Hard Wired Trilogy DeAnna Pearce (if you give a mouse a cookie read aloud txt) 📖

Garrett repeated the same government line she had heard since a child. “Why the dim light?” When it was just two of them the lab was well lit.

“That’s for the ambiance.” He waved his hand like a true showman. “Here you go, Ari. I hope you like it.” Garrett led her in a chair and then leaned close. “I’ll be joining you shortly.”

Ari plugged herself in, closed her eyes and then opened them to a dark city street. Cars and cabs rushed by, sending a polluted breeze her way. Tall, old buildings surrounded her. The one in front of her had an old gray brick face with fire escapes that led up to the roof. She turned in a full circle taking in the looming aged monstrosity of the big city.

A flashy young couple walked down the street and entered the building before her. The guy wore dark pants and a striped shirt, while the girl matched in a small black dress and four-inch heels. This has to be it. Looking down, she noticed her dress—a frumpy old black Sunday school type dress with black flats.

“Really,” Ari cried to the starry night. She wasn’t going to a party looking like a poor nun. Ari closed her eyes, trying to force herself to change. Her thoughts traveled to dresses that flashed across the celebrity blitzes on the screens.

When she looked down again, she wore a small gold dress that fit perfectly and strappy heels to match. A smile crossed her lips in satisfaction. It might not be perfect, but it was definitely an improvement and much easier than she thought. When she reached the end of the block, she noticed Tessa leaning against the building smoking.

“You clean up nice, girlie.” Tessa pushed off the building. She wore ... well, it took a minute before Ari could figure out exactly what Tessa wore. Black leather wrapped around Tessa’s body covering the bare necessities. A long black skirt trailed behind her.

“You look amazing. How did you do that?”

“Plan out your outfit when you close your eyes. It’s easier to get dressed on your way in.” Tessa blew a cloud of smoke in her face. “Come on. You have a boy toy to see.”

They crossed the street and approached the aged building. At the door, a large man checked their names off a list. “The full bar is on the first floor. Second floor is for dancing. The next two floors are virtuals, and the heated rooftop is also opened tonight.” He opened the door for them.

“Virtuals?” Ari had heard of a virtual in a virtual but why here? She turned to Tessa who ignored her question and headed inside.

“This club has several top destinations. Have a good night.” He ushered her in without further comment.

Ari walked inside to find a large, gold trimmed bar that went decades past the crumbling exterior of the building. Velvet couches littered the room as people lounged around with drinks in their hands. Candles on the tables flickered, producing a seductive atmosphere that unsettled Ari.

There had to be more than the twenty or so people Garrett invited. The others had to be from the program, but being unfamiliar with the upperclassman, how did Ari know who was real and who was part of the program? She followed Tessa as she struggled to keep the panic at bay. Maybe a drink or a tab would help? But that wasn’t even real.

At the base of a large staircase, Tessa turned to Ari. “I’m going to check out what games they have on the VRs. You want to come or are you waiting for him?”

Not in a hurry to go hop in another VR, Ari replied, “I’ll wait for him here.”

“Catch you later.” Tessa headed upstairs, her skirt billowing behind her like a dark bird.

A shiver ran over Ari at the thought of what Tessa was about to do. But Tessa was a big girl. Ari headed towards the bar and found a seat.

As she climbed on the stool, a familiar voice spoke nearby. “Yes, two beers and an ounce.”

“Marco,” Ari called down the bar.

“Hey, little sis.” Marco headed towards her. “What are you doing here?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing.”

“I’m an upperclassman, and this is a party.” A familiar smile lit his face as he strolled towards her.

While she was so happy to see him, she had to wonder where he had been and what he really was doing here. “How can you afford the party charge?” Ari whispered. The cost of the party was a lot of money for them. Her mother brought that home in a day, with double shifts. Ari only got in free due to Garrett. Granted, the drinks and drugs were free here, since they weren’t technically real. It still didn’t feel right.

“I work on the side.” Marco brushed off the question. “But look at you, dressed up and everything. How did you score an invite?”

“Garrett.”

“Garrett?” It took Marco a minute to register this. “You’re the freshman he’s dating?”

“We’re friends.” She shrugged.

“Sure.” He lowered his brow and stared at her. “I’m not sure I approve of that.”

“A little hypocritical, isn’t it?” Ari motioned to the two drinks and the small mirror with powder and a straw that was placed in front of him.

“Virtuals don’t count.”

“I could say the same.” She bristled against his desire to control her. He’d never been the type, and she didn’t want him to be. She decided to turn the tables. “You’re not in the virtuals a lot, are you?”

Marco rustled her hair. “Don’t worry, little sis.” He picked up his two drinks. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” And then he was off.

Those instructions left things pretty wide open. She sighed and watched him head across the room.

Before Ari could worry too long about her brother, a hand slid around her shoulders.

Garrett sat at the chair next to her in a dark suit. “What are you drinking?”

“Not sure yet. What’s the point of drinking in the virtuals?”

“It’s