Page 73 of A Simple Reminder

“Ha-ha, yeah, he’s been great to work with,” I say, trying to keep my tone light.

Addie leans in, barely containing her grin, and whispers, “Oh, I bet he has... I mean, all thathands-onmentoring.” She nudges me playfully to the side, making me glare at her.

I elbow Addie hard, making her let out an exaggerated “Ooph!”

“Just a second, girlies,” Leora says, setting the phone down briefly to check on something in the background.

She holds up her hands in mock surrender, laughing, “What? Just saying... Sounds like a goodteam-buildingexperience.”

I shoot her a look, my cheeks burning. “Shh! She’ll hear you!”

Addie leans in close to my ear, whispering, “Yalla, tell her.”

“I will! Stop stressing me,” I grit through my teeth, trying to steady my breathing.

Leora comes back into view, giving us an apologetic smile. “Sorry, girls! Antoine has been fussy all day. So, what did you want to tell me?”

“Oh, I just…” I stammer, feeling the weight of my words stuck in my throat. Why is this so hard? Leora is more than my best friend; she’s like a sister, someone I should be able to share anything with. But right now, my heart is pounding as I try to gather the courage.

“Oh my god, I forgot to tell you!” she practically shouts, her excitement breaking through the screen. “vI’m coming in two weeks.”

“You are?” Adeline says, her face lighting up before she pauses, her brows drawing together. “Wait, can you even travel?” The same thought crosses my mind. Leora’s very pregnant.

“Yes! This is the last window I have to travel before the baby makes any kind of travel impossible,” she laughs.

Adeline and I both shriek in excitement. This is perfect!

“We can’t wait! It’s been too long since we saw you and Lucas,” Adeline says, her voice dancing with excitement. “I’m already planning our girls night!”

“That’s what I like to hear!” Leora says with a grin before turning her attention back to me. “Sorry, Soph, I totally interrupted you. What were you going to say?”

If she’s coming, then it’s better to have the conversation face-to-face than over the phone. It’ll feel more real and honest, and we’ll have the time we need. “Oh, it was nothing. I’m just so excited to see you. I can’t wait until you’re here.”

“You sure, babe?” Leora asks, raising a curious brow.

“Yes, yes, totally sure. We can catch up on everything when you’re here.”

“Okay then! I’ve got to go—Lucas is almost home, and I need to get Antoine to bed. I love you both.”

“We love you more!” Adeline and I chime together as we end the call. I feel relief settle over me, but Adeline’s gaze is drilling into the side of my face.

“What?” I ask, trying not to squirm under her stare.

“You were supposed to tell her,” she says, arching an eyebrow.

“I know, but isn’t it better to tell her when she’s here? Lucas will keep Antoine busy, and we’ll have her all to ourselves. You know she’ll have a million questions. A quick phone call wouldn’t be enough.”

“If that’s what you want,” Adeline says with a small smirk, “then sure. Two weeks.”

Two weeks.

“Anyway,” Adeline says, brightening, “my mom made her specialShish taouk,and she told me to bring you along. So, want to come?”

My face lights up instantly. I love her mom's cooking; her Shish Taouk—those juicy, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection with her homemade garlic sauce—is the best I’ve ever had. “Of course, I want to.”

Adeline grins. “Well, come on then, before she thinks we’re not showing up. She even promised extraKnafehfor you!”

When Adeline’smom invites you over for food, it’s never just one dish. It’s a feast—a table bursting with vibrant mezze plates, glistening bowls of tabbouleh, velvety hummus drizzled with olive oil, and stacks of fresh, pillowy pita still warm from the oven. It’s a dream come true.

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