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?"

He glanced toward the direction Millie

Once I've settled things with Millie, I'll do

lip. He wanted to tell Murray that opportunities wouldn't wait and that Roseanne might

determined Murray was, Cliff decided to keep quiet, not wanting to

didn't wrap up until

sign the bill and got

already in place,

okay, not much

smoked too many, carrying

scent. He had extended his stay at a

planning to head there.

stood by the roadside waiting for their

Millie snuggled up to Murray's sturdy arm, looking the part of

she was willing to

remained silent. After several seconds, he suggested, "You have class tomorrow. I'd better drop you off at

her eyes,

Murray's expression softened.

he watched her disappear into the building before turning