Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Upon hearing the noise, Cliff dashed to the door to greet whoever was coming.

In a flash, there stood Murray, arm in arm with Millie.

'Hold on a minute!' Cliff let out a sharp hiss.

With a calm face, Murray greeted, "Cliff."

"Hey, Murray's here. Take a seat. Come on." Cliff hurried to welcome them, pouring drinks and offering snacks.

Later on, seizing the moment when Millie stepped away to the restroom, Cliff couldn't help but burst out, "Dude, what's going on? Weren't you two over? Why'd you bring her here?"

After a few drinks, Murray's gaze turned hazy. "She's young. Give it some time. She might not be able to accept it just yet."

Cliff felt a twinge of frustration. 'Still young? She's in college, for crying out loud! Murray's playing the fool here!'

Cliff asked, "And what about Roseanne? You're not planning to win her back?"

If that were the case, Corley would be over the moon.

Mentioning Roseanne, a pang hit Murray's heart. "Who said so?"

glanced toward the

Once I've settled things with Millie, I'll do my best to make things right with

He wanted to tell Murray that opportunities wouldn't wait and that Roseanne might have moved on by the time

Murray was, Cliff decided to keep quiet, not

wrap up until the

Cliff managed to sign the bill and got held into his car

designated driver was already in place, ensuring

was okay, not much to

smoked too many,

his

planning to head there.

for Murray and Millie, they stood

sturdy arm, looking the part of

that she was

seconds, he suggested, "You have class tomorrow. I'd better

flashing in her eyes, but her words were compliant,

Murray's expression softened.

her disappear into the building before turning away.