Page 3 of A Simple Reminder

Relief washes over me, but my curiosity lingers. Who is this man, and why is he helping me?

He turns around and starts walking toward the entrance, expecting me to follow, and I do. I take a quick step forward, jogging up to his side.

As we enter the bustling nightclub, the music engulfs us, and the flashing lights paint the scene with vibrant colors.

“Thank you,” I murmur to my savior, still a bit embarrassed that I had to be saved. He grins, revealing a set of pearly whites, and leans closer, his lips almost brushing my ear.

“No worries. What’s your name?”

I tilt my head to meet his gaze, and as I do, a smile spreads across my face, too. “Sophie.”

I can’t help but stare at his strikingly beautiful face. His perfectly sculpted jawline and a subtle hint of stubble give him an irresistible allure, while his plump lips wear a natural, boyish smile that leaves an indelible impression.

But what draws me in the most is the softness in his dark brown eyes. They hold a depth of emotion and kindness that feels unexpected against his rugged exterior. It’s such a captivating contrast.

He's dressed in a well-fitted black leather jacket that only deepens the enigma surrounding him. The faint, intoxicating scent of his cologne lingers in the air, drawing me in. It smells of smoky cedarwood and a hint of spice, creating an orb that envelops us both in an invisible embrace.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sophie. I’m Liam.”

Liam.That’s a beautiful name. It suits him. There’s a sense of strength in its simplicity, like the steady, unshakable presence he carries without effort.

“Are you here alone?” he asks, breaking the spell. His voice, now less seductive but still dripping with charisma, pulls me back to reality. I clear my throat, suddenly aware of the pulsing music and the crowd around us.

“Yeah,” I manage to reply, trying to regain my composure. “No, I mean, I'm meeting some friends. They should be around here somewhere.”

A knowing smile plays at the corner of his lips as he extends a hand. “Let's find your friends then, Sophie.”

Usually, I’d have to push myself through an ocean of people to get from point A to point B in a crowded club like this. But with Liam’s hand in mine, the crowd parts effortlessly, like the Red Sea.

Amidst the pulsating beat of reggaeton music, people halt in their tracks to acknowledge him. It’s as if they all know him–or scratch that, knowofhim. They’re drawn to him like moths to a flame, and I can’t help but feel slightly special. With all the admiration he seems to command, his attention remains solely on me. Naturally, each glance he throws my way gives my confidence a little boost.

“Do you know where your friends told you to meet them?” His question cuts through the noise and my thoughts.

We’re standing still at the end of the dancefloor, the pulsing music enveloping us in its rhythm. Behind him is a staircase, hinting at the exclusivity of the VIP area, where two figures guard entry with stoic determination.

“They said that they had a table in the VIP,” I manage to say, my voice wavering slightly under the weight of his intense attention.

He smiles. “Okay, great. Let’s go.”

We continue walking through the crowds toward the VIP section, and the two towering figures come into full view. Their imposing stature casts a shadow over me as they scrutinize my presence.

“¿Nombre?” one of them asks, his voice gruff.

My name isn’t on the VIP list, but the girls should be. “Ah, I’m supposed to meet Valentina. Valentina Suárez.” This time, my voice is a tad more confident despite the palpable intimidation from the bouncers.

“Sophie!” a voice rings out from above, and I look up to see a beautiful woman in a tight white jumpsuit leaning over the balcony railing. It’s Valentina.

“Valentina.” I wave my hand to her, acknowledging her presence, before turning to Liam. “You don’t have to wait with me here. I don’t want to ruin your evening.”

“Don’t worry about that,” he reassures me with a smile.

I turn back to the bouncers, mustering my most confident smile. It seems to work because the one who hadn’t spoken unclasps the red velvet rope, gesturing for me to climb the glass stairs. Grateful, I offer a quick thank-you to Liam, though a part of me regrets not staying with him just a few more minutes, longing to take in the spark between us.

A spark I’ve never felt before–one that’s both thrilling and terrifying. It hums beneath my skin, a restless energy that leaves me lightheaded.

I ascend the stairs, anticipation churning within me. This is why I’m here: to meet the girls. Finally reaching the top, I spot three girls, all wearing white, sitting around a square gold table adorned with half-filled champagne glasses and gleaming bottles. Their laughter and chatter fill the air with infectious energy.

This was a good idea.This night is going to be wild. I need this.

---