“Leah, hi.”
“Did they leave anything for me?”
“Don’t think so? Let’s check the box office.”
Leah followed behind as the two men strode through the semi-dark venue from backstage, across the house floor, and into the lobby bar. She imagined the place filled with people; with shouts and laughter and the night’s anticipation. And what it must feel like to be waiting in the wings as the lights grew dim and the applause began. All those fans, hearts and minds racing. To know they were all waiting for you.
Now she wished she hadn’t laughed at his invitation. That itwasa normal night, and she was just a normal girl, watching in the crowd as he took the stage. No, as he dominated it. Man of the hour.
The guy who threw a fry at her in the food court. Who posed for her in that ridiculous fur coat and had her back as she stood up to heartless Hattie. Who sang along to her playlist and shared his favorite songs with her. Now he was the guy who leaned onthe counter with his chin in his hands, tapping the toe of one new cheap boot as he waited to see if he’d be getting any part of his life back any time soon.
“No wallet? Phone? Anything?”
“No, man. I’m sorry. It was pretty chaotic here when we got the news. Everyone scattered. I was just updating socials and setting up ticket refunds, then heading home to beat the storm when you arrived.”
“Think it’s going to be as bad as they say?”
Danny shrugged. “It’ll probably hit the Southtowns more than us, but the city needs to be prepared just in case. Especially after the last blizzard, lots of people got stuck on the road. You and your lady got a place to stay?”
“We’re…”Childhood acquaintances? Not a couple? Parting ways?
“We’re headed to the Falls.” Avi shot her a glance. “Still the plan?”
“Niagara County, no ban there.” Danny nodded. “Yet.”
Leah’s phone buzzed with an incoming text. She pulled it from her back pocket and turned from the men, grateful for a distraction from the spiraling logistics.
Hi Leah, it’s Hersh Ackerman. Got a moment to talk?
Leah stared at the screen. This was new. The doctor had mostly stuck to polite, enthusiastic two-word replies –sounds great! can’t wait! thank you!– via the group text his grandmother had initiated with surprisingly advanced skills. A private message suggesting a phone call? The doctor had quickly leveled up.
Texting is better right now tbh
She wasn’t ready for sweaty palms and a racing heart with Avi nearby, conferring with Danny about the best route to get her – them – to the Falls.
I can’t believe she finally got me.
Grandma Tilly.
I take it you haven’t heard about her legendary setups.
Do tell.
She awaited his response, realizing she had just saved his contact under his initials:HA –as if everything she said had a built-in laugh track.
She once paired my vegetarian brother with a kosher butcher because, and I quote, “They can bond over food.”
Leah had a feeling she knew where this was going.
Let me guess: you’re a health nut who’s also gluten intolerant and allergic to nuts?
I am a bit of a health nut—but I have one weakness: my grandmother’s rugelach. If I’m going down, it’s for that.
Just to clear the air—I’m actually very happily paired up already.
…and there’s the punch line.
Texting had been the right call. Her thumbs worked fast while her brain re-calibrated.
