Page 110 of Notes About Vodka

Laura has always been patient with me, but I know I’ve pushed her limits with that one word. Shame covers my body for the millionth time since last weekend. This trip is my way of showing her I’m willing to try.

We pull up to Laura’s apartment complex in the late afternoon. The sun hangs lazily in the sky, casting a golden hue over everything. I take a deep breath as we exit the car, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

I get out of my Mazda, nerves kicking in all over again, my heart pounding as I stare up at her building.

“Alright, ready?” Skipper gives me a supportive slap on the back, and I can’t help but crack a nervous smile.

“More than ready,” I say. Taking a deep breath, I step forward with them beside me.

“Yeah, let’s do this,” Rhea replies.

Mustering as much confidence as I can, we make our way to Laura’s apartment. I knock on the door, and after a moment that feels like an eternity, it swings open. Laura stands there, her eyes wide with surprise and then joy.

“Val! What are you doing here?” she exclaims, getting ready to throw her arms around me but stopping just in time to back away.

Awkwardly, she hugs herself. I pull her arms apart and drag her into me, giving her a hug I know she loves as she slowly relaxes into my embrace.

“I missed you,” I say simply, holding her close. “And I wanted to make up for last time. I’m so sorry lubimaya.”

When she finally pulls back, she wiggles out of my arms and turns to Rhea, her face lighting up as she throws her arms around her.

“You’re back!” she squeals, her voice filled with that pure excitement I love seeing in her. She doesn’t let go of Rhea as she turns to Skip, a playful glare narrowing her eyes. She reaches out to punch him lightly on the shoulder. “And I know this was your doing. Mastermind much?”

Skip laughs, rubbing his shoulder with exaggerated pain. “Ouch! Actually, you might want to direct some of that credit his way,” he says, jerking his thumb at me. “Mr. Sappy over here was the brains behind the whole thing.”

“Yeah, sure, put all the blame on me,” I say, feigning insult. “I just wanted to bring you back your other half.” I give Rhea a nod, who’s now just grinning as she and Laura pull each other into another hug.

Laura glances back at me with that smirk of hers. “Val’s got a sentimental side,” she teases, crossing her arms. “Should I be worried?”

“Oh, please.” I roll my eyes, putting on my best deadpan. “I’m completely ruthless. Skipper and Rhea just brought out my soft side for today.”

“Ruthless?” she laughs, shaking her head. “Yeah sounds about right.”

Skipper grins and throws an arm around my shoulders. “Come on, Laura, don’t let him fool you. He’s been so lovesick all week I thought I’d need to start buying stock in tissues.”

“Thanks, Skip,” I mutter, giving him a good-natured shove.

Laura’s eyes soften, her smile brightening. “All of you...really. This means a lot.” She lets out a breath, holding back a tear as she glances between us. “Guess I should get out the best snacks I’ve got if I’m hosting this crew.”

“Uh-oh,” Rhea says, winking at Laura. “I hope that means your good snacks, and not the suspicious stuff at the back of your pantry.”

Laura laughs, shaking her head as she leads us inside. "Onlythe finest expired pretzels for you guys because seriously, I don’t get a lot of time off from the lab.”

We spend the evening catching up, lounging by the pool until we are kicked out. Laura’s laughter is infectious, and soon the tension I’ve been carrying melts away. Skipper and Rhea help me blend seamlessly into the group, and it feels like we’ve all been friends forever.

Once we’re back in her apartment, we spread out in Laura’s living room, balancing pizza boxes on our laps. The conversation drifts from one topic to another, stories about past road trips, old college pranks, and the time Rhea got lost in New Orleans. I’m wrapped in the warmth of being with people who care about each other, feeling like a part of something I didn’t realize I’d been missing.

Eventually, Skipper stretches and lets out a yawn. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m about one pepperoni slice away from passing out,” he says, grinning as he shuffles to his feet.

Rhea laughs, slapping him lightly on the arm. “I’m with you. This pizza coma is calling my name.” She turns to Laura. “Thanks for letting us crash, hon.”

“Of course,” Laura says, hugging her. “Guest room is all yours.”

They head off, leaving Laura and me in the soft glow of her living room. She looks over at me with a small, vulnerable smile before she stands and begins clearing away the pizza boxes. I help her, carrying our empty plates to the kitchen. As we work side by side, there’s a quietness between us, an unspoken conversation lingering in the air.

When we return to the couch, Laura takes a deep breath,the smile fading. “Val...about last weekend,” she starts, her voice soft. “I know things got intense. And I know you’re sorry, but I need you to understand...that moment with my mom brought up a lot.”

I nod, willing myself to listen, to understand the weight in her voice.

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