A/N: Good news. I have found my notes, including this chapter. Quick recap: Rowan nominated Jake to be his replacement for Command. Olivia supports Jake's decision in wanting to pursue it. Oliva has a potential client who wants her to run their presidential campaign. But Cyrus wants Olivia to run Fitz's campaign instead. Enjoy!

Chapter 8

"I must say it's nice to finally meet the great Olivia Pope. Or do you prefer Ballard?"

"Either one is fine," Olivia answered with a small but welcoming smile. Josephine didn't seem to be one that gave compliments freely so Olivia was flattered by that compliment. Though she had heard it many times before.

Olivia led them to the common area. "Can I get you a water? Tea? Coffee?"

"None but thank you," Josie answered as she took a seat on the white couch.

"We can just get started then." Olivia took a seat across from Josie. She picked up her note pad and pen from the wooden coffee table that sat between them. Then crossed her legs before continuing. "I'm just going to ask you a series of questions to learn a little more about you."

Josie gave her a slight nod. "Simple enough."

"Good." Olivia fired off basic questions to get a better understanding of Josie's background as a whole. She didn't need detailed answers since that information would be revealed when she researched her potential client. Her main reason, however, was to take notes and compare those answers to what she finds out her own. Lying was one thing Olivia had little tolerance for when it came to those who she represented. And from past experience, if someone lies about an insignificant fact about themselves, they were usually keeping important information a secret. Something that could hinder Olivia's ability to represent someone effectively and backfire on her.

Twenty minutes in and two page of notes later, Olivia changed focus abruptly. "Do you think the country is ready another female President?"

"Well, if I didn't think this great nation wasn't ready for another woman as Commander in Chief, I wouldn't be here asking you to head my Presidential campaign. Now would I?"

Olivia smiled as pleasantly as she could as she uncrossed her legs and rested the notepad in her lap. "While you pointing out the obvious is nice, that's not the answer I was looking for. Nor is it an answer that America wants to hear if you are asked that in an interview. More importantly, during the primaries. So, I'll ask you again. Do you think this country is ready for another female President? Or would you like for me to rephrase the question?" Olivia asked unfazed by the forwardness of her potential client.

"I believe that they are. But that's only if I'm nothing like Sally Langston."

"What makes you different from former President Langston?" Olivia challenged.

Josie sighed as if the answer was a given and should not be up for discussion. She leaned forward. "I'm a do what I want, when I want type of person. Sally on the other hand, has to consult with God just to determine what outfit to wear to work. There is no place for religion in politics. Your allegiance to a deity in any shape or form shouldn't influence the decisions you make for the country as a whole. And that was one of Sally's weaknesses. You can't serve God and the people on the same level. Both have different expectations. Wants and needs. Being elected as a leader means that you do things to satisfy the people in an objective manner."

Olivia nodded, briefly looking over her notes and processing Josie's response at the same time. "Good. Well actually, it's not good." She made eye contact with her again. "You stated how you would be different from Sally but you attacked her religion in the process. Not directly, per se. But a response like that would be enough to upset the conservatives. Granted, it is already hard for you to appeal to them since you are a Democrat. However, you still have to think about the moderates and liberals who are Christians or identify themselves as a believer in God. So a better response would be you don't believe that a person's religion or spirituality should play a pivotal role in their leadership abilities. Not because you aren't tolerant or respectful of other's beliefs. You just believe that it could cloud a person's judgment when it comes to making the tough decisions on controversial issues. The welfare of the country as a whole has to come first. Something along those lines," Olivia finished flawlessly.

"And this is why I want to hire you," Josephine admit openly with an approving nod. She was thoroughly impressed by Olivia's quick analysis and her ability to rip her ideologies to shreds in a matter of seconds. If she wanted America to take her serious, in spite of her lack of experience and stubbornness, she would need someone of Olivia's caliber to make her a legitimate candidate. If nothing else. Josie leaned back before continuing. "To make sure I don't put my foot in my mouth because of my strong opinions on specific things. Also, to make myself more likable and relatable to the average citizen. Not that I care much about being likeable."

"Unfortunately…..or maybe fortunately, we will have much more issues to worry about besides you phrasing an idea wrongly and making you likeable. You're a one term congresswoman going after the highest seat in the land. You will be an easy target to slaughter right out the gate."

Josephine waved her off. "No need Mrs. Ballard. I'm fully aware of many weaknesses."

Olivia nodded before moving on. "Alright then. It looks like that's all I will need for now. I will contact you on Tuesday with my final decision. If I do take you as a client, I'll let you know what we need to do over the next few weeks."

"That's fair enough," Josie replied as she stood up.

"One last thing." Olivia clutched the notepad to her chest before getting to her feet as well. My family comes first in every aspect. Adjustments will have to be made in order for me to balance my home and professional life during the campaign season. Will that be a problem?"

"I don't see why it would be. As long as the services I pay for is being carried out, I'm not too concerned in how it gets done."

"You will never have to worry about the job not getting taken care of properly."

"Good. I don't like to waste money."

"Neither do I," Olivia responded. "Have a good evening Ms. Marcus."

"You do the same Mrs. Ballard."

Once Josephine left, Olivia decided to send Jake a quick text. As encouragement and just to let her husband know that she was thinking about him. No matter what happens, I'm already proud of you baby. I love you.

When Jake checked his phone, he saw that Olivia sent him a text not long ago. A smile came to his face as he read the message. He learned through trial and error, that it was the little things that kept a relationship going. For that, he was thankful that it always came naturally in his marriage. After he sent her a response, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Jake sat in his car quietly for a few more minutes, thinking of nothing in particular except taking the time to have a moment to himself. He reopened his eyes when he heard raindrops begin to fall onto his windshield. "I guess it's now or never" Jake whispered to himself as he finally noticed how the once white clouds were now turning dark grey. He checked his watch one last time before getting out of his car to face the unknown. To embrace whatever the future may hold for him once he walked through those familiar doors once again.

A/N: As always, let me know what you thought.