Hey everybody, y'all all right? It's been a little while since I completed 'Say Yes!' and even longer for 'IOYK,' but I'm back! As we move into the summer, I hope that everybody's vaxxed and getting out of the house, masked when necessary. I'm back, in-person, with my writer's workshop, and I'm having so much fun. So much so, that I got another idea for a story.
Years ago I read about an introduction between a well-known actress, and a professional football player. He had gone to see her at work. Later, they talked and he asked her out to dinner. She snottily answered, "I don't date athletes," to which he replied, equally snotty, "Well I don't date actresses." Obviously they were able to overcome any inhibitions they may have had about each other, and their professions, and went on to live their happily ever after, privately.
I wanted to know what would happen if NFL superstar quarterback Fitzgerald Grant met strong, confident, tense by the book Assistant US Attorney, Olivia Pope, under different circumstances of course. She wants nothing to do with what she calls spoiled, rich athletes with inflated egos. When he shows interest, she rejects him, more than once, bruising his ego. Still, he can't seem to get her off of his mind, and will stop at nothing to show her the real Fitzgerald Grant, not the famous athlete. Will she give him a chance? Will he win her heart? Will this be the season he wins it all?
It starts out slow, but I promise it will get better. Enjoy.
TBOT
Why, oh why did I answer the phone?
Exhausted from her long day in court, Olivia Carolyn Pope had already made up her mind that she was spending the entire weekend on her sofa, watching television. She knew that tomorrow's charity event was for a good cause, no, a great cause, but so was her physical and mental health. She was tired and didn't care how much begging her best friend, Josephine "Joey" de Matteo, did to try and change her mind.
The two women had been best friends since the day a tiny Olivia had defended the new girl from the playground bully. The girl had been teasing Joey mercilessly about her wild and curly hair, and light her complexion. The daughter of a Black mother and Italian father, Joey was tall, golden skin tone, piercing topaz eyes and long, thick curly hair golden brown hair. She was beautiful, but never really cared about her looks, which is why she couldn't understand why the girl always picked on her.
Everyone knew that although Olivia Pope was a tiny little thing, she packed a powerful punch. Plus, she had an older brother who always looked out for her. Needless to say, the bully backed off, Olivia grabbed Joey's hand, and the two skipped away to the swings. They'd been best friends since that day.
The two women had attended Olivia's mother's alma mater, Spelman College, together, where they'd been roommates on and off campus. After graduation, they'd returned to D.C. to attend law school at Georgetown, and shared an apartment for the next three years.
Olivia graduated, passed the bar and went to work for the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia as an Assistant US Attorney, whereas Joey graduated but never took the bar. Instead, she became a personal trainer. The women had disappointing their parents in common, especially Olivia. Eli and Maya Pope had expected their daughter to join her father's law firm like her older brother, Julian "JP" Pope, instead of going into public service. She still hadn't changed her mind, much to the elder Pope's consternation.
"Come on, Liv. You owe me this one. Especially after I went to that last dinner party at your parent's home, even though you know how I feel about J.P."
Olivia knew all too well. Julian Elijah Pope, her older brother by five years, and Joey had never gotten along. To him she was his little sister's annoying best friend. Their dislike for each other was well-known, and had only grown over the years.
"I know, Jo, and I appreciate your sacrifice, but…"
"Great!" Joey said, cutting her off. "I'll see you tomorrow at noon, and wear a bathing suit."
"Jo, I didn't say…" Olivia's words were said to dead air because Joey ended the call.
Damn, she muttered. A bathing suit? What kind of fundraiser was this?
When Joey told her she had two tickets to a fundraiser for a children's charity, two weeks ago, Olivia had told her that she'd think about attending and if she didn't, she'd send a check. Always looking for ways to give back to the community, she supported several other charities that made helping children their mission.
Flopping back on her bed, Olivia groaned. She did owe Joey. Her parent's dinner guests had also included a few young professionals who her mother thought her son and daughter would be interested in. Joey was her buffer, and J.P.'s bickering partner the entire evening, and no one wanted to get close to either of them. Maya Pope had not been pleased.
I will do this for Joey de Matteo…one time, she thought as she stood and walked into the bathroom to run a hot bath.
X
Saturday afternoon…
Feeling completely out of place, Olivia grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and took a sip. What was she doing here? At a pool party on an estate in Great Falls, Virginia, that was filled with professional athletes and a few celebrities? There were men and women barely clothed hanging around the pool sipping champagne and eating hor d'oeuvres. This type of charity event had never been her style, and she was like a fish out of water.
She and Joey had arrived almost an hour ago, and about fifty guests were currently socializing around the pool. Several food stations had been set up around the large backyard. Three large grills were several feet away manned by several chefs dressed in all white. Outdoor tables and chairs were scattered around the pool, a portable dance floor had been set up on the other side of pool, and under a very large tent corporate sponsors for the event had displays of free gifts and new products. From a distance, Olivia could only identify one of the sponsors. She'd recognize that swoosh anywhere.
The two women found a spot between the house and DJ table. The two loungers, with a small table between them, was far enough away from the flow of traffic but close enough to see everything and everyone. As the crowd continued to grow, Olivia glanced at her watched wondering how long she would be forced to stay. Aside from Joey, she didn't know another soul.
They stood drinking champagne when two women walked by. Olivia decided to keep her mouth closed. What could possibly be said about a neon-orange catsuit that plunged to the navel, and a leopard bikini that had claws barely covering each of her breasts?
"At least they have the bodies to pull it off," Joey said, as if reading Olivia's mind.
"I didn't say anything, Jo," Olivia said.
"You didn't have to. And you need to loosen up, Liv" Joey said, looking at her best friend, knowing that it took everything in Olivia not to make a comment. Her mouth may have been closed, but her eyes told the story.
"Stop being so judgmental. These ladies are probably intelligent women with professional careers who enjoy having a good time for a good cause. Besides, you know my mantra: if you've got it, flaunt it."
Joey waited for a smart remark from Olivia, and was pleasantly surprised when she said nothing. Turning to face her friend, she realized the reason for the silence. Something else had her attention. Following Olivia's gaze, Joey's eyes landed on a group of women hovering around a tall man near one of the grills. It wasn't something that caught her eye, it was someone. His back was to them, so they couldn't see his face. The women were all laughing and talking to him, each trying to grab his attention.
"Don't we have any pride anymore?" Olivia asked, placing her empty glass on the tray of a passing waiter and picking up another full flute. Surprisingly, it was some of the best champagne she'd had in years. She'd attended enough parties and social events with her parents and their friends to know a good bubbly when she tasted one. This was one of the best. Apparently, the host hadn't spared any expense.
Joey heard Olivia's question and shrugged. She'd already decided that it wasn't worth it to try and talk some sense into her friend. If she did, it wouldn't be the first time. Olivia loved making assumptions about people she hardly knew, which was in direct contrast to what she did for a living. Knowing she'd probably be wasting her breath, she still gave it a try.
"Liv, you have no idea what that conversation or those women are about. You're making judgments based on appearances. Just because they're flirting with him, does not make them bad people."
"Are you finished?" Olivia asked, not in the least bit moved by Joey's little speech.
"No," Joey said, turning to face Olivia, with her hand on her hip. "You've been in the same spot since we got here. You've got this whole social thing mixed up. You're supposed to go around and talk to people, not stand around talking about people."
"Oh, please Jo," Olivia said, rolling her eyes. Those words may have been true, but not in this case. "Those women are making fools of themselves, vying for that man's attention."
"If they are vying for that man, so what? That's what single people do. That's what you should be doing. I've learned over the years that if you want something, especially a man, you can't stand on the sidelines and wait to be swept off your feet. You have to put yourself out there."
Olivia frowned. "What I should be doing? What about you? I don't see your phone blowing up."
"Oh I've been going out," Joey said. Olivia couldn't argue with that. Joey had been on so many dates, she couldn't keep up. None had gotten a second date which is why Olivia hadn't met any of them.
"Don't get me wrong," Olivia said, watching the buxom brunette whisper in the man's ear. "I'm all for being proactive, but you don't have to throw yourself at a man. Those women are in a six-way fight, and for what?"
Joey let out a deep breath, and counted backward from ten, trying to hold on to what little patience she had.
"There you go again with your assumptions. You have no idea what those people are talking about." Cutting Olivia off before she could respond, Joey continued. "Let's say that you're right. Those women are circling their wagons. They see a man and they're interested. They're fighting for a sexy, rich, professional athlete who has the ability to give a woman everything she wants. Love. Children. A life to share together."
The tone in Joey's voice made Olivia turn back to focus on her. "You sound like you're tired of the single life, Jo."
Joey nodded. "I am. We're both thirty, and we should both be tired."
"Speak for yourself," Olivia said.
"Don't tell me you don't want the house, the car and the kids?" Joey asked.
"I already have the house and the car," Olivia said, pointedly.
"And you're the only one in either of them."
Olivia took a sip of her drink, thinking about her friend's words. She'd bought her home soon after she began working in AUSA's office and the new car had been a thirtieth birthday present to herself. But Joey's observation touched a nerve. Having her single status thrown in her face didn't sit too well. Her friend was right though, she was still single.
Glancing over at the grill again, Olivia ignored the women and focused on the man standing with them. It was hard to make out anything about him except he wore blue shorts, a white tee and brown leather flip flops. He was quite tall and weighed over two hundred pounds. Watching him playfully converse with the women, she doubted if love, marriage and children were on his mind. Still, the broad shoulders and long muscular legs weren't bad to look at.
"Of course I want someone to share it with, but do we have to sell our souls to get it?"
"You might not have to sell your soul, but you have to sell something."
Joey looked at Olivia from head to toe. She wore a one-piece bathing suit in coral that accentuated her small waist, toned thighs and flat stomach. The built-in bra gave the illusion of her having more than what God had given her. A coral and purple sarong was tied around her waist, and colors complemented her honey brown skin, and big brown doe shaped eyes. Her hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail past her shoulders. She wore minimal make-up and it gave her a sophisticated and natural look, and showed off her beautiful face. But the scowl that had been in place since they'd arrived was a definite deterrent to any man who may have considered coming over to speak with her.
A popular song came on and several people crowded the dance floor. People around them were laughing, eating and swimming, and Olivia couldn't hold back her smile.
Joey nudged her. "There you go. I see remnants of that party girl in there. Come on…that's it…let her out…have some fun."
"If you're trying to wear me down, it's not going to work," Olivia said.
Joey chuckled. "Sure it will,' she said, grabbing two more glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. "This party/fundraiser has become legendary. Every man here is either rich, famous or both. My client, who gave me the tickets, does PR for the Football Team. According to her, the invite list reads like a who's who in the sports world. Players, agents, coaches and corporate sponsors. You name it, and they're all here. This is for a good cause and I think you should take full advantage of the day. Who knows, you may meet your husband here today."
Olivia glanced at the group of women and the man again. "You think there's marriage material in this crowd? Somehow, this group doesn't strike me as the love, honor faithful type."
"Come on, Liv," Joey said. "The deal was you would come and have a good time. Go with the flow. Feel the vibe."
"Excuse me, may I have this dance?"
Engrossed in their conversation, neither woman saw the man approach. He smiled and held his hand out to Joey.
"I would love to."
As they walked toward the dance floor, Joey mouthed to Olivia, 'Go mingle.'
Left standing alone, Olivia contemplated her next move. Because Joey rode with her, she couldn't leave. Not knowing another soul, there wasn't anyone to search out and start up a conversation. When another waiter passed by, she asked for water. She'd had enough champagne for one evening. He quickly signaled and soon she had a bottle of sparkling water, and a glass. Taking a seat on the lounger, she continued to observe her surroundings.
After a few minutes, she inhaled deeply and finally felt her body begin to relax. Releasing the breath, she felt completely at ease for the first time since she'd arrived. Thank goodness Joey had found someone to occupy her time. That meant that she'd leave her alone. No trying to make her smile, mingle or have a good time. Now she could just blend into the background and people watch until it was time to go.
She scanned the crowd and her eyes landed on the women and the man whose face she had yet to see. The scene that was playing out fascinated her. It was one thing to flirt with a man one-on-one, but a six-way battle?
Unable to take her eyes off them, she continued to stare as the blonde stepped up and put her arm through his, essentially blocking out the other five women. The two stepped away from the others and Olivia chuckled and shook her head. What a way to snag a man.
She was really curious to see what the man looked like. Was he worth the energy and effort those six women were going through to get his attention? She watched as the couple walked toward the house. When they reached the stone steps that led up to the large patio and the expansive doors with floor-to-ceiling views, Olivia removed her Chanel sunglasses, leaned forward and strained her eyes. Turn around. Suddenly, he stopped. Someone must have called his name because he turned his head and she was finally going to see what all the fuss was about.
Raising her hand, she tried to block out the sun. The dark blue shorts and white tee complemented his tanned skin and muscular build. But that was all she could see. The glare from the sun blocked his face from her.
Leaning back in her chair, she let out a disappointed sigh and slid her sunglasses back into place. Shaking off an unfamiliar feeling, she took her eyes off the doors the couple had walked through, and decided to get something to eat.
X
Fitzgerald "Fitz" Grant opened the glass pocket door and stepped aside to allow Dana Rogers to enter first. With his eyes lingering on the bikini she wore, he smiled approvingly. How was it possible that each year, the women who came to his pool party were more gorgeous than the last? As great as Dana's body was, he wasn't interested.
He'd dated women with beautiful faces and bodies to match, but offered nothing else, because being seen with him was all that mattered. He had young cousins who were more sophisticated than most of them. Yet he'd played the game, on and off the field, and he played it well.
Being a professional football player in the NFL came with many perks. Going into his twelfth year, Fitz had reaped many rewards throughout his career. Job satisfaction. Money. Recognition. Beautiful women. Houses. Cars. Vacations. Those were all material things; things that were synonymous with being a Grant. The name gave him entrée into places opened only to privileged few.
That is why material things meant nothing to him, and events like today, had come to mean more. Being in his position gave him the opportunity to give back to the community. That's what this party was all about. During his second year in the NFL, he'd set up a foundation focusing on athletic and academic scholarships for high school students from low income families. Using his name, his money, the team and his contacts, Fitz began holding his outdoor event to raise the money for scholarships. All of the ticket sales from today's event would go directly into the foundation.
He'd held this party at the same time every year. The month of May had become his hump month. It was the point in the year where he put the previous season, wins and losses, behind him once and for all.
"Fitz?"
The sound of his name got his attention and it took him a few seconds to remember what he was supposed to be doing.
"Did you say something?"
"I called you several times," Dana said, not taking too kindly to being ignored. "I was asking about getting a tour of your beautiful home."
Dana was a marketing executive at Nike and was the liaison between corporate America and the world of sports. She spent her time closing endorsement deals with star athletes which is how Fitz met her.
Intelligent, funny and beautiful, she would be perfect for just about any man, except Fitz. From the moment she'd arrived at the party, it was apparent to anyone who came within three feet of her, that she had a one-track mind: him. The two had crossed paths on several occasions and she hadn't been shy about her interest in getting to know him a little better.
So far, he'd managed to keep their interactions casual, and tried not to give her any indication that he was interested in something more than friendship. Obviously, Dana didn't take the hint. She'd made it almost impossible for him to leave her and her friends so he could greet the rest of his guests. Finally, she took his arm and insisted they go inside for a little while.
Not wanting to appear rude, Fitz finally relented. He'd stick with the rooms on this floor and after a few minutes, he would go back out to enjoy his guests.
"Maybe we could start with your bedroom," she said. Stepping a little closer, she whispered in his ear. "I would love to see where you spend your nights."
Fitz smiled at her, shaking his head. She kept trying. Dana was young and into the parties, the money and the attention that came with her position. He didn't hold it against her. At her age he'd indulged in the some of the same behaviors. Now at thirty-two, he was well past the 'see and be seen' stage of his life. The two of them were in two different places in their lives. Anything beyond friendship wasn't going to work.
At his age, Fitz had long given up the one night stands. Those experiences had only left him empty and alone. He'd managed to avoid the groupies, and had dated actresses, singers, doctors and lawyers. But none of them had turned into a real and lasting relationship.
Experience had taught him that most of the women were attracted to his money, first, and his status second. Especially when they found out about his family and learned that he was actually a trust fund baby. His material possessions were third on their lists, and at a very distant fourth was him, the person. If that wasn't the case, they were looking for too much of his time and attention. Both of which were impossible to give because the women always came in at a distant second to his first love, football.
"Why don't we start in the living room, I'll show you the grand piano."
Dana opened her cover-up, revealing just how tiny her bikini was. "I'm a big fan of music, but I'm sure if we start upstairs and work our way down, we'll enjoy it a lot more."
Fitz decided it was best to just ignore her innuendos. The thought of starting something with her that wouldn't lead anywhere wasn't fair to him or her.
"Let's go," he said as he led her down a hallway.
X
Fifteen minutes into the tour, when it became apparent that Fitz wasn't going to change his mind about going upstairs, Dana suddenly remembered she needed to talk to another player about a possible endorsement deal. At the patio doors, she stood looking up at the gorgeous man whom every woman at the party wanted to get with. He had thwarted her attempts to be alone with him, but she didn't get where she was by giving up so easily.
"I'll see you outside, don't keep me waiting too long," she whispered near his ear.
For several seconds, Fitz stood watching her walk away. The extra shake of her hips was a show for him. Dana moved in a way to notice and tempt. Some of his teammates would call him crazy for letting her get away. What single man in his right mind would turn down what she was so blatantly offering?
"You look confused, brother," a voice behind him said. "If you're looking at what I just saw walk away from you, confusion should be the last thing on your mind."
Fitz turned with a huge smile on his face.
"Dre!"
He gave his good friend a rough man hug. He was happy to see him.
"I didn't think you were going to make it."
"Are you kidding me? Miss a party like this?" he asked, spreading his arms wide. "There are some very fine and beautiful women here. I may have to go home with one of them tonight."
"Yeah, right," Fitz said, laughing. "You and I both know that Jada would knock the crap out of you if your eyes thought about wandering."
"You got that right," he said, laughing along with Fitz.
Andre "Dre" Cruz had been the salsa dancing wide receiver in the league, playing with the Washington Football Team. His last season with the team was Fitz's rookie year. He'd had a great career and Fitz considered an honor to have played with him. They'd spent that year hanging out in the weight room and the film room. It was Dre who'd taken a privileged, wide-eyed, white guy with raw talent under his wing and schooled him about the lay of the land the world calls the NFL. Fitz would always be grateful to his friend for looking out for him when he didn't have to.
"Where is your lovely wife?"
Dre took a sip from his beer but couldn't mask his smile. "She wasn't up to coming today. She hasn't been feeling well."
"I hope it's nothing serious," Fitz said, noticing the look of concern on Dre's face.
Dre shrugged. "Nothing that we didn't expect," he answered.
Fitz frowned. "I don't understand. You expected her to be under the weather?"
"It's just morning sickness," Dre said. "Unfortunately, it's lasting all day with her."
It took a moment for the words to register, but Fitz finally understood his friend's message. He smiled.
"Congratulations, man. I had no idea."
Dre's smile lit up the entire room. "Thank you. She's almost four months."
"I'm happy for you."
Dre nodded. "It feels good to finally get things right," he said. "A wife, a home and now a baby."
Fitz read his mentor's emotions.
"I'm so excited about this baby. I love Jada with all my heart. I couldn't ask for anything more."
The sincerity in Dre's words touched Fitz. Was it really possible to be that content? To have that much joy? To be settled and satisfied with a wife and family?
For so many years, he couldn't think beyond football. He'd spent almost half his life playing the game, starting when he'd gone away to military school in sixth grade. When he was on the field, the passion he had for the game gave him satisfaction and excitement. Back then, he couldn't fathom a life without playing football. Now that prospect was staring him in the face. How many more seasons did he have left? What would he be doing one year from now? Five years? Ten years? And who would he be doing it with?
"Excuse me. Can you direct me to the nearest bathroom, please?"
Both men turned to the voice and stared at the woman anxiously wringing her hands. It was apparent that she needed an immediate answer to her question.
There were currently over two hundred people on his property, and thanks to Dana, Fitz hadn't had a chance to make the rounds. If he had, he would have definitely made the effort to meet her. Her smooth, honey brown skin was highlighted because her hair was pulled back, and the deep coral color of her bathing suit was an amazing contrast to her coloring. The suit was conservative, but it was also intriguing and sexy without being old-fashioned. His perusal of her body took several seconds and it was apparent that whatever test he was giving her, she'd passed with flying colors. He smiled and waited for her to return the gesture. She didn't.
Fitz was a professional athlete which meant that just about everyone who came into his presence greeted him with a smile, even if it was fake. This beautiful petite woman, with the doe eyes, offered neither. As a matter of fact, she looked disinterested in prolonging any type of contact with him.
In spite of that, she was still gorgeous. Figuring her reaction was due to her current predicament, he dismissed her lack of response and offered his hand.
"I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm Fitz Grant."
Olivia looked at his hand and then back at his face. She made no effort to give him the customary response.
"Your assumption is that it would be a pleasure."
"Ouch," Dre said, looking first at Fitz and then at Olivia before finally shaking his head in amusement. He couldn't remember a time when any woman, after hearing Fitz introduce himself, had given him the cold shoulder. Usually, they couldn't contain their excitement.
Whether it was because they were interested in him, or just excited to meet a celebrity, the response was always positive. It was rare that a woman wasn't impressed by his name, looks or money.
"While I'd love to stay and see where this goes, I'm going to head out."
Dre made his exit and Fitz lowered his hand, waiting for her to explain her rude behavior. Instead, he got an indifferent stare. They stood looking at one another in silence.
"It must be hard to enjoy a party when you're walking around with such an attitude."
"My enjoyment or lack thereof, is none of your concern," Olivia responded.
"Oh, but it is," Fitz said, smiling, intrigued by her obvious irritation. "As the owner of this house and host of this party, I take a personal interest in whether or not my guests are having a good time."
"Lucky for me, I don't need your personal interest," Olivia said, using her last bit of patience on this man. "What I need is a restroom."
The two stood in a staring stand-off again.
Fitz had to admit that the conservative bathing suit and sarong was surprisingly appealing to him. There was an understated sexiness about it that couldn't be matched by skimpy clothes and the overexposure of skin. Her gold flat sandals were obviously worn for comfort. The minimal make-up she wore highlighted her doe eyes which were a beautiful shade of brown, almost hazel, and her high cheekbones. Summing her up, he realized that she was a breath of fresh air.
Olivia let out an exasperated sigh. "Never mind, I'll find it myself," she said, obviously annoyed with his attempt at a conversation.
Fitz smiled. "There are at least ten doors on this floor," he said. "Allow me to be your private tour guide."
Just as Olivia was about to answer, they heard the sound of clicking of heels.
"There you are," Dana said, putting her arm through Fitz's. "I've been waiting for you out by the pool. You didn't forget about me, did you?"
Yes, I did! "No, of course not," Fitz said, politely removing his arm from hers. They were not a couple and he didn't appreciate her giving anyone the impression that they were.
"Fitz gave me a private tour earlier," Dana said.
Olivia watched as the woman eyed her up and down, with indifference. Taking in the dark brown hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, the modest bathing suit and the light make-up, Dana dismissed her as no real threat.
Seething on the inside at the woman's brazen assessment of her, Olivia turned to Fitz. "Don't let me interrupt."
Fitz stepped away from Dana as she stood with her arms across her chest. It was obvious she didn't appreciate Olivia's presence.
"Dana, I'm going to be a good host and show Miss…" Fitz's words died off as he looked from Dana to Olivia.
"You didn't give me your name."
"No," Olivia said, "I didn't."
Fitz smiled at her words, almost wanting to laugh. For some reason, her response didn't surprise him. In reality, he should have been offended. She'd behaved as if she didn't like him, when she didn't even know him. He turned to Dana.
"I'm going to show Miss 'No, I didn't' to the nearest restroom. Why don't you go back out to the party and join your friends."
Looking at Fitz, Dana made a quick decision, realizing that now wasn't the time to make a scene. Instead, she kissed his cheek and gave him a big smile. "I'll see you outside."
Giving Olivia a fake smile, she turned and walked towards the doors to the patio, her heels clicking.
Fitz looked at Olivia. "Follow me," he said, and walked down a long hallway without waiting for her to respond. At the end of the hall, he opened the door to the powder room and stepped aside so she could enter.
He wasn't sure why, but her indifference made him curious, and slightly annoyed. He had long given up the huge ego, but for the first time in a long time he couldn't help asking himself: Doesn't she know who I am? Wasn't she impressed by my accomplishments? Is she really not going to tell me her name?
Thinking that this wasn't how he wanted their brief encounter to end, he put his hand out when she tried to close the door.
Shocked, Olivia glared at him. "I think I can handle it from here. Been doing it since I was three."
"So you were a late bloomer."
It was obvious he was teasing but she chose to ignore it and her expression remained the same. Clearing his throat, Fitz came to the conclusion that he'd just met the most uptight woman on earth. If this is what it took just to get her name, he could only imagine what it took to get to know her. His brain told him to cut his losses and move on. His mouth had other ideas.
"I was just wondering if you would tell me your name."
Fitz didn't recognize his own voice. The words were soft and gentle and spoken just above a whisper. Where did that come from?
"Why?"
"Because that's what people do when they meet for the first time. They exchange names."
"Then what?" she asked sharply.
Fitz had never thought about it in this way before. He had to wing his answer.
"Maybe I could..."
"You could what?" Olivia asked accusingly. She didn't mean to sound so harsh, but she remembered the woman waiting for him and it pissed her off that it mattered. "Give me a tour? Show me your big expensive house?" She didn't give him a chance to respond. "Oh, you already have someone for that. She's waiting for you as we speak."
Her sarcasm was a slap in the face. He'd never had to work this hard for a name. Actually, he rarely had to ask. Most women couldn't wait to introduce themselves. The lists of women who'd propositioned Fitz were endless. Why did this one matter so much? Realizing there was nothing more to say, he dropped his hand from the door.
"I guess I'll get back to my guests."
Olivia watched as he walked away before closing the door. She wanted to slam it but decided against it. Not because she was angry at him, but because she was angry at herself. Locking the door, she leaned her back against it and took in a deep breath. Get it together, girl.
X
When she'd approached the two men, the Black man was in her line of vision. It was only when she walked further down the hallway that she recognized the second man. His light brown hair, the dark blue shorts and white tee were a dead giveaway. He was the same man who'd been standing near the grill earlier with the group of women fighting over him.
She had no idea she was looking at Fitzgerald Grant, superstar quarterback for the Washington Football Team. It wasn't that she was an avid sports fan, but everyone in D.C., including her father and brother, were huge fans of the team and its superstar quarterback. The nation's capital loved him. Did he say this was his house? His party? After she'd found out the party was hosted by the Football Team, she didn't ask Joey about any details. She didn't think she'd be here for more than an hour. Now that she'd met the host, she tried to remember everything she'd ever heard or read about him.
Outside, she couldn't get a look at him because of the sun, but inside, there was nothing blocking her vision, and damn, the man was fine! The wavy hair, the piercing blue eyes, the sexy lopsided smile that showed off straight white teeth, and that body. The tee couldn't hide the well defined muscles of his arms and shoulders, and those defined calves. Whew. She'd had to stop herself from reaching out and feeling his arm when he'd offered her his hand.
Realizing she'd been standing against the door salivating over Fitzgerald Grant's body for almost five minutes, Olivia hurriedly took care of business and washed her hands. Making her way back down the hall, she quickly peeked into several rooms, wondering if she would run into him again. By the time she got to the patio doors, she realized her search was futile. Fitzgerald Grant was nowhere to be found. Was he with that woman? She quickly berated herself for even thinking about either of them, opened the glass door and headed back to the comfort of her chair, trying to convince herself that she couldn't care less what that man did with that, or any woman.
X
"Who was that?" Dana asked.
The question annoyed Fitz for several reasons. One, she had no right to ask. Two, he couldn't give her an answer if he wanted to. And three, he wasn't sure why he cared.
When the bathroom door closed in his face, he walked away but stopped and stood quietly for several seconds. Had that beautiful woman just dismissed him? Was she completely blasé about meeting him? Unable to accept the obvious answers to his questions, he stood in the same spot she'd found him in earlier. What the hell am I doing? She's going to think I'm crazy if she comes out and I'm still standing here? Sighing, he walked out to the patio doors and into the backyard to join his guests.
Currently standing away from the door, he had a perfect view to see her when she returned. He'd planned to watch her, not talk to her. But he couldn't help wondering. Had she come alone? With a boyfriend? He had to know.
Fitz turned to Dana, who stood pouting next to him. "I'm sorry, Dana, but your question is inappropriate."
The look on her face said she realized she was coming on too strong. When she reached for a drink from a waiter, Fitz took that as his cue to leave. "Enjoy the party. I need to tend to my other guests."
"Don't you mean tend to her."
Fitz stopped and turned to face her again. Refusing to justify her question with a response, he chose to be tactful.
"There are many guests here, and as host, I want to have the opportunity to mingle, meet and greet as many people as I can."
He took a step closer.
"So let me be clear, whoever I spend my time with is none of your concern. Now, you'll understand if I'll have to speak with you another time. Have a good evening."
Fitz turned and walked across the lawn toward the DJ table, his eyes moving back and forth, searching for the doe-eyed beauty with the sharp tongue and huge chip on her shoulder.
X
"She came out about three minutes ago."
"Where did she go?" Fitz asked, scanning the crowd.
"Wow," Dre said. "You met her ten minutes ago and you're acting like this? Who is she?"
"I'm not sure," Fitz said, hating to admit the truth but seeing so reason to lie to his friend.
"I'm not following, man."
Fitz sighed deeply and looked at Dre. "She wouldn't tell me her name." As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized how pathetic they sounded.
Dre threw back his head and laughed, loudly. "I like her already."
"Cut me some slack, Dre," Fitz said, looking past him to the dance floor.
"She's not there," Dre said. Turning Fitz's body to the right and pointing. "She's right there."
His doe-eyed beauty sat on a lounger watching the crowd on the dance floor. He noticed she was sitting alone and there was a bottle of water and one glass on the table next to her. Did that mean she'd come alone? Deciding to find out why she was so rude to him, he headed in her direction.
"Good luck, man," Dre said in an amused voice. "I have a feeling you're going to need it."
Fitz had only taken a few steps when he was stopped by a college teammate who currently played for the Bears. He half listened to his friend as he watched Olivia. She was still sitting in the same spot, but with the growing crowd, if she moved he would lose her again. He wasn't going to let her get away.
"You okay?" Nick asked, noticing Fitz's strange behavior. "You look a little preoccupied."
"I'm fine," he said, forcing his attention to Nick. "Just want to make sure everyone's having a good time."
"Well I sure am. I was on my way to the bar."
"Where's Charmaine?" Fitz asked, looking around for Nick's longtime girlfriend.
"We're not together anymore," Nick answered. "She couldn't handle the pressure and we broke up over a month ago."
"I'm really sorry, Nick"
"Don't sweat it, man, I'm not."
Fitz watched his old friend walk away, wondering if the trade-off was worth it. The game and all that came with it in exchange for love. He'd decided early in his career that it wasn't fair to put a woman through that. He knew enough about himself to know that there would never be an option. The game would always take precedence. The choice was simple. Until he held that Super Bowl trophy in his hands and wore a championship ring on his finger, there was no way he could commit to a woman.
With the upcoming season possibly his last, this rang more true. That brought him back to the doe-eyed beauty. What would he do if he went over to her? He might be able to spend the next two months getting to know her, but when the middle of July came around and training camp began, he would only have time for one priority: football.
After witnessing her challenging stance and being the recipient of her verbal take down, he concluded that she wasn't the type of woman that would be okay with coming in second no matter the issue or the man.
Suddenly, the reality of the situation hit him. He would go and talk to her and then what? A quick fling? For some reason, he already knew that a quick fling wasn't her style. If she wanted more, how could he offer it at this time? Until he hung up his number seven jersey for the last time, it was probably best to leave her alone. Giving her one last look, he turned in the opposite direction.
TBC