Page 519 of The Sinner: James

“They left Colorado, so no. Not really.”

“Do I know her parents?”

“I don’t think so,” I say curtly.

She studies me before shifting the conversation to a different topic when a noise comes from the entrance.

“He’s here,” she says, pushing out of the chair. “I told him you’d planned to stop by this weekend.”

She sets another plate on the table as my brother walks in.

Tall, tanned, and green-eyed, he is wearing a white shirt that's stylishly untucked and does justice to his dark jeans and athletic frame. He looks much better than when I found him in St. Petersburg.

Rested, if nothing else.

His face glows with a smile when he spots me at the table.

“Hey, man,” he says, giving me a charming grin that I thought I had an exclusive license on.

He looks down briefly, taking in my attire––suit pants and a tailored shirt open at the neck with the cuffs rolled up.

I rise and lock his hand, patting him on his back.

“My mother told me you’re visiting us,” he says.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice the contentment on my mother’s face.

She couldn’t be happier hearing him say that.

To top it off, he pivots to her and kisses her on her cheek.

She melts, her eyes flashing infinite gratitude to me.

The moment passes as he pivots to the table and slides into a chair. His phone goes on the table before our mother pushes the plate in front of him.

“Are you hungry?” she asks.

He moves his eyes to her. And then me.

“Did you two eat?” he asks.

“Yes,” Theresa says.

“Okay... I’ll have something.”

He’s eyeing the food, sunlight flooding his gaze, a smile curling his lips, giving away his age.

“Things good?” I ask as he pours himself a drink.

“Yes,” he says, a secret smile glinting in his eyes.

“James...?”

I shift my gaze to my mother.

“Do you need anything else?” she asks, heading to the kitchen.

“No. I’m good.”

---