and almost dropped the tray.

“Ya Rob, My god, so handsome, a movie star!“ she exclaimed trying to recover her poise and some how, at the same time, managing to place the tray on the table. “See sir? Just like I said. A young prince-a Hollywood star. He makes me wish I was Cinderella.”

“That will be enough out of you young lady. Remember, he is already spoken for. He is engaged to my daughter and the property of the Muhammad family. I will finish the serving. You can take the evening off now and go home to your mother. Make sure you give my regards to her and have a nice evening. Good night Summaya.” Fazzi said.

“Yes Summaya,” Joseph added, “Good night and thanks for unpacking and arranging my closet.”

Still a bit shaken but recovering his senses and his humor Fazzi said, “Yussef, next time, please give us some hint. I almost spilled our wine and she almost dropped our dinner on the floor. You must forgive Summaya, she is the daughter of an old friend of mine that served with me and died in The Lebanon. I more or less adopted her and her mother and at times she forgets herself and takes too many liberties.”

“She is sweet and a very good worker. We should treasure her, as good help is almost impossible to find these days. I like her very much. She does what I ask her to do and if I say not to do something she, unlike some people I know, listens to me. Next time perhaps you will listen to me when I say not to do something. If you had not got me the Tuxedoes, as I requested in the first place, I would not have been tempted to do this. It is all your fault.” He jested arranging himself at the table. “Spending your money on such foolishness.”

“Foolishness, maybe, but it was worth every cent.” Fazzi said as he poured out two glasses of wine and then raised his glass to Yussef and offered a toast, “to us and all our happy times to come.” To which the soldier added, “and to your boundless generosity which, though I may fight like hell against it-in my heart -I love both it and the giver.” They clicked glasses and sipped the wine. Fazzi then proceeded to serve out the food, placing it before them. The rising steam along with the perfumed smell of the ever so slightly charred lamb teased, titillated and tantalized their appetites as they started to eat.

“So how was your day? Anything important happen so far?” Joseph asked as he tore into the food.

“You know Yussef for all the years that Mary and I were living together, she rarely, if ever asked me that question. I like that you do. It shows you are interested in me and not just in our sexual escapades. I am going to have to get used to this. It is a new experience for me. Now let's see, oh yes, do remember those two Syrians diplomats who you met here a while back?”

“You mean Allie Balbak and Hussain See… I seem to have forgotten his name...?”

“Hassan, Hassan Segour.” Fazzi corrected him. “You do have a good memory, habibi. Well they were here today again.”

“What did they want?” Joseph asked fearing what Allie might have reported to Fazzi and trying to cover his nervousness.

“I'm afraid that they were here to deliver some bad news