3 hours ago
Matías had enjoyed dinner more than he'd expected. Lore was easy company, curious without being intrusive, and possessed a refreshing talent for saying exactly what she meant. She had asked him questions about his life without the usual careful navigation around his past, and he'd found himself answering more freely than he ordinarily might. In return, he'd heard about her childhood with Damien, her travels, and her work with Jessika. By the time they'd finished eating, he was almost sorry they had somewhere else to be.
Moscow had proven an interesting assignment, though not necessarily an enjoyable one. He'd spent enough time in the company of politicians and businessmen to recognize that the two professions had more in common than either cared to admit. There were days when he wondered whether he'd traded one collection of power hungry moguls for another. At least Damien had given him something worth believing in. The diplomatic work mattered, he reminded himself, even when it consisted of endless meetings and conversations in which nobody said what they actually meant.
Which was perhaps why he appreciated Lore's company so much. "You know, I was beginning to think you only invited me to dinner because you needed someone to help you organize your calendar," he teased as they walked. He'd caught a glimpse of her meticulous scheduling earlier and had been amused by the attention she gave it. "I'm relieved to discover you occasionally make time for recreation."
He smile at her, then turned his attention toward the carnival. The place was considerably more elaborate than he'd anticipated.
"I have to admit, this is a welcome change of scenery. Though I can't remember the last time I voluntarily spent an evening outdoors in weather like this."
He tucked his hands deeper into his coat pockets, smiling as they surveyed the attractions. It was pleasant to have nowhere important to be, no particular responsibility beyond enjoying himself. Such evenings had become uncommon enough that he was determined not to waste this one.
As they approached Lore's friends, Matías recognized the woman. It was Cadence Mathis. Even Matías, whose musical interests rarely extended beyond whatever happened to be playing nearby, knew the name. He glanced between them with a faint smile, wondering how Lore had come to know such an interesting collection of people.
He waited for her to make the introductions before offering his hand. "Matías Amengual. It's a pleasure." His smile was genuine, and he gave each of them his attention in turn. "Lore was kind enough to invite me along. I hope you don't mind an extra guest."
Moscow had proven an interesting assignment, though not necessarily an enjoyable one. He'd spent enough time in the company of politicians and businessmen to recognize that the two professions had more in common than either cared to admit. There were days when he wondered whether he'd traded one collection of power hungry moguls for another. At least Damien had given him something worth believing in. The diplomatic work mattered, he reminded himself, even when it consisted of endless meetings and conversations in which nobody said what they actually meant.
Which was perhaps why he appreciated Lore's company so much. "You know, I was beginning to think you only invited me to dinner because you needed someone to help you organize your calendar," he teased as they walked. He'd caught a glimpse of her meticulous scheduling earlier and had been amused by the attention she gave it. "I'm relieved to discover you occasionally make time for recreation."
He smile at her, then turned his attention toward the carnival. The place was considerably more elaborate than he'd anticipated.
"I have to admit, this is a welcome change of scenery. Though I can't remember the last time I voluntarily spent an evening outdoors in weather like this."
He tucked his hands deeper into his coat pockets, smiling as they surveyed the attractions. It was pleasant to have nowhere important to be, no particular responsibility beyond enjoying himself. Such evenings had become uncommon enough that he was determined not to waste this one.
As they approached Lore's friends, Matías recognized the woman. It was Cadence Mathis. Even Matías, whose musical interests rarely extended beyond whatever happened to be playing nearby, knew the name. He glanced between them with a faint smile, wondering how Lore had come to know such an interesting collection of people.
He waited for her to make the introductions before offering his hand. "Matías Amengual. It's a pleasure." His smile was genuine, and he gave each of them his attention in turn. "Lore was kind enough to invite me along. I hope you don't mind an extra guest."
![[Image: Matias-signature.jpg]](http://thefirstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Matias-signature.jpg)
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