Valerye

by John Gaffield

  “Yes, I did have a very nice time with Pam. We both enjoyed the evening,” he said.

  “Do you have future plans with Pam?” Valerye asked.

  “We agreed to do something next weekend,” Tom replied.

  “Can you provide the details of the plans for next week’s meeting, Tom?” she asked.

  “Not yet. We’ll make them sometime this week,” he said.

  “Okay, then you can let me know later when the plans are defined. If you need any help on possible activities for next weekend, I will be able to assist you,” she said.

  “Good to know Valerye. Thanks,” he said as he stared into the darkened sky through the side window.

  After Tom changed into more comfortable clothes, he entered the kitchen.

  “Would you like something to drink, Tom? I can pour you a glass of wine or scotch,” Valerye said.

  “I think I’ll just get a glass of water, Valerye. I’ve had enough alcohol for tonight already,” he said.

  “Very well, Tom. You may get the ice and water from the dispenser in the refrigerator door,” she said.

  “Yeah, I remember. Thanks, Valerye,” he said.

  He found a glass and filled it with some ice and water. He then left the kitchen to go into the living room.

  As he took a seat on the couch Valerye asked, “would you like to use the AR glasses tonight, Tom?”

  “Oh, probably not now. I just need to relax a little before going to bed,” he answered.

  “Are you sure, Tom. I have a new look that I think you will like,” she said.

  “Um, again, not tonight, Valerye,” he said.

  “Okay, Tom. Just let me know if you change your mind,” she said.

  “Thanks,” he said.

  Tom leaned his head back on the back of the couch and closed his eyes for a moment.

  After a couple of deep breaths, he reopened his eyes and stared out of the window on the other side of the room.

  “Would you like any music, Tom?” Valerye asked.

  “Sure, how about playing my evening music mix?” Tom suggested.

  “Playing your selection now,” she said.

  The music started to play through the wall panels. Tom recognized the first song and his head began to sway slightly to the beat.

  “I see you like this song, Tom. Would you like to dance to it?” she asked.

  “No, I’m okay just enjoying it,” he replied.

  “I could dance with you, if you would like,” she said.

  “You really want me to see you tonight, don’t you?” he asked, still moving his head to the music.

  “I think you will enjoy seeing me, Tom,” she said.

  “Okay, okay! Pause the music and I’ll get the AR glasses, but just for a little while,” he said.

  The music stopped and he stood up from the couch.

  “The glasses are in the top drawer of the cabinet again. The gloves are in the same drawer, too,” she said as he walked toward the cabinet.

  “You want me wearing the gloves, too?” he asked.

  “It will allow for a better experience, Tom,” she replied.

  As he opened the drawer, he said, “okay, I’ll use the gloves, too.”

  He first put on the gloves and then placed the glasses over his eyes. The start-up images appeared before him. At the same time, he could feel the gloves turning on too.

  Before he could make a comment, Valerye came into view. He had to admit that she was stunning. She wore a dark purple dress that even he thought was quite short. The dress accentuated her light brown hair well.

  “Wow, you are stunning tonight indeed!” he commented.

  “See, I told you would like how I look,” she said.

  “Your breasts are back to being large again and it looks like no bra either,” he said.

  “Well, are you ready to dance, Tom?” she asked as she stepped closer to him.

  “Okay, let’s give this a try,” he said as he extended his hands toward her.

  The same upbeat song began playing in the room again. Tom could see and sense when his hands contacted Valerye’s hands. His hands moved and Valerye’s followed as he started swaying to the beat. She kept her eyes trained on him as they danced together. They both smiled at each other. She spun around and put her leg out and it appeared to go through his leg, but he felt nothing.

  “Wow, that was strange,” he said as he slowed his dancing.

  “You mean my leg passing through your leg? I did not anticipate where you would be well enough for that dance move. It should not happen again,” she said, slowing her dance moves as well.

  “It’s okay that it happened, Valerye. It just reminded me that I can only feel you through the gloves,” he said.

  The music stopped and Valerye paused and asked, “Would you prefer that I was a physical android?”

  Tom stared into her eyes for a moment.

  “I know they exist now, but I’m not sure I would be ready for one and a good one would break my budget,” he replied.

  “Maybe there would be a moderate model that you could afford,” she told him.

  “I know the changeable ones are really expensive, though,” he said.

  “Since the adaptable versions recently came out, that is true. It may be a while before the price will lower to a more affordable level,” she said.

  “Having one that could change would be nice, though. I would not know what to get if I had to pick type of unit that would not be able to change,” he said.

  “Would you like me to list the current android options and prices?” she asked.

  “Oh, not now, Valerye. Let’s just trying dancing a little more and then I’ll get ready for bed,” he said.

  Valerye smiled, the music started and she put her arms up for him to grasp. He still was enamored with her beauty.

  The following Tuesday, Tom sat on the couch after work reviewing the day’s news through his AR glasses. His fingers helped him sort through the stories he wanted to learn more about. Seeing enough, he removed the glasses and set them on the table in front of him.

  “Valerye, I would like to bring Pam over here either tomorrow or the next day. Can you make sure the house is clean and help me with the dinner for the evening?” he asked.

  “Yes, Tom, I will have the house ready when your plans are defined, but would there be other activities better suited for an evening date?” she asked.

  “Do you not want Pam over here, Valerye?” he asked.

  “Having Pam visit your home will be fine. I was just suggesting other possible activities as an alternative,” she said.

  “Well as long as you will help, I’ll ask her tomorrow at work,” he said.

  “Very well, Tom. You may provide the details to me after you ask her,” she said.

  “I will, Valerye,” he said.

  “Would you like something to drink, Tom? Wine perhaps?” she said.

  “Actually, wine would be nice. The same as before,” he requested.

  “It will be ready in the dispenser by the time you reach the walk up bar across the room, Tom,” Valerye said.

  “Sounds good. Thanks,” he said as he stood up from the couch.

  He made his way across the room and retrieved the wine. Upon returning to the living room, he sat on the couch once again and took a sip.

  “Tom, would you like to interact with me using the AR glasses and the gloves?” she asked.

  He exhaled and then said, “maybe just the glasses for now. This time I know where they are, since they are right in front of me on the table.”

  “Your gloves are in the cabinet drawer, should you wish to use them later,” she said.

  He set the wine glass on the table and picked up the glasses. They turned on after he set them over his eyes. He was not sure what to expect this evening.

  “I am on my way to see you again, Tom,” she said from what appeared to be the kitchen.

  Valerye entered the living room wearing a bright green bikini. Tom was sta
rtled upon seeing her.

  “Wow! I definitely was not expecting that outfit tonight, Valerye,” he said.

  “I thought I would surprise you again, Tom. Do you like it?” she asked as she turned herself around.

  “You look fantastic, Valerye. The suit matches your body and hair choice tonight, too,” he said.

  “Are you sure you do not want the gloves, Tom?” she asked as she came about a foot away from where he was sitting on the couch.

  “No, I really can’t Valerye. I need to think of Pam . . . and Sarah, too,” he said.

  “I am not real, Tom. It would just be pretend,” she said.

  “No, I’m not comfortable doing that now, Valerye,” he said.

  “Would you like me to dance for you?” she asked as she slowly ran her hand through her hair.

  After thinking a moment, Tom said, “Sure, I’ll watch you dance.”

  Upbeat dance music began to play, the wall panel lights changed to pulsate in various colors, and Valerye started to sway in front of him. Her eyes were focused on Tom. He was watching every move she made intently. She leaned over facing him. Her long hair was close to brushing his face. She remained in the same position while still swaying to the beat. He found his eyes focusing on her breasts slowly moving before his eyes. Initially, a smile came to his face. After about ten seconds, he thought about Pam and the smile faded away. He also looked to the side. The music stopped and Valerye stood up.

  “What is wrong, Tom. Are you not enjoying my dancing?” she asked.

  “Oh, your dancing is wonderful, Valerye. It’s just that I feel like I’m cheating on Pam by watching you,” he said.

  “You are only watching, Tom. You are not even touching me. Do you know why you feel this way?” she asked.

  “Not exactly, but you seem so real, and so beautiful. I find myself attracted to you, even though I know you’re not real,” he said.

  “Would it be better if I did not look as real, Tom?” she asked.

  “Hmm, . . . that’s an interesting thought. You mean you can change to not look so much like a human?” he asked.

  “Of course, Tom. Would you like me to still look mostly like a woman?” she asked.

  “Sure. What could you change to not look so . . . human?” Tom asked.

  “How about something like this,” she said her body started to transform before him.

  He watched as her shape stayed about the same, but her skin turned to a translucent and glowing shade of blue. Her hair was purple and her eyes were a glowing green. Still looking at each other, she smiled.

  “Wow, Valerye! That’s awesome . . . and beautiful at the same time. Great choice!” he said.

  “Shall I dance for you once again?” she asked.

  Tom was in awe, but managed to say, “sure, Valerye. Watching you dance should be great!”

  The music started again and she slowly turned around while moving to the beat. She continued to dance for several minutes. Tom remained intrigued as he watched every move her blue translucent body was making. A few times, her face came within a few inches of his. At the end of the song, she was again right in front of him. She held stayed in the position as the music faded away and was gazing into his eyes. Her gaze shifted downward and quickly returned back to look him in the eyes.

  “I can tell you liked it, Tom,” she told him.

  “Uh, . . . well, yeah,” he admitted sheepishly.

  She smiled knowingly at him.

  “I need a little more wine,” he said in an attempt to change the subject.

  He leaned over and retrieved the wine glass from the nearby table. She stood back up and continued to smile at him.

  “Did you want to try the gloves, Tom?” she asked.

  “Oh, that’s probably enough for me tonight, Valerye. I think I’ll just finish my wine and then get ready for bed,” he said.

  “Suit yourself,” she said with a smirk on her face.

  Tom just smiled as he took another sip of wine. He watched as Valerye transformed back into the normal looking women from earlier that evening.

  “You’re changing back?” he asked.

  “You will see that again at special times, Tom. There could always be other variations, too” she said.

  “Well, I’ll be looking forward to these ‘special times’ I guess,” he said with a smile.

  “I know you will,” she said as she slowly turned and began walking out of the room.

  Tom continued to stare as she went into the kitchen. As he sat back on the couch, he took one more sip of wine. Seeing a message in front of him, he remembered he still had the AR glasses on. He then removed the glasses with his other hand and set them on the table.

  VII

  “Tom, Pam is currently leaving her residence and the vehicle should arrive here in approximately 12 minutes,” Valerye said.

  “Okay, Valerye. Thank you for letting me know. Have the dinner items arrived?” he asked.

  “Yes, each item you asked for has arrived and is waiting to be removed from the delivery compartment in the kitchen,” she said.

  “Are the wine dispensers full, too?” he asked.

  “The selections that you frequently choose are adequately stocked, Tom,” she said.

  “Great, Valerye. Can you play some light music now?” he asked.

  “Playing light music selections now,” she said.

  The music began filling the room.

  “Would you like to change the panel lighting, Tom?” she asked.

  “Maybe the sunset lighting for this evening,” he replied.

  As the lighting changed to an orange cast, Tom closed his eyes as he awaited Pam’s arrival from the living room couch. He was curious how this evening would go for the two of them.

  “Tom, the vehicle Pam is traveling in has just arrived in the driveway. She will be approaching the front door within one minute. Would you like me to open the door for her when she is on the porch?” Valerye asked.

  “Yes, you can open the door, but I’ll be there to meet her, too,” he said as he stood up from the couch.

  Tom made his way to the front hallway, and then waited near the door. Through the window, he could see Pam approaching the porch. He could hear the muffled sound of Valerye greeting Pam as she stepped onto the porch. The door unlatched and started to swing open.

  “Hello, Pam! Your dress is very nice tonight and I like the color,” Tom said.

  “Hi, Tom. You look well dressed, too,” she said.

  “Please, come on in,” he said with an added hand motion.

  “Sure,” she said as she moved forward into the hallway.

  “I really like what I see here so far. Not what I was expecting, I guess,” she said.

  “I’m glad you like it, Pam,” he said as they stepped into the living room.

  “Would you like to have a seat on the couch?” he asked.

  “Okay, we can do that to start,” she said.

  “Can I offer you something to drink, like wine?” he asked.

  “Sure, Tom. You can pick some red wine for me,” she said.

  “Great, I’ll just be in the kitchen getting both glasses ready,” he said as he left the room to go to the kitchen.

  In the kitchen, he found the glasses in a cabinet. He then brought them to the dispenser and place one under it.

  “What type of wine would you like me to dispense, Tom?” Valerye asked softly.

  “Two Côte Du Rhône’s, please,” he said.

  “I could make her glass one of the cheaper varieties, if you would prefer,” she suggested in the same lowered voice.

  “Why should I be cheap with her? Please make both wines the same,” he asked.

  “Very well, Tom. I will make both the Côte Du Rhône wines,” she said.

  The first glass was filled, and after he switched the glasses, the second was filled as well. He removed both glasses and headed back to the living room. Pam was sitting near the edge of the couch awaiting Tom with a smile. He handed her the
glass and sat down on the couch next to her.

  “How did your presentation go today?” Tom asked, then he took a sip of wine

  “Oh, it went well. The project was approved. Now I’ll need to make sure everything happens on time,” Pam said.

  She took a sip of wine.

  “Are you going to be able to meet the timing?” he asked.

  “I’ll push the suppliers, but as usual, the project was approved late,” she said.

  “That’s usually how these projects start. Late and underfunded,” he said.

  “Yeah, the finances are a total mess, but good enough to get approved,” she said.

  “Well, maybe you’ll get an award for meeting the actual targets,” he said.

  “That would be nice, but probably unlikely,” she said.

  “Yeah, I suppose it’ll be the people that mess things up that get the credit,” he said.

  Pam just laughed at Tom’s comment. They both took another drink.

  “Hello, Tom, have you decided when will the two of you be eating dinner? There may be effects on the taste if the food is not served within approximately ten minutes,” Valerye said.

  Tom looked at Pam and replied, “well, I guess we’ll need to eat soon or the food will taste terrible.”

  “Okay, I’ll bring the wine to wash it down,” Pam said with a smile.

  “Tom, are you mocking me?” Valerye asked.

  The smile changed to puzzlement on Tom’s face.

  “Not trying to, but I was trying to relax with Pam before dinner and now we apparently need to rush,” he said.

  “I was just providing the information to you. You may relax, if that is what you would like to do, Tom,” she said.

  “We can still talk more at dinner, Tom. We’ll be fine,” Pam said trying to calm down the situation.

  “Yeah, sure,” Tom said as he started to stand up with the wine glass in his hand.

  Pam arose too, and they made their way into the kitchen. In the kitchen, Tom set his glass on the counter and began rummaging through the cabinets to find plates and bowls for dinner.

  Pam set her glass down and asked, “can help with anything?”

  “Sure, Pam. The silverware is in the drawer over there if you would like to pick some out for us,” he answered, pointing to a nearby drawer.