Somehow, she really doubted that James was in this for the culture, but she didn’t want to bring that up; hearing about all the exploits that he would be looking forward to wasn’t something she was up for. “I think he’ll just be shocked that you ask. I mean, wanting to actually see something that involves culture? I’m not sure he can even fathom that.” Perhaps it wasn’t fair of her to dismiss Bastien so quickly, but she had never really got the feeling that he liked France for its history. But she was only teasing so she really couldn’t be bothered to care about whether or not she was being accurate; it wasn’t like she’d be seeing him again either.
Was she just hearing things or did he sound suspicious? She wouldn’t be surprised if he was; she had never been especially good at hiding how she was feeling. In any event James knew her well so it was likely that he’d pick up on things that others would normally miss. But at least he hadn’t asked any questions. A voice at the back of her mind told her that she should just tell him then and there and be done with all of this questioning and awkwardness, but she dismissed it.
“I shouldn’t be surprised that you’re leaving so soon- Bastien’s never been especially good at hiding his hatred for England.” She had always found that aspect of him amusing, but now it merely irritated her; after all, it was because of said dislike that she probably wouldn’t see James at all that summer.
“Well, you’re summer sounds far more exciting that mine,” she told him, wrinkling her nose disapprovingly. Ah, subject change; exactly what she needed; if they kept talking about his plans, she was sure to give herself away completely- implying, of course, that he hadn’t already figured it out. “I wish I could take this summer and travel but instead, I get to stay at home and have loads of fun finding a temporary job until my internship starts. Hardly ideal.” It wasn’t that she minded worked, but she just wished that her internship at the Prophet started earlier so she wouldn’t have to waste her time doing something else. That was what she was really looking forward to and waiting for it to begin was sure to be frustrating. “But whatever, I can’t really complain if I have some extra money; I’d rather not have to rely on my parents any more than I must.”