"Yes, let's do it," Mathias says with a smile, feeling excited and nervous all at once. He's already thinking of all sorts of things to tell Mr. Mars; his life story, of course, and just how much he likes his daughter. All things he expects Veronica's dad might be pleased to hear.

"Oh, I'm excited just thinking about it," he continues. "We can cook together and I can really make a good impression on him. I'm very good with parents, I think, I always have been. I hope your dad likes me, I really do."