Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"That's a relief," Leda sighed, her tension visibly melting away. "Hey, are you free tonight? I could use your help."

After a successful meeting with the school board, Hertha's mood visibly brightened, contrasting her frustration from her recent encounter with Madeleine. "Let's go, Mom. Time to hit the road."

Her mom Beverley frowned, her gaze drifting away from the direction of the library. "You go ahead. I've got something else to deal with."

Beverley dialed her phone without another word, arranging for another family driver to fetch her.

Hertha figured her mom was just heading to another fancy lunch and didn't think much of it. Little did she know, as soon as Beverley got in the car, she ordered, "Drive to Murray's office."

Just ending a meeting, Murray was surprised to see his mother storming in with a scowl. "Mom, what brings you here?"

Beverley scoffed, "What, I can't visit?"

"It's not that," he said, touching his nose nervously.

Beverley huffed and plopped onto a sofa. "If you can't handle your woman, I don't mind stepping in."

Murray was puzzled.

the attitude on Roseanne. It all boils down

slightly, "Roseanne?

you ask! I ran into her at Kingswell University's library. I gave her a piece of my mind, and she blew up, accusing me of being harsh

"You met her at the

tidying up, she's there pretending to be an

strangers! Who talks to their elders like that? Does she not want to be

Beverley asked, "So,

blurted out, "How could

a golden ticket, isn't going to give it up easily! Make

another meeting soon. I'll have someone drive you

Seeing her son's mood darken further, Beverley wisely shut her

for today. But don't let Roseanne off easy. Women need to be kept in line

off, Murray loosened his

around the corner, he texted Cliff

about these things. Let's

was speechless, 'What? Do I, a freaking bachelor,

met up at the downtown