The Boyfriend Algorithm by E.J. Russell

Author:E.J. Russell [Russell, E.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Reality Optional Press

Geekronym: F2F

Translation: Face to face

Definition: In-person encounter or interaction (as opposed to virtual meetings in cyberspace).

As Charlie had hoped, after Daniel’s intervention, she was able to convince Lindsay to venture into online gaming the very next evening. As the two of them prepared the obligatory snacks without which no gaming night would be complete, Gideon sailed in from the hallway, channeling Noel Coward in his red brocade dressing gown. He froze when he saw Charlie, his hand over his heart, and sucked in a breath in a fake asthmatic wheeze.

“Charles,” he choked, “what in bloody blue blazes are you wearing?”

Charlie sniffed and reached past him for the tortilla chips. “You don't need your glasses-of-many colors to actually see, so don't pretend to be horrified.”

“Fine. I won't be horrified if you go change.” He leaned against the refrigerator and tapped one bare foot. “I'll wait.”

Lord. Charlie stomped down the hallway into her room and shucked off her jersey sweats and SQL Server t-shirt. She put on the roomiest of her new black jeans—roomy being a relative term—and a coral tank top. She was tempted to accessorize with one of Lindsay's scarves, just to annoy Gideon, but it was too much work for not enough return. Besides, she'd only be on display for Lindsay, who wouldn't care, and their Cluster Realms avatars, who, although as realistic as open source code could make them, were nevertheless restricted to the computer screen.

She marched back to the kitchen and held out her arms. “There. Happy now?”

“Ecstatic.” He opened the refrigerator door. “Do we have any of that chili left? I'm famished.”

“There’s tons of snackage. Help yourself.” Charlie gestured to the bowls laid out on the coffee table. “Are you hanging out with us tonight? I've got an extra laptop and game controller.”

“As dearly as I'd love to witness our darling girl's virgin voyage into gaming geekhood, I'm meeting a potential client tonight.”

Charlie shared a grin with Lindsay across the breakfast bar. “You don't usually break out the expensive cologne for business meetings. Is this client hot?”

He propped his chin on the top of the refrigerator door. “Smoking. I may go up in flames sitting in the same room with him.”

“Be careful, Gideon,” Lindsay said. “You need this job. You don't want to blow your chances.” Gideon waggled his eyebrows and Lindsay blushed. “Stop it. You know what I mean.”

“I know, sweetness. Don't worry. I'm the consummate professional, even when I'd prefer to consummate something else. Doesn't mean I can't enjoy the scenery.” He pulled a Tupperware container out of the refrigerator, collected a spoon, and installed himself on one of the barstools as if it were a throne. “So. Charles. The clock is ticking on this bet and you’ve made some good progress. Dinner. Trivia night.” He took a bite of chili and waggled his eyebrows. “Sight of a little skin. What’s next on your strategy map?”

“Why do I need a strategy map? Can't I just, you know, go with the flow?”

He tapped his spoon on the edge of the Tupperware.

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