*Chapter 2: Wayne Enterprises Party*

After unpacking and the apartment now feels like home, Thursday finally arrived. Mia's first day at Elliot Memorial Hospital. Axel wished her luck while he is staying home until he is going to school next Monday. Mia was glad that she and him went groceries so he could make himself something to eat while she works. Axel will call his mother for emergencies since he will be alone while she works. But so far, they both feel safe in their home. Nothing could go wrong.

Mia is dressed in a nurse outfit at the front desk. Her blond hair is in a ponytail. Plus, the desk was decorated for Valentine's Day. A holiday that Mia didn't celebrate anymore except getting treats for her and Axel. Valentine's Day wasn't the same without her deceased husband. Walter always brings her roses and gives her a big kiss after he came from a fire station. The holiday itself is in a week. Trixie walked over and grinned at her.

"Good morning, Mrs. Harlow!" Trixie said. "Ready to start a first day?"

"You know it!" Mia said. "Everyone here is friendly."

"You see? Nothing to worry about." Trixie said, placing the clipboard down. "Starting today, you will start by working in this floor, let anyone sign in when they want to make an appointment. Don't worry, things will get exciting next week. The boss man is too busy training the students in a hospital."

"Oh, I get it. I see students come to a hospital to become doctors." Mia said, nodding. "And thank you again for helping me out."

"Sure thing. Come in my office if you have questions." Trixie said. "Oh, about the party. I forgot to tell you that it is at Wayne Enterprises. But, if you still don't want to go-"

"About that, Trixie. I'd be delighted to go." Mia said. "Axel wouldn't be into these things since he's only eleven years old. He'd be bored."

"Oh, okay. Well, great!" Trixie said with a smile. "Make sure you dress nice." She walked off to the office. Mia sat in a chair to look over the files. Her mind went off to something else. Wayne Enterprises. A place Bruce Wayne owns. She wondered what he is really like other than a playboy millionaire. This Saturday night she will find out. Mia shook those thoughts as she is about to focus on her work.

"Things have been quiet around the city lately." A young man spoke, wearing a Robin costume. "Just stopping some thugs that robs banks and jewelry stores." A young woman with red hair wearing a Batgirl costume stood on the rooftop with Robin.

"What do you expect, Joker breaking out of Arkham right after Batman put him there three days ago?" Batgirl asked.

"Least he did because Saturday will be the most important night." Robin said.

"You mean the party at the Wayne Enterprises?" Batgirl asked. "Yeah..."

"Barb, what's wrong?"

"Tim, is it a good idea to go?" Batgirl asked. "What if something goes wrong?"

"We won't be there long. You know Bruce. His night shifts are important." Robin said. "Like I said, things have been quiet without real trouble." Batgirl stares at the view of Gotham with bright lights. Maybe her boyfriend is right. They will have a good time before heading out for hero duties. Not only that, she is worried about her father, Jim Gordan. He'd kill her if he found out her secret. He will definitely keep her locked in from fighting crime.

When Saturday arrived, Mia is dressed in a black dress with sleeves. She is wearing a silver necklace with a pearl hanging, white earrings. Her hair is down with curls. She just finished her makeup and look at herself in a mirror. She kept her wedding ring on in case any man tried to pick her up at the party.

"Mom, you sure about this?" Axel asked as he watched her from the doorway.

"Axel, it'll be good to make some new friends in this city. But, are you sure you'll be okay by yourself tonight?" Mia asked.

"I'll be fine." Axel said. "Just...don't do anything stupid." Mia rolled her eyes at him, smiling. She puts on her black shoes with short heels. "Good luck with meeting Bruce Wayne." Axel added. "I heard he dates lots of girls."

"Axel, why would I date him? He wouldn't be interested. Trixie is friends with him and wants us to meet." Mia said. "I'm sure he is dating someone right now."

"Bet you fifty bucks if he asks you out on a date." Axel joked. Mia playfully smacks his arm.

"Stop it. Well, I'm off. I'll be back before midnight. Call me if anything happens." Mia said. She gave her son a kiss on a forehead before heading out the door. Trixie will be picking her up from the apartment. "All right, Mia. It'll be fun. Trixie knows some people. Everything will be great." Mia said to herself.

"Thank you again for inviting me, Trixie. After working with you for two days, I feel more...welcomed." Mia said as she and Trixie walked in the elevator. Trixie nodded and pressed the button. 22 out of 56. Trixie is wearing a navy blue dress with one strap and wearing a choker with diamond earrings.

"Sure thing." Trixie replied. "Too bad your son can't join us. Maybe next time?" She giggled.

"He made a bet that if Bruce asks me out. For fifty bucks." Mia laughed. Trixie laughed with her.
The elevator finally came to a stop and the doors open. Mia and Trixie stepped out to see men and women dressed formal. Mia couldn't believe her eyes. This party is huge. Food was spread out on large tables near the balcony and drinks were served left and right. Music is played as some people stand around talking or dance.

"First time in a big party?" Trixie asked with a smirk.

"Wow. This place is huge." Mia said.

"Come on. There are some people I want you to meet." Trixie brought Mia over to the table where the food is. Mia sees a young man and a woman talking to an old man with white hair. The old man is no other than Jim Gordan. He is wearing a suit and glasses, talking to his daughter. "Hey guys!" Trixie called.

"Trix! You made it!" Tim said with a grin. Trixie gave him and Barbra a hug. She shook hands with Jim. "This is Mia Harlow. A new nurse in a hospital. She and her son just moved days ago."

"Nice to meet you." Barbra said with a smile, shaking Mia's hand. "I'm Barbra. This is my dad."

"A pleasure, Mrs. Harlow. I'm Jim Gordan. A commissioner of GCPD." The old man spoke. Mia blinked as she shook his hand.

"Nice to meet you, sir." She said. She turned to Tim.

"Tim Drake. Welcome to Gotham." The man said. He has a friendly grin. Mia smiled back at him. "A nurse huh? Sounds like a challenge."

"Oh, it wasn't so bad." Mia said. "Took me years to learn and then I finally become one. For four years."

"You have a husband who comes to these things?" Tim asked, noticing her wedding ring. Mia paused. She took a glass of wine from a server and took a sip. Tim stared at her as if he said something wrong. "I'm sorry." He said.

"It's alright. I...I don't want to talk about it." Mia said quietly. "I'm sorry."

"Uh, anyway..." Trixie tried to change the subject. Mia looked around the whole floor as the group talked. She didn't pay attention. Her eyes wander over to the balcony. No one was there.

"I'm gonna be at the balcony." Mia said, wandering away. Trixie turned to the trio with a small frown.

"I never meant anything." Tim said. "Did something happen to her husband?" Trixie nodded. She told Tim, Barbra, and Jim about the tragic day Mia told her. But, they won't be the only ones who will learn.

XX

"Get it together." Mia told herself as a cool breeze hits her. "Walter would want you to be happy." She finished her drink and place the glass on the bench as she leans over the railing. The view of Gotham is very nice. The night is young. Her eyes look up at the night sky with a full moon.

"What are you doing out here by yourself?" A male voice spoke. Mia turned her head to see a man coming up to her. A handsome man wearing a suit gave her a small smile. His blue eyes stare at her. He has short black hair. He looked a few years older than her. Mia felt like blushing as the man stood by her. He is tall.

"I...I was..." Mia stuttered. "I need some air." The man smiled.

"Too crowded in there for you?" He asked. "I don't blame you. Sometimes fresh air is what people need. It even helps me think."

"Me too." Mia said.

"Who did you come with? Surely you didn't come here alone." The man wondered.

"I was invited by Trixie Wood. Do you know her?" Mia asked.

"Oh, so you're Mia Harlow." The man said. "She just told me about you." Mia stared at him. "Sorry. I didn't introduce myself. I'm Bruce Wayne." The man said. He held his hand to her. If Mia still drinks, she would do a spit take. This is Bruce Wayne. He is more handsome in person.

"Oh my god. I...I would've known." Mia said. She shook his hand. "I'm Mia Harlow. As you may know, I just moved here with my son. And a new nurse at the Elliot Memorial Hospital."

"I hope this city is friendly to you." Bruce said.

"So far, it has." Mia said. Bruce noticed her wedding ring. He was told by Trixie that Mia's husband died from a fire three years ago. He decides not to bring up the past of hers. Only if she feels comfortable to talk about it. "My son will go to school Monday and our lives will go smoothly. Just as long as the Batman protects your city."

"You heard of him too. Well, what are your thoughts about him?" Bruce asked. Mia shrugged, staring at the city.

"I don't know. But, he seems to have things under control. I doubt I will meet the guy." Mia said with a smile. "If I was in danger, maybe."

"Don't jinx it." Bruce told her. "There are normal criminals out there. I'm not talking about the dangerous ones like Joker or Two-Face." Mia looked up at him as if he knows too much, but she brushed it off. "Would you like to come back inside?" Bruce held out his hand to her. "Do you dance?"

"Oh..." Mia doesn't know what to say. "I...I haven't dance in a while."

"It's a slow dance." Bruce told her.

"Um...are you with anyone?" Mia asked. Bruce chuckled and took her hand. They walk inside the party.

"If I was, I wouldn't ask you to dance." He said. Mia blushed a bit. Everyone turned to see Bruce and Mia hand in hand. Some other women stared in jealously. Bruce brought Mia close to him as they start to slow dance. Mia couldn't believe this is happening. She is dancing with the richest man in a world. It's happening so fast. "See? Not so hard, is it?" Bruce spoke.

"I guess not." Mia admitted. They look into each other's eyes. Blue meets bluish gray. Bruce just met this new woman in Gotham, but he shouldn't rush into a relationship like he had with other women. Mia is a widow. She wouldn't be interested in dating. Yet there is something about her he liked. He wanted to get to know her more.
After their dance, Bruce and Mia walked over to the table with food. Mia grabbed another glass and took a sip, but tried not to drink too many. Last thing she wanted is a hangover.

"How would you like to have dinner with me at my manor?" Bruce asked with a smile.

"Mr. Wayne, are you asking me out on a date?" Mia asked.

"Maybe, but I am also inviting your son. It's too bad he isn't here." Bruce said. Mia raised a brow at him. So it isn't a date since he is inviting Axel to his manor. How could she say no? She gave him a smile. She accepted the offer. "Great. How about tomorrow night? My butler will pick you two up at eight."

"Can it be six instead? My son's first day of school is Monday." Mia asked.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt. I would be at Wayne Industries for a quick meeting, but I will be at the manor at seven. Alfred will give you and your son a tour." Bruce said. Mia smiled again.

"Sounds great. Looking forward to it, Mr. Wayne."

"Please, call me Bruce."

"Okay, Bruce." Mia said. Bruce took her hand and kissed it. "Oh." Mia giggled. Trixie watched them from the other side of the floor with a smile. She knew this would happen sooner or later. Now Mia owes Axel money.