Page 78 of Any Kind of Life

“Go on. Get yourself something to change into, and I’ll get that bath ready for you. And then when you’re done, however long that takes, lunch will be ready and waiting for you.”

Slipping from the counter, Juliet leaned in and kissed Paige below the ear. “Thank you. You’re amazing.”

Paige eyed the bathroom door as she took her phone from her pocket. Juliet would only shoot the idea down if she brought it up, so Paige had decided to take matters into her own hands. She was calling Hannah and Caz to come over and drink wine with them. If they were available, anyway. Juliet needed something to take her mind off everything. Having friends over would surely do that. Or maybe Juliet would open up a little more about what she was feeling. Hannah and Caz had seen her at her worst, after all.

She quickly called Hannah’s number, relieved when she answered. “Hey, it’s me.”

“Hey. Everything okay?”

“Are you and Caz free by any chance?” Paige had to prepare for the possibility of Hannah saying no. “I…wondered if you wanted to come over and spend the afternoon with us. Maybe with a bottle of wine or two?”

“Caz is working until four,” Hannah said, sighing. “Is tonight too late for you?”

Paige dragged a hand through her hair, smiling when she heard Juliet sloshing about in the water. “I don’t think it’ll matter what time you come over.”

“What do you mean? Has something happened?”

“I just think that Juliet could do with having some friends over. Take her mind off things, you know?”

“W-what things?”

Paige appreciated Hannah’s concern, but she really didn’t want Juliet to overhear any of this. “She’s just…struggling a bit.”

“How long has this been going on for?”

“Well, the not sleeping part has been going on since she came out of hospital, really, but that’s not what I’m worried about. She, um… She thinks Cara is still alive.”

“But the stupid bitch threw herself into the dock. It was all over the news. They have her body; they’ve confirmed it was her.”

Paige nodded. “Yeah. We all know that. Juliet does, too, but I think it’s just her mind playing tricks on her. She thinks she saw Cara this morning down on the street.”

Hannah cleared her throat. “Okay, yeah. It sounds like a night with all of us together could be a good plan. I’ll call Caz and ask her to pick up snacks on the way home. Maybe a charcuterie board or something we can all just lounge around enjoying.” Hannah paused. “And obviously, I’ll bring plenty of wine. You know, just in case we need extra for back-up.”

Paige laughed as she tossed the salad she’d prepared earlier in a bowl. “You’re both great friends. I’ll let her know you’ll be here tonight, okay?”

“Can’t wait. It’ll be lovely to see you both.”

“Right, well, comfy clothes, okay? We can have a nice girls night in.”

“Comfy clothes. Snacks. Wine. Got it.” Hannah laughed. “Anything else?”

Paige couldn’t think of anything else off the top of her head. She was sure she’d forget something, but this had been done on a whim so Juliet would forgive her. “No, that should be plenty. I’ll see you tonight.”

“Bye, Paige.”

The call ended just as Juliet stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped up in an extra thick fluffy robe. Paige could only watch her, adoring these vulnerable moments with Juliet. From the moment they’d met, Juliet had been the strong and supportive one. Now that the roles had been reversed, Paige was adjusting. But she was doing just fine.

“That may have been the greatest idea you’ve ever had,” Juliet said as she tiptoed across the floor. “Were you talking to someone?”

“Yep. Hannah.”

“Oh. Is she okay? I keep meaning to get in touch with her. It’s been a few weeks since we’ve seen them.”

Juliet was right. They’d only been over to the apartment once since Juliet was discharged from the hospital. Hannah and Caz would understand that Juliet and Paige were just taking things in their stride, though. “Well, I’ve just solved that problem.”

“H-how?” Juliet’s brows drew together.

“They’re coming over tonight. Girls night in with us. Wine and comfies.” Paige hoped Juliet would be interested in a night with the girls, but if she chose to cancel, that was understandable. “I just thought it would be nice to have a normal evening with friends. You know, take your mind off stuff and that.”

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