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

sipped his drink. "Don't rush it. Once I've settled things with Millie, I'll do my

bit his lip. He wanted to tell Murray that opportunities wouldn't wait and that Roseanne might have moved on by the time Murray had sorted the mess

to keep quiet, not wanting

party didn't wrap up until the early

and got held into his

already in place, ensuring everyone

okay, not much

smoked too

scent. He had extended his stay at a nearby luxury

planning to head there.

Millie, they stood by the roadside waiting

be affectionate, Millie snuggled up to Murray's sturdy arm, looking the part of a woman indove. "Babe, it's

she was willing

several seconds, he suggested, "You have class

smile tightened, disappointment flashing in her eyes, but her words

Murray's expression softened.

ensuring Millie reached the gate of Grandstone Institute, he watched her disappear into the building