Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

He froze suddenly, almost reflexively yanking his hand away from Millie's gentle grasp.

Caught off guard, Millie couldn't help but frown, following his gaze, only to find Roseanne standing not too far ahead.

Murray furrowed his brows, turning to Corley. "You invited Roseanne?"

"Yeah, we're all friends here," Corley smiled innocuously.

Murray pressed, "Why didn't you give me a heads-up?"

Corley shrugged. "Got caught up, I guess. But I didn't think it'd be a big deal."

Meanwhile, Roseanne had spotted Murray, too, but quickly averted her gaze. She was there to drop off her well-wishes and leave. Her time was too precious, buried in books and research, to waste on social gatherings.

Approaching Corley, she said, "Happy birthday. Here's the present for you. It isn't expensive. Hope you like it." She handed him a gift box.

Corley accepted it with a chuckle. "Well, thanks a bunch."

the birthday boy, the center of attention, he'd

with a drink, shall we?" A waiter passed by with a tray of wine, from which

prompting Roseanne to do the same. After she finished her drink, she checked

so soon?

about

"Okay," she agreed.

so Roseanne asked a waiter for directions and headed toward the garden through an arched doorway. Murray

to follow

his arm. "Babe,

we find somewhere to

leaning into him

that moment, Roseanne

back, his voice tinged with irritation,

far, lined with lush greenery and exotic flowers that one might only see

Some of these