'Scandal' Season 3 Episode 11 Spoilers: Sneak Peak at Olivia and Mellie's Awkward Lunch Date [Video]

"Scandal" fans may have to wait a few more weeks until the popular political drama series returns from its winter hiatus, but fortunately, there's a lot to look forward to in the rest of Season 3.

Actress Darby Stanchfield hinted at what's to come concerning her character Abby Whelan when "Scandal" returns to ABC on Feb. 27. She talked to TVLine about scenes she recently filmed with a cast member she'd never worked with before.

"It has to do with the other world, the White House world," she said. "It's a role that Abby's not used to being in, but sometimes Olivia Pope is busy and short-staffed. So Abby's got to step in. It made for some really nice scenes."

The remaining episodes of Season 3 will largely focus on the presidential election as Mellie Grant will be right by her husband President Fitz's side during his re-election. However, TVLine reports that "The Closer" and "Major Crimes" actor Jon Tenney will join the cast as the FLOTUS' rumored love interest and potentially shake things up in her marriage.

Bellamy Young, who plays the role of Mellie, dropped hints about what to expect, telling TV Guide, "We're [Fitz and Mellie] going to spend a lot of time with the campaign, so it's the machinations of trying to get us back in the White House for another four years."

She added that her rumored love interest will "throw a wrench in the works in the very best of ways."

In a recent interview regarding Tenney's character, Young told TVLine, "We are having fun with Mr. Tenney - a great, great deal of fun." She went on to add that "His character, Andrew, is someone that we have... uh... I don't know what I'm allowed to say!"

ABC released a sneak peak of the upcoming episode, titled "Ride Sally Ride," in which Olivia Pope is seen having an awkward lunch date with Mellie. Mellie tells her that she wants to make a "respectable woman" out of her. She also tells her in a very sarcastic voice to smile because, "the world is watching." The camera then pans to the window where photographers are snapping tons of photos of her, indicating that something intense has occurred.

"Scandal" will return with S3E11 on Thursday, Feb. 27 on ABC.

Watch a preview clip below.