Page 25 of The Love Position

Sophia: Hi, this is Sophia. I’m really struggling and would like to accept your offer of a breathing class if you have time?

Her phone pinged almost immediately with his reply.

Isaac: Absolutely. Let me know when you’re free over the next few days/week and I’ll book the hall and get back to you

Sophia: Will do. And thank you

Isaac: No problem. Looking forward to it

Pocketing her phone, Sophia stood, wobbly on her feet.

You’ve got this. Just focus on getting to Dad without crashing the car. Everything’s going to be okay.

A few days later

‘Excuse me, sorry, excuse me…’

Sophia moved against the flow of people as they made their way down Foxbrooke high street toward the music and arts festival taking place at the manor. It was blisteringly hot and she could feel her stress levels rising along with the temperature.

She wasn’t sure what she should wear for her private class with Isaac, so had worn a t-shirt with spaghetti straps and her jogging bottoms. By the time she reached the Scout hut, she was so hot she felt she might faint.

Isaac was waiting outside, a frown on his face as he stared at his phone.

‘Everything okay?’

He turned with a jolt. ‘Er, hi. Sorry, there’s been a bit of a cock up.’

‘What’s happened?’

He ran a hand through his curly hair. ‘They’ve double booked us with a rummage sale.’

‘Oh.’

A wave of disappointment crashed through Sophia’s chest. Was anything going to go right for her?

‘I’ve been trying to find another solution, but I’m not having much luck.’

She forced a smile. ‘It’s okay. Another time?’

Isaac shook his head. ‘No, this is important.’ He ran a hand through his hair again. ‘Look, we could always do it at my place? If you don’t mind, that is?’

‘Not at all. Should I get my car?’

‘We could walk if you have time? It’s about ten minutes from here, on the outskirts of the village.’

‘Yes, that’s fine. I don’t have anything on for the rest of the day.’

He nodded, extended an arm, and they set off.

Sophia’s heart beat faster. Estelle had told her that no-one apart from Eveline knew where Isaac lived. He may have been friendly in class, but it was clear he valued his privacy. What was his house like? Estelle had many theories, ranging from a tree house made from macrame, to a cave filled with incense.

‘How’s your dad doing? Eveline told me he was out of hospital?’

‘Much better. Weaker, but still as belligerent as ever.’

Isaac smiled. ‘I’m glad he’s home. That must have been a huge worry for you.’

‘Yes, it was.’

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