Page 2 of Any Kind of Life
“I wouldn’t want you any other way.” Paige leaned in and kissed Juliet’s nose. “But…are you sure you can’t join me for a night or two? I can get you into the venues, no problem.”
“You know I’d love to, but I should probably be around for the builders in case anything goes wrong.”
The Hideout had become so successful that Juliet had purchased the empty building next door. She planned to begin renovation work next week by knocking through the wall to create a much bigger space. It would still be small in comparison to a lot of bars in the area, but they’d consulted with the members, and they’d all agreed that the cosy feel to the place was what encouraged them to keep paying their membership fee.
“You know I’ll be waiting with bated breath for the band’s social media guy to upload your performances.”
Paige smiled. “I know. I just wish you could be there with me. You’re the one who told me I could do this, and you haven’t watched me perform live yet. You’re the only person I wish could be there.”
“And one day I will be.” Juliet slid her hand beneath the cover, resting it on Paige’s thigh. “But you’re right. It’s only a month. And you’ll be in this country, so it won’t feel like such a huge distance.”
While Paige loved performing in different places each night, she wasn’t sure she was cut out for being away for long periods of time. A couple of weeks she could have done with no problem, but another month-long stint was going to be a struggle. She and Juliet had just found a routine and got comfortable. It was all Paige wanted most nights when she was on tour—to be home and cosy—but she was often expected to make an appearance at the bar Soraya had summoned everyone to. Instead of toasting to another great night, she would rather lie between Juliet’s legs while she was drinking hot chocolate.
“And then I’m all yours again.”
Juliet wiped down the bar, satisfied that everything was in its place for this evening. She wasn’t working tonight, neither was Paige, but she liked to check everything was as it should be before she left the bar in Cara and Stephen’s hands. Stephen had joined The Hideout two months ago, and so far, he was an excellent addition to the team here.
Cara had decided to start pulling her weight, too. Really, everything was going far better than Juliet imagined it would. So tonight, they were spending the evening with their friends. Paige and Hannah had become close friends, and Juliet had spent the odd evening drinking wine with Caz.
As she rested back against the bar, she could only smile. It was one thing to have Paige in her life, but to have built some kind of miniature extended family… It said a lot about how their friends perceived them. Life was thrilling. There really wasn’t much else to say.
The system alerted Juliet that she had people waiting outside. As she brought up the camera—still wary about James’ decision to let Paige be—she saw Hannah and Caz grinning into the lens. Part of her wanted to leave them standing outside just for the sake of it, but she knew better because Hannah would have plenty to say about it if she did.
So she buzzed them into the building.
Before they reached the bar, Juliet heard them giggling with one another. That was another thing she adored in her life. Seeing happy couples just like her and Paige. People who would do anything for their partner. Hannah and Caz reminded Juliet of exactly that. An all-encompassing love that couldn’t be broken.
“You pretending to work?” Hannah sidled up to the bar and smirked. “I’ll have two large glasses of red, a bowl of pork scratchings, and a bag of salt and vinegar crisps.”
Juliet’s brow rose. “What kind of place do you think this is?”
“Well, clearly not a place to come to if you’re a bit peckish!”
Juliet rounded the bar and brought Hannah and Caz into a hug. “It’s really good to see you both. Paige will be out soon. She’s on a call with Soraya.”
“Okay, well, I’m using the loo.” Hannah sashayed away, winking in Caz’s direction as she went.
“So, she’s on a call with Soraya, huh?” Caz shifted closer to Juliet, nudging her shoulder. “Things are getting a bit serious now, aren’t they? Edie has done nothing but talk about Paige and Soraya for the last few days.”
“Mm. It’s going very well by the looks of it.” Juliet was proud of Paige for all she’d achieved in such a short time, but the slight worry of being left behind sat at the back of her mind. “I hope Edie is saying good things.” Of course Hannah’s daughter would be saying good things. Edie was adorable.
“She’s obsessed, Juliet. She had us listening to a playlist she’d created this morning before she left for school.”
“That’s quite sweet,” Juliet said, moving back behind the bar. “Paige is…leaving again next week. She had a call from Soraya a few days ago. The support act replacing Paige for the UK tour can no longer commit.” Juliet cleared her throat. “It’s short notice and another month away from home, but it’ll be fine.”
“That’s amazing news for Paige. You must be so proud of her.”
“I am. Of course I am.”
Caz watched Juliet intently. “But?”
“But…nothing.” Juliet wasn’t ready to speak her fears out loud yet. Honestly, she hoped she’d never have to divulge how she felt. “It just feels a bit strange when she leaves for the tour, that’s all.”
“I get that. You two are so close that it must feel odd sleeping alone at night.”
Caz wasn’t wrong. Juliet was dreading the first night of the tour being back in the UK. Soraya was a looker, and they’d already had one instance of the media assuming she and Paige were dating. The fans were relentless, too. Thankfully, Paige was quick to shut down those rumours, but it didn’t help Juliet in her quest to focus on work while Paige was away.
“It’s the media I’m not fond of.” Okay, it seemed Juliet was going to let some of her fears out to Caz. But she knew she could trust Hannah’s partner. “You know what they can be like.”