Page 467 of The Sinner: James

“Oh, how I wish I were in that special place where you are right now,” she says, a pang of humor lining her voice.

We share a chuckle, although we both struggle with mixed emotions.

“I’m sorry. I don’t want to sound sappy,” I say, trying to get a grip.

“No, no... It’s okay. I like how you sound, and I’m serious. I wish I could experience half of what you experienced with him. What am I saying?” she blurts, her hands jerking up. “I’d be happy with way less.”

I muse for a moment.

“It’s good...” I murmur. “But it’s also bad.”

“Good bad,” she says, smiling.

“Yes. Good bad. Anyway... If it makes you feel any better, James says that you shouldn’t lose hope. He believes you’re going to get your man.”

Her eyebrows pull up toward the hairline, her hand flying to her mouth.

“No, no... Please don’t tell me you talked to him about my shitty love life.”

I smile.

Although it’s hard to see in the dimness, I’m sure she blushes.

“Yes, I did. After last Sunday, when we had lunch with David Moore. Later that day, James and I talked about you and your, um, well... difficulties.”

She laughs.

“And now I’m so embarrassed. I can’t believe that everybody knows my business.”

“He is not everybody.”

“Exactly. How am I going to face him from now on?”

I flick my hand dismissively.

“It’s not as bad as you think,” I say, ignoring her comment. “In fact, he said something very sweet.”

She listens to me attentively.

“I asked him about that night when we trespassed the Dark House a few years back. I wanted to know why he sent you home.”

“Uh-huh... Why?” she asks, grinning faintly.

“He wanted to protect you.”

Her smile withers away.

“Seriously?”

“Yes. He didn’t trust Lex and Ed when it came to women, and he didn’t want you to end up having an experience that was less than what he thought you deserved.”

A small smile creeps across her lips.

I raise my hand.

“I know... I know. Any experience with them would’ve been great. But he had a point. He is convinced you need a special man, and that’s why it takes you so long to find him.”

Silently, we stare at each other.

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