Miriam sees James watching and gives him a mischievous smile. He smiles back and then resumes talking with Meliana.

When most of the guests have left, James figures it’s about time to take her home. He goes over to Miko and says, “I’m taking Meliana home, would you like to come with us?”

Shaking his head, Miko replies, “I’m going to see Nate to his room and then stay there for a while before turning in.”

“Very well,” James says, disappointed. As much as he likes Meliana, he’s just a little scared of being alone with her. He sees Jiron over to the side of the dance floor talking to a couple girls and makes his way over to him.

When he asks if he’d like to go with them, he just says “No.”

“But what will her parents think if she’s with me all by herself?” he asks him.

“They wouldn’t have asked you to take her home if they were concerned about you,” he assures him.

“I suppose you’re right,” he admits. He looks over to where Meliana and Miriam are standing near the front doors, talking.

He leaves Jiron and makes his way over to where the girls are. They stop talking when they see him approaching. As he joins them, Miriam says, “Well, I better go and see how Nate’s doing.”

“Miko is going to see him to his room and stay with him for a while,” he tells her.

“I better check anyway,” she says. She gives Meliana a hug and says, “Goodbye, I’m glad you were able to come.”

Glancing briefly at James, she gives a little smile and says, “Me too.”

She slides her arm through James’ as they walk out into the warm summer evening. “Where do you live?” he asks, feeling good with her on his arm.

“Oh, it’s not too far from here,” she tells him. Pointing down the street to the right, she says, “It’s several blocks that way.”