Page 57 of Sassy & Sixty
As they continued to tidy up, sharing quiet laughs and gentle reminiscences, Rosie felt a profound sense of gratitude wash over her.
"You know," Trisha said, pausing in her meticulous note taking of gift-givers (because heaven forbid anyone should go unthanked), "I think this party was the perfect preview of what life in the Sensational Sixties Squad Headquarters will be like."
Catherine, who was half-asleep on the sofa, roused herself enough to ask, "You mean chaotic, slightly ridiculous, and fuelled by Emma's questionable cocktails?"
"Exactly!" Emma said triumphantly. "It's going to be marvellous."
As the first light of dawn began to peek through the windows, Rosie found herself alone in the kitchen. The others had finally been persuaded to go home (or in Emma's case, to take a nap in the bathtub, as she insisted she was "too comfortable to move"). Mike had left reluctantly, but not before extracting a promise of dinner later in the week.
Rosie ran her hand along the familiar countertop, remembering all the meals prepared here, all the late-night cups of tea, all the moments big and small that had made up her life in this house. She thought she might cry, but instead found herself smiling.
"Thank you," she whispered to the empty room. "For everything."
Just then, a crash from the living room, followed by Emma's muffled voice calling out, "I'm okay! The lamp's not, but I'm fine!", broke the moment.
Rosie laughed, shaking her head fondly.
As she went to rescue Emma, Rosie felt a sense of excitement bubbling up inside her. They were all going to live together in a huge house. They were going to be like the Golden Girls.
"NEW BEGINNINGS"
Rosie stood in the middle of her now-empty living room, the echo of her footsteps a stark reminder of how quickly a house becomes just a building once you start removing the life from it. She clutched a manila envelope containing the finalised papers for the purchase of their new shared home, feeling as though she were holding the key to her future.
"Well," she said to the bare walls, "I suppose this is it, then."
As if on cue, the front door opened, and Emma's voice rang out, "Darling! Are you ready for the next chapter of our grand adventure?"
Before Rosie could respond, the rest of the Sensational Sixties Squad filed in behind Emma. Lisa, ever practical, was carrying a folder full of renovation ideas. Julie had her sketchpad tucked under one arm and a determined glint in her eye that suggested she was already planning to document their new home in paint. Catherine was laden down with what looked like enough snacks to fuel their brainstorming session, while Trisha brought up the rear with a stack of interior design magazines.
"Emma," Rosie said, smiling warmly, "I can't believe we're actually doing this. Are we mad?"
Emma's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Darling, the best people usually are. Now, shall we head off to our new palace and start planning how to turn it into a home fit for five fabulous women?"
Rosie laughed. Trust Emma to turn house renovation into an exciting escapade. "Well, I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I'm not sure the world is ready for our particular brand of... creativity."
"Nonsense!" Emma declared. "They'll be so impressed by our impeccable taste that they'll be begging us to start our own home makeover show."
"Right," Trisha interjected, clearly deciding it was time to bring some order to the proceedings. "I've brought some magazines for inspiration, and I've made a list of local interior designers we might want to consult."
"Ooh, let me see!" Catherine exclaimed, peering over Trisha's shoulder at the magazines. "Oh, I like that colour scheme. It reminds me of that lovely bed and breakfast we stayed at in the Cotswolds."
"Ladies," Rosie said, her voice soft with emotion, "I just want to say thank you. For everything. For being here, for this mad idea of living together, for... well, for being you."
Lisa laid a comforting hand on Rosie's arm. "Oh, Rosie. We wouldn't have it any other way. Just think of all the fun we'll have, and the support we can give each other."
"Plus," Julie added, "think of the artistic possibilities! I can already envision a series of paintings: 'The Golden Girls' New Adventure' or maybe 'Sixties and Sensational: A Study in Shared Living and Joy'."
As they made their way to their new home, the conversation in the car was a delightful mix of practical considerationsand flights of fancy. Emma was adamant that they needed a "fabulous entertaining space for our soirées, darling," while Lisa was more concerned with ensuring the house was energy-efficient and easy to maintain.
When they pulled up to the sprawling country house that was to be their new home, Rosie felt a flutter of excitement in her chest. The red brick facade and the wild, rambling garden held so much potential.
"Oh," Rosie breathed, taking it all in. "Oh, it's even more beautiful than I remembered."
As they wandered through the rooms, each woman's personality began to shine through in their ideas for the space. Julie was enchanted by the light in what would become her studio, already planning where to set up her easel. Catherine was examining the kitchen with a critical eye, muttering about the need for more counter space for her baking experiments.
Emma, true to form, was most excited about the grand living room. "Just imagine, darlings," she said, gesturing expansively, "cocktail parties, book club meetings, impromptu dance sessions – all right here!"
Lisa, meanwhile, was making notes about necessary repairs and upgrades. "We'll need to check the wiring," she mused, "and perhaps consider solar panels for the roof."
