"Maybe," he admits. "Probably."
We stand in silence for a moment, closer than we've been in weeks, but still with a gap between us. I desperately want to close that gap, but I'm afraid of pushing too hard and fast.
"I miss you."
James looks at me, really looks at me. "I miss you too."
And then Marcus is there, practically vibrating with excitement. "I don't mean to interrupt, but Caleb, you won't believe this. We've raised enough tonight to renovate both the electrical system and the roof completely. People keep asking how they can help!"
"That's amazing, Marcus."
James moves to stand beside me and carefully, tentatively, reaches for my hand. Our fingers intertwine; it feels like nothing has before.
The frat guys, who have apparently been watching from a not-so-subtle distance, erupt in cheers. "FINALLY!" Gavin's voice booms above the others.
Marcus laughs as James and I turn in unison to glare at our friends, who immediately pretend to be busy with their serving duties, though they can't quite hide their grins.
"The two grumps are back together," Tyler stage-whispers to Ethan, wiping off a pretend tear. "Balance is restored to the universe."
Gavin abandons all pretense and bounds over, wrapping us both in a bear hug that lifts us slightly off the ground. "You are the two grumpiest people I know," he declares happily. "So, of course, you're perfect for each other."
He sets us down, beaming. "Happy New Year, now that you're back together!" His face suddenly turns uncertain. "Youareback together, right?"
Looking at James, waiting for his answer.Oh fuck.I'm barely breathing.
James's mouth curves into a slow smile, his eyes never leaving mine. "Yes," he says. "We are."
The happiness that floods through me is so intense it's almost painful. My answering smile could light up the entire room.
Gavin whoops and dashes off to spread the news, leaving us alone again, or as alone as we can be in a crowded ballroom.
"Are you sure? I know I hurt you. I know I messed up."
"I'm sure," James says firmly. "We both made mistakes. But I think..." he pauses, searching for words. "I think maybe we needed this. To figure out what we're fighting for."
Stepping in close, I'm unable to resist any longer. "And what are we fighting for?"
Instead of answering with words, James leans in and kisses me. It's soft at first, tentative, but quickly deepens into something more urgent, more desperate.
I wrap my arms around him and pull him in tight, and I put everything I have into the kiss: how sorry I am, how much I love him, my promise to do better.
We kiss, and kiss, and kiss, oblivious to the people around us, to the charity we're here supporting, to everything but each other. It's only when someone bumps into us hard enough to make us stagger that we break apart.
"Get a room," Alex says with a roll of their eyes, but there's a smile playing at the corners of their mouth.
James and I laugh, still holding each other. "Maybe we should." Only half joking.
"First," James says, "let's finish what we started here. There are still donations to collect, and I think your father might be trying to get your attention."
Across the room, my father is watching us, his expression unreadable. But when I meet his gaze, there's a slight, almost imperceptible nod before he turns back to his conversation.
"Let him wait. I have more important things to focus on right now."
James smiles, a real smile that transforms his entire face. "Me too."
Starting to turn back toward the ballroom, my Caleb Huntington II mask already sliding into place. My shoulders straightening, my expression smoothing into something appropriate for a political fundraiser. While my hand is still in James's, the Huntington heir is resurfacing.
His grip tightens, pulling me back around.
