Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Corley paused, his thoughts swirling. "So, let me see if I've got this straight," he began, "Biology is the big picture, right? Applied life sciences are all about getting your hands dirty in the lab, while bioinformatics is more about crunching numbers, using math, computer science, and statistics to tackle biological questions?"

Roseanne looked at him, her gaze taking on a new level of seriousness.

"You've got it exactly right," she confirmed.

"Really?" Corley's face brightened into a grin, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction. "Well, all credit to you. You explained it perfectly. I'm just summarizing, breaking it down into simpler terms?"

Roseanne reassessed the man before her. In her mind, Corley was the quintessential social butterfly, always seen at restaurants, bars, or clubs, the epitome of a party-goer. Yet, there he was, displaying a solid understanding of her field.

It was a reminder that appearances could be deceiving.

She thought about her six-year relationship with Murray, who barely knew what her major was in college, let alone engage in a conversation about it. They spent most of their time hanging out with his friends at bars and having sex on the big bed in his fancy house.

So, hearing Corley effortlessly use the jargon of her profession was a surprise.

confusion clear as day. The barrage of unfamiliar terms seemed to give him

the first to stand up, eagerly

his lips. Turning back to Roseanne, he noticed the sparkle in

something and asked me to ensure you get home safe." Roseanne glanced at her watch, realizing how late it was. "That's okay. I can just call

"As a gentleman, I couldn't possibly let a lady head home

lip, hesitating. "Well,

"My pleasure."

Corley took her coat, gallantly opening the passenger side

indeed that of

smiled faintly. "Thank

hardly spoke, enveloped by the silence in the

Corley drove smoothly, allowing

retreating streets, snow-dusted trees, and bare branches, all under a cold, biting

him. She was sweet, serene. Sitting there, she seemed to exude a delicate, fragrant air of sophistication. Her refined