“Come on. Give me a relationship question. Like, something you’d read onDear AbbyorDear Aunt Truth.”
“Huh?”
“It’s almost like you’re afraid that once you answer me, I’ll leave and go back up to my apartment and leave you all alone.”
“Well then, I guess I’d say, how do you keep a woman’s interest? There. You leaving now?”
Xavier had no intention of going anywhere soon. “Good question.” He flipped the page in his sketchbook to draw something forHow to Keep a Woman’s Interestand roughedout a picture of Top looking quizzical next to a beautiful woman, a large question mark hanging in the air between them. Then Xavier did another panel of what most considered men’s interests versus women’s interests and had fun with stereotypes.
Some time later, Top plopped on the bench across from Xavier. “You’re still here.” He had a drink bottle with him and guzzled it before wiping the sweat from his brow with the bottom of his tee-shirt.
“Well, I do live here.”
“I thought you’d ask then leave.”
“Nah. I’m still enjoying your refreshing company.”
Top snorted. “What are you doing?”
Xavier showed him the cartoon.
Top frowned. “That looks like me.”
“I know. I’m just doodling. But you asked a decent question. Something all men want to know.”
“You’re the marriage expert, Dr. Advice. What’s the answer then?” Top drank more water.
“First off, I’m not a doctor. I’m a licensed therapist. Second, it depends on the woman. You find out what her interests are and see if they mesh with yours. Successful relationships are founded on shared ideas and shared interests. Most men can’t see beyond what they want.”
Top smirked. “Tits and ass?”
“Did you getanysensitivity training in the Corps that stuck?”
“I’m kidding. Keep your tighty-whiteys on.”
Xavier laughed.
“If you’re so smart, how come you’re not married?”
“Haven’t found the right woman yet. What about you?”
“Tough to find a gal around here who’s not into ‘feelings’ and ‘communicating,’” Top ended in air quotes.
Xavier sighed. “You do realizeI’minto feelings and communicating.”
“But that’s your job. All I know is when you’re with the right person, you feel it in here.” Top thumped his chest. “I was married for a time. I know what love feels like.”
That was more sharing than Top had ever expressed. But before Xavier could ask what had happened to that marriage, Benji, Xavier’s neighbor in 2B, waltzed into the courtyard carrying a paper sack and a fountain drink, his backpack slung over one shoulder.
He stopped in his tracks upon spotting Top.
Top grunted, gave Benji the stink eye, and left without a word.
“Join me,” Xavier invited, knowing if he didn’t, his neighbor would likely hot-foot it up to his room and not venture out again until he had to go into work. Benji was a mega-introvert with social anxiety. Xavier couldn’t relate, as he liked people, but he knew just how to handle anxiety.
“I don’t want to intrude.” Benji edged toward the doorway.
“Nah. I’m lonely. Come sit by me.”
