The day of the gala came around quickly. The residents had been briefed that they were expected to attend and their only job was to impress the hospital's wealthy donors.
They ladies had argued a little saying it was easier for the boys to get ready, all they had to do was throw on a tux. Joanne had tried to get out an hour early, highlighting that it took women a lot longer to get ready. Especially in a hospital with no facilities.
"Not a chance" Dr Glassman said. "I'm sorry Dr Walker but your going to have to figure it out like everybody else. I'll expect to see you there at seven prompt."
"Great" she exclaimed as she burst into the locker room. "Just great."
Audrey was just grabbing something from her locker and startled as Joanne came hurling through the door.
"What's wrong?" she asked looking concerned.
"Dr Glassman won't let me finish early to get ready for tonight. So frustrating, he doesn't understand!"
"I'm sure he gets it Jo, he just isn't bothered" Audrey said trying to calm her friend. "Stop pacing, sit down" she said, trying to get her attention.
"I'll cover for you as much as I can while you get ready" Audrey suggested. "I'm not that fussed on going anyway so I'll just catch up with you all later.'
"Oh come on, you have to come" replied Jo. "Neil will be there in a tux, what other reason could you need!"
Audrey glared at her "Why would I want to see Neil in a tux?" she asked sharply.
"Touched a nerve there, have I?" Jo teased. "We all see you making eyes at each other. We've even opened a book to see how long it takes you to get together."
"You did what?!"
"Chill Audrey, it's just a joke. I'm sorry" she continued.
She sighed and took a deep breath. "Jo, I need to tell you something" she stated shakily. She gave her the entire run down of her marriage to Kashal. From how they met at school, to deciding to get married thinking they would go far together. She shared how Kashal wasn't the man she thought he was, how he was very controlling outside of work and how she would appreciate it if the gossip was stopped. She didn't want to get into trouble. On their nights out, she simply told him that she was working late.
Jo looked at her in utter disbelief. Sir couldn't believe that the cool and confident Audrey Lim was in that position.
"I'm sorry" was all she could utter. "It probably won't help, but if you ever need me, you have to let me know ok?"
Audrey gave a sad smile. "Thank you, Jo. That means a lot."
X
The rest of the shift ran it's course. Alex and Audrey were just finishing up the last of the charts and were going to get changed. The last patient consult had been amused by Joanne's attendance with a full face of makeup. As promised, Audrey completed the paperwork while she went to get ready.
7p.m. came and five of the six residents reported for duty in the hospital lobby. It had been miraculously transformed over the last 48 hours into a spectacular sight. There was a long bar down one side and the majority of the rest of the space was taken up by tall tables and strategically placed seating.
The five of them stood together around a table having their first drinks of the evening. They had been warned to behave themselves and not to take too much advantage of the free bar.
Audrey arrived a little late and stood watching from a vantage point for a short while. The men had scrubbed up well in their tuxedos. As expected, Kevin was immaculate and wore a beautiful, bespoke suit. Alex was at the other end of the scale and had been scolded by Joanne for not having ironed his shirt again. He was told that under no circumstances, should he remove his jacket. Delun looked very dapper in his tux and then there was Neil.
Neil looked so handsome. He wore a black tuxedo just like most of the other men in the room but he seemed to exude a confidence which made him more attractive than usual. It seemed that she wasn't the only one who noticed as he was approached by a couple of ladies while she watched.
He gave each of them his undivided attention and used his most dazzling smile to no doubt charm them. As the last lady moved on, he didn't turn back to the group. He lifted his chin slightly and looked straight into her eyes.
'Damn it' she cursed inwardly, she had been caught watching him.
He smiled and waved her over. She greeted each of them individually and as she leaned in to kiss Neil on the cheek he whispered in her ear.
"You look beautiful."
She felt herself blush and excused herself to go to the bar. Jo quickly followed behind.
"Are you ok, Aud?"
"Yeah, just need a drink" she laughed nervously.
X
The residents headed their separate ways through the evening as they mingled with donors and VIPs. It was a good opportunity for them to do some networking of their own. The profession was turning out to be as much about who you know, not just what you know.
As the evening drew to a close, they were gravitating back together and gathering around one of the tables near the bar. The men were stood nursing their last drinks of the evening watching the dancefloor with some interest when Audrey and Joanne returned.
"What's so interesting?" Jo asked with a smile.
"Neil dancing with someone under the age of fifty for the first time tonight" joked Kevin.
As they looked over, they saw Neil dancing with a tall blonde lady of a similar age. They were both smiling and chatting away as they swayed to the music.
"Who is that?" Audrey asked. "She's a bit young to be a donor."
"That is the granddaughter of the hospital founder, Jessica Preston. Law student by all accounts." Alex confirmed.
"She must be nice" Delun joked. "He's lasted more than one song with this one!"
Jo glanced over at Audrey to try and gauge her reaction but she remained stoic. After another ten minutes, she checked her watch and said her goodbyes to the group.
She didn't disturb Neil and his dancing partner and headed outside to wait for her lift. Kashal would arrive soon to drive her home.
X
As she stood waiting away from the front doors, she spotted movement as more people made to leave. Walking out of the building arm in arm were Neil and Jessica talking and laughing as they went.
She stepped back into the shadow not wanting to be seen. She watched as they crossed the car park and headed to a shiny new car parked in one of the many rows.
Just then Kashal pulled up kerbside, wound down the window and called to get her attention. She got in the passenger seat, leaning over to kiss his cheek.
"Hi" Kash said with a smile. "Did you enjoy?"
"It was ok. Good to meet some new contacts" she replied stiffly.
He pulled away from the kerb and they headed home in their usual silence. She couldn't help her mind wandering to Neil and thinking where he was going tonight.
If she'd watched a moment or two longer she would have seen him walk Jessica to her car. She kissed his cheek and gave him her card while they made casual arrangements to meet up next time she was in town.
After making sure she was underway, he headed back to the reception. He stopped at the crosswalk and was sure he saw Audrey getting into a dark sedan and pulling away on the other side of the parking lot.
He found his thoughts going straight back to Audrey and feeling a little disappointed that he didn't get to dance with her tonight.