Page 38 of Sassy & Sixty
"Richard," Rosie said calmly, "what can we do for you?"
He gaped for a moment, his eyes darting from Emma to Julie.
"How many women live here? There are dozens of you,” he said. “I just wanted to talk to Catherine.”
"I'm afraid that's not possible," Rosie replied. "You see, we’ve asked you not to come here as politely as we can. Next step is a call to the police, the step after that is a restraining order."
“But she’s my wife, I have every right to see her.”
“No, she’s your ex-wife and you have no right at all to see her.”
“Richard, they’re right. It’s time for you to leave me alone. Our marriage is in the past. I’ve moved on, you need to as well.”
They watched in silent triumph as Richard dropped his head and walked back to his car.
“Oh God, I feel really bad now,” said Catherine. “Perhaps I should have asked him what he wanted.”
“No,” said Rosie. “We know what he wanted – to find out what you’re doing here, and to try and keep tabs on you even though you got divorced many years ago. This is called ‘being cruel to be kind’.”
“I guess,” said Catherine
“It’s not even cruel, if you ask me,” added Emma. “It’s perfectly straightforward behaviour.”
“And it’s something to entertain the neighbours,” said Rosie. “I don’t think there have ever been so many comings and goings in this street. It must be very exciting for them all.”
"Speaking of excitement," Maria chimed in. “I’ve been cooking and there’s a tray of freshly baked cookies cooling in the kitchen. Anyone fancy one?”
As the evening wore on, fuelled by wine and Maria's cupcakes, the women found themselves sharing stories and dreams they'd long kept hidden. Catherine confessed her secret desire to learn pole dancing ("For fitness, of course!"), while Julie revealed her plan to create a series of nude portraits of local pensioners ("It's about celebrating the beauty of aging!").
Rosie sat back, watching her friends with a warm glow in her chest.
“How about you, Rosie?”
“Well, I was just thinking that I don’t really ‘need’ anything right now. I feel happier than I have for years. I love where I live, I’ve got great friends, a lovely daughter and two gorgeous grandchildren. . I’m happy with my lot.”
“What about Derek? Do you wish you were back with him?”
“To be honest, I sometimes do. We had such a good marriage for so long. I always thought he’d be the man I grew old with.”
“But he was unfaithful,” said Maria. “You can’t go back after that.”
“No, I know it seems strange, and when I first found out about his affair it was all very raw, and I was devastated, but as time’s gone on, the pain’s faded and my bruised ego has started to mend. I don’t think of him as a philanderer now, but as a man who made a mistake.”
“Christ, I’m livid with David,” said Maria.
“Yes, and I was with Derek but – I don’t know – I often think that life’s too short. That all happened five years ago. I don’t know…I’m not desperately hoping that he comes back or anything, but I do think of him with a lot of affection, and I’m not ruling out getting back with him.”
“But Mike,” they chorused.
Rosie laughed. “Yes, he’s nice too.”
“He’s a handsome doctor and he thinks the world of you.”
“Yes, I know. But it’s early days. Who knows what will happen.”
“If you don’t want him, can I have him?” asked Maria.
“Sure, yes – anyone who’s single gets a go on him,” said Rosie.
