“I know it’s weird, but yes.”

“It’s not weird, Rina. But you’re getting into some very strong material.”

“It can’t be worse than the camps.”

“You have a point, but things that are less than horrendous can still affect you deeply.” Decker tapped the ends of the sheets to even them up. “I’m a little tired now. But I’ll read it over carefully tomorrow night and let you know what I come up with.”

“Thank you.”

Decker thought a moment. “Don’t underplay the historical context, Rina. I think the anti-Semitism is going to be very relevant somewhere down the line.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” Rina sighed. “And that’s really sad.”

It was after midnight by the time I crawled into bed, but Dad was a night owl. I phoned his business number and he picked up after two rings.

“Decker.”

“It’s me. Did I wake you?”

“No, you caught me just in time. Why are you calling my work line?”

“I thought if I called the private line, I’d scare you.”

“You would have. Good thinking. Thank you. What’s up?”

“A couple of things. First off, can I come over Friday night for dinner?”

“Of course. You don’t even have to ask. The boys are home, you know.”

“No, I didn’t know. What’s the occasion?”

“Summer vacation.”

“It’s only mid-May.”

“Both got their finals over with very early. Lucky me.”

I smiled. “Poor Dad. So beleaguered.”

“Nah, I’m just joking. It’ll be wonderful to see my entire family in one sitting. Any particular reason why you’re coming?”

“Not really.” An out-and-out lie. “But I was thinking about bringing a friend. But if it’s too much work for Rina, we can make it another time.”

A momentary pause. “Of course, you can bring a friend. Is it a he or a she?”

“It’s nobody serious, Daddy. I just met him a few days ago.”

“And already you’re bringing him to your parents’ house for Shabbat dinner?”

“My father’s house. Mom doesn’t know about him because it’s not relevant. I’m only bringing him because he’s traditional. His family lives in Israel and I thought it would be nice for him to have a real Shabbat.”

“An Israeli?”

There was excitement in his voice. I could picture the smile on his face. I wondered how wide it would stay once he saw Koby’s complexion. I should have said more, if nothing else than to prepare him, but then I figured why should I? My parents had raised me without prejudice. Now was the time to test their theoretical tolerance.

“He’s lived here for eight years. This is stupid, Dad. He’s just a friend, all right?”

“I hear you, Princess. Sure. Bring him over.”

“I have another reason for calling.”

“Uh-oh, this sounds more serious.”

“It has to do with business. I might have tracked down a good candidate for the baby’s mother.” I told him everything I had found out. “What do you think?”