Page 80 of Notes About Vodka

I knew I should have ignored everything she was saying because I saw red when she followed up with a sickening punch line, “Oh, Laura, you should know. I’m talking about Val, after all. I’m sure you have enjoyed his delightful tongue by now. I mean, he was obsessed with me, but it looks like it’s your turn.”

The present rushes in once more.

Maybe it’s the vodka martinis and I’m drunk.

Maybe it is jealousy, but something inside me snaps.

Ever since that story, I feel like she parades herself in front of Val when I’m around. Trying to gauge some sort of reaction from him, from me.

I march over, my patience snapping. “If you want Val, fine, he’s yours,” I snap, my voice louder than I intended.

I’m so mad I really don’t know what I’m saying.

Roqui smirks, unfazed. “By all means, Laura,” she drags out my name, “I don’t know what you mean, I don’t want…Val.”

“Then back off. Val is my boyfriend and this is rude of you to drape yourself over him all night on my birthday!”

The room goes quiet, and Val steps in quickly. “Laura, I’m sorry,” he says, looking genuinely remorseful. “I thought you were friends.”

I glare at Roqui, my anger still simmering. “Friends? We were never friends. I’ve always just been polite because you asked me to be nice. And how can you not see it, she’s been making moves on you right in front of me. Not just tonight, but every night you two are behind the bar!”

Roqui rolls her eyes. “Relax, Laura. I’m not interested in Val. I’ve moved on. I told you.”

I don’t believe her, and I’m about to say more when Val gently pulls me aside. “Laura, please. Let’s not ruin your birthday. Didn’t we agree to that earlier when I mentioned, other thoughts?”

I take a deep breath, trying to calm down. He’s right. After he brought up Sam and I freaked out because this divorce istaking forever, I asked him to drop the argument and he did. I can do the same. Tomorrow, he can explain Roqui.

Unless I smack her… Okay, I may want to, but I would never. Maybe…

This is supposed to be a happy occasion. “Fine. But she needs to keep her distance.”

Val nods, understanding. “I’ll talk to her. Tell her to leave me alone for real. I promise.”

The party resumes, but there’s an underlying tension in the air. I try to focus on my friends, on Skipper’s jokes and Rhea’s laughter, even Mads quiet tallness as he keeps supplying water alongside our next vodka shots. But my eyes keep darting to Roqui, who now keeps her distance, a smug smile playing on her lips.

The night eventually winds down, and friends start to leave, saying their goodbyes. I’m getting ready to pay my tab for the food we snacked on between Val’s martinis when he walks up behind me.

“I’m sorry about tonight,” he says, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “And put that card away, I already took care of everything.”

I lean into his embrace, feeling the tension slowly melt away. “Thank you. And I’m sorry, too. I just don’t like her being around you. I’ve…never felt this type of jealousy even though I know I shouldn’t. You can’t really be mine, not yet at least.”

“Stop that,” Val spins me in his arms, “I understand you are in a weird place with Sam and I’m sorry I brought it up tonight, but I’ll make sure Roqui knows her place,” he reassures me, kissing my temple. “You, are mine. I am already yours. Maybe it’s the vodka and I’m drunk, but I’m intoxicated by YOU, LAURA, YOU. I will tell you every time you need to hear this, but I knew the moment I heard your voice that I was entrapped.”

We stand there for a moment, holding each other, the city outside our window a constant, comforting presence. Despite the drama, I feel a sense of peace knowing Val and I are on the same page; he wants me just as much as I want to give into my wanting of him.

Skipper, Rhea, Val, and I are the last at The Blue Key after we pay our check.

We take a final moment to relight the candles on the remainder of my birthday cake. Who needs a to-go box when it’s mostly devoured.

We blow out the flames together. I smile around at my two best friends and maybe third who could be so much more.

I make a silent wish for the year ahead – for love, for peace, and for fewer surprises like Roqui and my mother. I wish for the nightmare called Sam to finally conclude. I wish for my family back home. As Val squeezes my hand, as the candle smoke circles into the air above I sigh, leaning back into this man who wants to be my rock, my foundation.

Chapter Twenty-Four

LAURA

"A night of vodka may blur the stars, but waking to love is the only clarity that matters."

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