"Two hands closed around her throat, she couldn't breath. He was suffocating her. She tried to scream, but no sound came out of her. She tried pushing him off her. He was too strong."
"Cora! Cora wake up. You are having a bad dream."
Two hands were on her shoulders trying to wake her up.
Cora opened her eyes, she looked bewildered and didn't know where she was.
"Take a deep breath, you are safe here." It was Adeline who was talking to her. Cora looked up and saw Adeline standing next to her. She felt her hand on her cheek. "It was only a dream. He isn't here."
Cora curled up under the duvet and started crying. "Why doesn't this stop?"
"You saw him this afternoon, it isn't strange he is back in your dreams. But please, go and get some help."
Cora dried her tears. "I will, I think I don't have a choice." She sat up and took the cup Adeline was handing her. After their dinner they had gone to a pub for some drinks and then they decided that Adeline would sleep over at Cora's place. She was incredibly thankful for it now. She had these nightmares on a daily basis, but this one was more intense. She still felt the sensation of his hands, even though the real attack had been two weeks ago.
"Try to get some more sleep. I will be nearby." Adeline said.
"Thank you for being here." Cora gave her a smile.
"Of course, as long as I am at home I will be here for you. Now go back to sleep, we will talk in the morning."
Cora closed her eyes and tried to remember something happy. Robert came into her mind. She saw him standing in his kitchen, with his white chef's jacket. He turned towards her and smiled.
"Robert…… where is the tuna?" John shouted into the kitchen.
Robert turned around. It was a Sunday evening and the restaurant was packed. "Last time I checked it was in the fridge."
"It's not there, who took it?" John answered.
Robert walked over to the fridge and looked. "Maybe you should use your eyes, because it is just sitting here." He pulled out a tray with the tuna on it.
John didn't say anything, took the tray and went on.
Robert looked at him in confusion. Why was he so stressed? Yes it was busy, but that wasn't unusual. He looked into the dining area. There was no stress there. Anna had everything clearly under control. She looked at him with a question in her eyes. Robert shook his head, to let her know, there was nothing.
"Where is the sauce on this plate!" Robert heard John yel. Robert stepped closer. "John, calm down. It is a normal busy evening. The crew has it under control."
John gave Robert an annoyed look and shouted some more orders to the kitchen crew. Did you take a look in the dining area?"
"I did. It is busy, but not more than usual."
"Take a better look and we will talk again." John turned around and finished the plates who were waiting.
Robert now walked into the dining area. Anne rushed to him.
"Something wrong?" She asked.
"Not that I am aware of, but John is stressed and I don't know why. He said, I needed to look into the dining area. But I can't figure out why."
"There is nothing special here." Anna went on with her work.
John was still shouting his orders. He saw Robert return and said.: "Do you understand now?"
"I have to be honest, I don't know what you are fussing about."
"That man and woman sitting in the back, they are from 'Michelin' "
Robert's face drained colour. "How do you know? They always work with mystery guests."
"Every year when the stars are presented, that couple is dining all over London. So I just know why they are here."
"Hopefully we will not lose our star." Robert contemplated.
"Cora, darling." Adeline started. "I promised you, to go for dinner at 'Le Grantham' tomorrow."
"What about it?"
"We have to reschedule, I have to go away for work."
"We can't reschedule." Cora didn't know if it wasn't possible, but she didn't want to cancel. This was her chance to see Robert again.
"Then you will have to go alone." Adeline answered. "You know how it works, I need to go when my boss is calling me."
Cora sighed, I will call and see what's possible with Robert."
"Why don't you go alone?" Adeline asked.
Cora coloured and stammered. "I don't know."
"Oh my, you are in love with this guy." Adeline chuckled.
It made Cora's cheeks turn even more red. "I don't know what is happening. I don't know this feeling."
"Just go for it."
"But what if he is already in a relationship, or even worse, married. I would be so embarrassed and heart broken."
"There is only one way to find out. And that is to go for dinner tomorrow on your own."
"Adeline, are you sure you have to leave for work?"
"What do you mean?" Adeline raised her eyebrows.
"I have a feeling you will just be home tomorrow, and want to send me alone to 'Le Grantham'.
Adeline chuckled. "That could have been something I could do, but no, this is real. I can show you my email."
Cora sighed. "No, that's alright. I believe you. Do you want a cup of coffee?"
"No thank you." Adeline declined.
"Tea?"
"That I don't say no too."