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

incredibly sincere, making Roseanne feel

often came home drunk, never once

her then, how different people could

Cliff, or York; swimming in a sea of bright lights and cocktails, living life in a blur of

and steady, the embodiment of an ordinary

then there was

admirers, yet humble

was a revelation to her that excellence didn't equate

live unrestrained, yet chose

academics really need to network that

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

matter of degree." "Consider holidays, when even the youngest kids are dragged along on family visits. Isn't that a form of

see

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

first

for Roseanne, sparking her curiosity

drinks count as networking

"How so?"

today were former mentors, close friends, and a few acquaintances hoping for favors.

I can't refuse those I'm