Page 66 of Save Me

“Hang on,” I mumble, looking in my planner. All it says isBirthday plans with Mum & Dad. “Yeah, no problem.”

Kieran smiles with relief. “Great.”

He goes back to his seat, which is diagonally opposite James. Our eyes meet, and a mocking smile crosses his lips as he looks from me to Kieran and back again.

“What?” I mouth.

James picks up his phone. A moment later, mine lights up on the table in front of me.

He’s into you.

I roll my eyes and ignore him.

“OK, everyone. Let’s see where things stand now,” Lin opens the meeting, pointing to Jessalyn on her right.

“I’ve got lots of quotes for the décor. One of them is offering us a really good discount.” Jessa passes around the printed portfolio. “Thanks again for the tip, Beaufort.”

I look at James in surprise as he gives Jessa a nod. Given how often his eyes stray over to the playing fields, I’d never have expected him to put himself out unasked. And without telling me either.

“I’ve come up with a few designs for the invites,” says Doug next, handing Lin a USB stick. She plugs it in and starts the presentation. “The first one is more traditional, based on last year’s,” he explains.

I study the swirling gold letters on the black background, but before I can express an opinion, Camille says: “I thought we were trying to move away from last year’s party?”

The others mumble in agreement.

“OK, then here’s the next idea,” Doug continues, nodding to Lin to click on.

The next invitation is in gaudy colors, typical Halloween.

“That doesn’t look as elegant as I’d imagine a Victorian party to be,” Kieran says hesitantly.

I nod. “Yeah, I agree, to be honest.”

Doug nods, and Lin clicks to the next slide. A whisper runs through the room, and I sit bolt upright. The next moment, I lean in closer to the screen and narrow my eyes at the invitation.

It’s designed to look like old paper. The event is announced in fancy but legible lettering at the top, right under which I see…me. With James, who’s bowing and holding my hand gently in his, as if he’s inviting me to dance.

It’s one of the photos Tristan took that Saturday in London. I can’t believe it was forwarded to Doug without me knowing aboutit. I look up from the laptop screen to James across the room. His eyes are dancing, but he won’t meet my gaze.

“It looks amazing,” says Jessa after a while. A murmur of agreement fills the room. “That dress is dreamy. You don’t happen to have another couple, do you?” she asks James.

He shakes his head. “Be glad I got anything at all.”

“The invitation is great, Doug.” Lin turns to the screen to look at it on a bigger scale. Then she stands up and takes a few steps back. “I think the details could be in a different font though, something a bit more modern.”

“Yeah, I agree,” I say, trying not to let anyone see how uncertain I am about the picture. If we go with this invitation, my face will be all over the school—all over Pemwick! I don’t know if I’m ready for that level of attention. Unfortunately, that’s not up for debate—obviously, the team are thrilled and are already discussing whether to use the same printers as last time.

I study the picture again. James in his Victorian suit, my hand in his. The memory of how it felt to be so close to him, how electric that moment was, fills me with warmth. I don’t dare even glance in his direction for the entire rest of the meeting.

Once we’re done, Jessa, Camille, and Doug say goodbye. Kieran comes over so that we can check the bands out on Lin’s laptop, and I see her walk over to James. She sits down beside him and starts talking. I watch with a frown as he nods and makes a note of something in his pad. I don’t realize that Kieran’s speaking to me until it’s too late.

“Sorry, what were you saying?” I ask.

“That I think this is going to be the best party Maxton Hall has ever seen,” he repeats, smiling at me.

“That would be great. We’ve been planning it for so long, I can hardly wait for the night.”

“Me either. I really hope you’ll save a dance for me.” Kieran’s still smiling, looking at me through his black lashes. I give a dry gulp.

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