Page 33 of The Hideout

“Jesus.” She stood bolt upright, pressing a palm to her chest. “Can you be a bit more obvious next time?”

“I just…” Juliet squeezed past Paige, pointing at the coffee machine as she did so. “I need coffee if I’m going to get through this shift.”

“I-I can manage if you’d rather be at home. I don’t mind.”

“Thanks, but I’m not leaving you alone in here on a Friday night. Cara can’t make it in tonight, so—” Juliet focused on the coffee machine, her usual one-shot replaced by a double. “Can I get you anything while I’m here?”

“No, thank you. I should start setting up. If it’s as busy as last week, I’d like to be prepared.”

Juliet nodded, clearing her throat. She’d been crying. That only hurt Paige’s heart more. She hated that her life was this way. “What day do you leave?”

“I’m not sure yet. I didn’t have much time to look for another place yesterday. I’ll get onto it in the morning.”

“Right.”

“Juliet, about last night…”

Juliet held up a hand, taking her coffee and walking away from the bar. “Not right now. Please.”

“Is everything okay? You seem really tense.”

“I’m fine. It’s just been a long day. I’ll speak to you later, okay?”

“Okay. I would really like to talk. I don’t want to leave on bad terms with you.”

Juliet smiled, shaking her head. “With you? That’s not possible.”

* * *

Paige stifled another yawn, turning her back to do so. She had customers at the bar; it was unprofessional, but tonight, she was dead on her feet. If Juliet had been through the same sleepless night as she had, then her boss was probably napping in the office.

Whatever she was doing, it had been three hours since she’d last seen Juliet.

The security system flashed beneath the bar, the camera outside showing Rachel trying to enter the building. Great. Just what she needed. Juliet and Rachel flaunting themselves in front of her. Paige wasn’t sure she could stomach such a scene tonight. Because as she’d stood here, once again enjoying her shift, she was quickly realising that it wasn’t as simple as just walking away. She cared about Juliet too much. This goodbye was going to be harder than the others.

Nevertheless, she let Rachel into the building, setting a glass out ready for her. She was in Juliet’s life whether Paige liked it or not, but soon, she wouldn’t have to see it anymore.

“Hi.” Paige regarded Rachel with her best smile. Fake, of course. “Large white?”

“Sure.” Rachel set her clutch bag down, taking the stool at the end of the bar.

Paige had tried not to think about it, but earlier this morning, she had considered knocking at Juliet’s place. She had wanted to make things better between them. That was until she watched Rachel leave Juliet’s apartment, and she was glad she hadn’t gone anywhere near that door. “I’ll just get your drink and then let Juliet know you’re here.”

Rachel scoffed. “Don’t bother.”

“Oh, uh…okay.” Paige watched Rachel as she placed her head in her hands, confused as to why she was here if she hadn’t come for Juliet. “I want to ask if everything is okay, but I’m not sure it’s my place to ask.”

“You’re right. It’s not your place to ask.”

Paige held up her hands and backed away. She had no time for attitudes this evening. She was ready to flip her shit when it came to Rachel, in all honesty. “Okay, I’m sorry.”

“Except you’re not, are you? You couldn’t care less if she cut ties with me,” Rachel lifted the glass as soon as Paige placed it down, taking a huge gulp. “Happy now?”

“Um, not particularly, no. If you’re going to speak in riddles, you’ll be waiting a while for me to catch on.”

What the hell was this woman’s problem? Paige had never spoken out of turn to her, she’d always treated her with respect, but it seemed just being here was an issue for Rachel.

“This morning,” Rachel said, sitting forward on her stool, “Juliet told me she couldn’t see me anymore.”

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