"He looks so out of place," Chadwick scoffed, sipping his scotch and soda.

"Mason has definitely taken a shine to him," Bryan said, eying the staycation package at the silent auction table.

"Wasn't that the suit he was wearing last time?" Diego asked, popping a canapé into his mouth.

"He definitely makes a poor replacement Josh," Chadwick said.

"Quiet, here he comes," Bryan warned as Mason approached.

"So, what do you guys think?" Mason asked eagerly. "Don't we look adorable together?"

"Absolutely!" the trio agreed.

*

Tyler felt bad that he didn't have any cash to tip the bathroom attendant, but he took a mint anyway. He was going to have to go to more of these things to represent Haven if they were going to raise the money they desperately needed to stay afloat. He was glad that Mason was there to show him the ropes, but he wished that Mason wouldn't be so... clingy.

"The trick is to look bored with it all," a handsome stranger said behind him, washing his hands.

"Well, that's half the battle won," Tyler joked.

"These things can be a bit much," the stranger said. "But you just have to keep reminding yourself, underneath the posing and posturing, the money is going to a good cause."

"The way my date makes it sound, the posing and posturing is the most important part."

"Don't listen to Mason. Just be yourself, remember it's a party as much as it is a benefit."

"Thanks," Tyler said. "Wait a minute. How did you know I was with Mason?"

"Oh the whole hen house is clucking about you."

"Really?" Tyler asked uneasily.

"They need their little flights of fancy," handsome stranger winked. "See ya over there."

"I'm Tyler, by the way," Tyler said offering his hand.

"Nice to meet you," handsome stranger said, shaking it. "I'm Tom."

 

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