Page 35 of The B Side

She kissed Juliet, slowly at first.

Then harder, a little more intense. A little needier. God, it was going to be so hard to keep this need on a leash tonight. She poured as much of these emotions as she could into this kiss, because she didn’t have another way to say thank you that was big enough, yet.

But she was mindful of their makeup, and she was the one who pulled back first.

Juliet blinked her eyes open, breathless as she said, “We should go.”

There was still a lot to digest. She had to let this settle in, and she wanted to have a real conversation about it. But… for now, Darcy nodded. “Yes. We have to go and pick up a truckload of awards for you.”

Juliet’s eyes glinted at her as she tossed Darcy a look over her shoulder. “Please. Just one or two.”

Seated inside the ceremony, Darcy could barely focus on half of what was happening.

She was so aware of Juliet beside her. Of their shoulders touching. Of their hands occasionally brushing. Of the fact that every camera in the room knew exactly who Juliet Jacobs was really with.

The red carpet had been every bit as insane as she’d expected it would be. The typical chaos had been dialed up, and the cameras that had focused on them had nearly blinded her.

But she’d done it all with Juliet’s hand in hers. They’d done several quick interviews –

Yes, we are here tonight officially as a couple.

No, we will not be discussing our relationship timeline here at the Grammys pre-show.

Yes, we would comment on the vitriolic responses to our personal lives: our sexualities have nothing to do with anyone but us.

Yes, we are both friends with Robbie.

No, we will not be addressing any of the rumors floating around.

Yes, Darcy did inspire several songs from Half-Truths.

Yes, Juliet does look absolutely stunning tonight.

“Are you excited to win?” Darcy leaned in to ask, her lips brushing over the shell of Juliet’s ear as her category was being read aloud.

She felt Juliet shiver against her.

“You don’t know that I will,” Juliet whispered back, keeping her eyes glued to the stage. Darcy could feel her vibrating in anticipation.

“Yes, I do.” She waited a beat before teasing, “After all, I'm not competing with you.”

Juliet whipped her head around now, mouth falling open, as that hot, competitive gleam danced in her eyes. “Excuse you.”

Darcy couldn’t even pretend to keep up the bit. “Even if I’d been up for this, you’d win tonight. This album is so amazing, Juliet, it’s – it’s everything.”

Juliet's expression softened.

“And now, for Album of the Year…”

Juliet’s hand dropped to Darcy’s lap, holding so tightly it cut off some circulation. And it didn’t matter, because Darcy held back just as tightly, everything inside of her going haywire, because she was so ready for Juliet to get her flowers.

But also because this was on camera. Everyone watching the Grammys could see this. Everyone in the world could see that Juliet reached for Darcy’s hand for comfort right now.

The presenter opened the envelope, and Darcy stopped breathing.

“Half-Truths by Juliet Jacobs.”

For one second, Juliet didn’t move. Then she turned sharply to look at Darcy, who was already looking at her. Already staring at Juliet’s perfectly sculpted profile.