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Chapter 15 - Mother-in-law visit

Giovanni's mother did indeed arrive on Sunday afternoon. He went to pick her up at the bus station, and Brenda returned early from her walk to be home when they arrived.

She was determined to make a good impression, despite what Giovanni had told her about his mother. Surely he was exaggerating.

When they arrived, Brenda asked solicitously if she would like something to drink, but her mother-in-law replied that she would not, as she would have dinner early.

Giovanni had warned her not to pay much attention to her, as she would likely criticize everything they did.

"Don't let anything she says affect you. It's just one day," he had commented.

Brenda found it hard to believe everything he had told her. When she met her on the day of the wedding, she had behaved properly, cold but polite and courteous.

When Giovanni went into the kitchen to prepare dinner, she commented:

"So, you're the one who has to cook? Doesn't your wife cook?"

"Brenda cooks when it's