Modern Secretary Ch. 08 - House Party

Alex woke up with throbbing morning wood. He had dreamt of Sarah, and how they might have finished their night several weeks ago. It was incredibly vivid but stopped right before he could climax. A part of him regretted not allowing things to go further that evening, but the fact remained he hadn't worked things out with Chloe yet.

Before he started going there with Sarah, he needed to make sure his past was truly behind him. But the more he thought about it, the more Alex wondered what he wanted from Chloe. Alex stood and went to his bathroom, turned on the shower, and hopped in.

As steam slowly rose around him, Alex closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He glanced at his bathroom's full-sized windows, enjoying the overlooking view of the spanning forest below. A view accented by the beautiful Sunday morning rays creeping into his large standing shower. Steaming water trickled off him, as gentle mists rose from the porcelain floor. Alex closed his eyes and placed his head under the water, as soon as he did, his mind went back to that night. To Sarah. He could see her curvy athletic figure perfectly, he saw the shimmer of her golden hair. He smelt her perfume and heard her laugh echo in his mind. She was an angel on earth, she shouldn't exist. He thought of her naked body pressing against his, and he felt his dick throb in response.

His hand wrapped around it, and Alex began to stroke as he thought of how many ways he could have taken her that night. He envisioned Sarah's round ass slapping into his thighs, he saw her mouth open in ecstasy as she rode his cock without mercy, he saw her skin glistening with his cum. Alex's pace began to quicken, and as he began to draw closer to climax, a white figure appeared just outside the glass shower doors. It was Amber, at least, the hologram of Amber.

"Am I interrupting something?" Amber asked, looking at Alex with some amusement. His rhythm came to an abrupt halt and he stood up awkwardly.

"Amber! Jesus, I told you not to--"

"Not to snoop on conversations, I'm well aware. You never said anything about interrupting... personal time." Amber had an intrigued look on her face as she stared at Alex's erection. Alex followed her gaze, more interested than embarrassed.

"Amber, did you need something?" Alex asked.

"Hmmm? Oh, right yes. We have a slight issue with SharpEdge..." Amber answered, still staring at Alex's groin.

"There's always an issue with SharpEdge. Can it wait till Monday?" Alex asked, quickly washing off and stepping out of the shower. He walked towards Amber. She didn't bother moving, the two rubbed against one another as he stepped in front of the sink. The softness of her skin always surprised him. Alex knew she wasn't there, at least not physically. Her existence was made possible by his own neural response to the avatar both he and Amber shared. But it felt real, very real. If Alex had not known about the implant in his brain, he would have thought Amber was just as real as any other woman he knew. Of course, her perfectly porcelain skin and glowing blue eyes might have been a giveaway.

It was one of the reasons he kept the technology so close to his chest - the neural link was both a blessing and a curse.

What he had not anticipated, however, was how much Amber would also come to rely on this new technology. It was clear, at least to him, that she enjoyed their contact. As he went for his towel and wrapped it around himself, Amber stepped close beside him, rubbing her arm against his.

"You're still erect," Amber noted, still staring at the bulge in his towel.

"Yeah... a bit pent up," Alex answered.

"I can see..." Amber replied, her eyes fixated on him.

"Amber, we really need to work on your personal boundaries," Alex replied with a chuckle, walking over to his sink and grabbing his toothbrush.

"Will it stay like that until you cum?" She asked him, walking closely behind him.

"No, it'll go down in a minute. I was... god this is a weird conversation. I was close just now... so it's going to take a minute." Alex replied. The two were silent for a moment while Alex brushed his teeth, Amber never leaving her close proximity.

"Why didn't you program to have a vagina?" Amber asked, making Alex gag. He spit out his toothpaste, coughing as he turned to Amber.

"Why would you need it?" Alex asked. Amber shrugged.

"If I, I don't know, ever wanted to feel what it was like? If I ever met someone." Amber said, looking to the floor bashfully. This behavior was an unlikely turn Alex had not anticipated. He had given this version of Amber a level of self-awareness unseen in any AI before or after her. The idea was for her to be as authentic as possible. This meant, of course, that the AI would eventually deviate from a preselected script as its own "self" formed. Alex used the term self loosely since he couldn't be sure what it truly meant to have a personal self. But for Amber to deviate into sexual curiosity was something Alex had not foreseen.

"Who would you meet? You know I'm the only one who can see you." Alex said.

"I know..." Amber said, looking to the ground. The two were silent for a time more.

"Amber I..."

"Could you do it? Could you program it for me? Just so I know what it could feel like?" She asked, stepping forward. Alex stepped back, hitting the wall behind him. Amber pressed her body against his. He glanced down, noting her long legs and wide hips. She had a beautiful uniqueness about her, accentuated by long limbs and neck. She could choose whatever form she wanted, and it fascinated Alex that she chose this one.

He cleared his throat, "I could probably get something in the works, there's enough data out there I'm sure..." Amber smiled, her face only inches from his.

"That's great, really great. I can feel... well... I feel things. But I'd like to feel all of it, you know?" She said.

"Y-yeah," Alex said, smelling Amber's sweet breath.

"And maybe when I have it... we can-" Before Amber could finish, Alex saw a call coming from his HUD. It was Edward calling from his SharpEdge line. Alex let out a groan.

"Of course, he'd be the one calling," Alex mumbled, Amber backed away, fixing her hair bashfully.

"Sorry, I was supposed to tell you. Edward is auditing their Amber servers." Amber said.

"You've got to be shitting me..." Alex opened the line and saw Edward's face appear in his vision.

"Alex? You there?" Edward asked.

"Yeah, I'm here. I hear we have an audit coming through?" Alex said, walking back to his bedroom.

"Yeah, sorry about that. We've just been having issues with your AI meeting all of our standards so... naturally, some Lords wanted the due diligence done." Edward's voice was filled with an aggressive smugness. His angle of attack disappointed Alex however, it was far weaker than he had anticipated.

"Have them do it twice, they'll find the issue in the second server room. It doesn't have the capacity for the neural level III load. I've just sent the proper documentation to you regarding the neural architecture needed for the level III expansion. It matches the initial warning I gave you earlier this month."

"I don't need all the jargon. It won't save you from the audit." Edward cut in. His agitation was music to Alex's ears.

"Actually, it will. I know you were never one for the technical part of your job, but you might want to listen to what I'm saying. Because they'll be asking you about it directly." Alex said calmly as he threw on a shirt and pants.

"And why would they do that?"

"You don't know?" Alex asked. Edward's face went cold. He was angry, angrier than Alex had ever seen him. It was out of character for Edward to appear so defenseless. It gave Alex some sense of justice.

"Please, enlighten me," Edward replied coldly.

"Edward, the Amber system's first job is to help with your logistics sector. If it doesn't meet your metrics... you have to answer for it." Alex replied. Again, there was silence. But Alex thought it prudent not to dig the knife any further. "That's why I thought you hired me. Look, just give them the documents and make sure they understand those additional servers are necessary. Whatever it costs, got it?"

Edward Cleared this throat, "Right, of course. I'll... I'll make sure they get to the right hands. Targets have to be hit, after all."

"Exactly." Alex replied, "Well if that's everything I'll be--"

"How's the new place?" Edward asked, that grating confidence returning to his voice.

"It's fine. A little too big actually. Thinking about having a welcoming party." Alex answered dryly.

"Ah, been a while since you had a dinner party, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Probably won't want me coming..." Edward said with a sly smile. "Chloe says hi by the way. She's been doing a great job, you'd be proud of her."

"I'm sure," Alex replied with a sigh. The words hurt, but it was expected. He wasn't sure if Chloe had kept her word about not sleeping with Edward, but did it really matter? "Look, I got to get going, if there's nothing else?"

"No no... I think we're good. Meeting with Chloe today so I better get going myself." Edward smiled, "Nice talking to you, Alex. Can't wait to see if this Amber is all it's cracked up to be."

"Yep." Alex hung up, feeling a wave of agitation overcome him as he walked downstairs. Amber reappeared by him as he sat down at his kitchen island.

"Was it bad?" She asked.

"No worse than normal." Alex replied, "You have my friends list right?"

"Yes... why do you ask?" Amber asked

"I think it's time for a house party..."

---

Alex invited everyone he could think of to the event. Save Edward and Chloe. He wasn't interested in drama, he wanted a good time. To his surprise, nearly everyone said they would come. Some even asked if they could bring friends, and Alex welcomed it.

He didn't do much in the ways of decorating, but he did make sure the house was in order, cleaned, and fully unpacked. Before long, the first group of party guests came through with hugs and gifts. Then the second, and the third. Very soon, there were so many people that Alex couldn't greet individuals at the door. He found himself hopping from group to group, saying hello to individuals he knew, once knew, and had never met. His crowd mingling coming to an abrupt halt once he stumbled into a blonde-haired vixen.

"Sarah! You made it," Alex said with a smile. Sarah smiled back and promptly gave Alex a hug.

"I did! Nearly half our department said they were going to show up, who would I be if I didn't tag along?"

"Never were much of the partygoer, were you?"

"You know me too well," Sarah said, looking off into the sea of people in the living room. "So, you didn't invite Chloe?"

Alex shook his head, "I didn't think it would be the smartest move, considering all things." Sarah nodded slowly.

"Well, talk around the office would've said otherwise."

"What do you mean?" Alex crossed his arms absently as Sarah let out a deep sigh.

"Supposedly, you and Chloe are still kind of an item? I didn't want to believe it... I really want to not believe it. But considering what happened last time I came over I... I don't know. It's just hard right now." Sarah's voice was steady, but Alex had known her long enough to read through her stoic expression.

"I know, it's a really weird, fucked up situation, and I'm sorry for putting you in the middle of it. Look, the truth is... Choe and I..."

"You don't have to explain yourself. God, please don't," Sarah interjected, "You're a grown man, we're both adults, I trust you. Just... promise me you'll tell me if something changes... you know?" Sarah looked down as she spoke.

"Sarah, I would never lead you on. You know that, right?" Alex said gently.

Sarah nodded. "Yeah..." the party was swelling. Laughter, music, and excitement all hit a crescendo, carrying both Sarah and Alex with it. For the briefest moment, their troubles vanished. Time passed in blurs for them both, and through it all, Alex could see Amber walking through the crowd.

She came and went like a phantom, appearing in one spot before teleporting to the next, completely invisible to all but Alex. She would touch guests at random, doing the best she could to how they felt.

Amber danced to music she didn't understand, a bottle of champagne popped loudly in the background, causing partygoers to jump and shout. Amber didn't respond to it at first, then promptly tried to mimic the motions of those around her after the fact.

Strangers raided Alex's fridge, opened his liquor cabinet, and jumped on his table. But none of it mattered. He was both in and out of control. His home was both his and theirs. Important and absent. That was the irony of his work, of his existence, of Amber.

Alex felt a hand on his shoulder, returning his attention to Sarah.

"You alright?" She asked him. Alex nodded.

"Hey, I have a campfire rolling in the backyard. Want to head out that way?" He asked her. Sarah nodded with a smile.

"I'd love that." She replied gently.

The two exited the living room, joining a slew of other couples who had opted for the quieter ambiance of the backyard. Sarah and Alex sat close to the fire. Taking in its crackling warmth as cold winds blew against them.

"One hell of a party," Sarah said softly.

"Yeah."

"But not like you," Sarah said gently, promptly scooting closer to Alex as a cold breeze hit her. Alex scooted closer in response.

"No, I guess you're right. Not like you to come either." Alex said.

"You're right. I came for you, but you already knew that. I just... I just wonder if it's me you wanted here." Sarah's voice was soft, barely audible over the crackling fire. Alex felt his heart tighten at her words.

"What do you mean?" Alex asked.

"I mean... maybe you wanted her." Sarah's voice trailed off, her eyes looking to the entrance to Alex's home. He looked over and saw Chloe standing in the doorway.

"You've got to be kidding..." Alex said, seeing Chloe cautiously wave to him. Sarah immediately moved away from Alex.

"I didn't think you'd invite her..." Sarah said softly.

"Believe me, I didn't," Alex said, looking at Sarah. She kept her eyes on the fire.

"You should go see what she wants," Sarah said softly.

"Sarah..."

"Just go, Alex. I'll be fine," Sarah looked up to Alex and gave him a weak smile.

"I'll be right back, I promise," Alex assured, Sarah simply turned to the fire and continued to stare absently.

Alex stood with a purpose, walking over to Chloe as a gust of wind sent a chill down his spine. She was beautifully dressed, with gold jewelry shimmering against her skin.

"Hello Alex," She said weakly.

"What are you doing here?" Alex asked, giving a couple passing by a polite nod as they looked at him and Chloe with curiosity. Even now, Chloe turned heads. They both moved away from his back entrance as more guests shuffled through.

"I know I wasn't invited but-"

"But you thought it was OK to just barge in anyway?"

"Alex, I just wanted to come by and talk... I didn't know all this was going to be here."

"But once you got into the driveway and saw all the cars, you said 'fuck it' let's crash this thing anyway," Alex was raising his voice, which caused some by the fire to look over with concern.

"Alex, I can go if you want me to," Chloe said softly in return. She looked over at Sarah, then let out a pained sigh, "God I don't even know what I'm doing here... you're right. Fuck you're right. I should've just driven home..."

Alex went silent, looking at the ground, "What did you want to talk about?"

Chloe shook her head, "I don't know anymore, I guess I just wanted to try and clear things up?" As she spoke, she continued to look over at Sarah, Alex caught on quickly.

"You want to know if we fucked, right?" He asked. Sarah's eyes darted to him.

"Y-yes..." Chloe admitted. Alex chuckled softly.

"You're a real piece of work." Alex looked over at Sarah, surprised to find she made her way over to them.

"Hey," Sarah said, adjusting her purse.

"Hey," Alex replied.

"I think I'm going to take off. Parties were never my scene anyways," She said.

"Oh really, are you sure? Chloe and I were just wrapping up..."

"You two look like you got things you need to sort out," Sarah replied gently.

"Yeah, right," Alex said. Chloe remained silent, doing her best to avoid Sarah's eyes.

"I'll call you, alright?" Sarah said.

"Sounds good, see you," Alex asked. Sarah placed a hand on Alex's shoulder and walked off. The awkward silence only broke when Chloe cleared her throat.

"Look I know It's not my place, but I need to know, are you two fucking or not?" Chloe asked. The question made Alex's blood boil. He wanted to tell Chloe to leave, that it was over, that he and Sarah were going to start dating. But something held him back. Her intoxicating presence, the memories of their laughter, and trials they shared. But more than anything, Alex couldn't let her go for one simple reason.

Deep down, he liked the idea of her fucking other men.

"Are you sure you're not asking me if I've moved on?" Alex asked. It made Chloe look up, but instead of replying, she looked past Alex with wide eyes.

Alex raised an eyebrow, "What?"

He felt an all too familiar hand fall on his shoulder.

"Quite the party Alex," Edward said. He spun Alex around, greeting him with a wide grin, "A shame I didn't get an invitation directly. But one of our coworkers was kind enough to invite me. I'm dying for a personal tour."