There's a reason why Lee Kennedy is still in college-and it has nothing to do with his academic performance. He's switched his major repeatedly and stalled on his Master's thesis, but there's only so much longer he can hold out. And once he graduates, it's time to trigger the Algorithm.

Everyone in Lee's family has allowed the Algorithm to match them with a spouse. As has everyone on his block. His neighborhood. In fact, everyone he's ever known. Pairing with his own Algorithm match seems inevitable...until, at his sister's wedding, he meets Roman.

The waiter lives in the Taxable District, a neighborhood that's only a brief train ride away, but feels like another world. The seedy District is governed by different standards-different expectations-so it's not exactly a surprise that Roman isn't married. But it's definitely a shock to taste his lips.

One forbidden encounter leaves Lee questioning everything. He longs for the freedom to choose not only his own partner, but his own destiny. When defying the Algorithm will cost Lee his livelihood, his family and his home, is he strong enough to take another path?

This coming-of-age story will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven science fiction. It's a complete standalone novella.