Page 20 of Brick Wall
“So, you’re a Moore boy, huh?” he comments.
“Moorewoman, actually.” I add emphasis to show that I am a lady and no longer a teenage tomboy.
Being the youngest of all my brothers and the only girl, I am extra conscious of the fact that I am not considered a true lady by others. I was raised as “one of the boys” and equal to my brothers. I’ve always loved sports and joined their pickup wiffle ball games, basketball, flag football, or whatever game they needed an extra person for. I was raised a bit more tomboy than girly girl, which I loved when I was younger.
However, when you become a teenage girl, the last thing you want to be is one of the boys, especially around your older brothers’ cute friends. I was often seen as more of a sister or just another Moore sibling than a potential date. It also didn’t help that my brothers sent threatening glares at any boy who even got a little close to me.
I’ve long made peace with the fact that I’ll never be the hottest girl in the room or anyone’s first choice. Now, as an adult, I still love playing sports and wearing sweatpants, but I also love getting dressed up on a fancy night out. Why can’t it be both?
Sometimes, I’m a little sensitive about being seen as a Moore boy and not the woman I am today. Old wounds and all that.
“My bad,” he says simply. “I didn’t put it together that the Moore brothers were your actual brothers.”
“I mean, none of us told you, so why would you know?” I question. “I don’t usually go around telling everyone I’m related to those idiots.”
“I don’t blame you, especially after this.” He points a finger up and draws a circle in the air.
“They’ve definitely done some stupid things over the years, but this is a new one.”
Sebastian grunts in return, and it remains quiet for a few minutes as we await rescue.
“So, your brother mentioned you make the best chocolate chip cookies?” His eyes look so hopeful with that last comment.
A laugh bubbles out of me. That’s not what I thought he’d say.
“I’m sorry, but he’s a liar. I just buy the pre-made cookie dough. Sometimes, I’ll take those big sea salt flakes and sprinkle them on top to make them look fancy, but they are definitely not the best ever.” I say those last three words with quotation marks by moving two fingers up in the air.
“Bet they’re still tasty, though,” he says, and on cue, his stomach rumbles.
Wordlessly, I pull out a protein bar from the exact location my phone was and hand it to him.
“Oh! Chocolate Chip,” he says as he rips open the package and devours it in a few bites. “Thanks,” he says almost sheepishly.
“No problem.”
It’s quiet again, and now I feel the need to say something.
“That first night…” I stumble. “I thought Goldie was getting catfished. I thought someone was using Bryce’s picture. I didn’t think she’d actually get the guy.”
He waves me off. “It’s not a big deal.”
“Yes, it is. I know we are officially good, at least I hope we are, but I wanted to clear the air anyway. I don’t want you to think I am using you.”
“I don’t think that,” he responds quickly.
“Good.”
“I’m not sure if I ever did. I was overwhelmed and took it out on you. I’m sorry. Again.”
Now, it’s my turn to wave him off. “Not a big deal. We are good,” I say while the door opens.
“Well, if you are good, I’m going to shut this aga—” Ryan casually says, as if he’s an innocent bystander, which he is anything but.
“Don’t you dare,” Sebastian says, putting his foot to block the door from closing.
When did he get up?
It took this man five whole minutes to sit down, but now he can get up and move when he wants to.
