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?

[straight_arrow]

It's nothing. Just a regret. One I may have to get around to fixing.

The smile is back.

But that's for another night. For now, we have schmoozing to do, yes?

[catalinareyes]

His smile returns, her smile returns. "I would be far happier to do so on your arm, Señor, than on my own. Misery enjoys company, it is said, yes?"

[straight_arrow]

Yes, indeed.

They begin to make their way around the room.

Are you the company, or are you hiding some secret sorrow, too?

[catalinareyes]

"I admit that I would be happier doing something else," she allows with a sigh. "This is an evil that is necessary. For a good purpose, yes, but I have not had the time to walk on the beach or hike for over a month. My lungs are forgetting the feel of fresh air."

[straight_arrow]

A nature girl, huh? Well, that's a shame.

Look at it this way: the advantage of sunny California is that you have at least until Thanksgiving before the weather gets too bad.

[catalinareyes]

"I try to bicycle or run outdoors as much as I can. I do not mind getting wet." Catalina gives Ollie a smile with that statement, then she turns to offer her hand to one of the many wealthy men in attendance to try to coax some dollars from him.

[straight_arrow]

Ollie goes back to his own mingling, but not before a look over his shoulder.

"Dangerous woman.

"Wish I minded more."