The Case Of Ali

Chapter 2. Meeting the Parents

For the next several weeks prior to  his trip to South America, Jake spent all his spare time looking for a place  for him and Ali to live after graduation. They agreed that Ali would use the $200k from her trust fund to cover the down payment on a house and Jake would be responsible for the monthly mortgage payments. Their sight was set on New York State...close to Manhattan and to Commings Enterprise  where Ali would be working with her parents.  The nature of Jake's employment  meant he could work from anywhere in the country contingent on some travel. 

Every apartment  Jake showed to Ali, she would scrunch up her nose.  They finally settled on a charming three story single family brownstone house in Harlem in an up and coming area of the city.  The neighborhood  was very diverse  with  many young families.   The house was built in the 1900s but was solid and mostly upgraded.  It  was on the market for a while and the seller was only too happy to accept a reduced offer from Jake and and Ali.   

Jake felt a strange but good  energy when he stepped into the foyer of the house.  There was something comforting about the house.   The building called to him and Ali loved it. He just had to make sure he had a job before he left  on his trip so he could afford the mortgage when he got back. 

The next and biggest  hurdle of all  was meeting with the parents.  Ali planned lunch for  them and their parents right after the graduation ceremony ended.  Ali was excited but nervous for everyone to finally get together.  Right after the graduation ceremony ended, Ali walked over with her parents to Jake and his mother.  "Mom, Dad...this is Jake Acevedo and this is his mother Cynthia.  They are joining us for lunch; Cynthia, Jake these are my parents...Mike and Beryl Commings," Ali said. 

The air seemed to suddenly became very thick all around as everyone tried to inhale and breathe.  The parents could not hide the shocked look  on their faces as they contemplate what this  meant. They were all thinking the same thing; why would Ali invite them all  to lunch? 

Ali's father reached out his hand to Jake and his mother in a hand shake while her mother stood on the side looking on. 

"I guess congratulations is in order; and graduating from a school like this is in itself a great accomplishment, especially for you Jake. What was your major again; I think I missed that," Mr. Commings said.

Jake only heard "Especially for you Jake" and he was already pissed.  Ali the savior that she was defused the moment perfectly.

"Jake's major is in IT with a minor in Business.   He wants to develop software and Apps Dad; isn't that an area you want to tap into?" Ali said trying to thaw the freeze that was building up.  

"Very good area to make money that's for sure...lots of money," Ali's father said followed by a nervous boom of a laugh.

"Congratulations to you both...and Allison we can't wait for you to join us in the business; we are excited to see what new and brilliant ideas you bring to the table," Mrs. Commings said. 

Jake's mother remained quiet. Jake elbowed her and she looked up at him.

"So glad to meet all of you. I am so very proud of Jake...oh and congrats to you too...is it Allison?" Cynthia said.

"Please, call me Ali."  

Jake drove to the restaurant with Ali and his mother.  Ali's parents followed in their  brand new Benz.  Jake kept looking at his mother in the rear view mirror and the expression on her face said it all.  She did not want to be hanging out with Ali and her parents.  

Jake almost had a stroke when he pulled up to the restaurant.  It was a very upscale place, nothing that they could afford.

"You sure this is the place Ali?"