Page 60 of Derek

Sonja took another bite, paying closer attention now. The filling had a richness she hadn’t expected, and as she scraped up the last bit with her tongue, there was something else—a faint, wine-like depth that melded into the dill and mint, leaving a soft, almost floral aftertaste.

She reached for another. “I could eat a whole plate of these.”

Christina grinned. “You might have to fight for them. They don’t last long in this house.”

Sonja wasn’t surprised. She was already wondering how many more she could get away with before seeming greedy.

“You must try the taramosalata,” Sophia said. “It’s made from fish roe.” She brought over a plate with a bowl of the salad in the center and slices of pita bread for dipping around it.

“Let me get you a plate, Sonja,” Emily said. “There’s a lot to try. We’ll have half the meal before we sit down at the table. It always seems to happen that way.”

Appetizer followed appetizer, and Sonja had to restrain herself so she would have room for dinner. In between bites, she answered questions about herself and the café. She also heard about the various interests of the three girls from themselves with Sophia and Maya adding things they thought their daughters might be leaving out.

“How did you and Uncle Derek meet?” Emily asked.

How to finesse the answer while remaining truthful? “We were both at a party celebrating the wedding of mutual friends. It was a great night.”

“My Derek isaxiosimeíotos—eh, very special. I’m glad he’s finally thinking of settling down. He’s been alone for too long,” Ekaterina said.

“We haven’t gotten that far yet, Ekaterina, but it’s possible,” Sonja replied.

“What about children? You look like you could still have them. Do you want children?”

Derek had come back to get a refill on his wine and overheard Ekaterina’s question. “Mamá! Since when are you so rude? Sonja, ignore her.”

Ekaterina replied, “Is it so wrong to want you to pass on the family name? I’m sorry if I seem rude, Sonja, but my son is over fifty now, and I would like some grandchildren from him.”

“Mamá, we’ve had this conversation before. At my age, I’d be retired by the time children graduated from high school, and I rather doubt I have the energy to keep up with the average toddler as I am now. I think you need to consider thesubject closed. Permanently. Anyway, you have six wonderful grandchildren, and they’re getting close to old enough to give you great-grandchildren. I think you should put your hopes in that direction.”

Ekaterina burst into a stream of Greek words that sounded both agitated and melodic.

“Mamá,” Derek replied. “You know how I feel about speaking a language not everyone can understand. You’re being very rude to Sonja.”

“I want to be private.” Ekaterina shrugged. “This way, what I have to say stays in the family and doesn’t offend your guest.”

“Then you could have asked me to go into another room, Mamá. Anyway, the damage is done, and the subject is closed.”

“You would deny your mamá this small thing?”

“Mamá.” Derek’s voice had the warning tone he used when Sonja was getting bratty. “Would you prefer that Sonja and I leave?”

“Of course not.” She turned to Sonja. “I’m so sorry, my dear. I don’t mean to offend you or to be rude. It’s just a mother’s wishes for her son.”

Sophia interrupted before Sonja could think what to say. “Dinner is ready, and I hope we can leave this subject behind. Christina, get your father and the rest.” Ekaterina looked put upon, but she followed her daughter’s lead.

Derek took in the dining table. His sister had been considerate and placed Sonja and him at the opposite end of the table from his mother. He made a mental note to thank her later. They were on either side of his brother-in-law, Connie, who had immediately started talking business with Sonja. That seemedsafe, so he tuned it out in favor of a conversation with his niece, Christina. She was studying performing arts at Washington University in St. Louis. She had her heart set on Broadway, and Derek wanted to make sure she knew how hard meeting her goal would be.

“Yes, Uncle Derek. I’m getting a minor in education. Baba insisted I have something to fall back on, and I agree.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I’d love to see you on Broadway, but I’d rather you didn’t spend the rest of your life waiting tables while you tried to get there. Any upcoming productions at school?”

“We’re mountingAngels in Americain the spring. I’m working the stage crew, but you should come and see it.”

“It’s possible. Let me know when it gets closer.”

“Sure. By the way, I like your girlfriend. And you did a really good job of standing up to Yiayia. I’ve never seen Mom or Baba do that. Mom just sort of waits her out or agrees with her but then does what she wants.”

“I’m familiar with your mother’s tactics. Here comes the lamb again.” He helped himself to a generous slice. “Would you like some more?”

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