Page 15 of Brick Wall
“I did. Sorry I’m a little late.”
“Nope, you’re right on time. We usually give the wrong time for first timers to give an extra buffer.”
There are a few cars in the parking lot, but not as many as I figured.
“Let me show you around.” He pats me on the back again.
We walk straight ahead toward a large brown building. Instead of going in, we head to the side of it.
“This is our main building. It’s used for pretty much everything: meals, rainy-day activities, meetings, and more,” Ryan explains. “Not much to see in here right now besides paperwork and boxes. We’ve got a nice setup right this way.” He points upward with his right hand.
We round the corner, and I realize quickly the structure was blocking the best views. The lake is a little larger than I expected and has a lot of white sand that leads up to the water.
There’s a small patio off the backside of the building where Tristan operates the grill, with two large coolers sitting on the concrete nearby.
“Do you want a drink?” Ryan asks me.
“Just water if you have it.” It’s hot out. I can feel sweat soaking through my white T-shirt already. Tristan must overhear because he opens the cooler near his feet and hands me a bottle.
“Thanks,” I say, reaching for it.
Overall, this place is nice. A volleyball net is set up in the sand, and a few people are playing. There’s a large dock where there are two kids fishing. There are a handful of different boats lined up on the shore.
I look out into the water and see a few people swimming. It’s the second weekend in June and it’s finally a nice eighty degrees. Boats are out, too.
I take another glance at the water and notice a bright yellow kayak nearing the shore.
I squint to get a better glance at the kayaker.
I didn’t expect to see someone I knew here besides Ryan and Tristan, but I instantly recognize that face.
Annie.
Chapter Seven
Annie
Iknew 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 withtheSebastian 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 thinkSebastian 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.
