Page 16 of The Love Position

‘Ah. Did anyone else prompt this declaration?’

Thinking of Sophia, Isaac’s heart thumped faster in his chest. He’d been around beautiful women all his life and was used to students showing an interest. In the past, it had been easy to say no. But last night, his body had had an immediate and visceral reaction to the woman Estelle had brought with her.

He cleared his throat. ‘What was it like? The moment you met Jack?’

Eveline’s face lit up. ‘It was like I already knew him on a soul level, as if we’d known each other in another life. It was more of a connection at first sight, rather than love, although I was so attracted to him I nearly fainted.’

Isaac nodded. Meeting Sophia had also made him light-headed, but mainly because all the blood supplying his brain had decided to head south.

‘Have you met someone?’

Isaac shifted in his chair, his skin prickling. ‘Estelle brought a friend with her last night.’

‘Sophia?’

‘You know her?’

‘Yes. She’s absolutely lovely. Did… Did she flirt with you?’

‘No, not in the slightest.’

‘So… If she didn’t appear attracted to you…?’

He passed a hand over his face. ‘The moment I saw her, my body reacted.’

‘Has this ever happened before?’

‘Never. I flicked that switch off years ago.’

‘And now Sophia’s turned it back on?’

Had she? ‘I don’t think so…’ He let out a heavy breath. ‘I don’t know.’

‘Did you tell your students you were celibate so she wouldn’t think to make a move?’

He shook his head. ‘I’m not that vain. I think I said it more to remind myself of the path I’ve chosen.’

‘The path isn’t always easy.’

‘No. And recently I’ve been feeling… I don’t know… Distracted? Even lost, maybe?’

She squeezed his hand again. ‘You need more friends in your life.’

‘I’m going back to India this summer to spend time with my guru.’

‘That’s not what I’m talking about.’

‘I meet people all the time in my classes. And I’ve got you.’

‘Isaac, you know I love you very deeply…’

He sat back in his chair, preparing for one of Eveline’s truth bombs. ‘Go on. Tell me what I don’t want to hear.’

She passed him another biscuit. ‘When I visit Taizé, I’m surrounded by Christians of all denominations. I feel connected, uplifted, and surrounded by divine love. But when I come home, I’m challenged at every turn. People attack me for wanting to remove the pews from the church, or because I’m a vicar, or a female vicar, or there’s a dispute between parishioners they expect me to sort out. When you’re detached from everyday life, it’s easy to hold on to your truth, but when you’re living in the middle of it, it’s far more challenging.’

‘So, you think I’m taking the easy way out?’

‘I think you’re playing safe with your life.’

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