Page 44 of Sassy & Sixty

“Tell me about the other guy. The one you are supposed to be on a date with.”

“He’s nice,” she said. “Handsome, bright and interesting. I like him a lot. He turned up at my house with flowers the other day. He’s lovely. He’s exactly my type, but I’m worried that the reason I’m not really going for it with him is because I’m still in love with Derek.”

“It sounds like you might be,” said the barman. “Perhaps you should just play the field for a bit. Have fun with the new guy but don’t take him too seriously.”

“Yeah, I guess, but I don’t want to mess him around.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’m sure he’ll survive. Try and think about yourself. You’ve been through a lot.”

“Matt,” came a call from one of the barmaids. “There’s someone here to see you.”

The barman went to stand up, just as a man peered over the bar.

“Mike,” said Rosie.

“Dad,” said Matt.

They all looked from one to another as another head appeared.

“Derek,” said Rosie.

“That’s your husband?” said Matt. “I see him here all the time.”

“Whose husband?” asked Mike, while Rosie sank back down onto her crate and looked down at her hands.

The football fans were continuing their singing. The men above her were all looking down at her and all Rosie wished was that she was back, in her house with her friends, drinking wine and having fun.

Sadly,despite fervent wishing, Rosie didn’t find herself back at home n the sofa, but flanked by Mike and Derek, both looking equal parts confused and intrigued.

"Rosie," Derek began, "Are you okay? Do you need help?"

“I’m fine. I’m just here to meet Mike for a drink.”

“We’re on a date,” said Mike, aggressively.

“Oh, I see,” said Derek, nodding slowly, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I'm glad you're happy, Rosie. You deserve it." With a final smile, he turned and walked away, leaving Rosie flooded with a barrage of feelings.

She then turned to Mike, who was watching her with a twinkle in his eye. "Mike," she began, "I'm so sorry about all this. I understand if you want to run for the hills. That was my husband, Derek, we separated years ago."

“I know. You mentioned him. He’s one of my patients, actually.”

“Is he? That’s awkward.”

“It’s fine. I’m a professional.”

Matt had stayed silent during all the conversations, but he put his hand up as they chatted.

“Rosie thinks she might still be in love with her husband.”

Rosie shrugged. What could she say. She’d just spoken at length to Matt about her dilemma.

“Is that true?” asked Mike.

“I don’t know. I really like you, and I’d love to carry on seeing you, but I do feel odd when Derek’s around.”

“Odd?”

“Yes. Full of memories about the past.”

---