"Ah, Bill, hail fellow; well met!" The man who greets Bill has a shock of off-white hair and the air of living in the wrong era.
Bill's smile is the first genuine one of his you've seen all night. "Cooper! It's been a crow's age. The English department isn't the same since you ascended to the lofty realms where emeritus professors dwell."
Janice slides into the conversation like a letter opener into an envelope. "Dr. Pugh, so glad you graced our party with your presence."
None of the three include you and Kayla in their conversation. Kayla takes the respite to say, "Interesting that Janice decided that we're dating."
You belatedly realize that you have a chance to actually ask her out if you want. It's not something you'd planned to do in the middle of the Swinter Soirée, but the opportunity is right in front of you.