Page 81 of The Love Position

She laughed. ‘Not literally. I got into a bath, and as I lay down, my inny became an outy! It was quite a surprise.’

He let out a relieved sigh. ‘I bet it was.’

In the silence that followed, Isaac thought about Eveline. How her life had changed since meeting Jack. It was evolving. Growing. Were his feelings of unsettled dissatisfaction because he was stuck in a rut? If he needed to move on, none of his attempts so far were working.

‘Have you heard anything about the compulsory purchase order?’

‘No, not yet.’ He rubbed the lines on his forehead. ‘I’ve reached out to everyone else who’s affected, including Erica at Foxbrooke Haven, so we can coordinate our response, so that’s a start.’

‘I had a thought that might help.’

‘Yes?’

‘Would it strengthen your case if you also ran a business from your home?’

‘I don’t know. What kind of business?’

There was a short pause.

‘Quilting classes.’

‘What?’

Eveline let out a peal of laughter. ‘I’m joking! Yoga of course.’

‘How?’

‘The usual way? You must have space to teach a couple of people at least? It wouldn’t have to be much, but you could then argue that the compulsory purchase order would affect your business as well as your home.’

Isaac tried to imagine the women from his class in his house and couldn’t. Apart from him, the only person he could see there was Sophia.

‘Thanks. I’ll speak to my brother and see what he has to say.’

‘I know it’s not an ideal solution. I’m just trying to think of anything that might help.’

‘And I really appreciate it.’

‘So then, how’s the sunny Caribbean? I know an ashram isn’t meant to be “fun” per se. But are you enjoying yourself?’

‘It’s… complicated.’

‘That doesn’t sound good.’

Isaac took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.

‘Sophia! Oh my baby-brain! I completely forgot! She’s at that ashram now, isn’t she?’

He nodded.

‘Isaac?’

‘Sorry, I forgot you can’t see me. Yes, she’s here.’

‘Ohhhhhh…’

‘Yep.’

‘My prayers have been answered.’

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