Page 9 of A Simple Reminder

Right now, I hate that she’s forcing me to confront him, even though she doesn’t know it.

I bite my bottom lip, my mind racing with a dozen scenarios, each worse than the last. The idea of sitting across from him, his presence filling the room like it always does, makes my chest tighten. It’s a suffocating mix of anticipation and dread like the air is too thick to breathe.

What if I say something stupid? What if I can’t stop staring? What if he sees through me—sees the girl who never forgot the boy who shattered her heart all those years ago?

But there’s no way out. Adeline is already looking at me expectantly, her hands on her hips like she’s daring me to argue.

I sigh, defeated. ”You’re right. Let’s invite him over for dinner,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel.

As the words leave my mouth, a knot tightens in my stomach, heavier than before. I wonder if I’ve just opened a door I’m not ready to walk through. And yet, a part of me—the part I wish I could ignore—can’t help but hope.

I mindlessly flipthrough the channels, trying to find something interesting to watch. Something to get my mind off the day.Off Liam.Of howthiswill work out. Well, mostly how I’ll handle it because he didn’t seem bothered at all. He was as cool as a cucumber while I was sweating like an overripe tomato. That’s just him, though—always unreadable, always composed. He has this habit of brushing his thumb against his jawline when something gets under his skin, but even that was missing.

It’s going to be fine. It was probably just the initial shock of seeing him standing behind that desk. All tall and as handsome as ever, just reeking of charm and that special confidence. Why wouldn’t he be confident? He’s probably used to this kind of thing–running into old girlfriends and acting like it’s no big deal. He probably has a girlfriend in every country they have a hotel.

Not that I’m a girlfriend. Or even want to be. I mean, am I still attracted to him? Yes, anyone with eyes would be, but…But nothing.I pinch the bridge of my nose, exhaling sharply as if the action alone can clear the ridiculous thoughts swirling in my head, but it doesn't work.We’renothing and wewon’tbe either.

Ugh. I shake my head. This is what I was afraid of—these thoughts, these what-ifs. It's like my brain is a broken record, replaying all the old memories and feelings I thought I had buried a long time ago. But it's fine. I can handle this. It's just another bump in the road, right?

My fingers tap the remote impatiently as I scroll past news segments, cooking shows, and sitcoms. But nothing seems to hold my attention for more than a few seconds. A reality show catches my eye just as I’m about to give up. Contestants are arguing about who to vote for the next challenge on the show, and it’s getting heated. So, I watch. I watch as they vote on the cute couple. I watch how they strategize and form alliances, completely engrossed in the drama unfolding on the screen. Anything to distract me from my own tangled thoughts.

Just as I’m about to fall asleep, a loud clapping sound startles me. “Hey, sleepyhead, we’re going out. Go get ready,” Adeline says with some kind of energy I don’t have, while she blocks the TV screen.

She’s wearing a tight skirt, hugging her down to below her knees, while the top is short enough to show off her midriff. Her long black hair is pulled back into a sleek, high ponytail cascading down her back. A very hot look, suiting her perfectly.

“Nooo, I want to stay in,” I groan.

She rolls her big brown eyes dramatically, planting her hands on her hips. “It’s Friday. You’re hot. I’m hot. We’re going out,” she declares, grabbing my arms and pulling me up with far more strength than her petite frame suggests. “Now go make that hot ass even hotter. It’s about seven p.m.—we’ll leave for dinner and drinks in thirty.”

I open my mouth to protest, but Adeline narrows her eyes like she’s daring me to argue further. The thought of a night out doesn’t sound dreadful. Sure, I’m tired, but maybe this is exactly what I need—a break, a chance to shake off the weight of the day and just have some fun. Adeline’s enthusiasm is contagious, and as much as I hate to admit it, she’s usually right about these things.

I let out a laugh and nod, my resolve softening. “Okay, one drink or two might make this day better.”

The grin on Adeline’s face grows even bigger, and she claps her hands together like she’s just won the lottery. “That’s my girl!”

We did,in fact, not stop after one or two drinks. When Adeline and I are together, we have this uncanny ability to turn a casual night out into one you mostly see in movies.

Before I know it, we were dancing on tables, singing karaoke at the top of our lungs—and if I recall, the second bar didn’t even have karaoke, but Addie found a microphone, so we decided to put thekaraokeinbar.

Now we’re in a club in SoHo. The pounding bass reverberates through the air, making it impossible not to dance. Colorful lights flash around, and with each movement, we feel part of the vibrant energy pulsing through the room.

We push our way through the captivating, crowded dance floor, laughing and weaving between groups of people. Adeline leads the way, pulling me into the center where the music is the loudest. And then, we dance, our bodies moving in sync with the rhythm.

There’s a certain kind of freedom in letting go, allowing your brain to relax, not thinking of every small detail the world presents, and just being. It’s the kind of release I didn’t know I was desperate for to just relax after months of being nervous and working my ass off.

“Let’s get another shot!” I shout over the music, catching glimpses of Adeline’s beautiful smile as she twirls in joy. With every movement, she exudes a sensual confidence that draws others to us, transforming the dance floor into our own personal show. I can’t help but smile, warmth blooming in my chest—she’s always had this effortless way of commanding a room, and tonight is no exception. She’s an enchanting siren who could captivate anyone with just one look from her dark almond eyes

A pair of big, rough hands lands on my waist, grabbing onto my hips. Startled, I turn around to find a tall man standing behind me, his blue eyes locked on mine with a smug smirk that is too confident for his own good, like many other men here tonight.

“Mind if I join you?” he asks, but before I get the chance to answer, he pulls me tighter, his grip almost possessive.Why do they even ask when they’ll take it without permission?He forcefully guides my arms around his neck, and I freeze, unsure how to react. This unknown man takes my hesitation as a yes, and he presses his front to mine, moving to the music—out of rhythm, I must add.

“You’re gorgeous,” he says, his nasty whiskey breath blowing over my face, making my skin crawl. I don’t like this. I don’t like this at all. I need him away from me.

I try to shift, to pull my hands away, but once again, this man takes it as an invitation and spins me around, now pressing his erection to my back. I stumble slightly, feeling even more uncomfortable but, most of all, trapped. The music blares around me, but it’s lost its beauty, turning into a chaotic noise that mirrors the panic in my chest. All I can feel is his unwanted hands on my body. My body feels frozen, paralyzed, as if it’s in shock, unsure of how to react.Why can’t I stop him? Push him away?One word echoes in my mind.Help.

“Hey, back off,” a voice cuts through the music, sharp and unwavering. I turn my head to find Adeline, her stern face a picture of no-nonsense fury. She plants her hands on her hips. “She’s not interested. Move along, dickhead.”

The man doesn’t budge immediately. Instead, he lets out a low, mocking laugh, his grip on my arm loosening but not releasing completely. “Relax, we’re just dancing,” he says, his tone dripping with condescension as his eyes flick between me and Adeline.

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