Sign of a good man
After everyone had taken their assigned seats they dug into the large feast that had been prepared, while chatting with the people seated next to them. As dinner progressed, little James used his charms and cuteness to obtain the seat next to Jenny, who wasn't seated next to Jason but across from him. Separating couples at the dining table was a custom from long ago to ensure that spouses would interact with the other guests instead of just with one another. So, aside from Jenny and Jason, the others had been separated from their partners as well. The only exception being George and Sophia and the two second youngest guests of the party. The first two had a small infant to look after, which was a task that was too big for just one person to carry out, and the latter two were too young to be much of a companion for the other guests.
After climbing into his seat, James proceeded to tell Jenny about all that he had accomplished in the time they hadn't seen each other. Telling her proudly of what his father had done for Jason. "A great man knows how to give a hand to others in need, even if they are their enemies." Jenny listened attentively and gave him the compliments he was waiting for. "My father also told me that a good partner is a good provider and the best way to become one is to do my best at school. So, I did my best with studying and became first in class. Should Jason let you down in the future you can always come to my house. I will take care of you." From time to time Jenny was gently stroking his hair and his still chubby cheeks, that had turned a bit red from his excitement.
"Oh really? Well, aren't you a good friend and a gentleman to boot. I will keep that in mind." She responded with a wink to James's offer, when she suddenly noticed Anne becoming a bit impatient from the other side of the table and shooting them glaring looks. Jenny held back her chuckle as she thought about how early on a thing like jealousy could show itself. Not wanting to upset the little girl any further, nor her own jealous prince who had been looking over every now and then as well, Jenny lowered herself and held little James's hands as she told him "You know what else is a sign of a good man?" Little James looked at her with big eyes and undivided attention. "When he knows how to take care of those he loves and tries to make sure they don't get hurt. Physically and emotionally. Are you that kind of good man James?" James nodded with conviction. Having him in this corner Jenny continued, "If you are, then don't you think you have been away too long from little Anne who has been left all alone over there?"
James finally seemed to have noticed who he had forgotten about in all his excitement. They were the only two people that were around their age group and had purposely been placed next to each other. That way they could keep each other company and not get bored at this party with almost exclusively grownups. He looked over to where she was seated and noticed her expression that was a mixture of angry and sad. With a dismayed look, he cast his eyes downwards and got ready to leave from his beloved Jenny's side. "Well, I'll go back to my seat then..." He said with a dejected voice before turning his eyes up carefully. With a sense of hope he asked her, "Can I look for you after dinner?" Jenny chuckled at this adorable creature. How could she possibly say no to him and that face. She wondered if this was how Jason felt sometimes when she was putting on a cute act. She gently put her hand on the side of the little boy's face as she said with a playful stern voice, "Of course you can. In fact, I demand to be visited at least once." With that the boy's face lit up again and he excitedly returned to his seat, while waving to Jenny every few steps of the way.
When Jenny sat up straight in her seat again she caught Jason's eyes that were stealing another "subtle" glance. He thought that she wouldn't notice his eyes turning towards her. So, she gave him a wink to let him know that he had been caught. Causing him to let out an involuntary chuckle and hide his face in his hands for a brief moment, before turning his attention back to the person he was talking with. Despite no longer looking at Jenny, the image of her failed wink and knowing that she had caught him caused the corners of his mouth to crawl up every few seconds, turning his serious face into a sweet smile. One he kept pushing down, the moment he noticed it crawling up.
The guest he was talking to was one of his father's close friends and while they were talking about his companies new products, Jason's face kept turning into a grin or a straight up smile. Confusing the poor gentleman, who couldn't figure out if Jason was laughing at his ideas or that he was amused by some internal fun that he didn't understand. When he finally asked Jason about the reason for his amusement, Jason felt quite embarrassed as he thought of how to explain himself to the man. Hoping that he had not offended him in the few minutes his mind was distracted...