Diplomacy

never felt the uncontrollable need to just have his way with her on the top of the table. Even in the beginning of their relationship, making love had been tender and caring, but rarely unashamedly passionate.
    He kissed her neck tenderly. Luckily they were great friends. “It’s going to be a long day tomorrow as well, starting bright and early with a private breakfast with our honored guests.” She turned around and brushed her finger along his jaw. “Yes, we’d better turn in.”

    THE following evening there would be a reception where the Americans living in Belgium would not only get a chance to meet their D i p l o m a c y | 7

    President, but also their new Ambassador. Even though it was a much more relaxed affair compared to the banquet, Jack and Maria would have to make their rounds and shake a lot of hands, leaving very little chance to actually have a decent conversation with anyone.
    Jack was talking to a Presbyterian minister and his wife who had lived in Belgium for more than twenty years. As always, he had one eye on the entrance where the guests where greeted by his Protocol Officer.
    Just as Jack politely declined the minister’s dinner invitation, his eye was caught by a young man entering. He was tall, dressed all in black, and instead of a tie he had on a black silk cravat, wrapped loosely around his neck. His hair was long and wavy, and Jack realized that he was probably the only one in the entire room who could get away with that look and not seem underdressed for the occasion. On his arm was a beautiful, fresh looking young blond woman, who smiled nervously and clung to him like wrapping paper.
    “Oh, but you and your lovely wife must come to our church, Mr.
    Christensen. Antwerp is just a forty-five minute drive, you know,” he vaguely heard the older woman say.
    As if emerging from a daze, he excused himself, “Mr. and Mrs….Wallace, I’m sorry but I need to attend to a minor emergency.” He quickly made his way through one of the side doors.
    Just seconds later Maria entered as well. “I almost felt like I should come and rescue you.”
    “Huh? What?”
    “I saw your eyes glaze over. She is a little pushy, isn’t she? Now let’s go back in before our guests start to wonder why the new Ambassador and his wife disappeared together.” She smiled as she gently nudged Jack back into the room.
    Both the President and the First Lady, closely watched by the Secret Service, worked the room like consummate professionals, trying to cover as much ground as possible in the shortest time. Jack and Maria were well experienced in doing the same, but as he emerged, Jack realized he was scanning the crowd for the dark haired young man. Even though the reception was at its height, he quickly found him and his twinkling companion, animatedly talking to the First Lady, who was clearly very taken by the confident young man. Jack could tell he was in no way fazed 8 | Z a h r a O w e n s

    by the First Lady’s notoriety and seemed totally at ease, something Jack had never achieved in all his years in the diplomatic corps. Just as he was ready to make his way over to him, sensing the First Lady was ready to move on, he was engaged by an older businessman, a newcomer to this country and clearly eager to meet his Ambassador. They exchanged courtesies, but Jack was relieved when another older couple joined in the conversation, giving him a chance to take his leave.
    “Your Excellency?”
    A fairly low, confident and very British voice made him turn around, and he found himself looking into the most beautiful chocolate brown eyes he had ever seen. There was a moment of awkward silence between them that seemed to last forever. Jack knew he had to respond, but his mind was an absolute blank.
    “You Excellency, my name is Lucas Carlton, Assistant Information Management Officer for The Right Honourable Marcus Boyles, and this is my fiancée, Lucy Marsh.” He indicated the young woman who disentangled her arm to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.” Glad for the forwardness of the young man, he first shook her hand, then his. Lucas’s grip was firm and his hand soft and dry. The familiar protocol helped Jack recover somewhat. “Ah, yes, our esteemed U.K. Ambassador. How is he feeling today?” They exchanged knowing looks.
    “Still a little uncomfortable, but nothing that can’t be remedied,” the young man responded with a conspiratorial smile.
    Jack had a hard time breaking eye contact