Page 96 of A Simple Reminder

Adeline does a double take, her brows pulling together as she squints. “Wait…is Micah real?”

Micah places a hand over his heart in mock offense. “Damn. Why does everyone think I’m your imaginary friend, man?”

I can’t help but laugh, shaking my head. “Yes, he’s real. Micah, meet Adeline. Adeline, meet my very real, very annoying friend, Micah.”

“Hisbestfriend,” Micah adds, casting me a side-eye before extending a hand.

Adeline smiles brightly, standing to shake it. “Nice to meet you, Micah.”

Micah smirks, holding onto her hand a beat longer than necessary, his expression laced with charm and curiosity. “Pleasure’s all mine,” he says smoothly.

Adeline blinks, her smile faltering for half a second before she recovers, slipping her hand free. She sits back down, but there’s a slight flush on her cheeks that I don’t miss.

Sophie settles into her seat, and we ease into the cozy corner table—Sophie across from me, Adeline across from Micah. He’s watching her like she’s the most interesting thing in the room.

Sophie nudges the menus toward us, a knowing glint in her eyes. “We ordered a ton of food,” she says. “But if there’s anything else you want, feel free to add to it.”

I barely glance at the menu before closing it. “No need. I trust your judgment.”

Micah follows suit. “Same here. Besides, I’m starving. Bring it on.”

The conversation flows easily as we wait for the food. The girls exchange stories about work, Sophie laughing as she recounts an incident where someone accidentally sent an email to the entire office. But then Adeline leans forward with a dramatic groan, waving a hand in the air.

“There’s this new colleague,” she begins, her voice dripping with frustration, ”and I swear, they’re going to drive me insane.”

Sophie snorts. “What happened this time?”

Adeline throws up her hands. “Let’s just say they believe meetings are meant for monologues. Thirty minutes in, and they’re still talking without a single pause. What’s worse is that every meeting could’ve been an email.”

“Sounds like a gem. Speaking of gems. How’s the book coming along?” I ask, excitement for her bubbling up.

Her reaction is immediate—her eyes snap to mine, sharp and murderous, her lips pressed into a tight line. This time, it slipped out, it was an accident and I feel a twinge of guilt. Adeline hates mentioning that she’s an author to new people, and this time, it’s on me. How do I change the subject?

“Ouch!” Micah jerks, his hand flying to his shin. “What the hell?”

He glares at Adeline, who blinks up at him with wide, innocent eyes, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

“What was what?” she asks, feigning innocence as she sips her water.

“Did you just kick me?” he accuses, his voice incredulous.

She leans back in her chair, feigning nonchalance as she crosses her arms. The shocked girl gone. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He leans forward, staring her down. “You absolutely did. That was a direct hit. You’ve got surprisingly good aim for someone so sweet and innocent-looking.”

Sophie snorts into her drink, trying to cover her laughter, and I can’t hold back a chuckle.

Adeline shoots me a murderous glare, her blush deepening. “This is your fault, Liam.”

“After kicking me, you absolutely owe me some information now,” Micah says, his curiosity piqued.

“She’s an author,” Sophie chimes in helpfully, her grin so wide it practically glows. ”And an amazing one at that.”

Adeline groans, her head falling into her hands. “You’re all terrible people.”

Micah’s face lights up as he leans forward, grinning. “Seriously? That’s very impressive. What kind? Mysteries? Thrillers?”

Adeline tilts her head, like she’s debating whether to answer—or maybe to just mess with him. Before she can, Sophie cuts in smoothly.

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