City Center, The Read Online Free Page B

whoever you want.”
    “Truer words have never been spoken. Well, I can’t speak to the last one.”
    “You can after Graduation Day.” Delilah winked.
    “I can’t think of a worse fate than kissing James for the next eighteen years. I’d rather kiss an Info-tainer, or Chief Morray.”
    “How’d the rest of rehearsal go?”
    “James will never be pleased.”
    “Don’t worry about James. You’re the one everyone wants.”
    “I have no idea why the people favor me so dearly.”
    “They’ve been following you for eighteen years. And you have pretty hair.” Delilah smiled and her brown almond-shaped eyes lit up.
    “But why not pick someone more striking and exotic, like Elizabeth.”
    “Elizabeth is scary.”
    “Queens are supposed to be scary.”
    “Maybe you’ll start a new trend. I don’t know why you’re so worried. You’ll be a wonderful queen.”
    “James doesn’t think so. Helena doesn’t think so.”
    “But I think so. All of the people in this café think so.”
    “Whatever will I do without you?”
    “Let’s not think about next week. Let’s eat. You look like you could use some real food.” Delilah pulled up 3D renderings of the day’s specials.
    “I really want a double-decker tempeh burger with cashew cheese, but I know Helena will test my blood levels and send me straight to detox. I can’t handle one more body wrap.”
    “This is our last week together. Remember Roman Holiday ? Pretend this is your special week to do whatever you want!”
    “Yes, who cares about an afternoon of torture? You’re worth it.” Ava laughed. She felt relaxed around Delilah. She could let down her guard and stop monitoring every single word, or facial expression—these were minor glimpses of freedom. The food arrived and Ava’s mouth watered; she couldn’t remember the last time she ate a sandwich. She took a huge bite, not caring if anyone was watching, or taking image captures.
    “Do you think you’re ready?” Delilah watched Ava devouring the sandwich.
    “Probably not after this.” She took another huge bite. “But this is what I call freedom,” she said with her mouth full.
    “Your performance is perfection. I should know. It’s not just your technique. When you dance, you connect with yourself. You express emotions, unlike the others. They’re robots programmed to compete and win. They have no heart.”
    “And I do?”
    “You might have been designed to look and talk like them, but you’re so much more. I wouldn’t risk my reputation hanging out with you if it weren’t true.” Delilah smiled.
    One of the many reasons Ava loved Delilah was her fearless ability to express herself. Delilah spent a lot of time with Ava teaching her to connect with her feelings. It was during their clandestine lessons Ava learned how to dig deep. The ability to emotionally connect gave her an advantage during competitions. She couldn’t have achieved that without Delilah.
    After lunch they strolled down the main walkway. Ava wanted to savor every single precious second with Delilah. She looked toward the Garden Sector.
    “Quick trip to the greenhouse?” Ava asked.
    “You got twenty minutes before you’re due back.”
    “A little time in my favorite place with my favorite person is better than no time. Last week together, remember… Roman Holiday .”
    “Oh, clever girl, using my line.”
    “See how much I learn from you?”
    They veered off the main walkway, down the cobblestone path toward the giant greenhouse located in the Garden Sector. Ava enjoyed watching the workers tending to their plots of land. James was right about her being happy shoveling dirt. She’d much rather manage a garden than a busy schedule. She loved being around living things. Inside the greenhouse, she felt connected to the pulse of life. It was the opposite of her sterile side of town.
    “This is definitely my favorite part of the city,” Ava said, inhaling the scent of dirt and fresh-cut fruits and