Page 46 of Picking Pismo

Taking a few steps toward the door, Claire said, “I thought you were meeting up with her tomorrow and spending the entire day together. I thought we had tonight together.”

David strode in front of them, opening the door. He held it open for them.

Alexis stopped on the threshold. “I’m meeting her tomorrow too, but Juliet said she’s free tonight as well. I know you have nothing important planned.” With pleading eyes, Alexis dragged her feet, and continued, “I only have this weekend to hang out with my friends. You must let me go. Please.”

Claire shook her head, passing through the door. Skillfully, she avoided locking eyes with David. “I understand.” Digging into her purse, Claire located her keys and pressed the unlock button. “I’ll drop you off at Juliet’s house.”

In her naïve state, Claire had thought they’d go eat something down by the pier then maybe take a walk along the beach together. But then she remembered she was Alexis’s sister, not her friend. Alexis was a teenager, who wanted to spend every possible minute with the friends she missed.

Smiling, Alexis replied, “You’re the best.” Alexis ran ahead across the parking lot toward the car.

“Don’t you know it!” shouted Claire toward Alexis. “I want that in writing!”

Opening the car door, Alexis slid inside and shut the door. Shifting a bit, Claire’s gaze flickered to David.

David grinned, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I take it you and Alexis are getting along better.”

Claire shrugged, trying her best to act undeterred in his presence. “I guess when you give someone exactly what they want, then it’s easy to get along.”

Chuckling, David replied, “True.”

Being there with David, exchanging their familiar banter, made her remember how much Claire enjoyed his company. Claire lingered longer than needed.

After a few beats of silence, Claire cleared her throat. She couldn’t stall any longer. “I—I should go.” She pulled out her sunglasses and put them on.

“Do you have any big plans for the weekend?” asked David.

Fidgeting with her purse, Claire hiked it back on her shoulder. “Apparently not anymore,” Claire gestured toward her car. Then sped on, not wanting to appear desperate. “But I’ve plenty to keep me occupied. I’ve a few loose ends to tie up with Mom’s estate.”

“My parents told me you’re staying at their house,” replied David.

Swiping her hair over her shoulder, Claire said, “Yes. I’m very grateful. It took the worry of how I was going to pay for a hotel off my list.” She studied him, wondering what he thought of the entire situation.

“My parents are good people,” David glanced toward the car with Alexis in the passenger seat. “I’m glad they could help you both.”

Everything clicked into place. This whole thing was about helping Alexis. Claire took a step away from him, widening the gap. “Thanks again. We’ll see you in a month for her last appointment.” She walked briskly toward her car without glancing back.

A commotion in her chest made her ultra-aware of what she couldn’t hide. With shaky hands, Claire reached for the car door handle. The quicker she left, the less of a fool she’d be.

“Wait!” called out David.

Her heart skipped a beat. Claire let go of the car door handle, shifting to face him.

Jogging across the parking lot, David stopped in front of her. Out of breath, his words sputtered out, “I was going to walk to Splash Café tonight to get clam chowder for dinner. I thought I’d take some to my parents too. Would you like to join me?”

Her gaze skidded across his face, and Claire remembered the feeling of his stubble under her thumb, the intoxicating scent of his cologne, how being with him made the loneliness disappear. Claire still wanted him. Don’t even think about it. Say no. This isn’t smart and you know it. You are going back to Los Angeles. No need to go back heartbroken, again.

If only she would listen to herself.

With a small shrug, Claire shyly smiled. “Sure, why not.”

David grinned brightly, making her middle pool with warmth. “Wonderful. I’ll meet you at the pier in an hour.”

Opening the door, Claire gave a small wave. “See you in an hour.” Then she climbed in and shut the door.

Through the rear-view mirror, she watched as David made his way back across the parking lot and went into his office. Claire started the car, pulling out of the parking lot.

Mockingly, Alexis repeated, “See you in an hour.”

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