Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The trio stepped out of the restaurant into the crisp evening air.

"Man, you're like a celeb, Owen. Had everyone huddling around you like you're the lead singer of a band or something." "Celeb?"

"Yeah, you know, like a pop idol."

Owen chuckled, shaking his head. "It's all about the perks, isn't it? No idol business there."

Leda sniffed the air subtly. "Have you been drinking? You didn't drive, did you?"

"Just a bit. No, I didn't drive."

"Perfect, hop in. I'll drop you and Anne off."

Leda's car couldn't quite make it down the narrow lane, so Roseanne and Owen decided to walk the rest of the way.

Under a sky scattered with stars, a gentle breeze carried the occasional meow from a distant alley cat.

Owen stumbled over a discarded fast food wrapper, his balance off from the drinks.

"You okay?"

"Sorry, ended up having a couple more than I should have."

let the smell of alcohol reach her, Owen consciously maintained a gap

making Roseanne feel

Murray often came home drunk, never

then, how different people

a sea of bright lights and cocktails, living life in a

steady, the embodiment

there was

admirers, yet humble and

equate to indulgence, and success didn't

had every reason to live unrestrained, yet chose to

academics really need to network that

connections, where favors and goodwill are the currency. But how do we exchange these? A

It's just a matter of degree." "Consider holidays,

see it as

obligation. It could be over tea, fishing, hiking, camping... doesn't sound like networking, does

first definition, it still

a new perspective for Roseanne, sparking her

today's dinner and drinks count as networking for you?" Owen smiled

"How so?"

acquaintances hoping for favors. Sharing a meal and drinks with mentors and

I can't refuse those I'm not