His Possession (OLITZ /Scandal - short stories) - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

President Fitz Grant's month-long journey abroad began with an air of excitement and purpose. As Air Force One soared across the Atlantic, Fitz felt a mix of anticipation and a pang of longing. It would be a month filled with important meetings and diplomatic engagements, but it also meant a month away from Olivia.
The ancient splendor of Vatican City was the first stop on Fitz's itinerary. He met with the Pope, discussing matters of global importance, from climate change to humanitarian efforts. Each day was packed with meetings, ceremonies, and official dinners. The grandeur of the Sistine Chapel and the solemnity of St. Peter's Basilica provided a backdrop to his diplomatic duties.
At night, however, the opulence and history surrounding him couldn't fill the void left by Olivia's absence. Fitz would sit in his suite, staring at the city lights, and think of her. He'd call her whenever he could, sharing his experiences and listening to her stories from back home. The sound of her voice was a balm to his weary soul, but it wasn't enough.
From Vatican City, Fitz's journey took him to Geneva, the heart of international diplomacy. Here, he attended conferences and bilateral meetings, addressing pressing issues like global health and security. The days were long and demanding, with little time to reflect.
But every evening, as he retired to his hotel room overlooking Lake Geneva, Fitz found himself missing Olivia more than ever. He would walk along the lake, imagining her by his side, her laughter mingling with the sound of the water lapping against the shore. The distance was beginning to take its toll, and he found solace in their nightly phone calls, her voice a lifeline amidst the political whirlwind.
The final leg of Fitz's journey took him to Japan, a country of contrasts where ancient traditions met cutting-edge technology. He visited Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, engaging with Japanese leaders and promoting international cooperation. The beauty of the cherry blossoms in Kyoto and the bustling energy of Tokyo left a lasting impression on him.
Yet, the more wonders he experienced, the more he yearned for Olivia. His nights were spent in luxurious hotel rooms that felt empty without her. He would write her letters, pouring out his thoughts and feelings, trying to bridge the gap between them with words. The ritual became a nightly solace, a way to keep her close despite the miles that separated them.
After a month of intense diplomacy and endless meetings, Fitz finally returned home. As the motorcade pulled up to the White House, his heart raced with anticipation. Olivia was waiting for him at the entrance, her smile brighter than ever. He rushed to her, enveloping her in a tight embrace.
"I missed you so much," he whispered into her hair.
"I missed you too, Fitz," she replied, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm so glad you're home."
They walked hand in hand into the residence, and Olivia turned to him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You know what I want?"
Fitz raised an eyebrow, curious. "What's that?"
"A yummy burger from our favorite place," she said, grinning.
Fitz laughed, the sound echoing through the halls of the White House. "I think I can arrange that."
At The Gettysburger Company, a cozy joint nestled on Chambersburg St in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the lively atmosphere buzzed with chatter and the tantalizing aroma of American comfort food. Known for its burgers, wings, salads, and shrimp wraps, it was a local favorite frequented by both residents and tourists. The sweet potato fries drew rave reviews, while the bacon cheeseburger and farmer burger kept the kitchen bustling with orders.
Amid this bustling scene was Tiffany, a new waitress whose blonde locks and bubbly demeanor seemed to distract from any awareness she might have had about serving distinguished guests. Her coworkers, envious of the owner's obvious favoritism toward her, found amusement in her obliviousness and did little to assist her in navigating the complexities of her role.
Tiffany had been informed that the VIP area was reserved for an important businessman and his guest. To her, Fitz and Olivia were just another pair of customers.
When Fitz and Olivia entered, they were escorted to the VIP section. Fitz exuded authority as usual, while Olivia carried herself with grace and confidence. They settled into their seats, perusing the menu with interest.
Tiffany approached their table, chewing gum loudly and twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "What do you want, girl?" she said, addressing Olivia with a dismissive tone.
Fitz raised an eyebrow, hiding a smirk, while Olivia's eyes narrowed slightly. They exchanged a glance, silently agreeing on how to handle the situation.
"Well, sweetheart, I'd like the bacon cheeseburger," Fitz said smoothly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
"And you, girl?" Tiffany said again, her tone bordering on rude. They gave her an insolent leer.
"I'll have the farmer burger, please," Olivia replied calmly, her voice steady but her patience wearing thin. Her umber eyes hardened with a commanding glare.
Tiffany jotted down the orders, clearly more interested in Fitz than in providing good service. "Anything to drink, Zaddy?" she asked, her eyes locked on Fitz, batting her eyelashes.
"Two iced teas, please," Fitz answered, maintaining his composure.
As Tiffany sauntered away, Fitz and Olivia exchanged amused glances, conspiring silently.
"You know, Fitz," Olivia said with a sly smile, "I think we should have some fun with this."
"Oh, absolutely," Fitz agreed, his grin widening. "Let's see how sharp our new friend really is."
When Tiffany returned with their drinks, Fitz leaned back in his chair, an idea forming in his mind. "Tell me, Tiffany," he began, using her name to catch her off guard, "do you know what makes a burger truly great?"
Tiffany blinked, momentarily thrown by the question. "Uh, good meat?" she ventured, unsure where this was going.
"That's part of it," Fitz said, nodding. "But it's also about the quality of service. How the customer is treated can make all the difference."
Olivia chimed in, her tone polite but pointed. "You see, good service is about respect and attention to detail. It's about making every customer feel valued, no matter who they are."
Tiffany frowned, feeling a little lost. "Right, well, I'll get your order in," she said, turning on her heel and heading back to the kitchen.
As she left, Fitz and Olivia exchanged knowing looks. Their plan was in motion, and they were eager to see how Tiffany would handle the next phase.
Later, when the food arrived, Tiffany plopped the plates down, "Here you go Zaddy," Fitz picked up his burger, inspecting it thoughtfully. "You know, this looks delicious," he said, catching Tiffany's attention.
"Yeah, it's one of our best," she replied absentmindedly, still distracted by his aloof demeanor and her serene attitude.
"I'm sure it is," Fitz said, taking a bite. "You know, Olivia, I think we should commend the chef personally. And perhaps have a word with the manager about our experience here."
Tiffany's eyes widened, finally sensing that something was off. "Uh, why would you want to talk to the manager?" she asked nervously.
"Just a little feedback," Olivia said with a sweet smile. "We wouldn't want any misunderstandings to affect such a fine establishment."
As Fitz and Olivia continued their meal, Tiffany hurried to the back, her mind racing. When she returned with the manager, she was pale and quiet. The manager, a stern-looking woman, and the owner's wife approached the table with a professional smile. "Is everything to your satisfaction, Mr. President?"
Tiffany's jaw dropped. "Mr. President?!" she squeaked.
Fitz smiled warmly. "Yes, everything is wonderful. Just a little friendly advice for our server here."
The manager turned to Tiffany, her expression firm. "Tiffany, perhaps you should take a break. We'll talk later."
As Tiffany scurried away, Fitz and Olivia exchanged satisfied glances. "Well, that was quite entertaining," Olivia said, taking a sip of her iced tea.
"Indeed," Fitz agreed. "A little lesson in humility never hurt anyone."
They finished their meal in peace, knowing they had made their point. Tiffany, meanwhile, had learned an invaluable lesson about respect, humility, and the importance of treating all customers with dignity, regardless of appearance.
The simple meal tasted like heaven after weeks of elaborate state dinners and foreign cuisine. They talked and laughed, savoring every bite and every moment together.
Fitz realized that no matter where his duties took him, his heart would always be with Olivia. The month apart had been challenging, but it had also reaffirmed the strength of their bond. As they curled up on the couch, Fitz held Olivia close, grateful to be home and even more grateful to have her by his side.