She sat up, realizing that when she’d been totally out of it, she’d stripped off her clothing, as she was now only in her underwear. Shaking her head, she drank the water, had a handful of the M&Ms, and was determined to stay awake, as she tugged the blanket over her lap.
She was going to needle at Darcy the second she walked back into the hotel room.
Even though her chest ached with the tenderness of it all.
Apparently,Juliet had overestimated herself again.
The next time she woke up, it was because she felt the shifting of the blanket and the mattress, right before she felt Darcy’s body press against hers from behind, spooning her. She could feel in the way Darcy was moving that she believed Juliet was still fully asleep.
Darcy’s skin felt warm and she smelled strongly, appealingly, like her soap and shampoo. The press of her bare stomach against Juliet’s back was a little damp, still, like she’d barely taken the proper time to dry off after her post-show shower.
Juliet’s lips ticked into a smile, as she draped her own arm over Darcy’s, scooting her butt even snugger into the cradle of Darcy’s hips. “How was the show?”
“I didn’t realize you were awake,” Darcy whispered. “But it was good. The same. You were right, when you told me they’d all start to blend together.” Darcy splayed her hand widely over Juliet’s stomach. “More importantly, how are you feeling?”
Juliet inhaled, evenly. That spot behind her eye was still aching and she felt a very dim sense of nausea. But, “Fine.”
“Which means you aren’t back to normal, so it’s a good thing you didn’t go on stage tonight,” Darcy deduced.
When had she gotten so good at seeing through Juliet? Hmm? At reading her tones?
“Well, I did see on my phone when I woke up earlier that people were wondering when I’d be out onstage.” She closed her eyes, feeling the tension slide through her, the irritation at herself. “We had a plan; I made a commitment. Following through on that – having a reliable word – is… everything. I know you didn’t want me to go, but I should have pushed through, and… I’m sorry. I don’t want this to reflect on you three.”
We, The Romantics had all-but told their audience to expect Juliet tonight; that meant something. Whether Darcy liked it or not, Juliet was the experienced performer. She should have justdone it.
Darcy’s hand pressed a little firmer on her stomach. Not uncomfortably – actually, the opposite. “Yeah, being reliable is important,” she agreed, mildly. “But you can’t control not feelingwell. You can’t control getting a migraine. Your health is more important than any commitment to perform.”
Her breath caught and held in her throat, and she decided it was how badly she’d felt today that made her feel so emotional.
“Darcy…”
Darcy leaned in, pressing the softest kiss against the nape of her neck. “Don’t you dare call me naïve. I’m not saying that we won’t get any blow-back, or that people won’t be upset.” She pressed another longer, lingering kiss, one that made Juliet shiver. “I’m saying that you’re worth more than that. You are very talented, Juliet. And you honor your commitments, and you show up. But you’remorethan a singer or a performer or a reputation. You’re a whole person.”
She blinked, looking out into the dark room, as she felt a tear drip out of the corner of her eyes. She turned her face into the pillow, drying it against the cotton. It took her a few seconds to speak, before she whispered, “Thank you.”
Juliet tightened her hand over Darcy’s, pressing Darcy even harder against her.
“But… I also really wanted to perform with you.”
“I want that, too,” Darcy promised, her lips etching the words into the sensitive skin of Juliet’s neck. “Let’s reschedule for next week, then. Why don’t you do both of the New York shows with us?”
She could both hear and feel the excitement that worked through Darcy at her own suggestion.
Juliet felt that same spark. Two shows? Yeah, she could certainly work with that.
“Oh. Wait. Don’t you have that… thing? The dinner? With Robbie, then?” Darcy asked, deflating slightly, disappointment pushing in.
Juliet let out a sigh. “Yes, I do.” Still, she hesitated. “But it’s not the end of the world if I miss it. This… is a big deal.”
She wasn’t going to miss performing with Darcy in New York; Robbie would understand that.
Darcy’s mouth curved into a wide smile against her.
Juliet locked her fingers in with Darcy’s, contentment finally settling through her as she fell asleep again.
Dead Air — We, The Romantics tour coming to an end
April 9
