Call From A Friend
Remi's POV
I watched Asher rub his jaw, the sting of Rowan’s punch still fresh on his face. He looked more confused than hurt, which was somehow worse. I sighed, walking over to him, my hands wringing together as I tried to find the right words.
“Asher, I’m so sorry,” I said softly, standing in front of him. “I didn’t think he’d do that.”
He blinked, raising an eyebrow at me. “Yeah, well, he didn’t exactly hold back.” He shook his head, more bewildered than anything. “What the hell is going on, Remi?”
I swallowed, my lips twitching. “He’s... Rowan’s confused. He doesn’t remember everything but maybe it was a reflex but he didn't like me enough to have a strong feeling of jealousy to punch you. So let's just say I am confuse.”
Asher’s eyes narrowed as he slowly pieced it together. “Wait. You mean... he doesn’t remember that you’re his wife yet he did that?” The word sounded strange coming from him, like he couldn’t believe it either.
I looked down, suddenly feeling small, unsure of how to explain any of this without making it worse. “I... don’t know,” I whispered. “He’s as lost as you are.”
Asher leaned back against the wall, rubbing his jaw again, this time with a faint smile. “Damn. I mean, I guess that explains why he hit me. Thought I was trying to steal his woman or something?”
I shook my head quickly. “He shouldn’t have hit you at all. That was uncalled for. I’m sorry.”
“Well, at least he’s got a good punch,” Asher laughed softly, wincing a bit as he touched his face. “Good thing I didn’t hit him back. Can’t really go punching a guy who doesn’t even know his wife is standing right in front of him.”
I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could, my phone buzzed in my pocket. The vibration cut through the awkward silence between us. I quickly reached for it, grateful for the distraction. When I glanced at the screen, my heart skipped a beat.
The name on the screen felt like it belonged to a different life.
“Claire?” I muttered under my breath, blinking in surprise.
“Claire?” Asher echoed, leaning forward. “Who’s that?”
I ignored him for the moment and answered the call, turning slightly away from Asher. “Hello?”
“Remi? Oh my god, is it really you?!” came the familiar, excited voice on the other end.
I hadn’t heard her voice in years, but it was unmistakable. That same energy and joy I remembered from all those years ago. “Claire,” I breathed, a smile forming despite everything. “It’s really me.”
“Finally! I’ve been trying to get ahold of you for forever! I almost thought you dropped off the face of the earth!”
I chuckled softly. “Yeah, it’s been... a long time.”
Asher raised an eyebrow, clearly curious, but I held up a hand, letting him know I’d explain later.
“Remi, how have you been? Like it's crazy after you graduated you just disappeared.”
I laughed, “Well I had to make a move for my kids you know. So. Yeah.”
“Well I am glad you are alive and well, was hard for me to get your number. Luckily you are a big shot now.”
“Big shot? Where?”
“You own one of the biggest research facility for cancer. Hence you are a big shot. It was so hard for me to prove to your assistant that we were close before she finally redirected me to you.”
I smiled, “Well, this one that you had to go through so much to get to me. You must really miss me.”
“Duh. That and I’ve got some news! I’m getting married!” Claire practically shouted into the phone, her excitement bubbling over. “And I need you to be there! Like, no excuses. You have to come!”
Her words made me freeze for a second, memories of our time in university flooding back. Claire had been one of the few people who even bothered with me back then, when I was practically invisible. I hadn’t fit in at university—working three jobs just to keep myself afloat, surrounded by students who had more money than I’d ever seen in my life. Most of them didn’t give me a second glance.
I was just a scholarship student with two kids.
But Claire had been different. Popular, confident, and completely the opposite of me, yet somehow we clicked. She dragged me to study sessions, always checking on me, making sure I didn’t fall apart under the pressure of school and life. She’d been the closest thing I had to family during that time.
“That’s amazing,” I finally managed, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I’m so happy for you, Claire.”
She laughed on the other end of the line. “Thank you! It’s a whirlwind, really. We’re doing it next week at Paris. I know it’s short notice, but you have to be there, Remi. I’ve missed you, girl.”
Next week.
I wasn’t sure how I’d even manage it, with everything happening in my life now. But how could I say no to her? Claire had been there for me during some of the worst moments of my life, pulling me through when I thought I’d break.
“I’ll be there,” I said softly, already wondering how I’d make it work. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Yesss!” Claire practically squealed. “I knew you’d say yes! You’re the best, Remi. I’ll send you all the details soon, okay? And we’ll catch up, I’ve got so much to tell you.”
“I can’t wait,” I replied, my heart a little lighter than it had been all day.
We said our goodbyes, and when I hung up, I finally turned back to Asher, who was watching me with a curious grin.
“So,” he began, crossing his arms, “who’s Claire?”
“Someone from university,” I said with a small smile. “We were really close back then.”
Asher raised an eyebrow. “University, huh? Didn’t know you had many friends there. Apart from Carter.”
I shrugged. “I didn’t, really. But Claire was different. She didn’t care about all the stuff that made me an outcast. She just... cared about me.” I sighed, remembering how isolated I’d felt during those years. “Everyone else was busy living their lives. I was just trying to survive.”
Asher’s face softened. “Yeah, I get that. But at least you had her.”
“Yeah,” I agreed, my thoughts drifting back to those late-night study sessions, Claire’s laughter keeping me sane in the middle of all the stress. “She kept me from losing my mind back then. I probably would’ve dropped out without her.”
Asher nodded thoughtfully. “She sounds like a good friend. You going to her wedding?”
“I have to,” I said, nodding. “She’s been trying to find me for years. I can’t let her down.”
He chuckled, rubbing his sore jaw again. “Well, don’t let me stop you. I’ll just be here, nursing this bruise from your husband.”
I shot him a look. “He’s not—” I started, then sighed. “He’s not my husband, Asher. You know that.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” He grinned. “But come on, admit it. You’re kind of glad he cared enough to throw that punch, aren’t you?”
I narrowed my eyes at him, trying not to smile. “You’re ridiculous.”
“I’m right, though,” Asher teased, stepping closer. “I know you, Remi. You wouldn’t want him to just stand there and watch, would you?”
I sighed, shaking my head. “I don’t know what I want anymore, Asher. It’s... complicated.”
He gave me a knowing look. “Complicated’s your middle name, Remi. But you’ll figure it out. You always do.”
I forced a smile, even though my mind was spinning. Asher meant well, but he had no idea how deep this mess went. Still, I appreciated the attempt to lighten the mood.
“Come on,” I said, gesturing towards the door. “Let’s get out of here before someone else shows up and things get even more complicated.”
Asher laughed, following me out. “Yeah, no more punches today, okay?”
“No promises,” I shot back, smirking at him as we left.
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