Page 76 of The Wisteria Tree Cottage

More tears joined the others. ‘Just to be clear, I wanted you to make love to me too. I just didn’t want fifty-eight other people to hear us.’

He stared at her. ‘Christ, we need to get out of here.’

He stepped back and looked around, just as Imogen switched on her microphone.

‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ Imogen started. ‘Thank you for taking part in our kissing speed-dating event this evening. I hope you had fun. Now we’re running a little behind tonight, so we’re going to go straight ahead with our dinner-in-the dark event. After that has finished you will be matched with your kissing partners.’

Meadow smiled at Bear, knowing she had already found her match.

‘Now, as you know, this event is about matching you genetically and we’ve done that by using the saliva swabs you gave us at the beginning of these events,’ Imogen went on. ‘We use information found in your DNA to find someone who is genetically different, specifically in chromosome six. Not only that but many aspects of your personality are also part of your genes and, based on some of the questions you answered when you registered, we can help match you to the correct personality types found in your DNA. Now this isn’t an exact science, there are many studies to prove this works and just as many that prove it doesn’t. Our personalities, our likes and dislikes are also shaped by our life experiences and that cannot be taken into account when looking at DNA. But it’s certainly something that’s worth a look.’

Meadow wondered if being matched genetically actually worked. She could understand the previous ways they had matched people but being matched because it was written in your DNA seemed a step too far.

‘In a moment we will move into the restaurant, which is all in darkness. Ladies, we will seat you first and then we will bring in the men. If you are happy with your match at the end of dinner, please press the button on your wristband. Meadow, as you are number one, can I ask you to come forward first. I’ll call the rest of you in numerically.’

Meadow looked at Bear. ‘I’ll explain that we’re leaving.’

Bear nodded and Meadow walked over to Imogen.

‘Me and Bear are leaving so—’

‘No you can’t. We’ve matched everyone here tonight, if you two leave, your matches will have no one to have dinner with.’

‘Well, they can have dinner with each other.’

‘No, they won’t be genetically matched with that person, that’s not fair. Look, I know you and Bear have something going on, that much was obvious by the kiss, but this is an hour out of your time. Just go in there, have dinner and conversation with someone nice, enjoy the dinner-in-the-dark experience and then you can leave. It’s not a big deal. Come on. Jacob,’ she called one of her assistants. ‘Can you take Meadow to table one.’

Jacob appeared at her side. ‘My pleasure. Meadow, you’re looking fabulous this evening. Who designed this magnificent dress?’

‘Umm, I did, but I…’ she looked round for Bear who was watching her with confusion.

‘You made this? It’s stunning. Right, put your hand on my shoulder and I’ll guide you to your seat,’ Jacob said, flipping his night-vision goggles over his eyes.

She glanced around at Bear again and shrugged helplessly, putting her hand on Jacob’s shoulder as he guided her into the darkness. The door closed behind her and the darkness was completely consuming and very claustrophobic.

‘OK, my darling, here is your seat to the left,’ Jacob said and she reached her hand around until she found a sofa and sat down on it. ‘I’m going to get your date now and you’ll have a chance to chat for a little while before we start bringing out the food. If you need me, just shout my name and I’ll come running.’

‘Thanks Jacob.’

She sat there for the longest time, straining her ears to listen as other people also came into the restaurant. She listened for Jacob’s return, but all she could really think about was Bear, kissing him and being with him. She didn’t care who her genetic match was. Bear was the only one she was interested in. Why had she let herself be cajoled into coming in here when she and Bear had just finally got together after all this time?

She stood up. But there was no way she could find her way out without causing herself an injury.

‘Jacob.’

‘I’m here, my darling, and I’ve brought you a lovely young man. Meadow, this is Bear.’

She let out a little gasp. He was her match. She wanted to cry with relief.

‘Here’s your seat, just here on your right. Careful not to sit on her,’ Jacob said.

She quickly sat down and she felt a hand on her head as Bear tried to find his seat safely.

‘Sorry,’ Bear said.

She felt him sit down next to her. Her heart was racing so fast she felt like she’d run a marathon.

‘I’ll leave you two lovebirds to get acquainted and I’ll be back soon with your food,’ Jacob said.

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