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Disclaimer's the same as chapter one.
Chapter 2: Dinner
"Mac, where are you taking me?" Stella asked as she and Mac were walking out of the lab.
Mac replied, "Dinner."
Stella said, "Yes, but where?"
Mac replied, "It's a surprise."
Stella just rolled her eyes.
They continued to Mac's car where Mac opened the door for Stella, being the true gentleman he is. He walked around to the drivers' side of the car and got in. He started the car and pulled out into the usually busy streets that were unusually quiet. They talked very little enjoying the comfortable silence. Mac pulled into the parking lot of a nice Italian restaurant, more importantly, Stella's favorite restaurant. Stella, upon noticing this, asked, "Mac, how'd you know this was my favorite restaurant? I don't remember telling you."
Mac said, "You didn't. But you know me; I can get information when I want it." Stella, smiling, just shook her head.
They went into the restaurant and were seated in a quiet corner. They ordered simple pasta dishes and a red wine. As they waited for their food they talked about simple things. Mac brought up some of the fun he had in the Marines. Stella told Mac some of the tricks she had played on the other children in the orphanage. They slowly made their way towards the present. They laughed about how they met and how they instantly got along. Mac reminisced about meeting Claire. It was here that Stella noticed a difference in Mac. He was willingly talking about Claire, and the ghosts were no longer lingering in his eyes. Could it be that he was finally starting to live again? She'd noticed little things that had changed. He no longer wore his tie, he was smiling more around the lab, he was participating in jokes and bets that Danny was setting up, and he had even taken off his wedding ring. Stella decided that to be sure she'd have to watch him more closely.
Their food arrived as they were as they were talking. They were very pleased with their meal but continued talking; they were enjoying their conversation so much they didn't want to stop. By the time they had finished their meal they had also finished the bottle of wine. Neither one was anywhere near drunk, but they had been able to loosen up a bit. Mac paid their bill, after much protesting from Stella. They left the restaurant and headed for Mac's house to watch movies.
