Page 100 of A Simple Reminder

“I mean, heiseasy on the eyes…”

“Mhmm,” I agree.

“But no, there’s nothing,” she insists, brushing off my teasing. “I don’t have time right now, and Liam mentioned he might work with my dad for the custody situation with his kid.” She pauses, shrugging lightly. “And honestly, I don’t know if I’m ready to date someone who has a kid.”

“Why not?”

She shifts uncomfortably, tucking a loose strand of black hair behind her ear. “It’s not that I have anything against it—I love kids. Obviously,” she adds with a small laugh, gesturing to herself, the elementary school teacher. “But it’s a lot, you know? Stepping into somethingthatserious. And I’m not sure I want to make my life more complicated right now.”

I nod, understanding. “Fair enough. But you know…sometimes the things we think are complications turn out to be the best parts.” I can’t help but think about Liam—how everything about us has been messy and complicated, yet somehow still inevitable, just like he said. The thought of him makes my heart ache in the best way, and I find myself smiling into my glass.

Adeline notices immediately, smiling playfully. “Oh no. That look. You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?”

“Maybe.”

“You’re so far gone, Soph. It’s disgusting, honestly.”

“Shut up,” I say, laughing with her, but the warmth spreading through me at the thought of Liam betrays me. ”I just… I never thought I’d get here with him again, you know? It’s still new, but it feels different this time. Good different.”

Her teasing expression softens, but her tone turns deadly serious. “I’m glad. You deserve it. And if he ever makes you cry again, I’ll chop his dick off.”

“Addie!” I snort, nearly spilling my wine

“I’m not joking, Soph.” She narrows her eyes.

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Hey, someone’s gotta have your back. You’re way too nice to throw out castration threats yourself.”

“Well, I appreciate the support… I think,” I say, grinning.

“Just promise me you’ll let me know if he steps out of line,” she raises her glass.

“I promise,” I say, clinking my glass against hers.

I’m truly blessed to have a friend like her, more like a sister.Sisters. My mind drifts to Leora—she’d say the same thing as Adeline if she were here. Maybe not as aggressive, but she’d threaten with something equally ridiculous. A small smile tugs at my lips at the thought of her protective nature, but it’s quickly replaced by a tightening in my stomach. I need to tell her.

I’ve been putting it off, convincing myself the timing wasn’t right. But that excuse is running thin.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I’m calling as soon as I’m off work. No more procrastinating.

I’m drunk.

We’re both quite drunk, but the fun kind of drunk—the kind where everything seems hilarious and the world feels lighter. Are we irresponsible for being drunk on a Wednesday? Maybe. It’s only ten p.m., so technically, we’re still being responsible. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.

“Why do they never stop when you actually need one?” Adeline says, stumbling slightly as she waves at another cab that drives past us.

“Probably because you look like you’re about to carjack them!” I giggle, grabbing her arm to steady her.

“Oh, please,” she says, brushing her hair out of her face, her cheeks flushed from the wine. “I look like an angel, thank you very much. You, on the other hand…”

“Hey!” I feign offense, clutching my chest. “I’ll have you know I’m incredibly charming when I’m drunk.”

“Sure, Soph. That’s exactly what this driver thought,” she says, pointing at another cab that zooms past us.

We dissolve into laughter, leaning on each other for balance as we finally spot a free cab pulling up to the curb. ”Third time’s the charm!” she says, as we tumble into the backseat, giggling like schoolgirls before we tell him our address.

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