Page 93 of Fearless Sinner

Roxanne skips across the terrace and rushes over to the balcony to gaze at the wonderful scenery around us. She’s fascinated with Cillian’s home.

We’ve been so busy that this is the first chance she’s had to come by and see the place. From the moment we stepped out of my car—which I now have—she’s been like a kid in a supersized toy store at Christmas.

Roxanne has always wanted to know someone with a house in the Hamptons, and now she does.

After the magical trip to Saint Tropez, Cillian and I have been back in New York for the last two weeks.

I’ve been adjusting to married life with him, taking care of Mom, and setting up my school.

It’s been great, all of it, but each day reminds me that I have one day less with him.

Even now as I stand in our home I’m doing the math and the countdown. That little nagging voice in my head is whispering that this will only be our home for the next five months and two weeks. Then it goes back to being just his.

Easy, Chloe. Remember you weren’t going to think like that anymore.

Those thoughts are never too far away from my mind but I should at least try to keep up appearances for Roxanne. I don’t want to spoil her visit.

I was the lovestruck girl who told her cousin she was more than fine with her six-month marriage arrangement. I think I even used those words—more than fine.

“Oh my God, we should have a fundraiser and invite all your neighbors.” She flicks her hair over her shoulders as the wind picks it up.

I laugh. “A fundraiser for what, Roxanne?”

“I don’t know. These rich people here are always arranging some sort of social gathering.” She twirls with the wind so her dress floats around her legs. “We’d have to think of something new and original that hasn’t been done before, like maybe save the trout or the bees.”

“Trout or bees? You are crazy.”

“But it’s original. I swear there aren’t enough save the trout or bees charities.”

“Maybe not, but we aren’t doing that.”

“I’ll find a way. Maybe Lord Astor will offer me his assistance.” She burst out laughing and I roll my eyes at her. “He looks like a man who would save the trout with me.”

“I’m pretty sure Lord Astor would assist you with or without charity attached to the offer.” My new neighbor is definitely giving off Hugh Hefner vibes. He’s about eighty-six and I’ve seen him with women in their twenties riding around in his convertible.

Earlier, when we got here, his eyes lit up when he saw us. He came over to introduce himself and flirted the whole time.

“I think you’re right. Did you see his face when the wind lifted my skirt.”

“Yes. You may as well have been naked.”

We both laugh harder.

Roxanne straightens and dabs tears from the corners of her eyes. “How long has it been since we laughed like this?”

“Years. I think it was one summer camp or something.”

“Yeah.” She nods with reflection. “That last one, when the squirrel fell in the pie the chef was preparing and shit in it.”

“Yeah. That’s the one.” I giggle. “Good times, right?”

“The best. But it looks like those days are back. Just in a different way.”

“They are. They’ll get even better when Mom is home.”

“Absolutely.”

We’re happier because Mom will be discharged next Friday. We just saw her and she looked like the person she was years ago. When Dr. Chase said she could go home next week, I swear Mom looked even younger for hearing the news.

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