Page 20 of Picking Pismo

Plopping down on the empty cushion next to her, Alexis replied, “You’re right about some things…” She reached over and pulled the blanket sprawled over the armrest, covering herself with it. “Nobody would pay any money for this couch. I told mom for years to replace it.”

Claire ran a finger over a huge crack in the cushion. “Me too.” She muted the TV Turning to face Alexis, Claire tucked her feet under herself. “I don’t think Mom had the money to replace it. But it sure is comfortable.”

A smile crept across Alexis’s face, scanning the old couch. “I’d take comfy over nice looking any day.”

“Agreed,” replied Claire.

Claire then asked about her day with Juliet. Alexis lit up, explaining about the fun shops they visited.

After Alexis spoke about her day, she raised an eyebrow, “And how did things go with David?” asked Alexis. “Do you still think he’s hot?” Before Claire answered, Alexis continued, “I was mad at him for not calling you after the movie, but he has redeemed himself. I mean David helped you for the whole day for free, that certainly counts for something.”

Unmuting the TV Claire glanced at the screen. “He was extra helpful today.” Claire didn’t continue, but instead she turned up the volume of the home makeover show.

Speaking louder, over the TV “And?” Alexis whacked her on the thigh.

“And…” Claire kept her gaze forward, though she could feel the heat smearing across her cheeks and chest. “I still think he’s hot, but I don’t know if he’s interested. I think he might simply be a nice guy helping us like he’d help anyone else he thought was in need.”

“Nah…” Alexis pulled out her cell phone from her pocket. “Keep telling yourself that. I think it’s a bunch of hogwash. He’s into you.”

Interest piqued. Claire leaned forward, pulling down Alexis’s cell phone from her face. “Why do you think he’s into me?”

Alexis yanked her phone from Claire’s hand. “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “He’s certainly always staring at you.”

“Like how does he stare at me?” asked Claire.

“Like you’re the only one in the room,” said Alexis without looking up.

Claire wanted to press her for more information, to ask her to give her examples, but she knew it wouldn’t be helpful. If David wanted to see her again, he’d contact her. Dropping it, they watched TV until the end of the episode.

Once it was over, Alexis stood. Stretching her arms over her head, she yawned, “I’m going to bed.”

Claire flipped off the annoying infomercial for a scrambled egg microwaving device. “Me too.” She stood, folding up the blanket Alexis had used, placing it back over the armrest.

Turning off the light, both left the living room.

Wandering down the hallway, Alexis stated over her shoulder, “Maybe if you and David fall in love, then we won’t have to move from Pismo. We could move in with him.”

Claire froze.

Blinking, Claire said, “Don’t be ridiculous. I know you want to stay in Pismo, but that’s not happening. Falling in love takes time. People don’t rearrange their entire lives in a few short months. Sorry kiddo. In two months, we’ll be gone. I need to get back to my job or we’re going to run out of money.”

Alexis rolled her eyes. “David’s rich. He’s an orthodontist. He could take care of us.”

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Claire inhaled, forcing the frustration in her chest to settle. “David isn’t rich.”

“I’m sure he has more money than us,” said Alexis.

“It isn’t hard to have more money than us,” replied Claire.

“I know.” Alexis shook her head. “This is why you need to marry David.”

“You shouldn’t marry someone for their money.” Claire knew it was pointless trying to explain this to a teenager. “You should marry someone, because you’re in love and can’t imagine life without them.”

“I knew you were a romantic at heart.” Alexis smirked. “Besides you’ve already told me multiple times about how hot you think David is, so no worries, I know you aren’t after his money.”

Claire groaned. Her jaw clenched. “David and I aren’t getting married. Now…” She motioned toward the bedrooms. “Let’s go to bed. It’s been a long day.”

Alexis held her hands up in defense. “No need to get all testy.” Alexis complied, walking toward her bedroom. Claire turned off the lights as she trailed along behind her. Alexis droned on, “I’m just saying, it would be very convenient if you two fell in love. I’d be okay with it. You aren’t getting any younger either.” She stopped, her gaze sliding down Claire’s frame. “You’ve got five years, tops, to land yourself a guy.”

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