“Dad, I'd like you meet Tony.”
Aaron looked at the tall, slender, balding man in front of him, seeking out the two eyes behind the heavy, thick-rimmed glasses. Tony met the appraising stare without flinching. Liesel had warned him about her father.
“So what do you do, Tony?”
“I'm a Chartered Accountant with Hollings and Squibb in London.”
“Accountant, eh.” Aaron chuckled. He knew a good joke about accountants. “Do you know what accountants use for contraceptives?”
Tony shook his head.
“Their personality.”
Tony didn't smile.
“Dad!” Liesel protested.
“Oh well. I thought it was funny.” pouted Aaron.
“Dad,” said Liesel, “Tony and I are going to get married.”
“Oh?”
“Don't you mean congratulations?” asked Liesel, raising her eyebrow in an expression all too familiar to her father.
“Er, yes, I meant that. I'm … very happy for the both of you.“
Liesel rolled her eyes in disgust.
Tony looked at the old man in front of him, saw the mirth in his eyes, and smiled for the first time. He extended his hand. “Nice to meet you at last, sir. Liesel talks a lot about you.”
Aaron shook his hand and smiled back, regretting his silly joke. There was potential here.
