The maitre d' came and escorted them to the rotunda restaurant, with its circle of Grecian columns, trimmed abundantly with gold. They sat and their champagne glasses were filled.
"Well, Anna, I'd like to introduce you to my new son-in-law! Well … soon to be."
Anna's mouth dropped open, even though she was expecting a positive response. Happy and pleased, Anna ran around the table to give her daddy a kiss. Then she sat close to Nikolas and put her hand on his.
The exquisite meal of lobster bisque, fresh local salmon, and a ubiquitous Caesar salad was beyond expectations. It was complemented by the finest Californian white wine.
All of a sudden, the lights went out. Nikolas immediately grasped Anna to his side to protect her. "Are you all right, Anna?"
"Yes, yes, love," she answered as she snuggled closer to him.
When the band started playing a tune, a dozen or so singing waiters carrying candles appeared on the side of the restaurant.
"What is going on?" asked Nikolas.
"Probably someone's birthday," replied Anna.
"Must be someone important."
"Yes, he is!"
Anna looked meaningfully into Nikolas's eyes. When the cake arrived at their table, the band, along with the waiters, sang "Happy Birthday" in English, Italian, and Greek.
"Happy birthday, Mr. Nikolas," "Nikola," "Niko," and "Nicke," depending on which part of the world the waiter came from. Nikolas was astounded, speechless.
"Oh, my God, I can't believe this."
"I'm sorry, Nikolas, I peeked into your passport. Happy birthday!" she confessed as she kissed him.
"Thank you, Anna," he gazed at her lovingly. Lowering his voice and moving closer, he repeated, "Thank you, Agape," his lips touching hers.
The evening ended with Stavros and Anna taking a limousine to their home and
Nikolas driving the Rolls Royce to Treasure Island. Having a taste of such luxury had Nikolas thinking, is it really true?
***
The next few evenings Nikolas got to know Stavros better and developed a strong bond with him. Stavros offered Nikolas a wellpaying job as an operations manager of his fleet. Nikolas politely refused, considering the world situation.
"I cannot desert my country at an uncertain time like this. It would seem like treason."
"I understand," Stavros replied solemnly.
***
At the Stavros mansion there was turmoil.
"I don't want to hear about it! Not now, not ever! My daughter is not getting engaged to that ... that Turk! No, no, no, and that's final!" Melpomeni shrilled.
"But he loves Anna, Melpo."
"Love? Love? What love, Stavros?" she shouted.
"He is a good and honest man. He might not be in our class or wealthy, but ... Oh, what's the use!" Stavros flung his hands in the air.