Page 102 of Any Kind of Life

Paige looked up at her, brows drawn. “Of course. I forgot to order a few bottles of mixer for cocktails, so I figured I’d do it now before I forgot again.”

“Right, okay.” Juliet was sure an order could wait for another day. It was only some bottles of mixer. Mixer Paige could likely pick up from the cash and carry.

“I know it’s our night off, but I’ll only be a minute. I’ve already placed the order; I was just making a note of it.”

Juliet smiled back at Paige, resting against the doorframe. “Rachel and Andi have just arrived.”

“Oh! Right. Fab.” Paige shut the computer down and filed the paper away she had just been making notes on. “Come on then. I’d like to see them before they bolt out the door suddenly.” She leaned in and kissed Juliet’s cheek, lingering for a moment. “What you said out there tonight…it was beautiful.”

“It was the truth.” Juliet took Paige’s hand and guided her back out into the bar.

Rachel and Andi sat with Hannah and Caz; a few regulars dotted about in their usual spots. It was a quiet night at the bar, but that was to be expected given the fact it was only Thursday. The weekend was sure to be busier. This night marked only their third night open since before the building work, and everything else took place.

Juliet checked with Henry that Rachel and Andi had drinks ordered, then returned to her seat. Surprisingly, the air felt calm and relaxed around her. It was nice to feel less intensity in her general day-to-day life. “Glad you two could finally make it.”

“Andi has a rare day off tomorrow, so we thought it would be best to get out tonight while we can. I don’t know the next time I’ll get a night out with her.” Rachel rested her arm over the back of Andi’s chair and grinned. “This place looks amazing now.”

“It didn’t look amazing before?” Juliet frowned. “I know it was smaller, but I still loved it before.”

“Oh, no. It did. It looked great. But I don’t know, there’s something about it that just seems much warmer than the last time I was here.”

Juliet laughed inwardly. It never would have felt warm to Rachel back then. They were on terrible terms with one another the last time she stepped foot in here. “Well, the less said about that, the better. I’m sure you’ll agree.”

“Mm. You’re right.” Rachel took her drink from Henry and passed Andi’s over to her. “Thanks, Henry. Good to see you again.”

He smiled. “You too, Rachel. Don’t be a stranger, yeah?”

“We won’t.” Rachel sipped her glass of rosé then relaxed into her seat. “So, how’s business been since you reopened?”

“Nice and steady, which I’m thankful for. I’m not sure either of us is prepared for hectic nights in here just yet.”

“And you’re still looking to sell the apartment?” Rachel looked between Juliet and Paige. “Andi has a few places in mind for you, depending on what you want.”

“Oh. Really?” Paige sat forward and joined the conversation. “Anything you can tell us about now?”

Andi brought up her phone from the table and unlocked it. “Yes. Give me a moment to pull up the pictures I had sent over to me today. Gorgeous house outside of the city. Huge, landscaped garden, five bedrooms, detached.”

Well, now, that sounded right up Juliet and Paige’s street. If they were moving into something bigger, then as big as they could find was what they hoped for. Who knew how large their family would become? And it was always nice to have a spare room or two. “Sounds promising.”

“Oh, it’s absolutely beautiful. I’d even go so far as to say that it needs no work before you move in. Of course, you’ll want to put your own mark on it, but it’s already finished to a high specification.”

God, Juliet really wanted to see this house now. She needed to see it.

Andi handed her phone over to Juliet and Paige. “I haven’t put it on the site yet or in the shop. I have some details to go over with them first. But it’s only looking like a few days before it’ll officially be on the market.”

Juliet almost gasped when she saw the first picture alone. An expansive driveway lined with trees greeted her, and she felt an instant connection with it. They would have to view it, there was no doubt about that, but getting such a powerful feeling at first glance was always a bonus. “Wow.”

“Yeah. That’s exactly what I said when I saw the pictures. It’s going to be snapped up very quickly.”

Juliet almost sighed. She really didn’t want to get into a bidding war with people. She just wanted to find something perfect for them…and live the dream. “Do you have any idea on the asking price yet?”

Andi nodded as Juliet returned her phone to her. She would prefer to see the rest of it up close and personal. “Yes. The owners are asking for offers in excess of seven hundred thousand.”

Paige cleared her throat at that, but Juliet simply lifted a shoulder. “So, if we offered seven two five?”

“Babe, we haven’t viewed it yet.” Paige turned to her suddenly. “And if they don’t accept it, it’s not the end of the world.”

“No, I know. I want to view it first, but maybe if we throw that figure out there to them and see how they respond?” Juliet turned her attention back to Andi. “Is that something you can do?”

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