Page 111 of The Sinner: James

Daria sits at the table, a cappuccino in front of her. Her elbows rest on the table as she checks her freshly painted nails.

We lock eyes briefly. She gives me a disdainful look.

I forget about her as I swing the main door open, and Eve’s silhouette fills the doorway, making my frown go away.

Discreetly, I motion to the kitchen. Her enthusiasm peels off, an emotionless mask gliding over her face.

“Hi, Daria,” she says in a clear, loud voice.

My sister gives Eve a slow nod.

We turn our backs to her and stride to my room.

Quietly, I close the door behind me and motion Eve to the walk-in closet.

She starts jumping up and down the moment we get in.

“I received the invitation. Thank you... Thank you.”

Her arms loop around my neck, her lips landing on my cheek.

“Chill, woman. You’re going to kill me,” I laugh, suffocated in her embrace.

She breaks away from me, grinning.

“You should thank him,” I say. “It was his idea. A lot of people will be there, families. It’s more like a business event, and we’re all been invited. My dad can’t make it because he’s going on a business trip. And my mom is not interested in parties. But she’ll be there,” I say, motioning toward the kitchen.

“Oh. Of course, she will,” Eve mutters.

“To her dismay, her husband is invited as well.”

She breathes out a devilish laugh.

“That’s good. Keep her occupied.”

“At any rate, you’ll be my decoy,” I say.

“I’ll be whatever you want me to be. I’ve never been invited to a glamorous event like this. Ever,” she says, rubbing her hands together, expressing her happiness. “Oh, here... Before I forget.”

She slips her hand into her pocket and pulls out a piece of paper.

“My friend’s phone number. Her name is Joanna. They’ll have an opening at the bookstore soon. One of their girls is leaving in a week or two. I told her about your situation and also mentioned your upcoming book. She was thrilled. She’d like to talk to you on the phone sometime next week. A formal job interview if you wish.”

“That’s great. Thank you.”

I hug her and tuck the paper into my pocket.

“Also, she might have a place for you to stay. One of her neighbors needs a roommate. The apartment is small, but the building looks decent. It’s not far from the train station and has a doorman. The bookstore is a few blocks away.”

“That’s awesome,” I say, grinning.

She sighs.

“I thought more about it...” she murmurs. “Moving to New York may not be such a bad idea. We can get together from time to time. There are so many things we can do. It’s different than here.”

“I know...” I say, hope meekly shining in my heart.

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