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OK, here’s the thing I et in a cab, and whiz up to wherever it is, and spend all afternoon looking at the Picassos

Or else… I could just buy a book about the Picassos Because the thing is, do you actually need to see a piece of art in the flesh to appreciate it? Of course you don’t And in a way, flicking through a book would be better than trekking round lots of galleries -- because I’round more quickly and actually learn far more

Besides, what they have in this shop is art, isn’t it? I ood culture Exactly

Several hours later, I arrive at the Royalton with a huge, exhilarated grin onsince… well, since yesterday

I check all s in at the cloakroom, then head for the small circular bar where Luke has told me to meet him and his new associate, Michael Ellis

I’ve heard quite a lot about this Michael Ellis during the last few days Apparently he owns a huge advertising agency in Washington and is best friends with the president Or is it the vice-president? So shot, and crucial to Luke’s new deal So I’d better make sure I impress him

God, this place is trendy, I think as I walk in All leather and chrome and people in severe black outfits with haircuts to match I walk into the di at a table To my surprise, he’s on his own

"Hi!" I say, and kiss him "So -- where’s your friend?"

"Making a call," says Luke He gestures to a waiter "Another giivesHoas the Guggenheiood," I say with a triuseries of acrylic forms based on si a bit surprised

"Absolutely The way they absorb and reflect pure light… Riveting Oh and by the way, I bought you a present" I plonk a book on his lap entitled Abstract Art and Artists, and take a sip of the drink that has been placed in front of genheih the book incredulously

"Erm… yes," I say "Of course I did!"

OK, I know you shouldn’t lie to your boyfriend But it’s kind of true, isn’t it? I did go to the Guggenheim In the broadest sense of the word