Finding Home

by Jamey Moody

  “So, were you surprised? She didn’t tell us everything she had planned but, it did sound special.”

  “I was incredibly surprised. And thanks for helping. It meant a lot to have our friends there.”

  “Highlights? And I don’t mean the sex, you’re glowing; that tells me all I need to know.”

  Olivia chuckled, “The food was amazing and we danced. We went through the rest of the house and had an interesting conversation in the spare bedrooms.”

  “How so?”

  “We talked about kids. Frankie wants them and you know I do. It was surreal, I looked around that room and I could see our kids’ toys and their cute little beds.” She smiled, thinking back to that image in the bedroom.

  “That’s wonderful Olivia. I know how important that is to you.”

  “Oh, I remember what I wanted to ask you. When you said you were responsible for ambiance, would that mean the master bedroom?”

  Sofia smiled, “Did you like it? I helped Frankie with the rose petals. It smelled amazing in there.”

  Olivia thought back to sitting on the bed and Frankie trailing that rose petal gently over her breasts. Her heart began to beat faster and her face flushed as her nipple hardened.

  “You don’t have to answer that, I think I can tell from the look on your face.”

  “It was amazing, you’re right. And in the morning, we woke up and Frankie walked us out on the patio wrapped in a blanket. We weren’t there for two minutes before the sky started to brighten as the sun rose. It was like she ordered this spectacular light show just for us. It was incredible.”

  “If I’m up for the sunrise it’d better be incredible.”

  “Right!” They laughed. “Then later in the morning the doorbell rings and it’s breakfast! She’d arranged to have brunch delivered. She thought of everything. Oh, and thanks for packing me a bag.”

  “No problem. How long did y’all stay? Didn’t Frankie work yesterday?”

  “Nope. We left this morning when we ran out of food.”

  “This morning!”

  Olivia looked over at Sofia. “We had a lot to talk about,” she said, winking.

  She laughed, “I know you did.”

  “God, I can’t stop thinking about her.”

  “I’m not trying to be a downer but, what about Jenna?”

  Olivia looked over at her, “What about Jenna?”

  “Are you going to tell Frankie about your night with her?”

  “I’m not planning on it. I’m excited for Frankie to meet Jenna and Lucy.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  Olivia sighed, “I don’t want to hurt Frankie and that would.”

  “I get it. It’s not like you were together.”

  “Now that I know what she was thinking while I was in Houston,” she shook her head. “It would never have happened if we’d just talked.”

  “Do you feel differently about it now?”

  “No. It was one of those moments, you know.”

  “Yeah. And what difference would it make. You thought she was with Laura and didn’t say anything.”

  “Can we talk about something else?”

  “Yes. Let’s order food.”

  “You choose, you know where the menus are.”

  “Be right back,” she said going inside.

  Olivia was starting to get a bad feeling about Jenna. Not Jenna herself, she’d be glad to see her. When it came to the night they spent together, where before there was no anxiety, there was now. Everything would be fine. Lucy and Jenna would be there for the weekend, she’d race, introduce them to her friends, and they’d go back to Houston.

  ***

  Olivia and Frankie pedaled along the lake road. They were enjoying a few days of bliss since their date. The path they followed to the lake was in sight. Olivia turned in first with Frankie trying to catch up.

  “You’ve definitely gotten faster,” Frankie said, pulling up next to her.

  “I should have by now as much as I’ve been riding.” She leaned over and kissed Frankie on the lips before removing her helmet.

  “This is your last long ride before the race.”

  “Yep. I did a brick Monday, still not sure why they call it that. But I biked 10 miles then transitioned to run 2 miles just like in the race. And I’ve practiced transitions at home. I laid my helmet, glasses, and shoes on a towel. I pretended to come out of the pool, dry off my feet, put on my shoes and socks. Then put on my race belt, my glasses and helmet and grabbed the bike and pushed it away. I pretended to come back in off the bike, dropped the helmet and took off running. Who knew there were so many steps to this besides swimming, biking, and running?” she said laughing.

  Frankie gave her a quick hug, “You’re going to be great! I’m so excited for you!”

  Olivia chuckled sitting down, “I’m excited too. The rest of the week should be easy.”

  “Don’t you have volleyball tomorrow night?”

  “Yes, we won last night.”

  “I know. You and Sofia have really helped Veronica’s team.”

  “It’s fun, we’re loving it.”

  “So what are you going to do after the triathlon?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe I’ll rest,” she said chuckling. “I might take another class. I really liked that strength class I took when I first started,” she said while her eyebrows danced up and down suggestively.

  Frankie laughed, “You did? I’ll let management know.”

  Olivia leaned back on her hands and threw her head back chuckling. “You know, this is one of our ‘not a real date’ places. I have a sweet memory here when you told me about your first love. And then I have that not so sweet memory when I stupidly told you I’d back off.”

  Frankie turned to her, “I have an idea.” She leaned down and brought their lips together in an insistent kiss.

  “Mmm, I like the way you think,” she said pulling Frankie on top of her. “Wait, how many other girls have you made out with here?”

  Frankie looked up as if she were counting. “None! This was my place until I brought you here.”

  “Really? I’m the first girl you brought here?” Olivia said sweetly.

  Frankie nodded, “And the last.” She kissed Olivia soundly. If either had any doubts, they were gone.

  “As much as I’d like this to continue,” Olivia said with Frankie kissing her neck. “This ground is hard and I’d like to be naked with you.”

  Frankie chuckled, getting up and offering Olivia her hand. “We’re closer to your house. Race you!”

  “Hold on, Wonder Woman,” Olivia said holding on to her hand. “Will you stay the night?”

  “I’d love to.”

  “Just so you know, you’re welcome every night,” Olivia said tenderly. “We can’t race to my house because our cars aren’t there, but I’ll race you to the gym and we can go to my place from there,” she said jumping on her bike and taking off.

  “Hey, wait for me!”

  They flew into the parking lot neck and neck, laughing the whole time.

  “What a race! I think Frankie won,” Stella said standing in front of the door on her way out.

  “I’d better win, I’ve been at this a lot longer.” She turned to Olivia, “I’ll be right back, babe.” She took her bike and hurried inside to get her bag.

  “You look happy,” Stella said to Olivia.

  “I can honestly say, I’ve never been happier. Frankie is wonderful.”

  Stella chuckled, “She sure is and I’m glad you two found one another.”

  “Me too. Are you done for the day?”

  “Yes. I’m going home to a glass of wine.”

  “Oh that’s right, you love a good glass of wine. You and Jenna will get along great then. I’m okay with wine, but you and Jenna love it.”

  “I’m looking forward to meeting your friends and to your party Saturday night.”

  “I thought it would be a good way to get us all together. We can hang out in
the backyard, eat, drink, and laugh.”

  Frankie came bursting through the door. “I’m ready.”

  Olivia chuckled, “Slow down, babe. We’ve got all night.”

  Frankie’s face turned beet red as Stella laughed.

  “Don’t you dare be embarrassed. I’ve got you now and I’m not letting go,” she said reaching for Frankie’s shirt and pulling her into a kiss.

  “You two have fun,” Stella said walking off chuckling.

  Olivia loaded her bike in her car and Frankie followed her to her house. They pulled into the driveway and got out.

  “Do you want to get something to eat?”

  “I can throw something together for us,” Olivia said, opening the back door.

  Frankie followed her in, “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure,” she said, setting her things down on the kitchen island. Frankie did the same.

  Olivia pulled Frankie to her, “I’d rather do something else before we eat though.” She nibbled on Frankie’s bottom lip before kissing her hungrily.

  “Mmm,” Frankie moaned as Olivia’s tongue lavished her mouth with love.

  Olivia took Frankie’s hand and led her to the master bedroom. “Clothes off!” She pulled Frankie’s shirt over her head giving her a quick peck on the lips. “I’ll go start the shower.” On the way to the bathroom she turned and looked at Frankie. “What are you waiting on? Clothes off. Come on.” Then she took her own shirt off and giving Frankie the sexiest smile she’d ever seen.

  Frankie pulled her shorts and bra off swiftly and followed Olivia to the bathroom. Olivia had her clothes off as the water warmed up. She turned and kissed Frankie deeply. She stepped into the shower taking Frankie with her. The warm water rolled over their bodies, mixing with sweat and desire as their lips met and Olivia pulled her closer and closer.

  “I can’t get enough of you,” she said pushing Frankie against the wall. She took body wash and squirted some in her hands and rubbed them together. Then she slid them over Frankie’s body, soaping her up. Her shoulders were Olivia’s undoing, those muscles were so strong and beautiful; her hands ran down her arms to her sides and then came back up her stomach. Olivia could feel her quiver underneath her touch. She brought her under the water wetting her hair and rinsing the soap away. Then she pushed her back against the wall and looked deeply in her eyes. Frankie could feel her knees weaken under Olivia’s fiery gaze. She nibbled on Frankie’s ear and trailed down her neck with her tongue. Frankie’s breath was ragged.

  “Fuck, Olivia.” She could feel Olivia’s smile against her skin. Then Olivia’s mouth was everywhere.

  She circled Frankie’s nipples nibbling on each. Frankie’s hands were flat against the wall holding her in place. She couldn’t believe she was still standing. She could feel wetness between her legs that had nothing to do with the shower. Olivia was tracing her tongue over her body in all the places she knew would drive Frankie wild. When she parted Frankie’s lips and licked from her opening to her clit Frankie groaned louder. She could feel Olivia’s love in every caress, in every touch, in every kiss. She could feel it in her fingers, in her tongue and in her lips. Filling her up, over and over until all that love burst into the fiercest orgasm.

  When Frankie didn’t think she could remain standing another moment Olivia held her up and pinned her to the wall with dark brown eyes. “I love you so much, Frankie.”

  Frankie’s eyes softened, “Babe, I love you, too.”

  Their faces held such love for one another. They finished washing their bodies and hair. They dried off and laid on the bed.

  “Do you want me to go make us something to eat?”

  “Can we lay here a minute?”

  “Mmm, we sure can,” Olivia said snuggling into Frankie closer.

  “Do you need any help with the party Saturday?”

  “I’m not sure. If I do, you’re the first I’ll call.”

  “Good. Have you heard from Lucy and Jenna?”

  “Yes, they’ll be here Friday evening.”

  Olivia let out a big sigh.

  “What?”

  “What, what?”

  “You know what. You sighed. Is something wrong?”

  Olivia was silent for several moments. She closed her eyes and buried further into Frankie’s chest. Then the words came tumbling out.

  “I’m about to tell you something that I wasn’t going to tell you, but now I think I should. And I’m afraid it’s going to hurt you and I don’t want to hurt you, babe.”

  “Breathe,” Frankie said, rubbing her back.

  Olivia sat up and Frankie started to follow but she pushed her back down. “I want you down. Something happened in Houston. I’m telling you this now while you're naked so you can’t run away from me.”

  “I’m not going to run away from you, ever.”

  “I want to explain where my mind was at the time.”

  “Okay, I’m listening.”

  Olivia let out a deep breath, “While I was in Houston, I thought you were here with Laura…”

  “Naked in bed,” Frankie finished for her.

  Olivia snapped her head to Frankie, “Exactly! And it drove me crazy. I tried not to think about it, but when I didn’t hear from you my mind went a little crazier.”

  “Oh babe, I’m sorry I didn’t call or text.”

  “I know that now. Did I tell you that Jenna is a widow?”

  “No. Isn’t she your age?”

  “Yeah, a couple of years older. I’m thinking she and Stella may have a lot in common because she loves wine too. But Jenna and I became close. I told her all about you and she told me about her wife. She said she hadn’t been interested in another woman since her wife died.”

  “I remember Stella going through that. But that all changed for Jenna when she met you, didn’t it?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m not surprised.” Olivia looked at her perplexed. “Olivia you are so approachable and giving, and you’re kind. You can see the kindness in your face.”

  “The last night I was there, we all went out for drinks and dinner. Jenna and I ended up in my room and we had sex.” Olivia looked at Frankie, trying to read her thoughts. When she didn’t say anything Olivia continued. “Nothing happened before that because I was sure of the connection between us,” she pointed from Frankie to herself. “Then when I didn’t hear from you, I thought the worst. She needed me to fill the emptiness inside her, to know she could still feel. And she made me feel wanted; I could see it in her eyes.”

  “Do you see how much I want you, in my eyes?”

  Olivia smiled, “I see the want, but in your eyes, I also see love. I see how much you love me and want to show me.”

  “I do.”

  “Jenna is really a great person and I wasn’t going to tell you because it doesn’t matter.”

  “And you thought I was here doing the same thing with Laura.”

  Olivia nodded

  “Honestly, babe. We had one real kiss and when we did your face flashed in the front of my mind. I knew there was nothing. You are who I’m in love with.”

  Olivia smacked in the side of her arm.

  “What was that for?”

  “You should have called me! If I’d known that, then Jenna and I would have never happened.”

  “I know, I’m sorry.”

  Olivia fell into her arms, “It’s not your fault, it’s not anyone’s fault. We’re together now, that’s what’s important.”

  “How are things with Jenna now?”

  Olivia popped up, “We’re just friends. She actually was happy you came to your senses.”

  Frankie’s eyebrows raised, “Oh man, they think I’m an idiot.”

  “Not really, I told them everything that happened. They thought I was pretty dumb, too. They’re going to love you and you’re going to love them, you’ll see.”

  “Thank you for telling me. But now, I’m hungry. Can we please eat something?”

  “Just how hungry are y
ou?” Olivia said kissing Frankie’s neck up to her ear.

  “Mmm.”

  “That’s what I thought.”

  Chapter 21

  Grace pulled into the parking lot and saw Frankie with two dogs waiting on her. She was happy Frankie liked having sessions while walking the dogs. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Frankie took one home with her someday.

  “Who are we strolling with today?”

  Frankie handed a leash to Grace, “This is Nora. She’s a dachshund as you can see. And I have her friend Samson that is a little dog mix.”

  “Little dog mix?”

  “That’s what the manager said,” Frankie chuckled.

  “Okay then, let’s stroll.” The dogs led them away from the shelter with smiles on everyone’s faces. “Catch me up, how are things?”

  “Things are wonderful.”

  “Wow, tell me more.”

  “Neither Olivia or I communicated well and we made each other miserable. Before you ask, here’s what I now know, you cannot stop communicating with someone out of fear. We have talked, really talked and now are not only on the same page, but happily together.”

  “Good for you both. Communication is tricky, that’s for sure.”

  “You remember she went away for work?”

  “Yes.”

  “While she was gone, I didn’t text or call her; thinking that’s what she wanted instead of simply asking. She didn’t contact me because she thought my silence meant that I was back with Laura. By jumping to conclusions instead of asking we both caused heartache.”

  “But, you’ve talked and gotten past it.”

  “Yes. One thing did surprise me. While she was gone, she made friends with two people at her hotel. One of them was extremely interested in her.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “They ended up having sex.”

  “How did that make you feel?”

  “Surprised. And then she explained where her head was and also about the other woman.”

  “You weren’t angry or hurt?”

  “Well, no. She explained that she thought I was with Laura and this woman was a widow and hadn’t been with anyone since her wife died. Olivia told me it felt good to be wanted.”

  “Of course it did. Isn’t that what we all want. I’m sure she was very vulnerable at the time as well as the widow.”