Page 89 of Notes About Vodka

“Details, details,” Leigha says, waving her hand dismissively. “We’re close enough! I use Laura’s good looks and sweet nature to seduce all the boys who are into her.”

I glance at Laura, who looks both amused and slightly embarrassed. “Is that so?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, yeah,” Leigha brags. “Laura attracts all the pretty ones. I just swoop in and have my fun.” She laughs loudly, causing a few heads to turn our way.

Laura sighs, pushing Leigha gently away from me. “Leigha, stop it.”

“What?” Leigha says, pouting. “It’s true! You’re the angel, and I’m the devil. It’s the perfect combination.”

“Laura, will you please come to the stage,” the karaoke DJ calls over the speaker.

Laura’s eyes widen slightly, and she gives me a nervous smile. “Wish me luck,” she whispers.

“Good luck,” I say, squeezing her hand before she slips away toward the stage.

The crowd claps as she steps into the spotlight. The opening chords ofDreamsby Fleetwood Mac float through the speakers, and Laura takes a deep breath before she begins tosing. Her voice, smooth and soulful, fills the room, drawing everyone’s attention.

I can’t look away. The way she sways with the music, the glimmer of her dress catching the light with each movement, makes my heart race. Around me, the bar falls into a hushed admiration.

When the song ends, there’s a beat of silence before the crowd erupts in applause. Laura gives a shy smile, bows slightly, and heads back to the table, cheeks flushed.

“Wow,” I breathe as she sits beside me, “that was incredible.”

“Thanks,” she says, still catching her breath. “I almost chickened out.”

“I’m glad you didn’t,” I reply, meaning every word."

The night wears on, and after her third song, I can tell Laura is happy but exhausted, her cheeks flushed from the excitement of performing.

Leigha has moved on to a different crowd, leaving us with a bit more peace.

I look at Laura, taking a deep breath. “So, where’s the after-party?”

She laughs, shaking her head. “You always want to keep the night going, don’t you?”

“Only if it’s with you,” I reply, giving her a playful wink.

“Honestly, I’m getting tired.”

“Want to come back to my place?” I ask, hoping she’ll say yes.

She hesitates for a moment, then nods. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

“Skipper, Rhea,” Laura asks her best friends, “can you make sure Leigha gets back to our place? Tell Daddy and Barbara that I’m staying with Val tonight. I’ll be back in the morning and we can all go to breakfast before they fly back to Alabama.”

The cool night air is refreshing after the warmth of the bars as we make our way back to my place. When we enter, I turn on some soft music and dim the lights.

“Your place is always so nice,” she says, smiling at me.

“I’m glad you think so,” I reply, pulling her into a gentle hug. “Happy Thanksgiving, Laura.”

“Thank you, Val, Happy Thanksgiving to you, too” she whispers, resting her head against my chest.

We sit on the couch, talking and laughing about the night’s events. There’s a comfortable ease between us, a connection that feels deeper than just physical attraction. As the conversation lulls, I lean in and kiss her softly. She responds, her lips warm and inviting.

The kiss deepens, and soon we’re lost in each other. However, this time when she pulls away, she pulls me up from the couch with her.

Looking me into the eyes, she says, “Val, I want you.”

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