Page 32 of Any Kind of Life
Paige snorted. “Which part?”
“About the fans thinking we’re together.” Soraya smiled weakly, briefly meeting Paige’s eyes. “I can’t control what they think, but I understand that you’re not in a position to have them freely putting that kind of stuff out there.”
“Juliet knows I’d never do anything to hurt her. But no, I don’t like it. And quite frankly, you shouldn’t expect me to.”
“This is the way it is a lot of the time. They see two people getting along—friends—and make up their own scenarios. It’s not ideal, I know that.”
“Look, this is almost over. And with the way I feel today, I just plan to keep my head down and sing.”
“The way you feel about what?”
“The last twenty-four hours.” Paige’s shoulders slumped. “Did you know about this video that’s circulating? You and I dancing at that club?”
“Of course. It’s everywhere.”
Great. That was just what Paige needed. For everyone to see it and for Juliet to feel like a fucking fool. Thank God their friends knew Paige would never do anything untoward. “And why didn’t you tell me about it? Why did I have to find out about it from Juliet when she got here last night?”
“So, something is going on, and you’re using that as an excuse. I see.”
“No. You’re mistaken. My relationship is good. It’s amazing. But I won’t have anyone trying to jeopardise what I have back at home for the sake of a fucking image they believe they have to uphold.”
“Excuse me?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. You even came here today to apologise for thinking that way. Look, I don’t know what your sexuality is, I also don’t care, but don’t use me to better your image. If you’re trying your hand at some fucking lesbian awakening or something, then find someone else to experiment with.”
Paige lowered her head to her hands, shocked that she’d even raised her voice…let alone said what she had. But her head was a mess today. It didn’t matter if Juliet had promised her they were okay. Paige never should have allowed such a situation to make Juliet feel that way. If the shoe was on the other foot, Paige would have driven to the venue, too!
“I’m sorry. But I’ve been through a lot, and I can’t lose her, Soraya.” Paige eyed Soraya, quite certain she had realised her error now. “This life… It’s not me. And I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity, but when this is over, it’s really over.”
“I really wish you’d reconsider, Paige. You’re so talented.”
Paige lifted a shoulder. “I’m not cut out for this life. And it’s not even about Juliet. God, she’s done nothing but encourage me. I just…it’s not me. I can’t put my heart into something like this when I know I belong elsewhere.”
“Well, Juliet has a diamond in her life. That’s all I can say.” Soraya nodded slowly and got to her feet. “I am sorry about earlier. And you know, if she wants to join you for any remaining dates, you should invite her.”
“I’d love her to be here, but there’s stuff going on at home. It’s just not possible.”
“This bar of yours must really be something special.”
It was special. It was the place where Paige realised she could have a fulfilling life. It was the place where she’d laid eyes on Juliet for the first time. And it was the place where she’d fallen in love with the woman she would spend forever with. The Hideout would always mean the world to her. “It is. You should come by if you’re ever in Liverpool.”
“Maybe I will,” Soraya said, squeezing Paige’s shoulder as she stepped past her. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours, okay?”
“Sure. And thanks…for coming here and apologising. It means a lot.”
“Okay, and where are we up to with the plastering and skimming?” Juliet sat in the office at The Hideout, massaging her temples. It was nine in the evening, and she was beyond tired, but she wanted to get on top of everything while she was here.
“Finished. Almost ready for painting. We’re looking at a few more days, and then the painters can come in and take care of the place.”
Juliet was impressed. She hadn’t dealt with builders much over the years, but she’d heard horror stories about their time management and no-show abilities. Seemed she’d struck the jackpot with this company. “Perfect. I’ll be here tomorrow to see how everything else is going.”
“No problem,” The contractor said. “We can probably clear out most of the mess tomorrow.”
“Great. See you tomorrow.” Juliet lowered her phone as she cut the call and rested back in her seat. She hoped Paige would be just as impressed as she was.
Paige.
Juliet smiled when she pressed the screen of her phone and brought up their most recent selfie. Paige had eyes that she could get lost in for days…weeks, even. When they’d parted this morning, Juliet had sat in her car for almost thirty minutes trying to find the strength to drive home.