As they sat down in the garden, at least five tables waved, winked, or blew kisses at Jil.

“You’re very popular here.” Charlie smiled.

“None of them like me very much. They’re all art dealers.” Jil nodded at the room.

“Sorry I got so sloppy before,” Charlie apologized.

“Charlie, I don’t know why the hell Samantha’s doing this. You two had the best life in New York.”

“Maybe it just wasn’t good enough. You know, compared to everyone we know, maybe we weren’t powerful enough, rich enough, something enough.”

“Who the fuck cares, Charlie.” Jil looked at him. “It can all be gone tomorrow.”

“Do you think I should call her?” Charlie asked as he did every time they spoke.

“Charlie, my gift in life is repression.” Jil knew the answer Charlie wanted and wasn’t going to give it to him. “I know everyone in this country says be open, spill your guts, tell us all your secrets. What I know is I got out of Hungary by never revealing my religion and I’ve gotten to this position by keeping my personal life personal. My advice is spend some pleasant and painless time with our friend Frankie Weissman or even the lovely hostess here. Leave Samantha alone and she’ll come home wagging her tail behind her.”

“What’s that, Little Bo Peep?” Charlie laughed.

“For all I know it’s Little Miss Muffet. Let’s eat.” Jil waved his hand, “Waitress, we’re starving here.”

While Jil was waving at the staff, Adrienne Strong-Rodman, who had been gallery-hopping with Grey Navez, caught his eye. Adrienne waved brightly and began walking over to their table.

“Sorry, dear,” Jil whispered to Charlie. “Instead of a waitress I’ve gotten you Adrienne Strong-Rodman and she’s all in leather,” Jil whispered. “You see, even if you go downtown they follow you. Nothing is safe.” As Adrienne approached the table Jil immediately stood up.

Adrienne kissed Jil on the cheek. “Hello, Jil darling.”

“Adrienne, if I didn’t know better I’d say you were a Harley chick who just rode into town.” Jil smiled at her as he patted her leather. “Of course you know Dr. Acton.”

Now Charlie was standing up as well.

“Hello, Charlie! Why do you look younger every time I see you?”

“Great to see you, Adrienne. How’s Paul?” Charlie asked, knowing that Paul was now devoting himself full-time to his legal problems.

“He’s terrific. And guess what? I’ve been thinking of going back to work. I have some very exciting prospects. Especially now that I don’t have to devote my time to the school.”

“Well, good luck with that and give Paul my best.” Charlie smiled.

“Charlie.” Adrienne put her arm around him. “You know that I adore you. For God’s sake, I slather your cream on my face every night! That stupid item in the New York Post. I never said that.”