Chapter 1731
"Maurice, I don't think I can. I still have homework to do," Kevin said, sounding unsure. It wasn't that he didn't want to hang out with Maurice, but he had already promised to spend time with Grace, and he also needed to make time for Audrey, Alissa, and Daisy. He was feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"Just bring your homework here," Maurice said, a bit irritated. She couldn't believe Kevin was hesitating. Many people in the county would jump at the chance to get close to her, yet here she was inviting him, and he was making excuses. Her expression turned cold. "You just don't want to spend time with me, do you? Or is it that you want to be with other girls?"
The atmosphere in the living room became awkward. Maurice was the wife of the County Executive, and saying something like that to a sixteen-year-old boy was a bit inappropriate.
Kevin was taken aback. Was Maurice being playful with him? He stammered, "No, I don't have other girls!"
"Alright, alright, no need to explain," Maurice said, realizing she might have been too harsh. Kevin wasn't obligated to spend time with her every day. But then again, she thought, why shouldn't she ask? Kevin had enjoyed her company enough times; it wasn't fair for him to just take without giving back.
They stared at each other for a few seconds before Maurice broke the silence with a laugh. "Fine, come over whenever you want. I don't want to seem like I'm forcing you. Are you still holding a grudge?"
"A grudge? What grudge?" Kevin asked, confused.
"Don't play dumb," Maurice said. "Remember that time you brought Fiona home? I wasn't very nice to you. Are you still upset about that?"
"Oh, that. No, I forgot about it," Kevin said, recalling the incident. He had taken Fiona home after she had too much to drink, and Maurice had assumed he was responsible for getting her drunk. She hadn't been very welcoming.
"Really?" Maurice sighed. "Kevin, I have my difficulties. Armando is a county leader, and people are always trying to get favors from him. When we first moved here, we had people bringing gifts every night. I have to be cautious. Fiona is still young, and I worry about people taking advantage of her."
"Maurice, why don't you let Fiona go to school in the city?" Kevin asked. "The schools there are much better than here. Why make her study here?"
"I thought about that. We had everything set up for her at Maple Grove High School, with Ms. Mitchell as her homeroom teacher. She's the best," Maurice said, looking resigned. "But Fiona insisted on staying in Harmony County. She said she wanted to spend these years with her parents because there wouldn't be many chances later. I don't know where she got that idea."
Kevin was touched by Maurice's words. He realized he hadn't spent much time with his mother, Bethany, this semester. She was always busy, and he knew it would be the same next semester.
Once he went to college, their time together would be even less. Right now, he spent most of his time with Audrey, who had become almost as important to him as his mother.
"Maurice, Fiona is a great student. She'll do well no matter where she studies. You don't need to worry too much," Kevin said. "Truly exceptional people don't rely on their environment. Sometimes, tougher conditions can bring out the best in them."
Maurice smiled. "That's true, but what parent wants their child to suffer? We always want to make things easier for them. You'll understand when you have kids of your own."
She realized she might have said too much. Kevin was only sixteen, and talking about marriage and children seemed inappropriate. She quickly changed the subject. "By the way, where does your mother work now?"
"Oh, she used to sell clothes at a mall, then she opened her store, and now she runs a clothing company in the city," Kevin replied.
"Your mother is quite capable," Maurice said, surprised. "Running a company and taking care of you must be a lot. How does she manage?"
"She's mostly in the city now, so I don't see her much," Kevin said.
"Really? So you live alone?" Maurice asked, concerned. "That's not good. How do you manage meals?"
"I live with my cousin. She's a teacher at Sunset Valley High School. Sometimes I eat at the school cafeteria, and she cooks dinner for me," Kevin explained.
"You have a cousin? How old is she? Is she married?" Maurice asked.
"She's 26 and married, but her husband works in Imperial City and doesn't come home often," Kevin said.
"I see," Maurice said thoughtfully. She then joked, "I was thinking of having you stay with us. You and Fiona could study together, and the house would be livelier. As I get older, I find I don't like being alone. I just want someone to talk to, but it's hard to find someone to confide in."
Kevin felt a pang of sympathy for Maurice. Being the County Executive's wife might seem glamorous, but it was lonely at the top. Most people who approached her were looking for favors from Armando. He smiled and said, "Maurice, I'm here, aren't I? I'll stay and chat with you this afternoon. How about that?"
"That's better," Maurice said, smiling. "Kevin, you don't find talking to me boring, do you?"
"Not at all," Kevin said, shaking his head. "I enjoy our conversations. I learn a lot from you. I wish I could hear your stories every day."
"You men always know how to flatter women," Maurice said with a charming smile. "When Fiona's father was courting me, he was just like you, always saying the right things. He swept me off my feet, and before I knew it, we were married. But now, I hardly see him. Don't be like Armando when you grow up."
"Maurice, Armando is busy with the county's development," Kevin said, feeling a bit awkward but also curious. Maurice must have been quite a beauty in her youth, and coming from a prominent family, she must have had many suitors. He wondered how Armando had won her over. Maurice was too sharp to be swayed by mere sweet talk.
"He's just a County Executive, and he's already this busy. If he becomes a mayor, it'll be even worse," Maurice complained. "I wish he could take a less demanding job. His health has deteriorated over the years in Harmony County. He has high blood pressure, stomach issues, and back problems. And our sex life... oh!"
Maurice suddenly realized she had said too much. Discussing such private matters with Kevin was inappropriate. She blushed and didn't know how to explain herself, leading to an awkward silence.
Kevin was also taken aback. Why was Maurice sharing such intimate details with him? It seemed she didn't see him as an outsider. But from what she said, Armando's health issues were affecting their intimacy.
Kevin's mind raced. Maurice, like Daisy, was in her prime, but her husband couldn't satisfy her. Her mature body was like dry tinder, ready to ignite at the slightest spark. But what should he do now? The silence was getting uncomfortable. Kevin nervously said, "Maurice, don't worry too much. Modern medicine is very advanced. Mr. Moore could get a check-up and some medication. Oh, there's a healer in Westbrook Village who might help!"
"Alright, alright, stop," Maurice said, showing a rare hint of shyness. Discussing such private matters with a young boy was inappropriate. She quickly composed herself and changed the subject. "Kevin, what are your plans for the future? What kind of career do you want? Where do you want to live?"
Kevin was taken aback. He had daydreamed about the future, but mostly about getting into a good college to make his mother proud. No one had ever asked him about his long-term plans.
He realized that his life had always been guided by his mother, Bethany. Despite his rebellious streak, he had never strayed from her expectations. His affair with Audrey was the most defiant thing he had done. But what about after college? Would he still let his mother decide his future?
"I'm not sure yet. It's still early. I'll figure it out after I get into college," Kevin said vaguely. He didn't know what he wanted to do.
"It's good to plan ahead," Maurice said with a smile. "Think about what school you want to go to, what major you want to study. It will help you avoid detours. If you have any ideas, feel free to share them with me. I can give you some advice."
Coming from Maurice, this offer meant a lot. She wouldn't offer advice lightly, and Kevin could potentially tap into her resources and connections.
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