Lana never received an answer from Thomas.
Or rather, she never got the chance to.
Because the moment she asked her question, another couple approached them.
Then another.
Then another.
The introductions came like relentless waves crashing against a shore.
"Thomas!"
"Wonderful to see you."
"We heard excellent things about the latest project."
"And this must be your companion."
"Miss Pearson, what a pleasure."
Lana smiled.
Shook hands.
Repeated names.
Forgot half of them immediately.
Then repeated the process again.
And again.
And again.
After nearly forty minutes of continuous socializing, her cheeks physically hurt from smiling.
She had no idea how people survived these events.
Every conversation felt like a performance.
Every compliment seemed wrapped inside another
