Page 36 of Brick Wall

Annie

O ur flight got delayed, very delayed, so we didn’t arrive back in Boston until after seven on Monday morning.

I drove back with Sebastian to his place because it’s slightly closer, plus I have some stuff at his house I can change into. Okay, and even though we spent the whole weekend together, I could use more time with him.

We walk into the lobby and press the elevator button. The door to the elevator opens, and out pops Scarlett.

Her strawberry blonde hair is a little tousled, and her clothes are wrinkled. She’s always been very polished and polite the few times I’ve met her. I’m not saying she isn’t now, but she’s just…less so.

“Hey, Scarlett. What are you doing here?” Sebastian easily greets her.

She lifts her eyes to Sebastian, and she has a deer-in-the-headlights look for a second, but it quickly changes into an uncomfortable smile.

“Sebastian, hey! Uh, I forgot,” she stutters. “I forgot you were away. I stopped by to say hello,” she says with a little more confidence.

“Oh, do you want to come up? We can catch up for a few,” Sebastian says sincerely.

“Oh, uh, well, sure,” she says with a lack of confidence, again.

“Did you want to go over changes and updates for the women’s shelter?”

“Oh, well, unfortunately I forgot the files…” She lets those last words drift away.

I don’t dare say a thing. I’m enjoying myself watching this interaction between the two of them.

“Oh, that’s okay. We just got back and are exhausted. And I have to get to the stadium soon to watch some tape to start off the week.”

“Don’t fall asleep again,” Scarlett teases her baby brother.

“I only fall asleep half the time. Plus, it’s boring when Coach makes us watch the same play over and over.” He turns directly to me and then adds, “No offense to coaches.”

“None taken.” I nod solemnly. Plus, I tend to think he’s falling asleep, not only because he’s exhausted as a player and a philanthropist, but he’s not getting the proper sleep each night. I bet he’s not getting any quality sleep, which is why he’s more tired than usual.

“I don’t want you to get fired. I enjoy having the foundation in Boston,” Scarlett adds.

“Me too,” Sebastian agrees while giving me a big cheesy smile.

“I enjoy having you both in Boston, too,” I admit. “Hey, Scarlett, come over for dinner soon. Tuesdays usually work well for us if you are up for it.”

“That’s a great idea!” Sebastian easily agrees. “Do you want to come over on Tuesday night for takeout?”

“Sure! That sounds good! I’ll let you both go now, though. You must be exhausted from your trip, but I’ll see you on Tuesday!” With that, Scarlett hugs us goodbye and then hurries out of the building. We press the elevator once again to go upstairs.

* * *

I wait all day. Patience isn’t a virtue of mine, but sometimes the payout is worth it.

Sebastian and I are lying in his bed, discussing small things regarding our day. He’s currently talking about Calvin’s latest prank in the locker room, and here’s the opening I’ve been waiting all day for.

“Does Cal bring his pranks back home or just the locker room?” I ask.

“Not just the locker room…” he says, but then says nothing further. All right. Let’s try this again.

“Are you the only two that live in the building, or are there any other teammates or friends that live here, too?” I ask slyly, at least I hope it was.

I didn’t want to ask my question too soon after running into Scarlett this morning because I didn’t want Sebastian to get suspicious or put two and two together. I think Bash really thinks Scarlett wanted to visit with him at eight o’clock on a Monday morning. Bless his heart .

“One cornerback used to have a place here, but he sold it when he was traded a year ago. I think it’s just Calvin and me now. Our building isn’t that large, with only a few tenants. We’re the only professional athletes, I believe.”

“That’s cool. Any other people around your age that live here?” I inquire.

“Nah, there are a couple older guys that work on State Street, and a few couples, but I think that’s about it.”

“Nice. It must be convenient to have Calvin so close.”

“Yeah. It’s the main reason I bought this place.”

“It’s great,” I agree.

I probably should share my suspicions about Scarlett and Calvin with Sebastian, but I decide to keep it to myself. For now, at least.