Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Murray texted, "Place?"

"Our usual spot."

"Be there in fifteen."

***

The bar was alive with the booming sound of music, tunes that were too catchy to be good for anyone's soul.

As soon as the door to the private room shut behind Murray, it felt like stepping into another universe.

"Made it, Murray?" York greeted, his arm wrapped around a blonde bombshell wearing something that left little to the imagination. His smile widened as he saw Murray push through the door. Murray marched straight to the couch and took a seat.

York gave his companion a wink, and she instantly plastered a flirtatious smile and sidled up to Murray.

"Don't touch me." Murray caught her wandering hand and removed it from his leg.

The woman's smile froze as she sent a pleading look towards York.

"Not your type?" York raised an eyebrow, "We can switch."

Murray poured himself a glass of red wine, "Not interested."

"Man, you've changed. Ever since you and Roseanne split, I thought you'd be out here living it up. Could it be... the little lady at home's got you under her thumb? Doesn't make sense though..." Roseanne couldn't keep him on a leash; how could Millie manage it?

Downing his drink, Murray didn't respond.

York motioned for the woman to come back to his side.

a giggly "Okay," and snuggled into his

hugging his date, looked mockingly at Murray, "Why so

"...Nobody."

on, lighten up. Show us a smile,

I look like a clown to

filled the room as he leaned in, "When's the baby due? How did I end up

"You doing

mimed zipping

his eyes, "Could you maybe not revel in chaos for

blinked innocently,

do

dial

just messing around..." Cliff said,

Murray suddenly covered

"Murray?" Cliff was puzzled.

up from

plainly, "One

moment for Cliff to register and then he reluctantly set

attering, "This isn't lik

I always such

kidding?

isn't like you."

thought back to the times he'd come home drunk,

the

looks and net