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."

not to let the smell of alcohol reach

making Roseanne

home drunk, never once thinking

dawned on her then, how different people

a

Norris, gentle and steady, the embodiment

then there was

yet

excellence didn't equate to indulgence, and success didn't have to

to live unrestrained, yet chose to be more disciplined and meticulous

to network

goodwill are the currency. But how do we exchange these? A drink often serves as the medium, though tea, books, art,

matter of degree." "Consider holidays, when even the youngest kids

if you see it

feel so much like an obligation. It could be over tea, fishing, hiking, camping... doesn't sound

first definition,

perspective for Roseanne, sparking her

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

"How so?"

and a few acquaintances hoping for favors. Sharing a meal

I can't refuse those I'm not close with