Page 39 of Notes About Vodka

I’ve kissed a lot of girls. But Laura… that kiss was different.

There was something magnetic about the way she so carefully opened up for me. The way she let me explore her, how she responded when I slid my tongue into her mouth.

She looked at me afterward like she was letting me in, nipping my lower lip with her teeth, her eyes full of something I can’t quite name. Her lips were so soft, her breath warm, her body fitting perfectly into mine.I want more of that.

I want more of Laura.

And I knowshe’s married—technically—but Sam doesn’t matter.

Not anymore.

The guy’s a loser, and she’s already out the door. I want to be there when she is finally out of that mess for good.And all mine. Not his.

Hell, I will be there.

I’ve got plans. Big ones for us.

Romance isn’t exactly my specialty, but I’ve been trying, getting creative.

Over the past week, I’ve sent her flowers, wine, and a pair of wireless headphones I found out she needed for the new keyboard that surprisingly showed up at her apartment.

Fuck, I may love you, too, Skipper.

The other night he texted me on social media. Blessed me out about how to treat his best friend.And then encouraged me to make her feel alive again, treat her like a woman falling in love again deserves.

I couldn’t breathe for a moment after reading that message.

We kept texting.

He gave me a brief version of her life, and although vague, I feel for my girl.

The other day, I arrived at work early and caught her playing the piano—some beautiful classical piece I didn’t recognize. I stood there in the dining hall as she hummed along, her fingers gliding across the keys, her face peaceful, lost in the music.

She looked up, caught me staring, and smiled like she didn’t mind one bit. When I handed her the headphones, her whole face lit up. That’s a look I could get used to.

“Val, what in the world?”

“So you can practice at home without bothering your roommates. I know you like to play late at night, and the piano hereisn’t always available with the other staff needing to practice, too.”

“Dammit, Valerie,” she says, calling me the feminine version of my name. I’ve slowly gotten used to the nickname, in fact, I kinda like it. “Why are you doing this to me?”

I smile at Laura before replying, “I like seeing you smile. I like doing things for you.” I push a strand of hair behind her ear before whispering, “Let me take you out.”

“Val…” Laura starts, but I turn and leave. I’m not going to let her say no. I will only stick around when I know it's going to be,yes.

Plus, I am really enjoying this cat-and-mouse game with Laura. I know you want me, too, moya lubimiya, my love.

I’ve also left other little presents here and there. I folded an origami flower and slipped a note inside, which she found only after unfolding the tulip. Just wanted to show you I’m thinking about you, my beautiful sirena.

I watched from the bar as she opened the note, and I loved seeing the blush creep up her neck. My heart soared when her bright gray-blue eyes found mine, like sunlight radiating from within her.

Getting her to agree to dinner is still like pulling teeth. I don’t know why she’s hesitating—maybe she’s afraid it’ll feel too real, too soon. Or maybe she's scared of what it means to let someone in again, to let her guard down and risk getting hurt.

I get that.

But I’m not giving up. Every time I see her, I bug her about it. I can’t help it. I want to take her out, show her more of my world, our possible world, let her see that I’m serious aboutthis.

Three weeks and one eternity later…

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