Page 50 of A Simple Reminder

“He hasn’t sold to consumers in fifteen years, Liam. When would you have bought it?” she asks, tapping a finger against the tabletop to drive her point home.

“I have one of the tables in my dining room,” I insist.

“No, you don’t. Come on, Liam,” she says, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

“I’m not trying to impress you. Why would I lie about owning a table?” I counter, my tone more confused than defensive. It’s absurd—arguing over a piece of furniture as if it’s a matter of honor. I’m not that desperate, not by a long shot.

She lets out a small huff, her gaze flicking to the side. “Because that wouldn’t surprise me.”

What the fuck does she mean by that?

Jared swallows loudly, shifting in his chair. His eyes dart between us, like he's searching for an escape route. “You know, it’s quite late. I should probably just?—”

I wave him off, not sparing him another thought. In this moment, I don’t care about him. He needs to learn to read the room and keep his damn mouth shut.

“I’m sorry, you wouldn’t be surprised by what?” My tone sharpens with each word.

“Lying!” Her voice rises, trembling slightly as her hand presses flat against the table.

“I’m just gonna... go. You two seem to have a lot to discuss,” Jared mumbles, quickly scurrying away, his shoulders hunched. What the hell does she see in that guy? He can fuck off for all I care.

“I'm the liar?” I scoff, my voice laced with disbelief, like the very idea of it is laughable. She’s walking a fine line now, and I’m tempted to be the one to make her fall off it. Only to catch her, and make her see things my way.

“Yes,” she snaps.

“Where’s Adeline then? Weren’t you supposed to go to dinner with her?” I challenge, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

“Wh-What?” Sophie stutters, her eyes darting away before meeting mine again. I got you now.

“You heard me. The only one who’sgoodat lying at this table is you,” I say firmly. “And dating your co-worker. Real classy, Sophie.”

“First of all, it’s none of your business who I date and second of all, thiswasn’ta fucking date,” she fires back, her voice rising.

“Then what was it?” I lean forward.

“Why do you even care? You gave up that right, Liam,” she counters, her hands clenched in her lap, her posture defensive, but her voice wavering just enough to betray the emotion beneath her words.

That stops me cold,You gave up that right, slamming the door shut before I can even try. I swallow hard, pushing the truth aside, and settle for what feels safer—what’s expected of me. “Because you are my employee.”

She stiffens. “Is that it?”

“Yes,” I reply, though the word tastes like ash in my mouth.

“I’m not dating Jared. He wanted to apologize for the past, and I accepted. We’re just trying to work together smoothly. That’s it. You didn’t need to come here, make a scene, and lie about a table. What were you trying to prove?” she states firmly, her eyes not leaving mine.

“I didn’t lie about the damned table,” I snap. She’s driving me insane.

“Enough, Liam. You’re really starting to irritate me.”

“I’ll show you then. God, you’re still so damn stubborn,” I counter, the edge in my voice matching hers.

“Show me what?”

“Get up,” I demand, my patience wearing thin.

“I’m not coming with you,” she replies, her arms crossing defiantly.

“Get up, Sophie; you’re seeing this damned table if it’s the last thing I do,” I persist, my voice brooking no argument.

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