Open Heart One Shots (Choices)

Beautiful Stranger (AU)

Summary: Ethan Ramsey wasn't looking forward to tonight, and then he met the woman of his dreams.

The entryway to the Washington Hudson Hotel in DC's Adams Morgan was lined with black town cars and limos. Passengers disembarked under the covered portico, posed for cameras on either side of the red carpet, rolled out in welcome and followed ushers to the Art Deco ballroom.

Security guards in severe black suits prevented anyone from entering without an invitation. Sweat beaded their foreheads, more from the spotlights than the late spring evening, but dark sunglasses hid any discomfort.

Dr. Ethan Ramsey waited impatiently to be let out of the black limo his mentor and friend, Dr. Naveen Banerji, had insisted on renting for the occasion.

"I'm the guest of honor, after all," he'd said, a Zen-like smile on his face. "Can't just roll up in a Jalopy."

Ethan couldn't fault him that logic, even if he privately thought it excessive to drive two blocks from their hotel. But, then, the man was literally a saint and deserved this minor luxury.

Naveen was being honored tonight with a Humanitarian Service Lifetime Achievement Award from the Valentine Foundation for his work in advancing medical care in developing countries. The black-tie event was part of the National Medical Symposium's festivities, where Ethan was invited to present a keynote. An incredible accomplishment, given he'd become an attending not quite a year ago.

Ethan enjoyed the education and dialogue at these conferences but preferred socializing at a bar over scotch. However, Naveen had taught him that these social events were essential for advancing his career and getting sponsors to fund research projects. A necessary evil in medicine.

Finally, the rear door opened from outside, and Ethan slid out of the backseat. Naveen followed, waving and smiling at the flashing cameras as if he was at the Oscars. Ethan ignored everyone, marching through the glass doors, invitation card in hand.

"You were in a hurry," Naveen said pleasantly, joining Ethan in the soaring foyer outside the ballroom.

"They didn't care about me." Ethan rolled his eyes and smirked. "I'm not the guest of honor, after all."

Naveen chuckled, bumping shoulders with Ethan. "No, but with your looks, they probably thought you were a reality TV star. Off to give your chosen lady a red rose. That's how the story goes."

Ethan's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why reality TV? What story? And I'm not carrying a rose."

Naveen shook his head in dismay. "You know, my friend. There's more to life than medicine."

Before Ethan could counter that remark, Naveen turned away to greet someone he knew. Left to his own devices, Ethan glanced around the room, recognizing some faces from the conference. But if he was going to schmooze, he needed a stiff drink first.

Almost an hour later, Ethan escaped the crowded ballroom through French doors leading to a moonlit balcony overlooking the dark gardens below. He needed a few minutes of respite from the politicking and socializing that was part of the Valentines' world.

Ever since he'd learned about the award, Naveen hadn't stopped talking about the family. Being a Rhodian, Ethan certainly knew of the Valentines of Newport, but they didn't run in the same circles as the son of a cable repairman from Providence.

He suspected they were like the other donors he'd met inside that ballroom; insanely wealthy and spoiled with a sense of entitlement. The foundation was probably a vanity project for one of the trophy wives, he thought dismissively.

He strode to the wrought-iron balustrade, gripping the edge as he threw his head back and took a deep breath. A floral scent hit his senses before he heard the rustle of fabric.