"I know, I know, it's weird," she says, all in a rush when Neil squeaks. The noise, at least, is more surprise than embarrassment or indignation, but it's still enough to trigger Rosie's impulse to keep acknowledging the strangeness of their current situation.

Mercifully, it's all over quickly, and Rosie steps back as Neil looks himself over and gives that hesitant verdict. "It really doesn't look bad," she says. "And, you know, now you'll be a bit more comfortable going out and everything."