Page 96 of Any Kind of Life

“I believe that we met one another when we were both incredibly lonely. I’ll never regret the relationship we had with one another; you were there for me during one of the hardest times of my life, but I had to be brutal and cut you off when I did.”

“I know.” Rachel nodded slowly. “And I’m lucky that you and Paige are as forgiving as you are. Anyone else would have cut me off and never spoken to me again.”

“Paige is…” Juliet sighed as she sat back in her seat. “Well, she’s going to be my wife soon. I know that much.” Juliet lifted her left hand, the one she’d kept in her lap until now, and flashed her engagement ring in Rachel’s direction. “I can’t believe she even asked me.”

“Oh, my God. I’m so happy for you.” Rachel held Juliet’s hand and inspected the engagement ring. “Life is picking up for us all, isn’t it?”

“It is. And I’d like you to let Andi know that we’ll be coming in at some point to look at property.”

Rachel’s brows lifted. “You’re moving out of the apartment? You love that place.”

“I do love it, but I love my life with Paige more. It’s time for us to…go in a different direction, shall we say. The apartment won’t always be suitable.”

Rachel narrowed her eyes. “What does that mean?”

“Right now, I don’t quite know. But we spoke about moving somewhere bigger when Paige was on tour. I just think it’s the right time to progress.” Juliet wouldn’t reveal their plans for children to anyone just yet. Partly because she was waiting for it to sink in but mostly because they had to look at clinics and everything else first. Nothing would happen just yet, they wanted to make sure everything was in place before they dared to bring a child into the world, but just knowing it was on the table made Juliet’s heart sing.

“I can’t believe what’s happened so far this year. Paige has been on tour with bloody Soraya, and you… Well, you know.” Rachel lowered her eyes. “I’m so happy I’m sitting here with you today.”

“Me, too.”

“And I promise that Andi and I will be in your lives more. We’ll definitely come in for a drink when the bar is open again.”

Juliet grinned. “You’ll be first on my guest list.”

“Okay, now put the strainer over the top of the glass and pour.” Paige stood back, resting against the counter with the coffee machine on it. “Don’t worry if it seems like it’s going to overflow. It’s mostly foam at the end.”

Henry concentrated, but his hand still shook. “You make it look much easier.”

“You’re only pouring it into a glass. Don’t be so dramatic, H.”

Henry finished, grinning in Paige’s direction when the espresso martini had the perfect head on it. “Look at that. I’m a natural.”

Paige held out her palm and nodded towards it, where three coffee beans sat. “Now you need to drop the coffee beans into the centre of it. Just for decoration. Unless you’re into munching on coffee beans during a night out, obviously.”

Henry took them and carefully dropped them on top of the foam. Paige could only smile, enjoying this moment with him. Since Juliet’s attack, she had seen a completely different side to him. Maybe he was glad that watching their every move was coming to an end. Maybe he was just as fed up and tired of it as Juliet and Paige were.

“Looks great, H.” Paige patted him on the shoulder and left the bar. They had decided to come here today for a few hours, effectively easing Paige back into life at The Hideout. “How does it taste?” She checked the seating was where it should be, then glanced over her shoulder. “Henry?”

“Oh, I can’t drink it. What if—” He smiled as he trailed off. “Never mind. You or Juliet won’t need me. I can actually enjoy a drink, can’t I?”

“You can.” Paige eyed the stairwell when she heard the door open and close. “And now that the boss is here, I’m sure she’d love to enjoy one with you, too.”

Juliet landed in front of Paige. “Hi. I didn’t realise you’d be here today. I only got your message as I was walking home.”

“Thought I’d give it a go for a few hours.” Paige stepped towards Juliet and kissed her. “Good day?”

“Yes.” Juliet drew Paige in by the hip, smirking against her mouth. “But it could get better if you and I reacquaint ourselves with the piano bench.”

“B-babe.” Paige cleared her throat, wanting to die of embarrassment. She cocked her head towards the bar as she said, “Henry’s here.”

Juliet’s eyes widened as she turned to the bar. She surely felt as embarrassed as Paige did. There was no way Henry hadn’t heard what she said. “Henry, hi!”

“You alright, Jules?”

“Y-yes. Of course. Been here long?” Juliet strode across the floor and lifted the espresso martini that was waiting. She sipped it, moaning her approval. “Doesn’t Paige make the perfect cocktail?”

“I made it.” Henry winked, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up his forearms.

---