“Any minute,” Alexis changed out of her pajamas, pulling on some jeans and a T-shirt. “Her mom is taking us to Old West Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast.” Just then Alexis’s phone vibrated. Alexis swiped it off her bed stand, checking the message. “They’re here.” She shoved her phone into her pocket and slipped her feet into her sandals. “Don’t wait up for me.” Then Alexis rushed out the door.
Flopping backwards onto the bed, Claire covered her eyes with her arm. She didn’t know what time David planned on coming by the house. They’d only established he’d come by in the morning to take her for a hike. After lounging for a few minutes, Claire regathered her clothes and went to shower. After showering and changing, Claire left the bedroom and wandered down the hallway. She heard chattering in the kitchen. Though she couldn’t make out what they said, David’s distinct voice alerted her.
Smiling, Claire strode further down the hallway. Then hearing her name, Claire halted in place. Her heartbeat picked up speed, making her temples pulsate. Leaning up against the wall, Claire knew she shouldn’t eavesdrop on the conversation, but something told her to stop.
Kelly continued, “So, what are you going to do now? Claire and Alexis are going back to Los Angeles tomorrow.”
“I don’t need to be reminded.” David’s voice oozed annoyance. “I’m going to see how today goes. Then I’ll decide.”
Decide what? Claire gulped. Sweat dripped down her back. Was this some type of test? And if she didn’t pass then what?
“This is such a big decision.” Kelly hissed in a half whisper, “I don’t know— I just hope it goes the way you want.”
“Don’t you know I’m aware of what might happen? Don’t you think I’ve weighed it all out? I’ve done nothing but think about it,” replied David. “Enough, I don’t want to discuss this anymore.”
“Okay,” replied Kelly with sigh loud enough for Claire to hear out in the hallway. “I’ll pray for the best to happen.”
Claire exhaled. Her stomach twisted into a knot. She wanted to burst into the kitchen and declare she heard everything so they might as well tell her what it meant. But she didn’t. Instead, Claire dug into the pocket of her shorts and dabbed her lips with some lip gloss. Once applied, she squared her shoulders and walked the remaining distance into the kitchen.
In an overly animated voice, Claire announced loudly, “Good Morning,” as she crossed the threshold into the kitchen.
Kelly jumped, skirting her glance. “Good morning, Claire. I hope you slept well.” She picked up a rag and wiped an invisible spot on the counter.
With a plastered smile, Claire replied, “I did, thank you.”
Halving the distance between them, David said, “It’s good to see you.” He pulled her tight in an embrace, and Claire hugged him back.
Half nauseous, Claire broke their embrace. To appear casual, she leaned against the kitchen counter. She forced herself to shake off what she overheard. “Have you been here long?” asked Claire.
Joining her, David leaned against the counter next to her, crossing his ankles. “Nah, not too long. I was here to greet Alexis before she rushed off.”
“Yes, we won’t see her for the rest of the day,” added Claire. She then noticed Stephen reading the morning paper at the breakfast table. “Good morning, Stephen. I didn’t see you over there.”
Stephen said hello but then went back to reading the newspaper, flipping to the next page. Claire didn’t even know people still did that.
Shuffling her feet, Claire met Kelly’s gaze. “Thanks again for letting us stay here for the weekend.” She gripped the counter on both sides of her. “Alexis and I are very grateful.”
Tossing the rag in her hand into the kitchen sink, Kelly waved it off. “Anytime. It’s no trouble at all.” Warmth oozed back into her voice. “We’re happy to help.” She washed and dried her hands then shifted back around. A silence lingered. “Can I make you two something for breakfast?”
“No.” Claire glanced quickly at David. “David promised to take me to breakfast before we go on a hike.”
Wrapping an arm around her waist, David brought her hip to hip. Then kissed her on the temple. “I sure did.”
Kelly’s gaze scrutinized the two of them together. Claire hoped she saw how perfect they were for each other.
With a nod, Kelly replied, “That’s nice. I hope you have a nice time together.” She walked and sat down next to Stephen at the breakfast table.
Releasing his embrace, David pushed off from the counter. “Should we go? Are you ready?”
“Yes, let’s go,” replied Claire.
They said goodbye to Kelly and Stephen. Claire followed David out of the house and to his truck.
Once both settled into the cab, Claire asked, “Are your parents okay with us dating?”
With keys in the ignition, David paused turning to face her, “Yes, why?”
Shrugging, Claire shook her head, peering out the passenger window. “I don’t know…” She gnawed on the inside of her cheek. “I overheard you guys talking, but I didn’t know if it was a good thing or bad. Do your parents disapprove of me?”