Page 65 of The Hideout

Cara wrung her hands, bowing her head. “I’m sorry. What I said was uncalled for.”

“It was. But I’ll let it go if you’re willing to understand that you work for me…and that’s that.”

“I do. I’m sorry.”

“Take your break. Maybe get some fresh air. You’re a good worker when you put your mind to it.”

Cara smiled as she took a step away. “Thanks, Juliet. I am sorry.”

Juliet followed Cara as she backed up, narrowing her eyes. “Just one other thing…”

“Y-yes?”

“I am watching you. And it’s not your work I’m watching. It’s those hands. I find them anywhere near Paige again, and you will be out of a job.”

“I…uh, it won’t happen again. You have my word.” Cara held up her hands, genuine remorse in her eyes. But Juliet would still keep an eye on her. She didn’t know her well enough to take Cara at her word.

As Cara left the bar, Juliet muttered, “Damn right, it won’t.” And then she turned her attention back to her beautiful girlfriend on piano, the song coming to an end.

Paige stood, taking a slight bow as everyone cheered and clapped. She wore that usual blush when she was being praised, but Juliet loved a blushing Paige. It was far more adorable than she would ever admit. She watched Paige slowly head back to the bar, visibly swallowing as her eyes met Juliet’s.

“That was…” Juliet held out a hand, beckoning Paige closer. “God, you don’t have any idea how beautiful that was.”

Paige shrugged, taking Juliet’s hand. “Just some fun, remember?”

“You’re still sticking with that? Really?”

Paige smiled. “It’s easier to stick with that. Because that way, I can’t be disappointed when it never comes to anything. Which it won’t.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I’m not good enough for it to be anything more. And I hate being the centre of attention. It works here because I feel as though these people are my friends. In bars for open mic night isn’t so bad because I’ll never see those people again, so their opinion doesn’t really matter. But anything other than that, no thank you.”

“That’s a shame.” And it really was. The world needed to hear Paige’s voice. Her talent was up there with the best of them. “But I won’t push you. So long as I get the pleasure of hearing your voice, that’s good enough for me.”

“I’ll sing for you any time of day. You know that.”

Juliet’s heart thundered at that. Perhaps she could find space at her apartment for a piano. The thought alone made her shudder.

“What’s got you grinning?” Paige frowned. “Babe?”

“Oh, nothing. Just thinking about you singing privately for me.”

“Clothed or unclothed? Because I know that’s where your mind went to.”

Juliet laughed, pulling Paige in close. “You know me better than I know myself. How is that possible?”

Paige held onto Juliet’s waist, those hooded eyes staring up at her. “I don’t know. But from the moment I met you, I felt as though we just clicked right into place. Which is a strange feeling for me because I’ve never really felt connected to another person. Not like this, anyway.”

“I know what you’re saying. Because I feel the same way. But it feels good, doesn’t it? To be so at ease around someone who means so much to you…”

“It really does. And once I’m back tomorrow night, I’m going to start looking for a place more permanent. An apartment that I can call my own. Perhaps look into mortgages once I’m sure I’m comfortable financially.”

That knowledge, knowing Paige was serious about making a permanent move to Liverpool…Juliet didn’t quite know what to say.

“If you think that’s something I should do?”

“Paige, I’d really love it if you stayed.” Juliet’s voice wavered ever so slightly, her days far more emotional than they used to be before Paige walked through the door to The Hideout. “God, I’d be so happy.”

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