tap dance.” Fazzi informed them. “It is not only a matter of culture, but some of us feel that dancing like that adds to the bridal price value of the girl. Others just get pleasure watching their daughters perform. Perhaps you Americans will misunderstand this part of our culture. I think this is because of your puritanical upbringing. My own daughter has taken such lessons and while not as good as Dina, she could give a respectable performance.”

After Dina had washed and changed to her street clothes, she joined them for a few drinks and friendly conversation. The men joked about the way Joseph had looked so scared on stage. “He was excellent,” she protested while smiling at him, “sometimes a man will try to grab me and carry me off. Sometimes they become so aroused that I have to offer them something to cover themselves with. I have had men try to rip off my clothes on stage.”

Looking up and directing their attention to a bull of a man standing near the exit, she said, "You see that big man over there, the one with all the muscles? He is my protector. He sees to it that I get home in one piece. Gentlemen, I thank you for the drinks but I see him telling me to go now. It was nice to meet all of you. And Yussef, if you ever decide you would like to join my act, I would be glad to have you as a regular. Here is my card. Just give me a call. Good night.”

After she left Richard said, “It is getting late and I too must be going if I am to get home tonight. I thank you for a wonderful night and look forward to your call when you arrange that meeting. Be sure to call as soon as you can.”

“Yes, it is getting late and we all should get to bed.” Fazzi said as they all got up and headed to the coatroom. Fazzi took care of the bill and thanked the owner of the establishment. They got their coats and outside found their cars were waiting for them. Joseph again said good night to Mr. Worthington and got into the passenger seat of the BMW. Fazzi, who was again going to drive, waved good-bye as the limo pulled away and then sat beside Joseph.

“Well Fazzi, what did you think of him?” Joseph asked as they drove off.

“He is a wonderful man and I think we can do business together. I like him and I thank you for bringing us together. Do you think it would be helpful if I invited him and his family to come to meet our community? Just to get to know us better. What do you think of that idea, habibi?”

Joseph thought a while then said; “I think it would be a wonderful idea, but, only after he has had an opportunity to conduct that meeting with the investors. If for some reason something should go wrong–you would not look like the fool having wasted time and money with no possibility of a return.”

“You, my love, are beginning to think like an Arab,” he said reaching over and placing his hand on the soldier’s crotch.

“Is that bad?” Joseph said, placing his hand over Fazzi’s and pressing it into his crotch.

“I hope it is not too late for you to come up and have a night-cap–is