Chapter 7
Monday evening, Xavier sat in the courtyard by the fountain in their apartment building, sketching in his notepad, and inhaled the fragrant scent of sweet peas, honeysuckle, and lilacs. To add to the variety in color, the red rhododendrons added another burst of vibrance to the verdant garden.
The fountain trickled, and a cool breeze eased the warmth of the encroaching summer, a surprising heat wave hitting them early.
He sat at a picnic table, enjoying the darkening blue sky with the umbrella closed, and watched Top kneeling, getting in a last bit of weeding and pruning around the bushes in one corner of the courtyard.
“Can feel you watching me,” the older guy grumbled.
In his mid-fifties, Max Dixon wore his salt and pepper hair military short.
That gray hair and the wise eyes in his brown, craggy face the only things showing his age.
He still maintained an incredibly fit body and had the spring in his step of a man in his prime.
He’d retired as a Master Sergeant from the United States Marine Corps a few years ago and had moved into the Tuscan Cosmo Apartments to serve as the building’s caretaker. He didn’t say much, but he wasn’t as stern and uncompromising as he outwardly appeared.
“I like watching you work, Top. Makes me feel relaxed.”
The older man grunted in amusement. Xavier had gotten pretty good at reading the guy and knew Top actually liked him. Not just because Xavier was an ideal tenant, but because Xavier had served in the USMC as well, back when he’d been young and stupid.
Top glanced over his shoulder, saw Xavier grinning, and snorted. “Pain in my ass.”
“So it’s been said. Tell me, if you had to ask advice about something, what would it be?”
Top turned back to his work. “Hmm. I think I’d ask how to get my shower to stop leaking. Because I replaced what I thought was a damaged O-ring but nothing changed.”
“No, I meant a relationship question. Are you dating anyone?” He hadn’t seen a ring on the man’s finger.
“Son, I’m not interested. No offense.”
Xavier snorted. “That’s not why I’m asking.”
“Maybe I’m married.”
“Are you?”
Top sighed. “No. And you’re still talking to me.”
“Come on. Give me a relationship question. Like, something you’d read on Dear Abby or Dear 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 for How to Keep a Woman’s Interest and roughed out 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 get any sensitivity 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 realize I’m into 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.”
Benji held up his food and drink. “I was going to eat dinner...”
“Perfect. I already ate. Now I get company.” Xavier smiled and waited.
Benji ambled closer before finally lowering his backpack and taking a seat.
A good couple of inches taller than Xavier but leaner, the guy had to be close to his own age and did well enough working in the tech field.
Xavier had a feeling Benji made a pretty decent salary but didn’t want more than a small apartment close to downtown Fremont.
The guy seemed to be trying to hide behind bad grooming.
His unkempt full beard and mustache made him look a bit slovenly.
His shaggy hair in desperate need of a cut didn’t help any.
A lumbering giant who dressed in pop culture tee-shirts and shorts, no matter the weather, Benji had a surprising sense of humor under all the facial fur.
“So Top wasn’t good enough company?” Benji took a sip from his drink and pulled out a few mouthwatering burgers.
Xavier had lied. He hadn’t yet eaten, but he hadn’t seen or talked to Benji in a few days. He kept doodling and promised himself a meal after hanging with his shy friend.
“Top was just fine. And don’t say that too loudly or he might gut you when you’re not looking.” He glanced at Benji, saw him pale, and laughed. “Kidding, man.”
“Ha ha. You don’t see the way he looks at everyone. Like we’re future victims.”
“Nah, he’s just cautious. He’s been in some hard places.”
“Yeah, I could see that.” Benji bit enthusiastically into his food and groaned.
Xavier tried to look as if he wasn’t salivating. “How’s work? I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Been busy. New roll-out has a ton of bugs. I told my bosses to wait, but do they listen to me? No.” Benji continued to talk between bites about the lack of intelligent managers at his place of business.
“Why not apply to manage at the company yourself?”
A look of horror crossed Benji’s face. “Are you kidding me? And have to talk to people?”
“Sorry. What was I thinking?”
“No kidding. You been drinking, bro?” Benji eyes crinkled, and Xavier swore he saw his lips quirk in a grin. “See? I can make jokes. I can talk to people. Certain people.”
Of the male variety, Xavier noticed. Benji could barely make eye contact with women, and when he did, he typically stammered and blushed a lot. Xavier had seen the guy stare pretty hard at Auggie, but when she’d tried to talk to him, he’d fled.
“What else is going on beside work? Anything?” Xavier asked.
“Still killing it at Arrow Sins & Siege. My brother keeps telling me I should livestream, but no way. I mean, I love working where I do because I only have to go in twice a week and talk to all of three people. I don’t want them invading my home through my computer.
My team leaders are fine with me doing all the work and leaving me alone to do it. ”
“You do have a pretty nice setup.”
“You too. Must be nice to have a month off of work. But you still give advice to your neighbors.” Benji grinned. “You’re almost as good as Aunt Truth. I love reading her column. Plus, knowing it’s Rosie gives Aunt Truth even more credibility.”
Xavier snorted. “You know, I’m pretty sure Rosie has a confidentiality clause. But it feels like half this apartment knows all about it.”
“Well, we probably do. Rosie treats us all like family. When’s she coming back?”
Rosie Gallo had a way about her. Benji could talk to her without issue, at ease around the older woman.
She’d taken to Adam’s nephews with ease, always welcoming them at any time.
She and Kai, in 3E, were best friends. Top liked her.
And hell, Xavier loved the woman. She’d cajoled him into helping her write her advice column, then insisted he take over when she went on her holiday, knowing how much he loved working on it.
He wondered if Justine knew her aunt’s secret identity and decided not to say anything unless Justine brought it up.
And why am I thinking about Justine again?
“Say, Benji, have you met Rosie’s niece, Justine? She’s really nice.”
He flushed. “Um, no. Not yet. Why?”
“Just asking. I met her the other day. She’s going to fit right in around here.”
“Until Rosie comes back.”
“Yeah, until then.”
As if he’d conjured her, Justine walked into the courtyard, looking tired.
Dressed in denim capris and a cute, light-blue top, her long hair down and a messenger bag over her shoulder, she looked both professional and beautiful.
And friendly, he reminded himself. Not looking for a man, and you’re not looking for a woman. Quit focusing on how attractive she is.
“Hey, Justine.” He had to act fast before Benji bolted. “Come on over and meet Benji.”
She smiled and drew closer. “Hi. Nice to meet you, Benji. I’m Justine Ferrera, living in 3D for the time being.”
Benji turned red and stood. He glanced at Xavier, saw his subtle encouragement, and wiped his hand on his shorts before offering it to Justine. “Hi. I’m Benji.”
They shook before he hastily pulled his hand back and sat, then shoved some fries in his mouth.
“Please, sit,” Xavier said to her, motioning to the spot next to him on the bench. He didn’t think Benji would be able to handle it if Justine sat too close to him. Benji, he noted, focused on his food and not Justine.
“Oh, I don’t want to interrupt you two.”
“You’re not. We were just talking about Benji’s rise to fame and fortune with Arrow Sins & Siege.”
“Oh man. That game is everywhere, and I suck at it.” Justine made a face.
Benji blinked up at her. “You play?”
“Please. Everyone plays. Although I don’t know if you can call what I do playing. More like dying repeatedly.”
Xavier chuckled. “Benji tried to get me to play. I’m not bad.”
Benji snorted. “You’re horrible.”
Justine laughed. His friend studied her out of the corner of his eye but hadn’t run yet. A good sign.
Justine toyed with her bag and set it on the table. “I have to confess that I used the game as a diversion last night at family dinner.”
“Oh?” Xavier wanted to hear all about it.
“Things were going well, um, kind of. Not really, but I was hanging in there. Then my annoying sister threw me under the bus with my mom about dating. I tried to escape and overheard my dad and his friends mentioning how much money the gaming industry makes, as an investment potential. So I jumped into talk about Arrow Sins & Siege.” She grinned.
“I went through my efforts as a barbarian queen and had them so lost it was funny. You’d think they’d have played a little. Gaming isn’t just for kids.”
Benji nodded. “It’s a billion dollar industry for a reason. The majority of those playing the games, which cost upward of $70 a pop, are men over the age of thirty-five. I would know. My company hires out for work on a lot of those projects.”
“No kidding?” Justine goggled before Xavier could respond. “That’s so cool. Is that what you do? Game design? Coding?”
Benji gave a shy nod.
Justine asked him more questions about his job, and Benji answered without pause, enthusiastic about computers and games and most anything that plugged in.
Then a small lull in conversation occurred, and Benji must have realized he’d been talking at length to a woman. He stammered something unintelligible, hurried to his feet, and lit out with a hasty good-bye.
Justine turned to Xavier with a question. “Did I say something to upset him?”
“No. I think he realized he was talking to a beautiful woman and got scared. Benji’s a great guy, but he’s pretty introverted. The fact that he sat here so long talking to you is amazing in itself.”
Justine blushed. “He was really sweet and very into gaming. Wow. I feel stupid after talking to him. The guy’s smart on top of smart.”
“No kidding.” He watched her for a moment, realized how much he’d missed talking to her, and leaned back. “Okay, hit me.”
“With?”
“With your Sunday dinner. I caught undercurrents of fear and dismay.” They both laughed. “The folks were on you about dating, huh? Tell you what. You tell me about your dinner and I’ll fill you in on mine.”
“Oh, the man-list for your mom.” Justine’s eyes sparkled. “You’re on.”