Page 31 of Brick Wall
I tell my college girls to know their worth and not to waste time and energy on guys who don’t know how amazing they are. I need to take my own advice here.
Athena is the reminder I need, really.
It’s just that tonight, for one second, I thought I saw a look of interest on his face.
I really can’t read him.
I thought there might be something there after he showed up for my surprise birthday party. Then again, most of my friends did, so maybe he was just being friendly.
He also left without saying goodbye.
I’m really overthinking this.
I think my matchmaking brothers are getting in my head, telling me that I can have a shot with a man who is never within my reach, a man who will never be mine.
Finn and I stand next to each other in a comfortable silence, just watching the room. I don’t feel like sharing my insecurities with him tonight. I need to get my shit together.
He’s about to open his mouth to say something, but a woman approaches us, well him, and steals him away.
I down the last of my wine and take this as an excellent opportunity to regroup and head to the women’s restroom.
It’s thankfully quiet in here, but when I open the stall door to wash my hands, Athena is there in front of the mirror, reapplying her lipstick.
Of course she is.
I give her a small smile, more friendly than I feel, and I move forward to wash my hands in peace.
Athena has a different idea because my peace lasts only a quick second. Athena is chatty.
“How fun you know Sebastian too!” Athena gushes. “He’s really the best! And I mean the best.” She gives me a little wink that says,you know what I mean.And unfortunately for me, I do, and now I’m picturing these two gorgeous people getting it on.
“We have known each other forever!” she shares.
“That’s nice.” I have no idea what to say, but I feel like I should say something.
“It is! I can’t wait until we are in the same city again! Hopefully soon!” She crosses two fingers together. “How long have you known Sebastian? He hasn’t mentioned you.”
“Oh, he probably wouldn’t,” I admit. “We know each other through my brothers.”
“That makes sense. You are totallynothis type.” She puckers her lips to ensure her lipstick is perfect, which it is, and then looks directly at me. “He’d never be interested in someone like you.” With that, she saunters off, leaving me feeling smaller than I did five minutes ago.
Chapter Fifteen
Annie
The next morning, I find myself on the highway driving fifty minutes south to my favorite place.
Yes, the summer camp in Plymouth is my happy place.
It’s been in my family for over a hundred years. It was initially just a camp where our family and friends could get together in the summer and swim. However, my parents turned our own little happy camp into a place where other kids and families could enjoy it, too.
It was the first thing my mom did when she started the foundation. She turned her family cottage and land into a summer camp for disadvantaged youth and for any child who needed a place to belong. The camp is good for that.
I have so many great memories from here. I learned to swim and row here, and I learned to love teaching volleyball here.
I am so grateful for this little oasis in the world.
I am also grateful that it will be completely empty today.
