She had always known Juliet was lonely. She knew about the empty house waiting for her every night, the holidays spent alone, and the way she always lingered a little longer whenever Amara invited her over for dinner. But hearing Juliet say it out loud made it feel different.
"You know you still have time, right?" Amara said gently. "You're young. You could wait a few more years."
Juliet shook her head without hesitation.
"I don't want to wait anymore. I've waited long enough."
Amara looked at her for a moment longer before finally letting out a sigh.
Maybe love wasn't what everyone was searching for.
Maybe some people were simply looking for a place to belong.
"Okay."
Juliet's face immediately brightened.
"Okay?"
"Okay."
A smile spread across Amara's face.
The heavy atmosphere that had settled between them disappeared almost instantly.
Juliet threw her arms around her. "Thank you."
Amara laughed and pushed her away.
"Don't thank me yet. I'm still not convinced this isn't a terrible idea."
"It'll be fine."
"Those are famous last words."
Juliet ignored her.
Amara shook her head before straightening her shoulders and glancing toward the entrance of the Blue Orchid Club. The golden lights spilling from the doorway reflected in her eyes as a mischievous grin slowly appeared on her face.
"Well then," she said, rolling her shoulders back. "Let's go crash a party."
Juliet laughed.
The two women hurried toward the entrance and slipped through the unattended doors.
The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by a breathtaking lobby. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting warm light across polished marble floors. Elegant flower arrangements decorated every corner, and expensive artwork lined the walls.
Unfortunately, they barely had time to appreciate any of it.
They had taken only two steps when a voice suddenly echoed behind them.
"Miss? Miss?!"
Both women froze.
Their heads whipped around simultaneously.
A security guard was rushing up the staircase from the lower floor.
