Lola’s parents owned and operated Palates Family Restaurant on Michigan Avenue. Her mother also worked as an accountant for a clothing store. In the afternoon, around three o’clock, Leisos, Lola’s father, left his friend Guido in charge of the business, because Leisos wanted to spend the day at the park with Lola. They made a date of it. On their way to the park, Leisos and Lola stopped off at a local ice cream parlor by the name of Hamel’s Good Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor. Lola always ordered a soft served, vanilla, ice cream cone with extra chocolate and peanuts. Leisos always ordered a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar and a cup of coffee.

Lola drank a cherry cola. They also ordered French fries and onion rings. Leisos carried the food to the table while Lola carried the coffee and cherry cola. Taking their seats, Leisos started off the conversation. “You know, Lola. This is the best place to go and eat when you’re feeling extremely hungry.” Leisos watched Lola with warmth in his eyes while Lola took a bite of an onion ring. “Remember what I told you. Savor the good flavor of the seasonings composing the onion. That’s the best part. The seasonings, anyway.” Lola interjected in the conversation. “You know, baba (Greek word meaning father), even though French fries are my most favorite snack next to my chocolate, double dipped, cone with extra chocolate and extra peanuts, onion rings are in a class all by themselves. I tell ya, there is just no comparing the delicious flavoring. Of course, we did have crispy French fries with a mixture of seasonings before. They just don’t compare to the onion rings we are eating right now.”

“You said it, young lady.” Leisos said while helping himself to an onion ring and then taking a bite. “Baba, I wonder if Tassos Boyer will be at the park today. I sure would love to see him and play together with him.” Lola sighed. “You have a crush on Tassos, Lola?” Leisos said teasingly to Lola with a smile on his face.

Lola blushed and wiped the ice cream off her mouth with her napkin before answering her father. “Well,” she shrugs her shoulders. “I guess.” “What do you mean you guess, Lola? Either you love the young man or you don’t.” Leisos teased her some more.