Cathedral of Dreams Read Free Page B

slightly after his requested time, nonpunctual.
     
“Welcome,” he said. “I ordered a light dinner. I hope you haven't eaten.”
     
“I haven't.” Nellie stepped around the door as though sneaking into his apartment. She carried a small overnight bag, and lifted it to show him. “In case,” she said. “You may not want me to stay.”
     
“You may not decide to,” he said politely.
     
“True.”
     
Nervous feelings returned, but that was part of the experience. A stranger, for all practical purposes, was a stranger. Yes, everyone in Newcity was documented and chipped for erroneous emotions, and that provided relative safety, but he and Nellie knew nothing about one another and had never worked together, so…
     
“I'm Nellie,” she said as she advanced with her hand out.
     
There was something aggressive about her, even though she acted shy. The way she approached him while looking into his eyes belied her initial shyness about entering the room. Perhaps it was confidence, which was rather exciting to Keith. He took her hand and pulled her close to give her a quick hug. She smelled nice, but different, fresh in some way. Her odor reminded him of real plants you could get on one of the shopping levels. Flowery, but also moist. Her shoulders were firm and her body athletic. He hoped she wasn't displeased with his body's softness.
     
She pulled away and lowered her head, giving their eye contact a rest.
     
Another knock came to the door.
     
“That's the food,” he said.
     
“I'll get it for you,” Nellie said. Right away she turned and took the few steps to the door and opened it. “I'll take that.”
     
After the door was closed she brought the sack to the counter and set it down.
     
“You didn't have to open the door,” Keith said.
     
“Habit,” she said. “Where I'm from, you don't let people just walk in.”
     
“You don't? Where are you from? What level?”
     
She squeezed her lips together and squinted her eyes. “Five,” she said.
     
“Five? I've never been … ah, there, before.”
     
“Not very many people go that far down, but there are humans there. You work in the Office of Goods and Services, you must know that almost everything in Newcity comes from the outside.” She raised her eyes and stared into his.
     
He looked away, hesitated, then began to pull the food out of the sack. “Not everything. Manufacturing is done inside. Do you work in manufacturing?”
     
She laughed, “No. But let's talk about you and your job.”
     
“Why?” he asked. “And how do you know where I work? It's not on my profile.”
     
“I have friends who repair the computer systems. I had one look you up.” She accepted a plate of rice and pointed to the meat sauce.
     
Keith poured sauce over her rice and selected the chicken tofu for himself. He motioned for them to sit down. As they wandered toward the couch, he said, “Why would you want to know where I work?”
     
“Discussion topics,” she replied.
     
They sat near one another without touching.
     
“Well, then. My job is rather interesting. I document and organize everything that enters Newcity, everything that is manufactured here, and all the service needs. I'm not the only one working there, of course. The work is split up. My particular job focuses on the services. For instance, when plumbing or electrical work is needed, I document what work was completed and what materials were used. I pass that information along to ordering – also part of the Office of Goods and Services – and follow up to be sure that we are stocked for the next service need. It's fascinating work, sometimes. Interesting to see what's going on ‘on the inside,’ as they say.” He was glad she asked about his work. Talking about work allowed him to feel important and accomplished.
     
“Do you ever get service information about security issues, like the entrances or exits from Newcity?” she asked while focusing on her food.
     
Keith sensed