Page 34 of Any Kind of Life

Paige smiled into the camera. “You look tired. You should go home.”

Paige wasn’t wrong. Juliet was close to barely functioning. “I will. Can I call you when I’m home? Maybe we could lie in bed and just talk?”

“Deal. I’ll be leaving here by eleven. The hotel is only around the corner. They invited me to stay on the bus with them, but you know me…I prefer an actual bed.”

“Actual beds are far more fun.” Juliet winked, reaching behind her phone and powering off her computer. “Now, I should go because I don’t want you to see the bar at the minute. I want it to be a surprise when you get home.”

“It’ll be done by then?” Paige’s eyes widened when Juliet nodded. “Oh, my God. I can’t wait to see it. And you, of course.”

“Good save.” She rose from her chair, taking her jacket from the back. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours, okay?”

“Okay. And, babe?”

“Mm?”

Paige smirked. “Make sure you’re naked when you call back.”

Chapter 12

One week later…

Juliet grinned as she opened the apartment door to Caz. They were getting together for a glass of wine or two while Hannah worked late and Edie had plans with friends. Juliet had initially thought about turning down Caz’s offer to come over with a good bottle of red, but this was the kind of night she needed. She and Caz understood one another. They were aware of the insecurities that came with the kind of relationship they were both in.

“I brought two bottles…just in case.” Caz strode across the apartment, setting them down in the kitchen. It wasn’t often they got together in private like this, but Juliet knew Paige and Hannah had likely encouraged Caz to do this. They both meant well, so Juliet had no choice but to entertain the idea. The last thing she wanted to do was alienate friends. Especially friends who had come to mean a great deal to her. “Busy day?” Caz asked, turning to Juliet. “I believe the bar is coming along nicely.”

“That bar has been a pain in my arse for the last week. But yes, it’s mostly running smoothly.” Juliet closed the door and followed Caz into the kitchen. The wine glasses were ready and waiting. “I hope it’s finished in time for Paige ending the tour. That’s my focus at the minute. Making sure it’s ready.”

“Does it take your mind off the waiting around?” Caz asked with a gentle smile.

“Kind of. But not really. I just don’t know what to do with myself, Caz.”

Caz shed her jacket and hung it over a dining chair. Once they’d poured wine and got comfortable on the couch, Caz exhaled a calming breath. For some reason, Juliet always felt calm around Caz. She just had that personality. “This will all be over soon, and Paige will be back here. I know it’s been tough for you, it was difficult the first time around, but the end is coming.”

“That’s another thing I worry about. When the end does come.” Juliet mindlessly ran a fingertip up and down the stem of her glass.

“Why?”

“Because part of me wonders if it’s what Paige wants. Surely, she doesn’t really want this to be the end. I see the fire in her eyes when she performs. God, I’d never forgive myself if she stopped because of me.”

“From what Paige has said when I’m around, she’s never wanted to perform for all those people. Yes, getting a taste of it has been exciting for her, but I think it comes down to the fact that she would rather be at The Hideout with you. I don’t think for one second she’s planning to end touring because of you.”

“I’m just struggling to understand why she would want to stand behind a bar when she could be travelling the world. The fans love her, Caz. They talk about her and her music online all hours of the day. She would only be wasted behind the bar.”

“But that’s Paige’s choice. If she wants to be here instead of hotel hopping, then what’s the issue?” Caz frowned as she watched Juliet. “Aren’t you happy that she’ll be home?”

“Of course I am. I can’t wait until I know the tour is over. I worry that she’s doing it for the wrong reasons, that’s all.” Juliet had gone over it all in her mind for weeks now. She hadn’t aired her feelings to Paige in those weeks, not really, but it did feel like an issue that needed addressing.

“I can see your point, but on the other hand, I find it incredibly sweet that she wants to be here with you. She loves you, Juliet. She wants her life here with you, not something long-distance.”

Juliet relaxed as Caz reminded her of that. She wasn’t sure she would ever be cut out for a long-distance relationship, but she would try anything if it made Paige happy. “She’s been through so much. She had to flee her home and run away from the man she was married to, and…I don’t know. I hope she doesn’t think that I’d be angry if she chose to keep doing gigs. That I’d turn out to be another James, you know?”

“No. There is no way she thinks that. There is zero control from either of you in your relationship.” Caz shook her head. “I know how Paige feels when it comes to past relationships. I know that uncertainty and wariness about new people and relationships. But I also know she’s a lot like me in that I’ve never once felt controlled by Hannah in the time I’ve known her. Paige doesn’t feel that either.”

“How can I be sure of that?”

“You’d know,” Caz said, regarding Juliet with a small smile. “Paige had it far worse than I did in some respects. Naomi never once laid a hand on me. If Paige had any doubts about your relationship or where it was going, you’d know. If she thought you were potentially another James…you’d know. She would be quiet and withdrawn. She would second guess herself. Perhaps even flinch around you. All I see when you and Paige are in the room together is love. The way she looks at you…it’s the same way Hannah looks at me. A look that is entirely unconditional love.”

“I always thought that was all in my head. The way she looks at me…”

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