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?"

eyed him up and down.

bash? What are you, turning into my

who

a minute." Cliff's eyes lit up. "Is it the naughty

straight, eyes sparkling with

regular kind. I've booked a private mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Invitations will

glances, both looking confused. They wondered what was wrong

...

somewhat surprised to receive a call from Corley and even more so when he invited her to his

"Yes."

always drew people like Murray, and she

just

Cliff will be there, too. Won't

come?

Corley noticed her hesitation

"Or are

the

and Murray are over, and he seems happy with his new girlfriend. Are

slightly frowned. "Of course not. We've made things clear and cut

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

up without

...

the day of the party, the mansion