Page 109 of The Love Position

‘Well, aren’t you handsome!’ Margo said. ‘Even in clothes that don’t fit right.’

Sophia turned as Isaac entered the room, her heart quickening.

He was wearing a pair of cream trousers that were too big in the waist and too short in the leg. They were held up by a pair of braces, over an oversized white dress shirt. He looked like a hot Huckleberry Finn.

Coming straight to Sophia’s side, he took her hand. ‘You okay?’

She nodded. ‘Have you finished now?’

‘We certainly have,’ an older man said as he entered the room. ‘I’m Anton. And I couldn’t have finished so quickly if I hadn’t had this man’s help.’

He slapped Isaac on the back. ‘If this is what yoga does, I might have to take it up.’

Margo laughed. ‘You can’t even touch your toes.’

Crossing the room, he kissed her. ‘But I can touch yours. Does that count?’

She playfully slapped him away. ‘You must be famished. Come, eat.’

Anton took a seat and Isaac sat next to Sophia, still holding her hand.

‘You look beautiful,’ Isaac murmured.

‘Doesn’t she just?’ Margo agreed. ‘Now, please tell me you know what Fungi and Calaloo are?’

Isaac scrunched up his face as if in deep thought. ‘Mushrooms?’

Margo put her hands on her hips and took a big breath.

He laughed. ‘I know what it is.’

Margo’s stance didn’t change. ‘What is it then?’

‘Polenta,’ he replied smoothly. ‘And Calaloo is like a stew with leafy greens, okra and meat or shellfish.’

‘You pass the test,’ Margo said, going to the stove.

‘My stomach is grateful,’ Isaac replied. ‘I’m—’

There was a loud bang from outside and all the lights went out.

Sophia flinched, and Isaac squeezed her hand.

‘Well, that’s that then!’ Margo said. ‘Anton, the lanterns.’

There was already one lit in the centre of the table, and Sophia held stock still as Margo and Anton moved confidently around in the shadows.

More lanterns were lit, and Anton went off, returning with a torch that he hung from a pan holder above the stove.

‘Thank you, darlin’,’ Margo said, then dished up a plate of food and placed it in front of Isaac.

He kept hold of Sophia’s hand as he ate.

‘Thank you, Margo. This is the best Calaloo I’ve ever had.’

She laughed. ‘If only this storm weren’t raging, I’d take you over the road and get you to repeat that to my neighbour. Now, please excuse us. Anton and I are going to check on the other guests.’

They left the kitchen, and Isaac turned to Sophia. In the flickering glow from the candles, he looked like a god.

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