Page 51 of Notes About Vodka

We lock eyes, the moment stretching between us, theconnection undeniable. It’s more than attraction—it’s comfort, understanding. I never expected to find someone like him, not after everything with Sam. Not after everything growing up back home. But here Val is, offering a kind of support I haven’t felt in years.

The night passes in a blur of customers, laughter, and more stolen glances at Val. There’s an ease between us, a rhythm we’ve fallen into. When closing time rolls around, Val insists on walking me to my scooter. I mean, it's so far out of the way since I decided to lock it up next to his Mazda in the garage that’s a block away.

Outside, the cool night air hits my skin, refreshing after the stuffy bar and sweet and spicy shots. The streets are quieter now, lit only by the soft glow of the streetlights and the occasional taxi driving by.

“So, what’s next after the divorce is finalized?” Val asks as we walk. He’s holding my hand, keeping us shoulder to shoulder as he intertwines his fingers with mine.

No one’s ever held my hand before.

I like it a lot.

I shrug, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Honestly? I’m not sure. I’ve been so focused on getting through life, the divorce, and living here in New York that I haven’t really thought about what’s next. But I’m hopeful that there must be more.”

Val stops us and turns to face me. His expression is serious, but there’s a softness in his eyes.

Tugging on one of my curls, Val says, “Whatever happens, I want to be there. You’ve got me in your corner, Laura.”

His words take my breath away. Maybe it's the shots. Maybe it's the man in front of me. I want to let myself fall, to trust in this, but the fear is still there, lurking. I’ve been hurt before, shattered in ways I never want to feel again.

But there’s something about Val—something safe,something that makes me want to take the risk because he’s always positive. A ray of sunshine in the dark new moon that has been my life for the past year. Maybe, just maybe, he's worth it. Before I can stop myself, I step into him, reaching for him. My body moves on its own, closing the space between us as I lean in for a kiss. My lips press his softly, tentatively, but full of a promise that I’ll give what I can of myself. When Val finally kisses me back, he takes control as his hands find my hair, tilting my face so he can deepen the kiss. The world seems to melt away.

When we pull back, I see the hunger and sincerity in his gaze.

“One step at a time,” I tell him when he tries to come back for another kiss.

“One step at a time,” he murmurs, agreeing but grabbing my hand with his and holding it as we continue to our vehicles. “We’ll figure it out together.”

I nod, feeling lighter, more hopeful than I have in a long time.

Later that night, back at my apartment, I collapse into my bed. The exhaustion of the day weighs on me, but it's the good kind of tired. The kind that reminds me I’m moving forward, that I’m actually making progress.

Ding!

The sound of my phone pulls me out of my haze, and I groggily reach over to grab it from the nightstand. I squint at the bright screen, and a smile spreads across my face as I see Skipper’s name flash across the display from the group thread we have with Rhea.

Skipper: Hey, we’re throwing a Halloween party this weekend. Tell your Russian he’s invited.

Rhea: Girl, yas!!! Bring him. I love hearing his accent. Plus, I want to bring a plus one and this will make it so much easier.

Skipper: What! Rhea?!?! You have someone?

Rhea: Like you don't Skipper… Come on, Laura, tell us that Val is coming.

I roll onto my back, staring up at the ceiling as I read the message again. The thought of Val meeting all of my friends warms me, sending a little thrill through my tired body. It feels like a real step forward, something meaningful. He sees Rhea in chemistry with me or when she swings by to grab some take-out, but he doesn't actually know my friends like I do. I want him to know them. I want them to know him.

And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be brave enough for more than just a kiss by then.

My fingers hover over the screen for a moment before I finally type out my response.

Me: You’re on. Val’s coming with me.

He just doesn’t know it yet.

Me: Val... Want to come with me to our Halloween party? Apparently Skip has "ideas"

Not even a minute later, my phone buzzes again.

Val: It would be my pleasure.

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