Chapter 52
Chapter Fifty-Two
VANESSA
“Good morning, boss,” said Vanessa. She couldn’t hide the smile on her face as she looked over at Joey. It was the morning after the party and the sun had been up for some time.
Joey opened one eye and then the other. “Um, that sounds a bit kinky, especially given the plan is for us to be business partners.”
Vanessa shrugged. “Potato, potato. You can boss me about this morning if you like.”
Joey laughed. “You are incorrigible.” She looked at Vanessa for a moment, then rolled on top of her. “But if you insist.”
Vanessa moaned in pleasure. She knew they were on the brink of a host of new chapters. But here and now, it was about being together and enjoying each other.
Joey kissed Vanessa’s exposed neck. Vanessa could feel every hair on her body stand on end as Joey ran a hand down her side. There was a push and pull to their relationship which she enjoyed seeing played out in the bedroom. And right now, she wanted Joey to be in control.
“Your skin is so kissable.” Joey mumbled from where she had begun to kiss Vanessa’s chest. “You smell of cinnamon and sleep and you.”
“I hope that’s a good smell,” said Vanessa, hissing with pleasure as Joey licked one of her nipples.
“Oh, it is.” Joey’s voice was still muffled.
Vanessa wriggled, trying to get the right angle with Joey’s hips. She had gone from asleep to a hundred miles an hour in a matter of minutes. And she loved it.
“You feel so good,” said Vanessa, throwing her head back into her pillow.
Joey smiled against her breasts, and moved her hand downwards in a way that made Vanessa squirm. Below the sheets, Joey made contact, and Vanessa stopped moving.
“Yes!” exclaimed Vanessa.
Joey drew her fingers through Vanessa’s folds, reminding Vanessa of one of the many reasons she’d decided to stay in Barcelona. Perhaps forever.
Vanessa dug her fingertips into Joey’s back, enjoying the sensation of her muscles rippling as she moved. She lost herself in the moment, allowing Joey to take her over the edge in a way that it seemed only she could.
“Now that,” said Joey, “is an excellent way to start the day.” She adjusted her position so that she was lying on her side, beside the woman she loved.
“Oh yes,” said Vanessa, her face slightly damp and very red. “I need to catch my breath, but then I have plans for you.”
“And I am very happy to get in on those plans,” said Joey. Vanessa enjoyed the satisfied look on her partner’s face.
“Brunch is traditionally partaken before noon,” said Carl, as Vanessa and Joey walked into the cafe.
“And yet, it seems these two have lost the ability to turn up on time,” said Dani, her eyebrows raised.
Vanessa laughed “Sorry, guys.” She turned to Joey, whose face had gone bright red, betraying the activities that had made them so late.
Pedro laughed. “You’re only half an hour late. Don’t worry.”
Joey and Vanessa took a seat.
“So,” said Carl. “Do you have something to tell me, darling sister?”
“Well, we’ve talked,” said Vanessa.
“I think you’ve done more than that,” said Dani, nudging Pedro with her elbow.
“Shut up,” said Joey, her face even redder.
“Yes, what Joey said,” said Vanessa. “But anyway. I have decided that I am staying in Barcelona.”
Dani cheered. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all year.”
Vanessa grinned, loving the fact that she seemed to have a ready-made community in the city that had become her home.
“And,” interjected Joey, “when Carmen retires later this year, I will take over the running of the bakery.”
“What?” Dani put her hand over her mouth.
“Yes,” said Vanessa. “And I’m going to help her. We don’t know yet exactly how it’ll work. But I am confident that it will.”
“Aw sis, this is amazing,” said Carl. “Gran would be so proud.” He leaned over and put an arm around Vanessa. It made her feel safe and warm.
Once the food arrived, they talked excitedly about the future between mouthfuls.
“How’s Uncle Sergio?” asked Joey.
Dani looked happier than she had in some time. “Oh, he is making so much progress. It’s amazing. It’s such a relief, too.”
“I’m so pleased,” said Vanessa.
“I think that conversation about my great grandmother – and yours – sparked something in him.” Dani gestured with her hands.
“He’s been going through all our old family papers and photos.
It’s incredible. The great thing is it’s something he can do while taking it easy, sitting down. It’s given him a focus.”
Joey spoke. “I’m so pleased for you. For you both.” She took a sip of her drink. “I still can’t believe the connection you and Vanessa have.”
“No, it’s completely ridiculous,” said Vanessa.
“Yep, totally,” agreed Dani. “But you know, to be serious for a minute, I do want to thank you both. You were there for me when Sergio had his stroke.”
“Yeah, and I couldn’t be there myself,” said Pedro, wearing a frown.
Joey smiled. “But that’s what you do when you care about someone. I’m sure you’d do it for any one of us.”
“Well definitely chalk it up as a favour I owe you,” said Dani.
“You are completely welcome, no favour required,” Vanessa replied.
“I can see why you want to stay here, Vanessa,” said Carl. “You’ve clearly found your place.” He smiled. “In lots of ways.”
“And how about you,” asked Joey, looking fondly across at Vanessa’s brother. “Have you found what you needed here?”
“Well, I haven’t found the love of my life,” said Carl with a wink. “But yes, I think it’s done me good. Sometimes a change of scene can make all the difference.”
“It really can,” said Vanessa, her heart feeling three times its normal size.
“I’ll be going back to Birmingham in a few days. I do have to go back to work,” Carl continued. “But I will be back with annoying regularity.”
“We wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Vanessa.
“Definitely,” Joey agreed. “Besides, I feel like I still need to hear all the embarrassing stories about Vanessa’s childhood.”
“Now that, I can help with,” said Carl.
Vanessa laughed. “That works both ways, of course.”
She looked across at Joey, picked up her hand and kissed it, thanking her lucky stars for the impetuous plan to run away to Barcelona after her grandma’s funeral.