WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21st

3:00 PM, Los Angeles Airport

   Melissa Kessler greeted her husband with a hug and a kiss. They talked as they made their way towards the baggage pick-up.
   "So did the quake leave any permanent scars?"
   "I had to purchase a whole new set of dishes for both the restaurant and the house. Other than that, the main thing you'll notice when we get home is that grandfather clock, which is still horizontal in the front room."
   "I take it it's too heavy for one person to lift?"
   "Actually, for the time being, I don't see any reason to move it. It never worked as a clock, but makes a dandy footrest."
   "Well, I took a good look at the property in Sacramento. I'm having doubts about opening another eatery there. Too much fixing up to do, and not enough foot traffic." As they arrived at the baggage claim, the conversation turned towards his daughter. "So how's Stacy holding up?"
   "Remarkably well. That's the other thing you'll immediately notice when we get home. She's got a boyfriend now. He's really been a tremendous help."
   "Really? Great. Anybody I know?"
   She took a deep breath. "His name is Jeff Feingold."
   Suddenly, the expression on her husbands face turned inquisitive. "Feingold? Where have I heard that name before..."
   "Henry..."
   "Hey, didn't we once meet his folks at a PTA meeting?"
   "Yes but..."
   "Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't they mention something about him being a numbskull?"
   She grabbed him by both arms. "Listen, he's a nice kid, and a joy to have around the house. He may not be a Rhodes scholar...and frankly, he's not much to look at either, but he's extremely polite...And what's more important is the fact that he treats your daughter like royalty. He's at the house with her right now. When you meet him, I don't want you to mention anything regarding what his parents said about him."
   He grabbed his suitcase off of the conveyor belt. "Alright. I trust your judgement, and Stacy's. Let's get out of here."

4:30 PM, Kessler Residence

   Stacy looked at the clock on the wall. "My mom and dad should be arriving home in a few minutes."
   "Is there anything I should know, before meeting your dad?" Jeff put the VCR on pause.
   "As a matter of fact, yes there is." Stacy's voice was now serious. "I think you should know that he once met your dad at a P.T.A. meeting."
   "Uh oh, that's not good."
   "Listen, unlike you, I've haven't come out to my dad as an Atheist. So whatever you do, don't even raise that subject. As you've probably guessed, he's alot more into the whole Jewish thing than my mom is. At this point, if he were to find out about it, he'd probably just wind up blaming you for steering me in that direction."
   "Well, my dad didn't really know about that until a week ago, so I'm sure your dad doesn't. However, If they ever spoke at length, I'm sure he must think I'm an idiot."
   "Hopefully my mom's been working on him in the car. The point is, the one thing you've got going for you for certain is the fact that your last name is Feingold. He'll likely be more forgiving of your grades, than he would if your name were Smith or Jones."

10:00 PM, The Kessler Master Bedroom

   "So what do you think of Jeff?" asked Melissa Kessler.
   Henry Kessler just shrugged his shoulders. "He seems harmless enough."

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