Page 465 of The Sinner: James

“Where are you?” I ask.

“At the door.”

I swivel my head and look at the entrance when the door swings open, and Eve walks in.

She glances around, looking for me.

I raise my hand and wave at her. A smile grows on her face as I close the gap between us.

I pull her into my arms.

“Oh, look at you,” I say, breaking away from her.

Her beaded bustier and satin pants make her look like a runway model.

I drag my gaze over her again.

“Way to go,” I murmur, eyeing her sleek heels.

She flashes a playful smile.

“Do you like it?”

“I love it.”

“Good. Because I need to look glamorous in the pictures. I can’t wait to brag about the party when I go back to work on Tuesday morning.”

“Way to go, girlie,” I say, smiling.

“Who’s here?” she asks, swinging her gaze left and right.

“A lot of people that you don’t know. Ed is here,” I say, grabbing her by the elbow. “And Thea,” I add, nudging her toward the patio. “I want you to meet her.”

We cut our way through a few groups of people before walking out and strolling onto the terrace.

“Oh... Look at this. It’s so pretty,” she says enthusiastically, taking in the colorful paper lanterns, strings of lights, and torches in the backyard.

“Champagne?” I ask when a waiter crosses paths with us.

“Yes, please,” she says, grabbing a glass from the tray.

I snatch one too.

“I’m so happy you invited me to Ed’s party,” she says, stepping gingerly on the gravel-covered footpath.

“I wish you could stay longer.”

She pulls to an abrupt halt.

“Wait a minute… Didn’t you say you had plans to fly to Monaco this coming week?” she asks, looking at me, puzzled.

“Well, yeah... But I have to talk to James first,” I say nervously before tipping the glass of champagne against my lips and taking a sip.

I evade her eyes.

She grabs my elbow and tugs me to the side, out of the people’s way.

“What is going on?”

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