Page 22 of Notes About Vodka

As I sit there, picking at my food, I keep glancing at my phone, hoping for a reply that doesn’t come.

Minutes stretch into an hour, and I start to wonder if I overstepped by texting her. Maybe I should’ve just given her space. But then again, if something’s wrong, shouldn’t a friend—shouldn’t I—reach out? The uncertainty gnaws at me, each minute making me question my actions more.

I shake my head, frustrated with myself. I’m usually better at reading people, but Laura... She’s a mystery wrapped in a riddle, and I can’t seem to crack the code. It’s not just how she acted today—there’s the way she avoids answering personal questions, how she always seems to dodge deeper conversations at work, and the times I’ve caught her staring off into space, lost in her own world. It's like she's here but somewhere else, too. My gut tells me there’s something big she’s keeping from me, something she’s afraid to reveal.

The cafeteria fills up, students cramming in to get lunch between classes. The noise level rises, a blend of laughter, clattering trays, and overlapping conversations that form a chaotic symphony.

“Hey, Val. Mind if I join you? Everywhere else is full,” afamiliar voice interrupts my thoughts. I glance up to see Jack, a regular fromPianissimoand fellow student at NYU, balancing a tray loaded with food.

“Of course, go ahead,” I say, motioning to the empty seat across from me. Jack sets his tray down and sits with a heavy sigh.

“Man, it’s crazy in here today. You’d think finals were tomorrow or something,” he says, unwrapping a burrito.

“Yeah, it’s packed,” I reply, managing a small smile.

Jack studies me for a moment, then raises an eyebrow. “You good? You look... I don’t know, distracted.”

I force a laugh. “Just got a lot on my mind. You know how it is.”

“Sure,” he says, taking a bite. “Work? School? Or...” He pauses, a knowing look in his eye. “Something… or someone else?”

I shake my head but can’t help the small smirk that forms. “A little of everything, I guess.”

“Uh-huh,” Jack says, clearly not convinced. “Well, whoever or whatever it is, you’ve got that ‘lost in thought’ look like you’re trying to solve some big mystery.”

“Maybe I am,” I admit, picking at my food. “But it’s... complicated.”

“Aren’t they always?” Jack replies with a grin. “But hey, don’t let it eat you up. Sometimes you just gotta let things unfold naturally, you know?”

I nod, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood. “Thanks, Jack. I’ll keep that in mind.”

For the next few minutes, we chat about work, school, and random topics, Jack’s easygoing nature making the conversation flow effortlessly. He tells me about his work in stocks and bonds, sharing how he’s juggling school while dreaming of starting his own financial startup one day.

“I swear, Val, one day you’re gonna see my name on the front page of the Wall Street Journal,” Jack says, leaning back in his chair with a confident grin.

“Oh, yeah? Will it be because you’ve made billions, or because you’ve lost it all on a risky gamble?” I tease.

“Ha! Definitely the billions,” he shoots back, pointing a fry at me. “But don’t worry, when I’m rich, I’ll still leave you a generous tip atPianissimo. Maybe even enough to retire early.”

“How generous are we talking?” I ask, smirking. “Because I’ve got expensive tastes.”

“Let’s just say you’ll never have to pour another drink,” Jack says with a laugh. “Although, knowing you, you’d probably get bored sitting around.”

“You’re not wrong,” I admit. “I’d need something to keep me busy.”

“Like solving the mystery of that girl you’ve clearly got on your mind,” Jack says, raising an eyebrow.

I chuckle, shaking my head. “You don’t let up, do you?”

“Not when it’s this obvious,” he replies, grinning.

“Alright, fine,” I admit, leaning back in my chair. “Yeah, I kinda like someone. Happy?”

Jack’s grin widens. “Knew it. So, what’s the deal? Is it serious, or just a crush?”

“I don’t know,” I say, shrugging. “It’s complicated. She’s...complicated.”

Jack nods knowingly. “Aren’t they all?"

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