Carmen left the pair to their work, and Vanessa opted to leave Joey to herself for an hour or so before trying any conversation. Every now and again one of them would ask the other to pass a utensil or a baking tray, but there was a comfort to their quiet work.
Once everything was in the oven, Joey finally spoke. “Coffee?”
“Sure,” said Vanessa. The cafe wasn’t open yet, so they had the pick of the tables. They opted for the one outside, so they could enjoy the last of the cooling breeze before the fearsome summer heat rose.
Carefully, after a moment or two of silence, Vanessa spoke. “Are you ok?”
“Sure,” said Joey, not quite making eye contact.
“Did you hear from your father again?” Vanessa took a different tack.
“No. Thankfully not,” said Joey with a grim smile. “Sorry, I know I’m a bit grumpy this morning. It’s not you.”
“You’re not grumpy,” Vanessa told her. “Just, um, economical with your words.”
Joey laughed out loud. “That’s the most diplomatic thing I’ve ever heard. It’s ok, I’m sorry, I know I’m being a bit grumpy.”
Vanessa felt relief, and rested her hand on Joey’s.
“I always get a bit like this after I hear from him,” said Joey. She looked down at Vanessa’s hand, and Vanessa felt suddenly self-conscious. She removed it.
“Would it help to talk to him, do you think?” asked Vanessa. “I obviously know nothing about your situation, so feel free to tell me to back off. I just wondered. And you don’t have to answer.”
Joey smiled, her eyebrows raised. “You’re very kind. I don’t know. Maybe it would help.” She took a sip of her coffee. “Where are you going for your next exploration of Barcelona?”
“Not sure yet,” said Vanessa. “There’s so much to choose from. Do you have any recommendations?”
“Well, as it happens, I do,” said Joey. “Dani and I often visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. It’s an amazing place at the top of the hill looking out over the city, and there’s always something to see.”
“Oh yes, Carmen mentioned it. Now that sounds perfect,” said Vanessa.
“Dani and I were thinking of heading over there later this week if you fancy joining us?” Joey looked away from Vanessa and fiddled with her apron strings.
Vanessa was surprised and delighted by the invitation. “That sounds great, as long as I’m not intruding.”
Joey waved a hand. “I think you’ll like it there.”
Vanessa felt happy. She had begun to feel like she and Joey could be friends, and here was evidence that Joeyseemed to agree with that idea. There was an insistent voice inside her telling her that perhaps she wanted to be more than friends, but she knew that wasn’t an option with Joey.
Besides, she didn’t need the distraction. She had a business to create.
Chapter Twenty-Three
JOEY
Joey and Dani sat in the shade under the trees that provided valuable protection by the Magic Fountains, as they had become known over the years. It was late afternoon, and they had both finished work for the day.
“Is there a show tonight?” asked Dani.
“I think there might be,” said Joey. “I know how much you like it.”
“Oh, I do,” exclaimed the Spanish woman. “It’s so cheesy, but when the fountains all light up and the music plays, it’s magical.”
“Hence their name,” said Joey, nudging her friend with her elbow. “No Pedro today?”
“He’s already in Madrid for that work thing. I’m flying solo for the moment.” Dani pulled her curly hair back into a small ponytail. “And how about you? Are you flying solo, too?” She waggled her eyebrows.
“Don’t start,” said Joey. She had a sudden flashback to the night on the balcony with Vanessa, and what she’d donein bed afterwards. Solo. Her cheeks flushed and she rubbed the back of her neck.
