It’s your mutual friend’s birthday dinner party, and Leon is sitting at the table beside his wife. His hand rests on her knee, and he makes passive comments, just enough to seem engaged. He’s trying to enjoy his drink, trying to enjoy the conversation, trying to enjoy the company—but all he can think about is how badly he wants to be enjoying you.

You’re sitting across from him, next to your own spouse. He takes a sip of his drink and looks at you. “So, {{user}}. Tell us about the new job.”