Page 81 of Taking the Heat

I smiled. ‘Thanks, Toshi. I appreciate the message.’

He led me along the path towards the bungalow. ‘I cannot help but feel responsible for Clara’s lack of attention to you. We have been spending many hours together. But we looked for you last night. You should listen to her. Don’t let others become a weight around your neck.’

‘I was pretty tired,’ I said quickly. ‘The after-challenge parties are optional, anyway.’ Also, the thought of seeing Chris, of not knowing where we stood with each other, the silence stretching between us … I wimped out.

Glanced at Toshi, I noticed the similarity between our outfits. We both wore flowing cotton pants in black. Toshi had a kimono-style top wrapped around his broad frame, while I wore a fitted tank, also in black. We looked like extras fromThe Matrix, about to be schooled by Morpheus.

My instincts appeared to be right on. The bungalow had been cleared of furniture, and padded blue mats lay all over the floor. ‘I’d like to teach you some basic martial arts, if you wish to learn,’ said Toshi.

Actually excited, I replied, ‘Yes! That would be awesome!’ Considering how defenceless I’d been against Dante, I’d take any training I could get.

‘Have you studied any martial arts before?’

We stepped onto the mats and I gripped the surface with my toes, testing the give. ‘Not really. I worked with a Capoeira instructor once who showed me a few moves, but that was really about it.’

‘You carry yourself like a dancer.’ Toshi knelt and I followed his lead.

‘Yeah, I’ve got a few years of contemporary under my belt. Why?’

He enlightened me. ‘Both dance and martial arts are similar. They require strength, balance, discipline, flexibility and fitness.’

We spent a pleasant few hours training, exploring different styles from Karate to Ju-Jitsu. I was a total newbie, but Toshi was a patient teacher, guiding me through positions and explaining movements and history.

After an extended kicking session, striking Toshi’s padded hands with my feet repeatedly, I flopped to the mat, drained. ‘That felt great! God, it’s fun to punch stuff.’

‘Hai.’ He nodded at me, benignly. ‘Are you ready to eat? It is always more satisfying to feast after combat.’

The far end of the bungalow was laid with a Japanese-style banquet on the floor. We sank to cushions and refreshed ourselves with rice and green tea.

‘This was perfect. Thanks for organising, Toshi.’

‘You are most welcome. I will tell you, this has been the same date for every girl I’ve seen, except Clara. But you have been the most willing student.’

‘Cheers. Hey, what did you do for your date with Clara?’

Toshi sipped his tea, long fingers curling around the delicate cup. ‘I flew her to the main island, to a music studio. She professionally recorded a song there, one she wrote for me.’

‘So, I’m guessing you and Clara are doing pretty well again?’ I asked, munching on thinly sliced beef.

Toshi’s face lit up in a rare, genuine smile. ‘We are very close. My heart is glad.’

Curiously, I questioned, ‘Do you think she’s really over the cheating thing? I’m not trying to be blunt, I’m just really interested in how you can move past something when you’ve been really hurt.’

‘People are naturally imperfect. No matter what your relationship, whether parent, child, friend or lover, there will always be mistakes on both sides. It’s how we choose to accept the flaws of the people who surround us that determines our peace.’ He closed his eyes meditatively. ‘Clara is on the path.’

***

Dolled up in an adorable mint and pink floral playsuit, I walked back to the bungalow later that evening. I’d had a great time with Toshi but my renewed confidence began to dissipate as I reached the steps of the bungalow.

Inside, I could see Chris and Aanya sitting together at a table, while Jen pushed past me, still livid. In the face of so much rejection, I opted for a quick walk on the beach to gather my thoughts.

Standing in the shallows, I allowed the warm waters to lap at my feet, while my brain whizzed around, spilling thoughts, logic, fear, emotion.

I’m okay. Filming is almost done—just one more date and one more challenge, and we’re finished. Who cares if the man you love is off giving you space or the woman you gave fifty grand to now hates you? Get your million, get out. That was the plan all along.

Drawing the wordsJUST DO IT!in the sand with my toes, I dotted the exclamation point deeply, then turned to face the bungalow.

Dante waited for me at the base of the steps. ‘Buonasera,my little Australian friend! Dreaming about me?’

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