Cherry Bomb (A Michael Fassbender Fanfic)

16: Surprise

A/N: Man, it's been a loooonnnngggg time since I've worked on this story and I deeply apologize for those who have been hanging on, if anyone has!  I know how annoying it is to be into a story only to have to wait ages for an update.  I will try harder!  Thanks for sticking with me!

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It's been months.  Three flipping months that have dragged on and on.  It certainly feels longer and I'm desperate for a vacation from work. 

It's been a few days since I've spoken to Michael.  He's still in LA shooting.  I can't say that things have been well between us.  I knew distance would drive a wedge into our relationship but I never imagined it would be so soon considering how strongly we started out.  Is it love or has it always been lust?  Love lasts, lust wanes. 

I sit back on the weight bench and rest.  I try keeping my mind off Michael by exercising.  I've had a lot of time to reflect now that I'm not constantly blinded by Michael's good looks.  I'm not sure I like who I've become.  Why do I feel like I need to speak to him every day?  I've never wanted to be the needy clingy girlfriend and surely that's the last thing Michael needs.  I determine my own happiness.  No one else.

"Hey." A dark haired man greets me as he passes by to return his weights. 

I've seen him around a lot lately but we've never spoken.  I give him a smile and stand to return to my reps. 

He plants his weights back where they belong, then turns to face me.  "I'm Frank."

I give a little laugh and tell him my name.  "Everyone calls me Frankie."

"You're kidding?  Frank and Frankie." He smiles, placing his hands on his hips, watching me raise the barbell, extending my arms. "Would you mind spotting me when you're done?"

"Oh sure," I huff as I lower the bar.  "I almost finished."

"Great, thanks.  I'll be over here."  He points and I nod.

After I return my weights and wipe down my bench, I join Frank and we chit chat while I spot him.  He's actually pretty cool and funny.  He's an eighth grade science teacher and a huge fan of the Bears.  I've never made a friend at the gym before but no time like the present.

At the end of the evening we've exchanged numbers.  By the time I get home, my phone is already ringing and it's Frank.

"Hello?" I answer as I unlock my front door.

"Hi, sorry.  I just got home and well, I was hungry and I thought maybe you might be hungry too?"

Confused, I step into my apartment and lock the door, dropping my gym bag to the floor.

"You still there, Frankie?  Sorry, I shouldn't have called."

"No!  Yes, I'm here.  It's fine.  I was just going to heat up some leftovers..."

"Oh, okay.  Sorry to bother you."

"Wait," I chuckle at his awkwardness.  "Did you want to meet somewhere?"

"Yeah, even if it's just coffee.  Sorry, I'm not good at this."

"I'm just confused."

"I'm asking you out, Frankie.  I just thought we hit it off and, I dunno.  You're cute.  You make me laugh."

"Oh..."  I walk over to the couch and slowly sit, placing the pieces together.

"So would you like to?  Go get coffee now, I mean?"  He sounds so hopeful.

I glance at the clock on the kitchen wall and see it's nearing ten.  I was going to try to call Michael.

Michael.