Page 540 of The Sinner: James

Her dark hair sets off her green eyes, and her tight body nicely fills a flattering emerald dress.

She stretches her hand out.

“You must be Rain,” she says, her grin slightly tense, her eyes loaded with concern.

Our hands lock.

“I’m Theresa. James’ mother. Come on in,” she says, stepping to the side and inviting me in.

I take a few steps, stop in the middle of the room, and glance around.

“Where is he?”

“He’ll be here momentarily. He’s at a business dinner downstairs.”

“Would you like something to eat?” she asks, gesturing to the table set on the terrace.

“I’m good. Thank you. Can we sit here?”

“Sure. Coffee?”

“Water would be fine,” I say, taking a seat on the sofa.

She fills a glass with ice cubes and mineral water and hands it to me before going to the terrace, picking up her coffee, and walking back inside.

She sits in an armchair not far from me and slides a plate with pastries closer to us.

I take one to occupy my hands and mouth.

The flaky dessert melts in my mouth, the aroma of pastry cream and sweet raspberries making my palate tingle.

“They’re delicious, aren’t they?” she asks before sipping coffee.

I nod.

Her expression changes, her smile fading as she sets her drink on the coffee table.

I chew and swallow slowly before pushing the question out.

“Is there any news?” I ask.

She brings a dull gaze to me.

“I’m afraid not.”

“What happened?”

She tries to maintain her composure while taking a long breath.

“He left a week ago. He said he’d visit his father,” she adds, the words soft on her lips. “I found it odd since they hadn’t been in a good relationship for a very long time.”

She pauses, her eyes coming to my face.

“I don’t know how much James told you about me.”

“He told me things...” I quietly say.

“Well, it’s been difficult. I couldn’t find a way to make things right for my son. For Tiago, I mean...” she says, a rueful smile creasing her lips.

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