We quickly found Jennifer Bellinger seated alone. Guess we were having dinner with only her.
"Hi mom"
The smile grew on her face as she looked at Cody.
"Cody, it's so nice to see you. Give me a hug"
She stood up and I watched as they embraced.
"Happy Birthday, mom"
She lightly scruffed his cheek and kissed his cheek.
"Thank you, honey"
She offered me a smile when she let go of him.
"We started off on the wrong foot, I'm Jennifer"
I shook her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Jennifer, I'm Marisol" I greeted.
She looked at me for a bit, before slowly nodding.
"You're a beautiful girl Marisol. I can see why Cody is infatuated with you"
Cody's cheeks flushed.
"I hope you two don't mind, dad and Ashli stayed at the hotel because I wanted to get to know Marisol first"
Cody's jaw tightened as he nodded.
"Of course"
We took a seat, and I pulled out a small gift I got for her from my purse.
"Marisol got you a gift"
Jennifer looked at me.
"Oh, thank you"
"You mentioned it was your birthday, and I remember Cody telling me that you liked to try different types of teas," I said as I pulled out the box from my purse.
She smiled as she took the box. While she unwrapped it, Cody placed his hand on my knee.
"This is so cute and waste-free"
She looked at me.
"Thank you, Marisol"
There was no need for the actual tea bag. It was a waste of packaging.
"So Marisol, tell me about yourself"
"What do you want to know?" I questioned.
It was obvious she had a mindset about me, and I loved proving people wrong.
"Are you working?"
"I'm a student" I answered.
"What are you majoring in?"
I was used to correcting people by now. Most people assumed I was younger than I actually was.
"I graduated last Spring from Cal Poly Pomona with my degree in Animal Science" I informed her.
She looked at me for a second.
"So you're a Graduate student"
"I'm in Veterinarian School" I corrected.
She did not see that coming because her eyebrows raised a bit earning a smile from Cody.
"I actually go to Western University" I disclosed.
"How far are you in school?"
"I'm halfway through my second year" I answered.
"If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"
"I'm 23" I replied.
She nodded.
"You look younger"
That I did.
"Have you always wanted to be a Veterinarian?"
"Yeah, I was always around all types of animals growing up" I answered.
Uncle Andrew always fostered animals, and I used to help him catch the stray cats in the neighborhood. He'd spay/neuter them and then release them back once they were healed. When he retired, dad began feeding the strays. Uncle Andy actually built a waterproof home that was moved to our backyard after he moved to the rehab place. The new rents did not like the cats, and too be honest no one really liked the new rents.
"So one of your parents is a Veterinarian?"
I shook my head.
"My uncle who just recently retired worked as a veterinarian for about 30 years" I responded.
"And your parents?"
Cody cleared his throat.
"You don't need to answer that"
Here's the thing, I never told Cody anything about my mom. My guess is Desi told Chris who told Cody.
"It's okay" I assured Cody.
He shook his head and covered his face with one of his hands.
"My mom actually passed away when I was 8 years old, but she was a Pediatrician" I answered.
Her eyes widened.
"I am so sorry I asked"
I shook my head.
"It's okay" I assured her.
"Her dad is a part of SWAT"
"Cody mentioned his dad is a volunteer firefighter," I said deflecting the statement Cody had said.
She nodded.
"Yeah, he's been a firefighter for a handful of years"
It certainly paid well.
"Did you ever play a sport?"
"I actually played collegiate soccer, and competed in ballroom competitions" I replied.
"Division I?"
I shook my head.
"No, the Division I schools that scouted me didn't want the major I wanted to study" I stated.
It was kind of a no-brainer to choose academics over athletics.
"I also chose to stay local to stay close to my dad" I admitted.
"Your father never remarried?"
"No, work has kept him quite busy" I answered.
I would not mind if dad started dating.
"So what exactly are you two?"
"We're just friends" I replied.
Cody decided to add his two cents.
"For the moment"
Jennifer nodded.
"Would you be willing to take time off school for Cody?"
Lol, no.
"Cody is aware that school comes before him" I answered.
She looked at Cody who shrugged.
"You always said you wanted an educated young lady for me"
Jennifer seemed to ignore her son's statement.
"Has your father met Cody?"
"He briefly met him" I responded.
"Does she know Cody stood you up?"
He was going to find out, tonight actually.
"We're actually talking about that tonight" I disclosed.
Cody's eyes widened.
"My dad and I are close, so I'll make sure to tell him everything" I stated.
"Won't that affect your chances with Cody?"
No.
"I don't think so, my dad is not one to judge people until he actually gets to know them," I said.
Shots fired.
"We should call a waiter, I'm starving"
I looked at Cody who was trying his best not to smile.
Fifteen
Start from the beginning
