Page 19 of Sassy & Sixty

"Oh, darling," Emma said, her voice suspiciously thick. "We're the lucky ones. Now, let's clean up this kitchen and hit the shops. We've got a second date to prepare for!"

As they bustled about, clearing plates and wiping down surfaces, the kitchen filled with chatter and laughter. Plans were made for shopping trips, spa days, and future group outings. Rosie's date with Mike had been wonderful, but this - this warm, chaotic, joy-filled morning with her friends - was, in its own way, even better.

Later, as they were preparing to head out for their impromptu shopping expedition, Rosie caught sight of herself in the hallway mirror. Her hair was a mess, her dressing gown was crooked, and there were bacon crumbs on her cheek. But her eyes were bright, her cheeks flushed with happiness, and she realized she was smiling so hard her face almost hurt.

"Everything alright?" Catherine asked, noticing Rosie's pause.

Rosie nodded, still smiling at her reflection. "Just thinking... sixty and just getting started. Who would have thought?"

Catherine squeezed her shoulder. "Oh, I think we all had an inkling. You just needed a little push."

"More like a shove," Emma called from the doorway. "Now come on, you two! The shops await, and we have a second date outfit to find!"

THE AFFAIR NEXT DOOR

Rosie hummed to herself as she watered the geraniums on her windowsill, a spring in her step that hadn't been there a few weeks ago. The memory of her date with Mike still brought a smile to her face, and she found herself looking forward to their next outing with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation.

The doorbell's chime interrupted her reverie. Wiping her hands on her apron, Rosie hurried to answer it, finding Emma on her doorstep, practically bouncing with enthusiasm.

"Get your walking shoes on, Red," Emma announced without preamble. "We're going for a stroll in the park, and I've got a surprise for you."

Rosie raised an eyebrow. "A surprise? Should I be worried?"

Emma's grin widened. "Only if you're allergic to making new friends. Come on, the others are waiting!"

Curiosity piqued, Rosie quickly changed into more suitable attire and followed Emma out the door. As they approached the park entrance, she spotted Lisa, Julie, and Catherine waiting for them. But there were two unfamiliar faces as well – both women who looked to be around their age.

"Rosie!" Lisa called out, waving them over. "Come meet our new recruits!"

As they drew closer, Rosie took in the appearance of the newcomers. One was a petite brunette with a warm smile and perfectly coiffed hair. She wore an immaculate white blouse and tailored trousers, looking as though she'd stepped out of a home and garden magazine. The other was a tall, statuesque woman with salt-and-pepper hair cut in a stylish bob. Her outfit was more casual but unmistakably expensive.

"Rosie, meet Maria and Trisha," Julie said, gesturing to each woman in turn. "They're our neighbours from down the street, and they've decided to join our merry band of mischief-makers."

Maria, the petite brunette, stepped forward with a slightly nervous smile. "Hello, Rosie. I hope you don't mind us crashing your group. Julie's been telling us all about your adventures, and well... it sounded like fun."

Trisha, the taller woman, grinned and added, "What Maria means is, we're desperately in need of some excitement in our lives, and you lot seem to attract it like magnets."

Rosie laughed, immediately warming to the new additions. "Well, you've certainly come to the right place. Though I can't promise all our adventures will be entirely dignified."

"Dignity is overrated," Emma declared, linking arms with Maria and Trisha. "Now, let's get this walk started. I've got gossip to share, and my tongue is practically itching with the effort of keeping it to myself."

As they set off down the park's winding paths, Rosie found herself falling into step beside Maria. The other woman seemed a bit reserved, but there was a kindness in her eyes that Rosie found instantly likeable.

"So, Maria," Rosie began, hoping to draw her out, "Julie mentioned you live down the street. Have you been in the neighbourhood long?"

Maria nodded, her perfectly styled hair barely moving. "Oh yes, David – that's my husband – and I have been here for nearly twenty years now. It's a lovely area, isn't it?"

"It is," Rosie agreed. "Though I must admit, I've only recently started to appreciate it again. Funny how a change in perspective can make familiar surroundings seem new."

A shadow passed over Maria's face, so quickly Rosie almost missed it. "Yes, I suppose that's true," she said softly. “David always says I'm too..." she trailed off, that shadow passing over her face again.

Trisha, who had been quiet up until now, suddenly spoke up. "Too what, Maria? Too fun? Too happy? Because if that's what David thinks, then David can go take a long walk off a short pier."

The vehemence in Trisha's tone took Rosie by surprise. There was clearly some history here that she wasn't privy to.

Maria flushed, looking uncomfortable. "It's not like that, Trish. David just... he likes things to be a certain way. Orderly, you know?"

"And by 'orderly,' you mean 'boring as watching paint dry,'" Trisha muttered, but subsided when Lisa shot her a warning look.

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