"I think that the commotion in here can be very relaxing. The music is loud enough to keep me from focusing on work. Plus," he added, "I like being around people.
Jayden was caught off guard when she offered to buy him a drink. First, it was a blatant indication that she was trying to pick him up. Second, she was switching the roles to which he had always adhered. When he was dating, he bought the drinks. He wondered how to respond, but believing firmly that refusing such an offer would be rude, he accepted. "That's very nice of you," he said, flashing her another smile. He had to admit, he liked that she offered. There's nothing like a little role reversal to keep interaction fresh.
When she started laying it on thick, however, his interest began to fade. Lonely, ex-boyfriend...Jayden felt like she was using the usual tricks in the book. It was unappealing. Nevertheless, he remained friendly. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said sympathetically. "You're brave for dating. I have given it up, now that the fruitful law has been implemented. I don't expect that I'll meet and court the woman of my dreams before I am assigned a wife." He shrugged, hoping that she took the hint.