“The colours,” said Vanessa, finally.
“I know.” Joey put her hand in Vanessa’s and stood with her. They turned slowly, both of them taking in the organically shaped buildings, the colourful tiles and the topsy-turvy architecture. “Antoni Gaudi is responsible for how the world views Barcelona, and this is a great example of his work. Look.”
Vanessa looked towards a giant lizard sparkling in turquoise, blue, red and aquamarine tiles. “That’s beautiful.”
The pair walked around the space, taking in the way the buildings seemed to blend into the hillside, despite their bright colours.
“Gaudi was actually commissioned to build this place for the aristocrats of the early nineteen hundreds to live in.” Joey stopped to point out the grand staircase and the colonnades.
“People lived here?” Vanessa’s eyes were like saucers.
“Well, not quite,” said Joey. “I think only two houses were actually completed by nineteen fourteen, and the economy had changed. In nineteen twenty the government turned it into the park you see today.”
“Perhaps we could live here.” Vanessa skipped along thepavement like someone who didn’t have a care in the world. Joey looked around them, assuming that people would stare at a grown woman skipping around an old Catalan treasure. But most people were just going about their own touristy ways.
And yes, it was packed to the rafters with people. But somehow, being there with Vanessa, today it didn’t bother Joey.
“Come on,” called Vanessa from further up the path.
“I’m coming.” Joey quickened her step. “But I’m not skipping!”
“Wimp,” replied Vanessa with a laugh.
After they had explored, they found a place to sit and watch the world go by.
“Thank you for bringing me here.” Vanessa placed her hand on Joey’s bare knee, below the hem of her shorts.
Joey felt a warmth beyond the summer heat. “You’re welcome.” She took a breath. “Can I be honest?”
“Of course.” Vanessa looked intently at Joey.
“I thought I was going to hate being here. I thought the crowds and tourists would get to me.” Joey gestured to the people around them. “But being here with you, it’s like they don’t exist.”
Vanessa smiled. She didn’t speak, but instead leaned forward and planted a kiss on Joey’s cheek.
“You are very cute,” said Vanessa.
Joey felt herself blush from her toes to the tips of her ears. “Cute?”
“Yes,” insisted Vanessa. “Cute.” She looked at Joey with her head to one side. “And very, very hot.”
Joey leaned forward and kissed Vanessa on the lips, and she was certain that at this very moment, she was in exactly the right place with exactly the right person.
Chapter Forty-Four
JOEY
“Thanks for coming along to help,” said Dani, as she, Joey and Vanessa reached the hospital. “Uncle Sergio still isn’t as mobile as he’d like to be, and somehow he’s gathered a lot of stuff at the hospital.”
“No problem,” said Joey with a smile. “As I think I’ve said before, it’s what friends are for.”
They found their way to the stroke rehabilitation ward. Sergio was sitting on the side of his bed, already dressed.
“Well, you look a lot better than when I last saw you.” Vanessa sat opposite him in the chair by his bed, speaking in Spanish. “You might not remember me. You were so poorly. I’m Vanessa, Dani and Joey’s friend.” Joey was impressed with the progress Vanessa had made on her language skills in a few short weeks.
Sergio gave a lopsided smile, his freshly combed white hair falling over his forehead. “Dani told me about you and of your kindness.”
“So today’s the day, Uncle. Time to go home. We’re going to help you get settled in.” Dani started gathering hispossessions and putting them carefully into the large holdall she’d brought with her.
