"I don't know if I can eat this. It's a work on art."

The dishes resembled paintings, not blurry acrylic but bold gouache of colors. The small portions sat in gleaming immaculate plates.

Sierra understood how people developed the fetishism of taking photos of food.

"Eat; the food will get cold."

If at first Sierra doubted being filled, she quickly revised her judgment.

"So you were saying?" Vincent prompted as he tried to make Sierra pick up on the subject they discussed before the meal's arrival.

"Yes, I got my promoted. I've got a two weeks induction in the south."

"South? You mean, in the South of France."

One could read panic on Vincent's face. Sierra hurried to reply, "no, South of Paris. I'll only have three concessions at first."

"Oh, I see."

The man was relieved; Sierra finally obtained the long and very awaited advance. Vincent was happy for her, even if it meant she would work more. At least it was a lesser subject to worry about.

"At first, I was a bit stressed by the workload, but having Jonas around helped me."

There he was again.

It was only the second time the woman pronounced his name, yet it was already too much for Vincent, who chose to use the know-thy-enemy approach.

"What does he do for a living?" Vincent asked after taking a sip of his wine.

"Who? Jonas. He's an architect; his work is amazing. He's so crafty with his hands," Sierra said with a lot more enthusiasm than she expected.

Vincent unleashed a nervous smile, "really."

"Yes, I mean he can create a concept, but he's also able to do it manually. He does pottery; he owns Moder Yord."

"He owns what?"

"You know, that designer Scandinavian brand that makes furniture sold in IKEA."

Vincent's eyes grew wide, "what? Leone's father is a millionaire entrepreneur. Your friend knew how to pick them."

Sierra's lips flattened as her enthusiasm deflated like a balloon, "don't talk about Cecile as though she's, I mean, she was some gold digger. I don't know if Jonas is a millionaire. He doesn't behave like one," Sierra shrugged, "he's not needy, that's all."

"Sorry, Sierra, it wasn't my intent to talk about Cecile."

Vincent regretted his spontaneous reaction. The man had no idea of the impact of his words. Within three sentences, Vincent reminded Sierra of everything separating Jonas and her.

"It's okay; it's me. Anything concerning Cecile makes me edgy."

"How are you sleeping?"

Vincent didn't want to bring it up, but sleep was a good barometer of Sierra's state of mind.

Sierra played with the grains of rice on her plate while she replied, "I sleep."

"Good, I'm delighted to hear that."

The sandman didn't sprinkle more dust on the woman, but at least she no longer sleepwalked. The episodes which began when Cecile revealed her story ended when Sierra entered college.

Cecile's death made Vincent keep one eye open as Sierra relapsed. Strangely enough, Leone's arrival had the positive effect of putting a stop to it.

How did the child's presence affect that?

Vincent had an idea, but only a psychiatrist could confirm.

Sierra's will to protect Leone surpassed her angst and fears, in Vincent's opinion. She could not allow herself to put her life at risk when she was someone's keeper.

Sierra smiled, "I'm much better."

Vincent noted earlier how Sierra still spoke of Cecile in the present tense even months after.

Was she really better?

Only time would tell.

"How's your meal?"

"It's exquisite Vincent, do you want to taste?"

The man nodded, and Sierra bought her fork to Vincent's lips.

"Hmm, I should have chosen this."

Vincent felt reassured; Sierra was the same.

Yes, she had promotion and Leone, but globally things looked better. The only dark spot was Jonas.

Vincent hoped the man would leave as promised.

"Vincent, is everything okay?"

"Yes, I'm just watching the time?"

Sierra frowned, "time?"

"Your guardian made it clear you should be back before midnight."

"Did Jonas say something?"

"He made a little allusion."

Sierra smiled, "he was probably joking. Jonas's sense of humor comes off odd at first."

"It didn't seem like he was kidding," Vincent wanted to know how close the man was to Sierra.

"Jonas is a nice guy."

"I bet he is. It's just a bit difficult for me to think he lives with you."

"He'll be gone soon." Vincent's stress was palpable, and Sierra tried to be reassuring.

"He's here for now, though. He's the first person you see in the morning, and his face is the last you see at night."

Vincent's reactions surprised him; in less than 24h, all the man could think of was Jonas's presence around Sierra.

"Vincent, Jonas is just Leone's dad."

"It's already too much, but don't get me wrong, Sierra. I understand the situation you're in; I'm just jealous he gets to see you more than me."

An uncanny smile sketched itself on Sierra's face, "well, I hope to see you more, Vincent."

"I doubt Jonas will like that."

"Why? Jonas doesn't care."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course."

"Then he won't mind if I see you tomorrow," Vincent pushed to see Sierra's reaction.

"Tomorrow?" The woman did not seem more phased or bothered than that.

"Yes, don't worry, I'll be in the area. My brother has decided to invest in the Taj Mahal concept. We're opening a second restaurant in St Ouen."

"No, really, that's fantastic. Saint Ouen is only ten minutes away by car."

"So I can bring you guys tomorrow's dinner."

"Gosh, I'm so surprised and proud of you, Vincent. When will it open?"

"There's quite a lot of work, but I hope we'll open in May."

"I hope so too," Sierra said as she squeezed his hand and gave the brightest of smiles.

The conversation carried on the waiter came to take the plates.

"Will you be having dessert or coffee?"

"Sierra?"

"I'm full, actually," even though the woman would have gone for the dessert, time was ticking, and she didn't want to get home late either.

"No, thank you."

The waiter went away, "are you sure, Sierra?"

"Yes, thank you, Vincent."

"Let's go."

Sierra would have asked about the bill but seeing the clerk let them leave wishing them a good evening without wrestling them to the ground, she guessed Vincent footed the bill.

"Vincent."

"Yes, Sierra," he replied as he sat in his car.

"I enjoyed the dinner, thank you."

The man turned to face her, "I was a fool. I shouldn't have left like that."

During the whole evening, Vincent attempted to find the breach to bring up the subject. He realized they would not be an appropriate time, so he decided to speak.

"No, Vincent, I was the harsh one."

"You were stressed, and I had a bad reaction. I set us back. I want to pick up where we left off, do things the way they planned."

Sierra remembered her thoughts the day she stalked her Romy heels at Jimmy Choo store.

Her mind was free of all worry.

Back then, all she wanted was to be Vincent's wife.

Was getting married to Vincent still her heart's desire?