(Hello again dear readers. As a reminder this is the sequel to the story "Devoted to Your Happiness." If you have not read it, I encourage you to do so before reading this story. Otherwise, I'm afraid you will be confused by the story line. This story picks up 7 years later. I hope you enjoy it and as usual, feedback is greatly appreciated.)

Disclaimer: Of course I do not own any of the characters from Scandal but I hope to do them justice.

Slow Dancing In a Burning Room

"Cyrus!"

"Cyrus!" Fitz was bellowing in his purposeful stride down the hallway to Cyrus' office. His staff was giving him nervous looks but he paid them no attention. Most of them were already a little fearful around him so he expected the intimidated, shy glances. At this point, he was too upset to be concerned about who overheard his ranting.

Cyrus heard him and rushed out of his office quickly closing the door behind him. In a hushed and hurried voice, Cyrus said, "Sir, let's talk about this in your office. We don't need the entire floor hearing our conversation. It's not professional."

Fitz raised an eyebrow and wondered why Cyrus seemed so flustered. He was out of breath in his exertion to get out of his office before Fitz could enter it. Fitz allowed him to practically push him back down the hallway to his own office. "Cyrus?" he asked in quizzical tone.

Once they were back in Fitz' office, Cyrus breathed a sigh of relief. "Now," he said as he plopped down in the chair, "What is on your mind?"

Fitz eyed him for several moments knowing that something else was going on but dismissed it because he had other pressing matters to worry about. "Why is Sam calling me about tonight's event? She just left a message thanking me for the invite. Why is she on the guest list?"

"Sir, I asked you to review the guest list over a month ago. Her name was on the list. You said you approved it."

Fitz recalled that Cyrus had given him a list of names to review but to be honest, he only skimmed it. He didn't pay attention to any names in particular. Now he wished he had. It would have normally been a task for his wife to handle; if he had one.

"I must have missed her name but you of all people should know that I don't want her here," Fitz countered.

"She is your ex-wife, who happens to be recently married to a US Congressman and now his support has also been guaranteed. It would be good for her to be here. It would show that you have no hard feelings toward her and that your divorce was amicable on both sides. It's a good press op. Plus public opinion about you is waning and you need any boost you can get."

Fitz sighed in frustration. He didn't want to have to look at Samantha this evening. He didn't want the reminder of the failed marriage staring him in the face. Not when it was his fault that it didn't work out. He should have been able to make it work. It should have been a perfect marriage.

"I went to her wedding; took pictures with her and her vulgar husband. I think I have done my part…..But whatever, there's nothing I can do about it now. I can't very well un-invite her, right?"

Cyrus dismissed the question. "Listen Sir, we have a problem. You are a single, attractive man with no children; no girlfriend and you don't date. Do you know what that means to voters? It means your unsteady; you have no foundation; no roots and it's hard for people to trust that. They don't know your moral standing, so they can't back you. They're afraid that the Governor's Mansion will be turned into the Playboy Mansion once you are elected."

Fitz leaned back in his chair and allowed Cyrus to go on one of his many rants. He had a flare for the dramatics. "I know Cyrus, I know. But there is nothing I can do about that. I'm not going to just start dating someone to please the voters. This is who I am right now. If the people don't want that, then so be it."

Fitz was resolved that he would not date another person just to 'see' if they were compatible. He had waited a decent amount of time after the divorce to start dating again but it was pointless. All of the women, while attractive in appearance, did not appeal to his intellect or emotional side. Usually after a couple of dates, he found them to be quite irritating. Dating was not for him. He felt like he was auditioning women to be his wife; as if his life was some type of sleazy game show or business arrangement; which he had been through before and vowed never to repeat. He was confident that he would know the person when he saw her. When the time was right to pursue a relationship with someone it would be obvious.

"I'm going to bring in someone to help; a fixer. I think it will help with your PR strategy and make you more appealing to the voters; more likeable, more relatable."

"I'm not a rock star Cyrus but do whatever you think is best. That's fine. Just make sure you run everything through me first. I don't want any surprise news releases….Is there anyone else on the list that I should be concerned about?"

Cyrus considered telling him the truth but he was so accustomed to providing non-descript answers to difficult questions, that he thought it easier to spin it. "Mmmm, I don't think so."

Fitz knew Cyrus well enough to detect when he was hiding something but he was too tired to question him it. "I have another appointment to get to. Then I'll be going home to get ready for this evening. I'll see you later."

"Of course. The car will be there to pick you up at 6PM."

After Fitz left, Cyrus returned to his office.

"I can't believe you didn't tell him that I'm here."

"I expected that he would be gone by now, so I wasn't prepared. Besides, it's better that he finds out tonight in front of an audience. That makes it less likely that he would kill either you or me."

Olivia gave him a slight smile. "I'm still baffled over the fact that you called me. I'm definitely not someone who Fitz wants to see much less have working for him."

"Olivia you are the best person for this job. You can help him understand how to project his image to his constituents. He needs to be more conscious of it. He is foolish enough to think all that matters are the issues and his stand on them," Cyrus gave a dismissive hand wave before continuing, "These days people could care less what your political position is; they care more about your private life and how well you look on camera. Everything else is negotiable."

"Cyrus you need to be prepared that he may not go for it. It has been 7 years. I've tried to reach out to him and apologize. I've sent him multiple letters and email messages with no response. I don't think he has forgiven me and I'm almost sure that he pretty much hates me."

"So what! He will realize that he needs to put his personal feelings aside and work with you if he wants to get elected as the first single Governor of California, hell of any state. This is a business arrangement; wounded egos go on the back burner."

Olivia reflected on whether this was a good idea. She was actually scared to see Fitz face to face. She deeply regretted how she treated him years ago. She had never forgotten the voice mail messages he left for her, begging her to call him and talk about their relationship. Each one made her cry because she wanted to reach out to him but couldn't do it. Eventually the calls stopped and she didn't know whether to feel relieved that he had possibly moved on or depressed because he actually did.

She kept tabs on him through the years. Through her mother, she found out that Cyrus had kept his promise to help Fitz with his political career. When she contacted Cyrus to inquire on Fitz, he, in his usual manner, balked about answering her questions claiming that he had better things to do. But over time, Cyrus had come to appreciate his conversations with Olivia. It was good to have someone he could bounce ideas off of and brainstorm on how to handle problematic situations. Olivia had proven to be an invaluable friend to him.

It was true that she had sent multiple letters, email and voice mail messages to Fitz over the years. Her correspondences contained a detailed apology and an explanation for why she broke off with him. But she never once got a response. She had no idea whether he read her messages or not. She tried asking Cyrus, but found out that Fitz refused to talk about her to anyone.

She was happy when she found out that he had gotten married. She genuinely hoped that the marriage would last and they would be the perfect political couple. She heard that his wife, Samantha, was a nice person who loved Fitz deeply. So it came as a shock when she later heard that they were divorcing. She couldn't bring herself to ask Cyrus what happened; she felt like that would be invading Fitz privacy.

When Cyrus asked her to come to California and help with Fitz campaign for Governor she had turned him down several times. She made recommendations on other people who could help but Cyrus insisted that she would be the best person. Eventually, she said yes. She did want to see him again. She wanted his forgiveness. Her treatment of him had always been a black cloud that hung over her head and it was time for it to dissipate. Maybe by helping him, she could help herself.

Olivia sighed and stood up to leave. "I hope you are right Cyrus. I can help but I will need his cooperation. And if this plan of your blows up; I have no problem placing all the blame on you," she softened her rebuke with a kind smile.

She turned to leave then had another thought, "By the way who am I sitting with tonight?" It would be good to know the names of any politicians she would be sitting with so she could familiarize herself with their background and current standings. It would make for intelligent conversation.

Cyrus just stared at her, forcing her to answer her own question. "You didn't!...Don't tell me you put me at the same table with him! Are you crazy?"

"Nattie will be at the table too so he will have to watch himself."

Olivia looked at him through squinted eyes. Cyrus was taking a big risk – his plan could either succeed greatly or fail miserably.

"Do you have a car arranged for tonight? If not I can pick you up in my car service," Cyrus said.

"Thanks but I'm okay. I already got it arranged. Besides you might be dead by the end of the evening and I don't want to be stranded…I'll see you tonight."

XXXXXX

Jesse Gray would be forever known as the first Governor in California state history to be recalled. His first term had strong approval ratings but the second had barely started before it was marred by suspicious fundraising contributions from special interest groups, the passing of unpopular, restrictive gun laws and the California budget crisis which left the state financially devastated. His opponents had gathered the necessary signatures for a special election and the Secretary of State confirmed that the recall election would take place. The Republican nominee on the ballot to replace him was Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III.

Fitz never held a position in public office before but he had an ideal law career and a political family background. It was his current marital status that the party had reservations about. But that was before Cyrus intervened and held several closed door talks with party leaders. Cyrus was a master at persuasion mingled with sufficient arm-twisting. It didn't take long for him to ensure that Fitz had the full support of the Republican Party.

Tonight's fundraising dinner was significant because one of Fitz' top supporters, President Richardson, was scheduled to visit and give a brief endorsement speech. With all the top political officials scheduled to appear, Fitz had to be on his best behavior. And this made Cyrus nervous. He was starting to think his decision to have Olivia attend was a bad one. He could not judge how Fitz would react to seeing her. But he hoped that the gravity of the situation would force him to stifle any negative emotions he was feeling. Cyrus maintained his position at the open bar waiting for the alcohol he consumed to calm his nerves.

"Ladies and Gentlemen we invite you to start to find your seats as we will begin in approximat1ely 10 minutes," the Master of Ceremonies announced.

Fitz greeted what appeared to be the final couple in the receiving line. He shook their hands and thanked them for attending. They tried to engage him in more conversation but Fitz was suddenly distracted as the doors to the banquet room were opened and a woman dressed in a beautiful white floor-length gown entered. She was like a vision. A sight that took his breath away and he had to blink several times to be sure that she was real. So many nights were spent dreaming of her; wanting to see her again. She was more beautiful than he had remembered. The front of her hair was pinned up while the back was in loose curls cascading beyond her shoulders. The white dress made her caramel skin glow in radiance as it fit her curves perfectly. Fitz was awe-struck; his mouth was literally wide open in mid-sentence when he saw her and he could no longer carry on a conversation with the people in front of him. They eventually moved on.

He eyed her as she walked over in a slow sensual strut. He became filled with her presence like a starving man finally receiving nourishment after a 7 year famine. Her brown eyes were bearing into him, challenging him and daring him to remain where he stood and greet her in front of all his guests. She kept her face expressionless, never breaking eye contact, waiting to respond to whatever reaction she received from him. Olivia Pope was back.

For appearances sake, Fitz tried to garnish a polite welcoming to her but his anger was too great. His fake smile was overshadowed by his deep frown. How dare she show up here? He thought. Who invited her? Fitz was going to murder Cyrus before the night was over.

Olivia stood in front of him for what seemed to be the longest minutes of her life. Fitz was outrageously handsome. He never aged; he looked younger as the years passed. His hair was bit longer at the nape but the lovely head of curls was still there. He was more muscular than before; broader shoulders, sculpted arms that she could see through his sharply tailored Armani tux. He exuded male sexuality. The urge to force him into her arms was almost overwhelming. She kept her head held high staring into his icy grey eyes waiting for him to acknowledge her presence. She was patient; she could wait forever if need be.

Fitz inhaled sharply before extending his hand and saying, "Olivia Pope, thank you for coming."

She took his hand into hers and they both felt an electric charge that caused their eyes to sparkle in remembrance. She gave him a wonderful, warm smile and responded, "Mr. Grant, it is nice to see you again. Thank you for allowing me to come this evening."

She released his hand and proceeded further into the banquet room. Fitz watched her walk away and marveled at the beauty of her backside. Her dress was backless and the exposed skin was craving to be stroked and caressed. He remembered how he loved gripping her perfectly formed ass; pulling her close to him, lifting her until her legs were wrapped around his waist…..He cursed himself at his thoughts. It was going to be a long night. He shoved his hands in his pockets and searched the room for Cyrus.

XXXXXX

He lost his appetite. He moved the food around on his plate in a vain attempt to appear like he was eating but he couldn't stomach the food. Everyone at the table was involved in a lively discussion and he offered a friendly smile here and there to indicate that he was following the conversation. Unleashing on Cyrus for a 5-minute tirade had done nothing to ease his tension. Cyrus was on his right, nudging him to fix his mood.

"Stop being so obvious," Cyrus leaned over and whispered.

In a low voice laced with malice, Fitz responded, "I wouldn't have to be if you hadn't lied and at least warned me that she was coming. Dammit Cy, how could you do this?" He laid his fork down a little more forcefully than he wished, causing several of the table members to cast him a brief look.

His mother, on his left, patted his knee underneath the table. She hoped to give him some type of comfort and encouragement to calm down. Olivia sat on the other side of Nattie, thankful to be out of Fitz direct eyesight. She was happy that her seating allowed her to catch up with Nattie but felt guilty over the possibility that she was ruining his evening.

"I should not have come, this was a bad idea. I'm hurting him all over again," she whispered to Nattie in a sad voice.

"No dear, you need to be here. This is where you should be; where you should have always been."

When Olivia continued to look forlorn, Nattie continued, "Let's have lunch tomorrow." She patted Olivia's hand and didn't wait for another response. She turned her attention to the Assemblyman and his wife sitting across from them.

After dinner, the MC announced the arrival of the President of the United States and his wife. President Richardson agreed to make a brief stop in California on his way to vacation with his family in Hawaii. Amidst the thunderous applause, the President came to the podium with a broad charming smile and hand waves to the audience. He gave a 20 minute speech, formally announcing his support of Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III for Governor and encouraged the audience to promote him as well. He recounted Fitz outstanding qualities and hard work in behalf of the citizens of the state.

Olivia gave a side glance to Fitz and felt a surge of pride and protectiveness for him. He was truly a wonderful man. She was thankful to know him and appreciated the opportunity to help him in his campaign. She hoped he would accept her help. She felt like they would make a great team, if he would let her in. If he could belay his anger and channel his feelings to working harder to become the Governor, they were sure to win.

Everyone circulated through the room as the live music began to play. "Olivia Pope, it is good to see you again after all these years."

Olivia turned to see the First Lady, Michelle Richardson, smiling at her. "Madam First Lady it is very good to see you as well. It has been a long time." Olivia had not seen her since the summer she worked on her husband's campaign. They hugged in greeting.

"I have heard stories about you. You're the best kept secret weapon in Washington DC. Your firm has helped so many politicians out of their scrapes and foibles that everyone sings your praises. I was glad to hear that you would be helping Fitz in his campaign."

Olivia blushed and nodded her head in thanks. In truth it was the hard work of her entire team, including her mother, at Pope and Associates that worked tirelessly to help their clients navigate successfully through potentially explosive scandals.

"Yes I'm glad to be here too. I just need to get him secured in the Governor position, then I'll be going back home."

They continued in polite conversation with Olivia inquiring after their children and her charity work. The President soon joined them and after engaging in brief conversation with Olivia, he left with his First Lady.

Olivia spotted Fitz in a lively discussion with a woman she recognized as his ex-wife and her husband, the Congressman. When he threw his head back in laughter it made Olivia smile too. She loved to see him happy. It always made her world just right when he was happy. The fixer in her couldn't stand the rift between them. Their friendship had to be repaired and tonight was as good of time as any to start.

She only hesitated briefly before making the walk over to him. Fitz did not have to turn around to feel her upon him. There was always a certain feeling he got whenever she was around. The Congressman was the first to address her, "Olivia Pope, it is very nice to meet you in person. Of course we've heard your name all over DC."

Olivia shook his hand and smiled, "Congressman Barrett it is very nice to meet you as well and your lovely wife." Olivia shook Samantha Barrett's hand but didn't miss the flash of envy in her eyes. She wondered whether Fitz had told Samantha about her.

"What are you doing in California?" Samantha asked.

"I am here to help Mr. Grant with his campaign," she said smiling brightly. Olivia could always tell when women did not like her. Women often displayed their emotions openly for the world to see and Samantha was no different. For some reason she felt threatened by Olivia. "And how long will you be in California?"

"Only for the next month or so. We want to make sure we give Fitz our full support in his campaign," Samantha said as she smiled in an overly-friendly way to Fitz. Her attentions created a sense of awkwardness among the group. Olivia cleared her throat and turned to Fitz. His silence and change of mood since she joined their party should have discouraged her but she pushed past her fear of rejection.

"Mr. Grant, may I have this dance?" Olivia asked.

Fitz was genuinely shocked by the question. He had not expected her to make the first move but remembered that he was dealing with Olivia Pope. After being briefed by Cyrus on her role as his campaign fixer, he purposely tried to avoid her at least until he could get his head right and control his emotions so that he could engage in some type of civilized conversation. He stared down at this petite woman who controlled his heart and felt the inward battle between desire and anger.

"Of course," he said curtly and guided Olivia to the dance floor.

"Congratulations on the party's nomination. The support you've received here is amazing," she said in sincere praise as they started to dance. Despite his obvious displeasure, it felt good to be in his arms again.

"Yes I guess so," his voice was clipped. Olivia could feel the tension in his body as he held her. "Why did you to come here? You must have…you must have known how I would feel about you?" His voice was strained but he never missed a step and kept his eyes above her head scanning the other guests on the floor.

"I knew you would be angry but I had hoped that….." she trailed off, not quite sure how to finish her sentence.

"What's the matter? All of a sudden you can't speak. What did you hope for Olivia?" he was trying to remain calm but he couldn't control his biting tone.

"I hoped that you would allow me to help you. Allow me to earn your forgiveness," she raised her head and confidently spoke so that he would understand the truth of her words and the conviction of her feelings for him.

"Why now?"

"Hasn't it been long enough? I've been running from it too long and I need to right my wrongs."

Fitz stared down at her, wishing that he no longer cared. He wished Olivia didn't have the power to affect him like she did. He wanted to be indifferent but he couldn't. Even now as his hand lay gently against her back, he felt a surge of energy run through him, unlike anything he felt with any other woman. His thumb was unconsciously rubbing her soft, delicate skin. After all this time, the consuming desire he felt for her was still powerful. He had to restrain himself from pulling her close to him and pressing her body against his. How could he ever forgive her or even trust her again?

"Then I'm sure you will understand when I say that seeing you is a reminder to me of all my mistakes; the errors of my ways. And they all begin and end with you." The song ended and Fitz released her. "Goodnight Olivia." Fitz walked away and left her on the dance floor.

She was the mistake; loving her had been a mistake. This would be the first of many blows he would direct toward her to emphasize the pain she caused. Olivia sucked in her breath and exited the dance floor realizing that 'Olivia', is how he kept addressing her. She was no longer his 'Livvy'.

XXXXXX

Mellie watched the live news coverage of the fundraising dinner while she tended to her nightly beauty care routine. She knew that Fitz was making a play for Governor but he had yet to back a nominee for the Lieutenant Governor position. It would be a perfect position for her.

Mellie spent large sums of money on investigators hired to erase her lineage. She changed her last name. According to her birth records she was the daughter of deceased parents. With her father in prison, she could not afford for any connection to be made between them. Even the people who knew them personally had to be paid off, threatened or blackmailed to keep silent. She paid handsomely to remove all traces of her relation to Joseph Andrews and so far it had worked.

For the most part, she kept a pretty low profile as she pursued her law career in the District Attorney's office but she was ambitious to her core and was never one to past up an opportunity. The praise she received for her tenacious handling of cases and her brilliant legal strategies were sure to garner her some favor among the political community. Like Fitz, she would be a virgin to public office but she could envision how their innocence to corruption could work in eliciting more support from the voters.

"Mellie, are you coming to bed?" her husband, Jeffrey Sanford asked.

"Yes dear, in a moment," she responded in her cheery voice.

Mellie was proud that her father had the good sense to put several accounts in her name only so that when the government seized his assets she would still be left with a considerable fortune. She invested in her husband's technology company and her shareholding earned her an equal partnership and a seat on their board of directors. The company skyrocketed in no time and her husband became a wealthy man in his own right. There was certainly enough money to finance Fitz campaign for Governor, which was another plus in her favor. And if necessary, only as a last resort of course, she had the contacts and resources her father left her in a safe deposit box. She could still rig an election if she needed to.

XXXXXX

Olivia spent the morning introducing herself to Fitz staff. She brought in pastries for everyone as an incentive to starting a good work-relationship. To her surprise, several members of the staff had already heard of her and was proud to have her on their team. Fitz was nowhere to be found. Cyrus explained that he had several meetings lined up. His daily duties for the Attorney General's office took up a significant portion of his time, which was why he needed the support of Cyrus and Olivia to handle more of the campaigning strategy. Cyrus had an office designated for Olivia and while she was thankful for her private space she was also immediately alarmed that her office was so close to Fitz. They shared a common wall.

"Cyrus, didn't I see an empty office down the hall? Why am I in this office?" Olivia asked.

"That office is reserved for another person. This is the only one available," Cyrus responded. But when he couldn't meet Olivia's eyes, she knew that his response was not entirely truthful.

"How is he?" she asked as she began emptying boxes, trying not to appear too worried about Fitz.

"Angry but at me mostly, which is nothing new. I tried pretending that I didn't know the break up between you two was so bad but I know he didn't buy it. And of course he thinks I manipulated and deceived him. I spent 20 minutes explaining that you being here was the best thing for his career. Anyway…he will get over it in time."

"You need to stop lying to him Cyrus. He's not a child; he knows when you're being deceptive. I suspect he tolerates it because it never hurt him that bad but this is something different."

"I know but everything I do is for him. He may not like it; he may throw a tantrum now and then but deep down he knows I would do anything for him and his career."

Olivia didn't quite know how to respond to Cyrus. He may have good intentions, but lying was still lying and she knew Fitz didn't like it. Maybe Cyrus always got him the results he wanted but no one appreciates being lied to. She hoped it would never present a problem between her, Cyrus and Fitz because she would always make sure Fitz knew the truth from her, no matter how painful it might be.

She spent most of the morning setting up her workspace and reviewing Fitz agenda for the next month. She noticed that a debate with the Democratic nominee was scheduled soon and they would have to spend considerable time preparing for that event.

When it was close to lunch time, Olivia was about to leave her office to meet Nattie. Just as she was coming from around her desk, Fitz appeared at her door.

"Good Morning," he said in a stern voice with his ever-present frown.

"Good Morning," she replied with a smile.

They stared at each other for several minutes before Olivia broke the silence. "Cyrus had me take this office. He said this was the only one available. I hope you don't mind. If you do, then I'm sure we can make some alternate arrangements," she was rambling but the intensity of his stare unnerved her.

"Its fine," was all he said.

"Ok…Well I'm off to lunch. But….if you have some time after lunch, can we talk? I'd like to clear the air."

He cleared his throat and glanced at his watch. "I'm busy the rest of the day. And if there is anything you need to discuss related to the campaign then I think Cyrus can handle it."

She couldn't help the dejected look on her face. It was evident that he didn't want to talk to her any more than he had to. "Of course, no problem," she said and the smile she attempted was too shaky to be genuine.

"Have a good lunch," he said as he left her office and she heard him enter his own and close the door behind him.

While driving to Nattie's home for lunch, Olivia scolded herself for thinking her relationship with Fitz was going to be easy. She knew he wouldn't be overjoyed to see her initially but secretly hoped that it wouldn't take long for her to chip away at his coldness. Although it had been less than 24 hours, she realized how much she wanted to see a sign, any sign, from him that reconciliation was possible. She would have preferred arguing and fighting over the silence, the frowns and the cold stares. She wanted to know what he was thinking. She wanted him to talk to her and lay everything out so that they could move past it.

Nattie stayed in an affluent gated community in Sacramento. Her husband, Gerry, the former Governor of California stayed in their home in Santa Barbara. Several years ago while he was preparing to run as the State Senator, Gerry had a stroke leaving him paralyzed on the left side of his body. His speech was severely impaired and he required 24 hour nurse care. When Olivia first heard of his plight, her immediate thought was 'Karma is a bitch' but then counseled herself to be more sensitive to his sufferings.

"Livvy, it is so great to see you," Nattie said as she wheeled herself into the foyer to greet Olivia.

"Mrs. Grant, it is wonderful to see you as well. Thanks for inviting me to lunch," Olivia bent down to kiss her cheek.

"Please dear, call me Nattie. We are lunching outside on the patio, follow me," she said.

"You have a lovely home," Olivia said as she took her seat on the patio in the gardens. The flowers were amazingly beautiful and well kept. It was like paradise. "This garden is beautiful; the view is breathtaking."

"Yes, I love it out here. There is such peace…So Livvy how are you getting settled in?"

"I'm fine. I met the staff, who welcomed me to the team. Cyrus also got me a great office. I'm still settling in but everything is good," Olivia said. She didn't want to broach the subject of Fitz.

"Your mother keeps me updated on all your hard work in Washington. You have really made a name for yourself. You must be proud of that."

"I am but it's really a team effort. We all work very well with each other," Olivia said. Her team at Pope and Associates consisted of her mother - who seldom came to the office or worked on cases unless there was an extreme situation - Huck, Quinn, Harrison and David. Her mother had been happy to retire from the firm in California and relocate to DC, taking Huck and Quinn with her.

"They were very accommodating in allowing me to be away in California to help with the election. Of course it's only a temporary arrangement and they can always contact me if necessary."

"Of course," Nattie offered. She eyed Olivia for several minutes before continuing, "So how is Fitz adjusting to your being back?"

"I think it is difficult for him but it is to be expected. I didn't expect him to welcome me with open arms. I acknowledge that I treated him badly."

"It is not my intention to make you feel worse than you already do but you need to understand how he was when you broke up. He wasn't the same. I love my son dearly, but for a time, I couldn't see him. It hurt me too much to see him."

Olivia put down her fork, no longer able to eat. She didn't want to hear the details of Fitz life after she left him but she knew that she needed to. This was part of her penance. She needed to understand the depth of the pain she caused if she was ever going to atone for her sins and gain his forgiveness.

"How was he…..what was he…..," Olivia stammered out but she couldn't complete the question.

Nattie paused in thought before speaking again. "At first he was just quiet and distant. He wanted to be left alone and we accommodated him. Then the drinking and the recklessness started; he became angry and hurtful to others. He was cold. After finishing law school he took a year off and I did not see him. I don't know where he was or what he was doing. He would only send me the odd message here and there to let me know he was okay. When he came back he was functioning and working but the bitterness remained. There was no light in his eyes; he put up a good front for others but I could see the misery inside of him. Then one day, he introduced me to Samantha, his wife. I was surprised because I had never met her before. She explained that they eloped after a brief romance. But I know my son, he didn't truly love her. I think he married her because he was lonely and hoping that the marriage would fix him inside. But it didn't, I think the marriage made it worse because he had to pretend all the time – both in the public and now in private. Samantha loved him but he couldn't love her. I just thank God they had no children because that would have compounded the problem."

By the time she finished speaking, a steady stream of tears was flowing down Olivia's face. She could no longer control herself and she broke into loud sobbing.

"How do you feel…are you angry too?" Olivia asked in a more controlled but quiet voice. She wouldn't blame Nattie if she was angry. She knew if someone had hurt her child to that extent she would probably feel the same.

Nattie reached over and grabbed her hand. "Livvy, I know about the nightmares and the therapy. Your mother told me…..You went through a traumatic experience; your father was murdered while trying to save my son. How could I ever be angry at you?"

Olivia eyes widened. She didn't want others to know how deeply her father's murder affected her. She had worked hard to make sure that whatever problems she experienced were kept private. "Did you tell him?"

"No of course not," Nattie said as Olivia gave a visible sigh of relief.

"I don't want his pity. I don't want him feeling sorry for me. I can handle it. I've been handling it," Olivia said and Nattie watched the gradual change in her demeanor. Her vulnerable side was disappearing again, cloaked under this guise of strength.

"Livvy, I've always known how much you love my son. I know you thought you were doing what was best for him but he needs you Livvy and you need him. He wouldn't be so angry now if he didn't still love you. The opposite of love isn't hate; its indifference."

"I hurt him so bad. Will he forgive me?"

"I think love allows for forgiveness don't you? But you have to forgive yourself first. You were young and made a decision that at the time you thought was right. You have a tough road ahead of you. Right now he is in a battle between his mind and his heart. He loves you but he doesn't trust you. You will have to work to rebuild that. But if you want it….If you want to be with him, then you will have to fight for it. And most of the fight will be convincing him that you two still belong together."