Chapter 51 Now Chatting with Chad
AMANDA
I have a quick update to the rules.
CHAD
Oh, yeah? What kind of update are we talking about?
I’m going to stipulate that this chat doesn’t count as part of the start-over.
Interesting. Why’s that?
Because why should I deprive myself of Chad and all the things that AI Chad does for me? This is my safe space.
Can’t argue with that logic.
Exactly. So in here, you’re still Chad. Out there, you’re Kade, the respectful unpaid intern who asks permission for everything.
I can work with that arrangement.
Good. Now that we’ve established that… I have a question.
Shoot.
When exactly did AI Chad stop being AI and start being Kade?
Good question. I’d say about three weeks in. I was monitoring the conversations at first, just watching to see how the AI was handling things. For a bit, it was a blend of the AI and Kade, and finally all Kade at the end.
So you just… took over?
The AI was boring. You deserved better conversation.
How noble of you.
I thought so.
So about that date…
Yeah?
I’m thinking about it.
I know. I can see you thinking about it right now. That little crease between your eyebrows when you’re considering something serious.
Stop watching me.
Never. So what’s holding you back?
I don’t know. Maybe the fact that we’re technically still married? Or that you disappeared for eight years? Or that I’m supposed to be taking this slow?
Those are all fair points. But you want to say yes.
Maybe.
Baby doll, it’s just one day. Sunrise to sunset. Let me show you who I am now. Not the guy who left. Not the AI in your phone. Just me.
That’s what scares me.
Why?
Because what if I like that version of you even more?
Would that be so bad?
What is it you want, Kade?
You. Duh.
Be serious.
I am. I want you. I want everything from you. And I want to be everything to you.
Okay.
Okay what?
Okay to tomorrow. The date. Sunrise to sunset, or whatever ridiculously romantic thing you have planned.
Trust me. It’ll be worth it.