Page 59 of Notes About Vodka (Happily Ever After Hangover #1)

She continues, her gaze dropping to her hands.

“I’ve been dealing with my mom’s issues my whole life, and it’s draining in ways that are hard to explain.

When I got that call, I knew she’d hit rock bottom again.

And...this time, I don’t think I can keep doing it.

I don’t think I can keep getting pulled back in. ”

My chest tightens, the words heavy with meaning. “You mean...cutting ties?”

She nods slowly, her voice catching. “It’s just that every time I try to get closer to her, it’s like she drags me back down with her. I’m always stuck between wanting to help her and needing to protect myself.”

I want to say something reassuring, something that would let her know I understand, but the truth is, I don’t.

The thought of severing ties with family feels impossible, almost unimaginable.

“But...she’s still your mom,” I say cautiously.

“Doesn’t that mean there’s some way to work through this? Together?”

Laura’s eyes flash with a mix of frustration and sadness. “Val, I know it’s hard to understand. But it’s like...it’s like her life is a sinkhole, and if I get too close, I lose myself.” She pauses, searching for the right words. “And as hard as it is, I think it’s time to let go for my own sake.”

There’s a rawness to her words, and I can see how much it pains her to even say them out loud. Slowly, I reach for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I might not understand, but...I get that it’s hard. And if this is what you need, I’ll be here for you, whatever you decide.”

Her shoulders relax, a small breath of relief escaping her lips. “Thank you. Just knowing you’re with me on this...it means more than you know. Besides, I’ll be home in two weeks and I want to know we are okay.”

“We are more than okay, lubimaya, you are my world,” I tell her. “I love you, Laura.”

She leans into me, resting her head on my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around her, pulling her close. We sit there in silence, just breathing together, the weight of the conversation settling around us.

The next morning, we take the train, per Laura’s request, to Washington, D.C. The city is buzzing with excitement for the holiday, and there’s an electric energy in the air. Skipper leads us as we walk toward the National Mall, pointing out some of his favorite sites from a past trip here.

“Oh, I could give you the whole tour,” he says with a wink. “Let’s start with the giant Abe himself.”

We follow his lead, and by the time we reach the Lincoln Memorial, Laura’s bouncing with excitement. She interrupts Skipper as she tells us all about Lincoln’s speeches, the history of the Memorial itself, and I watch her, mesmerized by her passion.

Skipper grins. “I thought I was the tour guide here. Are you sure you’re not just acting out to impress your guy?” he teases, glancing at me.

Laura rolls her eyes, smiling. “Oh, please, I’d be talking about Lincoln whether or not Val was here. This city just does it for me.”

Rhea snickers. “Careful, Val, she might dump you for a guy who’s been dead for over a century. ”

Laura elbows Rhea, laughing, but then she slips her hand into mine. I give her hand a squeeze, my heart pounding. “Well, Lincoln didn’t show up here in person,” I say softly, “but I did.”

She gives me a warm smile, and I swear I could stand there, her hand in mine, for hours.

Next, we walk to the Washington Monument, with Laura practically dragging us along. She’s definitely in charge of this adventure now.

She insists we wait in line to go to the top, and when we finally get there, the view is incredible. Laura’s face lights up as she looks out over the city, pointing out landmarks.

“This is so much better with you guys here,” she says, squeezing my arm. I let my hand rest at her lower back, just needing to keep her close, to feel that she’s here with me.

Afterward, we make our way to the Smithsonian museums, and I watch Laura’s eyes sparkle as we wander through exhibit after exhibit.

She gets Rhea and Skipper hyped up about the Hope Diamond and ropes us all into staring at artifacts like they’re keys to an ancient puzzle.

I love seeing her this happy, and every chance I get, I find a way to touch her—her shoulder, her hand, her back.

It’s like I can’t help it; I just want her near.

When dusk settles, we find a spot on the lawn for the fireworks. Laura leans her head on my shoulder, and I wrap an arm around her, enjoying the quiet moments between us as we wait.

As the first firework bursts in the sky, the crowd lets out a collective gasp, and Laura grips my hand, her fingers lacing into mine. I turn to look at her, and she glances up at me, smiling softly, and whispers, “I forgive you, Val. Just…don’t let me down again, okay?”

Her words hit me hard. I pull her close and murmur, “I won’t, Laura. I promise.” Her forgiveness feels like a gift, and I’m not about to take it for granted.

Skipper, overhearing, smirks from his spot beside us. “Look at these lovebirds. Can we enjoy the fireworks, or should we get you two a violin and some moonlight?”

Laura laughs, nudging him. “Oh, hush, Skip. If it wasn’t for you, he wouldn’t even be here right now.” She punches his arm playfully, and he grins.

“It was mostly Val’s idea, believe it or not,” he admits, glancing at me. “He’s the one who wouldn’t stop texting until I said yes.”

Rhea snickers. “Let’s be honest, Skip, Val probably texts you more than he texts Laura.”

I give them both a look of mock offense. “I don’t need to text you two that often,” I say, deadpan. “You just keep showing up uninvited.”

Laura laughs, reaching up to cup my face, brushing a thumb over my cheek. “I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad you all are,” she says, her voice barely a whisper.

After the show, we join the street celebrations, dancing and laughing with strangers who become quick friends. It feels like everything bad has melted away, replaced by this warmth, this sense of belonging.

As the extended weekend comes to a close, we decide to have one last hurrah.

The weather takes a turn, and a summer storm rolls in from the Atlantic. Rain pours down in sheets, drenching everything in sight.

But instead of dampening our spirits, it ignites a sense of adventure.

“Let’s do whip cream vodka shots!” Laura suggests, her eyes sparkling with mischief .

We gather in her apartment, the sound of rain pounding against the windows. The atmosphere is electric, charged with the thrill of the unexpected. We line up the shots, the whipped cream adding a playful touch.

“To making memories,” Laura says, raising her glass.

“To making up for lost time,” I add, clinking my glass against hers.

We down the shots, the sweet and fiery taste filling my senses. Laughter erupts as we chase the shots with soda, the rain outside creating a rhythmic backdrop to our revelry. Before long, we’re dancing in the living room, our movements free and uninhibited.

The rain continues to fall, but it doesn’t matter.

At this moment, we’re invincible.

Eventually, Laura talks us into venturing outside, the rain soaking us to the bone. We laugh and splash in puddles, our joy echoing as we make our way to the pool.

The rain is coming down harder, the clouds darkening the sky.

“Laura, don’t you think it’s time to go back inside.”

“Be brave, Valerie!” She laughs.

Laura grabs my hand and runs us to the pool. We jump in fully clothed. But then Laura pops up out of the water completely naked.

“Ummm, Laura,” I start.

But she presses a finger to my lips.

“Look around, Val, no one can see us. We can’t even see Skip or Rhea. Just each other. Plus I’m sure they detoured back inside.”

Laughing, I realize she’s right. It’s just us in the storm. I rip my clothes off as well and sling them to the side of the pool.

Swimming to her, Laura pulls me close, her wet hair sticking to her face, and kisses me. It’s a kiss filled with promise, with forgiveness, and with love. Her legs wrap around my waist as our kiss deepens and I swim us to the edge of the pool.

It’s easy to slip inside her. She’s already wet.

The rain is pouring harder and even if a person was next to us, they would never see what we are doing.

The heavy drops smack the water and drown out Laura’s moan as I thrust my hips upwards.

Her breasts are buoyant in the water and I love the way they bounce as I fuck her harder and harder.

Laura clings to my shoulders, her nails scraping down my arms as her pussy clenches around my cock.

When she comes, she buries her head into my neck, kissing me behind my ear as she shudders.

But I’m not done, I need more. I swim us to the pool steps where I turn her around and place her on her knees.

“Hold on tight, juicy,” I tell her as I smack her ass.

Not sure if she can actually hear me, I don’t wait for an answer as I push back inside.

“Fuck, I adore us Laura. Now hold on to the edge of this pool and let me ruin this pussy from behind.” Her pussy is still quivering and it doesn’t take long for me to drag out a second orgasm as I fuck her hard.

Grabbing her waist, I pull her up to me, her back to my chest. Plucking her nipples I feel my balls start to squeeze.

I’m not going to last much longer and I know I can get one more orgasm from Laura before I come.

With my right hand twisting her nipple, I use my left hand to graze her clit, my thumb circling before I apply pressure.

It’s just enough to have her screaming my name.

“Oh fuck, Val. Val, fuck ….” She drags the word out.

I roar with my own release. It’s been too long since I’ve fucked her this hard and I needed this display of possession, of ownership.

My left hand leaves her clit to rest on her throat.

I slightly squeeze, feeling her pulse beating in harmony with my own.

The rain pelts down on us, my cock still seated deep inside Laura as I pull her mouth to my own.

We kiss and only stop when my aching cock is finally soft and slides out of its favorite resting spot.

Lifting Laura into the air, I ask, “Are you ready?”

“For what, Val?” she asks with hazy, dreamy eyes.

“For this!” I throw her towards the deep end of the pool as high as I can, causing her to splash down. She comes up in a fit of laughter before jumping and attacking me, pushing me under with her.

A few minutes later, we’re exhausted but exhilarated as we wander back toward Laura’s apartment.

Thank goodness Skipper and Rhea had gone back inside the apartment because they had the heat going and warm towels waiting when we opened the door.

Just two more weeks and she will be home with me, forever.

We dry off and huddle together on the couch, wrapped in blankets. The storm rages on outside, but inside, it’s warm and cozy. We talk about our hopes, our dreams, and everything in between. There’s a sense of renewal, of starting fresh.

I tell Laura I will always support her dreams.

As I drift off to sleep, Laura’s head resting on my chest, I realize something important.

The Fourth of July might be about celebrating independence, but for me, it’s about connection.

It’s about finding joy in the little things, making up for past mistakes, and cherishing the people who matter most.

I close my eyes, a content smile on my face. This weekend has been a whirlwind of emotions, but it’s exactly what I needed. And as the rain continues to fall, I know that no matter what challenges lie ahead, we’ll face them together.