Page 26 of Sassy & Sixty
Rosie pulled it out, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Mike's name on the screen.
"Hi Rosie, Just wanted to say I hope your lunch is going well. No pressure, but if you need an escape plan, just say the word and I'll stage a medical emergency ;)"
Rosie smiled at the message, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by Derek or her friends.
"Everything OK?" Derek asked, a hint of tension in his voice.
"All fine," Rosie said quickly, tucking her phone away. But the moment had shifted something in her. The warmth she'd felt at Mike's message, and the easy way he made her smile stood in stark contrast to the awkward, tension-filled lunch she was currently enduring.
As the meal progressed, Rosie found herself increasingly torn. On one hand, there was Derek - familiar, comfortable, a shared history of three decades. On the other, there was the new life she'd been building, filled with friendship, laughter, and the possibility of new love with Mike.
The conversation around her faded into a dull buzz as Rosie's mind whirled with conflicting emotions. She was vaguely aware of Emma regaling the table with an outrageous story, of Derek laughing politely at all the right moments, of Lisa shooting her concerned glances.
It wasn't until Derek placed his hand over hers that Rosie snapped back to the present.
"Rosie," he said softly, "I know this is a lot to take in. And I know I'm asking for more than I deserve. But I want you to know that I'm committed to making this work, if you'll have me."
Rosie looked into Derek's eyes, seeing the sincerity there. For a moment, she was transported back in time - to their first date, their wedding day, the birth of Mary. So many happy memories, so much shared history.
But then another image flashed in her mind - herself, surrounded by her new friends, laughing freely in a way she hadn't in years. And Mike's face, kind and understanding, offering her a future unburdened by past mistakes.
"I... I need some time to think, Derek," Rosie said finally. "This isn't a decision I can make lightly."
Derek nodded, disappointment clear in his eyes but also a glimmer of hope. "I understand. And I'll wait, Rosie. For as long as it takes."
As the lunch drew to a close, Rosie felt emotionally drained. Her friends, seeming to sense her need for space, made their excuses and left, but not before Emma could whisper in her ear, "Remember, you're the prize here, not him."
Derek walked Rosie to the door of the restaurant, an echo of countless dates from their past. "Thank you for meeting me," he said softly. "And for... for being open to the possibility."
Rosie managed a small smile. "Thank you for being honest about your feelings. I... I'll be in touch, Derek. I promise."
They parted with an awkward half-hug.
As she walked home, Rosie found herself at a crossroads - not just metaphorically, but literally. To the left lay the path to her old life with Derek, familiar and comfortable. To the right, the route to her new home, where possibility and uncertainty waited.
For a moment, Rosie hesitated. Then, almost of their own accord, her feet turned right. She wasn't ready to make any big decisions yet, but she knew one thing for certain - whatever choice she made, it would be on her own terms.
As she walked, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from the Sensational Sixties Squad group chat:
Emma: "Well, that was certainly interesting. You okay, Red?"
Lisa: "We're here if you need to talk, Rosie."
Julie: "I thought Derek seemed nice, actually. But it's your decision, of course."
Catherine: "Just remember, you deserve to be happy. Whatever that looks like for you."
Rosie smiled. She was about to reply when another message came through, this time from Mike:
"No medical emergencies required, I hope? If you're free later, I'd love to hear about your day. No pressure, of course."
Without overthinking it, she typed out a reply:
"Actually, a chat would be lovely. Meet you at the park in an hour?"
Mike's response arrived almost immediately: "I'll be there. Looking forward to it."
As Rosie continued her walk home, she felt a curious mix of emotions.
