Chapter 23
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?”
“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?”
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.”
Claire blinked rapidly. “I— I— don’t know what to say.”
David replied, “Say you love me too. Say you want what I want too.”
“You know I love you.” Claire repeated the words slowly. She exhaled, making her chest heave. “I’ve loved you since the day you came to my house and helped me with that garage sale.”
Grinning, David replied, “Your words mean the world to me.” He kissed her quickly on the lips then continued, “I’ll say it again until I’m blue in the face. I love you. Please, pick me. Pick Pismo. Marry me, and I promise I’ll do whatever it takes to make this thing between us work. I’ve already failed once at marriage, and I don’t plan on repeating it. Because I’ve fallen completely, can’t live without you, head over heels, in love with you. And I’m sorry I let you go. I wish I hadn’t. I regret it, but I don’t want to live any longer with regrets. We both know life is short. There are no guarantees we will have tomorrow. So let’s not wait.”
“Do you mean it?” Her voice shook as her hand found his chest. Her fingertips picked up the steady beat of his heart. “You’d love me enough to marry me… even with me having Alexis?”
“Yes,” David kissed her then pushed her unruly hair over her shoulder. “I love you. I love Alexis. So please, marry me.”
“Then, yes,” Claire grinned. “I’ll marry you.”
His breath tickled her neck. “Then I’ll be the luckiest guy ever.”
With a fist of his cotton tee, Claire yanked his body closer to hers. “Let’s call it a tie for who’s the luckiest.”
Then under the brilliant blue sky, with the sounds of the waves crashing beside them, Claire skated her lips across his, an addicting thrill skimmed down her spine. Remembering all over again, the feeling of his stubble against her cheek, the glide of his jaw under her thumb, and the support of his arm around her waist.
His cologne made her nostrils flare and body buzz. Soon, she was transported elsewhere to a place where the worries of the future withered away, and it was only her and David. Everything before had brought them to this place, holding one another, kissing, in Pismo, like it was the first and last time all wrapped up into one. There they were, together, picking each other, picking Pismo.