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 down. "Are you feeling okay

birthday bash? What

this day and age, who

eyes lit up. "Is it the

up straight, eyes sparkling

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

York exchanged glances, both looking confused. They wondered what

...

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

"Yes."

Corley's parties always drew people like Murray, and she

outsiders, just

be there, too.

come?

Corley noticed her hesitation

"Or are you afraid of

the phone,

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

"Of course not. We've made things

to worry about. I'll send you

he hung up without waiting for her

...

day of the party, the mansion was bustling