Page 289 of The Sinner: James

“I’m sure you’ll find a way. And maybe this time, you’ll show her that you can be humble and more open with her.”

* * *

JAMES

New York

Before Summer Break

The car turns sharplyand heads north, rolling onto the narrow streets of the Bronx.

After a few more turns, the driver pulls to a stop in front of a modest-looking building.

Trees line both sides of the street, the old brick building rising behind a curtain of leaves.

I tilt my eyes to my phone and check the address again before I step out of the car.

The temperature is mild, the humidity is low, and the air is surprisingly dry for this time of year. A breeze sweeps the sidewalks.

I look up at the second level, where her apartment must be. The windows are wide open, laughter rippling through the air.

Tangled female voices travel down the stairs inside the house as I make a beeline for the entrance.

The door slides open before I get the chance to press the buzz-in button, and two young women fill the doorway.

They freeze and gape at me, suddenly silent.

One is a short brunette. The other one is tall and brown-haired.

They both drag medium-sized travel bags after them.

Their eyes move over my face before smoothly sweeping my body, taking in my T-shirt-clad chest and my dark jeans.

Mouths open and eyes wide, they study me, musing over something.

“May I help you?” the brown-haired girl asks.

“I’m looking for Eve.”

“Eve?” the brunette says.

She cocks her head to the side, looking at me incredulously.

“You sure?” the other girl murmurs. “Eve as in...?”

“Eve,” I say, smiling. “I was told she lives here. I’m, um... an acquaintance.”

“What’s your name?” the short one asks.

“James... James Sexton.”

“Okay...” the tall girl murmurs. “Are you sure it’s only Eve you’re looking for?”

My grin makes her blush.

“For now, yes...” I say.

She gets lost in my eyes.

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