Page 71 of Notes About Vodka

I wink at Skipper. I definitely remember Phillip. Especially when he snuck out of Skip's room two nights ago and ran smack into me as I was exiting the bathroom. Poor guy looked like a deer caught in headlights, half-dressed and scrambling to find an excuse.

"Uh, I was just looking for my...uh...phone?" he stammered.

I had just raised an eyebrow, arms crossed, before responding, "Right. And I'm the Queen of Russia."

Phillip had practically bolted, and I’d spent the rest of the following morning teasing Skipper about his very stealthy guest. Skipper had groaned every time I brought it up, dramatically tossing a dish towel over his face and muttering,

"Why must you torment me?" To which I only responded, "Because it's fun, and your reactions are priceless."

Skipper winks back in the current time and reality, "And yet, you love us. Now go back to playing that last piece, it was pretty. Is it a new song?"

I hesitate for a moment, my fingers hovering over the keys. "Yeah, it is," I admit, a small flicker of pride warming my chest. "Just something I’ve been messing around with."

Rhea tilts her head as she pulls materials to make a sandwich from our fridge. "I'm glad you’re composing again. Maybe you’ll actually add words to this one."

I laugh lightly, shaking my head. "One step at a time, Rhea."

"Sometimes, just one moment at a time."

I shake my head and turn back to my phone, but before I can open any apps, my screen lights up with a message from Val.

Val: Hey, sunshine. Just checking in. Did you know I saw a stray cat today that looked just as grumpy as you do when you wake up? Thought of you immediately. Hope you’re surviving Rhea and Skipper’s scheming.

I snort and shake my head, typing back quickly.

Me: Wow. First of all, I’m adorable in the morning. Second, I’m highly suspicious of these two. Third, are you calling me a cat?

A reply comes almost immediately.

Val: An adorable, slightly grumpy cat, yes. But one I’d happily let nap on my couch.

I feel my cheeks heat up, but before I can craft a witty response, another message pops up.

Val: You free tonight? I’m off, and I know you are too. Come over? We can pretend to study and I’ll make you tea.

"Ooooh, Val texting you?" Skipper’s voice interrupts, and Iglance up to find both of them watching me with knowing grins.

"None of your business," I reply, locking my phone and giving them my best unimpressed stare.

"You’re blushing," Rhea points out. "That means it’s definitely Val."

"I do not blush," I argue. "My skin just…reacts to warmth."

"Right, warmth generated by romantic interest," Skipper teases. "So, what’d he say? Let me guess—he’s inviting you over so you two can ‘study’?"

"He actually is," I say, rolling my eyes. "Unlike some people, Val actually does his work."

"Sounds fake," Rhea jokes. "But go on, go do your ‘studying’. We’ll be here, making bets on how much actual studying happens."

I shake my head, ignoring their laughter as I grab my bag and text Val back.

Me: Fine, but only because I like tea. And I'm going to need coffee, too. Not because of the couch nap offer.

Val: Mhm. Sure, sunshine. See you soon.

I stare at the message for a moment, feeling an unexpected warmth spread through me. No matter how overwhelming everything else feels, Val’s messages always manage to make me smile. Maybe it's the way he teases, or maybe it's the steady reassurance beneath his words. Either way, I find myself looking forward to seeing him tonight more than I care to admit.

“Oh, and Laura," Rhea calls after me as I leave the kitchen, "I'm glad you are opening up to him, he's been good for you lately."

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