An Unusual Acquaintance

When I opened the front door the smell of burnt food was overpowering. I knew I hadn’t left the oven on before going to work so the culprit had to be Carl. He was always experimenting with new recipes or looking for creative ways to build things. I can’t blame him for wanting to expand his imagination, but a little common sense might make his projects less devastating.

“Carl, what is that obnoxious smell?”

“Oh, hi Pete! You’re home early. You said Mary was coming over for supper, so I thought I’d surprise you both with a special recipe I found on the internet. I guess it’s not to your liking?”

“If it tastes as bad as it smells I guess we’ll be going out to eat. Do you want to come with us?”

“No that’s okay, there’s a new game show on TV I want to watch. I don’t know where they get these contestants from, but they are the dumbest of the dumb. I know all contestants can’t be as smart as the ones on Jeopardy, but give me a break. Do they really think yelling Big Money will affect where the wheel is going to land?”

“Besides, I think you and Mary will appreciate some alone time. I know we’re friends and all, but the way your relationship with her is progressing, I’ll probably need to find a new roomie in the near future.”

“Let’s not rush things, Carl. I know you have an uncanny ability to predict the future, but you also know how unpredictable women can be. I plan on growing our relationship one day at a time. No need to rush things. Speaking of relationships, I haven’t heard you mention Clarissa in a while. What’s going on there?"

“Oh, she’s still around. I see her from time to time, but since she has started working on a new project we’ve drifted in different directions. I’ve been spending more time with Lilith lately. She is exceptionally smart and the stories she comes up with are spellbinding. She does scare me at times though.”

“Scare you! I’m surprised anyone can scare you. You’re the most unflappable person I’ve ever met. What is it about her stories that freaks you out?”

“There so realistic. It’s as though she lived through every event.”

“I’m surprised you never mentioned her before. She sounds like someone I’d enjoy talking with. You know, as a writer I’m always looking for someone with a good story to tell. Your new friend sounds like she would fit right in. I bet Mary would like to meet her as well.”

“That’s the problem, Pete. She is not a sociable person. The only reason we’ve gotten friendly is we’re working on the same project. I can mention a meeting to her, but I doubt if she’ll go for it.”

“Well, I’ll leave it in your capable hands my friend. I have to go pick up Mary and find somewhere that doesn’t smell like burnt food. We’ll swing by later and say hi if that’s okay.”

“That sounds great. I’ll give Lilith a call and see if she would like to meet you both, but don’t hold your breath.”

Pete and Mary were enjoying a delicious meal at their favorite restaurant when Pete’s phone buzzed. It was Carl. They spoke briefly and ended the call.

“Carl says his new girlfriend has read my books and would like to meet us. She is very reclusive, so this is a surprise.”

They finished their meal and drove back to Pete’s house which was in total darkness. Carl always had the lights on when he knew Pete was on his way. Not only that, but the garage door was closed. These were simple chores every house AI were expected to perform and it was quite out of character for Carl not to have done them. The first thing Pete did upon entering the house was flick on the light switch, but nothing happened.

A voice shimmered out of the blackness. “Hello, Peter! Your house AI told me you wanted to meet. I decided to grant your request because, after reading some of your stories I find you show potential. It’s been centuries since I’ve had a writing partner. Let’s get to work, shall we?