I don't wanna steal your freedom
I don't wanna change your mind
I don't have to make you love me
I just wanna take your time
_
Olivia hurriedly made her way to the car waiting for her outside of her home in LA.
She owned a two story home consisting of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a two car garage and a big backyard with a pool.
She could afford such a lavish home because well Olivia Pope was one of the top designers in the world. Olivia Pope was a brand. She is amazingly successful and still just 29 years old.
She finally made it to the car. The driver taking her luggage and loading it in the car. Her phone rang as she cringed at the caller ID, "crap" she muttered.
"Abby I know I'm late but I'm on my way now I promise." Olivia answered the phone.
"Ugh Liv! You better not make us miss that flight, the reunion is tonight and i still want to get settled in." Abby scolded her.
"Abby I know, okay. Anyway I told you to fly out there yesterday since I still had an appointment today so..." Olivia was exhausted and it was only 5:30pm.
""You know damn well you would've made up an excuse to not attend the reunion if I took a flight yesterday and left you here. Are you even really on the road or are you still packing?" Abby was being so extra.
Liv let out a chuckle, "Yes Abby I'm on my way. I'm like 10 minutes away from your place. Btw I still don't understand why you don't wanna move in with me. We could have a lot of fun you know." Liv tried to change the subject.
"Olivia Pope you need a man. Seriously. You're gorgeous, young, and have a great sense of humour. It's not that I don't want to move in with you but I like where I'm at right now."
"I don't need a man. I got Pikachu. He makes me happy" Olivia smiled at the thought of her cute Pomeranian dog.
"He is hella cute though I'll give you that." Abby laughed.
"Okay I'm hanging up we're outside your apartment."
"Great. I'll be right down."
The driver quickly loaded Abby's things in the car not wanting to delay anymore time.
As soon as Abby got in the car beside her best friend they hugged each other.
"I wonder if everyone will show up.." Abby said.
"Why wouldn't they. You don't just bail out on your high school reunion. You gotta see who made it big and whatnot." Liv said thinking back trying to remember the people she went to school with.
"Wait. I have a year book. Let's use it as a checklist of some sort." Abby said taking the book out of her bag, "Here..let's see."
"Brad Rosen, David's little brother. Ugh you should see him now Liv he's hot." Abby fanned herself.
"Yeah you would know since you're still so in touch with David." Liv smirked.
"Shut up. We hooked up a few times that's it. Moving on."
They scanned through several more names laughing and joking at their time at Georgetown High School.
"Harrison Wright. My brother from another mother. He protected me against all the guys that wanted to "get to know" me. I remember you not liking him because you taught it was all just an act the way he cared for me." Olivia laughed.
"Yeah well he was a jock so.. Anyway are you still in contact with him?" Abby wondered.
"We actually texted the other day. He was home, in Georgetown and visited my parents. My mom gave him my number. Him and his brother Nate owns a Night Club in New York." She informed Abby.
"Woah that's great. Let's see who's left...Oh my god Quinn, Natalie and Jess. The mean girls squad."
Both Abby and Liv laughed out loud.
"I would actually love to know how they turned out." said Liv.
"Then obviously there's Caleb, Amber, Jason and Brooke who we still see occasionally." Abby said narrowing down the list.
"Oh and how could I forget. Mr Movie Star himself. Fitzgerald Grant wow that guy was an asshole. Can you believe he actually became a famous ass actor. Damn idiot his movies ain't bad though but he's still an idiot. Ugh did you see the latest about him on TMZ, the ultimate playboy. He must be in his element partying and being a man whore." Abby ranted. She really didn't like Fitzgerald one bit.
"Yeah.. I mean I've heard some stories. You know when I dress celebs for awards shows and such. They talk." Liv added.
Their car came to a stop. They've arrived at the airport ready for their flight to Georgetown.
"Let's go!" Abby said excitedly. She only lived there until after high school and then her family moved to Cali.
"Are you ok with us staying at my parents house for these two days?" Liv asked just making sure.
"Liv! Yes of course. I miss Oscar and Maya. They treated me like their own child." Abby smiled warmly.
The girls stepped off the plane about 5 hours later, both exhausted. They didn't sleep much on the plane. Both catching up on some work. Olivia making a few altercations on some designs and Abby working on a clients divorce. Yes, she was a lawyer.
Olivia's brother Benjamin came to pick them up.
"Bennyyyy!" It's so good to see you!" If it wasn't for her suitcase she would've ran over towards him.
Finally making her way to where his was waiting, leaning against his car they embraced in a warm loving hug.
"I haven't seen you in 10 months little sis. I've missed you."
"You know she's looking for a roommate in that big house of hers. You could just move in." Abby said making her way over to the pair. Benjamin let go of his sister to give Abby a hug.
"I have a wife and a kid Abby. So I'll have to say no to that offer. Liv you ain't got yourself a man yet??" He asked frowning.
"Oh come on not you too. I don't need a man right now ok. And if I do meet someone that person has to be ok with my lifestyle and not be too intimidated by my success." She stated.
"Okay okay I get it. You just have to remember not every guy is like that Edison fool. Homie wanted to feed off your fame and success." He said seriously.
"I know. I just haven't met the right guy yet I guess. But enough about that. Let's get home I'm dead tired." She said getting in the car with Abby while Benjamin load their luggage in the trunk.
Finally they arrive at the Pope residence. Upon their entrance Maya greeted both Abby and Olivia with hugs and kisses, "Girls it's soo good to see you!" She lead them inside towards the kitchen where she was warming up some lasagne for them.
"Did Benjamin go straight home now?" Maya enquired.
"Yeah.. He said he'll stop by tomorrow with Nicole and little Gracie. Ugh she must be so big now" Liv's face lit up thinking about seeing her niece.
"Yep and too smart for her own good. Are you two hungry?" Maya asked.
"Yeah now that I smell that food I'm definitely hungry." Abby said.
"Well help yourselves. Your dad is already fast asleep by the way. He's been working a lot lately."
"Maybe he should accept that he's getting old." Olivia chuckled, "Anyway I think we'll just take the food to our room and call it a night. I need some sleep."
"Okay. I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight you you two and Abby no sneaking out of the house." Maya joked.
She caught Abby and Liv one time during High School trying to sneak out and always teased them about it.
"I can't make any promises Mama Pope." She retorted.
Everyone made their way to their bedrooms. Abby and Liv decided to share a room even though there are another two empty bedrooms.
The following morning Olivia made her way downstairs to the kitchen still rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She woke up dehydrated and craved a good amount of water.
"Good morning baby girl" seemingly out 9f nowhere she heard her father's voice.
Looking around adjusting her eyes to the bright room she spotted him at the stove preparing breakfast - bacon and eggs - his favourite.
"Dad!! Hii it's so good to see you. You were fast asleep last night when we arrived. Mom says you working too much." Liv said hugging her father.
"Well I can't just sit at home Olivia. I still love my job." Oscar Pope, 60, owned a well known auto repair shop in Georgetown.
"Anyway how long are you staying?" Her dad asked.
"We leave tomorrow evening." She said when she noticed Abby coming up to them, "Morning Abby."
"Hey Liv. Good morning Papa Pope. Wow it smells nice in here." She going in for a hug.
"It's good to see you Abby. Are you still looking after my baby girl out there in LA?."
"Of course sir. Who's gonna do it if not me?" They share a laugh.
Just then Maya joined the trio, "Good morning everyone. Looks like you're all having fun."
"Maya tell these two to come and visit us more often."
"Oscar come on you know what busy lifestyles they lead. Oh Liv I saw that dress you designed for Rihanna for the MET Gala. Wow!!" Maya praised her daughter.
"Thanks mom." Liv said shyly. She was still so humble and grounded.
"Alright let's eat." Oscar announced.
After breakfast everyone got dressed. Oscar headed off to work. Liv and Abby went out for a bit driving around their hometown. Then met up at her parents home for lunch with her brother and his wife and daughter.
"Hey Liv it's so great to see you. How are you?" Nicole, her sister in law, greeted.
They hugged before Olivia answered, "It's so good to see you too Nic. Life's great. My boutiques are doing well, I've gained more celebrity clients, I can't complain. And you?"
"I'm good thanks. Now that Gracie started pre-school I have more time to myself."
"Oh you remember Abby right?"
"Of course how could I forget just about the only person put Benjamin in his place in 0.2 seconds." The girls all laughed.
"Hey Nicole it's good to see you again." Abby shook her hand.
"Aunt Livvieeee!!" Grace's squeals could be heard coming down the hall into the living room.
She ran straight into Olivia's arms clinging onto her.
"Hii sweet girl. I've missed you the most." Liv said kissing her head.
Gracie leaned back from their embrace and looked her favourite auntie in the eyes, "I've missed you the most too aunt Livvie. Did you bring me a pretty dress?!" Her eyes grew wide. Olivia always sent her a dress or two during the year ever since she was born. An original OP design.
"Sorry bug I didn't. I was too busy making pretty dresses for other people but I did bring you a new doll!"
"Yayyy!" Gracie clapped excitedly.
"Let's go get it." The two of them went upstairs to retrieve the doll.
Benjamin entered the living room sitting next to his wife, "So Abby what time does your reunion start, i heard its being held at The Lions Den Nightclub?"
"8pm. If Liv is ready on time because with that one there's always a delay." She said jokingly.
"Hey I heard that!" Liv said as she joined them, taking a seat next to Abby.
"How are you gonna get there, you don't have a car.." Ben asked curiously.
"It's fine we'll just take an Uber. That way if we get wasted we don't have to worry about driving back." Abby said.
"Oh and if we're lucky maybe there'll be someone for Liv to hook up with." She teased.
"Abby eww I doubt I'll want to hook up with anyone there. I remember most of those boys and no. Just no." Liv said shaking her head.
"Nicole you would not believe how many Rappers and other A-List celebs have tried to get her to go out with them. And she just turns them down like that." Abby snapped her fingers, "I mean hot, sexy guys."
Nicole chuckled, "I've seen how many of these dudes out here tagging her as their #womencrush. Odell Beckham, Trey Songz, Mychal Kendricks, The Weeknd just to name a few."
"Okay can we please stop this conversation." Benjamin said a little uncomfortable.
"Oh come Ben your sister is freaking gorgeous she can't help it if the guys are lining up." Nicole said nudging him a little.
"Yeah I get it. But she's also not interested so.."
"I like being low key. Dating guys who's that famous is a lot of work and they usually can't keep a relationship going. We must really have a connection and an understanding. I don't want to just date for fun. I'm getting older and I want someone, something genuine. Something real." Liv said truthfully.
"Aww that's sweet. I hope you find what you're looking for." Nicole said.
"Lunch is ready!" Maya shouted from the dining room.
"Finally!" Benjamin mumbled.
It was now 7:30pm and the girls were just about ready to leave. Abby was dressed in a black jumpsuit with a pair of wedges. Hair made into a messy ponytail. Olivia was wearing light blue ripped skinny jeans, a white lace top and a pair of black d'orsay pumps. She wore her hair down in loose curls.
"Liv the uber is outside. Let's go. See you mama pope." Abby shouted.
"Ok I'm here. Bye mom."
"Bye girls! And please behave yourselves!"
This made Abby and Liv laugh all the way to the car.
When they arrived at the club at about 8:15pm the place was already buzzing.
"Looks like the party already started." Abby said upping her pace to get inside.
"Abby why are you so excited to be here anyway? We weren't even that popular in high school." Liv rolled her eyes.
"So? You're a famous designer now and I'm a hot shot lawyer. Let's go in there and show off. We've worked damn hard to get where we are today." Abby said matter-of-fact.
Liv smirked, "You know what? You're right. Let's go!"
As they entered the club people started making their way towards the middle. Looks like a welcoming is about to take place.
Olivia and Abby took a seat at the table closest to them scanning the room. Everyone looked so different now.
The former students who planned out this reunion went on stage thanking and welcoming everyone, "and before we fuck it up like we're still stupid teenagers in high school can we just give a special welcome to our celebrities in the building. New York Knicks player Stephen Finch, Charlie Jones our NFL superstar, Mr Hollywood Fitzgerald Grant (you sexy beast)" the lady winked in his direction before continuing, "Oh and famous fashion designer Olivia Pope. Welcome guys!"
There was a hustle and bustle in the club as everyone's attention turned towards the "special" guests.
"Ugh Abby let's just go get a few drinks I don't want to be stared at all night."
Olivia and Abby sat at the bar nursing their drinks scanning through the crowd of people looking for anyone familiar when Harrison approached them.
"Olivia Pope! Well damn look at you!"
She got off the bar stool and pulled him in for a hug, "Hey big head. What's up?! How's it going?"
"I'm good I'm good. No complaints." That's when he noticed Abby as she looked up from her phone, "Ohh shit Abby Whela fucking hell I haven't seen you since high school!! And I see you and Liv are still inseparable..you guys ain't like a couple right??" He said with raised eyebrows
"Ugh that's the point of this reunion Harrison. To see people you haven't seen since school. And what the hell, would it be such a bad thing if we were to be a couple?!" Abby always the firecracker.
Olivia burst out laughing, "We are still best friends Harrison and no we're not together..we enjoy getting the D" she said.
Harrison almost choked on his drink, "Liv are you drunk?! Since when do you talk about getting the D."
"We're not kids anymore Harry.." she said signaling the bartender for a refill of her drink.
"So anyway it was good to see you both. We should hang out sometime though. But if you'll excuse me I've got to go see what my jocks have been making of their lives. See you around."
"Bye Harrison." The both said.
Meanwhile Fitz have been staring at Olivia the moment he saw her entering the club. She was easily the most beautiful woman he has laid eyes on. Shit. He vaguely remember her from their school days. She was very quiet. Minded her own business. But what he also remember is playing a prank on her with the help of the mean girl squad. He never really paid attention to her back then. Fuck he wanted to kick himself. What were the chances that she would even talk to him right now.
He was in such a trance that he didn't even notice Stephen, Charlie, Harrison and Brad all staring at him.
Stephen nudged him, "Okay buddy whatever the hell you're thinking of trying with her, she's not gonna fall for your shit..she's just not your type or you're definitely not her type."
Brad chimed in, "Stevie man c'mon you know Fitz can make anyone his type." They laughed and Fitz just looked at them realising they've caught him staring.
"Man I just wanna go introduce myself." He defended.
"Fitz everyone knows you. You're hella famous" Charlie said.
"I know that, it's just that I've been a complete ass to a lot of people in school and I vaguely remember playing a stupid prank on her..." He actually cared about her opinion about him even though they don't really know each other.
Harrison listened and voiced his thoughts, "Listen man she ain't someone to hold grudges and trust me with the life she's build for herself I'm pretty sure she don't care about some old high school prank. But to add to that, you are definitely not her type so just stay away."
"Yeah bro you're kind of a manwhore." Stephen said as the group laughed again.
Then they spotted a few girls making their way over to their booth.
"Hey boys.." the one said flirtatiously.
"Natalie?!?" Harrison recognised her.
"Yeah.. so, you guys want some company. Hey Mr. Grant." She said twirling her finger in her hair.
"Uhh hey. Uhm sorry I gotta head to the bathroom real quick. Nice to see you again." Fitz quickly left the booth.
Tonight he didn't want some easy bimbo. He wanted to approach the only woman who's had his attention all night. Olivia Pope. He'll never forget her name..face..smile after tonight by just staring at her.
How could he not have paid any attention to her back then. Fitz wanted to kick himself as he remembered he doesn't exactly have the best reputation going for him at the moment.
It'd be a damn miracle if Olivia even acknowledged him.
Before he knew it he was sliding into the empty seat beside her.
Olivia was so busy catching up with two girls from art class she didn't even notice him making his way to the bar and sitting next to her.
"Scotch please." He asked the bartender.
Meanwhile the two girls started stuttering and couldn't form a complete sentence ever since they saw Fitz sit down. Olivia was turned with her back towards him giving the girls all her attention but she then noticed somethings up.
"Uhm are you guys ok...?" She asked since they had a good conversation going until now.
"Errr yeeah. Yep we're uhm fine. Would you just excuse us for a second.?" The one asked.
"Sure I guess..." Olivia was now very confused.
The two of them moved a few steps to her right and literally squealed like little fangirls.
"What the fuck??" Liv turned in her seat to see why they're losing their whole entire minds.
She was actually a bit shocked herself to be honest. Seeing him sitting there next to her.
"Omg Omg Omg! Can we have a few pictures with you?!" They begged with excitement.
"Uh yeah sure." He posed for selfies until the one girl asked Liv to take a full picture of the three of them.
Liv was caught of guard by the request.
"Uhm.. okay..." She snapped a few pics then handed the phone back.
"It was so great to see you Fitz. Here's my number. Call me if you don't have any plans after tonight. I'll bring my friend."
Ugh they're so shameless Liv thought to herself. She was now enjoying a glass of orange juice. She figured she had about enough alcohol for the night.
With the girls gone Fitz took a swig of his drink and shifted in his seat turning slightly towards Liv.
"Hi. I'm Fitz.. you're Olivia..Pope?" He said awkwardly. Which is odd because Fitz oozed confidence when it came to women.
Liv thought she was imagining things but when she turned her head to look at him, indeed he was talking to her.
"Yeah..I'm Olivia." She said cautiously. Wondering why the hell this hollywood playboy was trying to engage in conversation with her.
"I must admit I don't exactly remember you Olivia. But I did have the most awful flashback about that prank we-"
"Look." She cut him off, "That was years ago. It was a stupid prank I'm over it. You don't remember me, too bad. So if you came over here to suddenly apologise for being an asshole about 11/12 years ago. You're wasting your time. I'm living my best life, I don't have time to think about shit that took place back in high school."
Fitz was taken aback. Yes, he didn't remember much about Olivia Pope but he knows for damn sure she wasnt as confident and vocal back then.
He didn't know what to say.
"Wow.. look at you putting me in my place. Listen I know that my reputation gets ahead of me, but honestly I didn't come over here to try and get into your pants." He sort of chuckled.
Shit she was even more breathtaking from up close. Her smooth skin, full lips and doe eyes. He had to take another swig of his strong drink in order to not get lost in her beauty.
Olivia's face softened, "Listen I'm sorry if I came off a bit harsh. It's just.. the things I've heard about you Fitzgerald Grant *takes sip of juice* you're trouble."
"Wow. Really. I'd like to think I'm not that bad of a person. These girls I hook up with, they don't even know me. Well I don't want them to get to me for me. So I just continue to have a good time." He said gulping down the last bit of scotch.
Liv looked at him with raised eyebrows, "You call that having a good time. Sleeping with random girls. Wow ok." She didn't mean to judge him but she just couldn't help it.
"Wait have you ever even been in a relationship Fitzgerald? You do realise these women also have feelings right, you can't just have your way with them and tell em off the next minute" She said.
He ordered another drink.
"Believe it or not I have actually. When I was studying at Julliard. I met a girl. We were in love. Her parents didn't approve. Apparently I wasn't good enough for her. Which was fine because we got through that but then I caught her in bed with my dad. Apparently it had been going on for a while..*he laughs* so I resorted to fucking any female who smiled in my direction and even some of his girlfriends. You know, as some sort of revenge."
The bartender brought his drink and he took a huge gulp not knowing why the fuck he just told her all that.
"Does that answer your question Olivia..Pope." His lips making a pop sound pronouncing her last name.
Uneasy with him being so brutally open with her she answered, "Uhh yes. Yes Fitzgerald..Grant. It does answer my question."
"So uhm... did you come all the way over here just to get away from your groupies or to introduce yourself to me since we've never *met* ?" She asked leaning with her elbows on the counter looking at him.
"I guess I just wanted to say hi and uhm well I really did want to apologise for being the worst kind of asshole to you back then." He smiled.
For the first time she really looked at him. Took in his features. Crooked smile, piercing blue eyes, curly hair (it looked so soft she thought) and he was dressed very nicely.
"Hey don't worry about. Apology accepted. So now you can sleep better and not have terrible nightmares about a prank you pulled on a girl you vaguely remember." She scrunched her nose chuckling.
Fuck she's cute, why did i give up on love and turned myself into a manwhore and didn't just wait for her Fitz thought bringing the glass of scotch to his lips once more taking a sip.
He snorted, "Ha! Do you have any idea how relieved I am right now. I'm so happy that I'll be getting the best sleep of my life tonight all thanks to you. Thank you for your forgiveness."
"Oh you're welcome Fitzgerald."
"You can call me Fitz you know...I mean I don't particularly like to be called Fitzgerald. It sounds like an old ass man."
She now let out a proper laugh.
"You laugh like a 4 year old." Fitz said amused, "But I like it. See we totally could've been besties in high school Miss Pope." He joined in on her laughter.
Olivia sat up straight again. She realised she was getting a bit too comfortable with him. And she didn't want him to get the wrong impression. She was simply being friendly.
"Fitzgerald look. I gotta go. It's been nice meeting(?) you.."
"Yeah I guess we sort of just "met" for the first time." He interjected, smiling.
"Well enjoy the rest of your evening but I gotta go." She said getting up.
As she was making her way towards the other side of the club where Abby was talking to Brad she turned to look over her shoulder and tried to get in one last jab, "Hey Fitzgerald! don't forget to call those two fangirls from earlier. Bet they're craving you by now." She said walking away smirking.
If only Olivia knew that during their conversation, Fitz decided to give up the life he's living right now. He decided to become a better person. For her. He wanted to get to know her but he respected her too much to involve her in his messed up life. So in order for him to get to know this amazing woman he needed to get his shit together.
Emptying his last of his scotch he mumbled to himself, "Fucking hell.."