Page 53 of Notes About Vodka

Skipper and Rhea have gone all out for the event. Skipper is in his element, bustling around with excitement. One moment he’s arranging a platter of ghost-shaped cookies, the next he’s finalizing our costumes. He carefully applies the final touches of makeup and adjusts my fangsbefore adding a few more rips to my fishnet stockings. He glances at the cobwebs hanging above and gives a nod of approval, satisfied with the overall effect.

I slip into my vampire costume, the thigh-length sheer red velvet gown that I know Val is going to love. I remember the way his eyes lit up when he first saw me in red, and knowing that he likes it makes me feel even more confident tonight.

Skip helped tack in a black velvet high, dramatic collar to add effect. The fabric clings to my figure, and I can't help but feel a rush of confidence. Then Skipper adds the pièce de résistance—a cape that he made for me. The same length as my dress, on top it is black with leathery texture, underneath pops a silky layer of silver. The cape flares out when I move, adding an extra dramatic flair, and I twirl around for Skipper, who claps his hands together in delight.

“You look absolutely stunning,” Skipper says, his eyes shining with pride as he ties the cape and pulls my hair up off my neck. Securing it with a few silver spikes, he continues, “Girl, if I was straight, I’d be fucking you right now.”

I laugh, “You are so stupid, Skip.”

“Whatever, you know you have always wanted this.” Skipper shakes his ass as he adds, “This is going to be the best party we’ve ever had. Now let’s get you into character.”

He expertly applies a bit more white foundation to enhance my vampiric pallor and adjusts the cape, making sure it drapes perfectly. He steps back and studies me critically, then flashes me a grin.

“Perfect! Now, for the finishing touch,” he adds, securing a small, sparkling tiara to my hair for that extra bit of vampire royalty flair. The tiara catches the light, and I feel like a character straight out of a dark romance fairy tale.

As I admire myself in the mirror, Skipper emerges from hiscloset, fully transformed into his Prince-inspired persona. He’s wearing a stunning dark purple crushed velvet suit with an elaborate ruffled collar that drapes dramatically over his shoulders. The fabric shimmers every time he moves, reflecting the dim lighting in the room. His outfit is complemented by a glittering crown that sparkles with every movement, and knee-high, shiny black boots that complete the look.

In his hands, he’s holding a cardboard guitar, painted to resemble one of Prince's iconic instruments. Despite being made of cardboard, the guitar is meticulously decorated with silver accents and purple details, capturing the essence of Prince's extravagant style. Skipper strums the air with exaggerated motions, playing an imaginary solo with a grin, fully embracing his role as the rockstar. He lets out an exaggerated rockstar yell, pumping his fist in the air.

“Are you ready to rock the party, or what, my Queen?” he says with a theatrical flourish, his voice dripping with enthusiasm. The combination of his outfit and the makeshift guitar is going to make him the star of the evening. He strikes a pose, and I can't help but laugh at how fully he embodies the persona.

Giggling, I say, “Of course, my Prince.”

He twirls in front of the mirror, grinning. “And now, my lovely vampire, let’s go get that other mad roommate out of her bathroom and skip to the ball!”

Rhea, who had been mysteriously missing for the past half hour, emerges just then, her appearance striking. She’s transformed into the Mad Hatter, her vibrant costume full of eccentric charm. Her flamboyant top hat, adorned with colorful feathers and ribbons, tilts playfully to the side. She wears a patchwork waistcoat over a white shirt with frilly cuffs, cinched with a jewel-toned satin sash. Her trousers are mismatched, oneleg in bold plaid, the other checkered, and her makeup is equally exaggerated, making her look like she’s walked right out of Wonderland.

“Ta-da!” she exclaims, striking a pose. “The Maddest of us all has arrived!”

Skipper claps his hands in excitement. “Fabulous, darling. You look incredible!” He loops his arm through hers. “Come on, let’s get this party started.”

The party is in full swing and the apartment is filled with a lively crowd. Music pulses through the speakers, and the lights have been dimmed to give the room a spooky, atmospheric glow.

I catch sight of Val entering, dressed as a… huh, a pirate, maybe. His costume is charmingly rugged, with a tattered shirt, but he has a trench coat with a hood over the outfit. He has a hint of eyeliner around his eyes, which only adds to his roguish charm.

He scans the room, and when his eyes land on me, his face lights up.

“Ahoy, lassy!” Val calls out, striking a Captain Morgan pose with a grin. “Ye be lookin’ like a vision of the high seas, all dressed up in yer fine vampire attire!”

I laugh at his playful banter and bad accent.

“Why, thank you, Captain,” I reply, twirling in my gown. “You’re quite the dashing… um pirate?”

Val approaches, continuing to use his pirate speak. “Arrr, ‘tis true, I be the finest virtual pirate on these cyber shores! But enough o’ that. How’s my enchanting vampirethis evenin’?”

I can’t help but chuckle at his enthusiastic performance. “You’re a virtual pirate, oh my God Valerie! This is too funny. And I’m doing great, Val. Just enjoying the party.”

Val’s eyes soften as he drops the pirate act. “Seriously, you look amazing, Laura. I’m really glad that you invited me to come out tonight.”

My heart flutters at his words, a warmth spreading through my chest. It feels like all the chaos of the party fades when he's near, and I realize just how much his presence means to me. There’s something about the way he looks at me that makes me feel seen and cherished in a way I haven’t felt in a long time.

We step outside onto the sidewalk for a breath of fresh air. The apartment is buzzing with energy, and stepping out for a moment feels like a welcome break.

I pull out the dugout Skip made me that has a bit of weed hidden inside the wooden box. Pulling out the metal bat, I use the rim to pick up a one-hitter before I light it up. Blowing the smoke upward, I feel my body relax.

Reloading, I offer a drag to Val.

“Care to join me?” I ask, handing him the cigarette looking device.

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