Chapter 6

Fitz drove slowly up to the well lighted 6 bedroom home he grew up in. He circled around the driveway once and decided to head back down the path and just go home to his apartment. He promised his mother he would visit, though, and he didn't want to disappoint her.

He stopped now in front of one of the six garage doors. He rubbed his forehead and tried to shake this feeling. It was a feeling he had never had before in his life and he was trying to establish if it was real or not. Hell, who was he kidding, he was trying to establish what the hell it was.

He looked down at his phone, the screen darkened a bit, but lit up brightly when he touched it. There it was, the background of him and Liv at the picnic today. As soon as Liv's door closed to her house and he was seat belted into his car, he looked at the pictures they took together.

Without hesitation, he made it his lock screen and background pic. He couldn't get enough of looking at her, at seeing that glisten in her eyes. He took a deep breath before driving away from her house and blew a breath out of his bottom lip. She was so caring, so understanding, just so gentle. Thinking back to her lying with him on that blanket in the grass and sharing stories, it meant everything to Fitz.

No one had really listened to him. Well, they listened to him because he was the boss, but listened to him as a person, as what was consuming him inside and little by little he felt himself comfortable to open up to Olivia. There was something about her, something he had never seen in anyone before.

The only other person that truly listened to him was his mother, and that's who he was here for. Deciding against leaving, he put the car in park, leaving it in front of the garage door, rather than pulling it in and made his way up the giant staircase to the front door.

Before entering, he looked up. The doors were gigantic and maybe he never noticed it before because he didn't have a need to, but they consumed him now. He took a bite of his bottom lip, deep in thought, and wondered how Nathaniel would feel looking at these doors.

As he opened the door, he called in to announce himself. "Albert, mom, it's Fitz. Just came to visit mom." Albert was their butler for as long as Fitz could remember. Although he was aging, he still did his job diligently and proudly. He was there within moments of the door opening.

"I heard the motion from the porch camera, Fitz. Your mother is in the study reading. I don't think she believed you would show up." Albert tipped his head. "Have a good night Mr. Grant."

For once, Fitz had nothing sarcastic or cruel to say back to Albert. He usually told him he'd seen statues less stiff than him. One time he told Albert he saw him in the park where Fitz was playing basketball. "I was not at the park, Mr. Grant, I assure you that." He said in the calmest voice.

"Oh, that's right, the statue dedication was today." He had tapped Albert on the shoulder. "Though it was you for a moment." Fitz laughed and Albert just blinked and walked away.

"You have a good night as well, Albert." Fitz said back. Albert squinted at him, not sure if it was really Fitz.

"Sir, Mr. Grant, did you suffer a head injury today?" Albert asked in all seriousness.

Fitz had to laugh, and good laugh out loud, and looked at him. "Good one, Albert, guess I deserved that. No, I can assure you, no head injury." Fitz turned and walked to the study.

Giving one knock to the study door, he opened it at the same time as the knock and said "Mom, it's Fitz. You awake?"

His mother put the book down and stood from the couch. "Fitz, I didn't think you would come, don't you have the Fleming 50th tonight?"

"Yeah," he said, giving her a hug. "I stopped there and headed over here; dad isn't home yet?"

Sarah waved her hand in the air. "He golfs all day then goes drinking and cigar smoking half the night. The later he comes home smelling like that, the better. Come, sit down. Tell me all about that report about the shelter." Sarah smiled sitting with her son.

As he went to sit, his phone fell out of his pocket right at Sarah's feet and she picked it up, noticing the screen turn on with her touch. She tilted her head a bit, never seeing a picture before on her son's phone, and as she handed the phone back to Fitz, she asked "Who is that?"

Fitz took a deep breath, looking at the same thing she just saw a second ago. "That is Olivia Pope, she runs the shelter and the food pantry I was at. In fact, it was her idea to leak those pictures to the press, the ones that were on the news report last night."

"And she's serious enough to you to put her on your phone?" Sarah looked at him. "When did you meet her?"

Fitz sat back now on the couch, leaning his head up. "That's just it, mom, I met her yesterday, just yesterday, and…." He stopped. He gave his lap a pat looking now at his mother. "I don't know. She just left an impression on me."

Sarah nodded, seeing something in her boy she had never seen before. He had feelings for someone, and he was happy. He wasn't angry or on the out to get someone mood that he's usually in, and Sarah was loving every minute of it.

"The pictures." Sarah said, nodding towards the phone. "When did you take the pictures?"

Fitz looked down now at the phone resting on the couch cushion between them. "Today." He smiled, without even realizing it. "Olivia surprised me with a small picnic at a park. Funny thing, the park is across the river with a view of all these houses. It's her thinking place." He took a sighing laugh. She always sat looking at these places, yet Fitz never once looked across that river and wondered about that side.

"Enough about me, how are you mom? How's the leg?" Fitz changed the subject.

"The leg is fine, just a bruise, nothing to be concerned about." Sarah had a stumble at the bottom of the marble staircase a few weeks ago, and landed right on her thigh, hard. At first, they thought she may have broken her hip, but it was just a bad bump, accompanied by a bruise.

"I've never known you to be the picnic type, Fitzgerald, I thought you were more of the meaty barbeque type." She wanted to know more about Olivia. She seemed to bring out something in Fitz no one else ever could.

"It was a nice change." Fitz shrugged. "I saw Mrs. Fleming tonight when I stopped by the event. She looks good, Mr. Fleming looks good. Fifty years of marriage. That's quite a feat."

"Yes, it is. Your father and I are one shy of 35. It's not the easiest thing and certainly not for the weak at heart, especially the woman's part. Olivia looks like a strong minded woman."

Without realizing it, Fitz's eyes smiled. "Oh, she is. She writes her own books, she helps in the community, and she's won several humanitarian awards."

Sarah put her arm around her son's shoulders. "She sees the good in you, doesn't she, Fitzgerald."

He licked his lips, felt his eyes get a bit teary. "She does." He nodded. "I acted like a jerk, per usual, when I first met her, yet it never seemed to bother her. She didn't know me at all, yet she treated me with such grace and kindness. She even defended me a few times." Fitz daydreamed now to the fireplace remembering the words he heard to her father when she was on the phone with him in the store.

"Sounds wonderful." Sarah smiled for her son.

"She even got me to go into a grocery store, if that surprises you." Fitz looked at his mom, her soft blue eyes smiling with happiness.

"Come," She wrapped her arm in his. "Let's go have some ice cream before your father comes home. I want to hear all about how you met her and what your next move will be." Sarah smiled walking with Fitz. Olivia was good, she could feel it, and she felt a feeling of comfort she hadn't felt before for Fitz.

After Liv shut her door, she walked quickly past the living room, hearing the television on in the background and headed straight for her room. Maybe her father had fallen asleep in his chair.

"Olivia, not so fast." Eli said.

"Or maybe not," she whispered to herself. She turned on her heel and backtracked to the living room. "What's up dad?"

"You, uh, ready for your interview tomorrow. This is a big deal, Olivia." Eli warned.

"I know, and yes, I'm ready. I've been ready since I was 12 for this interview."

She saw Eli smile and she sighed some relief. "That's what I like, confidence. Abby is picking you up in the morning?"

"Yes, she'll be here at 7, giving us plenty of time to be an hour early to Destiny's office. Abby seems to think that's a good idea, to get there early."

Eli shrugged, "she has a valid point. What pictures are you bringing?"

"Well, considering you had Malcolm snap some unsuspecting ones last night, I was thinking a few of them and my college graduation pictures. I would think it would be an author picture, no?"

"That's what I'm hoping for, I think a contract is waiting." Eli smiled. He saw Liv's phone light up, and Liv lost interest in their conversation and looked down at the phone.

"Just Abby reminding me to be ready by 7 tomorrow, your facial expression says it all, it's not Fitz."

"Olivia, what do you see in that boy?" Eli rubbed his face in frustration and at the sound of his name.

Olivia rolled her eyes, what she had been doing since the age of ten and Eli told her she couldn't play tackle football on the mud field in her Sunday dress. "He's not a boy, Dad, he's a successful businessman."

"An inherited businessman." Eli reminded her.

"He makes it work without his father. His father is in real estate."

"Yes, who owns the buildings Fitz oversees. Why does he feel the need to get into trouble? He's just a spoiled rich kid from the hills."

"Maybe you should be asking yourself why trouble always finds him. He's not a spoiled rich kid, he has a heart. You know he bought Nathaniel a new Lego set? He just met Nathaniel last night, and Fitz went home and ordered him a new Lego set. He cares, dad, and that's what I see in him."

"Olivia."

"Dad, I'm done. I happen to like Fitz so much that I hope to see him again very soon. If you'll excuse me, I want to get things ready for the interview." She leaned down, giving Eli a kiss on the cheek. "I love you dad, have a good night."

Eli wasn't so sure about this. He did know once his daughter set her mind on something there was no changing it. He didn't want her to get hurt, but she was right, he didn't know Fitz, just what he had heard in the news, read on the internet, and he wasn't being fair judging him on that. He raised his daughter not to judge others, he shouldn't do it. Deep in his heart, he knew he would support her, cautiously, but support her.

Liv was standing now in front of her closet looking at plenty of clothes but having nothing to wear. She grabbed the same outfit twice before putting it back to grab it again. "I don't know," she said to herself. Every time she looked, she saw his eyes, felt his lips, and that hug, oh that hug, she could still feel his arms around her.

Liv was so consumed in thinking about Fitz she didn't hear the phone buzzing on her desk. Abby had taken to calling now instead of texting. "Abby." Liv answered.

"What are you wearing to the interview tomorrow, I was thinking the pants from Gracie's and that white blouse that buttons down the back."

"I was thinking more of a blue outfit." Liv was still thinking of Fitz's eyes.

"Blue, what do you mean blue, you're not wearing blue, Liv." Abby said.

"His eyes are such an amazing blue Abby." Liv forgot about the clothes and fell flat onto her bed.

"Did you see him today? I thought you weren't going to see him?"

"We had a picnic at Lookout Meadow."

"YOU DID NOT! Did you show him the art? Did you tell him the apple story? OH MY GOD, you did. LIV!"

"I know, Abby, he's just…I don't know."

"You kissed him."

"Three times." Olivia assured her.

"Oh, we need a good chat, but on the way to Destiny's office. Come on Liv, focus, clothes."

Liv stood up, "ok, ok, clothes, I have the outfit you said." Liv looked at it up and down. "I like it, with the long necklace, the silver one with the black gemstones. What if I came off too strong. I initiated the kiss." She took a deep breath, not even thinking maybe she spooked him.

"You did? Look at you, Miss Goody Goody initiating the kiss with the bad boy." Abby laughed.

"He's not a bad boy. Anyway, what if I did come off, I don't know." She shrugged, "desperate."

"Ok, the second kiss, who initiated that?" Abby stayed on the line for her friend.

"Well, I pulled away not believing I kissed him, then he…." Liv stopped thinking of his tender touch under her chin. "Then he kissed me."

"I doubt that he thought you were desperate then. Did he tell you not to touch him again?"

"No, not at all. In fact, when we left each other, I leaned up to him and it was synchronized."

The squeal that came from Abby was concerning. "Oh, Liv, this is great. Look you're set for tomorrow right. You're not going to call Destiny by the name of Fitz, are you? When are you seeing him again?"

"I don't know, we haven't made any plans." Liv sighed, "And, no, Abby, of course I'm not going to call her Fitz." Liv laughed. "The clothes are out, the make up is ready, I have my notes, and well, that's about it, then I wait for you."

"Perfect. See you at 7. Oh, you are spilling your guts, three times again. You just met him, and you kissed him, I think I'm still in shock."

"I know. I said I was somewhat aggressive." Liv put her finger on her bottom lip, maybe too aggressive, she thought again, what if she scared him away and she didn't see him again.

"Ok, I'm going to sleep." Abby answered.

"Wait, how's my god daughter?" Liv never missed a chance to ask.

"She craved a hamburger tonight, cooked rare and now I am paying the price."

"Anything for my girl. I will see you in the morning."

Fitz was lying now staring at the glare of his clock in his bedroom. It read 2:15 and for the life of him he couldn't understand why he wasn't sleeping. He was so tired. He had several meetings coming up in a few hours with clients he loathed.

He reached over to the nightstand and pulled the box into the bed with him, he looked at it by the light of his phone and saw the Lego set. He had no idea if it was age appropriate or if the boy would even like it, but it had colors, and they could make patterns.

Fitz laughed. "2:30 in the morning and I'm thinking about a kid who lives in a shelter." He shook his head. What he really wanted to do was text Olivia, but it was late, and she had to be up and ready for her interview.

He placed the box back on his nightstand and turned to his left side, bringing his phone with him, looking at the lighted picture. That smile, that beautiful smile that melted the heart he never thought he had. He rubbed his eyes. "God, Livvie, I am no good for you, you have to see that."

Fitz would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't surprised by the kiss. He had wanted to do that, but he wasn't so tough after all, and couldn't bring himself to do that first. He just hoped she didn't feel what her squirming did to him. When she moved around like that between his legs, it woke his dick up.

He closed his eyes now, licking his lips as just the thought of her brought his dick back to life again. He gave it a little stroke, just thinking of her, that smooth brown skin, and he took a deep breath. The things she did to him, the way just the thought of her made his body react.

Why did he feel so attracted to her? Once he pulled up in front of the food pantry after their first encounter, he knew for certain he didn't want her meeting someone else, someone else like him. He was almost in protection mode, not wanting her to fall for a guy like him. So, why then, did he think he had any right to think she liked him.

Maybe the kisses were to make him feel better, feel like she was someone who cared, and maybe his hesitation…" Stop, you're making yourself crazy." Yes, he wanted to text her, just to let her know he was thinking about her and rooting for her to get the contract for the book, but he didn't want to seem overwhelmingly aggressive, like he needed her, but he did.

On the other side of the river, the television station was on, the one that Eli fell asleep to on his chair. Olivia never got up to turn it off. Eli was comfortable sleeping in his chair, she let him sleep in his chair. The TV was always backgrounding noise that eventually lulled Liv to sleep as well.

Not tonight though, her brain was in overdrive. She bit the bottom of her lip in the corner. What did he think of that kiss? Did it make Liv look too vulnerable. Remembering what she felt when she moved around sitting with him on the blanket. How could she forget? He reacted to her body, and she felt it. Playing it off like she didn't know, but it gave her such a turn on, knowing he wanted her like she wanted him. She picked up her phone, clicked the screen on and was about to text him when she noticed the time.

"Yeah, Liv, go ahead, text the guy at 2:15 in the morning, then he'll really think you're crazy. He has to work tomorrow, a full schedule." Liv closed her eyes. She took a deep, long breath. "Just wait for him to text you his schedule, don't come off as needing him," but she did.

She needed to feel his arms around her for longer than one second. She wanted him to know she could see he wasn't the person they were all warning her about. Liv turned to her right side, taking her phone with her.

Clicking on the google icon, she clicked a few of the articles she saved about him, trying desperately to see the wrong on his part, but she couldn't. Instead, she went to the pictures Malcolm sent to her of Fitz with Nathaniel.

Little Nathaniel and the smile he's going to have when Fitz gives him a new box of Legos. All Nathaniel knew were the used blocks at the shelter. To have a box to call his own would mean everything to the four-year-old. "And that's not from someone they would call a bad boy."

She rubbed her finger down the screen touching his gorgeous face, decided against texting him, and closed her eyes remembering the wonderful time she had with him today at their little picnic. With those happy thoughts she fell asleep ready to face the day ahead.

HONK, HONK. Liv heard the loud horn from Abby's car outside. "Geez, ok, ok, Abby, give me a second." She knew her friend couldn't hear her, but she just needed to slip on one more shoe and she would be out the door.

Her father left a note he was going to the shelter before heading right to the bank. DC had an appointment and couldn't be there for the breakfast crowd. Now with Abby honking like a nut, Liv grabbed her laptop bag and flew the door open.

"It's only 645, you said 7." Liv said as she was looking down at the stairs trying to get to the car without falling face first down the stairs.

She headed straight and put her head up only to bump right into Fitz who was leaning against his car, arms crossed. When she couldn't stop herself, he uncrossed his arms and put both his hands on either one of her hips.

"Whoa, slow down there, you're going to hurt yourself." He looked down at her smiling. "Hi" he said in the cutest voice.

"Hi" her mouth slightly ajar, shocked to see him. "What are you..." She stopped looking around for Abby's car, but didn't see it. "Why are you here?"

He reached into the front seat and pulled out the Lego box. "I wasn't sure when I would see you again or at least get to the shelter again, so I wanted to give this to you so Nathaniel wouldn't have to wait for it. I know he's excited about it."

Liv tilted her head, smiling at him. "Aww, Fitz, that's so sweet, but I really do want you to give it to him. Trust me, I know he's excited, but he'll want it to come from you." Was that really why he was here at 645 in the morning, Liv didn't think so, but didn't want to ask.

Fitz shrugged. "Fair enough. I'm on my way to get Felix so he can have his car back, well his work car anyway. You have to promise to meet him one day. He has you to thank for pushing me to give him his job back."

Liv nodded, "ok, deal." They just looked at each other now, a bit of awkward silence, when a car turned onto her street. "There's Abby." Liv smiled. "Come meet her."

Before Liv could take his hand and guide him to the car, Abby jumped out. "Keys, Liv, I need the keys, this child is leaning on my bladder, I need to p…" Abby looked at Fitz. "Uhh, excuse me, I ummm, need to use the bathroom, your keys, please, Liv."

Liv tossed them to Abby who was halfway up the stairs, moving mighty fast for a woman seven months pregnant, and Liv watched as the door closed. She turned back towards Fitz. "That's Abby."

"Seems fun. What is she having?"

"A girl. I'm going to be her godmother. I can't wait."

"I think it's the perfect choice." He put the Lego box back down on the passenger seat and turned back to Liv. "Look, I just stopped by to give you the…" He stopped, he wasn't going to lie to her, ever again. "I wanted to see you again and wish you luck on the interview." This time he got a bit aggressive and wrapped his arm around her waist.

He pulled her into him and looked down at her luscious lips. He rubbed his finger down her cheek, that perfect smooth skin. In a baritone, deep voice, he said, "and to give you a comforting kiss."

Liv's eyes were already closed, forced closed by the touch of his finger down her cheek, her body reacting now to him, and she felt his warm lips meet hers. It was a gentle kiss, just like the others, no tongue, just a friendly, yet seductive kiss.

They opened their eyes together and Liv put her head down, but he used his finger to lift her chin back up. "You got this, Livvie, your writing is wonderful." He licked his lips and she nodded, backing away just a bit.

"Ahh, that felt." Abby paused, she knew she was interrupting something. "Refreshing."

"Abby, this is Fitzgerald Grant, owner of FTG Banquet Hall where we had your shower on Saturday. Fitz, this is Abigail Whelan, my best friend in the whole wide world, the apple to my tree." Liv smiled.

"Hmm, you look better in person than you do in the pictures on the internet. I will admit I googled you, quite a few times. Liv here says all the hype is a misunderstanding, a misuse of the social media power, and if she says that I believe it. Pleased to meet you Fitz."

Fitz rolled his eyes up. "Social media is a wonderful thing, I guess. That's why I'm not on it at all. Says things that everyone believes. Glad you don't believe most of it, even if it is only Livvie's words convincing you."

Abby's mouth dropped wide open. "Livvie?" She turned her head to Liv. "He nicknamed you already?"

Fitz scratched his temple, not realizing he even said it. "Little first time we met humor I guess." Fitz looked at Liv.

"Does she call you Tom?" Abby winked. Liv put her head in both her hands.

"We should get going, Abby."

"See, Liv stays off social media too, that's why she had no clue who you were. Would you have still gotten in the car?"

"Ok, time to go." Liv pulled Abby's arm. "Get in the car, I'll be there in a minute."

"Nice meeting you Fitz. Stay out of the news."

Fitz nodded, with his eyes up, "will do, likewise meeting you."

Once the car door closed Liv looked at Fitz. "She likes you. Thank you for coming."

"You're welcome. I'll tell you I was secretly hoping Abby didn't show up and you needed a ride to the interview, but no such luck." Fitz smirked.

Liv was flattered. "I'll text you after the interview. I know you have a busy schedule with meetings and all, but I'll still text."

"Please do. I'll be around and about going to different halls checking maintenance and all, I don't want a repeat of Saturday's pipe burst."

"Well, you have Ramzi now, so it wouldn't be that dreadful." She reached for his hand. "See you soon." Just like that, she was in Abby's car and Fitz was a distance away in her passenger mirror.

"What the hell was that, why was he here?" Abby couldn't hold back another minute.

"I think it was to see me." Liv left out the part about Nathaniel's' gift. She was hoping it was to see her anyway.

"Were you, when I came out, were you just finishing another kiss?"

"Yeah." Liv wouldn't even look at her friend, "one that he definitely initiated." She felt his hand on her waist, pushing her to him, to feel the closeness of his body, this time her body reacted and thank God Fitz couldn't see that, although she thinks he knew.

"Ok, head on straight little miss falling in love, we're here." Abby looked out the passenger window with Liv.

"This is the big time, Abby, this is it."

"You are so deserving of this, Liv, I can't wait. Destiny Howard is no joke, she's big time and for her to call you in, that's big." Liv nodded to Abby's words.

Destiny wasn't a young publisher, she was seasoned. She has been around a long time and for her to call Liv in, it was exciting. Everyone thinks she's on the cusp of retiring, but taking on a young author like Olivia, maybe she isn't.

Abby sat in the lobby pulling at her lip, looking at her phone, and taking deep breaths. Destiny had walked in, saw Olivia in the lobby with Abby and was surprisingly happy to see her there early.

"Well, looks like someone is motivated." Destiny reached her hand out to Olivia. "Destiny Howard, Olivia, I've heard nothing but wonderful things about you."

Liv stood up. "Good morning, Ms. Howard, likewise, I've heard only the best about you. This is my best friend, Abby. She came for moral support."

"Always good to have a best friend." Destiny put her hand out to Abby. "Shall we begin?" She lead Liv to her office and Liv turned to Abby and folded her hands into a heart shape.

Liv immediately closed Destiny's door after the interview and talk. Before going to Abby, she found a quiet corner and slouched down into it, holding back her tears as she dialed a number.

"Come on, Liv, give me the news." Her father's confident voice at the other end. "Baby Girl, you there?"

"20,000 dollars, dad, TWENTY THOUSAND! A five-year contract, one book per year and 10,000 more each year." Liv just stopped and cried some more. "Plus, whatever, you'll have to dig into the details."

"Why do you sound so upset, Liv, this is… YES!"

"I know, dad, I know, but it's all because you believed in me."

"You believed in yourself; I just pushed you along. I am going to tell Emmie and DC. I am so proud of you, we'll celebrate later, I'm cooking your favorite dinner."

Liv looked down at the signed contract in her hand. She knew she should be out there telling Abby, but she found herself texting Fitz. She was texting someone she didn't even know three days ago and telling him the best news of her life.

"I got a deal, my book is going to be published and we take it from there. Can't wait to see you to tell you all about it."

She clicked send and a text came back instantly. Was he waiting for her text? Liv smiled reading it.

"I never had a doubt, Livvie, I'm so happy for you. Let me know a good night to take you to dinner to celebrate." FTG

Liv walked slowly into the lobby as Abby looked up, Liv held up the contract. Abby jumped to her feet, forgetting the seven months she had inside her. "YES, YES, YES! My best friend is an author."

Liv pulled her into the biggest hug. "Thank you for pushing me all these years, Abs."

"Love and a contract let's go celebrate. Pick a place, anyplace for lunch, my treat." Abby said.

"What do you mean love? Fitz? Abby, not love, intrigue."

"Whatever. Where to?"

Secretly hoping it was one of the venues he was stopping at, Liv looked at Abby. "Let's head to the hills and eat at the Atrium."

"Whoa." Abby rubbed her belly. "Your godmother going big, no Christmas gifts for you the first year." Abby laughed. "The Atrium it is."

Upon arriving at the Atrium, Ernie recognized Olivia right away. He dashed over to help her himself. "Ms. Pope, pleasure to see you again." He looked at Abby. "Table for two?"

"Yes, please, Ernie, good to see you, thank you. This is Abby." Ernie nodded and led them to a table not too far from the door. "Is this alright, Ms. Pope?"

"Please, Ernie, call me Liv or Olivia, this is perfect, thank you."

"Mr. Grant isn't here; do you know if he's on his way here?" Ernie asked nervously.

"No, Ernie, I don't."

He left the menus and walked away. Abby leaned closer to Liv so she could whisper. "You see, his workers fear him. This is one of his places, isn't it? Miss I'm not in love." Abby smirked and looked at her menu, not seeing the woman who stopped at the table.

She looked directly at Olivia and Olivia could swear those blue eyes of hers were passed down to Fitz, they looked just like his. The woman limped over, and then grabbed Liv's table for stability. Liv jumped up and took the woman's hand. "Are you alright Ma'am, why don't you sit." Liv put her hand out to where she was just sitting.

"Oh, thank you, dear, thank you. I have a bad leg and sometimes it just gives out, I think I can…" She tried to stand upright, but lost her balance again, this time Liv was able to catch her and guided her into the seat.

Ernie ran over with another chair, concerned. The woman gave Ernie a pat on the hand before he could speak. "I'm fine Ernie, please, just a glass of water so I can get my strength up. Tell the ladies in the back I'll be in shortly. I want to speak to Olivia Pope, here." Sarah Grant smiled as she saw Olivia take a seat next to her.

Liv looked questionably at her. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"

"Not yet." Sarah looked over at Abby and nodded a greeting. "I'm Sarah, Sarah Grant, I'm Fitzgerald's mother." She smiled turning back to Olivia. "I believe I have some thanking to do to you."

Liv looked at Abby, as shocked as she was. She looked back at Fitz's mother. "Very nice to meet you Mrs. Grant, you raised a wonderful son."

"Please call me Sarah, and those are words I rarely hear anyone say, Fitz was right about you." Ernie put the water in front of her as she picked it up and sipped it.

Abby gave Liv a little nudge with a shrug. Liv shrugged back. How did Fitz's mom know who she was? As Sarah began to speak again, Liv thought what an interesting lunch this was going to be.