Page 110 of The Sinner: James

“So what did you say when they brought it up?” she asks.

The memory of that night comes back to me.

“I sort of agreed.”

Her eyes almost pop out of their sockets, her eyebrows pushing up to her hairline.

She claps her hands while my face melts.

“It wasn’t serious, though. And it happened before I hooked up with James. He’d probably kill them before letting them touch me.”

“Okay. All right. I can understand that, but who knows... Never say never, right?”

“Yeah...” I murmur absently. “Listen, I want to ask you something,” I say, serious this time.

I stare out the window for a few good seconds, my eyes following Eve’s dogs as they run around, barking and playing in the grass.

“How expensive is life in New York?” I ask, shifting my focus back to her.

A questioning look slides over her face.

“Do you want to move or something?”

“I’m looking at different options.”

“Why not live somewhere closer?”

I shrug.

“I don’t know... I think it makes sense. You’re in New York, and James does a lot of business over there. Plus, there are more opportunities in New York.”

“You’re right, but life can be quite expensive. No matter how modest the place is, the rent runs high, and the situation is not much better in the boroughs. The only good thing is that you don’t need a car. So if you get a roommate, you might be able to live over there.”

“How about the jobs?”

“Entry-level gigs don’t pay much. And even to get a job like that, it’s mostly word of mouth. A friend of mine manages a bookstore, and I could ask her if they have any openings. It’s a small place, and they have a high turnover, but it’s not because of her. She’s not a bad boss. They can’t afford to pay much. It may be something to start with before looking for better opportunities.”

“Can you call her and ask her for me? Maybe she knows someone who has a room for rent too. I could get the deposit and a couple of months upfront.”

“Sure.”

Her eyes darken as she studies my face.

“Jesus, Rain. You’re truly desperate.”

“I am,” I say quietly.

“He could help you with money.”

“Yes, he could, but I want him. I don’t want his money,” I say, my voice strangled as I push my emotions back.

18

RAIN

The doorbell rings frantically.

“I got it,” I say, rushing to the entrance and glancing into the kitchen before getting to the door.

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