Page 18 of Codi
“I don’t need an android,” James huffs. “I’ve done pretty well by myself until now, haven’t I?”
There’s something in Madison’s eyes that tells me there’s a good reason for the recommendation. This woman has seen some late nights. She looks to be about my age, maybe a few years younger, but she’s got circles under her eyes that she conceals with makeup. I can see the worry tightening in her features that she’s trying to mask. The geriatric doctor is just a stepping-stone to whatever issue brought them here.
“Well, I have an android,” I say as I remove the blood pressure cuff. “And he’s made everything so much easier.”
“You do?” Madison perks up, and even James seems a little curious.
“Yeah! They’re so helpful. I’ve got a little boy at home, so my house used to be a war zone. Now with Codi, I can actually see the floor.” It refreshes me when I make them laugh a little—although from James, it’s more of a derisive scoff. I’ll take my winnings where I can. “He does plenty of other things too. He’s very helpful. Being able to just enjoy life instead of all the chores that come with it will be nice, yeah?”
“Yeah,” Madison smiles at me, and though she doesn’t say it, there’s gratitude in her weary eyes. “Sounds great.”
I don’t say anything more, not wanting to irritate James, and let them know the doctor will see them in a moment. After the doctor goes in and takes care of them, it’s time to go home—or in my case, pick up Lucas and Codi.
* * *
After getting Lucas from Oliver and Becca, I drive back to the Tin Man. Kyrone called and left me a message while I was at work, letting me know that Codi is all ready to go.
When we step inside the shop, Codi waits there in the lobby for us. He gives me a smile so heart-stopping, my heart actually flutters.
When’s the last time that’s happened to me?
He’s so unbelievably hot. Now without that big old dent in his head, he looks even better. I try to ignore the fact that a single smile from my android has me so caught up, so weak in the knees, and so goddamn thirsty I wish I could take him right there in that back room.
Holy shit, Denise. Pull yourself together.
Kyrone rescues me from my own imagination. “He’s all set. Inhibitor’s gone, dents are fixed. I wasn’t able to reverse his memory wipe, though. There’s an error with his registration that won’t allow him to enter in your information as his owner, which he complained about, but I couldn’t override it. I’m going to do some research. When I think I have a fix for it, I’ll have you come back in. No charge.”
Thank god for that. His repairs weren’t cheap, but I make good money as a nurse, and it was worth it. I’ll take whatever charity Kyrone gives me, though. “Thank you so much.”
“Don’t mention it.”
I smile at Codi. “Are you ready?”
Codi gazes back at me intently. “Yes. I want to go home.”
Home. It’s such a simple word. But the way he says it sends a thrill up my spine. Home, to Codi, means my house. My messes, my struggles, my son. Me. And even now, given the capability to say no, he still wants to go with me.
That’s what I hoped for.
Lucas tugs on my hand, protesting. “Mommy, you said—you said—you said we could go to the park after we get Codi.”
My mind must have been elsewhere when I said that because I definitely don’t remember agreeing to this. “Did I say that?”
Lucas nods eagerly.
I chuckle. “Well, then, I guess we’re going to the park.”
Lucas bounces excitedly as we head back to the car. I play with my keychain as Codi fastens my son into his seat before straightening and turning to me.
“Would you like for me to drive for you, Denise?”
I completely forgot that androids are fully capable of driving and piloting myriad vehicles. An android once made the news for stopping a commercial flight from crashing because she was able to quickly download flight instructions and read and understood them in a matter of seconds.
“Is there anything you can’t do, Codi?” I ask with a playful smile, dropping my keys into his expectant palm.
Codi smirks. “Breathe?” he offers ironically.
I can’t help but laugh. “Fair enough.”
