Page 108 of The Love Position

Sophia entered the room and suppressed a nervous giggle. The room was indeed small and dominated by the bed. It filled the space, leaving only a narrow gap on either side and enough room at the foot end for a slimline chest of drawers. The bedside tables were smaller than a piece of printer paper, and the attached shower room was tiny.

Even if Isaac wanted to sleep on the floor, there was simply not enough room. Thanks to the storm, they were going to be spending the night in bed together, and the thought made Sophia’s knees weak with anticipation.

‘Here we go!’ Margo said as she entered the room with a pile of brightly patterned clothes. ‘The dresses will be several sizes too big, but the style suits everyone.’

‘Thank you so much.’

Margo put them on the bed. ‘Now, you’ve got towels in the bathroom, and I’ve stocked it with toiletries and travel toothbrushes we pick up each time we fly. They come in handy for guests who’ve forgotten theirs.’

Her forehead furrowed as if she was going through a mental list of what Sophia might need.

‘It’ll be dark soon, but I’ll bring you lanterns for light just in case. I’ll get you bottles of drinking water and I’ve made food for everyone which you can eat whenever you like. Is there anything else you need?’

‘I don’t think so. This is all amazing.’

A large bang by the window made her jump, and she turned to see nothing but wood.

‘We’ve boarded up that window already. It should only be a category one storm, so we’ll be fine. It’s just good to be prepared.’

Sophia nodded, wishing she was the kind of person who might have relished this experience rather than being terrified by it.

Margo squeezed her hand. ‘You’re safe here, honey. If you need anything, or you’re hungry, come find me in the kitchen. Just follow your nose.’

She left and Sophia had a quick shower, spritzed on a floral perfume she found in the bathroom cabinet, then put on one of Margo’s dresses. It was indeed far too big, but the bold and colourful design was pretty. She smiled shyly at her reflection in the small mirror. Maybe it was the diet and exercise regime she’d been on for the past two weeks, or maybe it was being in love, but she felt beautiful.

There were no messages from home, so she turned off her phone to save the battery and went to look for Margo, finding her in a kitchen with glossy green units and the work surfaces covered with bottles of water and lanterns.

‘Why, don’t you look lovely!’ she said to Sophia, then indicated the lanterns. ‘I’ll give you two for your room and one for the en suite. And extra candles. You hungry?’

‘I am. I thought the nerves might stop my appetite, but it seems to have gone the other way.’

‘That’s music to the ears of a cook. Take a seat. The other guests are in their rooms, so you can eat first.’

Sophia sat at a table in the centre of the room. ‘What’s on the menu?’

‘Pork Calaloo and Fungi then coconut tart. Nothing fancy, but it tastes good.’

‘Fungi? Like mushrooms?’

Margo let out a peal of laughter. ‘You aint had Fungi before? What do they feed you on the yoga island?’

‘Rice and a lot of pulses, mainly. Bread, salads, that sort of thing. It’s vegetarian, but they don’t use eggs, garlic, onions or some spices because they’re meant to stimulate the body too much.’

Margo was staring at her as if she’d just grown a second head. ‘Well, that explains why you’re so skinny. You can’t come all this way and not eat local food. Fungi is cornmeal, and Calaloo is like a thick soup with okra, greens, and usually pork or seafood.’

She gave Sophia the side eye. ‘Do I have to explain what a coconut tart is?’

Sophia smiled. ‘I can work out what it is, but I’ve never had it before.’

‘Well then, this storm is a blessing and your stomach’s going to thank God.’

‘Not the cook?’

Margo flashed her a grin and waved her hands. ‘He works through these.’

An hour later, the light had faded, and the storm had strengthened. Sophia’s stomach was full, but the rest of her was overflowing with anxiety. Other guests had entered the kitchen to eat, and each time the door opened, her pulse sped up, hoping it was Isaac.

Being sociable with Margo was easy because she was so warm and welcoming, but the other guests were quiet, seemingly as worried as she was. Their stress amplified hers.

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