To Be a Woman Read Free Page A

put a governor on her to limit it.”
    “No! I don't want her limited. But maybe if she has a, um, social circuit, so she knows not to make me look like an idiot in public...”
    “She will. She will never embarrass you that way. But you will find it hard to continue thinking of her as a machine.”
    “I'm thinking of her as a lover. The girl I can't get, because of my nose.”
    “She is the perfect lover. But never forget that she is a machine. Do not allow yourself to become emotional over her.”
    “I won't forget,” he promised.
    “Because that can lead only to heartbreak. We have had some experience in this respect, and so have learned to caution clients. We want her to be able to pass for human, but not to become too human, paradoxical as that may sound. The company will value your input in that respect.”
    “I have to let you know if she seems too good?”
    “Exactly. Just as you know a prostitute is good for sex but not for love, the machine is good for sex and companionship, not love.”
    This troubled him. “Why not love her, with open eyes?”
    “Because she can never love you back. She can only pretend. I repeat: she's a machine .”
    There it was. “I appreciate the warning.”
    He was restless that night, thinking of Elasa. Despite the warning, he was already taken with her. Yes, she was a machine; that was why she would not judge him by his nose. She would accept him as he was. A man could safely love his fine car, knowing its nature; why not a fembot? But of course a man did not take his car as his lover; there was the difference.
    Next day he reported to the shop. There was an attractive young woman seated in the waiting room. She looked up and saw him. “Banner!” she exclaimed gladly.
    “Elasa!” he said, as gladly. It was definitely her.
    They came together, hugging and kissing. She was every bit as soft and sweet to hold as he remembered. She looked exactly the same. She even wore the same clothing. They had done it right.
    “Take me home, please,” she murmured in his ear.
    “Don't I have to check you out or something?”
    “That's been done. Anyway, there's a radio contact in my head; they know exactly where I am and what I'm doing at all times.”
    He was taken aback. “At all times?”
    She smiled. “Believe me, Banner, they don't care about sex. Only that I do it well, so as not to alienate a client. They just need to be sure you're not hacking off my limbs with an ax. I'm an expensive device.”
    “I wouldn't do that!” he said, horrified.
    “I know you wouldn't, you sweet man. Anyway, my limbs are readily removable without violence. If you should ever want to make love to an armless woman--”
    “No!”
    She laughed. “That was humor. I'm programmed for it.” She drew back a little, still in his embrace. “I also breathe now.”
    He looked down at her clothed bosom. It was gently heaving. “I like it.”
    “Thank you.” She took a highly visible breath. “And thank you for asking for me. Because of you, I have renewed existence.”
    They walked out to his car. That made him think of something. “Do you drive?”
    “I do. But I would not presume to impinge on your prerogatives. You're the man.”
    A machine driving a machine? “I believe in equal rights. Go ahead and drive. I'll tell you where.”
    “No need,” she said, getting into the driver's seat. “Your home address is programmed, as are your job address, preferred shopping centers, and other places.” She glanced sidelong at him. “Or would you prefer that I learn them all from you?”
    “No, keep them,” he said, mentally readjusting. “They weren't fooling when they said you were exponentially more sophisticated than you were before.”
    She started the engine and nosed the car out into traffic. “I could not have been a proper companion for you, before, Banner. I was good for only one thing. I remain good for that, but now many other things as well. I hope you like me as I am today.”
    “I