Page 37 of Picking Pismo

Claire continued, “I’m not threatened by Lauren. I’m only worried about how seeing her might make David question if he’s ready to move on, to be with me.” She tried to shrug casually. “Maybe I’m only the rebound girl.”

Alexis wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Ahh, don’t worry, big sis. David looks at you like you’re the best thing since sliced bread. I don’t think you’re the rebound. I think David thinks you’re the one. Why else would he spend time with you and fall further in love with you when we’re moving?”

David’s arrival from behind them made Claire jump. “Whoa, I didn’t see you there,” said Claire. Her hand flew to her chest.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. Are you ladies ready?” David shoved his hands into his pockets instead of reaching for Claire’s hand.

He never did that before, but maybe Claire was imagining things.

Smoothing out her hair, Claire replied, “Yes. Let’s go.”

“Woohoo!” declared Alexis.

Alexis dashed toward the yogurt shop, leaving them a few feet behind. They walked the block from the pier parking lot to Pismo Yogurt in silence. A couple of times, Claire glanced over at David, but he stared straight ahead at the sidewalk. Right when Claire was going to ask if everything was okay, David reached for her hand, interlocking his fingers with hers. Claire melted against his arm, wanting to feel him close and settle the pounding in her temples. We’re okay. See? Nothing has changed. There’s nothing to worry about. Lies, all lies. She didn’t need to see the distance to know that it was there.

Arriving at Pismo Yogurt, the small shop was vacant, because only a half hour remained until they closed. Alexis didn’t waste any time loading up her cup with vanilla yogurt and a mountain of candy toppings.

Claire picked the original tart and put some fruit on it. David selected chocolate with Oreos and peanut butter cups. After David paid, they sat at the table near the window facing the sidewalk which led to the pier. Even though the hour was late, people were still walking by in a steady stream. Their conversation stayed on Alexis’s performance.

“I still can’t get over that last lift,” said David with spoon in hand. “I mean you nailed the landing. I’m so impressed.” He took a bite of his yogurt.

Alexis paused, rubbing her hands back and forth over the sweatpants she had thrown over her leotard. “Was it when I went from my partner spinning me into the landing?”

David’s face lit up. “Yep.” He snapped then pointed. “That’s the one. It was spectacular.”

“It took me three weeks to master the spin and twist.” Alexis smirked. “I knew you’d like ballet.” She did a funky dance with her shoulders, while she took another bite of her yogurt.

Smiling, David replied, “I like watching you do ballet. Thanks for inviting me.”

“You bet,” said Alexis. “I’m glad you came.”

“I liked the second to last number.” said Claire as she took her last bite of yogurt. “The one where the ballerinas did triple spins in unison.”

“Ahh, yes, we’ve been working on that for months.” Done with her yogurt, Alexis tossed the empty cup and spoon into the neighboring trash can. Crossing her arms, she sighed, “I’m going to miss my dancer friends when we move.” Her face slackened and shoulders drooped.

Alexis stared out the window. The air became static, sucking the playful retelling of the night away. Silence hovered around their table. Claire didn’t look over at David but felt his gaze on her. It made her skin itchy.

Claire wrung her hands together. “I’m sure you’ll miss Pismo. I will too. But we’ll make sure we come to visit.” She managed a forced smile. Her heart ached to think of what she was leaving, especially David.

“It won’t be the same.” Shaking her head, Alexis stared out the window. “Nothing will ever be the same.”

Claire caught Alexis’s glance in the reflection of the window. “No, it won’t,” said Claire softly. “But we’ll be okay.”

An employee stopped in front of their table. “We’re closing up,” said the employee.

David stood. “No problem. We’ll head out. Thanks.” He pushed in his chair and gathered up his trash.

Standing too, Claire tossed her trash. “Sorry, we didn’t realize the time.”

David strode to the door, holding it open for Claire and Alexis to exit. As they walked toward the parking lot, a voice called out Alexis’s name.

Glancing up the street, Claire squinted her eyes as they adjusted to the darkness of night. Juliet ran toward them.

“Alexis!” Juliet arrived in front of them out of breath. “I thought that was you. Are you leaving? Or do you have time to hang out? I’m headed to the arcade with my mom and brother. Do you want to come?”

Waving at Juliet’s mom and brother, Claire smiled then glanced at Alexis.

Shifting toward Claire, Alexis clasped her hands together and pleaded, “Please, can I go?”