Finding Home

by Jamey Moody

  “Hey, I’m going to miss class tonight.”

  “What? You never miss class. What’s up?”

  “I have to work, no way to get out of it.”

  “Okay, I’ll let Frankie know.”

  “Thanks. I’ll text her too. I really wanted to talk to her tonight and see how she’s doing.”

  “I know. I’ll text you when class is done.”

  “Okay, thanks. I’d better go.”

  Olivia sighed and thought about what she wanted to say to Frankie.

  Olivia: Hey, I have to miss class, can’t get away from work.

  Frankie: Oh no! I was hoping we could talk.

  Olivia: How are you doing?

  Frankie: Better.

  Olivia: Good. Are we still riding tomorrow?

  Frankie: I hope so.

  Olivia: Me too. I’ll try to text tonight when I’m finished.

  Frankie: ok

  Olivia stared at her phone. She wants to talk to me, and she wants to ride tomorrow. Hopefully, that’s a good thing. Olivia shook her head; Frankie wasn’t the only one that was confused. Should she hope Frankie doesn’t go back to Laura? What if that’s where Frankie belongs? Stop, Olivia, you know what you felt.

  Olivia walked the prospective buyers through the changes they wanted and showed them how some would work and how others wouldn’t. She guided them to make changes that worked better than what they originally planned and would still be within the guidelines for the subdivision.

  When the buyers left, Olivia’s boss, Elizabeth McMillian, turned and studied her for a moment. “That was impressive Olivia. You led them right to where we needed them to be, but they also got what they wanted. Well done.”

  “Thanks Elizabeth. After figuring out what it was they really wanted, it was just a matter of showing them a better way as far as the design was concerned.”

  “Yes, but when I talked to them earlier, they were adamant about keeping things how they wanted, or they were walking. You diffused that situation, gained their trust, and designed their dream home.”

  Olivia liked Elizabeth, but she was firm in what she expected and very tough. This was high praise coming from her and made having to stay late unexpectedly easier to take. “Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do?”

  Elizabeth chuckled, “It is, but thanks for staying late, good job.”

  Olivia gathered her things and noticed a text from Sofia. When she got in her car and left the office, she called her.

  “Hey, just saw your text.”

  “Hi, just getting off?”

  “Yeah, long evening, but my boss actually thanked me.”

  “Wow, maybe she’s finally seeing how good you are.”

  “Maybe, how was class?”

  “It was strange without you there and Frankie was quiet.”

  “Quiet?”

  “Yeah, I could tell she had a lot on her mind. She didn’t interact as much with the group.”

  “I texted her earlier and thought I would again when I get home. I don’t really know what to say. ‘Hey Frankie, going back to your ex? Or can you still feel that kiss too?’ I mean.”

  “Well, she’d be crazy to go back to her when she could have you.”

  “Thanks, but you might be a little biased.”

  “I don’t think so. She can trust you.”

  “She said we were still riding bikes tomorrow so that’s a good thing.”

  “You deserve to be happy Olivia. And if Frankie’s the one to do that then great, but you don’t deserve any back and forth with her and the ex.”

  “I know Sofia, but I want to be her friend, too. You didn’t see her, she was so upset.”

  “You’ve got a big heart Olivia and so does Frankie, but please be careful.”

  “I will. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  Olivia thought about what Sofia had said. She didn’t know where things were between her and Frankie without talking to her, so she was trying not to think too far ahead. They’d get a chance to talk tomorrow on the bikes.

  As Olivia walked into the house her phone pinged, it was from Frankie.

  Frankie: Hey, are you through working?

  Olivia: Just got home. How was class?

  Frankie: Not the same without you.

  Olivia: Aw, wish I could’ve been there.

  Frankie: Sorry, but I can’t ride tomorrow. I have to cover one-on-ones all evening.

  Olivia was disappointed, but she knew that was part of Frankie’s job and she tried not to read more into it. She didn’t want to add to Frankie’s problems.

  Olivia: No problem. I’ll do a ride on my own. I’ve got to keep training for that triathlon.

  Frankie: Thanks for understanding. Could we talk after class Wednesday, maybe go somewhere?

  Olivia: Sure, I’d like that.

  Frankie: Ok, see you then.

  ***

  Frankie walked into the office after teaching the early morning spin class.

  “Where’s Stella, I thought she was here early today,” she asked Desi.

  “She’ll be here in a little while; this is her swim morning. How was spin?”

  “Good class, it was full.”

  “So, are you going to talk to me about Laura or hold it all inside? You stayed busy yesterday, is that your plan again today?”

  Frankie sighed, “You were gone Sunday or we would’ve talked then.”

  Desi looked at her with an ‘are you kidding me’ expression.

  Frankie took a deep breath, “I’m so confused. I still can’t believe she showed up on my porch.”

  “Have you talked to her since?”

  “Yes, she said she isn’t going to push me, but she plans to make this up to me.”

  “Damn. Do you believe her?”

  “Yes, but that doesn’t mean I can trust her though, does it? And then there’s Olivia.”

  “What if there wasn’t an Olivia. Would you give Laura another chance?”

  “I don’t know. It would take time for me to trust her again.”

  “And Olivia?”

  “I’m torn, Desi. There’s something about Olivia. I’m comfortable with her in an unexpected, unpredictable, exciting way. When I know I’m going to see her, I can’t wait to see what happens next. But then I think of Laura and what we used to have. You remember, we were really good together.”

  “I do, until she came home and told you she’d been sleeping with a man.”

  Frankie let out a breath, “I guess that tells me what you think I should do.”

  “Frankie, I want you to be happy. I do remember how happy you were with Laura, but she broke your heart and I don’t want that to happen again.”

  “I don’t either, Desi. But the same thing could happen with Olivia.” Frankie took a deep breath, “Look, I haven’t told you this, but after Laura left, I was having a really hard time.”

  “I remember. I was worried about you.”

  “Well, I started seeing a counselor then.”

  “You did? Good for you!”

  “You don’t think I’m weak or crazy?”

  “Of course not! You didn’t think that did you?”

  “I was a little embarrassed about it, that’s why I didn’t tell any of you. But Olivia knows.”

  “You told Olivia but not me?”

  “Don’t get upset, it came out one day. That’s what I mean about being comfortable with her.”

  “So, have you seen your counselor since all this happened?”

  “Yeah, she suggested I step back so the emotions can calm some.”

  “That sounds like good advice. You know Laura is going to wait, but what about Olivia?”

  “I don’t know. She’s so understanding, but this is a bit much. She hasn’t run from me yet, but I wouldn’t blame her if she did. It seems like a lot to ask. We’ve only had one real date.”

  “And? Your face looks like it was good.”

  “It was so much better than good,” Frankie said, smiling and remembering their
kiss.

  “Maybe that’s your answer.”

  “It should be, but I’m apprehensive because Laura was very convincing.”

  “So, what’s next?”

  “I’ll see Olivia tomorrow after class.”

  “Good luck. No matter what, I’m here for you.”

  “Thanks Des.”

  ***

  Olivia sliced through the pool, allowing the underwater silence to envelop and soothe her weary mind. It felt good to use her arms and legs after missing her Sunday bike ride as well as her strength class last night. She loved the quiet of the pool. The sounds above water of voices or splashes from other people swimming could be left behind by simply putting your head under the water. Though she had to work her muscles to stay afloat there was also a calmness and peacefulness similar to when she meditated.

  At the end of the pool she stopped, checking the time, she’d gotten there early today and was finished with her workout when she noticed Stella walking toward her.

  “Good morning.”

  “Hi Stella.”

  “You’re early this morning.”

  “Yeah, I’m already finished.” Olivia made her way out of the pool.

  Stella handed her a towel. “How are you doing?

  “I’m okay, well not really.”

  “Quite a shock about Laura calling off the wedding?”

  “Is it? I don’t know anything about her except she hurt Frankie when they broke up.”

  “She’s not a bad person; I think she doesn’t know what she wants or maybe she does now. Who knows? I wasn’t surprised when she broke up with Frankie in the first place.”

  “Really? Frankie told me she never looked ahead when they were together. That their relationship was comfortable, but she didn’t think about the future.”

  “Hmm,” Stella said thoughtfully. “What about you?”

  “What about me? I’ve been asking the same question. Did Frankie say anything to you about our date?” Olivia smiled, thinking back on their incredible evening.

  Stella returned the smile, “She said it was one of the best dates she’d ever had.”

  “Same for me. But she obviously has a lot to think about now.”

  “I guess she does. Frankie isn’t one to make hurried decisions when they involve people. She sometimes thinks about the other people’s feelings before considering her own and that’s not always a good thing. What I’m trying to say is, don’t give up on her because she may take some time with this.”

  “You know, I don’t want to add any additional pressure on her, but I'm torn. There’s something between us and I’d like to see where it could go. But Laura wants her back.”

  “I’m going to jump out there and say this Olivia. Frankie would be crazy not to see what you two can build together, but as I said she’ll take her time, that’s just the person she is. You’re worth so much more than you give yourself credit for and I think you’re beginning to see that.”

  “I do. I need to sit down with Frankie before I do anything though.”

  “Just know that I’m here for you anytime.”

  “Thanks Stella, but I understand Frankie is your friend.”

  “You’re my friend too,” she said hugging Olivia to her.

  ***

  Olivia couldn’t wait to get to class, not that she necessarily wanted to lift weights, but because she’d finally see Frankie. She felt like it had been so long since they’d seen one another, and it had only been two days. Sofia waved as she walked up, but she didn’t see Frankie anywhere.

  "It’s great to see you too,” Sofia said as Olivia looked around for Frankie.

  Olivia faced Sofia then, “Sorry Sof, it’s good to see you too.”

  “I haven’t seen Frankie, and I got here early to walk on the treadmill.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be here; we’re finally talking after class tonight.”

  “I hope she’s as smart as I think she is.”

  Olivia smiled and then her face fell when Desi walked in.

  “Hey everyone, Frankie was called away unexpectedly, so I’ll be your instructor for the evening. I apologize she’s not here, but I assure you it’ll be a good workout. I teach this same class in the mornings so, if you’re ready let’s warm up and get to it.”

  Olivia noticed Desi looking at her as they warmed up and wondered what could’ve happened. She went through the motions for the rest of the class and was glad when they finished. When she took her phone out of her bag she had a text from Frankie.

  Frankie: Hey, I’m so sorry I can’t meet you tonight. Family emergency. I’ll text you soon.

  Olivia had a bad feeling in her stomach. She believed Frankie and hoped her family was okay, but she couldn’t help feeling that maybe they weren’t meant to talk, much less to be together.

  Chapter 12

  Frankie shook her head as she thought back over the last few days. She had been trying to talk to Olivia and every time they planned something one of them had to cancel. Her Mom’s fender bender was the latest reason she had to cancel. It had been almost a week since their date and so much had changed. Their last weight training class was tonight and she hoped nothing would happen between now and then so they could finally talk after class.

  Olivia could hardly believe when she walked into Your Way and Frankie was there. When their eyes met both their faces lit up. Frankie walked toward her, “I’m so glad to see you, finally.”

  “I am too. We haven’t had the best luck this week. How is your Mom?”

  “She’s fine. It damaged the car, not her luckily.”

  “That’s good.”

  “It’s your last class tonight, are you glad?”

  “I’m ready to do something different, but, I kind of like the instructor, so maybe I’ll have to see what she’s teaching next.” Olivia couldn’t believe with everything going on with Frankie that they slipped so easily back into their rhythm.

  “Hmm, we do offer personal training,” Frankie quipped.

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “Come on, the class is waiting.”

  They made their way to the weight area where the class waited.

  “Here we are at the end of your six-week weight training program. Do you feel stronger? We’re going to go through the same measurements we did back on the first day, remember? And we’ll look back at where you started on the different lifts and where you are now. This is one of my favorite days in this program.” Frankie’s excitement was contagious.

  “Am I going to measure you this time?” Sofia asked Olivia.

  “Very funny. Yes, you’re measuring me. We know how to do it now.”

  They took turns measuring and ohs and ahs could be heard throughout the room as their measurements had changed over the course of the program. Everyone had increased their weight lifted and a feeling of accomplishment was seen in everyone’s faces.

  “Let’s celebrate, everybody,” said Veronica. “Are we done Frankie?”

  “That’s it for tonight. Thank you all for taking the class, I’m proud of every one of you. Let me know if you need help choosing another class or this one will be offered again soon; we take a little break. If you want to keep lifting on your own, you have the basics and can continue. I’m here to help though, just because class is over doesn’t mean I won’t help you when you need it. Just ask.”

  “Frankie, you’re welcome to come with us.”

  “Thank you, but you all deserve this without me tagging along.”

  Everyone thanked Frankie and started to leave for the bar.

  Stacy walked over to Olivia and Sofia, “Hey, are you coming tonight?”

  Sophia looked at Olivia, “I’ll be there, but Olivia can’t make it tonight.”

  “Aw, that’s too bad. I’ll see you around the gym Olivia.”

  “Have fun Stacy.” She turned to Sofia, “Are you going?”

  “Yeah, Veronica and Alice will be a hoot tonight. Call me later,” Sofia said, winking and walking aw
ay.

  Olivia saw Frankie waiting. "Let me grab my stuff and we can go.” They walked to the office and while Frankie gathered her things she said, “Do you want to get a drink or go somewhere?”

  “It doesn’t matter to me, wherever you want to go is fine.” Olivia looked at the class schedule outside the office while she waited. The front door opened and a beautiful woman walked up as Frankie walked out.

  “Hey,” she said, kissing Frankie on the cheek.

  “Laura, what are you doing here?”

  “I thought I’d surprise you and see if you wanted to grab a drink. You’re through for the night, aren’t you?”

  Olivia watched the scene play out and felt her stomach fall. She recognized Laura from the first day she came in Your Way. This was the woman that pulled Frankie away from her and Sofia during their tour. She was stunning, her dark hair was long, rich, and full. It gleamed in the overhead lights. Her legs were long and she had curves in the right places. You could see her love for Frankie shining in her eyes.

  Frankie looked at Olivia and said, “I can’t Laura.” Laura noticed Olivia then and Frankie said, “Laura this is Olivia King, Olivia this is Laura Phillips.”

  “Hi,” Olivia said, extending her hand.

  Laura shook it and smiled.

  “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow then, it was nice to meet you Olivia.”

  “You too Laura.”

  As she walked away, Frankie looked at Olivia, “Sorry, that was awkward.”

  “No big deal, where do you want to go?”

  “How about the lake?”

  “Where we went before?”

  “Is that all right?”

  “That’d be great.”

  “Maybe we can catch the sunset. Ready?”

  Olivia looked into Frankie’s eyes, unable to read her. “I am.”

  Frankie drove them in her Jeep and pulled up near the water. She grabbed a blanket from the back and spread it near the water.

  “This is beautiful.”

  Frankie sat down and let out a deep breath. “I’ve been here a couple of times the last week, to think.”

  Olivia sat crossed legged next to Frankie but facing her. “I know you’re having a hard time and I’m sorry this is happening to you.”