Page 88 of Notes About Vodka

When our lips meet, she's hesitant at first, but then she opens for me and I kiss her like my life depends on it.

"How was Thanksgiving?” I ask as I release Laura and she sits down next to me.

“It was okay.”

"Just okay?" I ask.I can see the strain in her eyes as tear well up in the corners. "What's wrong Laura? What happened?"

Skipper, ever the blunt one, comes through the crowd, jumps in. Rhea closely behind him as they both take the remaining seats at our table.

“It sucked,” he says, not bothering to sugarcoat it. “Her stepmom is a control freak who blows money they don’t have, and her dad got drunk and fussed at Leigha the entire way back to the apartment. I can't believe you didn't just get them a hotel room.”

I raise an eyebrow, concerned. “That sounds rough. Is Leigha your step-mom?”

Laura shakes her head, sighing. “No, Leigha is my stepsister. She's the blonde that was singing with me when you walked in.She's somewhere, not sure where at the moment."

Rhea interjects, "Yeah, somewhere probably doing coke with a rando in the back.”

I wince. “I’m sorry, Laura. That sounds like a nightmare.”

“It’s alright,” she says, trying to brush it off. “At least it’s over. And now I’m here with you guys.”

Laura leans into my side and I wrap my arm around her.

"Damn straight," Mads agrees, "Now, who's up for some shots?"

"Me!" A high pitch voice cries out as cold fingers pull myarm away from Laura. "Get your hands off, this is myyyyyyyyyyyyyyy siiiiisteeeeeeeerrrrrr!"

"Leigha, good grief," the blonde from the stage wraps herself around my girl, "can you just sit down? And please, stop hanging all over me. You know that hurts my spine."

Leigha looks high and like she's had way too much to drink. I can't say anything though because I probably look the same way.

She grumbles, "You are the worst big sister ever," before slinking into a stool next to Laura. Crossing her arms in front of her Leigha sticks her tongue out at Laura before she turns to face Dante and Isabella.

"So you two are an item. Cute. What's the story there?" Leigha asks.

Dante just growls at the girl and Isabella giggles.

Before Leigha can continue her interrogation of my boss, Mads comes back with a tray of tequila shots.

"Shots, shots, shots," Skipper and Laura start chanting.

"You know, we are going to be hungover for months after this week," Rhea states.

"Who cares!" Leigha hops out of her seat, grabbing the first glass and tossing it back.

Leigha is a whirlwind of energy. After three rounds of shots, her presence is wild and unpredictable. But she fits right in, cracking jokes and making everyone laugh.

“So, Leigha,” I say, turning towards her. At some point she moved from Laura and sat next to me. “How are you liking New York?”

Leigha rolls her eyes dramatically, swaying slightly. “Oh, it's amazing. I completely understand why Laura is obsessed with the city.”

Leigha has light green eyes and they twinkle as she winks atme and gives me a chest a slight shove with her hand. I smile because I hope I'm part of Laura's obsession.

The conversation continues to flow. Leigha and I exchange playful banter, teasing each other about our drink choices and taste in music. But I notice that Laura keeps a close eye on her stepsister, concern evident.

Leigha suddenly grins mischievously and wraps an arm around me. “You know, we’re twins,” she declares, her words slurred but full of enthusiasm. “L and L. Love and Lust.”

Laura chuckles, shaking her head. “Leigha, we’re not twins. You’re seven months younger than me and my step-sister.”

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