Jojie Rivera, Eli's mom, came forward and held Belle's arm. She led her to the living room and started chatting with her to avoid an awkward silence. "I'm glad you came. I was really looking forward to seeing you, but Eli is so stingy with your time," she said, turning toward Eli to throw a sharp glare at him.
"Mom, you know she's recovering. You can't just come over and disturb her rest."
"Look who's talking! Instead of taking care of her, you forced her to review that boring nursing stuff and whatnot! You're impossible!"
"Ma'am, Eli was—"
"Just call me Auntie Jo."
Belle smiled and nodded her head in agreement, but she didn't say anything. She wasn't ready to call her that, knowing they were deceiving the woman.
"Come, come! Neon told me what you like to eat, so he and I cooked it together. My husband will be home for lunch, so we can all have a meal together. Do you mind doing a taste test for me?"
