I've somehow missed several chapters of this angst filled, well written story, so I have the pleasure of enjoying several at once. The painting showed, again, how connected Spike and Buffy are emotionally, while the diamong earrings highlighted the chasm between Buffy and Angel.

Lovely, pain filled line here: "The illusion had broken, though, with their return trip to the table and Buffy’s decision to hide her pain under a champagne induced smile."

What's gonna happen next?