Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Murray's face was a mask of barely contained frustration and impatience.

He glanced at the clock. It was only 8 PM, yet his phone had been ringing off the hook at home-four or five times already. Three of those calls were from his mom, and the other one was from Millie. He figured she knew he wouldn't pick up after one try, which showed some restraint on her part.

Still, that hardly calmed his irritation, especially knowing an outsider was now living in his villa.

Cliff checked the time. "What, calling it a night already? It's still early."

Murray didn't respond. Cliff could tell, despite Murray's outward composure, he was on the verge of exploding, so he didn't push further-

"My driver's downstairs. I'll have him take you home."

"Thanks."

"All formal with me?" Cliff set down his beer. "Let me walk you out."

Murray waved him off. "Nah, keep the party going."

As Murray's figure receded into the distance, York couldn't help but chuckle, a mix of sympathy and schadenfreude in his laughter.

"Some guys hunt all day only to get pecked in the eye by the prey. Millie's really got a hold on him, huh?"

him some slack.

choke on that peanut. I heard Roseanne got into Kingswell University for grad school. She's all about cutting ties and hitting the books now..." "We even bet on how long Roseanne would keep up her antics,

York had watched Murray and Roseanne's tumultuous relationship of breakups and makeups, never imagining

Roseanne was really patient, putting up with six years, probably aiming for marriage in the

York couldn't respect

backbone, like a dog, always running back at the slightest

men and turn best friends into sworn

don't we call Corley Sullivan over now that Murray's

What if Murray comes back and they run into each

scaredy-cat!" York pulled out his phone and

come hang with

other end, a deep voice answered, "No,

worries about bumping

"It's not about him."

puzzled. "Then

no staying out late, no drinking unless it's absolutely necessary. Basic manly principles, get

"You okay? What's with the sudden

"I'm getting