Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Before Owen could utter a word, Roseanne glanced over the table, found a clean plate, and picked up a small piece of her peach pie with her fork, placing them before him. "Try this?"

Owen hesitated before picking it up and slowly chewing it in his mouth.

Roseanne blinked. "Well? How is it?"

Seeing her hopeful look, Owen nodded. "It tastes good."

Roseanne beamed. "See? My recommendations never disappoint."

Owen couldn't help but laugh along.

...

Cliff interrupted, "Hey, Corley, your birthday's coming, huh? What's the plan this year? Go-kart racing, a drag queen show, or go big with a wild striptease party?"

York immediately approved. "Love that idea."

Their inquisitive gazes turned to the man of the hour, Corley. When it came to having fun, he was the most inventive of the trio. Some might look all prim and proper in a suit and tie, but they were wilder than anyone.

"Let's keep it simple with a birthday bash this year."

Cliff was puzzled. York was even more bewildered.

Corley asked, "What? Is there a problem?"

you, Corley." Cliff eyed him up and

smirk. "A birthday bash? What are you, turning into my

day and age, who would

minute." Cliff's eyes lit

up straight, eyes sparkling

private mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Invitations will be

York exchanged glances, both looking confused. They wondered what was wrong with

...

and even more so when he invited

"Yes."

Corley's parties always drew people like Murray, and she really wasn't eager to run into

outsiders, just friends

Cliff will be

come?

Corley noticed her hesitation

an eyebrow. "Or are

held the

Murray are over, and he seems happy with his new girlfriend. Are you afraid because you're not over

We've made things clear

nothing to worry about. I'll send you

up without

...

day of the party,