Disclaimer: I own nothing. All credit is given to Shonda Rhimes and the writers for How to Lose A Guy. Some dialogue from the show and the movie will be quoted. This is simply my idea of the Scandal characters living in the How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days world.

Accompanied by a generous glass of her favorite red wine and bowl of popcorn Olivia sits down at the desk in her home office overlooking the busy D.C. streets. The blank white space on her laptop stares back at her and the persistent, flashing cursor dares her to make a move. She sighs softly and thinks about her fast approaching deadline, "Well this article isn't going to write itself." And so, she begins to type.

...I lost a guy and I don't know why...

*11 days ago*

Olivia Pope, Washington D.C.'s resident "How To" girl for 'Scandal' Magazine rushes through the revolving entrance doors of the high-rise office building. She greets Morris, the security guard, and asks him about his wife and kid as she waits to move through the line. He shares about his son's latest basketball game and says, "You know, you are the only one that ever takes an interest in my family. Thank you." She smiles politely and nods. And then just like that she is off to weather the storm that is known as Monday morning.

She hangs up her coat and places her Prada bag on the corner of her desk. Peering around the side of her cubicle she sees Quinn prepping for the beginning of her day. "Quinn, Good Morning. Have you seen Abby?" "Morning Liv. I think I saw her run into the bathroom crying a few minutes ago. I was about to call in reinforcements. By the way, she looks like a hot mess." Olivia glances at her watch and shakes her head. "Not again," she mumbles. "It's my turn. Will you go down to the lobby and get three coffees and then bring them up. I'm going to run to wardrobe and see if I can find something new for her to wear. Meet us outside the conference room for the staff meeting in 15. All cylinders, Quinn. Let's go."

Down the hall and to the right she finds the locked bathroom door. Knocking she says, "Abby...it's me. Will you open the open the door?" She waits. She knocks again. A few moments later the sound of the turn of the lock greets her ears.

The door opens and Abby looks at her pointedly. "You're relentless you know that?" Olivia takes in the sight of her best friend. Her mascara stained face doesn't hold back any secrets.

"Tell me what happened." It's a statement. Not a question. She already knows what happened. This is not the road less traveled. In fact, Abby seems to have an EZ pass.

And with that the waterworks start again. In between sobs Abby manages to get out, "He, he dumped me. But I loved him. I don't know what I did wrong."

"Abby you only dated the guy for two weeks. How could you possibly have been in love?"

She retorts, "This guy has a name Olivia. David, David Rosen. And I loved him because he is smart and dedicated to his job. He sent a different bouquet of flowers to my apartment every day with little notes just to tell me that I was on his mind. Besides that, he is how do I put this, detail-oriented in the bedroom." Rolling her eyes as if to say TMI Olivia puts her hands on each side of Abby's face and says, "Look at me. You are beautiful. You are a strong, confident woman. Someday the right man will come along who will sweep you off your feet and he will make you forget the day you ever met David. It's time to suck it up and make yourself presentable because we have a meeting in five minutes. Here, I brought you this blue cardigan. It's a sample from the new line coming out next week. I think it will really bring out your eyes. Now Quinn is waiting for us with our coffee, but before we head out there I need to ask you something. Are you a gladiator Abby or are you going to let this man control you?" No answer. "I said, are you a gladiator?"

"I'm a gladiator," she says as she smiles for the first time since the breakup.

Verna Thornton esteemed Editor for the magazine sits at the head of the conference room table. "Welcome everyone. Let's get started on today's agenda." Right on queue the three women enter the room. "Look who decided to grace us their presence," Verna states with a raised eyebrow as they take their seats.

"Moving right along, Quinn how is the latest ab challenge coming along for your fitness column?"

"Well, it is a work in progress but I'm surprisingly upbeat about it. I think it's going to have fantastic results."

"Abby, what about you? Have you cooked up any new recipes that you want to share with our readers?"

"Yeah about that, Verna. I'm sorry," Abby answers. "I got dumped," she offers up as an explanation.

"Oh Abby, darling, I am terribly sorry but you look wonderful. Doesn't she look wonderful, all?"

The staff collectively nods in agreement.

"Next up, Olivia what's your latest How-To?" She sits and ponders her answer. Honestly she was bored with her current arrangement and was hoping for creative freedom to write about things that matter.

"Well, I've actually been working on a piece that's slightly different," but before she can finish Verna interrupts. "No, most definitely not, Olivia. This is 'Scandal' Magazine. People want to read about fashion, fitness, dating advice and gossip." She pauses for a moment. "You know what? I have a brilliant idea. Why don't you use Abby as your inspiration? We are all well aware of her relationship misgivings. You could find a guy, date him, and then make him run for the hills by using all the classic mistakes women, like Abby, make in relationships."

"You mean like a 'what not to do'?"

"Exactly," Verna answers.

"I don't think Abby wants me writing about her personal life," Olivia states bluntly.

"No, Liv. I don't mind. I think it is perfect actually."

"Hmm…I like it," Olivia muses.

"How To Lose A Guy In 10 days."

"Verna, one question. Why 10 days?"

"Well five is too short and we go to press in 12. Problem solved," she replies.

Verna and Olivia walk down to the elevator running through additional details for the upcoming article. Ding! The doors open and there are two women standing inside with Botox smiles plastered on their faces.

Verna begins "Just the people I wanted to see. Olivia, this is Mellie Reston & Amanda Tanner of Beene Advertising. They have been working on a photo shoot for a mutual client. Ladies this is Olivia Pope our "How-To" girl." Amanda says, "I've read your column Olivia. It's one of my guilty pleasures. What's next for the how to world?"

Verna pipes in, "Oh she's working on, get this, how to lose a guy in 10 days. She's going to date a guy and then drive him away in a matter of a week and a half."

Mellie clasps her hands together and grins, "Sounds absolutely scandalous. Have fun!"

TBC-next up, meet Fitz and his crew. Reviews are love whether good or bad. Thank you.