Page 77 of A Little Light

Chapter 24

Rachel perused the kitchenware in the department store she had dragged Andi along to, undecided on a number of choices. Now that life was settling down, she wanted to put her own mark on the loft while keeping it minimal, too. Andi had rushed outside a few minutes ago to take a call, so now Rachel had a list of questions as long as her arm for when she returned. If this was going to be a long-term thing—God, she hoped it would be—then Rachel wanted Andi’s input. It was important that she felt comfortable in the loft. At home, if you will.

“Rachel?”

Rachel frowned, pausing at the sound of a voice. She recognised it—had spent so long trying to forget it—but she was in a far better place these days. She steeled herself and turned around, her suspicions confirmed when Juliet Saunders stared back at her from across the plate selection. “Hi.”

“Oh, my. How are you? I haven’t seen you in…wow, it has to be months.”

Rachel smiled. Why would Juliet have expected them to bump into one another? “I’m good. Great. How are you doing?”

“Well, aside from struggling to pick out some new cocktail glasses for the bar, really good.” Juliet stepped around the display, looking as immaculate as ever. While Rachel had always admired Juliet’s dedication to her appearance, she had come to realise that the likes of a dressed-down Andi was far more enjoyable. “I’m looking into expanding in the new year.”

“So, The Hideout has been as successful as you imagined it would be?”

“It would appear so. You should come by sometime for a drink. Hannah and Caz have a membership now.”

Ah. Hannah and Caz. Another client/escort relationship that had been a success rather than turned sour. Seemed it was only Rachel who couldn’t encourage something more from a client she was attracted to. But…did that really matter anymore? No. Rachel was in so deep with Andi that she was glad it hadn’t worked out with Juliet. “I’d have to run it by my partner, but maybe, yeah.”

Juliet’s eyes widened, and then she beamed a smile. “You’ve met someone? Oh, that’s great.”

“I have. It’s early days yet, but we’ve just spent Christmas together, which was really lovely.”

“I know you and I ended on not-so-great terms, but I’m so happy for you. And I meant it when I said you should come to the bar. Both of you. We’d love to have you there. I’m…trying to cater more towards our community at the moment.”

“Why?” Rachel frowned.

“A safe space. Somewhere the girls can all get together and feel comfortable, you know?”

Rachel nodded slowly. While it was a great idea, she had to wonder how the regular members felt about that. “The others don’t mind your bar being taken over by the lesbians?”

Juliet laughed from deep within her belly. “Oh, no. They’re all really decent people. And with the expansion, there will be plenty of room for everyone.”

Rachel caught Andi approaching from the corner of her eye, a huge smile on her face. “So sorry about that. But I have good news for you!”

“Babe,” Rachel said, placing a hand on the small of Andi’s back. “This…is Juliet. Juliet, this is—”

“Andi Palmer, right?”

Andi’s brows drew together. “Y-yes. Do I know you?”

“You sold me my apartment in Alexander Tower. It must have been…five years ago now?”

“Oh! I remember. You’re the lawyer, yes?”

Juliet held up her hands. “Not anymore. I own a bar now. I was just telling Rachel that you two should come in for a drink sometime.”

Andi switched her attention between Rachel and Juliet, clearing her throat. “Well, whatever Rachel wants to do.”

Sensing that Andi knew all about Rachel’s time with Juliet, Juliet regarded her with an understanding smile. “I should get back. Paige is cooking dinner tonight. But the offer is there. You know where we are, and we’d love to have you both in—anytime you like.”

“Thanks.” Rachel took Andi’s hand, determined to avoid any kind of awkward situation.

“Actually, we’re having a closed thing on New Year’s Eve if you don’t already have plans. Hannah and Caz will be there, Paige will be on piano…”

“Maybe,” Rachel said, giving Juliet a knowing look. “But you know, have a great new year with Paige. And tell Hannah I was asking about her.” Hannah was another old colleague she hadn’t kept in touch with. She had been the very person to introduce Rachel and Juliet to one another back when she left escorting and took a position with Juliet in law. “Take care, Juliet. It was nice seeing you again.”

“You too.” Juliet took a step back. “And it was nice to see you again, Andi.”

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