Frankly, being Frankie

 

Frankie closed his eyes shut, hoping Hope didn't ask him to Thanksgiving. She was on the phone with him. As it was, he'd managed the simple dinner with Maria. He knew she didn't like him. Not really.

He was at the yoga studio getting ready to change and leave. Honestly, he didn't know what to say to Hope about Maria.

Yes, Maria looked OK. She was just not his type. They couldn't find anything to talk about and he knew it was all his fault. Why was he like this? It could be so easy. Finding a nice niche in this circle of friends, but he wasn't like that. All he needed to do was follow the crowd and he'd be in for life. 

It made him all the more uncomfortable. And he could see Kyle was uncomfortable around her too.

"I think you two shouldn't have anything to do with her," He found himself being honest. More honest than he meant to be.

"But why?" Hope was oblivious to the matter.

"Because she wants Kyle." He was blatant, he knew but she needed to know.

"Is that a joke?" She kind of laughed.

"No, not really, I can see she really wants him."

There was a great pause. Finally, Frankie said, "Hullo..are you there?"

Finally, Hope sighed.

"Look, you don't have to be friends with everyone." He told her. "I know you are just trying to help this teacher that Kyle knows..but..but he doesn't like her being around. Don't..don't insist that she be a part of everything, you do. You don't know her. She may..she may have different reasons for ... I don't know. But I'm not comfortable with her. Don't make me ask her out, because I won't."

Naturally, he knew the conversation was over. God, he knew he'd be spending Thanksgiving alone. He probably deserved it.