67 Concession

Christos.

Sending a swift glance to the counter, I saw the telling twitch on the corner of the attendant’s mouth and I knew she had heard the words too.

Slowly, I brought my face downward to look at that little human and she had nothing on her face but pure innocence.

Balderdash! I was not deceived.

“Did you say something?” With a little frown and stern voice that was meant to discourage, I asked softly.

“Yes, Uncle Christos. I said you like my Mummy. Don’t you?” The girl had enough audacity to repeat herself, obviously not scared of me.

Unsure of how to respond, I pretended to take an imaginary flint of my impeccable black suit.

“Everything is fine with your dressing, Uncle Christos.” Really! The girl would not even allow me to pretend or breathe in peace.

Unsure of what to say, I decided to push the question to her.

“Why did you say this, Erica?” I sure hoped she would say anything but the words I did not want to hear.

It would not help our friendship at all if they said they did no