Page 8 of Brick Wall

Annie

I knew I would see Sebastian today, and like the coward I am, I got into a kayak and paddled away a few minutes before he arrived.

You may think I’m avoiding Sebastian, but in fairness, I’m also avoiding my brothers. Well, two of them. My youngest brother, Finn, who’s a year older than me, lives out of state, so he’s still on my good list—for now.

My two other brothers, not so much.

They were quite excited when they first met with the Sebastian Goodick a few weeks ago and formed a partnership together. It is all they’ve talked about since.

Ryan, especially. Tristan is your typical oldest brother. He’s reserved, reliable, conscientious, and a little bossy. He’s still annoying but in a calmer manner.

My middle brother, Ryan, is definitely the most annoying brother at the moment. He has already referred to Sebastian as “his good friend Seb” and his “future bestie.” I don’t think Sebastian knows any of this yet—poor guy.

I knew the moment Sebastian arrived because the noise from the shore died down. All eyes on the beach are now on this massive man.

I glance over at Sebastian but realize he is now watching me.

That’s probably my cue to paddle in and say hi.

We just started our truce, and now, I don’t know. I hope we are still friendly, but I’m unsure if he’ll be upset about seeing me here or not.

I hit my kayak on the sand, and one of my brother’s friends grabs the handle on the top of the kayak and helps pull me onto land.

“Thanks.” I hop out of the kayak and place my paddle into the boat.

I walk not two feet forward and notice my brother Ryan already in front of me, with Sebastian trying to catch up behind him.

“Hey, Sebastian! This is my sister, Annie. Have you met her?” Ryan says enthusiastically.

“Wait… Ryan is your brother?” Sebastian questions as he finally catches up to us near the water’s edge.

“Yes,” I admit. “Ryan is my second oldest brother.”

“Wait, you already know each other?” Ryan questions.

“Goldie is dating Bryce,” I share.

Ryan’s eyes go wide, and that’s precisely why I didn’t tell him.

He would hang out at my apartment or bother me to introduce him to Bryce and his teammates.

I don’t know why he has an unhealthy obsession with the Boston Revs.

He was a professional athlete himself, albeit briefly.

He’s been around professional athletes countless times, especially since he owns a fitness gym.

However, he’s a big fan of Sebastian, so maybe that’s why.

“I didn’t know that!” Ryan says with a massive grin on his face. “Well, my sister here is very single, and she makes the best chocolate chip cookies. Maybe you should ask her out. It’s just a suggestion,” my stupid brother says with the energy of a golden retriever that ate all the Halloween candy.

“Wait,” Sebastian says, confusion on his face. “I thought you said your brothers were protective?”

“You’ve talked about me!” my brother practically squeals, but then he (finally) runs farther down the beach, and I roll my eyes.

“Oh, they are, but they also have the sense of humor of ten-year-old boys,” I explain to Sebastian. I’m pretty sure their development stunted some time in high school or college, but I keep that tidbit to myself.

He raises his brow but stays silent.

“My legal name is Anita,” I admit. “Annie is a nickname.”

“Okay…” He stretches out the word.

“They want us to marry.”

“Uhhh.”

How to make a man stutter and turn forty shades of red with one sentence? Mention marriage right off the bat to a man you barely know. Check.

“So, my married name would be Anita Goodick,” I explain further.

Let’s see how many shades of red we can get him to go.

Nothing. He’s not really getting it, I see.

“A-nit-a Goo-dick,” I slowly draw out the words. “Oh my God, I need a good dick!” I impatiently yell after his blank stare. I never said patience was my virtue .

I definitely said that too loud since I’m now getting some looks. I hear my stupid brother snicker from the distance.

Sebastian chokes on his water just after he takes a huge sip. Maybe I should have timed that better, but he also previously rejected me, so maybe I timed that perfectly. I can be a petty bitch when I want to be.

“Um, wow,” is all he says. I don’t blame him. It’s a lot.

“My brothers recently figured it out, and now they are shipping us pretty hard, just so you are aware. There was a whole family group chat on the subject. I apologize in advance. Please ignore all their matchmaking schemes.”

“Matchmaking schemes, huh? How old are they?”

“All in their thirties, but don’t let them fool you. They are serious when they want to be. And they want to make Anita Goodick happen.”

He’s silent for a pause. “Anita, huh?”

“Yeah, my mom named me after her best friend, who passed away suddenly when she was pregnant with me,” I accidentally overshare. “It’s a pretty name, but I don’t think she realized it doesn’t pair well with some other names.”

“Your brother knows that taking a marriage name is optional, right? It’s not a shoo-in even if it happened.”

“I know. They are dreamers, though. Would you be upset if your wife or family didn’t take your last name?” I question, not that this would ever apply to me, but a girl can make polite conversation.

“No, but I have two sisters, so the Goodick name would end with me. I guess it’s not that big of a deal, but it would be nice to see Goodick last.”

“Can’t argue with that. Goodick should always exist,” I can’t help but say with a laugh.

“Amen,” he says, bumping his fist with mine.

At least we agree on something.