Don Hollinger walked into the bar. Lou Marie was already there, drinking a beer.

"Hi, Hollinger."

"Hi, Mr. Marie."

They shook hands. Don ordered a beer. They talked small talk until it came.

"I suppose you're wondering why I asked you to come here," Said Mr. Marie.

"I think I have a good idea why."

"It's about my daughter."

"That's what I thought!"

"Do you intend to marry her?"

"Yes, sir."

"When?"

"I'm not sure, yet. I need to get my finances settled, first."

"Do you love her?"

"With all my heart. She's the perfect girl for me."

He nodded. "That's the answer I wanted to hear. Now, I want you to know that I like you."

This surprised him. "You do?"

"Yes. You're strong, confident, sober, fairly well off, and you're very good for Ann. And I'll be very happy to have you as a son-in-law."

"Thank you, sir."

"Now, I know I seem to disapprove of you. I suppose it's just because I own a restaurant, and I'm used to bossing people around."

"I see."

"And also, Ann's my only daughter, and I'm concerned about her. I never really approved of her wanting to go to New York City to be an actress."

"I understand, sir."

"You don't think you could dissuade her from acting, could you?"

He laughed, "Sorry, I couldn't do that, Mr. Marie!"

He nodded. "I didn't think so! Anyway, what I'm trying to say is if I fly off the handle sometimes, I'm sorry. You've a good man for my little girl, and whenever you decide it's time to marry her, I will welcome you with all my heart."

"Thank you, Mr. Hollinger. "

"Please, call me Lou."

They had a couple more drinks and talked together, then they left.