Page 101 of A Simple Reminder

“Told you I was charming,” I say, slapping her arm, or at least that’s what I try to do because I totally miss.

Am I seeing double?

“Hello, earth to Sophie,” Adeline teases, waving her hand in front of my face. Except her hand smacks me lightly instead, and I yelp in surprise.

“I’m here! I’m here!” I say, clutching my cheek, more dramatic than necessary as my words slur just a little.

“You’re a mess,” she says through her own laughter, leaning back into the seat. ”A fun mess, though.”

“And you’re my accomplice, so what does that make you?” I counter, grinning as I finally land a light smack on her arm.

“An innocent bystander,” she quips, crossing her arms, but the laughter still dances in her eyes.

“Sure, Addie,” I say, rolling my eyes, settling back into the seat with a goofy smile plastered across my face. Tonight has been the perfect kind of chaotic.

I know a person who’s the perfect kind of chaos. Liam. He’s chaos in the best way.

Lord, what’s wrong with me? How am I totally enamored with him? I went from fighting tooth and nail not to think about him, not to let him in, to now… One admission. One door opened, and I let everything flood in.

It’s like I’m obsessed with him. Is that normal? I don’t know. What I do know, however, is that I miss him. So much it’s ridiculous. I should tell him that.

Without overthinking, I pull out my phone and type a message. Before I can second-guess myself, I hit send. Will I regret it tomorrow? Probably. But right now, I don’t care. I miss him.

Me

I miss you. Wish you were here.

I stare at the screen,and almost immediately, the three little dots appear. My heart does this stupid fluttering thing it has no business doing, and I can’t help but smile.

Liam

I miss you too. Where are you?

Me

In a taxi.

Liam

Are you okay, Sunshine?

My whole body shivers at his nickname for me. HisSunshine. I’m his Sunshine.

Me

Yesss. Adeline and I had some wine.

I miss your face. Your face is so hanspme.

Handsup.

HANDSOME. Ugh. You know. You have a good face.

Liam

How much wine did you have?

I send him a photo of me holding up my hand, five fingers spread out.