Page 72 of A Simple Reminder

“Why would it?” she asks, her expression serious.

“I don’t know. But if it did…it could ruin my career. People would assume I got to where I am by screwing the boss.” Adeline gives me a smirk, and I laugh despite myself.

“You know what I mean,” I say, rolling my eyes. “I’d never be doing this if we didn’t have history. Plus, I got this job before even knowing Liam was overseeing it.”

Adeline giggles, her gaze softening. “I’m just playing with you. But seriously—people’s opinion of you is none ofyourbusiness. Also, they’d be complete idiots to assume that. Your reputation is spotless.”

“Exactly, and if this got out, it would smudge it.”

She tilts her head, studying me closely. “Is that the only reason, though?”

I frown, not understanding. “What do you mean?”

“If you weren’t working together, would you give him a second chance?”

I pause, letting her question sink in. Would I give him a second chance if things were different? Arealsecond chance? But then my dad’s voice creeps back into my mind, a quiet but firm reminder, and I shake my head.

“I know Liam has changed,” I start, hesitating. “And maybe that was just a one-time deal. What do I know? But it stuck with me, and in his line of work, there’s a chance it could happen again. It scares me.”

“I promised my dad,” I add softly. “It was the last real promise I made to him while he was still himself. I can’t break it.”

Adeline nods, her brown eyes soft with understanding as she reaches over, giving me a warm, enveloping hug. “That’s a tough promise, but I get it,” she murmurs, squeezing my shoulders.

Then she pulls back, sitting up tall. “I have another question,” she says, tilting her head to the side. ”Have you told Leora yet?”

Once again, I pause. No, I haven’t. I don’t even know where to start or how to bring it up.

“Not yet.”

“Are you planning on telling her?” Adeline presses gently, then adds, “Listen, I’m with you no matter what, but she loves you more than anything and would never judge you. You know that, right?”

“Of course I do. It’s just… She’s so close to Liam and I don’t want to put her in an awkward position.”

She lets out a little laugh. “Trust me, she won’t be the one in the awkward position. It’s gonna be Liam.”

I can’t help but laugh. She’s right.

“You know what? Let’s just call her up,” I say, grabbing my phone swiftly before any second thoughts can creep in. With a quick tap, I hit FaceTime, and it only rings twice before Leora’s face fills the screen, a huge grin lighting up her beautiful face. Just seeing her immediately makes me feel a little better, like some of the weight pressing me down is lifting from my shoulders.

“My looooves,” she drawls, “I was just thinking about you two. I miss you so much.”

“We miss you too,” Addie and I say in unison.

Leora’s face lights up even more. “How are you two? Addie, how’s the book going? You know I’m eagerly waiting for this one!”

Addie grins. “I’m almost done with the first draft, so you’ll get to read it soon.”

Leora’s lips curve into a smile as her eyes sparkle with anticipation. “Is this one also…you know, hot?”

“You bet your fine ass it is,” Addie smirks, and we all laugh.

Leora playfully fans herself. “Can’t wait!” she says with a wink. Then her gaze turns to me, and she raises an eyebrow, teasing. “And how’s work going, Soph? I hope Liam isn’t annoying you too much.”

I smile awkwardly, my mind flashing back to how infuriating he was at first. If only she knew. “It’s all good; we’re making a lot of progress and are even ahead of schedule, so that feels great!”

“That’s amazing! Liam calls me now and then, and he always speaks so highly of your work—which I already know is incredible. But sometimes…” She snickers, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Sometimes, it sounds like he has a little crush on you. I mean, who wouldn’t be? You’re gorgeous and amazing!”

I glance at Addie, the corners of her mouth twitching upward.

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