the hallway. “You went to the opera on Saturday night and were seated beside the king in the royal box.”
“Yes.”
“You don’t think I should have heard about that from you, rather than seeing it on the morning news?”
She froze. “You’re kidding me. The morning news?”
He didn’t roll his eyes, but his expression said as much.
She raised a hand. “I know, I know. I probably should have expected it.”
John glanced into the hallway again, then moved further into the break room. “Any engagements involving the diTalora family draw the media. In the future, I’d appreciate it if you would inform me ahead of time so I can prepare a response in advance of any press inquiries.”
“Have you received any yet?”
“I had six calls before breakfast yesterday and at least another dozen during the day. I haven’t listened to my messages yet this morning, but there are a lot of them. When I passed by a news kiosk on my way in, I saw the latest Today’s Royals with a photo of you and King Eduardo on the front. I don’t know what it says because I didn’t want to be seen buying a copy, but I’ll have someone do so discreetly later.”
A choice four-letter word sat on the tip of Claire’s tongue at the mention of the gossip rag, though if she’d actually said it, it would have been directed at the situation, not at John. He had the respect of everyone in the embassy. She’d seen it in people’s expressions and body language any time John walked by their desks or ran into them in the elevator. And in this case, he was right to be frustrated.
She leaned against the counter and crossed her arms. She’d thought when she’d spotted theatergoers looking into the royal box, there might be a call or two from a tabloid, but nothing like this. “I’m sorry, John. I didn’t intend to place you in a difficult situation.”
“I appreciate that. In any event, I wanted to talk to you before I respond. I need to ensure that our messaging is clear. Nothing I say can conflict with any public statements you may have made.”
“I haven’t said a word.”
“All right. Well, that’s good.” John exhaled, apparently relieved Claire hadn’t failed to notify him about any interviews. “Once the coffee is ready, we should find an office and discuss what you want said about the embassy’s support of the Royal Foundation. Anything about how the partnership came about and why you were in the royal box would quell gossip and focus on our two countries’ mutual goals, the importance of the Foundation and its work, et cetera.”
It was Claire’s turn to exhale. A beep sounded from the coffee machine. She offered John a cup. When he waved it off, she poured one for herself. Quietly, she said, “There’s no partnership.”
He absorbed that for a moment. “Maybe I will have a coffee. Preferably with bourbon.”
She smiled at his attempt to lighten the moment, then took a tentative sip of her coffee to test its temperature. “I was in the box because I received a private invitation from King Eduardo. It came to the residence, not the embassy, which is why I didn’t mention it to you. I only told Karen on Thursday evening so she could make arrangements for secure transportation, the same as I would if I’d decided to go to Venice to see St. Mark’s or take a shopping trip to Trieste over the weekend.”
“You’re saying it was a date.”
She paused. She wasn’t ready to share it with the world, but she owed John the truth. “Yes. It was a date.”
“Wow. Just…wow.” John blinked, then shoved his hands into his front pockets. “That explains a lot. It also means there’s little our office can say. I can’t tell the media that you were there in your official capacity to support the objectives of the Royal Foundation and its work.”
“I realize that.”
“But I need to say something. Silence means they’ll create a story to fill the void.”
“I realize that, too.” She quieted as two people walked past the break room door. They were deep in conversation and didn’t notice that John or Claire were inside, let alone the tension that permeated the room. Once the pair had moved out of hearing range, Claire said, “Let’s see what the coverage looks like as the day goes on, then we’ll decide what to say. If you’ve received inquiries, I imagine the palace information offices have, as well. They may