Enchanted Dreams Part 15

"Hey, I wouldn't have half these opportunities if you weren't around," he said with a laugh. "I need you to make me look good."

"See you later," she called as he walked out the door.

Georgia brushed aside the doc.u.ments Donald left her so she could run another update on the program. Normally she would have hours of data entry to squeeze in between her obsession with watching the ongoing saga of the world she had helped create, but now it seemed there was no immediate necessity to keep up with that. It gave her a little pang to realize she was already adopting Donald's careless work ethic about the program, but on the other hand, it would give her more time to watch Ca.s.sie.

She sat back in her chair and waited.

In the short time that had pa.s.sed since she had first updated, perhaps twenty minutes or so, Ca.s.sie had put half the day behind her. Georgia found her sitting in her office, working on her computer. Something in the way she sat there, with her back unnaturally straight and nervously glancing toward the door intrigued Georgia. She zoomed in closer so that she could read Ca.s.sie's computer screen. The words Incentive Program immediately caught Georgia's eye. Upon further inspection Georgia saw that Ca.s.sie had, in fact, already registered her profile. She was now perusing other profiles in the program. Georgia cursed. She had not wanted to miss a moment of this. She promised herself she'd go back and catch what she missed while Ca.s.sie was asleep.

Georgia's heart began to beat a little faster as she looked over the profiles with Ca.s.sie. She sat on the edge of her seat, her whole body alive with excitement. She shook her head in amazement when she saw how many profiles matched. There were more than three hundred of them!

Georgia had to admit it made sense. The men far outnumbered the women since the epidemic, and she supposed that the changes in behavior, given the circ.u.mstances, were to be expected. And yet, it seemed that mankind had, in many ways, moved backward, not forward. The violence, the kidnappings, the aggression-if not for their advanced technology and sophisticated appearance, she might have thought she was watching Neanderthal man. Many of the events of more recent years had left her aghast and wondering. Most of the women who survived the epidemic didn't dare leave their houses for fear of what might happen to them. This left them as isolated as the men. Partic.i.p.ating in the government-funded incentive program would give these women a chance to choose their own fate, while offering them protection and even saving them thousands of dollars in tax deductions. All of the men in the incentive program had to submit to scrutiny and approval by the government, not to mention that they would be held accountable if any harm came to the women they met through the program. And the men, too, had more options with the program. They could either join individually and be paired with other men by the program, or they could join as a group. Ca.s.sie was presently perusing profiles of men who had signed up in the program together. Silently Georgia approved of this. Surely the men would cope with the situation better if they already knew one another, especially if they were friends.

Georgia was mildly surprised to see that many of the men were joined up with relatives. It seemed that it was more tolerable for a man to share a woman with a man he was related to.

As Georgia watched, she was becoming more and more frustrated with the way Ca.s.sie was rus.h.i.+ng through the profiles. She merely glanced over them quickly and bookmarked the ones she liked. At times, Georgia wondered at her selections. Some of the better choices, in Georgia's opinion, were carelessly being pa.s.sed over. Georgia would have put more thought into it, if it were her. But then again, there were so many. It was pretty overwhelming.

"s.h.i.+t!" Georgia murmured as Ca.s.sie pa.s.sed over yet another profile that she had been favoring. "Your taste in men sucks," she murmured. Ca.s.sie just kept heedlessly bookmarking the profiles that appealed to her. Every now and then Ca.s.sie would glance nervously at the door to her office, to ensure that no one was coming.

The next profile to come up featured an especially attractive threesome. You could see at a glance that two of the men were brothers. Their eyes, which were startlingly blue and intense, had a sad quality to them that brought about an instant response in Georgia. The brother who stood in between the other two men-Craig, the profile said his name was-was the one who held Georgia's interest. In his eyes, she perceived an innate kindness, and in his smile a cheerful manner that s.h.i.+elded a deeper sorrow. It was as if he was calling out to her.

"There!" Georgia cried out to her computer screen. "That one!" At that very moment, Ca.s.sie clicked on their profile to get a closer look. But just as she did with all the profiles, Ca.s.sie gave this one no more than a cursory glance before clicking back to the main page. Georgia had had only enough time to read the first line of their greeting, but that was enough to intrigue her even more. Three good friends looking for a fourth.

However, Ca.s.sie was already forging ahead, arrowing down to the next profile on the page.

"What?" Georgia cried in outrage.

As if she had heard Georgia, Ca.s.sie suddenly paused, and then arrowed back up. Georgia held her breath as she watched Ca.s.sie bookmark Craig's profile.

"Yes!" Georgia cried.

And so it went, for the next hour or so, until Ca.s.sie-with Georgia watching every step of the way, cursing the computer when a decision was made that she disagreed with-bookmarked the profiles of no less than thirty-seven groups of men. Most of the groups consisted of three, but there were a few that contained four and even five men.

Once the preferred profiles had been bookmarked, Ca.s.sie, with her usual organized and methodical way of doing things, sent each of the groups a message. To Georgia's surprise, she didn't even personalize the message for each individual group, but rather, simply cut and paste her first message and sent it to each of them.

Her message read, Hi. I saw your profile on the site for the incentive program. I just signed up today. My profile has been created if you would like to check it out. Have you received many responses so far? Ca.s.sie.

Ca.s.sie leaned back in her chair with a sigh. Her sigh seemed to say, Now I will have to wait for the responses to come in. But Georgia smiled, because nearly two days had pa.s.sed in Ca.s.sie's virtual world during the time they had spent perusing the profiles. She hit Update and waited excitedly.

Dawn was breaking in cyber world when the update was complete. Georgia saw that they were once again in Ca.s.sie's apartment. She could see the light slowly penetrating the blinds. She maneuvered her view to Ca.s.sie's bedroom, to verify that she was, in fact, still asleep in bed.

Satisfied that nothing significant was happening at the moment, Georgia tracked backward in the program to where she had only a moment before left off. Then she perused Ca.s.sie's activities in fast-forward mode, until she next saw Ca.s.sie settle in front of her computer. Then she stopped to see what was happening.

Just as Georgia hoped, Ca.s.sie was logging back on to the incentive program.

And there were responses!

Every profile, it seemed, or nearly so, had responded to Ca.s.sie's message. A few had responded twice. The men were clearly eager and they didn't make any effort to hide it. Georgia read their responses along with Ca.s.sie and watched as she replied, but there was one message in particular that she was looking for. And there was nothing exceptional in any of the messages that diverted Georgia's attention from the one she awaited. She waited impatiently for Ca.s.sie to get to it.

At last she caught sight of his name in the heading of the next message, and she squealed excitedly as Ca.s.sie opened it.

--Original Message-- From: "Craig Holbrook"

To: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

Sent: 9/23/2304 3:15 p.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Hi Ca.s.sie, Thanks for writing. As you might have noticed from our profile, two of us travel for work most days, so if you try to contact us and don't get an immediate response please be patient. We will respond first chance we get. I already looked at your profile and I think I can speak for all of us when I say that you seem like a very special person. You've definitely piqued my interest. You're the second response we've received and hopefully you'll work out better than the first, who lives halfway across the country. I will forward these messages to the guys. So what would you like to know about us, Ca.s.sie? Craig Georgia read Craig's message several times over. She felt a little disappointed. It was a very nice message, and yet it lacked the enthusiasm of some of the others, which were filled with personal information or pressing for an immediate meeting. But on second thought, she felt that perhaps this was a good thing. The men in this strange new world had become a bit too desperate. Yet given the circ.u.mstances, it seemed rather cheeky of this one to act as if he had all the opportunity in the world when they both knew that he did not. Georgia was even more intrigued.

Ca.s.sie seemed intrigued, too. She went back to Craig's profile page and took a good look at the picture of him and the other two men in his group. She zoomed in to get a better look at Craig. Georgia's heart beat a little faster as she watched.

Georgia and Ca.s.sie read the three men's entire profile this time. Craig was a civil engineer who went on the road to visit customers for servicing and maintenance. He appeared to be the spokesperson for the group. He described himself as "self-a.s.sured but not self-confident." He said he was easygoing, but Georgia had already surmised this from his e-mail. He said he valued women, even before the shortage, but he stressed that he was not willing to settle. His was the only profile that "strongly agreed" with the statement that he "had high expectations." Georgia raised her eyebrows at this.

Craig's best friend was Steve. Steve was described as "a good guy" with a "great sense of humor" and as the "best-looking out of the bunch." Like the larger portion of the population, he worked in a computer factory, programming various systems from a small cubicle. In his free time, he was into sports and playing poker. Steve and Craig had grown up together.

Peter, Craig's brother, was a pilot. Craig described him as "a good guy" who was "serious" and "reliable." Overall, the least was said about Peter.

After reading their profile over several times, Ca.s.sie went back to the message page. She replied to Craig as follows: --Original Message-- From: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

To: "Craig Holbrook"

Sent: 9/23/2304 6:07 p.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Hi, Craig, I read the profiles for you, Steve and Peter. Can you tell me something more about yourselves that isn't there? I am a little nervous about all of this, and it would help if I could get to know you better. I am curious about one thing...how do you choose who to team up with for something like this? It must be strange for you. Were you on one of the other sites before the incentive program was approved? Do you know of others who have done this and how it worked out? I'm sorry if I'm asking too many questions. I am very unsure about how this all happens. Ca.s.sie Georgia felt this response was rather unexciting, as well, but on the other hand, what did one say in this situation? She sighed dreamily, wondering how Craig would answer Ca.s.sie's questions. Then she suddenly remembered that more time had elapsed while she had been looking over their profile with Ca.s.sie! And, too, she had backtracked in time to get there. She hit Update and waited, noticing now that time was quickly pa.s.sing in her real world as well, and she had done nothing but watch Ca.s.sie all day. But she had to see what Craig would answer next. So she followed the same pattern as before-updating, then going back to where she left off and fast-forwarding in motion so she could pick out the parts she wanted to watch in real time.

It didn't take Georgia long to find what she was looking for. She hit the real-time b.u.t.ton just as Ca.s.sie was opening her message from Craig.

--Original Message-- From: "Craig Holbrook"

To: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

Sent: 9/23/2304 8:15 p.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Ca.s.sie, We welcome all your questions. We expected them. What's not in the profile? I'm practical and probably the most laid-back, Steve's the life of the party, and Peter is focused and intense. We are all loyal types who are there when you need us. We are new to adopt this concept and quite honestly a bit skeptical about getting involved. We are, however, realists and, with a great deal of discussion, willing to make a go of it. I seem to have been selected to be our mouthpiece but all three of us are committed to it. Steve wants to know what you meant in your profile by "this could be exciting." Peter would like to know why you joined up. I think he's having a hard time believing women do this because it's the "right" thing. Please don't be too concerned about our questions, either. We all believe in being up-front and honest about everything. Looking forward to hearing from you again. Craig.

Georgia was taken aback by Craig's honesty. She smiled as she read his words again. She waited impatiently to see what Ca.s.sie would reply.

--Original Message-- From: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

To: "Craig Holbrook"

Sent: 9/23/2304 8:23 p.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Hi, Craig, There is something very nice about the tone of your messages. It sounds like you three have put a lot of thought into this. I have, too. I have been thinking about it ever since the debate over the incentive program began. With everything that's been happening, I have been afraid, frankly, to go out with a man without some kind of protection but, outside of the program, there is none. And women can only partic.i.p.ate in the program if they are willing to accept multiple partners, as you know. So I guess you could say I didn't think I had much choice. For one reason or another, I never got married, and now it looks like I might have held out too long. Who could have guessed this would happen? Steve sounds like a card. Tell him I said what does he think I meant by "could be exciting"? You seem like fun guys. One of the things that caught my interest is that two of you are brothers. Are you close? Do you think it will be better or worse, sharing a woman with your brother? This all still feels so strange to me. I have to admit that I don't know how it's supposed to work. They have some real-life stories posted online from people who are doing this already, with advice on how to make it work. Have you read any of those stories? I guess I have given you enough questions for now. I don't mind you asking me questions, either. I look forward to hearing back from you. Ca.s.sie Georgia was equally surprised by Ca.s.sie's candid remarks. This was going to be interesting. She fast-forwarded through all of Ca.s.sie's other daily events until she found her reading another message from Craig.

--Original Message-- From: "Craig Holbrook"

To: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

Sent: 9/23/2304 10:30 p.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Hi back again, You seem to be quickly becoming more at ease with this. I like that. Steve and I are very close even though he's much better-looking than I am and usually steals all the girls' hearts. I haven't read any of those stories online. I think this type of thing would have to be worked out on an individual basis with us communicating about what we think would work best. We might have to set some ground rules as we go along. Your profile said you're willing to have children. How many? I was thinking nine would be great for a baseball team. Steve and I have both always wanted children. Peter's not sure, given the state this world is in. As far as sharing a woman, we men have shared women for hundreds of years, in my view. Just ask any woman how many men she has slept with. This concept is not new and the fact that it's being promoted by the government makes it even more acceptable. Although I do realize there is still a stigma attached to women who do this. Some people will always stick their heads in the sand. Says a lot about your strength to step up for it. Let's talk again soon! Craig Georgia found herself smiling as she read Craig's message. She watched with interest to see what Ca.s.sie would write back.

--Original Message-- From: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

To: "Craig Holbrook"

Sent: 9/23/2304 10:38 p.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Hi, Craig, I enjoy your messages. Your att.i.tude seems really healthy. I like the way you look at things. I'm not sure I'm "at ease" with this per se. I would say I am becoming accustomed to the idea. Your manner is definitely making it easier. I agree with having ground rules. I am just wondering what they should be. Any ideas??? I do not recall saying that I wanted children. Was that in my profile? Oh, maybe it was. I have always wanted children, just maybe not as many as you, lol. But I would have to really give it some thought in this situation before I made that kind of commitment. But there is time for that, right? Ca.s.sie There were so many things that Georgia wished Ca.s.sie would write, so many questions she would have liked Craig to answer. She sighed in frustration to only be a spectator in this. Meanwhile, there were many other e-mails from the other men in the program, and Georgia watched halfheartedly as Ca.s.sie answered each of them. But all of her thoughts were of Craig and Steve and Peter. She continued to watch the other correspondence mostly just to gauge their importance to Ca.s.sie, and to ensure that no one was moving ahead of Craig. She was pleased to find that Ca.s.sie appeared to prefer Craig, as well.

After answering all of the e-mails, Ca.s.sie went to bed. Georgia once again jumped ahead to Craig's next message, which Ca.s.sie discovered upon waking the next morning.

--Original Message-- From: "Craig Holbrook"

To: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

Sent: 9/24/2304 6:35 a.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Good morning, Ca.s.sie, It's nice having you to wake up to in the morning. As you can see, I'm an early riser, which means I'm also usually early to bed. I thought about all of this a lot more when I went to bed last night. Having a real-life, tangible candidate for this suddenly makes it seem so much more real. I was thinking of some of the issues that might arise. Although the relations.h.i.+p would ideally be doled out in equal parts to all three men, we do realize a closer bond would most likely arise between you and one or even two of us. But it's important that none of us be left out either socially or s.e.xually. To my way of thinking, this would be the most important hurdle to overcome and unfortunately this may fall on your shoulders as it is your feelings that will determine who gets what. As with all issues, it is our belief that there are no problems, there are only solutions and we are willing to do what's necessary to make this work. You would without a doubt be spoiled to the core. The three of us are each successful in our jobs and financially sound (although I have to admit not very materialistic). We are always up to something, usually outdoor activities. Steve and I were on the rowing team in college and Peter played a lot of baseball and wrestled. All of us take our health seriously, and we each cook and eat well. A big part of us staying healthy includes downtime and so we make time for that, as well. You asked before what brought us together. Maybe it's that we seem to agree on so many things. About these ground rules, how about we take turns throwing one back and forth? Sound good? I'll start. Rule #1. Ca.s.sie can veto anything that us guys come up with, but she has to be a part of resolving the matter. Okay, your turn. Craig For some reason this message caused Georgia to laugh, and to her surprise, she heard Ca.s.sie, who was normally so serious, chuckling right along with her. Craig really did have a very appealing way of approaching things. Georgia was glad to see that Ca.s.sie appreciated his thoughtful manner as much as she did. And she also noticed that Ca.s.sie had singled out his message from the many in her in-box, yet again, to read first. She watched excitedly as Ca.s.sie replied to Craig.

--Original Message-- From: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

To: "Craig Holbrook"

Sent: 9/24/2304 8:09 a.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Hi, Craig, I have to admit that with every e-mail from you I like you more. I can tell that you are a considerate and thoughtful person by the way you are already thinking of your friends' feelings. I couldn't help but think when I read it that, if the situation was reversed, you might be one of the few guys who could actually pull it off with multiple women partners! I have thought of those same issues, as well. I am the sort of person who wants everyone to be happy and I am aware going in that this situation would be difficult for the men involved. To be honest, that was the biggest drawback about the program for me. I have also been thinking about how hard it might be to make multiple partners happy, not that it wouldn't be worth the effort, but I was wondering if it could be done. I do take this situation seriously and I would only do it with the intention of making a genuine effort, especially if I was being, as you say, "spoiled to the core." I wouldn't want to let anyone down. But I'm very encouraged by your determination and your positive, make-it-work att.i.tude. I find that extremely attractive, and I want you to know that I am the same way. As for the rules, I LOVE the idea. Although I am confused by your first rule...do you mean I will always have veto power over your three votes? Please explain. And in the meantime, here is my first rule. RULE #2. In everything, we will first and foremost always try to make it fun. How's that? Ca.s.sie Georgia clapped her hands together with delight. She congratulated Ca.s.sie on a response that was better than she could have done herself. Everything she said was perfect. Georgia watched her with renewed admiration. She had an old-fas.h.i.+oned, practical att.i.tude that appealed to Georgia. And her solitary lifestyle which had been, until lately, made up primarily of her work, was also something Georgia could relate to.

Many of the other candidates were quickly being sifted out. Some of the men were becoming too aggressive for such a new acquaintance. Others had already become blatantly s.e.xual. Ca.s.sie instantly terminated all future correspondence with those. Georgia continued to monitor the remaining candidates, but she was confident that there were no real contenders for Craig.

Georgia glanced at the clock and gasped. Her workday had elapsed and she hadn't done any work. She could suddenly see what Donald meant. When it was no longer imperative to keep going, it was terribly easy to let the work slide. And yet, Georgia reminded herself that the sooner she stopped entering data into the program the sooner it would lose its accuracy and run off course. But what did that matter? She could not keep the program running without the funding. And anyway, she found herself unable to move away from the screen. It wasn't every day that a woman came across an event like the incentive program! She simply had to keep watching. It felt like all she had. She fast-forwarded, yet again, to Craig's next message to Ca.s.sie. He must have been working on the road that day because he did not answer her until later that afternoon.

--Original Message-- From: "Craig Holbrook"

To: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

Sent: 9/24/2304 3:32 p.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Ca.s.sie, Pleasing several women??? I'm not saying it's impossible but it's not an endeavor to be taken on by the strongest of my gender and live to tell the tale. I'll leave it at that. Of course, what I meant is that you would have the veto power over issues dealing with you and the four of us. But in other matters your vote would count for one, just as with ours. Everyone loved your Rule #2. You used the term "multiple partners," I see. So let's explore this a little, shall we? Is there a part of you that is a little intrigued by this? RULE #3. Always be honest. Craig.

Georgia read along as Ca.s.sie typed her reply to this message. She wondered what Ca.s.sie would say to Craig's last question.

--Original Message-- From: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

To: "Craig Holbrook"

Sent: 9/24/2304 3:45 p.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Craig, So are you saying that you would not be intrigued with the prospect of having multiple partners if the situation was reversed? Remember your Rule #3! Back to this veto power thing, what kind of issues are you referring to? Can you give me some examples of things I would have veto power over versus things I would just have a single vote in? Since we are being honest, and yes, I love the idea of us always being honest with each other, I will admit that I am a bit intrigued by this. Who wouldn't be? I'm a little apprehensive, too, but the excitement is there. But I don't know yet how it will all play out in reality. Now, for another rule: RULE #4. All four of us must be equally committed to each other and the relations.h.i.+p. I thought of this one because it occurred to me that you three would have to be committed to each other as well as being committed to me. And each of you would have to accept that I would have a commitment to the others. Do you agree that this makes sense? Do you think that we are ready to talk on the phone? And would I be talking to just you or all three of you? Do you share everything in these e-mails with Peter and Steve? Ca.s.sie This was happening so fast. Georgia was on the edge of her seat. Yet she hadn't eaten anything all day and she was exhausted. She forced herself to stand up and nearly fell down. One of her legs had fallen asleep from being in one position for too long. She stretched, glancing back at the screen longingly. But luckily, she had access to the program from her computer at home, so the most logical thing to do would be to go home and get comfortable before watching more. She opened the refrigerator at the office but there was little inside that wasn't covered in mold. It wouldn't do to stay longer. She was already getting weak from hunger.

Georgia was suddenly thrust into motion, rus.h.i.+ng around absently to get just the bare necessities done before leaving the office for the day. Then she stopped for fast food on the road and ate it in the car. She knew it was insane, to be so connected to Ca.s.sie's life-far more connected than she was to her own, in fact-but she couldn't seem to control herself. It was as if Georgia were living a part of Ca.s.sie's existence, a part that was more intriguing to her. She almost choked on her cold, tasteless sandwich when she realized suddenly that Ca.s.sie's existence was more important to her than her own! She hadn't taken the slightest interest in her own life since the inception of the incentive program. She was forced to think about this as she drove the rest of the way home.

Georgia felt depressed when she walked through the door of her apartment. What was she doing, allowing herself to become so involved in a program that wouldn't even exist in a few months? She moved listlessly through her apartment, noticing for the first time how messy and unappealing the rooms were. She pulled off her work clothes and quickly covered up her neglected body in sweatpants and a T-s.h.i.+rt. When she was finished, she glanced at the computer longingly. She had promised herself in the car, during that moment's revelation, that she would avoid the computer for as long as she could once she got home. And although she had known she wouldn't be able to hold out for long, she had expected that she would be able to find something else to do for a few minutes at least. She told herself that she would have to wean herself off the program slowly. Yet, looking around her dismal apartment, she wondered how she was ever going to give the program up. What else did she have?

She moved toward the computer as if being drawn by an invisible force. She made another promise to herself that she would read the information Donald left her first thing in the morning. Perhaps there was something in there that would pique her interest enough to lure her away from Ca.s.sie and the program. These thoughts rea.s.sured her as she logged in and updated the program.

She felt the blood once again warming her veins as she forwarded through the events of Ca.s.sie's life, searching for the next correspondence from Craig.

--Original Message-- From: "Craig Holbrook"

To: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

Sent: 9/24/2304 4:19 p.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Hi, Ca.s.s, Do you mind if I call you that? Yes, I share and discuss all of our e-mails with Steve and Peter. It's what we agreed upon. And yes, if the roles were reversed we would all be intrigued with the idea, too. But to be honest, finding one woman for the three of us has been hard enough. Fantasizing about having multiple women is just cruel at this point. I came up with that first rule because I wanted you to feel in control. Your body is yours, and if us guys come up with something that involves you-let's say s.e.xually-and you're not on board with it, then you should always have the right to veto it. An example might be who you sleep with, or when. As you might imagine, three healthy males in the prime of their lives could probably wear you out. We agree with your Rule #4. As well, we think a phone connection would be great. Not quite sure if you're ready for it, but we would prefer a virtual call to kick things off. We want to see you as well as to hear your voice. Are you shy? Of course we would be delighted to talk to you in any format you desire. RULE #5. Everyone gets some alone time with you, including yourself (we're talking about social time, not s.e.x). You're up. The boys Georgia's introspection was instantly forgotten upon reading this message from Craig. Her earlier excitement came back in a gush. Craig and "the boys" were becoming real to her. She could see that it was the same for Ca.s.sie. She waited impatiently for her to answer. Ca.s.sie actually got up from her computer and walked around before responding. She seemed nervous and Georgia could imagine why. Craig made things seem so easy while at the same time making them easier by being so thoughtful and kind. But the practicalities of the situation were frightening. Ca.s.sie, like Georgia, had been completely without a man for a very long time. It had to be overwhelming to contemplate suddenly having three. And in spite of Craig's easygoing manner, it really was all happening very fast. In a few minutes, Ca.s.sie became composed enough to respond to Craig's e-mail.

--Original Message-- From: "Ca.s.sie Michaelson"

To: "Craig Holbrook"

Sent: 9/24/2304 4:50 p.m.

Subject: Re: YOUR PROFILE ON THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Craig, Steve and Peter, I figured it was probably time that I start addressing all of you in these e-mails. I have to admit that I find myself looking forward to hearing from you. I have stopped e-mailing all of the other candidates. Maybe I shouldn't tell you that. I don't mind you calling me Ca.s.s. I like it. I understand your veto rule now, and I agree it is necessary, although I have to say that I don't care for the idea of picking and choosing between you. It seems like it could be a rather cruel thing to have to do. I remember in school reading about how in historic times men in some countries had multiple wives and how some of those wives were pa.s.sed over and ignored. I could not bear to be that way. It seems like a lot of power to have over others. I want our relations.h.i.+p to be, as much as possible, like a traditional relations.h.i.+p between two people. But maybe this is unrealistic. Even among those relations.h.i.+ps, I know that there was a high failure rate. I can't wait to see you and hear your voices, as well. Yes, of course we should do the virtual call. As I'm reading these messages, I'm trying to imagine what you are really like and what your reactions are. It would be wonderful to communicate in 3-D, so to speak. I like your Rule #5. It was very considerate of you to think of that. I am having difficulty coming up with more rules. We might need to get into this a little more before we know what kinds of rules we'll need. I'm going to pa.s.s on putting a rule in this message. Will you forward me your virtual code and a good time to call? Ca.s.s Immediately after the message was sent, Georgia hit Fast-Forward and watched Ca.s.sie in high speed trying to stay busy between checking the computer for Craig's next message. It didn't take long for him to get back to her with his number, but he suggested she wait until Peter got there before actually calling. They had about two hours to wait, as Peter was still working. Ca.s.sie looked dejected. But Georgia merely pressed Fast-Forward once again. So much had happened in such a short span of time that Georgia was getting farther and farther behind in the future events while she watched. In the back of her mind, she was aware that Ca.s.sie and the boys might actually be together somewhere by now, but she desperately wanted to see the events unfold as they occurred. As much as it tempted her, she resisted her urge to sneak ahead and peek at where all of this would lead. She was always aware that the program was moving ahead at an accelerated rate while she lingered to watch the details.

She stopped fast-forwarding when she saw Ca.s.sie entering Craig's code for their virtual call. Both she and Ca.s.sie took a deep breath as they listened to the first ring.

"Ca.s.sie!" Craig's voice was just as Georgia had imagined it, gentle and kind. He smiled up at Ca.s.sie from her computer screen. "Right on time. Say h.e.l.lo to Steve and Peter."

"Hi, Ca.s.sie," both men said at once.

"Hi." Ca.s.sie stared back at the three handsome men like a deer caught in the headlights.

Craig chuckled. "We're all a little nervous, but I can only imagine how you must feel, Ca.s.s." He paused a minute. "We can take this as slow as you like, you know. Give you a chance to get used to us." Ca.s.sie smiled at him. Georgia knew that Ca.s.sie must be overwhelmed, seeing the three of them all at once. She was a bit overwhelmed herself! She found that she couldn't pull her gaze away from Craig's piercing blue eyes. They seemed to touch something deep inside her, stirring it to life.

"Give her a minute to absorb it all," Steve told Craig. "I'm sure she didn't expect us to be so good-looking in person." Ca.s.sie laughed when he said this and, encouraged, Steve said to her, conspiratorially, "I get credit for that. I told these guys, 'You can't put your best picture online or she'll be disappointed when she sees what you really look like.' That's why we chose that one where Pete and Craig look so goofy. We figured it'd be a pleasant surprise when you saw that they didn't really look like that. Of course," he added to Craig and Peter, "I didn't expect it to have this effect on her. Look, she's speechless!" He reached over and messed up Peter's hair. Ca.s.sie laughed again, a spontaneous burst of merriment that caused all three men to smile-even Peter, who initially seemed a little put out over getting his hair messed up.

"There," Craig said. "Do you feel a little better now, Ca.s.sie?"

"Actually, I do," she told him, still laughing at Peter, who was trying to fix his hair the way it was before.

"You have a wonderful laugh," Craig told her. "We were sitting here talking before you phoned about how down to earth you seemed in your e-mails. In person you seem even more so. We really appreciate that."

"Thank you," Ca.s.sie said. "You guys are very easy to be with, too."

"So, how are you?" Craig asked.

"I'm okay. I guess I did get a little stage fright there for a minute. How are you guys? Peter?"