by Jamey Moody
They were both silent, Olivia didn’t know what to say.
“Olivia, really, it’s all right. She died almost five years ago. Some days are still very hard but that was a really nice memory and I’ll go to bed happy tonight. So, thank you,” Stella said smiling.
“You’re welcome, I think...”
Stella laughed, “Now, back to this triathlon.”
“You really think I could do a triathlon?”
“Of course you can. I wouldn’t have suggested it if I didn’t think you could do it.”
Olivia looked at her skeptically.
“Do you have a bike?”
“Actually, I do. My ex left hers and never came back to get it. It’s a pretty good one too.”
“Would it bother you to ride it since it was hers?”
Olivia scoffed, “Not at all! We didn’t break up on the best of terms.”
“I’m not sure there are many break-ups that are on the best of terms. Relationships are hard and so is breaking up. I don’t care how adult we all try to act.”
“Isn’t that the truth!”
“Okay, you know how to swim, you’ve got a bike, and I’ve seen you run on the treadmill so you’re all set.”
“Wait, hold up!”
“Come on OK, we were talking about a goal, something to work toward.”
“Yeah but, a triathlon is big. I’ve never done anything like that before.”
“Oh Olivia, you can do so much more than you think you can. Believe me, you can do this. I’ll be right with you, we’re all doing it.”
“All?”
“Desi, Frankie, Natalie, and me. We sponsor it and we also participate. The beauty of this is that yes, it’s considered a race but, it’s really about completing something you’ve worked toward. I can’t tell you how proud you’re going to be when you cross the finish line,” Stella said beaming.
“Okay,” Olivia said shakily. “But I don’t know anything about training for a triathlon.”
“We have a beginner program that I’ll email to you before you leave tonight.”
“Wow, I guess I’m doing this,” Olivia said with a little more confidence.
“Yes, you are,” Stella said raising her hand for a high five. Olivia slapped hands and a huge smile began to grow on her face.
“We’ll all help you train. I swim just around the corner at the Y. The membership is cheap to swim only. I sometimes bike around here in-between classes. If the weather is nice, I run outside. If not there’s always the treadmill. See, you can do this.”
“Now, if my work schedule will cooperate,” said Olivia.
“You have plenty of time. Come on, let’s go to the front and I’ll email that schedule to you. And we can set up your other one-on-ones,” Stella said standing and offering her hand to Olivia to help her get up.
Olivia took her hand standing, “Stella, thanks so much for this. I loved the meditation you taught me and plan to use it tonight when I get ready for bed. And…”
Stella looked at Olivia making her look up, “And, what?”
“And, thanks for believing in me. There’s no way I would have even considered doing this triathlon if you hadn’t had all this confidence in me.”
Stella smiled, “You’re welcome.” Then she put her arm around her, “I wish you could see the Olivia I see.”
Olivia nodded.
“You will. It won’t be long and you’ll see what I see. And when you do, watch out! All that confidence can be like a magnet. Come on.”
They walked to the front and Stella set Olivia up with sessions and the training program.
“Thanks again, Stella,”
“I had a great time tonight too, Olivia. See you tomorrow.”
With that Olivia walked to her car feeling strong and happy. She thought about what Stella said all the way home. If she could see what Stella sees? Hmm, maybe she should take a better look at herself.
***
Frankie drove up to the local animal shelter and saw Grace Gibson’s car. She pulled into a parking space next to her and got out. Grace was the counselor that Frankie had been seeing since she and Laura broke up. One of Frankie’s clients was a psychiatrist in the same practice and had mentioned counseling in one of her classes, so Frankie gave it a try. She considered the decision to see Grace professionally as one of the best she’d ever made.
She walked in and found Grace in the lobby. “Hey,” Frankie said, making her way over.
“Hi, I was just about to get our leashes and see who we could walk first,” she said handing a leash to Frankie.
They went to the kennels and one of the shelter workers helped them with the dogs and they made their way out the door.
“Are you sure you don’t mind having a session while we walk the dogs,” asked Grace.
“I told you, I love this. I don’t mind at all.”
“Sometimes it can be easier to talk when you’re not sitting in an office. That’s a beautiful dog you’re walking.”
“I know, isn’t she?” Frankie said as the pitty mix walked obediently next to her.
“She’s really well behaved too. Pit bulls have the worst reputation and it isn’t fair,” said Grace.
“I know, they’re not bad dogs at all.”
“Well, we have an hour, let’s see how many we can give a little walk. So, how have you been since our last session?”
“Things have been busy at the gym but, that’s good. I’m a little anxious today though.”
“Do you know why you’re feeling anxious or is it in general?”
“I know why. There’s this new client, Olivia, I told you about her last time.”
“I remember. Did something happen?”
“Kind of,” Frankie said, remembering their class the night before. “She’s taking a strength class I’m teaching and at the first class we do measurements.”
Grace listened and let Frankie continue.
“I asked her to let me do her measurements so I could show the class,” she said sighing.
“Is there some reason you used her and not someone else?” asked Grace.
“Probably, but I didn’t think about it at the time,” Frankie said replaying it in her head.
“Are you attracted to her?”
“Yes. I couldn’t have said that two days ago but, there is something about her that I’ve been attracted to since she walked into the gym a month ago. And it isn’t just her looks, that’s why it’s so hard. Because of our conversation about appearance she’d never believe me now.”
“Why?”
“She said she’s not the type of girl I’d ask out because of her weight which is crazy. And now she’s been working out a month, lost weight and if I ask her out now…” said Frankie.
“If you ask her out now that she’s lost weight she’ll think she was right in the beginning.”
“Exactly. And I felt like if I asked her out when she first came in it’d be inappropriate as her trainer.”
“Do you think she’s interested in you?”
Frankie thought about this while they walked along silently. “I think so. I feel something every time I’m around her and we kind of had a moment the other night. Then she scheduled a one-on-one session with me.”
“What happened?”
“It was scheduled for now.”
“I’m not following. Now?”
“I forgot to block out my schedule and Stella scheduled her after my last class today but, I had someone else take my class so I could leave early to be here for our appointment.”
“I see,” said Grace.
“I didn’t find out until this morning so it was too late to reschedule.”
“Reschedule who? Olivia or our appointment?”
“Both.”
“So, you think she’s interested in you too?”
“Not now. I know she’s going to think I had Stella take her one-on-one so I wouldn’t have to.”
“Why do you think that? It was a simple mistake.”
“I’d been reminding her to schedule the one-on-ones and then I don’t show. How would that make you feel?”
Grace chuckled, “I’m the one that asks that question. But, why do you think this is upsetting you?”
Again they walked in silence while Frankie collected her thoughts. “I haven’t told anyone at the gym that I’m seeing you. I’m not ashamed or worried about what they would think, I simply want this for me. This is my time.”
“Okay.”
“I thought about explaining it to Stella and having her tell Olivia, but that seemed like such a bad idea. What a mess.”
“I understand what you’re saying but, is that why you’re upset?”
“No. I haven’t thought about another woman and felt what I do when Olivia is around since Laura and I broke up.”
“And?”
Frankie sighed and said, “I finally feel something and screw it up within the first couple of days. And now every time I see her, I feel more and more drawn to her, but I’m afraid to do anything about it.”
“What are you afraid of?”
“I’m not afraid of rejection, I’ve had plenty of that. But I don’t want her to think I’m one of those shallow people that only cares about looks.”
“So what do you do?”
“Here’s where you could really help by telling me what to do,” said Frankie.
“You know it doesn’t work that way. But I will say this, maybe you’re not giving Olivia enough credit. What if you told her why you didn’t ask her out in the beginning? She could believe you, it is the truth,” said Grace.
“I don’t know,” said Frankie thinking about what Grace said.
“Come on, we have a little time left. Let’s take these back and walk a couple more dogs.”
Frankie nodded and followed Grace inside to change dogs.
When they were outside again Grace said, “Frankie, are you ever still?”
Frankie looked at her confused, “Still? What do you mean?”
“Well, you teach classes all day, you’re training for the triathlon, do you ever simply sit still?”
“Hmm, not really. When I’m busy I don’t have time to think.”
“I don’t think that’s necessarily true. You’ve certainly had plenty of time to think about Olivia and what she thinks of you.”
Frankie shrugged but didn’t say anything.
“You know this as well as anyone that sometimes you need to rest. Between now and our next session I want you to sit with yourself for a few minutes. You don’t have to do it every day, but sit down and let your mind rest. It’s been working overtime with all you do and now with Olivia. Let it rest, let your thoughts calm. Then we’ll talk about it next time.”
“Sit still and let my mind rest. Stella has been after me for years to meditate. Is that what you mean?” Frankie asked.
“Meditation is good, but you don’t have to do that. Just sit and relax, read a book, watch TV.”
“But exercise is relaxing to me.”
“Still, Frankie. Be still, okay. Trust me, try it.”
“Okay, got it,” Frankie said.
Chapter 5
Olivia looked up and couldn’t believe it was already five o’clock. Where had the day gone? Her phone vibrated and she looked at the screen and could see Sofia’s smiling face.
“Hey Sof, how’s your day?” she said, answering.
“Not so bad. My students might have actually learned something today,” she said chuckling. Sofia was a high school math teacher. Students loved her and she was good at her job. “Hey, do you want me to swing by and pick you up to go pump some iron?” she said growling in a very bad Arnold Schwarzenegger impression.
“Ha ha. No, I’m not near ready to go home yet. I’ll have to meet you there, good thing I brought my workout clothes with me. It’s been a wild day. I’m looking forward to relieving some of this stress.”
“Ok. Veronica texted me and said they are going to meet again after class on Friday if you’re interested.”
“Veronica? When did you trade numbers?”
“I went by the gym yesterday to pick up my jacket I left there the other night. She was there and asked for my number.”
“Uh-huh and what does that mean?” Olivia said a bit suggestively.
“It doesn’t mean what you’re thinking. She wants to get a group chat going with our class. I’m sure she’ll be asking for your number tonight.”
“Well dang, I was hoping at least one of us was getting more than good health from the gym,” said Olivia.
“I think you could if you’d just give it a try.”
“Me?”
“Yeah, you. There’s something going on between you and Frankie. I don’t know why you won’t do something about it.”
Olivia sighed, “I kind of tried to do something about it. I scheduled a one-on-one session with her, but she didn’t show; she sent Stella instead.”
“I’m sure there was a good reason.”
“It doesn’t matter. I really liked working with Stella, and she’s teaching me how to meditate.”
“Meditate?”
“Yeah, I hope it’ll help me; things here at work have become more and more hectic,” Olivia said.
“I’ll let you get back to it then. See you at class.”
“Bye Sof,” Olivia said, then took a deep breath and looked at the plans piling up on her desk. Eventually she knew things would quiet down somewhat when they started the next phase of houses, but until then she was busy and these gym classes meant more and more to her.
She changed at the office and walked into Your Way ready for a good workout. Sofia was already there talking to Veronica and Stacy next to a bench. She walked up and joined the group.
“Hey Olivia, I wanted to get your phone number so I could put you on the group text. I thought it would be fun to meet up after our classes some days.”
“Sure,” Olivia said, noticing Sofia looking at her and smirking. She took Olivia’s phone and put her number in.
Frankie walked up and said, “Olivia, could I talk to you for a minute before class starts?”
“Sure.” She walked with Frankie away from the group. “What’s up?”
“I wanted to apologize for not being able to do your one-on-one yesterday. I’m so sorry,” Frankie said with sadness in her green eyes fidgeting from one foot to the other.
Wow, Frankie really looked like she was sorry. All Olivia wanted to do was take that sadness away. She reached out and put her hand on Frankie’s forearm and felt her calm underneath her fingers. “It’s okay. Stella explained there was a mix up, don’t worry about it.”
Frankie slowly smiled and looked into Olivia’s soft brown eyes for a moment and then said, “It’s not okay. I’ve been reminding you to do those sessions and when you schedule one, I wasn’t there. I want you to know that rarely happens.”
“Stella said you cover for each other all the time.”
“We do but, I didn’t know you had scheduled it. If I’d known I’d have found a way to be there,” Frankie said earnestly.
Olivia smiled and nodded her head. “Thanks Frankie, I appreciate that. Everything worked out, I had a great session with Stella.”
“I’m glad. If you want, after class we can schedule your other sessions,” Frankie said hopefully.
Olivia said, “Um, sorry. After last night’s session I scheduled the others with Stella. She’s teaching me to meditate.”
Frankie’s face fell. She recovered quickly, hoping Olivia didn’t notice. “Oh, that’s great. Stella is wonderful with meditation. She’s always trying to get me to meditate. I’m glad it’s working for you,” Frankie said, rambling a little. She looked around and realized it was time for class to start. “Thanks again for understanding Olivia. I’d better get class started.” With that Frankie walked away feeling she’d let Olivia down.
Olivia watched her back as she walked away and couldn’t shake the feeling that she had somehow hurt Frankie�
�s feelings. How does this keep happening? She slowly walked over to Sofia and began class.
They partnered up and Frankie led them through a warm up, then explained each movement as the class progressed. Olivia caught Frankie looking at her a couple of times but when their eyes met Frankie looked away.
“What did Frankie want earlier?” Sofia asked as she spotted Olivia on the bench press.
“She apologized for not being here last night for my session.”
“Oh, did something happen?”
“Why do you ask that?” Olivia said switching positions with Sofia.
“She looked pretty serious when she walked away.”
“I think I hurt her feelings again,” Olive intensely whispered.
“How?”
Everyone was finished so Frankie explained the next move before Olivia could answer. Sofia looked at her questioningly. Olivia shook her head and mouthed the word “Later” silently. Sofia nodded and they continued the class.
Frankie walked among the group helping with form, but she never came very close to Olivia and Sofia. Olivia was sure she’d messed up again; Frankie was definitely avoiding her. Frankie started telling everyone about the triathlon the gym was sponsoring.
Olivia said to Sofia, “I’m going to do that.”
“What?” Sofia said, turning toward her.
“The triathlon. Stella told me about it yesterday and said she thinks I can do it, so I entered and I’m training for it.”
“No shit!” exclaimed Sofia.
“Shh,” Olivia said, her eyes widening when a couple of people turned their way including Frankie.
“Okay, that’s it for today, let’s get in a circle and do a few stretches and we’re done,” said Frankie leading the group.
When they were through Stacy walked up to Olivia and Sofia and asked, “Are you coming with us Friday night?”
Sofia said, “I think so. It’s not like I have a hot date or anything.” She paused then added, “Yet.”
Olivia laughed, “I’m not sure, probably.”
“Good, see you then,” Stacy said smiling at Olivia before walking off.
“Hmm, someone is interested,” Sofia murmured. “And not in me,” she said quietly.