Character Analysis
Lena's grandparents, former restaurant owners who go by Grandma and Bapi, are delighted to meet their granddaughters and expose them to their Greek culture.
"'Velcome home!'" (3.5) shouts Grandma as she sees her two beauties. So what if Grandma doesn't look like Cindy Crawford? With her "bad perm" Grandma seems "pretty ordinary" to Lena—but she's not ordinary at all. Grandma passionately shows her affection with those she loves, and she greets Lena with a giant hug and "squeezed her tight" (3.13). It's a warm welcome, to say the least.
Grandma, once the restaurant's hostess, is open and loving—like Effie—and Grandma has a huge soft spot for Kostos. She, along with the rest of the Caldera grandmothers, helped raise him when his parents died, so when Lena comes along, Grandma shifts into matchmaker mode.
Opposites must attract because Bapi is nothing like Grandma. Instead, he is a lot like Lena—quiet and unassuming. Even though Bapi is the "legendary businessman of the Kaligaris family" (3.58), he's not all business all the time. He has a big heart—and packs powerful punch—so he's quick to come to Lena's defense when he thinks Kostos has hurt her. Like the proud grandfather that he is, he slugs his best friend to defend Lena's honor.
Bapi and Lena form a special bond because she sees "some of her own features" (7.3) in her grandfather. They enjoy their quiet morning breakfasts together. Who needs to talk? Not these two. And by just being there, Bapi helps Lena feel loved and accepted—even when she's not wearing the Pants.