Page 57 of A Simple Reminder

“What do you mean?” she asks gently.

I break, more tears falling. “Liam. I–” The words barely make it out before she pulls me into her arms. No questions. No pushing for details. She just holds me tight, allowing me to cry into her shoulder. Relief washes over me, but it’s tinged with guilt. I don’t deserve this comfort, not after everything. Not after keeping this secret for so long. What kind of friends am I?

We sit down on the floor, leaning against the bathroom wall. The cool tiles against my back contrast with the warmth of Adeline’s embrace. Her hand rubs soothing circles on my back as the tears keep flowing.

After what feels like forever, Adeline grabs my face gently, looking at me with fierce love in her eyes. “Habibi, do you want me to do something? To someone?”

A small laugh escapes my lips despite myself. I shake my head. “No, it’s me. I’m the one who messed up. I need to tell you something.” I wipe my hand over my face, feeling the mess of tears and snot. “I’m not a good friend.”

“What are you talking about? You're mybestfriend,” she says, her voice firm and steady, as if willing me to believe it.

“No, I’ve kept a secret. I haven’t told anyone.” My voice breaks, the shame hitting me like a tidal wave.

“It’s okay to have secrets.”

“No, not like this one.”

Our eyes meet, “You’re scaring me, Soph.”

“It’s not anything scary.”

“Okay, my love. If you’re ready to tell me, I’m all ears.”

My phone buzzes, interrupting me, and when I look down, Liam’s name flashes on the screen. My stomach tightens as I swipe to read the message.

Mr.Boss

So that’s your game now? Slip out before I even wake up? Real classy.

Was it that easy for you? To share my bed, let me touch you like that, and then walk away like it didn’t matter? That’s what you do best, isn’t it? Run. I should have known.

This isn’t over, Sunshine.

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My throat tightens, a wave of shame and upset washing over me. Adeline must have seen the look on my face because her brow furrows in concern, but I can’t bring myself to show her the text—not yet. Not while his words are still stinging, making me feel smaller with each passing second. Not before she knows the whole story. I take a breath, preparing myself to start from the top. To tell her everything.

But first, I text him back.

Me

I’m sorry. It should never have happened.

I look at Adeline, taking a deep breath, preparing to start from the top. “I slept with Liam.”Well. That went smoothly.

Adeline’s eyes widen in shock, her brows shooting up as her mouth parts slightly. Then, as the realization sinks in, a slow, mischievous smile tugs at the corners of her lips. “And that's bad because...?”

“Well, firstly, he’s my boss, and secondly, it’s not the first time.”

Her smile fades as curiosity takes over. “What do you mean?” she asks, her head tilting slightly to the side.

I take a deep breath, the weight of the confession pressing down on me. “I knew Liam a long time ago. We met in Barcelona.”

“Wait. What?” Her eyes grow even bigger, and I can see the gears turning in her head. She doesn’t need me to say it—she’s already starting to piece it together.

“Nooooo,” she drags out the word, “is Liamtheguy?”

I nod, letting the truth hang in the air.

“Tell me everything,” she demands.

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