz, girl, Fitz, that man is something." She reached out and touched Liv's necklace. "Seeing him on TV the other day, he owned that interview."
Maya was talking about the interview Fitz had on MLB network the last day of winter meetings. Jessica Jennings made it no secret how attracted she was to Fitz, flirting with him during the whole interview. One of the last questions Jessica asked was about him being single. "So tell us about the most wanted bachelor new to the baseball scene."
"I assure you Jessica, I am not single. In fact, I am in love…with an incredible woman." Fitz looked directly into the camera. "So, all the curious ladies out there, I am sorry. There is only one woman who owns the key to my heart."
Liv smiled at her mother's words. "He did own that interview." Then, she looked sadly back at the tree.
"Livvie, does he know about your scars, have you showed him? Have you told him?"
Liv shook her head. "No, not yet the time just hasn't been right. Soon, though mom, soon I will show him all of me. I just don't know how he will react."
"Baby, that man loves you, there will be nothing but a love reaction. Do you miss him?"
"Yeah, I do. He stayed in Atlanta to close out some contracts. He is heading back to Rutland the day after tomorrow. He's spending Christmas Day alone."
"Well, you'll just have to make it up to him when you see him again. I am glad your work is done, and Mr. Harris demanded you not go back until after the New Year. How about in the morning, we go watch the skaters in Rockefeller Center? Then, we'll walk by Radio City and make our way down to Macy's looking at the storefronts? It'll be fun Livvie."
"That sounds good, but I want to leave early. I want to watch the first skaters on the ice. Maybe we can get tickets and…. never mind….mom, can I show you something?"
Liv pulled out the box of ice skates and showed Maya the tickets that were included. Maya just stared at it in shock. "Baby, I never knew he bought these."
"I know, and you were grieving, and I never got around to telling you. I couldn't even take the tape off to look at the tickets. The package is exactly how he left it, minus the wrapping."
"I'm sorry I never fulfilled your wish. I honestly forgot how much you wanted it once the accident happened."
"I didn't want it much after the accident. I still think about going to do it some day just to make him happy and give it closure, but it doesn't look that way."
"Baby, you deserve to be happy. You've worked hard these past weeks. When you get back to Fitz, you build your happiness, you hear me?" Maya pulled her close for a hug. "I love you."
"I love you too Mom. I am going to face time Fitz and head to bed. Six a.m. tomorrow. First skate is 7, and I want to be there."
When Fitz didn't answer the face time call, Liv figured she waited too long to call him. He must've fallen asleep, but it didn't help Liv at all. Her thoughts were only of him, now that her work was completed. She was done with her career here and now ready to begin her life in Rutland.
As she was dreaming of Fitz, missing the comfort of his arms, her alarm went off, with a little more than two hours sleep. She jumped up; it was Christmas morning. She had a moment of excitement, as the feeling of being a child again overtook her for a bit. She thought of her father and all the Christmas mornings and was ready to spend her first one in three years with her mother.
Her mother was still sleeping in bed, when she nudged her to get up. Maya mumbled something about her child not understanding the meaning of sleep as she sat up in bed. The sound of the doorbell startled them both.
"Who in the world?" Olivia walked towards the door with Maya in her pajamas and robe behind her. Liv looked through the peep hole and turned her back on the door her mouth wide open in shock.
"Well, who the hell is it Livvie, you look like you just seen a ghost."
Liv held her stomach. She looked back into the peep hole to make sure it wasn't a dream. She turned back to Maya. "It's Fitz", she whispered.
Maya looked at her. "You going to let him in, or make him stand out there all day?"
Liv shook her head, "No, he can't be here, we have plans."
"Baby, my plans will be to get my beauty sleep. Move your ass away from that door."
"Liv, you in there? I hear voices. Liv, it's Fitz, open the door."
Maya looked at her. "Girl what is wrong with you, open the damn door." Maya walked and was about to move her daughter out of the way. But Liv beat her to it. She swung the door open and standing there with a dozen red roses was Fitz.
Liv couldn't move, she was frozen. "What are you doing here?"
He looked at her, the smile she missed in person on his face, "Hi, I came to bring your mother flowers for Christmas. Can I come in?"
Liv just stared at him. "Hi. Sure, come in".
"Baby, you need to move that ass away from the door so that handsome specimen can come in. What has gotten into you?"
Liv stepped away from the door and Fitz handed Maya the flowers. "Merry Christmas Maya it is a pleasure to meet you in person." He took her hand and kissed the top of it. Maya looked at Liv. "Baby, if you aren't going to entertain him, allow me to go get dressed and…"
"Mom, stop. Fitz, what are you….?"
"Merry Christmas Livvie," He walked to her and pulled her into his arms. "I am glad you're dressed." He reached into his jacket pocket. "I have two tickets here to the Rockefeller ice skating rink. First skate, just you and me for fifteen minutes, unless, you have other plans."
Liv's eyes widened, then teared up. She looked at Maya. "I had plans with my mom to…
"Don't look at me, like I said, my bed is waiting for me to head back to it. Fitz, she is all yours."
"Then, after we finish skating," he reached into his other pocket. I thought we could catch the 4:00 showing of the Christmas Spectacular, best seats in Radio City."
Fitz stood there holding both sets of tickets as Liv made her way to his arms. She jumped into them, circling her legs around his waste and pulled him to her lips, not caring her mother was watching her every move.
Her mouth hit his with such a force, he had to step back from falling while holding on to her. And, in that kiss, she showed him how much she missed him. Her tongue exploring his insides until they both needed a breath. She continued to massage the curls she missed so much. She finally pulled back and buried her face deep in his neck. "Fitz, thank you so much."
"So, I take it that's a yes?" as he held her close to him.
Liv ran to the bedroom to get her coat and Maya smiled from ear to ear at Fitz.
She winked at him. "Nice work handsome, smooth, real smooth. We'll talk more later. Take care of my Livvie."
After giving Maya a big hug and being assured it was fine being left alone, Liv interlocked hands with Fitz as they headed out to make one of Liv's Christmas wishes come true.