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?"

this then?" He glanced toward the direction Millie had left. "Playing both

settled things with Millie, I'll do my

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

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

didn't wrap up until the early

managed to sign the bill and got held into his

driver was already in place, ensuring everyone

okay, not much

too many,

his stay at a nearby

planning to head there.

Millie, they stood by the

up to Murray's sturdy arm, looking the part of a woman

implication was clear that she was willing

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

in her eyes, but her words were compliant, "Okay,

Murray's expression softened.

the gate of Grandstone Institute, he watched her disappear into