“It’s my home.” There was that shrug, the gesture Joey seemed to use so liberally. She strode forward confidently.
“You’ve been here fifteen years, right? I can’t imagine living anywhere for that long,” said Vanessa, as much toherself as to Joey. She’d lived in various parts of England before returning to her home town of Birmingham.
“Figures,” said Joey.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Vanessa, sounding more indignant than she’d intended.
Joey paused under a spot where washing and flags hung from balconies, and turned to look at Vanessa. “It’s not a criticism,” she said. “Just an observation, really.”
“You don’t know anything about me,” said Vanessa, more gently this time. It irked her that Joey thought she knew her so well.
“You came to Barcelona unable to speak the language, with a plan to research Spanish baking for a cafe in the UK, even though you have no knowledge of Spanish baking.” Joey took a breath. “I’m just saying that you seem like a person who jumps into things quickly.”
“Unlike you, I suppose,” said Vanessa, following Joey around a corner into a small square.
“That’s probably fair to say,” said Joey. They walked on in silence for a few more minutes. “It’s just through here.”
She led Vanessa through an archway and then to a scruffy-looking door. To the side of the door were a number of doorbells. She rang one, and immediately a sound came through the tinny intercom to confirm their entry.
Chapter Ten
VANESSA’S VICTORIA SPONGE RECIPE
Pre-heat oven to 190°C. Butter two sandwich tins and line.
In a large bowl, beat 200g caster sugar, 200g softened butter (a Spanish bakery is never cool, so butter is always soft), 4 beaten eggs, 200g self-raising flour, 1 tsp baking powder and 2 tbsp milk together until you have a smooth, soft batter.
Divide the mixture between the tins, smooth the surface with a spatula.
Bake for about 20 minutes until golden and the sponges spring back when pressed.
Turn onto a cooling rack and leave to cool.
Find the best raspberry jam you can source – or even better, make your own – and slather as much as you possibly can to be sandwiched in between the two cakes.
Sprinkle caster sugar on top to finish.
Chapter Eleven
JOEY
Joey steeled herself to enter the party. Dani was about the only person she would go to a party for. She preferred smaller gatherings, or ideally, just her own company. It was easier that way.
Dani immediately approached and welcomed her and Vanessa. “Oh look at you,” she said to Joey’s flighty companion. “I love that top. Gorgeous.” Dani looked across at Joey. “And you always look radiant, my dear.” Joey screwed up her face and allowed herself to be hugged.
Vanessa, meanwhile, looked very at home, hugging Dani hello and chatting as she was introduced to her friends. Joey made her way to Dani’s tiny kitchen and helped herself to a non-alcoholic beer from the fridge. She knew she’d been grumpy on the walk to the party. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t be, but Vanessa had emerged onto the street looking gorgeous, her legs brown and glowing, her eyes twinkling, smelling amazing. Joey had lost her usual composure, and had reverted to being more judgemental than Vanessa probably deserved. Quietly, she admired thewoman’s optimism and drive; her ability to take a risk and run with it. But she knew if she said that she’d end up betraying much more of how she felt.
“Oh there you are,” said Vanessa. “Ooh, is there another of those?”
Joey nodded and fished another beer from the fridge for her. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to give you a hard time just now,” she said as she handed Vanessa the chilled bottle.
Vanessa smiled. “Thanks. I know. I’m learning that’s your way.” She raised her bottle. “Cheers.”
“Cheers, Vanessa.” She gave a small grin and took a swig. “Tell me about this cafe you want to open, then.”
Vanessa beamed. “Really?” Joey nodded. “Well, it’s all because of my gran, really. She was from here. She left when she was young and never came back. She never really talked about it much, but after she died she left me this recipe book.”
“The old book you’ve been reading on the balcony?” asked Joey.
