Page 9 of The Love Position

Sophia nodded, even though the packet lay unopened in the bottom of her wash bag. She hated taking any medication, and after reading the small print about potential side effects, had chickened out of taking the drugs the doctor had prescribed for her anxiety.

‘Good. And you’re going to try that yoga class later with Estelle?’

‘Only if you’re okay with being on your own for a couple of hours?’

‘I’ll be fine, babes. I’ve got a couple of episodes of The Real Housewives of Chelsea, and Estelle’s doggies to keep me company.’

‘You sure you’ll be alright?’

‘Yeah, yeah, of course I will. I’m tough as old boots.’

Beverley’s smile was bright, but Sophia could see the anguish behind it. Her husband and Sophia’s father, Kevin Hunter-Savage, was currently detained in China. James had left two days ago to try and secure his release. The situation was terrifying and Sophia knew just how helpless and alone her mother felt. It was up to her to be strong, but it only took one look, overheard comment, or thought, for her anxiety to kick in. She was ashamed at her inability to handle her emotions, and sick of the negative thoughts running through her brain on an endless loop. Her doctor had recommended yoga, so she was giving it a go.

‘Are you sure what I’m wearing is suitable?’ Sophia asked, a hand twisting in the fabric of her oversized jogging bottoms as she met Estelle by the front door of her parents’ home.

Estelle was working with James from a wing of the manor house. Now that he was abroad, she’d been staying over whenever Sophia was away and couldn’t keep Beverley company.

‘God, yes. Some women wear pyjamas.’

‘Okay.’

‘Although, I think it’s just so they can imagine they’re in bed with Isaac when they do corpse pose.’

‘What?’

‘The lying down bit at the end.’

‘Oh.’

‘He might be talking about chakras and white light but I swear to god all they hear is “Mmm, yeah, baby”. One of them moaned once.’

Sophia snorted with laughter. The movement felt strange on her face, as if the muscles were out of practice.

Estelle winked. ‘Full disclosure, it was me.’

‘Is he really that attractive?’

‘One hundred and sixty-nine per cent. That’s why I’m giving you fair warning. You’ll probably pop a lady-boner when you meet him.’

‘A what?’

Estelle gave her the side eye. ‘You’ve never heard that phrase before?’

She shook her head.

‘Ah well, it’ll all make sense when you meet him.’

Pushing open the manor door, Estelle led the way to a battered Land Rover Defender. ‘I’ve cleaned her up, I promise.’

Sophia got in the passenger side. Her seat was clear, but the footwell was full of receipts, empty food wrappers and dog chew-toys.

‘Just kick it to one side,’ Estelle said, leaping into the car.

‘You sure?’

‘Yeah. Unless you want to start an excavation?’

‘Can you promise me a warrior queen’s final resting place?’

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