Page 61 of Picking Pismo

Shaking his head, David replied, “No disapproval.” He rubbed his jaw. “They just don’t want to see me get hurt, but it has nothing to do with you. I promise. My parents love you and Alexis.”

She wished his words put her at ease, but they didn’t. Wringing her hands together, Claire stared down at them, avoiding eye contact. “What about you?” Her voice cracked. Emotion bubbled up inside of her. Claire wished she wasn’t this unsure of where they stood. “How do you feel?”

Leaning closer, David reached out and tilted her chin toward him. “Come on.” His gaze bore into hers, making her temples pulsate. “I’m totally hooked on you.” His voice was soft and velvety. “I thought I made that abundantly clear last night.”

Her middle pooled with warmth. Claire couldn’t help but smile. “You did. I guess I’m just in my head.”

“That makes two of us.” David dropped his hand and started the car. Double checking the road, David pulled out. “Have you ever eaten the breakfast sandwiches from Beachin’ Biscuits?”

Claire shook her head. “No, but you had me at biscuit.”

Grinning, David drove the rest of the way to the restaurant. It was only a few blocks away. After they ate, David drove them to the Meadow Butterfly Trail. The spot was popular.

Once they walked for a few minutes, holding hands along the trail, Claire revealed, “I used to come here all the time as a child. It makes me miss Mom so much my heart aches.”

David gave her hand a squeeze. “I’m sorry.” He paused, running a hand through his hair with his free hand. “I wish I had more to offer than that. Are you okay with staying? Or should we turn back?”

Hooking her hands around the crook of his elbow, Claire replied, “I’m good to stay.” The first of the tall sand dunes peeked out at the end of the trail. “I’ll always miss Mom, but I’d rather remember the good memories than not think about her.”

“Makes sense,” David said. “I loved this place as a child too. My dad and I would fly kites here. It always seemed to be windy enough.”

“I flew kites here too.” Claire smiled as more memories flooded her mind. “It’s the perfect place. Because in the fall it’s too cold to get into the water, but you can still enjoy being at the beach.”

“Exactly,” replied David.

Approaching the first big sand dune, Claire released her grip. “I’ll race you until we reach the water.” She didn’t wait for a reply.

Sprinting, Claire dug deep going up and over multiple sand dunes. Soon David sped out in front of her, taking the lead. Claire nearly tumbled forward as she ran down the next dune, but she managed to regain her balance. Eventually, the sand flattened out, giving way to the ocean. The water glistened. David arrived a few seconds before Claire, stopping right at the edge of the harder wet packed sand. Claire came up beside him.

Leaning over, Claire placed her hands on her knees as she regained her breath. “You beat me.” Her chest heaved, slowly her heartbeat leveled out. She plopped herself down on the sand, removing her shoes. “But you have longer legs than me.”

David sat down next to her, removing his shoes too. “True which is why I was okay with your head start.”

Claire laughed. “I cheated, and I still lost.”

Leaning back on both of his flattened palms, David crossed his ankles. “Let’s call it a draw.” He smiled.

Nudging him with her elbow, Claire said, “Fine. I can live with that.” A zing raced down her spine as David stared back at her. Finally, she forced herself to look out at the ocean and not at him. She took in the beauty of the beach, the blue of the sky, and the sound of the seagulls. All. Of. It. She wanted to remember this perfect day forever. “I’m going to miss this view…” Her voice trailed off and sadness overtook her.

Claire feared their future together. She’d go back to Los Angeles, and most likely her and David would slowly fizzle out. Again. A long pause, both sat staring out at the ocean. Claire brought her knees close to her chest, cradling them with her arms. If she looked over at David, she knew she’d cry. Why did she have to find love now? When there wasn’t a way for them to be together.

David sat up, brushing the sand off his hands, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “What if you didn’t have to miss it?” His voice shook.

Claire whipped her head toward him, finding his glance. “What—what do you mean?” She searched his face for understanding.

“What if you moved back?” asked David.

Immediately, Claire shook her head. “How? I can’t afford it here. My job is in Los Angeles. I mean I could look for a job in San Luis Obispo, but I still don’t think I could afford it. The jobs out here at these small hospitals don’t pay as much.”

“I understand that.” David reached out, pushing her hair over her shoulder. His hand lingered, cupping the back of her neck. “I’ve been thinking about your situation a lot. What if we got married? You and Alexis could move in with me. It’s small, but it does have two bedrooms. We could look for a bigger place once you both are settled.”

Shaking her head, Claire straightened her legs and ran a hand through her hair. “I— I—” She glanced down. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes,” replied David.

Claire paused, closing her eyes for a moment. “This is what Kelly knew about.” Gnawing on her lip, Claire forced herself to listen to the rhythmic crashing of the waves against the shore. “Marriage… I mean have you even begun to think how life-altering that would be for you. Because it’s not just me. I’ll always have Alexis. She must be included.”

“I’ve done nothing but think this thing through. I love you more than anything, but I love Alexis too. Together we could be a family.” David tilted her chin, meeting her eyes. His gaze bore into hers, making her gulp. “I admit, I was scared. I pushed you away. I was afraid of failing at everything a second time. But not anymore.” His voice cracked. “I want to marry you. I want us to be together.”

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