You're done with the texts.

You're here for a party and face-to-face socializing. You slip your phone back in your pocket and scan the apartment for better opportunities than having your face illuminated by a blue light for the rest of the night.

You find yourself gradually absorbed by the growing group of guests centered around Dom. Ugh. His voice is grating and dripping with arrogance. Even already in his late 20's, he's got a such a perpetually tight smile and expression you wonder if he's already had a face lift. You quietly drink your drink an try to look pleasant while half-listening to Dom talk about flippantly declining a job offer because the stock options weren't good enough. Trevor seems to be flattering him intermittently. Success is attractive.

Tyler moves over to you at the most distant end of the circle from Dom, “Wouldn't that be nice.” You didn't figure the perpetually cheerful promoter wanted anything different out of his life than what he was now living.

“Yeah. I'm dreaming of the day that stock options are even a thing, much less a reason to decline a job. Honestly, I'll take something mediocre as long as I can move out of the forest,” you reply.

“Any luck there?” Then he ads, more softly, “I don't know how serious Trevor is, but I thought I should mention it in case it turns into something.”

You're still a little surprised at Tyler's passing thought. Maybe he doesn't hold you in the disregard you'd thought. “Thanks, again. But not really. I'm getting more dates down here than job interviews, actually.” You laugh, just a little bitterly.

“Oh?” His voice goes up with interest. “Most guys here discriminate according to what subway line you're on. I certainly do.”

You snort softly. “Yeah, I got some of that, but I don't really initiate conversations with guys down here. They usually contact me, so I can bypass most of that geographical bigotry.” Tyler smirks a little at that term. “I actually had what is probably the worst date I've ever had, earlier this week. But, I've got another one tomorrow night before I go home.”

“Worst ever, huh? How bad?” Tyler's tone is a playful challenge.