Stinkin' Thinking

Ren stirred the pot and lowered the heat to a simmer. Dinner would be ready by the time Jasmine came home. Ren closed his eyes, the smell of the stew relaxing his anxiousness. He thought his life should have been perfect by now. He thought it must have been fate, deciding to go back to college and pursuing his passion for cooking four years ago. He chose a University for Hospitality quite far from his hometown to get some distance from his overbearing family. He was taking the "scenic route" to his class that first day. Ok, he was actually lost that day and found himself in the Business department. That day, he stumbled over Jasmine, got smitten and continued to woo her over the next four years. "You know... you look very picturesque over there by the stove." Jasmine teased, as she walked through the door. "PHAW! If the house-wife was over 6 feet tall and hairy! You're long hair is adding more flavor into the stew" scoffed his mother in law Judith, as she stalked in behind Jasmine. Ren's face reddened. "I'm sorry I was distracted for moment" Ren said hastily, as he put away the bent ladle in his grip. Jasmine frowned and whispered, "Don't let her bother you.. it was a bad day at the office today. There is going to be a Board of Directors Meeting tonight. Grandma Jane is possibly stepping down as CEO and the whole family is in an uproar about who will succeed her." "Well it definitely won't be you Jasmine," Judith snapped, then sighed. "I'm sorry honey. We had such high hopes for you. You have always been first place in your class at university, you're charming, and you're beautiful. We even left you alone the past few years so you could concentrate on your studies!! Who knew you were also goofing around with a nobody like Ren?! We've never heard of him before and you've never even heard from his family after all this time! Look at him! He looks like an overweight housewife cooking by the stove! Who would want him as a son-in-law when he doesn't have any other skills to help your ambitions? There were so many other options! Didn't you know that there are so many more eligible bachelors that are 1000% better and could have catapulted your position in the Mason family's eyes? A good wedding match from any of the other conglomerates like the Daggets or the Fitzroys would have led to business deals for the family for generations! You've brought no value to the family by marrying Ren, and SECRETLY might I add?! I'm STILL FURIOUS thinking you were with child, and a good thing you weren't!" "Excuse me mother! Now that's enough! I may have started from the bottom at Mason Inc. but I believe in my abilities! It's only been a few months and I've already been promoted to Team Leader." Jasmine glowered. "I'm sorry" - mouthed Ren. Yes. Marrying his dream girl should have led to his perfect life. Except the crazy family she came from. He laughed inside, he was no stranger to being around a crazy family - his own crazy family he tried to leave behind four years ago. He loved her enough to keep his cool during these moments. He just hoped she loved him back enough until they could get over this hump. "PHAW! So you think our conversation is funny do you? This is Jasmine's future at the company we're talking about!" "Mom ok ok, here taste this", Before she could go on a tirade again, Ren shoved a spoonful of stew into her mouth. Immediately, the taste of the stew reminded her how long her day had been and how hungry she was. The flavors of the vegetables and the broth danced on her tongue and the meat scrumptiously fell apart in her mouth. It tasted so good she forgot she was angry at him for a moment. "Tsk, the only thing I can't deny Ren is that your cooking is not so bad." grumbled Judith, "hurry up and set the table before your stew gets cold". "Mom, you know Ren was first in his class in the culinary department at University? His food could be Michelin rated!" Jasmine beamed at Ren. "PHAW, that doesnt' mean anything when he isn't even working in a restaurant! He has no experience - who is going to hire a nobody like him?!" Judith was still looking down at Ren for his lack of connections and lack of family background. She really had no idea why Jasmine would ever marry him and cause such a disgrace to their family. "But mom, can't you help him with some of your connections? Maybe you can introduce him to someone who has ties to the food industry?" Jasmine asked hopefully. Judith dubiously looked at Ren... and started hatching a plan.