Fuck, she really loved when Juliet did that. She’d missed it, and she shivered at the contact.
“In theory, that’s nice. Except, I don’t want space from you, Juliet. Sure, I’m on tour, so we’re going to have to have some physical distance. But I don’t want tofeeldistant from you.”
Her heart pounded in her chest, and she didn’t know if that was within their parameters or whatever. But she didn’t have it in her to express herself more eloquently right now or to hold that in.
“You know I haven’t done this before. But–”
Whatever else she had to say was stopped short by Juliet leaning up and pressing her lips against Darcy’s, swallowing the rest of her words.
A soft sound escaped the back of her throat as she wrapped her arms around Juliet, holding her snugly against her body again. This was exactly what she’d needed, not only today but since the day she’d left Juliet’s house.
Their kiss stayed soft, so much softer than they’d ever done in the past. The way Juliet’s hand stayed on her jaw, stroking her fingertips up and down her cheek made everything inside of Darcy tighten, then completely relax.
When Juliet pulled back, breaking their kiss, she said quietly, “I haven’t donethisbefore, either. Just so you know.”
“So,what are you going to do? About your mother?” Juliet asked, an hour later, as they sat outside on Darcy’s small balcony.
Apparently, somewhere along the way, Juliet had picked up on how much Darcy enjoyed sitting outside with her view. Maybe it had been how much Darcy had effused loving the greenery in Juliet’s backyard.
Regardless of how they got here, they were here. Juliet had her chair tucked up close to Darcy’s, close enough so she could keep their fingers lightly intertwined.
Darcy stared out at the water, taking a breath that only served to make her chest feel tight at how the conversations with Blythe and Eliana had played out. “I guess nothing.”
Juliet immediately twisted to face her, obviously confused. “That doesn’t sound like you. Is that what you want?”
“No. Not really.” She let out a humorless laugh, reaching up and rubbing her temples. “Iwant to rage and snap at her. Or, at the very least – I don’t know. Have a lawyer reach out to her. And maybe it’s impulsive, maybe I need to control that urge. I just…” She let out a sigh from the very depths of her soul.
Juliet squeezed her hand tightly, giving her a much-needed outlet, as she squeezed back.
Then she released a deep breath, trying to maintain the calm she’d found sitting out here together.
“I hate that she can do this. I hate that she can poke her head up and cash in on us. She has norightto do that.” She sniffed, shaking her head. “Blythe thinks giving her any of our time or money, even on a lawyer, would give her too much power. Eliana did some research into public sentiment and reported back that – by and large – this is actually lookinggoodfor us, given the whole story.”
Especially because, in response to their mom coming out of the woodwork, people from Pineford had absolutely blasted her back in comments and stitched together videos about what a liar she was.
She sank down into her chair, narrowing her eyes over the water. “I agreed that I wouldn’t say or do anything, so I’m going to keep my promise. So…” She released another sigh. “That’s it, then.”
Darcy supposed there was some comfort to take in that. It was decided. She couldn’t do anything.
Her mother had never been particularly consistent and didn’t have very much staying power. Sooner rather than later, she’d disappear again. Darcy supposed she’d just have to wait it out, even if it drove her crazy.
Juliet’s eyes were narrowed in thought as she hummed quietly in understanding.
Darcy rolled her shoulders back, releasing a deep breath. She had to leave for her soundcheck soon, so she really needed to keep things in check. Which, really, was a lot easier now that she’d made a complete mess of herself crying on Juliet’s shoulder.
She turned slightly in her chair, aiming a teasing smile at Juliet. “Hey, at the very least, the last time I didn’t completely control myself when it came to the media, it led to something pretty neat.”
“Neat, huh?” Juliet laughed. “Sure.Neat.”
Darcy was beginning to think that Juliet was a little life-changing for her, but… she simply grinned back, watching the afternoon sun shine warmly down on Juliet, giving her that angelic glow.
Which made her think – on the same topic of Juliet’s sweet, guileless face – “How did you get into my hotel room? BeforeIeven checked in?” She asked, frowning back over her shoulder into the now-empty room.
That was… concerning. Granted, it was Juliet, and she’dwantedJuliet here. But shouldn’t these rooms be more secure?!
Juliet’s eyes lit up, adorably mischievous. “I have my ways. Honestly, you’d be surprised how easy it can be to get access. I wouldn’t be shocked if – at some point – you walk into your hotel room and find a fan.”
Darcy’s lips twisted into a deep frown, shaking her head. “Ah, no thank you.”
