Adam | Short Story

Part Two

Dr. Nguyen smiles at me warmly. She's biting down on the stylus in her hand while the hologram lights up on a small tabletop between us. "See anything you like?" Her voice is playful and light. Not at all a match to her black vintage dress with zero wrinkles and lines. The silver dye in her hair makes her auburn eye color pop. I briefly wonder how much she paid to recolor her eyes because I've been looking to change from copper brown to violet. But I want the change to look as natural as possible, just like hers. People on ConNekt know the difference.

"Hmm," I say, inching my face closer to the hologram. My finger keeps pressing the scroll arrow while my vision fills with an array of tones, faces, and body types.

Dr. Nguyen clears her throat. "Of course, you could always upgrade and customize your ideal man. But I remember you being adamant on the phone about your budget."

I pause. "Yeah this is already expensive enough and I just bought a condo."

The doctor chuckles. "Oh I understand completely, Ms. Scott. And congratulations on the new place! With the way the housing market is today, it's a miracle you can afford it on your own."

There's a sting that comes with her last statement, particularly at the word alone, but I ignore it and nod and resume my search on the screen.

Dr. Nguyen doesn't need to know that my parents put down a hefty down payment out of pity for what Paxton did to me. That and they wanted their names to appear on the deed. It was a total control move but at thirty-one years old, I was willing to agree to anything to get my own place.

I continue scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. I've always been a picky girl—I don't know why I didn't give this more thought.

Several masculine jawlines and symmetrical faces come in and out of view, but nothing speaks to desire.

I probably hadn't done this at home because I didn't want to admit I was actually doing this—throwing in the towel or whatever. When Mom first suggested it, I didn't talk to her for three days. But now I see that I should have made my choice online before I came. Dr. Nguyen is growing impatient as she logs into an app on her iBand.

It's not long after when I come to a halt at a face. I had seen him before but this time around, there is something about his features that grab me.

He's perfect.

Tan skin, golden-wheat hair, and natural orange eyes. He looks...kind. And then I place him. He reminds me of the heartsick crush I had on Orion Michaels back in seventh grade. The boy who didn't want me.

"I like him." I point, and accidentally click on his face. His profile loads and before long, I'm staring at an exhaustive list of personality traits: loyal, compassionate, determined...a good listener.

Curiously, I read his interests and hobbies. I almost laugh out loud when I see that he specializes in interior design. That could be useful, actually. My new place could use some character.

"Adam model ZX2915. Excellent choice, Victoria," Dr. Nguyen says.

"Tori. You can call me Tori."

Dr. Nguyen nods politely as she types a quick note on her forearm. "I'll give you a minute to review his profile while I load him to meet you."

I swallow. "Today? I get to meet him now?"

"Mhmm. Our ZX model is a best seller so we have a lot in stock. He's the classic heartthrob with a gentle disposition. And you won't be disappointed in bed." She winks.

A small rush of excitement comes over me, though my cheeks warm. Vibrators aside, it's been so long since my last sexual experience. So, so long.

I stare back down at AdamZX2915, feeling sure this is the one. Scarlet will love him.

"Would you like me to reprogram a new name, Tori?"

"That won't be necessary. I've always liked the name Adam."

"Perfect."

He is.

Later, when we meet, Adam is shy. I like that about him. It lets me be who I am.

Author's Note:

Thank you for reading/commenting/voting! Much appreciated :D 

Question: What would your *perfect* partner look like? Celebrity comparisons are encouraged, haha. 

Total Word Count: 1128