Page 14 of Picking Pismo

Alexis shifted forward. “Do you think I could be discovered there? I’ve always wanted to become a professional ballerina, but I never dreamed it could be possible.” Her eyes widened with anticipation.

“They discover people in Los Angeles all the time. It’s the perfect place to go.” David had no clue if that was true or not, but it seemed like the right thing to say. His gaze skidded to Claire. She tilted her head, shifting closer to him and mouthed thank you. David smiled, turning his attention back to Alexis. “So, what’s your favorite part of ballet?”

Alexis lit up like fireworks. Her entire being beamed as she told him about her love of ballet. Kelly and Stephen jumped in and asked a few more questions. Claire’s demeanor softened, and she no longer avoided his glance.

As the meal finished up, Kelly asked, “What are you going to do with your mom’s stuff? Do you need help packing?”

Claire sighed, clasping, and unclasping her hands on top of the table. “I’m going to sell the big things we can’t take with us.” She flipped her hair over one of her shoulders. “Some I’ll move into storage. And the remaining items I think we can fit into my apartment in Los Angeles, we’ll take with us.”

“I’m sure you’ll need lots of help packing and organizing everything,” added Stephen.

“I’ll manage.” Claire shrugged, taking a sip of her water. “Alexis is at school during the day, and I’m on leave from my job. Every day I get a little bit more done.”

“I don’t doubt you are more than capable.” Kelly placed her silverware on top of her empty plate. “But you’ll need some help with moving the big things.” She made a head nod toward David. “David can help you with whatever heavy lifting you might need. He’s still relatively young.” She nudged him with her elbow.

Uncrossing his ankles, David raised an eyebrow. “Thanks, Mom? I think…” Pausing, he shifted in his seat. David turned toward Claire. “But yes Claire, I’d be happy to help you out with whatever you need.”

Waving her hand, Claire avoided his gaze, staring out at the ocean. “I’ll be fine. Besides I’m sure David has better things to do with his time than helping me.”

After remaining mostly silent for the duration of their exchange, Alexis piped up and asked, “What about the yard sale next Saturday?”

Without even giving David time to reply, Kelly piped up, “David can help you with your yard sale. He doesn’t have a life and doesn’t work Saturdays.”

David threw a pointed look at Kelly. Kelly narrowed her eyes at him and dared him to challenge her. Leaning forward, David steepled together his fingers, resting his elbows on the table. “I’d be happy to help. I can come next Saturday to assist you with your yard sale.” He moved closer to her. “You’ll need help moving the big stuff outside to your driveway, right?”

Claire ran a finger in a circular motion around the top of her glass. “I suppose I do need help.” Each word was slow and calculated.

“I have ballet Saturday morning, so I can’t help,” added Alexis. “So, please don’t turn down David’s willingness if you are counting on me to pitch in.”

Gnawing on her bottom lip, Claire paused. “Saturday, are you positive you don’t mind?”

“Nope.” David clapped his hands together. “It’s all settled then. What time do you want me there?”

CHAPTER FIVE

“Do you have everything you need for your ballet class?” Claire shoved some snacks into a paper bag for Alexis to take with her.

Alexis’s Saturday dance classes were twice as long, and even more expensive than the ones she took during the week. Claire didn’t know how long her finances would last to allow Alexis to attend the dance studio. The yard sale might help a tad with their cash flow. Hopefully in Los Angeles, Claire could find some more affordable options. Her shoulders tightened, and Claire craned her neck back and forth to loosen it.

Grabbing the paper bag from Claire, Alexis pushed it into her duffle bag. “Did you packet those almonds I like?” asked Alexis. Then Alexis zipped her bag closed, placing it on her shoulder.

“I packed double, along with extras of the other things you enjoy. You’ll be there until lunch.” Claire leaned back against the kitchen counter. “Juliet’s mom offered to bring you home too, because she knows I’ll be busy finishing up with the yard sale. I told her I could drive carpool next week.”

Snagging a banana from the fruit bowl on the kitchen counter, Alexis peeled back the top and took a bite. “Do you think you’ll sell a lot of stuff?”

Shrugging, Claire replied, “No idea.” She shifted her weight, crossing her ankles. “But I hope so. We need the money to hire a U-Haul to bring the remaining things to Los Angeles.”

Alexis shoved two more bites of banana into her mouth before tossing the empty banana peel into the trash. “I’m still pretending we aren’t moving.”

Luckily, the doorbell chimed, interrupting them. Claire straightened herself, holding up a finger. “Juliet’s mom is here.” Claire hurried Alexis to the door. “Let’s not keep her waiting.”

Alexis left.

With Alexis off to ballet, Claire went straight to work, taking the last of the random items to be sold to the garage. During the week, she had gone room by room packing up and determining what to sell, keep, or donate. The bigger furniture she still needed David’s help to move. Wandering into the garage with the last box of stuff, Claire set it down and pressed the garage door opener.

Slowly, the garage door retracted, rolling up, revealing a smiling David standing in the driveway with a box of donuts in one hand and a travel mug in the other.

David ducked under the still moving door. “Good morning,” said David cheerfully. “How are you doing this fine morning?” He grinned brightly enough to make his eyes twinkle in the corners.

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