Another lingering silence.
‘I wonder what the view’s like,’ my husband said.
‘It’s probably amazing.’
Ugh.I glanced surreptitiously at Ben, telepathically begging him to ask us a question, make a joke or say anything to break this horrible tension.
‘Would you like a chocolate?’ Cooper asked.
‘Oh, um, yes, please.’ We made a great show of opening the box, studying the little piece of paper identifying the chocolates, managed to kill another drawn-out minute discussing which one we wanted.
‘That’s so perfect that you hate the coffee ones, and they’re my favourites! And it wasn’t even a question in the compatibility test, ha, ha!’
‘Any caramels in there?’ Ben balanced the camera in one hand, holding out the other.
‘You can have one once you’ve finished doing whatever it is you’re here to do,’ Cooper replied, opening the champagne with a pop.
‘Right, well, let’s have the two of you sat on the bed.’
‘We’re fine in the chairs.’ Cooper poured us both a glass, and we took our seats.
‘So, how are you feeling?’ Ben began.
‘Tired, relieved, looking forward to some time alone with my wife.’
‘Emma?’
‘Um, I’m feeling… a bit surreal, to be honest. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.’
‘Okay, so how do you feel about Cooper being your husband? Are you sensing a connection yet?’
‘Oh, well, I can’t help but feel a connection, given that he’s known my sister—’
‘Let’s edit that out,’ Cooper interrupted, before turning to me, his face creased in concern. ‘Sorry, I think it’s best that we don’t refer to the Bridget link unless we have to.’
‘Right, of course. Sorry. Um, yes, there’s a connection. I feel really positive about having married Cooper, and I’m looking forward to getting to know him better.’
Ben waited, until I found myself elaborating. It was probably the alcohol, the tiredness, the sheer discombobulation, but I figured I might as well start by being honest.
‘I feel safe with him. And like I can trust him. Which is a very high priority for me in a relationship.’
‘Do you think you’ll consummate the marriage tonight?’
Cooper shot up off his chair. ‘Right, that’s enough for today. We’ll see you at breakfast.’
‘Chill out, mate, I’m just doing my job!’
Cooper waited until a shamefaced Ben had left before slumping back onto the chair, head down, both hands running through his hair. ‘I’m really sorry about that.’
‘No, it’s fine. I can understand why he’d ask.’ I ate another chocolate. ‘They always talk about it on the TV show.’
‘Maybe. But you signed up for a serious scientific study, not a TV show. Perhaps hiring Ben was a bad idea.’
‘No, it’s fine, honestly. If he asks anything I don’t want to answer I’ll just say, “no comment”. And I like Ben – he does a good job of lightening the mood.’
Cooper took a long drink of champagne. ‘To be clear… about the question… I’m not expecting anything. At all. I’m very happy to sleep on the sofa.’
I thought about that. It wasn’t even really a proper sofa. More like a chaise longue. I didn’t think a man Cooper’s size could sit on it comfortably, let alone sleep.
