- What about kids?!
o Public answer: that seems a little pre-mature, given the marriage part of the equation! But they’d be so cute, wouldn’t they? Cue agreeable laughter.
It was always the same, had been for years. It was almost comforting in the predictability, she supposed, so there was that.
Today, she’d been asked some new questions, though:
- Is it true that you and Darcy Kincaid have buried the hatchet?
o Public answer: Itistrue! And not in one another’s backs, so don’t go misquoting me – cue laughter. Real answer: Darcy has buried her face in my cunt and gone to town, so safe to say the hatchet has officially been buried
- Did it happen by working together on Shelby Linwood’s album?! It’s just such a 180 after the drama a couple of months ago!
o Public answer: Yes, you nailed it. We worked on Shelby’s album together and realized that we just didn’t know one another very well. Things, before, had just really spiraled. Real answer: I didn’t know I could have another avenue to channelmy rather fervent reaction to Darcy before, and now I know she’s a giant lesbian. Doesn’t the world work in mysterious ways?
So, Darcy wasverypresent today, which was also the first time Juliet had seen her since they’d parted ways after the hospital. They’d both entered at different times, and visited different rooms; Juliet had always been meticulously careful about curating her visits to maintain a low profile, and she sensed that if it was both herandDarcy, things might blow up bigger than she wanted.
She’d done her best to put Darcy out of her mind while they were there, but she’d kept hearing Darcy introduce herself to children, parents, and employees. Every time she’d walk into a room, she’d say,“I’m Darcy Kincaid”as if the people didn’t know who she was. Most of the time, they were already amped up and excited.
Like – why do that? Everyoneknewwho Darcy was at this point. The wildest part about it was that Darcy sounded serious every single time.
Then, Darcy had called a car and left. She hadn’t made it into athing, and Juliet had appreciated that.
But in the eight days since, she’d been very much anticipating the CaF Awards, wondering what would happen when she saw Darcy again. Even more so when she’d been asked only yesterday, at the very last-minute to fill in due to the planned presenters getting sick, if she’d want to present an award with Darcy, as the momentum was building for their “Porchlight” cover coming out in a few weeks.
Juliet had readily agreed, and apparently, so had Darcy.
Darcy, who was now only several feet away on the red carpet. She was standing with Blythe and Emerson, talking to – of all people – Serena, herself.
Juliet had stolen several glances at her already. It was, admittedly, difficult not to. The dress she wore was black andsequined, sleekly form-fitted to curves that Juliet could now confirm first-hand were as enticing as they seemed while she was clothed. Her blonde hair was blown-out, making her waves look even more pronounced.
Her styling team was incredible at playing into Darcy’s strengths, no one could ever try to deny it.
Also not for the first time tonight, Darcy’s eyes locked in on Juliet’s. She didn’t know if she’d been caught looking or ifshe’dcaughtDarcylooking, so she was fine to call it a draw. Provided Darcy looked away quickly enough for no one to take notice, the way Juliet skillfully did.
She turned her attention back to Robbie. “Are you ready to go in? We’ve given our requisite attention to the wolves.”
Robbie’s stare was light with interest. “Holy hell. You and Darcydidhook up. I thought you stopped texting me last week because you were pissed she blew you off!” He accused in a hissed whisper. “You didn’t tell me she actually blewyou.”
She was very aware of where they were, so she didn’t glare at him. Instead, she kept her expression light and placid, even as she muttered, “I didn’tget blown. Get real.”
She’d gotten eaten out within an inch of her life; big difference.
“If you can be honest with anyone, it’s your gay boyfriend,” Robbie cajoled.
And he was right. They were always honest with one another when they hooked up with someone, because it was both of their reputations on the line.
“Fine.” She couldn’t help herself from glancing back at Darcy again, running her eyes over thatfuckingdress. God, she looked damn good. “Yes, she showed up after Shelby’s.”
Robbie was unreasonably excited, wiggling his eyebrows at her. “It’s been a long time coming. I mean, damn, when’s the last time you got with a woman?” He didn’t miss a beat, didn’t waitfor an answer, as he continued, “So, you two doing it again? I’ll cover for you tonight at the afterparty.”
She hesitated at that. She and Robbie almost always were spotted going to at least one afterparty together… but if Robbie wanted to concoct some other plan…
She darted her eyes toward Darcy again, feeling the spark of heat that was living inside of her fan into a burgeoning flame.
Darcy had gone back to Pineford the day after they’d had sex. At least, according to what Juliet had seen on her socials. They hadn’t contacted one another again, either.
But… Darcyhadbeen photographed wearing Juliet’s shirt a few days ago, when she’d landed at LAX. Juliet’s shirt wasn’t recognizable to the public as belonging to her – it was an older, baggier, cotton that used to be black but was now a dark gray with wear – so, whatever. ButJulietknew it belonged to her.
