Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Cliff knew exactly what was going on in Roseanne's head - she didn't want to owe York a favor. So, being the straightforward guy he is, he took the initiative and made the decision on her behalf. And honestly, he wasn't wrong. It was just a question, after all, with no guaranteed outcome.

"Alright, Roseanne, you better hit the sack early. I'm gonna hang up now, okay?"

With that, Cliff ended the call.

York couldn't help but sneer, "Look at you, all mushy. What's Roseanne done for you, huh? Calling her 'sis' like you're some kind of lapdog. Makes me want to gag."

Cliff retorted, "You don't get it, do you? I value sincerity in my friendships. If you don't like it, tough."

"Friends?" York raised an eyebrow. "She and Murray just broke up. How come you two are suddenly thick as thieves?"

At York's words, even Murray glanced over at Cliff.

Cliff, however, straightened up and his expression turned serious. "It's not like that. Roseanne helped me out before. Just because she's no longer with Murray doesn't change the fact that we're friends." "Helped you with what?" York's curiosity was piqued.

Cliff gave a slight cough, "It's a long story, not for tonight. Let's just focus on the drinks. Oh, and York, there's something I wanted to ask for your help with—"

"Ah, gotta hit the restroom real quick," York said, darting off faster than a rabbit.

Cliff was puzzled. "Was that an escape act?"

And it was, indeed.

the balcony, lighting up a cigarette with a frown, clearly troubled by

finishing one cigarette, he lit another, mostly letting it burn on its own with only the occasional

if he'd made a decision and took out his phone to dial a

after hanging up with Cliff, Roseanne had left her phone on the coffee table and went to

had dried her hair, she noticed two missed

unknown number from

the person on the other end picked up quickly.

known each other for years and you

voice, Roseanne was taken aback, then confused. "Mr.

earth was he calling this late

was internally facepalming. Why did he even

asked, "What

I was there when you

"And?"

Cliff mentioned I

I

directly? I've got a ton of contacts in the publishing world!"

didn't have your

was momentarily