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."

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

sounded incredibly sincere, making Roseanne

came home drunk, never once thinking it something

then, how different people

to think all men were like Murray, Cliff, or York; swimming in a sea of bright lights and cocktails, living life in a

like Norris, gentle and steady, the embodiment

there

yet

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

unrestrained, yet chose to be

really need to network that much?"

goodwill are the currency. But how do we exchange these?

profession is exempt. It's just a matter of degree." "Consider holidays, when even the youngest kids are dragged along on family visits. Isn't that a form of networking

if you see it

obligation. It could be over tea,

first definition,

new perspective for

and drinks count as networking for you?" Owen smiled slightly. "It's both

"How so?"

mentors, close friends, and a few acquaintances hoping for favors. Sharing a meal and drinks with mentors

can't refuse those I'm not close