3. Park Bench Chronicles

"PARK BENCH CHRONICLES"

T he late summer sun dappled the path through the park as Rosie made her way to what had become, over the past few weeks, her favourite bench. Elvis trotted along by her side, much better behaved since she'd started walking him. The last couple of months had been a learning experience for both of them. That first outing had been chaotic, but she had come to the park most days since then and they'd formed a lovely partnership. The only time he became unmanageable now was when he saw a squirrel. Then he lost all dignity and charged through the park like a maniac.

Rosie smiled to herself, remembering that first morning and how out of her depth she felt. Now, her afternoons were filled with laughter, unexpected adventures, and a growing sense of liberation.

As she rounded the corner, she saw Emma already there, resplendent in a flowing kaftan that seemed to catch every ray of sunlight. Emma waved enthusiastically, nearly knocking Lisa's hat off in the process.

"Rosie, darling! We were just placing bets on whether you'd wear that darling polka dot blouse again," Emma called out.

Lisa chuckled, adjusting her hat. "I told her you were too savvy for that. Though I must say, that yellow sundress is a knockout. Suits you perfectly."

Rosie felt a warm glow of pleasure at the compliment. She was still getting used to dressing for herself rather than for Derek's approval or to blend in at the charity committee meetings.

"Well, I had excellent advisors," Rosie replied with a wink as she settled onto the bench. "Though I did get a few raised eyebrows at the post office this morning."

"Raised eyebrows are just a sign you're doing something right," a woman interjected, appearing as if by magic with a tray of iced coffees. "I'm Becky. I'm from the café just along the river. Nice to met you."

"Oh, nice to meet you, too," said Rosie. "Which café is that?"

"It's called Becky's. Just by the bridge."

‘Oh yes, ofcourse. Thanks very much for the coffee."

As they sipped their coffees, Becky pulled out a bulging folder. "I was just finalising the itinerary for your day trip to Brighton next week."

Emma raised an eyebrow. "Itinerary? Darling, the only items on my Brighton itinerary are 'arrive' and 'have fun'."

"Oh, but I've researched all the best spots!" Becky protested. "I told you I used to live there, and you asked me to design the perfect Brighton day for you."

"Oh yes, ofcourse. Thanks," said Emma.

"Right. Well, there's a lovely tearoom that's been operating since 1907, and a quaint little museum about the history of?—"

"Nooooo," said Emma.

"How about we split the difference?" Rosie suggested diplomatically. "We can visit your tearoom for lunch, but maybe leave some room for spontaneity too?"

Becky looked uncertain, but nodded. "I suppose that could work. As long as you're back in time for the 5:15 train. I've already bought the tickets."

The others exchanged amused glances. Becky's obsession with planning was a running joke for Emma and Lisa, but they all appreciated her attention to detail. She wanted to become a travel coordinator – planning trips to far-flung locations for high-net-worth individuals. Organising a trip to Bright for three sixty-your-olds was a tame start, but everyone must start somewhere.

The woman sat, sipping their drinks, while Becky regaled them with tales from the cafe, complete with spot-on impressions of the stuffier patrons.

Lisa, who had been quietly sketching, suddenly held up her pad. "Ladies, I give you 'The Sassy Sixties Club' in all their glory!"

They crowded around to see, exclaiming over Lisa's talent. She'd captured them perfectly – Emma's flamboyant gestures, and Rosie's newfound confidence.

"Oh, Lisa," Rosie breathed, "it's wonderful. You've made us look so... vibrant."

"I just drew what I saw," Lisa replied with a shrug, but her eyes twinkled with pleasure.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the park, Emma clapped her hands. "Right, ladies. Who's up for a little adventure?"

Becky looked alarmed. "Adventure? But it's nearly dinner time, and I haven't planned anything?—"

"Exactly!" Emma exclaimed. "Let's be spontaneous. There's a new little bistro that's opened up on the high street. I say we give it a try."

There was a moment of hesitation – each woman mentally running through her usual evening routine – before Becky spoke up. "Oh, why not? Life's too short to always play it safe."

As they gathered their things, Rosie felt a surge of excitement. A month ago, the idea of an impromptu dinner out would have filled her with anxiety. Now, she found herself looking forward to the unexpected. Her pre-married life had been a long sequence of drinks, dinners and fun with friends. How soon all that stopped when you had children. Her life as a wife and mother had been all about a calendar in the kitchen filled with pre-booked activities. The fun of deciding to do something, and just doing it was a thrill she'd almost forgotten.

The bistro was called ‘Jools.' It turned out to be a wonderful little place, all cosy with mismatched furniture and twinkling fairy lights strung across the ceiling.

"Ladies," said a handsome young waiter. "What can I do for you?"

"For God's sake, don't ask that of a group of menopausal women," said Emma. "You don't know what answer you'll get."

The waiter gave a smile which appeared welcoming on the surface, but definitely carried with it a whiff of nervousness.

For reasons that weren't entirely clear to the other women, Emma then began regaling him with the outrageous tale about Rosie's days as a cabaret dancer in Paris.

"Not true, not true," Rosie yelled. "I just got up onto the stage once to do the cancan because I was very drunk, it was my 60 th birthday and I'd just found out that my husband was having an affair."

"Well, I think your husband must be mad," said the waiter.

The women all cheered, Elvis looked at Rosie quizzically from his seat at the end of the banquette, Rosie looked at Emma and smiled, and everyone in the bistro looked over at them.

"We're having more fun than anyone else in the world right now," said Emma. "We're relaxed, happy, surrounded by friends and we don't need anyone or anything, Life is magnificent."

"To new friends and new adventures," Rosie toasted.

"And to the Sassy Sixties Club!" Emma added with a wink.