Page 97 of The Hideout

“I just want to stand on my own two feet. And it’s only twelve months, with the option to extend if I want to.”

Juliet chewed the inside of her cheek, wondering whether she could be bold and throw something out there. To hell with it; she wanted Paige to know exactly what was on her mind. “Well, maybe when the twelve months are up…we’ll be here together.”

“Y-yeah?” Paige pulled back, studying Juliet’s eyes. “I know it’s what I want down the line, but yeah. That would be really nice. Providing nothing goes wrong before then, anyway.”

“I don’t think it will. You and I are going to grow together, okay?”

Paige grinned as a shiver worked its way down her spine. Was she really about to have this life? “It’s all I want.”

* * *

Exhaling a contented sigh as she watched Juliet across the room, Paige wiped down the bar and collected the empty glasses from the counter. The Hideout was packed tonight, with more clients signing up for memberships in the last few weeks. Juliet had initially worried that it could become too much or that there wouldn’t be enough space, but Paige had quelled those fears immediately. This place was a success, and the sooner Juliet realised that, the sooner they could watch it grow into something special.

This was so far removed from Juliet’s comfort zone that she couldn’t help but admire the woman she’d fallen for, but Paige understood Juliet’s concerns. She didn’t know anyone else who would go from being a top lawyer…to a bar owner. And not just any bar. But a bar like this? No. A bar like this took determination. It didn’t matter if it had already been successful before Juliet took over. What mattered was that it was thriving far more now that she was here.

“You want to call last orders?” Juliet sauntered towards the bar, a grin spread on Paige’s mouth as she did so. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for bed.”

“Sure.” Paige turned and rang the bell beside the whiskey collection. “Once everyone has been served, I thought I’d hop on the piano.”

Juliet rested her elbows on the bar, her head cocked slightly. “I could never say no to that.”

Paige dipped her head. There was just something about the way Juliet looked at her that had Paige blushing profusely. But that was Juliet, and her smouldering stare was something Paige was beginning to get used to. Thankfully.

“I…had something I wanted to ask you. I know we’ve had this kind of conversation before, and I think I know the answer, but I’m bringing it up again, anyway.”

Paige nodded slowly. Where was Juliet going with this? “Okay.”

“Please agree to perform here a few nights a week. I know people desperately want you to.” Juliet had a pleading look in her eyes that Paige hadn’t quite seen before. Was it that she was desperate for Paige to perform…or was it really the clients in here? “Baby, please?”

“I…uh…okay.” Paige supposed she didn’t have anything to lose by agreeing. Juliet would never humiliate her by asking her to perform if she thought it was a terrible idea. Yes, Paige knew she could sing, but that didn’t mean she truly believed she was good enough for a permanent spot here. She had to trust Juliet with this. “If you think it’s a good idea?”

“A good idea? Oh, Paige. When will you realise just how good you are?”

“I…know I’m good, but there’s far better out there.”

Juliet laughed, brushing that comment off with a wave of the hand. “Nonsense. You’re amazing.”

“You have to say that.”

Juliet quirked a brow. “Actually, I don’t. I’m not in the habit of lying. Especially to someone I love.”

Paige’s heart melted at that. This woman didn’t have it in her to appease people for the sake of it. “Okay.”

Juliet’s eyes widened. “You…really mean that? You’ll do it?”

“Sure.” Paige turned her attention back to the counter, wiping down the already pristine wood. She didn’t want it to become a big deal. It was only a song and a piano.

But Juliet suddenly rounded the bar and pulled her into an embrace. “Thank you. So much.”

“Babe, it’s fine. No need to thank me. It probably won’t last very long.”

Juliet held Paige at arm’s length. “That’s rubbish, and you know it. Now, get on that piano, and I’ll take care of anyone who needs serving.”

Paige lowered the cloth in her hand, clearing her throat as she reached for her glass of water. She sipped slowly, not a hint of anxiety present. That was how she knew she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

With her shoulders pulled back, she approached the piano and took a seat on the bench. That first stroke of the keys ignited Paige in a way it never had before. Complete. That’s how she felt. Complete, safe, and incredibly loved. By Juliet and only Juliet. She glanced up at her girlfriend as she started to sing the first line of Grace Davies “Roots”, the slightest smile curled on her mouth.

Juliet observed her, her lips parting as Paige held her gaze. She slowly lowered the glass she was drying, her own stare not wavering. Juliet wrapped her arms around herself, those dark eyes teary. That was the beauty of this place. It was so intimate that you could make out every emotion on each individual face. Juliet was no different, and Paige was beginning to realise that the ‘stoic ex-lawyer’ couldn’t hide her emotions. Just the reminder of Juliet ever saying that to her had tears welling in Paige’s eyes. There was nothing stoic about Juliet Saunders at all.

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