Helen's warm smile returned as James gave his acceptance, relief washing over her face. She hadn't really been worried he would turn her down. More, she'd been worried that he would have something else to do and wouldn't be available. But he was and he'd accepted. She could be happy with that.

She wasn't sure what, exactly, she was seeing on his face, so she took it as friendship, a happiness to be included in her social life, and left the complications at the door. Her free hand moved towards their joined ones, gladly wrapping around them, and she turned to see him more fully.

"I asked them a while ago if it would be acceptable to bring a guest. They do not mind. It's supposed to be a celebration, after all." And a celebration meant people, lots of guests. What better time to bring a guest like James to brighten up her dull existence? At least he, she knew, could keep up with her.