Executive Orders

CH 63: Friends and Allies

This incredible feeling of everything being so right -having had what had been close to a perfect day, followed by a perfect night - and then having woken up in Fitz's arms followed Olivia for the rest of this day and into the future.

It was a feeling that didn't end when she finally forced herself to leave Fitz's room for her own before it became too late in the morning for it to go unnoticed, or while she showered once again - although if she were being honest with herself, nothing would have made her happier than to have Fitz's scent - even better, the scent of them - on her all day - and it was a feeling that had lingered even as she changed into her outfit for the day.

Olivia chose a crisp white tailored buttoned-down shirt over tan suede slacks, again pairing her outfit with a minimal amount of make-up, eyeliner, mascara and this time a lipstick that was a soft nude with a pink tint to it. Her favorite diamond studs - another present from Fitz - went in her ears and when she was done, Olivia took a moment to look in the mirror at the woman reflected there. And in a very rare moment free from any other issues that she might have, Olivia saw a woman who was satisfied with who and what she was.

She smiled at her reflection and wished herself well.

When Olivia entered the shared space of the two bedroom suite, Harrison was already there, seated in one of two matching wingback chairs, drinking coffee and reading one newspaper from a stack of several as though it were the most natural thing in the world. A service tray was standing close by, with a carafe of coffee and a miniature tea service, both crafted in polished silver.

"I ordered room service - coffee for me, tea for you. I've also been checking the headlines, but there's nothing earth-shaking to report and that's a good thing, yes?" He said after greeting her a good morning and a smile. "And since there appears to be no national disasters on the horizon, is there anything else you need for me to be working on?"

Olivia returned his smile and poured herself a cup of tea before she began to brief him on the events of yesterday's meeting before giving Harrison his duties for the day. "I'll just need you to keep your eyes and ears open today. I'll also want you by my side for brunch and whatever comes after - especially for whatever comes after."

"Whatever comes after?" It was clear that Harrison wasn't quite clear about what she meant.

Olivia smiled at him. "That's right, it's time for you to earn your paycheck this weekend and do some heavy lifting, instead of flirting with all the pretty ladies."

"You know me, Liv, I'm equal opportunity and flirt with even the not so pretty ones." Harrison's smart-assed answer was pretty much automatic but then he stopped talking as he realized exactly what it was that Olivia was saying.

"You -" still a little stunned, Harrison stumbled over his words. He'd thought he was here for auxiliary back-up and nothing more. "- you want me in the room while presidential level conversations are happening? Are you sure about this, Liv?"

"Along with the governor, the congressman - and congresswoman, one present envoy, one former envoy - or do you think that you can't handle it?" Olivia had been ticking off the list on her fingers but now she stopped to grin as she watched Harrison's initial shock melt away and he answered her with something close to his usual cocky grin - just as she'd expected.

"Anything you need from me - you know I got you, Liv."

"I never doubted that, Harrison. Not for a single minute, not ever."

That same good feeling stayed with Olivia through the return to the Caldwell estate. When they arrived, she and Harrison were led into an informal country-styled dining room with white plastered walls and golden oak beams set in an alcove just off the main kitchen. Huge picture windows let in the morning light, lending a lightness and a sense of transparency to the air. Olivia was reminded of Vermont and that warmed her thoughts.