She doesn’t exactly remind him of his ex-wife, but her weight against his arm and her effortless elegance definitely brings back memories. He smiles at her, wide and warm, as she asks whether he’s ready to start rumours. Ah, young woman, he thinks, can’t you see the waiters through the windows? The rumours have already started!

“That shouldn’t take much,” he replies, leaning down to kiss her cheek, then leading her towards the entrance, pushing the door open, the creaking of the hinges announcing them effectively, “when you look so lovely, Himeno.”

Monsieur Laurent, a waiter greets them. And mademoiselle.