Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Handing over a piece of paper and a pen, he said, "I guess I'll head out then."

Corley could only offer a smile in return, "Sure thing. Catch you later."

"Yep. Let's go, Professor. That coffee shop is just across the street from where we're staying." They had discussed matters over a cup of coffee there before.

...

"Coffee's here!"

Jen, Stoddard, and Sammy rushed over at the news.

"Thanks, Professor, and kudos to Roseanne!"

"Making you two run errands for us, what a sin!"

Stoddard popped a straw into his drink and took a big gulp, "Ah, that hits the spot~"

Jen raised an eyebrow, "Is it really that spectacular?"

Sammy, clutching his and Liz's drinks, thanked Owen and Roseanne with a smile.

Then he scurried over to Liz.

"Liz, here's yours."

"Oh."

The fact that Roseanne had gone out to get coffee with Owen made Liz's heart sink, instantly ruining her appetite.

Sammy just wouldn't

why aren't

will melt, and it won't taste as

the straw in

not? Just stop

she got up

scratched his head, looking at the untouched coffee, "... You didn't say you didn't want it

if you're just going to

Isn't that wasteful?

would never

wasn't about

the different environments they grew up in, the natural divide created by their families' ways of

refuse because she wanted the coffee; she accepted it because Owen had offered it,

corridor for some air, her phone rang.

"Hello?"

I found the house you were asking

Liz's eyes lit

lot of trouble... The owners are an

took

there most of their lives and were reluctant to rent it out. It a lot of convincing, and just when their son needed money urgently, they agreed to

issue. Which building, which unit, what

"Building three, ground floor."

one,

That's... quite far.

in Liz's eyes dimmed, and she simply responded with a "Oh," "Any