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and stand. He served the steaks with Béarnaise sauce, the scallops and poured more wine. Stella and Campbell ate in silence. It was not an uncomfortable silence. Stella thought it curious that she could simply eat without feeling the need to talk and share. This must be what it feels like to have someone in your life you are completely comfortable with. Stella thought about Ben. It would be like that with Ben , thought Stella. Pure comfort.
    Campbell soaked up some of the Béarnaise with his last piece of steak. He smiled. "Dessert?"
    Stella groaned. "I couldn't. I'm so full."
    "You really shouldn't say no to Crème Brule or chocolate mousse."
    "But I'm so full."
    "A little chocolate mousse?" Campbell's voice was playful.
    "Oh, all right."
    "Wonderful." Campbell waved down the waiter. "Chocolate mousse for two."
    "Of course," said the waiter.
    Campbell leaned back and twirled his wine glass. "So what else do you do? For fun."
    "I don't have much fun. I work a lot. Write. I do go to museums. I love the Guggenheim and the Met."
    "I collect art. I have a Rauschenberg. A little Dali sketch. A Lichtenstein."
    Stella was finally impressed. "That's wonderful. I love all three of them. But I do have an affinity for found art, so Rauschenberg would be my favorite of the three."
    "You should come see them. Tonight. I'll have the car pick you up from my place."
    "Well, I…" Stella wasn't sure she wanted to go with Campbell to his home. She was feeling tired and wanted to have time to fantasize about Ben before having to wake up Sunday and deal with all the things she ignored today like laundry, exercising, grocery shopping and cleaning.
    "Please. I'm proud of my collection. You will love them." Campbell wasn't sure what prompted him to invite Stella. Before she arrived he was thinking of ways to make the dinner quick and painless. But then he found himself finding ways to extend the meal like ordering several appetizers and dessert, and inviting her to see his art. Campbell wasn't eager to be alone and think of Kristin. He didn't want to admit it, but he was lonely and having dinner with Stella was ameliorating that loneliness. She was smart, a good conversationalist and she argued. She didn't automatically agree with Campbell the way Kristin had. Kristin had adopted every like and dislike that Campbell had. Kristin didn't want to challenge Campbell. He was money to her and you never argued with money.
    "I'll go." Stella hooked her hair behind her ear and smiled weakly. She was genuinely curious to see the art, but Campbell’s pleading was considerably more interesting. He was so eager and sad at the same time. He seemed so lonely. Stella was intrigued by that. How could a wealthy, good looking man be so lonely?
    Campbell and Stella ate the chocolate mousse in the same silence that overtook them during the entrée portion of the meal. Stella was once again shocked by how comfortable the silence was. Their spoons occasionally clinked against each other’s and they smiled and continued happily eating. The waiter came just as Stella finished the last bit of the mousse. The waiter presented the bill to Campbell and he handed over a credit card without looking at the amount. A minute later the waiter was back with the printed receipt and Campbell signed the bill quickly.
    “Let’s go.” He held his hand out for Stella. She stood but did not grab his hand.
    Stella retrieved her coat from the clerk. She glanced outside and saw pieces of paper twirling in the street. It was windy. Stella buttoned her lilac wool coat. She felt Campbell’s hand on her back. His hand felt firm and she thought she could feel his warmth through her coat. That’s impossible , thought Stella. She wondered if perhaps her body was merely reacting to his touch. She did not dwell on this thought.
    “Ready?” Campbell smiled.
    “Ready,” said Stella.

Chapter 6
    The art was hanging on the south wall. Each piece was illuminated by museum lighting. Stella stared