Page 52 of Notes About Vodka

I smile, reading his reply over and over. Val’s words make me feel warm, like the world is a little less chaotic when he’s around. I like that he didn’t hesitate. He’s always so sure, so steady. I need that in my life right now.

Me: Oh, my God, y’all, he said it would be his pleasure

Skipper: Oooo, are you two like a thing now? Are we going to get to see some PDA?

Rhea:

I laugh out loud, shaking my head. Trust Skipper to never miss an opportunity to tease me. I start typing a response when another message comes in.

Skipper: Please find out if he has a big

Rhea: Please, Skipper, don’t make it awkward. But also, Laura, spill. Is this serious?

I let out a sigh, my heart fluttering at their curiosity. It’s hard to explain. It feels like we’re on the edge of something serious, but I’m scared to define it. Scared to mess it up.

Me: One step at a time, ya’ll.

Skipper: One step, huh? Sounds like you’ve already taken a few...

Rhea: Ugh, Skipper, leave her alone. But Laura, I think it’s amazing. You deserve someone good.

My chesttightens at Rhea's message, her words touching something deep inside me. She’s always been supportive, but hearing that validation from her makes everything feel a little more real. I feel like maybe, just maybe, I do deserve someone good.

Me: Thanks, Rhea. He really has been great so far.

Skipper: I better see some chemistry! I’m ready to judge this guy.

Rhea: You and your drama, Skipper. Honestly...

I chuckle at their banter, my fingers lingering over the keys before I finally send one more message.

Me: Just don’t scare him off, okay?

Rhea: No promises. ;) But seriously, Laura, we’re happy for you.

I set my phone down, still smiling, and let out a deep breath. The day has been long, and I’m exhausted, but as I settle into my bed, everything suddenly feels lighter. The weight that’s been pressing down on me for so long feels a little less overwhelming.

There’s still so much I have to deal with—school, Sam, the uncertainty of my future—but for the first time in a long time, I feel like it’s all manageable.

Val’s right. One step at a time, and I’ll get through this.

I close my eyes, thinking about what the weekend might bring. I imagine Val at the party, laughing with my friends, his hand warm around mine. I imagine his arm around my shoulders as we talk to Rhea, his deep voice making even Skippersmile. I think about the way his eyes light up when he looks at me, the warmth that fills me whenever I’m around him.

Maybe I’ll even wear that red dress that’s been hanging in the back of my closet, the one I bought on a whim but never had the confidence to actually put on.

I mean, I'm going to be a vampire.

I picture Val’s reaction, the way his eyes might widen just a fraction before he smiles that slow, knowing smile that makes my heart race.

The thought makes me grin, and I pull my blanket tighter around myself, letting the warmth of the moment sink in. For the first time in a while, I feel like things are moving forward—like I’m not just standing still anymore. I have friends who care about me, a future that feels possible, and Val by my side. One step at a time, and maybe I’ll finally be brave enough to take the next one.

Chapter Sixteen

LAURA

"Love and vodka on Halloween: just enough to make us forget the tricks and enjoy the treats."

Skipper’s Halloween party is in full swing at our apartment. We spent the entire day transforming it into a vibrant, slightly eerie wonderland with cobwebs draped from the ceiling, flickering candles casting shadows on the walls, and spooky decorations that add just an extra festive touch. Bats hang from the doorways, and plastic spiders are perched in every corner, their beady eyes catching the dim light. Jack-o'-lanterns flicker on windowsills, each carved with intricate patterns that give them a mischievous grin, and the air smells faintly of cinnamon and cloves from the spiced cider bubbling on the stove.

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