At Star City's Ritz-Carleton

[catalinareyes]

The ballroom is dressed to the nines, as are those within it, for a formal gala to support literacy initiatives in the city. In addition to city luminaries such as the mayor and police commissioner, the governor and a handful of celebrities are in attendance. A placard near the front indicates that the gala is being presented by the Star City

Comments

[straight_arrow]

Oliver Queen is also making the rounds. Dressed in a white tuxedo without tie, he looks dashing and just a little rebellious, a change from most of the stuffed shirts in penguin suits.

He sees a familiar...well, he definitely notices the lady. He steps up behind her.

Dr. Reyes, I presume?

[catalinareyes]

"Yes?" Catalina turns and comes eye-to-chest with.... Her dark brown eyes travel upward, and her smile widens, warms, with each inch. "Ah, Señor Queen, what a pleasure. I did not expect to see you again so soon." As she speaks, she presents her hand. "I am delighted that you remember me."

[straight_arrow]

He takes her hand and sketches a bow.

How could I forget such a ravishing and charming lady?

I hope you're having fun?

[catalinareyes]

"I am afraid that I must work; I am on the charity's board of directors." The academic, however, looks quizzically at Ollie as she continues, "What has brought you here? Not that I am ungrateful."

[straight_arrow]

He grins mischeviously.

I'm surprised we haven't met sooner. I'm on the board of the Youth Project. I took over running the Youth Center from Stanley Dover a couple years back.

[catalinareyes]

"Oh! Well, I took the place of Dr. Francis this fall when he retired. Our meeting was inevitable." She gives his hand a small squeeze, adding, "Almost fated."

[straight_arrow]

Well, then I hope Fate isn't as fickle as she's reputed to be.

Another dazzling smile, with a twinkle in his eye.

But you didn't answer my question. The joy of things like this is that, theoretically, we get to have fun while working.

[catalinareyes]

Is that a blush in Catalina's cheeks? "Theoretically. Then you are... well-connected, if you are on the board?"

[straight_arrow]

Not so well-connected as I used to be. A few years ago, I wouldn't be moving around for all the hangers-on. But then I had a string of bad luck, and I left Star City for a while.

But I'm back now, and apparently he nods to a society lady in passing a few people still remember me.

[catalinareyes]

"I cannot imagine that someone such as you is easily forgotton," says the lady, graciously. "On behalf of the city, I am gratified that you have returned."

[straight_arrow]

I have to admit, it's good to be back. And I'm glad I can do something good with my money. I kind of neglected my responsibilities before.

[catalinareyes]

Effortlessly, Catalina tucks her arm through Ollie's and walks him toward the refreshments, querying, "May I presume to ask what those responsibilities were? Or do you prefer to keep our conversation to the weather?"

[straight_arrow]

No, I don't mind. It's...hard to answer, though.

I've always been...more comfortable with real people than with the fat cat crowd. I inherited my bundle, and I sort of let it sit while I did other things. The money just sort of went to waste.

Long story short, a real scumbag made a mess of things, and by the time I figured out that I'd been had, most of the money was gone.

I got a second chance. And this time, I'm going to make the money work for those who need it.

[catalinareyes]

"Ah...you are fortunate, then, that you have made a mistake so large that could be forgiven. For that and for you I am pleased, Señor; not often are we given such opportunities. Fate must like you very much." She plucks a glass of champagne from the table, proffers one to Ollie as well. "But our mistakes are how we learn. So I toast to the way we stumble but do not fall, so that we may walk more steadily later."

[straight_arrow]

A shadow falls across his face.

"I don't want to have you now, just to lose you later, pretty bird."

Cheers.

[catalinareyes]

She touches her glass to his, but the shadow does not go unnoticed. After sipping at the champagne - decent stuff but nothing earth-shakingly great - Catalina asks softly, "Have I said something wrong, Señor?" She is kind, solicitous.