Jade had not intended to travel again so soon. However, she had sent her synopsis for her new travel guide to the publishing company, asking to schedule a meeting and had the choice to either wait a few weeks or to go to see William in Barcelona. Since she needed the money, Jade had picked the latter option. The production of new toys for the toy shop was not a cheap business and she could do with some cash. Besides the busiest time for the shop was from September to Christmas and they needed to be prepared for that.
Having packed her manuscript, a few things to change in case she'd stay longer than just for the meeting and, of course, her sunglasses, Jade changed into a long burgundy summer dress and apparated to the Spanish city. It was unusually hot for someone who had grown up in Scotland and the noise was far louder than anything she was used to from her home on the Isle of Skye or the surroundings of the shop in Hogsmeade respectively.
Of course, Jade also visited cities on her journeys and even spent a day or two there before heading out to the countryside but Barcelona had never appealed to her and it didn't now either. She felt uneasy being in such a large city with people speaking Spanish all around her. She didn't speak Spanish herself and while she was used to getting along with her native language, she preferred it when she knew at least a bit. That is, more than just buenos dÃas, por favor, gracias, ¿Cómo está?, estoy bien, and adiós.
She hurried through the streets, hoping to find the café where she was supposed to meet William quickly. There was a nice breeze, but, as it was warm too, it did not help with the general heat. Jade had chosen her
espadrilles wedges for the day and, while they were not the most uncomfortable shoes, Jade felt that she was bound to have blisters by the end of the day. She wanted back to cooler regions already an hour after her arrival. Heat was maybe bearable at the beach but in the city it was torture.
Finally she saw the café and let out a sigh of relief. Now a nice cool drink! She barely looked around for William whom she was supposed to meet in half an hour and passed some tables on the outside before she stepped into the air-conditioned place. Taking a deep breath, the young woman took a seat by the window and checked her watch. It was 4:35 pm. She pulled her manuscript out of her handbag and put it onto the table. Since she felt too thirsty already she ordered a home-made strawberry mint lemonade. The drink was really tasty, the temperature in the café was pleasantly cool and Jade soon felt more at ease. She brushed a strand of dark brown hair out of her face, leaned back, and watched the passers-by, wondering if they actually enjoyed the heat.
@William Dasher 
