When I moved into my new apartment, I was spraying down the windows with Windex when I saw my neighbor across the way. I waved. She waved. A man came behind her and also waved. I opened my window. They opened theirs.
“Are you Emma’s friend?” He shouted.
“No,” I said. “Who’s Emma?”
“The woman whose apartment you’re in …” he said, confused.
“Oh,” I said, laughing. “I didn’t know her name. I bought her apartment.”
“Emma moved?” The woman said. “Aw, bummer. Well, welcome to the building! I’m Taryn. And this is Billy.”
“Hey guys,” I said. “I’m Kyle.”
We barely spoke after that encounter. From time to time, I’d glance out my window and see Taryn’s legs up in the air. Their windows were always open, so I could hear their bed squeaking. I could hear Billy grunting as he fucked her. I could hear her soft moans. Occasionally, I’d see Taryn walk out of the bathroom and into their bedroom totally nude. Not a care in the world. She’d towel off in front of the window. Had she been toying with me? Teasing me? Whenever Billy was the one who exited the shower, he’d come into the bedroom in his towel and would yank the blinds shut. Taryn was different. Maybe an exhibitionist.