Finding Home

by Jamey Moody

  “I know how that is.”

  “Yeah, I knew you would. I don’t really know why I’m telling you all this, but she stayed the night. I think her biggest concern was that I’d feel regret or that I’d done something wrong.”

  “I hope you didn’t.”

  “I didn’t. I don’t regret it at all. It was a wonderful night between two people that needed one another. We’re friends, nothing more. I love Frankie, Jenna knows that and she isn’t in love with me.”

  “I’d like to meet her.”

  Olivia smiled, nodding her head. “I don’t plan to tell Frankie. Should I? I mean, we haven’t talked about what went on between her and Laura, and honestly, I don’t want to know.”

  “Oh,” Stella thought about this. “I’m not so sure I would either, but if you think she might find out, if it were me, I’d rather she hear it from me than from someone else.”

  “I don’t know how she’d find out. Sofia knows, but she wouldn’t say anything. Oh no, Stella I haven’t put you in a bad position, have I?”

  “No. You and Frankie weren’t together, what you did on that trip is your business and no one else’s. Jenna won’t say anything?”

  “No. We talked last night and she’s the one who brought up that she hoped it wasn’t a problem for us.”

  “You’re sure she doesn’t have feelings for you?”

  “I’m sure. She said last night, as much as she wished she’d fallen in love with me, she hadn’t.”

  “I understand that too. You have all this love for your wife that has no place to go and if her marriage was happy like mine, then you miss that feeling.”

  “I don’t want to hurt Frankie and we certainly don’t need any other problems right now.”

  “Even if you told her, I think she’d understand.”

  “I think it’s time for a swim.”

  “Me too! You’ve got a triathlon to slay!”

  Chapter 19

  Olivia woke up with a smile on her face. It was finally Friday! She had been looking forward to this date all week. Her work schedule today wasn’t too hectic and she was taking off a couple of hours early so she could get ready. She wanted to make Frankie unable to keep her hands off her.

  Frankie was picking her up at her house, so she cleaned last night and changed the sheets on her bed this morning. When she looked back on it, she and Frankie had felt the attraction from the beginning, but it had taken a few weeks of workouts and bike rides to get to that first kiss. And what a kiss it was! As she remembered she could feel Frankie’s lips on hers. Then chaos had hit! But they had navigated through it and tonight she would both tell and show Frankie that she was in love with her.

  She took one last look around, knowing when she got home all she would want to worry about was making herself irresistible. The thought made her smile.

  The day flew by and she only had a couple of things left to do when she looked up and was surprised to see Elizabeth walk in.

  “Hi Olivia, I want to meet with you on Monday morning at my office at 10:00, will that work?”

  Olivia pulled up her schedule and looked, “That should be fine. I was working on revisions to the plans we discussed this week. That can’t be the only reason you came by.”

  “No. I need a favor.”

  Olivia didn’t like the sound of that. She’d be glad to help... just not today. “Okay, what’s up?”

  “I know you planned to leave early today, but I really need you to meet with a client that can’t be here until this evening.”

  Olivia’s heart sank, “Elizabeth—”

  Elizabeth cut her off, “I know you have a big date tonight. Frankie could pick you up here.”

  “But I don’t have my dress with me and I wanted to have time to get ready.”

  “You still can, that’s why I’m here. You can leave now, and go get your dress and make-up. You can get ready here.”

  “Here? But what about the client?”

  “I’ll be here, too. I just need you to start it off and then I’ll take over. Frankie can pick you up and you two have your date,” she said smiling and nodding her head like it’s all settled.

  She thought about it and guessed it would work. One reason she wanted Frankie to pick her up was so they’d end up at her house. She guessed they still could; she’d just leave her car here.

  "Okay Elizabeth, I guess that would work. I’ll call Frankie on my way home to get my stuff.”

  “Oh thank you, thank you.”

  “This must be an important client.”

  “The biggest,” she said, smiling like she was not telling Olivia everything.

  “Right, okay.”

  “Scoot, go get your stuff,” Elizabeth said, hurrying her out the door.

  That was a little odd, but Olivia didn’t have time to think about if she was going to make it home and back and still have time to get ready. She pulled Frankie up in her contacts and called her.

  “Hello, my beautiful date”

  Olivia laughed, “You sure are cheery.”

  “Am I not usually?” Olivia could hear the smile in her voice

  “No, you are. I just thought there might be a reason for you to be especially chipper today.”

  “You mean because I have a date with the absolutely most beautiful woman in the world?”

  “Wow, you’re turning on the charm.”

  Frankie laughed, “You bring it out in me.”

  “Well, we have a problem.”

  “What kind of problem? We’re going out tonight, no matter what.”

  “Yes, we are! No way we’re missing this date tonight. Would you mind picking me up at work instead of my house?”

  “Not at all, that’s fine.”

  “There’s some important client Elizabeth wants me to meet, but she said I only have to start the meeting and she’ll take it from there. Of course they can’t be at the office until this evening.”

  “It is not a problem, babe. You schmooze this client and I’ll sweep you away.”

  Olivia giggled. She noticed what Frankie called her and liked the way it sounded. She could feel her cheeks reddening with the thought of Frankie sweeping her anywhere.

  “Are you still there, babe?”

  “Yeah, I’m still here, just thinking about you sweeping me away.”

  Frankie laughed, “I know that sounds kind of silly.”

  “Not at all. It sounds romantic to me and I’m wishing it was now.”

  “It’s not too much longer. I promise it’ll be worth the wait.”

  “Frankie Dean what do you have planned for me?”

  “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

  “I have so much anticipation I might explode!”

  She chuckled, “Meditate. That’s what you and Stella would tell me.”

  This made Olivia laugh. “Okay, okay. Well, I’ve got to run. I’ll see you later.”

  “You sure will, and just so you know, I can hardly wait too.”

  “Bye,” Olivia said softly with a sigh.

  “Bye.”

  Olivia gathered her things, made sure everything was set at her house, then hurried back to work.

  When she finished her work, she went to the back room of the house to get ready.

  Her make-up was light and understated, but made her look fresh and vibrant. She let her hair fall softly in waves to her shoulders. It looked like a golden halo. Her sleeveless summer dress had a short skirt that showed off her tanned and toned legs that months of bike rides and running had formed. Her shoulders that weights and swimming built were exquisite, she looked in the mirror and applied a little lipstick, stepped back, and approved. Was it enough to stop Frankie’s heart? She giggled thinking about telling her that earlier.

  She stepped into the main area of the house. Everyone had gone home except for Elizabeth.

  “Wow, Olivia you look beautiful. She’s not going to know what hit her.”

  “Thanks. I have a question, why is there a notice closing 1101
down the street?”

  “Uh, they were doing some work in there that needs to dry, so they made sure no one would come in and mess it up.”

  “Hmm, okay. Do you have any idea what?”

  “Not right off hand. Don’t worry about it.”

  “I’ll check on it Monday. When is this big client supposed to be here Frankie will be driving up any minute.”

  Elizabeth checked her watch and at the same time the door opened. Frankie walked in and her jaw dropped.

  “Oh Olivia, you look incredible.”

  Olivia smiled walking toward her, “Thanks, babe.” She kissed her on the cheek. When she backed away, she noticed Frankie was also wearing a short sleeveless top that showed every muscle in her shoulders. It made Olivia hungry to kiss and nip the beauty of those chiseled muscles. She ran her hands up and down her upper arms and smiled. Her fitted pants left little to the imagination. Frankie had a beautiful body and Olivia couldn’t wait to discover every inch of it.

  “Uh, you look stunning,” she said, finding her voice.

  “Wow, you both look amazing.”

  Olivia was still staring at Frankie when she realized they couldn’t leave yet. “Elizabeth, where is this client, we have to go!” Her patience was gone, even if Elizabeth was her boss

  “Well, the client is here.”

  Olivia turned around and looked at her. “What? Where?”

  “She means me. I’m your client,” Frankie said, taking both Olivia’s hands in hers. “I no longer want to live in my place. I want to build something new to start a life with you.” Olivia’s eyebrows flew up her forehead. “Wait, I’m not trying to overwhelm you, just listen a sec. You know I wanted a house, that’s why you showed me around here in the first place. I meant it.”

  “I knew you did,” Olivia said nodding her head.

  “I have a reason to do it now. And who better to help me than you.”

  “Okay?”

  “I’ve helped her get the process started, but she wanted you to see the house she chose and help make a few changes.”

  “So, you’re in on this,” she said, narrowing her eyes at Elizabeth.

  She smiled at the two of them, “I’m going to leave you to it. Frankie has the rest.”

  Elizabeth left and then it was just them. “I’m not sure I understand,” she said.

  “You will. I need you to know that I don’t want you to feel strange at my house because Laura lived there at one time.”

  “I wouldn’t, that’s the past.”

  “It is, but I don’t want to be there. I want a house here. Would you go with me now and help me?” she asked with such hope in her eyes.

  “Of course I will.” Olivia had a feeling she knew which house Frankie had chosen.

  Frankie leaned down and kissed her briefly but softly. “I promise I’ll make it worth it.”

  “I know you will.”

  “Okay, come with me.” Frankie took her hand and led her out into her Jeep. They drove down the street and pulled in at 1101. Olivia nodded her head now, understanding why Elizabeth had closed it.

  They walked up the drive hand in hand and Frankie stopped. “I can still change the color of the trim out here, and thought I would.”

  She looked at Frankie and smiled, “I would too, if this was my house.”

  They walked inside. “If you’ll remember there wasn’t any furniture last time, but to make it look like my vision I staged a few things. I could use your help because I wasn’t sure about some.”

  “Okay, why don’t you walk me through it.”

  Frankie took her hand and walked her over to the dining area. “I know it’s open concept, but I thought this would probably be the best area for a dining table. But tonight, without furniture in here, I thought it would be a great place to dance.”

  Olivia looked up at her, startled. “Dance? Are you going to hum for us?”

  Frankie chuckled, “Not exactly. May I?” She opened her arms inviting Olivia inside. With a skeptical look Olivia placed her arms around Frankie’s neck, allowing her to pull them close. Suddenly music began to play. Olivia looked into Frankie’s eyes, pleasantly surprised. She pulled her closer and Olivia nuzzled her neck with a subtle moan.

  She pulled away again so she could see Frankie’s face. “I knew you were magical but, that’s a good trick with the music.”

  “Thanks, I really wanted to hold you close so, what better way.”

  “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”

  “Maybe.” She leaned in and kissed right below Olivia’s ear and heard her gasp.

  “Careful, we won’t finish this tour if you keep that up.”

  Frankie chuckled as she softly kissed her way along Olivia’s jaw and paused at her lips. “My heart stopped when I saw you, just like you said it would.”

  “I lost my breath when I saw you. I really need you to kiss me right now.”

  Frankie gently placed her lips on Olivia’s. She couldn’t take it and ran her hand through Frankie’s hair, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. When the song ended the kiss continued. They stopped to breathe and fire was burning in both their eyes.

  Frankie let out a breath she’d been holding with a whoosh. “My god, Olivia.” She gathered herself then said, “Let me show you what I’ve done on the patio.” She took her hand and led them to the back of the house.

  The door was open and Olivia looked up and saw Sofia, Desi, and Stella out on the back porch.

  “What are you doing here?” she said looking from one to the other.

  “I’m the chef,” said Stella with a little courtesy.

  “I’m the bartender,” said Desi, pouring them both a glass of wine on the elegantly set table on the patio.

  “And I’m the DJ and ambiance.”

  Olivia raised her eyebrows. Sofia winked, “You’ll see.”

  “I couldn’t do this alone, so I got a little help from our friends.”

  “It’s all so beautiful, thank you.”

  “You’re the one that’s beautiful, Olivia,” said Stella, pulling out a chair for her.

  “We’re going to take off. If you need anything Frankie can take care of the rest,” said Desi.

  Sofia patted her shoulder and winked at Frankie as they walked by.

  “How long have you been planning this?”

  “Honestly, it was a dream at first because of what happened after we left here last time. But after you agreed to go out with me, I got to work. When I realized I’d need help to get it right, I knew they would all pitch in. Here we are. I hope you don’t mind it’s almost like you’re at work.”

  “No, it’s not. This is different. I’m getting to see a dream come true.”

  Frankie reached over and took Olivia’s hand, “That’s what you are to me Olivia. Do you remember that not long after we met, you said you weren’t my type?”

  “I remember.”

  “You were right that day. I thought, there’s no way she would ever go out with me.”

  “Why?” Olivia said, surprised.

  “Because, you are so smart and talented, and me? I own a gym. You could do so much better.”

  “That’s ridiculous. I thought I wasn’t your type because of the way I looked. We were both wrong.”

  “I want to make a toast,” Frankie said, taking her glass. Olivia picked hers up and lifted it.

  “To the future, let’s jump in together and see where we go.” They clinked glasses and Olivia leaned over and kissed her gently.

  “Let’s eat, this smells delicious.”

  “I have more music, let me start the playlist,” Frankie hopped up and with dusk settling around them and music lilted in the air as they enjoyed the meal.

  During dessert, Frankie asked, “One week until the race. You’re not getting nervous, are you?”

  Olivia reached for her glass and had another sip of the excellent wine. “I really don’t want to talk about the race tonight. All I want to do is spend time with the beautifu
l woman across from me.”

  Frankie smiled and dipped her head, “Would you like to see more of the changes I want to make?”

  “I do.”

  They both finished their wine and Frankie said, “Let’s go in.”

  She took Olivia’s hand and showed her a few other things she wanted to do in the living area and kitchen. Olivia couldn’t believe the changes she wanted to make were all the same ones she would make, too. This date was not only eye-opening but reaffirmed how much they had in common. It made her fantasize about this being their house someday. Wisdom told her to slow those thoughts down, but it seemed like they had overcome so much to get to this point that she couldn’t help herself.

  They made it to the extra bedrooms and Olivia asked, “Do you still see kids in these rooms?”

  “I do. How about you?”

  “Yeah, I’d love to have kids.”

  “Do you want to have them yourself or adopt?”

  “I think I’d like to try myself first then if that doesn’t work I’d love to adopt.”

  Frankie nodded, looking around the room and imagining them playing with their child. It may be a dream now, but she was going to do all she could to make it come true. She looked up and Olivia was staring at her and Frankie knew she was reading her thoughts.

  “I like that idea.”

  “What?”

  “I have a pretty good idea what you were just imagining and I like it.”

  Frankie walked over to her and put her hands on her hips, pulling her close. “You know, I think there’s only one room left.”

  “I think you’re right,” Olivia said with her hands on Frankie’s shoulders. She wanted to devour them, and the thought made her heart speed up.

  “You know, we don’t have to leave here tonight.”