17. The Pub Predicament

"THE PUB PREDICAMENT"

R osie smoothed down her blouse for the umpteenth time, scrutinising her reflection in the hallway mirror. She'd opted for a soft blue number that brought out her eyes, paired with jeans that she hoped made her look more "casually chic" than "desperately trying to recapture her youth."

"It's just a quiet drink with Mike," she muttered to herself. "Nothing to be nervous about."

Her phone buzzed with a message from Emma: "Go get 'em, tiger! And remember, if all else fails, you can always fake a heart attack. I'll be your alibi."

Rosie chuckled, shaking her head. Trust Emma to have a contingency plan that involved hospitalisation.

She opened her front door and was immediately relieved to see that the news crews who'd been camped outside all week had finally gone on to report on something else. They didn't seem remotely interested in the fact that Rosie was going on a date with a handsome doctor.

The walk to The Red Lion pub felt both interminable and far too short. With each step, Rosie's mind raced with potential scenarios. What if she spilled her drink? What if she had spinach in her teeth? What if Mike took one look at her and realised he'd rather date someone whose back didn't make alarming creaking noises every time she stood up?

As she approached the pub, she took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and pushed open the door. The familiar sounds and smells washed over her - the clinking of glasses, the murmur of conversation, the faint aroma of beer and decades-old carpet.

Scanning the room, she spotted Mike at a corner table, looking as handsome as ever in a crisp blue shirt. Her heart did a little flip as he caught her eye and smiled, raising his hand in greeting.

Rosie began to weave her way through the crowd, her confidence growing with each step. She could do this. She was a mature, sophisticated woman who-

"Rosie? Is that you?"

She froze. She knew that voice. Turning slowly, she came face to face with Derek, her estranged husband, looking as surprised to see her as she was to see him.

"Derek," she managed, her voice unnaturally high. "What a... surprise."

Derek smiled, that familiar grin that used to make her knees weak. She didn't feel the same about it now, it certainly didn't make her weak, but it made her feel warm and comforted. There was no doubt that Derek's familiarity was reassuring It was just badly timed. "It's good to see you," he said, taking a step closer. "You look wonderful."

"Ah, yes, well," Rosie stammered, acutely aware of Mike watching from across the room. "Lovely to see you, too."

She turned to flee, only to find her escape route blocked by a group of rowdy football fans who'd just entered. Trapped between her past and her potential future, Rosie did the only thing she could think of - she ducked behind the bar.

"Can I help you?" the startled bartender yelped.

"Sorry. I'm having a bit of an emergency," Rosie hissed, crouching down among the kegs. "I'll explain later. Just... pretend I'm not here."

The bartender, a young man who looked like he'd seen his fair share of odd behaviour from the pub's patrons, shrugged and went back to pulling pints.

Rosie peered out from her hiding spot, assessing the situation. Derek was looking around in confusion, while Mike was half-rising from his seat, a concerned expression on his face. Presumably wondering how the women he'd just watched walking across the bar had now disappeared into thin air.

This was not how she'd envisioned her evening going.

"Rough night?" asked the barman, casually sliding her a glass of wine.

Rosie accepted it gratefully. "You have no idea," she sighed, taking a long sip. "I'm on a date with a man I've just met, and my husband is in the bar."

"Your husband?"

"Yes – but not like that. We've been separated for years."

"Ah, I see."

From the other side of the bar, Rosie could hear football songs being sung. off-key lines about never walking alone, and lions on shirts were being belted out across the crowded bar.

"I'm not sure what to do…" she said to the young barman.

"What do you want to do?" he asked, crouching down next to her.

"Well, that's the problem," she said, sitting back on an old crate. "Part of me wants to go back to Derek because I understand that. Life is easier with someone you've known forever, but once that person lets you down it can be hard."

"So, your husband let you down?"

"He had an affair. With someone I know."

"Christ. That's awful. Forget about him and go for the new guy."

"Yes, I know – that's what all my friends are saying, but we've got a daughter and two little granddaughters, and a lifetime of living together."

"Granddaughters?" said the barman. "How can you have granddaughters? You look about my age."

The barman looked about 30.

"That's very kind," she said. "But I think we both know that I'm about twice your age."

"I don't know about that. I was thinking how attractive you were."

Rosie felt her cheeks colouring. Was he flirting with her?

"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."

"Good memories?"

"Well, they haven't all been good – no – the guy had an affair, for God's sake, but hearing that he's single again has made me question myself. I want to be very sure I'm doing the right thing."

"I think we all feel a bit odd when we're confronted by our exes."

"Yes," said Rosie.

"If my ex lived anywhere near me I'd find it extremely difficult."

"Where does your ex live?"

"Wales," said Matt. "Not far from Cardiff."

"I'd still like us to go out for dinner tonight. If you want to?"

"Yes," said Rosie. "I'd like that very much."

Mike paced the length of his living room, phone pressed to his ear. "I'm telling you, Jack, it was like something out of a sitcom. There I was, watching her walk across the bar then she suddenly disappears. No sign of her anywhere. I went over to talk to Matt and found him sitting on the floor next to her. The two of them chatting away. She obviously told him all about her husband turning up in the bar when she was on a date. What she didn't realise was that Matt was the date's son!"

Jack's laughter crackled through the phone. "Sounds like you're in for quite the ride with this one, mate. But the real question is - is she worth it?"

Mike paused his pacing, a smile softening his features. "She is. God help me, but she really is. Rosie's... she's like a breath of fresh air. She makes me see the world differently, makes me want to embrace life the way she does."

"But?" Jack prompted, knowing his friend well enough to hear the unspoken concern.

"But I can't help wondering if I'm setting myself up for heartbreak," Mike admitted. "Her ex-husband is clearly still in the picture, and they have so much history..."

"Mike," Jack's voice turned serious, "in all the years I've known you, I've never heard you talk about a woman the way you talk about Rosie. Don't let fear hold you back. If she's worth it - and it sounds like she is - then she's worth the risk."

Mike took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension leave his shoulders. "You're right. Of course you're right. Thanks, Jack. I needed to hear that."

As he hung up, Mike felt a renewed sense of determination. Yes, the situation with Rosie was complicated. Yes, there was a risk of getting hurt. But as he thought about her laugh, her zest for life, the way she made him feel... he knew Jack was right. Rosie was worth any risk.