Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
JOEY
Joey watched Vanessa’s retreating figure as the other woman headed back to her apartment. She put her fingers to her lips, which still felt as though they were on fire.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want Vanessa around, it was just that she didn’t know how to act around her now they’d kissed. She hadn’t planned it, but somehow between the art, the restaurant, the fountains, she felt like that kiss was inevitable.
That kiss.
She sighed audibly. That had been some kiss. Perhaps the best she’d ever had? But then, it had been a very long time since she’d kissed anyone. And even longer since she’d kissed anyone who meant something to her. And, for reasons Joey couldn’t identify, Vanessa definitely meant something.
She tucked her shirt back in, remembering the sensation of Vanessa’s fingers on her back.
She could have cursed the phone call. But then again, maybe she’d been saved by it.
Where could this possibly go? Vanessa would be heading back to the UK eventually.
And she herself had said she didn’t have a great track record with relationships.
No, now wasn’t the time for this. She put her swirling thoughts in a box in her brain, and shut the lid tight. That could wait for later. She started walking in the direction of Dani’s place – she had the spare key with her.
A couple of hours had passed by the time she got to the hospital. Dani looked strained. “Thanks for coming.”
“No worries,” said Joey. “I got your clothes and stuff, and I also brought you some food. I bet you haven’t eaten.”
“Oh, you’re my hero.” Dani fell upon the bag of goodies Joey offered up with a broad smile.
“How are things?” Joey followed Dani to the seats in the waiting area. “Have you been here all this time?”
“Yeah,” said Dani. “But they’ve been updating me regularly. He’s doing better than he was, but I haven’t seen him yet. Hopefully I’ll be able to soon.”
“He’s very lucky to have you.” Joey propped one foot on her knee.
“I’m all he’s got.” Dani shrugged. Her face was pale.
“You’re not going to stay here tonight, are you?” Joey looked around the basic waiting area.
“No, don’t worry. The staff say there’s a room with a bed I can use.
They’re just getting it ready for me.” Dani opened the food package and pulled out a panini filled with roasted vegetables.
“Nice. This is just what I need.” She took a bite, and then another, and they sat side by side in silence for a few minutes while she took in some much-needed calories.
“So, I took Vanessa to see the magic fountains.” Joey was trying to sound casual, but she could hear the weight of it in her voice.
“You make that sound like it was a whole thing,” said Dani, “and I must hear more. I’ve spent most of this afternoon and evening waiting, worrying and getting bored. I need something juicy.”
“What if I don’t have anything juicy to share?” Joey raised her palms in front of her.
“Then make it up.” Dani rustled in the food bag. “Oh, churros, that’s perfect.” She took a bite, then elbowed Joey.
“Hmm. Ok then. We kissed. By the magic fountains, just as she show ended. It was a full-on snog.” Joey folded her arms.
“Oh my god, I would absolutely love it if that’s what really happened,” said Dani with a laugh. “But I know you too well, Mrs I-don’t-need-anyone-ever.”
Joey pressed her lips together and said nothing, aware that her face was giving everything away regardless.
“Oh my god, you actually did that? You’re not even making it up?” Dani put down the bag of churros and flung her arms around Joey. “Yes! That’s amazing! You never kiss anyone! I knew you liked her.”
Joey peeled Dani off her, self-consciously. “Don’t get too excited. It was just a kiss.”
Dani raised her eyebrows at her friend, and proffered the baked goods. Joey took one while Dani spoke. “But I know you, Josefina, you don’t ‘just kiss’ anyone. If I know anything about you, this was definitely not just a kiss.”
“You know, my actual name is Josephine, right?” Joey was digressing. “Carmen just addresses me in the Spanish way.” Dani gave her a hard stare, and Joey huffed. “So if it’s not just a kiss, what is it?”
“I don’t know,” said Dani. “But this just all feels different.” She scrunched up her face for a moment.
“Women have always thrown themselves at you. I mean, look at you, with your floppy blonde fringe, your blue eyes and your toned arms. I don’t blame them.
” She grinned. “If I was that way inclined, you’d definitely be my type. ”
“Oh shut up,” Joey scoffed.
“But you don’t seem to have any problem resisting the temptation. And yeah, I know about the stuff with that girl at uni, but I’ve always wondered if perhaps you might one day take a chance on someone.” Dani tipped up the bag and poured the remaining crumbs into her mouth.
“It was just a kiss. Well, she kissed me.” Joey gave a half smile.
Dani laughed. “I think we can agree you were both there. What was it like?”
This time Joey smiled, unable to stop herself. “It was electric. Like, I know I’m out of practice, but it was just amazing.”
Dani beamed. “Well, this is the best possible news I could hear after the day I’ve had. So how did you leave it?”
“You rang me, so I came here.” Joey thrust her hands into her pockets, remembering the slightly awkward way she and Vanessa had parted.
Dani put a hand to her mouth. “No, oh no, it’s all my fault you had to abandon the best kiss you’ve ever had.”
“It wasn’t the best kiss I’ve ever had,” lied Joey.
“Mhm.” Dani pursed her lips. “Well, I have to make it up to you somehow. This is so exciting.”
“It’s utterly terrifying,” said Joey. “I mean, aside from my general reluctance to get involved with anyone, Vanessa’s quite open about the fact that she’s a bit flighty. She’s not told me everything, but I get the sense that she has a tendency to love ’em and leave ’em.”
And that was the fear at the pit of Joey’s stomach. She knew she couldn’t do casual. And she didn’t want to get into something and get badly hurt. She didn’t ever want to do that again.
“I guess there’s always the chance that with the right person she’d settle down?” Dani looked thoughtful. “And anyway, have you considered that it might be the other way round?”
“What do you mean?” asked Joey.
“I mean, just say the two of you started a relationship, and then it was you who decided you didn’t want it and ended up doing the loving and leaving?”
“Er, no,” said Joey. “I mean, I guess that could happen. And then I’d hurt her.
That’s yet another thing to be scared of.
” She took a breath before continuing. “Besides, she’s going back to the UK at some point.
It’s not even like she lives here. It’s sort of doomed to failure.
” She looked at the floor, desperate for Dani to disagree with her.
“I don’t think it’s doomed to failure. It sounds like you know the potential pitfalls, and there’s no reason you can’t overcome them.” Dani gestured with her hands as she talked.
“Excuse me,” came a voice from the door. It was a doctor. “Would you like to come and see your uncle?”
Dani stood abruptly. “Yes, of course.” She looked down at Joey. “Can I suggest something radical?”
Joey raised her eyebrows. “I think you’re about to.”
Dani gave her a half smile. “You could talk to her about it.”
With that, she sashayed out of the room, leaving Joey alone with her thoughts.