But enough about the past. My future is beginning to take shape. I have met someone, someone wonderful, who loves me for who I am, who steadies me. And I think I bring something out in her. Maybe she’s more in the moment, thanks to me. I hope so. Joey is a baker here in a gorgeous pastelería. She has taught me how to bake, and also how to settle down. Falling in love with her has made me see that sometimes things really do stick – and not just because of the honey and sugar everywhere!
Soon, Joey will be running the bakery, and I’ll be working there, too. It’s not quite the plan I made, but it is a plan I intend to stick to. This place has very quickly become my home, and the people here have become my family. I wish I could show you.
Thank you for all your encouragement and wise words. I think they have led me here, to the life I am supposed to lead and the love I am supposed to have.
Love
Vanessa x
Chapter Fifty-Four
JOEY
SIX MONTHS LATER
Joey was feeling nervous. She’d been building up to this moment for so long. It had been easy back in the summer to make plans. Distance lent the project excitement. But in the cold light of day, it felt very real.
“Gorgeous woman,” said Vanessa, piercing Joey’s thoughts. “It’s all going to be fine today.”
“How do you always manage to read my mind?” Joey smiled.
“We’ve done all the work, we’ve made our plans. This is going to be a roaring success.” Vanessa put a hand on Joey’s shoulder.
Joey looked around the bakery. It was Christmas Eve, silver and gold decorations adorned the cafe area and the counter was heaving with festive bakes. Carmen had retired a few weeks earlier, and after her incredibly well-attended leaving party, Joey and Vanessa had temporarily put up the ‘closed’ sign.
There had followed two weeks of redecoration and upgrading of kitchen equipment.
“Do you think she’ll like it?” Joey asked.
“I think Carmen will love it,” said Vanessa. “But remember, this is our place now. And we’re the decision-makers.”
Joey sighed. “I still can’t get used to that.”
“Well get used to it, baby,” said Vanessa, giving Joey’s cheek a playful pinch.
“And that is why you’re my business partner,” said Joey, feeling better by the second. “Come here.” She pulled Vanessa into a hug, and kissed her on the lips.
An hour later, the cafe was heaving. They’d baked all the Christmas classics that Spanish bakeries were celebrated for. There was, of course, plenty of coca de Nadal – Christmas bread.
“I think we need to get some more hot chocolate on the go,” said Joey.
Vanessa nodded. “I’m on it. By the way, it looks like the mince pies have been a big hit.”
“Ah yes, the tropical speciality,” joked Joey. “I think the puff pastry is a triumph. I don’t think I’ve ever tasted it flakier.”
Vanessa curtseyed. “Why, thank you.”
Joey grinned. She looked around the packed space, delighted that so many people had taken time out of a family day to come and buy their wares.
The bell on the door dinged. Joey looked up to see Sergio, Dani, Pedro and Carmen coming through the door and her heart leapt.
“Welcome!” she cried. “I’m so pleased you’re all here. Uncle Sergio, how are you doing?”
Sergio smiled and waved his walking stick. “Good as new, my dear.”
“And Carmen, how’s retirement treating you?” Joey looked at her former boss.
The older woman beamed. “I have never been happier.” She put her hands on her hips. “But I’ve never been more tired. Those children are a menace.”