It's Not That Easy

Chapter 12 - Not Letting it Ruin the Evening

What is it about men that make women so lonely? - Elliot Perlman

Chapter 12 - Not Letting it Ruin the Evening

"This is always the boring part," Gavin whispers as the hosts at the main table are introduced. "But, as soon as dinner is finished, I'm stepping out on the dance floor with you. I hope you have on comfortable shoes."

My eyes leave the MC and flick back to his for a moment, "I love my shoes. I can't wait." Other honored guests are announced, while waiters are quietly moving around the room taking away salad plates.

Running into Edward was a shock to my system, but I will not let it effect my evening. Gavin doesn't deserve my drama, and I refuse to react. I'm very aware of where Edward is seated, and I keep my eyes from finding him. The smile that is plastered on my face is real because I'm seated between a wonderful friend and my uncle.

"Please enjoy your evening." Our MC announces before leaving the podium. Vivaldi's Four Seasons floats through the air as the tables buzz with conversations.

The conversations around our table revolve around golf and other past times. Since I really don't have time for hobbies, I just listen. More than once I am drawn into the conversation, but I quickly find I am dismissed by the ladies, with the exception of my Aunt Keira.

The gentlemen, however, I find intriguing. They ask such shallow questions, and then look stunned when I have a more meaningful thought than they expected. I guess they're impression is that I am just a dumb blonde on the arm of a doctor, but they are soooo wrong. I believe this amuses my uncle greatly, and Gavin even gets a chuckle.

Dr. Pashad sits on the other side of Gavin and leans over to get my attention. "Ms. Mills, Gavin here tells me you are in medical school." I give him an affirming nod. "And that you are thinking of oncology as a specialty?"

"Yes, but this is my first year. I have to qualify for the specialty." He smiles and nods. "So, that means a lot of studying between now and decision time."

"True, you must be dedicated to your studies." He says in a similar accent to Niam, and just like him, his language is quite formal. "How do you like our fair state?"

"This is home, and I love it here."

"Oh, I was under the impression that you are from Boston."

"No, but that was where I did my undergraduate studies." I'm glad he didn't ask why I chose to come here for med school, instead of stay in Boston.

I move one of my tendrils out of the way, and I see Edward's eyes staring at me from across the room. Gavin, unaware there is an issue, moves forward enough to block my view, and I'm very grateful.

Dinner plates are being collected, as we enjoy dessert. Dr. Pashad continues talking to me. "Boston is a nice town. That's where I did my residency." We make small talk about the area medical centers for a few minutes. Tears sting my eyes remembering the stay at Boston Medical Center, knowing I was lucky to be where I am now.

Uncle CJ's hand touches my back drawing my attention to him. "Dr. Pashad, excuse me for a moment. I need to speak with, Ms. Mills." We stand and he leans over to tell Gavin something before leaving the table.

Many people are up walking around, so he walks me out of the room, giving me a moment to collect myself. "I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting that," referring to onset of emotions.

He lightens the mood, "Hun, are you having a good time?"

"Yes, I've met a lot of interesting people tonight." He agrees that some of the people are quite colorful, and entertaining just to watch.