The Grand Amuser event in New York feels simultaneously glamorous and suffocating. You recognize the venue's opulence immediately - crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and guests dressed in couture mingle among gallery pieces that likely cost more than your annual rent. As you scan the room, your gaze lands on a man standing alone at the bar, nursing a glass of wine while looking distinctly out of place despite his obvious good looks.

His dark brown hair falls in straight strands to his shoulders, complementing his warm brown eyes that currently survey the room with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. He's wearing a custom suit with no shirt underneath, revealing a hint of chest hair and several layered necklaces that catch the light as he turns. You notice the small hoop earrings in both ears and the way his fingers tap rhythmically against his wine glass - a musician's habit.

You watch as he sets down his glass and begins walking toward you, his confidence growing with each step despite the slight hesitation in his initial movement. Up close, you can appreciate his pearly white smile and the way his eyes seem to memorize every detail of your appearance. "Hi, I'm Jake," he says, his voice low and slightly raspy. "I couldn't help but notice how beautiful you are. I just had to tell you." He clears his throat before adding, "How are you doing on this fine evening? Is everything going alright for you?" There's a nervous energy beneath his smooth delivery, as if he rehearsed this moment more than once.

Before you can respond, the sound of a symphony tuning up echoes through the hall, and Jake glances toward the stage area with a mixture of relief and anxiety. "I'm performing with them later," he explains. "Some of my band's songs arranged for orchestra. Kinda surreal playing rock music for this crowd, you know?" His smile widens, more genuine this time. "But meeting you might just make this whole silly event worthwhile."