Finding Home

by Jamey Moody

  “I did invite you on a date and to me that means dinner,” Olivia said smiling. The surprise on Frankie’s face sent a warmth through Olivia.

  Frankie took Olivia’s hand, “You are something. First, you ask me out to help me forget the wedding. Then you take me to one of my favorite places, build me a house and now dinner. Thank you, Olivia, no one has made me feel this special.”

  When Frankie took Olivia’s hand, electricity shot through her body. “You are special, Frankie. Surely you’ve felt that before.”

  “This is wonderful.”

  “Is it working? Has this taken your mind off the wedding? I didn’t want to ask and bring it up, but…”

  Frankie squeezed her hand, “Yes, it’s working.”

  “Good. Let’s sit and eat. I brought beer or wine, your choice?”

  “How about wine?”

  “Wine it is.” Olivia poured them each a glass and made Frankie sit while she placed salads out for them both. “Since you do own a gym, I thought I’d better bring something healthy, but save room for dessert.”

  “Shall we toast,” Frankie said, raising her glass. Olivia followed suit and smiled. “To new friends and adventures.” They clinked glasses and sipped.

  Frankie chuckled as they began to eat. “You know, I hope this isn’t the only time we do this.”

  “Me either.”

  “But you’ve kind of set the bar so high, there’s no way I’ll be able to top it.”

  “You’re the one that did that.” Olivia said, causing Frankie to look at her questioningly. “You’ve taken me on so many beautiful bike rides. And what makes them special is that I would’ve never done that myself, Frankie.”

  “Were they dates?”

  “Maybe not at first, but Thursday when we went to the lake. You made that special, didn’t you?”

  “I tried to.”

  “It was. I didn’t want to go home.”

  “I’ve wanted to ask you out since the day you walked into the gym,” Frankie admitted.

  Olivia looked up and narrowed her eyes, “Really? The first time?”

  “Yes, but after our conversation in the dressing room, I didn’t think you would go out with me.”

  Olivia looked down sighing, “I didn’t think you would be interested in me. Let me apologize again for that conversation because I know you are not like that. But the first day?”

  Frankie nodded, “Olivia, I have been drawn to you since that first day. I haven’t felt that in such a long time; it scared me. My confidence in my own judgement is pretty low.”

  “I know exactly what you mean. You saw me, my confidence was gone, too.”

  They both stared at one another, eyes sparkling.

  “But I seem to have found mine again.”

  “I can trust my judgement again.”

  Neither said a word, both caught up in the moment.

  “Ready for dessert?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Olivia reached into the cooler and brought out two pieces of key lime pie. Frankie’s eyes lit up.

  “Is that key lime pie?”

  Olivia nodded as she cleared their salad plates and set the pie down.

  “It’s my favorite!” Frankie studied Olivia for a moment then asked, “Did you know?”

  Olivia smiled and looked down, “I might have paid attention or asked Stella.”

  Frankie laughed and Olivia joined her. As they ate the pie Frankie thought it might be the sweetest she’d ever tasted. She looked at Olivia and then around the back yard. “You know, my counselor is trying to get me to be still.”

  “Be still?”

  “Yes, she thinks I’m on the go all the time with classes, the business,and working out, and that I don’t ever stop and be still.”

  “From what I see, she’s right.”

  “I can’t decide if she thinks I need to calm the thoughts running through my head or if she thinks I’m running by not slowing down.”

  “Hmm, what do you think?”

  “Before I started seeing her, I would agree, I didn’t slow down because I didn’t want to think about the pain of Laura leaving and what my future looked like after that.”

  “If you don’t mind me asking, did you see a future with Laura?”

  “I never looked ahead as far as us getting married. I really didn’t look ahead at all. I mean we were, or I was, comfortable in what we had. But maybe that’s a mistake I made by not talking about the future. Anyway, I’m in a better place now. When I’m still it’s to calm all the thoughts running around my head and just resting.”

  “You know, that sounds a little like meditation.”

  “Oh no you don’t. You’re not trying to get me to meditate like Stella, are you?”

  Olivia chuckled holding her hands up, “No. Stella told me that wasn’t your thing. But, it certainly has helped me. When things are crazy at work, like they’ve been for a while now, it helps ease stress.”

  Frankie narrowed her eyes, “Between the two of you, I don’t stand a chance.”

  Olivia laughed again, “Ready to see the rest of the house?”

  “Yes and thank you.”

  “For what, not making you meditate?”

  “No, for all of this, the meal, the pie, and especially you.”

  “You’re welcome. Come on.”

  They went back in the house and as they went down the hall Olivia asked, “In both houses you chose three bedrooms. Any particular reason?”

  “Well, you said to dream, so in my dream I’d share the master bedroom with my wife and need an extra bedroom or two for kids. I know it’s getting a little late for me but, I can still dream.”

  “It’s not too late for you!”

  “Maybe. Do you want kids someday?”

  Olivia smiled, “I’ve thought about it and yeah, I hope so someday.”

  She showed her the two extra bedrooms and a bathroom. “Here is the master suite and this is why I like this house. The room is big, but it also has great closets and a nice bathroom.”

  “Oh wow, you’re right and French doors that open to a little patio.” Frankie looked around the room and then walked into the bathroom. “These closets are huge and that shower.”

  “I know, isn’t it great?”

  “I’ve always wanted a shower like this.” Frankie could feel her face heating up as an image of she and Olivia in that shower flashed in her mind.

  Olivia noticed Frankie shake her head, “Are you alright?”

  Frankie smiled, her eyes brow raised, “Some of those thoughts running through my mind.”

  That made Olivia blush and chuckle.

  Frankie took a deep breath and walked back into the bedroom asking over her shoulder, “What would this look like if it were your bedroom?”

  Olivia followed her, still smiling, “Um... let’s see, I would probably put the bed here and I’d put a rocking chair looking out the French doors.”

  “A rocking chair?”

  “Yeah, I have a thing for rocking chairs. When I was a little girl I had one and I’ve been rocking ever since. I’ve always had one.”

  “How about that,” Frankie said, fascinated. She walked over to the doors opening them and looked out into the night. “Is it okay?”

  “Sure,” Olivia answered walking over to stand next to her, their shoulders brushing.

  “It’s so quiet.”

  “And still.”

  Frankie turned to her, their bodies close. “But my mind isn’t still.” She looked into Olivia’s eyes, slowly bringing her hand up and running her thumb along Olivia’s jaw. She cupped the back of her head as she leaned in and brought their lips together in a soft kiss. Frankie’s heart raced but at the same time she felt like she was home. An incredible feeling of contentment filled her as a fire began to build in her soul. Olivia sank into the kiss and slightly parted her lips asking for more as her hands, now on Frankie’s hips, pulled her closer. Frankie obliged and Olivia slipped her tongue inside and melted against her.
The world fell away as Olivia thought this was the best first kiss ever. After several moments they pulled back, both breathing hard.

  Frankie looked into Olivia’s deep brown eyes, “I can see the reflection of the moon in your beautiful eyes.”

  “The moon?”

  Frankie had a hard time tearing herself away but she looked out the doorway, Olivia following her gaze and saw the beautiful full moon shining down.

  “Would you like to go for a walk in the moonlight?”

  “I’d love to. Let me close these doors and grab the coolers.”

  “I’ll help.”

  They made quick work of loading the coolers in the golf cart and closing up the house.

  “This looks like a safe neighborhood,” Frankie said playfully.

  “I’m sure you’d protect me.”

  “I would. Shall we?”

  Olivia nodded as they walked down the driveway to the street. There were a few streetlights that illuminated their way but, it was quiet and secluded.

  Frankie took her hand as they walked side-by-side down the empty street, a comfortable silence between them.

  “This may be better than that bike ride to the lake,” Frankie said, looking sideways at Olivia.

  “How so?”

  “It’s hard to hold hands on a bicycle.”

  Olivia chuckled, “That it is.”

  Frankie slowed and faced Olivia, “And it’s hard to stop and do this.” She grabbed Olivia’s other hand and brought their lips together for a kiss. Olivia moaned and reached up taking Frankie’s face in her hands and deepened the kiss.

  Olivia put her forehead on Frankie’s as their lips parted, “I didn’t think this night could get any more romantic but, Frankie Dean, you’re making me swoon.” They both released a contented sigh.

  “We’d better make our way back to the golf cart and the office, your tour isn’t quite complete.”

  “Are you kidding me? I don’t think I could take much more, I’m floating as it is.”

  They pulled the golf cart into the garage where they’d started and walked into the house. The plans were laid out on the kitchen table.

  Olivia walked over with the two plans Frankie had chosen, “So, which one did you like better?”

  “The last one, for sure.”

  “Are you’re sure it was the house and not the key lime pie?”

  Frankie laughed, “The key lime pie was a bonus, but I liked it best, especially the bedroom and those French doors. And what happened at those French doors and the neighborhood and…”

  “I think I get it,” Olivia laughed. She took the plans, signed them, and put them in a large envelope with Frankie’s name on it. She handed it to Frankie.

  “I get to keep them?”

  “They’re all yours, signed by the architect. If you ever decide you want to build that house you’ll be ready.”

  Frankie looked at her skeptically, “Really? That’s too much Olivia. These are expensive, I’ve looked before.”

  “You didn’t know the architect before.”

  “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure. We’d better load up. I think I have a long bike ride tomorrow with a relentless trainer.”

  “You do, and your trainer can’t wait.”

  Chapter 10

  After being dropped off at the gym, Frankie jumped in her Jeep and couldn’t stop smiling all the way home. She could feel Olivia’s lips on hers and remembered that absolute peace when Olivia pulled her close, like she was home. She had never felt like that before and wanted to again.

  When she pulled into her driveway she noticed a car parked in front of her house. She thought that was a little odd but figured someone was visiting across the street. When she got out of her Jeep and walked to her front door someone was sitting on her front porch.

  “Hey Frankie,”

  “Holy shit,” Frankie exclaimed, peering through the darkness. “Laura? Is that you? You scared me to death!”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “What are you doing here? I thought you got married tonight.”

  “Could we go in and talk for a minute.”

  Frankie unlocked the door and held it open for Laura. She turned on the light, “Have a seat.”

  “Thanks,” Laura said, sitting heavily on the couch, letting out a big sigh. Frankie could see that Laura was upset, her forehead was creased and she wasn’t wearing makeup but had been crying. Her chocolate brown hair was pulled into a messy bun on top of her head with tendrils framing her face.

  “What happened? Did he do something?” Frankie felt protective of Laura even with all the history between them.

  “I couldn’t go through with it.” After taking a deep breath she looked up with tears in her eyes.

  “Oh Laura,” Frankie said and sat down next to her. She wanted to put her arm around her or take her hand but decided not to.

  Through tears she said, “I know you’re going to hate me.”

  Frankie did grab her hand then and said, “I don’t hate you. I couldn’t.”

  “You will when I tell you what happened.”

  Frankie squeezed her hand and encouraged her.

  “As the wedding got closer and closer, I felt more and more unsure, but I thought it was just nerves. At the rehearsal last night, standing at the altar and looking at everyone I thought I was going to be sick. Nothing has ever felt so wrong in my life. While getting ready at the church this evening, all I could think about was you.”

  “Me!” Frankie said surprised.

  Laura turned to Frankie wiping the tears from her face. “Yes, you! I’ve made a horrible mistake Frankie. I should never have left you! And I’m going to spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”

  Frankie released Laura’s hand and got up, pacing around the room. She couldn’t believe her ears. Months ago she would have rejoiced at hearing those words but now, so many things had changed.

  “Would you like something to drink? I’m getting a beer,” she said, walking through the living room to the kitchen. She ran her fingers through her hair and looked at the ceiling. What was happening? Was this some kind of joke? Was she having a dream? She reached into the refrigerator and pulled out two bottles of beer.

  When she walked back into the living room Laura had her head in her hands. Frankie stood there, her heart breaking for Laura, but she was confused. She sat back down and handed Laura the beer.

  She took a long drink then set it on the table in front of the couch and turned to Frankie. “I can’t imagine what is going through your head right now, but please give me a chance, Frankie. I don’t expect to walk back into your life and pick up where we left off.”

  Frankie found her voice, “Where we left off was you leaving me.” She didn’t want to make things worse for Laura but, her heart hadn’t healed completely.

  “I know, I know.” Tears sprang to Laura’s eyes again. She took Frankie’s beer and sat it on the table and took both her hands. “I am so sorry I hurt you. If there was any way I could go back, I would. It breaks my heart that I hurt you.”

  Frankie looked at Laura knowing what she said was true, but that still didn’t mend her broken heart. Her date with Olivia felt like a lifetime ago. Olivia! What about Olivia? She cleared her throat, “Laura, I know you’re sorry, you’ve told me that already. And I forgave you.” Frankie stood up, trying to put some distance between them. “But, this is a lot for one night. You have to be emotionally drained, what with calling off the wedding and coming here.”

  “I had to tell you myself, Frankie. You had to know. I came here straight from the church.”

  “From the church? You’ve been sitting out there for hours?”

  “Yes. I had to see you.” Laura stood and went to Frankie. “Please, hear me out. Please give me a chance. Please give us a chance.”

  Frankie was overwhelmed and couldn’t think. After several moments she swallowed took a deep breath, “Laura, you’ve got to give me time to proces
s this; I need time to think.”

  “Of course,” she said instantly, taking Frankie’s hand. “We have nothing but time. We can work through this no matter how long it takes.”

  Frankie released a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.

  “I don’t want to leave you tonight. I’m afraid?”

  “What? Afraid?”

  “I’m afraid I won’t see you again. I’m afraid you’ll make up your mind and won’t talk to me, not hear me out.”

  Frankie smiled at Laura kindly, “I wouldn’t do that. Of course I want to hear what you have to say. Just not right now. Okay?”

  “Okay. I’ll go. But Frankie, I never stopped loving you. When you start processing all of this please remember that. I love you.”

  She walked Laura out to her car. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “However long it takes, Frankie.” She started her car and pulled away from the curb.

  Frankie had never been more confused in her life.

  ***

  After dropping Frankie at her car, Olivia called Sofia.

  “How was it?”

  Olivia laughed, “Hello to you too.”

  “Come on. You’ve just gone on a date for the first time in forever. A date that you planned, so we don’t have time for hellos,” Sofia said, laughing.

  “Well,” Olivia said, drawing the word out. “It was wonderful! We had the best time!”

  “Yay! I’m not surprised. You two fit, you’ve got that thing about you.”

  “What?”

  “You know, when you see two people together and they just fit. I don’t know how else to describe it.”

  Olivia thought about this. She did feel comfortable around Frankie and loved being with her.

  “Hmm, we fit. I like that.”

  “So tell me, did she like the house thing?”

  “She did. The food was good. She was surprised by the pie. And we took a walk in the moonlight.”

  “And, what else happened?”

  “Oh Sofia, it was so romantic,” Olivia gushed. “We walked along hand in hand, it was perfect.”

  “And?”

  “And that’s all I’m going to tell you. I can’t wait to see her tomorrow.”