Serena took a deep breath as she let the soft sound of strings sweep over her heart. Ric, bless his heart, seemed to know just how discombobulated she was that particular evening, how much she was missing a certain blonde doctor, and she hoped that she could keep the ache of missing at bay. After all, Ric did have a point, if she could bring in a particularly generous donation, then it was almost certain she could also sway Henrik to allocate a generous portion of it to AAU, and perhaps the trauma unit, as well. That would certainly make Bernie happy.

"Ah, there you two are!"

She turned her head to see Hanssen fast approaching them, looking dapper in his tuxedo. The only spot of color was the handkerchief in his breast pocket, and her eyes widened to see that it was a perfect match for her dress. Ric followed her gaze, and a low chuckle escaped his lips, to which she elbowed him discreetly, trying to keep things professional. "You look nice," she said as he held out his hand towards her.

"As do you," he replied, giving her the same onceover that Ric had earlier. A touch of pride ruffled her feathers as she gave him a small smile. Hanssen bent over her hand and gave it a gallant kiss before leading her out onto the dance floor. The music grew louder as they went towards the middle of the floor, and she smiled with pleasure as the sound washed over her. "Red is an extremely flattering color on you, though I was expecting to see you in black."

"Elinor had other ideas." He laughed a little as his arm came to rest respectfully around her waist, his other hand holding hers as they began to dance. "Though I find myself growing accustomed to the looks I'm receiving. It makes a woman feel right desirable."

Once more, he glanced down her body, and Serena could feel his eyes come to rest on her chest even as his cheeks bloomed a rosy pink. Dragging his gaze up to her face once more, Hanssen licked his lips nervously, as if uncertain as to how he should react to her statement. "Well, you are a very lovely woman, Serena. You deserve to be treated as such."

A wicked little smile curved her lips as she stepped closer into his space, leaving just a tiny fraction of an inch between them as she stared into his eyes, clearly unnerving him. "Well, if that just isn't what every woman wants to hear," she purred, using his discomfort to her advantage. "After all, that is what will bring in the money. Right?"

He nodded and tried to take a step back, trying to get back in control, and she smiled even wider as the song continued. Her heels gave her just enough height to where she could rest her head comfortably against his shoulder, and she seized the opportunity, trying to pretend that she was in Bernie's arms as they danced. "Is now a good time to discuss the hopeful outcome of this evening, then?"

"I should say so, Henrik."

He nodded as he stepped away from her once more and Serena frowned at the sudden disruption to her fantasy. "Serena?"

"Nothing. Just get on with it."

A small frown turned Hanssen's lips down as he regarded her carefully. "So, there are four men here that could potentially become our donors if you are able to get them to see to reason. To let them know that Holby is the right place to invest in."

She listened with half an ear as he prattled on, trying to muster up an ounce of caring. Instead, she just found herself annoyed as Hanssen launched into a lengthy description of the third man who deserved her attention. "Oh, will you either just shut up and let me get on with it, or give me bullet points? If you keep yammering on, the night is going to be over before anything happens. And you still have to talk to Ric about his potential targets. Also, did you really think that I couldn't handle talking with a woman this evening? Especially considering my relationship…"

Serena broke off her words, realizing exactly what she had been about to reveal. He gave her a bemused smile, which just increased her ire at the whole situation, and she released a frustrated humph of air through her nostrils as she pivoted on her heel and stalked off towards the bar. The only thing that could save her in that moment was a large glass of wine, and she fervently prayed that there was at least a good Shiraz there.

On the way to the bar, Serena felt eyes on her, and she tried to smile, knowing that she was onstage and needed to make a good impression. An unfamiliar woman stopped her progress, and Serena gave her a pleasant smile, even as she wanted to continue on her way to the bar and drink away some frustration. "I love your dress," the brunette said as she reached out and rested her hand on Serena's forearm. It was a blatant come on, and if she didn't consider herself attached, she might have gone for it. "Would you care to get a drink with me?"

She drew in a deep breath, not certain if she should rebuff the woman now or actually share a drink with her. There wouldn't be much harm in one little drink, since her heart belonged to Bernie at the end of the day, she reasoned. "That would be lovely, thank you," she said as she pulled away from the woman a little and walked alongside her to the bar.

They were able to snag a seat there, and she lifted her finger to get the bartender's attention. He gave her a small nod and finished with his current client before coming over to their side. "What can I get you two lovely ladies this evening?"

"Shiraz, please. The largest glass you can possibly give me."

His eyebrows ticked up a little in shock and she gave him a look, as if daring him to protest. Instead he looked to her companion, who gave him a placid smile. "Vodka tonic?"

"Coming right up."

"I'm Margaret, by the way."

"Serena." They shook hands, and Serena smiled at the softness of Margaret's touch. She was nothing like Bernie, less angular, softer in face, and entirely what Serena needed to keep her mind off the affair at hand. "So, why are you here this evening?"

"I've been sent on schmooze patrol for my boss at St. James'. You?"

She laughed lightly as she accepted the glass of wine handed to her. Taking a small sip, she leaned her head to one side as she let her gaze roam over the woman's face. "I'm actually here for the same reason. Holby City." Margaret nodded as she took a swallow of her drink before setting the glass down and running her fingers up and down Serena's bare arm. She shivered lightly, surprised that desire coursed through her veins, as she hadn't expected that. "And I should let you know before things get any deeper, I have a partner."

"All the good ones are taken, it seems. Would you at least feel comfortable favoring me with one dance? Before we both have to fulfill our obligations?" Serena smiled as she dipped her head in agreement. "Excellent."

They finished their drinks before Serena slipped out of her seat and held out her hand expectantly. Margaret took careful hold of it and led her out onto the dance floor once more, a gentle smile on her lips.