Page 109 of Notes About Vodka

Skipper: Dude, that’s an understatement. You don’t even understand what she was going through.

Me: You’re right. I don’t. I was upset about something so small in comparison.

Me: I need to fix this. Help me? I want to be there for her. I want to make her feel supported, the way she’s always supported me.

Tuesday

Me: I can’t stop thinking about it, man. Every time I remember what I said, I feel worse. I had no right to lash out at her like that. She deserved understanding, not…whatever that was. Can you help me figure out a way to apologize in person?

Skipper: It’s not just about an apology, Val. You need to understand why you went off in the first place.

Me: I know. I think it’s because I felt left out. But that’s no excuse for how I treated her. I get that now. I want her to feel like I’m there for her, no matterwhat.

Wednesday

Me: I miss her, Skip. I keep replaying that night and wishing I’d just been supportive of her. Do you think she’ll even want to see me?

Skipper: That depends. You need to show her you’re in this for the right reasons.

Me: I am, I swear. I want to be there for her, even if it’s from a distance. But I’d really love a chance to say it to her, face-to-face. I need her to know she matters more to me than my pride.

Skipper: That’s good to hear. It’s a start.

Thursday

Me: Look, I get if you think this sounds like too little, too late, but if there’s any way you could help me reach her, I’d be so grateful. I’m committed to making it right, and I won’t back down on that.

Skipper: Dude, I can’t help you. You are the one who must fix this.

Me: What will it take to get you to help me?

Me: Laura listens to you Skipper. If you ask her to give me a second chance, she will

Me: Skip…

Skipper: Okay, fine. But don’t call me Skip, that’s reserved for people I like

Skipper: If you’re serious about it, there might be a way. Rhea’s coming back in a couple of days without her boyfriend. We could take a road trip down to see Laura in Baltimore for 4th of July even though she still has two weeks left with her internship.

Skipper: But Val—you mess this up, there’s no coming back.

Skipper: And don’t bother asking me for help because I’ll be a ghost

Me: Understood. I won’t. Thank you, Skip.I still don’t think Skipper believes I’m serious, but I’m glad for his help. Hopefully, Rhea will be a little bit more understanding.

Two days later…

Here I am, driving with Skipper and Rhea to surprise my girlfriend for the holiday. We decided not to tell Laura, loving how excited she gets when she’s surprised.

Rhea and Skipper have the energy I’m missing—road trip playlists, road games, and endless, lighthearted banter. The drive is almost five hours, and they keep things relaxed, letting me process everything while keeping the car from going silent.

“I still can’t believe you, man,” Skipper says at one point, shaking his head but laughing a little. “But hey, that’s why we’re doing this. She deserves to know you mean it.”

“I know,” I say, nodding. “Thanks for being here, both of you. I don’t think I could do this alone.”

“You’re doing this for Laura,” Rhea says from the back, adjusting her seatbelt. “That counts for a lot, Val. And while Iunderstand your point of view now, if you ever call my girl that horrible word again, I’ll be the one who cuts you.”

I nod, grateful. She’s serious and I will gladly let her.

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