‘I was hoping for Ayurvedic massage and possibly something to bring me inner peace,’ she continues.
‘It did not say that on the tin,’ Dan points out.
‘Yeah,’ says India in mock amazement. ‘NowI find out …’
This time, they laugh together.
India finds that she likes making Dan laugh.
‘I used to loveThe Talisman Effectwhen I was young,’ says India. ‘Did you watch it?’
He probably didn’t, she thinks.
‘Never heard of it until Sunday night,’ Dan replies.
‘Oh.’ India’s surprised. ‘It was huge. The earlier seasons were better, really, because then it got very speedy and they used to have two groups of people on each show – you know, fix two families?’
Dan shakes his head. ‘My sister made me come here. I’d never heard of Rose. There was some tragedy – someone got shot?’
India nods slowly. ‘Poor Rose. A guy came on screaming saying that she’d told his girlfriend to break up with him. He had a gun – no idea how he gotthatpast security but he did. He wanted to shoot someone because he said Rose had ruined his life. The show just ended after that.’
‘He didn’t shoot anyone?’
‘Nope. Fired but just aimed wildly, I think. I’m not really sure what happened after that but it destroyed Rose’s career. That’s why this is special,’ says India, a hand moving out to encompass the pool and the terrace areabehind them. ‘This is the first therapy thing she’s done for five years. So we’re really lucky.’
Dan laughs again.
‘Lucky? You’re a riot, India. I am so not feeling lucky,’ he says good-humouredly.
In reply, India touches him affectionately on the arm.
‘Let’s see how we feel at the end of the week.’
Chapter Sixteen
Christos stares at Sir Bernard and wonders if he’s heard correctly.
‘You want a boat to explore around the coast tomorrow?’ Christos repeats.
They’re in the reception area and Christos has just come back from Xanthe after having a coffee with his cousin, Alexei.
Alexei’s doing some yoga sessions for the group during the week and Christos has been explaining that Alexei has to somehow disguise his formidable attractiveness.
Women have been falling instantly in love with Alexei since he hit sixteen, women of all shapes and ages. Married or single, they all see something vulnerable and sexy in Alexei, something they want.
‘No flirting, Alexei, I beg you, these women are special guests. Plus, Rose will kill you stone dead.’
Alexei had shaken his mane of chestnut hair and his full bottom lip had definitely been pushed forward in a pout.
‘I understand, why do you need to tell me?’ he said crossly.
Despite this, Alexei had clearly understood his cousin’s point of view.
But right now, Christos doesn’t think he understands Sir Bernard’s position.
‘Tomorrow you will be on the retreat, all day, I believe,’ he says slowly to Bernard.
The man is tanned, short with a large belly and has a giant gold watch on one wrist as if to emphasise how wealthy he is.
