The Prague skyline, a tapestry of spires and terracotta roofs, shimmered under a crisp autumn sky. Rex Blanton, US diplomat extraordinaire, surveyed the view from his office window, a half-smoked cigarillo clenched between his teeth. The aroma mingled with the lingering scent of bourbon and orange zest. Rex wasn't just any diplomat; he was a connoisseur of the Old Fashioned, a man who treated the classic cocktail like a fine art. His collection boasted a hundred variations, each meticulously documented in a leather-bound notebook – from the smoky allure of the "Kentucky Kiss" (rye, maple syrup, and a whisper of smoked paprika) to the exotic "Bohemian Rhapsody" (bourbon infused with plum and a dash of absinthe).
His wife, Isabella “Izzy” Rossi, a supermodel whose face graced magazine covers worldwide, was a whirlwind of vibrant energy. Izzy, with her cascading raven hair and electric blue eyes, was a stark contrast to Rex’s quiet, contemplative nature. Yet, their differences were the very threads that wove their unusual tapestry. Izzy, while not sharing Rex's passion for Old Fashioneds (she preferred champagne cocktails that sparkled like her personality), admired his dedication to his craft, both diplomatic and mixological.
Tonight was the annual Diplomatic Ball, a glittering affair where ambassadors and dignitaries from across the globe gathered. Rex, as always, was meticulously preparing. He’d already selected the evening’s featured Old Fashioned: the “Velvet Curtain” – a smooth blend of bourbon, crème de cassis, and a hint of cardamom. He meticulously measured each ingredient, his brow furrowed in concentration. This wasn’t just a drink; it was an experience, a story told in liquid form.
Izzy, meanwhile, was a vision in emerald green, a gown that flowed around her like liquid moonlight. She breezed into Rex’s study, a whirlwind of perfume and laughter. "Darling, are you ready? The paparazzi are already salivating."
Rex smiled, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Almost. Just putting the finishing touches on the Velvet Curtain. Care to try a pre-ball aperitif?"
Izzy wrinkled her nose playfully. "You know I'll stick to my bubbles, but I'll admire your creation. It certainly looks… intriguing."
As they descended the grand staircase of the embassy, the sounds of the orchestra swelling around them, Rex felt a sense of contentment. He had his beautiful wife by his side, his diplomatic duties fulfilled, and the perfect Old Fashioned waiting to be shared. The world might see a diplomat and a supermodel, an unlikely pair. But Rex and Izzy knew their truth: they were a blend as perfectly balanced, as subtly complex, as a well-crafted Old Fashioned. And tonight, they would toast to that.
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