Page 47 of The Sinner: James

“Market? Blueberries??”

“What else? I had to come up with a story.”

“Right. Okay… And why didn’t you come with me?”

“I stayed home to make pancakes.”

“Did she believe you?”

“Did she have a choice? I hope you get home soon. I don’t want her on my back. She acted like a bitch, questioning and harassing me.”

“She did the same thing to me. She’s bitter because James doesn’t fall for her tricks.”

“What happened with Nathan?”

“Nothing. He’s a clueless schmuck while James has money and is good in bed.”

“As if you know...” she comments, laughing.

“No, but she does. That’s why her ass is on fire.”

A voice echoes in the background.

“I gotta go,” she says under her breath. “My mom’s looking for me.”

“All right. We’ll talk later.”

I slide my finger over the screen and start texting James.

Me: I need to get back.

A few moments pass.

No answer.

Me: James?

Minutes later, a soft knock comes at the door.

“Miss?”

I jump out of bed and dash to the door. I shift the doorknob. To my surprise, the door is not locked.

An older woman––the housekeeper, I assume––greets me with a warm smile.

She reminds me of my grandma.

“The food is waiting on the terrace, and a limousine is here to take you home,” she says as if I’m family, and it’s normal to find me in his bed.

“Okay. Thank you so much.”

I’m tempted to ask her about him, but something tells me I’m wasting my time.

I’m pretty sure they’re all gone by now.

I change my clothes, swipe my finger across my phone screen, and start typing again.

Me: Am I going to see you again?

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