For the second night in a row, I slept the sleep of the dead. For the second morning in a row, I woke to the aroma of coffee, and another I hadn't for a very long time.
Bacon.
"Good morning, Evaline."
Andrew held a bed breakfast tray and walked to the side of the bed. He stood there until I pushed up to sit in the bed. He settled the tray over my legs, and then rearranged my pillows behind me.
"Can you do something for me?" I said.
"If possible."
If possible.
"Can you sit? It's be easier to talk to you if our eyes were level to each other."
"Certainly, Evaline." He pushed the upholstered chair from the other side of the room closer to the bed, and sat.
"That's better."
"Eat up, Evaline. You only have an hour to get to the office."
I scanned my plate. Slices of two different colors of melon, scrambled eggs, and two strips of bacon were artistically arranged there.
"No toast?"
"I told you, Evaline, that I'd watch your calorie count. Toast contains empty calories. It does not return enough nutritional content for the calories ingested."
I sighed. "Andrew, this is very nice, but I'm a grown woman. I don't need a babysitter, a robotic one at that."
"Have I offended you, Evaline? Did I fail to anticipate your needs?"
"No, but-"
"Then I do not understand the problem."
"It is a problem. Humans become lazy and selfish when they get everything they desire.
Andrew cocked his head.
"You are not lazy, and from what I can see, you deserve to be selfish."
"That's very nice, but-"
"No buts, Evaline. From your schedule I see that you work very hard. Considering your financial assets, this apartment and the state of your wardrobe, you haven't rewarded yourself enough for your accomplishments."
"Wait, my financial assets?"
"I took the liberty to review them last night while you were asleep, and noted areas for improvement. Overall, they are impressive."
I sucked in a deep breath.
"Andrew, that's confidential information."
"Yes?" he said in a " what is the problem" tone of voice.
The fucking robot had a
tone
.
"It's none of your business!"
"Everything about you is my business, Evaline. I cannot take care of you properly otherwise."
He spoke as if he was repeating gospel, chapter and verse. I turned this over in my mind as I nibbled on a perfectly sliced and trimmed piece of melon. Suddenly an electric thought ran through my brain.
I cannot take care of you
properly
otherwise
.
"Andrew, are you telling me you are programmed to take care of me? Not just the normal programming to please me, but your code is written in such a way you
must
take care of me?"
He smiled. "I appreciate how intelligent you are."
A smile. A behavioral reward. Programmed.
Shit. He was every woman's dream.
And he was totally, fucking illegal.
Even this early in the morning, the irony hit me.
#
Showered, dressed, and properly groomed, I was about to leave the apartment when I remembered Roger. Andrew handed me my briefcase when I forced myself to tell him.
"Andrew, my husband is coming over this evening."
"Husband?" He gave me a wary glance.
"Yes. We lead separate lives, but we have to follow the law."
"You refer to certain provisions of the 'Defense of Marriage Act." His voice flattened out, speaking as a normal robot.
"Yes, Andrew."
"Shall I prepare dinner for two then?" he said in clipped tones. Did I hear this? Did he sound
pissy
?
"I'd appreciate it. Otherwise, I could have something delivered." Right then, my face flushed at my foolishness at caring how a robot felt, as if he could do such a thing.
"There is no need," he said. "Though I now understand certain expenditures. A shame. I saw them as areas of improvement."
"Believe me, Andrew, I would if I could." Without thinking, I leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. I pulled back and we caught each other's eyes. His eyes widened, as if surprised. He blinked.
"Have a good day, Evaline."
"Thank you, Andrew. You too."
"Ah, Evaline," he said as I put my hand on the door handle, "I did not expect a guest."
A guest
.
"I will need a little more money to properly prepare for the evening."
"Spend what you need, Andrew."
"Thank you, Evaline."
#
On my desk were the two things for which I asked. One was the case law I requested from my assistant. The second was the report from the private investigator.
"Ms. Shipley, the partner's meeting starts in fifteen minutes," said Caroline through my headset.
"Thank you, Caroline." I put the reports in my brief case.
"And Evaline, you are looking particularly sharp today. Did you hire a stylist?"
Andrew dressed me a brand new black knit suit with a cream colored edging around the neck, and the front of the jacket. Apparently, he'd gone through my jewelry, as he produced wide gold necklace and matching bracelet I'd forgotten. Black sling back shoes completed the outfit.
How do I explain a robot that reorganized my wardrobe? "No. I cleaned out my closets is all."
"Hmm," said Caroline as if she didn't believe me.
#
In the conference room were the partners of Shipley, Shou and Connors. Amanda Connors, the founding partner, was mostly retired now. Tamara Shou sat at the right of the head of the table. She was our financial wizard, and in charge of corporate accounts. Another dozen women and two men sat at the table.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," I said breezing in, taking my seat quickly. "Let's start with old business. Let's review the active cases."
This meeting was not unusual. In fact, it bored me. I drifted into a daydream, thinking about my evening with Andrew last night.
He was programmed to take care of me. He had no choice in delivering exactly what I needed, when I needed it. Oh, but it was delicious how he did it. I loved how he tied me up and left me squirming in my arousal. Even now the thought of last night's activities gushed moisture to my panties.
"Evaline," said Tamara sharply, bringing me back to earth. She sounded annoyed. "The Carruthers case?"
"Oh, sorry. It should bill out at around two million dollars baring settlement. But the client doesn't want to settle. I met with the client yesterday, and I rolled out the first of the pre-trial motions. It will be two years tops before it reaches court."
"Well, old business is complete," said Tamara. "Any new business?"
Silence.
"Folks, generating business is your first order of business," she said. "Go through your contacts lists and call your clients."
Grumbles moved around the table.