TROTD - Chapter Ten: After All This Time

            Fitz settled into his seat next to Heather in first class. He pulled out his cell phone and sent a quick text to Olivia. Heather watched him attentively, considering what she wanted to say. She saw the way he looked at Olivia the night before at the restaurant, it was the same expression he exhibited when he got out of the car, and he was wearing it again now. Fitz tucked his phone into his pocket and pulled out the Washington Post he’d brought to read during the flight.

“So, we’re not going to talk about this?” Heather finally broke the awkward silence that had surrounded them since her father stepped out of Olivia’s car.

            Fitz folded the newspaper and tucked it back into his carryon without looking in her direction, “What do you want to talk about?”

“You’re going to pretend that I didn’t see you kissing Olivia?” she kept her voice low lest they be overheard by an eager person close by.

“I’m not pretending anything,” Fitz was surprised to find himself taking the tough route when dealing with Heather, “It’s my business who I kiss.”

“It affects me too” Heather insisted. She put her hand on his arm before she continued, “Dad, Ellie and I are adults, we know you and Mom don’t have a real marriage but you’re still my father. I want to know what’s going on in your life. If Olivia is part of your life she’ll be a part of my life. I don’t have the right to tell you what to do but don’t I have a right to know?”

“And now you know” Fitz felt the pressure of the coming week increasing. He had anticipated how difficult it would be to talk with Megan but for some reason he thought Ellie and Heather would be more understanding. He couldn’t fathom that anyone wouldn’t like Olivia but now he was faced with the realization that his daughters would likely feel bad for their mother and might not like the idea of him dating.

“How long has this been going on?” Heather asked the question hesitantly, wondering if she really wanted an answer.

“Several months” Fitz admitted, finally meeting Heather’s gaze, “It wasn’t something we planned. I know it sounds clichéd but it’s true. I don’t know what it is or where it’s going but I know it’s real. I wouldn’t have disrupted our lives like this if I didn’t think my relationship with Olivia was something.”

“Does Mom know?” Heather cringed involuntarily when she asked the question. The majority of her being wanted to end the conversation without asking questions but that small sliver of her needed to know where things stood with her parents.

“I told her I met Olivia and that I care about her” Fitz’s voice took on a sad tone as he thought back to the phone conversation he had with Megan. He thought of her crying and asking him why. The week was going to be difficult to say the least.

“What did she say?” Heather surprised herself with the question, “Are you getting a divorce? Who else knows?”

“We’re going to discuss it more in person this week” Fitz tried to explain his plan, “No one else knows.  I think there are people who suspect but no one else knows for sure.”

“What did Mom say when you told her?” Fitz hated the look of fear and desolation on Heather’s face. She was an adult but in that moment she looked like the eight year old whose dog had died or the high school junior whose prom date cancelled at the last minute. When those pains happened in her life he swore he protect her, never let her feel that pain again. Now he sat just a foot away from her as the source of her pain. He and Megan had made their arrangement with Ellie and Heather in mind but maybe their plan had been shortsighted, maybe they should have divorced years ago. Instead they waited, put it off, separated their lives. Megan had found a way to live within the confines of their agreement, why couldn’t he? He’d asked himself that very question so many times since he met Olivia. He tried to make it a simple fling, about sex or lust, but every passing day told him it was real and it made him feel weak. Megan was strong and he was weak, that was what he felt.

“She was surprised, upset” such a simple explanation for the intense conversation he’d shared with Megan.

“How does Olivia feel about all of this? I mean, she knows about Mom, right?” Heather had no idea who was asking the questions that were coming out of her mouth. She felt protective of her mother but she could see her father was happy. Her parents had always had a civil relationship though she had trouble remembering when it had been anything more than a friendship or business arrangement.

“She knows, she didn’t at first” Fitz stammered thinking back to the night Olivia found out about Megan, “but she found out and then she barely spoke to me but we worked past it.”

“But how does she feel about you?” he heard a measure of protectiveness in her voice.

“We care about each other” the words didn’t truly capture how he felt or how he suspected Olivia felt but it was the best he could do.

            Heather nodded slowly and turned to her laptop concentrating on the column she was writing. She wanted to ask her father more questions but she wasn’t sure how to ask them. She wanted to know what was different about Olivia. She wanted to know if he really saw a future with her and, if he did, would Olivia want to have kids. She wanted to ask questions that had probably never crossed his mind.

            Fitz spent the remainder of the flight returning emails and exchanging information with Edison about the restaurant’s opening night. He read the Post and listened to music in an effort to keep his mind off of Olivia and the daunting weekend ahead.  Several fans approached for autographs which he gladly signed. By the time the plane landed he felt hopeful and content, ready to face what had to be accomplished.

X-X

            Olivia couldn’t help but laugh at Abby. They had been at lunch for forty-five minutes and Abby hadn’t stopped talking about Charlie long enough to do much else other than order her meal and sip her wine.

“Can we please talk about something else?” Olivia begged, “People are actually staring at you.”

“Sorry, yeah, what do you want to talk about” Abby’s green eyes were so bright and she was actually glowing. Being in a relationship definitely looked good on Abby. Olivia wondered if Abby noticed anything different about her since she started seeing Fitz.  She wanted so badly to tell Abby and gush about how amazing Fitz was but she knew the timing wasn’t right.

“Do you want to do our normal holiday party and bar circuit?” Olivia hoped hanging out with Abby would help keep her mind off of Fitz.

“Sure, but is it okay if Charlie meets us out at the bar?” Olivia figured Abby would find some way to include Charlie but she couldn’t blame her. Given the opportunity she’d be spending time with Fitz and she knew it.

“Definitely, sounds fun” Olivia smiled.

X-X

            The car pulled up to his apartment building and Fitz stepped out onto the blustery street. Heather followed him from the car, Fitz laden with both of their suitcases as well as his carryon. They reached the penthouse and Fitz breathed a sigh of relief. Though the apartment was certainly not home it was comfortable and familiar, preferable to the house in Maine. He hadn’t been to the house they had formerly shared as a family in at least five years. When he and Megan first struck their deal he missed the house and the grounds surrounding it but he soon became accustomed to the pace of the house in California and his apartment in the city.

“Home sweet home” he lamented plopping a bag down on the couch. Heather wheeled her suitcase to her bedroom finally leaving Fitz an opportunity to call Olivia. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and walked into the kitchen. His fingers trembled slightly while he dialed her number. He listened to the phone ring once, twice, then her dulcet voice.

“Hello?”

“Hi Gorgeous” she could hear the smile in his voice. He sounded happy and relieved.

“Hi” she returned his greeting.

“We made it to the apartment”

“I thought you were going to call when you landed” she tried to sound pouty but was sure he could hear the silly grin on her face.

“I didn’t want to talk in front of Heather” he admitted, “It would be weird to say all of the mushy things I want to say with my daughter next to me.”

“What kind of mushy things?” she wondered aloud her voice becoming suddenly breathy.

“Like how much I miss your kisses” he closed his eyes and pictured Olivia nibbling on her lower lip, “and how much I will miss your body next to mine tonight when I climb into bed.”

“Personally I just miss your wine cellar” she quipped, her teeth grazing her lower lip.

“You’re just using me for my booze?” he laughed a robust laugh thankful that she seemed to be in good spirits, “I feel so cheap.”

            Her giggle warmed his heart. She eased back into the cushions of the couch and tucked her legs underneath her. Her requisite glass of wine sat on the end table and CNBC was muted on the television.

“You found me out” she sounded young and carefree, a side he felt grateful she shared with him, “I’m only after your priceless wine collection.”

“Smartass” his voice became low and thick with yearning, “I miss the taste of wine on your lips.”

            She wanted to tell him how much she missed him but she feared she would betray her true feelings. She could joke and pretend to be happy but she didn’t think she had it in her to have a serious discussion about what she missed about him and just how much.

“What are your plans for tonight?” she asked in an attempt to change the subject to something safer.

“Tonight is our big family dinner,” Fitz tried to sound neutral, “Tonight I give her the divorce papers and tell Ellie.”

“Oh” she hadn’t realized this evening would come so quickly and she wasn’t fully prepared, “I thought that was…..I didn’t think that was tonight.”

“I feel good about it,” he lied in an attempt not to alarm her.

“I’m glad you do” she admitted, “I’m scared to death.”

            Fitz couldn’t help but laugh. He was the one facing down the task of ending his marriage for good and she seemed to be more nervous. He knew the majority of her anxiety spawned from her fears that Megan would somehow get him to stay but it was still amusing that she cared enough to be fearful for him. She knew she had to admit to Fitz that she was frightened, it only seemed fair and they had promised to be honest with one another.

“It’s going to be great, Livvie” he reassured her, “I’ll tell her and then I’ll come home to you in a few days and we can celebrate.”

“I like the sound of that” she tried to sound upbeat. Though it would only be a few days until she saw him again, so much had to happen before they were together. Her saving grace was that Abby would keep her occupied in Fitz’s absence.

“I miss you Livvie” he breathed into the receiver as if she were able to feel his breath on her neck, “I miss you a lot.”

“I miss you Fitz”

“Bye, my gorgeous Livvie”

“Goodbye Fitz” he heard the sweet smile return to her lips. That was the visual he needed, Olivia smiling and happy.

            Fitz walked back into the living room and picked up the bag he’d laid on the couch. He was lost in thoughts of Olivia and their time spent together as he walked to the master bedroom. The cavernous room was a deep blue with wood paneling and rich, masculine accents. Fitz smiled when he opened his suitcase and found Olivia had tucked a note inside along with the black lace thong she knew was his favorite. He smelled the envelope before opening it. He closed his eyes at the smell of her Michael Kors perfume, shampoo, and body wash.  The note read:

Hope you have a wonderful time with Heather and Ellie.

Just a reminder of what’s waiting for you when you get back.

Kisses,

Livvie

            He loved that she signed her note with the nickname he’d given her. He knew she only let certain people call her anything but Olivia. Abby called her Liv and he imagined her parents had nicknames for her but Livvie was his name, their something special, and he treasured that.

            A creak in the hardwood floor brought him back to the present and he turned to find Heather standing in the doorway.

“I know my opinion doesn’t really mean much” her voice was hesitant, “but I think you love her. Olivia, I mean, you love her don’t you?”

“I didn’t mean for you to overhear” his face was flushed. He never intended Heather to hear him talking to Olivia and he quickly ran through the conversation in his mind to be sure he didn’t say anything too graphic.

“I know, I guess I kinda eavesdropped,” she said sheepishly, “I was curious. About what you two talk about, what you say to her, what makes her different. I just heard the tail end of the conversation but I could hear it in your voice. You love her.”

“Certainly headed that direction,” he admitted. He wasn’t sure about having this conversation with his daughter. He wanted to know how she felt about the situation but it was still so new and raw to her, “I know I just told you about this whole thing a few hours ago but…” he ran his hands through his hair the way he always did when he was anxious, “Do you think you could be okay with Olivia and I being together?”

“Dad, I told you, I’m a grown up. I know you and Mom haven’t really been together in years. I want you to be happy and I want Mom to be happy” she explained, “I think Olivia makes you happy. I knew it from the other night when you introduced us. You say her name differently. It’s not just a name when you say it….it’s like part of you.”

“Whoa, that’s pretty deep” he couldn’t disagree with Heather’s sentiment but it surprised him.

“And you look at her like she’s the only woman that exists in the world, even in a room full of people” Heather continued.

“I guess I’ll need to work on that if we’re going to keep our relationship under wraps” he chuckled then moved in Heather’s direction to embrace her, “I love you sweetheart. I love you and I love Ellie. I love your Mom because she gave me my gorgeous daughters. I want us to figure out a way to make this situation work for everyone.”

“We will, Dad” Heather returned his hug, “Ellie texted and said she’ll meet us at the restaurant. She’s running late.”

“Better get dressed so we’re not late” he kissed her cheek then turned back towards his suitcase. He chose a long sleeve polo shirt, something he would never wear when going to dinner with Olivia. Though he was casual and comfortable with Olivia, he always seemed to wear a button down. Perhaps because she always commented on how handsome he looked in his white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, perhaps because it was more fashionable, but he suspected his motives focused more on the fact that he adored when Olivia unbuttoned his shirt. She always looked like she was unwrapping a present, never failing to run her petite hands over his muscular chest and abdomen. The way she pushed the shirt from his shoulders and followed it with her hot kisses. The way she gripped his arms after she’d exposed them.  He felt a pressure against the front of his jeans and knew he had to find another focus lest he be late for dinner.

X-X

            It had been Abby’s idea to go to Fitz and Edison’s restaurant. It was one of the most popular in town, a mix of great food and good drinks. Olivia and Abby sat at the bar chatting with the bartender and people watching.

“This place is so Fitz” Abby almost snorted, “snotty food and expensive drinks.”

“You wanted to come here” Olivia replied almost defensively.

“Because it’s the hottest place in town and I can finally put your friendship to good use to get in somewhere” Abby laughed and clinked her glass against Olivia’s.

“I like it” Olivia sounded wistful, “The food is good and they have a fantastic wine list.”

“See, proof that the drinks are pretentious, you like the wine list” Abby elbowed Olivia trying to get her to smile.

“What is that supposed to mean” said Olivia with mock indignation, “Did you just call me pretentious?”

“You’re a wine snob” Abby was almost cackling, “You know Fitz and Charlie call you the Princess, right? Because they think you act stuck up.”

“They’re not the only ones, I’m sure” Olivia took a swallow of wine, “I’m not stuck up, I’m serious about my work.”

“I know, I told Charlie as much,” Abby explained, “Hopefully Fitz has figured that out since you two have become friendly.”

            Olivia opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Charlie’s arrival.

“Hello, gorgeous ladies” he glanced at Olivia but it was clear he was mostly addressing Abby. He placed a kiss on her neck causing her to giggle, then took a seat on the opposite side of her.

“Hi Charlie” Olivia smiled politely.

“Olivia” he grinned and she wondered for a moment if Fitz had told him about their relationship. She shook the thought from her mind sure she was just being paranoid. When she turned back to talk to Abby and Charlie she found them deep in whispered conversation. Instead she turned to the bartender and ordered another glass of wine. She sat sipping her wine, occasionally being involved in Charlie and Abby’s conversation but mostly watching couples walk in and out of the restaurant, holding hands as they dined or exchanging brief kisses. She missed Fitz.  Olivia looked back into her wine glass then took a long swig.

“Olivia, welcome back” she turned and saw Edison approaching. He seemed like a nice guy though in many ways polar opposite of Fitz. He was tall but probably carrying a few extra pounds and not nearly as outgoing and confident as Fitz. Nonetheless, he was Fitz’s business partner so she felt obligated to at least spend a short time talking to him.

“I was looking for a good glass of wine and some tasty hors oeuvres” she explained, “I really enjoyed my meal and the atmosphere the other night so I thought I’d come back.”

“May I?” he asked gesturing toward the stool next to her.

“Sure” she agreed and he took a seat, scooting the stool slightly closer to her.

            Olivia introduced Edison to Abby and Charlie, explaining that he was Fitz’s business partner. Edison sipped a glass of scotch while being sure to keep Olivia’s wine glass full. She could feel herself getting slightly tipsy, a state she rarely allowed herself to be in.

“I better go home” she said, her cheeks crimson and warm from the wine, “Abby, are you ready?”

“As long as Charlie doesn’t mind driving, I’ve had way too much to drink” giggled Abby, “Do you mind?” She turned her attention back to Charlie whose right hand had disappeared north of her hemline. Before he could answer Edison interjected, “I can drive Olivia home.”

“That’s not necessary” Olivia assured patting his arm.

“I think they want to get home” Edison gestured toward Abby and Charlie who were now locked in a deep kiss, “I really don’t mind, it would be my pleasure.”

            Olivia, just interested in getting home and waiting for Fitz’s phone call, agreed and gathered her coat and purse. Edison placed his hand on her lower back leading her towards the exit and his waiting car.

X-X

            Fitz and Heather arrived at the restaurant and found Megan and Ellie sitting at a corner table. He ran his fingers through his hair and took several deep breaths then hugged and kissed Ellie. He glanced in Megan’s direction noticing that she had worn makeup and had dressed up a bit.

“You look nice, Meg” he said politely.  She smiled and moved her hand to tuck her hair behind her ear. He saw the engagement ring she hadn’t worn in at least ten years perched on her finger. He took that as a sign that tonight was not going to be easy. Fitz took his seat next to Megan and scooted his chair just a slight bit further from her. She touched his arm, “Good to see you Fitz.”

            He looked at her hand on his arm and his thoughts turned to Olivia. Megan’s hand looked foreign on his arm and drew no reaction from him. Had it been Olivia’s hand on him, he would have felt the familiar stir of craving and the singe of her contact. He slid his arm carefully from under her hand and gave her a stiff smile. He turned to Ellie, “How were your midterms El?”

“I think they went well but AP French was tough” she shrugged, “How is the restaurant going? And the show?”

“Both are great. The restaurant is booming and we’re on hiatus from the show for a few more weeks” he was beaming, “It’s nice to have a break.”

“You look great, what’s different about you?” she asked, “You look tanner, younger, more relaxed, or something.”

“I don’t think anything is different, just working and going to the gym” he smiled. The truth was that he felt younger and more relaxed, and it was all Olivia’s doing.

“Come on Fitz, why don’t you tell your daughters what is different” Megan’s voice was pure ice, “Tell them what has you looking so youthful.”

            Heather looked from her mother to her father and back, “Dad and I already talked about it.”

            Ellie looked confused and knew she was clearly out of the loop, “Tell me then, did something happen?”

“What your mother is referring to is…” he could feel his palms sweat and he ran his fingers through his hair and cleared his throat, “A few months ago I….when I started the show.”

“Your father met someone” Megan interjected. He heard a gasp from Ellie and a strangled snicker from Heather.

“What does that mean, met someone?” Ellie looked to Fitz, “Like you and Mom are splitting up or you’re just having an affair? Who is she?”

“Olivia Pope” Megan blurted loud enough that several patrons at nearby tables turned in her direction.

“Megan” Fitz warned. He turned his focus back to Ellie, “Olivia and I have been…”

“Sleeping together” Megan finished.

“Megan” this time his voice was a near growl, “That’s enough.”

“He loves her” Heather deadpanned taking a long drink of wine, “I’ve seen them together, I’ve heard him talk to her.”

            Fitz watched Megan’s face fall from one of smug satisfaction to shock, finally settling into an expression of grief. Tears welled in her eyes and she looked down at her hands.  He reached to touch her shoulder, “Megan, we both knew this was coming.”

“I didn’t think you’d ever fall in love with someone else” her voice was barely a whisper and tears slowly streamed down her cheeks, “I thought we were content with how things were.”

“It certainly wasn’t my plan to meet Olivia or develop feelings for her” Fitz quietly tried to explain himself, “I would be inclined to think it was just another fling except I almost lost her and it was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. You can’t tell me you would rather me pretend that things between us are okay.”

“Things were fine for me” Megan admitted, “We saw each other occasionally. We went to events sometimes but we had space when we needed it.”

“We were friends Megan” Fitz tried to empathize, “That’s called friendship, it’s not a marriage.”

“I don’t want to think about you kissing someone else” she shook her head as if trying to rid her mind of the picture, “and now you two will be everywhere. I saw you on that morning show and it’s so obvious. The way she smiles at you and the way you touch her. You never touched me like that or looked at me the way you look at her.”

“I’m sorry” he pulled her into an awkward embrace then backed away before finishing, “I’ve never felt this way before.” He wondered if she was going to slap him. He felt like she would if this were a scripted discussion. What kind of an asshole tells his wife he never felt nearly as much for her as he does for another woman?  He looked towards Ellie and Heather, the latter sipping her wine and nibbling on bread as if they were having a normal dinner discussion. Ellie looked shocked, sad, and uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry to you girls too” he addressed mostly Ellie, “We really didn’t mean for this to happen. I wish your Mom and I could have been divorced before I got involved with Olivia. For your sake and Olivia’s.”

“Heaven forbid your mistress look like a home wrecker” Megan’s icy tone had returned, “and I guess the next thing you want to talk about is the divorce?”

“I brought the papers with me” he conceded, “Then we can all move on.”

“Then you can marry her” Megan spat, her red-rimmed eyes growing moist again, “and what do I get?”

“Your life doesn’t have to change much” he explained, “You get a generous settlement, more than we had originally agreed upon, and everything else is the same. We can still meet for family dinner over the holidays. The big change is that you won’t go to events with me. But if there’s anything you want to attend I’m sure I can get you an invite.”

“And you’ll be happy with her?” she pressed the issue.

“Is that so terrible? To think that I would be happy?” he asked, “I would think you would wish me happiness just as I wish you happiness.”

“Your happiness is going to be shoved in my face, every magazine, the television, newspapers,” her eyes looked pleading, “Your happiness is public, all-consuming happiness. I won’t be able to escape your happiness.”

            Fitz finally began to understand Megan’s fears. He assured her that he and Olivia were far from going public with their relationship and certainly marriage was far off.  They finished their meal and Fitz walked Megan to her car, offering a hug as they parted. She handed the signed divorce papers back to him before climbing into the driver’s seat and pulling away from the curb. Fitz, Ellie, and Heather got into the town car and drove in the direction of the apartment. There was mostly silence as the car moved through the snow-covered streets. Fitz’s phone gave the text message alert and he smiled down expecting a text from Olivia.  Instead it was a message from Charlie:

The princess got a little tipsy tonight. Looks like your man Edison might be checking out the crown jewels tonight.

            The words were enough to cause the hair on the back of his neck to stand up but the accompanying photo nearly caused him to explode. It was a photo of Olivia with her hand on Edison’s arm and his arm steadying her at the waist. He quickly sent a text back to Charlie:

Olivia never drinks like that. Where are they now?

            Almost immediately a reply:

Edison is driving her home.

            Fitz saw red as he fumbled to dial Olivia’s number. Ellie and Heather looked at him questioningly. His cheeks and ears were bright red and his knuckles white from being balled into tight fists.

“Dad, are you okay?” Ellie asked.

“Fine” he tried to sound calm, “Just a little problem back in California.”

            The phone rang five times and her voicemail picked up. He hung up and tried her home phone with no luck. He had never felt so out of control. He replayed his conversation with Edison over and over in his mind. He knew that Edison was interested in Olivia and he knew that Olivia never drank more than three glasses of wine. It was clear in the picture that she was intoxicated. Would Edison try to come on to her?  Would she say no? He dialed her number again praying for her to answer.

“Dad, what’s wrong?” Heather looked even more worried, “Can I do something?”

“Find me a flight back to California as soon as possible” his eyes looked wild and he kept stroking his fingers through his hair.

            Her voicemail picked up again and this time he left a message asking her to call, trying his best not to sound alarmed. He ended the call and saw another text from Charlie:

The gossip rags seem to catch on quick. Check out this link.

            Fitz reluctantly touched the link and a new page opened. This one had a short blurb about Olivia and the identity of the mystery man she’s been dating for several months. In addition to the story were three photos of Olivia and Edison. In one he had his hand on her lower back, the next he was holding her hand to help her into the car, and the third he was leaning across her in the passenger seat presumably helping her buckle her seatbelt. Fitz couldn’t help but notice his business partner’s hand extremely close to Olivia’s breast. He clenched his jaw, knowing he had to find a way to get in touch with her. He dialed another number and waited.

“Dad, I need to use your plane” he said in lieu of a hello when his father answered.  He knew the plane was in New York since his father and step-mother spent the holidays at their home in Connecticut.  After getting his father to agree to let him use the plane he hung up and dialed Abby’s phone number.

“Abby, it’s Fitz” he was out of breath and sounded concerned shaking Abby from her inebriated state, “You have to find Olivia. She shouldn’t be with Edison in her state.”

“Why do you care?” Abby’s protective attitude came through, “He was just driving her home and if my girl gets some then good for her.”

            Fitz closed his eyes and counted to ten in his head, reminding himself that Abby didn’t know about his relationship with Olivia.

“Abby, can you just do this for me?” he begged, “I’m worried about her.”

“I didn’t know it was possible for you to worry about anyone but yourself” she huffed, “Why do you care what happens to my best friend?”

“Abby, please” she was his only chance to save Olivia from Edison’s advances.

“He seems like an upstanding guy and Liv can take care of herself” Abby wasn’t backing down, “Just because you two have become friends or whatever doesn’t mean you know what’s best for her.”

“I know that.”

“And you don’t get to tell her who she can hang out with” Abby continued.

“I know that Abby” she could hear the impatience in his voice, “Abby, I get it, you don’t like me, you think I’m an asshole or whatever. You want to protect your friend but I’m telling you that you need to go to her house and make sure that she’s okay. Not because I’m trying to be an asshole….” he took a deep breath, “because I love her.”

            His admission was met with silence, “Abby?”

“What did you say?”

“I said I love her” he felt tears start to come and bit his lip in an attempt to hold them back, “I am hopelessly, head over heels in love with Olivia Pope.”