by Jamey Moody
“Whatcha doing Frankie?” Desi asked in a sing-song voice.
Frankie looked up and said, “Working on next week’s schedule.”
Desi nodded, “That’s not what it looked like to me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, it looked to me like you were deep in thought and you had a smile on your face.”
Frankie’s cheeks started to redden but she didn’t respond.
“That smile wouldn’t have anything to do with Olivia King, would it?” Desi asked while still singing her words.
Frankie smiled knowing Desi wouldn’t believe her if she tried to say different. She said, “It just might. We’re going for a bike ride tomorrow.”
“Fun. Who all is going?”
“Just the two of us. I offered to help her with her triathlon training.”
“I know you did,” Desi said suggestively.
“Don’t do that. Why do you have to make things creepy?”
“That’s not creepy. You just said you’d offered to help. Come on, seriously, I’m happy for you. If nothing else she’s taken your mind off Laura and that’s a good thing.”
“She has. I’d like to get to know her better, you know, besides in the gym.”
“Sure, I get it. But, the triathlon does give you a reason to see her.”
“Yeah, it does.” She hoped they had a good time tomorrow.
“Tell her she’s welcome to join the group runs too,” said Desi.
“I will.”
“Let me know how it goes tomorrow.”
“I will,” Frankie said with a silly grin.
***
Olivia lived near the gym so it didn’t take her long to ride to Your Way. The gym was open, but they didn’t have classes scheduled on Sundays. As she was wondering where she would find Frankie, she walked out the door with her bike. When she saw Olivia coming toward her the biggest smile grew on her face. It made Olivia’s heart beat faster. Knowing that she put that smile on Frankie’s face felt really good. Olivia knew her face was beaming right back at her.
“Hey, perfect timing,” said Frankie. “How’s your Sunday?”
“It’s getting better. I’ve been looking forward to this ride all weekend.” Olivia hoped she didn’t sound desperate. “I just hope I can keep up with you.”
“You will. This isn’t a race, at least I hope it isn’t. I wanted a nice Sunday ride and just so you know, I’ve been looking forward to this too,” Frankie said smiling and putting on her helmet.
“Where to? You’re the leader,” said Olivia.
“Not today, we can take turns. Are you familiar with this area?”
“Yeah, I don’t live too far from here,” said Olivia.
“I thought we could ride through these residential areas if that’s okay. There shouldn’t be much traffic.”
“Sounds great, lead the way.”
They rode along at a steady pace and at times could ride next to one another and chatted. It was a beautiful spring day in North Texas, very little wind and not too hot. After riding for about half an hour they pulled into a park and rode through to a seating area with several benches.
“Do you want to stop and sit for a minute?” asked Frankie.
“Sure, my butt could use a little break. It’s been quite a while since I’ve ridden. I rode a little the other day but, that’s it,” Olivia rubbed her aching behind as she dismounted.
They leaned their bikes against a tree and grabbed their water bottles to sit.
“What a beautiful day,” said Olivia. “Thanks again for inviting me.”
“You’re welcome. I’d love to do this anytime.”
Olivia smiled and nodded. “Me too,” she said shyly.
“So, did you have fun with the strength group Friday night?”
“Yeah, we didn’t stay long.”
“You don’t sit around and talk about your instructor, do you?” Frankie teased.
“You know we do! We talk about how hard she works us and how mean she is,” Olivia said, teasing right back. They both laughed “No, we don’t talk about you.”
“I’m probably not exciting enough, now Desi, I’m sure she’d give you plenty to talk about.”
“Why would you say that? You’re not exciting?” Olivia said looking her in the eye.
“Not at all. I’m very boring these days. I work and go home, that’s about it.”
“I don’t believe you for a second Frankie Dean. I know there’s more to you than just work,” Olivia smiled.
Frankie smiled back at her. “Let’s see, there is counseling. You know I go to counseling.”
Olivia nodded.
“That’s about it.” Frankie looked up into Olivia’s eyes and said, “Honestly, for quite some time I’ve been afraid to do anything else.”
“Afraid?” Olivia said obviously concerned.
“Yeah, I felt like I couldn’t trust my own judgement and didn’t want to get in another mess like I did with Laura.”
“Oh, I get it,” said Olivia.
“I didn’t tell you and Sofia that this isn’t the only time it’s happened,” Frankie said looking down.
“What! Someone else broke up with you and got married?”
“They didn’t get married, but she did leave me for a guy.”
“Whoa, what is it with you?”
Frankie shrugged.
Olivia shook her head holding Frankie’s eyes, “When is the wedding?”
Frankie looked away and stammered, “Uhhh.”
“Come on, I know you know when it is. I’d be concerned if you didn’t,” Olivia said smiling compassionately.
“Three weeks,” Frankie answered.
“Three weeks?” asked Olivia.
“Yeah, a couple of Saturdays from now,” Frankie said, releasing a big breath, her shoulders sagging. Of course she knew when it was.
Olivia couldn’t stand seeing Frankie sad like this and said, “Well then, would you spend the day with me that Saturday?”
Frankie looked up smiling, “Really?”
“Yes, really. We should find fun things to do to keep your mind off the wedding,” Olivia stated.
Hesitating for just a moment, Frankie finally said, “I accept. But it can’t be all day, I know I have to work that Saturday until the afternoon.”
“Perfect, we can discuss the details later,” Olivia said beaming. “You know Frankie, for a long time, all I did was work after Beth left. But you know what helped me?”
“What?” Frankie looked at her seriously.
“I joined this gym and now I can’t tell you how much better I feel,” Olivia said.
“Oh yeah, a gym?” said Frankie chuckling.
“Yep. I thought I was just going to lose a little weight but was I wrong,” Olivia said proudly.
“Stop, you’re teasing me,” Frankie said.
“I am a little, but I mean it Frankie. You have made me feel better.” She held eye contact with Frankie in a burst of confidence.
“I’m glad, you’re making me feel better, too.”
They both held one another’s eyes smiling until Olivia said, “Aren’t we supposed to be riding bikes?”
Frankie blinked and said, “I seem to remember something about a triathlon. By the way, Desi said to tell you that you’re welcome to run with them. They have all levels so check with her for when they meet.”
“Thanks. Come on, I’ll even lead part of the way back,” said Olivia putting her helmet on and taking her bike from the tree.
“I’m right behind you,” said Frankie smiling.
Chapter 7
The week had started with promise as things were leveling off at work for Olivia. She was meeting Frankie that evening for a bike ride and was looking forward to it. They had fun on Sunday and had chatted after both strength classes on Monday and Wednesday. Olivia liked Frankie and found herself thinking about her during the day. It had been a long time since another woman had occupied her thoughts and she noticed how a sil
ly smile always seemed to play on her lips when Frankie was on her mind.
She left her bike outside the door and walked into Your Way to find Frankie. Stella saw her and waved her over to the front desk.
“Hey Olivia, how’s it going?”
“Hi Stella, how are you?”
“I don’t think I’m as good as you. That’s a nice smile on your face. Would a certain instructor have put it there?”
Olivia blushed, was she that obvious? “I guess the instructor would be you since you’re the first one I’ve seen,” Olivia deflected.
“I don’t think so, but I’ll take it. Are you swimming with me in the morning?”
“Yes ma’am, I’ll be there. I think I’m finally getting the hang of all this training. It’s not that hard now that I can keep straight which sport is which day. It was very confusing at first.”
“I know it is. That’s why you have to have a schedule.”
“For sure, today is bike day. Frankie and I are going for a ride.”
“I’m glad. I wasn’t sure she’d forgiven me for doing your one-on-ones.”
Olivia looked at Stella confused. “What do you mean?”
Oops, Stella hoped she hadn’t just messed up. “Remember when she had me cover for her?”
“Oh right, when we began meditating.”
“Yes, she was pretty bummed you decided to do that instead of schedule with her.”
Olivia thought back and remembered Frankie looking a little disappointed when she told her about scheduling with Stella.
“Hi ladies,” Frankie said walking up behind Olivia. “Would anyone like to go for a bike ride,” she said, smiling at Olivia.
Olivia couldn’t resist teasing Frankie and said, “Stella was just telling me that she stole me away from you.”
Frankie looked at Stella with raised eyebrows, causing her to look, eyes wide, from Frankie to Olivia, not knowing what to say.
Frankie shrugged her shoulders and said, “If you’re talking about teaching you to meditate, then yes she did.”
Olivia laughed and said, “I wish you could have seen your faces. I’ve never felt more wanted, two instructors fighting over me.” Frankie and Stella both relaxed, laughing with her. “But now you both have me, I swim with Stella and ride with you Frankie,” she said looking at them both.
“Then that means your mine right now so let’s get riding,” Frankie said, getting her helmet and bike from behind the desk.
“Have fun,” Stella said as they walked out the door. Thinking there’s a romance blossoming there, she couldn’t have been happier for them both.
Olivia got on her bike following Frankie out of the parking lot. “Where are we going today?”
“I thought we could go down to the subdivision not far from here. There’s no traffic and smooth streets.”
“Okay,” Olivia said knowing exactly where they were going since she was there most days checking on her house designs.
As they pulled through the entrance, she rode up next to Frankie and said, “You do know that I’m an architect, don’t you Frankie?”
“Sure I do. You have no idea how much respect I have for you being able to design buildings. It’s amazing.”
“Aww, thank you. I happen to be designing this subdivision.”
Frankie slammed on her brakes and stopped, eyes locked on Olivia as she kept going. Olivia turned and went back to see what happened.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay,” asked Olivia.
“You’re designing this subdivision. Are you kidding me?” exclaimed Frankie.
Olivia stopped and a little smile crept on her face, “I’m not kidding you.”
“Why haven’t you told me? That’s incredible!”
“I had no idea you were that interested,” said Olivia surprised.
“I love walking through these houses and watching them as they go up. I’ve loved doing that since I was a kid.”
“Me too. I guess that’s why I became an architect. I never wanted to design buildings, I wanted to design houses and make them unique for each person or family.”
“I can’t believe it! Do I get a special tour?” Frankie asked excitedly.
“I’d love to give you a tour sometime,” Olivia said proudly and also a little embarrassed.
“I’m holding you to that. Can we ride around now and you tell me a few things as we go?”
“Sure.”
“I come here almost every day to see what’s changed.”
“Well, let’s go and I’ll explain my vision for this area,” Olivia said, taking off.
Frankie was in heaven, she was mesmerized as Olivia explained what she hoped each street would look like and each home on it.
As they rode back to Your Way Frankie said, “This may have been the best bike ride ever! I still can’t believe you’re designing that subdivision,” Frankie grinned.
“You’ve got to stop, you’re embarrassing me,” said Olivia, her cheeks reddening.
“I don’t mean to. It’s just so fascinating to me,” she said getting off her bike. “You’re fascinating, Olivia.”
Olivia looked into Frankie’s green eyes as they sparkled. Her heart beat faster and it wasn’t because they’d been riding. Neither said a word, but Olivia could feel those eyes pulling her closer. She looked down at Frankie’s plump lips as she ran her tongue over them and leaned in. She could almost feel her lips on Frankie’s when Desi flew out the front door making them jump apart.
“Hey, you two! Olivia, when are you going to come run with us?”
“Uh,” Olivia was speechless for a moment trying to gather herself as the moment passed. “Soon. I’ll get the schedule tomorrow when I come to class,” she said, smiling at Desi.
“Sounds good. Good ride? Where’d you go?”
Frankie had been watching Olivia but turned to Desi, excited all over again. “You’re not going to believe this; Olivia is designing the subdivision that I ride in all the time.”
“Wow, how about that,” exclaimed Desi.
“It’s not that big of a deal,” said Olivia.
“Yeah it is,” Frankie and Desi said in unison.
Olivia laughed, “Well thanks, I appreciate it. But I’d better get going.” She turned to Frankie and said, “I’ll see you tomorrow in class.”
Frankie smiled and said, “Can’t wait.”
Olivia started to ride away but stopped and said, “Hey Frankie, think about going to the bar after class tomorrow.” With that, she waved and rode off.
Frankie watched her go with a smile on her face. Maybe she would go with them this time.
“Hey,” said Desi. “Did I interrupt something?”
Frankie continued to watch Olivia until she’d left the parking lot and went down the street. She turned to Desi and said, “Maybe.”
Desi smiled and they walked back into the gym.
***
What a long day, Olivia didn’t think it would ever end. She couldn’t get Frankie out of her head. The events of yesterday kept replaying over and over in her mind. She’d catch herself smiling when she thought about Frankie, her face when finding out she was the architect on the housing project had been perfect. Sure, sometimes people would find her profession interesting but, she couldn’t remember anyone reacting the way Frankie did. And it felt good.
She got her things together and left her office. There was just enough time to swing by her house and change for class. As she put on her leggings and top she looked in the mirror. She could see the changes in her body, but even better was the change inside. The look in her eyes was one of confidence and if she thought about it there was happiness there too. She smiled at herself in the mirror and nodded her head liking what she saw.
Sofia was waiting for her at their bench, as it had become their starting point for most classes.
“Hi OK, are you as glad as I am that it’s Friday?”
“I am. This day couldn’t end quickly enough.”
“You weren’t daydr
eaming about a certain fitness instructor were you?” teased Sofia.
Olivia started to answer and Sofia said, “Don’t even try to deny it because I won’t believe it. You should’ve heard yourself on the phone last night. You sounded rather smitten, my friend.”
Olivia shook her head, “Smitten? I think that’s a little much. I had a great time and told my best friend. End of story.”
“If you say so. Hey, don’t forget I’m not going to the bar after class today, I have the school band concert.” Then she added, “You could come along if you want.”
“No. I may have told Frankie she should join us after class so I’d better show up,” Olivia said, hoping Frankie would join them.
“Uh-huh, may have told her,” Sofia chuckled.
Class started, ending their conversation. Frankie worked with each set of partners and every time their eyes met they smiled at one another. Olivia was hoping to chat and remind her of the group meet up.
At the end of class as usual Stacy walked over and asked, “Hey, are you two coming to the bar?”
“I can’t tonight but, Olivia is,” answered Sofia.
“Great, I’ll save you a seat,” said Stacy walking away.
Olivia looked at Sofia shaking her head.
“Don’t sit by her. I won’t be able to save you tonight.”
Olivia sighed, “You don’t have to save me. I hoped she’d get the hint but, I’ll say something to her if I have to.”
Frankie walked up and said, “Hey, are you free to ride this weekend?”
“Sure. Sunday?”
“Works for me,” said Frankie.
Sofia said, “Got to run, kids. Talk to you tomorrow, Olivia.”
“Have fun at the concert.”
“What concert?” asked Frankie.
“Sofia has a band concert at her school tonight so she can’t meet with us at the bar. You should come.”
“I might just do that. I have a few things to take care of here but, you never know,” Frankie said noncommittally.
“Don’t worry, I won’t let them talk about you.”.
“Thanks. I’ll text you about Sunday.”