Page 30 of Notes About Vodka (Happily Ever After Hangover #1)

Chapter Sixteen

LAURA

"Love and vodka on Halloween: just enough to make us forget the tricks and enjoy the treats."

Skipper’s Halloween party is in full swing at our apartment.

We spent the entire day transforming it into a vibrant, slightly eerie wonderland with cobwebs draped from the ceiling, flickering candles casting shadows on the walls, and spooky decorations that add just an extra festive touch.

Bats hang from the doorways, and plastic spiders are perched in every corner, their beady eyes catching the dim light.

Jack-o'-lanterns flicker on windowsills, each carved with intricate patterns that give them a mischievous grin, and the air smells faintly of cinnamon and cloves from the spiced cider bubbling on the stove.

Skipper and Rhea have gone all out for the event.

Skipper is in his element, bustling around with excitement.

One moment he’s arranging a platter of ghost-shaped cookies, the next he’s finalizing our costumes.

He carefully applies the final touches of makeup and adjusts my fangs before adding a few more rips to my fishnet stockings.

He glances at the cobwebs hanging above and gives a nod of approval, satisfied with the overall effect.

I slip into my vampire costume, the thigh-length sheer red velvet gown that I know Val is going to love. I remember the way his eyes lit up when he first saw me in red, and knowing that he likes it makes me feel even more confident tonight.

Skip helped tack in a black velvet high, dramatic collar to add effect.

The fabric clings to my figure, and I can't help but feel a rush of confidence.

Then Skipper adds the pièce de résistance—a cape that he made for me.

The same length as my dress, on top it is black with leathery texture, underneath pops a silky layer of silver.

The cape flares out when I move, adding an extra dramatic flair, and I twirl around for Skipper, who claps his hands together in delight.

“You look absolutely stunning,” Skipper says, his eyes shining with pride as he ties the cape and pulls my hair up off my neck. Securing it with a few silver spikes, he continues, “Girl, if I was straight, I’d be fucking you right now.”

I laugh, “You are so stupid, Skip.”

“Whatever, you know you have always wanted this.” Skipper shakes his ass as he adds, “This is going to be the best party we’ve ever had. Now let’s get you into character.”

He expertly applies a bit more white foundation to enhance my vampiric pallor and adjusts the cape, making sure it drapes perfectly. He steps back and studies me critically, then flashes me a grin.

“Perfect! Now, for the finishing touch,” he adds, securing a small, sparkling tiara to my hair for that extra bit of vampire royalty flair. The tiara catches the light, and I feel like a character straight out of a dark romance fairy tale.

As I admire myself in the mirror, Skipper emerges from his closet, fully transformed into his Prince-inspired persona.

He’s wearing a stunning dark purple crushed velvet suit with an elaborate ruffled collar that drapes dramatically over his shoulders.

The fabric shimmers every time he moves, reflecting the dim lighting in the room.

His outfit is complemented by a glittering crown that sparkles with every movement, and knee-high, shiny black boots that complete the look.

In his hands, he’s holding a cardboard guitar, painted to resemble one of Prince's iconic instruments.

Despite being made of cardboard, the guitar is meticulously decorated with silver accents and purple details, capturing the essence of Prince's extravagant style.

Skipper strums the air with exaggerated motions, playing an imaginary solo with a grin, fully embracing his role as the rockstar.

He lets out an exaggerated rockstar yell, pumping his fist in the air.

“Are you ready to rock the party, or what, my Queen?” he says with a theatrical flourish, his voice dripping with enthusiasm.

The combination of his outfit and the makeshift guitar is going to make him the star of the evening.

He strikes a pose, and I can't help but laugh at how fully he embodies the persona.

Giggling, I say, “Of course, my Prince.”

He twirls in front of the mirror, grinning. “And now, my lovely vampire, let’s go get that other mad roommate out of her bathroom and skip to the ball!”

Rhea, who had been mysteriously missing for the past half hour, emerges just then, her appearance striking.

She’s transformed into the Mad Hatter, her vibrant costume full of eccentric charm.

Her flamboyant top hat, adorned with colorful feathers and ribbons, tilts playfully to the side.

She wears a patchwork waistcoat over a white shirt with frilly cuffs, cinched with a jewel-toned satin sash.

Her trousers are mismatched, one leg in bold plaid, the other checkered, and her makeup is equally exaggerated, making her look like she’s walked right out of Wonderland.

“Ta-da!” she exclaims, striking a pose. “The Maddest of us all has arrived!”

Skipper claps his hands in excitement. “Fabulous, darling. You look incredible!” He loops his arm through hers. “Come on, let’s get this party started.”

The party is in full swing and the apartment is filled with a lively crowd. Music pulses through the speakers, and the lights have been dimmed to give the room a spooky, atmospheric glow.

I catch sight of Val entering, dressed as a… huh, a pirate, maybe. His costume is charmingly rugged, with a tattered shirt, but he has a trench coat with a hood over the outfit. He has a hint of eyeliner around his eyes, which only adds to his roguish charm.

He scans the room, and when his eyes land on me, his face lights up.

“Ahoy, lassy!” Val calls out, striking a Captain Morgan pose with a grin. “Ye be lookin’ like a vision of the high seas, all dressed up in yer fine vampire attire!”

I laugh at his playful banter and bad accent.

“Why, thank you, Captain,” I reply, twirling in my gown. “You’re quite the dashing… um pirate?”

Val approaches, continuing to use his pirate speak. “Arrr, ‘tis true, I be the finest virtual pirate on these cyber shores! But enough o’ that. How’s my enchanting vampire this evenin’?”

I can’t help but chuckle at his enthusiastic performance. “You’re a virtual pirate, oh my God Valerie! This is too funny. And I’m doing great, Val. Just enjoying the party.”

Val’s eyes soften as he drops the pirate act. “Seriously, you look amazing, Laura. I’m really glad that you invited me to come out tonight.”

My heart flutters at his words, a warmth spreading through my chest. It feels like all the chaos of the party fades when he's near, and I realize just how much his presence means to me. There’s something about the way he looks at me that makes me feel seen and cherished in a way I haven’t felt in a long time.

We step outside onto the sidewalk for a breath of fresh air. The apartment is buzzing with energy, and stepping out for a moment feels like a welcome break.

I pull out the dugout Skip made me that has a bit of weed hidden inside the wooden box. Pulling out the metal bat, I use the rim to pick up a one-hitter before I light it up. Blowing the smoke upward, I feel my body relax.

Reloading, I offer a drag to Val.

“Care to join me?” I ask, handing him the cigarette looking device.

Val takes it with a smile. “Absolutely. This is just what I needed.”

As we stand together, the cool night air mixing with the smoke, a stranger wanders over, looking slightly lost but hopeful.

“Hey, do you have a light?” he asks, his voice a bit hesitant.

Val produces his lighter with a friendly nod. “Here you go.” The stranger lights his cigarette and takes a drag before commenting, “You two make a fine married couple. Must be nice.”

I glance at Val, feeling a moment of discomfort. Val chuckles softly and shakes his head, still holding the lighter. “Married, eh? That’s a new one.”

I force a small smile and respond, “Thanks for the compliment. We’re just here to enjoy the party.”

The stranger nods and walks away, leaving Val and me alone.

Val turns to me with a reassuring smile. “Whatever people think, I’m just glad to be here with you.”

We head back inside where the party continues with vibrant energy.

The music is loud, the laughter is genuine, and the costumes add an extra layer of fun to the evening.

I feel Val’s arm wrap around my waist as we make our way through the crowd, and I lean into him, feeling a sense of comfort I haven’t felt in a long time.

It’s well after midnight and the party is in full swing, the energy electric. Music pulses through the apartment, mixing with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses.

I’m lost in the rhythm, moving closely with Val. His pirate costume sways with each step, and his enthusiasm makes it impossible for me to stay still. The way he moves, confident and smooth, makes my heart race.

Skipper is the life of the party, strumming his cardboard guitar and striking rockstar poses.

Occasionally, he and Rhea join us on the dance floor, bringing bursts of playful energy.

Skipper’s high heels click rhythmically as he twirls Rhea.

Her top hat bobs with every move, and her wild dancing is a sight to behold.

They draw everyone’s attention, their over-the-top antics making everyone laugh and cheer.

I find myself increasingly focused on Val. His movements are fluid and confident, and his gaze never leaves me as we dance. There’s a magnetic pull between us that’s impossible to ignore.

As the night progresses, the music, the lights, and the joy seem to create a bubble around us.

Skipper and Rhea are now entertaining the crowd with a hilarious dance-off.

Everyone is laughing, but Val and I are barely aware of it.

We’re caught up in our own world, the connection between us growing stronger with every passing moment.

I don’t even notice how we slip away from the crowd until we’re back out on the balcony.

The cool night air feels like a refreshing contrast to the heat of the party inside.

I lean against the railing, my heart racing.

Val steps closer, his eyes locking with mine.

There’s an intensity in his gaze that makes my breath catch.

“You know,” he says softly, “I’ve been wanting to give you something all night.”

Before I can respond, Val closes the gap between us.

His lips find mine in a kiss that is both passionate and tender.

The moment is intoxicating, and I’m overwhelmed by the warmth of his lips and the intensity of his embrace.

The world around us seems to fade away, leaving just the two of us in our own little bubble.

I melt into the kiss, my hands finding their way to the back of his neck, pulling him closer.

The lights of the city cast a soft glow on our faces, adding a magical quality to the moment.

The distant sounds of the party fade away, leaving just the sound of our breathing and the pounding of my heart.

Val pulls back slightly, his forehead resting against mine. “I’ve been wanting to do that all day,” he admits, his voice husky.

I smile, feeling a rush of emotion. “Me too. ”

We lean in for another kiss, this one slow like normal, but also more deeper than before. I can feel the heat between us.

The city lights twinkle around us, and a cool breeze rustles my cape, sending a shiver down my spine. For a moment, everything feels perfect. I feel safe, cherished, and more alive than I have in a long time.

The city, the party, everything else fades into the background as we lose ourselves in each other. One step at a time. And maybe, just maybe, I’m finally ready for whatever comes next.

I try to pull away but Val grabs my ass, tugging me to him.

I gasp as he lifts my dress and then one of my thighs, melding our bodies together as closely as he can.

I feel the friction from his jeans scrape along the thin fabric of my underwear causing my body to tremble.

I lower my hand and can feel how turned on Val is.

Oh my, there’s a lot behind that straining zipper.

“Val,” I try to murmur but he puts a finger to my lips.

Whispering in my ear, Val says, “I want to fuck you so bad. But I’ll wait. My soul sees yours, and I’ll wait until you are ready for me. But I really need to make you feel good right now, Laura babe.”

I moan as he kisses up the collar of my throat, rubbing myself on his leg as I chase the approaching orgasm.

Val wedges his hand between our bodies, stroking my sex through my soaked panties.

He expertly slips his fingers in between my panties and folds.

Then, the two digits easily fill me. I’m already so wet and as Val’s fingers slide in and out, I start to see stars.

When his thumb presses into my clit, the climax takes me over the top and I cry out Val’s name, moaning into his chest.

Val cries out my own name. I feel warmth spreading from his jeans where I’m still grinding into him as the last lingers of my orgasm fade away.

He shrugs as I look up into his eyes. “What can I say, you turn me into a teenage boy again who can’t hold his load when his arms are around a beautiful woman.”

The city, school, Pianissimo , Sam, my worries, all the troubles fade away as I sag into Val’s hold, resting against his chest. The city lights twinkle around us as I just listen to the harmony of our hearts beating in time, together.