Page 40 of The Love Position

‘Are you in a single room?’

‘Nah, I’m in a dormitory as it was the cheapest option without having to camp.’

‘Me too!’

Jessica high-fived her again. ‘Hey, roomie! Don’t worry, I’ll save my hook-ups for somewhere other than the single bed next to yours.’

‘Thank you for your consideration.’

‘You’re so British, it’s goddamn adorable. I’m glad I met you, Sophia. We’re gonna have the best time.’

The boat sailed on past islands, heading for one in the distance. They’d been travelling for forty-five minutes by the time they reached a small jetty extending out into a mat of sargassum. Sophia’s heart sank. There was a beach to the right, but it was covered in stinky seaweed.

‘Gross,’ Jessica muttered. ‘Let’s hope the other ones aren’t affected.’

Getting off the boat, they went along the jetty to the shore. The buildings on the island were all lower than palm tree height, so from a distance the place looked unpopulated. However, there were two buildings underneath the first trees. The one on the left was marked ‘Tranquillity Island Ashram Reception’, and the one on the right had a sign reading ‘Shop’.

As they approached, a man stepped out of a side door of the reception, dressed in baggy white trousers and a tight orange vest. His hair was chestnut brown with sun-kissed highlights and tied back in a man-bun.

He waved at them. ‘Namaste, mademoiselles,’ he called out in a French accent. ‘Welcome to Tranquillity Island.’

‘Namast-hey, hey, hey…’ Jessica murmured under her breath. ‘I call dibs on Monsieur hot-pants.’

Sophia smothered her grin. ‘Hello. I’m Sophia Hunter-Savage, and this is…’

‘Jessica Pedersson. We’re starting the Teacher Training Course tomorrow.’

His eyes lit up. ‘So, you’re here for a month?’

‘Sure am… And you are?’

‘Mohan.’ He extended his arm, his gaze raking appreciatively over Jessica’s curves. ‘I’m here to make sure your stay is très agréable.’

Jessica took his hand. ‘I’m liking the sound of that. Can I get a massage?’

He gave a half shrug. ‘If we can find the time, anything is possible…’

‘Très bon, Mohan. I’ll definitely find the time and the possible.’

Seeming reluctant to release Jessica’s hand, Mohan turned to Sophia and gave her a nod of greeting. ‘Can I get you a drink?’

‘Yes, please, that would be lovely.’

‘I’d like sex on the beach,’ Jessica added.

Mohan released her hand and gave a flirtatious frown. ‘Unfortunately, we have a little problem with the seaweed at present…’

‘Mohan!’

He stumbled back at the sound of an American voice, his posture stiffening.

Sophia turned to see a young woman stomping down a concrete path towards them, her blonde ponytail swishing angrily from side to side. She was also wearing baggy white trousers, but it was paired with a shapeless orange t-shirt. Out of breath, she reached their side and glared at the three of them.

‘Er, hi—’ Sophia began.

‘You here for the TTC?’

‘Yes. I’m Soph—’

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