Page 85 of The Love Position

How are you any different? You chose this path for you, not for anyone else.

Feeling Swami Vishnu’s eyes on him, Isaac regulated his breathing, but only picked up the bell for his guru to ring once Sophia was safely in her seat.

Isaac had never been so on edge during a Satsang. On the surface, things were mostly the same, but subtle differences scratched at what little equanimity he had left.

Mohan wasn’t there, presumably driving the ashram’s ferry, as the usual captain, Ganapati, was sitting on the other side of Swami Vishnu, his scowl stapled in place.

Swami Saraswati seemed out of sorts, fiddling with her robe and frowning. Anisha looked to be on the verge of tears.

What was going on?

As Satsang finished and people dispersed, Isaac stood and held a hand out to Swami Vishnu.

The older man waved him away, inclining his head towards Sophia at the back of the temple.

‘I’ve already told you my wishes, Hanuman. Ganapati will assist me today.’ He took one of Ganapati’s ham-sized hands and got to his feet.

Isaac took a step back and waited as Swami Vishnu left the temple with Ganapati, Swami Saraswati and Anisha following, then crossed the floor towards Sophia, his heart lifting.

‘Morning, Hanuman. You gonna take care of my best bud today?’ Jessica asked as he reached them.

‘I’d love to.’

Jessica turned to Sophia. ‘There we go. I can paint the town red knowing you’re in safe hands.’

Sophia’s pale cheeks coloured as she glanced at him. ‘You don’t have to.’

Was this her way of telling him she’d rather be alone?

Isaac cleared his throat. ‘I’ve got no other plans, and I’d really like to spend the day with you. But only if that’s what you want.’

In the silence that followed, Jessica’s mischievous grin grew bigger, and Sophia’s blush deepened.

‘Yes, please,’ Sophia eventually said, her voice quiet. ‘I’d like that.’

Jessica patted her shoulder. ‘That wasn’t so hard now, was it? Right, I’m gonna change out of these yoga pyjamas and get in line for the boat. If I’m not on the next one outta here, I might lose my goddamn mind.’

She grabbed her bag. ‘Be good, kids. And if you can’t be good, be careful.’

She winked at them, then strode from the temple.

Isaac’s heart thumped louder in his chest. A whole day with Sophia. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt such giddy excitement. He sneaked a glance her way. She was staring at the temple entrance, as if Jessica was still there.

Come on. You’re just hanging out with her. How hard can this be?

He swallowed. ‘So, er… What would you like to do?’

15

What would I like to do? Er, stare into your eyes as you tell me I’m beautiful? Kiss you for hours? Have your hot naked body—

‘Sophia?’

A is for ashram, B is for bashed up from a nasty accident, and C is for celibacy. Remember?

Her gaze refocused, and she forced it to meet Isaac’s.

He looked… worried? Unsure?

---