Before Maurice could speak, James stepped forward, hand extended. It took a few confus

    Before Maurice could speak, James stepped forward, hand extended. It took a few confused moments for Maurice to realise the purpose behind the gesture.
   “I would like to apologise for our first meeting,” James said a little stiffly, though this time it was undoubtedly more from discomfort than contempt. Maurice quickly recovered. The handshake, though firm, was much more genuine than their last, holding no apparent signs of hostility. “I hope you will allow me to start over, set a new first impression?”
    “Uh, s-sure,” Maurice stammered uncharacteristically. “Uh, I-I’m sorry too, for what it’s worth. I didn’t exactly help with my own behaviour…”
    “All forgotten,” James said, holding his hands up. “You are working today?”
    “Uh, n-no.” Uneasy, Maurice’s eyes briefly flicked just over James’ shoulder to where Rupert stood tensely observing them. Jaw clenched tight, eyes keenly flitting between the two, he was probably waiting for something to go wrong.
    “Good. Then you will allow me to take you both to lunch to make up for the last one.”
    “Oh, um. Yeah, sure.” From the corner of his eye, Maurice watched Rupert let out a small, silent sigh of relief.

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