Page 264 of The Sinner: James

I laugh softly.

“Yeah… That’s exactly how you look. Believe me, you look great. That’s not your problem.”

She pivots to me, wraps her arms around me, and gives me a soft kiss on my cheek.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I tear away, my eyes dipping to her lips.

“I’d go with burgundy,” I say, pointing to the lipstick on the table.

“Are you done?” Rene asks, sticking her head into the room just as Eve gingerly takes a seat in front of a double-sided mirror and starts painting her lips.

“Hurry up, girls, or you’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve here with us,” she says, grinning.

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Eve’s dad comments, interjecting himself into the conversation.

Smiling, he pulls away while Rene lingers a moment longer, moving her gaze over my white satin dress.

“That looks beautiful,” she says, nodding appreciatively.

“Doesn’t it?” Eve murmurs, glancing over her shoulder. “She looks like a princess.”

“Stop it,” I say, chuckling, amused.

“Oh, sorry…” She smiles. "I forgot it’s a bad word.”

We all laugh before her mom pulls away too.

An hour later, we are stuck in the slowly crawling traffic before pulling up in front of a historic building near City Hall.

We exit the limousine, and careful not to step on our gowns, we climb the stairs leading to the foyer.

This is one of the oldest buildings in town and a perfect display of exquisite architecture.

The place has been renovated and now hosts a library, conference halls, and a large event room.

It just happens that the New Year’s Eve celebration coincides with the inauguration of the new Art Center.

I also learn that the Sexton International Charity Foundation has been responsible for restoring the building.

I no longer waste my breath gasping every time I run into something that belongs to him. He seemingly owns everything in town.

Myself included.

Eve and I saunter into a huge room and mingle with the guests.

To say I’m nervous, it’s a crass understatement, but I’m doing my best to conceal my turmoil.

As expected, we run into a few acquaintances and spend some time chatting with them.

Half an hour later, we sit at our table, and two couples join us. They ask about Rene and Donnie, and we talk to them for a while.

The food is delicious, the atmosphere is friendly, and so far, things are fine. The selection of music is excellent too.

Minutes before ten, I scan the crowd.

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