Page 27 of Notes About Vodka (Happily Ever After Hangover #1)

She’s been in Vegas for months, traveling with one of NYC’s major ballet companies in their latest production.

Roqui works her ass off no matter the job.

But I know she’s hoping to move up to a principal position, and knowing Roq, she’s probably charmed half of the city while she was at it.

There’s something about her—magnetic, relentless, succeeding.

Gotta admit, it’s good to see her again.

Roqui’s always been strategic, subtly competitive woman. And secretive. Which is why our fling worked when it did. She knew how to keep things casual and avoid drama, but there was always an underlying edge to her actions. She wanted control, always made sure she had the upper hand.

So why does it feel like a ticking bomb waiting to go off even though I’m glad to see her.

I’m wiping down the bar, trying to shake off Tony’s dumbass comment about me and Roqui hooking up again, when I catch a glimpse of her leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, smirking like she knows something I don’t.

"Well, well, well," she says, raising an eyebrow. "So Tony’s still the king of shit-stirring, huh? I overheard his little joke. Gotta say, wasn’t expecting to come back and already be part of the gossip mill."

I sigh, setting the rag down and looking over at her. "Yeah, you know how he is. Always stirring the pot. But it’s bullshit. I’m not about to go back to whatever he thinks we had."

Roqui chuckles, pushing off the doorframe and strolling over.

"Aw, Val, you wound me," she says sarcastically, resting her hands on the bar.

"Remember all those nights we spent together? I thought for sure I'd still be your number one. You know, no one else knows you quite like I do. So, if it’s not me, then who’s got your attention now? "

I hesitate for a second, not sure how much I want to say, but this is Roqui—straightforward, no games. She’ll find out eventually anyway.

“It’s Laura. The girl who was behind the bar earlier? She took off when Tony made his little comment.”

Roqui squints like she’s trying to place the name. "Laura... Wait, the one who looked like she wanted to punch Tony in the face before she bolted?"

“Yeah, that’s the one,” I say, shaking my head with a half-smile. “I’ve been seeing her. Well, trying to, at least.”

Roqui studies me for a second, a mix of curiosity and something else I can’t quite read. "Huh. Didn’t peg you for the type to get all wrapped up in someone like that. But hey, she’s cute. And Tony’s a dick."

I laugh, leaning against the bar. "Yeah, tell me something I don’t know."

Roqui shrugs, a hint of a grin on her lips.

"Look, Val, I’m not here to mess with whatever you’ve got going on.

I just came back to work and maybe grab a drink now and then.

But you should know, if Laura’s the one you’re after, you’ve gotta make it clear to her.

She seemed...rattled. Probably thought Tony was right, that I’m still in the picture. "

I nod, taking that in. She’s right, and I can’t let Laura keep doubting where my head—or my heart—is at. "I know. I’m on it. Thanks, Roq."

She gives me a mock salute, the usual playful edge back in her eyes. "Anytime, man. Just don’t expect me to hold back if Tony says something dumb again. I’ve been waiting months to tell him off. "

With that, she saunters off to the back, leaving me to figure out how the hell I’m going to smooth things over with Laura. I watch her go, my mind racing.

I need to talk to Laura. Now. I don’t trust Roqui. And…

I don’t have much time to dwell on it because I overhear Roqui talking to Laura in the break-room. I don’t mean to eavesdrop, but, well, I do. Sue me.

“Hey, you okay?” Roqui’s voice carries through the door, casual, but there’s an unmistakable condescension to it, like she’s enjoying this more than she should, subtly trying to undermine Laura’s feelings..

Laura hesitates before answering. "I’m fine." But her tone betrays her—she’s definitely not fine.

“You heard what Tony said, huh?” Roqui’s voice shifts, not quite as comforting as it might seem.

“Look, don’t let that get to you. Tony likes to stir the pot.

Val and I were a thing, sure, but who knows—maybe some feelings just don't go away that easily. But hey, he’s into you now, not me. Trust me.”

How does Roqui know all this? Well, it’s Roqui.

She’s always been perceptive, a little too perceptive for her own good.

Maybe she picked up on how I look at Laura when we’re talking earlier, or maybe someone else filled her in while she came back.

Either way, she’s not wrong. I haven’t looked at anyone the way I look at Laura in a long time.

I hover by the door, not sure if I should interrupt or let them hash it out.

Laura’s quiet for a beat, and I can almost feel the weight of her hesitation through the door. I want to go in there, tell her it’s all good, but I don’t. Not yet.

Finally, Laura speaks, her voice shaky. “I just don’t know if I can do this.

I’m still technically… Well, that’s a long story that's really none of your business. And Val… He could just go back to you, and I’d be left alone again.

Some of the other wait ers mentioned that y’all were pretty hot and heavy last Spring. .."

The words hit me like a punch in the gut. She’s scared. Scared I’ll leave her, scared I’ll run back to Roqui—or worse, scared that she’s not enough because of all the baggage she’s carrying with Sam. I can’t let her think that. I can’t let her sit there doubting us.

I take a deep breath and step into the room. Both Laura and Roqui look up, startled by my sudden appearance. I don’t even glance at Roqui; my focus is entirely on Laura. Her eyes meet mine, wide and filled with uncertainty, and it breaks my heart a little.

"Laura," I say softly, stepping closer. She shifts slightly, as if bracing herself for bad news, but I’m not going to let her spiral. Not like this.

Roqui doesn’t say anything, just gives me a quick nod, her lips curling into a knowing smile, as if to say she still has her hooks in me.

Laura shifts uncomfortably, her eyes narrowing slightly, and I can see her grip tighten on the edge of the counter.

It’s like she’s trying to steady herself, fighting against whatever insecurity Roqui's presence has stirred up.

Roqui seems to enjoy it, her gaze lingering on Laura for a moment longer before she finally turns and quietly slips out.

She turns and quietly slips out, leaving Laura and me alone. I walk over to Laura, my hands already itching to reach for her.

“Listen to me,” I say, my voice low, “I’m not going anywhere. Roqui and I… Yeah, we had fun, but that’s it. It didn’t mean anything, and it’s over. You’re the one I want, Laura. Just you.”

She looks down, chewing on her bottom lip. I can see the uncertainty in her eyes, the way her shoulders slump slightly like she’s preparing herself for heartbreak. It tears me apart.

“But I’m still married,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “I don’t want to drag you into that mess. And what if… What if you decide that I’m too much to deal with?”

That’s enough—I close the distance between us, pulling her into my arms.

I kiss her, slowly and tenderly, with every bit of reassurance I can give. I feel her melt against me, all that tension and doubt unraveling as I hold her close, wanting her to feel just how much she means to me.

When I finally pull back, I rest my forehead against hers, whispering, “You’re not too much. You’re my world, Laura. I’m not going anywhere, I swear to you.”

Her eyes flicker with emotion, and for the first time, I see that uncertainty start to fade. She lets out a shaky breath, her hands clutching the front of my shirt like she’s afraid to let go.

“I’ll be here, no matter what happens,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t have to worry about Roqui, or Sam, or anything else. Just take your time, figure things out. I’m not leaving.”

Laura nods slowly, her grip on my shirt loosening as she leans into me. I hold her, letting her rest against my chest, knowing that, for once, I’ve actually gotten through to her.

Whatever’s coming next, we’ll face it together. I’m not letting her face it alone. She looks up at me, her eyes wide and searching, like she’s trying to see if I’m lying. I’m not. I’m yours forever Laura, just have me.

“I promise you,” I say softly. “It’s just you.

” Laura lets out a shaky breath and nods, but I can still feel the fear lingering.

I kiss her again, softer this time, as if that could reassure her of what I already know.

She’s mine, and I’m hers, and nothing—not her past, not Roqui, not anything—is going to change that .

But as she rests her head against my chest, I realize something. I want to spoil her, take care of her in ways she’s never seen before. I want to make her feel safe, wanted, adored—all the things she deserves but has never had.

Coffee, food at school, a fuzzy bathrobe since it’s getting colder at night. Dresses. Perfume. Everything she deserves. I want her to wake up every day knowing just how much she’s loved.

But it’s still autumn, and I don’t even know her birthday yet. I want to know all of it—her favorite flowers, her favorite books, what makes her smile on her worst days. I want to learn every detail that makes Laura who she is, and then I want to give her all of it.

She shifts in my arms, and I look down, seeing her eyes closed, her breathing even. She’s exhausted. I tighten my hold, resting my chin on her head, and just stand there, holding her, hoping she knows I mean every word.

I’ve got time. And I’m going to make every second count.

And maybe, I can make her see that she deserves everything. Including me. Including how much I adore US.