Page 20 of Notes About Vodka

"I try," I reply, grabbing a snack and collapsing onto the couch next to Skipper.

“How were your flights the past few days?” I ask him.

“Same old story, a hopper to Jersey, then to Baltimore, before we finally stopped in Atlanta and turned right back around. Although, starting next week, I’m being rerouted to Charlotte, then Atlanta, followed by Birmingham.”

“Nice, let me know if you ever get any discounted seats to Alabama, I’ll fly with you and go see family for a day or two.”

“Sure thing,” Skipper replies.

“And what about you?” I ask Rhea, “How was the library?”

“It would have been better if you were there. Pretty sure Isaw your back of the classroom admirer there as well,” she replies.

“Oh.” I blush for no reason.

“Ha, you do know him!” Rhea remarks.

“Who, who does she know Rhea?”

“Skip, there was this tall, dark handsome student in chemistry. I’ve seen Laura checking him out before, but today, the smoldering gaze that he kept on her. I’m pretty sure we were all melting.”

“I’m already in love,” Skipper giggles, pulling me close to his side for a couch hug. “Tell us more…”

“There’s nothing to tell,” I reply.

Skipper replies, “With you Laura, there’s always more to the story, so spill, at least tell us you know him.”

“Fine,” I quickly summarize. “We work together atPianissimo.”

“Oh, is he another player? I mean, the two of you, together on the piano,” Rhea asks with a twinkle in her eye.

“Actually, no, he’s one of the bartenders. His name is Val.”

“Oh, Val,” Skipper croons. “Like Val…”

Before he can continue, I hit his shoulder with a pillow.

“Just stop, that’s all you need to know because that’s all there is to know. Now, what’s for dinner? I’m starving.”

“Pizza is on the way, want some wine?” Rhea asks as she gets up from the table and walks into the kitchen.

“Yes, please, a glass would be nice!” I call out after her, snuggling back into the couch as I curl my legs underneath me.

As the night winds down, I sip the Chenin blanc Rhea poured me and truly let myself relax for the first time all day. The love and friendship in the apartment filling me in a way I didn’t realize I needed. Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll figure it out.

One note, one moment, one thrill at a time. But then Skipper breaks the calm.

“Oh, hey, Laura… Sam is flying up for the weekend. I know things are difficult between the two of you right now, but I told him he could crash on our couch. I mean, he’s still my best friend, too. And I still owe him for the loan he advanced me to move up here with you…”

My heart stops.

Why now? I had completely forgotten about his earlier message.

Chapter Six

VAL

"An espresso martini is like a first date—bold, intoxicating, and with just enough kick to keep you coming back for more."

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