Page 5 of A Simple Reminder

I’m going to kill Lucas.My brother likes to fuck with me, but this is on another level. However, neither he nor Leora knows about my history with Sophie. No one does if Sophie didn’t tell them, that is. But, to be honest, what is there to know? It ended ten years ago, just like that. Until, unexpectedly, we crossed paths again two years ago at Lucas and Leora’s wedding. Or we didn’t really meet, as in talk. I mostly stared at her, overwhelmed by everything Sophie. It was pathetic—it still is. How she could render me completely useless with just her presence.

“I'm overseeing the hotel,” I say matter-of-factly before raising an eyebrow in question. “Is that going to be a problem?” My eyes sweep over her while I try to maintain a professional demeanor. She’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, still as captivating as I remember. But when I glance at her left hand, something is missing.

She tenses, our eyes meeting, and there's a flicker of heat before she composes herself, swiftly moving her hand behind her back. My own hand instinctively balls into a quick fist before it relaxes.

“No, of course not. No problem at all.” She hides the lie behind a tight-lipped smile before walking up to the mahogany desk.

I nod. What I actually want to ask her right now is all about our past, but I can’t do that. No matter how much I want to set the record straight. That would be unprofessional. We have work to do. Especially Sophie. This can make or break her career, and there’s no way I want to stand in the way of her shining as brightly as I know she is destined to.

“Great. How about you show me some of your ideas then so we can get started?” I remove my leather jacket and hang it on the back of the chair before sitting down.

She takes a deep breath before settling into the chair in front of me and placing a stack of folders on the desk.

I don't know if it’s her piercing blue eyes or the enchanting allure of her confidence and energy that captivates me the most. But there’s something different about her, something I can’t put my finger on.

She glances behind me briefly, steadying herself before speaking.

“So, I spoke with Leora, and while I think we should keep the connection between the other hotels, I think this one should be a bit more modern. Something like this.” She pulls out a stack of papers, all of the images showcasing a polished and minimalist design.

“The color palette could revolve around neutral tones like grays, whites, and beige for a clean and sophisticated feel. Think Scandinavian chic,” she says, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm, a spark of creativity flickers in her eyes. Her gestures become more animated with each picture she presents, pointing at different options.

“We can also introduce accents with muted greens, blues, or warm metallics. In terms of furniture, think sleek and contemporary with clean lines and modular options for flexibility. Comfortable yet stylish seating in common areas would be a nice touch,” she continues, and I’m engulfed in the show.

“Lighting should be ambient and modern, perhaps incorporating LED fixtures with natural lighting for energy efficiency.”

I’ve missed this.

“We can also incorporate wood elements. I think it can add warmth, especially in flooring.” Her fingers delicately trace over the different wood examples, emphasizing the harmony she envisions, and my eyes follow each movement, thinking back to when those fingers used to trace paths across my skin.

I drift back to memories I’ve tried to suppress, but they seem to resurface effortlessly in her presence. Despite my inner voice urging me to stop dwelling on the past, I can’t help it. As she speaks passionately and smiles, all I imagine is her next to me as we discover Barcelona together. A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I recall those moments, the way she’d light up at the sight of something new, her laughter echoing through the streets. Magnificent.

Another vivid image flashes in my mind: the sight of her with a guy when I flew to New York to find her about six years ago—the memory stings, igniting a mix of old emotions within me. I never saw his face, but they looked all cozied up together, kissing in the rain—like something straight out of one of those sappy movies.So romantic.I have to stop my eyes from rolling. Clearing my throat, I refocus on the task at hand. ”Great work! Let's proceed with this concept, and we can further discuss the finer details during the planning stages.”

“Just like that?” she asks, raising her eyebrow inquisitively.

“Just like that. It fits with the vision of the new hotel while also connecting to Hôtel Ayoub D’or brand.”

She shifts in her seat, her expression curious. “Okay. So now what?”

I smile, though inwardly. “Now, you and I will work together to source all the materials and furniture.”Lies. That’s not how it usually works. Normally, I’d send the documents to Richards, our Procurement manager. He would get everything needed, and then Sophie would return to continue planning the look.

But today, I’ve chosen a different approach. I want to work closely with Sophie at every opportunity. After all, who knows when she might disappear again? I can’t afford to let that happen.

“You and I?” She licks her lips, a nervous gesture I picked up on ten years ago. “Liam, do you think that’s a good idea?”

“Why wouldn’t it be, Sunshine?”

“Well, firstly, because you’re still calling me Sunshine.” Her brows furrow as she stares at me.

“Sorry. Old habits die hard,” I laugh, ”but yes, I think it’s a good idea. They chose you because you’re amazing at what you do, and I’m here because Lucas can’t. I’m not disappointing him.” Regret lingers from the past, and I won't repeat those mistakes. I’m not disappointing him again. Our stubbornness nearly broke our bond when our uncle was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer almost three years ago. He was like our father, and he took us in when we were children after our parents passed away. I left Lucas to handle it all, needing space to cope, unintentionally hurting him in the process. Despite our struggles, we've rebuilt our relationship. He's all I have now.

Ten years ago, I thought I’d also have Sophie next to me.

“Okay then,” she sighs heavily, “but we’ll start fresh.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, whatever is in the past will stay there.Deal?”

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