Mr. Americana and The Heartbreak Princess

6

Juliette sprawled on her couch, one leg draped lazily over the armrest, scrolling through her phone. She had just finished doing her makeup-not for anyone, of course, just for herself. A subtle cat-eye, glossy lips, and her usual perfect skin. She wasn't going anywhere, but that didn't mean she couldn't look good while ignoring the world.

The knock at the door interrupted her peace. She groaned, tossing her phone onto the coffee table. Probably some delivery for her mom. She pushed herself up, her silk shorts swishing slightly as she padded to the door.

When she swung it open, John B and JJ stood on the porch. JJ's grin was wide and cocky, while John B leaned against the doorframe with his usual relaxed charm.

Juliette arched an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe. "What do you want?"

"Just thought we'd check in," John B said, his tone casual.

JJ smirked, his eyes trailing down her effortlessly put-together appearance. "Yeah, you looked... real busy sneaking out of Tannyhill this morning. Thought you'd need someone to talk to about it."

Juliette's expression didn't waver, though her stomach dropped slightly. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said, her tone sharp but calm.

"Don't play dumb, Jules," JJ said, stepping past her into the house like he belonged there. "John B saw you. Early morning walk of shame from Rafe Cameron's place? That's a bold move."

Juliette turned to glare at him, slamming the door shut behind John B as he followed JJ inside.

"First of all," she said, her voice dripping with disdain, "don't call me Jules. Second, whatever you think you saw, you didn't."

JJ grinned, flopping onto the couch. "Oh, we definitely did. Rafe Cameron, huh? Didn't know you had such... interesting taste."

She crossed her arms, her sharp gaze cutting into him. "You don't know a damn thing about my taste."

"Guess that's true," JJ said, leaning back. "But I gotta say, sneaking out like that? It's not exactly subtle."

John B perched on the armrest of the couch, watching her with mild amusement. "We're just curious. What's the deal with you and Rafe?"

"There is no deal," Juliette snapped, her voice firm. "Someone spiked my drink at the party. Rafe noticed and got me out of there. End of story."

JJ tilted his head, his grin widening. "Rafe noticed? That doesn't sound like him. Usually, he's too busy being an asshole."

"Maybe you don't know him as well as you think," she shot back, her voice smooth and cool.

JJ let out a low whistle. "Defensive. So maybe he's not just an asshole to you?"

Juliette rolled her eyes, stepping closer and grabbing the throw pillow from the couch. "You're so annoying, you know that?"

JJ laughed, ducking as she threw the pillow at him. "You keep saying that, but I think you secretly love having us around."

"Love isn't the word I'd use," she muttered, sitting on the armchair across from them and crossing her legs elegantly.

JJ leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Alright, your turn, Jules. Truth or dare?"

"Absolutely not," she said, arching an eyebrow.

"Oh, come on," JJ said, his grin mischievous. "You're no fun."

"I'm plenty of fun," she countered, her tone icy. "I just don't have time for childish games."

John B chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. No truth or dare. How about something simpler? Twenty questions."