Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Just do it," Cliff immediately pulled out his phone and called Roseanne.

"Hey, Roseanne, what's up? I've got something I need to talk to you about..."

After explaining his intentions, there was a moment of silence on the other end.

Cliff guessed what she was hesitating about and reassured her, "Listen, Roseanne, chill. This one's on me. We're talking old friends catching up over a meal, no strings attached. Murray won't be there, I promise."

"Okay," Roseanne finally agreed.

Cliff shrugged after hanging up. He said so, but if a "chance encounter" happened, that wouldn't be his fault, would it?

Corley eagerly volunteered, "I'll take care of letting Murray know."

"Deal. It's settled then!" Cliff was excited. He'd be the hero of the hour if he could pull off getting them back together.

...

It was a day with clear skies and the sun shining bright. Cliff had booked a table at Sapphire Bistro ahead of time. It was their old haunt. Just by mentioning the name, Roseanne would know where to find it.

When she walked in, Cliff was waving at her like a madman before she could look around. The waiter led her over, and Roseanne sat across from him.

"Roseanne, I heard you just wrapped up your exams. Big congrats! I've ordered and got all your favorites. Let's have a drink to celebrate!"

Cliff wasn't as well-off as the others but had the best heart. He'd helped her with a few things before, so their friendship had grown.

I've always

Roseanne, don't be a stranger. We're friends, aren't

his fingers, and the dishes came

deep

second, his smile froze. He looked past Corley, trying to

to be a

seeing you here!" Cliff managed to recover, greeting with a forced

asked, "You don't mind if I

respond, "No, not at

Cliff could protest,

his eye, glancing at

glancing at Roseanne

"What's the special et

today?"

faintly, "Just catching up with Roseanne

eyes desperately signaled to Corley, silently asking, "Where's Murray? Weren't you supposed to bring

the cue, and turned his attention to Roseanne. "Oh? Celebrating

Though they weren't close,

"I just finished

a moment. "Based on the timing, was it for

rolled his eyes. 'What's with

Roseanne nodded.