Joey sat cross-legged on the bed with her coffee, smiling at Vanessa in a way that made Vanessa’s heart melt.
“Are you ok this morning?” asked Vanessa, taking a sip of the strong black liquid.
Joey gave a half smile. “I’m great,” she says, “although I ache in some unexpected places.”
Vanessa laughed. “I can totally relate. I do have a cure, though.”
“Oh, yes?” Joey enquired.
“A calorific breakfast somewhere. The more carbs, the better.” Vanessa placed a hand on Joey’s knee.
“I’m in,” said Joey with a grin.
Chapter Thirty-Six
JOEY
“Thanks for coming,” said Dani. Joey and Vanessa had promised earlier in the week they would help Dani sort out her uncle’s apartment. He was due home from hospital soon.
“No worries,” said Joey, hoping that the fact she and Vanessa had been up half the night and had come directly from their recovery breakfast didn’t show.
“Beautiful dress, Vanessa.” Dani looked at Vanessa’s garment with admiration.
Vanessa side-eyed Joey before speaking. “Thanks. It’s one of my favourites.”
Joey had a vivid memory of hitching up the skirt of that dress while Vanessa spread her legs the night before. She shook her head slightly. “So, what do you need us to do here?”
Dani gestured to the small space. It was packed full of old newspapers, books and pamphlets. “We need to tidy this all up a bit and give it a clean. He’s going to struggle to get around to start with, so if we can make a bit more space forhim, that would be great.”
“He’s quite the reader,” exclaimed Vanessa, looking around the living area.
“He really is,” said Dani. “Always has been. But over the years he’s not been great when it comes to looking after himself and keeping everything as tidy as it could be.”
“I think we’re equal to this task,” said Joey, smiling, before picking up a pile of papers.
“You seem cheerful,” Dani observed.
“Aren’t I always?” said Joey.
“No,” Dani replied. “You’re a wonderful friend, but the glass is definitely usually half empty with you.”
Vanessa hid a snigger by pretending to look at the back of a book.
“Maybe I’m changing,” said Joey.
Dani held up her hands. “Ok, stop right there. Who are you and what have you done with my Joey? You are clearly an imposter.” Joey froze. “Does this have something to do with you?” Dani pointed at Vanessa.
“I don’t think so,” lied Vanessa. Joey swallowed and Vanessa’s face went bright red.
“Oh hang on, I see,” said Dani. “Say no more. I think I know exactly what’s happened here.”
Vanessa looked down at her dress, and Joey wondered if she was thinking about the moment she’d taken it off the night before as well. Neither of them spoke.
“Well, I’m glad you’re both getting some,” chuckled Dani. “I’m certainly not. Pedro’s still away.” She sighed. “I think he prefers his job to me.”
“Oh no,” said Joey, “definitely not.” She walked over to Danie and rested a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “He’s just a busy boy. He’ll be back sooner than you know it, andyou’ll be moaning about his giant shoes littering your hallway again.”
Dani laughed. “Probably.”
