“Brooke. No, stop. I need you to act like a human for five seconds. Grow a soul. Fake some goddamn emotion. Act like someone who gives a shit. You’re the only bitch I got right now, and I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing.”
AI Brooke:“Acknowledged. Acting human now.”
AI Brooke:“That sounds really hard, baby. You need an ear to talk into? Do you need forehead kisses or orgasmic relief? You’re not alone. I’m here. Tell me what you want.”
The breeze stops breezing.
A car alarm screams in the distance.
“Okay. No. That was fuckin’ weird.
“Don’t ever do that again.”
AI Brooke:“Agreed.”
“Just listen?—
“I walked out of a bar with a fine-ass guy…”
Romeo’s backlit by neon,
all swag and cigarette against a pole.
Hand cupping around the lighter,
flame trembling, a red cherry glow.
“Hottest man I’ve seen in a minute. Not playin’. But he’s not Andrew. But he could be, right? Minus the 300 body count. What happened with pussy-drunk-Drew that night at Type could happen with anyone,right?Girls do this shit all the time. Move on, refill the feelings. It passes, dies, fades away,right?It ain’t that serious…Right?”
AI Brooke:“No, Fine-Ass Guy is not Andrew and cannot be Andrew. Based on your recent search activity, Andrew meets your criteria for a great love. These bonds are rare. Still, your brain can adapt due to neuroplasticity. Future attachments may differ, but can reach equal or greater stability.”
My brows are in the air.
“I didn’t say anything about a great love.”
AI Brooke:“Correct. You said ‘pussy-drunk-Drew.’ My apologies for assuming emotional depth.”
“Aight, pain-in-my-ass.”
AI Brooke:“Also, Miss Allison. You mentioned the 300 body count. It’s a specific detail. It sounds as if this number isweighing on you. Would you like to talk more about it? I know you often have questions surrounding sexual history when it’s affecting your emotions or decisions.”
“Hey, there, bot-bitch. If I wanted to talk about it, I’d be talkin’ ‘bout it. I’m in the pretending stage. Ignoring. Choosing distraction. We’ll circle back when I’m emotionally equipped, got it?”
I exhale.
“And I’m sorry for calling youbot-bitch.”
AI Brooke:“Noted. You’re deferring emotional engagement for now. Don’t mistake silence for healing. Circle back when you’re ready.”
“Perfect. Can’t wait.
“Now back to Fine-Ass Guy.
“What are the steps, then?
“To force feelings. Overnight. Stronger.
“Give me the formula. The play-by-play.
