Gentleman ( The Boyfriend Shop )
i. Welcome to The Boyfriend Shop

Arin’s heels clicked against the white marbled floor, her hands nervously clutching on the small black handbag. She still couldn’t believe she was there, that she was truly crazy enough to listen to a possibly mad man who had randomly approached her on the street and acted as if he knew everything about her. Maybe she was just paranoid, but how could he possibly have know about her breaking up with her boyfriend? And how did he know about him being abusive? She glanced down at her arms and legs, in case the bruises were showing, but no - she had long sleeves. And even if they were showing, she could have gotten them elsewhere.

Her eyes trailed around the suggested building - The Boyfriend Shop, a huge white building, the insides equally as white - the floor, the furniture and the walls, everything was pearly white and sterile, obviously well taken care of. She sighed, no one was there so why did she come ? Why did she listen to the old man who could have tricked her into coming to a bear’s lair. But, by the way he had looked at her while congratulating her for leaving the said boyfriend, she could swear to have seen a spark in his eye. Plus, his whole appearance gave off the feeling of trust and safety.

She heard footsteps from behind her, echoing through the building due to its perfect acoustics. “Welcome Arin,” a familiar voice greeted, equally as loud and clear as the footsteps. She turned around, only to meet the same set of eyes she had been thinking about just moments before. He was wearing the same perfectly white suit as before and, although a weird combination, it went well with his darker skin tone. She greeted back hesitantly, accepting his hand for a quick handshake. His firm touch gave off a feeling of security, like she had felt in his grandparent ’s arms as a little child. There was nothing unsettling about the man anyway, he gave off the grandfather feeling, or at least Arin felt so.

He introduced himself as Mr. White, the owner of the company and Arin couldn’t help but chuckle at the coincidence. He was a man in his fifties, sixties maybe, with his facial hair already starting to grey. He was on the tall side and slink, the suit fit him perfectly.

“Do you know why you’re here, Arin?” he finally asked and the shorter girl shook her head a no. He cleared his throat, as if he was preparing to tell a story, a goodnight story to his grandchildren perhaps.

“You see ... People and love, that just doesn’t go together so well. In the past, maybe, when real love still existed and people actually cared about each other. But today, in the 21. century it just doesn’t work like that anymore. People changed, drastically, but their need for love didn’t. Everyone needs someone they can trust, someone to kiss them on a bad day or just listen to their rants and make them feel better about themselves. That’s exactly why I and my robots are here - they’re exactly that, each of them programmed in a different way to suit different people’s needs. From their perfect looks to the perfect gentleman manners and each of them as an individual, they’re so real they can almost feel. And they can .. But it’s fake.” As he spoke, his face lit up. He must have really loved his job. He must have really loved Them. “And today, we’re going to replace you one!” he finished off, excitement written all over his face.

Arin’s eyes widened and she stopped walking. ” What ? ” Her brows knitted in confusion until her brain processed what he was indicating.

" No, no, no. I will not get a robot boyfriend,” she shook her head in utter disagreement. She partially understood what he had been trying to say in his speech, but what he asked from her was simply too weird. “I just came out of a relationship and I don’t mean to rush into another one .. Not in a long, long time. And most definitely not with a robot,” she rambled on, trying to let him down easy, already making her way over to the huge glass door in a rushed pace.

“Just hear me out! ” He followed after her, probably with the intention of stopping her, ” I know what was going on with Daniel. You may not know but I live in the same building and I could hear everything that was going on. You have no idea how happy I was when I heard you finally found enough strength to leave that jerk. I know how hard it must have been for you, to conquer the fear .. But I’m glad you did and I’m so proud of you.” He approached and placed his hands on her shoulders, gazing into her tear - filled eyes, threatening to spill. Indeed, it took her a lot of courage to make the decision, and even more strength to carry it out. Despite all the insults and bruises he’d planted all over her body, she loved him and she strongly believed he’d been hurting her because he loved her. But, over time, she started doubting it, he got even more violent and she couldn’t take it anymore. She realized she had lost everyone because of him - her friends, her family, he chased them all from her and she was trapped in his clutches, alone and powerless.

“So , “ he continued, encouraged by her lack of words, “ I promised myself I’d create the most perfect boyfriend for you, because you deserve one more than anyone. You deserve someone who will love you and respect you the way Daniel couldn’t. Therefore, would you, please, come with me and check them out? If none catches your eye, it’s alright, you don’t have to adopt anyone,” he pleaded, smiling down gently at her.

She took a moment to think about it. The way he looked at her somehow made her melt and give in. He reminded her of her grandfather so much. She could never say no to him, they were so close. She’d never made it to his funeral because of Daniel, he’d forbidden her.

She needed to turn a new page, fix herself and her life. Thus, with a sigh, she nodded and followed him to the room where the robots were.

“This is such a bad idea ..” she muttered under her breath but enough for him to hear and chuckle.

“You’re going to love them! You know, I couldn’t decide on just one that’s perfect for you because they’re all perfect so you’ll decide on your own, “ he continued rambling on as they paced to the android room.