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?"

just this doesn't sound like you, Corley." Cliff eyed

a smirk. "A birthday bash? What

age, who would

Cliff's eyes lit up. "Is

up straight, eyes sparkling

replied, "What are you thinking? The regular kind. I've booked a private mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Invitations will be out in a few days." With that,

glances, both looking confused.

...

and even

"Yes."

drew people like Murray,

outsiders, just friends

be there, too.

come?

Corley noticed her hesitation

an eyebrow. "Or are you afraid of

held the phone,

and he seems happy with his new girlfriend. Are you

We've

about. I'll send

up without waiting

...

the day of the party, the mansion was bustling