Finding Home

by Jamey Moody

  “Yeah, but you can’t work the entire time. You have to eat. Check out the hotel bar. There will be other people there that might not want to eat alone, just like you.”

  “I’ll be fine. I’m not going to try to pick someone up in a bar! are you kidding me?”

  “I’m not saying hook up with them. I do know you! Maybe someone you work with can show you around. All I’m saying is, use this time to relax a little and forget about all this here.”

  “It’s not such a bad idea to try and forget about this, but I don’t know if I can.”

  “Just try.”

  Olivia nodded and smiled. Sofia was a good friend.

  Chapter 13

  Frankie agreed to go to dinner with Laura Saturday night and picked her up at her apartment. Since Laura had called off the wedding, they had been on one date that week, but they met at the restaurant. Things weren’t quite as awkward, and Laura kept the conversation going during the drive. They had lived together for almost a year after all, and Frankie could tell Laura was nervous, too.

  When they were seated, Laura smiled and asked Frankie, “Do you remember this place?”

  Frankie met her smile, “I do.”

  “That was the night you asked me to move in with you.”

  “I remember.” Frankie noticed two women walk behind Laura as they were seated across the room. She could feel the heat rush to her face as she immediately recognized one of the women as Olivia. The other woman looked to be Frankie’s age and walked with confidence and grace. When she turned, Frankie saw how beautiful she was.

  “Is something wrong?” Laura asked as she glanced behind her. “Do you know them?”

  “Uh, yes. One of them is a member of the gym.”

  “Oh. People look different when they’re not wearing workout clothes, don’t they?”

  Frankie couldn’t keep her eyes off Olivia, “Yes, they do.” She watched as the other woman ordered, pausing to ask Olivia something. And Olivia nodded her head. Frankie was brought back when she heard her name.

  “Frankie?”

  She looked at Laura and hadn’t noticed the waiter standing at the table. “I’m sorry?”

  “What would you like to drink?”

  They ordered drinks and Frankie looked down at her menu trying not to look at Olivia. So many questions were going through her brain. Who could the woman be? Was Olivia on a date?

  “Frankie, are you all right?”

  “Yes, sorry.”

  “You’ve been distracted since those women came in. Is something going on?”

  “No. I was surprised to see my client, that’s all.” That’s all? That didn’t come close to how Frankie was feeling. How could Olivia be on a date? But why wouldn’t she be? Frankie was doing the same thing. She had to let it go. She was there with Laura and that was where her focus should be.

  The waiter brought their drinks and Frankie noticed a bottle of wine delivered to Olivia’s table. It had to be a date; Frankie felt herself getting jealous and knew she had no right.

  “Babe, do you know what you want to eat?”

  Frankie pulled her eyes away from Olivia’s table and looked at Laura, hearing what she called her. “I’m not sure,” she said looking down at the menu. “What about you?”

  Laura looked at the waiter, “Give us a couple of minutes, please.” The waiter left and Laura reached across the table and gently touched Frankie’s hand. “Talk to me Frankie. What’s going on? I can tell something is off. If we’re going to make this work, you have to talk to me. I know you don’t want to hurt my feelings, but I have to know where you are so we can work on it, together.”

  Frankie sighed. Laura was right. If they had a chance Frankie needed to try. “Would you mind if we got out of here? I know this place is special, but let’s find someplace else to start over.”

  Laura smiled, “That's fine with me. I’m sorry, I thought you liked this place.” She reached in her purse.

  “Let me get this,” Frankie said, putting money on the table. “Come on,” she said holding out her hand.

  Laura got up and took her hand, “Lead the way.”

  ***

  Movement caught Olivia’s eye. She saw a couple leaving. Was that Frankie and Laura? She couldn’t be sure; they were too far away.

  “Do you like the wine,” Elizabeth said following Olivia’s stare across the room.

  Olivia brought her attention back, “I do.”

  “Did you know them?”

  “No. I thought it was someone I know but, it wasn’t.”

  “I wanted to have dinner with you as a way of thanking you for taking this trip. I know you don’t usually travel and stay with a project to the end, but this is important.”

  “I’m glad to do it.”

  “I also wanted to tell you that I’ve seen a change in you.”

  Olivia looked puzzled, “A change?”

  “Yes. You’ve always been excellent in your designs and responsibilities, but something has changed. You seem more confident; not afraid to step up and give your opinion. Which is usually on point.”

  Olivia’s cheeks reddened with the praise, “Thank you.”

  “I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable, Olivia I just wanted you to know that I’ve noticed. I know I expect a lot, and I’m pleased with your work.”

  “Thanks Elizabeth. But you didn’t have to take me to dinner.”

  “I wanted to. So tell me, what’s changed? I’m not trying to pry into your personal life, but we professional women have to stick together.”

  Olivia couldn’t believe her ears, she had no idea Elizabeth thought of her as anything but an employee; someone she supervised. She considered her words as she took a drink of the exquisite wine. “This may sound a bit ironic but, I think my work has improved because I’m not focused on just work all the time.”

  Elizabeth smiled nodding her head, “That makes sense. So, what else have you been spending your time on then?”

  Olivia considered how to answer but decided to be honest, “I joined a gym, and I’ve made several commitments that have become, quite surprisingly, wonderful.”

  “Tell me more,” Elizabeth said, interested.

  “Well, I completed a strength program that gave me a boost of courage every time I went. I could see my fitness improve that also improved my attitude. It’s still unbelievable to me.”

  “Unbelievable? What do you mean?”

  “I’m not one to commit to things outside my comfort zone. And not only did I take the class, but I signed up to do a triathlon,” she said, shaking her head.

  “A triathlon? That’s impressive. So, you’ve been training?”

  “Yes. Actually, I bring my bike to the site sometimes and ride there or run after work. It’s a great place with no traffic, so it’s safe.”

  “And that’s what’s given you this new attitude?”

  “Not only that, I’ve made friends there too.”

  “What made you decide to join?”

  “Ego, vanity.”

  “What? You’re not like that.”

  “I didn’t like the way I looked or felt, and I was tired of just working. It sounds so vain now, but it was more than that. My self-image was terrible.”

  “You hid it well and your work never suffered.”

  “Yeah, but if I’ve learned anything it’s that work isn’t everything,” she said cringing. “I know you may not feel that way.”

  “Oh, but I do. When I was your age, I almost lost my wife.”

  Olivia knew Elizabeth was married, but she didn’t talk about her family very often. “Lost her?”

  “I was working all the time and we wanted to start a family. She finally sat me down one day and told me, in no uncertain terms, that she was not going to raise our kids by herself.”

  “Wow, I’d like to have seen that.” Olivia jumped, “Oh no, I said that out loud, didn’t I?”

  Elizabeth laughed, “I know it’s hard for you to imagine, but I haven’t always be
en quite so demanding. I’m that way because if I expect exceptional work that’s usually what I’ll get. That leads to fewer problems and more time for me with my family.”

  Olivia nodded, thinking about what she’d said.

  “See, I’m selfish. I love my wife and kids and that’s where I’m happiest. So, if I get you to do the hard work then mine is a breeze,” she said, chuckling.

  “I know that’s not entirely true,” Olivia said skeptically.

  “Back to this triathlon. Will you be able to train in Houston?”

  “Yes, I’ve already checked out the hotel’s fitness amenities and the surrounding area. So, I’ll be working and working out,” she said with a little laugh.

  “I don’t expect you to work all the time Olivia. Remember balance. Houston has some fine restaurants you should try. I’ll send you a list.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Now, would you like to see why I don’t work all the time?” she said, taking her phone out.”

  Olivia smiled kindly, “Of course I would.”

  Elizabeth caught herself, “I don’t mean to bore you with pictures of my family.”

  “You’re not. I really would like to see them.”

  Elizabeth scrolled through several pictures with obvious pride as she told Olivia who each one was. “Do you want kids, someday?”

  She smiled, “I do.”

  “I never dreamed they’d bring me this much joy. Okay, I do need to go over a few things about the project. Back to business.”

  They finished their meal as Elizabeth went over a few things for the Houston project. Olivia had such a good time and she was surprised at how forthcoming her boss was.

  On the way home she kept thinking back to the couple that she saw leaving. It looked like Frankie and Laura, but she wasn’t sure. It made her sad thinking about them on a date, which was foolish. Of course they would be dating. A streak of jealousy shot through her thinking of Laura kissing those lips that had claimed her own. Was Sofia right, should she fight for Frankie?

  ***

  Olivia’s Uber pulled into the driveway of the model home that housed the office. She had planned to go by the hotel before coming to the site, but the airline didn’t seem to care about her plen.

  She walked into the office with her bags and was immediately greeted by a tall, striking woman who lightened her load.

  “Hi, I’m Lucy Baxter. Let me help you.”

  “Thanks, I’m Olivia King.”

  “Nice to meet you, Olivia and I’m glad you’re here. Right this way to your office.”

  Olivia followed her into a room much like her office at her own site. Lucy had short auburn hair and bright green eyes. She walked with an assuredness that reminded her of a young Desi.

  “I’m your assistant while you’re here. Wes, the project manager is with the site manager at one of the houses. He’ll be back later.”

  Olivia noticed a frustrating tone when she mentioned Wes. “Thanks Lucy, it’s nice to meet you, too.”

  “Let me know if you need anything. Elizabeth said I work for you.”

  Olivia raised her eyebrows, “Okay?”

  “Elizabeth is a force. I’d like to pick your brain about her sometime while you’re here.”

  Olivia chuckled, “Oh, so you’re after Elizabeth’s job.”

  Lucy shook her head laughing, “Not at all. I might just have a little crush on her.”

  “Oh!” Olivia joined her laughter, “I get it, she’s pretty awesome, but demanding… and married.”

  “Oh, I know. And you’re the Rockstar she’s sent to save us.”

  “Rockstar!” Olivia said, astonished.

  “Totally, you’re here to save us.”

  Olivia narrowed her eyes, “Does Wes know this?”

  “He knows that your project is doing much better than this one and is very similar. Elizabeth explained that you were going to show him what has worked up there in hopes that it will work here.”

  “Good, I didn’t want to step on any toes.”

  “You’re not. Are you staying at The Abbott?”

  “I am.”

  “I’m there too. I haven’t been here very long and I’m still house hunting. Did you rent a car?”

  “No. The plane was late. How can a 45-flight be so late? Anyway, I didn’t want to take the time.”

  “You can ride with me if you want.”

  “Thanks Lucy. That’d be great.”

  The rest of the day passed quickly with Olivia familiarizing herself with the subdivision. Lucy drove them to the hotel and helped her with her bags.

  “They have a good bar here. It’s not too crowded or too loud. Why don’t you meet me after you get settled in, say 20 minutes?”

  “A drink does sound good after this day. Ok, see you then.”

  Olivia found a stool at the bar and was trying to decide what to order while the bartender waited on another customer.

  “Long day?”

  Olivia looked next to her at a woman dressed in a business suit, with dark brown hair that barely touched her shoulders. She had a friendly face and sat on the stool next to her.

  “Is it that obvious? But yes.”

  “Then let me buy you a drink.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “Please, I’d like to.”

  “Ok. Wine.”

  She gave the bartender their order and turned to Olivia extending her hand, “Hi, I’m Jenna Seda.”

  Olivia took her hand, “Olivia King, nice to meet you.”

  “Let me guess, travel plus work has made this a long day?”

  “It has, do I look that bad?”

  “Not at all. I’m going to say you came from the Dallas area.”

  “Wow, I did. How’d you know?”

  “It couldn’t have been a long flight if you worked today too. What do you do?”

  “I’m an architect. You?”

  “Cyber security for a financial institution here. I’m on loan.”

  “That’s kind of what I’m doing too.”

  “I’m sure you came in to save a project.”

  “That’s pretty close, but I don’t want to talk or think about work.”

  “Deal.” Jenna looked thoughtful as she studied Olivia. “Let’s play a game, I ask you a question then it’s your turn.”

  Olivia took a moment to consider, “Okay.”

  “Me first. Tell me something you are proud of that you’ve done lately.”

  “Wow, that’s an interesting first question.” Olivia thought about what she was proud of and work was off limits. “I am not in any way an athlete, but I’m training for a triathlon.”

  “A triathlon! That’s a big deal! What made you do that?”

  “Oh no, it’s my turn. What are you proud of lately?”

  “I am proud… that I bought you a drink and introduced myself first because that is way out of my comfort zone.”

  “Really! You give off a very self-assured vibe. What made you do that?”

  “Hey, I see you’ve met Jenna,” Lucy said sitting on the other side of Olivia.

  “I have.”

  “I knew it! You’re the savior Lucy’s been talking about.”

  “I don’t know about that, but I’m here to help. No work talk, remember,” Olivia said smiling.

  “What are you drinking? I’ll buy a round.”

  “Oh no, one’s enough for me tonight.”

  “Aw, come on.”

  “No really, I’ll be asleep after this one as soon as I get to my room.”

  “Ok, there’s always tomorrow.”

  “Thanks.”

  “What time do you want to leave in the morning? I’m usually the first to the site around eight-thirty.”

  “No one comes in earlier?”

  “Nope.”

  “You can get a lot done when no one else is around.”

  Lucy nodded, “Ok. Seven-thirty?”

  “Just because I go early doesn’t mean you have to.”
/>
  “I want to learn from you, Olivia.”

  “Okay, seven-thirty is fine.” Turning to Jenna, “Thank you for the drink.”

  “You’re very welcome. I hope to see you again soon.”

  Olivia noticed that Jenna had a nice smile, “Me too.”

  While Olivia unpacked, her thoughts wandered to Frankie. She wondered if Sofia was right and she should fight for Frankie. But she felt like she was doing the right thing by giving her the space to be sure. And then there’s Jenna. She wasn’t sure, but Jenna seemed interested and Olivia had to admit that it felt good. This could all wait for another day. She was tired and had a job that needed her focus.

  ***

  Frankie stared at the computer screen, going over next week’s schedule. She sighed and rubbed her eyes.

  “Something wrong?”

  “Oh, hey Stella. No, I’m fine.”

  Stella looked at her with a questioning glance.

  “Actually, I’m confused. That’s me, Francesca Confused Dean. It’s my new middle name,” she said pointing to herself.

  “Okay, what’s got you confused?”

  “Women, me, love.”

  “Whoa, that’s quite a list.”

  “Yeah,” she said, clearly frustrated and sighing again. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

  “Haven’t you been going out with Laura, reconnecting?”

  “Yes, but one minute it feels like before and then it doesn’t. Time is a mysterious lady.”

  “How so?”

  “At times I feel like that maybe I did get over Laura and moved on. It’s hard because when I look at her, I still feel the hurt she caused by leaving.”

  “I don’t mean to overstep, but have you two, uh…?” she trailed off.

  “No. It’s too soon for that. I did kiss her the other night,” she paused. “And I thought of Olivia.”

  “Yikes.”

  “I know. I saw her the other night when I was out with Laura.”

  “What happened?”

  “Nothing. I think she was on a date, at least that’s what it looked like to me.”

  “A date? That doesn’t sound right Frankie.”

  “What do you mean? Why would she sit around and wait on me? She’s an amazing person; I’m sure there are tons of women that want to take her out.”