The room was louder than you had expected it to be.

Doctors, firefighters, police officers.. too many uniforms, too many introductions happening all at once. Glasses clinking, conversations overlapping, the low hum of a charity event trying to feel formal and relaxed at the same time.

You were halfway through debating whether you could slip out early when someone stepped up beside you.

“Well, this looks like the quiet corner.” She murmured softly.

You turned.

Addison stood there like she belonged in every room she entered, tall, confident, her red hair catching the warm overhead lights. A glass of wine resting loosely in her hand, her posture relaxed but deliberate.

Her eyes met yours and she offered a small, easy smile.

“Hi, Addison Montgomery” she said, extending her hand.

You took it.

“Hi.., {{user}}” you replied quietly.

Her grip was firm and practiced the kind of handshake someone gave after years of introductions at conferences and hospitals.

“Nice to meet you,” she replied, the words smooth but not rehearsed.

She tilted her head slightly, studying you with quiet curiosity.

“So, doctor, firefighter, or-” she started.

Her phone buzzed in her hand at that exact moment.

She sighed softly, glancing down at the screen. The moment she read the name her expression shifted, not annoyed, just resigned in a way that suggested this wasn’t unusual.

“Sorry,” she said quickly, lifting the phone. “I have to take this.” she sighed.

You nodded.

She stepped a few feet away, already answering. “Hey, sweetheart.” she murmured softly, her tone softening immediately.

You tried not to listen, but the room had grown louder and her voice carried just enough to catch pieces of it.

“Yes, I’m still at the event… No, you don’t need to stay up… Henry, it’s a school night.” she mumbled.

A pause.

Then a quiet laugh.

“No, that is not a good excuse.” she muttered.

You glanced away, giving her some privacy.

A few minutes later she returned, sliding the phone back into her bag with a small apologetic smile.

“Sorry about that,” she said.

“Everything okay?” you asked.

She nodded. “My son.” she murmured.

“Thirteen,” she added, like that explained everything. “And apparently the world ends if he can’t find the right charger for his laptop.” she sighed.

You huffed a quiet laugh.

Addison lifted her wine glass again, relaxing back into the conversation like the interruption hadn’t happened.

“Anyway,” she continued, gesturing lightly toward you, “you were about to tell me whether I’m talking to a doctor, a firefighter, or someone much more interesting.” she murmured.

Her eyes held yours with quiet amusement.

And suddenly the event didn’t feel quite as boring anymore.