So about an hour ago I called your friend and we made all the arrangements.”

“I'm sure Fazzi was thrilled. He told me how disappointed he was at the prospect of not having you perform.”

“Yes, the old guy was very thrilled. I could even see him drooling over the phone. He even offered to double my usual fee. As well as provide a place for me to stay so that I did not have to travel back and forth to the city that day. He said I could use your old apartment on his property, but since I have to work that evening, I can go home from the Cafe as usual. As for my fee he could use it to pay for the musicians or donate it to the club as my contribution to the cause. He told me he was going to call you right away and tell you, but I begged him not to as I wanted to tell you myself.”

“That was very nice of you, but surely that did not keep you awake all night.”

“No, there was something else that disturbed my sleep and it has been keeping me awake for several nights now,” she answered.

“We can talk about that at lunch. For now I'm very happy that you decided to perform. I know how busy you are and I'm sure your performance will delight the Arab/American community, as well as those of us who are not Arabs,” he said as he placed his hand under her elbow and started to gently lead her away from the statue. “A friend of mine recommended this nice bar and grill down the street. While it is a little early for drinking I hear the food is excellent. Will that be okay for lunch? Do you object to going to an establishment where alcohol is served?”

“No, no objections. I am not that old fashioned. It will be fine as long as they have booths where we can be unobserved and talk in private together.”

“By the way, speaking of privacy, where is your body guard today?” Joseph asked. “I don't see him around.”

“I did not think I needed him today. One of the advantages in living in Manhattan is that people usually do not recognize me and I can live a more normal life here,” she explained and then shyly asked him, “Do you think I need him around with you?”

“You never can tell,” he said as they found the place, entered and were seated in a private booth. As they sat down beside one and other, Dina after looking around the place, let her black headscarf fall to her shoulders and ran her fingers through her hair to fluff it out. Joseph, using it as an excuse reached over and using his fingers adjusted her head covering over her shoulders. The waiter smiled, handed them menus and asked if they wanted anything to drink before they ordered. Coffee, just coffee for now, they both requested and started to look at the menu. When he returned with their coffee, they ordered and while waiting for the food to arrive Joseph asked her, “So tell me what kept you awake last night?”

“Who in the name of the prophet are you?” She asked as she turned to him and took both his hands in hers.

“I'm Sgt. Joseph Benson, US Army,” Joseph said, kind of bewildered and taken aback. “I thought