Page 19 of Any Kind of Life
Exhaling a slow breath, another tear working its way down her face, Juliet slid the key into the lock and forced the apartment door open.
The place should have been in darkness, but as Juliet stepped over the threshold, candles illuminated the space. Warm flickers of soft light that instantly calmed Juliet. If not for the fact that she could smell Paige all around her, she would have questioned what the hell was going on. And then she turned ever so slightly. Paige was standing close to the bedroom door, her phone lit up and in her hand.
“I never want you to feel lost without me.”
Juliet regarded Paige with a lopsided smile, fresh tears threatening. “Paige. W-what are you doing here?”
“I wanted to surprise you. And right now, I’m glad that I did come home.” Paige crossed the space and took Juliet’s handbag from her. She placed it down on the kitchen island and took Juliet in her arms. Their eyes met, concern showing in Paige’s, and then she brought a hand to Juliet’s cheek. “Babe, what’s going on? You’ve been crying.”
“I’m okay. Just an emotional day.”
Paige cocked her head and gave Juliet a knowing look. “Talk to me, please. You know how important our communication is to me.”
Juliet buried her face in the crook of Paige’s neck, inhaling her scent. Just a moment or two, and she would speak up. But first, she needed to feel Paige’s warmth against her. Enveloping her. Keeping her safe. “God, I’ve missed you.”
Paige drew a palm up Juliet’s back, their bodies pressed together. “I’ve missed you, too. And I’m not leaving you for the next two days.”
Juliet pulled back. “What? Really?”
“Mmhmm. So, why don’t you change, and then we’ll get comfortable on the couch.”
Was it too soon to rip Paige’s tank top and boxer shorts from her body? Probably not, but Juliet would like to hear about Paige’s time away so far. They had plenty of time to reconnect. “I’d like that.”
“Me too. Now, go on. Shift that incredibly good arse, and I’ll wait for you on the couch. Glass of wine?”
Juliet grinned. “I’d love a glass of wine.”
Chapter 7
Paige stood at the sink in the kitchen, humming along to the radio. Juliet was still sleeping, the coffee was almost ready, and Paige felt truly rested this morning. Nothing beat sleeping in your own bed with the woman you love. No hotel room could ever compare to being here…safely at home. Paige was hugely grateful for the opportunity Soraya had given her and for believing in Paige’s talent, but she stood by her word. She couldn’t wait until this was all over and life returned to normal.
She lifted her phone from the worktop and sent off a quick message to Hannah.
Thanks so much for last night. It’s great to be home. I don’t think I’ll have much of a chance to catch up with you, Caz and Edie. Just a few weeks and I’ll be here full-time again. Love ya! x
Paige took her coffee from the machine, resting back against the edge of the counter. The silence this morning was bliss. No hum of the hotel air conditioning. No whoosh of the nearby lift. No voices out in the corridor as people came and went from their own room.
Just silence.
And love.
She checked the time, deciding to give Juliet a while longer to sleep. Her girlfriend had seemed tired last night; Paige didn’t want to wake her if she needed a little extra this morning. They didn’t exactly have any plans to leave the apartment. If Juliet had wanted to, then Paige would be right behind her, but in an ideal world, today would have been spent at home. Where they could relax and talk about the bar. Where they could take things at their pace…or do nothing at all.
Paige’s phone buzzed.
You’re welcome. Don’t worry about finding time to see us. Juliet has missed you x
She grinned. Paige had missed Juliet, too. Today, she planned to make up for those moments when they’d longed for one another. FaceTime calls didn’t quite work for either of them.
Everything will be back to normal soon x
She sipped her coffee, moaning lightly at the familiar taste. Juliet was very particular about her coffee blend, and it seemed Paige was now, too.
You know, if you want to keep doing what you love with your music, I know Juliet will be okay. She has us to keep her company on the days you’re gone. And the bar. Do what makes you happy, Paige. It could all be gone in the blink of an eye.
Huh. Paige was going to do what made her happy, and that meant being here with Juliet. Not hundreds of miles away. Not in another country. Not loving her from afar. No. Paige needed to be here. It was the only place she felt she belonged. It was the only life that mattered to her.
I am. That means being in Liverpool. It’s where I’m happiest.