Page 3 of Any Kind of Life
“Mm. May I suggest that you avoid social media and newspapers when she leaves again? We both know they’re nothing more than clickbait and crap most of the time.”
Juliet offered the best smile she could manage. “I know.”
“Juliet,” Caz said, following her behind the bar. She glanced around, checking nobody was listening, and cleared her throat. “You’re not worried about Paige and her loyalty to you, are you?”
“God, no. Never.”
“Because it’s okay to be a little bit worried. Maybe if you tell Paige how you’re feeling, you won’t look so tormented by it.”
Juliet’s face fell. “I…it’s that obvious?”
“I wouldn’t say it was obvious, but I can see that you have things on your mind.” Caz placed a gentle hand on Juliet’s shoulder, squeezing it. “You know where I am if you need to talk, okay?”
“Thank you.”
“Are we getting this party started or what?” They both turned to find Hannah and Paige standing with their arms over one another’s shoulders. “Paige said she’ll take requests later.”
Juliet’s brows rose at that. “Paige is supposed to be resting her voice.”
“Don’t worry, babe. It’s only one song. If I can’t sing for the people who mean the world to me, then what’s the point of all of this?”
Juliet softened, holding out her hand to Paige. When Paige took it and stepped closer, she lifted onto her tiptoes and kissed Juliet softly on the lips.
“Just one, okay? I don’t want you doing too much.” Juliet brought her hand to Paige’s cheek, stroking her thumb across her skin. “I love you.”
“Not as much as I love you.”
Hannah yawned. “Okay, enough of the love in. I haven’t had a night out in forever. I’d really love that glass of wine now.” She took Caz’s hand and moved towards Juliet and Paige’s spot, sinking down onto the couch. “And I want to know what the builders have said.”
“The builders gave us a great quote.” Paige walked Juliet backwards and out from behind the bar, shooing her away. “It’s your night off, babe. Sit down, and I’ll bring the drinks over. Once Cara is here, I’m all yours.”
God, this woman was everything she could ever want or need. “Promise?”
“That I’ll join you?” Paige frowned. “Of course.”
“No. That you’re all mine. Forever.”
Paige pulled Juliet in by the waist, her hand slipping to her arse. “You really want me to promise you that? Do my hands not tell you that already?”
Juliet offered Paige a chaste kiss, smiling as she pulled away. “Relax. I’m joking.” As she sat down beside Caz, Juliet chanced a look behind her. Paige was still watching her, that frown not shifting. “Come on, bartender. We’re all parched over here.”
Paige’s frown quickly turned into that dirty grin Juliet adored. “Coming right up. Anything for you lot.”
Chapter 2
Paige sat side-on, slouched back against the couch. Juliet and Caz spoke animatedly between themselves while Hannah just stared lovingly at Caz. God, when had they all become so lovesick? Had it been anyone else, Paige would have gagged, but this little unit was perfect. She’d never felt a part of anything before. But here at The Hideout and in Liverpool? It had been home from the moment her feet touched the pavement at Lime Street Station.
She leaned in towards Hannah’s ear. “Any sign of you two tying the knot?”
“I’m trying to find the right moment to ask,” Hannah said, shifting closer to Paige. “I’m terrified at the thought of her saying no.”
“Caz? Say no? No way! You’ve got more chance of Rachel leaving Andi and then walking in here to claim Juliet. Neither of those things are ever going to happen.”
“Everything is just so perfect, and I’m scared of ruining that. Caz has been through so much, and I’m not sure she would ever want to get married again.”
Paige understood that. She couldn’t say she was bothered if she ever remarried. A marriage didn’t define a relationship. Wasn’t she the very proof of that when it came to her marriage with James? And Caz, with her terrible marriage, too? “Would it change anything for you if she said no?”
Hannah shook her head. “No. No way. What we have is so much more than a piece of paper.”