Page 41 of Brick Wall
Annie: Hey, how’s your day going so far?
I’ve been messaging back and forth with Annie often, althoughthis is the first time we’ve talked today. I quickly type out a reply to her.
Sebastian: Could be better
Annie: Everything okay? Anything I can do?
Am I going to confide in her? Should I reach out for help? I probably got this, but it would be nice to tell someone else besides Calvin. Also, it’s kind of embarrassing to tell someone, especially an attractive female, that you are too fat.
Sebastian: Just outside my weight class still
Sebastian: The season is getting close and I haven’t been this far behind before
Sebastian: Getting a little nervous
I decide to admit my fears to her. Annie has been a good friend so far, and she’s had her chance to sell my phone number, text messages, conversations, and embarrassing stories about me, and she hasn’t.
I hear that familiar ping again and pick up my phone to read it. “Over or under,” she directly asks, and I don’t perceive any judgments with her quick question.
“Over,” I reply back quickly.
Annie: What’s your schedule like?
Annie: Maybe I can help?
Sebastian: I’m done for the day for mandatory stuff. I was thinking of sticking around and getting a little more workout in, not sure yet.
Annie: Do you want to meet in an hour?
Sebastian: Sure
Annie: Do you want to pick me up, or do you want me to drive and pick you up?
I don’t know why, but I like that she gave me the option to choose. I text her back that I’ll pick her up and she shoots me her address. Perfect.
Annie only lives a few minutes away from me, more so when there’s Boston traffic. It takes me roughly six minutes to pick her up.
She’s already at the curb wearing athletic shorts and a tight tank top. She looks casual, but still very sexy.
I need to rearrange myself before she enters the truck. That’s right, I don’t havethatproblem at all. Maybe I should call Calvin and let him know.
“Hey!” Annie greets me with a big smile on her face, throwing her backpack next to her.
“Hey! So, where to?” I casually ask her, since I really have no idea what the plan is.
“Get on ninety-three south.” She types on her phone and then the little voice from her phone’s maps program says the same thing.
In less than twenty minutes, we reach our location.
“Pull into one of these spots here,” Annie instructs as I pull into a small makeshift dirt pullover spot near a trail entrance.
She grabs her backpack, and we walk toward the entrance of a trail at Blue Hills, which is a hill and state park just south of Boston.
“A hike?” I question.
“That all right?” Annie asks, and I simply nod in response. “I was trying to think of a place that was private enough thatyou wouldn’t get bothered, but still fun. I figured you were sick of the gym, and it’s been so gorgeous out, so we should take advantage.”
“Yeah, this is great. I’ve meant to come here, but haven’t yet.”
