Page 99 of Notes About Vodka

For a moment, I think he might say something back, something that will bridge the gap between us. But he just stands there, shoulders tight, a hurt expression in his eyes I’ve never seen before.

Finally, Val speaks. "Do whatever you want, Laura. Go to Baltimore, quitPianissimo, chase this dream. But don’t expect me to sit here and wait while you decide if I fit into it or not."

Tonight, we're back at the piano bar where Val and I first met, but the atmosphere feels charged with tension.

My heart beats faster as I hand Tony my resignation letter, knowing he won't take it well. He's been on edge all night, shooting disapproving glances at Val and me, making snide comments just loud enough to hear.

Val stands close beside me, his presence comforting even though I’m mad at him. Amidst Tony's bad attitude, I’m glad I have Val. I feel his hand gently squeezing mine, a silent gesture of solidarity and reassurance.

Tony's face contorts into a scowl as he scans the letter. "This is a mistake, Laura," he says sharply, his tone dripping with irritation. "You're throwing away a good job for what? Pursuing some medical career? Laura, you could be one of thegreatest pianists this world has ever experienced, just think of the money you could make one day."

My anger flares, but Val steps forward before I can retort. His voice is firm and unwavering. "It's not just a career change," he asserts, his gaze fixed on Tony. "Laura's pursuing her passion and her future. She's making a decision that's best for her. And for us."

Huh, where did this come from… Val wasn’t supportive at home.

Tony's jaw tightens, his eyes darting between us. I can see the struggle on his face, the clash between disappointment and resignation. He hesitates, then speaks again, his tone slightly softer but still edged with disapproval. "Well, it’s your decision, but I think you're making a mistake, Laura. And don’t try to come back when this new job is over."

I take a deep breath, steadying myself against his words. Val's presence beside me steadies my resolve. “Tony, it’s not a job, it is an internship. You are right, it will end, and when I do get back to New York, I promise you don’t have to worry about me coming back here. Dr. Marsch at NYU has already hired me as a chemistry teaching assistant next year.”

Without a word, I turn in my resignation letter, sad that I can’t give them a proper two weeks notice.

Tony watches us, his expression unreadable. Finally, he sighs heavily and nods. "Fine," he says tersely. "If that's what you want."

When we exit the piano bar, I lean in and kiss Val on the steps of the building where our romance started, a silent expression of gratitude for his unwavering support, even if a little bit delayed.

As I turn away, I feel a mixture of relief and sadness. Walking away from this job feels like closing a chapter, butVal's steady presence reassures me that I'm making the right choice.

Nine mornings later…

I wake up to the delightful smell of bacon, eggs, and coffee. I can hear Val in the kitchen. Taking a moment to brush my teeth, I slowly make my way down the hall.

When Val sees me from where he’s standing at the stove, his dark eyes light up and a back smile crosses his face. The past few days, we have been back in the honeymoon stage.

“Laura,” Val says with reverence as he moves towards me.

Pulling my coffee from the microwave, he hands it to me. As I sip, his fingers slip under the shirt I’m wearing. It’s an old Russian shirt of his with the sickle and hammer behind a two-headed eagle. Faded red and soft, it’s one of the few items I’ve collected of Val’s for myself.

“Woman, you are going to be the death of me.”

“Why? How so Valerie?”

“Do you have anything on under my shirt?”

“Nope!” I say, popping the P proudly.

Val’s fingers track lower. Tickling the tops of my thighs, he takes his time as he presses two fingers into my very wet pussy. I put my coffee behind me on the counter as Val pushes me against the drawers.

“Fuck, baby. Why are you always ready to go?”

“Can’t help it, it’s what you do to me,” I say as Val’s lips find mine. The way this man kisses is a sin. His tongue tangles with mine. Before I realize it, Val has lifted me on top of the counter. Dropping his sweatpants, he lines up his thick hard cock before slamming inside of me.

I sigh in relief. Val’s lips trail down my neck. Pushing my shirt up, he finds my right nipple and sucks on his while his hips pump hard and fast.

It doesn’t take long and I’m seeing stars.

Confession, after spine surgery, I couldn’t get wet or excited about being with Sam. I tried lubes and even medicine. But with Val, it’s like I’m 17 again. I can’t get enough. I’m insatiable and luckily, he can keep up.

I come again when my fingers find my clit and I rub vigorous circles around the hard nub.

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