Page 4 of A Simple Reminder

“Hola chicas,” I say with a broad smile as I approach.

Their laughter dies out, and Valentina is now wearing an uncertain smile, contrasting with her welcoming one a minute ago, as Carmen throws daggers my way.

“¿Quien la invitó?” Carmen sneers with eyes almost narrowed to slits.

Valentina looks between me and Carmen, her brows furrowed. “Y-yo lo hice,” she stammers.

The uncertainty in Valentina’s voice takes me aback.What’s happening?A knot in my stomach tightens, and confusion swirls in me. This is not the energy she had in school. I might not understand what they say, but I can certainly feel the hostile environment.

Carmen stands up, taking a few steps closer to me. Her blood-red lips curl into a wicked smile. “I don’t know who invited you,chica,” she throws a side-eyed glance at Valentina, “but you’re not welcome.”

What does she mean?

My chest tightens, and a wave of disbelief washes over me. I throw a desperate glance at Miranda, silently pleading for her to speak up, to say something, but she avoids meeting my gaze.

“I-I don’t understand,” I say, my voice trembling with what I know will turn into tears soon.

“Of course you don’t. I don’t know what made you think you’d be welcome to hang out with us.” Her voice cuts through me like a knife, leaving me feeling exposed.

I nod, trying to hold back my emotions. I turn around and begin to leave, the echo of Miranda and Carmen’s laughter following me each step down the stairs.

Hurrying past the dance floor, I fight to keep my composure as the lump in my throat threatens to choke me. My vision blurs with unshed tears, and every step feels like I’m dragging the weight of their rejection behind me. It’s humiliating. The sting cuts deeper with each passing second, the laughter and music around me only twisting the knife. All I want is to disappear, to escape this suffocating atmosphere. I wish I could go back home—somewhere safe, somewhere I truly belong.

A strong arm reaches out as I pass the bar, halting me in my tracks. Startled, I turn to find Liam. His eyes are wide with concern as he takes in my deflated face and tear-filled eyes.

“What happened?”

I force a tight-lipped smile, shaking off the hurt. I don’t want him to see me like this. I hate crying in front of people, let alone strangers. So, I swallow my tears and try to act normal. “Nothing. Just tired.”

Seeing through my failing façade, Liam persists. “You look upset.”

“I’m fine.”

“Fine?” he repeats, the word rolling off his tongue like he’s savoring its flavor, testing its truth. “Then stay a little while. I’ll help you turn that frown upside down.” His gaze softens, an unspoken plea lingering in his eyes. “Dance with me.”

“I don’t kn–” I begin, but Liam speaks again.

“Dance with me.”

I hesitate, torn between wanting to escape and relishing in the warmth of his magnetic presence. This evening is awful; maybe a dance with him can make it better.

With a small nod, I reply, “One dance.”

THREE

LIAM

PRESENT

The look on her face is of utter shock.

Her breath catches, eyes widening as if my presence just knocked the air from her lungs.

“Hi, Sunshine,” I say, a smile creeping onto my face. I can’t help it—no matter what’s happened between us, she’ll always be pure sunshine to me.

“Liam, what are you doing here?”

That question solidifies my previous thoughts. They didn’t tell herIwas the one overseeing this hotel.

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