Page 254 of The Sinner: James

It reminds me of mine.

She rises to her feet and looks around before picking up her coat from a chair and shrugging it on.

“I’m ready,” she says.

I pull out of my seat as well, slip my jacket on, and wait for her to unplug the appliances and check all the rooms one more time before we grab the travel bags and head to the door.

“I have a roommate, but she’s away right now. She’ll not be back until next year,” she says, giving the room one last look.

A moment later, we walk out of her apartment.

* * *

RAIN

Rain’s Apartment

“Oh... This is nice,”she says, sinking into the couch.

“Do you need a blanket?” I ask, pulling one over my legs.

“No, I’m good.”

Her gaze swings to the coffee table.

“I’ll eat those fries if you don’t want them.”

“Yeah, sure. There’s more,” I say, handing her a plate and pulling another food container from the paper bag.

I slide it onto the table and lift the lid. The smell of French fries, herbs, and garlic fills the air.

“They smell delicious,” she says, chewing slowly.

I turn my eyes to her and offer her more.

“No. It’s enough,” she says.

I set a few more on my plate, pick one up, and take a bite before sliding her cup of tea closer to her.

Still munching on my food, I lift my cup of tea from the table and sink back into my seat.

“Your place looks amazing,” she says, taking in the shiny dark wooden floors, red drapes, and matching upholstery.

She pauses, the next question getting swiftly pulled away from her lips.

We lock eyes briefly before focusing on our meal, and the silence grows.

We’ve been avoiding this topic for some time, and this moment may be as good as any to come clean.

“I’m an escort,” I say, breaking the silence when she least expects it.

Her eyes shift to me, and there’s not a shred of surprise on her face.

She places her plate on the coffee table and leans back in her seat while my eyes follow her as I wait for her reaction.

She folds her legs under her and looks at me, her eyes narrowed with a faint smile.

She doesn’t say a word.

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