Serena watched as her mother, Adrienne danced with her colleague Ric Griffin, who had returned that morning from his leave where he had spent time looking after his daughter. It had been a welcome surprise to Serena who had to bring Adrienne into Holby City Hospital after her dementia had caused her to, yet again, not recognise her own reflection, leading her to smash all the mirrors in the house. Having heard about music therapy from a patient and confirming with Guy Self, Serena had put on some of Adrienne's favourite music leading her to take to the floor with the nearest willing man. Guy came up behind her as she smiled softly.

"When did it go all Strictly?" he asked.

"Music therapy. Apparently it helps with memory retention." She let out a sigh. "I haven't seen her dance in years."

"Have you come to a decision?" The CEO had been forcing her to come to a decision. Was she a consultant, or a carer?

"I'm not leaving, Guy. It will mean round the clock nursing care but I need a life too. I think it's important to look after me as well as my mother."

"How expensive will that be?"

"Its only money." Money was something that Serena loved to have and loved to save at work. However, when it came to her mothers care, she would pay anything to avoid her being in pain. "Bottom line is, I've been treading water, just reacting to her condition instead of controlling it. The dementias been winning."

"It always does, Serena"

"Not this time, Guy."

They turned to look at each other, making sure that they had made themselves clear. The music changed and Serena saw her mother turn away from Ric.

"Oh I love this one!" She exclaimed as she almost ran, open armed to Guy. Serena laughed to Ric who gave her a humorous look meaning 'Why not me?' This caused Serena to chuckle once more. He walked over to join her.

"She's still got it alright."

"She certainly has."

They continued to watch the dance until Ric took a small step forward and fastened the button on his jacket. He turned slightly to face Serena and held out his hand.

"Would you care for a dance, Ms Campbell?"

Serena gave him her best glare whilst trying to hide her smile and the glint in her eye. She felt slightly embarrassed as she looked down and took his hand.

"If you insist."

He guided her to where her mother and Guy were still dancing and slipped his hand gently around her waist. She smiled slightly at the contact and placed he hand on his back, never letting go of his hand. She looked down, not wanting to make eye contact until she could feel him watching and waiting for her to look up. Slowly, she raised her eyes to look at his. He was looking at her so softly, so adoringly that she couldn't help but giggle. This caused him to smile but as he continued to watch her, his eyes held hers meaning she couldn't look away. As the music changed again, they continued to move back and forth, never breaking eye contact. Serena could feel that something had changed; something inside her didn't want to look away from his eyes. Ric could feel the same thing. He had always loved how sure and strong she was as a person and had recently felt deeply attracted to her warm and glowing smile. Yet now, these feelings were clearer and more defined. As they danced, he noticed the deepness in her dark eyes; he noticed how her short hair fell naturally around her features. He also noticed how tired she looked, with the small bluish circles around her eyes.

Serena could feel his eyes gazing at her and looking at every aspect of her face but she couldn't seem to stop it. She was fixed by the warmness and care in his eyes, the softness of his features. In the back of her mind she new they should break apart but she couldn't make her arm release from around his back or unlink their fingers. So she continued to sway to the music enjoying the moment of relaxation.

She was suddenly aware that her mother had stopped dancing with the CEO and was stood watching them. She gave Ric a nervous glance but he ignored her and continued to pull her around the ward.

"Ric. We're being watched" she whispered

"I know."

"Don't you think we should stop dancing? It will be around the hospital by morning and in an awful case of Chinese Whispers they will twist it horribly."

"I was rather enjoying it"

"Mr Griffin. Are you flirting with me?"

"Two can play at your game, Ms Campbell." He said with a grin. Ric pulled her a little closer until she was touching against his chest and his arm gripped her waist a little tighter. Out of the corner if his eye he saw Guy Self shaking his head and walking away from the ward. He was glad of his absence so it meant that they could continue their dance without leadership watching their every move, however he was still aware od Adrienne watching with a tilted head and adoring smile. She seemed truly happy to see Serena having a good time. Though she would tell everyone otherwise.

When Ric started to pull her a little closer, Serena started to feel safer within his arms. She started to feel comfortable and actually enjoyed the embrace. When the song changed though, they pulled apart to awkwardly look at each other and then to Adrienne. Serena gave her a disapproving look as she could see what she was thinking. The on call nurses that were milling around were also giving questioning looks and no doubt sneaking off to gossip about their latest findings to colleagues.

Serena stepped back away from Ric and ran her fingers through the back of her hair looking at the floor. Ric also looked around, fixing the position of his jacket. Adrienne still watched them with a gaze that was clearly one of happiness that the two of them were finally together. But this situation left Ric and Serena confused. What was it they had just experienced? Was it something of significance? Would it damage their friendship? They had both seen something in the others eyes and it certainly wasn't discontent. They hastily made their excuses and headed in opposite directions, Ric to the Consultants office and Serena taking her still grinning mother. Maybe Adrienne had been right after all.