Even though Anna had seen New York before, this time being with Nikolas, everything looked more beautiful -- the Statue of Liberty more magnificent. For Nikolas it was an awesome sight. "Someday I will navigate my own ship into this harbor," he thought. Anna looked at him proudly and read his mind.
"I am sure someday you will, Nikolas." She snuggled close to him and kissed him.
Anna and Melpomeni were picked up upon arrival by a black, well-dressed driver in a sleek, highly polished, dark limousine and taken to the Waldorf Astoria's presidential suite. Nikolas and the other two officers were met by a man from the State Department and taken to a military guesthouse frequented by American Navy and Air Force officers. He had no desire to eat or enjoy the company of others.
"What is it with you, Nikolas?" fired one of the other officers sharply.
Nikolas didn't respond. He just looked at him and smiled.
"In love, eh?"
"Can't you see?" joked the other.
"Love can be honey and poison at the same time," continued the first officer, but
Nikolas did not pay much attention to them.
His mind was with Anna and looking forward to seeing her later that evening.
***
"We are invited to dinner by the Greek ambassador, Anna. What are you going to wear?"
"I don't feel well, Mom, please go without me."
"But, but, child, your father has arranged it all. Are you going to disappoint your father? As for me, I am sure you'll be more than glad to do so."
"Mom, please," sighed Anna.
***
Nikolas had never seen such luxurious elegance before as he walked in the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria hotel. The red velvet chairs, the tall gold-trimmed columns, the marble stairs, all held his gaze in awe. Anna looked stunning in her low-cut, long white dress with short, puffed sleeves, tightened by a red ribbon at each end. She wore a necklace of rose pearls and earrings to match, covered partially by her wavy blonde hair. Her cherry-red lips looked inviting, and her cheeks were the shade of rose petals in springtime.
Nikolas quickly came down the stairs to greet her as she entered the lobby. He offered his hand and drew her near him, and kissed her. Then he led her up the grand staircase to the cocktail terrace lounge and they both ordered champagne.
"You look so handsome tonight, Nikolas," complimented Anna, smiling.
"Thank you, Anna, but you took the words right out of my mouth. Well, almost. Not only do you look magnificent but I am so happy to be here with you."