Finding Home

by Jamey Moody

  Olivia rolled her eyes and started to leave when from behind Frankie said, “Did I hear you say you’re doing the triathlon, Olivia?”

  Olivia turned and met Frankie’s excited green eyes. She couldn’t help but smile and said, “You did hear me say that. Stella talked me into last night.”

  “That’s awesome! Good for you.”

  “We’ll see, I’ve never done anything like this before.”

  “That will make it an adventure,” Frankie said excitedly. “If you need any help or want to train together, let me know. I’d love to help you.”

  “I’m sure I’ll need help. Stella emailed a training guide, but I’ll still need help.”

  “I ride around here nearly every day. I’ve got a great place nearby in a new subdivision going up. There’s very little traffic.” At the mention of the subdivision Olivia was designing Sofia started to interrupt, but a look from Olivia stopped her before she said anything. Frankie continued excitedly, “We run around here, too.”

  “Stella told me about the Y and swimming.”

  “Oh good, most of us swim there too,” said Frankie. She then realized how animated she’d been and looked at Olivia and Sofia.

  “Sorry, I get excited when someone takes on a new adventure like this,” she said, a little embarrassed.

  “You sure do,” said Sofia.

  “The feeling when you cross the finish line is unbelievable. I can’t wait for you to experience that. I’ve done this race several times and it still feels awesome,” she said her eyes lighting up again. “I’m so happy you’re doing this, Olivia.”

  “I haven’t done it yet. But the way you and Stella seem to believe in me makes me think I can.”

  “Oh, you can! I know it!”

  “Hey wait, you have a bike?” asked Sofia.

  “Uh yeah, Beth left hers when she moved out.”

  “Oh. You deserved so much more from that shit storm,” said Sofia.

  “Sofia!” exclaimed Olivia, her face turning red.

  “Sorry, but it’s true and you know it!” Sofia turned to Frankie and said, “Talk about a bit—”

  “Oh my god Sofia, stop!” Olivia said, interrupting her before she could finish. Olivia was so embarrassed.

  Frankie didn’t know what to say but she did want to rescue Olivia. “Bad break-up?”

  “Yes. Sofia tends to talk too much at times,” Olivia said staring daggers at her best friend.

  “It’s okay. I’ve been there,” Frankie said reassuringly.

  “You have? What happened?” asked Sofia.

  “Sofia, that’s none of your business!” Olivia said.

  “It’s okay. Mine was the ultimate break-up. She left me for a man,” Frankie stated solemnly, shaking her head.

  “Oh no! That is the ultimate,” said Sofia.

  “It gets better, she’s marrying him,” Frankie said flatly.

  “Oh Frankie, I’m so sorry,” said Olivia, feeling such compassion she couldn’t help but to grab Frankie’s elbow.

  “It’s okay. Actually, that’s why I missed our session last night.”

  “I don’t follow,” said Olivia.

  “When Laura left, I started seeing a counselor. I had an appointment yesterday. I have no idea why I’m telling you this, I haven’t told anyone, not even Desi,” Frankie said with sadness.

  “I’m glad you felt like you could tell us,” said Olivia.

  “Yeah Frankie, we won’t say anything to anyone. I can be outspoken, but that’s your business not anyone else’s,” reassured Sofia.

  “Enough sad talk, we should be celebrating your triathlon adventure. Thanks for listening, you two,” Frankie said smiling at them both.

  “Anytime, Frankie,” Olivia said sincerely.

  “I’ve got to get my bag from the dressing room. I’ll be right back,” Sofia said, leaving them.

  “I’m sorry you had to go through that, Frankie. And there’s nothing wrong with seeing a counselor. I did after my break-up,” Olivia told Frankie, embracing this moment alone.

  “You did?”

  “I did. Beth made me think there was something wrong with me, that I wasn’t good enough. No matter what I did, it wasn’t enough. It did a real number on my self-confidence and I buried my feelings in food. That’s where the extra weight came from. I think I was trying to eat my way back to happiness. It didn’t work,” Olivia said chuckling. She looked at Frankie and said, “I’ve wanted to apologize to you, and this seems like the perfect time.”

  “Apologize, for what?”

  “My idiotic comments about appearance. When I first came here my self-esteem was nonexistent. You told me there was a lot more to Your Way than just losing weight. Of course, you’re right. I’ve wanted to tell you that for a while, but I didn’t know how.”

  “It’s okay, Olivia. You don’t need to apologize.”

  “Yes, I do. I obviously have some of my confidence back. And that’s because of you and the others. I implied you were all about looks and I know that’s not true. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

  “There’s nothing to forgive,” she said, feeling such relief that Olivia didn’t think she was shallow and also feeling pride they had helped her.

  “Am I interrupting,” said Sofia walking up to them.

  Olivia looked at Frankie and smiled, “All good?”

  “All good,” Frankie said smiling back.

  As Olivia and Sofia walked to their cars Sofia said, “Well, that was interesting.”

  “It sure was,” Olivia said, replaying the conversation over.

  “Hey, see you tomorrow?” asked Sofia.

  “Not sure, I’m doing my first bike ride tomorrow after work.”

  “You don’t expect me to do this triathlon with you, right?”

  Olivia chuckled, “No, I don’t.”

  “Good, because there’s no way. See ya, OK.”

  “Bye Sof,” Olivia said, getting into her car. On the way home she couldn’t help thinking about how dejected Frankie sounded when talking about her break-up. All she wanted to do was take her in her arms and tell her everything would be all right. She was glad to finally apologize for her earlier comments to Frankie and hoped maybe they could if nothing else, become friends. Maybe this triathlon would be a way for them to spend more time together. Olivia’s heart started beating faster whenever she thought about the triathlon and training. They believed in her, now all she had to do was believe, too.

  ***

  Frankie found Stella and Desi in the office after her class.

  “Hey,” Desi said to Frankie. “Good class?”

  “Yeah, it was,” said Frankie. “Stella, I didn’t get a chance to ask you earlier but how did it go with Olivia King last night?”

  “Great. I like her, it’s been fun watching her change with every class she takes.”

  “That’s good, thanks for covering for me. She said she’d scheduled the rest of her sessions with you,” Frankie said, clearly disappointed.

  “Hey, I didn’t ask her to, Frankie. What’s the deal?”

  “Nothing,” Frankie said looking away from them both.

  “Look, I’d let you do them, but she wants to learn to meditate.”

  “Yeah, she told me,” said Frankie.

  “Oh no, you like her,” exclaimed Stella looking from Frankie to Desi.

  “Sure, I like her. I told you the other day she was special,” Frankie said shrugging.

  “No! I mean you like, like her,” said Stella as she stood and forced Frankie to look at her.

  “What are we, in middle school?” Frankie said.

  “Oh Frankie, it doesn’t matter if we’re in middle school or grown women; when you get that little feeling in your stomach when someone you like walks in the room, you know what I mean,” Stella said, putting her arm around Frankie’s neck and pulling her into a side hug. “You’re interested in Olivia King aren’t you? You all but admitted it the other day.”

  “Yes, but…” Frankie said.
r />   “But what? Again, I’m glad you’re finally interested in someone,” said Desi.

  “Oh my god, I do feel like I’m in middle school. She apologized to me tonight for those appearance comments she made earlier.”

  “That’s what was stopping you from asking her out, right?” said Stella.

  “Yeah, but now I don’t know. She said you’d talked her into doing the triathlon.”

  “I did,” said Stella.

  “I told her that she could train with us, that I’d be glad to help her,” Frankie said, sounding hopeful.

  “Good. Now you have a reason to spend time with her outside the gym,” Desi said.

  “Yeah, we’ll see,” Frankie said, lost in thought. Olivia did seem to be okay with training together. Stella was right, Frankie’s stomach did do a little flip anytime she saw Olivia. Why did this have to be so hard? Fear? Rejection? Was there something else? She knew what she’d be talking to Grace about in her next session.

  Chapter 6

  Olivia was glad Friday finally arrived and was looking forward to her class. It had been a long week, but her conversation with Frankie on Wednesday gave her hope that they could at least be friends.

  Frankie walked in just in time for class to start so Olivia didn’t get a chance to talk to her, but she did smile when their eyes met. What was it about this green eyed, dark haired fitness instructor that captivated Olivia so? Frankie was genuine, that’s what Olivia liked so much. She gave encouragement but she also made her feel like she could accomplish anything. Olivia felt like she was growing stronger every day and not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too.

  “How did the bike ride go yesterday,” Sofia asked.

  “It was like riding a bike,” Olivia said, trying to be funny. Sofia looked at her sarcastically. “It was fun. I’m sure when I get on it tomorrow my butt will tell me otherwise. I didn’t go too far. I did 5 miles, the race is 10 miles so I think I can do it.”

  “Good for you. Come on we’re at the deadlifts next.”

  “Sofia, are you liking this? Coming to the gym, working out?”

  Sofia stopped and looked at her, “Yeah, I do. I know it’s surprising, but I do. I like the people we’ve met and I feel better. Who knew?”

  “Good. I know you came with me for support but I never expected you to join with me. You do know that.”

  “Of course I know that. You’re my best friend OK, but that doesn’t mean I’d sweat just for you. I’m doing this for me too.”

  Olivia laughed, “Of course you are.”

  They made it through the rest of class and had finished stretching when Stacy walked over to them.

  “Hey, are you two coming with us?”

  Olivia had forgotten they were meeting the group after class. She looked at Sofia with raised eyebrows.

  “I don’t have a hot date so sure why not,” Sofia said chuckling.

  “Yeah, I’ll go for a little bit,” said Olivia. She thought they might as well get to know the group better since they seemed to want her and Sofia to be there.

  “Great! I guess I’ll see you both there,” Stacy said smiling as she walked away.

  “I think Stacy has the hots for you,” Sofia said to Olivia.

  “No, she doesn’t. How are you so sure it isn’t you she’s interested in?” Olivia asked Stacy.

  “Because I can tell, it’s the way she looks at you,” said Sofia.

  “And how does she look at me?”

  “Who’s looking at you?” said Frankie walking up.

  “Stacy,” said Sofia. “I think she has the hots for Olivia.” Olivia felt her cheeks redden as her mouth dropped open. She couldn’t believe Sofia said that in front of Frankie.

  “Can you blame her?” Frankie said looking at Olivia, feeling a pang of jealousy.

  “Exactly,” said Sofia. “Hey, a few of us are meeting up at the bar on the corner. Do you want to come with us, Frankie?”

  “Uh, I probably shouldn’t. I’m not sure you want me there, isn’t it an after class thing for the group,” Frankie said hesitantly.

  “Why wouldn’t we want you there? Of course you’re welcome,” said Olivia.

  “Yeah, just because you’re the one making us sore and sweaty doesn’t mean you can’t join,” said Sofia chuckling.

  “I’ll think about it, maybe next time,” said Frankie hesitantly.

  “There’s Desi,” Sofia said looking past them. “I need to talk to her real quick then we can go,” she said to Olivia and walked off.

  “I was wondering if you’d like to go for a bike ride tomorrow?” said Frankie.

  Olivia smiled then her face fell, “Oh, I can’t tomorrow, I have work. But, what about Sunday?”

  “I could do Sunday,” Frankie said with a big smile. “Is afternoon all right?”

  “Yes, that would be perfect,” Olivia said happily.

  “Let’s meet here, if that’s all right, and I’ll find us a good route.”

  “Sounds good. This should be fun,” Olivia said, giving Frankie an even bigger smile.

  Frankie nodded, looking into those happy brown eyes she nearly lost her breath, “It will.”

  Sofia joined them, “I’m ready if you are.”

  “Don’t let me keep you. Have fun,” said Frankie. “Oh wait, Olivia can I have your cell number to text you about the bike ride?”

  “Sure,” said Olivia.

  “Dang, I don’t have my phone with me, it’s in the office.”

  “I have mine. Give me your number and I’ll send you a text.”

  Frankie smiled and gave her the number. Olivia sent her a quick text and said, “Done. You should have a text from me when you get your phone.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see you Sunday, have fun with the group,” Frankie said leaving them.

  Sofia said, “So, you have a date?”

  “No, it’s not a date. We’re meeting Sunday to train for the triathlon.”

  “Uh-huh, with any luck you could be riding more than bikes,” Sofia said suggestively.

  “Ugh, will you stop,” said Olivia walking toward the door.

  “You say that now but, you know you want to,” Sofia said, catching up with her.

  Sofia wasn’t exactly wrong, Olivia thought. Maybe this bike ride would be the start of at least a friendship with Frankie outside the gym... and from there who knows.

  “Come on, let’s go. I’m sure they’re waiting on us at the bar,” said Olivia.

  “Hey, I bet you a beer that when we walk in, there will be an empty seat next to Stacy and she’ll try to get you to sit there,” said Sofia.

  “Oh, come on. I’ll take that bet. She’s not into me,” Olivia said shaking her head.

  Olivia opened the door to the bar and Veronica waved to them. There were four people already there and two empty seats. And one was next to Stacy. Sofia walked up and sat down leaving the seat next to Stacy for Olivia.

  After greeting everyone Olivia said, “Have you ordered yet? I’m going to the bar and get a beer, does anyone need anything?”

  “We’ve already ordered,” said Alice.

  “What do you want, Sofia?” asked Olivia.

  “I’ll have a beer,” she said smirking at Olivia.

  “I’ll go with you,” Stacy said, getting up.

  Olivia smiled and walked to the bar. She ordered and checked with Stacy to see if she wanted anything. Stacy shook her head.

  “So, are you enjoying the class?” she asked Olivia.

  “Yeah, I like it and pretty much everything at Your Way,” she answered without looking at her, keeping her eyes instead on the bartender getting their beers.

  “Have you and Sofia been friends for a long time?”

  “Uh yeah, since third grade. How old are you in third grade?” she answered.

  “Eight or nine I guess,” said Stacy.

  “Wow, then we’ve been friends for 25 years. I’d never really thought about it but that’s a long time.”

  “That is. Yo
u’re thirty-three then? I just wondered since you two always partner up.”

  Olivia nodded as the bartender set their beers down. She reached for her money when Stacy said, “Here let me get that.”

  “No, that’s not necessary, I’ve got it.”

  “Too late,” Stacy said, handing the bartender money.

  “Well, thanks,” she said, taking the beers and backing from the bar with Stacy right behind her. Olivia knew she’d been fooling herself. Stacy was definitely interested. Olivia wasn’t attracted to her at all, and now she felt uncomfortable around her. Olivia sighed, sat down and handed Sofia her beer.

  “Hey, Stacy bought your beer,” she said quietly.

  “Thanks Stacy,” Sofia said smiling at her. “Veronica has been entertaining us with ER stories. Did you know she was a nurse?”

  “I don’t guess I did,” Olivia said looking across the table at her.

  Veronica and Alice took turns telling stories trying to outdo the other. Olivia was having a good time until she felt Stacy put her arm around the back of her chair. She excused herself to the restroom, hoping Stacy wouldn’t follow. Once inside, she texted Sofia that is was time to go and that she was right about Stacy and she was uncomfortable. She was hoping Sofia would notice her phone. A few seconds later she got the answer she was waiting for, a thumbs up.

  She went back to the table and after a few minutes Sofia said, “Well, Olivia and I have to run. I’ve got a school thing that we’re going to.” They said their goodbyes and went to their cars.

  “Thanks for doing that, you were right.”

  “That’s okay. You’ve rescued me more times than I can count. I should’ve sat next to her, I just couldn’t resist making you,” Sofia said chuckling.

  Olivia smirked at her.

  “Let me know how your date goes Sunday,” Sofia said.

  “It’s not a date, but I’ll call you when I get back from our ride.” With that they both got in their cars and left.

  ***

  Sunday couldn’t arrive soon enough for Frankie. She’d had Olivia on her mind since she left her Friday after class. Yes, she definitely had a crush, but she was really looking forward to spending time with her away from the gym. Even though they would still be technically working out, a Sunday afternoon bike ride would be nice, just the two of them.