They walked into the bakery to find Carmen talking animatedly to Vanessa in the cafe area. “Perfect timing,” said Carmen in English to Joey and Dani.
“Uh oh,” said Joey. Vanessa was looking nervous, her face shiny from the hot kitchen.
“Here’s Vanessa’s amazing British creation. The Queen Victoria sponge,” Carmen announced, pointing to a plate holding the cake.
“Er, just a Victoria sponge,” said Vanessa. Her cheeks were pink and strands of hair had escaped from her bun. Joey felt sorry for the woman. She clearly hadn’t bargained on Carmen making such a fuss. But that was Carmen – all fuss. And lots of love.
“A Victoria sponge is a thing of beauty and perfection,” said Joey. Vanessa smiled. “Done right, of course,” she added, and Vanessa’s face fell.
Joey hadn’t been back to the UK in years, and hadn’t seen a homemade sponge like this for long enough that her mouth was beginning to water. It was round and golden brown, just waiting to be enjoyed.
“Ok, everyone, sit.” Carmen gestured to the three women, then produced some plates and a cake knife. Before long each person had a slice before them.
Joey examined the structure of the sponge with her fork. It looked perfectly balanced. It was an old-fashioned sponge – just the vanilla sponge, raspberry jam, by the look of it, and caster sugar sprinkled on top. She took a mouthful and was immediately transported to her childhood. To being at a birthday party and awaiting her presents.
“Wow,” said Carmen. “Which jam did you use?”
“Oh,” said Vanessa, “I made it, actually.”
“I am impressed,” said Carmen. “That is just full offlavour. And the texture.” She performed a flamboyant chef’s kiss that made them all laugh.
“It’s ok, you know,” said Joey, directing her eyes at Vanessa. Vanessa looked surprised.
“It’s more than ok,” Dani insisted. “This is gorgeous.” She beamed in a way that had Joey wondering whether she had ever smiled that openly herself.
“You must give me the recipe,” said Carmen. “We must have it in this bakery!” she exclaimed.
“Oh, it’s really not as special as all that,” Vanessa replied, although Joey could tell by the glint in her eyes she was pleased she had managed to impress them.
“Actually,” said Joey, because she knew she must, “it is pretty special. When it comes to a classic like this, the challenge is that in the UK, everyone’s tasted it hundreds of times. But this is genuinely one of the better ones I’ve ever had. It’s moist but well baked, and the jam is pretty decent.”
Vanessa seemed to glow, presumably from the heat in the building. Joey could feel Dani and Carmen’s eyes on her.
“Well, that is high praise from you, Josefina,” said Carmen.
“I appreciate it,” said Vanessa. “But of course, I want to learn how to bake ensaimadas and all the other delicious treats you serve here, and take them back home.”
“Well, I think perhaps we can come to an arrangement here,” Carmen said, looking pointedly at Joey.
Joey knew what was coming and cut her off. “It’s been a long morning. Vanessa, you must be exhausted and in need of a break. Have you even had lunch?”
“Of course,” exclaimed Carmen, jumping up and disappearing into the kitchen to find Vanessa something to eat.
“Are you busy tomorrow evening, Vanessa?” asked Dani, an innocent smile playing on her lips. Joey shot her a mutinous look.
“Um, no, not really,” said Vanessa, her eyebrows raised.
“I’m having a little gathering at my place, if you’d like to come. Joey will be there. She can walk you there, can’t you?” Dani looked at Joey and gave her a subtle wink.
“Mmmm,” said Joey, pursing her lips. She hated being manipulated, and she knew exactly what Dani was doing. But how bad could it be? Vanessa would be vanishing back to England in a matter of weeks. No one really thought anything would happen, did they? Joey knew it wouldn’t. A woman who looked like Vanessa did would no doubt have her pick of potential partners, and she might not even be gay or bi or pan or whatever. She would have words with Dani later.
“I’d love to,” said Vanessa with a grin. “Ooh, thanks, Carmen.” She’d been presented with bread, olives and padrón peppers alongside some homemade lemonade.
“Lemonade, ladies?” she asked Joey and Dani.
“Sorry, I have to get going. I’m teaching an English class in a minute,” said Dani.
“And I need to finish up in the kitchen,” said Joey, taking the first opportunity to leave the cafe area and escape into the kitchen, now that it was once again her own.