Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne and Corley were cozied up at the park bench, deep in conversation.

They were sitting close enough for their shoulders to touch.

Roseanne had a stern look on her face, while Corley listened intently, nodding every now and then.

From a distance, Owen couldn't miss the subtle smirk playing on Corley's lips. Even from afar, he could sense the pheromones of courtship in the air. His gaze darkened a bit.

The next second, he whipped out his phone and dialed Stoddard.

"Hey, Owen, what's up?"

"How about a coffee run?"

"Uh?" Stoddard pulled the phone away to check the caller ID, making sure it was Owen on the line. "What do you mean? Why coffee all of a sudden?"

"Do you want one? Ask around if anyone else does."

Stoddard's voice rose in excitement-

"Mr. Reynolds is offering coffee, anyone opting out? No? Great, we're all in."

"Fine. I'll pick it up."

"Why not just order delivery? It's much easier, why go yourself?"

Owen: "I'm already out, might as well swing by. What's everyone's order?"

"Which café?"

Owen named a popular coffee shop.

Stoddard: "I'll have the signature Oreo latte with almond milk, an extra shot of espresso, light sugar, no ice, and please double the cream topping, thanks; Jen wants..." Owen held his forehead: "This is... too complicated, can't remember all that."

Stoddard: "?"

Are you kidding me!

one glance, find this complicated? Owen: "Just text it to Roseanne, I saw her downstairs, we can go grab

move! Sending it to little Roseanne right

up, Stoddard quickly

"Done! Sent!"

voice note: "We owe you one,

Suddenly, his smile froze-

Wait a minute!

be more convenient to send

What's the deal?

...

"Roseanne."

the

What brings

the truth: "Just passing

up, offering his hand, "Good to see you

Corley." They

eye, one calm and

tension started to

brings you to campus?" Owen asked

favor for a teacher, helping

the message from Stoddard,

you're treating

time; it was quite good. Thought we'd go to the same

the coffee

"Okay, but you might have to wait a bit for me,

"Sure."

who had managed a

smile until