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.
CHAPTER FOUR
“All done. You can go ahead sit up,” said David. He grabbed the patient’s chart off the side table and made a few notes. “I think you’ll be ready to get your braces off on your next visit.”
“Finally,” his patient beamed, “I can’t wait.”
“Let’s have you set up your final appointment with Sarah on your way out.” David stood, grabbing the patient’s chart from the side table. He made some final notes on it.
“Woohoo,” the patient declared.
Leading the patient to reception, David gave Sarah the patient’s file. Sarah scheduled the last appointment.
After the patient left, Sarah said to David, “Oh, by the way…” She stopped typing and glanced up at him. “Your mom called. She wants you to come for dinner Friday night.”
“Dinner?” David couldn’t remember the last time his mom, Kelly, called the office for anything. Kelly usually just shot him a text. Many nights he dropped by on his way home from work, not always for dinner, but simply to say hello. “Okay… that’s strange.” David scratched his head. “I don’t know why she didn’t call me or text me directly.”
Leaning forward, Sarah propped her elbow up on top of her desk, cradling her chin. “She wanted me to check your schedule before I asked you. I think she didn’t want you to have an excuse to back out. You’re free by the way, and Kelly knows it.”
“Wonderful,” said David sarcastically. He furrowed his brow. “She’s scheming. I can feel it. Do you know what this is all about?”
