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If there was one truth about Grayson, it was that he was not a man of crowds. This party did all but reaffirm that truth. Quite frankly, he didn’t look bad in the suit Andi had provided him; and the forced removal of his glasses did wonders to his appearance. Any other person would’ve likely gotten contact lenses as quickly as possible with a face like his, but not Grayson. The glasses made him stand out less, and that was a good thing. But these things didn’t make Grayson any less awkward on the party floor itself. The boy practically oozed discomfort. But that didn’t matter, he had found himself a nice, comfy wall to lean against. It was even near some snacks! Perhaps here he could simply await the end of the party? 

Meanwhile, Samantha remained at one of the lobby’s cozy couches, still busy on her phone. After a few minutes scrolling through Tumblr, writing inspiration had suddenly struck her. Her thumbs were now quickly tapping the screen, gracefully turning her inspiration into a quality chapter of her ongoing fantasy fanfiction. From the outside looking in, you would think she was an angry girlfriend right in the middle of an ongoing text argument: her focused expression could easily be confused with anger. But in reality, she was nothing a young writer hoping to transmit her ideas into words. Writing provided the perfect distraction from what was turning into a shitty night.

Grayson could swear the party was growing more crowded still. How did people breathe in rooms this claustrophobic? Grayson felt like he could barely move a meter without bumping into someone. Not to mention, the people hungering for snacks seemed to be steadily growing in number as well. Grayson clearly only had one option left: Get out of this place. At least for a bit. Maybe he could catch a breather in the lobby? Knowing how busy it was here, it was a small hope. But what options did he have? He was going to die in here! 

One elevator later, Grayson arrived in an area much less populated. Breathing a sigh of relief, he looked for a place he could sit silently and undisturbed. He thought a little more on Andi’s words, on how socialising here might help him out in the long run. Not really his forte by a long shot, indeed. Not that it really mattered, Grayson had other means of attaining his goals. He dropped himself into a comfy couch, enjoying a bit of well-earned rest after surviving the crowd.

A grin that went from ear to ear illuminated Samantha’s face. She had finally finished her chapter, and upon a few spell-checks and proofreadings decided it was glorious and ready to post. She tapped the “Publish” button on her screen and watched happily as her work was uploaded onto the site. It would be a nice new year’s eve surprise to her readers. 

Still glowing from her small accomplishment, Samantha locked her phone and glanced over the room. Party-goers and hotel guests came and went through the lobby, down the halls, towards the elevator or the doors leading outside… But never to sit at the lobby. So, when her green eyes landed on a person sitting in a nearby couch facing hers, Sammi was internally surprised. It was a male that looked to be around her age, wearing an expensive ensemble that very much favored his handsome features. Long dark locks reached the spot where his defined jawline started, and a shadow of a mustache and beard was visible. However, not even the outfit could hide the fact that he looked to be completely out of his element.

[color=crimson]“Not much of a fancy party guy?”[/color] Samantha heard herself asking the guy, a curious expression on her face. In normal circumstances, she would’ve done her regular thing of becoming invisible. But for some reason, her gut feeling told her to be somewhat social.

Somewhat startled, Grayson left the safe confines of his own mind and focussed himself outward. His eyes affixed themselves on the young woman that had just talked to him. Grayson honestly hadn’t anticipated any conversation being initiated on him here. But perhaps that was a blessing in disguise. At least here there was some peace and quiet for a regular conversation, as opposed to the terror that was talking over loud music. 

He studied her for a second before talking back. Instantly he recognized the all-white attire all waiters and waitresses had been wearing in the ballroom. Another blessing, as far as Grayson was concerned. If this was an actual guest of importance, Grayson would’ve actually had to mind lasting impressions. What were the chances he was going to walk into this girl again later? That put his mind at rest, somewhat. 

Describing the girl was harder than it looked for some reason. She had a sort of ‘girl-next-door’ vibe to her. Something about her felt plain and ordinary. But that would sell her short. Because at the same time there was something undeniably pretty about her that he couldn’t quite put into words. Though Grayson didn’t really ponder about it. 

[color=778899]“No, not really.”[/color] He answered with a small shrug. For someone who appeared so awkward, he actually seemed to have very little trouble keeping eye contact. He actually seemed quite a bit more relaxed than a minute ago. [color=778899]“Not my type of people.”[/color] Then again, what kind of people were his type? [color=778899]“What about you?”[/color]

In response, Sammi waved at her uniform, as if inviting the young man to take a look. [color=crimson]“Not really my type of people either,”[/color] she said with a small smile and a shrug. [color=crimson]“But when cash is tight at home, you gotta do what you can to stay afloat.”[/color] Keeping her green eyes on his dark brown ones, Samantha extended a hand. [color=crimson]“Samantha Kingsley.”[/color]

Grayson chuckled a little in response, and then scratched the back of his head a little at the follow-up. His family had never really fallen on hard times. Not financially, at least. That said, Grayson had a thousand times the work experience of most rich pampers attending this party, living daily life comfortably on daddy’s money. [color=778899]”Grayson Moyer.”[/color] He replied, shaking her hand. [color=778899]“Though it may not look like it, I came here to work too. Apparently I did such a good job fixing the DJ’s laptop that they wanted me to attend the party.”[/color] He laughed a tad awkwardly, not really sure himself if he was joking or bragging.

[color=crimson]“You must have done a hell of a job then.”[/color] Samantha replied, looking mildly impressed. [color=crimson]“No one is allowed at this party except the rich, the famous and the influential.”[/color] She noted the expensive suit again, and it brought forward a question that she voiced in a teasing tone. [color=crimson]“So you usually go around fixing computers in expensive suits?”[/color]

Grayson shook his head with an amused grin. [color=778899]”An interesting job, for sure. But no, the organizer let me borrow this.[/color] He looked down at his attire for a second. He sure wouldn’t mind owning an outfit like this. But at the same time, he’d rather wear something less… flashy. [color=778899]”And really, it wasn’t much of a job. Just some high stakes for the management, that’s all.”[/color] He maintained the amusement in his grin. [color=778899]”Important schmucks and stuff. I’m sure you understand.”[/color]

[color=crimson]“Oh, yeah. [i]Totally[/i] understand.”[/color] Sammi said, doing her best impression of a wealthy California girl with gestures included. She had immediately caught onto Grayson’s humorous tone and decided to follow his lead.

[color=778899]“Luckily the worst of them stay in Cali”[/color] Grayson responded, chuckling slightly. [color=778899]”I’m from LA myself. But I certainly don’t miss them.”[/color]  He shrugged a little. [color=778899]“Though going by this place, there’s just as bad stuff coming in from other states, huh?”[/color]

When Grayson had said he was from California, Samantha mentally smacked her palm on her forehead. Leave it to her to embarrass herself in front of people she barely knew. Thankfully, it seemed the young man wasn't fond of the girls in his hometown, because he pretty much agreed with Samantha’s statement. Not only that, but even added an opinion of his own. It looked like they were both of the same mindset of not liking entitled rich bitches.

Sammi shrugged. [color=crimson] “Yep. You can't escape them. There's always gonna be some rich bitch screwing someone over everywhere you go…”[/color] she trailed off, absentmindedly touching the home button on her phone and glancing at the illuminated screen. When her eyes fell on the time, she gasped. It was five minutes past her break time.

[color=crimson]“Shit!”[/color] she cursed in a mutter, shooting up from her chair and immediately straightening her uniform. Sammi looked up at Grayson with an apologetic look. [color=crimson]“I'm so sorry to leave like this, but I'm past my break time, and if I don't show up as quickly as I can there can be consequences.”[/color] The dirty blonde began to rush away, but called over her shoulder [color=crimson]“It was nice to meet you, Grayson Moyer!”[/color]

Soon enough, the young woman had disappeared behind the elevators closed doors. However, her cellphone remained on the couch she’d been on mere seconds before.