Hunger

October (part 2)

Harry was nearly done with his album, and the parts Frankie had heard were brilliant. Although the album wasn't completed yet, they were already planning a release date, a promotional tour, and in the end a world tour. Frankie would pick up pieces of conversations Harry was having on the phone, and generally he seemed excited about touring, but he also often spoke of needing more breaks. She knew that his last tour had ended up taking up the better part of three years, and that was a long and tiring run for him. He loved it though. 

Frankie overheard him on a call with Jeff one night. "I know, Jeff. But I actually don't need to surpass myself. I'm content just touring and enjoying it, rather than breaking any records. I'm 30, I want to settle down, get married, and have a couple of kids. Yeah, we're starting with a dog. No just one. Give me time, brother. Soon." 

Frankie was flossing when he came into the bathroom. 

He smiled at her in the mirror. "Jeff sends his love," he said and threw his t-shirt in the laundry basket. 

"Thanks," Frankie rinsed her mouth and looked at Harry in the mirror. "Are you nervous about going on tour?" She asked, catching his eyes in the reflection. 

He shrugged and held her gaze. "I'm nervous about missing out on something in my life that I find more important, to be honest." 

"Like what?" Frankie was perplexed. 

Shyness took over Harry's face as he looked down and smiled. "Like you." 

Frankie grimaced and shook her head. "Me? How so?" 

"I don't want to miss time with you," Harry turned to face her. "If I have to tour for a year, I can't expect you to just sit around and wait for me to come home, like some soldier coming home from war." 

"Then bring me." Frankie put her hands on her hips. 

Harry's face softened a little. "Bring you on tour? How about your friends and family?" 

Frankie shrugged. "I mean, if you want to bring them too, fine by me, but I reckon we can see them when you have some time off instead." She smiled cheekily. 

Harry pulled her closer to him. "So I can ask you to trail after me around the world?" 

She nodded and put her hands around his neck. "I mean, you can ask." She giggled as he tickled her sides. 

***

Things were awkward at the animal shelter. Andy was around and he would walk by the office and meet her eyes, but she quickly looked away. Owen sat in a chair in her office and worked on his laptop. He would look up with a stern look and nod when Andy passed the door. The situation was so weird and awkward, but Harry insisted Owen was there. Harry had experienced some scary encounters throughout his career, and he believed it was best to be on the safe side. Frankie didn't want him to worry, so she agreed to let Owen stick around. His job was just to be there in case something felt unsafe. Andy had very clearly been told to stay away from her by Sally, so he didn't engage in conversation. He just looked at her, a hurt expression in his eyes, an overhanging sadness following him around. 

Owen went with her to pick up Nugget, so she wouldn't be alone in the kennels. When they entered the kennels, Andy looked up from what he was doing and initially he lit up when he saw her, but then his face changed when he saw Owen. Frankie sent him a small smile, and looked back at Owen, who held the door open for her. Then she picked Nugget up from his kennel, and went back to the office.

The work environment was much changed. To her disappointment she felt less enthusiastic about going there, and she was just counting the days until they could go back to the UK. She felt defeated somehow, like she had let herself and her own expectations down. The fundraiser would be her last task, and after that Nugget was ready to be adopted, and they could be on their way. The pride she had felt for getting into volunteering was nowhere to be found.