Chapter 14
Lily
When I go inside my apartment, I lean against the door, letting out a breath.
What a wonderful and confusing day.
There is no doubt in my mind anymore that Sebastian is feeling this just as much as I am.
But where I want to push and move forward, I sense his hesitation.
And I can’t really blame him for it either.
I know he’s worried about my brother, even though he hasn’t told me so himself; it’s clear every time his name comes up.
He gets this clouded expression and goes into deep thought.
Therefore, I’m left to flirting, subtle touches, and the hope of Sebastian losing that precious self-control, preferably before I board the plane back to America.
I’ve decided he must be the one to take the first real step.
Luke will always love me; I’m his sister.
Sebastian probably feels like he could be sacrificing his friendship with Luke if he crosses the line with me.
I honestly don’t know how my brother would react.
He’s been teasing me from our youth about crushing on his best friend, but it’s always been this harmless joke.
This doesn’t feel like a joke anymore. It feels like so much more.
I’m nervous thinking about his reaction if anything were to happen between us, and I’m sure it’s even worse for Sebastian.
Meaning, he’s going to need to be the one who takes the final step.
I will be pushing him, though, just like I did when I gave him a small goodnight kiss.
I didn’t dare to stay and linger to catch his reaction, running out the door as quickly as I could.
My phone rings, and I smile when I see it’s Mira. We haven’t been able to talk much since I got here.
“Hi, girl. How is sunny Texas?” Mira is working on a project about an American football player who plays in Houston, Texas.
“Hi, Lily! It’s good—a lot warmer than Seattle, which is nice. How is London?”
Warmer weather does seem nice, but I’ve quickly grown used to the gloomy weather of London.
“It’s so good. Cloudy most days, and some rain, but I don’t mind.”
The jetlag has finally been beaten, and my internal clock is all synched up.
We talk about our projects and how they’re progressing. Even though our data collection runs for six weeks, we’ll have six more weeks to complete our paper. Then we’ll have our graduation, and our studies will be done.
I’m no closer to knowing what I’ll be doing once that ends, but I try not to worry too much about it.
What I do know is that I want more hands-on experience in this field, as the project with Sebastian already is fuelling me so much more than reading about the dynamics in a book.
Hearing from an athlete about how he experiences stress, nerves, routine, and the various aspects has been informative.
Finally, I’m able to hear more about this from the practical side.
When our data collection ends, we’ll have a few classes and meetings with our supervisors, but we’ve talked about booking a trip somewhere warm where we can write while getting a nice tan.
Wendy is already enjoying herself down in Brazil, so we might make our way there—or somewhere else tropical.
“Met any hot men?” I ask her, knowing Mira is almost as much of a flirt as I am.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he had some manly action down in Texas. Maybe not with anyone on the team, as that could get messy, but maybe with a handsome cowboy or bull rider.
“The whole team is a beautiful bunch of men, Lily.” She sighs, making me laugh.
Sounds about right.
“What about you? Any progress with the infamous Sebastian?”
I might have told Mira about my crush on Sebastian. That was before I knew I was going to travel here and have him part of my project.
“Well, yes and no. There are sparks between us, but I can tell he’s hesitant—probably afraid of Luke,” I tell her.
“He’ll break in no time. Just bring out those sexy outfits of yours, and he’ll be down to his knees in no time,” she chuckles.
Mira knows I like a good outfit. One that combines sophisticated and sexy. The weather in London is the perfect fit for my wardrobe.
I felt his stare this morning when he saw my leather skirt, stockings, and boots. I might have had my back to him, but I know when I’m being watched. Before his shutdown in the church, I caught him looking several times.
“Yeah, hopefully.”
～
The next day, Sebastian goes to the stadium early in the morning, as they have a full day of press, practice, and meetings.
Therefore, I’m all alone when I eat breakfast, so I decide to keep it simple with some cereal and fruit.
It’s more fun cooking for two.
I feel pathetic when I actually miss Sebastian.
I can manage breakfast by myself. I’ve been having breakfast alone ever since I moved out.
I just saw him like ten hours ago.
When Luke calls, I smile, putting my phone in front of me as I answer his FaceTime call.
At least I can pretend to be having breakfast with him.
“There is my favourite sister,” he says.
“I’m your only sister.”
“Exactly.”
I roll my eyes at him, the smartass. Jessica also sits down beside him, making me even more delighted.
“Hi Jessica!” I beam, and now Luke is the one rolling his eyes, muttering about his girlfriend and sister being closer to each other than him.
Jessica gives him a sloppy kiss on the cheek.
“Ah, don’t be such a baby. We love you as well.”
I exhale.
They make such a beautiful couple.
I’m so happy that my brother found someone like her. It also gave me a bonus-sister I’m very grateful for.
I tell them about seeing the arena and experiencing the excitement on gameday. I can’t wait to do it all over again soon.
Maybe I’ll make myself some more football friends as well. Talking with Monique and Craig was great.
Luke’s been to several of Sebastian’s games over the years, trying to support each other when their schedules align.
In two weeks, Luke can become the F1 world champion during the race weekend in Las Vegas.
I want to make the trip and be there to experience a very special moment in his career.
Hopefully, Sebastian can go as well, and we’ll travel together. I know it would mean a lot to my brother to have his best friend there.
When breakfast is done and the kitchen is clean, I hang up with Jessica and Luke.
As Sebastian will be busy most of the day, I have decided to stay home and work on my paper from here.
Then I can also check out a new café for lunch, which I’ve been eager to visit.
I’m deep in my reading when my phone pings.
Sebastian: Not coming to the stadium today?
I smile.
So he’s noticed I’m not there.
Did he look for me?
Even on a day when I know he’s busy.
That’s partly why I decided to stay home as well.
I don’t want to burden him—make him feel like he has to babysit me and make sure I’m okay.
Lily: You stalking me?
Sebastian: Maybe.
So vague.
Now, I feel like I could die from my curiosity.
I get up, decide that I’ll find that café and buy a coffee and something sweet.
Considering Sebastian doesn’t eat much sugar or dessert, I must make the most of the opportunities I have.
Lily: Decided to work from home since you’re busy all day.
Sebastian: Dinner tonight, then?
The butterflies in my stomach go crazy.
It’s just dinner, like we have every night—with Harriet, most days.
I can’t help myself when I type out my response.
Lily: It’s a date. ;)
I lock up the apartment before I search for the café on my phone. It should only be about a ten minute walk.
When I get to the building lobby, a girl is talking with the receptionist. I’m studying the menu when I hear her mention Sebastian.
“Can’t you just tell me which floor Sebastian is on? I promise I know him.”
I decide to sit down in one of the chairs, my curiosity getting the best of me. I’m always down for a good look-out and some gossip.
I grab a magazine out of my purse, pretending I’m not spying on this exchange.
Who is this girl?
She seems to be around my age, maybe a few years older, with blonde hair; the same length as mine, actually.
A pointy nose and high cheekbones grace her face, and her makeup is on the heavier side.
The bright pink, skin-tight dress she is wearing looks more like something I would wear to a club than on a regular day, but who am I to judge?
I love myself a good outfit, and she seems to be dressing up for something—or rather someone.
She could be referring to a different Sebastian, but the chances are slim.
The receptionist looks sceptical and asks for her name.
“Ashley.”
I nearly snort.
Of course her name is Ashley.
The receptionist clicks away at the computer, as Ashley stands there, impatiently clicking her heel on the floor.
Sebastian’s never mentioned an Ashley, which I guess isn’t that weird.
It’s not like we spend our time discussing exes.
Is she an ex?
I’m certain he’s not with anyone right now; then he would never be flirting this much with me. That simply goes against his character and how he is.
I regard her from my seat, wondering if this is his usual type.
“I’m sorry, miss. But there is no Ashley on the register for visitors of this building.”
He’s doing his job perfectly. Not revealing that Sebastian does, in fact, live in this building, which seems to be the purpose of this mission of hers.
To find him.
I’m tempted to walk up to her and do some digging myself, but I don’t want to risk Sebastian and his privacy, so I stay rooted in my seat.
She huffs and puffs towards the receptionist, who only gives her an apologetic look before telling her that since she’s not a resident or on any visitors list, she will have to leave.
With determined steps, she makes her way outside the door, her anger evident as her heels click loudly on the marble floor.
When she’s gone, I put the magazine back in my purse before I stand up and make my way over to the spot Ashley just left.
“Hello, Miss Hastings. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Hi! No, I was just wondering if this woman has turned up here before?”
The receptionist knows me and has seen me countless times as I arrive and leave the building with Sebastian.
He exhales, a troubled expression crossing his face.