“Are you trying to say that this long trip to a country on the other side of the world was about more than getting away? Are you, er, finding yourself?” I sound ridiculous. My interview skills don’t thrive on wine and sitting across from a gorgeous woman who has just started flirting with me.

“I found myself a long time ago. I just didn’t have the courage to do anything about it.” She scoffs. “But then something amazing happened in France. We elected a president who is not only an out lesbian, but was in a very similar position to mine not long before she ran for office.”

“Dominique Laroche.” I can’t keep the admiration out of my tone. “One hell of a woman.”

“I said to myself, if the president can do it, and face all that public scrutiny, be ridiculed by the old boys’ club, and stand proud with her partner next to her while taking the oath, then what’s stopping me?”

“She’s such an inspiration.” I can feel myself light up when I talk about Laroche. “I keep dreaming she’ll come on a state visit to Australia and I’ll get to interview her on my show.”

“Never say never.” Camille’s eyes are really sparkling now. “Jean-Claude is a minister in her cabinet. We’ve met many times over the years and we’re well acquainted.”

“You know Dominique Laroche?” My eyes widen.

“I was at her victory party, crying my eyes out. Not only because I wanted her to win so badly, but even more so because I took it as a sign.”

“Wow.” It’s all I can say, that’s how stunned I am.

“I hope that answers your question.” She quirks up her eyebrows.

“In a way I couldn’t possibly have imagined.” Maybe it’s the wine, or the fairy lights, but most likely it’s simply sitting across from Camille, listening to her accented tones and getting to know her better, but I feel enchanted. Enraptured. And to think I didn’t want to come tonight. I was going to catch up on work. Watch television. Or just stay at Caitlin’s and get wasted while I remained pissed off at Rebecca.

“I knew it was a long shot, but…” Camille pauses. “I’m very attracted to you.”

“You’re wooing me.”

“I feel like I have no choice.” Her voice goes low. “I’m on the clock and I have no time to waste.”