[Ah, yes, he hears that chatter, sees how the guards move so hurriedly. Antoine is doing a good job of providing a distraction and thinning the security, which is quite amusing to Thomas. If it gives them clearance to wander closer to the backroom--which they do once he places his empty glass, nearly empty, on a passing waiter's tray--then all the better for it.

This part of the building isn't meant to house a crowd, much less a party, so it is sparse and far less decorated, with stark fluorescent lighting buzzing above. The corridor is long and wide, though, giving them a little privacy before they reach the back storage.]

I understand the call of responsibility, of course. The need to engage oneself, endlessly. But you can afford to lose a single night to the whims of something other than your studio, can't you? You are doing so tonight. [He teases:] I cannot believe you thought a stuffy auction would be more entertaining to you than a visit to my room, Jackie. My heart breaks.