Page 23 of Brick Wall
Sebastian
I ’m starting to sweat. It’s hot in here, and this female keeps touching me for whatever reason. I need to get away, but I don’t think I can slowly back away like Annie did.
I finish the last of my drink, politely smile, and lift my glass.
“Oh, I’ll get you another!” one of the girls eagerly says.
“That’s okay. I need a moment,” I say, while darting to the back door. I need air, pronto.
I drop my empty glass of whiskey on the cocktail table near the door and push open the closest door I can find, one leading out to the side of the building.
I step outside and stand behind the door for a second, pushing it closed to ensure no one follows behind me.
I take a giant breath of fresh air. It’s a beautiful evening with a slight breeze. It’s about ten degrees cooler out here, and I already feel better. The stars are shining bright and are filling the night sky with a world of possibilities.
I start to make my way down to the water, but before I do so, I hear familiar voices around the corner.
“Can you please stop pushing me toward Sebastian? It’s embarrassing!” Annie’s familiar voice lingers in the air, but it’s more strained than usual.
Annie clearly has no idea I’m out here and can overhear their conversation. I take a few steps closer to them but stay on the other side of the building, so I am just out of sight.
“He’s not into me. He’s made it very clear we are just friends. Leave it, Ryan.”
“That’s not what I’m doing,” Ryan defends himself.
“Yeah?” She has a maniacal laugh that I haven’t heard before. “You’re going to play innocent, huh?”
“Look, can’t a guy want his baby sister to be happy?”
“I’m happy,” she responds instantly.
There’s an awkward silence in the air, and I’m unsure if any words have been spoken.
“I am happy,” Annie firmly states. “But this is about your happiness, not mine. You just want Sebastian as a brother-in-law.”
“Well, that would be really cool.” I can barely hear the mumbled retort.
“Please leave the man alone. If he were interested, he would have made a move by now, okay?”
There’s a minute of silence, and I’m not sure if they left, are talking low, or are silent.
“I’m going to go home.” I barely hear those words from Annie’s mouth, but they float through the air to me.
“Okay,” I hear Ryan speak softly but clearly. “Do you think you can stay for a few? We’re doing the awards in twenty minutes. You can leave after that.”
There’s more silence, but then I hear Ryan add, “I’m going to grab the wine from the shed. It’s really in there, and we do need it.” Ryan continues, “I’ll see you in twenty?”
“It’s okay,” I hear some resolve in her voice. “I can grab the wine. I’ll bring it over before the awards, but I’m leaving immediately after.”
“Thank you, Annie. You are the best!” I hear Ryan shout as he’s on the move.
I decide it’s time for me to make a move, too.