Chapter 3
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.
Pointing, Alexis said, “It’s green.” Claire drove through the intersection. Alexis continued, “And besides, I’m sure you aren’t the first mom to make a move on him.” Alexis reached out, changing the radio station again, one playing the newest hits. “Dr. Clark is probably used to all the attention, so I don’t think he’ll give your invitation a second thought.”
Sighing, Claire said, “You’re probably right. Now I’m like all those other desperate single moms throwing themselves at him.” Her voice faded while her heart sank.
“Stop beating yourself up over the whole thing.” Alexis’s fingers slid across her cell phone screen. She didn’t look up. “There’s no way he’ll come anyways, so you’re in the clear. And you have a whole month until you see him again. Plenty of time for Dr. Clark to forget about the entire interaction.”
Suddenly defensive, Claire pushed wisps of hair behind her ear. “Why do you think he won’t come?”
As much as she was embarrassed by the conversation with Dr. Clark, Claire did hold out a tiny bit of hope he’d show. Who didn’t want to spend the evening cuddled up next to a smoking hot orthodontist? Geez, her mind was already to cuddling.
“Like you said, he was only being nice.” Alexis slid her phone into her pocket then lightly rubbed her hand across her swollen lip. “Is it okay if I invite Juliet? She said her mom can drop her off.”
And the conversation about Dr. Clark drifted out the car window with the light ocean breeze. This was the first time Alexis mentioned any of her friends. A few came to the funeral, but Claire, in a full grief-stricken haze, didn’t remember any of them. If Alexis wanted to socialize and see her friends again, Claire wanted to encourage it.
“Sure, you can invite Juliet,” Claire kept her voice upbeat, “tell her seven o’clock near the pier. We can go straight to the store and pick up some snacks to share.”
With not a hint of sarcasm, Alexis said, “Great, thanks Claire.”
Claire smiled. For once, she thought, she had managed to make Alexis happy.
* * *
Later that evening, with lawn chairs in hand, Claire peered around the sectioned off area of the beach set up for the outdoor movie. It was showing an old romcom, You’ve Got Mail , one of Claire’s favorites. On the other hand, Alexis wasn’t thrilled, because she wanted to see the latest blockbuster hit.
“Where should we set up?” Claire surveyed the sand, looking for a spot big enough for them. Hiking up her purse, she attempted to juggle the bag of snacks and lawn chairs. Pointing at a place midway back, Claire nodded her head in the direction. “Does that spot look okay? Do you think Juliet will be able to find us?”
Alexis nodded. “Looks good to me. Here, let me help you.” She reached out to take some stuff from her.
Help? Claire’s jaw dropped. “Thank you.” Claire passed some items to Alexis.
Shrugging, Alexis replied, “You were carrying too much stuff. I should’ve offered to help back at the car.”
Claire couldn’t believe the change in Alexis, only this morning she growled at her in the car, but with the prospect of seeing her friend, Juliet, Alexis’s entire demeanor changed. Their entire afternoon together, Alexis, was downright pleasant. Next, Alexis offered to help, perhaps the dark cloud looming over them for the last month was starting to lift.
Reshuffling the remaining items, Claire’s arms no longer screamed from the weight. “Are you excited to see Juliet? I should’ve realized you’ve missed seeing her and your other friends.”
“I haven’t seen Juliet since the funeral.” Alexis walked toward the empty spot. “I think Monday… I should go back to school. It’s time. I can’t stand sitting around the house any longer missing Mom and constantly being reminded she isn’t alive. I miss being around my friends. And I’m sick of doing all the classwork from home.” Alexis stopped at the designated place and opened her chair, setting it down on the sand.
For the past month, Alexis had kept up with her schoolwork from home. Claire wondered constantly when it would be a suitable time for Alexis to return to school. Luckily, Alexis came to the decision on her own. Claire placed her stuff down on the sand too, arranging her chair. Promptly, she plopped herself down next to Alexis.
“I think it’s a great idea for you to return to school.” Claire rubbed her hands back and forth over the top of her jeans to try and stay warm. Thankfully, last minute, she threw on a royal blue sweater Mom had knitted for her. Mom said the color always brightened her face. With the sun nearly gone, the salty ocean air nipped at her skin. “Once your lip is healed, you can start back at the dance studio next week too.” She pulled out a blanket from her bag and threw it over her legs.
Some soft music played while they waited for the movie to start. A few minutes later, Juliet arrived, being dropped off by her mom. Soon the two friends chatted to themselves, clearly missing one another. On a whim, Claire dug some cash out of her purse and gave it to the girls to go get some ice cream at the edge of the pier. Claire could see the shop from where she sat. Excitedly, Alexis and Juliet left for the ice cream shop.
With a moment to herself, Claire stared out at the waves crashing on the shore. A wave of happy memories flooded her mind. A mix of memories from her childhood, all were wrapped around the ocean and Pismo Beach. Her finger ran over the tight stitching of the blue yarn of her sweater. Last time she wore it, Claire had gone for a walk with Mom on the beach. Tears tickled the corners of her eyes and soon streamed down her face. Her heart ached and loneliness engulfed her being. She wondered if or when things would get easier. Though she believed Mom was in a better place, Claire still struggled to make sense of everything.
Swiping at her eyes, Claire didn’t want Alexis to see her in this state. Luckily, the previews started to play on the big screen, distracting her mind from missing Mom. Halfway into the previews, Alexis and Juliet returned, happily licking their ice cream cones while the rest of the previews played.
Lost in her own depressed state, Claire didn’t hear any of the dialogue or music during the previews. Instead, she tuned into the soothing sounds of the ocean. To her surprise, when Claire turned her attention back to the movie screen, the opening credits sprawled across the screen.
Then a hushed whisper called out her name. Claire peered toward the sound, slowly her eyes adjusted from the brighter movie lights to the darkness of the night. Her gaze landed on Dr. Clark, searching the crowd of moviegoers. Reaching her hand up in a wave, Claire locked eyes with him and smiled. Eagerly, he strode the rest of the distance to them. Dr. Clark arrived and crouched down next to her.
Leaning in, Dr. Clark whispered, “I’m glad I found you. I was afraid I wouldn’t.” He placed his hand on her arm rest, pointing with his other to the empty space next to her. “Is that space taken?”
“Uh, you…” Claire shifted in her seat. Her gaze skidded over his perfectly proportioned frame. Dr. Clark had changed into jeans and a baggy sweatshirt. His dark hair practically glowed under the light of the moon. Her middle pooled with warmth. Oh, dear. With a sudden dry throat, Claire forced herself to swallow and pushed out the words, “You came. I didn’t think you would.”
Dr. Clark’s gaze bore into hers. “I hope that’s okay.” He blinked, and time stretched into an eternity.
Her heart hammered, sounding in her temples. Instinctively, Claire smoothed out her hair, hating how it flapped wildly with the cool night breeze. “I— I,” she stammered.
“Sit down already,” someone yelled from behind them.
Shifting around in her seat, Claire craned her neck to see who was yelling. Dr. Clark did the same. She spotted the annoyed patron. The patron glared at her.
Turning back around, Claire leaned in extra close and whispered, “Dr. Clark, you better sit,” she patted the top of his hand on her armrest, “or the person behind us might have a conniption.”
“Oh, you’re right,” replied Dr. Clark. He rose quickly, moving to the free space on the other side of her. “I’m sorry.”
Dumping his blankets and bag on the sand, Dr. Clark opened his lawn chair and placed it next to her. Once settled in his seat, Dr. Clark leaned forward and waved at Alexis. Alexis’s eyes dilated. Slowly, Alexis held up a single hand. Then Alexis and Juliet whispered to one another, though Claire couldn’t hear them, she imagined what they were saying. Finally, the whispering stopped, and the girls went back to eating their ice cream cones and watching the movie.
Leaning far over his armrest, Dr. Clark’s shoulder touched Claire’s. He whispered into her ear, “You can call me David.” The words sent goosebumps down her spine.
“David it is.” Claire’s nostrils flared as his manly scent whirled in the tight space between them. Though it was cold, perspiration smattered her forehead. She gulped. “Thanks for coming.” Her words came out shaky.
David blinked, staring at her, he finally replied, “Thanks for inviting me.” He broke the touching of their shoulders, straightening his position in his chair.
Casually, with an ease Claire wished she possessed; David propped his ankle across his other knee. The sounds from the movie blared, and David gazed up at the screen. Though Claire wanted to continue to stare at him, she forced herself to look up at the screen too.
For a minute, neither spoke.
Then David shifted back toward her, making their shoulders touch again. She welcomed the warmth trickling down her arm. With a face full of earnestness, David asked, “Is this You’ve Got Mail ?”
Claire rested her elbow on the arm rest, moving closer to the warmth of his body. Trying her best to keep her voice low, Claire asked, “Have you seen it?”
“Have I?” Playfully, David elbowed her. “My mom had the movie on repeat when I was a kid. She’s what you may call a bit of a romantic.” He smirked, making him a thousand times cuter than seconds prior.
Pulling the old knitted blanket of Mom’s on her lap over her shoulders, Claire snuggled down deeper under its cozy layer. “Smart lady,” Claire grinned. “I like her already.”
David picked up a blanket beside his chair, placing one on his lap. “I have more blankets if you get cold. Do you want another one?”
“I’m okay for now,” replied Claire. “I’ll let you know if I need it.”
With nothing else to say in a hushed tone, Claire reverted her attention back to the movie. With David being so near, Claire couldn’t think about anything but him.
Toward the end of the movie, Alexis crouched down next to her chair. “We’re bored.” She made a pouty face.
Startled, Claire replied, “What?” Peering over at Alexis and Juliet huddled next to her chair, she continued, “Did you already want to go? Juliet’s mom won’t be here for another hour.”
“Can we walk down to the end of the pier?” pleaded Alexis. “We’ll come right back. You’ll be able to see us the entire time.”
Gnawing on her bottom lip, Claire hesitated. She didn’t know any of the acceptable parenting rules for a teenager. Was thirteen too young to wander off on your own? Would Juliet’s mom be upset if the girls didn’t stay right next to her during the movie? Would this wrong parenting move keep Juliet’s parents from trusting her in the future? Her mind spun with the worst-case scenarios.
Leaning over her armrest toward Juliet, Claire asked, “Do you think your parents will mind?”
“My mom lets me walk alone to the end of the pier all the time when she’s shopping at the little shops on Main Street,” whispered Juliet. “As long as she knows where I’m at and when I’ll be back.”
Claire wondered if Juliet was trustworthy. Wringing her hands together, Claire glanced over at David who appeared to be listening to the entire exchange.
“Do you think it’s okay?” asked Claire, shifting her body closer to his, but not touching. “Or do you think her parents will throw a fit when they find out?” She studied him for a reaction.
David shrugged. “I have no clue.” He lightly chuckled. “I’m sure it’s fine. I remember doing things like that at a way younger age than them.”
Mulling it over, Claire shifted back to Alexis and Juliet. “You can walk to the end of the pier and back. I’ll watch from here the entire time. Juliet’s mom will be here in an hour.” She wagged a finger at them. “You better be back in forty-five minutes.”
Alexis grinned. “Promise.” She jumped up. “Thanks, sis.”
Juliet rose too, and the two teenagers took off across the sand toward the pier. Claire watched them until they hit the wooden pier, making sure they were staying in her field of vision.
Leaning close, David whispered into her ear. “I’m sure they’ll obey. They both seem like nice girls.” Then David pushed a pack of licorice in her direction. “Want some?” He pulled one out for himself and started eating it.
Slipping one out of the package, Claire took a bite. “Thanks,” she meekly smiled. “I love licorice.”
“Please have as much as you want. Alexis can’t have any… or shouldn’t be eating it with her braces, so I didn’t want to offer it when she was here. I completely forgot about the no candy part of having braces… though I’m constantly reminding my patients about it. You’d think I would’ve brought something else to share.” His voice faded off. David placed the package of licorice on top of his armrest. “Sorry, I’m rambling.” Even though it was dark, Claire saw his cheeks redden. He rubbed his hands together. Guess she wasn’t the only one who was nervous. “I’ll be quiet now.” He stared up at the movie screen.
“I like it.” Claire finished her first piece of licorice then took another from the pack. Grinning, she continued, “the rambling. It’s kind of nice.”
Over the past month, most of her interactions with others were heavy, laden with sadness. People offered their condolences, followed up with words of encouragement. It was oddly refreshing to have a normal conversation about something as simple as not eating candy with braces. Claire was grateful for his company. More importantly, she appreciated David treating her like a normal person, and not somebody who was fragile. Plus, his rambling was cute.
Behind them, the lady from before yelled, “Hush down you two. Enough already. I can’t hear.”
Claire stole a quick glance over her shoulder. The woman glared again, making Claire giggle. Covering her mouth with her hand, she attempted to quiet her laughing.
Her eyes dilated. Touching her shoulder to his, Claire whispered, “She loves us.”
Nodding, David turned and smiled at the glaring woman. Then he whipped back around. “Sorry,” his hand flew to his chest, “my fault. I’ll try to not get you into any more trouble.”
The rest of the movie played with her in an infatuated haze. Claire remembered to keep Alexis and Juliet in her peripheral view. The movie ended, and the ending credits played across the screen. Immediately, the beach became a buzz of activity as the other patrons quickly packed up their stuff.
Double checking the time, Claire said, “I think I overestimated the length of the movie. I plan on sitting here to wait for Alexis and Juliet to come back. They should be here in fifteen minutes.” Claire gazed over at David who remained seated too. “You don’t have to wait. I mean you can if you want, but you don’t have to.”
Geez, she sounded foolish. Claire gripped both of her armrests with her hands as sweat poured down her back. Why was David making her so jittery? It wasn’t like she hadn’t dated before. But was this even a date when two teenagers were in the middle of it? Probably not.
Steadying her, David placed his hand on top of hers. He locked eyes with her, making her gulp. “I don’t mind.” His voice was soothing and cathartic, practically whisked away with the ocean breeze. “I’ll wait here with you. I’m having a nice time.” Then he removed his hand.
Whoosh. Her heart tripled speed, making her warm all over despite the cool night air. Her throat grew tight. “I am too.” She fiddled with her curled hair, finally tucking it behind her ears. “I’m having a nice time… with you.”
David smiled, putting her further at ease. “Now…” He shifted in his seat, making his shoulder touch hers once again as if imaginary magnets were constantly gravitating their bodies together. “Tell me all about how you ended up in Los Angeles.”
“Ahh,” Claire smirked. “That isn’t a very long story. I went there for college, and then I never came back after I graduated. The end.”
“Why didn’t you come back after college?” asked David.
“After I graduated, I took a job as a physical therapist at a hospital in Los Angeles. I was dating a guy at the time, and I wanted to see how things would play out. We broke up a year later, but by then I re-signed the lease on my apartment for another year. I liked my job, and I enjoyed working with my colleagues and friends, so I never saw a reason to come back to Pismo. At least not until everything happened…” Claire’s voice faded away, and she stared out at the ocean. Sadness wiggled its way back into her being.
David reached out, interlacing his fingers with hers. “I’m glad you’re here now.” He gave her hand a squeeze. Claire didn’t glance over but focused on trying to regain control of her emotions. He continued, “Even if it’s for less-than-ideal circumstances.”
His words danced between them. A true understatement.
“It’s certainly has been less-than-ideal.” Her voice cracked. Claire paused for a moment, closing her eyes. “I don’t know if things will ever get better.” The words a near whisper.
“I’m really sorry,” replied David. His thumb ran in circles across the top of her hand. “I don’t know what else to say.”
Claire sat very still, not wanting to travel down the path which would open the floodgates. They both sat there in their respective silences, staring out at the ocean. The twinkling light of the moon cast a glow against the black darkness of night, Claire wondered how many times she stared at it. Too many times to count, and now the ocean looked different, because her world wasn’t carefree like it was in the past.
Breaking the quiet, Claire said, “There’s something magical about the ocean don’t you think?” She shifted in her seat, leaning in closer to her armrest. “It’s the one place I can go and for a minute I breathe lighter, and the tension in my chest lessens.”
“I completely agree. I feel blessed to live near the ocean.” David rubbed the stubble across his jaw. “I mean whatever is going wrong in my life, I can go take a walk along the beach, and I find a way to sort through my problems. In the early morning, when I have the place practically to myself, it’s my favorite time to come here. It helps me clear my mind and find peace and solace. There’s something healing about being at the beach.”
Then they were abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Alexis and Juliet. Nearly jumping, Claire let go of David’s hand.
Smugly smiling, Alexis met Claire’s eyes. “We’re back and right on time like you asked.”
Running a hand over her unruly hair, Claire tucked the strands behind her ears again. “Thanks for sticking to the rules.” With a shaky hand, Claire pointed to the chairs, trying to find her equilibrium. “Could you girls help me fold up your chairs? Then we can walk to the parking lot to wait for Juliet’s mom. She should be here any minute.”
Alexis paused, reading Claire like a book. “Sure,” said Alexis. “No problem.”
David rose too, folding his chair and gathering his own belongings. After they collected everything, they made their way across the sand to the parking lot. When they arrived, Juliet’s mom was idling in her car. Juliet left. They all watched until her car completely exited the parking lot. Once gone, Claire shuffled her feet. David shoved his hands into his pockets.
Shivering, Alexis rubbed her hands together. “Can you unlock the car? I’m cold. I want to run ahead and get warm in the car.”
Claire clicked the unlock button, popping the trunk too. Alexis dashed several yards ahead, dumping her stuff in the trunk before she climbed in, leaving David and Claire alone once more.
Dragging her feet, Claire slowed her pace to her car. David matched her speed. She didn’t want the night to end, and Claire wondered if David felt similarly. Or if everything was one sided.
Arriving at her car, Claire loaded her things inside the trunk with David’s assistance. Fidgeting with her keys, Claire said, “Thanks for coming tonight. I enjoyed your company.”
“I’m glad I came. Thanks for inviting me.” David rubbed his jaw then ran a hand through his hair, before settling it into his pocket.
After a beat of silence Claire cleared her dry throat. “I hope to see you again soon.”
“Yes,” David smiled. “I’d like that.”
“Call me,” Claire stated. Boy, she was being bold. Bolder than she ever had been before. “Your office has my number.”
David pulled his hand out of his pocket, bringing his keys out with it. “Maybe I will,” he casually replied. Backpedaling a few steps, he moved toward his truck. “Have a nice night, Claire.” He straightened himself, walking the rest of the way.
Without looking again, he left.
With clammy hands, Claire went to her driver’s side door. Opening it, she slid into her seat. Stunned, she stared blankly out the windshield.
“Oh…” Alexis giggled breaking her trance. “You’ve got it bad for Dr. Clark.” She shook her head as her fingers zipped across her cell phone. “Juliet thinks you guys look cute together.”
Claire’s eyes dilated. “What? Were you spying on us?” Her voice rose an octave.
“We didn’t have to spy.” Alexis kept her gaze glued to her phone. “You were holding hands when we came back from the pier.”
Forcing herself to start the car, Claire glanced over her shoulder before backing out of her parking space. “I promise nothing else happened,” declared Claire.
“I didn’t say anything did.” Alexis gave her a sideways glance. “You need to chill out.”
“I’m chill.” Claire gripped the steering wheel tighter. Her racing heart and sweaty brow begged to claim she was anything but chill. “Besides, David only said he might call.” She shrugged.
“It’s okay.” Alexis paused. Her demeanor softened. “You can admit you want him to call. I promise I won’t tell.”
Claire exhaled, making her shoulders droop. “I want him to call.” Peering out her window, she saw her reflection staring back at her. Claire tried to not over analyze her appearance. David either liked what he saw, or he didn’t. “But it’s totally fine if David doesn’t call, because we’re leaving Pismo soon...”
“I know we’re leaving, but it’s okay to still care,” replied Alexis without a hint of sarcasm. After a long pause, Alexis added, “and for the record, Dr. Clark would be the lucky one. You are a total catch.”
Claire didn’t respond though she did appreciate Alexis’s kind words. So, Claire had a crush on Dr. Clark… she meant David. None. Of. It. Mattered. Because in seventy-four days, she and Alexis would be gone.