“You are absolutely a survivor,” said Vanessa.
“I know that taking on a business is a big risk, but that’s what Carmen did all those years ago when she opened the bakery. And that’s what I did when I moved to Barcelona.” Joey clasped Vanessa’s hands in hers across the table.
“You did,” said Vanessa. “You really did. It must have been so scary.”
“And then I contacted my dad and, well, his reply has made me think that we might be able to have some kind of relationship in the future.” Joey’s cheeks were glowing.
“Really? He replied?” Vanessa squeezed Joey’s hands. “That’s amazing.”
“He said he’ll respect my boundaries. No more asking for money. He says he’s sober, and of course, he might be lying, but I must confess, I do believe him this time. It’s like he actually thought about the message I sent him.” Joeypulled Vanessa’s hands towards her and kissed her knuckles.
Vanessa felt herself melt. The band struck up a song she knew, and she wanted to stay in this moment with this woman forever. “I’m so happy for you. It really is all working out for you.”
Joey nodded. “You know, I think it actually is. And I have you to thank for it.”
“Me?” Vanessa furrowed her brows. What had she done?
“Yes, you. You’ve changed everything.” Joey looked serious again. “You shook me from my compartmentalised existence. You showed me that sometimes life can be messy and eventful in a good way.”
Vanessa smiled widely. “I love that you feel that way. I can’t take the credit, though. You’ve done all this for yourself. I’ve merely been along for the ride.”
“No.” Joey shook her head vehemently. “You are everything. And I know you have Birmingham and your cafe to go back for. I would never ask you not to. Your life is just that, yours. But I cannot let you leave Barcelona without telling you something.”
Vanessa was hanging on Joey’s every word. “Go on,” she breathed.
“I love you. I fell in love with you that first time we kissed.” Joey’s face told Vanessa that all this was true. “And I know you will leave, and I really don’t know what happens then. But I couldn’t not tell you.”
Vanessa’s mouth dropped open. She felt tears spring in her own eyes. She swallowed hard and cleared her throat to try to compose herself.
Finally, she spoke. “Joey, my Joey. It’s always been you. I love you, too, more than I can possibly explain.”
Chapter Fifty-One
JOEY
Above Joey and Vanessa’s heads, the lights strung up and down the carrer came on. The warm glow, the people, the music. Joey knew that this place was meant for her. At the same time, she knew that Vanessa was meant for her, too.
She’d meant what she said. She wouldn’t ask Vanessa to stay. But in her heart, she longed for her to say she would. She rose from her chair, to get closer to the woman she loved. Vanessa’s face glowed through the party atmosphere. Joey knelt by her chair, and kissed her.
It was a kiss of certainty for Joey. She was sure she was doing the right thing, despite the uncertainty that might follow.
She felt Vanessa’s hands in her hair and the kiss became more passionate.
Breathless, Vanessa pulled away, looking deep into Joey’s eyes. “There’s something I need to tell you as well.” She stroked Joey’s face. “I’ve made a decision about my future,and I need you to know that I have kept my promise to my gran.”
Joey couldn’t help but feel her heart sink a little. Deep down she’d hoped Vanessa might make a different choice.
“It was the letter my great grandmother sent Dani’s that made me realise what I had to do.” Vanessa took Joey’s hand. “They were forced apart by society, by family expectations. They were women with very little say in their lives.”
Joey nodded, not sure where this was going, as Vanessa continued.
“They found love together, but had to be parted. And I think back to how hard that must have been for them, in the days before everyone had a telephone, before the internet. I don’t know whether they ever got to see each other again, but based on what Sergio says, it doesn’t seem likely.”
“It’s so heartbreaking. And sadly, it’s something that probably happened to plenty of others, too.” Joey sighed.
“So many others,” Vanessa agreed. “But it’s not going to happen to us.”
“We have the advantage of video calls and text messages,” said Joey, nodding but aware of a cold, hollow feeling inside.
