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?"

Cliff eyed him up and

"A birthday bash?

this day and age, who would still do

eyes lit up.

straight, eyes sparkling with

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,

confused. They wondered what was wrong with

...

to receive a call from Corley and even more so when he

"Yes."

people like Murray, and she really

outsiders, just

Cliff will be there, too.

come?

Corley noticed her hesitation

raised an eyebrow. "Or are you

held the phone,

with his new girlfriend. Are you afraid because you're not over

not. We've made things clear

"In that case, there's nothing to worry about. I'll send you the

that, he hung up without

...

party,