Page 59 of Picking Pismo

“You’re so cute.” David kissed her on the temple, unwrapping his arms from around her. “I hope you know that.” A blush splashed her cheeks, and she smiled.

Standing, David crouched next to the fire pit, grabbing another log from the pile. Poking the smoldering logs with the tip of the wood in his hand, he rearranged the logs to prevent them from burning out too quickly. Once satisfied with the position of the logs, he tossed a fresh piece of wood on top.

Pivoting back around, David peered over at Claire. “Are you hungry?”

Smoothing out the top of her head, Claire shifted in her seat and shrugged. “Sure, I could eat.”

David paused, wishing he could confess his true feelings for her. If was bold and more confident, he would’ve blurted out he loved her. Like really loved her. Part of him dreamed she would repeat the words back. He shook it off. What would a confession do if they continued to live in two different places? The thought depressed him as there appeared to be no path forward.

Gulping, David moved toward the cooler of food. “I’m hungry too,” he managed. Opening the cooler, he unpacked the food. “I have some sandwiches and pasta salad. We can eat the sandwiches first.”

“Sounds wonderful,” said Claire. She flashed a smile revealing her sparklingly white teeth. “I don’t care what we eat. I didn’t have to cook, so I’m happy.”

Her being glowed with the reflection of the bonfire. David was stilted by her beauty but reminded himself of what he was doing. Digging out the food, he carried the sandwiches along with two sodas over. Sitting back down, he held a sandwich and soda out for her. Claire took both.

Putting her drink in the cup holder of her chair, Claire peeled back the paper on the sandwich. Licking some avocado from the wrapper that smeared on her finger, Claire then took a bite. After chewing she said, “David.”

“Uh…” David shifted, looking for a place to set his soda. He spotted the cup holder in the armrest of his chair and placed it inside. He then found her gaze, waiting for her to continue.

“I—” Claire shook her head, “I— Never mind.” Taking another bite of her sandwich, Claire chewed and swallowed. Her eyes glazed over as she stared at the smoldering logs in the fire.

David nibbled on his own sandwich, though he didn’t taste anything. Their shared kiss ran rampant through his mind, replaced by the reality Claire was leaving again on Sunday. His heart sank. He already missed her, and she wasn’t even gone yet. He knew this time she’d be gone for good. David didn’t want to ruin the evening. Claire knew of their situation, and even with the cards stacked against them, Claire stayed.

Once they finished their food, David took Claire’s hand, interlocking their fingers. Soothing waves pushed back at the doubts whirling around in his head. On this blissful night, with twinkling stars up in the sky smattered against the dark night, David held everything that mattered. With the darkness, a chilly wind whipped between them, but with their bodies close to one another and crackling fire, they stayed warm.

Neither spoke about tomorrow or what the future held. Instead, they sat enjoying the quiet serenity of the beach, together, until the last log burned out.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Claire didn’t sleep a wink in David’s old childhood bedroom. Tattered posters of rock bands from his youth covered the walls. His dresser was lined with trophies from soccer, basketball, and football teams. She tried to imagine David twenty years younger.

As the sunlight pushed through the slit in the curtains, Claire glanced across the room at the other twin bed which held a still sleeping Alexis. Grateful for a few more minutes to think, Claire snuggled deeper under her covers. Flipping to her side, images of the night before played on repeat in her mind. Claire had gone off and fallen in love with David, again.

Smiling, she remembered their stolen glances, heart-stopping looks, and a kiss to top everything. Maybe they could work? Maybe David loved her too? And if they loved each other, somehow, they’d find a way to be together. Right?

But who was she kidding? David might still be tainted about commitment. Her reality crashed down on her, making her mind a muddled mess. A cold sweat broke out across her forehead and chest. Claire flipped the covers off her body to cool herself down. The rapid movement woke Alexis.

Alexis stirred in bed. Flipping to her side, Alexis rubbed her eyes. “Good morning,” said Alexis, half yawning. “What time is it?” She sat up, swinging her legs over the side.

Claire mirrored her movements. “Only eight. But I’ve been awake for a while.” Swiping the sweat off her brow with her wrist, Claire avoided eye contact with Alexis.

Alexis studied her, raising an eyebrow. “Everything okay?” she asked.

Waving it off, Claire stood, stretching. “You bet, never better.”

“Liar.” Alexis stood too, smoothing the covers back in place. For a teenager, Alexis was surprisingly neat and tidy. “Did last night go the way you wanted?” She tilted her head to the side and studied Claire.

After David dropped her off, Claire sat out on the porch overlooking the ocean. The view was spectacular and calming. By the time Claire finally sneaked into their bedroom, Alexis was already sleeping soundly.

“Unfortunately, it went too well.” Claire gnawed on her bottom lip, running a hand over the top of her hair. “Why did I have to go off and fall for a guy who lives a four-hour drive away from me?”

Alexis squealed. Jumping up and down, she clapped her hands together. “Finally! I thought you’d drag this thing out for another year. I’m thrilled you’ve come to your senses.”

With a hand on her hip, Claire replied, “But we live in Los Angeles.” Claire threw her hands down at her sides. “We can’t be together, because we live so far apart.”

“Boo hoo. Nonsense.” Alexis strode to her suitcase, grabbing out an outfit to change into. “By Sunday, you’ll have it figured out.”

“I’m glad one of us is confident.” Claire shook her head and strode to her own suitcase. “I’m sure not,” she muttered under her breath. Then Claire spun back toward Alexis. “When will Juliet be here?”

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