All the Difference by Edward McKeown

Author:Edward McKeown [McKeown, Edward]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Space Opera, Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781943690268
Publisher: MoonDream Press
Published: 2018-08-12T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

I woke in the morning having slept deeply and dreamlessly. Somewhat to my surprise, my mother had slept in, too. I guess the accumulated stresses of the week had worn on her. So we had a late breakfast out on the porch, watching the ocean and an unusually large freighter that made its way slowly across the horizon.

A buzzing drew my attention from the ship. “The phone,” my mother said, rising.

“You know if you had a house AI,” I said. “You wouldn’t have to wonder where you left your portable.”

“Don’t be a smart ass, young man,” my mother said. “Besides I don’t fancy living with a computer watching my every move.”

She paused, then looked at Maauro. “Present company excepted.”

Maauro smiled. “No offense taken. I am cognizant of the need for privacy and feel such a need for myself as well.”

“Good,” Mom threw over her shoulder. Evidently she made it before the com took a message. I heard her voice, but couldn’t make out what she was saying, but she returned in a few minutes holding a boxy com. “It’s your sister.”

I took a deep breath and reached for the phone. “Hello, Rena.”

“Good morning,” my sister’s voice had a determined cheerfulness to it. “I thought I would confirm that you and Aurelia were coming tonight.”

“We are and are looking forward to it.”

“Mom says she has something to do with her friends. It’s not true of course, but I suppose she thinks it’s best.”

“What time should we arrive?”

“Shall we say at five, given that it will be a long trip back for you.”

“That sounds fine. We will see you then. Tell Cobus I remembered the presents this time.”

“Don’t spoil him any more than his father does. Ok, we’ll see you then. Tell Mom goodbye.”

“Will do.”

“Everything all right?” my mother asked as he handed her back the comp.

I nodded and turned to Maauro. “That was my sister, confirming we’re on for dinner tonight.”

She nodded, looking out to sea.

“Why did you bail out?” I asked of my mother.

“Your sister and I have been a chancy combination for years. She knows I don’t care for her husband. It might be easier if it was just you young folks.”

I nodded

“We must find you something to wear,” my mother exclaimed, turning back to Maauro, who sat cross-legged on the floor. “But there’s hardly time to go shopping.”

“Nor need,” Maauro returned smoothly, “if you could find some images of suitable evening wear for such an occasion, and I can retexturize myself.”

My mother looked at me. “You have no idea how lucky you are.” She ducked into the living room and returned to hand Maauro a tablet, which was already displaying women’s clothing.

Maauro smiled. “I keep telling him that.”

I raised my hands in my mock protest. “I believe. I believe.”

“What about my hair?” Maauro said. “This is his sister, and I wish to make the best first impression I can.”

“You’re fine as you are,” I protested.

Maauro gave me a look. “I had no human female to advise me before I met your mother.

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