Page 7 of Picking Pismo

A long pause followed.

David motioned with his hand. “Here, let me walk you out.”

Leading them from the exam room to the front door, David held it open for them to exit. Alexis immediately walked to the car without another word. Claire pressed the unlock button on her car keys for Alexis.

Once Alexis was inside with the door closed, Claire glanced over at David. “I know this was extra…” Claire shuffled her feet. “You were so generous to not charge us the remaining balance for her braces. Please let me know how much we owe you for today, and I can settle the bill right now.”

David shook his head, shoving his hands into his pockets. “It’s on the house.”

Claire threw her hands down at her sides. “I can’t let you do that. You’ve already done so much for us already.”

“I’ve done very little.” David glanced between the car and Claire. “Besides my mom, Kelly, was friends with Rebecca. Just think of it as a friends and family discount.”

“They were? You didn’t mention that before.” Her face softened, and Claire took a step closer to him. “How did Kelly know Mom?”

With her nearness, David caught a whiff of her sweet intoxicating scent, and his knees nearly buckled. “They were in the same knitting group.” David managed to say without his voice shaking.

Slowly nodding, Claire said, “Knitting. Mom did love it. Alexis is wearing a sweater Mom knitted for her.” Her voice faded, while her eyes moistened. Claire glanced away, blinking rapidly. “Well, thanks again. I’ll let you go.” She took one step toward her car then stopped. “Do you have any big plans for the weekend?”

“No, how about you and Alexis?” David asked out of politeness.

“Alexis wants to go see a movie at the outdoor theater on the beach tonight.” Claire fiddled with her keys. “It’s going to be cold, but she hasn’t wanted to do anything lately, so I think I’ll take her.”

“Is that the one near the pier?” David folded his arms. “I’ve heard it’s fun.”

Claire nodded. “I’ve heard the same thing.”

“My parents have mentioned going once or twice. They liked it. I’ve been meaning to check it out myself,” added David.

Claire motioned toward him, “You should join us.”

Casually shrugging, David replied, “Thanks. Maybe I will.” Though he had zero intention of attending. Claire was only being polite, it was something people said, nothing more.

Walking toward her car, Claire peered over her shoulder and said, “Okay. Thanks again. Bye.” She strode the remaining distance to her car. Climbing in, she drove away.

David went back into his clinic to finish cleaning up. The interaction in the parking lot played on repeat in his mind. Should he join Alexis and Claire at the outdoor movie? He shook off the idea. Nah, ridiculous.

CHAPTER THREE

Groaning loudly, Claire shook her head as she pulled out of Dr. Clark’s office parking lot. “I’ve made a complete fool of myself.” Glancing through the rear-view mirror, the office became further and further away.

What had she been thinking? Was she that desperate for some male companionship she extended invitations to unsuspecting innocent men? Cringe. Cringe. Cringe. Claire tapped her forehead with the heel of her free hand.

Alexis sat in the front passenger seat. Progress. Glancing up from her cell phone, she asked, “What did you do now?”

“I practically threw myself at your orthodontist.” The words came out in fast spurts. Claire rolled her eyes. “I invited him to join us at the movie tonight.” She ran a hand over her head. “What is wrong with me?”

“Did you want me to answer that?” Alexis smirked, clearly enjoying Claire’s squirming. “Or are you only thinking out loud?”

The light changed from yellow to red, and Claire slowed to a stop. Tapping her fingers on the steering wheel, Claire tried to dampen the nervous energy pulsating through her. “Was I acting desperate when you were around? Please say no.” She stole a side glance at Alexis.

Alexis shrugged.

Claire continued, “I mean he was the one who said he should check out the outdoor movie.” She gnawed on a fingernail. “But I shouldn’t have invited him. Who does that? Who invites someone they just met to a movie with their sister?”

Alexis reached out and put a hand on her forearm. “Calm down. I’m sure you didn’t act like a fool. So, you think Dr. Clark is hot.” She lowered her voice to a calm soothing tone. “It’s not a big deal.”

Loud, obnoxious sounds oozed out of the radio. Reaching out, Claire flipped it to a different station playing easy listening music. She settled back into her seat waiting for the light to turn.

---