James is here on a promise from Ashley but even he doesn't complain to loudly at the chance to come. It's time with her and he's not about to complain about that, even if he'd rather do it over dinner. Which would explain his book, a new copy of some sci-fi novel he had gotten from Alan before he left, and with a bit of grumbling he had even gotten himself a small book light and had promptly gone to find himself (and Ashley) a seat after getting popcorn.

And he's trying so hard not to stick out like a sore thumb at his age being here with a book, but it's James and he's a miserable failure at that.