"Good, Ca.s.s," Peter piped in. "It"s so nice to meet you. I"ve been looking forward to this since your first e-mail. We"re just a bunch of ordinary guys, so don"t worry."
"Yeah, we"re house-trained and everything," Steve added. Ca.s.sie giggled.
Disregarding Steve, Peter continued. "By the way, Ca.s.s, a good friend of mine graduated from your alma mater the same year you did. He was in a different field of study from yours, so you may not remember him. Gerald Blake. That doesn"t ring a bell, does it?"
Ca.s.sie visibly relaxed. "I do remember Gerry!" she said, pleased by this connection. "He was kind of a quiet guy most of the time, but every now and then he came out with something that surprised us. How is he? Do you see him often?"
"He works for the same company as my brother. He"s part of our outdoor crew, camping, hiking...that kind of thing. He"s doing well. When I mentioned you to him, he said he remembered you as being someone who was pretty special. He was sure you wouldn"t remember him, though. He"ll be glad to hear that you did."
And here they began a detailed discussion about each of their jobs, what they did and how they felt about it. Georgia watched and listened with fascination, comparing Ca.s.sie"s comments with what she herself might have said. She couldn"t help thinking that all three men together made up the perfect man. Craig was sensitive and thoughtful, while Peter was more intense and focused. Steve made everything fun. It was thrilling to watch. As always, Georgia was mindful that something even more exciting could be happening while she sat there watching them talk to one another. Time was constantly racing ahead in the program but, although she was dying to see what was coming next, she didn"t want to miss a single detail.
When the call ended, Ca.s.sie stood in the middle of her room, alone. She stared straight out in front of her, unseeing, yet with her eyes appearing to look directly at Georgia. Georgia wondered what Ca.s.sie was thinking. What emotions had the computer program produced in her for this scenario?
After a while, Ca.s.sie turned back toward her computer. There was a small smile playing around her lips. She sat down and began to type.
--Original Message-- From: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"
To: "Craig Holbrook"
Sent: 9/24/2304 9:17 p.m.
Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Dear Craig, Steve and Peter, I really enjoyed talking to you. Now that I"ve heard your voices I want to see your faces in person. Now that I"ve met you, so to speak, I get the impression that Steve, you"re the funny one, and Peter, you"re the serious, more sensible one, and Craig, I think you"re the one who keeps everything going smoothly. Of course, I am generalizing here. You all seem to have these characteristics to some degree because you can appreciate them in each other. How did I do? Do you agree? Ca.s.s It took only a moment or two for the guys to answer.
--Original Message-- From: "Craig Holbrook"
To: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"
Sent: 9/24/2304 9:29 p.m.
Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Hi, Ca.s.s, Okay, we knew by your profile and picture that you were attractive but in person you"re simply a dynamic person with the wholesome qualities that we appreciate as well as find attractive. Yeah, you"ve got us pegged. We call Peter "Pops" a lot. He doesn"t have a great deal to say, but he is always right on target when he does. And he was impressed with you, as were all of us. You seem to be an easy laugh, so you may want to take some time to adjust to Steve slowly, or you may tear a few stomach muscles. He can sometimes get Peter and me in st.i.tches. Personally, I found you captivating. I love that you don"t appear to play games or beat around the bush. You seem straightforward and honest and those are qualities we three appreciate. Each step we take is an opportunity for this to fail but I have to say (for the three of us) that we are growing attached to you. I hope we"re not being too forward here. If we are, just say the word. We will slow it down. Let"s talk again soon. Your boys.
Georgia was trembling. She couldn"t seem to move. A strange ache was growing inside her, but she hardly noticed it. She waited impatiently as Ca.s.sie read and answered Craig"s mail.
--Original Message-- From: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"
To: "Craig Holbrook"
Sent: 9/24/2304 9:36 p.m.
Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Boys, You are sweet and I have no problem with you telling me how you feel, no matter how forward it may seem. I want to see you in person now. I was thinking of where we could all meet, and I realized that I have not gone out to a nightclub since the epidemic broke out. I used to love to go dancing. I haven"t dared go lately, though. Do you guys like to dance? Would that be a fun night for you? I know I would feel safe going anywhere with you. Speaking of which, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Do you go out much? Ca.s.s In another moment they responded.
--Original Message-- From: "Craig Holbrook"
To: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"
Sent: 9/24/2304 9:39 p.m.
Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Ca.s.sie, Dancing it is! Sat.u.r.day night would work for us. All three of us are willing to do at least a little dancing. Peter the least. We"re not sure what to call what Steve does, but he always seems to have fun. I love to dance, so your suggestion hit home with me. How about dinner first, and then off to a night of dancing? Peter suggested Anthony"s, seven o"clock. What do you think? Talk to you soon, Craig Georgia was itching to jump ahead to Sat.u.r.day night but she waited for Ca.s.sie to reply first.
--Original Message-- From: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"
To: "Craig Holbrook"
Sent: 9/24/2304 9:51 p.m.
Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Craig, This Sat.u.r.day? Two days from now? I"m suddenly nervous. Are you always this agreeable? Of course it"s a date! I have never been to Anthony"s, but I have heard very good things. It will be wonderful to be able to get out for a night of dinner and dancing. It has been ages. I can"t wait! Ca.s.sie Before Ca.s.sie had even signed her name, Georgia fast-forwarded. She saw that she was pa.s.sing correspondence between the parties in the two-day interim, but Georgia forced herself to pa.s.s through it to get to Sat.u.r.day night. Later she would go back and read each and every detail, but for the moment she couldn"t wait another minute to see what was happening on their date.
She did not release the b.u.t.ton until she saw Ca.s.sie rushing through her apartment to answer the door. Ca.s.sie was wearing a stunning red dress that showed off her figure while flaring out at the bottom when she moved. It was perfect for dancing. Georgia was particularly aware of her own slovenly appearance as she watched Ca.s.sie make one final adjustment before pulling open the door.
Each of the boys held a dozen roses in their hands. Ca.s.sie laughed delightedly as she let them in.
The sight of the three of them took Georgia"s breath away, and no doubt Ca.s.sie"s, too, as they filled her tiny living room with their overwhelming presence. Georgia was suddenly aware of the ache that had been steadily growing inside her. It seemed to underscore the emptiness of her life with each throbbing pulse that reverberated through her, pounding its awful force outward to her extremities and leaving a clammy film on her skin and a bitter taste in her mouth. How she longed to be Ca.s.sie in that moment! What she would give to trade places with her. She couldn"t drag her eyes away from the scene. Her own life seemed more distant and inconsequential than ever. Even to get up and relieve herself seemed too much of a distraction to merit.
Georgia remained glued to her computer screen so she wouldn"t miss so much as a meaningful glance or gesture. She particularly watched Ca.s.sie now with a more critical eye. She wondered if Ca.s.sie comprehended the enormity of what was happening to her. These three incredible men, each so sweet and with so much to give, offering everything to her. Somehow, in a world where so much had gone wrong and so many had suffered, Ca.s.sie, it seemed, had been singled out by the G.o.ds. She even looked prettier suddenly, sparkling like a diamond under the constant glow of affection the three men kept showering on her.
By the time they made it to the dance club, it seemed to Georgia that the four of them had formed an unspoken bond of mutual friendship and respect for one another. The att.i.tude of the men was what impressed Georgia most. This was not an ideal situation for any man, and yet these three managed it with a grace and optimism that astounded her. Theirs was the perfect combination of personalities for the incentive program, it seemed. They each cheerfully picked up where the others left off, even as a good-natured kind of compet.i.tiveness was developing between them. They were able to joke and laugh about even this, and Ca.s.sie, obviously sensitive to their feelings, made a noticeable effort to treat them all equally. She doled out her growing affection in measured increments, so that it was difficult, even for Georgia, who knew her so well, to determine which man she actually favored. The men were relaxed and enjoying themselves. And as for Ca.s.sie, it was as if she were floating on air. She might have been with her own brothers for how completely at ease she appeared to be.
Even so, Georgia saw that Ca.s.sie trembled when Craig, who was the first to ask her to dance, took her into his arms and led her onto the dance floor. He chose a slow song and Georgia could see that he, too, trembled as he pulled her close. They danced for a while before either one spoke.
"I love how kind and considerate you are," he said close to her ear-so close that his breath caused her hair to flutter. She seemed surprised, and pulled back just enough so that she could look into his face.
"That seems a strange comment, coming from you," she remarked with a smile.
"Why coming from me?"
Georgia was struck by the comfortable intimacy with which they spoke to each other. Their gazes were steady as they talked.
"Because you may be the most considerate person I"ve ever met," Ca.s.sie told Craig.
He laughed. "Maybe that"s why I appreciate that quality so much in another person."
She laughed, too. "How do you mean? In what way am I considerate?"
"You know," he told her. "I see how careful you are to treat each of us individually yet the same. You seem to be making an effort to give us your affection in equal parts. I can"t help being reminded of a mother with her children. It would be very tempting for a less considerate woman to play games and pit us against each other."
Ca.s.sie stared at him a moment, silent. The song was ending.
Craig smiled. "Thanks for the dance, Ca.s.s."
He kept hold of her hand as they walked off the dance floor.
The next song was lively and loud, and Steve took hold of Ca.s.sie"s hand before she even made it back to their table and pulled her out onto the dance floor. He danced well, staying in tune with the music, but his movements were just animated enough to illicit giggles from both Ca.s.sie and Georgia.
"Are you always this happy?" Ca.s.sie yelled over the music.
He smiled, and for the first time Georgia noticed the sadness behind his eyes. "You have to make the best of every moment," he told Ca.s.sie, and Georgia believed that he really meant it and lived his life that way. He leaned in close and spoke into Ca.s.sie"s ear. "When you do that," he said, "things can"t get any better."
"I"m glad you"re here," Ca.s.sie blurted with a smile.
Steve leaned in again. "So am I," he said, stealing a quick kiss on her cheek before pulling away with a wicked grin. When he saw that she was still smiling, he threw his arms up and spun his body around, gyrating wildly in time with the music. Ca.s.sie threw her head back and laughed out loud.
Of the three, Peter seemed the least comfortable on the dance floor, although he was a suitable dancer. Yet there was an awkwardness in his manner that seemed to indicate he would rather be doing something else.
"You"re a good dancer," Ca.s.sie told him.
"Thanks," Peter said, visibly relaxing. "I try to keep up with those two, you know." He smiled, nodding his head in the direction of Craig and Steve.
"It sounded earlier like you"re the one who"s difficult to keep up with," she said, referring to their conversation at dinner where the guys were praising Peter for how well he did just about everything.
"Ah, those guys are just really lousy at most things," he joked. Ca.s.sie laughed.
"You"re very fortunate to have each other," she said.
"I know it!" he said, quite serious suddenly. "I"m glad to have them, especially tonight." He paused a moment, as if unsure about whether he should continue. "Those two are the only two guys I could imagine doing something like this with," he admitted. "And I know that they"re the only reason I"m here with you now."
Ca.s.sie remained silent.
Peter smiled. "Jeez," he said. "I didn"t mean to get all serious on you like that."
"I don"t mind it at all," Ca.s.sie told him.
The group alternated between talking and dancing until closing time, and Georgia lived every moment of it with Ca.s.sie. She remained riveted to her computer screen throughout, unwilling to fast-forward through a single detail. But her eyes were drooping and there was little of the night remaining. She was exhausted and she felt like h.e.l.l. Yet she had to see how the date would end.
As she watched the men escort Ca.s.sie home, Georgia felt that she might have been watching a scene from a date four or five centuries previous. The men were so polite and courteous, it called to mind early America with their ideals about courtship. But Georgia supposed that this return to chivalry was a natural result of evolution. The playing field had become more compet.i.tive now, and while some men would take the low road, turning to violence and other means, the superior men would naturally evolve into something more appealing to women. She couldn"t wait to see how they would handle the good-night kiss.
Craig, Steve and Peter escorted Ca.s.sie to her door together. Georgia wondered if the men had agreed to it ahead of time because it was so seamlessly carried out. Ca.s.sie turned to face them, uncertain.
"May we kiss you good-night?" Craig asked her.
"Yes!" she said, beaming.
Craig stepped forward first. The other two discreetly looked in another direction. Craig took Ca.s.sie in his arms and kissed her on the lips. Although it was not an overly pa.s.sionate kiss, it was a kiss to stir, but he was mindful not to linger too long. Afterward, he took an extra moment to look down into her face. She stared up at him. "Thank you for tonight," he murmured softly. "I had a wonderful time."
Peter stepped up next. "I had a great time, too, Ca.s.s," he said. "And I think I was enjoying myself too much to remember to mention how absolutely beautiful you look." As Craig moved away, Peter touched her face gently, caressing the line of her jaw where it curved into her neck. He brushed his lips over hers lightly at first, and then pressed them more firmly over hers. It was evident that he was struggling not to ravish her. Ca.s.sie shivered.
"Okay, okay," Steve interjected. "We don"t want her to freeze to death out here while you two are mauling her. Here!" He opened his jacket and captured her inside, wrapping his arms tightly around her. "There," he said, snuggling up close to her while effectively trapping her inside his embrace. "That"s better, isn"t it?"
"Uh...it"s not even cold outside, Steve," Craig reminded him. "You"re probably suffocating her." But they could hear her giggling from inside Steve"s coat. This encouragement was all Steve needed to squeeze her even tighter. He maneuvered himself a little so he could find her face. Then he kissed her, again and again, making loud smooching sounds all around her face. But she stopped laughing suddenly and looked up at him. He stopped laughing then, too. He leaned in slowly and pressed his lips on hers, flicking his tongue out over her lips to get her to open them. She did, and he dipped his tongue inside. Georgia was the only one to notice this little intimacy, however, because she had zoomed all the way in as close as she could get. Craig and Peter were still standing behind the two, waiting silently. With visible effort, Steve finally managed to pull himself away from Ca.s.sie.
"Good night," he said, his voice jagged with emotion.
"Good night," Ca.s.sie whispered back. She looked at Peter and Craig. "Sweet dreams to each of you, and thank you for a wonderful night!"
Georgia watched until the men were gone, aware once again that even more events had taken place while she"d been watching. Perhaps they had even spent their first night together. A ripple of excitement rushed through her at the thought. But she was so tired. It was already time for her to go back to work! Yet why bother?
But she was not ready to abandon the project in spite of the fruitlessness of it all. If she didn"t go in and enter more data, the program would simply start breaking down sooner, putting an end to the lives of Ca.s.sie and the boys. She could not bear to let that happen. She got up and stretched. Her body ached everywhere.
Besides, she told herself, once she was at the office and began the data-entry process, she could easily sneak in a few hours to watch the rest of it unfold. If she didn"t stop now, she sensed that she never would.
She pulled her hair back, threw on her clothes and somehow got herself back to the office.
This time she heard Donald when he came in. She had just attached the disc containing the updated data to the program and was about to sign on and see what was happening.
"Did you get a chance to read over-whoa! What the h.e.l.l happened to you?" From the expression on Donald"s face, Georgia could tell that she looked every bit as bad as she felt. He looked at her in alarm. "For crying out loud, Georgia, close down the project right now. Get some rest. Take a vacation. You need to move on."
"I know, I know," she agreed. "I will."
"You will? Is that why you"re installing more data?"
Georgia forced a penitent smile. Secretly she wished he would leave so she could get back online and see how Ca.s.sie was progressing. But to her chagrin he lingered.
"I want you to look over the information I left you," he said. "You"ve been so wrapped up in this outdated mode of looking at the future through a computer-simulated program that you don"t even realize we"re on the cusp of actually seeing the future firsthand." When he finally got the response he was looking for from Georgia, he gave her a smug smile. "That got your attention, eh?"
"What do you mean?" Georgia asked, thinking she must have misunderstood him.
"Time travel, baby," he confirmed. "That"s where it"s at now."
"What? Actual time travel?" A thousand questions and ideas popped up in Georgia"s head all at once. "Has a hypothesis on how it could be accomplished actually been accepted for testing?"
"Read the information," he said. "It"s all in there."
When Donald left, Georgia immediately fished through the papers on her desk for the ones he"d left. There were more than forty pages of information, so she scanned them quickly. Her heart began to beat faster as she discovered that the time travel barrier had, in fact, already been breached in an earlier experiment. In this new project that Donald had found, they would test the parameters of time travel, possibly discovering ways to send something tangible, such as a robot, into the future to collect data. As she continued to peruse the file, she saw that it included hypotheses for sending living matter into the future, as well.
Georgia could hardly believe what she was reading. Time travel! Her mind conjured all kinds of scenarios, most of them placing her in a fixed time and place in the future.
This brought her thoughts back to Ca.s.sie. Georgia had to catch up with Ca.s.sie and the boys. She updated and immediately began scanning, intentionally pa.s.sing by all kinds of interactions in her search for that one specific event. As she fast-forwarded through Ca.s.sie"s life, Georgia tried to imagine how she would handle the situation if it were her.
If I were the centerpiece of this little dance, she thought, I would take control of the floor. She knew that the guys would want to lead by instinct, but she felt it would have to be Ca.s.sie who held the reins in this potential minefield of emotions. Her eyes looked sharp, suddenly, as she caught sight of Ca.s.sie packing an overnight bag. The moment she had been waiting for had come. But still she kept forwarding the scene ahead, until Ca.s.sie at last stood just outside the door of what could only be Craig"s house.
Before Ca.s.sie could raise her arm, the door flew open and Steve appeared.
"h.e.l.lo, gorgeous," he said with a large smile. "We"ve been looking forward to this for a long time." He opened his arms and when she stepped inside, he grasped her in a huge bear hug, literally lifting her feet off the ground.
When Steve released Ca.s.sie, breathless and flushed, Craig stepped up and took both of her hands in his. He just stood back and looked at her for a moment, smiling, and then lifted her hands to his lips. He tenderly kissed the sensitive flesh on the insides of her wrists.
"I"m so happy you"re here," was all he said.
Even Peter could not contain his joy in seeing her, and she actually cried out from how fiercely he squeezed her.
"Welcome," they all kept saying.
Everything within was tidy and comfortable, although the decor was quite plain and masculine. As they showed her around and attempted to make her feel at home, it was obvious to Georgia that all three men had formed a strong attachment to Ca.s.sie, and she to each of them.
"Everything"s so nice," Ca.s.sie kept murmuring.
Steve took her bag to her room while Craig and Peter led her into the kitchen for a gla.s.s of wine. Georgia noticed that they had food cooking on the stove.
"Something smells wonderful," Ca.s.sie observed.