Page 52 of Sassy & Sixty
"This little teapot magnet can represent the café where Catherine usually has her morning coffee," Emma explained, placing it on the makeshift map. "It's where Richard often 'coincidentally' shows up."
As the plan took shape, Rosie found herself marvelling at the creativity and resolve of her friends. The strategy, as Trisha outlined it, involved a fake outing for Catherine, a series of lookouts positioned around the neighbourhood, and what Emma enthusiastically referred to as "Operation: Confront and Closure."
"Are we sure this is the best approach?" Lisa asked, eyeing the map thoughtfully. "I'm not certain confrontation is the safest option."
"Oh, come now," Emma said gently. "Sometimes, you need to face these things head-on. Besides, we'll all be there to support Catherine."
As the day wore on, the plan grew more refined. Julie was tasked with creating a series of subtle signals they could use to communicate without alerting Richard. Lisa, ever the voice of reason, was put in charge of the "coordination centre" (which was really just Rosie's kitchen, now filled with mobile phones and an unnecessarily large amount of snacks).
Trisha, drawing on her experience in event planning, coordinated the logistics with admirable precision. "Right," she said, consulting her notebook. "Emma, you'll be stationed here at the café-"
As evening approached, they put the final touches to their plan. Catherine, looking both nervous and determined, was dressed for her "outing" - an elaborate ruse involving Mike (who had been roped into the scheme with surprisingly little persuasion) and the new French bistro in town.
"Remember," Trisha instructed as they did a final run-through, "the signal is two taps on your water glass. If you spot Richard, you give the signal, and we'll move into position."
Catherine nodded solemnly. "Got it. Two taps. Though I'm a bit worried I might get nervous and accidentally set you all off if I'm just really enjoying my wine."
As darkness fell, Operation Closure swung into action. Rosie found herself seated at a corner table in the bistro, menu in hand but eyes scanning the room. She felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness, but also a sense of purpose. Who would have thought that at her age, she'd be involved in such a delicate intervention?
"Eagle One to Mama Bear," Emma's voice came softly through the phone. "The Cheese has entered the building. I repeat, the Cheese has entered the building."
Rosie rolled her eyes fondly. "Emma, we agreed you'd be Rosebud, I'd be Sunflower, and Catherine would be Bluebell. Try to stick to the script."
"Well, excuse me for trying to inject a little excitement into our operation," Emma replied, a smile evident in her voice. "Fine. Rosebud to Sunflower. Bluebell is seated. Over."
For the next hour, Rosie and her friends maintained their positions, watching as Catherine and Mike enjoyed their meal. The atmosphere was tense but controlled, each woman ready to play her part if needed.
Just as Rosie was beginning to think their plan might have been unnecessary, she spotted a familiar figure entering thebistro. Richard, looking uncomfortable and out of place, was making his way towards Catherine's table.
"This is not a drill," Rosie murmured into her phone. "The subject has entered the building. I repeat, the subject has entered the building."
What followed was a scene of carefully orchestrated intervention. Emma smoothly intercepted Richard before he could reach Catherine's table, engaging him in conversation with a mix of charm and firm resolve. Julie and Lisa moved to flank Catherine, offering silent support as Mike discreetly stepped aside.
Trisha, ever the professional, coordinated their movements with subtle gestures, ensuring that Richard was gently but firmly guided to a quiet corner of the bistro where they could talk privately.
Rosie, watching from her position at the corner table, felt a surge of pride in her friends. This was not how she'd envisioned spending her golden years, but she had to admit, it was far more meaningful than she could have imagined.
The confrontation, when it came, was both emotional and cathartic. Catherine, supported by her friends, spoke to Richard with a clarity and strength that seemed to take him by surprise. She laid out her feelings, her frustrations, and her firm desire for him to respect her boundaries and move on.
Richard, faced with the united front of the women and the quiet dignity of Catherine's words, seemed to deflate. The bravado and denial that had fuelled his behaviour crumbled away, leaving a man who looked lost and, finally, ashamed.
As the evening drew to a close, with Richard agreeing to seek counselling and respect Catherine's wishes, Rosie looked around at her friends. They were a sight to behold - Emma radiating quiet triumph, Julie sketching the scene with swift, emotive strokes, Lisa offering comforting words to a tearful butrelieved Catherine, and Trisha coordinating with the bistro staff to ensure privacy.
"FACING THE FUTURE"
Rosie stood in her bedroom, looking into her jewellery box and frowning at its contents as if they had personally offended her. What jewellery should one wear to discuss a thirty-year marriage? And what clothes? She had briefly considered her leopard print blouse – a symbol of her newfound freedom – but decided that might be a tad insensitive.
Finally, she settled on a simple blue dress that Derek had always liked. A peace offering of sorts. Now she needed the right earrings to wear with it…earrings that said ‘I like and respect you enough to make an effort, but I am not in any way flirting with you.”
The drive to the mediator’s office was difficult. With each mile, Rosie's mind raced with memories – her wedding day, bringing Mary home from the hospital, family holidays, quiet evenings at home.
But alongside these happy recollections came others: the arguments, the growing distance, the feeling of invisibility that had plagued her in the last years of their marriage.
As she pulled into the parking lot, she spotted Derek's car already there. Always punctual, that was Derek.
She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and stepped out of the car. "You can do this, Rosie," she muttered to herself. "You faced down Richard. This is a piece of cake."
She found Derek in the waiting room, looking as nervous as she felt. He stood when he saw her, a tentative smile on his face.
