Chapter 254

"Yeah, sorry we didn't tell you anything sooner," I said, shooting a glare at Lucas before James could notice.

"Hey, don't worry about it," James said in between muffin chews. "I get it. I know what it's like to be in your little love bubble."

"Speaking of love," Lucas leaned forward on his elbows, giving James a curious glance. "What's up with you?"

"What do you mean?" James asked back, feigning ignorance. Either that, or he actually had no idea what Lucas was referring to.

"How are things going with you and Victoria?" I asked, hoping that this was keeping the conversation light.

James's expression shifted, his demeanor becoming more serious as he glanced around the cafeteria, as if making sure nobody was eavesdropping.

"It's... complicated," he finally admitted, his tone cautious. "Her parents... they're not exactly thrilled about us being together."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Why not? Is it because of the whole status thing?"

James hesitated, his gaze flickering between us. "Partly. But mostly because they have this whole plan for her future, and I don't exactly fit into it."

"That's messed up," I said sympathetically, reaching out to give James's arm a reassuring squeeze. "But you guys will figure it out. Love conquers all, right?"

James managed a weak smile. "Yeah, let's hope so."

"Well, not to be the bearer of bad news, but didn't you already know that her parents didn't really like you?" Lucas asked James.

James shrugged. "They seemed to like me fine when I was visiting her after the hospital to make sure she was okay... I don't think they thought that Victoria would ever waste her time on someone like me."

"Hey, don't talk bad about yourself like that," I said, reaching a hand out to squeeze his. "You bring a lot to the table. You're funny, sweet, and anyone would be lucky to have you in their lives."

"You forgot to say I'm handsome," James teased, rolling his eyes. "But whatever. I'll take it."

I pinned him with a stare. "I'm serious, James."

"So am I," he continued to tease.

"I'll call you handsome," Lucas chimed in, stopping my bantering with James. "Is that what you want to hear?"

"Is that the only compliment you have to give me?" James asked playfully. "Because I'll happily take more."

"Vain much?" Lucas joked, shoving James lightly. "You're so full of yourself."

James's attempt at joking didn't quite mask the underlying tension in his words.

It was clear that the situation with Victoria and her parents weighed heavily on his mind, despite his efforts to brush it off with humor.

Lucas suddenly leaned in closer sensing this, his expression serious. "You know, if you ever need someone to talk to or some backup when dealing with her parents, we're here for you, man."

James nodded, a grateful smile touching his lips. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it. I think we'll be okay though... We have a plan."

"What kind of plan?" I questioned, looking to Lucas to see if he was just as curious as me.

James hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether to share the details of their plan. Eventually, he sighed and leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair.

"Well, we've been talking about it a lot lately," he began, his voice low. "And we think the best way to deal with her parents is to show them that we're serious about each other. Moving out together is a big step, but we believe it's the right move."

Lucas nodded in understanding, his brow furrowed with concern. "It's definitely a bold move, but if it's what you both want, then I'm all for it."

"Yeah, it's just..." James trailed off, his gaze dropping to the table. "It's scary, you know? Taking that leap of faith and leaving everything behind. But I love Victoria, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to be with her."

"Love???" I spat the words out, shocked to hear it come from James's mouth. "You guys have already said the l word?"

James smiled, rolling his eyes. "Yes, we've already said the l word. Gosh, Shana, what are we five?"

I couldn't help but laugh at James's playful retort, feeling the tension in the air dissipate with his humor. "Alright, alright, I get it. You're all grown up now, saying 'love' and moving in together."

"Hey, don't act so surprised," James replied, feigning offense. "I have my romantic moments too, you know."

"Sure you do, Casanova," Lucas teased, earning a playful shove from James.

"Anyway," James continued, his tone more serious now, "we're hoping that once we're living together, her parents will see that we're serious about each other and come around."

I nodded, understanding the weight of James's words. "Living together is a big step," I remarked, my voice soft. "It shows commitment and dedication."

Lucas chimed in, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, sometimes actions speak louder than words. Hopefully, they'll see how much you both care about each other and realize that your relationship is worth supporting."

James sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I hope so. It's just hard, you know? Wanting your parents' approval but feeling like you're constantly fighting an uphill battle."

"It's tough," I agreed, sympathy tingeing my voice. "But if all else fails, you could always try serenading them with a love ballad," I suggested with a grin.

James chuckled, shaking his head. "Thanks for the advice, but I think I'll pass on that one."

"Why? I thought you just said you have your romantic moments."

"For Victoria. Not her parents." James rolled his eyes. "Whatever. We'll see how things go. But you guys have given me some hope."

"We have?" Lucas questioned with a raised brow. "How so?"

"Well," James started, "if Kendrick is out here accepting your relationship with Shana and not putting up a fight anymore, then I have some hope that the same could happen for me and Victoria with her parents."

I nodded, understanding James's line of thinking. "Yeah, I see what you mean. If Kendrick can come around, maybe Victoria's parents can too."

"It's worth a shot," Lucas agreed, his expression thoughtful. "Sometimes people surprise you when you least expect it."

"Exactly," James said, a hopeful glimmer in his eyes.

Suddenly, I chuckled at James's attempt to find hope in Kendrick's actions. "Yeah, if Kendrick can tolerate us, there's hope for anyone," I joked, glancing over at Lucas.

Lucas grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hey, watch it. I'm a catch."

"Sure you are," I teased, nudging him playfully under the table. "Just like a cold."

"Hey!" Lucas feigned offense, but his smile betrayed him. "Shana, you wound me. I'm going to cry now."

James laughed, shaking his head. "You two are ridiculous. But seriously, thanks for having my back. It means a lot."

"Anytime, James," I said, sincerity lacing my words. "You're like our family, after all."

I reached out to place a reassuring hand on James's arm. "You're doing the right thing, James. Love isn't always easy, but it's worth fighting for."

He offered me a weak smile, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thanks, Shana. I hope you're right."