Page 30 of The Love Position

‘Maybe. But it’s still your life, so it’s your choice how you live it.’

Isaac’s smile was dazzling. ‘You’re a very wise woman.’

Sophia scrunched up her nose. ‘I don’t feel like I’ve been very wise in my love life. Maybe I should take a leaf out of your book and join a nunnery.’

He raised an eyebrow.

‘You know what I mean. I can’t really see you in a nunnery.’

‘I tried to join, but they told me I had too many bad habits.’

A giggle burst out. ‘Was that a joke?’

‘Was it second to nun?’

She shook her head. ‘They’re dad-level.’

He grinned. ‘My nephew bought me a joke book one Christmas, so we trade jokes when we see each other.’

‘What are his favourite ones?’

‘Anything involving inappropriate bodily functions…’

‘His parents must be thrilled.’

‘I’m sure you can imagine. My brothers call me the hippy uncle. Or the fun one, if they’re in a good mood.’

‘You’re definitely the fun one. So, you think I’m ready to see Casa Hayward? I’ll keep my opinions to myself.’

He drew his shoulders back as if steeling himself, then extended an arm.

Bracing herself, Sophia strolled around the corner, then stopped dead, her mouth falling open. She’d expected a post-war prefab, but found herself staring at a house that belonged on the cover of a magazine.

‘Oh, my god!’

Almost the whole of one side was glass and reflected the trees around the building. Along with the weathered timbers and the green roof, the house felt like a living, breathing part of its surroundings.

Sophia blinked to make sure the vision was real, then her gaze snapped back to Isaac. He looked relieved.

‘Isaac, this is like my ultimate dream house. You actually live here?’

He nodded.

‘Holy shit! I mean, just look at it!’

To the left was an open-sided building with a car parked inside and a pile of chopped wood against one wall. To the right, a short distance away and partly hidden by the trees, was a dilapidated stone building, a tree growing up from the inside where the roof once was.

‘Is that yours too?’

‘Yes. That’s an old barn I haven’t got around to renovating yet.’

‘This place is unbelievable.’ She glanced around. ‘Are you off-grid?’

He nodded. ‘I’ve got a septic tank for waste, a spring for water, and a small wind turbine and solar panels for electricity. It’s super insulated, so doesn’t need much heating, but I’ve also got a couple of wood burners.’

‘Did you build it?’

‘Mostly. Some jobs I’m not legally allowed to do, but everything else I did myself. That’s why it’s only single storey. It makes it easier.’

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