[ Cadence isn’t one to linger like some sort of mindless accessory, but her alternative company isn’t exactly much better; it’s not much longer after Clay steps away for his obligatory networking conversation before Cadence has some over-confident Wall Street broker practically pawing at her dress. Where she may have entertained that kind of attention to rile Clay previously, she finds herself with zero tolerance for it to tonight: she quickly shuts the horny former frat bro down and meanders towards the side of the massive gala hall until she reaches the open bar to order something a little harder. It’s here, nursing her cocktail, that Clay finds her.

It’s not enough to elicit a laugh out of her, but she does twist her lips slightly, still intrigued by his change in demeanor. ]

No, can’t say that I do. [ She tilts her glass towards said frat bro, who’s seemingly found a compatriot to complain about his striking out with. ] It’s a little easier to feign politeness when you’re actually treated like a peer, in my experience.