Page 31 of Notes About Vodka

“Well, when you put it like that,” I start to explain, but she interrupts me.

“Yeah, I’m putting it like that. Give me my calculator back.”

“Umm, no, I really need to borrow it,” I say quickly, clutching the calculator like it’s my lifeline. “Here, let me go get you a latte. What flavor do you like?”

“Mocha is fine. And since you were rude just then, I’d alsolike that big chocolate muffin in the display case,” she says, folding her arms and sitting down with a dramatic flair and loud humph.

“Okay,” I say, walking over to the barista, stealing one last glance at her while she pulls out her notes. She’s already lost in her work, her brow furrowed slightly, and I can’t help but feel a wave of admiration.

I also know she's ignoring me on purpose and that makes me feel something. Especially when she sneaks a glance at me and her freckled cheeks redden.

As I wait for the barista to prepare her order, I find myself replaying our earlier conversations in my head.I love sharing notes with her and even though I have her cell phone number now, I miss the banter. It’s rare to meet someone who can talk with me without missing a beat, someone who makes me feel lighter just by being around. When the barista calls out the order, I grab Laura's latte, muffin, and even an extra bottle of water for her later and head back to the table.

“Here you go, moya czaritsa,” I say with a playful grin, hoping to lighten the mood.

She smiles despite herself. “Thanks, Val. You’re forgiven. For now. Not really, though." She winks before continuing. "And what did you just say? You really have to teach me Russian so I can understand and communicate with you in your language.”

Feigning heartbreak, I grab her hand gently. “Laura, that was rude of me. You are a lifesaver, and I appreciate the calculator. But more importantly, thank you for spending time with me this morning. I called you my queen, your highness. And it would be a pleasure to teach you Russian.”

Feeling cheesy, I press a kiss onto her knuckles.

“Oh, geez, I'll take that back. Don’t push it, Valerie,” she says, pulling her hand away from mine, but there’s a warmth inher tone that makes me grin. Especially when she turns her body towards mine. I don’t even care that she said my name wrong.

She takes a sip of her latte, her eyes smile up at me. “So, what class is your exam in today? I know you told me, but I forgot,” she asks, her tone shifting to genuine curiosity.

“Molecular genetics,” I remind her, trying not to sound as tired as I feel.

“Sounds intense,” she says, her expression softening. “How are you feeling about it?”

“Honestly?” I sigh, “I’m nervous. I’ve got a bunch of population genetics questions to work through, specifically related to breast cancer. The math is no joke, Laura. Dr. Biuret makes you think.”

She nods thoughtfully. “Yeah, I think I take him in the spring. You better take good notes for me.”

“Always the best for you, Laura. I’ve got your back.” I smirk and add, “Hey, I’ve got a joke for you. Why can’t you trust an atom?”

She raises an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Because they make up everything!” I say, grinning.

Her eyes open wide and I can see a faint yellow ring in each iris amidst the blue flecks.She groans at my joke but can’t stop herself from laughing. “That’s terrible.”

“Yeah, I know. But it’s the best I’ve got right now,” I reply, smiling. “And it made you laugh, my new favorite sound.”

Laura blushes bright red before shoving her own classwork back into her bookbag.

“You are so funny Val.”

“Only for you lubimaya.”

The banter starts to flow easily between us, and for a moment, the weight of the upcoming exam lifts. After a bitmore conversation about her upcoming classes and how she’s juggling her schedule, I glance at my watch.

“I’ve got to head to my exam, but how about we grab lunch afterward? There’s this new Mexican place I want to try over near Columbia.”

She hesitates briefly, then nods. “Fine, I'd like that, actually,” she says, trying to sound casual. “Where should we meet?”

“How about I meet you outside of your class today?” I suggest. “I’ll pick you up, and we’ll head over together. You can leave your scooter locked up and I'll bring you back after we eat.”

“Okay, I’ll be over in the history building,” she agrees, and I swear my heart soars to heaven. I smile wider when Laura adds, “Good luck on your exam.”

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