Page 51 of Brick Wall
I hesitate for a moment but figure I’ll ask my next question. “Speaking of not dating in a while, the internet told me about a three-day rule?”
“Outdated,” he confidently says. “You like them, you call them. Don’t worry about anyone else’s timeline except yours.”
Perfect. I was going to wait until I saw her in person or call her in a few days, so I didn’t come across as too eager, but I don’t want to wait any longer.
I throw Cal a thoughtful nod and park my truck in my assigned parking spot in the garage.
We walk together to the building elevator and hit the buttonfor our respective floors.
“I think she would be lucky to date you,” Calvin says during the quick elevator ride.
“Thanks, man,” I say appreciatively.
I get off the elevator first, as my condo is on the floor below his. As the elevator door is about to close on him, I hear him yell, “Make sure to send me a wedding invite!” I flip him off and walk down the hallway to my door.
Whoa. Let’s not go that far. It’s just a first date. Maybe. She has to say yes first.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Annie
“Hello?” I pick up my cell phone off my office desk. It’s a little past eight at night, and I’m going over travel accommodations for a future away game.
“Hi, Annie. This is Sebastian,” he says adorably. It’s not often I would use that description for this man, but I don’t know, something about this conversation so far seems so endearing. Of course, I know it’s Sebastian. I have caller ID. Plus, I’d recognize that voice anywhere. It’s still haunting my dreams…in the best way.
I haven’t spoken to Sebastian in two days—since a hasty goodbye an hour after our high school make-out session in the shed.
“Um, I was wondering if you would like to go on a date.” My face automatically brightens to full strength, and I’m suddenly grateful he is asking me out on the phone instead of in person.
“Yes,” I blurt.
“Um, good,” he replies. I don’t think he expected that answeror such a quick reply. I’m not sure. “I was thinking about Tuesday night. Does that work?”
Tomorrow, and no, it doesn’t. This is the first official week of classes, and it’s hectic. Plus, we have our Harvard Invitational this weekend, so I have a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff to do as well.
I throw out an alternate date, but Sebastian’s schedule is just as hectic, maybe more so.
We settle on next Monday evening for our first date, the first date both of us have available—seven whole days from now.
* * *
“Is that what you are wearing?” Goldie asks as I enter our main living space.
“Yes?” I say with a level of uncertainty. I was sure, but now I’m doubting myself.
I’m wearing dark jeans with a black shirt that highlights both my assets, if you know what I mean. My light brown hair is down and wavy tonight, and I’m wearing a touch more makeup than usual, but it’s still me.
“You look great,” Goldie says back, trying to calm my nerves.
“He said something casual, but do you think I should wear something else? A dress, maybe?”
“Nah, you look like you. I’m sorry if I made you doubt yourself.”
I wave my hand over my face to shoo away her response. “Nope, you’re good. I’m good,” I say with more convictionthan I feel.
The doorbell rings, and Goldie dashes to the door and opens it before I have time to react.
“Sebastian,” Goldie greets with a firm nod.
