Page 362 of The Sinner: James

“Myself included,” she says.

I shake my head.

“No. I mean, yes, but it’s not your fault. You are where you’re supposed to be, and I am where I’ve always wanted to be.”

“What is the problem then?”

“I’ve told you already. I don’t know. It’s no one’s fault, yet I can’t make myself feel differently.”

Her hands slide over mine.

“Don’t worry. Maybe we’ll figure it out together this week. Perhaps a change of scenery will help.”

“I’m sure it will,” I say in a lighter voice to chase away the gloomy atmosphere.

I smile.

She slumps in her seat.

“Any news from your family?” she asks.

“My mom sent me pictures from my little sister’s birthday party. Rosalie is so cute. She’s a riot.”

I slide my finger over my phone screen, pull up a set of photos, sift through them, and show her Rosalie’s pictures.

She studies her, a smile lining her lips.

“Oh… She’s adorable. And she looks just like your dad, isn’t she?”

I study Rosalie’s photos.

“And a little bit like Daria, who took her looks after my dad as well,” I add.

She swings her gaze back to me.

“Do you have any news from her?” she asks.

I click my tongue.

“No.”

“She hasn’t called you back?” she murmurs, baffled.

“Nope,” I say, slipping my phone back into my pocket. “I’m sure she’s fine. She’s done this before–– not keeping in touch with anyone.”

“What does your mom say?”

“She’s worried, but I told her not to be. I know Daria better than she does. She probably got a new man. She’s always been like that. Once she hooks up with someone, she no longer talks to us.”

Eve stays quiet for a moment.

I tip my gaze to her.

“My mom has gotten a new man, too,” I say.

She swings her eyes to me.

“No.”

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