Simon had wandered off for a moment before returning back to the site to check up on the story.  His partner unsurprisingly had updated the story with her post rather quickly.  Not wanting to fall behiind the pace, Simon mulled his response before typing:<br/><br/>"Valter paused for a moment to think. "Perhaps you would consider it dated but I have a soft spot for paintings of the Ashcan School and Naturalist masters.  As you see I'm looking for paintings that would fit in my study which is being redone in the aesthetic style of an 19th century British pipe club and I'm looking for time-appropriate paintings even if they aren't done by the old masters."<br/><br/>As they walked about the gallery, Valter gestured towards several paintings which hewed closer to an Van Gogh landscape with with darker colors making some idle commentary.  "I may want to buy this one or that one...  Perhaps if you come visit me at my loft I would be delighted to show you my current collection.  That may be of greater use informing you of my particular tastes.  If you have no other pressing engagement I would like to take you back there right now to make some initial observations."  Valter looked expectantly at Emma as he sidled a bit closer to her while awaiting her response."<br/><br/>Simon had only just sent his post when he noticed that a new PM had popped up in his inbox.  Simon opened it and started reading it.<em>So lovelygirl was married...</em>Simon wondered if her husband knew of her activities on the board and condoned it or if she played here in secret.  As he continued reading he paused to stare at the screen with slight shock.<em>Surely lovelygirl was talking about a different restaurant and not the one you work at.</em>Simon nodded, that must be the reasonable conclusion, it was unlikely that she lived in the same city as he.  Just to be sure, Simon send an PM back to her to find out more.<br/><br/>"My congratulations and well wishes for your anniversary with your lucky spouse.  Might I inquire how many years you two have been together?  No matter how long, there's no excuse not to go to an good Italian restaurant.  Have you informed the maitre'd of the fact that you will be celebrating your anniversary there?  I think he should be able to arrange for something extra special just for the occasion.  Is this Trattoria Almalfi is in an older part of the city where you live?  If it is, the restaurants are usually run by the descendents of the original owners and they still harbor romantic notions in their hearts.<br/><br/>I know that at the restaurant that I work at, there's an long standing tradition for the restaurant to pull out some extra stops for an anniversary dinner if asked about.  It's not really advertised but our maitre'd will be glad to oblige requests if asked.  So you may want to give it a shot."