Chapter 1: Introduction
It was nearly 5 o'clock and I was about to submit my cable for the fifth round of edits. When I signed up to be a U.S. diplomat, the drudgery of bureaucracy was not quite what I had in mind.
But here I was, stuck behind a desk in New Delhi, wading through endless streams of paperwork and red tape, instead of living out my James Bond fantasy in the field. I was Matthew Kane, and my life had become a whole lot less exciting since Dan and I had called it quits a few months back.
I rubbed my temples, trying to ignore the dull ache that had been pounding there since the morning. The clock ticked away, mocking me with each click as I stared at the words on my screen. I had always been a sucker for a good breakup—okay, maybe not a good breakup, but the kind that made for good stories.
And Dan, well, Dan wasn't just a breakup; he was a whole novel. We'd met in D.C., when I was still wide-eyed and eager, trying to make a name for myself in the world of diplomacy. He was everything I wanted - dark and brooding, with a sharp wit and an even sharper jawline. Dan was the kind of guy who could charm his way out of a paper bag, and he had charmed his way into my heart.
But then came the call from New Delhi. A plum posting, they said. A chance to make a real difference. And so, with a heavy heart, I left Dan behind in the States.
We still talked regularly, which only made things worse. I had desperately wanted him to join me here in India, but he got cold feet at the last minute and didn't want to leave his career behind. I still loved him and missed him dearly, and I had trouble connecting with my new environment.
It didn't help that the dating scene in New Delhi was a minefield of cultural nuances and political landmines.
As I was about to save my report, a knock echoed through my office. In walked Lauren, my best friend and confidante from the embassy, her lips curled into a mischievous smile.
"What's got you so cheery?" I asked, pushing back from my desk.
"I just swung a plus one to the Canadian National Day celebration tonight. Want to come?" she asked excitedly.
"I thought it might do you some good to get out and meet new people."
I raised an eyebrow. "You know I hate those things," I said.
"All that small talk and forced smiles. It's like a diplomatic version of speed dating."
Lauren rolled her eyes. "Come on, Matt. You can't hide away in your office forever. Plus, I have a new friend at the Canadian embassy I want to introduce you to. He's cute and gay and single. You have to meet him" she said.
"His name is Simon. He's tall, muscular and has this great smile. He's funny too."
"Lauren, I don't need a set up. I'm not ready for that." I sighed, running a hand through my hair.
"Matt, you've been moping around here for months. When was the last time you went out and had some fun?" she asked, crossing her arms.
I couldn't argue with her. She was right. I had been miserable since Dan and I had broken up. I missed him terribly, but I knew that I needed to move on.
"Fine, I'll go.
But only because I know you'll hound me until I do," I said, sticking my tongue out at her.
Lauren clapped her hands together. "Yay! I'll pick you up at seven. Wear something nice."
With that, she was gone, leaving me to finish my work. I leaned back in my chair, trying to muster some enthusiasm for the evening ahead. I wasn't looking for a rebound; I just wanted to have some fun, meet new people, and maybe get laid.
---
The Canadian embassy was abuzz with activity as I entered with Lauren on my arm.
The air was filled with the scent of exotic flowers, and the sound of laughter and clinking glasses. I exchanged pleasantries with acquaintances until my eyes caught sight of someone who nearly stopped me in my tracks.
Tall, broad-shouldered, and with a smile that could light up the room, he was charming a group of diplomats with his wit and charm. Simon, I presumed.
Lauren noticed me staring and nudged me gently. "Told you he was cute," she whispered.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile. Simon was something else. He had this magnetic energy about him, and I found myself drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
As we made our way over, Simon spotted us and excused himself from the group to join us. "Lauren, always a pleasure," he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
"And you must be Matthew. I've heard so much about you."
He extended a hand to me, and I took it, feeling a jolt of electricity at his touch. His grip was firm, his smile genuine.
"All good things, I hope," I said, returning the smile.
Lauren turned to me. "Matthew, this is Simon. We met last week at the economic forum. I've been dying to introduce you two," she said.
Simon's smile widened, and he turned back to me. "Indeed, you have. So, Matthew, tell me, what do you do at the Embassy?"
His accent was Canadian, soft and pleasant, with a hint of something else—Chinese, maybe. I found it endearing.
"Political section. They mostly keep me lost in the basement churning out cables," I joked.
Simon laughed, a deep, rich sound that filled the room. "Well, we can't have that. Who would want to waste a handsome face like that on paperwork?"
I felt my cheeks flush at his compliment, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Hey, paperwork isn't all bad. It keeps the machine running, you know?"
"Touché," Simon said, raising his glass. "To the machine, then."
We clinked glasses, and I took a sip, feeling the cool liquid slide down my throat.
Simon's eyes never left mine, and I felt a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the champagne.
Lauren, noticing the growing heat between us, nudged me gently. "Why don't you two go mingle? I'll hold down the fort here."
Before I could protest, she was gone, leaving me alone with Simon. I took a deep breath, trying to clear my head. "So, Simon, what do you do at the embassy?"
He grinned, running a hand through his thick, black hair. "I'm in the trade section.
A bit more exciting than your paperwork, I promise," Simon said with a wink.
I chuckled. "I'll take your word for it. Though, I wouldn't mind a bit of excitement in my life these days."
Simon's eyes softened, and he leaned in slightly. "Well, maybe I can help with that. We should get a drink sometime. There's a new speakeasy in Khan Market I'm dying to check out."
I gulped. Was he asking me out?
I was taken aback, both by the offer and his directness. I hadn't been on a date since Dan and I had split. But Simon's smile was infectious, and I found myself nodding before I could even think.
"Sure, that sounds fun," I said, trying to maintain my composure.
Simon grinned, and I felt a flutter in my stomach. "Great. How about tomorrow night?
I can meet you at the market and we can go from there."
I nodded again, "Tomorrow sounds great."
Simon looked pleased with himself, and I couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. It had been a long time since I'd felt this way - this mix of nervousness and anticipation.
"Excellent, I'll send you the details later," Simon said, his eyes scanning my face. "For now, let's enjoy the party, shall we?"
He gestured towards the buffet table, laden with an array of delicious-looking food.
"Hungry?"
"You're an excellent host," I said with a smile. "I don't want to keep you from the million other guests..." I started, but Simon cut me off with a wave of his hand.
"Nonsense. You're my guest tonight. I want to make sure you're taken care of."
I felt a blush creep up my cheeks again. It had been a while since anyone had paid me this much attention. Simon led me to the buffet table, his hand on the small of my back. I tried to ignore the shiver that ran down my spine at his touch.
We loaded our plates with an assortment of Indian and Canadian delicacies, and Simon guided me to a quiet corner of the embassy's garden.
The night was warm, and the scent of frangipani filled the air. A string quartet played softly in the background, their music blending seamlessly with the hum of conversation and laughter.
As we sat down, Simon raised his glass to me. "To new beginnings," he said, his voice low and intimate.
I clinked my glass against his and took a sip, feeling the cool wine slide down my throat. I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, Simon was the new beginning I needed.
"So, tell me more about yourself, Matthew," Simon said, setting his glass down. "What did you do before New Delhi?" he asked.
I leaned back in my chair, taking in the soft glow of the garden lights. "Well, before New Delhi, I was posted in D.C. This is my first overseas assignment. This what I've always dreamed of, but..." I trailed off, unsure of how much to reveal.
Simon raised an eyebrow, his eyes curious. "But what? You don't seem too thrilled to be here."
I hesitated, wondering how much to share. I didn't want to bring up Dan so soon, but I also didn't want to lie. Plus, Simon seemed genuine, and I found myself wanting to open up to him.
"It's just...I'm still getting used to being here. I had someone back in D.C. who made it hard to leave," I admitted, gazing into my wine glass.
Simon's expression softened, and he reached out, gently touching my arm. "I'm sorry to hear that.
Breakups are never easy," Simon said softly, his thumb brushing lightly against my skin. I looked up, meeting his gaze, and saw nothing but sincerity in his eyes.
"Yeah, they're not. But it's been a few months now, and I'm trying to move on. New Delhi is a big change, and it's taking some getting used to," I admitted, feeling a weight lift off my chest as I shared my feelings.
Simon nodded understandingly. "Change is hard, but it can also be exciting. And sometimes, it leads us to places we never expected to find.
I took a sip of my wine, watching Simon over the rim of the glass. He was looking at me with such warmth and genuine concern that I felt a pang of longing—not just for physical connection, but for emotional intimacy as well. It had been so long since I'd felt seen, truly seen, by someone else.
Simon smiled softly. "You know, I've been where you are. When I first moved to India, I missed my family and friends back home terribly. But over time, I've come to love this country and the people I've met here. Who knows?
Maybe you'll find your place here too," Simon said, his voice gentle and reassuring.
I smiled, appreciating his kindness. "Maybe I will. It's just...it's hard to move on sometimes, you know?"
Simon nodded, his gaze never leaving mine. "I understand. But remember, it's okay to take things at your own pace. You don't have to rush into anything you're not ready for."
I felt a sense of relief wash over me. It was comforting to know that Simon understood what I was going through. I took another sip of my wine, savoring the moment.
"Thank you, Simon. That means a lot," I said, feeling a warmth spread through me.
Simon smiled, and I noticed the crinkles at the corners of his eyes—laugh lines, a testament to his joyful spirit. I found myself wanting to see him laugh more, to hear that deep, rich sound that filled the room.
I heard footsteps approaching and saw Lauren emerge into the courtyard.
She gave me a discreet thumbs-up before scanning the crowd. Her gaze paused on someone across the garden, and her eyes widened in surprise.