I walk on stage for what feels like the hundredth time tonight and try to ignore the weird looks from my mom, Dixie, and Magnolia. But once I look at the audience I see Patty sitting right next to Brick. I try to keep the fake smile on my face that I was told to for Coralee.
The announcers start naming everyone before rewarding people and I I start to feel myself calm down again. This stupid thing is finally over.
"Third runner up, Dixie and Regina Sinclair!"
I watch my mom and sister grab the trophy and cheer for themselves.
"Second runner up," There was a pause and Coralee squeezes my hand.
"Magnolia and Edamae Barnard!"
I am shocked by that result and I start to realize that we may have won. The prize is five thousand dollars and then a crown. I am however shocked that Dixie won 3rd with their routine of brushing each others hair.
"And our winners are," There is another long pause and Coralee's grip gets tighter on my arm.
"Eliza Sinclair and Coralee Armstrong!"
We walk up to claim the prize and everyone cheers. A crown is placed on my head and I keep up the smile. I'm glad I got to help Coralee win, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but I am glad that it is over.
I follow in the lead of Coralee until it is all over and I am finally able to go back to the dressing room, take this makeup off, change into more comfortable clothing, and ignore Brick. I sit down in front of the mirror and start taking off my makeup. I shut my eyes as I rub the wipe over them and I suddenly hear a voice.
"I know you've heard the stories. About the things I have done," I keep my eyes shut trying to avoid this unnecessary conversation.
"What are you gonna do Patty, kill me too?" I ask sarcastically, laughing a little. I finish taking off my eye makeup and turn around to face her. Patty glares at me.
"That would be too obvious if I did it now. Just watch your back Eliza," She rolls her eyes and starts walking towards the door. "Oh and Brick is mine. Always will be. Remember that," She walks out and slams the door shut.
I am not phased by what she said although for a split second there I was sure she was gonna stab me to death or something. The only thing that really bothered me was the Brick comment. I'm not even exactly sure why because we haven't had any issues. But the way he looked at her earlier today stuck with me I guess.
I quickly wipe off the rest of my makeup and take my hair out of the high pony tail it was in. Thankfully we didn't have time to redo my entire hair so Bob decided to just go with a pony. I brush my hair out and then slip out of the dress. I grab my jeans and top I was originally wearing and put them back on.
I debate texting Brick or not before walking out of the room, and go against it. Which is retrospect probably is not the best idea.
"Eliza!" I am instantly greeted by Dixie and Magnolia. Still not Brick. "Congratulations!" I smile and thank them and start looking around for Brick. I spot Patty with Christian in the corner but still no sign of Brick. Is he avoiding me?
"Elize honey we did great. You did great. Thank you!" Coralee says as she pulls me into a hug.
"Of course, I'm happy to help," I reply smiling. She starts walking away and I hesitate for a minute. "Wait, have you seen Brick by any chance?" I ask Coralee. I pray that she says yes but she just shakes her head no.
"I haven't but I bet he is somewhere around here!"
He better be because if not I have to drive home with Dixie and my mom. And I refuse to spend three hours in a car with them. I check my phone to see if he texted me and nothing. Maybe Patty did something to him.
No way she would. She's obsessed with him. Maybe Christian? But he isn't evil. He may be creepy and kinda scary but I don't think he would hurt someone like that. would he? My head start to spin with a million thoughts and I grab a drink of water before I pass out.
As I drink the bottle, I look around to see if I can spot him anywhere. After a few more minutes I decide to go back up to the room. The elevator came fairly quickly I get to the 8th floor and start walking down the hall. I stop in front of the room Brick got for us and take a deep breath.
I open the door and see Brick laying down in the bed. I walk to the other side to see if he is awake. Completely past out. I don't blame him he did drive for hours and then stayed the whole time to watch the show but a text would've been nice. I take a breath of relief knowing I was just overthinking and sit down next to him on the bed.
I lay down and put my arm around him to try to get him to wake up.
"Patty?" Brick rolls over and then looks at me wide eyed.
"Patty?" I reply.
'Eliza. Shit, I'm sorry. I was just with her all day and she kept saying weird things and i past out and I'm sorry. Nothing happened I don't know why I did that," He start rambling on and I think of my two options right now.
Option one: get mad at him and have to drive home with Dixie tomorrow. Or get over it for now and try to relax tonight. ok, option three it is.
I don't reply to Brick. Instead, I quickly change into a pair of shorts and a baggy t-shirt, ignoring the fact that he is staring at me. I jump into the bed and under the covers and turn the opposite way of Brick.
"Please say something," He says trying to roll my over to face him. I push his arm off me and get on my phone. "Who are you texting?" He asks. I stay silent again. "Liza, I'm sorry. Please talk to me. Say something. Anything,"
I shut my phone off and turn around to face him.
"Goodnight Brick," I say leaving a kiss on his cheek.
"No. None of that bullshit. Kiss me or don't," He says pulling me closer to him. I try to pretend to sleep but it doesn't work. I want to be mad at him so badly, but come on. Have you seen him? He pulls me closer to him leaving only an inch between our faces.
Thank god for the low lighting otherwise He could easily see my face turn bright red right now. He places his lips on mine and I struggle to not kiss him back until I give up and give in. He pulls away after a few moments and looks at me.
"Goodnight Eliza," He whispers.
"That meant nothing. You are not forgiven," I reply turning back around. I hear him laugh a little and the lamp light shuts off. I feel him start to cuddle me from behind and he leaves a few kisses on my neck.
"Goodnight Eliza," He says again. I push him away from me and put a pillow between us.
"Goodnight Brick," I reply.
