Executive Orders

CH 33 | Episode 09: Common Sense & Conversations

Fitz would have been lying to himself if he didn't admit that his first reaction to the unexpected sight of Olivia hadn't sent a rush of pleasure through him. It was only after the memories of the past night came back to him, did his concern and then his worry return, especially when he saw Elizabeth walk up to her.

"Excuse me for a moment, ladies." He said to Colleen and Susan. He was already turning away when Susan spoke up. Something in Susan's voice halted him in his tracks.

"Sir, are you sure about that? Wouldn't you rather have some company right about now?"

Like it or not, her words made sense; Fitz needed something or someone to ground his sudden surge of anger.

Having gotten his attention, Susan stepped closer before she continued. "Elizabeth tends to bring out the worst in people, sir - she knows it - meaning that sometimes she uses that as a weapon."

She was right, Fitz remembered. He'd been blinded by his concern for Olivia; any other time, it wouldn't have been a concern, but the events of the night before last had clearly colored his thoughts.

He nodded at Susan to show his gratitude before looking at Colleen. "Would you care to join us?"

"Knowing what I do about both ladies' reputations, I think I wouldn't miss this for the world."

The look on Colleen's face helped ground Fitz and made him realize that his concern had briefly overridden his common sense. He knew better than to rush to Olivia's side - just as he knew she'd be the first to chastise him if he did - and as he began to cross the room, the added benefit of being in the two women's company was that since he appeared to be in conversation, no one quite dared to interrupt him as they crossed the floor.

From where they'd been standing, Fitz and his companions were behind Elizabeth, so for a few minutes, she had no idea that they were even there. But as he drew closer, he heard what Elizabeth was saying - and he didn't like it. The irritation the woman seemed to ignite in him returned full force and the fact that she was directing her words at Olivia ramped it up even higher than before. He paused so that he could hear everything she had to say.

As much as Elizabeth was trying to hide her attitude, she was practically purring in satisfaction. "It's not that you aren't welcome - but I'm sure you agree that it would set a bad precedent to allow you entry when the other members of the press weren't."

Elizabeth's attempt to dismiss Olivia poured fuel on his irritation, and the fact that she was trying to do it in front of an audience made Fitz see red; damn the political games - his first concern was Olivia. After the emotional storm that she'd just endured, the last thing she needed was this level of pettiness.

Aware of his current company, he tried to not be obvious about it, but Fitz couldn't help it - his concern for Olivia's welfare was too close to overriding his common sense. He studied Olivia before he took the last few steps to join them.

At least she looked rested, Fitz noted, even as a wave made up of half-concern and half-exasperation washed over him. Plus there was a particular way she held herself - stubborn little woman - he couldn't help the thought - that he was very much familiar with. It was part subtle and part sexy without even trying - he couldn't help that thought either - and part don't bullshit me, and a take-no-prisoners gleam in her eye. His heart jolted a little as he realized that he recognized the dress that she was wearing. White with a black lace inset that called attention to the curve from her tiny waist to the sweet curve of her hips, it was the dress she wore the night of the inauguration balls.

With that choice, Olivia was telling him without words, that she was very much okay.

Elizabeth is not going to know what hit her. Whatever else that was going on in Olivia's head, Fitz could tell that she was enjoying this.