IN THE RECEPTION AREA
While the concert was entertaining and the auction was for an incredible cause, both in which James opted to lightly participate in, it was the mingling in the reception hall that intrigued him the most. He had avoided the food but opted for a few drinks of something strong to take the edge off. Social events had been his parent's world more so than his own, but times have changed and he had a knack for being able to fake it until he made it. Which came in handy when he felt any lingering eyes. He made sure to keep Lily close, or within his peripherals, while he kept his eyes and ears open for anything interesting in passing. Whispers, rumors, gossip, suspicions. He was curious what the temperature of the crowd was and nosey enough to find out what topics weighted on elitist tongues. In doing so he had gotten roped into conversation and introductions a few times, and he engaged politely for a few moments before breaking away in a timely manner to resume his observations. He did well to avoid names with big reputations as he didn't trust himself enough to keep his sarcasm to a minimum. As a result, he ended up sticking close to friends most of the night. He even suckered Lily into a dance or two with the emphasis that just because they were drinking and dancing that this didn't count as a date night.