"What?" Drew says innocently. "It's a general rule. Applies to everyone."
"Yeah," someone mutters, "everyone whose name rhymes with Flames and Faileb."
My shoulders rise as my butt sinks lower in my seat, as James stiffens across the room.
"Second new rule," Drew continues, "no comments about the first rule."
This earns a few chuckles, breaking some of the tension.
Drew races through the boring stuff, money stuff for the semester, charity things coming up, and when we're fixing what around the house. I'm only half-listening, too aware of James's presence. It doesn't help that Gavin keeps ‘accidentally’ including us in the same sentence.
"For the alumni dinner, we should have James handle the slideshow and Caleb do the speech since they're both so good with—" Gavin pauses as everyone stares. "What? Did I miss something?"
Tyler, wearing aTeam Jamest-shirt, elbows him.
"Oh! Right! They broke up." Gavin looks genuinely confused. "When did that happen again?"
"Three weeks ago," at least five people chorus in unison.
"That can't be right," Gavin argues. "They were definitely together at the Christmas party. Remember when they disappeared for like an hour and came back all?—"
"Different topic!" Drew interrupts loudly, while I sink further into my seat, face burning.
Risking a glance at James, he's staring determinedly at his notebook, and the tips of his ears are red. At least I'm not the only one mortified.
The meeting continues with this bizarre undercurrent. At one point, Tyler leaves to get drinks and returns wearing aTeam Calebshirt, acting like nothing has changed. When James narrows his eyes, Tyler shrugs. "Laundry emergency."
There is a whiteboard in the corner that I hadn't noticed before. It looks suspiciously like a betting pool. The columns include:
Reconciliation Date - Odds - MethodJan 15 - 3:1 - Public GrovelingFeb 1 - 5:1 - Dramatic GestureValentine's Day - 2:1 - Alcohol-Induced
Someone updates it when James and I accidentally make eye contact, adding a tally mark under "Lingering Eye Contact - $5."
"Are you guys seriously betting on us?" James finally snaps.
"Not at all," Cameron says smoothly, stepping in front of the whiteboard. "This is for... fantasy football."
"It's January," James points out. "Football season is over."
"European football," Cameron amends. "Very popular right now."
James looks like he's about to commit murder, so Drew quickly intervenes.
"Moving on! Last item on the agenda, any announcements?"
Silence falls, and I realize they're waiting for me. This is where I should announce the Rainbow Haven House project, but I can't bring myself to do it. Not here, not like this.
James clears his throat, and everyone goes quiet.
"I got a call from Marcus at Rainbow Haven House," he says, his voice carefully neutral. "A contractor showed up and offered to do a bunch of repairs. Marcus doesn't know who sent them, but they've made a list of things the professionals will handle and things that we, volunteers, could tackle."
He continues explaining, still not looking at me. "Marcus doesn't want to abuse anyone's generosity, but he asked if we could help with a work party tomorrow. The contractor will supervise."
His eyes finally, finally meet mine, and I can't help the flush that spreads across my face. Something flickers in his expression before he looks away, resuming his explanation.
"I know it's short notice, but it would mean a lot to the kids. Anyone who can help, there's a sign-up sheet."
"Convenient timing," Tyler murmurs, shooting me a look. I maintain my best poker face.
