Page 88 of The Hideout

“But it wasn’t about the music industry. I never once said I wanted to be professional. Not even close to anything that resembled being professional. I just loved sitting down at the piano. But it was never good enough for you lot back at home. In Kent. But that’s not home. This is home. Liverpool.” Paige reached across the bar and took Juliet’s hand. “Right, babe?”

“Yes, beautiful.”

Harriet looked between them, and then her eyes landed on their entwined fingers “What’s going on here?”

“What do you think is going on?” Paige laughed as she shook her head. “Isn’t it obvious?”

“I mean, yeah…but what? You’re gay now?”

“Always have been. I’ve just never felt supported enough to actually tell you or anyone else back in the town.”

Harriet lowered her eyes, toying with the tassel on her bag. Was the lack of support Paige had received beginning to sink in? Juliet certainly hoped so. Harriet seemed like a nice enough person; surely, she could be open-minded and supportive of her best friend. “I’m sorry, Paige. I had no idea you felt this way.”

“Now you do. And you can feel however you want about it. It’s not really an issue for me anymore. But I wanted to speak to you face to face and let you know how my life would be from now on. You have the choice to stay or walk away.”

“W-walk away?” Harriet’s bottom lip quivered as she spoke those words. “You think I’d love you less because you’re gay?”

“I’d hope not, but I’ve always prepared myself for that possibility…”

“God, no! Never. You’re my best friend, Paige. If you’d told me sooner, about your sexuality and about James, I would have helped you however I could.”

Juliet’s heart settled at that admission. While she could understand Paige’s unease at being forthcoming, it seemed they’d simply got their wires crossed. Nothing more. “I’d like to cut in, if that’s okay?”

“Sure, babe. Say whatever you need to say.”

“Well…” Juliet paused, smiling. “I just wanted to introduce myself more than anything else. I’m Juliet. The owner of The Hideout…and Paige’s partner.”

“It’s really lovely to meet you.” Harriet smiled fully, genuine and lovingly.

“You’ve travelled all the way down here. You’re welcome to stay for the evening.”

“Oh, I’m not sure Paige wants that.”

Paige suddenly sat upright on her stool, straightening herself out. “I’d…like to catch up, if you can stay?”

“I wasn’t sure of the plan, so I booked a hotel room for the night.”

“Okay, great. I’m going to be working but I’d love it if you could stay around, and I’ll grab you whenever I can?”

Juliet cut in again. “That’s a lie. She’s not working.” She looked pointedly at Paige. “You’re in no fit state to work. Spend the evening with your friend. Drinks are on me.”

“Juliet, no. I’ve already missed a week of work. I need to get back.”

“If it’s cash you’re worried about, you should know me better than that by now.”

“It’s not even about the cash. I just don’t want to let you down, babe.”

Deciding to be bold, Juliet rounded the counter and stopped between Paige’s legs. She brought her hands to her face, no sign of hesitation from Paige, and leant in, kissing her gently. “You’ve never let me down. Please, spend time with Harriet, and then we’ll get you fit for work again. I’m still waiting on that signature cocktail.”

Chapter 27

CALIFORNIA KING BED

Paige stared down at the whiskey in her hand, chewing the inside of her mouth. She didn’t know what to say now that she was alone with Harriet, but at least Harriet had decided to stay and listen. At least she hadn’t run out the door hating Paige. Even if she had done that, Paige couldn’t say she would have been particularly bothered, but knowing she had one other person in her corner made a huge difference to her future.

“Paige?”

She turned her head, glancing at Harriet where she sat at the other end of the couch. “Yeah?”

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