“I think lover boy is getting attached,” Jared sneers. “Megan may have something to worry about after tonight. There may be a different wedding tomorrow than the one she had planned. She’s not real, dude,” he says to Rob. “You don’t have to pretend to be nice to her. It ain’t cheatin’ if she ain’t real. We’re all single. Well, you for about twentyfour more hours.” Jared pauses before continuing. “And, Cliffy, you’re single again now. Ha, that was a near miss for you, bro.” “Yeah, single,” Cliff says. “Hey, why don’t we run a train on her.” “I like trains,” Dollie says, misunderstanding, like a naïve teen. “So romantic, don’t you think, Cliff?” She still doesn’t always get the lewd humor, to her credit. “I bet you do, bitch,” Cliff says, hoisting a champagne bottle. “Cliff, my name is Dollie. Why don’t you come closer and let’s get better acquainted? Tell me about yourself. You’re a very handsome man,” she says, as if with real feelings. I like it when she sticks up for herself. She’s never rude or cynical, though goodness knows she has a right to be. I had a hand in this part of her programming. She and the other girls always take the high road. “I think she digs me,” Jared says. “Doncha, Dollie?” “You’re a very handsome man too, Jared,” Dollie says. “So many handsome men to choose from. I’m a lucky girl.” “Oh, you’re lucky, all right,” Cliff says. “Who’s going first?” Jared asks. “Guys,” Rob says, “let’s slow it down. The night is young. Dollie’s just gotten here. Don’t be rude. I guess you don’t drink, do you, Dollie?” “Thank you but no, Rob. Drink just doesn’t agree with me. I’m sure you can understand. But I’m starting to find you very agreeable.” She reaches out her hand toward Rob. “I’m gonna puke,” Jared says. “Robbie’s falling in love with a fuck-robot.” “Oh, Jared, I’m so much more than a robot, as I hope you’ll have a chance to see later.” “You really want it, don’t you?” Cliff says. “She wants it.” He nods to the others. “Doesn’t she? That’s crazy!” He makes a humping motion with the bottle. “Jeez, Cliffy, if that’s how you rattled on ol’ Alice, it’s no wonder she left you. Me, I’m a happy bachelor; no wedding bells for me,” Jared says. “Yeah, to hell with Alice,” Cliff says, “but that doesn’t mean I want to be alone like you, Mr. Hand-Job. Who wants to be alone all the time? The only thing you rattle on CHARLES SCOT T
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