“Joey did an extra run for supplies, so we have all the flour and sugar we could possibly need.” Carmen gestured to the overflowing pantry.
“I think there is every chance that we may get engulfed in a flour avalanche with that lot,” said Vanessa, elbowing Joey in the ribs.
Joey liked being teased by Vanessa. “Well, better safe than sorry.”
“Less talk, more work please, ladies.” Carmen clapped her hands. Joey and Vanessa hopped to it, picking up the biggest mixing bowls in the kitchen.
Once the dough was proving, Vanessa started on some English treats to add to the party tables the next evening. Joey took a few minutes to get some fresh air outside the shop. She looked up at the sky, which was now navy blue, with clouds gently passing through.
She leaned against the wall and pulled out her phone. She read the text to her father once again: “Dad. I am glad you’re doing well. I can’t give you money. I don’t think that would be healthy for me or you. But I do want to be in touch with you, maybe just by text to begin with. I hope you are keeping yourself safe. Joey”
Setting boundaries, that’s what Vanessa had said. And it seemed like a good approach. She looked up at the sky again and closed her eyes. She wasn’t sure she believed in God, but she silently pleaded that this text wouldn’t end in disaster. And, for good measure, that she and Vanessa wouldn’t end in disaster, either.
She took a deep breath, released it, then opened her eyes. She looked again at the message. She unblocked her father and pressed send.
“You look very serious, my dear.” Carmen had stepped into Carrer de Petritxol to join her.
“Oh well, you know, life.” Joey shrugged.
“Well, while we’re being serious, perhaps we could talk about the bakery? We were interrupted last time.” Carmen smiled at Joey and sat at one of the tables outside the window.
Joey joined her. “Ok, tell me what you’re thinking.” Her heart sped up. It felt like everything was changing – things with her father, her approach to love, and even the bakery. She wasn’t sure whether her heart was beating faster with excitement or fear. Perhaps a bit of both.
Carmen put her elbow on the table and steepled her fingers. “I want you to run this place after I retire. You know more than I could ever teach you now, and this place is your home.”
“It certainly feels that way.” Joey rubbed the back of her neck. “But I’m not sure I can do this all on my own.”
Carmen scoffed. “I’ve never done any of this alone. Look at you, at Vanessa, at the other staff.” She adjusted her hair. “It has always been a team effort. I just think we need a newcapitan.” The way she looked into Joey’s eyes gave her confidence. “We need you, Josefina.”
“Mmm,” Joey gazed at a spot in the middle of the table between them. “How can you be sure I won’t wreck everything?”
“I’m as sure as I can be,” said Carmen. “And besides, if you mess it up, you clean it up. That’s how being an adult works. But you know that.”
“Can I have some time to think?” Joey looked at Carmen.
“Of course. I don’t want to retire for another six months, so you have time.” Carmen smiled and patted Joey’s hand. “But just think about how good it could be. It may solve your other problem, as well.” Carmen put her head on one side.
“What other problem?” Joey frowned.
“The English girl problem,” Carmen laughed.
Joey sighed. “She has a life in England, and a promise to keep. I can’t get in the way of that.”
“Why not?” Carmen gave Joey a hard look, then disappeared back into the bakery.
Chapter Forty-Eight
VANESSA
Vanessa was woken by her phone. Dani calling. She panicked immediately, fearing something had happened to Sergio.
“Dani?Que pasa?” she asked, throwing the sheets off her bed. Her eyes felt heavy after the night of epic baking she had shared with Joey and Carmen.
“Vanessa, you have to come to Uncle’s house!” Dani’s breathlessness did nothing to ease Vanessa’s anxiety.
“What’s wrong? Has something happened to Sergio?” asked Vanessa, the urgency in her voice enough to have Joey sitting bolt upright beside her.
“What’s happening?” Joey asked, her voice bleary.
