Page 51 of You Again

I follow Zev into the building and over to the side door marked “stairwell.”

“We’re skipping the elevator. Less questions this way.”

“Good plan.” I nod. “Can’t have Hal finding out what a heathen you are.”

He pauses halfway up the first floor of stairs, holding up his canvas bag. “I’ve brought you cinnamon bears and Dr Pepper. You should probably be nice to me.”

I laugh. “My favorites.”

“Huh. Lucky guess.” He starts up his trek again and I follow behind. “There’s also Doritos and chocolate-covered pretzels. So, be good.”

“You can keep the Doritos. I will gladly eat your share of the cinnamon bears.” I’m not sure why I was so nervous. I guess socializing isn’t common for me these days. And this isn’t an accidental meet-up. Zev and I are purposely socializing. I don’t plan to make a habit of it. But so far, I don’t hate it. We are ten minutes in, so I shouldn’t get too comfortable.

I’m grateful this apartment building is only three stories high. I’m a little winded when we reach the top, and it’s embarrassing as Zev looks and sounds as if he could climb a dozen more flights of stairs and not notice—except for the slight limp in his right leg. I’m not sure I would have even noticed except that he’s told me it still bothers him. He must really not want to run into Hal the security guard.

Zev sets up the chairs in the middle of the roof, side by side. Then he opens the canvas bag and pulls out a fully leaded Dr Pepper. He holds it out to me. I take it, cracking it open and taking a swig.

“They’ll light the fireworks there,” he says, pointing to a spot across the way, just past the lake. “They’ll reflect off the water, and it’s kind of like a double show.” He grins, waiting for my reaction.

“Wow.” I can’t imagine a better spot. “I’ve never watched fireworks over a lake before.”

His gaze falls, and that melancholy smile that overcomes Zev from time to time sprouts. “Then you’ll love this.”

I nibble on my lip. “You’re a good friend, Zev. You didn’t have to do all this.” I sigh. “You didn’t have to forgive me so easily the other day either. You’re just—good.”

“Just be glad your ex isn’t here. You might not think I’m that great.”

I smirk, then sit in one of the camp chairs he’s brought up. “I believe I was promised cinnamon bears.”

“I see. You’re avoiding the topic of the ex.”

“Yes, I am. We’ll only argue again. Now, hand over the cinnamon bears.”

“What we should be doing is planning on toilet papering that guy’s house.”

“Zev!” I try to laugh, but it comes out more like a bark. Why did I bring it up again? “He was being friendly. The end. Move on.”

“I’m just saying, you’re a girl’s girl. You don’t stand for crap like that.”

I stand. “Do I need to go?”

“What?” He shakes his head as if he has no idea that he’s acting like a butthead. Maybe he doesn’t. The fact is, I am a girl’s girl. I’m just not convinced that Robert is bad. And I really don’t want to discuss it with Zev. “No. Don’t go.” He reaches for my hand. And for some strange reason, I let him take it. “I’m sorry. I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.”

“You shouldn’t be having so many thoughts,” I say as the apartment building to the right of us catches my attention. A large, balding man on the third floor, stands in view of his glass door. He opens his button up shirt and I blink away, looking at Zev once more.“You don’t know Robert at all. And really, you’re still getting to know me.”

“I know,” Zev says. “I guess I get worked up at times.”

“Well, work down and—” I tear my hand from his and cover my face. I could handle the man losing his shirt in full view but now he’s dropped his pants. “WHOA.”

“Rose?” Zev’s tone is confused—with good reason. He’s not facing the same direction as me, which means he’s missing the strip tease.

I so did not come here for that kind of show. And while the man is in the building to the right of us and the lake straight ahead—he is hard to miss standing there in nothing but his bright red undies.

“Are you angry? I shouldn’t have brought it⁠—”

“Maybe this view isn’t the best!” I peek through my fingers, just to see Zev’s puzzled face, but just around him the stranger is in full view and while he’s still in his bright red undies, I’m worried they’ll go at any moment.

“Uh.” Zev’s brows knit, and he tilts his head to the side. “I promise, it’s the best. The fireworks over the lake make for an amazing show.” He snatches hold of my hand, pulling it away from my face. “Are you okay?”