With his black mustache and short, stocky build, Joe looked just like people expected. His Italian accent was classic.
“Nick! So good to see you, my friend!” He kissed him on both cheeks in true European style. “I was happy to hear that you wanted to have dinner with us tonight. I made sure we saved the best table for you.”
“Joe, it looks great,” said Nick. The table was covered with a traditional red and white checked cloth and bathed in the light of the candle positioned in its center. “I like your attention to detail. Grazie.”
“So great to have both you and your father with us this evening.”
“Uh, no, it’s not my dad I’m coming here with, Joe. I have a date. Honestly, I have no idea what Dad is up to tonight. ‘Going out’ is all he told me.”
“Oh, I know where he is.” “You do? Where?”
“In my kitchen, stealing more of my recipes!” He winked.
“He is? Oh, Joe, he shouldn’t be bothering you. I can tell him to
stop doing that.”
“No, no, he is always welcome. Tell you the truth, he’s not a bad cook.”
“I know that,” said Nick. “Certainly makes coming home after a crappy day worth it.”
“So, who is the lucky lady tonight?” Joe asked. He turned away when he heard the bells on the door tinkle. “Excuse me one sec. He greeted another customer. “Dr. Shelly! Welcome! What a wonderful surprise.” He kissed her on the cheek.
Nick stepped to the two. “Well Joe, you asked, and here she is.
My date. Dr. Shelly White.”
Joe smile became an ear-to-ear grin. “You have a date with an angel, you know. She saved my Elizabeth.”
“Let’s give the credit to Lizzie,” Shelly said. “She was the real trooper. She’s the one who did all the work.”
“I am sorry, Dr. Shelly, but I know what you did. I know you save my baby. It was you. And that, as they say, is a fact.”
“She’s a doctor on a mission,” Nick piped in. “And you?” Joe asked.
“Me? What about me?”