Page 12 of The Hideout

FALLING

Juliet sat up in bed, propped against the headboard while she cradled a large cup of coffee. Last night had been another successful night at the bar, with more members dropping by to introduce themselves to Juliet and Paige. She truly couldn’t fathom how a bar so small and so hidden away could be so successful. But the previous owner—a guy who’d had the place for ten years—had promised Juliet that he wasn’t selling her a sinking pit. And he’d been right. Juliet was only two nights open, and she’d had three new confirmed members, with more to contact today.

She smiled, looking out at the river from her floor-to-ceiling bedroom window. Rachel usually woke her up on a midweek morning, but not today. Today, Juliet was taking stock of the path her life was on now. An exciting path. Something entirely different. Something that wouldn’t have her being bribed by a local gangland boss or someone else unsavoury.

Really, Juliet had done the right thing. And her stress levels were far less than they had once been. She didn’t spend her life in court or on constant work calls. The only people who called her now were suppliers or members of The Hideout.

Her phone buzzed on her crisp, white Egyptian cotton sheets to the side of her. She eyed the device and then took it in her hand.

I’m really sorry about last night. Paige.

Juliet reread the words a couple of times, chewing her bottom lip. Why was Paige so intent on apologising for last night? Quite frankly, she’d made Juliet’s entire night before it had even begun.

Please, don’t apologise. J x

Have a great day. See you tonight! Paige.

Juliet considered her next move. She didn’t want Paige to feel uncomfortable here. She didn’t want her to worry that she’d done the wrong thing. Juliet just wanted them both to succeed in this venture. It may have been Juliet’s bar, but Paige was playing a role just as important there.

Would you like to join me for lunch around 1? J x

She watched the read receipt, then the lack of reply, and then her heart settled when the bubble appeared beneath her message.

Sure. If you needed to speak to me. Where? Paige.

I don’t need to speak to you. But up here, we invite new friends to lunch unexpectedly. So, I’ll see you at 1, at the bistro on the corner of Raven Street. J x

Juliet lowered her phone to the bed, climbing from it and stretching her body. The sun was shining today, and that could only be a good thing. The sun always brought people’s mood up when it was required.

As she wrapped her robe around herself, her phone started to ring. She reached for it and cleared her throat. “Hi, Rachel.”

“Good morning, gorgeous.”

Juliet smiled, stepping towards the window and leaning against the frame. “Lovely day, isn’t it? Any plans?”

“Well, I was hoping I’d get to see you at some point…”

“Not today, I’m afraid. I’m out for lunch and then at the bar.” Juliet looked out towards the dock. It was busier than usual, but she loved to see that. Now that she wasn’t run off her feet, she could stroll around it more often. “But maybe…this weekend? I’m not entirely sure of my plans yet.”

“The weekend? It’s only Tuesday.”

Juliet’s brow creased. Why did Rachel want to spend so much time with her? When they’d first met, it was almost a week before she could meet with Juliet. She was the top escort at the company, hence the waiting time. “You surely can’t be free this week. You’re always busy.”

“Maybe I prefer some clients over others.”

“Well, I appreciate that, but I have work to do. The Hideout was really busy last night. I still have to follow up on calls today once I get there.”

“I’m really happy it’s busy. Considering it doesn’t exist anywhere on social media, it must be doing something right.”

Juliet stepped back and sat on the edge of the bed. “I understand why people like it. When I used to finish work for the day, the last thing I wanted was a rowdy bar full of young people who were starting their night early. I just wanted to enjoy a glass of good wine with some peace and quiet.”

“Yeah, it does have a good vibe.”

“So, I’ll call you towards the end of the week, okay?”

“You know, I’m available to come over unexpectedly. Maybe…as you’re climbing into bed?”

Juliet sighed. “Don’t tempt me.” She was trying to get out of the habit of having Rachel over each night. Juliet was finally in a position to date, to find someone she could perhaps settle down with. If she relied on Rachel while she wanted those things, it would only end with heartbreak. Because regardless of the fact that Juliet really enjoyed her time with her escort, she couldn’t allow herself to see a future with her. It simply wasn’t possible.

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