Page 67 of CHOICE Lover
She must sense his distress because she says, “I should probably go put on one of those skin-brightening face masks we bought so my freckles look brilliant for the cameras tonight.”
“What cameras?” he asks.
“I think we should go out. Me, you”—she glances toward the locked door—“and Chryl.”
Oh, Zorg, she’s trying to support him. Does he even deserve it? She’s too considerate for someone like him. “Electra, we don’t have to—you said it made you feel cheap.” This stupid vulnerabilitything is spreading inside him like a cancer, changing everything. Like Electra Lynch is rewriting his very DNA.
“I understand why CHOICElover matters to you, so I’ve changed my perspective about our little outings.” As she disappears into her room, wave after wave of warmth washes over him. He thought telling her would be the most painful experience he’s had in a long time, and in a way it was. Just not for the reasons he expected. In listening, empathizing, she’s trying to show him she cares. And that makes his chest feel like it’s going to split wide open.
When her door is shut, he slumps back onto the couch. If only she knew the bewildering mess she’s unleashing.
21 – Hopefully Yours
Electra
Dear Reader,
Today is stellar! Why, you ask? I’m winning on all fronts.
This morning, I woke up to hundreds of new Dear Electra subscriptions and dozens of messages—granted, most of them are nonsense future people advice requests. Get this—one man wants to propose marriage to his ManuMATE manupartner. I thought of Chryl, who seems excited about everything, so I told him,Sure, why not?What’s the harm if he proposes to a sex clone? He’ll probably lose interest in a week and recycle it.
Oh, and I got my first death threat! That was quick. Apparently, even the future has hate groups and internet trolls, but it was so creepy. “The world doesn’t need your poisonous ideas. Delete your account immediately, or we’ll find out who you are and delete you.” Yikes and blocked!
On a positive note, there were some meaty questions too, probably inspired by that first one. I took a little time this morning and planned out a few weeks’ worth of posts. There was one guy who, based on his question, might be from the past like me. He mentioned something about his owner getting him an ID on the dark web from a new company called IdenTECH. I need to ask Res6 about it. I know he’s fine with me spending his money, but if I got an ID then I could earn my own, even if it was paltry compared to his. At least I’d be contributing something. But I’ll need a few more subscribers to get to that level.
Speaking of Res6, he took me to this great little pizza place, so that’s a win! Then he surprised me with a computer, complete with a desk and the most comfortable computer chair I’ve ever sat in. The guilt! But he has a way of convincing me it’s unnecessary, which I’m honestly grateful for.
Here is the best part about today. I made Res6 cry! Like real human tears in response to real human emotions! It was incredible. He told me all about his brother. I guess he’s been in serious denial, which explains why he keeps talking about him in the present—as if he were still alive. It also gave me some insight into why he’s so avoidant and thinks that you can have a fulfilling relationship with a manupartner.
So now I’m sitting here with a facemask on, planning to go out with him and Chryl and let the world take pictures of us. Stop judging me! I know what you’re thinking. I promise, this doesn’t make me a hypocrite since I know why he’s doing it now. CHOICElover is a memorial to his twin.
My freaking heart! Considerate and open Res6 might be more than I can handle without things getting really complicated. When he’s sweet and perceptive, a part of him I’ve only seen brief glimpses of, he’s even more attractive. Hell, who am I kidding? When we’re not arguing, I gravitate toward the man like a rich white lady to a rescuedonkey.
Anyway, this Oklahoma clay mineral mask is getting dry, so I better wash it off. Wish me luck tonight; now that I’m finally melting his icy exterior, who knows what might happen?!
Hopefully yours,
Electra
As Electra exits her room, Chryl walks out of Res6’s Room of Wonder and Weirdness. Res6, who’s already dressed for the night, is leaning against the counter sipping a glass of WhiteVine.
“You look beautiful,” he says, his stare making her blush.
“Thank you,” she and Chryl say at the same time.
Res6 smirks, and they both shift their gaze to the manupartner who’s wearing—
“She can’t go out naked, can she?” Electra blurts out.
“I’m not naked, silly.” Chryl fingers the chain of pearls that dangles haphazardly over her body, not covering any of her intimate details. She gives a little wiggle, causing her large breasts to bounce as if that proves something.
Res6 frowns. “Chryl, would you do me the honor of putting on the blue dress I laid out for you?”
Chryl frowns back. “I don’t understand.”
“The blue dress,” Electra snaps. “Put it on.”
Chryl jumps. “There’s no need to get testy with me, Prototype.”
