Chapter 35

Chuckling, AJ saw Nicci returning from the restroom so briefly said, "I'll take that under advisement."

David had seen Nicci also, so excused himself and returned to the family table.

Nicci shot her husband a glare when she met him at the table and AJ found that he was surprised at that. He had known a lot of Italian women from his time stationed there and most of them had a hot quick temper. In fact Marcella had been the only Italian woman he'd known that had held her temper in public. She had let her fury simmer until they were in private and had let him have it with both barrels! He could only guess that she had been raised with the belief that a lady didn't fight in public, but that didn't stop her when they were alone!

So, he could only guess that Nicci was the same way and that David would get harsh side of her tongue when they were alone after the party. Meanwhile, she was talking to the others at their table but giving her husband a cold shoulder.

Gerald had finished both of his desert runs and had then made the rounds of the tables visiting with his guests. Before long he made his way to the table where AJ and his daughter sat. He started by saying, "I want to thank you once again for this magnificent party Liiani. You really went all out."

"I wanted to do it for you dad. You only turn one hundred years of age once you know, and you deserve the best!"

Her father chuckled, "I never really got that statement. You only turn each age once…although I do believe both the boys' mother and yours tried to turn thirty several times over."

Liiani shook her head at him, "That may be true of Joyce, Pops, but you didn't marry mom until she was forty so you are making things up there."

"Well maybe it was forty in her case. But, be that as it may, I still want you to know how much I appreciate what you did here today."

"I know Pops. I am just glad you are having a great time."

"So, now that pleasantries are out of the way, how are we going to fix this thing with Nicci? I am under the impression that you intend to keep seeing my daughter, is that correct?"

"It is, Gerald, and as for the other thing, both David and Akaliiani know what happened between Francesca's mother and I. They both seem to think that it would be better for them to talk to her rather than me. So I will bow to their knowledge of Nicci's reaction."

"Okay, that sounds grand. Now, since the party is dying down anyway, why don't the two of you kids take off and have some fun. Your brothers can handle the clean up."

Liiani thought about protesting, but after a look at AJ the temptation to have time alone with him won out over her feelings of obligation to stay and clean up. "Okay, you just make sure you don't do too much Pops!" she told him then got to her feet, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and grabbed AJ's hand.

He paused for just a moment to shake Gerald's hand and then allowed Akaliiani to lead him from the room.

Once they were outside the Veteran's Hall AJ turned to her and asked, "Where should we go?"

Akaliiani took a moment to consider her answer and then said, "Well, we've eaten so going to dinner is out, and I am honestly too tired from all the work on the party to go dancing." After thinking another moment she suggested, "What about a movie, if there is one showing that we both want to see?"

"That sounds like a fine idea. Why don't we stop somewhere and get a paper to see what is playing?"

"There's a coffee shop down the street and they always have copies of local papers for their customers."

"Sounds perfect. Lead on," he told her.

"It's not far, would you mind walking?"

"Not at all," AJ offered her his arm and they started off down the street.

To be continued…..