Ashes of trust

Chapter two, Episode two :The Banquet-A Night that changes everything .

Martin adjusted his cufflinks with practiced ease but his eyes kept on flickering to the clock from time to time. He moved towards the mirror adjusting his black tie. His tux fitted perfectly _ tailored and polished but while looking in the mirror something felt off. He had attended many hospital galas and charity banquets but something about today felt different. He clears his throat to shake the nerves off. I think I took a huge risk sending that dress. The colour had come to me instantly green like her eyes I dint know why I can't stop imagining her in it. Elegant, bold and unapologetically herself . But Joy is not easily predictable she might not even wear it.A message pops up on my phone and jolts me back to reality. It's from my driver. "on my way to pick them up sir." Them, right Maggie is probably with her that could be the only reason she agreed to come at all. As I looked back into the mirror I didn't know what to expect but somethings for sure I won't be able to look away the moment I set my eyes on her. I hope _ God I hope she didn't leave the dress in the box.

A black sleek car pulls up outside the apartment. The driver then steps outside and opens the door. Miss Joy. Miss Maggie. Dr Martin sent me.

Joy's stomach flatters. Of course he did . As they slide into the car Maggie leans over and whispers, "if he looks at you the way I think he will... girl, it's over for him." Joy rolls her eyes, Maggie stop can you not make a joke out of every situation. My palms are already sweaty can you not add to the nerves. Her hands trembles slightly in her lap.

The banquet was already in full swing when they arrive _soft music, glasses clicking and polite laughter filling the hall. The lights were golden and low giving it a dreamy glow. But as soon as the girls step through the entrance everything seemed to come to a halt. Joy walked beside Maggie her chin high as her emerald dress glided over the floor as if it was made for this exact moment. Her heart was pounding in her eyes and to make it worse people seemed to be staring in their direction.

Martin turns from all the commotion only to spot her across the room for a moment he forgets everything his conversation, his drink and the people around him. She looks so much better than I imagined she would that green dress catches the light matching her eyes with eerie perfection. And I didn't know if I was hallucinating or something but her skin seemed to glow under the lighting of the chandelier making her look both powerful and breakable. Jorge leans in. "Who is that?" Martin's throat tightens he can't answer. Coz now he knows he's not only intrigued. This might be the beginning of something he's not sure he's ready for. I know that look. You had that same look where you were describing that intern girl to me. So she's the one. Not bad Martin not bad she clearly catches the eye. Jorge can you not. Ok sure I'll stop if you go ahead and talk to her or are you planning on ogling her the whole night.

Joy stands near the edge of the room trying to seem composed, as waiters pass with champagne and soft music hums in the background. She can feel eyes on her _ his eyes she doesn't have to look to know. A moment later she hears footsteps behind her measured but familiar. Did it fit? Martin voice is calm as if afraid if he spoke any louder he might scare her away. You sent it so that means you knew it would or am I wrong Dr. Sanchez? So we're still doing this? I don't understand doing what exactly. The formalities Dr. Sanchez really. How about we just try Martin. But I don't know you well enough yet hence first name bases is not an option. Ouch Joy if your trying to be cold it's definitely working. Still I wasn't sure if you were gonna wear the dress. Well I wasn't but Maggie said I'll be commiting fashion treason if I didn't. We'll then I owe Maggie a thank you.

The air around them shifts gradually becoming thick charged with things neither of them are willing to stay Joy's dress shimmers under the lighting as Martin stares at her as if trying to memorize every detail. You look he stops mid sentence as his throat tightens as his at a loss for words. You look like I had imagined you would and some how nothing like it at all. Careful doctor that almost sounded like a line. Well joy I believe no line can do you justice. Joy's heart skips a beat as she looks away this is the kind of softness she can't afford not with him. But as soon as she looks into his deep blue eyes again something flickers. Something dangerous.

Well then don't get used to seeing me in satin. Lifting her champagne glass to her lips, this is a one_ night _only event. Then I better take of the advantage of this moment. Would you care to join me for a dance? I believe it's the least could do after you so generously gifted me this dress. I'll gladly join you.

The music flows softly through the ball room Martin rests his head on Joy's small back as they move in sync with the rhythm. I don't know if I've said this yet but you look stunning tonight. Careful Dr Sanchez that almost sounded like a compliment. It was. I don't hand them out often but I figured I'd make an exception. So I presume am the lucky intern who gets the rare Martin Sanchez's charm. Not luck dear you had my attention from the first day we met.Their movement slowed with the tempo. There was a stretched comfortable silence between them . Until Martin decided to hit her with there's something about you Joy that I haven't quite figured out yet. Joy looked away briefly, maybe it's better that way. Is this a warning? Maybe or maybe it's some friendly advice. Well it's great coz for starters we're not friends and secondly I've never been good at listening to advice. Joy laughs quietly unsure if she should move away or not but something about the way he looked at her made it more hard. It's like he sees her _ really sees her and that what's scares her most to be seen.

Maggie swirls the stem of her champagne glass, scanning the room. She's radiant in her satin blue dress the slit just enough to command attention without asking for it. She knows how to turn heads and tonight she's clearly done so. She scans the room but there's no site of Joy. Her eyes stop when she catches a tall, well built man walking towards her she almost didn't recognize him in that charcoal suit. Well you clean up very nice. Ooh please Jorge just nice Maggie replies feeling offended. I was aiming for devastating. He laughs, eyes traveling appreciatively_though respectful from her earrings to her heels. "Alright then, you look devastating. Stunning. Effortlessly dangerous like you could ruin lives with that dress and get away with it.Blue is surely your power color. That's the best thing someone has said to me all night. I call it as I see it. He stepped a little closer while lowering his voice. " But am not entirely sure it's the dress something tells me you command attention while walking into a room no matter what you wear." Flattery and perception perfect combo Jorge. Ifike this you m you m you mighet a get a get a danflatter Maggie I observe. Well I guess the night just got a little bit more interesting. Do you know what would make it more interesting, (offering his hand) join me.

They glide into the edge of the dance floor, slipping into a rhytho on lm that's easy and flirtatious. Jorge spins her once making her laugh. You know what your not half as uptight as I thought y you gou'd be. Well Maggie your also not as scary as Martin warned me. They stare into each other's eyes and laugh again_ until the light flickers once.

A bit of confusion passes through the room. The Music shatters. Then...