The relief he felt when Ophelia arrived was immediate, forcing himself to sit up a little bit straighter from the hunched position he had over his cup. James thought better of waving back, tucking his hand under the table and in his lap. "You came," he breathed out, as if he'd been doubting. He wouldn't have blamed her for backing out. The request still felt a bit forced, not sure where boundaries were drawn to know when he was crossing them.
"Thanks," he tried a small smile, his facial muscles knowing the movement to curl his lips in the right way even though the action still felt unfamiliar. There hadn't been much to smile about lately. "I know I'm not the best company, but I was hoping you didn't have anything better to do," he teased gently, trying to keep his mind from how he might have once talked to the girl and focusing on being himself here and now.