Last try with Janice

FN} finds Janice near the living room, drink in hand, watching the party with that composed expression she does so well.

He moves in beside her.

Miles: having a good night?

Janice: She glances at him. yes actually.

Miles: He looks around. where's your date?

Janice: around somewhere.

Miles: He nods slowly. smart move by the way.

Janice: what is.

Miles: coming with someone who's not going to pressure you into anything tonight. She looks at him. I heard he doesn't even like girls. Safe choice.

Janice stares at him.

Janice: that's not why I came with him.

Miles: of course not.

Janice: I mean it.

Miles: I believe you. He takes a sip of his drink. it's just very on brand for you.

Janice: She narrows her eyes. what is that supposed to mean.

Miles: nothing. Just that having sex on prom night is pretty cliche. And Janice doesn't do cliche.

Janice: I'm not a prude.

Miles: I didn't say prude. He pauses. you said prude.

Janice: She turns to face him fully. I am not a prude.

Miles: okay.

Janice: stop saying okay like that.

Miles: like what.

Janice: like you don't believe me.

Miles: He shrugs casually. I just think there's a difference between not being a prude and actually doing something about it. He nods across the room. for example. That guy over there.

Janice follows his eyeline. Eve's date is standing alone, good looking, relaxed, completely unaware he is being discussed.

Miles: good looking. Alone. Nothing wrong with him whatsoever. But you won't go near him.

Janice: I don't even know him.

Miles: exactly. Too much for Janice. Too cliche. Too outside the comfort zone.

Janice: She looks at Miles with sharp eyes. you're trying to get under my skin.

Miles: is it working?

Janice: no.

Miles: He looks back across the room at the guy. he really is good looking though. Shame.

Janice looks across the room again. She studies the guy for a moment longer than she probably intends to.

Her jaw tightens slightly.

Miles: He says it casually, already turning away. anyway. Have a good night Janice.