Chapter 5

Juliet's phone pinged on the couch beside her for the third time. She glanced at the screen, ignoring the message waiting for her again. She didn't want to talk to anyone unless it was Paige. Preferably Paige calling to say she was coming home because the tour wasn't working for her, and that she needed to be with Juliet instead. Stop being ridiculous . She brought the cuff of Paige's hoodie up to her nose, inhaling deeply. Paige had almost put it into the washing machine the morning she was leaving, only to be stopped dead in the kitchen by a shrieking Juliet. There was no way Paige was leaving her with nothing that smelled like her.

Realising that she should probably respond to her messages, she brought her phone up.

I'm only working half a day. Did you want to meet up for lunch?

Juliet smiled. It was Hannah. She had a feeling Paige had asked Hannah to keep Juliet company, but she didn't want company. Unless it was Paige.

Is everything okay? I haven't heard from you in a few days.

Hannah again. No, everything wasn't okay. Juliet was miserable. She still wore the same pyjamas that she'd been wearing the morning Paige left. She hadn't washed her hair or showered and had barely eaten anything.

Hey. Thanks for the invite but I'm already busy with plans. Maybe another time?

That should satisfy Hannah. And if it didn't, Hannah could deal with it herself. Once she was home with Caz, Juliet would be the least of her worries.

Okay, well, if you change your mind, I'll be at the usual place.

Juliet wouldn't change her mind. She had been so stupid, not agreeing to go with Paige on tour. The bar was closed; what did it matter if she was around or not? She had no plans to pick up a hammer or knock walls out, so why did she need to be here?

Honestly, she feared she would cramp Paige's style. This wasn't her moment. It was her girlfriend's. Paige should be free to breathe and enjoy this experience. Having Juliet there, she would probably feel obliged to spend all of her time with her. Juliet didn't want Paige to feel that way. And after the conversation they'd had in the tub a few nights ago, Juliet knew how important it was for Paige to find her feet without Juliet hanging off her.

Don't wait around for me. But definitely another time.

She locked her phone and curled back under her blanket. It wasn't particularly cold in the apartment; the blanket was more of a comfort for her. Something to weigh her down and offer that safety Paige usually provided.

Juliet snuggled down and brought the blanket to her chin. A rerun of a show she and Paige usually watched was playing as background noise simply because Juliet hated silence. Before she met Paige, she could enjoy silence any time of day, but now? No. She hated it. Silence meant she was entirely alone.

She closed her eyes, wondering what Paige was doing this afternoon. Had she finished her soundcheck? Had she eaten lunch? Would she find time to call Juliet before the hustle and bustle of the show began?

Juliet groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. If she could just sleep as much as possible, missing Paige wouldn't last as long.

Her phone started to ring somewhere on the couch, but Juliet didn't have the energy to answer it. What if it's Paige? She scrambled to an upright position, rummaging for her phone.

It was Paige. "H-hello?"

"Hi, babe."

"Oh, God. You don't know how good it is to hear your voice." Juliet settled back on the couch, dragging a hand through her embarrassing hair. It was a good job Paige wasn't home. She looked a mess. "How are you? Have you eaten?"

"I have. I've just finished lunch now."

Juliet smiled. So long as Paige looked after herself, that was the main thing. "And how's your hotel?"

"You know what, it's not as bad as some I've stayed in. Quite swanky, actually."

That only saddened Juliet. She could have been enjoying Paige's swanky hotel with her. "Well, I'm glad you have nice digs. It makes me feel better knowing you're comfortable."

"Have you been doing much?"

Juliet cleared her throat. "Oh, yes. Been busy doing things around the apartment and at the bar."

"Really? I called the bar this morning expecting you to be there, but the builder said he hadn't seen you."

"Oh. Weird."

"Mmhmm."

Juliet knew Paige was narrowing her eyes, trying to decide if she believed a word she said.

"Everything okay, babe?"

"Y-yes."

Paige sighed. "Juliet. I'd rather you were honest with me."

"Fine. I'm not okay. I'm bored to tears, I miss you, and this apartment is like being in a morgue."

"Haven't you heard from Hannah or Caz?"

And there it was. Confirmation that Paige had been in touch with them before she left. "Hannah texted me before. Asked if I wanted to have lunch with her."

"And you'd rather sit in our morgue-y apartment than agree to that?"

"Seems I would." Juliet inhaled the scent of Paige's hoodie again, smiling against the fabric. "But never mind me. Tell me about your plans for the rest of the day."

"I'm heading off to the venue soon for a soundcheck. Then it's just waiting around, really."

Juliet knew how much Paige hated sitting around. She preferred to keep busy doing useful things. "Well, it'll be over before you know it, and then you'll be back at the hotel."

"Hope so. Soraya is doing her usual planning for things after shows. I know it's what they all do, go out drinking and that, but I'd rather relax, you know?"

"I know. But join them. You may enjoy yourself."

Paige scoffed. "Unless you're going to be there, I doubt I'll enjoy any of it."

While it warmed Juliet to know that Paige wished she was there, she still preferred Paige to immerse herself in the experience. Okay, the UK wasn't Europe, but it was still one hell of a chance to show the world what she was capable of. Juliet knew all about the amazing things people were saying online. The UK would love Paige just as much as Europe had. And who knew…maybe further afield in time.

"So, can I call you tonight when I'm finished? It might be late; I don't like to leave the side of the stage while the others are performing. It seems rude, you know?"

"Of course. I'll be here waiting to speak to you again."

"Okay, good. Maybe we could Facetime instead? I miss looking at you."

Juliet would never turn down that opportunity. She thought she would have been the one missing the other more, but it seemed they missed one another equally. Two days in…and Juliet was a complete mess. At least this would give her a reason to shower and actually make herself look presentable. "I miss looking at you, too."

"Then it's a date. You and I, tonight."

Juliet giggled. "Should I bring wine?"

"You know what, you should. Let's make it something special and spend some time with one another. I have nowhere to be."

Juliet had just fallen in love with Paige all over again. A Facetime date was exactly what she needed in her life right now. It was the closest she could be to Paige since she was all the way at the bottom of the country. Just the drive down would take her seven hours, and that was without traffic. "I can't wait."

"Me neither. But I should go. I'm sorry, babe." Paige cleared her throat and exhaled a breath. "I wish I had more time to talk. I only have a few minutes before I leave the hotel."

"Baby, you don't have to explain. I know you're busy."

"One thing I'll never be is too busy for you. I promise to be around tonight. Let's say midnight, okay?" Paige and Juliet were more than used to late nights that extended beyond midnight. That was relatively early for them these days.

"Midnight. I love you."

"I love you, too."

And breathe.

Paige exited the stage to the left to rapturous applause, her spine still tingling from the crowd singing one of her songs back to her. She tried to force back the grin she wore—her face was beginning to ache now—but it seemed it wasn't possible. People…knew her music. They loved her music. Christ, a few fans had even had banners with wording directed at her.

Fans. Wow.

As she moved out of view of everyone, Paige rested her back against the wall in the corridor that led to her dressing room. With her palms pressed against the cool concrete, she exhaled a shaky breath and closed her eyes. Would that overwhelming feeling lessen as time went on? She thought she would be used to this by now, given the fact she'd already done a month in Europe. Perhaps it was because she was on home soil; she wasn't sure. Whatever was going on with her life lately, she really needed to allow it to sink in and then embrace every second of this.

"Oh, my God! Babe, that was amazing." Soraya came out of nowhere, stopping dead in front of Paige. "They fucking love you! We all do!"

Paige offered a shy smile. She was still getting used to the praise in all of this. "Thanks. That was…a lot."

"Why? It was epic!"

"I just didn't expect that many people to know my stuff, you know?"

Soraya smirked, guiding Paige away by the elbow. "I wanted people to know who you were. I've been sharing and highlighting your music for the last week in the run-up to the tour starting."

Oh, wow. Paige had no idea Soraya had been highlighting her. She was thankful, of course she was, but again…overwhelmed was the overriding emotion here. "Thanks. I appreciate that."

"Don't mention it. You're talented, Paige. I wouldn't have insisted you come back for the UK leg if I didn't believe that. I would have just asked someone else. But you know I wanted you on this leg of the tour. I think losing Drift so suddenly was meant to happen."

God, she couldn't wait to tell Juliet about this evening. She was going to be beside herself for Paige. Juliet always shared in Paige's wins. And this, it was definitely a win. "This is wild."

They laughed in unison, stopping outside the dressing rooms when Soraya's sound guy came towards her to mic her up. "I guess it's my time to shine now."

Paige rolled her eyes playfully. "Yeah, because that never happens, does it? The place will erupt when you walk out."

Soraya leaned in and hugged Paige, squeezing her before she pulled back. "I'll see you after the show."

"Yeah, uh…I kinda have some plans, so I won't be joining you guys afterwards. But tomorrow, I'll be there."

"Plans?"

Oh, yeah. Plans with the most beautiful woman in the world. "Yeah. I'm jumping on a call with Juliet. We have business stuff to talk about, and I figured we could have a little FaceTime date night. You know?"

Soraya grimaced slightly. "Is she struggling with all of this?"

"Struggling? No. I mean, we miss one another, but she's not struggling. Juliet has a lot to deal with back in Liverpool. You know I told you about the bar last time?" Soraya nodded. "Well, we're extending it. Building work started yesterday."

"So long as you're able to embrace this experience fully, that's all I care about. I'm sure you two will be fine."

Um, yeah. They were fine. Had Paige hinted at anything other than fine? "We're really good."

"Good. If you're good, I'm good. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Sure."

Paige sighed as Soraya walked away, her hands flailing about as her sound guy rushed behind her with wires and mics. This was a pretty incredible life, but it would never be full-time for Paige. It was far too hectic. She'd done hectic, she'd had the whole ‘not knowing if she was coming or going', and now…it was time to settle into a perfect life with Juliet. If it could be any more perfect, that was.

Paige propped her iPad up on a mass of scatter cushions and made herself comfortable. She may be alone in her hotel room, but she knew she was going to have the perfect night. Just knowing Juliet would be on a FaceTime call with her had helped Paige get through the last few hours. Whether she was here in person or via a screen, it didn't matter. It was the fact Paige had Juliet at all that made her smile.

Her iPad started to ring as she shifted onto her stomach, and then she connected it. Juliet's eyes stared back at her, a little more tired than Paige would have liked, that bright white smile beaming through the screen and almost blinding Paige. "My God. You're so gorgeous."

Juliet laughed and shook her head. "That was very smooth."

"No, I mean it. I could never forget your face, but fucking hell. When I haven't seen you for more than a few hours, I'm just reminded all over again."

"How was the show?" Juliet sipped on a glass of red, her gaze not leaving Paige's. "Good, I hope."

"It was quite intense tonight. I know I've done a lot of shows now, but there's something about a crowd of thousands singing back to you."

Juliet regarded Paige with a lopsided smile. "I wish I could have been there to hear that."

"Me too, babe." It didn't matter if Paige knew Juliet was at home in Liverpool; she would always look out at the crowd, hoping to spot her. "But I'm sure there's footage somewhere."

"It's not the same. It could never be the same."

Paige reached for her beer. "I know. The offer to get you a ticket is still there."

"Let me see how things go at the bar. The contractor seems like he knows what he's doing, but you know what I'm like. I prefer to oversee projects."

Paige grinned. She loved Juliet's quirks. "You do. But that just means everything turns out perfect, and I can't blame you for that. Knowing you're there, it makes me feel better about the building work."

"If you're sure?"

"I am. Of course I want you here with me—we could have made very good use of this room. But I'll have you all to myself again soon."

Juliet lifted her phone and repositioned it when she lay on the couch. Her eyelids appeared heavy, and Paige knew she was stifling a yawn. "Is the bed comfy? I could really do with cuddling you right now."

"Babe, are you tired?"

Juliet covered her mouth with her hand. "Shattered."

"Why don't you go to bed?" Paige wanted to spend some time with Juliet, but not at the expense of her losing out on sleep. "I don't mind."

"No. I want to stay here talking to you. I don't want to let you go yet."

"Then do something for me?" Paige shifted closer to the screen, her head propped up in her hand. "Get into bed, and we'll talk there."

"I'm sorry. I'm not very good company lately. I haven't had a full night's sleep since you left for the tour. You'd think, given the fact I've spent most of my adult life sleeping alone, that I'd be used to it, but I got quite attached over the last year or so."

"Yeah, you did." Paige studied Juliet through the screen. "Please, get into bed…for me. I'll stay on the call with you until you fall asleep."

"You would?" Juliet's bottom lip trembled. Most people likely wouldn't notice, but Paige did. She noticed everything.

"Of course I would. Whatever you need." She stayed on the line, mostly looking at the ceiling in their apartment while Juliet went about getting ready for bed. "I can't wait to be home, and I've only just left."

Juliet's face reappeared. "I'm just glad I have something to keep me busy. I know I can't really do much to help at the bar, but I can still be there…occasionally."

"You're supposed to be having a break, babe. Do you ever sit still?"

"When I'm home with you, yes. But other than that, I prefer to stay busy." Juliet turned out the bathroom light and moved along the hallway. She groaned as she climbed into bed, then she got into her usual position and smiled back at Paige. "I don't know what I did with myself before you came along."

Paige could make some kind of joke about Rachel, but it wasn't necessary. "I don't either."

Juliet yawned, her eyelids heavy. "Do you think the bar will still do well once we've expanded?"

"Definitely. We already have the client base, and now we can stop turning people down for memberships. You already know it'll be a success because everything you do tends to be."

Juliet grinned. "Thank you for making me feel better about it."

Paige lifted a shoulder. She wasn't telling Juliet what she wanted to hear. "It's true, though. You're so dedicated to anything you do that it's hard to imagine it failing. And the women-only nights are going to be a huge hit once word gets out about it. Hannah and Caz do nothing but talk about it."

"No, they talk about your cocktails." Juliet gave Paige a knowing look.

"I mean, yeah…you're right. But we all know couples we can offer memberships to, so it's kinda going to be perfect. The Liverpool L Word ."

Juliet laughed at that. "Well, we're already partly there since most of us have slept with someone else's partner."

Ouch. That stung. "Mm. Thankfully, I'm not one of those people."

"And I'm also very thankful for that." Juliet's eyelids fluttered closed, another yawn making an appearance.

"Go to sleep, babe." Paige wished she was wrapped up in Juliet's arms tonight. "I'm not going anywhere, but please, go to sleep."

A gentle smile played on Juliet's lips as she pulled the cover up to her chin. "The first night that you're home, you're going to sing me to sleep."

Oh, Paige would do that every night if Juliet needed it. "It's a deal. Goodnight, babe."