Page 130 of Notes About Vodka

She looks up at me, her eyes filled with love. “Mine too,” she says. “And it’s only the beginning. I’ve loved meeting your friends here in California. I love that your dad is with us. Is that weird? Because he’s just made it so much fun.”

“Not at all Laura babe, I love it that you love it lubimaya.”

I wrap my arm around her, pulling her closer as we watch the sun disappear below the horizon. The sky turns a deep shade of orange, just like the highlights in Laura’s hair right now. She even smells like vanilla and orange blossoms.

The night isn’t over yet. We light a small bonfire on the beach, and Katya and Micha join us, bringing marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. We make s'mores, the chocolate melting messily over our fingers as we laugh and tell stories. My dad strums a guitar he borrowed from someone at the hotel, the soft melody blending with the sound of the waves.

“Sing something for us, Val,” Katya urges, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

I shake my head, chuckling. “You don’t want to hear me sing, trust me.”

Laura nudges me. “Oh, come on. I’ve heard you sing in the shower, you’re not that bad.”

“Exactly, Val,” Katya adds, “in the kids choir back home you always had the best voice.”

I sigh dramatically, but there’s a smile on my face. “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

I start singing a Russian folk song, my voice blending with the gentle strumming of the guitar as Micha plays.

Laura rests her head on my shoulder, her fingers intertwined with mine, and I feel a warmth spread through me that has nothing to do with the fire. It’s a moment of pure contentment, surrounded by friends, the love of my life by my side, and the vast ocean stretching out before us.

“You really do have an amazing voice,” Laura whispers. “Maybe you should have been one of the talent staff atPianissimo.”

“Nah, I liked my place behind the bar.”

Eventually, the fire dies down, and we all sit in comfortable silence, the stars twinkling above us. Laura looks up at me, her eyes reflecting the light of the fire. “This is perfect,” she says, and I can only nod in agreement.

Returning to LA

As the night winds down, we make our way back to our hotel. The streets of San Diego are quiet, the cool night air refreshing against our skin. Laura slips her hand into mine, and I pull her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“What are you thinking about?” she asks, her voice soft.

I smile down at her. “How lucky I am. How I never want this to end.”

She smiles, her eyes glistening. “It doesn’t have to. We’ll keep making moments like this. Always.”

We reach our hotel room, and as we step inside, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. The room is cozy, the sound of the ocean faint in the background. I pull Laura into my arms, holding her close.

“I love you,” I whisper, my lips brushing against her hair.

She looks up at me, her eyes filled with love. “I love you too, Val. More than anything.”

This honeymoon has been more than just a trip—it’s been the beginning of our forever, and I can’t wait to see where our journey takes us where we end up next.

Epilogue

LAURA

"Once upon a time, we toasted with vodka, and now, we’re living our happily ever after, hungover."

Chicago.

The city feels different than New York—a little quieter, a little slower, but in its own way, just as alive. The bustling neighborhoods, the sound of the El rumbling overhead, the smell of deep-dish pizza wafting from local joints, and the laughter of people gathered at parks and street festivals—all of it makes the city feel vibrant and full of life. There’s a warmth to Chicago, a sense of community that wraps around us as we explore our new home.

We’ve only been here for a few weeks, and already, it feels like we’re carving out a space that’s just for us.

Val and I moved into a cozy condo in the Garden District, a place with tall windows, a small balcony, and enough room for the two of us to build a new chapter. It’s got this charm—crown molding, old hardwood floors that creak a little when you step on them, and just enough quirks to make it feel like home. Theneighborhood is full of leafy green trees and old brick buildings, and there’s a small coffee shop down the street where we’ve become regulars, grabbing a quick cup before starting our busy days.

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