Page 97 of Any Kind of Life

“Really?” Juliet turned to Paige for confirmation, surprised when Paige nodded. “Want a job?”

“Um, hang on! You’re not giving my job away!” Paige rushed across the floor, arms folded across her chest. “I’m the mixologist.”

“Oh, I know you are.” Juliet wrapped an arm around Paige’s waist. She’d missed moments like this. Juliet’s arms always secured Paige in any situation. “But since the other server tried to kill me, we’re a member of staff down.”

Paige shrugged. “Okay, that’s a good point.”

“And since she offed herself, poor Henry is out of a job.” Juliet turned to Henry again. “How about it, H?”

“Oh, you don’t have to employ me. I’m…sure I’ll find something else.”

Juliet shook her head as she lifted herself onto the stool on the other side of the bar. “No. It’s time we all got out of the situations we’ve been in. You included. You’re too much of a nice guy to be getting involved in things you shouldn’t be. Stay here with us. We’ll see you right.”

Henry lowered his head and smiled. “You’ve done enough for me over the years, Jules. This isn’t necessary.”

Paige joined them at the bar, standing beside the stool Juliet sat on. “Yes, it is. You’re practically family at this point, Henry. Stay here and adjust to a normal life.”

Henry looked up at them, his eyes soft. “You know what, I’d love to. I’m tired of always being in contact with the wrong kind of people. I’m fifty-eight, and I just want to go home each night, you know?”

Juliet smiled. “I know.”

“So, if you’d like to have me here, then I’d really love that. Something different while not getting into any trouble.”

Paige slid an arm around Juliet’s waist and rested her head on her shoulder. “See that, babe. It was easier than I thought it would be.”

“Mm. Much easier.”

“What will I be doing?” Henry eyed the coffee machine briefly. “Don’t leave me in charge of that thing. Unless it’s a kettle and a jar of instant, I’m fucking hopeless.”

Paige laughed at that. She loved this side of Henry. “Don’t worry, H. I’ll show you the ropes.”

For the first time in weeks, Paige felt as though the air was finally clearing. She felt as though life would be great again. Juliet was doing amazing, Henry was going to be a permanent fixture here, and well…she couldn’t wait for everything they’d discussed lately when it came to a future with Juliet. Could she have a wife and kids? After everything she had put herself through with James, was it actually going to happen?

Yes. Yes, it was.

“Right. Get out from behind my bar while I make sure everything is where it should be. Once I’m happy, I’ll show you where it all belongs and stays, okay?”

Henry looked at Juliet and cocked his head towards Paige. “Is she always this brutal, Jules?”

Juliet held up her hands. “All I’m saying is that you should never get on the wrong side of Paige.”

Chapter 34

Standing to the side of the bar, Juliet cast her gaze around the room and smiled. Edie had been beside herself when she arrived an hour ago, her excitement only growing now that all of her friends were here. On arrival, each guest had their photograph taken with Edie in front of a backdrop, followed by their drink of choice from a selection of mocktails on offer. Juliet had hired a DJ for the evening, but the piano sat in its usual place should Paige wish to give them a song or two.

She eyed Paige where she stood close to the huge spread a catering company had provided. Juliet adored that smile, she craved to see the light in Paige’s eyes daily, and right now, it was there and then some. Hannah and Caz chatted with Edie and her friends, Henry worked the bar with Stephen, and Juliet felt unbelievably calm. So calm that she couldn’t recall what had happened here recently. But that spoke volumes. Her friends and the people she loved had helped her to forget. They’d been by her side, cheering her on when it came to her recovery, and she couldn’t ask for a better group of people to have in her life.

Edie turned to Juliet, grinning from ear to ear.

“Having fun?”

“Oh, my God! Yes! Thank you so much.” Edie stepped closer but hesitated. “Can I…hug you?”

Juliet laughed. “Of course you can.”

“Mums say I have to be careful if I hug you in case I hurt you.” Edie wrapped her arms around Juliet’s waist and pressed the side of her head to Juliet’s chest. “Thank you so much. You and Paige are the best.”

“We wanted you to have a great night. You’re excelling in school, you have a wonderful group of friends, and you deserve to have a great birthday.”