“He forces women to have babies whether they want to or not.”
“He does.” Joan sipped her vodka.
“And you help him.”
Without a blink, she said, “I do.”
“And those little girls on board, the ones in the school or playing games with the little boys at recess, how are you going to explain it to them when they grow up and get dragged to the nightmare on Level 15? How are the boys going to feel to trade tickets to fuck their childhood sweetheart?”
“Have you ever noticed that nature tends to correct itself. Most of the babies born since the fall are female. There is almost an even spread between genders.”
That was mildly fascinating. “Those same little girls will one day grow up and be forced to carry babies they might not want. What if they’re gay?”
“Insemination? There are options we can discuss—”
“Please.” A tipsy eye roll matched Eugenia’s disgust. “Oh, and how about who gets matched with whom. What about love?”
“You found it, and you’re already spoiling the gift, so maybe try another topic.”
Eugenia was about to chuck that lead crystal tumbler right in Joan’s face. It sure would fuck up the woman’s well-done facelift. “I don’t know where you think you get off!”
“You’re even lying to yourself, Eugenia.” Joan sipped from her glass. “I’ve seen the way you look at him.”
“Yeah. Like I’m planning his murder.”
“I’ve seen you two sneak off together.”
“To argue.”
Mirroring the sass, the obstinance, and the tone, Joan laid it all out. “Fine. You’re not in love. Tell yourself that if it gets you through the day. But you are good for morale. You cannot imagine the burden that man carries. The responsibility and tough decisions.”
“He’s a sociopath.”
“The pure fact that he loves you and announced it to the entire deck last night contradicts that statement. Sociopaths don’t feel emotion.”
“Okay, then he’s just evil.”
Joan didn’t even try to argue that one. “Only because he has to be.”
“Ha. Gotcha. You agree he’s evil.” Grinning, Eugenia sipped her liquor, feeling cocky, feeling warm. “I win.” And then it sank in. “Wait, did you just say he announced that he loved me to the deck? Has he lost his mind? The women will rebel. Scarlet has it bad for the prick. So does Faith.”
An overgrown eyebrow that would have been perfectly waxed into an arch when salons were on every corner, lifted. “Why do you think I’m drinking today?”
“Should I anticipate more glass in my food?”
“You’re not going to be allowed back to the party. No need to flaunt what the others can’t have.” After an extended sigh, Joan added, “And to be frank, I’m not sure he’d ever let you near the men again.”
“So it’s to be chains and some breeding post on Level 9 after all.”
“There’s an issue with that as well.”
That deserved a snort. “Only one?”
Settling back, legs crossed at the ankle, Joan sighed. “I’m fresh out of chains. Any suggestions on alternatives? Twisty ties?”
It had to have been the vodka; there could not possibly be another reason for the pair of them to burst out laughing as if they were friends.
Toasting, Eugenia raised her glass. “Joan, you’re creepy and dark and… a little bit funny.”