Page 157 of Save You

My guilty conscience must show on my face, because James’s eyes narrow before he carries on like nothing ever happened.“The Family Center really helped her and her family to get back on their feet a few years ago.She’d be happy to help out with the gala.I told her that you’d be in touch to discuss the details.”

I stare at him in disbelief.It’s only when a small but satisfied smile spreads over his face that I realize this is no coincidence.He actually remembered that I once mentioned in passing how much I admire Alice Campbell and her work.

I don’t know what to do with this information.The longer I think about it, the more I want to have a quiet conversation with him.

I’m desperately wondering how I can ask him to wait a moment after the meeting.

“That’s amazing, Beaufort,” Lin says when I’ve gone too long without answering.“Thank you.If you have anyone else we could contact, please let us know.”

James coughs again.“And Boyd Hall is all sorted.I’ve booked the décor firm for next Friday at four, and let Mr.Jones know.”

For a moment, there’s total silence in the meeting room.

“Considering how much you hated this team at first, you’re really putting the work in now,” Jessalyn remarks.

James doesn’t reply, just looks at me again, in a way that gives me goose bumps all down my arms.

“That’s straight after our meeting,” Lin says.“So I suggest we all go over there together, OK?”

Mumbles of agreement fill the room.

“The next thing on the list is the photo booth,” Lin continues, dragging me back to the present.

Suddenly, I have a flash of inspiration.It’s risky but thrilling.It’ll give me a chance to speak to James and apologize to him.Safely away from Lin’s critical eyes and Camille’s curious ears.

“Right.”I clear my throat.“My parents say I can borrow their car on Saturday, so I’ll pick it up then.But apparently, the parts are pretty heavy.”

I pluck up all my courage and look back at James.

“James,” I say, my voice steady, “would you help me get it all in the car?”

For a split second, his eyes glitter with surprise.

But then he nods and says, “Yeah, sure,” like I didn’t ask him anything special.

I ignore both Camille’s quiet gasp and Lin’s speaking glance and spend the rest of the meeting staring at my planner and asking myself what the hell I just got myself into.

James is waiting for me as I drive into the Maxton Hall parking lot on Saturday.He’s wearing jeans, a black coat, and a gray scarf.He’s blowing on his hands to warm them up, and I can’t help wondering how long he’s been standing there.

As he sees me, he lowers his hands and smiles uncertainly at me.I have no idea how to read it.It’s a new smile.One where his body is rigid and his eyes are sad.One that appeared after we split up—after his mum died, and after everything that’s happened since.

I miss his old smile.

I push that thought down as I pull up in front of James.If today is going to be even moderately successful, I have to get myself together.

“Morning,” he says, dropping into the passenger seat of our people carrier.It’s an old car and kind of beaten-up, but it goes, which is the main thing.Luckily, Ember and I cleaned ityesterday evening, because I’m now realizing that there’s something weirdly intimate about the way James is looking around.

His eyes rest on the Yankee Candle scent tree dangling from the rearview mirror as I start the engine again.

“My mum loves those things,” I explain.“She adores floral scents and that really winds my sister up.Ember hates the smell of roses and Mum loves it.”

I need to stop babbling.It’s not like I didn’t have a reason to ask James to come along with me today.But I’m finding it hard to direct the conversation straight back to our failed relationship.Especially considering how long we still have to be in this car together.

“My mum always loved the scent of flowers too.”

It’s a real effort to keep my eyes on the road and not turn abruptly toward him.Evidently James has no problem with skipping the small talk.

“Do you miss her?”I ask quietly.