by Jamey Moody
Olivia laughed, “No, I got this for you and Stella. You two are the wine drinkers. I’ll drink it occasionally but not like you two.”
“What does that mean? Are you calling us winos?”
She chuckled, “You know better. Let’s see, how would you say it, the two of you have more sophisticated palates than I do.”
“Hmm, okay, I’ll take that,” Jenna said, handing Stella a glass.
“Thanks,” Stella said nodding her head slightly with a soft smile.
“Olivia, we need you out here,” Frankie yelled from the backyard. “Desi is trying to mess up the grill.”
“You’d better go. Des is a great person, but backyard chef she is not!”
Olivia laughed and ran out the back door.
“Hey, this is good. At least she knows how to select a good bottle,” Stella said sipping from her glass.
“I may have given her a few pointers. It’s amazing what you can talk about when you’re sitting in a hotel bar with no place to go. And with two architects I might add. I had to steer the conversation into something I understood,” Jenna said chuckling.
“You three became fast friends.”
“We really did. Lucy is about to move to her new house so I’m not sure what I’ll do.”
“How long are you staying in Houston?”
“It’s an open-ended consulting job at the moment. I go back home to check on things occasionally. I’m actually trying to find a place to relocate.”
“Forgive me for being so forward, but is it because of your wife?”
Jenna smiled, “Olivia told you?”
“I hope you don’t mind. I’ve been through it too.”
“She told me. To answer your question, yes it is because my wife died. Things don’t feel the same at home and it’s all so sad sometimes. Moving may be my best option.”
“I get it. All the places that you used to love suddenly make you sad.”
“How did you get through it? I work long hours so I’m exhausted and fall into bed.”
“I did that for a while, but you can’t sustain it.”
“When I met Lucy at the hotel and then Olivia, I slowed down the work hours because I had someone to spend time with. Being alone is better now, but,”
“But you still get lonely. So do I and it’s been five years. I will say this, someone or something will come along and you’ll be ready. You won’t know it, but suddenly you’ll be interested in something and not as lonely.”
“What did that for you?”
Stella chuckled, “For me, it was yoga. I’ve taught it for years, but I immersed myself in the mind part of it and my pain began to ease. I still miss her as much as ever, but, I can live.”
Jenna studied Stella for a moment. “Did Olivia tell you anything else?”
Stella smiled and nodded, “I’m glad you could be there for one another.”
“Me too,” Jenna said as her face reddened.
“There is no reason to be embarrassed. It’s a good thing,” Stella said reaching out and putting her hand on Jenna’s forearm.
“Hey,” Sofia said, walking into the kitchen. “Oh no, I didn’t interrupt something, did I?”
“Not at all,” said Stella. “You want to try a glass of this excellent wine?”
“Oh that’s right, she shopped especially for you two.”
“Then try some, it’s good,” said Jenna.
“Okay, I’d love to,” said Sofia as Jenna poured her a glass.
“Did Olivia save the grill? I heard Desi was being Desi.”
Sofia laughed, “She did. For Desi to be so talented I’m not sure grilling is in her wheelhouse.”
“You couldn’t be more right.”
They walked outside to join the group as Olivia put the burgers on the grill. The aroma was heavenly as the meat sizzled.
“We’re having burgers because I haven’t had one in ages since I was training for this triathlon. I do have grilled chicken for those of you that do not want to indulge, but I highly recommend the burger. If you thought I could design a house, just wait until you taste one of my burgers.”
“I can vouch for her! They are the best!” Sofia spoke up.
“While everyone is gathered around, I wanted to thank you all for being here and helping me the last few months. I’m not talking about the triathlon, either. When I came to Your Way, I was overweight and thought a number on the scale would change everything for me. I thought that number would make me attractive. And someone tried to tell me the first week that it’s not about the number on the scale, it’s about what’s inside,” she said, looking at Frankie. “At that time, I couldn’t see what was inside, but Frankie, Stella, Desi, and Sofia could. As my muscles became stronger, so did my self-worth. And that wouldn’t have happened if the people around me hadn’t believed in me. Because you did, slowly but surely, I began to believe, too. Your Way has changed my life and brought me so many new friends and the most beautiful girlfriend,” she said, putting her arm around Frankie’s waist. “It has to be magical or Sofia certainly wouldn’t have kept going.” She looked at Sofia and they shared a laugh.
“And because of this renewed confidence I made two new friends that I think fit right in with our group,” she said, looking at Lucy and Jenna. “Y’all need to think about relocating to North Texas. You have a family waiting.”
“That’s a great idea,” said Frankie.
“Maybe that’s what our big meeting is about Monday, Olivia. Maybe Elizabeth wants me up here with you,” said Lucy.
“Wouldn’t that be fun!” Olivia exclaimed.
“I thought you were leaving tomorrow,” Stella said to Lucy and Jenna.
“No. Lucy has a meeting with Olivia’s boss on Monday so we’re going back after that,” said Jenna.
“What plans do you have for tomorrow?” Stella asked Olivia.
“None.”
“Let’s all go to the lake. We can swim and paddle board,” suggested Stella.
“That’s a great idea. I have two boards,” said Olivia.
“Me too,” said Stella.
“I have one too,” said Desi.
“That’s plenty, we can take turns,” said Olivia.
“Let’s do it!” Everyone agreed.
Later that night, everyone was full of good food and good spirits as the laughter continued.
Olivia came back outside from walking Stella to her car to find Lucy, Jenna, and Frankie sitting around on the patio. Everyone else had already gone.
“Stella said she invited you to spend the morning with her while Lucy and I are at the meeting, Monday,” she said to Jenna.
“Yeah, she asked what I was going to do and I didn’t really know.”
“You’ll have fun with her. She can show you around the gym, maybe it’ll make you want to move here,” she said. She took Frankie’s hand and pulled her up and led her inside as Lucy and Jenna continued their conversation.
She pulled her down the hall to her bedroom and closed the door. When she turned around, she pulled Frankie to her and crashed their lips together in a torrid kiss.
“I’ve needed that for the last few hours,” she said breathlessly. “Will you spend the night? There’s more I need from you,” she said seductively.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Do you not want to?”
“Of course I want to. I’ve been struggling all night to keep my hands off you.”
Olivia giggled, “We’ve got it bad.”
“Yeah, we do,” Frankie said, bringing their lips together again.
With their lips still connected Olivia pulled them over to the bed and plopped down pulling Frankie on top of her. “Mmm,” she said holding her close. “Just a few,” she brought their lips together. “More,” she kissed her again. “Kisses,” she said this time, deepening the kiss to Frankie’s moan.
After several minutes they broke apart and Olivia said, “Okay, let’s put the food away and get back in here.”
&
nbsp; Frankie jumped up, “Race you.” Olivia erupted in giggles as they raced down the hall.
***
On Monday morning, Olivia pulled into the Your Way parking lot to drop Jenna off.
“Are you sure you don’t mind hanging out here with Stella?”
“Not at all.”
“I don’t know how long this meeting will last, but Lucy and I will come back to get you as soon as we’re through.”
“It’s okay, Olivia. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay, text me if you need us to come get you.”
“I’ll see you when you’re done. Good luck you two.” She got out of the car and went into the gym.
“I think she’ll be just fine. She and Stella seemed to be having a good time yesterday at the lake,” said Lucy.
“I noticed. That was such a fun day. You want to know one of the best parts for me?”
“Hmm, let’s see. I’m guessing it has something to do with Frankie.”
“Haha but, yes, it does. She is Miss Athlete America and she hasn’t been on a paddleboard much. So, it was fun for me to teach her a few things and for her to sit on my board while I paddled us.”
“Y’all are too cute together.”
Olivia smiled thinking back to yesterday with Frankie and her friends at the lake. It was the perfect day.
She pulled into the subdivision and noticed Elizabeth’s car wasn’t there yet. “Elizabeth isn’t here, let’s drive to Frankie’s house. We might be able to get in.”
They drove into the driveway where two work vans were parked. When they got out, a woman with a tool belt on walked out.
“Good morning, would we be in the way if we did a quick walk through?”
“Not at all, watch your step,” the woman said smiling and walking to one of the vans.
“Wow, maybe I’ll ask Elizabeth for a transfer here,” Lucy said discreetly watching the worker.
Olivia chuckled, “Come on, I’ll show you around.” She gave her a quick tour. Olivia had been to the house several times since Frankie purchased it and couldn’t keep the smiles and good memories that flooded back.
When they got back in the car Lucy said, “That house is perfect for you.”
Olivia looked at her confused, “What do you mean?”
“I mean that would be a perfect house for you and Frankie. I could see you there with little kids running around.”
“Whoa!”
“You know you’ve thought about it. And if you haven’t, what’s wrong with you?”
Olivia chuckled, “You’re right, I have thought about it.”
“Okay then. I’m just saying, I could see you there.”
Olivia nodded and pulled into the driveway at the office at the same time Elizabeth did.
“Good morning,” she said getting out of her car and noticing the direction they’d come from. “I don’t guess you were checking on the progress of a certain someone’s house were you?”
Olivia chuckled, “I was showing Lucy.”
“Good morning Lucy, good to see you again.”
“Hi Elizabeth, nice to see you, too.”
“Let’s go in and talk.”
They followed her into the office. “Anyone want coffee?” asked Olivia. She got everyone their preferred drink and they went into the private office. Olivia and Lucy sat on the couch while Elizabeth sat across from them.
“I was very impressed and pleased with the work you two did in Houston,” Elizabeth said as Olivia and Lucy smiled at one another. “So much so that I have an opportunity I want to offer you both. First, let me explain it’s not a package deal. You do not both have to accept.”
They looked at one another. “Okay?” Olivia asked questioningly.
“There is a project north east of Austin that is about to enter the third phase.”
“The one near Georgetown?” asked Olivia.
“That’s the one. The project manager and I think you would be perfect to lead this next phase, Olivia.”
Olivia’s mouth dropped open and her eyes grew wide in surprise, “Me?”
“Yes you. And Lucy, with your experience I think you could handle the project design.”
This made Lucy gasp in surprise. “Wow, that’s quite a step up for me!”
“Do you not think you’re up for it?” Elizabeth asked.
“Not at all,” Lucy said, sitting straighter. “I am.”
“You are Lucy. You can do it,” added Olivia.
“So can you, Olivia. You’d be such a good leader,” replied Lucy.
“That’s why I chose you,” Elizabeth said looking at them both.
“Of course, there will be quite an increase in your salary and profit sharing that goes along with the promotion. There will also be some added perks like, oh, for example your gym membership. I can get you a list of those with Human Resources.”
Olivia couldn’t believe it! The lead project manager of the entire phase! She’d dreamed of what it would be like to do that exact job at this subdivision.
“The project would likely take five to ten years depending on sales, of course.”
Olivia nodded thinking about the area.
“You would have to relocate,” Elizabeth said, focusing on Olivia.
Move! That’s what Olivia heard. Six months ago this wouldn’t have been an issue, but she could feel her face getting red thinking about leaving Frankie now.
“Let me show you the layout. I brought the specs over Friday so we could look at them,” she said, getting up and going to the conference table. Olivia and Lucy followed, looking at the drawings spread on the table as Elizabeth explained more about the project. She studied the drawings and let Elizabeth’s words sink in as she described Olivia’s dream job. There was only one problem, it was in Austin! She tried not to worry about that part just yet.
“Do you have any questions? I know it’s a lot to consider. You have a few days to think it through, but before you decide, I’d like for you to drive down and look at the site. I know you’re going back to Houston today Lucy, and you have a full schedule the next couple of days, Olivia. Do you think you could meet there say, Thursday?”
They both considered this and nodded.
“I could go Thursday,” they both said.
“Okay, that’s all I have for you today. Look it over and I’ll answer any questions you may have. Take your time.”
“Thanks Elizabeth, and thanks for the opportunity,” said Olivia, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
She smiled, “You deserve it.” Then she looked at Lucy, “You, too.”
“Thanks,” said Lucy as Elizabeth left them. She turned to Olivia, “Holy shit!”
“I know!”
“Did you have any idea?”
“Not at all.”
“What do you think?”
“I think this is what I’ve been working for, that’s what I think,” said Olivia, shaking her head as she continued to look at the plans.
“It’s a lot to think about.”
“Yeah, it is. Do you have any questions? I know you and Jenna have to get going.”
“I’m sure I’ll think of a ton on the way home. I’m glad we drove; I’ll have plenty of time to think about this.”
“What do you think?”
“Unlike you, I don’t have anything holding me in Houston. So, it looks incredible. Imagine us teaming up, Olivia!”
“I know! We’d be a force,” she said giggling. “Come on, we’d better get Jenna.”
They walked into Your Way and Frankie was the first person Olivia saw. Her face lit up when she saw Olivia coming toward her, but it fell to concern as she got closer.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Olivia said, leaning up to kiss her.
Frankie tilted her head, “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure, nothing is wrong.”
“Did your meeting go okay?”
“Yes, I will tell you all about it, but Lucy and Jenna are about to leave.”
L
ucy, Stella, and Jenna walked over to them.
“Hey, would you want to have an early lunch before we hit the road? Stella said there’s a place nearby that’s quick,” asked Lucy.
Olivia turned to Frankie, “Could you join us?”
“Babe, I can’t, I have a class in a few minutes.”
“Okay,” Olivia said, sighing. Turning to the others she said, “Y’all go ahead and save me a seat, I’ll be right there.”
She took Frankie’s hand and pulled her into the office. “I know you only have a minute, but the meeting was about a promotion.”
“That’s wonderful!” Frankie said, pulling her into a hug.
“Can we talk about it tonight? I have a lot to tell you,” Olivia said subdued.
“Sure, sure. Come by here after work. Why do you not seem excited?”
“I am excited, babe. It’s like a dream, but, let me tell you all about it later. Okay,” she said kissing her.
“Okay.” Olivia started to walk off but Frankie grabbed her arm. “I love you.”
Olivia turned with the sweetest smile, “I love you, too.” She brought their lips together again and was gone.
Frankie had an unsettled feeling as she watched Olivia go.
Chapter 23
Lucy explained the job offer to Stella and Jenna at lunch. They were extremely excited for them both.
“You’re kind of quiet, Olivia,” said Stella.
“There’s so much to consider,” Olivia said coming back to the conversation.
“Hey,” Jenna said, covering Olivia’s hand with her own. “I’m here for you if you need to talk.”
Olivia smiled, “I know and I appreciate it.”
Stella apprised Olivia, “I know what you’re thinking and you don’t have to turn it down because of Frankie.”
“I’m trying to let the shock wear off and then I’m going to look at it from all sides. I’m keeping an open mind until we go there on Thursday.”
“Frankie will support you all the way,” Stella said.
“I know. I can hear her already, ‘we’ll make it work, babe’.”
“That’s exactly what she’ll say.”
“We’re talking after work. She doesn’t know all the details yet.”
“I, too, am here for you,” Stella assured her.