Page 548 of The Sinner: James

“I was in the beginning. I still am, but I don’t want to think something bad could happen.”

“You do realize we’re talking about James Sexton here.”

I think about it for a moment.

“Yes. I do. I had to do it, Eve. There was no other way. And I’m much better now. I’m calmer and more patient. I’m waiting for him, and he knows it.”

“What if something happens?”

“You mean like another woman?”

“Yes.”

“He’s not that kind of man.”

“He might not be, but he’s a catch, and women are attracted to him.”

“Women can happen whether I’m thousands of miles away from him or in the same bed with him.”

She ponders, unconvinced.

“I hope you’re right.”

“I don’t think about it. I have no reason not to trust him.”

“I hear you. Well, I’m happy for you,” she says in a different voice before sighing at the other end of the line.

“Okay. I need to go now. I have a meeting. Call me when you have more news.”

“I will.”

I hang up and drink lemonade again.

The wind picks up a little, dragging fluffy clouds across the sky.

Occasionally, they cover the sun and the color of the water shifts from turquoise to gray.

“Would you like something to eat, Miss?”

I slide my legs off the chair.

“Maybe a little later,” I say to the woman helping in the kitchen.

“No problem. Just let me know when you want to have a bite, and I’ll set the table for you.”

She pulls away while I kick off my flip-flops and walk down the stairs leading to the beach.

The palmettos sway their leaves in the wind, and the salty scent of the ocean teases my sense of smell.

My short beach dress rides up as I walk, revealing my skimpy bikini. Running my hand down, I keep it in place.

Later, I walk along the shore, heading to a small cluster of trees where I usually lie on the sand and watch the ocean in the afternoons.

Today is no different.

I find my favorite spot in the thick shadow and sit on the warm sand. Shielding my eyes with a tanned hand, I gaze at the horizon.

Occasionally, yachts sail by.

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