Page 61 of The Love Position

Khloe-Narcisse huffed. ‘She says she doesn’t know why.’

‘Then leave her alone.’

‘It’s because she’s slept with Mohan,’ Khloe-Narcisse continued. ‘We’ve seen him looking at her.’

Paisley nodded in agreement, and Fearne and Tyger exchanged glances.

‘You have got to be kidding me!’ Jessica cried. ‘Apart from the fact Sophia wouldn’t touch that fuckboy with a ten-foot pole, when do you think she’s had the opportunity? The schedule doesn’t give us time to fart, let alone fornicate.’

Khloe-Narcisse and Paisley looked at each other.

‘She must have done something,’ Tyger said defensively.

‘Then go ask Anisha,’ Jessica said, glaring at them all. ‘If you run along now, you’ve got—’ she looked at her watch, ‘—a whole seven minutes before chanting class. I’m sure Mohan could bone y’all twice in that time.’

She waved her hands as if shooing children away. ‘Bye-bye now.’

They hurried from the room.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Sophia slumped forward, gasping for breath.

Jessica rushed to her side. ‘Hey, hey. Breathe, honey.’ She stroked down Sophia’s back, soothing her. ‘Don’t let them get to you.’

Sophia rested her head against Jessica’s shoulder. ‘Thank you. I was so scared.’

‘I could see. You were like a rabbit in headlights. I know they’re exhausted and stressed, but it’s no excuse for treating you like that.’

‘No,’ she replied quietly, wiping tears from the corners of her eyes.

‘Do you have any idea why Anisha swapped you with Grace?’ Jessica asked softly.

Sophia nodded in return, then told Jessica what had happened. When she finished, there was a brief pause, then her new friend screeched with laughter.

‘Hoo-ee! If only our roomies knew!’

Panic cut through Sophia. ‘Oh god! Please don’t—’

‘Cool your boots. I ain’t gonna say a word.’

Sophia let out a sigh. ‘Thank you.’

Jessica rubbed her back. ‘Apart from the fact I’d never break your confidence, it’s far better entertainment when no-one’s got a clue what’s really going on.’

‘What?’

‘Oh, come on. The way they strut about in front of your man, it’s hilarious.’

Jessica pouted, her voice becoming high-pitched and breathy. ‘Oh, Hanuman, you need to show me exactly where my diaphragm is. I’m still so confused. Look, I’ve pulled my t-shirt up so you can touch me more easily.’

Sophia giggled.

‘That’s better. Don’t let the bastards get you down and don’t let them bully you into telling them the real reason.’

‘No way.’

Jessica glanced at her watch. ‘We’d better run or we’ll be late.’

Sophia nodded and got to her feet.

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