Page 162 of The Sinner: James

5

RAIN

Ten months later.

New York.

“All set?”the receptionist asks, flashing a friendly smile.

I give her a soft nod.

“Miss Morgan?” a voice rings out behind me.

I spin on my heel.

“The car is ready for you,” the man says, pointing at the town car parked in front of the hotel.

“Thank you,” I say before heading to the entrance.

He rushes to open the door, and I float through it, my heels click-clacking against the marble floor.

A gust of wind sweeps the sidewalks, swirling clouds of colorful leaves.

It’s one of those beautiful late October days when it’s still warm outside, and the bright light and leaves are colorful and so vibrant it simply takes your breath away.

Just before fall begins to settle in for good and starts tarnishing them.

A few men swivel their heads, taking me in discreetly.

Brushing a strand of hair away from my face, I stifle a smug smile while a voice echoes behind me.

“Rain??”

Lined with disbelief, the woman’s voice hurls a lightning bolt down my spine, bringing me to an abrupt halt.

“Is that you?” she asks.

Her voice wrestles with surprise.

I slowly turn around, and Eve’s hand flies to her mouth.

“Oh my God,” she blurts.

Briefly, my mind goes blank, although I’m perfectly aware I need to explain why I’m here, dressed like this.

She takes me in, a grin stretching across her lips.

Her skinny jeans, pretty oatmeal sweater, and small backpack make her look like a high school girl.

Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail––there’s no trace of makeup on her face.

She keeps gawking at me, unable to tear her gaze away.

“What happened to you? I almost didn’t recognize you,” she says, her eyes roaming over me.

Curiously, she examines my tailored black skirt suit and high heels. Her eyes flick at the hotel entrance and then back at me.

She looks at me, intrigued.

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