Chapter 1302: Jessa’s reminders

[MAMA]

The family had decided to have their family dinner at the restaurant instead of at the Cortez or Bennet households. One of the reasons was that Jessa and Charles couldn’t agree on a location—both wanted to host it in their home, each claiming to be Nina’s parents. So, with Allison’s suggestion, they all agreed to meet at Mama.

After all, Mama was a restaurant owned by both the Cortez and Bennet families. With that in mind, Nina decided to help out at the restaurant the day before the family meeting. Since they would be closing tomorrow, business continued as usual today. While helping out, Nina tried not to dwell too much on what had happened earlier.

"Is everything alright, dear?"

Allison’s calm voice snapped Nina out of her thoughts. Turning to Allison, who stood beside the cashier counter, Nina gave her a small smile.

"Mhm," Nina hummed. "Everything’s alright, Mom."

"Are you sure?" Allison raised a brow. "You’ve seemed a little distracted since you got here."

"Well..." Nina pursed her lips. "I’m just a little nervous, that’s all."

"Nervous about the family meeting?"

"Mhm." Nina nodded, though that wasn’t the full truth. She was distracted by what had happened earlier today, but it was true that she also felt tense as the family meeting approached.

"Oh, dear." Allison’s warm eyes softened as she gently held Nina’s hand. "Everything’s going to be fine."

"Will it, Mom?" Nina replied, glancing toward the kitchen entrance. "Aunt Jessa looks like she’s about to burn everyone alive in there."

"Isn’t she always like that?" Allison chuckled.

But Nina wasn’t convinced. Growing up under Jessa’s care, she knew her aunt well. Jessa was the most outspoken person Nina had ever met—blunt to a fault, yet capable of kindness toward select people. Considering that Finn, Nina’s fiancé, had his shortcomings—such as not having the decency to meet her family before—Nina was... worried.

Allison seemed to sense her concerns and tapped Nina’s hand to get her attention. "Everything’s going to be fine," she reassured her. "I’m sure Jessa and your dad will behave. I’m more worried about your brothers, though."

"Mom, they know Finn, so I’m sure they’ll be fine," Nina replied, though she caught the doubt in Allison’s eyes.

Allison knew her sons just as well as she knew Jessa and Charles. They might know Finn and have spent time with him on their trip, but a family dinner was a different matter. Still, with Nina here, she decided not to dwell on that thought.

I’ll just warn them later, she thought, knowing full well she had already given her sons and husband plenty of warnings.

Looking at Nina, Allison couldn’t help but smile as she stroked her hair. "You’ve really grown into a fine young woman, Nina," she whispered. "Time flies so fast. I blinked, and now all of you are adults."

Nina might not fully understand that sentiment, but Allison was sure many parents would. The memories of her children—their habits, their little quirks—were still so fresh in her mind, as if they had only happened yesterday. And yet, here they were—one of her kids had gotten married in secret, and another was about to.

"Mom?" Nina raised a brow, noticing the thin sheen of tears forming in Allison’s eyes. "Are you okay?"

"Of course." Allison nodded, forcing her smile to brighten. "I’m just... a little emotional, thinking about my child getting married."

Nina pressed her lips together, smiling at her mother with appreciation. Clasping Allison’s hand, she nodded reassuringly. They didn’t need to say anything else—just sharing this quiet moment was enough.

---

The day at Mama passed as usual. Time always seemed to move faster at the restaurant, with people constantly coming and going to enjoy the food, keeping the kitchen busy. And like any other day, closing time arrived.

Nina dragged her feet to a chair and sat down beside Jessa, who was unwinding with a bottle of light beer after another exhausting day. Jessa glanced at her but said nothing, simply taking another swig from the bottle.

"Auntie, if you keep drinking like that, it’s going to be bad for your health," Nina teased. "Maybe you should cut back a little."

"What do you know?" Jessa scoffed, setting her beer down as she studied Nina. "Are you okay?"

"Of course, I’m okay." Nina smiled. "Nervous? A little."

"Heh. If there’s anyone who should be nervous tomorrow, it’s your fiancé."

"Jessa, don’t scare Nina like that," Allison interjected, arriving with small plates of dessert and a snack for both of them. As she placed the plates down, she cast Nina a knowing look. "Don’t listen to her. She actually likes Finn."

"And why would I like that boy?" Jessa scoffed, grabbing some of the nuts Allison had brought her. Adjusting in her seat, she turned to Nina and Allison. "Nina, it’s just a family meeting, but let me tell you something. First of all, don’t let your future in-laws bully you."

"I don’t think they would—"

"If they try, who do you call first?" Jessa interrupted, raising a brow as she waited for Nina’s response.

"A lawyer..." Nina answered hesitantly, then added, "...because someone needs to keep you out of prison."

Allison stifled a laugh, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. Jessa, on the other hand, nodded approvingly.

"Good girl," Jessa said before pointing a finger at Nina. "And if your husband ever raises a hand at you—even if it doesn’t land—what do you do?"

"Pray to the heavens..." Nina trailed off, pursing her lips before finishing, "...and ask that his soul rests in peace, because the way he got there won’t be peaceful at all."

"Good, good!" Jessa grinned. "And if he ever does you wrong?"

This time, Nina answered with more confidence. "Take half of everything he owns."

"Good girl." Jessa reached over and ruffled Nina’s hair, her grin widening. "Your husband better treat you like a queen. He and his family are lucky to have you as their daughter-in-law."

Nina’s cheeks flushed pink, her heart swelling with warmth. Looking at Allison and Jessa, she felt her nervousness ease. Having a good mother was already a blessing—but having two? She was truly blessed.

Little did she know, just across the restaurant, a woman stood alone, watching Nina, Jessa, and Allison.