Chapter 49
Electra
His stare greedily takes her in. “What in Zorg’s name are you wearing?”
“Incredible who?” he asks, stalking toward her.
“Bill. You know, MSP’s most famous fashion designer.”
His hands wrap around her waist, drawing her into his chest. “Do you want me to walk around with an erection all night in front of our friends?”
She swats him away. “You can control yourself.”
He flicks her chest where her nipples are trying to harden under the pasties. “These are giving me ideas.”
She snatches his finger. “Behave. Our guests will be here at any moment.”
He groans.
“You know, for a hundred and twenty something year old man, you have quite the sexual appetite,” she teases.
“Your fault,” he says. “And all of your illicit book recommendations.”
She glances over at the perfectly set spring-themed kitchen table. “Wait, were you listening to one while you were setting the table?”
He shrugs. “Possibly. Theo had just scented her and was about to chase her through the forest. How could I put it down?”
“I’ve created a monster!” She clutches her stomach, doubling over with laughter.
“At least you acknowledge that I’m blameless.” He holds up a vase containing the real flowers that were a huge splurge. “Where should I put these?”
Res6 said he had plenty of money, so she chose to believe him.
Once she made the choice, it was simple, really.
With his money and what she’s earning from her column, they’ll never want for anything.
But that’s not the point. It’s the ease with which she lets herself spend it that’s the real difference.
Nothing crazy, just some nice things here and there that brighten their world.
It’s so validating to believe there is more out there waiting for her to claim it.
“Put them in the center of the table,” she replies.
He does as she asks and steps behind her. His hand wraps around the base of her neck, and he leans near to whisper in her ear. “I’m proud of you for doing all this. All your effort has really transformed my unit. Everyone is going to love it.”
Since she moved back in, they rearranged the furniture, relocating their desks to the spare room, so there would be space for a dining room table.
Apparently, most people didn’t have those anymore, but she missed sitting around a table drinking wine and chatting with her girlfriends, so when he showed her his bank account and told her to make it happen, she did.
K8 and Sister Xelna, who she learned was also friends with K8, took her shopping in the furniture district.
They picked a chunky, rare antique oak table and eight matching chairs, along with a dozen throw pillows to litter his sectional.
One could never have too many pillows. It was fun.
A blast, even—K8 certainly didn’t mind spending the unicoin.
So why should she? If Res6 was brave enough to let go of the past and step into the future, she would be, too.
She turns, trying to hold back the tears welling in her eyes. “You think so?”
He gives her a peck, soft enough not to bother her bright pink lipstick. “When have I ever been wrong?”
Her undignified snort catches her off guard. “Hold on. Let me get my tablet. I have a Brain Dump where I keep a tally.”
He playfully smacks her ass, and she jumps. Maybe there’s time for a quickie. She thinks the command: Time check, still not used to hearing the perfectly human voice in her mind through her new m-volt. 18:58.
Two minutes might be a new record.
The doorbell chimes.
She must slump a little because he takes her by the waist, spinning her in his arms. “Get your mind out of the gutter.” He gives her another soft kiss. “Are you ready for our inaugural Fifthday dinner?”
His golden eyes dance in delight as he awaits her answer.
She unleashes her brightest smile upon him. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”